'Nother chapter. Glad to see you all are enjoying this. -smiles-
Disclaimer- You know the drill, I don't own DBZ or any of Akira's characters.
Fascination
Chapter 4- Musical Misery
The long, uncomfortable silence between the two had managed to last from morning, through breakfast and the entire hour to the town of Katsu. They were now on their way to the cheerful town of Mujitsu and the quiet was beginning to get to Bulma. She couldn't believe that Vegita was still grumpy over her shot the night before. He wasn't really upset, but it was enough to cause the awkward silence.
"I was kidding, you know." She stated abruptly, not looking at him.
Vegita glanced over to the blue-haired girl with a quirked brow. "What?"
"Last night. The crack I took at you. I was just joking..." She turned her head away from him then, looking out the passenger side window.
The dark-haired man blinked several times, glancing from the road to the girl while trying to figure out what the heck she was talking about. It was taking the young man a few moments to dig himself out of his own thoughts enough so that he could follow her. When her words did register, he smirked. "I know that. What? Did you think I was upset or something?"
That not being the reply she expected to hear, Bulma turned her head back so she could regard him. "You...you're not?"
Vegita outright laughed. "No. Why would I be? I'm not some child who's going to pout because someone called me a name. I'm glad you think so highly of me." He added with a teasing glance to his passenger.
Sapphire blushed slightly. "But, well...you were so quiet this morning...and distant. I could have sworn you were still upset."
Vegita's smirk faded as he looked back to the road. He was indeed more quiet and distant than usual this morning, but Bulma had nothing to do it. "Don't worry yourself too much, , Aoi. I just have other things on my mind is all."
Bulma looked at him curiously, waiting to see if he would elaborate or not. When he didn't, she decided to pursue another topic, "What are you calling me?"
His brows raised questioningly, "Aoi?" When she nodded he continued, "It means 'blue.'"
The girl laughed, "'Blue'? That's original." She teased.
"And sapphire is? At least most people don't know what it means." He scoffed back, though his tone still held a hint of amusement.
Bulma opened her mouth to respond, but shut it again when she realized he was right. She laughed softly, "I guess not. What language is that, anyway?"
"Saiyago," Vegita responded shortly, all humor vanishing from his voice.
The blue-haired passenger wanted to ask another question, but his change in mood made her think twice. "I like it. The name, I mean."
And they lapsed into silence.
Boredom. Boredom of such intensity that it could make the sanest of people go absolutely crazy. Who thought that a young girl in middle of running away from her over-oppressive parents with a man that those same parents would forbid her to be anywhere near could possibly be bored? But she was. And if she had to sit here for yet another two hours, staring at the uninteresting scenery fly by in total silence she was going to scream. Bulma had attempted to start a conversation with her travel partner twice since leaving Mujitsu. She was immensely relieved when she saw that they were arriving at Hana but just as quickly disappointed when finding out they were only stopping for gas and to stock up on drinks.
Fine, since he didn't want to talk then she could listen to some music. Reaching over the blue-haired girl switched on the radio and began surfing the stations.
Vegita's dark-eyes snapped to the stereo when the sudden noise interrupted his sweet silence. Growling softly he lashed out and turned the contraption off. "What do you think you're doing?" He snapped, glaring at her.
Bulma glared straight back, miffed at having her surfing interrupted. "Turning on the radio, what does it look like?" She snapped back, turning it back on but only to have Vegita turn it off once again then smack her hand away from it.
"Don't touch it." He said with finality in his voice, declaring that the debate was over.
Bulma, however, didn't agree. She crossed her arms. "Oh, come on Vegita, I'm going stir crazy here. The silence is killing me."
"Well, I happen to like the silence." He replied, keeping his eyes on the interstate. "Besides, it wasn't bothering you earlier."
"Yes it was. That's why I tried talking to you. But you were uninterested in socializing. I'm bored and talking helps. If I can't talk, then I listen to music." She explained, hoping he would understand.
"As I recall, I'm giving you a ride. Entertainment is not apart of the package deal." He retorted, keeping his eyes off the frustrating girl.
Bulma looked at him a bit taken aback. "It's called hospitality...it's...it's an unwritten rule!" She grasped for any reason she could think of to have her music.
"Heh, bottom point, Aoi, I don't remember signing anything saying I had to entertain you. I'm giving you a lift voluntarily, don't push your luck. And by all means, call me inhospitable."
To his mild surprise, Bulma smirked. "And I don't remember signing anything saying I couldn't touch your radio." With that she reached over and turned it on once again. Vegita's grip tightened on the wheel. This onna was beginning to grate on his nerves.
For a third time the flame-haired man turned the stereo off. "What do you want to talk about?" He grumbled before the young female could turn the obnoxious machine on again.
Bulma smiled triumphantly, adjusting herself in the seat so her left leg folded underneath her. She leaned back against the door and regarded Vegita, thinking of what topic to start off on.
Hmm...this is moving along kinda slow eh? Things will pick up soon. I had the beginning and the ending planned out...it's the middle that hard to fill in. If you have any ideas please feel free to suggest them. Until next time!
Onna- woman
