Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Ball, Z, or GT. No matter how much I really, really want to!
Why Can't They?
Summary: Pan disappeared for 3 years, taking after her grandmother Rikku to go out and see the world through a Martial Artist's eyes. When she returns things had hardly changed. Goten was still oblivious to Rika's obvious love for him, Bulla was still unable to admit her feelings for a human and to make matters worse Trunks still sees her as that fourteen year old he traveled into space with.
Chapter 10: Bulla's Dilemma
The man was driving her up the wall. For weeks the fool had made a mockery of himself playing with the stupid robot, gathering phantom balls like easter eggs. Sure she had to admit they were ahead of schedule because of his natural knack for flying, and navigation, but damn it she wanted to boot Boxer out the escape pod.
It wasn't his overactive personality, it wasn't his poor table manners, lord knows her mother was worse in that sense. It also wasn't the fact that every planet they came to he would find the most attractive female on the planet and overly flirt with her. All of that she could tolerate… but what she couldn't understand or tolerate was his misunderstanding of personal space!
He was suffocating her! Sitting too close as they went over plans, casually touching her and hugging her at odd points of time, and even though he had a perfectly good cot on the second floor he insisted on sharing her bed saying he needed something warm to hold onto in sleep.
"Damn it underwear boy stop TOUCHING ME!" At the end of her rope she pushed her fist back in between his eyes making him back off and holding his face rolling on the ground in pain.
"Ah! Ow! Damn it why would you go and do that for?" He slowly sat up a fresh bruise marring his pretty forehead"
"Because you've done nothing, but poke, and stroke, and hug on me for the past several weeks and frankly it's becoming irritating. I NEED personal space,Boxer, I'm not one of your goofy girlfriends who will swoon at your feet by a hug and a smile."
He stood up, K-Kun floating behind his head looking nervous from the confrontation. The planet they were on now was a fairytail land, full of grass, flower fields, and castles. People rode around on horseback and talked of festivals and balls.
"Aw come on, Bulla, you know you're special to me."
His words struck a chord and had her cheeks flushing bright red. "We don't have time for this. We have to find that phantom ball. That robot says he detects it somewhere near that castle town up ahead." She grumbled seeing yet another townsfolk riding down the road, his head turning and following them in disbelief as he rode pass. "We're sticking out like a sore thumb. We need to find some clothes."
"Gotcha covered babe. Mom gave me some creds," He held up his wallet making Bulla smack her hand to her face.
"I don't think they have credit cards here, Boxer. We'll need to find some other form of trade, or find a way to earn some currency." She mumbled to herself a moment, her mind in obvious deep thought.. .then suddenly she hears a sort of chanting and ringing. Some gypsies come traipsing down in their wagon singing a song. Her lips curved evilly and she nodded him to hide. "stay hidden you two, I've got this."
She stepped out into the road hailing them over, the gypsies halted and gave her a once over. "Are you in search of transportation, maiden?"
"Actually I'd like to borrow some clothes if you don't mind." She batted her eyelashes the two gypsy males eying each other, they snort and laugh and get off.
"Well now, miss, what might you be wanting to trade for our clothes?" They surrounded her, giving her body a good up and down look, one rubbing his beard thoughtfully. Bulla could only guess the disturbing thoughts that were lingering in his mind.
"I'm afraid I haven't got much… but I bet you're both hungry."
"Oh yes, famished really." the other licked his lips his hands reaching to touch. Suddenly they're knocked out Bulla's fists sending out twin punches to knock them both out. She dusted hr hands off staring down at the crumpled bodies.
"There you are… a fresh knuckle sandwich." She strips one down to his skivvies and tosses them at a gawking Boxer.
"Bulla, why do you always resort to violence?" He took the shirt making a grunt at the awful stench coming from it. He saw her raid the wagon and make noises as she found clothes for herself.
"What can I say I take after my father. Ugh, how do people wear this stuff?" She comes out in the dress garb she found in the back of the wagon. She fussed with the strings. Boxer chuckled seeing her struggling.
"here, let me help." He took the strings from her, pleasantly surprised that she let him. The strings tightened at the bodice squeezing her waist making her give a small gasp.
"Ow! Ow! Ow! Idiot that hurts!" She smacks his hands away. He shook the stinging palms frowning at her.
"Hey, it's not my fault. It's just the way it's made."
"Maybe we should switch outfits then." She put her hands on her hips. She watched as Boxer looked her up and down and then rubbed the back of his head grinning.
"But it looks so good on you. I don't think I could compete." His insides danced to see her blush at his compliment. Sure she was right he enjoyed having females around, but there was no one he enjoyed being with more than Bulla. He liked her reactions, the way she desperately tried to hide her embarrassment, or the way she spoke to him, the tough aggressive kick ass personality…
"Stop ogling, underwear boy, and let's go. You take the reigns." She grabbed rope from the back typing up and gagging the unconscious perverted gypsies and hiding their bodies behind the brush before getting in next to him.
K-Kun hid inside the sack of goods between the two as they rode into town. Bulla kept her eyes peeled on the crowd, admiring their way of life as they negotiated along the marketplace. The disguises worked like a charm, no one suspected they were out of place, but the information they received from the merchants and townsfolk was bland at best, everyone raving about some sort of festivities that would take place later that night.
"Ugh, this is getting tedious. If I hear one more person talk about what foods might be prepared, or what dress they're gonna wear I'm gonna punch something." Bulla griped watching people go by their caravan.
"For once, I agree with you. I like a good party as much as the next person but for it to be the only topic of conversation is kind of… weird." Boxer rolled his shoulder finally feeling the strain of carrying his sack around of odds and ends. "I wonder what exactly this so called party is."
Bulla walked over to the wall next to a food cart, she tugged down a flyer and read it. "Hmmm here ye here ye, come forth and celebrate the birthday of the beautiful Princess Lyra. Food, dancing, and games in which the winners will receive glamorous gifts."
The glamorous gifts caught Boxer's attention and he risked getting closer to read over Bulla's shoulder. "Single male attendants will also have the chance to win fair lady's heart as Princess Lyra has decreed she will choose her future husband by the end of night's festivities."
"Don't get any bright ideas, Boxer. We're here for the Phantom Balls…" She shoved his face back away from her shoulder and rolled up the flyer. "It's an open house meaning we'll be able to get in easily enough… I'm curious about these gifts that are mentioned." She tapped the rolled up flyer to her cheek. "Hey… " She tapped on K Kun through the sack. "You said that you located the balls in the direction of the castle right?"
"Affirmative, miss Bulla!" K Kun beeped out. "The Phantom Balls are located somewhere in that premicise."
"Well then boys. Looks like we have a party to attend."
The sunset, and the castle filled with people from the village. Wizards and mages set the stunning place aglow with floating candles, and sparkling magical fixtures. Music was in the air, something resembling that of Cinderella, or Sleeping Beauty. People danced, laughed, and conversed with each other over glasses of sparkling cider and champagne, and delectable foods that sprawled out all along the wall.
Boxer drooled rubbing his bottom lip free as he eyed the sweet smelling desserts...not to mention the beautiful ladies strewn about. "Oh wow this really is fantasy land!"
"Stop your gawking, Boxer." Bulla said from beside him.
Boxer turned his head lowering a little in disappointment that Bulla wasn't wearing the fetching gowns the other females were. In a compromise she'd gone with wearing men's clothes, binding down her breasts and pulling back her hair to give herself a more male appearance. She wore a peasant blouse with black pants and shoes as well as a cape, very similar to the attire that Boxer had fitted himself with. "I don't understand why you just didn't wear the dress."
"I like fashion as much as the next girl, Boxer, but we may end up having to fight our way out of here and I will NOT subject myself to carting those huge heavy gowns to do so!"
"Well I guess on a bright note you look pretty hot as a guy. You could pass for one of those hot girly anime dudes… you know, the princely type." He watched the knot on Bulla's head throb and he held up his hands in defense. "Compliment! It's a compliment!"
"Just shut up and go look around. see if that infernal robot can't locate the phantom balls." She ditched him, blending into the crowd of chatterboxes. From underneath his cape K-Kun peeked his head out bleeping a little.
"Boxer, phantom balls detected in room!" He bleeped and Boxer immediately looked around.
"Where, K? All I see are people." He begins to shove his way through, his eyes scanning around looking for anything resembling the balls. He pardoned himself between two duchesses laughing a little lecherously when they giggle and wink his way, then tripped falling on his face with a grunt. "Ow! Man so not cool. That's something my old man would pull." He sits up on his knees rubbing his face… then caugh the sparkle in front of him.
The grand throne was exquisite, made with glittering gems and gold and plush leather cushions. The man who sat upon it was regal and stern, reminding Boxer a lot of Vegeta. "I wonder if all royals are like that… but whoa look at that throne!" And what was on top of it. On each of the top posts of both thrones, The King's and Princess' were phantom balls. Four glittering blue balls with cloudy interiors and flickering gemstyle stars. "I found em…" he silently praised himself then immediately searched the crowd for Bulla to tell her.
He found her speaking with a Lord, the older gentleman swirling wine around in a glass as he went on and on about his grand home in the country and the parties he would host there. Bulla was so bored she wanted to gouge her eyes out. When she spotted Boxer she gave a silent praise to Kami and excuse herself walking over to Boxer and gripping his shoulder tightly. "PLEASE tell me you found something!"
"We found them… they're on top of the royal thrones. What are we gonna do? It's not like we can just waltz up and ask him to give them to us." Boxer whispered harshly to her.
"No… no we can't." Bulla grit her teeth letting go of him to grasp her chin in a thoughtful position. Her train of thought drifted when horns blurted out and the king stepped forward to greet his subjects and guests.
"Attention, my loyal subjects, and guests from the outside kingdoms. I thank you for coming to celebrate my daughter's 21st birthday, and announce that tonight's games may begin."
Applause rang out and the King bowed his head and waved his hands for the lot of them to quiet down. "The rules for each game differ, but each winner will have their choice of a single prize, whether it be land, title, or gems."
"gems… that's it. Boxer all we have to do is win these games and we can ask the king for Phantom Balls to be our prize!"
"Great idea, between your strength, and my athleticism we'll sweep the games no matter what they are." They slap their palms together in a sign of teamwork.
The King stretched out his arms. "For our first game it shall be a test of talent! All participants, and they must be male," Bulla scowled at that, thanking her instincts for choosing a male disguise. "will have one minute to impress my daughter in a skill of their choice."
Cakewalk, Bulla thought to herself and got in line with the other contenders. One by one each man showed off, whether they sang, danced, or showed off some sort of odd skill. There were jugglers, musicians, warriors, and others with odd talents like contortionism and yodeling. The Princess looked thoroughly unimpressed, she sat there sober and frowning, sighing after each act as if looking for something in each and not finding it.
Boxer went before her, if anyone could swoon a princess she thought Boxer could. He began to do some acrobats, flipping from one end of the stage to the other, standing on his head, one arm, one finger, and while the crowd got a kick out of him the princess remained unimpressed.
Boxer came back rubbing the back of his neck. "Wow tough to please. Good luck, B." He patted her shoulder. Bulla hesitated before standing on the stage. she met the princess' eyes, and for the first time since she'd seen her interest clicked and the princess sat up straight as a pin.
"State your name and talent" the King spoke.
Going with instinct again Bulla straightened her shoulders and flipped her cape back clearing her throat to deepen it. "I am, Prince Vegeta!" She heard a snicker from Boxer and tried to keep her temper from showing. "My talent, dear Princess Lyra, is poetry!"
Boxer fell over, he held his mouth snorting trying not to burst out laughing.
"Poetry?" This from Lyra who had barely said a word. "You mean words?"
"That is correct," she jumped down off the stage allow me to recite from one of the greatest writers from my world. She cleared her throat again and began to approach the princess with a lady killer stare she had learned from watching Boxer.
" If I profane with my unworthiest hand, This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this:" She took a knee and gently grasped the princess' hand in hers. She watched her eyes go wet and glowy with admiration and awe. "My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand, To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss." She let her lips brush the Princess' hand.
The swoon was quick and Lyra stood up gasping. "The winner is Prince Vegeta!"
The shouts of protest were loud and echoed in the hall. The King stood up shouting above his people. "SILENCE! The princess has chosen Prince Vegeta as the winner, and as such the man is entitled to a single prize."
"Thank you, sire, and princess. There is only one thing I desire." She looked above the Princess' head at the balls. Misunderstanding, the princess squealed dancing a little in her fancy shoes.
"Of course I'll marry you! Yay!" She tackled Bulla down, Bulla's eyes widening when the girl threw herself and locked lips with her.
Boxer's mouth hit the floor. Before his mind could think, his body acted. He rushed forward and yanked the princess off and Bulla onto her feet. "No! Wait that's not what Sh… Vegeta asked. He was asking for those balls atop the throne!"
Lyra looked to him sympathetically and pat his hand. "Oh, kind Boxer. I did think your act was impressive but I'm sorry, Vegeta was the one to swoon my heart."
"No.. .I'm not.. that's not… Damn it say something would yah?" He looked to Bulla grabbing her shoulders and shaking her.
"Uh huh… I'm gonna.. go…" Bulla said spirals in her eyes showing her confusion and dizziness.
"No! Vegeta don't go, it's okay!" Lyra pulled him back with big pleading eyes. "Jealousy is to be expected when marrying a princess such as me who is loved by many."
"I'm not jealous! We want the balls, Princess!" He yanked Bulla back, each of the grabbing an arm and tugging on them.
"Let go of my fiancee!" The two yanked Bulla back like a bad game of tug and war. During the yank and pull Bulla regained her senses and growled.
"Ugh ENOUGH!" She shouted out yanking her hands free of the grips on her "I've had enough of this charade! I've had enough of this world! I'm going home and I'm taking my prize with me!"
Lyra gasped when Vegeta pulled but then smiled and held out her arms. "Oh Vegeta, yes of course I-"
"Not you, Blondie!" Bulla snarled and brushed past her and up to the thrones, she quickly and efficiently broke each ball off the thrones and tossed them at Boxer. "Let's get out of here, underwear boy!"
"You got it your majesty!" Boxer grinned and caught the balls. When Bulla joined him guards swarmed around them. She sighed and stood in front of Boxer.
"Do yourself a favor, and hang onto me."
Boxer grinned and wrapped his free arm tightly around Bulla tightly. He felt the ripple of her power push out. Sparks of energy causing their capes to flutter powerful winds whirling around caused the candles to go out but Bulla glowed like a beacon. Guards were pushed by with a quick spurt of energy Bulla pushed out and the path was cleared.
Lyra screamed from her place on the floor and called out to Vegeta. "Wait! Vegeta what about our marriage!"
Bulla looked to her her eyes sparkling teal and she set her hair free of its confines and yanked open the buttons of her shirt. "Sorry, Princess… but the name is Bulla and I don't think your Prince Charming is a woman." She winked and floated above the floor. "Besides, I've other plans for my future." She yanked Boxer up into her arms like a Prince carrying his princess, and her lips locked with Boxer's.
She didn't know who was more shocked she had done it, herself or Boxer. The boy looked at her as if she had hit her over the head. Using his shock to collect herself she darted off flying overhead the shocked and speechless guests. It was easy enough to blast past the village and right to their ship hidden on the outskirts of the planet. When Bulla landed sne dropped Boxer on his ass and blushed profusely.
"Great Galaxies that has to be the most annoying, embarrassing, and exasperating experiences of my life!"
"Which one? The being mistaken for a guy and being kissed by a princess… or finally admitting your feelings for me?" Boxer, over his initial shock stood tall over her once again grinning arrogantly down at her.
"Wha-" Bulla's cheeks went brighter. "No! Don't twist this, I only kissed you to make sure the princess didn't send hordes of men after us!"
"I think you did that by announcing you were a woman. Besides… that wasn't a forced kiss… i could taste just how much you really wanted to do that." He leaned in sending her backing up against the metal hull of the ship. "Admit it, Bulla, you like me!"
Bulla's fist clenched at her sides. "I won't admit something that isn't true. I hate you, I hate your handsome face, your constant need to show off to the opposite sex, your flirtacious personality." Her voice cracked and she sucked in a harsh breath when he stepped even closer cornering her in. "I hate the way you stare at me and you seem to look right through me, and the fact that when you touch me all these little shocks seem to course through me. I hate-"
Her words became cut off as Boxer's lips met hers. The balls in his arms drop at their feet, and he uses the free limbs to pull her closer. As the kiss ended he pressed another to her forehead. She shook under him, and leaned into the hand that lifted to wipe away the tears that fall down her cheeks. "I hate everything about you."
"I know, Bulla." He smiled and tucked her neatly in his arms laying his cheek on her head. "I know."
Finally! Whew another chapter done! I feel so accomplished. Though I think this one was a little messy in the end, I may come back and fix some wording eventually. Hope you enjoy the story so far!
Next Chapter: Separation Anxiety