First Impressions

"Kakarot, thank the gods you're here," an exhausted looking doctor said the moment they walked through the palace doors. "A word please." He pulled the General aside, speaking to him quietly before shaking his head and walking away.

"What's the matter?" Serenity asked.

"The King is dead," he told her pointedly. "Prince Vegeta is in a mood."

"Then we must go to him," Serenity offered.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea, Princess," Kakarot argued. "He may not wish to see you."

"I don't care," she objected. "I am his betrothed, and I would like to help him through this hard time if I can."

Kakarot half smiled and half frowned. "Fine, but don't be surprised if he yells at you." He turned to the remaining warriors behind him. "Show your appointed scouts to their rooms."

"We're going wherever she is," Sailor Jupiter protested.

"I don't think that would be wise, Makoto," Bardock warned. "The Prince can be very unmanageable when he's in a mood."

"All the more reason to go," Venus chimed in.

"Venus," Turles spoke. "He will not want anyone to see him like this, and one look at Mars and he's likely to lose it."

"He's right," Kakarot agreed. "Raditz, take Mars to her room and make sure she stays out of sight." Raditz nodded and pulled Mars away from her friends. "Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, you have my word that no harm will come to your Princess."

"Go, I can take care of myself," Serenity ordered.

The girls reluctantly left their Princess who promptly disappeared with the General.

Kakarot gently knocked on a large door.

"Go away," Vegeta growled from inside.

"Vegeta, it's me," Kakarot called through the door.

"Come in, Kakarot," Vegeta replied quietly.

Kakarot opened the door slowly, and walked in, motioning for the Princess to stay by the door as he walked up to his best friend. Placing a calming hand on the Prince's shoulder he spoke softly, his voice thick with sadness. "I heard about your father, I'm sorry Vegeta."

Vegeta did not move. He continued to stare out the large window.

"Princess Serenity would like to speak with you," Kakarot told him.

"No," Vegeta growled. "I don't want her to see me like this."

Kakarot looked from his Prince over to the Princess.

"Sire, she only wishes to comfort you," Kakarot explained.

"No," Vegeta barked.

A small hand landed on Vegeta's shoulder. "Prince Vegeta." Her voice was soft and full of concern.

The Prince whipped around, slapping her hand from his shoulder. "Get out!" He bellowed.

"No." She spoke more confidently than she felt. Inside her mind was screaming, telling her to run, get away, that he would kill her. But she fought the urge and stood still, her back straight and head held high.

He stepped closer to her. He was slightly taller than her, with a strong build and long black spikey hair. His dark eyes full of grief and anger. She stepped away from him, fear beginning to seep into her. He continued toward her till her back hit the wall and his hands landed on the wall on either side of her head.

"Don't you know how to listen?" He barked.

Her anger overtook her fear. "Listen here, Prince Vegeta," she hissed. "I did not come here to be pushed away. I take this proposal very seriously, and I will stand by you no matter what is happening, like any good fiancé would. You have just lost your father, and I can tell you are upset." She took a breath to calm down as Vegeta glanced toward his only friend. When she spoke again her voice was calmer and kinder. "I would like to be with you during this tough time." A timid hand reached for his face. He recoiled slightly when her fingertips touched his cheek, and she paused for a moment before fully cupping it.

"What do you know about being a fiancé?" The Prince asked in a condescending tone.

"More than you know, but that is a story for another time." She bore into his eyes as her other hand moved up to rest gently on his arm.

Kakarot watched in fear and awe as a white glow began to emanate from her hands. He fought the urge to protect his Prince and pull him out of her grasp, hoping the light he saw was not an attempt on his life. He had heard the Queen and Princess had the ability to heal and calm others simply by touching them. Much to his surprise, Vegeta visibly relaxed, his head falling forward, almost in defeat.

"Kakarot, leave us," Vegeta ordered, though his voice was softer than usual.

"Are you sure?" The warrior queried.

"I can handle myself should this woman attempt to harm me, now go," Vegeta assured him, still looking at the ground. As soon as the General left, Vegeta looked up at the woman, silent tears streaming down his face. "What did you do to me?"

She smiled sadly at him. "I relaxed you." Stopping her light, she removed her hand from his arm and placed in on the other cheek. "I know you are trying to be strong; to maintain a face in front of your people." He tried to look away from her, but her hands kept his face still and she leaned closer to him, her eyes catching his, causing him to look back at her instead of the wall. "But, it's okay to cry, to grieve. Letting it all out will clear your head, your heart and your soul."

"Damn it, woman." His words were harsh but his tone was soft. Removing his hands from the wall he stepped away from her, and her hands fell to her sides softly.

"I lost a father too, Majesty," she told him softly. "I understand the will to remain solid in the eyes of others, but I also know how freeing it can be to let go."

He turned his back to her, balling his fists at his side. "I didn't want anyone to see me like this."

"I know," she nearly whispered. "I will go if you wish, but know I am here for you if you need someone to lean on. As I said, I take this engagement very seriously." She waited for an answer, but when she received none, she began to walk toward the door.

"No," Vegeta said quietly. "Stay."

Shocked, she turned around to find him facing her once more, tears still falling from his eyes. The urge to soothe him overwhelmed her and she closed the distance between then, wrapping her arms around him tightly. He did not return the hug, but he did lean against her; the moisture from his eyes falling on her bare shoulders.

Leading him over to the large sofa, she sat and coaxed his head into her lap, running her fingers through his hair as he continued to cry silently, soaking the white fabric of her dress. His body was facing her, his back to the door. Whether it was because he didn't want to be seen if someone needed to come in, or because he subconsciously trusted her, she did not know, but she sat there, letting little bits of her calming light seep into him through her fingers.

Over time, his tears stopped and he fell asleep on her lap. A small smile adorned her lips as she looked down at the sleeping Prince. Like this, she could fully take in his appearance; he didn't look scary, only peaceful, and now she could see just how handsome he was. Muscles covered every bit of his body, even his hands. She could tell he was a skilled fighter.

She wasn't sure how much time had passed when she heard a small knock at the door.

"Prince Vegeta, it's me," Kakarot's voice traveled through the door.

"Come in," Serenity replied as loudly as she dared, still not wishing to wake the Prince.

The door cracked open, and Kakarot looked instantly surprised at the scene before him. Serenity placed a finger to her lips, signaling for the man to be quiet.

"What is it, Kakarot?" Serenity asked quietly.

"Dinner is ready," he replied. "Would you like for me to have it brought in here?"

The Princess nodded. "I will wake the Prince and crack the door when we are ready. I'm sure he would not like anyone to see him like this."

Kakarot smiled. "You know him so well already." He took a mental picture in his mind and backed away from them. "I will have the staff bring enough for two."

"Thank you." Serenity smiled at him as he bowed and exited the room quickly. She cut off her healing light and gently shook the Prince on her lap. "Your highness, it's time to wake up." A few seconds passed and nothing happened. Running a hand down his cheek she tried again, a little louder this time. "Prince Vegeta, dinner is ready."

A small kind voice seeped into Vegeta's head. He was sleeping so deeply; he didn't want to wake. He couldn't remember the last time he had slept so soundly.

"Majesty," the voice purred again. "You need to wake up now."

He moved his head down toward his pillow, trying to block out the words. He didn't want to wake up, or eat for that matter, he wanted to sleep. His mind woke up just enough for him to realize the thing beneath his head was not his pillow, and the presence of fingers on his face.

"Come now, Prince Vegeta," Serenity coaxed once more.

Suddenly, Vegeta recognized the voice. His hand ran up to his face, rubbing at his tired and sore eyes, and when they opened slowly, he was caught by the most beautiful sight. Princess Serenity looked down at him, a smile on her face, and a twinkle in her blue eyes. He felt his heart beat faster as her smile widened.

"Hey there," she said quietly. "I've been informed that dinner is ready. I'm having them send it here."

He grunted in agreement, and began to sit up. His heart pounded even harder when his hand touched the woman's thigh to push himself out of her lap. He looked from his hand to the Princess, and saw a slight blush on her cheek. He righted himself quickly, rubbing his hands over his face and through his hair.

"How long was I out?" He questioned groggily.

"A few hours at least." She stretched and stood. "I didn't want to wake you, but felt you should probably eat." She looked around the large room and pointed toward a door. "Is that the restroom?"

Vegeta nodded.

"Get situated and crack the door a bit so the servants know to bring in the food," she instructed before disappearing.

Vegeta watched, dumbfounded, as the door closed. She had just told him what to do, sure, her tone was light, but all the same, she had just told him, Prince Vegeta, what to do. In all his life the only person who had ever given him an order, was his father, the King. He ran his hand over his face and through his hair, cringing at the feel of the bags under his eyes. He needed a shower.

Following instructions, he cracked the door. When she exited the bathroom, he walked past her. "I'm taking a shower, woman, let the servants set up, I'll be quick."

She nodded and watched as the maids brought in a myriad of food, filling the small table in the room.

She thanked the maids and looked out the large window overlooking the palace grounds.

"Princess Serenity," Kakarot's voice broke through her thoughts.

She turned toward him and smiled. "Yes, Kakarot?"

"We have taken your belongings to your room, next door," he informed her. "Are you in need of anything else?"

"No, thank you." She smiled at him again.

He turned to leave then stopped and faced her again. "It takes a strong person to stand up to Prince Vegeta the way you did earlier, and an extraordinary person to get him to let down his guard the way he did. I think this is a very good match."

"It was my magic, not me," she protested softly.

"No," Kakarot objected. "He allowed you to touch him before you began using your magic, that was all you." He bowed deeply to her. "Thank you, for taking care of my friend."

She curtsied lightly. "Of course."

Hearing the water cut off, Kakarot turned to leave once more. "Enjoy your dinner."

She turned once more toward the window. The grounds here were much different from the ones back home. Outside her palace there was a massive garden, full of flowers and benches, gazebos, and trees. Here, most of the grounds had been turned into training areas. Large dirt fields and concrete tournament plots were dotted everywhere.

"You look lost in thought," Vegeta said from the bathroom door.

"I was just," she began, turning toward the man, only to lose her words. A blush spread across her face as she took in the half naked form in front of her. Vegeta stood there, shirtless, nonchalantly running his towel over his hair. She gaped at his muscles for a moment before looking away abruptly. "I was just comparing your grounds to mine," she finished quietly.

Vegeta smirked as he pulled a shirt over his head. "Shall we eat?"

She glanced back at him quickly to see if he was still shirtless and visibly relaxed when she saw the fabric covering his chest. Nodding she headed over to the table and grinned when she saw the spread in front of them. "You're in for a real treat!"

Confusion crossed the Prince's face.

"Mako made this," Serenity explained. "She's the best cook!"

He tentatively dished some onto his plate, and looked at the Princess, who was grinning from ear to ear.

"It's not poisons," she said playfully. To prove a point, she took a piece from his plate and happily popped it into her mouth.

Vegeta looked from his plate to Serenity and back again. Did this woman have no filter? She was testing him so much already. Ordering him around, and taking his food right off his plate? Who did she think she was? He growled softly at her and began to eat.

His features softened as the flavor hit his tongue. "This is good!" He continued to eat happily. "Who made this?"

"Makoto, Sailor Jupiter," Serenity replied. "She doesn't like being idle, and loves being in the kitchen. Somehow I'm not surprised she ended up there."

"My cooks could learn a thing or two from her."

"Wait till you try her sweets!"

A comfortable silence fell as they finished off their meal.

Vegeta sighed happily as he leaned back in his chair, stuffed. Serenity did the same, content, now that her stomach was full.

She was surprised at how relaxed she was. Here she sat, in enemy territory, in the Prince's chambers, no less, and she did not feel the least bit afraid.

"Shall we go for a walk, your majesty?" Vegeta asked. "Usually I train after dinner, but since you're here, and there shouldn't be a reason for fighting anymore, I think I would be happy for a walk."

"That sounds great." Serenity stood and waited to follow Vegeta out of the palace.

He led her through the grounds to the small area that was covered in greenery. They walked in silence for a while, before Vegeta finally spoke.

"What did you mean, earlier?" He questioned.

"About what?" She had said many things earlier.

"When you said you knew more than I knew about being a fiancé."

She stopped and examined the flowers in front of her. "I was engaged once before. For many years. To Prince Endymion." Her gaze moved to the Prince. "We were deeply in love, and I couldn't wait to be his wife. However, the war kept pushing our wedding back. Year after year passed, and still we were only engaged. Five years, we were betrothed." A sigh left her. "We finally decided on a date, vowing to not let this one pass us by. However, a month before our wedding, he headed out to battle, and was killed."

Vegeta's eyes went wide.

"We stood by each other through thick and thin. Loosing parents, allies and friends. We always had each other. There were times, like when I lost my own father, I didn't think I would make it past all the grief. But he was there, and because of him, I was okay." Her eyes met his. "That is why I wanted to be there for you. Because that's what he would have done for me, and I for him." She paused, allowing Vegeta to speak if he wanted. When he remained silent, she continued. "I don't know you, and you don't know me, but I will be the best fiancé I know how to be. I will stand by your side no matter what faces us."

"I see." The Prince examined her, her face was somber, her eyes no longer twinkling. "Do you know who killed him?"

"I have ideas, but no proof, I wasn't on the battlefield that day; I was at home, preparing for my wedding." She turned away from him and began walking again.

Vegeta was silent for a moment contemplating his next question. "If you were engaged for five years, did you ever sleep with him?" Even though he was walking slightly behind her, he could tell the question shook her.

"I don't see how that's any of your business, your highness," she responded.

"That answer alone confirms that you have. And it is my business because I am to be your husband. Your past made you what you are, and for me to know you better, I must know about it." The word husband sounded odd on his tongue, and he grimaced slightly.

Serenity stopped once more and faced the man. "It was only once, in a fit of passion, the night before he died. I regret nothing." The anger in her voice did little to hide her grief. "No need to ask about you. Stories of your conquests reached even my palace walls."

Vegeta smirked. "Oh really?" He stepped toward her, an evil glint in his eye. "And what do these stories say?"

For the second time that day she found herself backing away from the man. "Things I'd rather not repeat."

He continued his advance. "Do they tell of the wonderful things I can do to a woman with only my fingers and tongue?"

Still moving away from him Serenity blushed. The look in his eyes had turned from evil to that of desire.

"Or of the way those women scream my name through the night, and leave my quarters happy and sore the next morning?" He continued. He smiled devilishly when her legs hit the bench behind her and she fell gracelessly onto it, causing her to almost lay on it. He leaned forward slowly, placing his hands on the bench, trapping her there, his face stopping inches from hers. "Perhaps they tell of the way I worshiped their bodies, leaving them aching with desire before finally taking them." The last sentence came out as a whisper, a hint of seduction accompanying it.

His face was so close to hers she could feel his breath on her skin, and despite her best effort, goosebumps ran down her body.

His mouth was right next to her ear now, and his words were dripping with sex. "Maybe you'd like to experience it firsthand." His lips ran down her neck, just a hairs breadth away from her skin. He traveled down her neck, over her exposed shoulders, down her front, talking the whole time. "To feel my lips on your neck, my hands on your chest." His hands slid down the bench as his body moved lower. He stopped when he was finally crouching beside her. "I could take you right here, with nothing more than my fingers and mouth." His hand slid up her lower leg.

A vision of the Prince between her legs flashed in her mind, and she could feel desire pool between her legs. Shaking the image from her mind, she swiftly sat up. "That would hardly be appropriate, your grace."

Vegeta stood, allowing the Princess to do the same, but still stood close to her. His body nearly touching hers. "You say that, yet, I can smell your arousal woman."

She blushed and he stepped back, satisfied with her reaction. Turning on his heel he resumed his trek into the garden, the Princess following silently.

Her mind reeled; who did this man think he was? Sure, he was a Prince, but she was a Princess, damn it. Princess Serenity, known for her beauty, grace and kindness. No person had ever treated her the way he just had; like she was an object to take.

Fury rose in her, he had humiliated her; sure, no one had seen it, but she had felt it, and that was enough. She may not have been the best warrior out of her scouts, but she was a warrior nonetheless. A fighter who had taken out more Saiyans than she could count, and Vegeta had just started a battle, a battle she had no intention on loosing. She would teach him that she would not tolerate being treated like that; that she would be respected.

She looked around her, trying to formulate a plan now that her mind was clear. Her eyes landed on a large fountain not far from the Prince, a fountain which was not running, and as the sky grew dark, was harder to see. Her mind raced as she put the pieces of her plan together. As the last piece fell into place, she smiled to herself and called out to the man walking ahead of her.

"Prince Vegeta?" She held her breath. Her whole plan rode on him stopping. He stopped and she mentally whooped for joy.

"Yes Princess?" He waited for her to catch up to him, a smug smile still on his face.

She stopped in front of him, his back now to the fountain. "You speak of all the things you do to the women gracing your bed. Do any of them return the favor?"

"I'm more of a giver," he replied.

She took a step toward him, hoping he would back away from her. It was a small step, but he did. "I may have only been with one man one time, but I am best friends with the goddess of love and lust. She has told me of numerous ways to please a man." She stepped closer to the man again. "Have you never had a woman ride you? Watching her face contort in ecstasy as she uses you to achieve release." He began backing away as she continued forward, her voice dropping into a low, sexy tone. "Has a woman ever taken you into her mouth? Sucking and licking you like you're a lollipop she can't get enough of? Finally taking you into oblivion while drinking your seed." His eyes grew dark with desire, and she could see his crotch twitch. His legs hit the edge of the fountain, placing both hands on his chest as she leaned in to whisper seductively in his ear. "I bet you like it rough." Her hands snaked up his chest. "To feel my teeth around your earlobe, hot, wet kisses down your neck, to feel my nails dig into your back as I moan in pleasure." For added effect she ran her fingernails lightly over his neck, and she felt his flesh tremble under her fingertips. "Perhaps, when the time comes, it will be you screaming my name, dear Prince."

He was breathing hard now, visions of her naked dancing around in his head. His cock begging for release from its prison.

Stepping forward a little more, she eliminated all distance between them, her body pressed against his completely. She could feel his manhood press into her stomach. "Maybe I should reconsider your offer, we are engaged after all." Her lips traveled down and inched towards his.

Vegeta's eyes fluttered as her lips got closer and closer, the feel of her breath intoxicating him.

She stopped, mere millimeters from his lips. "But I am a Princess, not one of your harlots." She stepped back quickly, and using all of her strength, shoved the man backward, causing him to fall into the water.

His excitement dissipated as soon as he hit the cool water, being replaced almost instantly with anger and humiliation. "Woman!" He yelled.

Serenity stood beside the fountain, amusement twinkling in her eyes. "I will not be treated like a slut!" She spat. "You will treat me like the royalty I am."

Vegeta stood, soaked to the bone. "You . . ." His hand stretched out in front of him, energy beginning to form in his palm.

"Vegeta." Kakarot appeared pulling Serenity back and placing himself between her and his Prince. "Calm down."

The Saiyan Prince growled, but let his energy flow back into his body and lowered his hand. "What are you doing here Kakarot?" He hissed.

"Protecting my future Queen," Kakarot answered.

"How long have you been watching us?" Vegeta demanded.

"Long enough," the warrior replied. He glanced behind him at Serenity before returning his gaze to his friend, his eyes full of fire. "Vegeta, I know you are used to getting whatever or whoever you want with a simple word or look; but the woman standing behind me is a true lady, and deserves to be treated as such.

"She has done nothing but care for you since the moment she arrived, and you repay that kindness by treating her like an object. If you are in need of that kind of release, go wet your dick somewhere else."

Serenity was blocked from Vegeta's view by the larger Saiyan, but her hands clenched at her sides and she opened her mouth to speak.

"No," Vegeta spoke before she had the chance. "I am engaged, and will save myself for my bride." He motioned for his friend to move, and as soon as he could see the Princess, he bowed deeply, his face almost touching the water he continued to stand in. "Forgive me, Princess, my behavior was inexcusable."

"As was mine, I will accept your apology, if you will accept mine." She curtsied as Vegeta looked up and their eyes locked. He nodded and they both righted themselves.

"Go home and dry off Vegeta, I will escort Princess Serenity to her room," Kakarot told him.

Vegeta rose from the water and flew home as Kakarot turned to face Serenity. "I knew this match would be interesting, it has been a while since anyone was able to fluster him that much."

"Kakarot?" Her voice was soft as she spoke his name.

"Yes, your Highness?"

"Did you hear anything?"

The man smiled, knowing where this was going. "Saiyans have impeccable hearing, so yes, I heard everything." Her words echoed in his mind, and he had to fight the rush of blood to his manhood.

She blushed deeply, and stared down at the ground. "I don't usually talk like that, he just made me so angry, I had to get back at him."

"You don't need to justify your actions to me." Placing a finger beneath her chin he made her look up at him.

His touch was so soft Serenity found herself surprised at it. "Thank you for stepping in."

Their eyes met as Kakarot smiled. "I will always protect you," he explained softly. Silence hung in the air for a moment, and Kakarot fought the urge to kiss her. "Because you will be my Queen," he added quickly, removing his hand from her face and stepping away from her. "Let's get you back, it has been a long day, and I'm sure you are eager to rest."

*The next chapter may take a while to post. I'll do my best to get it up soon. What do you think about this chapter? Serenity and Vegeta still have some contention between them. How will things turn out? Tell me what you think in a review. 😊

Gohaun