Close Encounters

For the first few days, Bulma lived in some sort of daze. She couldn't quite understand her new surroundings. And even felt sort detached from herself. Her body was working, her mind kept thinking but her heart stayed completely silent. Making everything feel and look lifeless to her.
She didn't know what Vegeta had said but nobody seemed to be aware of her little stunt and what had happened during those few hours she had disappeared. As a matter of fact, her absence seemed to have remained unnoticed by her team or any the other scientist.
Forog was convinced that Bulma had used his good advice to plea with the Saiyan Prince and therefor had managed to convince him on letting every Earthling go. Libelle simply figured she got hurt during the release of the Earthlings. Not much was question.

Though, not that every Earthling had left. A handful had decided to stay, not wanting to let an opportunity like this slip them by. And in a way, she understood the human curiosity to see more of this alien life. But at the same time, she didn't quite know how to feel about them being here with her.
It made her feel as if all her efforts were in vain and her sacrifice had been meaningless. A feeling of betrayal overwhelmed her every time their paths crossed. After all, she had little to no choice on being here while they had come along freely and perhaps had never even seen the Saiyans as invaders to begin with. Meaning in a way, they did not acknowledge the destruction they had brought to Earth. And that angered her.

Instead of clinging on to her own race, she stayed around her miscellaneous team of aliens she had been with before. It made her feel less odd when being around them. As if her situation made more sense that way.

To work with Earthlings, forget her captivity and realize by the end of the day that the nightmare was still very real, seemed like only an idea for pure torture. So, she shunned being around them.

She did however hold on to her dear parents and had contacted them twice now. They seemed to be well, but neither was very good at hiding their grief. No matter how many times she told them she was fine, they did clearly not believe her. And to be honest, the hollowness of her own voice wasn't convincing her either.

It was hard to decipher why she was feeling this way. It had all ended well, Earth was safe. Kami would take care of the rest; her parents were healthy and alive. …Yet, she felt uneasy.
In the healing tank, her mind had been clearer, her body more relaxed and… her heart? It had still been adjusting. But now… now it felt as if it had stopped working correctly. Only beating to keep her body alive.

Numb. That was the word to describe the feeling inside of her.

'Bulma?'

Getting pulled out of her own little world, Bulma's head shot up and looked at the worried expression of Libelle. Her violet eyes questionable stared into hers. The young girl came closer and crouched down next to her. It remained silent until Bulma then realized she was hardly responding to her presence.
Shaking off the aloof attitude and replacing it with her usual lightheartedness, pretending things were going well, she finally spoke up albeit with a forced smile, 'It's coming along nicely!'

'Yeah, it's a good idea…' Libelle muttered, obviously not quite convinced of her act.
'You think the room will be able to handle such a huge opponent?' the girl then asked, though already knowing the answer. They had decided on building a huge training-bot.
'Sure.'
Bulma looked at the petite pink girl again and gave her a smile. Libelle didn't smile back but instead placed a hand on her shoulder, which strangely felt more than just soothing.

What if I never feel an embrace ever again?

The image of her parents flashed through her mind, suddenly realizing how dearly she was missing their presence.

'It's ok, you'll learn how to adapt eventually,' Libelle said with a kind smile, picking up on her thoughts.

'I'm all alone, Bulma. I know it's not the most comforting thought, but your family and friends are alive and well. Your planet is saved. And you made sure of that. Be proud, don't feel bad about yourself.'

Bulma let it sink in while looking through the room to see everyone was busy and not able to listen in. Feeling a bit emotional suddenly, she took deep breath and let out a sigh.

'It's not that,' Bulma admitted, feeling like she could share this with the girl. No, feeling like she needed to share this, with whom was just a detail at this point.

'I just don't know… I am proud but… the idea that I'm here. Alone. I just can't imagine being content ever again.'
'Just comfort yourself with the thought you are not alone in this universe, which can't be said about me. My race is dead.'
Libelle's straightforward approach silenced her and taken back, Bulma took the girl in.
She was obviously a few years younger than her. Well, with aliens one could never tell but if not physically at least mentally. Libelle could be quite impulsive at times and always did her best to be as girly as possible in this rather male dominant ship. Her little mischievous grin held something sweet and disarming.

'For example, I will never know how it's like to date a boy from own race!' Libelle started, 'I don't even have memories of boys I liked! I was like five when my planet got purged…'

Bulma's felt a painful throb in her heart, wakening her and pulling her out the darkness. She was better off than most. She couldn't imagine losing everything at the mere age of five…
A guilty feeling washed over her and in return she placed her hand on Libelle's shoulder, copying the soothing gesture and apologizing for being so foolish.

'I'm sorry, Libelle, I wasn't being very thoughtful..'
'No,' Libelle shook her head while grabbing Bulma's hand, 'It's ok. Just because people have it worse than you don't mean you are never allowed to grief or feel bad.'

Bulma genuinely smiled while taken back by her sudden wisdom. Perhaps that girly behavior was just a façade to hide the immense pain she sometimes felt. Grateful for letting her see such a personal side of her, Bulma thanked the girl.

'Thanks, Libelle.'

A nervous smile washed over her face and her hands went to play with her braid, something she did often when feeling an uncomfortable. Then she gazed warily at the men in the room and with a mysterious look in her eyes, she brought her face closer to Bulma's ear.

'You think a Saiyan could ever like me?' she asked with a hushed voice, while her violet eyes stayed on a Saiyan that had just walked in.

'Like you?' Bulma echoed confused.
'Yeah! Like you know, like you-like you.'
'Oh…' Dating was the last thing on her mind, and Saiyans… Well, she hadn't ever even made the connection. She only saw them as savages.
'I-I don't know,' Bulma genuinely stuttered out, feeling a bit weird talking about this.

'Do you think the prince likes you?' Her voice was childlike, as if unaware of what meaning the not so frivolous question held.

Feeling her cheeks getting hot, though she didn't know why, Bulma shook her head vigorously.

'No, I'm just a very valuable tool to him,' she explained. 'I don't think he…' I don't think what? He's a man… Given his position, he's a man that surely attracts certain women. Saiyans are human…ish.
So I suppose Saiyans and Earthlings are probably alike in that way. And well, if they are true to their nature in every sense of the way then… She stopped herself in mid-thought. Even just thinking about it made her feel weird. These thoughts were completely private and felt incredible odd and uncomfortable to her. She didn't want to think about Saiyans that way. And certainly not the prince.

'Yeah, I guess not! I mean, I've never heard of the prince being with anyone…' Libelle mumbled, completely unaware of the effect her question had on Bulma.

'I do hope a Saiyan likes me…' Libelle admitted while her cheeks flushed, followed by a strange giggle.
'Why would you want that?' Bulma asked, still puzzled. Though at this point she found Libelle's behavior kind of humorous. It was obvious she was trying make her feel better by bonding and having a bit of a lighthearted conversation with her. Though the subject she had decided on was more than a questionable to Bulma.

'I like one!' Libelle simply answered. 'Though I don't know if he likes me… I haven't seen him in such a long time…' she sounded a bit worried and Bulma wasn't quite sure how to react at this point.
Was she just poking fun at her or was she being serious?
'A strong man!' Libelle then said, sounding like her usual cheery self again, 'I'd like that!

Bulma smiled and nodded, understanding that perhaps she just wanted to be protected by someone. A small part of her, though her stubbornness refused to acknowledge it, understood the feeling. Though she'd never admit to that. Boys had broken her heart numerous times. But it's not like I'm a saint either…

Unintentionally Libelle made her able to appreciate her memories of freedom in a way she hadn't been able to do so before. Though her heart was not done yet, and with every throb it was still hurting, she felt a little bit better. She had wonderful life before all of this. Plenty of parties, boyfriends…
But Bulma herself was done chasing boys, and the idea of settling down hadn't quite caught on yet either. Faintly she remembered her thoughts and life before the invasion of the Saiyans. She hadn't been unhappy but a part of her had felt very lost. Not knowing what the next step in her life should be, personal and professional wise. But I guess fate had already decided that for me…

'Although they are not so strong,' Libelle started in high-pitch voice, 'Earthling guys are pretty cute!'

Bulma looked over to the group of scientist Libelle's violet eyes were on and couldn't help but laugh. Out of all the men that had decided to come along, these guys were the least ones to be deemed "date-worthy". Bulma couldn't imagine any of them having a partner, simply because they were either too awkward or too much in love with their job to ever make time for someone.
Libelle pointed out she liked the one with the thick black glasses and the long, slightly greasy, hair. A snort escaped the blue haired woman, who decided the girl either had an odd taste in men or a great sense of humor.

'Thanks again, Libelle,' she muttered, grateful for the distraction.
'I'm just glad to have another woman around! Well, a fun one that is,' she sheepishly added when noting that of course they weren't the only ones here.

'Bulma!' Forog shouted, hastily making his way towards the two of them. 'Bulma, you are needed!'
'What is it Forog?' Libelle gave him a look of annoyance, she found that the loudmouth seemed to always be interrupting her in some way. Forog ignored her glare, threating her much like a little sister most of the time. They were quite the pair at times. Bulma felt her fondness over them grow instantly.

'You are requested in the training room by the prince!'
'Why?' Bulma blurted out. Libelle simply let out a surprised gasp.
'About the malfunctioning panel in the training room… It got damaged yesterday but it seems to not have been repaired properly. Since we are in space, we can't really afford another explosion, but you know how the prince is, he never ceases his training for anything.'

'So I have to go fix it?' Bulma sighed, pressing her hand to her forehead as if trying to avoid a headache by doing so. She hadn't spoken to the prince since her awakening in the healing tank and she hadn't exactly been looking forward to seeing him again. His presence confused her because for some odd reason she felt obliged to help him. Perhaps because of her many debts to him, and all the while, she resented him for putting her in this exact position. Her mind hardly worked under the current circumstances, a meeting with him was the last thing she needed…

'Libelle, Forog, you two are in charge,' she simply said while walking towards the Saiyan that was tasked to guide her.

With a dreaded feeling she walked in the long halls, still astonished of how huge the ship was. The Saiyan halted, telling her to keep going ahead.

'You're not coming?' Bulma asked confused by his actions.
The typical Saiyan trait of smirking when having the knowledge of knowing something you didn't graced his face, which made Bulma immediately dislike him, and so with a mocking tone he informed her the prince did not accept any company while training. This place was off limits for any soldier.

Still confused despite the explanation, Bulma didn't dwell on it for too long and kept walking. The door to the room was wide open.

'Vegeta?' Bulma said, looking around for the prince's familiar figure. But there seemed to be no one here and she was only greeted by silence. Looking around, her eyes instantly noticed the panel that Forog had mentioned. Placing her toolbox on the ground, she crouched down to see what the problem was. Everything had been renewed from what she could tell, so it should be working properly.
Must be a little wire somewhere… Honestly, I get called for this sort stuff? Some people are completely insufficient...!

Hearing a noise behind her, Bulma sprung around only to be greeted by Vegeta's stern face. Well actually, he didn't greet her at all. As a matter of fact, he hardly acknowledged her presence.

Not affected by his usual coldness, Bulma let out a relieved sigh, 'You startled me.'

Holding a drink, he said nothing in return, took a sip and simply kept staring at her. Bulma didn't quite know how to respond but she was certain her eyebrows had jumped up at one point and he had caught her facial reaction.

'Can you hurry up, woman?' he growled impatiently, irritated by her stare and slow movements.
'It will be done in a minute,' Bulma answered indifferently, trying to hold in the agitation she felt because of his rude behavior.

As she turned around in search for the little complication that was slowing him down and putting her in this mess, she heard him move around behind her. His impatient steps irked her, his little noises and insults under his breath eventually drove her up the wall. After only a few minutes, she was absolutely done and her temper took over.

'Will you just be still!?' she said, turning her head. 'I can't focus with your constant distracting!'
'Hmph.'

They gave each other a long stare until suddenly some sort of alarm went off. Bulma jumped up but the prince remained still, crossing his arms in thought while staring at the flashing red light that was going off. It eventually ceased its blinking and the alarm went silent. Everything got shut down, the ship obviously going in lockdown-mode.
The only thing that was still on was the red light of the alarm, that only poorly lit up the room.
Surprised and a little frightened Bulma looked at the stoic prince, who seemed to remain unaffected by the new situation.

'W-what is going on?'

When his dark eyes met hers, she saw the same storm of hate in them when she had spoken with him about the emperor. The memory and thought placed a heavy feeling on her entire body, realizing this must've had something to do with the exact same man they had talked about before.

'Frieza is nearby,' he simply said.

'R-really?'

'We can't afford a battle right now,' he explained, though Bulma caught the reluctant undertone to admit to saying that out loud.

'I see…' She muttered, uncertain on what to do or say. This meant the ship was in lock-down mode and nothing could be done.
'Everything is out, s-so I can't fix the problem…' She mindlessly told the prince.

Why am I stuttering?

He only nodded and went to lean against the panel next to the panel she had been working on. Muttering under his breath they'd have to be patient and that it normally didn't take too long.
At most a few hours, should the ship not be heading towards any designated location.

'Can you really avoid him by shutting everything down?' Bulma asked confused, not understanding how Frieza, assuming he had just as an advance system as the Saiyans, would not pick up on the ship.
'No. Not really,' Vegeta admitted. 'But it has worked twice before. However, should his course be the same as ours, a meeting is indeed unavoidable.'

Bulma stayed silent and for a second she wished he added his usual smirk, but he remained as stoic as ever. It seemed his thoughts were elsewhere, and he had no need to explain all of this to her any further.
Deciding to not push her luck, Bulma remained silent. Turning around to sit against the same wall next to the malfunction panel, she decided nothing could be done but like he said, and they'd simply have to wait it out. She pressed her back against the wall. For some reason, she felt very nervous. Perhaps it was because the ship was now deadly silent too. The usual buzzing sound it made when flying, was now absent.

I can't believe it. This feared emperor is just around the block… Fear made her body tense up, suddenly aware that being with the Saiyans meant she might one day encounter this horrendous creature everyone had warned her about.
If the Saiyans go into hiding when he appears, which really doesn't fit their character, than that must mean they are truly frightened by him... The thought made a lump settle in the back of her throat, as if fear had decided to take form and slowly suffocate her.

Out of the corner of her eyes she took in the prince, noting his pride must be hurting by the mere thought of doing something so cowardly as hiding. But it seemed even he did not have a choice on the matter. If they are scared, it's only normal for me to feel the same way. She let out sigh at the thought.

'I'm not a coward.'

The comment startled her, and she looked up to see the prince staring down at her. His face went from stern to a frightening scowl. 'If that's what you think,' he added angrily.

'I don't think you are a coward,' Bulma said truthfully. 'I know you are not; I would never deem you as one either. And I understand you simply have no other choice in the matter… For now, at least.'

The answer seemed to please him because his expression softened. A small nod came in response to her words.
A strange atmosphere hung between the two of them. And how he kept his eyes on hers made her feel very aware of herself. Her now longer hair, thanks to the healing tank, could be used as a curtain to hide herself from him but her stubborn pride forbid her from doing so.
Instead she opted to nervously tuck her hair behind her ears and tried to pretend she was distracted by tucking at her clothes a bit too.

'Why do you do that?' he suddenly asked, making her halt her movements and look back up in surprise. A small gasp escaped her lips for some reason when his eyes met hers once again.
Scolding at herself for having such ridiculous reaction to him asking a rather simple question, even if it was odd coming out of his mouth, she told herself to quit being so uptight. He was getting the better of her! Taking a breath to calm down, she nonchalantly asked,

'Do what?'
'Grow your hair.'

The odd statement made her eyebrows rise, he then added an insult by saying only pathetic creatures like her could be bothered of doing such things like growing your hair. Bulma stayed confused for minute or so until she figured out that he had noticed the change in hair-length.

'Oh!' she laughed, amused by how he, out of all people, had noticed. 'I don't! It's because of the healing tank! I don't know something in it makes my hair grow faster and my skin softer,' she explained while smiling brightly.

She didn't know why, but it amused her a great deal that he had noticed such a detail. She had to do her best to hold in her laughter to not anger him, knowing he'd see it an insult.
Even though inside she even felt the fluttering feeling of flattery pass through her body. Seeing it as some sort of compliment for noticing. From the crude prince of all Saiyans no less… But hey, a compliment is a compliment, I guess!

He didn't respond despite the broad smile on her face. Only staring at her hair for another minute before looking away. Bulma looked away as well, only then finally being able to stop herself from having fit of laughter.
Feeling calm again, she glanced up to see his face and could swear she saw a tinge of embarrassment creep onto it. Stubbornly he kept his eyes on the red light, as if commanding to turn off already, so they could resume their previous work and be freed of each other.

But despite how humorous she did find him at this moment, it was clear this hiding and waiting was frustrating him a great deal. For someone who was known to be more than a little bit impatient, he got tested almost tauntingly a lot by fate.

Suddenly feeling a shiver run down her spine, Bulma shuddered in surprise. At first, she was confused by the sudden strange sensation only to then see Vegeta completely tense up as well. It occurred to her that it wasn't something personal she was feeling but was someone was causing her to feel this way. Her heart was speeding up for no reason.

Vegeta let out a frustrated growl, his fist hitting the wall in. The movement made her jump a little but Bulma reminded herself to feel no fear for him. He still needed her, and for some reason that was a comforting thought that gave her a, even if it was false, sense of safety.
Realizing Frieza was closer by now and simply knowing the predator was around, had turned her into a frightened prey. Her eyes widening in shock.

'How strong is he?'

Vegeta looked down at her, his eyes met hers again and he let out a hollow laugh, showing her a glimpse of his own uncertainty. Though soon the cold mask was back on and with a rather forced smirk he gave her an ominous answer,

'It is rumored that he is around 500 000. Maybe more.'

Bulma let out a snicker, 'That's not possible!'
But the humor was soon drained from her when seeing his harsh and somber expression. He wasn't joking. Not even a little. Even her reaction of shock and disbelief didn't draw out a response out of him.
'It's just not,' she repeated, as if trying to convince him of that. Vegeta didn't react, simply staring into the dark nothingness of the room. His mind seemed be elsewhere again. Even the usual sneering was absent. The silence lingered on and the distraught scared woman wrapped her arms around herself, trying stay strong.

'Have you gotten any ideas yet, woman?'
'No, not yet,' she muttered, noting how soft he could speak at times.

For a moment she wondered why that was. Why he could be so different at one moment and so violent in the next.
Of course, she realized that as prince of such a race, that lived for battles, strived for power and lived for the thrill of it all, he could not afford to be soft-spoken or even calm. He needed to be intimidating in order to keep everyone and everything into place.

Strangely, that thought made her resentment towards him crumble.
And she dared to slightly take pity on him, now understanding certain emotions could never allowed to be a part of his life. Meaning he had to fight many battles on the inside as well.

Because surely, he too felt fear?

I need stop being so emotional and overthinking everything…

'I'll get an idea soon,' she assured him while silencing her own thoughts. Again, the prince only nodded, staying rather quiet.

And so they remained in silence for a couple of long minutes until he became himself again and pretended to be annoyed by her silence.

'Why are you being so quiet?' he rudely asked.
'You're not so talkative either, you know,' she growled back while standing up.

With a huff, she placed her back on the wall like him. And she too started to stare at the red light, hoping that damn Frieza would hurry up already and leave so they could part ways.

'Besides I'm not your entertainment,' she added angrily.

He turned his head and looked at her. Furious she copied his stance and stared into his eyes the same way he always did, as if invading one's personal space.

Truthfully, she wasn't all that upset but her conflicting emotions had left her feeling so confused, she had to vent her frustration or else it was all going to wipe her out completely.

Feeling confident enough to keep looking defiantly at him, she made sure her frown was just as deep as his. Eventually her mind got distracted and started to take in his appearance. Noting how he always looked the same.

'What about your hair?' she blurted out suddenly, her train of thoughts being a bit strange at that moment.
'What about it?' he growled back, picking up on her anger.
'Why isn't it longer?'
'Saiyans don't change. You respond differently to the regeneration tank, I suppose.'
She then fell silent, letting in the answer seep in but got riled up again when he points out that he thought she was the genius in the room.
'I was just asking, you know. Besides it's you who brought it up!' she pointed out.
'Never mind,' he snapped, no longer facing her and keeping his eyes in front of him again.
'Fine,' she shrugged, copying him movements.
'Fine,' he agreed.

Taking a deep breath, and feeling absolutely uncertain why she was feeling so angry towards the man, she grit her teeth while cursing him freely in her mind. Her only safe haven.

'Have you not spoken with your parents?'

Damn it, you won't even let me be angry when I want to be…

Softening her expression and relaxing her posture, she nodded.
'They're still adjusting but I think they'll be fine. Thanks again for allowing me to contact them,' she reluctantly added.
'It's not a privilege,' he points out. 'Most just don't have anyone to contact.'

A painful stab went through her chest. And so again, she felt detached from her heart. While her mind was still lost in that confusing fog that had been tormenting her ever since she had woken up in that healing tank.
Now that she thought about it, ever since the wish, something had changed inside of her. She had been so certain of her thoughts and ideals but now… He made her waver.
Not being able to help herself, she looked at the man again. A harsh, dark man. Unwilling to listen to reason. Unwilling to bow to anyone, even if it is a man with the power of a god.
And he did these things, she couldn't quite figure out. Like why he was so keen on keeping her alive. Why he was so certain of her success to aid him in this fight? She hadn't been able to give him anything other than a few alterations to already known devices.

'Don't be so quiet, woman. It annoys me,' he suddenly said, looking her straight in the eye. For a split second she was startled by him, but she quickly recovered.
'I'm sorry your, majesty,' she sneered. 'I didn't know!'

The prince remained unfazed and simply smirked at her reaction.

'Don't go soft on me, woman. Stay angry. I need your intent of killing me to keep you motivated. Don't make me regret my decision and go back to destroy your precious home-planet…'

Letting out a deep sigh, though she was actually a little amused by his antics, Bulma nodded understandingly.

'You know, I don't need to hate you in order for you to become stronger,' she pointed out.

But I guess knowing you, you'd rather die than to hear the words let me help you and live.

'I don't care how you do it, just do it,' he gruffly said.

At that moment the red light went off and the entire ship's system rebooted itself. Familiar noises and energy circling could be heard again. As if its immobile object was now breathing again, ready to resume its journey. Before getting back to her tedious little task, she couldn't help herself but to tell him,

'I can't figure you out.'

Another smirk came in response, followed by his eyes going over her entire figure. 'Neither can I.'

Uncertain of who he exactly he was referring to, her or himself, she gave him a puzzled look, but he dismissed any further conversation now that everything was back to normal. As if their little talk had never taken place in this world, full of life and energy. Only in the darkness of the universe it could keep existing.

'Get going, woman. You are wasting both of our time.'

A few long minutes passed while she worked, with him staying quiet but burning holes into her back for obviously not being quick enough. Bulma finally managed to fix the small problem.
Since she couldn't afford losing time by handling such tedious tasks as these, she promised him she would find a more sufficient person to take care of these type of problems than the one currently taking care of it now. Shrugging, he muttered he didn't care and dismissed her. Obviously more than ready to resume his training. Bulma just nodded and left.

Yet she couldn't help but let a small sigh escape when the door of the training room shut behind her. Their relationship had somehow already wounded up becoming that of an employee and employer. Well, sort of. If you take away the threats and scheming. Honestly, this man was going to be the death of her.

Walking back, the Saiyan from earlier was waiting for her, ready to guide her back. The Saiyan remained quiet, obviously bored with the task he had been given. Unwillingly, for a split second, she thought of Kakarot, who could never shut up when he was around her. For a moment she pondered what had happened to him and his brother.

Once in her own space again, Libelle rushed over. Worriedly asking if she was alright and where she had been during the shutdown. Her violet eyes looked almost teary.
'I got stuck with Vegeta—Prince Vegeta,' Libelle corrected her while then immediately asking, 'What did he say?'
'Well,' Bulma started uncertainly, thinking of what to answer the pink girl. We talked about hair.
The thought made her laugh wholeheartedly but instead of saying that, as it would do neither of their reputation any good, she answered,

'Absolutely nothing.'

So… not everything I had planned happened during this chapter but that's what the next chapters are for, right?

Thanks for reading and reviewing!