Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Against All Odds ❯ Surprise! ( Chapter 10 )

Disclaimer: I don't own it and if you try to sue me Vegeta will kick your ass.

A/N: A torque is a type of necklace, most commonly it is worn by men, but some can be made daintier for women. It's made of thick braided metal and does not clasp. Instead it gapes in the front and the tips are usually in the design of lion or dragon heads.

Chapter Ten

Surprise!

Several more months passed and Vegeta's strength increase by leaps and bounds. He far surpassed anyone on the Ginyu Force and was quickly gaining on Frieza.

As exciting as the news was, Bulma was beginning to feel restless. She was dangerously close to achieving her goal and she couldn't help but to feel antsy. Her desire to destroy Frieza festered inside of her and naturally she was afraid that her victory would be snatched away at any moment.

However that wasn't why she was restless. No, it was a certain sexy Saiyan Prince's fault. Once they had been officially mated there was no reason to stage little shows of affection to cement their relationship. In fact, they were never even seen together outside of the lab, unless it was to cause havoc on the base.

Bulma thought that once she no longer felt the sensuous glide of his hands against her skin that she would be able to suppress her rioting desire, but it just seemed to get worse. She was having intense sexual dreams about the prince, and she prayed to Kami that he didn't hear her cries of need all the way in the GR, while she begged her dream lover to take her. They spent time together each day during what she had dubbed as their "family dinner" time and she savored ever second of it. They would talk about their day, well mostly she talked, but he did listen to her. Occasionally they bickered and she found he had a wicked sense of humor which he delighted in tormenting her with. Calling her woman in his most aristocratic voice or telling her that she was ugly and stupid were his favorite ways of prodding her temper.

She didn't mind that much though, she liked that he talked to her. So now, in addition to lusting after his body, she found herself attracted to his mind as well. She was deathly afraid that she was starting to like the cold-hearted man, or worse. He was so perplexing to her. One moment he was unfeeling as an android and the next he would be a thunderstorm of repressed emotion.

Then every once in a while he would show her a side of himself that she was sure no one else saw.

She would miss him when it was all over, but what really bothered her was that she didn't know if he would miss her.

She pulled up his file and stared at the nugget of information that had been digging around in the back of her brain for the past couple of weeks. A satisfied smile, that would make a monk contemplate salacious thoughts, curled on her perfect cherry lips. At the very least she could give him something to remember her by.

*~*

Bulma observed a smiling Delia from across the lab. In the last couple of weeks the young woman had gradually changed from a frightened girl to a happy, if not shy, woman. She smiled more often and a few times she had even laughed out loud with another co-worker.

Bulma was sure it had to do with a certain handsome Saiyan. The taller one. She had caught Raditz more than once sneaking inside the lab to speak to Delia. At first when he'd enter the room Delia would cower fearfully at her desk, while he pinned her there with his onyx eyes. Without a word he would walk over and place an item at her desk, his gaze never leaving her face, before turning to walk away. Usually he gave her food from the Mess Hall, like the ripest piece of fruit or a special treat that he'd conned the chef into giving him. Once he left a beautiful golden bloom on her workstation, Bulma couldn't even imagine where he had gotten it. She had asked Vegeta about Raditz's behavior but he had just huffed and muttered something about rituals. When she tried to press him further he told her to mind her own business.

Raditz's actions reminded Bulma of a man trying to tame a skittish mare with a gentle touch instead of breaking her with a rough ride. Soon Delia stopped cringing when he came into the room and a sparkle of anticipation shone in her violet eyes. They began to talk, short exchanges at first, then they progressed into conversations and eventually Bulma had to start shooing him out so Delia would get some work done.

Bulma knew that Vegeta was in the cafeteria right now having his midday meal with Raditz. She didn't want to wait until this evening to see him, and she knew that Delia wouldn't protest a visit to see her dark haired admirer, so with a fatalistic shrug she stowed her work away.

"Come on Delia, let's get some food." The young woman looked up and smiled in agreement.

The women exited the lab and grinned at Nappa who smiled back. As they neared the door to the cafeteria, Bulma's gaze was drawn to a hastily hand written note that was taped up on the wall.

Enter at your own risk!

Bulma smirked wickedly unaware of how like Vegeta she looked at that moment, as they walked into Mess Hall, her arm linked with Delia's while they chatted merrily. There was an audible groan in the room when they entered causing the two Saiyans already eating to look up.

Raditz eyes glinted with pleasure while Vegeta's narrowed with undecipherable intensity at the sight of the two women. The girls and Nappa collected some food and started over to join the men. Some of the soldiers gathered up what they were eating and hurriedly left the cafeteria, while a few brave souls moved nearer to the exit, but stayed to watch with sick fascination. The blue haired scientist and the Saiyan Prince were rarely seen together, but when they were something interesting was bound to happen.

The table that Vegeta and Raditz were at only sat four, so Bulma put her tray down next to Vegeta's and turned to grab another chair. Before she could move away she felt something warm and furry wrap around her waist just before she was roughly jerked off her feet and onto Vegeta's lap. In a blink he had her comfortably arranged with his tail securely holding her against his chest. She opened her mouth to protest, but quickly snapped it closed. She didn't want to pass up the opportunity to be this close to him, no matter how frustrated she would be in the end.

She inhaled deeply, enjoying his masculine scent of sweat and soap. Hot spurts of desire began to race through her veins and she squirmed slightly trying to relieve the ache in her core. Determined to take advantage of the situation, she curled her arm around his neck letting her breast press against his hard chest. She repressed the urge to lean over and nibble on his ear, so instead she picked up a slice of fruit and held it up to his lips, offering him a bite, a taunting look in her eye.

When he pulled her onto his lap he tried to tell himself that he was putting on a show for the remaining soldiers, but he knew the real reason. It had been too long since he had held her in his arms. Too long since he felt her soft curves pressed up against him. When he saw her walk into the room he had wanted nothing more than to sweep her up into his arms and drink deeply from her ruby lips. He knew immediately that he would take advantage of the fact that they were in public. He was not unaware of the irony. He spent every day in the privacy of their quarters, only meters from the woman and he could not touch her, the only solace he found was in his carnal thoughts. He couldn't even sleep in the bed she provided since it was saturated in her flowery aroma. He knew he would never be able to control his torrential desire if he did, so instead he slept on the lumpy couch each morning.

But here, in public, he could slide his hands all over her taunt body, pulling her tight against him, reveling in the silken feel of her skin and it was perfectly acceptable. She melted willing into his arms and even his men didn't raise an eyebrow at his show of affection, though they would certainly do more than that if they read his decadent thoughts about the onna. He did see Nappa's curious look at seeing his tail wrapped around her slender waist. Such displays were only for real mates and were a sign of true caring, but try as he might he couldn't wrench his tail away from her.

He nearly groaned when the woman twisted her upper body to put her arm around his neck. All he had to do was turn his head slightly and his lips would be able to skim up the white column of her neck and he would be able taste her intoxicating flavor.

She reached down to pick up a piece of ripe fruit with her dainty fingers. Her pink tongue darted out to lick her upper lip as though she could already taste the burst of sweet juice in her mouth. His blood heated with anticipation, his treacherous desire wanted nothing more than to see her slip that succulent morsel passed her waiting lips, but in an unexpected twist she seductively offered the slice to him. He saw the challenging gleam in her eye and he knew that she was testing him to see how far he would go, if only she knew the depth of his lust for her luscious body. With a smirk, he leaned forward and took the fruit between his strong teeth, but not before flicking the sensitive flesh of her delicate finger with his hot tongue.

Her eyes widened a fraction when she felt his tongue caress the inside of her finger, her gaze captured by the bead of juice glistening on his lower lip. Enthralled she leaned down to lap up the flavor, her tongue feathering across his lips, before sliding into his moist cavern. His mouth was hard and yielding at the same time, his own tongue entwined with hers drawing it deeper.

He had always been the one to initiate any kisses in the past, but her shy dominance only increased his desire for her. He gripped her knee, before running his hand up her thigh and under her short skirt. He would swear to the king of hell that she wore those skirts just to torment him. As his hand got closer to her rounded orb she leaned into him, moaning her need into his mouth, while rubbing her breasts into his chest. He broke away from her luscious lips to rain kisses on her slender neck, he was rewarded by the musky perfume of her arousal and he nearly purred with delight.

Movement from the corner of his eye caught his attention and he glanced over to see Nappa's startled look. Vegeta instinctively growled at the older man who quickly dropped his head in submission. If Vegeta could smell her then so could the other males at the table. Uncontrollably, Vegeta's possessive instincts stirred to life and he wanted to reach out and pulverize the men for daring to scent his female.

Bulma frowned at him when he growled, unsure of why he looked so angry. From his expression she knew that he was no longer in the mood to play and she sighed with disappointment. She would spend another unsatisfied evening with her dream lover in the lonely twilight hours before dawn.

She turned her attention to the other occupants at the table and smiled softly. Raditz was handing Delia a sugary treat from his tray and he stealthily caressed her hand with his fingers causing her to blush deeply while he smiled wickedly down at her.

Bulma sat back and pondered the enigma of Saiyan men. Raditz seemed to have a very roguish devil may care attitude. She had seen more than one woman sigh with longing when he passed, their sinful thoughts etched on their faces. He was drop dead gorgeous and he knew how to work that to his advantage from his flirtatious demeanor that practically screamed that he would never lack for female companionship to his smoky glances that promised nights of sensual passion. Bulma would call him an immoral playboy if he wasn't so obviously infatuated with Delia. Since he had begun his courtship, for the lack of a better word, he hadn't even glanced at another woman.

She also had to applaud anyone who could draw the shy woman from her shell. Bulma had always felt that there was another person locked away deep down inside of Delia. More than likely the young woman had suffered something traumatic in her life, causing her to hide away behind a timid exterior. At any rate Raditz seemed to be good for her.

Bulma looked over at Nappa who was trying to hide his almost fatherly grin behind his hand. In the time that she had known the grisly warrior she found that she liked him a great deal. He was stern at most times, but he would bestow pearls of wisdom to the youngsters around him. He even tried to parent Vegeta on occasion and she was more than a little surprised that Vegeta listened to the older man's advice. Although, more often than not Vegeta did what he wanted, despite Nappa's council.

Vegeta held himself aloof from his men, which was to be expected she supposed. After all he was their Prince. However, they were the last of their kind and Raditz and Nappa were unquestionable loyal to Vegeta. She wondered if she came across another human whether they would form a bond based in humanity or if they would compete against each other for survival in the brutal reality of Frieza's court.

Vegeta seemed to take the blunt of all their problems on his proud shoulders. Nappa and Raditz were rarely punished for their crimes instead Vegeta took the blame for all indiscretions and accepted the repercussions silently. It was his duty as prince to do so and he took his responsibilities seriously.

Sometimes it was like you could see a sea of faces behind him. His dead race was propelling him forward to his predetermined fate whether he desired it or not. He had told her once of the Legendary and how it was his destiny to achieve the title, to be the first in a thousand years.

She had questioned in her mind the validity of his statement. It sounded to her like some sort of myth. A fantasy constructed in a fertile mind and passed down through the ages as truth. However, she was smart enough not to say that aloud.

She took in the group as a whole, and for a moment she didn't see them as monsters, but as a family, in reality however, she could not forget their true natures. They were planet killers, elite purgers, they were the best at what they did.

Kami, it's a Manson family luncheon.

She was jerked out of her thoughts as Vegeta pushed her off his lap.

"I have to train, woman." She nodded and went to step away, but she was brought up short. She looked down to see his tail still wound around her waist. It was quickly yanked away when she looked at Vegeta, but he refused to meet her gaze and instead he stood motioning to Raditz.

Raditz leaned over to whisper something in Delia's ear that caused her to blush and giggle before he smoothly rose to stride after his Prince. Shortly after that, they left as well leaving behind a relieved and slightly disappointed audience.

*~*

Bulma was bursting with excitement and she could barely contain herself. Tonight she would be able to show Vegeta just how much their friendship mattered to her. During dinner she talked a million miles an hour and Vegeta kept casting her strange looks. She couldn't help but to grin at him like an idiot which discomforted Vegeta so he escaped into the GR earlier than usual.

Once he was gone she shot up from her chair and cleared the table in record time. She bustled around the kitchen pulling out the ingredients that she would need and measured everything to perfection. She watched closely as her baked goods browned in the oven and made sure that nothing burned.

At exactly 12:01 am she raced into the foyer and typed her code into the computer before returning to stand by the table.

"Woman, that damn machine is worthless." Growled Vegeta two seconds later. I know she has the damned machine rigged, but threatening her will get me no where.

"I know it's such a nuisance." Bulma waved her hand in front of her. "I will have to get right on that, but first I have a surprise for you." She was practically gushing with enthusiasm and Vegeta backed away from her cautiously.

"What are you babbling about woman?" No one ever surprised the Prince of All Saiyans and lived to tell the tale.

"Happy Birthday!" She said in a sing song voice that put his teeth on edge.

Birthday? What in the seven hells is she talking about? Why are you asking me? Ask her.

"What are you talking about you idiot?" He snarled.

"On Earth we celebrate the day that we were born every year. I looked in your file and today is your Birth Day." She smiled inanely at him.

"So the fuck what? Turn on that damn machine so I can get back to training." Vegeta was furious. He had never heard of anything so stupid.

Bulma's smile didn't falter. She had figured that she would be met with some resistance from the stubborn prince. "But I made you some cookies." She pulled the plate around so he could see them. "Chocolate chip, to be precise. I had to smuggle in the chocolate from one of my sources at court."

Vegeta cocked an eyebrow. He remembered her mentioning them that night in his quarters and he was slightly curious.

"Well isn't that nice." He said with false sincerity. "I don't fucking care. Turn on the machine right now Bulma." He sneered as he stalked off towards the GR hoping that would motivate her.

"Wait!" She cried, there was a desperate ring to her voice that compelled him to turn around and look at her expectantly.

She set the plate down and picked up a square object that looked like it was wrapped in colored paper. She held it out to him. "I got you a gift."

A what?

"I don't…" He started angrily

"Vegeta." Her voice was gentle and her eyes took on a soft glow. "Please."

He glared at her a moment then sighed deeply. Why do I always do what she wants me too? He took a step forward and snatched the box from her. He looked at the wrapping for a moment, rolling his eyes at the stupidity of the whole thing, before ripping it off. Inside was a square box that was made out of dark, rich wood that was deeply polished. It had golden hinges and a gold latch on the front. He flipped up the latch and opened the box. He felt his knees threaten to buckle and if he had had less training he would have collapsed on the floor in shock, as it was he could not contain the soft gasp that escaped him.

Nestled on the red velvet lay the Torque of Kingship. It was fashioned out of Kerithiam Quartz which was similar to the stone that the deserts of Vegeta-sei were made of, but it had black veins running through the red. It was softer than the desert stone and could be manipulated like metal when heated. Once worked its appearance was smooth and glossy like lava rock. The band was about an inch thick and braided, the ends were designed to lie in the hollow of the wearer's throat. The tips were sculpted to form the heads of Oozarus, the Saiyan were-ape form, their lips drawn back to show their fierce fangs and rubies were inserted for their eyes.

On Vegeta-sei when a prince became king he was endowed with the Torque as a symbol of his sovereignty. The last time Vegeta had saw the Torque it was being crushed under Frieza's heel.

~Flashback~

"I'm glad that you have seen the wisdom of giving me what I want Vegeta. Your son will be very happy fostered under my care." Frieza's voice slithered down the young prince's spine as he watched his father bow before the lizard. The betrayal he felt inside twisted in his gut like a knife. How pathetic his father looked, kneeling before that monster like some sort of peasant. He didn't even protest when the tyrant refused to address him with the respected title of King. The prince vowed that he would never be humiliated in such a manner. Such are the rash thoughts of youth.

Prince Vegeta didn't understand why his father allowed himself to be treated this way. How could he give away his only son like he was trash to be discarded in the street? He boiled with anger. They were Saiyans, the strongest fighters in the universe and they were led by a coward.

"Now that you have accepted my authority, you will no longer need this." Frieza's clawed hand lashed out to grab the King's Torque ripping it from his neck. The King gave a shout of protest, but Frieza's guards quickly shut him up with well aimed kicks.

Frieza cackled with delight as the King glared up at him. "There can only be one ruler, monkey and you aren't it." Frieza dropped the necklace to the floor and ground it to dust. Prince Vegeta stared at the scene aghast. Frieza had destroyed the Saiyan symbol of strength, of their superiority, and his father let him. The young prince turned his face away from the king in shame. He could no longer look upon the man who had sired him.

"Get off my ship, you low breed." Sneered Frieza as his guards hauled the king up by his arms and dragged him out of the room. That was the last Vegeta ever saw of his father. A few days later he heard of the uprising his father led against the Emperor and of the subsequent destruction of his world.

Frieza turned his attention to the young prince. "Well aren't you a strapping lad." Frieza caressed the boy's cheek and in retaliation Vegeta spat into the Emperor's face. Frieza reared back and hissed in fury, slapping him with such force that it dislocated his jaw. He would have gone flying into the nearest wall if he wasn't being held by Frieza's men.

"Whip him until he screams." Frieza ordered while turning away in disgust. It was a very long time, but eventually the young prince screamed.

~End Flashback~

Vegeta dropped the box to the ground and lunged for Bulma. Before she could draw a breath he had her by the neck and was snarling in fury.

"What is this shit?" He screamed in rage. He had her by the throat so tightly that she couldn't breathe and in desperation she clawed at his hand.

Kami, he is going to kill me!

He saw her face go red from exertion then blue from lack of oxygen. He loosened his grip a fraction so she could breathe, but his anger would not allow him to free her. She dragged in her breath in great gulps, choking as she did so.

"Answer me." He shook her slightly for emphasis and he desperately wanted to snap her neck for her insolence.

Between great wracking coughs she tried to explain to him. "I wanted to get you something special for your birthday, so I researched everything I could about your culture." She gasped for more air before continuing. "I found out that this was given to all the kings of Vegeta-sei and I thought it would be perfect for you, so I had it recreated."

Her small hands were still tightly wrapped around his wrist, her nails digging deeply into his flesh but he did not feel it. She looked up into his cold eyes and she felt her heart clench. How could she have ever thought he was anything but a murderer? She felt betrayal run thick and hot through her veins. Sorrowful tears trickled down her pale cheeks as she looked at the ruthless man who held her life in his hands.

You knew better and you trusted him anyways. You are a fool.

"I'm sorry." She whispered.

He dropped her like she had burned him and walked away from her. He stopped after few steps keeping his back to her. She fell to the floor in a boneless heap, her hands massaging her throat in an effort to ease the pain.

"Why did you do this Bulma?" His voice was low and controlled, but she could hear the anger behind it.

"I thought it would make you happy." Her voice was raspy from the trauma to her neck.

His shoulders seemed to hunch slightly and he was silent for a few moments. Finally he spoke in a commanding tone. "Turn the machine back on and never turn it off while I am training again." He strode away and back into the GR. After a few seconds Bulma scrambled off the floor and into the foyer. She quickly typed in the code to start the machine, eager to avoid his wrath if she did not comply.