Wow, it's been a really long time since I last updated, huh? Sorry about that. Life has a way of rudely interrupting one's writing. But here I am with Chapter 10! A little longer than usual but not much going on it. Sorry about that. But the next chapter is action packed! I promise!

Thank you all for your reviews, they have encouraged me to continue. And as an apology for the long absence I have a special treat at the end of this chapter. A sneak peek at another VB short story I'm working on. Let me know what you think and I may post more!

Fascination

Chapter 10- Something Beginning?

"Oh, Vegita!" Sunny exclaimed as she went around to his side of the table and hugged him, a hug he didn't return. Instead he merely scowled as she pulled back and gleamed at him. "Really, Vegita. I'm very proud of you. Having compassion for another human being."

"If you keep acting like this I will never show compassion again." He grumbled through clenched teeth. The blond giggled and backed off but remained standing. Despite her hair color, Sunny was actually a very smart girl and one of Vegita's closest, well, the closest thing you can call to a friend. The girl was a bit older than him, being twenty-six, and had been a heavy influence in his younger years.

Her expression took on a more serious look. "But do you think it's such a good idea to bring her here?" She asked, folding her arms over her stomach. "She's awfully pretty, and really young."

"Do you think I didn't realize that?" He asked, irritation present in his voice.

"Oh, I know you realized that. And that's part of the reason I'm asking. I have full confidence in your ability to protect her from others but—" Vegita raised his hand, cutting her off, then brought that same hand to rub his temples. The cerulean-eyed woman sighed, casting the younger man a sympathetic look. "Wow, 'Gita. I didn't realize that three days in a car with someone could do that. Especially not to you. I would have thought the effect would have been completely opposite."

The dark-haired man raised his equally dark eyes to the female standing before him. "What are you babbling about?" He inquired, evidence of his headache clear on his face.

Sunny gave a soft knowing smile. "I really just drop by to say hello. I need to get going, or I'll be late for work." She mussed his hair before turning and leaving. "I'll catch you later. Behave yourself." She called before departing the room and then the apartment, leaving a thoroughly confused man in her wake. Vegita no Ouji continued to stare at the doorway before grumbling and laying his head down on the table. "I can't believe I almost kissed her…" He whispered to himself. "And what the hell did Sunny mean by that?" He growled softly. "Women."

Bulma flipped her cerulean locks back over her shoulder and offered a flirtatious smile to a few male passer-bys. The girl hadn't felt this good in ages! She had plenty of energy, a grin on her face, her hair looked great, her outfit was perfect, she was getting many looks and she was doing one of her favorite things in the world; shopping. A glorious week in Rakurai City had already passed and her fondness for the large metropolis increased with each passing day. The teen had no idea what Vegita had been warning her about.

He's just protective… She thought to herself dotingly, a light blush claiming her cheeks with the reflection of the often-scowling man. Bulma had never had someone that attentive care so much for her. Sure, Yamcha would keep other guys away, but that was simple jealously. The heiress snickered to herself at the thought of Yamcha's reaction to Vegita. An upbeat tune ringing from her purse interrupted the girl's juvenile delight.

The blue-haired teenager didn't even have to look at the name to know who it was. Only one person had the number to this phone, since he gave it to her. "Heya, 'Gita! What's up? Aren't you working?"

"Hmph, of course I am. I was calling to let you know I won't be home until around nine." A gruff voice on the other end replied.

The girl giggled. "No need to be grumpy. And you know, you don't have to call me every day to tell me when you'll be home…" I feel like his wife or something…

"If I didn't, then you would bitch at me later for not doing so." I feel like she's my wife or something…. "Hey…what's the noise?" He asked, his tone laced with suspicion.

Bulma stepped off to the side, putting herself against a wall and less in the middle of the mall. "Noise? Oh, it's just the T.V." A growl from the other end made the girl swallow hard.

"Where the hell are you, woman?" He demanded.

"Oh come on! Chill out, Vegita. I'm just at the mall." She responded defensively.

"And just how did you get there?" He asked in a quiet, tense voice.

"Umm…walked?"

"WHAT!? WOMA—"

"I was KIDDING, Vegita! Relax! I took a taxi." She replied with a small laugh which was cut short by his snarl.

"You're going to be the death of me." He muttered.

"Okay, Vegita. I'm sorry. I'll call a taxi to head home right now, alright?"

It was silent for a moment before a sigh came followed by, "Alright. Call me when you get home. And you're still in trouble."

"Oh, don't worry, 'Gita. I'll make it up to you." The girl said in an almost sultry tone, making Vegita blanch a little.

"Ack-what…Hmph. Don't make promises you don't indeed to keep." He retorted and was now red in the face.

"Shows how well you know me, Mr. Ouji. I always keep my promises." She said matter-of-factly before hanging up and laughing to herself. Oh, perhaps she shouldn't have done that. But the girl couldn't resist! She was in such a flirtatious mood today.

Vegita hesitated outside of his apartment door, his hand hovering just over the knob. The man was almost afraid of what awaited him on the other side. He had managed amazing self-control over the last week, given that they were even sharing a bed (they both refused to sleep on the couch), but knew if she made any moves his resolve might falter. She's sixteen. She's sixteen. She's sixteen. He lectured himself mentally, not that it did much good. Reeling himself, the young Saiyajin entered his abode.

The first thing to greet him was a tantalizing scent wafting through the apartment. The desire to satisfy one appetite was quickly replaced by another as he entered the kitchen. The blue-haired chef offered him a brilliant smile before returning her attention to setting the remaining dishes on the table. Bulma stepped aside and flourished a dramatic gesture. "Ta-da! Hope you're hungry!"

His earlier worries completely forgotten, the famished man took a seat and gratefully dug in.

Vegita no Ouji took a deep breath and slowly exhaled as he leaned back from the empty dishes in front of him. He was on the brink of being miserable. "I had no idea you could cook like that, Aoi…" He commented softly, his full stomach making him tired. The girl giggled.

"Ha, like I'd volunteer that information. Then you'd make me cook." She replied with a playful wink as she stood to clear the dishes. He watched her with half closed eyes as she cleared the utensils away. "So, am I forgiven?"

"Hm?" He forced his eyes to focus on her, but didn't hear her words. The girl giggled at his almost dopy state. "I asked, am I forgiven?" Once recollection hit in, Vegita's classic scowl returned to his features. "Hmph. I suppose. Just don't do it again woman. I swear, if I have to hire someone to follow you around and play baby sitter, I will."

The blue-haired teen scowled back at him briefly before forcing herself to take a breath. No sense in starting an argument she probably wouldn't win and ruin a nice evening. "Well, I'm going to bed." She stated after depositing the remaining of the dirty dishes into the sink. "I'll take care of these in the—" the girl broke off in a yawn," in the morning." She finished while heading out of the kitchen.

"Onna, wai—" Vegita hesitated, silently cursing himself as the teen paused in the doorway to turn back with curious blues. There were still times when she managed to steal his breath with just a glance. It perplexed, yet intrigued him.

Bulma's questioning expression shifted to amusement as she noticed his dark eyes glazed in the way that meant he was focused on her, but not really paying attention. She turned fully to face him. "Yes, Vegita?" She prompted after allowing another moment to his thoughts.

The dark-haired man snapped back to reality only to succumb to a flush of embarrassment. He despised being knocked off guard. The surly man stood abruptly, a scowl overtaking his handsome face as him moved toward her. Vegita shoved his hand into the pocket of his jacket and removed something that he thrust into her hands. "Here." He said gruffly as he brushed passed her and to the bathroom for his nightly shower.

The teenager stared after him in surprise, but quickly turned her attention to the thin box in her hands. She only knew of a few things that would be packaged in a velvet box and none of them she would expect from Vegita. With almost trembling fingers she opened the container and then nearly dropped it. Cushioned in the silk liner was a solid band of silver inset with two black gems, perhaps garnets, on either side of an engraved symbol. The pulled the bracelet from its confines to examine more closely.

It was beautiful. But why? Why would he give her this? What did it mean? Bulma's head was spinning and she soon found herself sitting on the floor, but not certain how she got there. It certainly wasn't a cheap piece of jewelry. She didn't know how long she sat there, staring at the bracelet, but was brought back to reality when she heard the shower turn off. She cursed under her breath, scrambled to her feet and into the bedroom. After hastily donning her pajamas she put the bracelet back in the box and into the drawer of the nightstand on her side of the bed. She was just fast enough to climb into the bed and pretend to be asleep by the time Vegita came into the room.

The man was relieved to see her asleep by the time he got out of the shower. He took longer than usual, dreading that she might be waiting up for him. He really hated doing it, but it was the only way he could be sure she would remain safe. "Tch.." With his luck she wouldn't wear it based on some stupid womanly principle. He'd weld it on her if he had to. He tossed the towel from around his neck into the laundry basket and slipped into bed.

It took Bulma forever to fall asleep the night before. She kept reminding herself she'd have all today to figure out what Vegita's gift meant, but her racing mind just wouldn't let her rest. He hadn't said anything the next morning, not that he was very talkative anyway. But there was an odd silence as he took his breakfast to go. All night, all morning and well into the afternoon and she was still no closer to figuring it out. He just wasn't the sort of guy to give a friend jewelry. She flopped down on the couch from her pacing. The teenager looked down at the bracelet on her wrist. Maybe it meant he wanted to be more than friends? Bulma huffed in frustration. "And guys say we women are confusing." Despite her uncertainty, the blue-haired girl couldn't help her heart racing at the idea.