Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Feeding Genius ❯ Desperate Times - Part One ( Chapter 6 )

Feeding Genius

Chapter Six

Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures - Part One

So now you know the alienation I have suffered over the past few days, not just industrially but emotionally as well I will leave it up to you to judge what is to become of all this, because quite frankly I'm sick of thinking about it. I can't seem to get my head around any of it anymore. To Kami that my forecasts had been wrong, but that I'm afraid is vain hope. If anything has been proved these last few days then it's that I have more foresight than most would give me credit for, or at least one would anyway.

I probably couldn't have gauged my own ruin anymore effectively had I been the one to topple the first domino! Mr. Simmons (I refuse to call him any differently now, with the exception of maybe dickhead, wanker and another assortment of vulgarisms,) has been extra vigorous in making sure that my despair is complete. His tenacity has reached further than even I could have possibly imagined. I feel as though I've been hit from all angles. Investors have swum like rats from a sinking ship one after the other, and as I lay here looking at a curious configuration of plaster on the ceiling things are positively desperate within Capsule Corporation.

So perhaps now you can sympathise that the last thing I needed tonight after a day running after potential investors, only to learn that the Brief family infamy has reached all corners of the globe, was to come home and have to confront Vegeta. I can feel my skull spasm into a migraine as I think about it… him. The spreadsheets I brought to look over lay disregarded at scattered intervals around me, as my mind seems to be reaching overload. So many thoughts, images stream through it in quick succession that in the end I can't settle to think clearly on any of them.

My body still screams for sleep and perhaps this time I will have no option but to give into it. I want to keep my mind alert to try and sort out all of this mess but who knows? Maybe my dreams will offer a solution that has failed me for the past seventy-two hours.

Even now I can feel my eyelids drooping, causing my body to judder. A chorus of crumpling paper accompanies my body as I spread my limbs wide over the double bed. I have the luxury of my own room again, thank goodness. I don't know how long I could have kept up sleeping top and tail with my son. Fortunately the first night I spent with Trunks' also proved to be my last. I returned the next morning to my own room only to find the bedclothes in perfect order. The lack of training clothes in the walk in wardrobe only added weight to my theory that Vegeta had been there to collect whatever he needed and then left. This assumption was proved concrete when I looked through the double doors to his old room. I found the whole area in turmoil. It appeared that he hadn't slept any easier that night than I had, which perhaps gave me a degree of unjust satisfaction.

Freeing my body of my work clothes I now crawl under the plush velvet covers. Worried about my health I can thankfully rest in the knowledge that my dad will spend the day in the office tomorrow, giving me the chance to have a day off. Yeah right! One day of being stuck at home turning from one evil and walking straight into another.

My head turns on the pillow and brings a familiar picture on the nightstand into view. I stare at it unsure if I should look closer. It was taken not long after Trunks was born, just after the trouble with Cell. My mom had thrown one of her famed barbeques in the botanical section of our house and all employees had been invited. It was a purely business affair as we outlined the objectives and redevelopment plans, which had been carefully kept on stand-by under the imminent threat of the androids.

Perhaps it was more enjoyable because the z senshi were not included. It was a close kept party and for once Vegeta didn't have any objections to being included in the numbers attending. That was really the first indication I had that he wanted to be part of the family we he had unwittingly created. The first time I had seen the resolution in his demeanour shifted, and the first time I had seen, if not love, then at least a hint of caring in his regard of me. He hadn't wanted to shun Trunks' presence or mine that day, even seeming to be interested in the running of Capsule Corporation as he chatted on an equal footing with one of the head designers. The day had past so well and by some contrived miracle my mom had managed to capture the feeling on camera.

I take the photo in my hand and gently trace my thumb over it, the memories especially poignant after our argument. Ever true to his word he has gone out of his way over the past two days to make me realize his indifference. His form of disapproval seems to be made even more outstanding, as with the amount of time I've devoted to the office, I would not have thought there could be any time left for him to drill home his anger so effectively.

Not so! Maybe Vegeta had been right. Maybe I was too accustomed to him; maybe I did ignore how far he had come for me - for Trunks, because after these last two days it is as though we have taken one gigantic step back in time. There is no longer the expressive glint that sparkles in that obsidian gaze, or the deliberate closeness that is contrived in the evenings. His training has taken control; dominating his life just as though he were chasing Super Saiyan again and Goku had not been dead for five years. His tenacity has been boundless, and it has surprised even me in the level of emptiness and loneliness I have suffered in his absence.

Exhaling into a sigh I bring the silver frame closer to my chest allowing a single tear to escape my eyelid as I squeeze it shut. The pain of being so distant from him hasn't decreased, and bathing in the sorrow his renewed coldness offers I eventually cry myself to sleep.

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I find myself awake earlier the next morning than I would like. There is work going on to the drains out the back and the sound of pneumatic drilling smashes unforgivably through my open window. I groan, slipping into my dressing gown and close the window. By the time I return to the crumpled bedclothes I already know its pointless trying to get back to sleep. I'm far too awake and already my mind is clawing its way out of the comfort of sleep and confronting me with the anxiety of the last few days.

Angry that my consciousness should betray me so early in the morning I bundle into the shower, willing to do anything to try and get rid of the agitation and hoping that copious amounts of hot water will do the trick. Maybe it will wash away the pain thumping through my temples at the same time.

Twenty minutes have past and having slipped on a pair of simple flared designer shorts and matching crop top, I'm tentatively making my way downstairs. The shower has done me some good after all. Its gentle caress seems to have soothed my mood and under the soft yellow glow of the morning sunshine I feel better than I have done in a while. Today is my day off! I will not spend it moping around and fretting… too much time has been given to that occupation already. Today I will relax and forget anything is wrong. I'll spend it with my son. Perhaps we'll go to the park or maybe pay a visit to see Chi Chi and Goten.

I smile at the thought. A trip to the back of beyond and the stunning scenery that adorns the Son house might be just what I need! It will be nice to see Chi again, and it's always a pleasure to chat about Sun-Kun. It's at times like this that I miss him the most. He never failed to make me feel better, because even the over portrayed reassurance of 'everything will be OK in the end' on his lips could calm the most troubled heart.

Lost to my own thoughts I do not hear my son's descent down the stairs until its too late.

"Momma!"

I'm given absolutely no other warning as a little bundle of semi- Saiyan comes hurtling down the banister at me. I have to blink a couple of times as he disappears in front of me and am left floundering as he reappears behind with his arms hugging me gently around the neck. His head nuzzles affectionately against my own as he gives me the faintest of kisses on the cheek.

"Good morning!" I smile, peering over my left shoulder, "You're getting fast!"

He giggles at the comment, "Do you like it?" he asks, jumping up my back and attempting to crawl onto my shoulders.

Removing his foot from my head I manoeuvre his clamour into a piggyback. "Yeah I do!" I agree, "Momma lost sight of you there for a second kiddo!"

"Isn't it cool!" he enthuses as I make my way down the remaining few steps, "Papa taught me. Its called… called…"

"Called what?" I ask turning out of the hall and pirouetting dramatically into the kitchen.

My cargo screams with peels of laughter as I spin about on the tiles, dancing to the tune playing on the kitchen radio, "Called…!" he squeals in between giggles.

"Called?" I continue to pester.

"Papa, Papa, Papa!" he screeches as I bound playfully around, "Tell Momma the name of the move you taught me yesterday!"

I stop suddenly - mid-pirouette. Trunks climbs off me and I follow his direction cautiously to the breakfast table, the brief moment of fun I had shared with my son, all too suddenly broken.

"Kinetic teleportation."

The gruff voice lingers in the air as it resonates behind me… the chill as disappointing as it is expected. Making a marked effort of rebuttal I ignore it and the speaker to move towards the refrigerator.

"Yeah kanetic telepetition!" copies Trunks, pulling on my shorts to gain attention, "Papa says its all to do with the coor… coorda"

"Coordination?" I suggest.

"Yeah… with the Coordination of my ki with the earth. Isn't that right papa?"

"Close." Vegeta's reply is calm and deliberate as I pull out a jug of orange juice. "It's the coordination of your ki with the rotation of the earth."

I put the jug on the side and make a return trip for the milk.

"Yeah and if I get it right I might be able to spar with papa soon! Isn't that fantastic!"

His excitement overflows and he jumps onto me, making my head hit the racks at some force. Ignorant to the fact he's injured me, he carries on pestering, using my legs as a climbing frame.

"Shit!" I curse bringing my hand to my forehead, only for it to be knocked down again. "Trunks!" I protest. "Momma knows how much you've been looking forward to sparring with papa. I know you're excited, but you have to remember that momma isn't as strong as you!"

His animation appears to have gotten the better of him and not listening properly to my lecture he has now climbed so high that he is hanging around my neck. I'm about to tell him to lay off more forcefully when all of a sudden the pressure on my throat is relieved. I can feel a warmth surround me and my son's body is lifted clean away. I have to stop a moment in confusion, my hand still resting on the carton of milk I was about to remove.

Cautiously I turn to look. Vegeta is sitting at the table to the left of me and is letting Trunks have free range over his body. I watch him unnoticed as his hair is pulled and arms are used as swings for several minutes. The scene is a peculiar one especially after the last few days and one I find hard to decipher. There is no affection or play involved in Vegeta's attention of Trunks. He sits as still as a statue as our son does what he will with his limbs. Not a word has been said by him, and I get the awful feeling that it's decidedly deliberate.

Still there is a certain portion of hope that arises from the action, even though it was done in complete silence. Its as though he knew I wanted relief and is now busying himself with Trunks to make it impossible for me to question him about it further.

Knowing that he doesn't want my attention I turn back to start making breakfast. Lost in the making of cereal I'm somewhat surprised to hear Vegeta's voice.

"You will train with me after breakfast son."

Thoughtfully I close the carton of milk. Trunks is already doing mini celebrations on the tiles.

"No" I say calmly, "It's my day off and I'm taking him to play with Goten. Its almost three months since they last saw each other."

There is silence but I get the distinct feeling it's going to be broken any second. As if on cue a chair scrapes along the tiles behind me and I can hear Vegeta's booted feet getting ever closer. Opening the refrigerator door he makes the pretence of getting a bottle of water, but unbeknownst to anyone but the two of us his lips are right by my ear.

"I would have thought you'd be too busy trying to save your pathetic business to spend time with him." he sneers in a whisper. "It certainly seems to have taken precedence over everything else."

Not even looking at him I turn my back and grabbing the bowls of breakfast, precede to the table, "Tuck in kiddo!" I say behind a forced smile, laying my consignment on the beach-wood surface.

A gloved hand captures my wrist just as I'm about to sit down. It pulls me around so quickly I almost fall. Instead the barrier of Vegeta's arm stops me. I look up only to get a face-full of Saiyan anger. He doesn't move, only searches my gaze with those probing black eyes. At length he turns his nose up, an air of haughty disdain working on all his features.

He seems to clear all thought and with nothing more poignant than a dipped eyebrow, returns to his own chair opposite. We sit and eat in mutual silence for several minutes and I have to admit to feeling an ice-cold glare prickling at my spine even though I will not give the honour of meeting it.

I have all this determination bottled up and it's raging war inside of me. It scorns the idea of being challenged by the non-affection of Vegeta's abstraction and pushes me into stubbornness. At least this is what I am trying to convince myself, because at this minute every bone in my body is screaming at me to say something that might turn the tide of this battle of wills. It's begging for me to return to the blissful feeling of unity that has been forged by our silent understanding for so long and is practically crawling to make amends. My fingertips are on the cusp of giving in. It would be so easy to let him ride this one out and it tempts me to pursue resolution in the easiest form ever, retraction.

All I would have to say is one word - sorry. How hard could it be? Everything between us would be resolved and I won't have to go through all this on my own anymore. I would have his support and his will to fall back on… a security blanket of sorts. Is it so entirely important that I should risk the absolution of something as rare as what I share with Vegeta? Reason would say no and yet consciousness, pride and honour would say yes.

Could I really look back in good conscience and say that I would be better for anything if I were to give in now? This has, in truth, nothing to do with dominance. This is in essence a lesson. An aim to teach him that he has options that maybe he has mentally closed himself off to, and just as if I was dealing with my son there is only one way to get through to him. To take away something he has grown accustomed to, making sure he feels it just as keenly as I do. In the end that is the only way he is going to see things from my point of view.

He has never been accustomed to do this. So many problems he has faced have been carved into their make up under the hand of Frieza and this is yet another extension to that. He has never had to think of anyone past himself and even with regards of that, then not very far. Whilst under the megalomaniac's thumb he only thought in one direction. His mind was linear, being shut off to anything other than his own release and finding the power needed to obtain it. Now it is as though he is still on that same path, cleaving headlong through life, with each new object that challenges, without seemingly aware of anything that goes along with it.

These thoughts are something to the backdrop of my mind as I subconsciously push my cereal around the bowl. The contents remain uneaten and now - decidedly soggy. I push the dish away in frustration, earning the attention of my son. I see him out of the corner of my eye. He looks once to me and then wistfully to Vegeta. There seems to be a glint of recognition that darts through their eyes as they regard one another, and there is a hint of the telepathic in it, which unnerves me. Their eyes part and once more I'm faced with the mirror image of cerulean eyes as they peer from under purple bangs.

"Are you ok momma?"

"I'm fine!" I affirm unconvincingly.

"Good," he smiles, "You looked sick!"

A low chuckle resonates from Vegeta's position, "There's no need to be so worried about your mother brat!" A flash of his canines adds to the derisive tone, "The only thing she is suffering from is her own inanity!"

Trunks looks confused for a moment and with a look of worry asks, "Does inanity hurt?" completely unaware of its meaning.

"Yes son," Vegeta replies, turning his gaze and staring at me with true bitterness, "It hurts everyone."

It takes a couple of minutes before I register that the fringe of his words almost sound wounded, and under the dip in pride I look up to him. Even before my eyes trace pointedly over the chiselled outline of his face I know that there will be nothing there to lend me direction to his thoughts and all at once I feel upset in having predicted so precisely.

Slowly he wipes the corners of his mouth with a napkin and laying it carefully on the table, his eye catches mine and with nothing more than a tilting of the head, he points me in the direction of the hall.

I get up at a languid pace and walk through the doors at a forced distance behind him. We pass out of the hall and on through the den, eventually stopping in the lounge. Mentally I applaud him, because his foresight has given him enough judgement to take us out of the range of chibi hearing - A progress that would have been un-thought of only a few years ago.

"What?" I ask, as he turns to face me.

He looks seriously down his nose, but still I cannot read those eyes. They are cold and shut off, just like when I first knew him. "I can see what is happening here." He claims, "You hide it well, but I see this is all just a new game to you isn't it Bulma?"

I look at him with powerful composure, simply answering that… "I don't play games."

"Tell me Bulma." He growls, "Are you really serious in this?"

"As hard as it may seem for you to realize, I don't take pleasure in being cruel to others. I'm not doing this for kicks!"

"Really?" He questions, doubt still very much the predominant emotion.

"Yes!"

"Well whatever is really going on here," he waves a dismissive hand in my direction, "It is irrelevant under your flippancy… There are some things we need to work out on this 'time out'"

I snort derisively and flop onto the soft couch, "I think you've done your part Vegeta. You don't need to say any more about it. You've plainly showed me how far you can take your pride."

"You think so?" He asks, his back still away from me. His simple white training shirt flexes with the restraint of the muscles under its surface. "There is one option that is still available to me, and every minute you continue with this nonsense. It pushes me closer."

There is a hint of dread that sits firmly in the pit of my stomach under his words, "And that would be?"

He laughs once, stirring a singular twist of cruelty, "I don't think I need to explain to you where my thoughts lie!"

I lower my head. He is right. I know exactly what he's considering and it feels like a cold hard slap across the face. "So you really haven't changed have you?" I say under the pain, "You make this façade of having all this honour and yet whenever you can't handle a situation you simply run away! How very brave of you. I suppose I'm to be thankful that you aren't already sunning yourself on the other side of the galaxy as we speak…"

He looks away and I continue, "Well why don't you do it…? Why don't you prove to everyone what a coward you are…! That is what you are talking about isn't it - leaving? Tell me if I'm wrong. After all isn't that how you always cope when things get too heavy?"

"I can't deny the thought has crossed my mind."

"Where would you go?" I ask, fearful of the answer, "Back into space?"

"Perhaps!" he admits, his ki visible against the shadows the morning sunshine has cast along the room. "You know Bulma, all through this encounter I have been tolerant. Perhaps… perhaps," he sneers, "I was under some sort of delusion to hope, but after last night I see that you are still just as resolute about this lunacy as ever. It might even have been because I wanted to show you up and tell you just how absurd your actions have been that I have stayed this long, and maybe… maybe its…" he stops, and clenches his fists as he tries to control what ever emotion it is that is refusing to spill forth.

His expression clears again into the cold disguise of before and I shiver under it. "Maybe it's more than I'm willing to put up with. I am no coward, but I'm also a man of reason, and reason dictates that living in this situation is only going to be detrimental to both of us - and our son. If you see that as cowardice then so-be-it… It would do me good to get back into the life and bustle of the universe after being stuck, rotting on this bulk of rock for so long. What do you think Bulma? Do you want me to go?"

"No." I sigh, "I don't." I thought the confession would make me feel ill, but in truth it lifts a weight from my shoulders, "I need you more than ever right now, but not until you think seriously on why I'm so angry with you. I'm tired from the strain of these last few days, but if you think leaving will give things more perspective then maybe it might be…" I have to swallow the lump that has formed in my throat, "…might be for the best."

He closes his eyes and nods in my direction. "Then see to it a space ship is made available and ready for me as soon as it is possible."

I desperately try and keep the emotion that is clawing its way around me to a minimum on the outside. "If that is what you want."

"Yes!" he replies walking out of the door, without even so much as turning to look at me, "Yes it is!"

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A/N - I hope you enjoyed this instalment! ^-^ The next chapter will be out in a couple of weeks, and things are about to take a very unexpected twist when Bulma comes up with a very extreme solution to her financial problems. See you then! ^_~