"Well, this is an interesting turn of events." Zarbon smirked and looked over at his lord, Frieza, whom was hovering by the window of the ship before responding, "why yes, I must agree." Frieza evilly smiled as he reread the letter for Vegetasei.
In a matter of a days Vegeta will be joining his empire and begin his tour with the Lord's army. His plans were being pushed into motion at a quicker pace than he had planned, and he was not going to complain in the slightest.
"Zarbon, prepare the living quarters for the prince's arrival, we must be ready to accommodate his highness." Frieza turned his pod around and left the main room of his ship. This is stupendous, just marvelous! He evilly thought to himself.
"Son, a word?" the prince was in the middle of training when he was interrupted by his father, "what?"
He was not happy his training session was interrupted, it was the only time he found mental relief from thoughts of Bulma. The king frowned at his son, ever since the letter was sent his son began to be more distant from his parents.
"We need to talk about your upcoming departure, you leave tomorrow remember?" The younger Vegeta went to the control console of his training simulator and turned it off. Vegeta unraveled his tail from his waist and thrashed it in irritation, curling his fists and slamming them into the panel. He was not pleased with the turn of events, and also not pleased with how things with Bulma were. Overall, he was not happy.
"Why must you consult with me about my departure?" he responded to his father. The king furrowed his eyebrows at his son, "well I would like to discuss what we need you to do while with Frieza." The younger Vegeta let out a low growl before folding his arms across his chest and turning around to face his father.
"Son, I need you to infiltrate the Cold Empire, I need you to find out their weakness, from there we can take them down once and for all. I believe Frieza's interest in you is only to turn you against us. We cannot have him take over our Empire, that would doom the universe to eternal hell."
The prince nodded his head, he understood. This will be the ultimate test if he would be a worthy king. Also, it seemed to the prince to be the proper opportunity to reach the legendary. The prince let out a sigh before looking his father in the eyes, "I will do my best. I will not fail our people, father." The King nodded in approval towards his son, he knew his child would make a strong and loyal king eventually.
As Vegeta turned to leave his father interrupted him once more, "son, please try to resolve things with Bulma before you depart. It is important you two have good terms to work together upon your return." The prince stopped when he heard the woman's name and dangerously clutched the door frame, letting out a low growl. A small spark ignited from under his grasp because of how tightly he squeezed the electronic sliding door. "Son, control your temper" the larger Saiyan growled, causing his son to release his grip and storm out of the room.
"Queen Kumiko, the arrangements have been made regarding the Prince." Bulma looked up from her desk at her Queen. It was breathe taking how stunning she was, wife of a strong and harsh man, mother of the devil himself, but her slender frame remained regal. She had straight across bangs with long auburn hair that went past her mid-back. The Queen took great pride in how her hair looked; she had personal servants assigned just to tend to her hair. Along with her great looks, Kumiko was a phenomenal fighter. Her body was firm with well-developed muscles and she had the power level of a superior elite. When she became Queen Kumiko, she decided to set aside fighting and being a warrior and focus her energies on her son, Vegeta.
Bulma learned over the years before she was brought to Vegetasei Kumiko used to train Vegeta. As a toddler she taught him the basic fighting techniques and how to fly, and to this day held interest in her son's progression as an elite. Bulma was brought out of her thoughts when Kumiko spoke, "Thank you dear, speaking of him, have you two spoken at all?" Kumiko leaned away from her desk and studied Bulma's reaction. "No I have not, your majesty." Bulma looked down at her computer; she was working on the updates for the Elites' training facilities. "I hope you two resolve things, I remember when you two were close." Kumiko frowned; her thoughts remembering how inseparable the two were when they were younger.
"Vegeta will talk to me when he sees fit, he always has a way of doing that." Bulma didn't bother hiding her distaste for the Prince's recent behavior. Kumiko raised an eyebrow at her lady's spunk. She found Bulma to be very amusing. "Well my lady, I am going to retire to my chambers. See you for dinner; remember it is a farewell banquet for the prince." Bulma held back a sigh, "Wouldn't miss it for the world." She smiled at the Queen before returning to her work.
Kumiko stood up and gathered a few of her reading materials before heading back to her room. She waited for the door to close completely before addressing her son who was silently waiting for her.
"My son, what brings you here?" She looked up to her child; he was turning into such a striking man and a promising future king. "It's your lady." Vegeta frowned at his mother; he hated being in this situation. How could just a powerless creature govern his life?
Kumiko smirked; maybe they can finally work something out. "Yes, Lady Bulma. I really do enjoy her, she has been far more than I've expected."
"Hmn." Vegeta grunted at his mother, he was not a fan of the female banter nor was he seeking her out to listen to such. "Father wants me to make things better before I leave." Vegeta said dryly. Kumiko stopped walking and placed a hand on her son's chest. "Son, it is not a recommendation. It is something you must do. Without a mate to be Queen or produce an heir, your relationship with Bulma is critical." Kumiko studied her son's eyes, hoping he would for once see the importance of the situation. "I see mother, I might as well take Bulma as my Queen, huh?" He smirked at his mother, feeling this was her ulterior motive. Her mother did not let her emotions show to her son regarding his statement, but left him a "Fix it, or I will beat you into submission" type threat before giving him a poke in the chest and walking away.
Vegeta smirked at his mother, she always kept him amused; her resilience gained his respect for her a long time ago. Vegeta turned to head to his personal chambers. He will need a long shower before talking to the woman.
Vegeta pulled off his training gear and looked at himself in the mirror. His skin was perfect and pulled taught over his muscles. Every breath he took he could see each muscle ripple under his skin. Vegeta smiled at his reflection, he knew he was a good-looking man and could have any woman he wanted. He did not let the gawks and stares from the palace women go unnoticed, either.
When he was younger, his looks got him a lot of things. Whether it be extra dessert or later on his father's personal alcohol collection, all he had to do was give the female servants his half smile and he was granted whatever he wished.
Vegeta stepped into the shower and turned on the water and began washing himself off. The prince closed his eyes and Bulma's face appeared across his thoughts. No matter what he tried with her, even more so with the feuding, she never gave in. She was more prideful and mentally stronger than he, almost. That day at his father's fountain, he was sure he'd have her. That day was the first time he ever experienced rejection.
Today, no matter how physical he got with her or aggressive, she always stood her ground. Even one time in front of his parents she called him out on his behavior. Vegeta smirked to himself; Bulma was a lot like his mother in these regards.
Bulma was still in the Queen's office working out various equations for her training bots and their resistance against ki attacks when she was interrupted.
Bardock burst through the door in frenzy, "My lady, ChiChi is in labor! Your presence is requested in the infirmary!" Before she knew it, Bardock was picking her up and carrying her in his arms towards the infirmary of the palace. "My apologies for carrying you this way, but it is much faster." Bardock bantered, he was evidently nervous.
When the two arrived, ChiChi was laying in one of the beds with Kakarrot at her side. She was flushed and drenched in sweat; Kakarrot held onto her hand and looked extremely worried about his mate. Her physical stress was affecting him through their bond and seeing it wasn't helping the poor man either. Bardock walked up to his younger son and placed his hand on Kakarrot's shoulder and squeezed it reassuringly.
Bulma walked up to her friend's side and grabbed her friend's hand. ChiChi looked up at Bulma and painfully grimaced. Bulma brushed ChiChi's stray bangs away from her forehead and held onto her friend's arm through the whole labor.
After a long and grueling couple of hours, baby Gohan was born. ChiChi was holding her son and cooing over him when she looked at Bulma. "Bulma, why don't you hold him? He needs to meet his Aunt!" Bulma smiled at her friend and reached out towards the baby.
Bulma held the swaddled baby close to her chest and looked down at the young boy. He was a normal size for a baby despite his early birth. He was half human, so she expected his development to be a little different than a normal human birth. The baby was a beautiful boy; he had Kakarrot's eyes and face, but had ChiChi's heavy hair. The baby poked its tail out of the swaddle and wrapped it around Bulma's hand. He watched her inquisitively and studied her. Bulma could immediately tell he would be a great person one day, smart like his mother and strong like his father.
Bulma walked around the room rocking the baby in her arms humming a lullaby she remembered from when she was little. ChiChi smiled as she watched her Lady hold and cuddle her child, it was relieving to see how her son took to Lady Bulma. Kakarrot reached down and held his mate's hand and kissed her on the cheek. The ambiance of the room was filled with love and happiness.
Vegeta kept his presence hidden from view as he watched Lady Bulma hold Kakarrot's newest brat. He watched her eyes sparkle as she looked down at the child and wondered, what would she be like as a mother? Vegeta frowned at his thought and thrashed his tail in irritation before storming away. He had to prepare for his trip and encapsulate his belongings.
Bulma felt like someone was watching her and glanced up from the infant. She saw a shadow retreat from the doorway, but did not know who was there. Bulma looked back down at the child and gave him a light kiss on the forehead before returning him to his parents.
"Congratulations you two, really" Bulma smiled at the couple and gave ChiChi one last hug goodbye. She nodded to Bardock, who now stood in the background brimming with pride over his grandson. He nodded in return and smiled at his Lady. Bulma left the room still wondering about who was at the door.
Bulma entered her bedroom and began undressing herself; it was lonely in her large living quarters without ChiChi there. She figured that it would be a long time before ChiChi returned to her services given the birth of her son, but Bulma was more than fine with this. Bulma allowed her dress to fall to the floor and stepped over it. She needed a long bath before going to Vegeta's farewell banquet.
The Lady had mixed feelings about his departure; she was looking forward to a break from the constant chastising and being pushed around. On the contrary, she lived for those moments. To feel his anger and his passion towards her; Bulma hid her feelings for the prince for the longest time and believed they would never be a couple. He was a prince and she was just a lady, it would never happen. Bulma frowned at her thoughts before submerging herself under water. This is what they both needed, to cleanse themselves of each other. When he returned they could remain in their intended roles and never cross paths again.
Bulma broke the water's surface and began washing her hair and body; she scrubbed away any thoughts of Vegeta from her body. She did want to wish him farewell, but they used to be close and it was the right thing to do. She also had a gut feeling this very well could be the last time she ever saw him.
Bulma pilfered through her many dresses trying to find the right one, damn how did ChiChi do it so effortlessly? Bulma finally found one she was content with, it was a simple yet modest dress. It was pale pink with loose long sleeves. It had an empire waist and a straight across cut on her chest. Bulma pulled it over her slip and smoothed out the fabric. The dress elegantly cascaded the floor so Bulma decided to wear flats, might as well be comfortable for this long evening.
Bulma loosely curled her hair and applied shimmer across her eyelids and called it good on her appearance. She gave herself one last look in the mirror and nodded in approval. Before she went to the banquet room, she would make one last stop to ChiChi in the infirmary.
"My lady, stunning as ever!" ChiChi chirped when she saw her lady appear in the doorway. "Where's Kakarrot?" Bulma noticed her mate's absence. "Oh, he was called away by Vegeta for some urgent business. Bulma rolled her eyes; apparently the birth of a child could not hold the prince off.
Bulma made her way towards ChiChi's bed and sat down next to her friend, baby Gohan was fast asleep curled next to his mother's chest, his tail curled affectionately around ChiChi's wrist. "How does it feel to be a mother?" Bulma smiled at her friend. "I am absolutely in love." ChiChi grinned at her friend while shifting Gohan in her arms, careful not to disturb him.
"How do you feel about Vegeta leaving?" ChiChi looked at her friend, she was curious to see how her Lady would react to his departure. "Mixed feelings. I'm worried about him, funny how someone who treats me so poorly I still care about." Bulma frowned and looked at the ground now having thoughts about the Prince resurface. "Frieza is not a kind man, I am worried to see what kind of King we will have after his tour." ChiChi looked at Bulma again, measuring her reaction. "I just hope this isn't the last time I see him."
"Kakarrot, make sure the woman is protected in my absence. I cannot have my mother without a lady." Vegeta was pacing back and forth in the command room. In a half an hour he would be going to his farewell banquet. Early the next morning he will be traveling in his pod to the Lord Frieza's ship. "You still like her!" Kakarrot goofily looked at his old friend. Vegeta cast his comrade a look that could kill a thousand men, "Shut it you clown, I would not soil my mind and body with an earthling." The prince let out a low growl after and Kakarrot shook his head.
"Whatever you say Vegeta, you let her under your skin." Vegeta frowned and thrashed his tail in aggression once more. "The brat has a superior power level" the prince stated. "You saw him?" Kakarrot raised an eyebrow; he would for sure have remembered the prince stopping by ChiChi's room. "I momentarily stopped by to assess things, but the woman was in there, did not want to speak with her." Vegeta turned trying to leave. "Vegeta, wait." Kakarrot stopped his friend. "I will watch after Bulma, but please promise me this, don't hurt her anymore. I think she feels for you, in their human way. As in how ChiChi and I feel for each other." Kakarrot goofily smiled and placed his hand behind his head, he could tell Bulma cared for their Prince deeply; she was too stubborn to admit it.
"Fool!" The prince yelled at the tall Saiyan. Before Kakarrot could react, Vegeta had him pressed against the wall of the control room with Vegeta's forearm pressed into his neck. "You think I would have so much distain for the woman if she could feel anything?" He growled, "The bitch denied me in front of Frieza years ago. I will never respect her after that!" Kakarrot stared at Vegeta, unaware at the fact his friend made a pass at Bulma in the past.
"Vegeta, did it ever occur to you that she did not know about him?" Kakarrot tried to reason the irate Saiyan. "Doesn't matter now." Vegeta dropped the guard and turned on his heel quickly exiting, his red cape billowing behind him. Kakarrot stood there, dumbfounded. The prince and Bulma needed to sort things out, but with Vegeta leaving that morning the chances were now grim.
Vegeta continued down the hallway, his fury blinding him. He stormed past his mother's quarters when he inhaled her sweet scent. He stopped and slowly turned his head and took in the beauty before him. Bulma had her back turned to him talking to one of the servants about kami knows what. Her angelic blue hair cascaded down her back; he noticed how it was loosely curled to perfection. Her pale pink dress cascaded down her backside and emphasized her feminine figure. Her loose sleeves fluttered at her sides as she used her hands to get her point across. He breathed her in again, she smelled so sweet and womanly, he just wanted to walk up to her and inhale the scent up close. His eyes traveled down to a bare area between her neck and left shoulder, he could see her vein pulsating with her pulse. He licked his lips, suddenly wanting to drink in her sweet blood and make her a part of him.
Suddenly uncomfortable, he retreated away to rid himself of this discomfort. Though he felt better with such a distance from her, his want for her infiltrated his mind. He raked his gloved hands through his hair before deciding to push the thoughts to the back of his head and continuing on his way. He turned and decided to go ahead and take his seat in the banquet room.
Once inside, it was to his relief he was early. He looked at Bulma's chair and saw it was empty, but he couldn't help but be slightly interested at the fact she would be a few feet away in a matter of minutes. Vegeta shifted around uncomfortably in his chair, this was going to be a long night for the young prince.
He relaxed in his chair and watched his people slowing arrive, but there was one person he was looking for. Everything about Bulma was attractive to him, her smarts, spark, and beauty. Vegeta smirked while reflecting the sight he saw before arriving. She was so beautiful, and she smelled so sweet. Maybe everyone else was right about them resolving things. However, he did not want another weakness to worry about while away with Frieza.
Bulma was completely unaware of Vegeta's infatuation with her as far as she was concerned he hated her. Bulma and the Queen silently walked to the banquet room. She could tell her majesty was sad about her son's departure in the morning but she tried to keep a strong face.
"I hope you and the Prince get a chance to speak." the Queen murmured. Bulma was becoming confused with her obsession that they make up. "I will make it my goal to speak with him, Queen Kumiko, but I make no promises as to the direction the conversation shall go." Kumiko smiled, glad that Bulma was willing to talk to him. Now she just had to make sure the Prince will cooperate.
The two ladies entered through the double doors together, Bulma just a few paces behind the Queen. The music momentarily stopped and every stood up, and curtsied or bowed as they passed by. Vegeta caught himself gawking at Bulma's beauty, he felt like he was fifteen once again standing by his father's fountain.
Bulma stretched her neck up and walked with grace as she approached the table. She stood behind the Queen as she addressed her son, "My son, may you have safe travels. I will miss you dearly." The Queen took her son's face in both of her hands and pressed her forehead against her son's. He took his mother's hands in his own and closed his eyes. It seemed to Bulma they were having a telepathic conversation, but it was so rare for them to display affection towards one another.
My son, this is my blessing to you. Serve your people well while away, guide us to Frieza's demise. Your heart belongs to Bulma, take her and love her. It is no secret to me. I love you dearly son, may you be safe and return to me as you are now.
Mother, always one for dramatics; I will serve our people well. They will not be disappointed with their future king. Bulma will never accept the likes of me, after what I have done. She is the only woman I see filling your place as Queen, but not with the likes of me.
Son, stop your self-doubt. Take her as a mate when you return. I see it no other way.
Kumiko stepped away from her son, breaking their pathway of conversation. Vegeta looked at his mother and frowned; he now knew what he had to do. He just hoped he hadn't been too harsh on her. He needed to get her before he left, because if he left her on the terms they were on now, she might be mated upon his return.
The night flowed beautifully, there was dancing and drinking. The King led a toast in honor of his son.
"My son, you are the future of Vegetasei. Keep our namesake proud, be a ruthless fighter, a proud warrior, and a loyal Saiyan. The fate of your people rests in your hands. As future King, I know you will fulfill our people and protect them with your last breath." Everyone cheered with the King's final remarks. The older Saiyan sat down next to his son and removed the medallion around his neck. "Keep this with you in your travels, no matter what happens you will remember where your loyalties lie."
The prince looked at the medallion in his gloved hand, ever since he could remember his father wore this around his neck. It was a part of him, a part of their king. "Father, I can't…" the King looked at his son, "It isn't an option. Wear it while you are gone." The prince nodded and placed the necklace around his neck and smirked at his father.
The fact Vegeta was leaving in just a matter of hours hit Bulma like a ton of bricks when she saw this exchange. There was a very real chance he would not be returning. Tears pricked at her eyes and she excused herself. Bulma rushed outside onto the banquet room's balcony in need of air. Her abrupt exit did not go unnoticed by the royal family.
"Go to her." Kumiko ordered, Vegeta nodded and followed the distraught lady. He found his target leaning against the railing with her hands gripped and white knuckled against it. Vegeta slowly approached her, the saltiness of her tears searing his nose. He frowned at the sight before him and reached out for her, his hand softly landing on her shoulder.
Bulma was amazed by the gentle touch on her shoulder and around her waist as she was pulled into an embrace. She closed her eyes and took in his scent, the last time she would ever be this close to him for a very long time. She forgot about all their hard times the past couple of years and relaxed into him at the moment. "Vegeta, please come back." Bulma buried her face into the crook of his neck. He rested his cheek against her forehead and held her closer. He wrapped his tail around her waist and just held her while she sobbed. Vegeta stiffened against her body, suddenly uneasy at the closeness the two shared.
"Shush woman, you are babbling." Vegeta murmured into her ear, his hands traveling up to her shoulders. She pulled away from him and looked into his eyes, confused as to why he wasn't being mean to her. Vegeta put his hand through her hair and brought it to the back of her head. He moved in closer to her and stopped, just a couple inches from her face. "Bulma" he whispered.
Bulma's heartbeat accelerated excited to see what he was going to do. "You are beautiful. Everything I have ever done to you was out of spite from your rejection."
Bulma pulled away and looked up at him, her eyes widened in disbelief, "Vegeta, I only ran away from you because you're a prince. I am just your mother's lady in waiting! If it was not for your mother I would be dead, or a peasant" Vegeta let go of her, "And do you think that means anything, to me?"
"Wouldn't it? I mean, you'd have to take a Saiyan…besides I figured you just would fuck and leave since I'm below you in status." Vegeta shook his head, stupid woman. "Woman, if I wanted you like that I would've just taken you. Instead I led you to somewhere special and actually showed myself to you. I swallowed my Saiyan pride for you" Vegeta frowned at her, thinking the same thing was about to happen. "If I decide to be with you, promise not to hurt me." Bulma looked into the Prince's eyes; she needed to know he would never try to hurt her again. "I cannot take any more of this feuding, Vegeta, it's killing me." Bulma's eyes began to water as she backed away from the Prince.
Vegeta took a step forward and their lips crashed into each other. He kissed her with need and passion. Bulma laced her arms around Vegeta; she needed him now like she did when they became friends when she was that scared little girl. "Bulma, I will do everything I can to protect you, I always will." Bulma allowed the tears to roll down her cheeks, this time they were tears of happiness.
Vegeta pressed her against the railing and held onto her sides tightly. He kissed down her neck and across her chest and found his way back up to her lips. Bulma grabbed the sides of his cape and pulled it around them. He moved in closer and pressed his body into her. She felt every muscle tense and relax with each movement. "I promise you, woman."
Vegeta looked down at her and smiled before continuing. "I promise upon my return, I will mate you." He purred. Bulma paused and looked up into his face again. "Is that a promise you are willing to keep?" She realized this would mean her future as Queen, but also knew nothing could last forever, either.
"If it wasn't, I would never have mentioned it." He brushed her hair behind her ear and kissed her on the forehead. Before she knew it she was outside alone again. Bulma shivered as the cool evening air hit her. She decided it was time for her to go back inside, too.
Vegeta was back at the royal table with his parents. They all were eating peacefully, they all looked like a normal family…. despite the fact that they were rulers of this empire. Bulma slowly made her way towards the table. Kumiko looked up at her lady and smiled, she knew what happened between Bulma and Vegeta and she was elated.
The four finished their dinner in peace, everything finally felt at ease, the thought of Vegeta leaving in the morning forgotten for the moment.
Bulma was in her bedroom preparing herself for bed. She had her hair in a loose braid and was wearing a mid-thigh loose nightgown. Bulma was slowly removing her makeup and her thoughts drifted to what happened in the balcony. She could not believe that everything did a complete 180.
He had promised to be her mate once he returned, in Earthling terms this is the equivalent of being engaged. Bulma pushed away from her vanity and headed to bed. Bulma was beginning to drift asleep when she heard a knock at her door.
Bulma tossed the blankets away before crawling out of bed and making her way to the door. She cross her arms across her abdomen, shivering once the cool evening hair chilled her to the core. Bulma slowly opened the door, surprised to see the Prince standing there, waiting.
"Vegeta?" The prince gave her one look before mumbling "screw it" to her and advancing through the doorway, grabbing Bulma and pulling her into him and assaulting her with a deep, passionate kiss.
Vegeta unwrapped his tail and put it around her waist and pulled her closer. His eyes were unreadable as he pulled her in. Bulma ran her tongue across his bottom lip and he allowed her entrance. Bulma explored his mouth and let her hands travel across his muscular chest. He growled and shuddered under her touch. The two fumbled their way across the room to Bulma's bed before collapsing down together.
Bulma paused the kissing and pulled the nightgown over her head and carelessly dropped it to the floor. Vegeta marveled at her pale beauty and the perfection of her body.
Vegeta sunk his teeth into her shoulder causing her to yelp and push away, unable to stand the pleasure. Vegeta did not break contact as he bit down harder on her shoulder, initiating the unbreakable Saiyan bond. Once this bond was formed, the two began to consummate their new found union.
Bulma placed her head across Vegeta's chest and wrapped her arms around his giant frame. She was content, and exhausted. Sleep found Bulma easily that night, but Vegeta remained awake staring out of the window. He held Bulma, taking in her scent and watching her sleep. He committed every detail he could to his memory. In two hours he would be on his way to Frieza. He looked down at Bulma, "One day, my Queen." He kissed her forehead before slipping out of bed, careful not to wake his mate.
