Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Learning to Love ❯ Chapter Six ( Chapter 6 )

Edited April 9, 2008

Learning to Love: Chapter Six

 

DINING ROOM

Dinner the next night

 

“…it was my turn to spell and I remember turning my nose up and laughing at this blue haired girly girl behind me; I was so confident that I'd get it right! I broke the word up and spelled it exactly how it sounds: `som-nam-bulla-torey' which is wrong of course. Imagine my surprise and disgust when that girl I'd written off as being an airhead effortlessly spelled it right, and then went on to take the world championship,” Chichi paused a moment as she glanced at her friend across the table, ending her story with a warm smile on her face. “Strange to think we're friends now, after that initial meeting and dislike…on my end at least.”

 

“Strange to think anybody would be your friend,” Anyla muttered under her breath, her hatred for Bulma apparently only second to her unfathomable loathing for the dark haired Chichi. Fortunately, her remark was only heard by two people.

 

Bulma stiffened, preparing to snap back angrily until she met the eyes of Lord Vegeta who shook his head slowly. “Steady lass; you'll get your chance if you're only patient,” he promised her in a low tone, shooting his son a pointed look.

 

King Vegeta quizzically raised his brows in question, having missed the exchange due to his participation in a discussion of strategy with Kakkarot. The older man rolled his eyes. Typical.

 

Lord Vegeta cleared his throat loudly, gaining the attention of all present. “As most of you know, tomorrow is the anniversary of my birthing day,” he paused a moment for dramatic effect, a half smile on his face. “A celebration will be held at 1900 hours because gods know, this could be my last one,” he chuckled. “There will of course be dancing, so we want everyone partnered up. Gods know, we wouldn't want there to a shortage of ladies.”

 

The blue haired teacher joined in the laughter at the former King's announcement, her mind on the implications of his announcement. An escort…who could I possibly go with? I have the feeling Chichi can count on that goofy guard, which leaves me…alone and pathetic, she thought, her eyes flickering to her friend for a moment.

 

Anyla smiled as she downed the rest of her wine. Well obviously, as Vegeta's betrothed, I will be going with him as my escort. Which means that blue haired slut will have to find someone else…with any luck a rapist.

 

The Vegetaseii no Ou silently and surreptitiously studied both females, his expression completely devoid of emotion as he continued lecturing Kakkarot on the importance of a good defense. As nauseatingly unsettling as it is, I suppose it is better I keep up pretenses for a while longer and take Anyla. If things were different…he didn't let himself finish that thought.

 

Seemingly out of nowhere, Lord Vegeta roughly elbowed Bardock in the ribs, causing the Lieutenant to cough violently as he choked on a large piece of meat, and prompting the older man to whack him several times in the back in an attempt to save him from choking. Once the food was dislodged he glanced in the direction the former King was indicating with several not quite so discreet jerks of the head, where his son Kakkarot was raidly turning red as his eyes rested on the raven haired earth woman.

 

Chichi didn't even seem to notice his gaze; she was gazing intently down at a book that was in her lap, only looking up when Bulma cleared her throat.

 

Kakarrot felt himself begin to sweat as he met her surprised black eyes; he could feel nearly every pair of eyes in the room on him as he blurted the question that he'd been terrified he'd never be able to get out. “I was wondering…could I escort you to Lord Vegeta's celebration?”

 

Her heart leapt into her throat and she responded immediately without thought, “Of course.” She blushed and then ducked behind her book on seeing his relieved smile, her heart beating so loudly she had the feeling the Saiyans present with their superior hearing could hear it.

 

The red haired Saiyan eyed the two with barely concealed disgust but said nothing as she downed yet another glass of Chardonnay.

 

For that, Bulma was grateful. Her mind was mentally racing down a list of all the eligible men she'd met since she'd arrived on this planet; she didn't have the concentration to make a proper comeback just then. The more I think about this partner thing, the more I'm starting to freak out. The men here…I just don't see myself with any of them.

 

King Vegeta smirked as he realized her dilemma. “What's the matter? Having a little trouble thinking of anyone that'd be willing to tolerate escorting you for a night?” he drawled mockingly, his arms crossed over his chest.

 

She felt her hackles raise at his question, which she knew was designed to point out her insecurity to herself and everyone there. “Actually,” she began, her eyes flashing with anger as she drew herself up to meet his gaze. “I was thinking--”

 

He cut her off. “I'll save you the humiliation of being turned down by whatever loser you had in mind. You'll go with me.”

 

It was not a request. It was an order. And by the look of smug contentment on Vegeta's face as Anyla sputtered in disbelief, a look of murderous rage on her pretty face, the King was killing two birds with one stone. His ordering her was meant to humiliate and insult the Saiyan thorn in her side and herself. I'll take the bait you son of a bitch, but don't take me lightly, Bulma thought.

 

“As you wish sire,” she responded demurely, bowing her head in compliance. Bulma choked back her laughter after seeing a look of suspicion flit across Vegeta's face. Poor bastard doesn't know what he signed himself up for.

 

The sound of a wine glass breaking broke the brief moment of tension between them and everyone turned to see Anyla with a hand full of broken glass-apparently from squeezing the glass too hard-standing a bit unsteadily as she glared across the table to her fiancée.

“Vegeta, can we talk?” she ground out from clenched teeth, her voice low and full of aggravation.

 

“Maybe later,” he replied offhandedly, not even sparing her a glance.

 

Bulma decided to leave then before things became a screaming match, and stood up from the table, curtseying prettily in her black skirt. “Please excuse me, Your Highness, your lordship, gentlemen, ladies…Anyla.” She turned on her heel and left, allowing herself a triumphant smile as the doors closed on the red haired Saiyan's squawk of outrage, and Lord Vegeta's boisterous laughter.

 

TEACHERS' QUARTERS

The Next Day

 

“Gods, this is unbelievable,” Chichi gushed as she rummaged through her closet. “Who would have guessed that Vegeta of all people would ask-well technically tell-you to go anywhere with him. I mean, after all you've done, you'd think he'd find someone…well, not quite so provoking.”

 

“I resent that,” Bulma complained, lying on her friend's bed, chin in hand. “I know all too well what Vegeta hopes to accomplish with this and I'm not going to let him make a monkey out of me. Let's not talk about him any more. What are you wearing tonight?” she asked, wincing at the sound of a wire hanger scraping across the metal bar of the closet.

 

Chichi shrugged her shoulders as she pulled a few items from the closet. “Oh just whatever; Kakkarot wouldn't notice what I was wearing…unless it was edible.” She blushed as the image took shape in her mind.

 

Her best friend pretended not to notice. “Typical man.”

 

“How about you Bulma? You are making an appearance with royalty after all.”

 

“It's a surprise,” was the rapid, evasive reply.

 

“Which means you--”

 

“—don't know yet,” Bulma finished, amused by how well Chichi knew her. “It's going to have to be something refined but culturally acceptable,” she paused a moment, a wicked smile on her face as she sat up, her eyes alight with mischief . “And I wouldn't mind terribly if it managed to knock that bastard's socks off while I'm at it.”

 

Chichi burst out laughing at her friend. “Naturally.”

 

FREEZA'S CHAMBERS

 

Zarbon's eyes remained transfixed on his monarch's tail as it slammed repeatedly to the floor in front of him in consternation, cracking the linoleum floor and sending tiny pieces sliding across the floor. He knew all too well just what kind of excruciating pain that limb could produce and he had the scars to prove it.

 

“Is that all you have to report Zarbon?” the Ice-jin asked, his tone flat, his back remaining turned to his officer, his tail continuing its relentless expression of irritation.

 

He quickly snapped out of his reverie. “No sire. We have a female contact on Vegetaseii who wishes to come to our side and aid us. I told her I'd speak with you about it first, Lord Freeza.”

 

The destruction of the linoleum ceased abruptly, and Freeza's eyes glowing as he considered all of the possibilities and just what kind of advantages he could gain from this situation. “Very good Zarbon,” he nearly purred, still gazing out the windows into the inky blackness of space. “Anything more?”

 

“Well,” Zarbon began hesitantly, his gaze shifting to the back of Freeza's head. “The girl said that Vegeta's power level has not increased. She's fought him herself and assured me that I could easily overpower him.”

 

At that, Freeza slowly tunred to face his favored and most loyal fighter. “And you believe her?”

 

The green haired man frowned slightly, trying to quash the niggling doubts in the back of his mind. “Yes Lord Freeza. I've tested her loyalty to us and have no reason to believe she might be lying.”

 

The Ice-jin turned back to the window for a long moment, his arms behind his back, before looking back to Zarbon, abruptly changing the subject. “Where's Dodoria?”

Zarbon couldn't keep himself from visibly flinching. “Well sire…he's uh…unable to…he's in--”

 

“Hiding again?” his leader supplied, his expression unfathomable.

 

“Yes Lord Freeza,” he admitted, knowing the Ice-jin already knew, but embarrassed at the inferior officer's behavior.

 

“That useless fool,” Freeza scoffed, his tail slamming the floor once and then curling about his waist. “If he thinks hiding in my dungeons would save--”

 

“Pardon me Master Freeza, but I know for certain that Dodoria only wishes to stay on your good side and not upset you by being in your way while you're…upset, sire.”

 

The Ice-jin laughed humorlessly. “Always the diplomat Zarbon. A quality I find abhorrent in anyone else. I wonder why it amuses me to see it in you…”

 

His officer flinched inwardly at the words, glad that Dodoria wasn't around to hear them. The pink coward believed Zarbon was Freeza's sex toy which, in Dodoria's mind, would explain why Zarbon was cut so much slack in comparison to Freeza's other soldiers. In truth, Zarbon was anything but that. He would sometimes act as butler, or he'd get rid of the bodies that resulted from any rise or fall from his monarch's moods, but usually he acted as intelligence officer. Sometimes though, he had a sick feeling in his heart that Freeza believed he had the potential to be equal to Freeza himself in terms of evil and that bothered him more than he cared to admit.

 

His master turned back to the window in dismissal. “Tell Dodoria to get his fat ass up here…before I go find him myself,” he finished ominously.

 

Zarbon bowed before he left. “As you wish sire.”

 

TEACHERS QUARTERS

 

“Oh my word,” Bulma muttered, hiding her face behind her hands. After a moment her curiosity and disbelief got the best of her and forced her to peek through the spaces of her fingers. “Chi,” she began slowly. “What have you done?”

 

Her assistant patted her ultra curly locks with both hands. “You don't like it?”

 

“You look like a brunette Shirley Temple, Chichi. Not a twenty something year old woman about to go on a date with an adult man.”

 

Chichi frowned sternly at her friend. “Way to be supportive Bulma.”

 

Bulma bristled at the sarcasm. “I'm trying to help! Friends don't let friends go out on dates looking like child actors! For Kami's sakes; I keep expecting you to start singing that “Good Ship Lollipop” song and start tap dancing.”

 

“Screw you.” The raven haired woman grabbed her pursed and left the room without saying another words as she stiffly sat down on the couch to wait for Kakkarot.

 

Bulma rolled off the bed and stalked into her own room, slamming the door shut in a childish demonstration of anger. Just breathe Bulma. You're stressed, she's stressed, and it's no wonder we both lost our tempers. She exhaled deeply as she strode to her own closet knowing suddenly just what she was going to wear. Tonight, I'm going to show her, Vegeta, and everyone on this damned dirt ball just who Bulma Briefs really is, she promised herself.

 

HOME OF BARDOCK

 

“Oi, Kakkarot? Kakkarot! Where the hell is that boy?”

 

The man in question coughed from where he was standing behind his older brother, making the man jump. “What is it Radditz?”

 

Radditz scowled as he turned to face him, a towel clenched in one hand. “Father wants to speak to you.”

 

“About what?”

 

The older Saiyan growled in irritation. “How the hells would I know? I was told to relay

the message on my way to the shower, damn it. Now get lost.”

 

Kakkarot chuckled as he walked past his furious older brother and into his father's room. Their house was a good size for a third class; it was nearly the size of a 2nd class' to be honest. True, all of the residents of the home were officers beneath the King-a position usually reserved for the 2nd class lesser nobles of the realm-but the former King had seen great potential in Bardock years ago, and advised his son to look past their low birth, as he had, and realize the great potential in the three undeniably loyal men.

 

It was dark, but he was still able to make out the image of his father, sitting in a chair with both legs propped up on his desk. “Yes Father?”

 

Bardock didn't budge an inch; he was used to his son's quiet nearly imperceptible movements. “Kakkarot. You are going to Lord Vegeta's ball tonight?”

 

“Yes…unless I'm needed here,” his son answered slowly, a look of confusion on his face.

 

The older man quickly glanced at his son's face, not at all surprised to see the confusion there. “The girl you will go with the…earth woman…you can expect a lot of chatter from her.”

 

Kakkarot laughed out loud in surprise at his father's statement. “Yes Father, I know that already.”

 

Bardock cleared his throat as he struggled to get his statement out. “Kakkarot, I understand you're no longer a child, but as your father, I am asking you to use your best judgment while you are around her.”

 

It was amazing how quickly he became serious at that. “I don't understand. Is something wrong?”

 

Do I advise the boy not to get emotionally invested? He's an innocent, he can't possibly understand the implications of all this. But then again, maybe it's best he learns on his own. I can't protect him from everything. And it's not like she's going to be able to force him to anything. Bardock sighed deeply. “No, son, just…have a good time. Forget I said anything.”

 

Kakkarot shrugged and left.

 

The older man sighed once again. This house could use a woman's touch I suppose. And who am I to interfere with destiny?

 

KING'S QUARTERS

 

The door to the bedroom slammed open rather loudly announcing the presence of the King's furious fiancé. Vegeta remained where he was; lying face-up on his bed with his feet resting on the floor at the foot of his king sized four poster.

 

Anyla made a beeline over to the foot of his bed, her anger diminishing the slightest bit at seeing the lover of her life lying in such a vulnerable position, but it returned in full force as she remembered why she was there. “Vegeta, I need to talk to you,” she pronounced loudly.

 

“What is it now?” he grumbled, covering his eyes with one arm.

 

She put her hands on her hips, all the more piqued at his refusal to look at her. “I want to know why that half wit foreigner to your father's birthing ceremony is your partner tonight and not your fiancé! How the fuck do you think that will look to everyone else?”

 

The King started to laugh; softly at first and then louder. He sat up, a smile on his lips as he met her wary gaze. “I never thought I'd say this, but you're right.”

 

Anyla shrank away from him, afraid of the look in his eyes. Past experience told her that despite the laughter and the smile, he was extremely pissed off right then. And an extremely pissed off Vegeta topped her list of the Top Five Things to Avoid at All Costs.

 

“As you should know, the only thing we Saiyans hate more than a liar,” he paused a moment as he got to his feet, the smile disappearing as he came face to face with his betrothed. “Is a traitor.”

 

Her heart literally skipped a beat, and she took a step back from the anger she could feel coming off of him in waves. “I don't know what you're implying exactly Vegeta, but I swear I've always been loyal to you!”

 

“Save your bullshit for Zarbon, Anyla. I want you out; out of my sight, my rooms, and especially my life. And I swear to the gods, if I see you again, I will make that day your last.”

 

Anyla turned and fled, knowing the futility of further denials. She knew Vegeta was a man of his word. She knew she was very lucky she'd been let off so easy. Anyla also knew that revenge was a dish best served cold, and was determined to see that he got just that.

 

TEACHERS' QUARTERS

That same day; 1855

 

Chichi glanced at Bulma's closed door again, then whipped out her mini mirror to gaze at her reflection. I admit I do look rather young…these stupid curls are kind of childish. But still, as my best friend, Bulma could've been supportive.

 

She snapped her mirror shut and dropped it back into her purse with a sigh. Then again, I really am clueless when it comes to fashion. Bulma's always been better at that kind of thing. Maybe I should go apolo—

 

A loud knock sounded on the door, interrupting her thoughts.

 

Chichi stood up quickly, her heart racing. “Just a second.” She brushed nonexistent wrinkles from her sapphire blue sleeveless dress and made sure her flats were securely strapped on. Something made her look at her friend's door once again and she hesitantly took a step in that direction, but she changed her mind at the last second, opening the front door.

 

Kakkarot laughed nervously as he stood there in his exhibition armor. “Sorry I'm late. My brother was giving me hell and it took forever to get rid of him.”

 

She smiled. “It's okay. Let's just go.”

 

“Where's your friend?”

 

Her smile wavered a little as she stepped outside. “She's still inside.”

 

The guard looked confused. “Aren't we going to wait for her?”

 

“She'll be fine. The King's going to come for her, isn't he?”

 

Kakkarot chuckled as he guided down the hall. “Late. Vegeta's all about making an entrance.”

 

Chichi rolled her eyes. “Why am I not surprised.” She put her arm through his and briefly lay her head on his shoulder. “You're a good man Kakkarot. Strange to think you're such good friends with the King.”

 

He laughed nervously, feeling himself begin to perspire at the close contact. “It's no walk through the park but it's not the worse thing in the world either. He's a good guy underneath it all.”

 

“From what I've seen of him so far, I find that pretty hard to believe,” she muttered.

 

“Just wait. I'm willing to bet that he's going to be fully displaying his charms tonight,” her escort promised, leading her up a flight of stairs.

 

Chichi arched her brows in surprise and alarm, halting their progress so she could judge his reaction to her question. “For whose benefit exactly? The crowd's?”

 

Kakkarot laughed again, “No, for Bul—“ He cut himself off, scratching the back of his head sheepishly with his left hand. “Uh, I mean…”

 

The raven haired earth woman stepped away from him, putting her right hand over her heart in shock. “Please tell me that doesn't mean what I think it does,” she pleaded in a whisper.

 

He glanced to see if anyone was in earshot before answering. “Well, to be honest, he never said that. It's just a feeling I got watching those two together one time.” He continued as she snorted in either disgust or disbelief; he couldn't tell which. “It's not possible anyway. Vegeta would never risk polluting the royal blood line by mating with a foreigner.”

 

Chichi's brows raised alarmingly high on her forehead before coming down as she glared at her escort-who was inwardly kicking himself for how his words came out. “Just what the fuck is that supposed to mean exactly?” she demanded in a surprisingly low, controlled tone that still managed to convey just how pissed off she truly was. “That somehow we humans are so inferior to you Saiyans to the point of being considered tainted?”

 

Kakkarot instinctively reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder in an attempt to placate. “No, Chichi! That came out wrong. What I should've said was that as the King of us Saiyans, Vegeta is expected to keep the line pure, in accordance with tradition. Others of us are permitted the luxury of mating outside our race, but any foreigner a King was to show interest in, in a non-business related way, would not be easily accepted by many of us; especially the traditionalist elders.”

 

That was probably the longest speech he's ever made in his whole life, she thought as she processed all of this information. “…I think I understand now.”

 

He grinned, relieved to see the anger leave her eyes. “I'm glad.”

 

There was a brief moment of silence between them that was actually rather comfortable.

He broke it, offering her his arm. “Let's get going to the party.”

 

TEACHER'S QUARTERS

1912; that same night

 

“Aren't you done yet!?”

 

Bulma frowned at the impatient inquiry she'd already heard at least five other times in the last seven minutes. “Patience is a virtue,” she grumbled beneath her breath, rummaging through her makeup bag, forgetting for a moment that he had super human hearing.

 

Vegeta snorted derisively. “A virtue I can do without. Just what is taking so long?”

 

She blew air out slowly from between clenched teeth. “Making myself beautiful,” she answered at last, her voice full of exasperation.

 

“That could take all night.”

 

Against her will for a moment, a smile made the corners of her lips twitch. That bastard. Forcing a look of disapproval on her face, she opened the door, stepping out into the common area. “It's got to be a Saiyan thing.”

 

He didn't answer right away as he took in her outfit, but snapped out of it once he realized she was waiting for a response. “What is?”

 

She turned from him-in part in an effort to disguise her own elation at seeing him in his formal wear-finding her purse and tossing tissues and lipstick into it. “Impatience,” Bulma finally replied, her heart racing in excitement.

 

“I won't argue that one.”

 

Bulma laughed as she finally turned to face him. “That's because you can't,” she responded, her voice a little breathless as they locked eyes. She gave into her annoyingly persistent urge to look at him, drawn in by his sardonic smile-that somehow managed to be mocking her and himself at the same time-and his that were as black as space, and like space, was full of all the mystery and allure of the unknown. She shuddered slightly as a thought came unbidden to her, a scandalous whisper of temptation; it doesn't have to stay way. She didn't know if it was the scientist in her, or the woman, and she didn't care. The emotions conveyed in those eyes had the ability to set her ablaze with anger…and once not too long ago, something entirely different. Her cheeks flushed in remembrance, but she refused to look away. Bulma smiled slightly as she noticed just how handsome he was in his red and black armor, wearing, as always his gloves and boots, which were sporting gold trim tonight.

 

“You look good,” she confessed finally, relieved her voice came out casual, almost nonchalant.

 

He didn't respond right away, nodding in acceptance, and to distract attention from the fact that he was momentarily wielded speechless. His companion for the night had chosen a backless black halter dress made of a shimmer-y material he couldn't identify if his life depended on it. The dress hung slightly lower on her right side, giving her a sort of daredevil look. With it, she wore black, calf-high boots that nicely complimented her calves. Her hair hung down her back in a French braid, she wore a large diamond on her left ringer finger, and a matching diamond teardrop necklace and earrings.

 

“You too.”

 

Several long seconds of silence passed between them full of tension and the unspoken until the King seemed to remember what was going on here exactly. “We're already over 15 minutes late. We'd better leave now.”

 

Bulma nodded, feeling butterflies in her stomach as she stood by his side. “Let's go,” she agreed softly.

 

THE GREAT HALL

1915

 

“Do you know where my son is?” Lord Vegeta asked as he finally managed to wave Kakkarot-plus his date-over to him.

 

The younger Saiyan shrugged. “No idea. I'm sure he'll be here any minute though, sir.”

 

The former King sighed. “I knew he'd pull something like this. If he's 5 minutes later, your father will owe me 50 monetary units.”

 

Chichi shook her head in quiet disapproval at Kakkarot's side, attracting the Lord's attention. “Ah, hello my dear; thank you for coming. I apologize for getting so caught up in one of my vices that I neglected to greet you, especially when you're looking so lovely tonight.” He paused a moment, shooting her a winning smile. “Is your friend not with you?” he asked curiously.

 

“She's with Vegeta,” Kakkarot reminded him before Chichi could reply.

 

He slapped his palm against his forehead. “Of course! How did I manage to forget that?”

A mischievous expression came over his face, “Probably in my anxiousness to see Anyla. Do let me know if you run across her, won't you?”

 

Chichi smiled, liking Lord Vegeta despite his uncouthness. “Certainly,” she assured him, waving goodbye as Kakkarot pulled her back across the floor to his designated spot.

 

The Saiyan guests in attendance were all growing still and silent as they sensed the King's approach. Chichi and Kakkarot were standing on one side of a royal blue stretch of carpet that went from an arched doorway they hadn't been able to come through, all the way up a few stairs, to an ornate golden throne, and then continued to another arched doorway. Chichi had already taken all of this in, in addition to several stained glass windows that went at least 20 feet up to the domed ceiling where a beautiful fresco was painted of the kings of the past engaged in battle. Not for the first time, she found herself wanting to understand Kakkarot's—that is, to say the Saiyan—people better.

 

Through the arched doorway behind the throne came Nappa, looking very bored as he waited a moment, as if to build up the eager expectation. “His royal highness, King Vegeta XII,” he announced, moving to one side of the carpet.

 

All present bowed deeply as a sign of respect, Chichi included, as Vegeta entered behind him, his companion on his arm. Kakkarot's escort stole a glance upwards after she sensed, rather than saw, the two go by and had to bite her lip painfully to keep from gasping at the sight of the two together. They looked…right together, was her first thought, which filled her with utmost foreboding. Bulma looked calm and collected as she stood at the ever impassive Vegeta's side, her bare hand on his arm. Chichi chanced another glance upwards as the pair stopped before Lord Vegeta who was a couple of feet away from them.

 

After receiving a nod from his son, Lord Vegeta rolled his eyes as he instructed everyone to be `at ease.' “Now that the King's finally showed up, let's get this party started!”

 

Minutes Later

 

After hearing her sigh for the fourth time, Kakkarot nudged his date gently with his elbow. “What's wrong?” he asked, worried he was boring her.

 

She shot him a sheepish look. “Sorry to be such a downer. I-I-I just feel kind of bad…”

 

He looked horrified. “Are you sick?” He unconsciously took a step back from her (the last time he got sick, he'd needed a transfusion, which meant needles. And he was definitely not a fan of needles).

 

Chichi shook her head. “No. Bulma and I had a fight earlier. And I want to apologize but I get the feeling she doesn't want to talk to me right now.”

 

The guard looked puzzled. “How do you figure?”

 

She absently pulled one of her curls straight and then let it bounce back into place. “Let's just say Woman's Intuition.”

 

Kakkarot's brows furrowed in consideration. As a Saiyan and a warrior, he'd been raised to trust in instincts which could sometimes be the difference between life and death, but in this case, his were telling him something else entirely as he watched the blue haired teacher/scientist as she stood at the King's side, nodding as he leaned down to tell her something.

 

“She doesn't look angry to me,” he decided, turning back to his date with a smile on his features. “Either way, Vegeta will take her mind off of it.”

 

Chichi found herself returning his smile and she squeezed his hand. “I hope you're right.”

 

Minutes Later

 

“Am I supposed to be doing something in particular?” she asked him from the side of her mouth, leaving a smile on her face.

 

“No. Just follow my lead,” he answered, walking to the center of the room.

 

Bulma smiled in relief and as she recognized the former King amongst the crowd, talking animatedly with the bald Saiyan that had introduced their entrance a short while ago. The staring Saiyans had unnerved her before, making her feel awkward and stupid while standing beside Vegeta with no idea what was expected of her according to tradition.

 

Lord Vegeta seemed to light up as he noticed their arrival. “Well if it isn't the beautiful Bulma Briefs. How are you, my dear?”

 

She curtseyed. “Very well, thank you. And you?”

 

He sighed melodramatically, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Dreadful. I missed basking in your presence far too much.”

 

His son rolled his eyes, ignoring the soft laughter of his companion. “Father, really--” he started.

 

“Relax boy. She knows I'm only joking,” Lord Vegeta interrupted, bowing to Bulma with a smile on his face.

 

Nappa stepped forward, bowing to the blue haired female. “I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you. I'm Nappa; one of the King's guards.”

 

Bulma felt a slight blush on her face as she curtseyed to the bald Saiyan. “I'm Bulma. I'm a newly appointed teacher of science here. I'm so sorry we weren't sooner introduced.”

 

He smiled in response. “Not as sorry as I am,” he said lightly, bowing again.

 

King Vegeta stepped forward in irritation, taking her hand and tucking it under his arm.

“She's here with me tonight Nappa,” he reminded the taller man.

 

Nappa raised his brows quizzically. “And…Anyla?”

 

“She's a footnote in history,” Lord Vegeta responded quickly.

 

He lowered his voice so low that Bulma-who was standing only about a foot away from him-couldn't hear a thing. “We finally caught her in the act, huh?”

 

“Yes. Kakkarot did last night.”

 

She couldn't help but take notice of the fact that the King had frowned at the mention of his former fiancé, and had looked away from Bulma. A part of her wondered if he still had feelings for her. And if so, just what in Kami's name am I doing here in her rightful place, traitor or no? Is this all a ploy to make her jealous? She stiffened at this thought, her brows furrowed as she considered it. I bet everyone here knows it too. Gods, I am an idiot of astronomical proportions, she thought, a grimace on her face. Looking up, she was startled to find the King watching her curiously. “What's the matter?” she managed to get out, her voice casual.

 

He arched a brow at her question. “I was about to ask you the very same thing.”

 

She looked away from him, reminding herself that those eyes of his were dangerous.

“Nothing, I'm fine,” she lied.

 

Lord Vegeta shrugged and looked across the room, meeting the eyes of one of his lady guests. She smiled and winked at him causing Lord Vegeta to grin broadly as he left them. “Please excuse me everyone. I must go have a word with one of my guests.”

 

Bulma tried to pull her hand from Vegeta's grasp but he wasn't letting her do any such thing. Shooting her a warning glance, he led her though the guests and finally out of the Great Hall, into a vacant room, where he finally released her.

 

“What is wrong with you?” he asked, clearly annoyed.

 

She was finally able to free her hand from him. “Nothing!” She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. “Why are we here?”

 

Vegeta sighed wearily, leaning against the wall. “Because something is obviously bothering you and I am not going to let you give me that `nothing, I'm fine' bullshit.”

 

Something about hearing him imitate her in that falsetto grated on her last nerve. “You want to know what's wrong!? Fine! I'll tell you! You! You're the problem Vegeta, as if you don't know!”

 

He was silent for a moment. “I suppose I suspected as much,” he admitted, almost to himself. “What have I supposedly done now?”

 

Bulma turned to face him, to see if he was mocking her. To her surprise, he was being completely serious. “It-It's not really your fault. This is my own fault, for not understanding the real reason why you asked me to come here with you.”

 

Vegeta looked puzzled. “Real reason? What would that be?”

 

She looked away from him again and in the direction of the Great Hall. “To make your fiancé jealous.”

 

He didn't bother hiding his surprise. “Are you fucking serious?” After a moment, he burst out laughing.

 

Bulma watched him; perplexed and a bit annoyed. “What's so damn funny?”

 

His laughter died down, but a smirk remained on his face. “You are. You actually thought I'd use you to make Anyla jealous!? For that to be possible, I'd have to have feelings for the bitch, which I assure you is not the case. It's not even possible after what she's done.”

 

The blue haired woman considered this. “I guess I was wrong. So why did you invite me?” she asked, completely baffled.

 

He arched his brows. “Isn't it obvious?”

 

Bulma shook her head slowly, feeling slightly hypnotized as she gazed deep into his ebony eyes. “No,” she admitted, almost afraid to speak.

 

Vegeta smiled mischievously, slowly moving closer and closer to her, until there was only an inch between them. He cupped her cheeks in his gloved hands, forcing her to keep her eyes on him. He moistened his lips slowly and leaned down so that their noses were touching. Bulma closed her eyes and tilted her head back expectantly. Vegeta brushed his lips against hers for a moment, laughing as he brought his mouth to her ear.

“Because you wanted me to.”

 

She opened her eyes, leaning away from him slightly. “You must have lost your mind, because I never hinted at it; never even considered it.”

 

“You never said it in words,” he began kissing her again and chuckling as she leaned into him despite her current vexation. “But your body did.”

 

Bulma stared at him silently for a moment as she considered this. Finally, she returned his mischievous smile with one of her own, kissing him once quickly and then pulling away, searching his eyes. “What's it saying now?” she purred.

 

He chuckled confidently. “I think we both know the answer to that.”

 

“Good…let's go then.” She started walking towards the Great Hall until he held her back.

 

“Where are you going?”

 

It was her turn to laugh. “Sorry to disappoint Vegeta, but I'm not looking to be your rebound screw in a deserted hallway. So…shall we go?”

 

He hid his surprise well. “Might as well.” He started back without her, smirking as he heard her running to catch up, brushing against him as she finally did. “You a hundred percent sure about not wanting to be my-how did you put it?-rebound screw?”

 

“Positive,” she told him matter-of-factly as they reentered the Great Hall. He chuckled and shook his head as if to say `your loss' as Lettuco approached them hurriedly.

 

“King Vegeta, your father has received a report that states Anyla left 10 minutes ago. He wants to know what you would like us to do about it.”

 

“Good riddance,” Bulma muttered under her breath.

 

Vegeta's lips twitched at her statement, but he quickly grew serious as he turned to Lettuco. “Tell him not to worry about it; we already know where she's headed.”

 

His officer bowed. “Yes sire.” He turned and left to do as bid.

 

“Where is your father?” Bulma asked, patting her French braid as she glanced about the room.

 

The King arched a brow giving her a pointed look. “Any particular reason why you want to talk to him of all people?”

 

She blanched. “Gods no; nothing like that. Your father is funny and he's always been a gentleman to me.”

 

Vegeta scoffed at this. “Uhuh. Right up until he gets you onto his list, then he'll treat you like he treats every other woman.”

 

“That's interesting,” the blue eyed woman commented, studying her ring. “You two really have a lot in common.”

 

He frowned. “I'm going to have to disagree with you there.”

 

Bulma arched a brow. “Denial much?”

 

The King arched his brows. “You think I have your name written on a list somewhere; that I'm planning on making you my next conquest?”

 

“It really wouldn't surprise me.”

 

“To use your own words, `sorry to disappoint' Bulma, but in case you haven't noticed, I don't have the time or the patience to flirt with women. Now that I think about it, the only other woman I've even spent more than two minutes with-excluding Anyla-is you.”

 

He seemed almost as surprised to hear himself say this as she was to hear it. If she was going to be honest in this-whatever it was she and the King had going on-she had to believe her instinct; that he was telling the truth. She'd wanted to tease him by comparing him to his playboy father, but King Vegeta was too mature, ironically enough; too dignified. And while he could be serious-too serious at times she thought-she felt that their verbal banter was his chance to be more lighthearted. Kami, it seems weird to admit to myself that I loathed him when I first moved here. Not that we're BFF now or anything, but I feel as if we've at least come to accept and respect each other as intellectual equals. I'm going to believe that's why he invited me here; to annoy the shit out of me.

 

When she had a conversation with Vegeta, it was a real conversation. She never once found him leering at her chest; but that doesn't mean much when you think about it. The man has super human powers. He could be doing only Kami knows what in the fraction of a second time span it takes me to blink.

 

"I'm going to be up to my neck in trouble if I'm not careful," he said suddenly easily, his voice low and conversational.

 

Bulma's eyes widened in concern. "What? With who?"

 

"What would you do if I kissed you in front of everyone? Including your friend who's glaring at me as if I'm evil personified," he asked softly, watching her face.

 

She blushed. "Don't," she told him, her voice shaky as she put her arm up between them.

 

Vegeta smirked again. "I won't. But don't hesitate to ask when you change my mind."

 

"Don't hold your breath, buddy. You'll be the one asking me."

 

"I somehow doubt that," the King laughed.

 

Bulma smiled, sending a jolt down his spine as she leaned into him, her eyes on his lips as she slowly wet her own, glancing back up at him, a mischievous glint in those cerulean orbs. "I don't."

 

"Isn't this cozy?" Lord Vegeta interrupted a smile on his face.

 

Bulma blushed as she backed away from Vegeta and turned to his father. "Hello again Lord Vegeta; your son and I were just talking about you." She grinned mischievously at Vegeta, who was suddenly expressionless.

 

"All good things I hope," he chuckled, watching his son's face.

 

"Of course," Bulma responded, using the full force of her 1,000 watt smile on the unsuspecting play boy.

 

Lord Vegeta blinked, looking a bit like a deer in headlights. “Ah…well. I-I'm…glad," he responded dazedly.

 

King Vegeta took her hand, pulling her away from the dazed man. Bulma didn't fight him; she felt she'd won this battle and laughed when they reached the food table. "Looks like I got to you."

 

Vegeta snorted in disgust. "Don't flatter yourself. I was only saving my father from being humiliated."

 

"Whatever you say, my King." Bulma picked up a piece of what looked like bread and chewed it pensively. "This is good." Vegeta only grunted in response, going further down the long table, filling a plate with different items. Bulma shrugged, finishing the croissant-like bread. She reached for another only to find another hand reaching for the same one. She looked up, an apology on her lips, only to find Chichi standing on the opposite side of the table.

 

She pulled her arm back and forced a smile. "Hello."

 

Chichi smiled too. "Hi. Where's Vegeta?"

 

Bulma shrugged. "He's around here somewhere. Where's Kakkarot?"

 

"He went to get me something to drink. He's genuinely a nice guy," Chichi sighed.

 

The blue haired woman crossed her arms over her chest, irritated at her friend's behavior. "Yeah. So, are you having fun?"

 

Chichi nodded. "Are you?"

 

Bulma frowned as she tried to come up with an appropriate answer. "It certainly hasn't been boring."

 

Kakkarot walked up to Chichi and handed her a drink. He looked across the table and grinned when he saw Bulma. "Oh, there you are. Chichi said you left."

 

Bulma raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Well, I'm back now."

 

"Are you still mad at her?"

 

Chichi coughed, choking on her drink for a moment. "Kakkarot!"

 

He shrugged his shoulders. "You might as well ask her instead of playing stupid games."

 

Bulma smiled at the Saiyan. "No, I'm not mad at her any more."

 

Chichi looked so relieved that she felt a stab of guilt for a moment. "So, can we both forgive and forget?"

 

"Forgive and forget," Bulma replied, shaking her friend's hand over the table. She looked up when she felt someone brush against her. It was Nappa. She turned away from Chichi to give him her attention. "Why hello again...uh, I'm sorry, I've forgotten your title."

 

"Don't worry about it," he said. "Where's Vegeta?"

 

Bulma looked past Nappa to where Vegeta had been only a couple of minutes ago and then frowned. "He was just here."

 

"Damn. He probably got called away. Allow me to be your escort while he's away."

 

The earth female smiled a little. "What happened to your date?"

 

Nappa grunted. "She was feeling sick, so she left."

 

"Understandable. I'd get sick after being in your presence for a while too," Vegeta interrupted.

 

"King Vegeta, I was only--"

 

Vegeta scowled. "I know what you were trying to do Nappa. Now back off."

 

"As you wish, my King."

 

Bulma watched him go, feeling a little guilty. "I tried to find you."

 

"Just drop it," he told her.

 

"Attention everyone!" Lord Vegeta shouted over all the background noise. The many guests finally settled down, wondering what could be going on. "I'm afraid it's time for us all to go back home! Farewell to you all and thanks for coming."

 

"King Vegeta," someone said. "I wish we'd had a chance to speak tonight, but I guess you were caught up in this beautiful woman by your side. Just who is she, may I ask?"

 

Bulma smiled. "My name is Bulma Briefs, I teach the advanced science class here."

 

"Oh, I see," someone else said. "I've heard a lot about you from my boy."

 

"My daughter says you are very knowledgeable in your subject," a Saiyan female told her, nodding in approval.

 

"Don't you have an assistant or something? My son said there were two females teaching the class."

 

The human woman nodded. "Yes, she's here with the King's guard, Kakkarot."

 

Bulma wished she dared to look at the expression on Vegeta's face. She knew she must look like a deer caught in the headlights; she only hoped that the Saiyans would see her as someone deserving of their respect.

 

"Hey! Miss Bulma!"

 

Bulma turned to see Egplnta waving at her. "Hey yourself," she greeted her unruly but very intelligent pupil.

 

"My dad let me come. I couldn't find you earlier," the small child said, looking put out

 

Her teacher shrugged her shoulders. “You know how it is. Sorry."

 

"That's okay. I gotta go. I'll see you tomorrow!” the ten year old was gone as quickly as she'd come.

 

King Vegeta had had enough. He cleared his throat. "Let's go," he told her.

 

Bulma nodded, relieved. The Saiyans she had just met all said their farewells and let them go by. Once they got outside of the Grand Hall, Bulma sighed, relaxing. "I hate crowds like that."

 

"Like what?" Vegeta asked, his tone bored as he led her away from the hall, and past several small groups of partygoers.

 

"The kind that asks you questions and waits for you to make yourself look like an idiot. I just hope I passed their little test." She played with the diamond ring around her finger and held it up to the light, letting it gleam.

 

Vegeta glanced in her direction, just then noticing the ring. "Isn't it an earth tradition to wear a diamond ring once you're mated?"

 

"Yes," Bulma answered, not really getting what he was asking at first. "Oh! No, I'm not married. I always wear this ring at all the parties I go to because I used to get these bullshit proposals all the time, so I thought it'd be a lot easier to just pretend that I'm already married."

 

"Bullshit proposals?" he echoed.

 

She sighed. "There were guys that would ask me to marry them just because I inherited a lot of money."

 

Vegeta shrugged. "What's wrong with that? Money is as good a reason to get joined as any other."

 

"What?" the earth native exclaimed. "Money is the worst reason to get 'joined'. As soon as it's gone, the marriage goes to pot." She shook her head. "It's better to marry for love."

 

The King scoffed at her philosophy. "Marry for love? Such weaknesses can be exploited on the battlefield. The very idea is asinine and you and I both know it. Marriages of convenience are the only way."

 

"Oh really?" she countered, not believing what she was hearing. "Weren't you going to marry Anyla for convenience?"

 

Vegeta scowled at the mention of his ex's name. "Yes, until I realized how blind I'd been to her less desirable qualities."

 

"Aha! That's just another reason why marrying for love is better. If you'd cared enough, you would have been able to see through her sane act. Why were you going to marry her of all people?"

 

The King stopped in his tracks and looked at her strangely for a minute, before answering. "Why does it matter anymore?"

 

Bulma looked away from him. "I'm sorry. I forgot that she once meant something to you." She was surprised to hear a chuckle from someone who she'd thought would be upset. "What's so funny?" she demanded, looking at him in disbelief.

 

Vegeta's eyes shone with amusement. "Didn't I make it clear to everyone? I thought you at least knew; you always seemed to bring it up."

 

"What do you mean?"

 

"Anyla had two purposes. One was to basically show up at social functions; to keep appearances in that respect and the second was to satisfy me sexually."

 

She hadn't expected him to be so blunt. Bulma blushed, temporarily rendered speechless.

 

Vegeta raised an eyebrow incredulously. "What? No witty reply Bulma? No remarks on what a selfish pig I am?"

 

Her mouth opened and closed. The words wouldn't come. Instead, she felt an insane desire to reassure him; to tell him that Anyla had been the one using him, not the other way around.

 

Gods, what is wrong with me!?

 

"Vegeta, I'm tired and I just want to go to bed," Bulma protested, looking around and recognizing her whereabouts. She attempted to get around him so that she could enter her living quarters.

 

"Not so fast," he said, not letting her past.

 

"What is it now, Vegeta?" she said angrily, her blue eyes bright with tears of frustration.

 

The King was surprisingly gentle as he pulled her so that she was pressed against him, tilting her chin so that she was looking into his eyes. "You were right," he said softly, tracing her spine up and down her back with his hand, his eyes mesmerizing her.

 

Bulma shuddered slightly, and tried not to think of touching him, and especially not about kissing him. "About what?" she asked.

 

"I'm asking you," he said, his voice driving Bulma crazy. "Can I?"

 

Her voice was breathless as he looked down at her lips and then back up into her flushed face. "If it'll make you feel better."

 

He chuckled leaning down to kiss her and she put her hand on his left shoulder, tilting her head back to recieve-

 

"Bulma?"

 

In a blur of movement, she and Vegeta were apart. Bulma looked up to find Chichi standing at the door of their apartment in her robe. "Chichi?! I thought you were still at the party with Kakkarot."

 

Chichi shook her head, watching Vegeta, as he casually leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. "We left about half an hour ago. I heard a noise outside and I just came to check things out." She looked at her friend, who was ignoring Vegeta's presence. "It's late," she said pointedly, arching her brows as she noticed her friend's flushed state.

 

"Right, well I guess I'd better go to bed. I've got class in the morning." She turned to Vegeta who looked amused. "I'll see you around, I guess. Thank you for a very nice evening."

 

The King took her hand from her side and kissed it briefly. "I'm only sorry it had to end," he said aloud. Vegeta met her eyes before he left, an unspoken purpose there that made her knees quiver a moment.

.

Bulma made her face expressionless before she turned to face the waiting brunette once again, walking past her into their shared rooms, taking off her boots as she stepped through her bedroom door. Chichi closed the front door and followed her into her room, standing in the doorway with her arms crossed.

 

Bulma found a face towel and took off her make-up, drying her face when she was done. She walked into the bathroom and changed into pajamas. When she walked back out, Chichi was still there. Waiting. Bulma tried to avoid looking at her as she brushed her teeth, watching her own reflection in the mirror.

 

"You'd better do a good job," Chichi advised. "You've got to wash out all those Vegeta germs."

 

Bulma rinsed her mouth out and let the water go down the drain. "Chi, nothing happened."

 

"Bull. You two were together the whole night. Even Kakkarot said he's never seen the King attached so closely to one woman for so long."

 

"He was being polite," Bulma protested, trying not to out loud laugh at the very idea. "I don't know any other men on the planet so he asked me to go with him. It's that simple."

 

"Oh all right! I give up! I just want you to know that messing with fire will get you burned, Bulma." She sat on the end of the bed and grinned. "Nevertheless, I still want every detail. What'd you two do all night?"

 

The blue haired scientist shrugged. "Nothing really. He tried to force me to talk for a while-that's when we left the Grand Hall-and then I saw you at the table, after that I was ambushed by a bunch of the kids' parents, and then I saw Egplnta, and that's all that happened up until now."

 

Chichi laughed. "Yeah right, Bulma! The party started at 7:21, it just now turned midnight. If you honestly think I believe you two just walked around without talking or anything for over four hours, you're nuts!"

 

"Why don't you tell me what happened between you and Kakkarot?" Bulma asked, brushing her hair.

 

Blushing, she nodded. "Okay, I guess it's only fair. I'll tell you the good stuff. We talked for a while about his family. I told him about my life back on earth...then he walked me here and we kissed each other good night."

 

"Ah, that's so cute," Bulma said, smiling at her friend.

 

"Now spill, Bulma; it's your turn. You promised!"

 

Her friend shook her head. "No, I really didn't. Sorry Chi, but I don't kiss and tell."

 

"So you did kiss him!" Chichi squealed and then covered her mouth as she realized how loud she'd been. "What was it like?" she asked in a whisper.

 

Bulma blushed. "Like any regular kiss, I suppose."

 

"Right," the black haired woman drawled, watching her friend's face. "That's why you've turned beet-red, right?" Bulma threw her brush at her friend, making Chichi laugh. "We have plenty of time. Just tell me what happened."

 

Her friend sighed, lying on her back and closing her eyes. "All right, I'll tell you. Well, it kind of started when we were about to leave for the party..."

 

The End of Chapter Six