Bulma was overwhelmed with all that had happened that day. She changed into comfy clothes, put a couple of snacks and water in her picnic basket and headed to a very precise spot in the big garden behind her home.
It was close to midnight, the sky was clean, the moon was bright and it was just perfect for what she wanted to do. Which was being alone. She looked around at Capsule Corp. and saw that all the lights were out, except for a light in her parent's living room, they were probably watching tv. Wonderful.
It was packed with people and noisy during the day, but at night everything went peacefully silent, especially now that the Namekians had left.
She reached her favorite spot, right by the artificial lake, took out her plaid and laid it on the ground.
She laid on it and closed her eyes, breathing deeply, just trying to gain control of her mind. The evening was pleasantly warm. This is nice.
There was only the muffled noise of cars in the distance and the calming sound of the water. She breathed a heavy sigh and tried to relax. Finally silence.
After a few minutes she let out a long, deep, tired breath and said calmly: "Don't be a creep, Vegeta! Come over here!". He approached her, muttering: "Can you feel my ki?". She opened one eye and looked up at him: "Nope. Were you spying on me?" "What are you doing?" "Trying to relax. I warn you: I had a shit of a day, so if you're here to be a jerk as usual, you can leave.".
She was wearing shorts, a tank top and was barefoot. Her perfectly pale skin seemed to shine in the night. She pointed a finger at him and asked suspiciously: "Did you have a good day?". He grunted a non-committal: "Meh.". Bulma smiled: "Here, join the shitty-day club with me, Saiyan.". She patted the plaid, inviting him and he laid down, crossing his arms behind his head. They watched the starry sky in silence.
After a while, he cleared his voice: "So… a shitty day?". She exhaled heavily: "One of the interns made a mistake and there was an explosion in lab number 3, which is pretty normal, but unfortunately that caused an electrical shock that deleted part of our data so now we went back two weeks with work. Plus, one of the employees got burnt. Badly. So yes, a very shitty day. How about yours?" "No progress.".
She turned towards him: "What happened?". He scoffed: "Why do you care?" "I honestly have nothing else to do. And if I understand that your day was worse than mine… well, that might cheer me up a bit. So go on, I'm listening.".
He rubbed his eyes and looked up at the sky again. His voice was angry and sad: "I'm stuck. No matter how hard I train, nothing changes. I'm not improving." "How much gravity?" "130." "Really? Already? That's impressive!". He growled: "No, it's not!". Bulma: "Yes it is." "Shut up, what do you know?". She warned him: "I already told you I had a bad day, do not make it worse, you jackass!". He mumbled exhausted: "Fine, you hothead.".
There were another few minutes of silence, in which Bulma tried to breathe deeply to gain some composure, but failed quite miserably, so she took a deep breath and tried to change the subject: "Where was your planet?".
More silence followed, then he suddenly raised his arm and pointed up left without uttering a single word. She said: "I'm sorry. I can't even imagine what it must feel like. Was it nice?". His voice was heavy with pride: "As far as I remember it was full of great warriors and fighters, it smelled of blood and sweat. We ate banquets after conquering planets and talked about killing and fighting. Our technology was decades ahead of yours, even back then, mostly stolen, but still… It was magnificent." "Do you miss it?".
Vegeta shrugged: "Bah, I wasn't there for long. It exploded when I was a kid, I spent more time in Freeza's army, so just around in space." "Were you slaves or free soldiers?". He chuckled: "Freedom is a weird concept wherever Freeza is involved. They considered us free soldiers, though.".
Another long pause, then she asked in a small voice: "Does it bother you that it wasn't you to defeat him?". He gritted his teeth: "Of course! He killed me! (he made a long pause) At least it was a Saiyan. But yeah, I wanted to crush his skull with my own foot.". Bulma said heavily: "Sometimes I forget you killed people.". He said smugly: "Don't use the past tense. This is just a pause to recharge and get stronger to kill even more enemies." "You should stop that, you know?" "What? Why?" "Before, you had to kill people, but now you are free, you can choose to not kill.". He protested: "But I like killing.".
Bulma's eyes went wide and a shiver ran down her spine. Why do I always forget that this man is dangerous?
But she said knowingly: "And I like chocolate, but I don't eat it at all times or it would hurt me." "Killing doesn't hurt me. On the contrary, it calms my rage, my thirst for blood and revenge. Besides I'm a Saiyan, that's what we do: fight and kill.".
The girl sat up straight and said sternly: "Well, I forbid you to kill while you live here.". He was still laying down, his eyes were closed and a smirk spread on his face: "First, you can't order me shit. Second, you're a hypocrite: you're keeping me in your home to kill those androids." "That is different." "Why?" "Don't be a jerk, you know why. Those are androids aiming at destroying everything, I'm talking about not killing innocent, good people.".
He opened his eyes and sat up like her, crossing his legs, his tone was defiant: "And who the hell do you think you are to decide who deserves to die and who does not?". Bulma was taken aback: "You're misusing my words. You know what I mean. Killing is wrong all the time. You're here to defeat the androids, not to kill them." "Oh, I will kill them. And I'll make sure to listen carefully to the sound of their bodies crashing under my power. It's a beautiful sound, you know?" "You're disgusting!". He laughed.
She laid back on the plaid, angry and disappointed. He reached across her and took her snack. She blocked him by grabbing his wrist: "What do you think you're doing, shorty?". He watched her hand, fascinated by her lack of fear and said: "You're not eating it anyway. Let go, woman.". She's got guts.
She let go of his arm and stood up, both angry and sad: "My name is Bulma, Bulma!!! Why do you always treat me like this? Who the hell do you think you are? I opened my home to you and you treat me like a servant! You don't even use my name because you don't even consider me worthy of respect! You don't scare me, shorty! You're just an idiot who doesn't know better. I had a shitty day and now an even worse evening, thanks to you. I just wanted to relax, why did you come here to bother me? I hope you choke on my snack. Fuck you!".
She's so gorgeous when she's angry. It's like she's on fire.
She made a couple of steps to leave, then turned around, pointing a finger at him: "You've already lost a planet, don't be a jackass and try to protect this one or I'll kick your ass.".
While she stomped away, she could hear him laugh.
Jackass.
A couple of evenings later, the scene repeated. Bulma said: "Go away, you idiot. I'm here to relax.". He sat heavily beside her: "I'm here for the food." "I already told you that if you stopped living in that stupid spaceship and came inside the house, you'd have 3 great meals a day and you wouldn't smell so fucking bad.".
He put his hand in the picnic basket and took out a big sandwich, he munched on it and said: "Your mother gives me the creeps.". "My mother can be weird, but she's a very nice person and an excellent cook and you'd know it if you listened to me, you asshole! What do you usually eat, anyway?". He shrugged: "I go up to the mountains and get meat or in the ocean for fish. Did you make this? It's good. Give me another one, woman.". She didn't move, so he reached inside the basket again. She brought much more food this time. For me?
Bulma tried to keep her breath steady, he really had a way to get on her nerves. Why do I let him treat me like this? Why don't I just kick his ass? And why the hell does he smell so good even if he stinks?
She cleared her voice and asked: "Getting stronger, shorty?". He grunted: "I'm Prince Vegeta, for you.". She smirked: "Nah, you're shorty or jerk. You choose.". He took a big bite, he was amused: "I can kill you, you know?" "Yeah, yeah, I know. Now watch me run in terror… How do you know the sandwiches aren't poisoned?". He stopped munching for a second, then continued: "You wouldn't dare." "If you think so…". He grinned. She's scared of nothing, this one. Just like a Saiyan.
He swallowed, then asked: "Bad day again?" "Nah, quite a normal one. But I have a big, big problem with an idiot who keeps coming to my lab interrupting me, protesting for the gravity chamber of his spaceship breaking continuously. I think I'll put him on the streets one of these days. He's insufferable.". He snorted: "If you'd built it better, it wouldn't break so easily.". "And if you weren't an idiot, you would be able to train without wrecking it daily. If you continue in this way, it will explode!".
He asked in between bites: "Why are you here?" "This is my home, in case you forgot." "Yeah, yeah. I know. But you come here, even if you know I'll bother you and steal your food.".
She sat up and looked at him, sincerely puzzled: "Nice question. I don't know. Really. Ah, I'm probably so miserable and lonely that this shitty interaction is still better than nothing.". "Haven't you got a man?" "It's none of your business, but things aren't smooth lately." "Drop him. He's a loser." "Oh, shut up. What do you know?". "He died to one of my Saibaimen. Preposterous. He's a sucker.".
Bulma grinned: "He's jealous of you, you know?". He smirked: "Wise of him. I'm way stronger than him.". She shook her head, amused: "No, not for that. For me.". He tilted his head, like a puppy who doesn't understand. She continued: "He believes there's something between us." "Something? Like what?". She rolled her eyes: "Oh dear gods, you are so dense! He thinks that you and I are having sex!".
He blushed furiously: "What?! What?! … Oh, you wish, woman.". She raised an eyebrow and said amused: "No, honey. You wish.". Honey? And yes, I wish, but I can't.
He said: "This conversation is too stupid. I'm the prince of the strongest race in the universe, you're a weak earthling, you're beneath me.". She smirked: "I don't think so, shorty. You're the prince of what, 2 Saiyans and a half including yourself? I'm the wealthiest on this planet, my brain can do wonders and… I mean… have you seen me? I'm absolutely gorgeous. I'm probably the closest thing to a princess this planet ever saw, now that I think about it.". She might have a point.
He shrugged, trying not to look at her naked legs: "Got more snacks?" "No, I didn't know I had to feed an army!" "I'm worth an army by myself, of course I eat that much!".
Bulma asked seriously: "Vegeta, have you ever been nice to anyone in your life?" "No, why?". She thought for a second, then: "Has anyone ever been nice to you?". He chuckled: "Nope.". He became thoughtful, then looked away. She considered him for a moment until she laid back, but just to stop herself, because suddenly she wanted to hug him tightly. He's a fucking killer. And he's so lonely.
They stayed in silent company for an indefinite amount of time, until Bulma yawned: "I'll better go to bed. I'll see you tomorrow, jerk.". He smiled, but didn't answer.
Maybe he was never given a choice. Maybe he's an asshole because no one ever showed him another way. Maybe there's hope for him. Maybe I should show him kindness. But will he get it? Or will he take advantage of me? He doesn't scare me. But why do I care? Oh, I want to punch that stupid smile of his. And I want him to kiss me. Oh, fuck.
Another few evenings later, Bulma went outside again, sat on her plaid and called: "Vegeta! I brought you some food!". She giggled, it was like calling a stray, feral dog to feed him. Maybe I can domesticate him.
He arrived immediately and she imagined him wagging his tail cautiously. She laughed inwardly, because he really had had a tail. He sat in front of her and watched impatiently the things that she had brought, his arms crossed on his chest.
She smiled, took some huge sandwiches out of her picnic basket and offered them to her grumpy guest. He started devouring them in huge bites. She said politely: "They're different from the last ones, you'll tell me if you like them, so I can understand your tastes.". He tilted his head: "Why?" "So I can start feeding you things you like." "Food is food.". Bulma gasped, almost offended: "Absolutely not. Food is important, but it is also pure pleasure." "Pleasure? Oh, you mean having a full belly?" Bulma smiled: "No, I mean pleasure. I mean choosing to eat what you really like. Food is not just fuel." "I don't get it.".
Bulma considered him for a moment, then took out a box of chocolate. He smelled them suspiciously, then tried a bite, disappointed in the size. She asked: "You like it?". He nodded eagerly: "What is it?". She smiled: "Chocolate. Isn't it delicious?". He took another one: "Mmmh, it's very good! Did you do it?" "No, I bought it, no one makes chocolate at home.".
Vegeta took another one and said: "They're small, though.". She chuckled: "Well, a lot of it can be bad for your health, so people shouldn't eat too much of it. I love it!".
She took one and said: "Let it melt on your tongue. This is pleasure.". She put one in her mouth and waited for it to melt with her eyes closed, tasting it slowly. Vegeta was mesmerized by her expression. Pleasure? He swallowed his saliva and felt an incredible hotness spread inside him, starting from the lowest part of his belly. Pleasure?
She smiled: "Here, try the different types, so you can tell me what you prefer and I'll buy you that.". He looked puzzled: "Why?" "What?" "Why do you want to buy them for me?" "Because I'm a nice person and because I'm trying to show you that there are nice things and nice people in this world. And it's not all about fighting and killing. Oh, just to be clear: I'm a very nice person.". Vegeta swallowed.
He ate them all and decided he liked dark chocolate better. She beamed: "Good choice, it's also my favorite!". He asked if she had anything more. "I have strawberries, but those are mine." "Oh. What are strawberries?".
The blue haired woman widened her eyes: "Oh, you never tried them? That's a crime! It's my favorite fruit in the world, here, taste them!". She took out a handful of plumpy red fruits and placed them in his hands, watching him expectantly. He ate one and nodded: "Mmmh. Very good." "Here, have more." "You said they were yours.". She smiled, biting into one: "I have a lot. We can share.". Share?
She looked at him for a while and he said uncomfortably: "What?". She smiled softly: "I sometimes forget you're an alien.". He furrowed his eyebrows and she said: "There's so much you probably don't know about this planet. Do you have questions?". He chuckled: "Many." "Fantastic! Okay, ask me anything."
He swallowed another strawberry, then asked: "Okay, what is that awful sound that I hear sometimes, even at night, and that goes woa-woa?" "I think you mean an ambulance. It's for people who are sick or have had an accident. Doctors arrive to take care of you. The noise is meant to make other cars move aside to let them pass.". He nodded: "Okay. And what is that thing you always have on you? The small one. I've seen people walking around like idiots because they can't take their eyes off them. Is it like a communicator?" "Yep, it's called a smartphone. It helps you connect with people." "They don't seem very connected to me…". Bulma laughed: "Oh, you're totally right, people tend to abuse them, Vegeta.". Her laugh… this sound… it fills me in such a new way… how so? And the way she says my name…
"Oh, what is that black small animal that always follows your father around?" "You mean Scratch? It's a cat. Technically one of the best predators in the world, but unfortunately so small and cute that people have them as adorable pets." "Pets?" "Small animals that you take care of in return for their company. In the past they had a completely different purpose, but today… people have pets just for pleasure. And Scratch loves dad.". Pleasure again…
They chatted for hours, Vegeta asking thousands of questions and Bulma eager to answer.
He can be nice.
A few days later, they were again in the garden, just enjoying the evening in silence, when all of a sudden BOOM.
Vegeta was on his feet in an instant, fighting stance and all. Bulma got up as quickly as she could. He asked: "What the fuck was that?". Another BOOM in the silence. Bulma looked up at the sky, then grabbed his arm and smiled: "Oh, the fireworks! Vegeta, no, no! No one is attacking us, I forgot it's midsummer night! Calm down, no threats.". He looked at her confusedly and again BOOM. He winced and gritted his teeth angrily.
Bulma caressed his arm: "It's fireworks, nothing bad. It's a show.". He tilted his head and his body seemed to relax under her touch: "A… show?".
She smiled gently and sat back on the plaid, gesturing for him to sit with her. He obliged and she explained: "Every year, in the middle of the summer, the town organizes this show of fireworks for anyone to enjoy. At first there are three loud booms, no lights, just boom. That is to inform people that they're about to start in 5 minutes. I just forgot it was tonight." "What are fireworks?" "They're explosions made with beautiful lights and colors, you'll see. We simply have to sit back and enjoy, okay?".
He looked up at the sky suspiciously, he wasn't fully convinced. But Bulma was still hugging his arm with hers and that felt good. Embarrassing, but good and he didn't want to move. She smells so good. Of clean, of flowers, of… I don't even know. And her hands on me… I'm lucky she can't feel my ki or she'd know I'm bursting. And her ki… it just spiked, she must really like these fireworks.
Bulma bit her lower lip, her heart was pounding hard in her chest. He's not protesting… dear gods, how I love his arms. She gave a heavy sigh. I'm sorry, Vegeta, I'm afraid I'm falling for you, you stupid monkey.
And then they started. Light after light, colors, shapes, different effects, it was beautiful. Vegeta looked up in wonder and Bulma looked at him, smiling. His face lit up with every explosion, his mouth open. His eyes darted quickly across the sky, to not miss anything. She smiled. Life can be good, Saiyan, give it a try.
He felt her eyes on him, but didn't dare look at her. The show was beautiful, even though her proximity made everything confusing.
With the corner of his eye, he saw she'd turned her gaze to the sky, so he looked at her, she was beaming at the lights, colors reflecting in her blue eyes. She's spectacular.
He looked up again. Then she got even closer and rested her head on his shoulder. His body tensed and his heart raced. It was too much. He tried to breathe evenly, but found it extremely difficult.
The fireworks went on for half an hour. Colors, lights, shapes and different effects made him a bit dizzy.
What the fuck is wrong with me? Me, the mighty Prince of all Saiyans confused by a weak earthling?! Wasn't I the fucking master of self control? But she's so beautiful… Nappa warned me that women meant trouble. Oh, what am I thinking? Nappa didn't know shit about fuck.
When the show finished, Bulma breathed a heavy sigh, then was startled by her own position and she moved away, but not much. She blushed: "Sorry, I guess I got carried away."
He turned towards her and found they were just inches apart. Her mouth was so close… He cleared his throat: "I'll go to bed.". When he got up to leave, Bulma stood up as well and said in a small voice: "Hey, thanks, I had a beautiful evening.". He muttered: "Yeah, ehm… nice thing you earthlings do with those explosions. Nice.".
He left her there and she wondered if they would ever be so close again. She also tried to focus on the fact she still had a boyfriend and felt terribly guilty because yes, I really do like you, Sayan.