Hello, readers! I'm SOOOO sorry that I've been gone FOREVER! I had computer issues-still do-and managed to borrow a computer for a few hours to be able to post this puppy.

I hope that you guys enjoy it, and keep in mind that there's important information at the end of this chapter!

Disclaimer: Hahahaha. If I owned any of this sh*t would I be writing FF?...Maybe.

"C'mon. Say it."

Raditz leaned back in a heavy iron chair with his arm slung its side and his other hand upon the table, drumming his fingers. He shot the man sitting across from him a wicked grin. "Say it, Ouji," he goaded, dark amusement radiating from his being. "I was fucking right."

A vein bulged upon Vegeta's right temple as he released a chuff. His fingers curled around his hot mug, the reggae coffee shop music only serving to sour his mood even more. His upper lip curled over his gums as he spat, "Wipe that shit-eating grin off your face, you moron."

The smile upon Raditz's face did not budge as he leaned forward on the table, slamming his palms upon the laminate. "Not until you say that I was right!"

"Tch," Vegeta crossed his arms over his chest as he growled, "I suppose that you will prematurely age, then."

Raditz plopped back into his seat, snorting. "Alright, alright," he held his hands in defeat before wrapping them around his drink, "fine. I'll give you this one. But, at least you internally know who is right."

Vegeta's eyes narrowed, his sneer pulling back impossibly far. "Your presumptions are incorrect, Raditz."

"Like hell they are!" he shot haughtily in retort, drawing attention from other tables. With a low, warning growl from his boss, Raditz cringed slightly before speaking in a lower decibel, "You are smitten. Might I even dare say that you like Cyan?"

Vegeta's fingers tightened around his ceramic cup, threatening to shatter it within his hold. Was the incompetent fool not listening? His left brow twitched with annoyance as he hissed, "I do not like the stupid woman!"

Raditz snickered quietly. "Riiiight," he drawled, waving a hand in dismissal. "Whatever you say, boss."

"Feh," Vegeta grunted, a frown carving into his cheek. The heir pointed a finger toward the break room's entrance, "You are dismissed."

"Pffft, really?" Raditz spluttered. "Is that how you wanna end the 'I'm so right and you're so wrong' game?"

Vegeta's jaw muscles flexed in irritation, and he leaned over the table, his face centimeters away from Raditz's. "Leave," he snapped with a huff of annoyance, glaring at the eldest of the Son brothers.

"Gee, yeah, yeah, alright," Raditz sighed, standing up in defeat. However, before he turned away, he offered Vegeta a wink.

The urge to splash his hot, murky coffee upon the buffoon's white shirt was immense, but Vegeta luckily contained himself. Instead, he substituted packs of sugar with the coffee and chucked them at Raditz, who responded in kind with boisterous laughter.

"Later, boss man!"

"Aren't you supposed to be at work?"

"I haf twenfy minutes to sfare," Bulma muffled through a mouthful of scone as she plopped down into a plush booth. She covered her mouth politely with a small hand before swallowing her food. "I have twenty minutes to spare," she repeated with a chuckle. "Vegeta changed my hours. I start later in the morning now."

Chi-Chi rolled her eyes. "And you're absolutely positive that you're not smitten with your rival?"

Bulma had taken another chunk from her scone, and she paused mid-chew. She glanced at the window, watching citizens of East City bustle past, rushing to work. Reluctantly, she swallowed her pastry as she stammered, "Chi-Chi, there's nothing going on."

"Oh?" the Ox princess scoffed. "You're lying."

"Okay," Bulma sighed, bringing her cup away from her face, "We've had sex."

"And?"

The beauty growled as she huffed, "Fine. More than once," she admitted, crossing her arms beneath her bosom stubbornly. "But…" Bulma chewed her lower lip as she leaned back into the booth with another deep exhale. "It's nothing more than that. It can't be more than that."

"Oh, B," Chi-Chi offered her friend a look of sympathy. She lifted her right and and reached for Bulma's, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You don't know that."

But I do, Bulma thought gloomily, a sharp pang striking her heart. Why was she feeling upset over something she knew would not work from the start? I just wanted to feel something for once...someone to like me for me, and not my fame. I think Vegeta feels the same, but...

Bulma shook her head, replacing her sorrowful expression with a small smile. "Enough about me, how are you and Goku?"

Chi-Chi's squealed as an impossibly large grin spread ear to ear across her face. Her slim nose wrinkled with joy and the corner of her eyes crinkled as she sighed dreamily, "Oh, Bulma, he is so amazing!" she gushed, drawing her hand away from Bulma's and resting her cheek upon the heel of her palm. "He's so sweet and clueless, you just can't help but to love him."

Bulma giggled, "Yeah...he definitely has a lot of naiveté," she agreed, nodding her head before blinking. Her heart stopped momentarily as her mind went over her friend's words. Did she just say love? "Wait...Chi-Chi!" she gaped, her eyes widening as her mouth fell open. "Did you just say that you love him?!"

"Y-yeah, I guess," Chi-Chi stuttered, a bright pink dusting her cheekbones as she stared at the table. Her face grew hot with embarrassment as she released a girlish chortle, "I guess I did."

"Aw," Bulma cooed, grinning widely, "I knew it was right to set you two up! I just kne…"

"Hey, B," Chi-Chi interjected, meeting Bulma's gaze. "I have a question…"

"Shoot."

"I…" Chi-Chi sighed as the fingers of her right hand tightened around her mug of creamy coffee. What could she say? She knew what she was about to ask would upset Bulma, and that she would not allow for her to tell Goku. But...she had to try, right? It was for the sake of her and Goku's relationship. "Can I tell Goku about your true identity?"

The undercover heiress choked on the swig of coffee that traveled down her throat. Patting her chest, she narrowed her eyes toward her friend as she growled, "No."

"Ple-"

"I said no!" Bulma snapped, her voice raising an octave as she abruptly stood from her seat. She slammed her hand down upon the wooden table, her nostrils flaring. "Do you realize the danger that you could put me in?!"

Chi-Chi's lower lip trembled as her brows knitted together with anger. Did Bulma seriously think that her motive was to put her in danger?! I would never want to tell Goku if I didn't think he couldn't keep a secret...

A hot, blazing fury seared through her veins as she cried, "Do you really think that I would aim to place my best friend in danger? He wouldn't tell anyone!"

"Are you kidding me, Chi-Chi?!" she shrieked, gritting her teeth angrily, "He works for the one person I don't need to know my identity! Besides, you have known him for, what, two weeks, maybe?"

Hot, salty water brimmed Chi-Chi's lower lids, causing her eyes to burn as she croaked, "That's not fair, Bulma!

"No, you know what's not fair?" Bulma released a bitter chuckle, leaning toward the raven-haired woman, "The fact that someone's attacking my company, and I had to go undercover because their motives were to attack me. You don't get a choice in this Chi-Chi, and you if you are a friend of mine, you will not tell him."

Pushing away from the table and leaving both her scone and paper cup, Bulma's heel clacked against the wooden floors of the coffee shop as she stormed out of the building.

Chi-Chi sniffled, shutting her eyes together tightly. She pressed her lips together as she reopened her eyes, releasing another loud sniff. Bringing her right hand to her left, she interlaced her fingers and wrung them together, enjoying the cool feeling of metal against her fingers.

I want to tell him, because he deserves to know, she thought sadly, turning her head away from the onlookers. But, Bulma's my best friend. Oh god, what do I do...Did I just lose her?

"Aw, Chi," Goku whispered into Chi-Chi's raven-coloured hair. He rubbed a soothing hand up and down a small woman's back. "I'm sure she can't be that upset."

"B-but she is," Chi-Chi hiccupped as she shook violently within Goku's arms, shaking her head. "And, I can't tell you what I wanted."

Goku blinked, pulling Chi-Chi away from his chest slightly as he looked down at her, his eyebrows knitting together. His gaze lost his friendly flicker, filling with an uncharacteristic glimmer of seriousness. "Chi-Chi," he sighed, running a hand through her silky hair, "if it's about Cyan, then it doesn't matter. All that matters to me is you, and if you're keepin' a friend's secret, that's your business, not mine."

Chi-Chi sniffled loudly, bringing a hand toward her nose and wiping at it furiously with a whisper, "Really?"

"Really, really," he replied with the utmost honesty before offering her a grin, chirping, "'sides, I know that you'll always tell me everything."

She dragged the heel of her palms against the dried stream of tears, emitting another sniffle. "She thinks we're moving too fast."

Goku tilted his head to the side, confused, "Did ya tell her?"

The Ox princess shook her head in denial as she gave Goku a weak smile, "No."

He could not help but grin. "Then she'll think we're really crazy!" he exclaimed as he reached for her left hand, squeezing it soothingly.

"Do you think she's right?"

"Huh?" Goku questioned, pouting as he did so. "Of course not Chi-Chi. You're all that I want, and all that I need. I know in my heart that you're the only one for me!"

"Oh, Goku," she chuckled, shaking her head as she stared at his sincere eyes. He was certainly like a child and hopelessly adorable and trusting, but she would not have it any other way. "I love you."

"Yuh-huh," he continued, pulling Chi-Chi toward his chest once more. She rested her head within the crook of his neck as he continued, "I'm gonna take good care of you, and I'm going to make you the happiest person alive."

He rocked them back and forth, slowly and comfortingly. Chi-Chi squeezed his calloused hand back with a small smile as his thumb stroked the metal loop around her ring finger. "I know you will, Goku," she whispered, pecking his cheek with a gentle kiss as she glanced at the single diamond atop her finger, "I know you will…"

Ten o'clock.

A ball-point pen clattered atop a desk as the owner of the writing utensil leaned back within his rolly chair. Vegeta sighed, rubbing the exhaustion from his face. He had been in a sour mood all day, no thanks to Raditz.

He had unleashed his wrath upon dozens of workers, and fired numerous people.

I do not fancy that blasted woman, Vegeta thought with a growl, squinting as he glanced through the glass separating their offices. The blue-haired beauty was still plucking away with work, her computer screen lit the room in a faint glow.

Even she had appeared to be annoyed for the entire day, and not just because of the enormous amount of work she had to complete. No - before she stepped foot into her office, she grumpily bypassed him, and they only exchanged a few words the entire day.

Her behaviour simply irked him. She did not even bitch about the amount of work she received. There were no flirtatious winks, comments, or hidden innuendos laced within her words. Instead, she was set on finishing her work wordlessly, and that included ignoring him.

Unfortunately for him, that served to aggravate him more.

With a huff of annoyance, Vegeta pushed away from his desk before stalking over toward her office, stepping inside. The heels of his shoes padded lightly against the floor before he stopped abruptly before her desk, his arms crossed over his chest.

Bulma did not raise her gaze to meet his, instead, she continued to scroll through the internet. She nibbled on the tip of her pen, tapping her foot against the floor. "Yes?" she questioned, the brilliant light of the computer screen illuminating her soft facial features.

"Hn, you are here unusually late, Woman."

"And you're being unusually snoopy," she shot back with a huff, glancing at him for a split second. "What gives?"

Vegeta snorted. "I'm hungry. Accompany me."

Bulma paused the tapping of her foot for a brief moment as she dragged her gaze toward his. Resuming her foot tapping, she removed the end of the pen from her mouth before pursing her lips. "Only if I get to choose the place, O wise one!"

"Fine," he bit out, pivoting on his heel, "but it better not be fucking disgusting."

Bulma squealed in delight as she shot up from her seat, zooming toward Vegeta. She grabbed one of his hands with both of hers, tugging him toward the exit. "Come oooon, I haven't been to this place in ages!"

She continued tugging on his hand, and out of pure amusement, Vegeta refused to budge. A smirk curled onto his lips at her futile attempts to get him to move as she huffed and puffed.

"Vegetaaa-AH!" she shrieked as he retracted his hand back toward him, laughing as her rear smacked against the floor.

The heir of Ouji Enterprises threw his head back and released a guffaw, and the corner of his eyes crinkled. He cocked his head to the side as his shoulders rolled with laughter.

Bulma's heart would have swooned at the sight of a single dimple piercing his left cheek if it had not been for the fact he was laughing at her. "You ass!" she huffed as she stood from the ground, stomping toward him. She slapped his chest as she blew a raspberry. "You're such a jerk!"

He snickered under his breath, slapping her rear and earning a yelp. "You're too amusing and pathetic for your own good, Woman." He nodded in the direction of the door, "Let's go."

The head-strong female held her head high as she released an indignant 'hmph!'. "Fine, but we are taking my car!"

"Woman, are you positive that this contraption is even legal to drive?"

"Of course it is!" she snapped, shifting the gear as she kept her focus on the road. "She's perfectly fine!"

A tiny, ancient Mini-Cooper trudged down the road, fumes floating out of the exhaust pipe. The weathered, yellow car huffed and puffed as its creaky axis' took a sharp left in downtown East City. The brakes squealed as Bulma came to an non-so gentle stop at a red light.

She turned her head toward Vegeta, and giggled of at his blanched face. The mere sight of his hand clutching the safety bar making his knuckles white, or the way she imagined his heart lurching from his chest was enough to put her into a laughing fit.

"What's so damned funny?"

"Nothing," she mused, pursing her lips as she prevented herself from snickering, "just think of this as payback."

The light turned a bright green, and the small convertible lurched forward with a jolt, causing Vegeta's seat belt to tighten around his chest. A growl ripped through his throat as he shot a glare at Bulma, seething, "Why the hell would you bother buying this piece of scrap metal?"

"Hey! Don't hate on Penelope!" she yelled in defense, patting the dashboard with a freehand. "She gets offended, ya know?"

Vegeta scoffed in disbelief. "You talk to your car?"

"Cars have feelings, too," she stated in a sing-song voice as she took another turn. "I fixed her up when I got her, years ago."

"Hn."

"Not impressed?"

"No."

Bulma purposefully stepped on the brakes once more, causing Vegeta to wheeze. His chest forcefully flew into the seatbelt before his back slammed back against the chewed, cloth interior seat. Spittle flew from his mouth as he spat, "The audacity that you possess continues to astonish me, you stupid female!"

"Aw, thanks," she cooed, offering her partner in crime a flirtatious wink. She pulled the car up beside a curb, stopping a few centimeters away from the edge of the sidewalk. Shifting the gear into park and pulling out her keys from the ignition, she tilted her head in his direction, "You ready?"

That was an understatement of the year!

He unbuckled himself and immediately exited the car, closing the passenger door shut with a forceful slam that rocked the car. Vegeta's nose wrinkled as he took in his low class surroundings. Within the sight lines of the diner were common apartments and outlet shopping.

"Where the hell have you brought me, woman?!" he demanded with a scowl as he moved around the hood of the casket on wheels she called a car, taking care not to gather any of the grime from his surroundings.

Bulma shut her door with her rump, laughing into her small hands. "I brought you to the ghett-O!" she exclaimed, hopping onto the sidewalk with a grin. She began to walk forward, swaying her hips side to side. "Welcome to paradise, Prince Vegeta! Where the kitchens are not certified and the food is delicious as long as you don't question it!"

"Don't question it," he muttered as he all but dragged his feet, traveling in her wake. "Why would anyone degrade themselves this low?" He paused at the door, pulled a crisp, perfectly white handkerchief from his dark blue sport coat pocket and used it to grasp the door's handle to open it for his date.

"Because," Bulma gushed slapping his chest, "the food is absolutely amazing!"

She felt Vegeta's brooding presence behind her as a hostess came up to them with a friendly smile. Whatever, Bulma thought with an inward snort as she chose to ignore the man's morose attitude, he'll like the food.

"Hi!" the blonde chirped. "Two?"

"Yes," Bulma nodded, grabbing the cuff of Vegeta's shirt before he could object. He would like this place, damn it! She was determined to force him to enjoy this date, no matter the cost!

Wordlessly, Vegeta allowed himself to be escorted, far too transfixed on his surroundings to object. When they reached a sparkling red, plastic-covered booth seat with silver duct tape covering a series of rips, he froze, aghast. "Find another booth with intact seats! I'm not sitting amid a plumber's upholstery work!"

The Capsule Corp. heiress's face flooded a deep shade of crimson, and she slapped her palms to each cheek. She shook her head as the poor teenage girl stammered, wordless. Bulma sighed exasperatedly as embarrassment practically radiated off of her."No, this is fine," she insisted to the brown eyed girl, "this will do."

The young woman did not be told twice as she dropped menus atop the laminated table, and scampered away.

Bulma whipped around to face Vegeta with a growl of frustration, "Knock it off! You about made the poor girl piss her pants!"

"Look at this place!" Vegeta uttered, featuring around the dining room. "The seats are torn, the table top...is that laminate? is cracked and chipped. Everything in here is covered in a layer of grease!" To prove his point, he wiped the top-most portion of the seat with his handkerchief to show Bulma the substandard cleanliness of the establishment.

Bulma merely rolled her eyes, crossing her arms stubbornly as she sat with a huff. "And I'm sure you have over a hundred other suits at home, so sit your ass down, and have dinner with me, damn it!"

The prim president carefully eyed the booth then sighed. "Order me a-...do they serve beer?" He hoped deep within his heart the establishment had some form of alcohol. Without its aid, he feared he would never survive this night.

The blue-haired beauty sighed as she slumped within her seat, relaxed. She gazed up at the ceiling in quiet thanks to the Kai for Vegeta's surprisingly cooperative behavior.

"Yup," she nodded, glancing back at him before flopping her menu open. "I promise that their desert is the best part," she stated in a sing-song voice as she scanned the small text of the menu, "Maybe it'll even change your mind about this place."

"Hmm." Vegeta glanced around, attempting to locate the facilities. "Order something for me to drink. I'll be back." Without waiting for a response, he strode toward the restroom doors.

Bulma bit the fleshy part of her lower lip, chewing thoughtfully as her stomach growled. She had deprived herself of food for too long, and her blood sugar had dropped. Internally, she would blame Vegeta for starving her.

Giggling softly to herself, she eyed the menu with a vacant stare as she sighed dreamily. Finally - a date with Vegeta! After yearning for one for so long, Bulma could not believe that it was actually happening! Despite his reaction toward her chosen destination, she knew the food would keep him content with the night.

A red-headed waitress sashayed over to her table, her hair frazzled as she whipped out a small checkbook. She flashed a smile, "Hiya, what can I get you to drink?"

"Hm..." Bulma hummed thoughtfully, glancing at the empty seat in front of her. "Two IPAs, and a water, please."

"Sure thing!"

Bulma chuckled as she rested her feet on the opposite, empty cushion. Kami knew Vegeta would need more than one drink if he were to last this dinner.

Chatter enveloped around her, and she sighed contentedly as she closed her menu. She closed her eyes for a fraction of a second, and when she did, a resounding crash could be heard from the restrooms.

She released a groan.

After a series of muted curses, a red-faced Vegeta emerged from the restroom. Much to Bulma's chagrin, she noted a vein pulsing on his forehead and water dripping from his hands...wait! Was that blood?

The fierce executive stalked to the diner's bar. "A towel!" he demanded, spittle flying into the air within his fury.

Bulma sighed as she connected her forehead toward the table with a smack, muttering under her breath. Could he possibly be anymore childish?

Unfortunately, the answer was an affirmative yes.

After snatching a towel from the startled girl of no more than fifteen behind the counter, Vegeta stiffly made his way back to Bulma at their table.

"Well, this has been a most educational experience," he started before she could so much as open her mouth. "I had never dreamed so much graffiti could fit in such a small space. In fact, if you're in need of a good time, call Jenny at 867-5309."

He paused to check the bleeding of his right knuckles.

Bulma lifted her head from the table, peering at the man through her thick, aqua lashes. She allowed a small, unattractive snort to escape her before she managed to crack a smile as the song rang throughout her mind. "As long as you don't charge me more than a dime, maybe this relationship can work."

Her date's eyes narrowed. "Are you mocking me? That place was the most disgusting room I have ever seen! There was piss still in the urinal, which I can't say surprised me since I doubt anyone has cleaned it this century! It smelled like a cesspool! When I tried to wash the filth, the water barely trickled, and it took ten pumps with still no soap!"

Bulma rose a questioning brow as she moved her heeled feet atop his lap, cooing, "I'm not mocking you, I just think you're adorable. Speaking of repulsive lavatories," she had to refrain herself from giggling at his expense, "do you want to explain the loud crash everyone heard, young man?"

The crimson color returned to Vegeta's face. "Instead of towels...there was this damned contraption."

"Was?" Bulma clarified, lifting a perfectly sculpted brow and fighting back a smile.

"Yes! Was!" Vegeta fairly barked at the interruption, making it even harder for her to fight her amusement from her face. "Two cycles through and my damned hands were still dripping wet with Kami only knows what!"

His snarl startled an elderly couple two booths away, and Bulma found herself sending them an apologetic half smile.

"And, the noise?"

"The next thing I knew, the accursed contraption was on the floor and my hands were still dripping," Vegeta finished. "It didn't work anyway. Maybe, now they can something to actually dry a person's hands." Without taking a breath, he raised his voice. "Can we ever get something to drink over here?!"

Bulma leaned over the table, hissing lowly, "Vegeta, seriously? I ordered them, just be patient." Releasing a heavy sigh, she grabbed his right hand, snatching the cloth from his left. She cradled Vegeta's fingers within her own, pressing gently against his bloodied knuckles. "You're such a baby," she mused teasingly, sparing him a glance.

Before she could continue, two frosted glasses of beer and a cup of water appeared before her.

"Thank you," Bulma stated graciously with a nod in the direction of the waitress before pushing the two beers toward Vegeta, "Here, you'll need these to calm down."

The red-headed woman stared wearily at the duo before clearing her throat, "What can I get you two?"

"Does it matter?" Vegeta answered, reaching for a mug. "Just serve me the house slop." He lifted the drink and took a long swill.

Bulma crumpled the bloodied cloth within a small fist, snapping her eyes shut. She inhaled deeply, quickly counting to ten.

Kami, help her.

She gave the waitress a tight-lipped smile, "Chicken fried steak and a Reuben, please."

The waitress scribbled down the order and cautiously retreated from the two before disappearing from sight.

Icy orbs clashed with obsidian.

"Really? Is this place so beneath you that you have to be a total jackass?!"

"Aren't I always a jackass? I wouldn't want to disappoint you." He inspected the newly formed blood clots on the back of his hand. "Hush now and dig in that Dollar Store knapsack you call a purse for some sanitizer."

Bulma growled. "Kate Spade? A dollar store purse my ass!" she grumbled, removing her feet from his lap furiously. She snatched her black, leather bag, snapping it open as she swiped her hand around the clutter. Her fingers wrapped around a small, clean bottle of hand sanitizer before sliding it forcefully toward him.

The secretary pulled her hand away from his and she rested her elbows atop the table. She ground her eyelids against the heel of her palms, watching white stars appear before her pitch black view.

"Ugh…" she huffed, refusing the temptation to pull her hair out by the roots. Could this man possibly be any more incorrigible?! The answer was of course, yes. Bulma could not help but to inwardly curse her foolishness to work for Vegeta.

All because she wanted a job at Wall Street to tie her over until she returned to Capsule Corporation! In all honesty, the only article she thought she could write about Vegeta was about "Top Ten Ways to be an Asshole". Surely, Mrs. Chambers of Wall Street would never approve such a measly article, and would just toss her idea aside.

Not that it mattered, of course.

Bulma inwardly cursed the person attempting to steal her birthright away. If it had not been the numerous threats to kill her family, Bulma would never have had a reason to flee and go undercover. Her best friend would not have wanted to tell Goku Son about the true identity of Cyan Noall. And, she would have never worked for Ouji Enterprises!

….And, she would not have started to fall for her sworn rival.

Oblivious to Bulma's internal dialogue, Vegeta calmly poured a healthy serving of alcohol into his palm, wrinkling his nose at the scent. "What is this? Rainbows and gumdrops?"

The heiress's lips curved upward slightly at Vegeta's sarcastic, albeit very serious question. "No," she responded monotonously, opening the cracks of her fingers so she could peer at him, "Strawberries."

"Bad enough," Vegeta muttered as he set about spreading the gel. "Son of a fucking whore bitch!" he shouted, loudly enough to turn heads. "That shit burns!"

Vegeta pulled the injured paw close to his face and blew on the spot where the alcohol-based gel had mingled with his broken skin.

"Oh my God…" Bulma muttered, her eyes burning with frustrated tears. She was honestly at her breaking point. "Do you always overreact this much?" she leaned over the table, her shirt slipping slightly as she grabbed his hand for a second time. She grabbed a paper napkin as she dipped the edge of it within her water, before dabbing the tops of his knuckles.

"My hand was on fire, like the pits of Dante's hell, and you say I'm over reacting?" Vegeta snatched his beer and drained the glass before muttering incomprehensibly. Tch, this woman is as annoying as a buzzing fly!

Bulma's nostrils flared angrily and she shoved his hand back toward him. She scoffed as she crossed her arms over her chest, "No. You've been overreacting over everything, Vegeta."

"Me? Overreacting? Have you looked in a mirror?!"

Bulma muttered incoherent curses in the Ouji name before her control snapped, "Maybe I will," she hissed, standing from her seat as she snatched her purse, "I need some space from you."

Without another word, Bulma swiveled on her heel and stormed toward the bathroom with clenched fists.

Vegeta watched her storm away before reaching for the second beer. "What's her problem, anyway?"

Oh, the audacity of that man! Bulma internally screamed as she pushed inside the run-down bathroom. The tiles on the floor were cracked and chipped, along with a long, branched out crack embedded within the wall. The lavatory only contained a single stall, and the door hung loosely on one hinge.

Frowning in disgust, Bulma's heel clicked toward the mirror, and she shuddered. The fake counter was laminate, and the edges curled toward the stained porcelain sink. Staring into the foggy glass, the heiress noted the small, dark green spots upon its edges.

Bulma's nose wrinkled in disgust, "Ew," she gasped, shaking her head. She brought a hand toward her cheek as she internally mocked, 'Have you looked in a mirror?' Bitch, yes I have, and I look fabulou-

She paused mid-thought as something flickered in the corner of her eye. Being the scientist she is, she craned her neck in the direction of the object that moved.

...Only then did she inevitably realize that the object was not an object, and that it had several spindly legs.

A sharp, high-pitched squeal resounded off the walls of the restroom, leading out to the dining room…

As Bulma rushed from the restroom, she paid little attention to her surroundings until strong arms embraced her, pressing her into a solid chest. "What is it? What happened?"

She paused in her screams long enough to take a breath and look at the man holding her. Vegeta Ouji, Junior.

"What is it, woman?" he persisted, shaking her gently as worry wormed through him. What was this feeling? Concern? "Out with it!"

Unwittingly, Bulma had ran outside into the cool, brisk summer air. A slight breeze ruffled her hair as she clutched Vegeta's pristine white collared shirt. She lifted her chin, dragging her gaze from his torso to meet his. Her right brow twitched with confusion.

Was...Vegeta actually worried about her? His face gave nothing away.

However, a corner of her heart tugged at the sight, and she exhaled shakily as she glanced at the outside of the shabby restaurant. She rested her forehead against his shoulder, mumbling. "The bathroom was disgusting," she bit out, relishing the warmth radiating off of his skin, "...there was a cockroach."

A long silence passed before Vegeta heaved a bark of laughter. "A single roach caused all that?" His customary smirk replaced an signs of compassion he might earlier have expressed. "And you call me dramatic."

"Shut up, jerk!" she snapped, her face flushing a bright pink. "It was a demon roach, I tell ya! It had more legs than it should have, and, and...ugh," she sighed, inhaling deeply to calm her nerves.

He smelled like pine-needles and a gentle, luscious musk.

After a few seconds of silence, she could not help but allow a few giggle to escape her. Soon enough, her giggles turned into full fits of laughter and she threw her head back. "Alright, fine, you were right. I am dramatic. Should we just get take out somewhere else?"

"Oh, no," Vegeta answered with a wicked grin. "You dragged me here, ensuring me I would love the food. We're eating the damned food. What do you want for dessert?"

Bulma pouted. "Damn it," she chuckled under her breath, slapping his chest lightly. She removed her clenched fingers from his shirt, before snaking her arms around his broad neck.

She giggled, brushing her lips against his, "I could think of a few things," she murmured, before pulling away with a cheeky grin. "Buuuuut, they do have amazing pie, so let's go back in. I have to see your reaction."

"You stay here. I'm getting this to go," Vegeta informed her. "Go ahead and push start that horse and buggy of yours."

Bulma stuck her tongue at him, planting a hand on her hip. "Stop making fun of Penelope, jerk!"

Vegeta snickered at her outburst, glad to see her sass had returned to her. "It's a bucket of rusted bolts and a single horsepower left on the engine." He strode toward the diner's door.

"I better see coconut cream pie and a slice of mounds cake when you get back here, Mr. OujI!"

Vegeta snorted before disappearing into the business.

Rolling her eyes as he entered the building, she strutted over toward her ancient buggy. "Don't worry, Penelope," she patted the driver's door, "he'll learn to like you, too."

Sliding into the chewed up leather seat, Bulma released her final sigh for the night. She curled her fingers around the steering wheel, drumming them along the cool metal.

Vegeta showed true compassion, tonight, she thought, drawing her brows together in confusion. It was almost...dare I say, comforting.

She smiled at the thought, tilting her head as she watched his silhouette move like a prince inside the grotesque restaurant.

"Poor guy, didn't know what the ghetto even was, probably," she muttered with a snort. She smiled at the sight of him exiting the restaurant, a large paper bag in hand.

The small car, so lovingly named Penelope, sagged as Vegeta heavily plopped into the passenger seat. "Get us out of here," he gave his royal command as the scenes of their order filed the tiny space.

The delicious aroma of greasy food wafted into her nostrils and she released a moan. "Oh my Kami," she moaned as her mouth watered and her stomach roared, "I'm starving!"

She shifted the gear into drive, shooting a side-glance toward her boss. "Where to, hm?"

"Somewhere without roaches. Somewhere...quiet."

His black eyes scanned their surroundings before he picked up his phone and began entering information.

"A demon roach," she corrected as she spun out of her parking spot, "It had six heads, like Scylla. And, you didn't even see one!"

Bulma shuddered within her seat as Penelope puttered along the quiet streets of the city. She glanced at Vegeta, smiling slightly as the light of his phone illuminated his handsome features.

Her line of sight flickered back toward the road as she came to a stop at a red light.

"Take a left," Vegeta ordered, ignoring her continued modification about her encounter with Diablo Cucaracha.

Turning on her left blinker, a soft, ticking noise resonated throughout the car. Seconds after his command, the light turned a green hue and she twisted her wheel before speeding up slowly.

"At least I didn't knock down an air dispenser," she giggled, her eyes focusing on their surroundings. The streets were beginning to widen, and they were exiting the heart of East City. "Where are we going?"

"It spewed cold air," Vegeta retorted. "Right here."

Bulma's eyes spotted a small parking lot toward her next left, and she swung into it. The area was desolate with the exception of street lamps offering a warm, homely glow to the pavement of the streets. Slowly, Bulma parked into a tight space before turning the keys in the ignition.

She leaned back, resting her head within the nook between the seat and headrest. Her eyes moved to the corner of their sockets, glancing at the brooding man beside her, silently questioning him. Shaking her head with a slight smile, Bulma unbuckled her seatbelt and flung her door open, stepping out into the night air.

Raising a perfectly shaped brow, Bulma followed him out of the parking lot. She crossed her arms, one over the other in suspicion as she neared the wooden picnic table he had sat upon. She brushed past a large, old oak tree that rustled its leaves, dropping acorns near its stump.

Pursing her lips, Bulma sat across from him as she spotted a few yards away: a park.

"Hm," she hummed, bringing her gaze to the sky in awe. Stars winked at the duo, hundreds and thousands of them strewn across the inky sky. "Good choice."

"It's quiet," he noted. "I don't know which is which." In frustration, he shoved the bag toward her and reached for the cups containing their beverages. "It's water," he announced as he sat the lidded cup before her.

Bulma reached a dainty hand within the paper bag, grabbing the first, plastic to-go box. She flipped open the lid, and a steam rolled off of the hot food. "Yours," she spoke quietly as she pushed his meal toward him. Shoving her hand within the bag again, she felt three other boxes. Two were smaller than the other, causing her to smile as she pulled out her Reuben. "Aw, you got me dessert - it better be cake and pie."

"It's decent," he answered enigmatically as he poked his food with a white plastic fork. "Besides, aren't you watching your girlish figure?"

Her sandwich was halfway to her mouth before she postponed the food's trip toward her desired destination. Glaring, she opened her mouth to snap at him, but his eyes stopped her.

They were dancing with several emotions, offering her insight onto what he was possibly thinking.

She tilted her head to the side, noticing the way that his eyes were slightly crinkled in the corners. What he said had been a joke! Is that even possible? she mused, pursing her lips to prevent a smile. Why had Vegeta been so...kind? It was quite unusual for him to be in such a decent mood, let alone nice. Gently, Bulma kicked his shin with her pointed heel. "Girlish? You want to run that by me again?"

"Sure," Vegeta smirked, "if you'll run that figure by me again."

"Are you calling me fat?!" Bulma's lower jaw dropped, a incredulous gasp escaping her agape mouth. "I can have this figure never touch yours again, buddy!"

Vegeta's shoulders began to shake, slowly at first then with more movement as the sounds of his laughter carried to her ears. He leaned over the table, challenging, "Want to make a bet on that?"

The heiress threw her oceanic locks over one shoulder as she licked crumbs of rye from her lips, before throwing down her sandwich. "Actually, yes. Yes I do."

Vegeta's eyes seemed to emit their own light as he rose from his seat. Twigs and acorns cracked and popped beneath the soles of his fine Italian loafers as he slowly stalked around the table, his dark chocolate eyes burning into her skin.

Bulma released a squeal before shooting up from the picnic table. She held her hands in front of her defensively as she began backing away with a weary expression.

"Going to try running in those stilts?" Vegeta smirked as he moved closer with each breath.

"You actually might be impressed with how fast I could run with these things on," she retorted as she reached for her feet quickly. "Buuuut, I won't risk it tonight."

She grabbed each heel, chucking one in his direction as she held the other out defensively. Adrenaline coursed through her veins as her body tingled in anticipation.

A wolfish grin gracing his face, Vegeta steadily moved closer. He could hear her ragged breathing, and it sent a shiver of excitement down his spine. "You want me to catch you," he confidently spoke as he moved closer still.

"No!" she exclaimed back with another squeal as he teasingly lunged toward her, causing her to jump back a few feet. "Then I'd lose the bet!"

"Trust me, this is a bet you want to lose," he coaxed, closely watching her movements. Without any warning, as agile as any feline, he snatched the shoe from her grasp.

A second squeal passed through her ruby red lips as she began to back away faster, nearing the playground. "Puh-lease, homeboy!" she tried to sound confident as her heart pounded against her chest, "I've hit a few, consecutive home runs with you - maybe I've had my fill!"

Vegeta snorted at the absurdity of her words. "You're grasping for straws, but that's okay. It'll be even more fun when I get my hands on you."

Bulma's heart dropped to the acidic depths of her stomach, and her lips parted. His words were laced with a haunted promise, and that left her to do the only thing that came to her mind: run.

With a shriek of laughter, Bulma pivoted on her heel and bolted toward the play structure, with him on her tail. Giggling, Bulma flew up the stairs that lead to various things: monkey bars, towers, and a large, twisty slide.

She deemed the latter to be her best shot at escape.

Leaping after her, Vegeta quickly caught his prey around her waist. Using his greater mass, he pulled her to the floor of the equipment, landing hard on the diamond pressed steel.

"Don't struggle," his whispered in her ear, his voice growing husky as he kissed her throbbing pulse.

Bulma whimpered slightly, heavily breathing as she giggled, "You know, that's what the creepers say in the movies."

With a deep chuckle, he allowed his right hand to crawl from her trim waist to her ample bosom. "Is that enough creeping for you?"

Laughter bubbled in the back of her throat as her chest happily vibrated. She brushed her plump lips against his tawny-colored ones. "Only if you tie me up, maybe," she responded with a cheeky smirk, using all of her might to push him onto his backside. "You know," she panted, grinning, "I wanted to go down the slide," she pouted, "but then you caught me."

The hand cupping Bulma's breast released only to travel to her chin. He gently pulled her face closer and deeply kissed her. "I think I can arrange for both your wishes."

Bulma felt her weight being lifted from her behind then resettled in Vegeta's lap. In the tight space, he managed to turn them both toward the slide.

"Close your eyes," he commanded in her ear.

Bulma's eyes narrowed suspiciously as she turned her head to the side slightly, her mouth hovering over his. "You better not send me off on my own and laugh at me," she warned, reaching for his hands. She interlaced her fingers within his, relaxing her back against his chest as she slid her eyelids shut.

Lips brushed Bulma's cheek before they began moving, gaining speed as they rushed toward the conclusion of their short ride.

Bulma's laugh filled Vegeta's ears as the wind whipped through her hair.

Suddenly, they were stationary, his arms around her smaller frame. "My place or yours?" he whispered into her ear.

"I think my studio is a little too ghetto for you, Mr. Ouji," she joked with a smile as she turned to face him, bringing a hand to one of his smooth cheeks. "But, I don't know," she whispered, her hot breath cascading across his pores, "will you even be able to make it that far?"

"For what I have planned, I think so." His lips caught her fingertips for a soft kiss. "For the record, I'm fond of your figure."

"Good," she grinned, resting her forehead against his, "because that's the most exercise I've gotten in months. And, my routine wasn't going to change, buddy!"

The dim street lamps highlighted the curl of Vegeta's smirk. "I have a different exercise program in mind."

In a single, smooth movement, Vegeta stood and swung Bulma into his arms. His lips grazed hers, and they were on their way toward her abandoned apparel.

A hot, searing heat spread throughout her entire being as she gazed at Vegeta through her lashes. Her heart skipped a few beats as she stared into his usually vacant eyes.

Their corners were crinkled, sparkling as they smiled brightly at her. Tonight, they shone with life.

Her breathing hitched in her throat at the sight, and she dragged thumb along his lower lip before pressing her mouth against his.

When she pulled away, she released a giggle as he picked up her shoes.

"Alright, Prince Charming!" she exclaimed as she pivoted on her heel, leaping away from him. She began to run to her car, and her voice followed behind her, "a part of this exercise regimen begins with you running toward the car so we can speed this up!"

"I'll walk to give you time to push start that box of bolts!" he retorted without missing a beat, though he jogged close enough behind her to swat her rump.

Bulma squeaked, and used her hands to cover her heart-shaped rear. "Hey! I bet I could reach Penelope and start her faster, anyways!"

"I'll speed you up with another slap," he threatened, unable to prevent a carefree laugh from escaping. Was this what a true relationship was like? Relationship? his nose wrinkled at the thought as the word unsettled him. I am not actually thinking such nonsense, am I?

"For Kami's sake, I'm not a horse, Vegeta!"

Vegeta returned his attention toward the woman running in front of him, and he smirked. "Well..." He left the thought uncharacteristically open-ended as he stepped around to the passenger side of the tiny wagon.

"You're...ugh!" she retorted with a soft laugh before sliding beside him. She booted him to the side with her rear before tossing him the keys. "Here, you drive Penelope, and she'll release her wrath upon you!"

A growl filled the small space as he rammed the key home, eager to finish what they had begun. On the third try, Vegeta managed to get the finicky engine to turn over. He took a deep breath followed by a deep sigh of exhalation as he tried to steady himself.

"Just like any other woman." He smirked at Bulma. "Well...almost."

Bulma had been silent for the whole trip, but once they had arrived, she bursted into a fit of giggles as she leaned toward her date. "Vegeta Ouji, do you not know how to drive a stick shift? That was the worst ride in history: ever."

With a deep growl, he was upon her, his lips crushing hers to the point of a pleasurable pain. "I know how to make motors purr," he reminded her. Ha, as if she needed the reminder! "You are the expert on driving sticks." He kissed her again and to emphasize his point, he took her slender hand and rested it on his crotch.

Melting into the kiss, Bulma shuddered with delight as she threaded the fingers of one hand within his mane. She tugged at his hair's roots, and she leaned forward only to be abruptly halted by the strap around her chest. Growling, she pulled away from him before offering a saucy smile. "Can I drive yours tonight, Mr. Ouji?"

"Come on, so you can show me your skills." He pecked her lips and unsnapped her belt.

The heiress chuckled. "We kinda need to get out of Penelope first."

"That's why you're belt is loose." He began backing away then rushed forward for another quick kiss.

Using all his willpower, Ouji dragged himself from the tiny toy car.

Would Vegeta always leave her wanting more? She stared at him through the tinted driver's window of her little buggy, her heart swelling.

Licking her lips and tasting him, she rattled the passenger door open, her petite feet connecting with the pavement. Her toes curled against the cold ground, but she sauntered over toward Vegeta, her cheeks stretched upward.

Vegeta paused before lifting her into his arms, encouraging her to wrap her legs around his waist. He pressed her back against the wall of the garage as he kissed her deeply. His tongue traced her teeth before slipping into her mouth, earning him a moan.

Bulma's fingers curled at the nape of his neck, digging into his hairline. She bucked her hips against his as he squeezed her heart-shaped rear. "Vegeta," she groaned out in a whisper, her head tilting toward the side, "inside."

"That's my plan." Vegeta's arms adjusted to more readily carry her as he hurried to his penthouse door, pausing only to kick it closed before going into his bedroom and dropping her on the edge of the bed.

Oceanic locks sprawled across the mattress, and the plush cushion sunk down under their weight. He had rested the palms of his hands on either side of her head, pressing his body flush against hers. She did not break their eyes contact, and her heart pounded against the confinement of her ribcage.

Vegeta's eyes were a stormy mess; raging with several emotions all at once and she exhaled gaze was longing, filled with wanton and desire. But, there was something else - something more, something stronger - was it...love?

Whatever it was, she knew she would have opportunities few and far inbetween before she would see this gaze again. She brought a hand to his face as he rested his forehead against hers, she murmured, "You're different tonight. A good different."

"Perhaps," he murmured and kissed her lips. He paused to stand and relieve himself of his coat, tie, buttoned shirt and the white tee shirt beneath. When his eyes returned to Bulma, the obvious passion within them was tempered by a tenderness she still had a difficult time believing.

Bulma chewed her lower lip as he finger outlined his abdominal muscles, her gaze moving from his, toward his mouth. They had never been this slow and passionate all the other times they had consummated. He had never been so gentle, so loving...

Pressing her swollen lips against his, she pushed herself into a sitting position as she began to pull her black blazer from her arms. She gasped as one of his large hands cupped her bare, right breast. "Vegeta…"

"Yes, Cyan?" He reached for her shoulders and slowly began undressing her, his eyes lingering on each fresh inch of flesh he revealed, feasting on the sight of her. There was always a time for rough or gentle sex - and he did not know which time this was, nor did he care. He just wanted to touch every inch of her porcelain skin.

Every single fibre of her being was a temptation that he had not yet quelled, making him act like an inexperienced youth, sloppy in his desire to ravage her. Releasing a chuff, he tugged down Bulma's jeans and she moaned, lifting her hips to arch against him. He released a delicious groan beside her ear, digging his covered erection against her heated core. "Cyan…"

Her breathing hitched at the name of her fake identity. The person she was pretending to be, the reality she was pretending to live in. Could she continue this sinful infatuation and attraction toward the man that her company was sworn enemies with?

She took one glance into his obsidian orbs, and her uvula shriveled up into a dry patch. He was never my enemy, she thought as she wrapped her arms around his torso, her fingernails digging into the flesh of his back.

No. Tonight, and from now on, she would forget her identity, because a part of her was Cyan Noall, as well as Bulma Brief. And a part of her loved Vegeta Ouji, Juniour.

Bulma tugged off her shirt and unclipped her bra, allowing for his eyes to feast upon her bust. "You slid down the slide with me," she hummed, bringing her mouth against his ear, "but you still haven't tied me up."

"Next time," he promised as he pushed her back into his grey satin sheets. Her breasts pillowed out to her sides, full and lush and glowing in the faint moonlight streaming into the room. Her pert nipples contracted against the room's cold air, begging for his attentive kisses. "Tonight, I have something else in mind."

To prevent her saying anything to ruin the moment, he kissed her deeply and thoroughly until all rights other than their love making were far from either of their minds.

So, how was it? This was a pretty fun chapter to write, considering all the cutesy stuff that happened during the date. I'm sorry if Vegeta is OOC in this story-I promise that when we move into the sequel, things will all fall into place.

By the way, I have recently created a tumblr, and you can find the link on my profile! Please be sure to check it out-I'm pretty responsive to any messages you guys send me, so they're all welcomed!

I'm cooking up another storm with a soon-to-be story, hopefully, so be prepared. ;)

Until next time!

DoV