Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ And We Were Angels ❯ Reliance ( Chapter 16 )

And We Were Angels

By: AMCM74

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Chapter 16 - Reliance

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The doors opened and Bulma walked out of the elevator. She stopped in her tracks when she saw who was standing at the nurses' station waiting for her.

"Yamcha?" She said more out of surprise rather than to get his attention.

He turned and smiled. "Hey, you sure come here early."

"No earlier than you." She stepped toward him putting her arms out in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

Arching an eyebrow at her he replied, "Your father is going into surgery today. I took the day off work to be here for the both of you." He watched as the tears gathered in her eyes, and reached out to hold her. "Seriously Bulma, we were together for a long time. I was sure you realized that I will always be here for you and your father."

She nodded and rested her head against his familiar warmth. "I had hoped so." She looked around, "Where is Tea?"

"She had to work today, but she knows where I am. She already promised to bring both of us lunch on her break. Also, she and Krillin will be coming over here directly from their jobs."

Bulma relaxed and stepped back. At that moment she was very happy. When she lost Yamcha she feared she had really lost him. His friendship and support over the years was like a precious gem she could not picture her life without.

"Miss Briefs!" Dr Whitley walked out of her father's room. She put the chart under her arm and smiled. "I have just come from one last visit with your father before I get into my scrubs."

"How is he doing?" Yamcha asked.

"Fine. My patient seems eager to get this over with," Dr. Whitley nodded. "I am sure that with his present state of mind everything is going to turn out just fine. Miss Briefs, I wanted a quick word with you before I left, so I am glad I ran into you."

Bulma blinked, "What is it?"

"Your father has made his desire very clear to complete his recovery at home. This is going to be a little difficult since he is going to need constant care. Now, I have already been informed that your job and responsibilities at Capsule Corporation will make this impossible." Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a small envelope. "Dr. Ogata and I went through a list and picked out some of the best home care nurses in West City. Every nurse on that list has our full recommendation."

"I don't know what to say?" Bulma took the envelope with trembling hands. She had not even stopped to think this far into her father's recovery. Sure, they had a home care nurse coming in for Dr. Briefs already, but Bulma seriously doubted that one nurse would be able to keep up with the quality of care that her father was going to require.

"No need to thank us. You have been very devoted to your father, Miss Briefs. The least we could do is to help you out." Dr. Whitley walked to the elevator and disappeared behind the sliding metal doors.

"Let's go in and see your father Bulma," Yamcha ushered her forward. "It won't be long now before he goes into the operating room."

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The day passed slowly for Bulma. By the time her father was out of surgery, Tea had come and gone. Bulma had a lot of time to reflect on the last few weeks, as she sat there watching Yamcha nervously pace the floor. As an afterthought she wondered where Vegeta was. When she awakened he was not in her house, but Bulma was sure he was still close by.

She had been struggling with so much lately. First there was her mother's sudden death a few months ago. She had thought the grief alone was going to kill her. The pain of losing her was still fresh in Bulma's mind. She was still dealing with that when her father's health started to go downhill. The company had not been kind either. She had taken on the roll as the corporate head, but it had come at a price. The shareholders did not trust her to look after their interests.

All her life, being young, free and having fun was all that mattered. She never realized what it was going to be like when she had just herself to fall back on. Dr. Briefs had been such a caring, compassionate and giving father to Bulma. It was like a smack in the face with the back of reality's hand when everything came crashing down upon her.

She had lost her mother, and her father's life was hanging in the balance. Yamcha was still there for her, but she was going to have to share him from now on. Not that she minded. It was clear to her that Yamcha was right. They had never been truly compatible as a couple. If their friendship had not been so undeniably strong maybe they would have noticed it sooner. The fact that Yamcha had moved on so well with Tea didn't really seem to bother her. Of course, it hurt at first, but Bulma realized she wasn't at all jealous in the 'I want you back' sort of way.

That feeling slowly went away when Vegeta started appearing to her. Despite her stressful day she smiled, because he was definitely something to smile about. Who would have thought that she, of all people, would be deserving of an angel. He was a little rough around the edges, this was true, but the main thing was he had her very best interests at heart. That was emotionally soothing to her right now. It also didn't hurt that he was so damn sexy. That sure made being ministered to all the more delightful.

"Miss Briefs?"

Bulma looked up to see Dr. Ogata standing near the waiting room doorway. "Yes?" She slowly came to her feet. Yamcha stopped pacing and looked nervously at the doctor.

"I just wanted to let you know that your father is out of the operating room. Dr. Whitley believes the surgery was a great success. She removed the mass and doesn't believe that there are additional tumors."

Yamcha reacted first. He shouted like a deliriously happy cowboy and grabbed Bulma, swinging her around in the air. "Did you hear that Bulma? You're father is going to be ok!"

She nodded as he set her down. She was almost weak with relief.

Dr. Ogata gave a satisfied smirk. "Yes, we got it in time. Dr. Briefs is going to need a few days to recuperate before we can start the chemotherapy, but we can talk about that later. He should be returning to his room in about an hour."

"Thank you Dr. Ogata. I can't thank you enough." Bulma wiped the tears of joy from her eyes. Her father was going to be all right. She clasped her hands together and whispered a breathy "Thank you."

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"Looks like things are turning out well for your charge Vegeta." Goku motioned to Bulma as she walked down the hall. "A few more hurdles and she should be clearly out of any danger."

"She has forbidden me to help her with Hikari." Vegeta growled. There was something about seeing her so comfortable with Yamcha that left him cold inside. He knew that he should not be concerned by this, but the emotion was unbidden and unwanted. No matter how hard he tried to shake off this unusual connection to Bulma, he couldn't get her out of his mind.

Goku shrugged. "It's up to you how you decide to handle it Vegeta. I think you're doing a good job here." Then with a quick wink he added, "Despite all the rules you have blatantly ignored."

"Back off. You and I both know this isn't a typical case. Bulma is going through an unusual amount of stress in her life. Although I can suggest different paths for her to take, I believe she has already given up hope where Hikari is concerned." Vegeta dropped into one of the chairs in the waiting room.

"Then you have to convince her otherwise." Goku shrugged. "I have to leave you now Vegeta." Goku nodded to the angel, "Good luck."

Vegeta watched as the Angel of Death vanished from sight. He struggled to think of something that would help Bulma realize the mistake she was going to make with Hikari.

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Dr. Briefs opened his eyes to see his only child looking down at him. He could feel the firm hold of her hand on his.

"You did it, Poppa. The surgery was a complete success." She smiled at him. Gently she raised her hand to brush the strands of lavender hair from his face.

"I am a Briefs. There is nothing they can do to hold me down" he whispered. Looking around he added, "Could I have a drink?"

Yamcha moved around the table and poured some ice water into a cup. He inserted a straw and offered it to Dr. Briefs." You know old man, you've got to stop causing all this trouble," he chuckled.

At that moment Dr. Whitley came into the room. "So how is my prize patient doing?"

Dr. Briefs groaned. "It does hurt a bit."

"I should think so. I am going to get you something for the pain, but it will put you to sleep for a while." She walked over to the bed. "I would like a few moments alone with Dr. Briefs. I need to look over the incisions."

Bulma nodded and leaned over to kiss his forehead. "I will be right outside if you need me Poppa."

Once they were in the hall, Yamcha watched Bulma lean against the wall and sigh as soon as the door closed. He nudged her with his elbow. "You can tell me you know."

"Tell you what?" Bulma tried to avoid looking at his face. It was almost amusing at how well he could read her. He arched an eyebrow at her and she sighed deeply, "I can't really talk about it. It's work related."

"We have been there before haven't we?" He chuckled, "Bulma, you need to believe in yourself."

She dropped her head down and closed her eyes. A vision of Mr. Hikari's face flashed in her mind and Bulma shuddered with revulsion. "This is really different, Yamcha. Since I have taken over Capsule there have been a lot of changes. It has been a struggle just to keep the shareholders in line."

"As I remember, they were never a very forgiving bunch."

"They're merely protecting their investments like good businessmen and women. It's just that I find myself in a position I never dreamt possible. I might have to do something..." She swallowed hard. "Correct that. I have to do something I don't want to do."

"Cut the crap Bulma!" Yamcha pushed away from her side, "I don't want to hear you feeling sorry for yourself!"

"Excuse me?"

"You are Bulma Briefs. One of the most powerful and influential people in this city, possibly the world. I don't understand why you would allow anyone to push you around. Lord knows you never let me."

Bulma pondered his words. This was true. Was there a way that she could turn the tables on Hikari? With so much at stake, if she failed the results could be devastating. "I will think about what you said Yamcha. It makes a lot of sense. Thank you."

"No problem." He gazed up and waved. "Hey look, they're here." Bulma smiled. The fact that Krillin and Tea were now going to be there for her as well filled her with indescribable relief. She realized that she would never be alone ever again.