Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Uncertain Future ❯ A Short Absence ( Chapter 23 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or any of the characters you see in the show, movies, manga, etc. I'm not making any money off of this story, so please don't sue me.

Author's Note: Hey! Just the usual thanks for all the great reviews! Also, sorry this chapter didn't come out sooner, but I was having computer troubles. And hey! I don't know if you'll be sad or glad to hear this, but this series is coming to an end very soon. I don't expect to do more than 25 chapters in total!

*Special thanks to Vegetababe and Bulma Peacecraft for Beta-ing!*

Uncertain Future, Chapter 23: A Short Absence

"Oh my god Corky! Is that a bite mark?"

"Uh...well…Bardock and I kinda…" Corky stuttered, her cheeks a brilliant shade of crimson.

"You've been living with him for what, a DAY and you've already MATED?!?!" Bulma shrieked. "Do you even realize what that bite means?"

Corky looked upset for a moment, then anger flashed deep in her eyes. "Yes I DO know what this means and I'm happy about it! Maybe you should just mind your own business!" Corky's shrill voice pierced the Queen's ears.

Bulma looked stunned, taken aback by her friend's sudden outburst. "I…I'm sorry Corky…" Bulma murmured, calming down. "I was just surprised, that's all. If you're really happy though, I'm happy for you…for both of you!" Her face brightened, and Corky smiled back over the vid-screen.

"Thanks Bulma. I don't blame you for being surprised though. I sure was when I woke up this morning!" Both women laughed.

"So," Bulma smirked, "how'd it happen huh? How do you go from barely acquainted to mated in a matter of hours?"

"Well…we were…uh…I tripped and he…well…he kissed me and…you know…one thing led to another…" Corky was blushing furiously. Bulma laughed softly. Seems he does that a lot…She thought to herself. Just then, Bulma heard the familiar mechanical 'whoosh' sound of her front door. Vegeta was home.

"I gotta go Corky, Vegeta just walked in. I'll call you later though."

"Bye!" Both women closed down their screens.

Bulma went out into the hallway to greet her mate. "Did you get everything taken care of down in Communications?" Bulma questioned, seeing Vegeta's slightly sullen expression.

"I'll be leaving the planet for a few weeks." he stated, bluntly.

"What? Why? Aren't we still in our mating period? You can't leave now!"

"I have to."

"Are you going to at least tell me why you're leaving?" Bulma whimpered, her good mood spoiled.

"No."

"But…"

"This discussion is over." Vegeta growled. "I leave early tomorrow morning and that's that."

"FINE!" Bulma cried out. "Don't tell me! See if I care!" She ran out of the room, not wanting Vegeta to see her tears. The King sighed, and flopped down on the couch, running a hand through his thick mane of spikes.

I can't stand to see her cry, but I can't tell her why I'm leaving. She can't know until I get back… Damnit! Why does that little woman have to be so nosy? If she'd just keep out of my business there would be no need for silly tears…I hope she's okay…

EARLY THE NEXT MORNING…

Vegeta scowled. Last night had been most unpleasant, for his mate refused to touch him. She had been cold and unresponsive to his advances in their bed, keeping her back towards him and not saying a word. Eventually, he had given up trying and just scooted back to his own side of the bed. On top of that, he hadn't slept well because it was still their initial mating period and his body demanded fulfillment. Her scent was so inviting, he knew she wanted him now that he had rolled away. Stubborn pride held him back though, he was not about to go crawling back after she had rejected him. If she wanted him that bad, then she would have to advance on him herself.

Much to Vegeta's displeasure, Bulma's own pride had kept her on her own side of the bed as well. She wasn't the type to beg for anything, but had a problem with concealing her emotions, so all night Vegeta was subjected to tiny whimpers and sniffles from his mate. The morning had been equally unpleasant. After taking separate showers, there was a frigid atmosphere during a breakfast where little conversation was exchanged.

Vegeta scowled again, looking from the ship to his mate. She was standing close beside him, her arm linked through his own, but she still wore a frustrating air of detachment. He was almost ready to call of the whole mission, but again, his pride kept him from giving in to his Queen. Scanning the surrounding scenery, he noticed Keront beckoning him to come over. He and his mate, Kishin, had been assigned guard duty to his Queen while he was away. Vegeta slipped his arm away from Bulma's, much to her displeasure, and walked over to Keront.

"I trust you have spoken to your mate about the arrangements Keront?" Vegeta murmured, low enough so that Bulma would not hear. He could not have her asking any more questions.

"Yes sir, everything will be ready for your return. The Queen will not be notified of anything." The Saiyan soldier replied.

"Good. See to it that everything goes well Keront, and you will be generously rewarded."

"Yes sir." Keront saluted his King, crossing a fist over his heart. "We all await your arrival back here, your Highness, but until then my mate and I will protect the Queen."

Vegeta nodded in approval. "I leave her in your hands then." He turned and walked back to his mate, who was looking at the ship with an irritated frown on her face.

"I still don't see why you can't just tell me where you're going." she muttered as soon as he reached her side. She thrust herself at his mind, through their bond, but found no useful information. He was more skilled than she at controlling the link, and was using a walling technique to keep her out of his thoughts.

"You'll know when I get back." Vegeta ground out, trying to hide his irritation at the fact that she would try to force her way into his thoughts. "But in the meantime, wish me good luck and kiss me goodbye because the ship is leaving in about ten minutes." Vegeta murmured, ducking his head down to press his lips against hers. Bulma was too surprised to remember to be frigid, and her mouth soon opened against his. She whimpered when he pulled away, but, seeing his smirk, she remembered to be mad at him and scowled.

Vegeta rolled his eyes and walked to the ship, and Bulma could only sigh as she watched the heavy metal door close after him. She turned to see Keront standing behind her. "Allow me to escort you to your chambers, my Queen." he murmured, leading her away from the launch pad. He knew the force of the ship's departure could easily knock her off balance and send her flying. "Kishin is awaiting you there."

Bulma smiled, thinking of her friend. She nodded and allowed Keront to lead her away from the ship and towards the palace, not without one last wistful look though.

"Oh come on Bulma! Cheer up!" Kishin giggled. The two women sat in the royal chambers, eating lunch. "He'll be back soon! Only a couple of weeks."

"I know Kish…" Bulma sighed. "I just miss him already, and I know he's mad at me. Plus, I'm worried…Vegeta wouldn't tell me why he was leaving or where he was going."

"I'm sure everything's fine Bulma." Kishin soothed her friend. "You know Vegeta, he's a secretive kinda guy!"

A FEW DAYS LATER…

Vegeta scowled as he stepped out of the ship and onto the small colony planet. It was such a wasteland, probably full of disease. Everywhere you looked was brown or a rusty sort of orange, and the air was tainted with a scent not unlike that of the regeneration fluid, only a little less tangy. He couldn't wait to get off this ugly little rock.

His crew seemed to share his sentiment, because their noses wrinkled and their faces contorted with disgust as they stepped off the ship behind their King. "Don't worry men." Vegeta said. "We won't be here for long."

"I'm getting a life signal from over there, a couple of kilometers south east of here." One of the soldiers spoke up, pointing in the direction his scouter was indicating.

"All right then. We're going that way." Vegeta said. He walked over to the ship and pushed a little square button on the side. In a puff of smoke, it was gone, and in its place was a small cylindrical capsule. He picked it up with a smirk, and deposited it in his armor. Thank goodness for genius mates. In a quick burst of energy, he launched himself into the sky, his crew following closely behind.

Well, that's all for now! Hope ya all liked it! Remember to review! Questions? Comments? Email me if ya like! cat_girl_26@hotmail.com