Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Sapphire Flame ❯ Duke Of Hearts ( Chapter 4 )

Thanx for all the reviews, and it's so great to know that you guys like my fics. I won't keep you any longer so go ahead and read this new chapter.

 

 

 

Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or any of the DBZ characters used in this fanfic. I don't own Prada or any of the other designer names and clothing used in this chapter.

 

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Duke Of Hearts

 

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"Yamcha." Tamara stepped into his office with a smile on her lips.

 

"Hey love," Yamcha said as he stood from his desk and walked over to her. "What brings you around here so early?" he asked before he pressed a kiss to her lips.

 

"I'm bored, and Vegeta is too busy taking care of his new charity case. He wont pay attention to me," she whined as she wrapped an arm around his waist and walked with him towards the couch that was there.

 

"Ooh, I saw her, she's quite intriguing," Yamcha said with a devilish grin.

 

Tamara turned to glare at him. "Intriguing? She's clearly not of our level. I don't know why Vegeta insists on keeping her in his home."

 

"She's pretty," Yamcha said. "I, as a man, can clearly see what Vegeta sees in her, if he does see anything in her. She's young and she's good looking."

 

"Did you just call me old?" Tamara snarled as she shoved him away.

 

"No sweetheart. I'm just saying that maybe he sees something unpolished in her that he will take advantage of. She's young and naive, and she's---what's the word--fresh."

 

"You seem to have taken a liking to her too," Tamara said darkly.

 

Yamcha grinned. "You know that I like most of my girls young. You aren't old babe, so don't sweat it. But as for my tastes, I like them untried and young."

 

"Your tastes for the young will get you put in prison," Tamara said as she pressed herself to him.

 

"I asked Vegeta if he had any interest in her and he said he didn't, but he warned me to stay away from her. He said that she was under his protection and that he wouldn't allow any man to get near her to hurt her," Yamcha said in annoyance.

 

"She's still underage you know," Tamara said.

 

"Until June." Yamcha grinned.

 

"Are you saying that you will go after her even after Vegeta told you not to?" Tamara asked excitedly.

 

"Should I not?"

 

"No no, that would be perfect! Get her away from Vegeta, maybe even take her to live with you!" Tamara said slyly.

 

Yamcha chuckled, running a hand through his short cropped spikes. "I'm not thinking that far ahead. But if she were willing then I would give her everything she wanted in return for a few favors."

 

"Then are you going to wait these next few weeks until she turns of legal age?"

 

"I may," he replied. Tamara squealed and nearly jumped on him as she pressed her lips to his.

 

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"I got an A!" Bulma cheered happily as she ran through her house. She ran into the kitchen. "Hey, Jena, I got an A on my test. What do you think about that?"

 

"Congratulations," Jena said with a grin. "How about a sundae to celebrate?"

 

"That sounds great!" Bulma cheered as she sat down at the kitchen island on a stool. "I didn't think I would pass it because it was a mix of English, Math, Science, and History."

 

"But you did, and it's great to see that you are learning and taking advantage of all the things that Vegeta is offering you," Jena said as she handed her a huge ice cream in a fancy bowl shaped like a banana.

 

Bulma grinned happily and ate her sundae quietly. She wondered if Vegeta would be proud, but as soon as the thought of him entered her mind, she smacked herself mentally. He had let her know that he would never get involved with her, so she had to stop thinking of him.

 

"What time are we going to get my friend?" she asked Jena.

 

"I'm right about done so we can leave after I wash the dishes."

 

Bulma nodded and finished her dessert. Then she grabbed her coat because the weather looked bad and they made their way out. The driver took them down to the city and Bulma gave him directions as to where to go. She got off in a bad section of town where she knew her friends would be.

 

She and Jena walked in slowly and most of her old friends didn't recognize her. But Chichi did. Her best friend walked over to her and cracked a small smile, which was saying much. "Where have you been? We thought that you were probably six feet under by now! You never came back after you went to get food! Oh my gosh, look at you!"

 

Bulma grinned and twirled. "I found someone that is helping me, and he has this really great idea to help all of you!" she said excitedly.

 

"What's the catch?" Chichi asked suspiciously.

 

"No catch, he really wants to help us. And by the way, I've brought food for everyone, and I'll try to get some to you whenever you can," Bulma said as she ran over to the car and she, Jena, and the driver began to unload bags of food.

 

Everyone gathered around and they began to eat. Chichi pulled Bulma away from the people that were there. "Tell me, are you polishing his jewels? Is that why he is giving you all of this, the new clothes, a home, money? There's no need to lie. It's me Chichi."

 

Bulma snickered. "No, Chi, I'm not lying. The day that I didn't come back, he hit me with his car. He took me to the hospital and then asked me if I wanted to heal at his home." Bulma held up her cast and showed it to her. "While I was there he was really nice with me. He's even paid for a tutor so that I can educate myself."

 

"And there's no catch?" Chichi asked her again.

 

"No, but he has given me a gift," Bulma said with a grin. Chichi looked at her expectantly. "He told me that he will let me take you with me. Of course, there are rules that you have to follow if you live in his home."

 

"What?" Chichi asked in shock. "You want me to go with you?"

 

Bulma nodded. "Please say yes? Once his family leaves I'll be all alone in that huge mansion. I need you to be there with me. You're the only person that understands me," she pleaded.

 

Chichi laughed. "No catch?" she asked incredulously.

 

"I'm beginning to think that that's the only word in your vocabulary now," Bulma said sarcastically.

 

"Bulma, nobody gives all these things for free," Chichi said softly.

 

"I told him that I would find some way to repay him, but he told me that I don't need to give him anything. Now are you coming with me or not?"

 

"I'd love to, but what about all our friends?" she asked as she looked back to those that were eating the food enthusiastically.

 

"This guy is planning on helping them! He's going to open a shelter somewhere around here!" Bulma said. "I think that he'll let me help whenever I can. That's why we have to study. That way we can get jobs to help all of our friends."

 

"Then we should tell them where it is that we are going to be," Chichi said a bit sadly.

 

Bulma nodded and they walked over together to tell their friends, family actually, where they were going. They also made a promise to help out and to visit them whenever it was possible. Then with that, Bulma, Chichi, and Jena made their way back to Vegeta's home while Bulma explained the "rules" to Chichi.

 

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"Oh my gosh! I haven't had a shower in forever!" Chichi sighed as she walked out of Bulma's bathroom, dressed in a new dress and absolutely clean. Before, her fair skin had been dirty and mistreated, her clothes muddy and tattered, and the smell, well it wasn't pleasant. Her long black hair had been in a dirty knot-filled braid, now she was brushing it out, trying not to wince in pain.

 

"Isn't it great?" Bulma asked.

 

Chichi nodded, but before she could reply, there was a knock at the door and a girl their age stepped in. Sacoda looked from Bulma to the other girl. "Hi, I'm Sacoda, who are you?" she asked.

 

Bulma answered. "Sacoda, this is my best friend Chichi. Your brother told me that I could bring her here with me because you guys are going to leave soon. He didn't want me to be alone when you go."

 

"It's nice to meet you, and I want to thank you and your family for allowing me this chance," Chichi said politely.

 

"It's nice to meet you too. And don't worry about anything. My brother is usually stingy with his money, but I think he's doing great in helping you guys. Bulma, I came to tell you that tonight we're having this welcome celebration dinner for daddy. He opened a new company in a sixth country and there are people coming over. So my big brother called me and told me to take you to the beauty salon, well, you and Chichi, and to get you dresses appropriate for tonight."

 

"Wouldn't it be better if we just stayed in here? I don't want to embarrass your brother, and if Tamara is going to be here, then it'll be a sure thing," Bulma said.

 

"Vegeta wants you to meet daddy," Sacoda said seriously. "But don't worry, daddy isn't a bad man. Now come on, we need to find a dress and shoes, and we have to get our hair and nails done. By the way, I have a credit card that is brand new," she said evilly.

 

"Alright then," Bulma said. "Come on Chi," she said as she grabbed her best friends arm and dragged her out.

 

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Sacoda took them through this very fancy mall where there was a renown beauty shop. They got their hair done first, then facials, and then their nails. After that, they went over to the main street of fashion.

 

"Wow," Chichi whispered as they walked down the street. Neither she or Bulma had ever dreamt of even walking through that street. There was a Chanel, Prada, Versace, Gucci, and a Donna Karan store, and they were going to get the chance to go into all of them.

 

"I'm sure that we're all going to find the perfect dress, but we have to hurry because we have to be back home before 6 o'clock," Sacoda said as they walked into the first store.

 

"Aren't these dresses too expensive?" Bulma whispered.

 

Sacoda nodded. "It doesn't matter because Vegeta said that I could buy anything I wanted, and whatever you guys wanted too."

 

So they got to shopping and when it was about ten minutes to six, they each found the dress that was perfect for the occasion. Then they made their way back to the mansion before they all got into trouble for being late.

 

They got ready in a vanity room that was specific for women who were getting dressed. It was a huge room that was adjacent to Lana's room. It had every assortment of red. The drapes were red velvet and separated by a group of white sheer curtains, the carpet was also red, and even the chairs were made of red velvet.

 

The vanity furniture was made of golden wood and the mirror had lightbulbs all around to illuminate them when they were getting their make-up done. There were also two room dividers in which they could change behind, a bathroom and a closet to put their other clothes into. But what made the room completely were the two huge mirrors on either side of the vanity.

 

While they finished getting ready, with the help of Jena, Sacoda explained to them what they should and shouldn't do at the dinner. "Okay, try your very best to not talk slang around the people that are going to be here. They are rich and obnoxious and given the chance they will humiliate you in public, especially Tamara," she said pointedly.

 

Bulma nodded and sighed. "So we just say hi to them?"

 

Sacoda nodded. "Small talk is especially vicious these days. The proper way to greet is: Hello it is nice to meet you. Or: Good evening my name is......... Just be polite and don't raise your voice. Don't speak more than you have to, and try to evade anything else they tell you or ask you."

 

Chichi nodded. "What if they are the ones that want to know about us? If we're new people to them then they will want to make conversation."

 

Sacoda nodded. "Just say that you are friends of mine and that I have invited you to stay over for a few days."

 

Jena smiled at Bulma. "Okay child, I'm done with your make-up."

 

Bulma nodded and stood to walk towards the mirror. She gasped at her reflection. She was wearing a pink satin gown that looked as if it really should have been used as lingerie, but it was an elegant dress. The dip in the cleavage was rimmed with silky black lace, and the straps over her shoulders were pink lace. From her waist to her hips it was fringed and from her hips it cascaded to the floor. In the back it criss-crossed all the way to her lower back with a pink ribbon that allowed a glimpse of her skin, but hid the scars she had there.

 

She wore matching pink strapped shoes with a platform that gave her more support to walk properly without wobbling. Her long hair fell over her shoulders and down her back, and it was styled in layers and with baby-blue highlights in it. Her make-up was dramatic around the eyes and her lips were full and pink. "Gosh Jena, you make magic happen!"

 

Jena walked over to her and applied a bit of blush to her cheeks. "It's not magic, Bulma. You look absolutely beautiful and it's all you," Jena said with a soft smile. She looked at the other two girls and smiled. "You all do."

 

Chichi smiled and wobbled over to where Bulma was. "I think these heels are going to kill me by the end of the night, or make me fall flat on my face more than once," she said as she looked at them. She was wearing an aquamarine glittering dress that fell over her shoulders with small straps and left her back bare in a v-line. It molded to her body like a second skin and the hem was in jagged ends. Along with it she wore a pair of silver glittering stiletto's that tied all the way up to her knees with thin straps and a very thin heel which was the cause of her wobbling.

 

"I like your hair," Sacoda complimented.

 

"Thanks," she said with a grin. Her long, black, shinning hair was in large bouncing curls that cascaded down her back and framed the pretty features of her face.

 

Sacoda was the one wearing the most revealing. Her dress was black and it outlined her form tightly. It was a halter top with a very low neck line, the skirt hugged her hips and then flared out from her knees but it wasn't too long. She was also wearing black strapped platforms, and a black choker around her neck.

 

"Your mom and dad won't say anything about you wearing a dress like that?" Bulma asked.

 

"Daddy will probably have a heart attack when he sees it, but mother will think that it is great that I am showing my style," she replied as she looked at her relaxed hair. "Let's go downstairs and I'll show you guys the proper way to sit down and what to do at the dinner table."

 

Bulma and Chichi nodded and grabbed their coats and headed downstairs. Sacoda kept up her explanations as quickly as she could and they all went outside for a small walk through the gardens. From there they could see that Tien was galloping around on the horses.

 

"Did he really try hitting on you and Emma?" Bulma asked Sacoda.

 

She shook her head and smirked, looking more like her older brother. "He flirts, I guess that's something that men do even unconsciously. But Emma is too dramatic, and I think that she still doesn't really understand what flirting is. Tien is cute but my brother would fire him if he knew that he was getting friendly with either of us."

 

Tien spotted them and galloped towards them, when he was close he jumped off and grabbed the reigns of the horse as he walked towards them. His eyes widened when he looked at all three of them.

 

"Is this an angel party?" he asked as he looked from one to the other.

 

Bulma smiled. "Yeah, and sorry but you're not invited."

 

"How unfortunate for me," Tien said with a mock frown. "I love angel-cake."

 

"We're not pastries, Tien," Sacoda said with a wink.

 

He smiled and looked her from head to toe. "You look like one to me," he whispered.

 

Bulma and Chichi looked at each other and left them alone to flirt as they walked towards the front of the mansion with Chichi clinging to her arm so that she wouldn't fall. "Tell me something," Chichi said, Bulma nodded. "Is this Vegeta guy cute? Or does he happen to be an ugly old man that has a lot of money?"

 

"He's very good looking," Bulma said with a grin. "But he's five years older than us."

 

"Do you like him? And don't you change the subject."

 

Bulma nodded. "Yes, I like him. But he told me clearly that he and I would never be anything serious. He kissed me, Chi. He gave me my very first real kiss, but it didn't matter one bit to him."

 

"Harsh," Chichi whispered. Bulma agreed. "But he gave you something to cherish over all the crap that we have been through."

 

"I know." They stopped and turned back to see that Sacoda was walking towards them. "What happened?" Bulma asked.

 

"He's being a dick. I don't know but I think that he really has a crush on you Bulma," Sacoda said as she wiggled her eyebrows.

 

"Please," Bulma said as she rolled her eyes.

 

"That's right, your eyes are on my brother," Sacoda said matter-of-factly.

 

Chichi snickered and Bulma glared at her. "There's nothing that I see in your brother," she said haughtily.

 

"But you haven't met Duke yet! He's going to be twenty in January, he's like more your age," Sacoda said.

 

"That's right, I haven't met him! Is he going to be here tonight with your dad?" Bulma asked.

 

Sacoda nodded. "Duke is more laid back than Vegeta. He's the type of guy that loves to go clubbing, sailing, and even sky diving. Wait until you meet him, I think you guys will get along really well."

 

"Hey, what's the deal with this Yamcha person?" Bulma asked with a frown.

 

"He's known both my brothers since high school, and is now associated with Vegeta, I think." Sacoda's eyes narrowed. "Why? Do you like him?" she looked at Bulma as if she were crazy.

 

Bulma shook her head. "No. He's good lookin' and all, but I don't know, there's something creepy about him. I think he was trying to hit on me the last time he was here," she said, clear annoyance in her voice.

 

"He doesn't know when to quit, so when he gets here show Chichi. It will be best if we all stay away from him," Sacoda said. The two other girls agreed and they continued to walk towards the front door. "How about we walk in as new guests?"

 

"That's a good idea. What time are the guests supposed to be here?" Bulma asked.

 

Sacoda looked at her expensive diamond and gold watch. "Right about now. I think that daddy and Duke are probably here already, too. They must be getting ready for the dinner."

 

"We can go watch the people that are arriving," Chichi said. "Or you can keep teaching us more about being proper so that we can get through this night."

 

"Yeah, that's a better idea," Bulma said. Sacoda nodded and they walked back towards the garden where there was a bench they could practice on. Then for the next ten minutes they stayed there and practiced on their way of talking and addressing people. When it was time for them to return to the mansion, they did so through the front door.

 

The butler at the door took their coats and placed them in a separate place, since they lived there, and the girls all walked toward the sitting room. A lot of people were already there, many of whom neither Bulma or Chichi had ever seen before.

 

"All right, daddy, Duke, and Vegeta are probably still upstairs getting ready because mother is here taking care of the guests. If any of the men approach you, just smile and greet them. And whatever you do, don't drink any liquor. Besides, we're all underage," Sacoda whispered.

 

Bulma and Chichi nodded and they stood there with a semi-forced smile on their face. Lana walked over to them and looked at Bulma with wide eyes. "Bulma, right?"

 

She nodded. "Yea--I mean--Yes," she answered.

 

"Very good, just try not to forget that when you are speaking with someone else. You look very stunning," Lana said, then she turned to look at Chichi. "And who is this?"

 

Sacoda interrupted. "She's a friend of Bulma's, Vegeta said that she could bring her over. He doesn't want Bulma to be here alone once we leave."

 

"Good evening, my name is Chichi."

 

Lana nodded. "Very proper introduction. With a little more practice, both of you can get through this night without anyone knowing who you are and where you come from. Just don't mess this up for my husband or for my son's," she said before she turned and walked away.

 

Bulma gripped Chichi's arm and shook her head. "Don't," she muttered. She already knew that if she hadn't stopped her friend she would have gone over to tear the hair out of the scalp of the other woman's head.

 

"I'm sorry about mother, but she can be quite rude sometimes. She's that way with us, my brothers and I, too," Sacoda said.

 

Bulma was about to reply to her words, but she looked towards the stairs and blinked. It was Vegeta, and he looked good enough to eat in that black tailored suit with a burgundy shirt and tie. She nearly smacked herself for that thought but continued to look him over. She then looked at her friend and elbowed her.

 

"That's Vegeta," she murmured.

 

Chichi looked over and grunted. "He looks good, but a little short isn't he?" Bulma elbowed her again, but in the gut. Chichi cursed softly and gave Bulma's hair a small but painful pull. Bulma grimaced but left it at that. The last thing she wanted was to get into a wrestling match with her friend over something stupid.

 

Vegeta spotted his sister among the big crowd and began to walk towards her wanting to know where Bulma was. He got stopped twice by some guests but then he resumed his walk towards her. That was when he noticed the blue hair that was nearby.

 

He nearly stopped when he set eyes on her. She was smiling and she looked like the most beautiful creature he had ever looked upon. He forced his legs to stiffen and he masked his face into a neutral expression as he stopped before them.

 

She turned those shinning blue eyes to him and smiled. "Hey, Vegeta," she said softly.

 

"You look magnificent," he said with a smirk. He turned and looked at his sister with narrowed eyes. "And you...... the old man will probably pass out when he sees you, but you look wonderful."

 

"Thanks Veggie!" Sacoda said as she jumped into his arms and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

 

"Vegeta," Bulma started. "This is Chichi, she's my best friend, the one that I talked to you about," she said as she motioned to the young woman next to her. Vegeta looked at her and nodded.

 

"It is nice to meet you, I am sure that Bulma has told you about the rules and what you will have to do in exchange to stay here?" Vegeta asked as he shook hands with her.

 

Chichi nodded. "Yes. And I want to thank you for offering us both that chance. I am sure Bulma has said it once, but we will find a way to repay you," she said with a nod.

 

"Do not worry about that for now. Just enjoy your stay, and the dinner tonight. My father and brother will be down in a few minutes, and most of the guests are here. We're just waiting for a few more," he stated.

 

"Is Tamara coming?" Sacoda asked in distaste.

 

Vegeta shrugged and watched with interest as Bulma's eyes darkened at the mention of the woman's name. "Mother probably invited her, you know that they are good friends when it comes to plotting my personal life."

 

Sacoda nodded and then watched with a grin as her father and her other brother walked down the large staircase. She turned to Bulma and Chichi. "Look, that's my father and my brother Duke!"

 

Bulma and Chichi looked over and they looked at the younger man without masking their reactions. He was absolutely gorgeous! He was like a slightly taller version of Vegeta, but his hair wasn't in the flame upswept style, instead it was short cropped and styled to stand on end in small spikes. His eyes were a wonderful shade of black with a thick jade-green circle around the iris and his skin was smooth and tanned.

 

He was wearing an all black suit with a silk shirt and tie, and Bulma felt that she had all together stopped breathing. Vegeta watched her discretely and felt a stab of irritation at her reaction towards his younger brother. Then he watched as she shared a look with her friend, and the feeling of annoyance turned into a spark of jealousy. He knew he was being childish but Bulma's reaction bothered him greatly.

 

Sacoda met her father as he walked towards them and hugged him tightly. Vegeta looked back at Bulma and offered her his arm. "I want you to meet my father," he said.

 

She let out a slow breath through her mouth and nodded as she took his arm. "Have you told him who I am?" Bulma asked quietly.

 

"He knows, and he took it much better than my mother. Now don't be nervous," he said as he walked with her and Chichi towards his father. She noted quietly that with her heels she was almost as tall as him, being that normally he was a few inches taller than her.

 

Vegeta's father looked at them and then at her arm entwined with his. Then he grabbed her hand and leaned down to press a soft kiss to it, doing the same to Chichi. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Bulma. My son has told me about you and I must say that he didn't do you justice." He looked at Chichi. "And you are her friend?"

 

"Chichi," she said with a nice smile.

 

"It is nice to meet you. I am also Vegeta so to distinguish who you are talking to just call me Mr. Vegeta." He then motioned to his other son. "This is Vegeta's younger brother, Duke."

 

Duke smiled charming and flirtatiously and repeated his father's action as he kissed Bulma and Chichi's hand. "Father is right, Vegeta didn't do you justice. You both look lovely this evening." His voice was rich, deep, and seductive.

 

"Thank you," Chichi and Bulma replied in unison in a slightly dreamy tone.

 

Vegeta tried not to glare at his brother and squeezed Bulma's arm when he noticed the captivated look on her face. Then Duke continued on his charming streak. "I would be greatly honored if you both accompanied me to greet our guests."

 

Chichi sighed softly. "If you don't mind, I think I'll pass." Bulma glared at her. "I think I need some water. Sacoda, can we?" she asked. Sacoda nodded and they both walked away towards the kitchen.

 

Duke offered his arm to Bulma and she let go of Vegeta to take it, then they walked off towards the crowd of people. Mr. Vegeta looked at his eldest son and frowned at the scowl that was plastered on his face.

 

"You are attracted to her," he said gruffly.

 

Vegeta huffed. "Please father, don't insult me."

 

"Then why does it bother you so greatly that she is smitten with your brother? I can tell by the look on your face. She is not one of us brat. Your duty is to marry Tamara, take care of our companies, and have an heir."

 

"I am not yours to control, and I have no time for a woman or a brat," Vegeta snapped. "I will do what I want regardless what you think. Tamara is not the woman I want for the rest of my life," he spat.

 

"And that child of the street is? Never mind, I just hope that it does not go beyond a minor attraction, boy. Had she been of a good family, she would have made a fine addition to our family, but she is not. So I do suggest that you shroud the way you look at her before our guests notice it."

 

Vegeta nearly snarled out loud but couldn't continue to argue with his father because he walked away. He cursed himself for a fool in every language that he knew and masked his features completely. His father had proven to be more insightful than what Vegeta had given him credit for. Wise old man, he thought with a sour smirk.

 

But back to Bulma, why was it that after he had told her that nothing could ever come of them being together, he was angry at the way she was looking at Duke?

 

There was only one possible answer to that question, but he refused to even consider it.

 

 

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Okay, so tell me what you guys thought about this chapter and don't be afraid to be blunt. Constructive criticism is always welcome so drop me a note and let me know what you thought.

 

 

Byebye

 

 

~!Joey!~