Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Friends ❯ 24 - Beach Party ( Chapter 24 )

I did not plan this, but somehow I'm posting this chapter, about Bulma's birthday, in time for her actual frickin' birthday. Hell yeah! Happy August 18th, Briefs!

In celebration, have some LEMON. This is the FULL, UNCENSORED version. Enjoy!

Friends - an AU Vegebul Highschool Fanfic by LadyVegeets

Ch.24 - Beach Party

Vegeta was forced to stay in the hospital over the weekend to recover from his surgery, and Bulma stayed with him. He was given the all clear to return home so long as he promised to take it easy, a promise Bulma knew Vegeta had little intention of keeping, so she took it upon herself to ensure he didn't train himself into an early grave, mother-henning him much to his agitation.

What really surprised her was when Goku started showing up at her house hanging out with them. Vegeta didn't seem happy about Goku's presence, but shockingly he also didn't tell Goku to fuck off, somehow tolerating Son's presence while the three of them watched movies or played games. When Vegeta's gut wound was mostly healed and Bulma was no longer able to deter Vegeta from the gym, he and Goku started working out together for hours at a time.

“What's with you and Goku?” she finally asked Vegeta one day after Goku had left, the two having spent most of a Saturday afternoon in the gym.

Vegeta shrugged. “MMA tournament in the fall,” he said nonchalantly as if that explained everything.

If that wasn't strange enough, she also caught Vegeta speaking to her father one evening. When she asked him what it was about, Vegeta just told her to mind her own business. Bulma wasn't in the habit of doing that, so she hunted her father down to ask him instead.

“Vegeta and me?” Dr. Briefs asked, thinking. “Oh yes. Good boy, that. He said something about wanting to continue being responsible for you, asked me if I had an issue with that. Said if I minded, that he would move out.”

“He what?” Bulma asked, utterly stunned.

Dr. Briefs nodded. “Yes. I just told the lad that it was your choice who you'd let take care of you, not mine, and that Vegeta always has a home here so long as he's respectful.” Dr. Briefs nodded, and then gave her an odd look. “You two are being safe, aren't you, dear?”

Bulma had never been more mortified in her life. She stormed out of her father's office, bright red, stomping all the way to Vegeta who was, at the time, heading to the bathroom to take a shower.

He saw her coming at him furiously, and crossed his arms, steeling himself against her tirade. “What?”

“You spoke to my father about us?” she hissed at him.

Vegeta huffed, looking away. “So what if I did?”

“Are you crazy? I don't need him knowing about us!”

Vegeta gave her a reproachful look. “Why? Are you ashamed?” he asked her.

Bulma balked. “I, what, no, it's just-”

Vegeta waved her excuse away impatiently. “Look, I wasn't going to sneak around the house under your parents' noses, pretending like nothing was going on between us. I respect them too much for that.”

Bulma was caught off guard by his response. She narrowed her eyes, trying to hold on to her anger. “Well, what's this nonsense about you leaving if he didn't approve?”

Vegeta's cheeks actually pinkened, and he turned his head to the side, huffing in agitation. “I wasn't going to leave you, just the house.”

Bulma felt her heart do a funny skip at his words. Hearing that he wouldn't leave her made her feel far too giddy than was probably healthy. “Oh yeah? And just where would you have gone, genius? Back to Zarbon's?”

Vegeta scowled at her from the corner of his eye. “I have other options.”

“What other options?” she pressed. Vegeta wasn't exactly Mr. Popular, he terrified most people and most people didn't trust him enough to invite him into their home. Who would be crazy or kind enough to house Vegeta if- “Oh my god, Goku?” she asked, putting it together, stunned.

Vegeta's expression turned petulant, and that he didn't disagree with her was answer enough.

Bulma's eyebrows nearly buried themselves in her hairline. “You would have gone to live with Goku?”

“As a last resort,” Vegeta replied scathingly, also clearly not liking the idea.

Bulma couldn't believe it. If Dr. Briefs had disapproved of their relationship, Vegeta would have boarded up with Goku just to keep dating her? Goku; Vegeta could barely stand the guy.

“Wow, you must love me,” Bulma said, awed.

Vegeta glared at her, turning even more red at the four letter word.

Bulma's expression softened. She looked Vegeta over, changing the subject for his benefit. “How's your stomach.”

“Fine,” he huffed, still embarrassed.

Bulma arched a brow. “Really? How much weight are you lifting?”

Vegeta narrowed his eyes at her, looking at her curiously. “Back to what I was lifting before, if that's what you mean,” Vegeta replied carefully.

Bulma smirked. “So, more than capable of lifting me?”

Vegeta arched a brow, then caught on to her meaning, and smirked. “Easily. And for an extended period of time.”

“Good,” Bulma purred, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him. He returned the kiss and picked her up, carrying her into the bathroom with him, locking the door behind them.

~___X___~___X___~___X___~___X___~___X___~___X___~___X___~___X___ ~___X___~___X___~

It was the last day of school before summer break. They were all sat in the school cafeteria, talking about their plans and how much homework they wouldn't be doing until the last minute. Bulma arrived late, having gone to fetch something from her locker.

“I have something for you guys!” she announced dramatically, holding up a bag. From within she produced little colorful pouches, each one a different color, and handed them out, one for each of them.

“What's this?” Chi-Chi asked as she opened her pouch and peaked inside.

“Friendship bracelets,” Bulma said proudly. “And before you ask, yes, I made them. By hand. This way, we'll all be connected over the break, even if we're not together. Neat, huh?”

“Jewelry?” Krillin asked, pulling out his band skeptically.

Bulma shot him an irritated look. “It's not jewelry, numbskull, it's a band. Everyone wears them, they're totally in right now. So shut and put it on. And you're welcome.”

Krillin balked and hurriedly put his friendship band on as everyone else guffawed and thanked Bulma for the gift. She gave Vegeta a dark blue pouch that had a silver cord, different from the others. “This one's for you,” she said as she sat next to him, giving him a stunning smile.

Vegeta took the pouch and silently opened it. He pulled out a simple blue band, woven from very fine, soft leather instead of cotton as the others were. It also had a gold clasp instead of strings for the tie, and was long, twice as long as everyone else, meant to be worn wrapped twice around the wrist. It was clear Bulma had put a lot more effort and money into his than the others. Vegeta frowned.

“It seems…” he started to say, but trailed off when he looked up and saw that everyone was watching him expectantly, including Bulma. He started to turn pink. “What?” he snapped at them all.

Tien snorted and Goku elbowed him into silence. “Gosh, Vegeta, yours is so much nicer than ours. Isn't there something you want to say to Bulma, for putting so much time and effort into your gift?”

Everyone turned to look at Goku as if he'd just sprouted blonde hair. Even Vegeta gave Goku an incredulous look. “Wh-what?” he choked, finding it hard to wrap his head about the fact that Goku was coaching him on how to say `thank you'.

Bulma laughed, not the least offended, c'mon, like she was expecting Vegeta to thank her? Please. “Here, you idiot,” she said, and she took the band from Vegeta's fingers, wrapping it about his left wrist, joining the clasp. “You wear it like this, see? There, perfect.”

Vegeta stared at the band on his wrist, his expression carefully guarded, knowing there was a table of onlookers. He frowned, keeping his eyes lowered and started eating his lunch, ignoring everyone else. The table, seeing that there would be no reaction, also went back to their own lunches, continuing where their previous conversations had been left off.

Bulma was raising a forkful of food to her mouth when she felt something bump against her leg. Surprised, she cast Vegeta a look. He flashed her a surreptitious glance before returning his focus to his lunch, and again pressed his leg to hers in silent thanks.

Bulma smiled to herself, her heart hammering giddily.

And then summer vacation was upon them. It quickly became the best summer she'd ever had. Most mornings she woke up to find Vegeta next to her, often touching her and initiating some of the most fantastic morning sex of her life. Afterwards, she'd drift back to sleep while Vegeta would go and train in the gym, more and more frequently with Goku who would join them around mid-morning. The three of them (sometimes four if Chi-Chi came too) would eat lunch together. Then the boys would train more while Bulma would chat with Chi-Chi, or play scientist with her father in his lab. In the evenings, she and Vegeta would curl up in front of a movie or game until one of them would ultimately say or do something that would lead to more naughty and fantastic sex.

All summer she wore his ring, and he wore her band.

If either of them were worried about Frieza, they didn't speak of it.

One day, Bulma found Vegeta eyeing her intently, more so than he usually did, and not in a `I'm going to have you against the wall' kind of way. He was observing her clinically, and after a whole day of suffering his stares, Bulma finally snapped. “WHAT? Why do you keep looking at me like that?” she asked, exasperated, as they sat on the couch attempting to watch a show.

“Do you need your back rubbed?” he replied.

Well, that came out of nowhere. “Uh, what?”

“Do you need your back rubbed?” he repeated calmly.

She frowned. It was an odd offer; he didn't usually ask to touch her, he just did. “Um… sure,” she said. A free massage was a free massage, right?

Vegeta moved closer to her and putting his hand on her back. He started rubbing her in gentle circles, concentrating on her lower back. It took her a few seconds, but suddenly it dawned on her what he was doing, the memory of the last time he'd done this for her returning, back when they'd gone camping and she'd suffered from bad cramps.

“Like this, right?” he asked.

Bulma blushed. She cleared her throat awkwardly. “Um, yes, but… I'm not, uh… It's not that time, if that's what you're doing.”

He paused, looking at her astutely. “It's been a month.”

Bulma's eyes widened. Had he been keeping track? It was both sweet and horrendously embarrassing. “Uh, right, but… I decided to take the pill continuously to skip my, um, that, so as not to ruin our summer together.”

He arched a brow. “You can do that?”

She nodded.

“So you're not… You won't be…?” he asked.

Bulma, still blushing, shook her head. “Nope. It's all clear sailing.”

His expression changed, his eyes growing darker. “So we can…?”

Bulma nodded, feeling a smirk give way. “Yep.”

Vegeta's face split into a wolfish grin, and he leaned in, tugging her in about her waist. “My little genius,” he complimented, and kissed her deeply.

x~x~x

“So what are we doing for your birthday?” Chi-Chi asked Bulma. They were in the height of summer vacation, the two girls enjoying some iced tea and watching as Goku and Vegeta sparred in Bulma's backyard.

At Chi-Chi's question, Vegeta's head whipped around, so surprised by Chi-Chi's words that he didn't block Goku's well aimed punch. Vegeta stumbled back as it hit him. He swore and rubbed his jaw, glaring at Goku.

“Sorry, Vegeta!” Goku apologized. In retaliation, Vegeta kneed him, catching Goku off guard right in the stomach. Goku doubled over at the surprise attack. Vegeta gave him a small, satisfied smirk, then left Goku to wheeze in the yard by himself, stalking over to the girls on the patio.

He locked his gaze on Bulma, his brow furrowing. “It's your birthday?”

Bulma blushed. Chi-Chi's eyes widened. “You didn't know? It's her birthday next week.” Chi-Chi looked at Bulma, astounded. “You didn't tell him?”

Bulma shrugged, embarrassed. She hadn't found a way to bring up her birthday without it sounding like she was fishing for gifts, and to be honest, she was also a little anxious to mention her birthday to Vegeta at all. He didn't seem the type to care too much about sentimental celebrations, so she was going to let it slide by. If she had no expectations, then she couldn't be disappointed, could she?

Vegeta's eyes narrowed, still glaring at Bulma. He looked annoyed that she'd kept this a secret from him.

“Are you having a party?” Goku asked, clueless to the tension, jogging over to join them.

Chi-Chi clapped her hands together excitedly. “Oh, why not the beach! We haven't been in forever! What do you think, Bulma? Beach party?”

Bulma grinned, liking the idea, especially the part where Vegeta would be in swimming trunks. She looked over at him, but her hopes were dashed when she saw his stormy face.

“Absolutely not,” he said flatly.

“Aw, c'mon Vegeta, it'll be fun!” Goku cajoled.

“As fun as a hole in the chest,” Vegeta replied snarkily.

“But everyone will be there!” Goku retaliated.

“Is Raditz going to be there?” Vegeta growled. Bulma's eyes widened. Goku also looked surprised.

“Oh, well, um, he's usually invited…” Goku said uncertainly.

“No,” Vegeta refused once more. Bulma felt a blush creeping up her cheeks, surprised Vegeta was still holding a grudge against Raditz.

“Well, it's not your birthday,” Chi-Chi told Vegeta stubbornly, frowning at him, clearly not liking Vegeta's attitude. “It would do you both some good to get out of the house this summer, you know.”

Vegeta sneered and looked away. “I have no inclination to leave this place before the tournament,” he said with finality, and it suddenly occurred to Bulma that they hadn't been outside the house, other than for school, ever since Vegeta's latest trip to the hospital. She hadn't really noticed, too busy enjoying the recent quality time with Vegeta to think about heading outside. But now it occurred to her that Vegeta might have had ulterior motives to stay in, other than the constant sex, training, food and video games. Staying home meant staying unobserved, unfollowed, unmolested. Was he worried that if they left the house, the Icejin would target them?

“You know, we could take the chopper,” Bulma suggested carefully.

Chi-Chi squealed in excitement. “Do you think your dad would let us, even after you lost the scooter?”

“Of course,” Bulma said confidently. “It's my birthday after all. And it would be the fastest way to the beach.” And no one could easily follow us in the air.

Vegeta sensed her ulterior motives, looking at her from the corner of his eye, his gaze contemplative.

“Don't forget, the beach is great training,” Goku pitched in, slapping Vegeta on the shoulder. “There's the sand, which is like running in super dense gravity! And there's swimming, and volleyball, and rock climbing on the cliffs… There's a lot to do there, so you don't have to feel like you'd be lying around being lazy all day.”

Vegeta shrugged off Goku's hand, but Bulma could see he was considering his words. They were all looking at him expectantly, hoping he'd agree to the beach party “… I don't have swim wear,” Vegeta finally admitted, seeing their hopeful expressions and scowling at them.

“Oh, easily remedied! We'll go shopping!” Chi-Chi exclaimed eagerly.

“Tch, did you not just hear me say I didn't want to go out?” Vegeta snapped at her irritably.

Chi-Chi pursed her lips in mighty indignation. “Well, we'll go, you can stay here,” she huffed, indicating Goku and Bulma in her `we'.

Something flashed in Vegeta's gaze, and his hand reached out, grabbing Bulma's wrist. “She stays here with me,” he said hotly, the words tumbling out of his mouth as if by accident.

Chi-Chi's eyes widened in surprise. Bulma felt her cheeks redden, embarrassed by Vegeta's possessive display. “Vegeta,” she chided softly. Normally if someone tried to tell her what to do, Bulma would let them know where they could shove it, but she knew Vegeta's outcry only stemmed from a real concern for her safety. Frieza had threatened her, and Vegeta was still worried he wouldn't be strong enough to protect her, but that didn't make Vegeta's outcry any less embarrassing in front of her friends.

Vegeta seemed to realize that too, blushing and looking away. He let her arm go as if it burned him, and he folded his arms defensively. “Fine, do whatever you like. I'm going to train in the gym.” And with that he left the three of them there as he stomped inside, humiliated.

Goku laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “Don't you worry, Bulma. I'll pick up some swimming trunks for Vegeta. We'll have him beach ready in time for your birthday.”

“Yeah, and I know you have like, a million bikinis as it is,” Chi-Chi added, her lips pursed, still pissed at Vegeta. “So I suppose you don't need to go shopping if you don't want to. But if you do, let me know. And I'll also call everyone and tell them about the beach party, leave the planning to me.”

“Thanks,” Bulma said gratefully. Her friends left and Bulma was on her own for the day. When Vegeta finished training, he showered and came into her room as was their usual routine, but his face was still stormy.

He sat down next to her on the couch, picking up a game controller and half heartedly shot at people online.

“So… What do you do at a birthday party?” He finally asked her.

Bulma looked at him, trying to keep the surprise off her face. When he scowled harder at the screen she figured she'd failed at being subtle. “You know… the usual stuff,” she said.

His brow furrowed further and Bulma got the feeling he didn't know. Had he never had a birthday party? She swallowed back her sadness and rested her cheek against his arm, deciding to try again. “We play games, open presents, eat cake and just, have fun with your friends.”

“Presents?” he asked tersely.

“Mmhm. The birthday person usually receives gifts from friends and family,” she explained, as if teaching a five year old.

“Tch, I know that,” he snapped at her irritably.

Bulma pressed her lips together, contrite. She paused, then add, “But presents are just a token, really. The main thing about a birthday is just being together and having fun. That's the best present someone can get.”

Vegeta scoffed. He was still glaring at the video game, but she could tell by the haphazard way he was playing that his heart wasn't into it. After a few minutes he asked, “Is there anything you're hoping to get?”

Bulma tried to feign nonchalance. “Not really.” She glanced up at him. “Just to spend it with you.”

“Hn,” he said, his voice gruff but soft. Bulma smiled to herself, and her heart melted when he wrapped his arm around her, shifting to accommodate her against him as he got more serious about playing his game.

The week quickly passed. Soon it was the 18th, Bulma's birthday. All her friends gathered at the Brief's estate, ooh and awing over the large, privately owned helicopter that would transport them to the beach. If Frieza had someone watching the house to follow Bulma and Vegeta, they were going to have a hell of a time keeping up with a chopper.

Vegeta's expression was surly as he stood in the backyard, waiting to pile in, his expression only getting worse when he spotted both Yamcha and Raditz among the group, but surprisingly he said nothing. When Chi-Chi stole the helicopter seat by Bulma before he could, Vegeta sat next to Goku and stared out the window. Bulma saw Goku strike up a somewhat one-sided conversation with Vegeta, but she couldn't hear what they discussed, the whirr of the chopper blades drowning their words out.

“Happy Birthday!” Chi-Chi squealed in her ear, drawing her attention away from Vegeta as the girl gave her a big hug. Soon the noise from the helicopter and wind made it too difficult to converse as the helicopter roared up into the air, taking off, and they spent the rest of the trip grinning and watching the scenery peel by.

Less than an hour later and they were on the coast. It was a warm day, the sea breeze providing cool relief from the heat. They found a good spot to roll out their picnic blankets on the sand and soon everyone started stripping down to their swimwear, everyone except Goku and Vegeta.

“I've got Vegeta's trunks here,” Goku explained, holding up a bag and swinging it over his shoulder. “We'll go change and be back in a few minutes.” He waved at them and patted Vegeta on the back, shepherding him away. Vegeta allowed himself to be corralled, but not before he glared warningly at Raditz.

Bulma and Chi-Chi waved them off. When they were out of sight, Chi-Chi turned on her friend. “Alright, spill it, what is with those two hanging out lately?”

“You're asking me? I was going to ask you,” Bulma exclaimed, equally bemused by the sudden and strange friendship, if that's even what you could call whatever Vegeta and Goku had struck up recently. It was the most baffling thing. Goku appeared friendly, as he always was with everyone, but Vegeta appeared to barely tolerate Goku's presence, and yet he did nothing to dissuade the friendship either. It was odd to say the least, and more odd that they refused to explain the partnership beyond we're training for the tournament.

The other boys grabbed a frisbee and ran out into the water to start playing. Chi-Chi and Bulma finished stripping down. Chi-Chi was wearing a cute blue bikini, while Bulma wore a red one. She fidgeted with her straps, looking to see if Vegeta was on his way back yet. She worried her lip; would Vegeta like her outfit?

“You look great,” Chi-Chi told her with a smirk.

Bulma blushed and swept her hand through her hair. “Of course I do,” she replied, not feeling nearly as confident as she tried to sound. They watched the boys play frisbee in the water. Chi-Chi eventually lay down to get some sun, putting on a dark pair of glasses. Bulma joined her, figuring lying down was better than anxiously looking for Vegeta every thirty seconds. The sun seeped into her skin, warming her, lulling her, and she finally started to relax.

“Heads up!” Raditz called. Bulma sat up in time to see the frisbee coming right for her. She yelped in alarm, throwing her hands up to shield her face.

The impact never came. She peeled open her eyes and saw a large hand holding the frisbee scant inches from her face. Vegeta smirked down at her.

“This is becoming a habit.”

Bulma couldn't respond, too busy trying not to have a heart attack. Vegeta turned and threw the frisbee back to the boys in the water, then glanced at her once more. His eyes dragged over her, taking in her nearly-naked form and bright red bikini. Bulma had always felt confident in most things she wore, even bath suits, but suddenly under Vegeta's scrutiny, she felt like she wasn't wearing enough clothing.

And neither was he. Vegeta was only dressed in a pair of swimming trunks. They were simple, sporty, black with black trim, but they showed off Vegeta's fantastic build; strong legs, a narrow, ribbed belly, and a powerful chest and arms. His feet were bare, and somehow even they looked sexy, his toes scrunching in the sand. Vegeta stood confidently, undaunted about his scars, even his newest one, a long, ragged tear by his belly button, freshly healed from his duel with Zarbon. Vegeta was all hard, muscled, virile youth, roughed and broken with abuse, but stronger for it, and damn did he look sexy as hell, she couldn't tear her eyes away. Even next to all her athletic friends, Vegeta's physique stood out, and she drank it all in like a guzzling lamb, hungry for more.

He arched a brow at her, amusement still tugging at his mouth. Then he glanced at Chi-Chi, his smile vanishing, and he nudged her foot. “The clown needs your help.”

“With what?” Chi-Chi huffed, pulling down her sunglasses to glare at Vegeta, not pleased with his comment about her boyfriend.

Vegeta shrugged. “I didn't ask.”

“Ugh,” Chi-Chi sighed dramatically. She got up and stomped off after Goku.

Vegeta took her spot, sitting down by Bulma's side. Bulma sat up straighter, too self conscious to sprawl out with Vegeta right there.

“Hey, you two, wanna play?” Chiaotzu called to them, holding up the frisbee.

Vegeta leaned in, whispering against the soft curl of her ear. “If you go bouncing around with them in that, I'm going to have to throw you over my knee and spank you.”

Bulma went as red as her bikini. She shook her head and gave Chiaotzu an apologetic wave. When the game continued without them, she threw Vegeta a look that she hoped was somewhat intimidating. “You need to behave.”

“Why?”

“We're in public!”

“You're the one who chose to wear that in public, not me.”

“It's a beach, `this' is totally acceptable attire,” Bulma protested. “Besides, it's my birthday, you have to be nice to me.”

“I am being nice, I'm here, aren't I?” Vegeta replied calmly. “And I haven't pummeled your ex or that piece of filth Raditz just for looking at you. Yet.”

“Being a civil human being isn't the same as being nice to me,” she stressed.

Vegeta huffed. He put his hands on her narrow waist and before she could protest, picked her up, pulling her in between his legs so that he could spoon her from behind. He looped his large arms around her middle, hugging her close, and rested his chin on her shoulder. “There. Satisfied?”

Bulma smiled, placing her hands over his. “Mm, it's a start,” she drawled, trying not to sound as giddy as she felt.

“Tch.”

They sat, cuddled up, and watched the frisbee game until Goku and Chi-Chi returned. “Presents time!” Chi-Chi declared with a grin, carrying a big box, Goku carrying a similar one. The boys in the water abandoned their game to come over sit down in a circle, ready to watch Bulma open the presents they'd all gotten her.

Bulma received some lovely gifts - clothing, books, some bath salts, and strawberry flavored candies. She opened her last gift, some new workbench tools, and thanked all her friends for their generosity. “This is great. Thanks everyone, you're too much! Is there cake?” she asked hopefully.

“Wait, what about Vegeta,” Goku said, pointing out that Vegeta hadn't given Bulma anything. Bulma had also noticed, but then, she hadn't expected anything from him. She'd been purposefully vague on about gifts so that Vegeta wouldn't feel obliged to buy her any. She truly was happy just to have him there, and his mother's ring was by far the most precious thing she'd ever received and probably ever would.

“I didn't get her anything,” Vegeta said flatly.

Bulma was about to change the topic when Goku beat her to it. “Yes you did,” he insisted, looking at Vegeta, confused. “What about the-”

Vegeta glared at Goku so hard Bulma was surprised Goku didn't vaporize. Goku shut his mouth, then grinned, abashed, realizing he was blowing Vegeta's surprise. “Oops.”

Bulma looked at Vegeta, dumbstruck. Wait, he had gotten her something?

Vegeta made an agitated sound. He grabbed her hand and stood up, pulling her with him, and he marched them away from the others until the group were just dots in the distance.

“Vegeta? What's wrong?” Bulma asked as she followed after him.

Vegeta finally stopped when they reached a part of the beach where there was no one around. He let her hand go, turning to face her, but didn't look her in the eye. “Nothing. I just didn't want a goddamn audience.”

Bulma gave him a small smile, clasping her hands behind her back. “Did you actually get me something? You didn't have to, you know.”

“It'd be pretty pathetic if I didn't,” he grouched back. He shoved his hand into the pocket of his trunks and then thrust his fist at her. “Here. Take it.”

Bulma put out her hands, cupping them beneath Vegeta's fist to receive the gift. He dropped something, a long, silver chain snaking into her palm.

Bulma lifted the jewelry to inspect it with wide eyes. At the end of the silver chain was a polished, honey-colored sphere. Inside, barely visible, were two little red stars.

“I know you don't wear much jewelry,” Vegeta said, looking off to the side, his hands crossing in front of his chest, hugging himself. “But Goku said you and Chi-Chi liked this new-age charm shop. You can always use it as a keychain or something if you don't want to wear it.”

Bulma's eyes widened further in surprise. She knew the shop Vegeta was talking about. As a scientist, Bulma didn't exactly believe in all the crystal malarkey the shop touted, but she did find the gemstones pretty, and the `meanings' that went along with each stone were fun if nothing else. She and Chi-Chi often went there to while away some time in the mall. “What does this one mean?” she asked, holding up the charm.

Vegeta huffed, clearly not thinking much for the new-age stories either. “They said it's `dragon amber'. It's supposed to grant a wish.”

Bulma nodded, smiling at the meaning. Cute. “And the two stars?”

Vegeta shifted his weight, looking uncomfortable. “It brings good fortune to couples.”

She looked at him, surprised, charmed that he would get her such a sentimental gift. She tried to imagine Vegeta skulking about a new age store shopping for a lovers token. Then she recalled that he hadn't left the house in weeks. “Wait, how did you even get this?” she asked, amazed.

Vegeta frowned. “Carrot-head helped.”

“Carrot-head?” Bulma asked, laughing.

Vegeta grunted. “You know, because of the hair.”

“You're making fun of someone else's hair?”

He narrowed his eyes at her. “What's wrong with my hair?”

“Nothing,” she replied hastily. She liked Vegeta's spiky hair, but it certainly wasn't a conventional cut, was it? “I'm surprised you and Goku are getting along so well that you'd actually let him help you pick something out for me.”

Vegeta huffed, looking irritated just at the mention of Goku. “The guy is a clown. It baffles me that he's so skilled at MMA.”

Bulma raised a brow. It was rare for Vegeta to compliment anyone. It only highlighted just how impressed he actually was with Goku's abilities. “If I didn't know that you'd beaten him already, I'd say you were jealous,” she teased.

Vegeta scowled, looking unhappy. “We had one practice fight that I won, yes…” Bulma sensed a `but'. Vegeta hesitated, and made a frustrated sound. “He beat Recoome.”

“Who?” she asked, puzzled.

“An Icejin,” Vegeta explained, curling his lip unhappily. “One of the strongest… Stronger than Zarbon. And Goku beat him like he was nothing.”

Bulma blinked, surprised by the news. “Wait, what? When?!”

“At the match up,” Vegeta said testily. “Right after my `technical victory'. I couldn't believe it,” he spat, his hands fisting in rage. “I'd been training so hard, doing everything in my power just to struggle and claw at the chance to best Zarbon, and then Goku fights Recoome, an even stronger member of Freiza's gang, and he doesn't even break a sweat to do it! It was an utter joke. I was an utter joke.”

Bulma could hardly believe what Vegeta was telling her. Was he trying to say that Goku was a better fighter than he was? “So, that's why you've been working out with him lately?”

Vegeta grimaced, huffing. “As loathe as I am to admit it… yes. In a street fight, I know I could best Goku; but MMA is a different matter. There are rules, a different rhythm to the fight, rounds to consider… In this, your Goku has the upper hand, and if I want to win at the tournament in the fall, then I need to learn from him what I can.”

Bulma gave Vegeta a sympathetic smile. She knew it cost him a lot to admit that he was inferior in some way to Goku, especially when it came to fighting, something Vegeta was so proud of. She took his hand in hers, squeezing it. “You're amazing. You'll do whatever it takes to improve yourself. I think that's really remarkable.”

Vegeta looked at her, his eyes searching hers for any mockery. When he found none, he looked askance, flustered.

To ease him of his embarrassment, Bulma held out her necklace. “Could you?” she asked, smiling at him affectionately.

Vegeta glanced at the necklace before taking it, stepping in towards her. He didn't have her turn around, deftly clipping the jewelry about her neck from her front. Afterwards he let his fingers trail down her flesh, pulling her closer until they were flush together, only her bikini and his swimming trunks between them. Bulma felt her cheeks heat up as her breasts pressed against his chest. She looked at him, struggling to keep her breathing even. “Thank you for the gift,” she murmured.

He let one hand rest at her hip, the other coming up to stroke the necklace she now wore, his fingers tracing the chain against her chest, down the soft rise of her breast. “Hn,” he replied. Her skin goose-pimpled at his feather light touch, her nipples tightening under her fabric. His fingers stopped on the amber sphere, brushing her cleavage. “It rests against your heart,” he commented, looking pleased, and Bulma felt her chest ache at his words.

Unable to help herself, she leaned in and kissed him. He responded, kissing her back, his hands grabbing her hips, canting them in against his. She could feel herself respond, her desire for him blooming. She knew she should care that they were in public, but she couldn't seem to. She finally broke the kiss, panting hard against his mouth.

“We should go back,” she said breathlessly, knowing if they didn't stop soon, they wouldn't be able to stop at all.

“Like hell,” he growled, and picked her up, encouraging her to wrap her legs around his waist as he carried them towards the water.

“Where are we going?” she asked with exhilaration, her skin flushed and burning where he touched her.

“For a swim.”

Bulma clung to him as Vegeta waded out into the water, taking them deep enough until the sea licked her breasts, encouraging her nipples to harden tighter, turning into tight little pearls. She hugged Vegeta for warmth, shivering against him in delight. She could feel him pressed against her, already hard and insistent.

“What are you going to do?” she whispered with nervous excitement.

He looked at her, his eyes dancing with dark amusement. “Nothing. Just trying to cool us off.” His hands belied his words, his fingers caressing her buttocks, slipping down to tease the line of her bikini bottoms. Bulma's breath shuddered as his fingers slipped inside the fabric, stirring the cool sea water against her skin. He teased against her lips, and she had to bury her face against his shoulder to hide a whimper of need.

“We could be seen,” she murmured in half-hearted protest.

He glanced around, but there was no one near to see what they were doing. “Worried your friends will see?” he asked.

“Worried they won't?” Bulma countered back. “You seem pretty jealous of Radi-!” Her breath caught as he slipped a finger inside her, and she gasped, her hands clawing his back.

“He's scum, and I won't have you saying his name right now unless you really want to piss me off,” Vegeta growled, his voice dangerously low. “Besides,” he added cruelly. “If I had really wanted to, I'd have fucked you on the beach towel right next to them, and I doubt you'd have stopped me.” He smirked at her, infuriatingly smug.

Bulma was about to give him a piece of her mind, but he starting moving inside her. She keened as his finger moved in and out, teasingly slow, only worsening the longing inside her. His words stayed with her, and she knew that he was probably right; when it came to Vegeta and sex, she was helpless to deny him anything, not that she wanted to deny him because he made her feel incredible, undoing her and remaking her each time he had her, and she craved for him to dominate her body, again and again and again.

“Vegeta,” she keened, softly biting his bare shoulder. He tensed at the sound of his name, and Bulma smiled to herself, knowing she'd found his weakness. She dragged her mouth up his throat and bit his earlobe. “Please, Vegeta,” she purred, her tongue rolling over his name as though it were syrup, thick, rich and delectable. “Don't you have another present to give me?”

“Not worried about being seen anymore?” he teased, even as he added another finger to stretch her out.

Bulma trembled and moaned, writhing against him, her nerves taut, quivering. She raked her nails over his shoulder blades and dragged herself up to look at his hard, smirking face. “Vegeta,” she whispered, his name a plea, salvation, damnation.

He leaned in, pressing his head to hers. “Yes?” he husked.

Bulma's breath trembled out of her. “I need you.”

“Hmm.. Who am I to deny the birthday girl?” he murmured, and kissed her steamily. Bulma sighed against him, contented, until she felt his fingers slip out of her, only to be replaced by something smooth and hot, scorchingly so compared to the cool water about them. He grabbed her waist and thrust in, pushing inside her with a practiced ease, her spread legs unable to give any resistance.

Bulma dropped her head back and groaned in agonized pleasure, feeling the water soak her hair. He fucked her, slowly, thrusting into her body with long, exaggerated strokes, letting her feel each exquisite inch of him as he entered her. He lifted her hips, encouraging her to roll against him, and she held on, keening as he tore her soul apart with each unforgiving thrust.

“Shhh,” he crooned, even as he pushed at her bikini top until her breasts spilled out. “You'll draw a crowd.”

“Ve-GE-ta!” she sobbed miserably, desperate for him to pick up the pace. “Harder.”

“Are you sure?” he asked with a wicked smirk. “I can't carry you to bed afterwards here.”

“Just do it,” she begged in distress. He chuckled as his fingers tightly gripping her hips, and he shoved into her, forcing a cry from her. He didn't relent, fucking her harder until everything else was torn away but the feeling of him slamming inside her, breaking her down into a mindless, pleasurable need. She could feel his hands cling to her tighter, as if he was afraid she might drift away, his breathing growing ragged, his eyes fixed on hers with a desperate, aching intensity that stole her breath away.

“Vegeta,” she whispered again, barely audible, feeling herself spiral towards the edge of bliss. He scrunched his eyes closed at his name, grabbing her slender back and holding her close as he continued to move inside her frantically.

“My Bulma,” he growled possessively against her cheek, his words whisper soft, but the potency was like lava.

She fell, tumbling over the edge of pleasure, dusting into a million pieces of ecstasy, and as she shattered, she felt him shatter with her. She stifled a cry and arched against him as she came, feeling him piston faster as he choked on a cry, holding onto her desperately as he spilled himself inside.

They clung to each other for long minutes, letting the lapping water cradle them, caress their scorching bodies as they caught their breaths and floated back to reality. He shifted her hips and he slipped out, letting the water wash away the evidence of their activity.

“You'll be the death of me,” he whispered hoarsely, stroking her cheek adoringly.

Bulma gave him a tired but happy smile. “There are worse ways to go.”

He laughed. He pried her legs off his hips and helped rearrange her bikini so she was decently covered before tucking himself back into his swimming shorts. Bulma hugged him, sighing contentedly. “I suppose we should return now.”

Vegeta wrapped her up in his arms. “Must we?” he asked, stroking his thumbs over her hip bones. “I'd much rather find a motel and give you another present,” he murmured against her cheek.

Bulma blushed. It was tempting, but her friends had come here for her, and there would be plenty of time during the rest of the summer vacation for him to make good on his words. “We can't be unsociable. Besides, I'm hungry, and there's probably cake. C'mon, there'll be time for this later.”

“I thought you were the birthday girl? Just tell them to get lost,” Vegeta grumbled even as he followed her back to their spot on the beach, hand in hand. When they returned, if her friends noticed her flushed cheeks or their wet swimming clothes, they were too polite to comment.

Chi-Chi cooed good-naturedly over the necklace Vegeta had given her as she laid out a feast for lunch. Everyone enjoyed the food, eating and talking and soaking up the sun. And yes, there was cake. Two in fact, which was a good thing too because between Vegeta, Goku and Raditz's over enthusiastic appetites, there was barely enough cake for everyone else to go around.

“Uh, I'm stuffed,” Yamcha announced when he was done, patting his belly.

“Let's work it off,” Tien suggested, grabbing a volleyball from their supplies. “Who's game?” He looked at Bulma. “Ladies can be team captains. Bulma, you pick first, seeing as it's your birthday.”

Bulma grinned and threw her arms around Vegeta's neck. “I choose this lug, of course,” she said. Vegeta huffed and looked away, embarrassed.

“I never said I was playing.”

“Pleeeaasssee?” she wheedled, resting her head on his shoulder and looking up at him cutely. “It's my birthday, you can't refuse.”

“I can and do,” he rebuffed.

“I'll be on your team,” Raditz offered her. “We should play with tower serves as well.”

Vegeta narrowed his eyes at Raditz, emanating pure hostility. “What the hell is that?”

Raditz smirked. “Tower serves? It's when your partner serves the ball while sitting on your shoulders.”

Vegeta looked like he was about to have an aneurysm at the thought of Bulma on Raditz's shoulders, or anyone else's for that matter. “Absolutely not,” he shot back.

Raditz shrugged, splaying his hands. “That's cool, man. I get it. It always intimidates the weaker players.”

Vegeta scowled at Raditz as he stood. “Bulma. Get on my shoulders.”

Bulma smirked as Vegeta stomped over to snatch the ball from Tien. She shot Raditz an amused look, and he grinned back at her, winking. You're welcome, he mouthed.

Thank you, she mouthed back and hurried over to where Vegeta was barking at her to stop dragging her feet.

This was the best birthday ever.

~___X___~___X___~___X___~___X___~___X___~___X___~___X___~___X___ ~___X___~___X___~

AN: yeah, so I guess I kinda lied about there being no dragon balls in this fic, haha. I mean, I just had to include them somehow. But they're not magic and don't actually grant wishes… or do they? >:)

Also, you should totally check our my Vegebul fic `Burlesque' inspired by VegetaPsycho's art of the same name, if you haven't yet. ;)