A/N: From here on out, when you see *blahblahblah* it's telepathically Vegeta speaking, and ~blahblahblah~ is Starr. It'll make sense by the end of the chapter.
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Chapter 12
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The sun was beginning to set over West City, and a gorgeous pinkish haze was illuminating the sky. Starr leaned lazily back on her elbows, trying to catch her breath. Vegeta sat a few feet away, sweat glistening down his bare torso. The girl was still mad about the stunt Vegeta pulled with Seifer, but as she calmed down after today's sparring session, she couldn't help but smirk at the Saiyan Prince. The Saiyans had been on Earth for nearly a week, and it was putting Starr in a good enough mood that she was trying not to let it bother her. Vegeta returned the smirk as he stood up. Starr remained on the ground, watching his movements closely. She kept waiting for him to bring up the subject of marking her again, but he hadn't said a word about it since the Seifer incident, but Starr knew it was coming.
Vegeta approached Starr, stopping next to her. He looked her up and down, still displeased at the lack of clothing she chose to wear, but secretly enjoying the view it gave him when they'd finished training. The shorts and crop-top sports bra fit her snugly, and the way the sweat glistened on her skin set his blood on fire. He had, thus far, been able to hold himself back from her since they'd arrived, but the Prince's self-control was starting to weaken. The desire to mark the Saiyan lying before him was becoming stronger, and he wanted to do it soon.
"What?" Starr asked, looking up at Vegeta and seeing the thoughts run through his head. Vegeta shifted his eyes to study the younger Saiyan's face. The gash above her eye had healed, save for a very thin, faint scar line. Her eyes watched him questioningly
"We have a conversation to finish," he replied after a moment. Starr's face fell slightly.
'And there it is,' she thought to herself. Bunny, with her impeccable timing, appeared in the doorway, and smiled at the couple.
"Dinner's ready," she called cheerfully. "Everyone's already inside, just waiting on you two." Vegeta rolled his eyes at the chipper tone. It annoyed him to no end ho bubbly Bulma's mother always was. His sensitive ears picked up the faint sound of Starr's voice.
"Saved by the dinner bell," she muttered, jumping to her feet, and grabbing her zip up jacket that was on the ground next to her. Before Vegeta could say anything else, Starr was already halfway across the yard, pulling her jacket on. Vegeta scowled, and quickly walked in after her. He entered the kitchen just in time to see her plopping down in a chair next to Charm, and begin talked animatedly. He sat in the empty chair between her and Kessoro, and scowled again when she pointedly ignored him. Vegeta scanned the room, and noticed immediately that her former lover was nowhere to be seen. Almost as if reading his thoughts, Bulma spoke as she helped her mother set mounds of food on the table.
"Where's Seifer?" she asked, looking around. Starr looked up and the mention of the name, realizing that he was indeed missing. She frowned slightly, as she thought about the previous meals over the last week. They had barely spoken since Seifer walked in on Vegeta kissing her, and even though she was firm in her resolve that she did the right thing, her heart still broke a little every time she thought about the hurt it caused him.
"He said he was bringing Cassie to dinner tonight," Squall answered. "He's not back yet from picking her up." Almost as if on cue, the sound of a door opening and closing could be heard, and Seifer entered the kitchen, his arm draped around the beautiful blonde Starr before. Her eyes narrowed, and he body stiffened as she observed them. True, she had no reason to be angry, but she had gone out of her way to avoid throwing Vegeta in his face. Yet here was Seifer, purposely doing it to her. Seifer shifted his eyes to look at his ex, while planting a kiss on Cassie's head. The awkward scene did not go unnoticed by the others in the room, try as they might to ignore it. Vegeta shifted his eyes to glace at Starr as a low growl came from her throat. Vegeta was intrigued by the display, yet annoyed that Starr allowed this Earthling to get under her skin. Sensing her power level rising slightly, he nonchalantly slid his hand up her thigh, causing her to shift her eyes towards him. Starr saw the displeasure and warning mixed in together, and she took a deep breath. Seeing the episode was over, Vegeta removed his hand, and began loading his plate. Starr did the same, as Seifer and Cassie sat down next to Squall, and Charm engaged the Saiyan in conversation. Starr ate her food and conversed with Charm, all the while being annoyed that Seifer's new girlfriend was seated directly across from her.
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Dinner was soon finished, although not soon enough for Starr. The longer she sat at the table, the more annoyed she became with having Cassie in front on her face. She knew Vegeta was annoyed at her annoyance with the situation, and she could tell it without having to even glance at him, but she simply couldn't help it. As Bunny began clearing the plates, Zell jumped out of his chair.
"Hey!" he exclaimed, "Let's do a bonfire! We haven't done one in a while, and it'll be fun having Starr and Bulma back with us." The Saiyans had no idea what a bonfire was, but the teenagers all talked excitedly as the rose from their chairs. The Saiyans, minus Starr and Vegeta, decided to take their leave as well. Charm glanced back at Starr, noticing that she wasn't rushing off to join the group.
"Starr?" She asked, turning to face her friend. Starr looked up at Charm as she stood.
"I'll be out there, but I want to shower first," Starr said, giving Charm a small smile. The blonde woman nodded to her friend, and proceed to leave the room. Starr was about to do the same, but Vegeta stopped her.
"Saluna," the Prince said, standing up. Starr stopped, keeping her back towards him.
"Vegeta, I am going to go shower," Starr stated, keeping her face turned away from the Prince. She sensed Vegeta move before she felt him press up against her. She felt his warm breath against her neck, and the feeling of his tail wrap around her waist.
"Do you have any idea how aggravating it is to watch you pine over some pathetic Earthling when you have a Prince waiting on you," Vegeta whispered huskily into her ear. Starr growled for a moment, before taking a deep breath.
"Vegeta, please," Starr said in a hushed voice, "let me go."
"You can't avoid this forever," Vegeta said, nipping at her ear.
"Not forever, just for right now," Starr responded flatly. She felt Vegeta frown against her ear, as he withdrew his tail from her waist. "Let me wash up, and then come find me." Before Vegeta could answer, Starr was already out of the room and heading upstairs.
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A short time later Starr emerged from her bathroom clad in only a towel, her tail hanging loosely and an annoyed look crossed her face when she saw the shirtless Saiyan Prince sitting on her bed.
"Really?" she said, gripping the front of her towel more tightly.
"You said to come find you when you were done. I don't see what the problem is." Vegeta said shrugging. Starr groaned and rolled her eyes, and when she looked forward again, Vegeta was standing directly in front of her. He grabbed her by the waist, and pulled her towards him, pressing her, hard, into himself.
"Ok, can I get dressed please?" she asked, starting to get aggravated. Vegeta smirked as he brought his face to hers.
"Why bother, when it's just going to come off anyway?"
"Little presumptuous, don't you think?" Starr asked, raising her eyebrow. Vegeta's only response was to use his speed, and in an instant he had the younger Saiyan pinned on her back, on her bed.
"I have people waiting on me," Starr said, in a bored voice.
"Like I care," Vegeta retorted, trailing his hand up Starr's leg, earning a shiver from the girl. Starr closed her eyes as her body betrayed her, giving the Prince exactly the response he wanted. He leaned his head down to the crook of Starr's neck, and using his tongue, traced her skin from her collarbone up to her ear. Starr allowed a moan to escape her lips, and as soon as he heard the sound, Vegeta crushed her mouth with his own. Starr parted her lips to allow Vegeta further access, an invitation the Saiyan Prince gladly accepted. Their tongues clashed, while he continued to run his hand up and down her thigh. Vegeta used his other hand to caress Starr's tail, and soon Starr growled in agitation. Vegeta pulled himself away from Starr's lips, and stared at her triumphantly.
"You know what I want," he stated, moving his hand up to Starr's neck and lightly brushing her skin. Starr shuddered, knowing full well what he wanted.
"You are seriously an ass," Starr growled in response, earning a smirk from Vegeta.
"I ask you again," Vegeta continued, still stroking the skin of her neck. "Why are you pining over some lowly Earthling who isn't worthy of you, when you have the Saiyan Prince wanting to claim you?" Starr looked at Vegeta, her eyes full of desire.
"You've never explained to me what happens, besides physically marking me and me marking you," Starr replied seductively. Vegeta grinned, knowing that he was close to what he wanted.
"We will become one, and we will become stronger," he responded. "Mentally, emotionally, and physically. I'll be able to always sense you, and vice versa, no matter the distance." Starr bit her lip thoughtfully for a moment, causing Vegeta's desire to build up further.
"Will you let go of the leash a little bit then? Since you say you'll be able to know where I am, can you drop the babysitters?"
"If my answer is yes, then what will yours be?" Vegeta raised his eyebrow expectantly. Star closed her eyes for a moment, and when she reopened them, the Prince saw the decision had been made. His smirk returned wider as Starr's sweet voice reached his ears.
"Then my answer is yes." Vegeta, upon hearing the magical word, brought his mouth down to the base of the younger Saiyan's neck, his lips brushing her skin for a moment, a feral growl coming from his throat.
"It's about time. You've made me wait long enough." Without any further hesitation, Vegeta sank his teeth into Starr's skin, earning a gasp in response. Starr felt pain, but only for a moment. Her gasp quickly turned in to a moan, causing Vegeta to sink his teeth in further into her neck. Starr almost cried out, but instead latched on to the Prince's neck, drawing blood, and making him growl against her. As Vegeta's blood dripped down her throat, images began flashing through her mind. Images of him as a young child, being ripped from his father, and the abuse he suffered at the hands of Frieza. There were flashes of all parts of his life, and Starr saw what he saw and what he felt when they first met. With that one bite, Starr learned everything about Vegeta's life, and she could only assume that the Prince was seeing every aspect of her life as well. She traced her tongue alone the bite she had just made, and she felt Vegeta do the same. She laid her head back, closing her eyes as Vegeta released his grip, panting hard at what she had just experienced. She felt Vegeta's tail snake around her waist, and when she opened her eyes, the Prince was staring at her with a satisfied look on his face. A thin line of blood that trailed from his was erased with a quick flip of his tongue. Starr brought her hand to her mouth, and wiped away the blood she felt there.
"That was… wow…" was all Starr could respond with.
"Oh, we're not done yet, Saluna," Vegeta purred, crushing his lips down to hers once again. He ripped the towel from her body, and his hands began to explore her body. Starr moaned, and arched her back in response. She wrapped her own tail around Vegeta, pulling him closer. The Prince brought his hand back to Starr's thigh, and spread her legs. He quickly disposed of his shorts, and lowered himself back down on to the younger Saiyan. As he entered her, another moan escaped Starr, and Vegeta pushed further, hell bent on fully, and finally, claiming his mate.
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Starr looked at her reflection as she pulled her shirt over her head, studying the clearly visible bite mark on her neck. She had washed the blood off, but it was there clear as day.
~I really hope this fades~
*It will*
Starr snapped her head towards Vegeta, who still sat on her bed with an amused look plastered to his face. A confused looked crossed Starr's face, and Vegeta chuckled in response.
"As I told you, we are now bonded, physically, mentally, and emotionally," Vegeta said out loud.
*I can hear your thoughts now, and you can hear mine*
~That's not freaky at all~
Starr turned back towards the mirror, and watched as Vegeta stood up and walked over to stand behind her. He snaked his hand around her waist, and held her in place. A smirk appeared on his face.
"I have a feeling things are about to get interesting," Vegeta mused. Starr grabbed Vegeta's hand and pried it off her waist. She wrapped her tail around her waist, and turned to face the Saiyan Prince.
"You got what you wanted, now I'm going to go meet the people who are waiting for me out back. Come if you want. If not, I guess I'll see you around," Starr turned towards her door, but Vegeta phased in front of her, blocking her way.
"You are now formally my mate, Saluna," Vegeta said, folding his arms across his chest. "You belong to me and only me, and you will be seeing me more than just 'around'."
"Ok, fine, whatever," Starr said, stepping towards the Prince. "I'm bound to you; I already know this. Now can you move so I can go out back? You did agree to loosen the reigns a bit, remember?" Vegeta grunted in response, but honored the girl's request and stepped aside. Starr walked past him and out in to the hallway.
~Geeze, loosen up a bit, Mr. Possessive~
"I heard that," Vegeta growled from behind her.
"Yeah, I know. That was kinda the point," Starr responded, throwing her hand up in the air as she walked down the stairs.
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"It's about damn time you got your ass out here!" Charm called to Starr was she walked out of Capsule Corp. Starr smiled as she approached the group. She was surprised to see her siblings sitting around the fire.
"Yeah, sorry," Starr said, smiling at the group. "I got a little… held up."
"A little?" Zell laughed. "We've already put the second set of logs on."
"Shut up, Zell. Hey, Charm, do you remember that time we dyed your brother's hair pink?" Starr said, laughing as she sat with her siblings, next to Kessoro. Her friends all started laughing as Zell started muttering under his breath. Starr stole a glace across the fire at Seifer, but quickly looked away when he turned his head towards her. Starr faintly heard her brother speaking.
"Nani?" she turned her full attention towards Kessoro.
"I said, I think you were more than a little preoccupied," he said, raising his eyebrow and tilting his head towards Starr's neck. Starr felt herself blush, and was grateful that it was dark out, but her sisters' sensitive ears heard what was said.
"I'm surprised it took this long. Vegeta does not like waiting when there's something he wants," Saruka said, smirking. Astra leaned forward to look around her older sister.
"I guess we'll have to start calling you 'your majesty' now," she laughed. Starr found herself growling in annoyance.
"I'll kick every single one of your asses," Starr snapped, causing her siblings to laugh again.
"Looks like Vegeta's attitude is already rubbing off on her," Saruka said. Starr growled again and turned her face back towards the fire, watching her friends laugh and talk around the blaze. Charm motioned for Starr to come over and join in, and Starr was happy to oblige.
A little while later, Starr excused herself to go get a drink from the kitchen. She was walking back out, when she saw a figure approaching her. Seifer stopped just short and looked her over. His eyes narrowed as his eyes landed on her neck.
"What the hell is that?" Seifer asked. Starr glared at him in response.
"It's none of your business," Starr snapped. Seifer sighed and ran his hand through his hair.
"Look," he started, "I'm sorry for the way I reacted before. It wasn't fair to you. I know you didn't ask for any of this. I'm really sorry. Can we try the whole being friends thing?" Starr sighed a took a step towards him.
"I'm ok with that if you are," Starr started to respond, but the abrupt appearance of Cassie at Seifer's side stopped her. The Saiyan narrowed her eyes as the Earthling spoke.
"So, this is your ex huh?" Cassie said, scrutinizing the Saiyan's appearance. "I don't see what all the fuss is about. She doesn't seem like anything special." A low growl formed in Starr's throat, and her siblings stood when they sensed the mounting tension.
~Who the hell does this bitch think she is~
*Saluna…*
~Shut it. This bitch is already pushing me to far~
"Who the hell do you think you're talking to?" Starr growled, while effectively putting up a wall to block off Vegeta. "You do realize that I can literally break you in half, right?" Cassie stepped forward, getting in front of Starr, and putting her hands on her delicate little waist.
"Well lookie here," Cassie said in an attempt to sound tough. "Seifer is my man now, and over my dead body am I going to let some little tramp that broke his heart come in between us." All Starr could do was laugh in response. The group by the fire had all stepped forward, watching the exchange unfold.
"Wow, you are really something, aren't you?" Starr laughed. "It's kinda pathetic." Cassie glared at the insult and brought her hand up to slap Starr. The Saiyan easily caught the Earthling's hand before it made contact, and Starr's laugher turned in to a scowl.
"Don't try to hit someone you have no chance of beating," Starr growled.
"Starr, let her go," Seifer said, looking between the two women. Starr responded by tightening her grip, causing Cassie to wince in pain.
"Let go! You're gonna break my arm," Cassie whined, almost to the point crying. Starr narrowed her eyes, allowing her anger to take over. She was to the point of snapping the Earthling's arm, but the sudden appearance of a gloved hand on Starr's wrist, and she turned her attention towards Vegeta, who was giving her a hard look.
"Saluna," he said warningly. Starr glared in response.
*Release her*
~Why should I?~
*As much as I enjoy seeing this side of you, you don't want to do something you're going to regret*
~Maybe I won't regret it~
*Yes you will, and then I'll have to deal with it. Now let her go*
Starr growled in annoyance, but released Cassie's arm. The Earthling pulled her arm back and cradled it gingerly while shooting a look of death at the Saiyan. If Starr saw it, she chose to ignore it. She continued to look at the Saiyan Prince. Still holding the girl's wrist, Vegeta spoke to Seifer.
"It might be a good idea if you get her out of here," Vegeta said, his voice devoid of emotion. Seifer nodded in agreement, and quickly pulled his girlfriend away. Once they were out of eyeshot, the Prince released his mate.
*Breath*
Starr took a deep, and turned back towards her friends. She glanced back at Vegeta as she headed over to rejoin the group. Charm was quick to pretend nothing happened as drew Starr back in to conversation.
~You might want to stick around in case I get out of control again~
*Fine, but you owe me*
~Later tonight? I am technically your mate now~
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The sun began to peek through the curtains of Starr's bedroom, and the Saiyan moaned in protest.
~Stupid sun go away~
*Look who finally woke up*
~Shut up~
*Quit talking back and get out here. You're late for training*
Starr growled in annoyance but pulled herself out of bed. She pulled on a pair of capris and tank top, and made her way to the back yard. Vegeta was in the process of sparring with Kessoro, but the session stopped when he noticed Starr walking up. He growled in annoyance, and Starr rolled her eyes in response.
"Alright, I'm here," Starr yawned. Vegeta growled and phased out and rephased inches from the younger Saiyan, his fist speeding towards the girl's face. Starr reacted on instinct, and blocked the attack. The Saiyans smirked at each other, and soon their sparring session took over. Starr realized how different it was sparring with the Prince now that they knew each other's thoughts. It became exceedingly more difficult to land blows, and it made Starr smirk more. Training was going to be more interesting from here on out, and the thought excited the young girl exponentially.
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The sun was high in the sky by the time Vegeta called for a break, and Starr gratefully accepted it. She was in the middle of drinking some water, when something caught her attention. She snapped her head to the west, and Vegeta followed the motion.
"What is it?" the Prince asked. Starr scrunched her brow in concentration.
"A decent power level just appeared in that direction."
"Is it Frieza?" Kessoro asked suddenly.
"No, it's much smaller," Starr replied. "It… it feels like Saria, but that's impossible. She's back on Planet Vegeta." Vegeta stood up, still looking to the west.
"Let's go," he said to Starr. Starr nodded and stood up. The two Saiyans took over in to the sky, leaving Starr's brother, sisters, and Nappa behind. After a short time, the girl sensed more power levels joining them.
"Starr!" Goku called, as he caught up to the younger Saiyan. Starr glanced backwards and saw that Radditz, Bardock, and her father had joined them. "You sensed it to?"
"Yeah. Vegeta and I were headed to see what's up."
"Glad to see you guys are on good terms again."
"Yeah, I guess you could say that," Starr muttered, earning herself a look from Vegeta in response. After a time, they arrived where they were headed. The site had a large crater, and in the center sat a small pod that Starr instantly recognized as being one of the Saiyan space pods. The group landed on the ground at the edge of the crater and waited. Before long, the door began to open, and a small Saiyan began to climb out. Starr gasped when she saw who it was.
"Saria?!" She called out. Her little sister looked up at the sound of her name, and Starr was horrified by the condition the six-year-old was in. Even from a distance Starr could see the blood that stained the little Saiyan's armor and face. Without saying another word, Starr jumped off the edge of the crater with Vegeta following closely behind, and landed in front of her baby sister. Starr could now see the extent of the injuries, and she was amazed that Saria was still standing. The little girl looked up and focused on her sister's face.
"Saluna?" she said weakly, before her legs gave out and began to fall to the ground. Starr caught her before she hit, and cradled her close to her body. Vegeta stood next to her, arms crossed, waiting.
"Saria, what the hell happened? Why are you here?" Starr asked softly. Saria raised her eyes up to look at her sister, a mixture of fear and anger shinning in her eyes.
"It's gone," she answered meekly.
"What's gone?"
"Planet Vegeta, it's gone." Vegeta's arms dropped to his side, a look of utter disbelief on his face.
"What the fuck do you mean it's gone?!"
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Ta-Da! Tell me what you think!
