'Face to Face'

Chapter Six: Progress

'Somehow, everything's going to fall right into place,

If only we had a way to make it fall faster every day…'

Paramore: Hallelujah

Yet again, Bulma found herself spending her time trying to hunt Vegeta down. Another week had passed since she had resolved not to give up on him and she had yet to make any more contact with him. He'd locked himself away in the Gravity Chamber and hadn't resurfaced at all. If I wasn't so pissed off with him, I'd be damn worried! She thought to herself on the second Wednesday after his disappearance, as she showered after her morning exercise routine. She got ready quickly and made her way towards the Gravity Chamber- knocking on the door and bellowing 'Breakfast!' as loud as she could. She knew he was ignoring her deliberately, and despite her determination she was beginning to find it disheartening. I don't understand him at all- last week he was all over me and now – just because I said he was lonely- he's avoiding me like I'm diseased! Is he really so proud that he can't even stand to need someone? She sighed as no response came from the chamber, and as usual, took the breakfast tray to Yamcha's room instead. She knocked and smiled when a cheery 'Yup!' answered straightaway.

"Morning," Bulma trilled, as she pushed the door open with her hip and placed the breakfast tray on the drawers. Yamcha, topless, grinned at her from his position on his bed and she couldn't help but admire the view as he sat up and stretched, before leaping up and grabbing the breakfast tray and wrapping an arm around her waist to plonk them both on the bed.

"Mmm, smells great. As usual." Yamcha planted a kiss on Bulma's cheek and dug into the grilled breakfast, with a side plate of fruit and pancakes. Bulma smiled absently and ignored the guilt bubbling in her stomach. She made the breakfast everyday- for Vegeta. But everyday he had ignored her, and in spite and for comfort she took it up to Yamcha and let him believe she had done it for him. She knew that if Vegeta ever took up her offer that she would drop this sweet morning routine in a second, and she was still uneasy about how much she wanted to win Vegeta over. She shook herself and stole a sip from Yamcha's orange juice, smiling affectionately at him as he sent her a mock-scowl.

She attempted to sit up, but Yamcha tightened his arm around her waist and she rolled her eyes. "Yamcha, I have work to do!"

"It can wait a few minutes babe!" Yamcha chuckled, pulling her more tightly against him.

"Oh, alright." She sighed, before relaxing against him. Things had become very comfy, very quickly, with Yamcha since their date. They had yet to actually properly kiss or make any sort of declarations or conversations about their status, but over time they were becoming more and more like the couple they used to be. As Yamcha tilted her head up to his and her chest came into her contact with his, Bulma wondered if things would be like they were before or if this time they could make it work.

Vegeta roared ferociously as another blast illuminated the Chamber and momentarily blinded him, he sensed the ki ball coming at him and ducked, just in time, to feel the ball singe the top of his hair. He growled furiously and sunk to the ground, punching the video-call numbers to Dr. Briefs.

"Ah, Vegeta, everything ok?" Dr Briefs smiled down at him straightaway from the video-link, and Vegeta watched as he puffed away at the slim cigarette between his lips.

"No, everything is not ok. The bots are too slow, and I need the temperature adjusting again." He snapped, sending the gently hovering aforementioned bots a dark glare.

Dr Briefs sighed, "Well, I'll see it to this afternoon Vegeta. But I really do think you should take a break until then," he peered over his glasses and studied Vegeta for a moment, "you're looking a little worse for wear."

Vegeta scowled, "I will not take a break! Saiyans do not need breaks, I am training and I need those adjustments made sooner rather than later."

Dr Briefs sighed again, "Alright Vegeta. I'll see what I can do. Give me an hour or so in the Chamber."

"Good." Vegeta said shortly, turning the link off and grabbing his sweaty towel from the floor. He was grateful to Dr. Briefs, though he would never say so, and relieved, because the old scientist had allowed Vegeta the privacy he had so wanted for the past week or so. Vegeta had resolved to avoid Bulma at all costs- she was a distraction he could not afford to have. Not if I want to overcome Kakarot's Super-Saiyan status. He peered out of the window, and unable to see her, or sense her energy, he exited the Gravity Chamber for the first time in a while. He stank, and he was starving, so he made his way to his bedroom and immediately stripped off and went into his shower.

Dr Briefs exited his lab and lit up another cigarette, puffing at it absently and leaning against the elevator wall as he closed his eyes, not even noticing Bulma enter the elevator until he felt his packet of cigarettes slide out of his pocket. He opened his eyes to see Bulma lighting up beside him and he smiled at her.

"Hello dear."

Bulma grinned, and plopped the packet back into his pocket, "Hello Daddy. What are you out of the lab for?"

"Vegeta." He noticed immediately how Bulma's attention peaked at the mention of the Saiyan Prince, and she turned to him with wide, alert eyes.

"Oh? What does he want?" her voice was casual, but he detected the curiosity she was trying to cover up, and he wondered, not for the first time, what was going on between Bulma and Vegeta. Ever since Vegeta had requested a private video link and a selection of food capsules the week before- with the distinct orders to not involve Bulma- Dr Briefs had known something had happened between them.

"Just a few touch ups to the Chamber again."

Bulma frowned slightly, "Does that mean he's actually come out of it?"

Dr Briefs nodded, "I think so. Just for a while though," he motioned for Bulma to exit the elevator before him and turned to her briefly, "he certainly is dedicated."

Bulma's frown deepened, and Dr Briefs could practically hear her mind whizzing, and she nodded absently, before turning away. Dr Briefs heard her murmur, "I wonder where he is," under her breath before she rounded the corner and out of his sight.

He stared after her and scratched his head thoughtfully, "What on earth is going on with that girl?" he frowned slightly and hesitated a moment before heading towards the Gravity Chamber.

"Woohoo! Go Yamcha!" Puar cheered as Yamcha trained in the garden, practicing his martial arts and boxing techniques. He paused briefly to shoot Puar a grin before lunging into a high-kick and following it up with a swift turn into another kick. He carried on training for the rest of the day, and Puar cheered loyally and loudly all the time. When the sun began to set, he stopped and collapsed on the floor, puffing hard.

"Phew, what a day." He murmured, closing his eyes and rolling his head.

Puar floated down beside him, "You've worked so hard today Yamcha! What's got you so worked up?"

Yamcha's neck cracked loudly and he sat up with a grimace, "Man, even my bones ache now." He turned to Puar and grinned, "Don't you mean 'who' by the way?"

Puar laughed, "Oh, Bulma of course!"

Yamcha chuckled, "Of course. Who else would it be? Man," he sighed and led back again, and Puar watched him curiously, "I just don't know what's going on with us anymore. I mean, we had that date, and she makes me breakfast every morning- you know, she's really looking after me! And heck, she's looking good, as usual."

Puar nodded along, and when Yamcha didn't continue, asked, "So what's the problem?"

Yamcha grimaced again, "I don't know. We're not together. But I think we should be…I mean, we've known each other all this time, and she's awesome, Puar. Bulma and I belong together." He sat up and looked at Puar determinedly, and Puar nodded back at him. "I should be telling her this!"

Puar nodded frantically again, "You should!"

Yamcha stood up and grinned, "I'm going to! I'll ask her on another date and I'll tell her then." He nodded to himself and headed into the house, waving Puar goodbye as he reached his room and climbed into the shower. Yep, that's exactly what I'll do. We'll go out, we'll have fun, I'll tell her how I feel…and things will be back to normal in no time. Bulma and me will be back together by the end of the night…or tomorrow morning at least, he thought with satisfaction, as he shampooed his hair, remembering dates that had simply led straight to the bedroom and hoping that's how it would go with Bulma.

Bulma knocked on Vegeta's bedroom door and rolled her eyes when he growled back, "Who is it?"

"It's me."

"What do you want?" came his gruff reply.

Bulma sighed, "I just came to check you were still alive." The door swung open suddenly and Vegeta glowered down at her. "I haven't seen you in a week." She added petulantly.

He rolled his eyes, "I've been training."

"I know, but you haven't come out of the Gravity Chamber at all! You have been eating and resting right?" Bulma crossed her arms over her chest and studied him carefully. He didn't look particularly tired or injured, but before he could answer his stomach growled loudly. Bulma giggled, "I'll take that as a no!" She reached over and grabbed his arm, pulling him out of his doorway and into the hallway. When he didn't move any further she let go and put her hands on her hips on exasperation, "Well come on! Let's get some dinner!"

Vegeta stared after her as she turned and strode away, frowning slightly. Is that all? He had expected her to demand to know why he hadn't come out, or to yell at him about some nonsense or other. Bulma's head appeared around the corner and she looked at him expectantly, "Come on slow coach!" His frown deepened as she grinned and her head disappeared again, but he followed her demands anyway. Women really are a mystery. Especially this one.

Vegeta watched Bulma potter around the kitchen curiously, drowning out the inane songs bursting from the sound system and rolling his eyes in annoyance as Bulma sung along and wiggled her hips in time to the beat. He watched her with a growing interest as she grilled meat, stirred sauces and chopped up vegetables. She doesn't seem like the cooking type, she's nothing like Kakarot's harpy of a wife. That idiot spends her time cooking and cleaning- like nothing more than a slave. But this one, she's different; she's either shopping like a princess or working like a man. He scowled again, Didn't you decide to stop noticing her and thinking about her? So what if she's nothing like Kakarot's wife or other women? She's still just a nuisance. But he couldn't tear his eyes from her as she begun to load up various plates and he couldn't help but admire her fine figure and sniff with interest as the wafting scents from the foods made his mouth water.

Bulma felt his eyes on her and wondered whether he had ever cooked himself, or if he had ever dined with people properly before coming to earth. She begun to feel a familiar swell of sympathy in her stomach. Honestly, he must be lonely. Has he ever had friends? Was that guy he came to Earth with his friend? Or was he just another warrior to him? Has he ever really cared about anyone or anything other than his pride and fighting? She put the plates out on the table and shot him a warm smile as he watched her still, rolling her eyes when he merely raised an eyebrow archly.

"Right," she said, clapping her hands together, "I've done grilled steaks and vegetables, with noodles and rice, and chicken wings, and some salads, and those are all the sauces…" she pointed over to the bowls of colourful liquid, "that one is barbeque, that one is spicy chilli, the yellow one is like a curry sauce and…"

Vegeta put up a hand to stop her and said dryly, "I think I can figure it out as I eat it."

Bulma's lips quirked, but she simply nodded and sat down opposite him, handing him a plate and saying, "Well, dig in then." She loaded her plate with salad and steak, watching with amusement as he filled his plate with the meat first. He looked up at her briefly and sighed.

"What?"

Bulma grinned, "Nothing." She looked down and tried to suppress a giggle but it erupted from her chest loudly. Vegeta crossed him arms over his chest impatiently.

"What?"

Bulma looked up and caught the petulant impatience writ across his face and giggled harder. She wasn't entirely sure why she was laughing…it was a mixture of nerves, and relief and …a sort of pleasure at spending some semi-civilised time with him. She felt a little light-headed, and sort of triumphant. Things seem to be progressing already if he's agreed to have dinner with me! She hiccupped and then sucked in a long breath, before glancing back up at him and grinning widely. "Sorry."

He frowned, "What the hell were you laughing about?" Bloody strange woman.

"You just, well, you're so different from Goku, but when it comes to food…" she glanced down at his mountain of meat and grinned again, "you Saiyans are all the same…I bet you'll clean this lot off easily."

Vegeta raised an eyebrow, "That's what you were laughing at?" He looked half-bemused and half-scornful.

Bulma nodded cheerily, "Yep." She pierced a bit of lettuce with her fork, before looking back up at him as he dug into his meal. "Vegeta," she said hesitantly.

He looked up at her and rolled his eyes, "What now?"

She twisted her mouth nervously, "I was just wondering…was that man you came to Earth with…Nappa or something…was he …your friend?"

Vegeta's eyebrows shot up, "What? Why?" What the hell is she talking about now?

"I just wondered if you ever miss him, or if you've ever really just had friends before, not just fellow warriors, but actual friends? You know, to eat dinner with, and chat…" she trailed off as Vegeta put down his fork and stared at her intensely.

"Why are you asking all these questions?" his voice was low and gruff, but Bulma knew he wasn't angry with her.

Bulma stared back at him, her gaze locked on his dark eyes and she swallowed. "Because I'm curious about you." She smiled and shrugged casually, trying to maintain a charade of calmness as he studied her intently.

Vegeta continued to stare at her, his stomach and mind churning with a mixture of emotions and thoughts and he picked his fork up, spearing a piece of steak and chewing at it thoughtfully. He turned back to her and swallowed. "Nappa was a comrade." He paused, "I killed him when he failed to defeat Kakarot in battle. He was not my friend."

Bulma looked away hastily and bit her lip, "So you've never had friends?"

Vegeta scowled, "I don't need friends." He turned back to his dinner and ate in silence, not noticing Bulma smile slyly.

Oh you don't fool me with your tough guy act Vegetable-Head. You do need friends, and you're getting one in me. She grinned widely when Vegeta looked up at her again and begun to eat her own dinner, schooling her face into a deceptively innocent look as Vegeta continued to watch her suspiciously.

The rest of the meal flew by in silence, Vegeta did indeed clear the table of all the food, and Bulma- though full after her one dish of steak and salad- sat with him until he had finished.

"Well," Bulma grinned, when the last plate was clear, "I suppose you enjoyed that."

Vegeta shot her a smirk, "It was adequate."

Bulma rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out, "We both know I'm more than adequate in every way!" She blushed as Vegeta's eyebrows shot up and his smirk widened. "Well, don't just sit there! Help me tidy up!" she said bossily to cover up her embarrassment.

Much to her surprise, Vegeta stayed silent, still smirking, and begun to pile the empty plates up. She took them off him with suspicious glances, before leaving them on the side and turning to him.

"Bloody hell woman, what do you want now?" Vegeta huffed, crossing his arms over his chest as Bulma continued to stare at him silently.

She glared at him, "You could be a little nicer! I've just cooked a huge dinner for you! Heck, I do so much for you all the time and you can't even…"

"What do you want?" Vegeta interrupted her with narrowed eyes.

Bulma rolled her eyes and put her hands on her hips impatiently, "Just a conversation would be nice!"

Vegeta rolled his eyes, "Fine."

"What?" Bulma spluttered, stunned. Fine? Is that it? Does that mean he'll talk?

"I said fine." Vegeta stretched languidly in the chair and shut his eyes. He wasn't sure why exactly he'd agreed to talk to her, or even ate dinner with her, but he was beginning to feel more comfortable in her presence…she was a little short-tempered and arrogant, and sometimes annoyingly curious, but she did seem to be doing a lot for him- he had noticed her attempts at making him breakfast every day, and he knew it was her who had been adding to his wardrobe and belongings all week. If all she wants in return is to talk, well… He didn't want to finish that surprisingly affable train of thought so he opened one eye, "Are you going to talk or not woman?"

Bulma gaped, "Erm, err," For Kami's sake Bulma, get a grip! Here's your chance! "Yeah." She sat back down again and twisted her hands in her lap nervously.

"I haven't got all night."

Bulma glance back up as Vegeta closed his eyes again and she nodded, more to herself than to him. "Right, well…let's talk about…my new invention!" She grinned widely as Vegeta opened his eyes and stared at her, and she took this as a sign of interest and begun to explain her latest Gravity Chamber design.

thanks again to all reviewers- i hope you are stil enjoying it, keep me posted with your thoughts on the chapters- any favourite quotes or moments you want to share? or ideas for the future?...let me know! A special thanks to loyal reviewers like Kitty and Nintendocat... :D

please review and remember to check back for new chapters often, i'm trying to get them out within at most a week of one another! :D cheers x