Beta by: QWERTYblues

Age: 733

Anana(s): Year(s)

Medii: Doctor

Tramana: Week

Aedeo-quad: Courtyard to train

Chapter III:

Life is a Dream, Realize it

Gine

Each expression he reveals captures my attention. The scowl where his lips thin out and eyes stay on the source of displeasure, or if not present, eyes shut with half a frown present. Neutral when he stands by his father side, always staring straight ahead without a care. The rare, surprised appearance he displays with eyes twice the size of a regular person's... my preference of joy.

Mouth pulled upward in a grin, eventually turned into a smirk. The crinkles by his eyes as he lets out a full belly laugh, cheeks slightly tainted from the lack of oxygen. Amusement coloring his young features as if he knows something you'll never figure out. Any of these is an indication that he's ready to express his happiness.

Currently, he's attempting to conceal his glee with anger. But after knowing him for over fourteen menses, the effort is futile.

"Open,"

Vegeta holds a piece of red meat trying to get another slice inside my mouth. We've been eating since arriving and I couldn't take another bite,

"I'm full."

"Gine," He sighs, placing the food back down on the silver tray. "You heard the medic."

I frown guiltily, staring at the food his attendants brought. The food is delicious and most aren't even profited in our market, due to preferences towards hunting.

"Eat to strengthen the immune system." I told him grimacing at the memory.

As of two *ananas ago, every saiyan is required a check-up to document individuals on their health and progress. The first year I've taken the exam the medics checked everything and concluded my health perfect. Second time, taking place not too long ago, concluded with same results. Vegeta felt speculative and dragged me towards his personal medic.

Processes and results were both distinct from the original. Tests were done as precaution from epidemic history, universal viruses, and internal functions.

I'm not exactly sure what the equipments were called, but they appeared to be four times the size of the generators back in the medical center. Each gear and screen was set up in different color codes. Grey and indigo for physical, historic activity, white and bright green for current illnesses in the bloodstream, and russet and black for the internal organs.

The history is done by taking a sample of my tissue and analyzing the data through advanced technology. A tiny me appeared after the data was complete! I thought the image was unique and astonishing; perhaps Bardock or Tora might have enjoyed seeing the machinery and even tinkering with them.

Viruses were checked by taking samples of my blood. I didn't like the sharp needles, they hurt! Vegeta actually gulfed, attempting to hide his laugh when he saw my pained expression after the quick shot.

For the last process, images were taken from each body part. The poses they made me do were silly! Standing with arms stretched towards the sky, standing on one leg while extending the other straight to the side, and balancing with hands touching the floor. Uniquely, the images didn't show my outer appearance, but icons and frameworks of muscles, bones, organs, and lots of other things that I can't remember!

All of my medical results came back normal... except for one minor finding. At least I thought it was minor, everyone else believed the discovery was a major finding.

Immunity is what our kind is known for having, resisting any negative impacts we may come across purposely, or accidentally. The teaching I was set to believe is that our race's body structure is set to protect our bodies from disease, but Vegeta explained our… immune system… was designed to do much more, like the speed of our healing.

The head *medii and his assistant asked me many questions which involved any daily activity or routine, environment, sleeping arrangements, and eating habits. Once I answered what I thought was the final inquiry, all three shared an expression, and launched into even more questions, analyzing every word and every bit of detail coming out of my mouth.

Vegeta told them to pull up the record of my father, and match his data with mine. It surprised me a little that they had access to his personal records, though it shouldn't. I'm sure they've started keeping track more accurately prior to the two years.

Data showed all of dad's reports from almost a couple of decades ago. Shockingly, they had almost every detail in perfect order. For each test done to me today, my father's has been checked since before I was even born!

I asked who exactly they normally examine personally and their responses were the royal family and the elites. It seems I was the only one outside the circle they've ever checked. That's very peculiar…how could they have this much information on dad without ever coming in contact with him? Before I could ask, the medii turned and gave us the results.

My selection of food along with the portions I take in were considered unsuitable and the cause for the deficiency. There isn't enough substances being consumed, causing my healing abilities to slow and skin to soften and tone to be shades lighter than normal.

Vegeta has been making sure each moment together is spent with large quantities of snacks to accompany our time, and most of the time he has even given me which food to take. Not that I don't appreciate his help, but I've never really had any true complaints or issues regarding my health.

"I'm actually surprised you've managed to endure battle practices and assignments," He admitted pulling my hands towards his larger ones, "I've checked your log and saw the number of practices your commander placed along with missions," Tracing very faint scars he sighs, "Each mission seems to grow in ranks."

Tilting my head confused I asked, "They do?" They all appeared the same, unchangeable.

Nodding he continued, "No one can really notice, but if you place them all together it's easy to pinpoint how each planet is ranked along with their people. Your chief must be very knowledgeable to know how far to take his teammates."

"Bardock is very smart," I told him proudly, my friend has very specific choices in technology and inventions, "He prepares everything days before its time to take anything on and checks that everything is in perfect working order. If he spots something amiss, he'll always fix it himself," I lean towards him as if sharing a secret, "Bardock doesn't like it when someone touches our pods or scouters. He claims he can't trust anyone—except his second in command—to repair any damages done to them."

Vegeta rests his forehead on mine, "Your team must be very close to each other."

Humming to think of an answer I half grinned at his amused smile, deciding to shrug in response. We weren't all exactly close. Fasha kind of scares me and I think she only tolerates my presence. The others are my friends, but I wouldn't eagerly spend my time with them... we all have different interests.

"I feel very delighted each time you spend your time with me instead of your friends." He leans his lips closer to mine, each syllable breathable.

"I prefer spending my time with you," My eyes close and cheeks become warmer as I whisper, "You're special."

Chuckling, he presses his lips towards mine, murmuring his response within the kiss, "I think you are too."

His lips have always felt warm and soft. They were always tender from the start, and constantly leading up to blissful ends. He's never tried to venture farther than my comfort. At any hint of displeasure I show, he'll pull back and attempt again, recognizing how far each moment will lead.

My stomach always feels…fluttery. Almost as if tiny, flying creatures were inside tickling my insides and trying to make me feel nervous on purpose. My heart keeps skipping beats, refusing to act normally whenever I'm with Vegeta.

He sighs into the kiss, "More than you'll believe," Slowly, yet reluctantly, Vegeta pulls away as a loud, beeping noise disrupts our moment.

Checking his scouter, lying by his pillows, he raises his brow before turning to me, "I think it's you," He grabs mine settling the volume down, "Anywhere you need to be today?" He asks, placing it back down and moving his arms behind his head, becoming comfortable on the bed.

Sitting criss-cross on the edge facing him, I scratched my head trying to remember if I did.

"Uh…I don't really remember." I let out a laugh at my lack of memory, "Might be from Bardock though he recently started activating alarms on everyone's scouters so we'll be able to make it to his meetings on time," I said that but... I don't recall him calling one for today.

Groaning, he shifted around so he was propped on one elbow facing me, "Where do you have to be?" Vegeta sounded annoyed, our time together had to be shortened again. Usually, he was the one to leave. Now that he has a free day, I was the one to leave.

"Not sure," I said crawling to the top, taking my scouter and pushed the second button on the side, "Oh…" I mutter reading the slight description on the alarm.

Squinting at the letters of my scouter that faced him backwards in reverse, he asks, "What?"

"Just a training session," I shrug it off, "He's been assigning an awful lot of these."

Blinking at my answer, he says, "Is he really making you train?"

Vegeta was quick to realize I was not like everyone else. I'm not a fighter and I don't indulge in anything combat related. He was also made aware of my resistance to join my friends during their sessions and Bardock's acceptance. Which is why he was surprised I was even receiving this message.

"No," I said, sending a quick word on my scouter that I'm on my way, "Though I feel like I owe Bardock," I admitted blushing slightly in embarrassment, "He comes to my rescue every time," Glancing at my scouter, I recalled the day I first met him as a boy. Different from most, yet also the same in every way. "The least I could do is show up, giving him my full support of acknowledging what he does for the team…for me."

As much as violence isn't one of my favorite aspects to get involved or associated with, I know that if it wasn't for Bardock working so hard, then I probably wouldn't be alive. He's very confusing and hard to work with, but that just makes him, well... Bardock. The saiyan who appears typically moody and unsociably involved, unless an event calls for it. He's more than just another saiyan, he's my friend. A friend I can always count on.

Smiling as I adjusted my device and hopping off the bed, I told Vegeta, "I should be leaving now!"

Although I'm a bit saddened that I won't be able to see Vegeta until tomorrow morning, I can't help the smile on my face. Bardock doesn't really share much about himself and he doesn't usually show many emotions, besides the usual, but Tora told me Bardock always seems contented when I show up. I think he's just glad I'm not showing up as late as I used to!

Turning back to Vegeta to ask if he could show me out of his palace, I found myself frowning as I was greeted by his scowl. He glared right at the pillows, avoiding my eyes.

"Is something wrong?"

He hasn't showed any real displeasure today, what could be the cause of it now?

I waited a bit wondering if he would look back at me with a softened expression, but his glower didn't falter. In fact, it seemed he was becoming more agitated. His posture became tense and his mouth slowly moving, whispering silently to himself with a twitch in his left eye, and a vein appearing on his forehead. I couldn't hear what he was muttering to himself, but I think he was trying to calm himself down as he kept clenching and unclenching his hands.

"Vegeta, I need to go…" I said, wondering if I would be able to sneak out without anyone noticing, "Bardock doesn't like us being late."

His eyes move to mine, his expression changing from anger to questioning, searching my face for answers he wasn't able to receive verbally. He must have found something since he nodded, moving to stand beside me, "Alright let's go."

Before either of us could even cross the room to the exit, the door opened revealing King Vegeta with a smirk on his lips and a glint in his eyes.

"So soon?"

I gasp at the sight of our planet's ruler standing mere steps away. He dressed similar to his son only red and black being his preferred coloring for his armor instead of the red and grey his son wore. His hair the same shade as his son and flame like with slight facial hair.

"Father." Vegeta curtly said to his father taking a step back and attempting to shield me from his father's dark eyes. The two appeared very similar, but something about the King seemed frightening, more daunting, unlike his son the older male gave out a fearsome and powerful aura.

Shuddering as I felt his eyes burning through his son's body, I took hold of Prince Vegeta's hand, feeling the need to reassure myself and him that neither of us are alone.

I could hear footsteps striding closer to the two of us before stopping inches away where his voice sounded closer and much more prominent than I could ever recall.

"Lovely girl you brought," He spoke with amusement, "Small in stature, uniform unlike our own, appears weak…son I believe you brought a third-class?" False surprise spat out of his mouth, causing the younger of the two to let out a growl.

"What are you doing in here?" My Vegeta hisses, taking a step back with my body following.

Ignoring his son the king continues, "I can see why you're attracted to her boy," I could feel the flinch from his body as if it were my own, "She is easily the most appealing sight to set your eyes on…Gine." My eyes widened as he said my name, how does he even know?!

"Rikku's daughter," For someone who supposedly doesn't care for his people he sure knows the names of the weakest class, "Fine man. Knew him back when he was your age boy," another flinch, "he was part of a suicidal group aiding me and my elites." I moved a bit to peek at the man claiming to know my father.

King Vegeta stroked his goatee as he nodded at a memory, "Who would have thought a mission full of explosives, thought to sacrifice the lives of many ended up changing our genetic material to appear somewhat different than our true self." He grumbled at the end, likely recalling the time he had black hair instead of the brown he has now.

I recalled this story. Dad told it to me in a way to explain our eye difference compared to the entire saiyan race. Tuffles were capable of inventing anything and everything, including altering and creating a mutation in our genes. Though it wasn't deadly as they all believed, everyone thought the Tuffles made a mistake in creating their formula.

"Yes father we know the story," Vegeta attempts to steer us away, but was stopped by his father once again, "Let us through." He growled in warning.

"I will boy," King Vegeta seems to enjoy watching his son flinch each time he calls him that, "First I'd like to know if your little woman is even aware of the ceremony taking place next *tramana."

"Gine let's go." Vegeta starts pushing his father away and pulling on my wrist, but I was curious of the ceremony his father spoke of, "What ceremony?"

Chuckling he wiggles his finger at his son in mock disappointment, "Boy haven't you told her yet?"

"We're leaving." He hisses pulling me again, but his father latched onto my other wrist rather forcibly pushing me towards him.

"If your intentions towards her are sincere then at least make her a candidate," His father says widening his eyes as if surprised his son hasn't offered me as a…candidate? For what?! I voiced this out loud watching as both Vegetas stare at one another in amusement and anger.

"Vegeta what's he saying?" I turn towards my prince, wondering what he's been keeping from me. Seeming as I am not getting an answer from him, I turn to the other available source, "What are you saying my lord?" The king's eyes glint amusingly and his smile increases.

"The ceremony held is for my dear boy to pick a mate and I've selected over a handful already for him and told him beforehand if he has anyone in mind, but…" Trailing off, he sighs shaking his head, "He hasn't mentioned anyone that piqued his interest," My eyes widened as he confesses his son's lack of answer, "Though I could see why he wanted to keep you a secret, my dear." He purrs towards the end.

I turn to face Prince Vegeta, hoping to hear his retort to what his father has said. But instead, I see him glaring at his father with pure hatred.

"Is this true?" I whisper, feeling tears start to appear.

His silence was all the confirmation I needed. Taking a step back I gathered the last bit of speech I had left in me, facing the king to whimper, "Honor to meet you." Then left the two royals in the room and running out of the chambers... out of their home.

As I reached the outside my—Prince Vegeta, appeared in front of me grasping my hand in his gloved ones, "Let me explain!" He pleads with not only his words, but his eyes too.

Faltering for a moment, I asked myself if I should listen. What excuse could he give me though? If his father hadn't mentioned it... would he have eventually? Glancing down gloomily, I doubted he would have. He didn't seem to want his father to even mention it to me and he didn't even react or state me as his… partner.

Was this entire thing I made myself believe... faulty? Peeking at him, I scrutinized his features. Knowing each emotion, memorizing every little detail and how even a tiny difference could mean he was hiding what he didn't want to show. Sadness is the most obvious, irritation from the half frown, and…eyes moving away from meeting my own: guilt.

It's true then. Taking a step back I breathed out shakily covering half my face, already feeling warm tears making their way down.

"...I need to go."

Anywhere but here, I thought readying to fly away, before he spat out, "Yes, to that Bardock!"

Pausing in the sky I briefly wondered why he was suddenly directing his anger to my friend. He didn't do anything wrong. Turning half way around, I say, "To someone who won't keep secrets."

Before he responds, I flew off. Unable to silence the sobs any longer.

Bardock

It was almost time for the others to show up. The alerts set are warnings, for their benefit, to arrive on time. No excuses. So far the only ones here are Tora and me. Though the fact my best comrade lives with me has a huge deal with him rarely ever arriving late.

We're in the *Aedeo-quad section 4-B both intending to warm-up before the others arrive. I've planned for all of us to stay till closing, and knowing the others reactions we'll need to make sure they're all completely focused on their training and nothing more.

The plan is to spar with Tora for the first part, then take on Borgos since he's the third best and usually alert, and finishing it with Borgos and I vs. the other three. Gine doesn't involve herself with our…tactics. Though I'm still pleased to see her committing to at least showing up and laying out a general idea of what we'll be dealing and practicing.

I doubt she actually realizes that's the intentions during these sessions though. Gine sometimes can be a little dense and slow, usually needing a detailed explanation once…or twice. Not that she's useless or dimwitted, it just takes her some time to actually realize we need her to get the job done.

I've been careful to choose certain missions that would be up to our standards and have a place for everyone to be involved, even Gine. Just about all of them involve locating and gathering resources to bring over to our planet. While she handles that part, the rest of us take care of eliminating any threats or if called for the population. Knowing she always felt uneasy about these events I try to make it as easy as possible for their deaths to come quick.

The feeling of being rather protective of my petite comrade is still foreign, but I've come to gradually accept the emotion. She's very different, easily harmed and unable to shield herself from anyone. It's one of the reasons why I've made sure to assign myself as her partner for all missions. The best way to keep her out of dilemmas is by keeping her within my sight. Apparently Gine is prone to bad luck, according to someone in our team.

"You ready Bardock?" Tora says, bumping my shoulder, "Let's just get this started before we run out of time."

I smirked at him, crossing my arms, "Eager to lose already Tora?"

Barking out a laugh, he waves me off, "You can't win every time."

"Bet?" I asked him cockily already predicting my win. He's an amazing battle partner, but even he can't win against me, I know his every move. He hasn't even figured my strategy yet, and I plan to keep it that way.

Grinning he raised his brow placing his arms behind his head, "Ha-ha like I said you can't win every time, not that I would beat you now, maybe some other time."

I was tempted to ask if he actually believed that, but decided against it, anyone else I'd have no trouble to prove my winning streak.

There's no doubt I'll show the world one day of what a "bottom dweller" is truly capable of and with time, I'm positive I'll be comparable to the elites someday.

The elites are considered to be the top warriors our species have to offer, born into their position and most likely die with the title. Everyone believes what your born as is how you'll be seen as, even after death, but I plan to change that and it's a goal I'm not willing to give up.
Even if I have to push and pull everyone's weight around here, "Spend more in your training and less on fooling around then we'll see some improvement."

He scoffed already walking towards the opposite direction, "I need improvement?" Tora turned around revealing a mocking frown, "Maybe in battle, but you need to work on your social skills," He crouched low with his smirk appearing, "especially if you plan on our tiny comrade—,"

Flying to his spot before he could finish his taunting I pulled my fist back and aimed straight to his jaw shutting his mouth and staggering back, "Like I said less fooling around and more sparring."

Cussing at me he glared, amusement coloring his eyes. "Alright have it your way," He said following my example, aiming his own fists towards my face, "If you even have one."

His hits are quickly blocked by both my hands capturing them, "Oh I have one." Assuming he's speaking strategy wise. Pushing him away, I gave a roundhouse kick but he was able to block with his elbow, "Somehow I doubt that." Tora mumbled the same time he attempts striking my left shoulder.

Dodging the hit I told him, "Know your enemy, Tora."

I already predicted his next couple of moves, "A punch aimed towards my left eye and a left kick aimed on my right hip." I guessed right as he made both while I spoke them aloud.

"Try this then!" His right fist went to my face again...but he suddenly opened two fingers to form a V. What the hell? You trying to gouge my eyes out?! By reflex, I blocked it, but a punch came straight for my abdomen. Crap...I was too slow to avoid it completely. He grinned at the wince I accidentally slipped out.

"Predictable huh?" Tora says as a devious grin forms on his face. Tch, Cocky Bastard.

Nodding with pursed lips I let him believe that he had me frozen in disbelief before giving a battle cry, elbowing him on his waist, and clocking him on the back of the head with the same arm, then striking him again with a headbutt, although with his hard head it did prove to be a wrong move.

Tora fell to the ground, not to collapse, but to push both his legs out and kick me down. He stood right back up, shaking his head with a wince, "Damn you really are hard headed."

I flipped back up, grabbing his arm and delivered a one-eighty, "Funny I was thinking the same about you." As I felt my own grin forming on my face.

He came back with another jab. What a half-assed jab...he must be planning something. I dodged it by flying up and I send multiple ki blasts towards his form.

Tora looks at me as I fire a barrage of ki blasts. He nimbly dodges most of them, swatting some of my blasts away before sending his own up towards me, however I moved out of the way before it hit.

Neither of us seem to want to waste any powerful attacks till we see fit and knowing him, I knew he's saving them for later; for the two versus three practice battle.

The warm-up barely begun and before we could continue I spotted my tiny—I mean Gine flying her way over here.

Damn Tora, I've been around the numbskull for far too long.

I glanced down at Tora, motioning to the sky where our comrade was heading our way. He tilted his head muttering, "When did she learn how to fly?"

This isn't the first time I've seen her flying, but the question still does remain who taught Gine. She did surprise me on our last mission when she dashed to the sky, flying around with minimal concern of being spotted. Perhaps her father had finally gotten to her, and managed to rid her aviatophobia.

Seeing her closer to range, I started calling out, "Gine-,"

She raced to me, catching me off guard when her arms wrapped around my neck. The slight force from her body colliding with mine, along with the surprise I had, caused me to stagger back a few feet. Almost on instinct I wrapped an arm around her waist and the other over her torso, like I've done the past times she needed my help—during our missions.

"Well isn't that a pleasant sight." Tora chuckled, causing my face to heat up slightly.

"Shut it you oaf." I hissed.

"What?" He asked innocently grinning, "It's not like this is an everyday occurrence."

Everyday? No.

Though if he knew of the number of times we've been in this position, he'd never shut up about it and neither of us need any more encouraging thoughts.

Taking a breath, I opened my mouth to ask her to let go, before Tora starts again, when I felt her quivering form and shaking breaths. Shit. This isn't good.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

I never knew how to handle this side of her, no one really does.

Gine's the only one open to her emotions. There isn't one female I or anyone would even know or see acting like this. That's saying something considering Tora and I live with my older sister, and her emotional meltdowns usually involved her breaking and ripping things apart, yelling our ears off, and attempting to claw our eyes out—mainly due to my friend's smart mouth.

"Should I just leave the two of you alone?" He asks unaware of the predicament I'm in. I quickly sent him a stay where you are glare. Wipe that grin of your face.

Descending to the group I noted the grip she held on me tighten. Frowning down at her I moved the arm on her shoulders to her hair, softly patting the tresses.

"Are you…" Ok? Alright? Fine? Clearly she was none of the above so I changed my question, "Did something happen?"

I didn't expect her to nod her head, and choke on a sob.

Narrowing my eyes dangerously, I asked darkly, "Who was it?"

I should have guessed one day someone was going to push it too far with her. The tiny idiot was far too trusting, and kind for her own good. Maybe I should be keeping tabs on this one instead of letting her have free reign. No, that's just taking it to another level.

She didn't respond instead burying her face into my shoulder.

I looked up at Tora to see him avoiding looking at us with a frown, "I'm going to wait out there." I don't know if I should've stopped him, but he wouldn't be of any help here.

When he was out of sight, I shifted Gine till she was settled in my arms, and carried her over to the wall. Sliding down to sit on the ground, I leaned back still holding her and said, "We're alone Gine you can let it out now."

Mentally preparing for loud wailing, I closed my eyes waiting for her to start bawling.

I'm not going to regret this, not going to regret this, not going to—isn't she going to start making me regret this?

I opened my eyes to see her covering her nose and mouth to hide her silent snivels. Her entire body quivers, with her head shaking left to right slightly.

"Come on Gine," I wrapped my hands on her wrist, pulling them away, "Tell me who did this?" So I can have a little chat, involving the culprit ripped to pieces, very slowly, and burned before his last breath.

She knew I was the stronger of the two, but still stuttered a "No," while I pulled her hands away.

I cupped her cheek to keep her face from turning away. My eyes wandered over her features, seeing if there is any physical evidence of her distress. Her exotic slanted eyes were bloodshot, shedding tears down her tinted hollow cheeks, to the edges of her pink lips, down her chin, and sliding down her neck. Even with her weeping appearance, she still manages to be the most stunning creature of the galaxy.

"Gine," I tried again, holding both her hands in one hand and the other still cupping her cheek, "Gine," I leaned forward, taking in a breath. Has she always smelled this nice? Unconsciously, I took another breath, "Sweet-scented." I mutter moving my nose to her dark locks.

"B—Bardock?" She says tilting her head up, "W…what're you..." her light eyes met my dark ones and her lips only a whisper away. The yearning I've kept hidden from her and everyone was making an appearance, and before I could stop myself, I closed the gap between our lips, causing our teeth to clash together for the first time.

The beginning was just uncomfortable, though as the kiss progressed it became pleasant, actually much better than pleasant, more natural. Her lips pulled back at first, but softly returned without our teeth colliding this time. She tilted her head to the right, and I copied her movement. My eyes were half closed as I watched Gine.

She sighs into the kiss, lips curling upwards, noses rubbing together gently. The feeling of her soft warm lips against mine felt nice. I'm already dreading when we'll need to pull apart.

I don't know who pulled away first, but the need to breathe became too much for both of us, at least I'd say. Our faces were still close together, gazing at the other with hazed eyes, during a period of silence. Nothing seemed like it would break our moment, nothing until a throat clearing.

Gine tensed up at the sound while I groaned at the interruption. They couldn't pick the worst time to show up, "T—YOU?"

Across the field wasn't anyone I knew, but it was someone recognizable. Who else on the planet would wear that weird head covering like he would?

I stood up, pulling Gine up along with me, gripping her form close while glaring at the male, "Get behind me." I hissed lowly to Gine.
Instead of doing as I say she stares straight at the saiyan, "What are you doing here?" Her voice mumbles miserably.

Wait. Does she actually know this guy?

After the first and only meet up, I was pretty much convinced he was just a random male, taking advantage of her intoxicated state. The day after I confronted Gine about it and she seemed to have lost her memory of the night before, typical Gine.

Now looking at the two staring one another with recognition, makes me wonder if I should have pressed on instead of letting it go.

I ask her, "Do you know him?"

She ignores me, keeping her focus on the silent male across the field. I turned my attention to the other, "Who are you?"

He too ignores me, watching only Gine.

The silent gazes they shot towards each other felt very unsettling to witness. Dread was creeping in the pit of my stomach as he lifts his right hand, beckoning her, and Gine actually taking a step towards him.

My own hand tightened around her forearm, preventing her from leaving my side. She left his gaze to meet my own.

"Bardock," she softly stroked my cheek with the back of her hand, "Its fine…he just wants to talk."

Her hand retracted about to walk to him, but I stopped her again, seizing her hand again.

"Who is he?"

It didn't seem right for some creep to show up, out of nowhere, and to want to speak to Gine. I don't trust him and neither should she.

I waited for her to say his name, watching as she turned her gaze from me to him, as if asking for his permission! What's the big deal?!

It's just a name I want, not his home quarters! Though that doesn't mean I won't find out.

He gives her a slight nod, before grabbing his covering and pulling it away.

I…I don't think I'd ever been as surprised as now.

He isn't just any regular male or elite, He is Royalty! For fuck sake this is Prince Vegeta! Our planet's future sovereign. The guy has a power level over eight thousand, and he hasn't hit twenty, yet. Estimates are he'll gain up to ten thousand in less than five years! He'll be surpassing his father pretty soon.

During my stunned moment, Gine managed to walk off to meet the brown haired prince. Where could she have met him? Or better yet, why is she still meeting him?

Does she have any awareness of who he is exactly and what he could do to her if she becomes bothersome? Though, with the way he was and is still gazing at her that must be the last thing in his mind.

What is it though? What's running through his mind? Her mind? And why do they need to have a private conversation?!

Gine

I won't forgive him!

I refuse to look at Vegeta, he's…he's not going to earn my forgiveness anytime soon! He lied and I don't like liars! Though, maybe he did have a reason to lie. No! Yes!

My inner struggle began to dim as I finally take a peek at him through my eyelashes. I can't…I just can't fault him for anything; everyone has their reasons to keep things hidden, even Vegeta.

Why though?

He places his hands on my shoulders, leans his head down, and begins, "The fault is mine, Suke." The corner of my mouth tilts upwards before I could ever comprehend the smile making its way.

Both my hands reached up to caress his face, but I paused. My eyes shifted away from him and my hands lowered, "Why didn't you mention anything?" I murmured.

"There wasn't much to tell," He says moving his hands, attempting to hold my hand, but I placed them behind my back. Vegeta sighs before continuing, "My father planned something that I had no interest in and I wasn't even planning in showing." He admits.

He had no interest in finding a lifelong partner?

"No wait that came out incorrectly," Vegeta shook his head slightly, seeing my crestfallen expression "I have no interest in finding a consort—give me a moment!" He places his hand on my mouth before I could comment, "There's no interest because I've already decided that I wanted you! I want you as my mate Gine!"

My eyes widened at his revelation, and stunned into silence, though I wouldn't be able to speak with his hand covering my mouth.

"I've thought of this for a while," He confesses, gazing at me, "Since I first saw you spying from above, clever in keeping silent my dear, I've known you were hiding long before we officially made acquaintance," My face reddened in mortification, "At first it was your beauty that pulled me to you, but after we met I began realizing how truly interesting you are. Happy, young, and naive; refreshing from the everyday bitter soldiers.

"From the time we've spent I've come to know, respect, and dare I say it? Love you." Vegeta chuckles, removing his hand and moving them both to behind my head, "We grow and we are raised to kill for our own selfish needs," I flinch at his words, "You however have never participated in our barbaric acts, yet the guilt of knowing and being a witness hits you just as hard, as if you were the actual murderer!

"I cannot promise that I'll be able to change our customs, but I can promise that with you taking your place by my side that you will never worry again," He leaned down pressing his lips on my forehead his smile forming as he said, "I'll take care of you, and any child we'll have, just say that you return my sentiments."

Still in a surprised state, all I could muster is to say, "Child?"

I've never given much thought to them.

He moved slightly away, raising an eyebrow and grinning, "Well of course! Wouldn't you wish to have a child?"

Instead of answering I took a step back, "Vegeta I—I don't know," I turned my head to look anywhere, but at him.

Bardock

I leaned back studying the two silently. Neither spoke louder than murmurs and whispers, they seemed to want to keep their conversation secretive. The prince spoke for the majority of the time, keeping Gine silent. I. AM. Getting. Impatient.

My want to snatch her away from him battled with my intellect, knowing he like his father King Vegeta, have short tempers. If I did anything to slight him in the slightest, then Gine could possibly be harmed. What did she get herself into?

As I waited for them to separate, Tora came back, pausing with widened eyes as he stared at the couple conversing silently. He shook his head while walking to my side, "Guess I did the right thing in sending the others away." I nodded at his decision, though knowing it wasn't for the reason he believed, "What did you do?"

I scoffed, "Me?"

"You can't honestly tell me goody-goody Gine did something." He says that even with the proof across the field, "Unless…" Tora trailed off.

From the corner of my eye I could see him frowning, watching the two completely different saiyans, talking. They were close, closer than before. My frown deepened as the prince held her close to him, pressing his lips to her head.

"It's not too late, Bardock." Tora said, "Might not mean much."

For once I let myself hope.

There couldn't be anything between the two, impossible. Prince Vegeta will most likely choose an elite as a consort, someone from his circle. He wouldn't involve himself with anyone of the lower class. They have belief of tainting their blood if they bred with third-class. Theory goes of their class abandoning their young, leaving a high number of children raised by single third-class parents.

I watched as Gine took a step back her eyes moving away from the royal. She met my eyes for a brief moment. I ponder what she could be seeing and thinking, before moving my sights to the saiyan beside her and I was slightly surprised to see him glowering at me.
He might be the next damn king of our race, but not even he could intimidate me. I directed my own glare at him, telling all I could with my eyes. His glare didn't waver, but the corner of his mouth twitched, of course he'd find some type of humor.

Both our eyes moved to Gine, when she raised a hand to signal a reassurance. It did nothing to ease me, not until she was back here and away from him.

I moved my line of sight to the prince again, and he caught my glare again, but this time he didn't glower back. Instead he gave a smirk and pulled Gine's body against him, placing his lips fully on hers!

My eyes shot up in surprise, my body freezing from any movement. The only thing I could do is watch as the two clutched to one another, devouring their lips in sonnet. Dread crept up at me, along with a very familiar feeling appearing in the pit of my stomach. My hands shook at the inability I had to stop them from continuing.

"Gine," I whispered her name unable to believe the intimacy the two are showing. She had to stop, this couldn't be true, a nightmare that I'm not waking from. And yet, I knew this wasn't a nightmare.

A nightmare couldn't make anyone feel…helpless. I could barely breathe as they continued. A painful twist came to my chest, almost as if I received a powerful hit, but worse. Stop.

"Gine," I said a little louder, Stop.

Why does it feel as if I'm suffocating? Why is she with him? Gine…stop.

She's beautiful, vulnerable, and capable of love.

Have I been wrong to shut out any feelings of affection? Has everyone been right about my resolve crumbling? What is this feeling?

Gine would be happier with someone who's willing to shower her with affection and warmth. I—I've never expressed those emotions. It would be better if she finally found herself a partner.

Why does it feel as if I'm losing her?

She was never mine to begin with, but she could have been.

Gine…

"Bardock," Tora shook me from my thoughts, "Snap out of it."

"I know!" I hissed shaking his hand away.

The two finally separated, Gine completely flushed and our prince with a flashing smirk. I moved back, finally capable, and turned away from them. My fists still shook and only increased as I hear two sets of feet making their way closer.

They stopped, but I didn't look their way.

"I'll be taking your friend for today," He said smugly increasing my anger towards him.

They both stepped back, but before either flew off Gine said, "I'll see the two of you…"

Stop.
Stop.
Stop!

Thoughts and words were two different things, and mine couldn't be voiced currently. Even when I finally turned and the two had already left.

"Bardock," Tora again tried, "Everyone makes mistakes. I'm sure Gine will-,"

I cut him off, "From the start I've said it was impossible for anything to develop Tora," I swallowed, "Somehow it did though…but it's too late now."

"Fuck! No it's not! Look, Gine and you aren't like others!" He curses, moving to stand in front of me, "I've joked about the two of you for years, but it became obvious that the two of you care for one another more than just normal companions. The two of you could be mates!"

"Get real Tora," I closed my eyes taking a breath, "Life isn't a dream," I choked at how real the words are, "Realize it." No dream will last, because sooner or later you're going to wake up.

"No," He shook his head, "Life is a dream, realize it."

A/N: In the beginning with Gine's immune system, a more broader explanation will be eventually posted in 'A mother's touch'

Also for the Visitor who reviewed, thanks for the advice!

Consider this your early Christmas gift! =)