In the darkness of the universe
Bulma spend the next weeks alone. Sometimes they would unavoidably meet but Vegeta would mostly ignore her presence. All he did was train. Day in, day out. His only rest would be when he was recovering in the regenerating tank or sleeping.
The memories of the last few months tore her mind apart. Every day, and sometimes every hour, she would try to contact the main ship.
Her fragile heart held on to the hope of them blocking her signal and tried her best to keep faith in her own plan.
Almost had she wanted to ask her father to contact them, but she knew that was an unwise decision that could ruin everything. And most of all; it could endanger Earth. She had already messed up enough.
Letting out a deep sigh, Bulma let herself fall on the bed. Closing her eyes, she tried to hold on to the few nice memories she still had while trying to fall asleep. But as untimely as always, dark ominous eyes would haunt her and shake her out of her slumber. His cold behavior had gotten under her skin.
She wished he didn't have such an effect on her, while also not understanding why she suddenly cared so deeply for the man.
Perhaps it was because she had so gravely longed to feel someone. During all her time in captivity, she at least had some people around her to talk to. But now, she lived in pure isolation.
With a groan she got up from the bed and decided she needed to focus on something else. Walking around a little, she halted when seeing her own reflection. Staring at herself in mirror, she noticed how long her hair had become and what of a tangled mess it looked like.
Thinking about it for a few seconds, she gave herself an approving nod. With nothing to do but waste time, she decided to give herself a make-over and cut the long locks of hair shorter.
Back on Earth she had done plenty of these haircuts. When she was younger, she would always experiment with her hair and clothes. She smiled when feeling the thrill of the scissors cutting her hair, while realizing she had neglected this part of herself for far too long time.
After a half an hour, it was done. Satisfied with the new haircut, Bulma combed with her fingers through her hair. It almost felt as if the haircut had also relieved her of the weight on her shoulders. Straightening her posture, she gave the mirror an approving nod, feeling refreshed and quite lively for some reason.
With a new determination, she then convinced herself everything would be fine if she kept her head up and just kept using that genius mind of hers!
Come on, Bulma you are a genius! Think of all the times you were successful... Think of the people who have put their faith into you... Just convince that jerk of your capabilities again! It's not over yet!
Never had she been the type to dwell or wallow in self-pity. And although her voice sounded strong and her mind had found a new purpose, her heart still wavered...
Her shoulders fell, realizing the pain was far from being over. Only when they'd arrive on Namek, they would have the certainty that the Saiyans could be saved. But that was still about two months away.
But I can't stand living in between these worlds of hope and hopelessness…
When walking into the dining room she was surprised to find Vegeta. He ignored her presence as always but sometimes, like now, he'd tolerated letting her sit and eat with him.
Though it wasn't the most pleasant experience, she did enjoy finally having some company. Even if it was an angry, silent companion. Her blue eyes only glanced at the man.
This was the only place they had the most chance to encounter one another. Rather, it's the only place we meet... Vegeta is either always in the GR or in a regenerating tank.
Cautiously taking a seat, not too close to him, she made herself a sandwich. Out of the corner of her eye she glanced at the King. Saiyans could eat three times the amount of an Earthling and it was astonishing to see. Of course, she was always wise enough to keep her mouth shut when they were around each other.
Hearing him abruptly stop, Bulma tried to remain cool. Feeling his attention was on her, she looked up underneath her eyelashes and saw that the man was indeed looking at her.
She could see by how his eyes moved that he had taken notice of her new haircut.
Please, talk to me, Vegeta. Talk mindlessly about hair. Tell me how stupid I am. How Earthlings are pathetic for cutting it and making a big deal out of it...
But nothing came, and the silence only lingered on.
A sigh escaped her lips. Recognizing that her own action had been nothing but a futile attempt to catch his attention. Even the audible disappointment got no response out of him.
Making a fist out of her hand, she then gave him a glare. Feeling herself getting angry for no reason. Stubbornly they stared at one another. Bulma had refused to be the first one to look away but eventually, to her utter dismay, she had to be the one who to give in. He didn't even smirk at his own victory.
So in retribution she forcefully started to clean the table when they were done.
'Are you done!?' she snapped as she pretended to reach out for his plate.
'Yes,' he hissed, his dark eyes boring into hers.
'Good! You can clean it up yourself then!'
'I was going to do that!'
'No, you weren't. You believe that I'm your servant. You never clean the table!'
'I'll blast— 'Yes, blast the table! That will solve everything!' Bulma yelled, not being able to control herself any longer. She hated the silence, the anger, the coldness. She was simply going mad from living like this! The constant unknown state of what the future would bring was only a worsening factor. If something didn't change this instant, she would be the one blasting the table!
'Blow it all up, like you usually do. It's great solution to difficult problems!'
'What are you talking about, you imbecile woman?' he yelled back, obviously losing his temper as well.
'Real mature, Vegeta!'
'You have a lot of nerve talking to me—'Shoot me! Kill me! Anything but this excruciating agony! I am so sorry for what happened to your planet!' Bulma felt her voice crumble at the end and she tried her best to hold back the tears.
'But you…! You are still alive! You can bring them all back!'
She swallowed the lump in her throat.
'You've taken me from my planet—no first, you purge my planet! Then I come with you, then you threaten me! Then we…' she stumbled over her words, not quite sure how to word it, 'Then we finally started working together,' she said instead. 'I was only trying to do what was best! Your father ordered me to take you away from planet Vegeta!'
After all, she had done nothing wrong. It wasn't as if he stood much of chance against Frieza should he have stayed on planet Vegeta. Because of her they now at least had a chance of wishing his race back!
'A king shouldn't abandon his planet— 'Your father ordered me to do so!' she repeated in fury.
'He's an old fool!'
'You find everyone who cares for you stupid, Vegeta! Me, your father, just anyone who dares to care for you is a fool!' she blurted out in one breath. 'And you know, what? You are right! You don't want people around you because else, you might start caring for them and that would be a huge sign of weakness, right?'
Silenced by her words, he only stared at her. His expression revealing a slight bit of confusion but mainly surprise. He balled his hands a few times, hoping to grasp hold of the situation but eventually ceased all movements. Not that Bulma would allow him to speak up now that he was finally listening,
'Your father went through hell to get you back from Frieza! He has lived a life of suffering because he wants you to succeed! But you are too stupid and blind to see that this isn't the end! Maybe it is our last real chance… Our last chance to reach your goal, your dream, finding what it is you are searching for! Have you ever wondered what other people want? Have you ever sacrificed time for others to succeed? I don't think so! Stop being so intolerable cruel to me! The guilt is already eating me away! I didn't want any of this to happen! If I could wish for one thing, it would be… For everyone to be safe.'
The blank mask gave her nothing of a response, so she desperately added,
'I want to believe our plan is working and that the entire Saiyan race is alive and well!'
Now she was out of words. And energy. Lowering her gaze, she realized she overstepped some unsaid boundaries between them. Probably pushing him further away by being so reckless.
Throwing the towel on the table, she turned around and left without saying another word. He didn't come after her.
Three days. Three long days of pure silence. He had done everything in his power to avoid her. And now, she no longer minded. She felt drained. Tired. Very tired. All the time.
Calling her parents couldn't take away her loneliness anymore and she felt herself spiraling down a dark path she never thought she'd walk.
She caught herself sleeping a lot. Simply out of pure boredom. Though, in the darkness of the universe it was always night. So, she didn't really know when the appropriate time was to sleep.
All she did know was that, right now, she couldn't sleep. She had been staring at the ceiling for hours. Feeling exhausted from lying down, she threw the blankets off and got out of bed.
After drinking some water, she decided to walk around a bit through the ship, something she did often whenever she felt bored. Maybe it would tire her out and she could finally find some sleep.
There was so little for her to do here.
Eventually, after walking around for a good hour, she decided to go back to her room since she was getting cold. The walk had not helped in calming the chaotic little voice inside her head that kept repeating everything that had happened over and over.
Ever since leaving planet Vegeta, her mind had been this rambling never ending mess of thoughts and ideas.
Going with her hands through her hair, she couldn't help but smile when it smoothly slipped passed her fingers. Maybe it hadn't helped to catch his attention, but it had made her feel better for just few hours.
Letting out another deep sigh, something she caught herself doing very often these days, she decided to do what she always did when she was bored out of her mind, stare at the view of the universe.
Looking up at one of the windows up in the hall, she stared at the magnificent endlessness of their surroundings. It was so beautiful. And so cold at the same time. Shivering, she found that in her bed she would at least be warm while staring out the window. As she wanted to move, she suddenly noted that Vegeta's bedroom door was open, which was a little unusual.
Curiously, she took a few steps forward and tried to peek inside. To her surprise, she saw Vegeta sitting up on his bed, his eyes immediately on her. Startled, she took a step back and contemplated talking to him.
Ah, even the simple matter of speaking is complex with him…
But not being able to help herself, she took another look, wondering just what exactly he was doing.
After all, these last three days they had avoided one another completely. One person leaving the room once the other entered.
Thinking about it now, Bulma noted that was rather unusual. Vegeta never avoided anyone.
Taking a step forward, she dared to meet his eyes again and not look away. Instead, standing her ground and waiting for him to do something. But he didn't say a word.
His dark eyes went over her figure and for a moment she was pulled back to their very short-lived fits of passion. In her mind it haunted her more than anything. Ever since, she had been wanting nothing more but to get his attention again.
He moved his head, signaling her to come closer. Warily she did so, feeling scared and excited at the same time. A part of her wanted to just get near him. Hoping he'd wrap his arms around her and kiss her as thoroughly as he once had before.
Capable of keeping herself in control, she halted at the door, again waiting for him to make another move. He was sitting on the edge of the bed. Blanket half wrapped around him; his chest bare. His expression was a blank façade, which told her he was trying his best to hide how he was feeling from her. If living in close quarters had taught her anything, it was that the man only wore the mask when feeling uneasy.
The last few weeks he had worn it non-stop around her. And she now wanted nothing more but to see his face again.
Uneasiness crept over her. Should she speak or stay quiet? Move closer or keep a distant? Let him think about it or not give him the chance to change his mind?
She had pondered a lot about why she felt so attracted to him. And she had tried to blame it on many things; being her captor, being her superior; being her savior.
Or perhaps the culprit was her dreadful loneliness that lead her into his arms. But most of the time, she couldn't really think when thinking about him in that way. All she wanted was to explore their connection further. Touch him, feel him.
I'm in over my head, aren't I?
Deciding to not let this chance slip her by, as she would regret that and feel her body completely objecting to the idea of turning around and leaving, she walked into the room and closer to him. A motion he did not reject to.
As a matter a fact, his expression softened when seeing her walk to him. His hands twitched while his lips couldn't decide on being open or closed. He was probably contemplating if he should speak up or not.
Bulma could see the same emotion linger in him when he was ready to die for his planet.
A longing lust, inviting her in and asking her to be his for the night. No, begging her to come over already.
She all too greedily accepted his unspoken proposal.
Feeling bold, she touched the side of his face before pushing his arm, draped on his knee, with her knee away. Placing her knees to his sides, she wrapped her arms around his neck. For a moment it seemed he wanted to resist before pulling her closer with a growl. Burying his face in her and taking in her scent. Feeling his hands snake around her and then feel her all over, as if he had missed her body. Closing her eyes at the many sensation the simple movements evoked, she took a deep breath.
Her hands guided his mouth to hers. Unlike last time, it wasn't rushed or harsh or infested with the infatuation that had driven them back then. It was warm and… soft.
Pulling apart, his breath tickled her lips. His thumb caressed her cheek while his eyes went over her features. Under his breath he whispered she was beautiful.
A compliment that caught her off guard. Her cheeks became flustered and like a young girl, she didn't quite know how to respond. Out of any other man's mouth, this would have been considered a plain compliment but hearing it come out of the mouth of the Saiyan King was something else.
Though he had tried to refrain from being too aggressive, his body could no longer hold itself back. His hands went from her legs, over her hips, breasts, shoulders and pulled her back in for a much more intense kiss. Her entire body felt like the weight of a feather. Or maybe it was this delirious feeling that made her feel like floating.
Wrapping her arms around his neck again, she let go of all restriction herself. She was grown woman. She had needs and most of all, she wanted him. A stubborn, proud part of her wanted to shame her for forgetting who he was and even dared to question if this was right.
But the heat that radiated from her body and was welcomed by his, made her hush the silly voice. Asking it, if there was anything else that felt better than what they were doing right now? Her mind went completely silent in response.
Something tickled her thigh, glancing down, she saw his tail wrap itself around her. Like its owner, it was impatient and did not know how to stay in one place. Vegeta pulled her down with him onto the bed. Her body reacted ridiculously to his touch. His hands felt like fire on her skin.
For a sweet moment she pondered if he felt the same when she touched him, but his swift movements distracted her too much to dwell on it.
Feeling his hands go over her back, pushing her deeper into him, she let out a soft moan. Opening her eyes to see his. For the first time they only had one emotion lingering in them; lust.
He gave a similar reaction to her touch. Though sounding slightly more like a growl then a moan.
Turning them around in one swift move, Bulma could hardly comprehend her surroundings. His mouth was on her neck, collarbone, then on her breast.
She felt so incredible hot. Her body was being far too sensitive., making her too responsive to every move he made.
Squirming at the idea that she was already this far when they had just begun, she tried to clamp her legs together.
This isn't normal…Is it?
Wet kisses followed in her neck and unwillingly she let out a gasp. Her body felt feverish, wanting nothing more for him to continue. Her hands feeling his muscular body as he hovered over her.
Instigating another long, wonderful kiss, she felt his hand go lower, shamelessly making her aware he already knew.
When touching her, their lips pulled apart, leaving her breathless for a moment. Nuzzling his nose in her air, hissing at her reaction while asking her under his breath if she had thought of him. Fingers going deeper, making her squirm in pleasure all the more.
'Y-yes,' was all she was able to mutter out.
All there was the soaked fabric between them and for some reason that only highlighted the pleasure. It was as if he had released some beast inside of her she didn't know she had been harboring. It was shameless, dirty and unapologetically raging inside of her.
Vegeta only seemed to enjoy it all the more, stopping his motions to slid off the straps of her nightgown and exposing herself more to him.
His mouth on her bare sensitive skin… She had to bite her lip in response.
Never had a man made her feel the way he did. Feel. That was all she could do when being with him. It made her think of something he had once said to her, long ago.
'Y-you said it was instinct… But is it really what this is?' She asked him, her voice trembling like the rest of her body.
He stopped for a second, surprised her by answering rather simply, 'I don't know,' before continuing.
Her mind didn't register the meaning of his answer, though his words kept echoing on. 'Me neither…'
'Shut up, woman,' he said before silencing her the same way she had once done with him. Kissing her a few seconds before halting to further undress her.
Bulma longingly looked at him and realized then he was already undressed. Noting she had yet to touch him thoroughly herself. Feeling the wet fabric between her legs leave a sticky trail, she again moaned. Even that simplest action turned her on.
Vegeta however did not allow her to make any movements of her own, holding her hands into place when she wanted to reach out and touch him. She did not resist him for long.
Dominating her easily, he smirked for the first time again. She was practically following every bit of his orders. For once she didn't mind being told what to do or to simply be still.
Finding her submissiveness alluring, he gave her a triumphant look before kissing her knee and then going down lower. When his mouth went between her legs, she felt the heat spread and her back arched in pleasure. Holding on to the sheets while let out a whimper.
Closing her eyes out of pure pleasure, she felt the more explicit movements of his tongue and briefly wondered why she had never been able to enjoy this so thoroughly before. Not that this was new but he, being so shameless and almost beastlike, was.
To her disappointment he stopped, and she let out a small cry of protest.
He ignored her, continuing however he saw fit. And she let him ravish her however he wanted. She was so sick of thinking and overthinking. All she wanted was to feel. Feeling him press against her, his face inches away from hers now. Spontaneously he smirked at the moan escaping her lips.
'I'm going to enjoy this…' The way he said it was as if he was about to concur her. All of her, not just her body.
Licking his lips while pushing himself inside of her, Bulma's mind became a complete blur.
'Don't expect me to love you, woman,' he then viciously reminded her while moving inside of her.
Grabbing her hips up to meet his thrust, he let out a sigh, he could hardly keep his eyes open and before he knew it, his head was back and enjoying the pleasure her body was bringing him. Under her eyelids, she could catch a glimpse of vulnerability, understanding only few had seen him like this. And perhaps she was the first to see him let go completely and, obviously, lose all control.
'Don't expect me to hate you, Vegeta,' she muttered back under ragged breaths.
Lying on her stomach, Bulma simply stared at the magnificent view of the universe, noting it looked less… magnificent than before. Vegeta was next to her, no longer resting but finding pleasure in searching for her most sensitive spots. His tail had wrapped itself around her left thigh, highlighting how he claimed her as some sort of conquest.
His. She was the woman who could bring him pleasure. She was the woman he wanted to please…
It was still surreal but all she knew was that she didn't want it to end. At least not until they were on Namek. Once there it would be back to reality.
Vegeta was behaving differently too. A bit more… approachable. As if being together had taken off the edge.
Turning around to look at him, she was greeted by his usual arrogant looking face. He clearly though she was ready to continue. Halting him, she silently took a good look at him. He is handsome.
'Don't go all weak on me, woman,' he growled when sensing her actions were driven by her mindless thoughts. Ignoring his remark, she kept caressing his face. He let her, though at one point grabbing her hand to kiss her wrist.
Truth be told, any other women would describe his behavior as that of a man who saw her as nothing more but a toy. Yet all she could see was excitement in him.
'When did you…' she had to be careful how to word this… 'When did you start wanting me…' Her breath got caught in her throat, glancing down at the tail around her thigh that was moving up, '…like this?'
The King of Saiyan gave her a proud and arrogant look in response. Conquering her lips before answering, 'Since I saw you come out of the regenerating tank.'
Dazed, it took Bulma a second to figure out she had been in one of those quite few times.
'W-when?' she managed to utter while he kept on moving his tail up.
'The first time.'
'…You saw me?'
'Yes.'
Confused, it took Bulma a second to realize she didn't know what he exactly meant.
'Wait, the first time you saw me, I wasn't in a regenerating tank…'
'Yes, you were. Half-naked,' he purred into her ear suggestively.
A sigh escaped her mouth while he kept touching her. She could feel his smirk against her bare skin. She couldn't fully comprehend how long ago that had been. All her memories of him, flood through her mind, deciphering odd behavior now as small details she had missed out on before.
'What about that threat you made?' she sullenly asked.
She supposed it was then she had first encountered the unwanted company of hurt and sadness. And fear. She had felt so much fear. Yet I feel safe now…
'Woman,' he sighed, obviously annoyed by her. 'Quit ask me so much questions.'
'I want to know,' she protested, halting him. 'Why did you say that? And did you mean it?'
'I said it because I needed you to hurry up, which did work affectively—'Not all!'
'And no, I did not mean it,' he admitted. 'Besides, you don't think I would let some other man touch you, do you?'
'I hope not,' she answered with a half-smile. He looks kind of sincere, even with that evil smirk of his plastered all over his face…
Hushing her own mind, no longer wanting to deal with the reality of this universe, her mouth searched for his and she let herself get drawn in by him again, forgetting everything.
For a few weeks they lived in their own bizarre little world, solely existing out of the two of them. Not thinking of the future or the past. Namek, Saiyans, Earth… None were spoken of out loud.
Surprisingly, they got on quite well. She even caught him being genuinely content at times.
Though of course, the heavy burden of his fate to fight Frieza, the crumbling hope of the Saiyans still being alive, the fact that Namek was getting closer and closer, still hung above their heads and would always be there to keep their minds company.
Yet Bulma didn't want this imperfect world to shatter. And she was more than aware that once they were out of this darkness, she would have to share him with rest of the universe again.
And whatever it was that they had now, would forever vanish and be over once they arrived at their designated destination.
He behaved so very differently now. As if he too had been relieved of his inner demons.
Thinking about it, her own demons were named loneliness and deprivation.
I wear a mask of bravery daily to hide them... Perhaps he is doing the same, only his mask is the face of viciousness?
Glancing at the man who had once again come out of the regenerating tank after another tiring training session, she wondered what had been aching at his heart. He had one, of that she was sure. He just resented it for some reason.
'Vegeta,' she softly said. '…Can I ask you something personal?'
Giving a grunt in response while looking at the screen of her computer. They were nearing planet Namek. Just a few more days.
'What happened when… Why did Frieza take you away from your planet?
She hoped that the softer her voice sounded, the less agitated he'd be. His frown was ominous at first and he didn't drop his mask of coldness as he spoke, 'Frieza… Frieza is an intolerable cruel creature. Undefeatable.'
He clenched his fist in anger when thinking about him.
'When he approached us, we grabbed our only chance. Fighting him wasn't an option but joining him was.'
He fell silent for a second, obviously wondering why he was telling her this. But her eyes pleaded for him to continue.
'But once he realized we were becoming stronger and stronger after every battle, he started to see us as a threat. So, to make a long story short, in order to keep my father obeying him, he took me as leverage.'
The quietness was welcoming, giving her the chance to let his words sink in. Vegeta didn't turn away or say anything else. He just kept his eyes on her form, taking her in. She didn't quite know how to respond but her heart told her to ask him for more. These days she longed to know more about the man.
'…What was it like, living with Frieza?'
Opening his mouth, he then halted and instead let out a deep sigh. He shook his head instead of answering.
'Quit asking me all these questions, woman,' he once again said while placing his hands on the armrests of the chair she was seated on. Gazing over her, he gave her a meaningful look before bringing his mouth closer to hers.
'But will you answer me one day?'
Stubborn proud told her not to behave so weakly but she didn't listen. Hearing him snicker in response, her heart sank, thinking she had indeed drove her kindness too far and he would now no longer deem her as strong but, as he had said in the past, pathetically weak.
'Who knows, woman,' Kissing her lightly but with the same hunger as always,
'You are capable of making me do a lot of things I'd normally never do.'
Yes? No?
In all honesty, I'm rather pleased with this chapter! I know it's a huge change to last chapter, but I didn't want to drag things out and make it all overly dramatic. I'd like to think I was able to capture exactly what makes these two drawn to one another and how their personalities complement one another as well.
I hope you liked this chapter too! Please let me know what you think by commenting/reviewing!