Chapter 9

%%%%%%%%

Vegeta's internal clock tried to rouse him from his slumber. "Just five more minutes," he mumbled and gave his pillow a comforting squeeze.

"Okay," the billowy object sighed.

His eyelids snapped open. Capsule Corporation may be the centre of technology, but the last time he checked, his pillow was a non-speaking inanimate object. Keeping his eyes focused on the ceiling, he carefully patted the object of his embrace. It was...lumpier. He gently ran his hand down its length. Its purr rumbled softly against his body. His other hand travelled up and became entangled in a mass of curls at his chest. The prince had long passed puberty and expected no further hair growth.

He uttered one word, "No."

"Mmm, yes," came a breathy response.

With his gaze still fixed on the ceiling, the Saiyan levitated with his prize and attempted to deposit her away from him. A slight draft apprised him that they were already over the edge of the bed. He floated back toward the center, over the space that she had not trespassed. Vegeta gently rolled his bedmate away from him and surreptitiously slid out from beneath the covers.

"So cold," Bulma whimpered and wrapped the sheets tighter about her body.

The Saiyan rushed through his morning routine. He was already more than five minutes late. No time to dwell on trivial matters. The defeat of the androids and Kakarott awaited him.

########

Bulma peered out the window and watched the two fighters power down. Yamcha went to one of the guest bathrooms to tend to his injuries. She saw Vegeta sitting on the curb with his head hanging down.

"He looks so lonely. I wonder if he's thinking about his past. He must be devastated knowing that he's one of the last of his kind."

"Bulma, phone call for you. Chi-Chi's on the line."

"Okay, Mom. I'll be right there." Bulma left to answer the phone.

Vegeta examined his right ankle. He had jarred it with an ill-aimed kick to the ex-bandit's head. Who knew that the human warrior had such a thick skull? The muscle and tendon felt tender, but there would be no lasting damage beyond the next few minutes. He relaxed and stretched out his leg, indifferent to the light traffic whizzing past him.

The stoic prince barely registered surprise when a pink delivery van bumped against his foot. Only the panicked, high-pitched wail emanating from the vehicle caught his attention. Vegeta watched with mild amusement as the vehicle fishtailed before careening into the building across the street. Concrete debris, glass, and hams littered the area on impact.

The young driver dazedly crawled out the door of his crumpled van and plopped on the ground. Curious onlookers immediately gathered about the crash site. The more enterprising ran off with a ham or two.

The Saiyan observed the scene with interest. Hearing opportunity hum around the corner, he casually re-extended his foot into the road.

"HOLY MIGHTY LORD...!" Prayers continued to spill from the car as it veered wildly back and forth. The terrified motorist tried unsuccessfully to maintain all four wheels on the pavement. People screamed and frantically scurried out of the path of the runaway vehicle. The driver managed to escape his car moments before it slammed directly into the pink van. Both vehicles burst into flames. The scent of roasting honey-glazed hams filled the air.

Both drivers stared dumbfounded at the scene. Frustration between the two led to heated words. Finger-poking quickly escalated into fisticuffs. A free-for-all erupted as the crowd became caught up in mob mentality. Fists, feet, and hams flew in all directions.

Tears streamed down the mighty Saiyan's face as he shook with laughter. "Humans, always so entertaining."

Bulma finished her phone conversation with Chi-Chi and returned to her position by the window. She noticed the prince's trembling shoulders and the trail of tears from his eyes. "I didn't know Vegeta could be so sensitive. He's crying."

Seeing him so despondent, she could no longer deny that her attraction for the Saiyan ran deeper than just the physical. The ever-dramatic Bulma Briefs clasped her hands together, stared at the sky, and announced aloud to no one in particular, "Vegeta, I care for you and will ease your loneliness. As Kami is my witness, I do love you." She thought about her proclamation. "Conditionally, of course." The technological genius sniffled and dabbed at an imaginary tear.

Vegeta wiped his eyes with the back of his hand and entered the house. Bulma ran away, afraid of offending him if he knew that she had seen him in a tender moment. He found her in the living room sitting on the couch.

"Hey, Vegeta. Chi-Chi just called and she wants to have a get-together. I think that would be fun. We're going to have a bar-b-que in a few days."

The prince spared her a glance and left.

She heaved a sigh. How could she have fallen in love with such a distant creature? Well tripped and stumbled into love, but the destination was the same.

%%%%%%