Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ To the Stronger ❯ 7 ( Chapter 7 )

Chapter 7

Vegeta was waiting for class to end. He knew Brolly was going to confront him again. Sure enough, as soon as the bell rang, over he came.

They glared at each other for a moment. "That girl," Brolly began abruptly. "Daikon. She's a pretty little thing, isn't she?"

"She isn't a thing."

Brolly smirked. "Whatever. I want her. So stay out of the way."

Vegeta's heartbeat sped up. He'd never deliberately defied anybody like this before. "I'm not going to let you hurt her. If you want to ask her out, you can. If she says yes, fine. But if she says no, leave her alone."

"Ha! You have your sights on her," Brolly snarled. "That's why you don't want me to have her."

"I don't want her," Vegeta disagreed.

By now, Radditz and Nappa, Yamcha and Tien had moved in behind Vegeta to back him up. Ohitashi and Kyabetsu came up to watch interestedly from the sidelines. Brolly sneered at the whole lot of them, then smirked at Vegeta. "I'll do what I please. I'd like to see you try to stop me."

All of a sudden, Bets started laughing. "I'd like to see Vegeta call in the Imperial Guards and have you arrested. He could, you know. It's his right as Prince."

At this, Brolly looked a little less sure of himself.

And Vegeta's mind began to work very, very fast. Could he really call out the Imperial Guard? He didn't know what his rights as a Prince were, he always just did what Ani told him. He'd have to investigate this. In the meantime, he'd roll with it. So he gave an arrogant smirk that radiated superiority.

Brolly frowned.

"I know," Ohitashi said, grinning. "You could both ask her out. Then she could pick one of you, and the other would agree to leave her alone."

Vegeta's smirk faded. Brolly snarled. He never refused a challenge. "Fine!"

"Wait a minute," Vegeta protested. This was getting way out of hand. "I don't want to date her."

"Then I will." Brolly's tail was raised behind him and bristling like a cat's, and his ki was rising.

Vegeta couldn't see a way out. He didn't want this girl to get hurt, she was innocent of anything. And Brolly would hurt her now just to spite him. "OK. I'll ask her."

"When?" Nappa asked.

"Now," Brolly said.

Yamcha grinned, and with great daring, slapped them both on the back. "May the best man win."

_______ _______ _______

Daikon was getting her books out of her locker when she was approached by a regular crowd of people. She faced them, confused.

Brolly stalked to the front, and Vegeta followed reluctantly.

"Here's the deal," Brolly said bluntly. "We want to go out with you. You have to choose between us."

Her eyes got very wide as she looked back and forth at them. Vegeta's expression was apologetic.

Brolly smirked and grabbed her arm. "You know you want me, babe. I can show you a truly great time. He may be a Prince, but look at him! He's a weakling compared to me."

Vegeta's jaw clenched. He took Brolly's wrist in a nerve pinch, forcing his fingers from around her arm.

As soon as she was released, Daikon took a step backwards. "I choose Vegeta."

Brolly face turned dark. "I think you should rethink your decision."

Vegeta kept himself between him and her.

"Sorry, Brolly," Ohitashi piped up. "You agreed to the terms. She made her choice, now you have to leave her alone."

Brolly looked at the spectators to their show, and realized the crowd around them had grown to include a good quarter of the Saiyans in their class. He couldn't break his word in front of all of them. Saiyans valued their honor too highly. He nodded stiffly. "Fine." He turned abruptly and walked away.

Daikon sagged in relief. "I wouldn't have let him hurt you," Vegeta said so softly only she could hear. She turned and looked him deeply in the eyes.

"Do you really want to go out with me?" she asked, smiling in wonder.

He couldn't say no to a smile like that. He couldn't hurt her and embarrass her in front of all these people. "Sure."

Zukkini pushed his way to the front. "Bring her to my birthday party Friday night," he suggested. "Everybody's invited." He smiled around at their gang.

"Um, OK," Vegeta responded, having no other ideas.

"OK," Daikon agreed shyly.

_______ _______ ______

They flew home. Supper was extremely quiet, as Vegeta never volunteered anything, and Kakkarot was afraid that if he talked he'd reveal secrets. Radditz and Sarah ended up discussing the weather.

"Go change clothes," Bardock said when the meal was over. "Time for your sparring lessons."

_______ _______ _______

Bardock watched his pupils. He was pleased with their progress. He could really make something of Vegeta. . . if he could only break through that smug arrogance. He didn't seem to be paying attention to anything he said today, even though he was competently going through the motions.

"Come on, Vegeta," he snapped abruptly, scowling. "Come spar with me."

Vegeta had been in something of a daze ever since they had left school. He was regretting everything. What had he gotten himself into? He didn't know anything about parties or dating. What was he supposed to do with Daikon? What would she do to him? How did he feel about her? And what would Brolly do next? He was very confused.

When he heard Bardock call his name, he tried to shove it all out of his mind. He swallowed hard. He was sure the time had come for Bardock to discipline him.

Radditz and Kakkarot proceeded to fight each other as he moved to stand in front of Bardock. The both nodded, then crouched down. Vegeta waited.

Bardock attacked in a rush, and Vegeta mainly blocked and dodged. He thought he might as well get this over with. But Bardock seemed to become increasingly annoyed. "You'll never get anywhere if you don't fight offensively," he said. "Get with it, Vegeta."

Vegeta frowned. What did Bardock want from him? He made a few tentative attacks, then dropped back into defense. Wasn't this spar just an excuse for Bardock to beat him up?

Bardock frowned. Vegeta was ignoring what he was told again. Well, then he'd have to be shown. Bardock darted around Vegeta's blocking maneuver and closed in. His fist connected with Vegeta's jaw, with most of his strength behind his punch.

Vegeta's head snapped back and he fell backwards and down, hitting the ground hard. The coppery taste of blood was in his mouth. He rolled over and closed his eyes, not moving, as memory once again overwhelmed him...

.: The coppery taste of blood was in his mouth. He was on the floor. Ani had hit him hard enough that he'd fallen off the bed.

"You're just lying there, Dai! You have to work at this!"

Vegeta looked up at him. "I-I'm sorry, Ani. I want to make you happy, but I don't know how."

Ani's face changed. He suddenly regarded him with what seemed to be tender affection. "I forgot you were a virgin before yesterday. You just seem so much older than eleven." He got out of bed, picked Vegeta up, and put them both back into bed.

"But don't worry, Dai. By the time I'm done, you'll know exactly how to please me." .:

Vegeta choked on blood. "Ani," he whispered. "Ani."

Bardock landed beside him, somewhat concerned. Had he knocked him unconscious again?

Vegeta looked up at him with eyes so full of anguish that Bardock flinched and stepped back. What was wrong with the brat?

"Um, maybe we should take a break."

Vegeta looked back down at the ground. All Bardock could see was the top of his head. "I'm OK, sensei. I'm ready to finish our spar."

Bardock shook his head, stomach suddenly churning. "Spar's over. But you see what happens when all you do is block? Eventually your opponent's bound to get through."

Vegeta nodded. Bardock wanted to kick him. He didn't understand his own temper. "Lessons are done for the day." He hurried away and went inside.

Vegeta spit blood, then got up slowly. He found the twins looking at him. "What's going on?" Radditz asked.

"Lessons are done," Vegeta repeated, and went inside himself.

________ ______ _______

The next three days went by pretty much the same as the first two. Vegeta kept to himself. It was as if he was wrapped in an invisible shield that no one could get past. His friends noticed, and murmured amongst themselves. To their surprise, Brolly hadn't caused any more trouble.

Friday night the boys got dressed for the party. Daikon was meeting Vegeta there.

Vegeta's stomach was churning. He felt completely self-conscious. Was it obvious he had no idea what to do with a girl? That he'd never been to a party? That he was terrified beyond the capacity for rational thought?

It was not obvious. His movements were a bit stiff, but he was unconsciously radiating superiority and stand-offish-ness. His basic defense mechanism in the presence of anyone other than Ani. And he looked extremely attractive, in a navy polo shirt that showed off the muscles of his arms, and tight faded jeans that showed off. . . other areas. He had never realized just how good he looked.

"Don't be home too late," Bardock said as they headed out the door.

"Have fun!" Sarah called after them. Then they took to the sky and were off to Zukkini's house.

________ ________

Mame and Sarada had taken Daikon in hand as soon as she'd arrived, to look after her. Chi-Chi and Bulma turned up shortly after and joined them. Bulma cast a few surreptious jealous glances at Daikon every so often without realizing she was even doing it. Next to show were Retasu, then Tien, Yamacha and Nappa. Finally Vegeta and company made it there. Zukkini was delighted to see them.

"Welcome! Come on in! Have some food. I was worried you wouldn't show. Have you met everyone here?" he babbled on as he led them inside. Their friends waved them over.

Vegeta suddenly found himself standing in front of Daikon. She smiled shyly. His heart was suddenly racing faster than he could even fly. She looked up at him through her eyelashes, chin slightly lowered. "Hello, Vegeta."

He nodded, mouth dry, unable to speak.

"The nachos and cheese are good," Retasu announced. Kakkarot immediately went to see.

How Vegeta got through the next hour he wasn't later able to remember. Radditz and Kakkarot kept trying to get him talking, but he couldn't. Daikon just sat close beside him and looked at him every so often.

"Hey, guys," Zukkini called. "We're all going to play truth or dare."

There were groans and cheers. Slowly everyone gathered in a circle, sitting on the floor.

"Who's going to start?"

"It's your party!"

"OK then." He turned to Kabocha, on his left. "Truth or dare?"

This was a game Vegeta had never heard of before, but he felt cold and wary before they ever started. The name did not bode well. And the game, as he came to understand it, seemed to be just another excuse for people to be cruel to one another. He wished he could leave.

"Truth!" Kabocha decided.

"What do you most dislike about Nappa?"

Nappa tensed and Kabocha blushed. "Nothing."

"Come on, no lying," Kyuuri sneered from across the circle. "There has to be something."

"Um, I think he'd look better with hair," she blurted.

Everybody laughed, except Nappa, who scowled, and of course Vegeta.

"Truth or dare?" Kabocha quickly asked Chi-Chi.

"Dare."

"Um, eat three of those hot peppers."

She did. Then she drank two glasses of water. She coughed a few times, then managed to ask in her turn, "Truth or dare?"

Jean, a moderately good friend of hers, looked nervous. "Dare."

Chi-Chi thought. "Call up Krillin and tell him you think he's cute."

"What?" she exploded.

Chi-Chi grinned. "Didn't I hear some such comment the other day?"

"That was last year!" Then she clamped her hand over her mouth.

"Close enough."

"I have speaker phone!" Zukkini told them all helpfully.

"Oh joy."

"You have to do it!" Tien chanted.

"Fine!" The whole group ran over to the nearest phone, in the hallway, and gathered round. Jean had to look up his number in the phonebook, then dialed. His mother answered. "Is Krillin there?"

"Just a moment."

There was a pause, then, "Hello?"

Jean's voice suddenly changed to deep and sultry as she decided she might as well enjoy herself. "Hello, Krillin. I've been watching you."

Chi-Chi began giggling helplessly. Bulma clamped a hand over both their mouths, for she was laughing, too.

"What?" his voice came back.

"I couldn't resist you any longer. I had to tell you how devastatingly handsome I think you are."

"Who is this?" He seemed to be caught between shock, disbelief, and smugness.

"Just…a secret admirer."

"I'll tell you!" Yamcha shouted. "It's Brolly!"

Then the whole group burst into laughter as Jean slammed the phone down.

Vegeta stared at them all. He caught Daikon's eye. She seemed rather uncomfortable as well.

They all went and sat back down. "Truth or dare, Yamcha?"

"Truth," he said.

"Coward," Kakkarot taunted with a smile.

Yamcha gave a sheepish grin.

"Are you a virgin?" Jean demanded.

There were catcalls, but Yamcha just looked superior. "No. Are you kidding?" Some boos from some of the girls.

"Truth or dare?" he asked the girl on his left, who had booed him. She was another human, a good friend of Jean's.

"Truth." She raised her chin defiantly.

"Are you a virgin?" He hadn't liked her booing him.

"Yes," she replied promptly. "And what is wrong with that?"

"Nothing," Vegeta said suddenly, one of the few things he'd said all night. The crowd quieted for a moment.

"Truth or…"

"Truth," Bulma responded.

"Hmm. Of all the boys in this room, who would you most like to kiss?"

"Me, me!" Tien yelled. "I'll do it, Bulma!" Yamcha shouted. More hollering from the rest.

Bulma decided immediately to lie. She couldn't answer Vegeta for many reasons; she couldn't name any Saiyan, for that matter. That didn't leave her many choices. "Well, if I had to…"

Chi-Chi laughed.

"Yamcha, I guess."

"All right!" He leaned towards her.

She shoved him away. "That's not to say that I want to. I only chose you because you seem to have had experience, so I figure it would be moderately tolerable. However, your basic personality prevents me from ever actually going through with it. In other words, Yamcha, that wasn't an invitation." She smiled to take some of the insult out of the words.

"Ooh, she shot you down," Tien grinned while Yamcha pouted.

"Your turn, Tien. Truth or dare?"

"Dare. You wimps," he addressed the others.

"Let me put make-up on you for the rest of the night."

"No way!"

"You gonna forfeit then?"

The shouts and laughter built up. Finally, "OK, I'll do it!"

Another gathering while Bulma did this and the group watched. Tien was blushing madly when he turned to Vegeta. "Your turn. Which?"

Vegeta would not give them truth. "Dare."

Tien drummed his fingers on the ground, thinking, then a wicked light came in his eyes. "Kiss Radditz."

Vegeta went pale, then flushed. "Do what?" he asked in a low, dangerous voice.

"Kiss Radditz," Tien repeated. "On the lips." He wouldn't admit that tone had made him very nervous. That, and the look in his eyes.

Bulma wrinkled her nose. "He can't do that! They're both guys. That's gross!"

Mame laughed unexpectedly. "That's what makes it entertaining."

Radditz looked pretty nauseous. "I think that should count as my dare, too."

Kakkarot, who would have been his darer, shrugged. "OK."

"Come on, Vegeta!" Yamcha was laughing, too. "You can't back down!"

Vegeta gazed around at them. `I should have left before my turn came. Now… I have to go through with it.' He couldn't seem to be afraid. He couldn't betray any vulnerability.

His breathing seemed very loud in his own ears. Only two thoughts managed to be coherent. One was, what if Ani found out? He might very well be mad enough to kill him, but he didn't much care. Besides, who was going to tell him? And the other, what if Radditz likes it? `I can beat up Radditz,' he assured himself. `I can beat up him and Kakkarot together, come to that.' Oh kami, could he do this?

He cursed them all and gathered up the courage that had kept him alive so far. He adopted his mask, and smirked with so much arrogance they blinked. "Never let it be said I would back down from a challenge." And he stood up and approached Radditz.

To Tien's extreme relief, who had for a moment been certain Vegeta was going to kill them all, starting with him.

Radditz looked distinctly nervous as Vegeta stood in front of him. He motioned with his chin and Radditz stood up, too. Vegeta leaned in, and then visibly hesitated. All at once Radditz thought he saw fear in Vegeta's eyes before they closed up like steel. He pressed forward and lip met lip.

"Ew!" Chi-Chi gagged as Kakkarot burst out laughing.

Vegeta pulled back immediately. Radditz stared at him, now doubting what he had seen. Vegeta seemed to assess him, then turned and went back to his seat.

"So how was he, Radditz?" Sarada asked gleefully.

Radditz scowled at her. "Considering neither of us has ever kissed a guy before, I don't know what to compare it to."

Vegeta considered. Radditz thought he'd never kissed a guy before. He wasn't sure what to think about that. The truth was, he'd never realized it was such an unusual thing. He found himself blushing.

"Ooh, ooh, Vegeta's turning red!" Retasu cried. "I wonder what he's thinking!"

"Maybe he liked it," Kakkarot suggested.

"I was thinking about washing my whole face with rubbing alcohol and then having the lot of you arrested by the Imperial Guard," Vegeta snapped.

Some of them laughed, and some of them were afraid he meant it.

"You get to ask now," Zukkini told him, hoping to prevent a fight.

Vegeta glowered at them, then turned to the person on his left. Daikon. "Which?"

Daikon was not happy. She had felt awkward and uncomfortable all night, Vegeta had barely spoken, they were playing this miserable, nasty game, and now Vegeta had been made fun of and gotten angry and she would never have another date with him. "Truth."

"Who here would you most enjoy beating up?" he asked, just to get his turn over with and attention away from him. An easy question, he wasn't going to do anything to hurt Daikon.

"Right now? Radditz."

Radditz looked at her with surprise. "Me? Why?"

`Go for broke,' Daikon told herself. "Because you got to kiss Vegeta before I did."

Total silence for a minute, then everyone began laughing and whooping.

"We're out of here," Vegeta said, completely flustered and angry. He stood up and put out a hand to help Daikon rise. She did so, and they both exited the room, with catcalls following after them.

"I never liked that game," Daikon muttered as they made their way down the hall.

"I'd never played it, but I agree with you now. What kind of sick, stupid questions and demands were those?"

"The same old, juvenile ones that always get asked in parties like this. Wanna leave?"

"Yeah." They found the front door, and walked out into the night.

Vegeta was frightened to be alone with her, especially after what she said about the kiss, but it was better than what he had been doing. But now what? Where would they go? When could he go home? Did she expect him to kiss her? He could, but he didn't want to lead her on, and he was tired of kissing people. At least Radditz didn't seem to have developed a sudden attraction for him. That would be. . . bad.

Daikon became aware of Vegeta's tension. He'd hid it well until now, but he was becoming increasingly upset. She had a strong core under all her shyness, and now let it guide her. "Come with me, I know where we can go."

"OK." They took to the air, the female Saiyan in the lead.

_______________________

A/N: This story's coming very slowly, but it is coming. Thanks for your patience.