Thanks to everybody for reviewing! Blue-Flame12 asked me for a shout-out so I checked up on her story Tribulations from the Past and believe me it's worth reading.



Chapter 6 Allure's Surprise



Allure's mind was realing with Bulma's funny presumption. As if she could ever see Vegeta in THAT light. Sure, they were bonded, but hey.... 'Oh Bulma....' Allure couldn't finish the sentence because a new bout of laughter overcame her.

Finally, after about fifteen minutes, she was able to look at things straight again, without bursting into laughter. She then looked at Bulma, who looked more confused and hurt than ever.

'Bulma,' she said 'you have to understand something. Vegeta and I are bonded, but not in the way you think. We love each other very much, but I could never think of him as a MATE. Perhaps here on earth your people feel differently....'

'What do you mean?' Bulma interrupted 'You think Vegeta isn't attractive or something?' Bulma couldn't help but sound slightly insulted at the very thought, for in her mind, Vegeta was the same thing as blalant temptation.

'No, that's not what I meant, I meant that I just don't feel about my BROTHER like that.'

'Your BROTHER! But you never said a thing about that.'

'I guess I forgot, because in our race people know instantly if there's a blood-connection between people or not. I'm sorry if this is the cause of your pain. I never realised that Vegeta and you could be a match. But it makes sense now, since Kakkarot and that dark haired woman bonded, so your anatomies must be compatible and.....'

Bulma had stopped listening at the info that Vegeta was Allure's brother. She didn't understand the feeling of immense joy that spread through her. Even the thought of Vegeta as a single man made her want to run home and lay her heart at his feet. (A/N: NOT literally, this is a romance fic! Not some gruesome horror flick.)

All of the sudden, Allure shook her shoulder and spoke to her in a worried voice: 'Hold on Bulma, I can guess what you're feeling, but don't do that. I know Vegeta better than anyone and running to him would accomplish nothing. He is too far gone to just admit he loves anyone or even could have the ability to love and bond, especially when it is outside of the saiyan-race and in the middle of a war. You will have to be patient and let him get used to seeing you around and relying on you. I think it would be a good start if you brought him dinner and brought him stuff when he needs it. I also will vote for you, to accompany us on the trip to Namek. I'll say you're the only one who can make this ship fly. Vegeta probably will find that suspicious to say the least, but he won't think as far as our goal. He probably won't gainsay me either, since he knows that's useless.'

'That sounds like a good plan, but...' Bulma's thoughts took a hundred-and- eighty 'I don't want you to prod him in any way. He has to fall in love with me of his own accord and if he doesn't, I guess we just weren't meant to be. I want you to give your word on that. I know you won't break it. He has to do it on his own. He either likes me or he doesn't.'

'I've noticed him looking at you. I know he likes you, but I just don't know if he'll ever admit it to himself. He might make this road you chose a very difficult one, because with his pride and moods, he won't be a easy person to love. I give you my word though....'

They had struck a bargain and stared at each other. Then they began to laugh, realising that from now on, nothing would stand in the way of their friendship anymore. They now would have to face a future, which held a very cranky Vegeta in its midst.



Okay people, it's a wrap. Thanks to Chas for beta-reading again. Flames are welcome, since I need to heat my water anyway....