Last time:
It was more than an hour before the fluid began to drain and I could finally open my eyes; but I dared not. I will only open my eyes when I can see the woman, alive.
Oh Kami I'm a fool.
**********************************************************
She sat, alive and breathing, on her bed, a book propped on her bended knees; she knew I was there but bothered not to address me. Her expression was solemn and calm; no blood. She wore no white silk nightdress, but rather loose pajama pants, as they are called, and a very small tank top, not covering all her stomach; all black, very appealing.
I walked slowly into the bathroom, flicking on the light, sensing that she was watching me now; I didn't care. There was no blood here either. No blood smeared on the mirror, no gruesome puddles on the white tile, not a drop; the place was clean and smelled like the woman after she bathes.
When I turned back around the woman's eyes were back on her book, focused intently on the information inside. I knew she was trying her damnedest not to look up at me, not even a glance. It must have been killing her.
In one swift maneuver, I was sitting on the bed, her book was on the floor, and I had her wrists. She looked directly into my eyes with unrestrained passion and obedience; she had not been lying before when she declared I was the only man she wanted. Her brow furrowed suddenly and she starred at me as if seeing me for the first time, as if she'd just noticed I was sitting not two inches from her, holding her bony little wrists; she really should eat more. I realized abruptly that she knew I was no longer blind, that she could see that my eyes had vision, that they were not dead and blank as they must have been before, but truly seeing her. Kami she was a magnificent creature. Her smooth, white skin alone I could touch and kiss for hours. Maybe I would do that.
I placed my hand behind her head, liking, for some reason, the feel of her damp hair. She yielded when I leaned her back onto her pillows, accepting me completely, as if I had not shunned her for months. Kami, I don't know how I kept myself away from such a being for so long.
"You can see," she whispered, catching my eyes. I realized now that I liked that our son held her eyes in his powerful skull, that he had features of myself and of his mother. She reached up and touched my cheek, smiling weakly; she liked that I had not shaved in a few days, liked the feel of my rough and scratchy face.
"You look thinner," I said, confused at my own words. "I knew this before, but to see you is different." I grabbed up one of her wrists again and pulled her off the bed, and into the hall before she demanded an explanation. "You're going to eat something, now. I won't have a skeleton for a mate."
"A-A-A what?" she stammered, snaking her arm free.
"A mate," I repeated, grabbing her upper arm this time. "Stop disobeying me. You're eating. Now." I pushed her into the nearest kitchen chair, told her to stay put, then went to find her mother to prepare a descent meal. Halfway back upstairs I realized what I was doing and what I'd said to the woman. I sat down, right there, clasping my forehead with my hands. I had to think about this for a moment, think of what this could do to the rest of my life. I hadn't two minutes alone when the woman approached me cautiously.
"You're confused." She sat a few steps below me, curling her little legs into her chest. "You don't know what you want."
"Yes, I do," I snapped.
"What do you want?"
"Y-" I stopped, nearly biting the tip of my tongue off. "You're right, I don't know what I want, but I'll figure that out in a moment, if you'd stop bothering me."
"Am I truly that unwanted that you would rather die than have me as your mate?" There was no pity in her voice; she only wanted the truth. "Listen, I didn't put those horrid images into your mind. I don't know how they got there. I only know that when I sought your thoughts I found those images. I tried to impose other ones on top of them, but I couldn't, they were too strong." She cast her eyes at the floor, as if she'd only just revealed that she was weaker than myself.
"What images did you press?" Common curiosity.
"First ones of Trunks, because I'd just put him down for a nap. I knew immediately that they weren't going to work because they don't hold enough emotion for you…So I projected our nights together. Not the most passionate image could break the barrier." She looked up at me innocently. "Can Terrak communicate telepathically?"
I sighed. Well at least she didn't call it "mind reading" like she usually does.
"I suppose he could, though I don't know of it. You think he projected those images?"
"He's very adamant about bringing us together."
"I'm aware," I sighed, picking myself up off the stairs.
"Where're you going?"
"To get the truth from Terrak."
"Why?"
"What do you mean?"
"Why does it matter?"
"Because he invaded my thoughts!"
"And?" She grabbed my hands and I noticed hers; so tiny, so fragile. I could easily crush them with a mere "handshake". "The images had an effect on you, didn't they? That's why you came to my room, to make sure that I was alive. Vegeta-"
"You're venturing down a dark road and you don't know your way. I'd suggest sticking to a familiar path."
"Such as?"
"Silence."
She stammered and cursed under her breath, allowing me in her brief anger to pass by and pursue Terrak.
When I found him he was in the garden with the mother, on his knees, pulling at the earth with a crude tool. At once he hopped to his feet, though shrunk back when he realized my mood. The mother rose as well, smiling stupidly at me, unaware of--or maybe just ignoring--my scowl.
"Make food for the woman. She's too thin."
"Oh my, yes!" she agreed, clasping her veiny hands together. "I've been trying to push food down her throat for months. Seems your absence had quite a raw effect on her appetite. I'm so glad that you're taking notice of this." She went to grab my arm, but thought better of it, thank Kami, and turned to leave. "Dear Kami she is so thin," she mumbled, walking into the house. I didn't speak until the door shut behind her.
"You're a tricky little alien," I said, crossing my arms. He looked positively petrified, and probably was quite a bit more, but was holding it in. I won't harm a single hair on his head, though I'm not going to let on to that. He deserves a little fear in his veins for what he did; sneaky medium. "I didn't know you could delve into others' thoughts, let alone impose images upon them with such force. The woman says she tried to intervene but could not, and she's no weak medium. She was communicating with our son while he was still in her womb. That strength must have been very strained; a one time thing, am I right?"
He nodded, skin paling to nearly the tone of his mate's skin.
"And you can pick up thoughts quite easily from unguarded minds, I suppose. Must have been rigid discipline to accomplish what you did." I caught his eyes, giving him a warning glare that he was not to look away; he obeyed, unlike the woman would have done. "Why?"
"You know why, friend."
"I'm no friend in this argument, Terrak. Save those words for another time. Tell me now."
"Because if I did not do something drastic then you would loose Bulma forever, and she you. I could not stand by and allow something like that to happen to those I care for so much."
"You care for Bulma?"
"I thought that was clear." I growled and he gave me an apologetic look for his disrespect. "Yes, I care for her. I love her. She's a close friend now, as you are. And I love you too."
"Save those words forever, if you would…Continue."
"With what?"
"How did you impose the images? And why those particular images? What did you think would happen?"
"It took all my mental and physical strength to send and hold those images. Bulma gave me quite a battle, but my will was too strong. If she'd tried once more she'd have broke my hold, I think. Thank Kami you went to her when you did." He cleared his throat and glanced at the house. Yes, I knew what he was looking at. The woman was on her balcony, watching us. I paid no mind to her; she could not hear our words. "I chose those images because death is the single greatest reason for life. Without death no being would have a reason to live, no being would strive to complete their tasks before their final day, no lives would need protection." I nodded, telling him that I knew what he meant, and that he'd better find a point soon. "I figured that if you saw images of Bulma dead, very real looking images, of obvious death, that you'd come to your senses and accept her as your mate, instead of trying to sever your intense bond."
"You'll do something for me," I commanded, stepping closer and lowering my voice. "You will not ask questions or offer advice. You will do as I say and think nothing of it. If it is not done as I've advised than you are the one to blame."
"What am I to do?" he asked with a heavy sigh. I believe I am the only being that he will take such orders from. "You and my wife, though for her its out of love and adoration. For you its fear. You can try asking nicely."
"Number one, you are NOT, under any circumstances, to reach into my mind and obtain my thoughts. Is that clear?"
"As my undying love for my wife and daughter."
"Excuse me?"
"Very clear."
***************************************************************
I stood in the living room, dimly lit with candles, a mere silhouette in the darkness. The woman's mother had lighted the ugly waxen sticks. I didn't care; she could do as she damn well pleased she long as she followed my rules. She wasn't on the compound now, as I'd advised. Neither was the doctor or my son. Terrak and the woman would be here any moment, though my patience was running thin. If they didn't appear soon, I'd clean out the refrigerator out of boredom.
I noticed now that there were candles on the floor as well, and leading up the stairs. Her damn mother was so pertinent on those things, though they did have a nice smell. Nothing flowery or fruity like the woman wears on her skin and in her hair, but waxy and plain. Kami I'm so bored that I'm thinking intently about candles.
The sound of a car door slamming brought me from my thoughts on candles, however great they were; I abandoned them and listened completely. Sound of heeled shoes and bare feet on the paved walkway, and keys clanging into one another, and the turning of a lock. When the door opened it was only the woman; Terrak had fled, no doubt, as I'd told him.
She strained her eyes to see into the stupidly dark room. I almost reached over and turned on the lights, but then she came towards me, ignoring the open door, and discarding her leather bag halfway across the room. Her face held utter confusion and intrigue. What could I be doing, standing here in a dark room with pleasant smelling candles all around? Kami damn it Vegeta! Forget the ridiculous candles!
"What-" But I placed my hand over her mouth to stop her words.
"Silence or I'll rip those luscious little lips off you."
She smiled under my hand, and squealed with delight when I lifted her off the floor. Her dress, red in color, and tight, very tight, looked too good to be real. Her breasts pushed out nicely and her slender legs were unbearably smooth; I almost couldn't take it. Terrak and the mother did well with my instructions.
When I laid her on her bed, covered in hundreds of red pieces of paper, her smile morphed into the seductress's smirk.
"Candles and rose petals," she said, picking up one of the red things, feeling it between her fingers. "You must have had help."
"I'm an alien," I reminded her, though for some reason she found this delightfully humorous.
"Tell me," she whispered, her voice becoming very serious. "What is all this? I hardly would expect this from you, Vegeta."
"All your brainless mother's idea. I only wanted you dressed up and alone."
"For what purpose?"
My answer came in physical form, as I sunk my sharpest of teeth into her mates mark. She gasped, then eased into my embrace, bending her head back to give me better access. The blood was deliciously warm and brimming with the woman's scent. Only I could enjoy this metallic liquid so thoroughly.
When I brought my head back her face was solemn, yet impassioned.
"What does this mean?" she whispered, a little short of breath.
"You're my mate."
"You're staying?" Her question held more than I could imagine, and I tried not to. I pulled her head to me so that her lips rested on my scarred wound.
"Yes, staying." She lifted her head suddenly. I frowned at her, though she seemed not to notice.
"Why? What changed?"
"Nothing," I admitted, finding the words rather hard to center on, let alone speak.
"Nothing?"
"Yes. Are you hard of hearing?"
"So you don't love me?"
"Woman," I sighed, bringing her head back down. She instinctively, I imagined, kissed the wound. I shivered. How erotic that simple gesture; she shall never know the feeling, though I will deprive her of no pleasure. "You've always known the answer to that preposterous question."
"If you don't-"
"I'll sacrifice my pride," I said, silencing her immediately. "You knew the truth when I did not, and even when I did I held it from you for pride's sake." I grabbed her face, a very earthy thing to do, though I liked it very much and am glad that I did so. She didn't take her eyes off me. "Woman, you are the only woman that could be my mate. This I always knew, but was convinced that I did not wish for a mate, so much as crave it instinctively. Pride again, old Saiyan pride, the only rule I knew how to live by, until I came here." She shuddered in my arms. "Woman, as I said before in my heated words of passion, I cannot live without you as my mate. I must have you, even if that means losing my pride in the process." She foolishly went to speak, but stopped as I lifted my hand. If she did not let me say these words she would never hear them. "I do not need a mate. I need you, Bulma." My breath caught in my throat, but I pushed the words. Only have to say them once, once will serve my purpose. The damage to my pride can be repaired if I say this but once. "Bulma, the hellish earthling that never ceases to annoy me-" She glared at me, though knew that my words were playful and needed for the next to come. "-I'll sacrifice my pride to say these words, and you best be listening." She went tense all over, but I held to my promise to myself. Say the damn words! "I-I…I love you…"
She collapsed in my arms, and thinking that she fainted I shook her to her senses. No, she was of sound mind, well, maybe not mind.
"I'm of sound, mind, body, and pride, thank you," she said, straightening herself, her smile seeming to be chiseled into her features. Maybe that wasn't as bad as I supposed. Maybe.
"Pride?" My full voice was back, unstuck from my throat, and powerful again.
"Pride in you." She kissed my forehead. "Proud that I'm your mate, and that I can do this."
Before I could ask what "this" was, she'd bitten into my wound, pulling out the blood and humming her moans. My body gave way, unstoppably, and I sunk into her. She held me up, amazingly, still suckling at my wound until finally she was lapping at the blood, kissing the wound again. I almost gave into my urges to rip her clothes off and ravage her. That will come, but Kami, not soon enough!
"I love you too, Vegeta."
"Don't get used to saying that," I huffed, pushing her gently over so I could lie beside her.
"Can I ask you something?"
"What?" She never shuts up.
"What made you come around?"
I hung my head. More bruises, damn it.
"Fear?"
I glanced at her for a split second to let her know that she was correct.
"Terrak was wise," I sighed, kissing her soft forehead. Kiss her body, I reminded myself. Touch and kiss for hours. Examine this delicate creature. Oh! And that bubble stuff! "Death drives life."
She was smiling at me, a laugh behind her lips.
"What?"
"What about bubbles?"
I grabbed her up off the bed, her legs daggling deliciously. She clung to my neck, resting her head on my shoulder. When I set her down in the bathroom, I told her what I wanted: the tub full of hot water and bubbles, and us inside and naked.
"Oh, a bubble bath?" She found a slender bottle full of blue liquid and poured it into the half-filled steaming tub. Soon it was full to the brim, the bubbles smelling delicious, the way the woman smells after being in them; nothing to eat, of course; the bubbles anyway.
Once inside the tub, I pulled her to me, her moist back against my chest, breasts unfortunately hidden under the bubbles. I brushed them away and she laughed, leaning her head back and kissing my cheek.
"I want this everyday," I said.
"As you wish," she replied. "But I'll need more bubble bath." She turned around suddenly, nearly startling me. "Hey, what about Terrak?"
"What?" I was outraged. She was thinking of Terrak, now!?
"I mean, when does he leave? And are you bringing him home? I don't want you to leave just yet. Can I come with you?"
"Shut up woman," I demanded, pulling her back to my chest. "Worry about him later." I rested my hand on her stomach, smooth and flat. "You're ruining the moment."
She sighed with pleasure, placing her hand on top of mine.
My woman.
My mate.
My Bulma.
***THE END!!!***
*******************************************************************
---Chapter 18, and the end! Yay! Hmm, how did you like it? Think it was too mushy? I dunno, I think maybe a little. But hey, he's still the same old Vegeta.
REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Next time: Yes, I know I said this is the end, and it is, but I'm doing an update sort of thing, you know, to show you how things turned out years after this happy ending. Aww :P
It was more than an hour before the fluid began to drain and I could finally open my eyes; but I dared not. I will only open my eyes when I can see the woman, alive.
Oh Kami I'm a fool.
**********************************************************
She sat, alive and breathing, on her bed, a book propped on her bended knees; she knew I was there but bothered not to address me. Her expression was solemn and calm; no blood. She wore no white silk nightdress, but rather loose pajama pants, as they are called, and a very small tank top, not covering all her stomach; all black, very appealing.
I walked slowly into the bathroom, flicking on the light, sensing that she was watching me now; I didn't care. There was no blood here either. No blood smeared on the mirror, no gruesome puddles on the white tile, not a drop; the place was clean and smelled like the woman after she bathes.
When I turned back around the woman's eyes were back on her book, focused intently on the information inside. I knew she was trying her damnedest not to look up at me, not even a glance. It must have been killing her.
In one swift maneuver, I was sitting on the bed, her book was on the floor, and I had her wrists. She looked directly into my eyes with unrestrained passion and obedience; she had not been lying before when she declared I was the only man she wanted. Her brow furrowed suddenly and she starred at me as if seeing me for the first time, as if she'd just noticed I was sitting not two inches from her, holding her bony little wrists; she really should eat more. I realized abruptly that she knew I was no longer blind, that she could see that my eyes had vision, that they were not dead and blank as they must have been before, but truly seeing her. Kami she was a magnificent creature. Her smooth, white skin alone I could touch and kiss for hours. Maybe I would do that.
I placed my hand behind her head, liking, for some reason, the feel of her damp hair. She yielded when I leaned her back onto her pillows, accepting me completely, as if I had not shunned her for months. Kami, I don't know how I kept myself away from such a being for so long.
"You can see," she whispered, catching my eyes. I realized now that I liked that our son held her eyes in his powerful skull, that he had features of myself and of his mother. She reached up and touched my cheek, smiling weakly; she liked that I had not shaved in a few days, liked the feel of my rough and scratchy face.
"You look thinner," I said, confused at my own words. "I knew this before, but to see you is different." I grabbed up one of her wrists again and pulled her off the bed, and into the hall before she demanded an explanation. "You're going to eat something, now. I won't have a skeleton for a mate."
"A-A-A what?" she stammered, snaking her arm free.
"A mate," I repeated, grabbing her upper arm this time. "Stop disobeying me. You're eating. Now." I pushed her into the nearest kitchen chair, told her to stay put, then went to find her mother to prepare a descent meal. Halfway back upstairs I realized what I was doing and what I'd said to the woman. I sat down, right there, clasping my forehead with my hands. I had to think about this for a moment, think of what this could do to the rest of my life. I hadn't two minutes alone when the woman approached me cautiously.
"You're confused." She sat a few steps below me, curling her little legs into her chest. "You don't know what you want."
"Yes, I do," I snapped.
"What do you want?"
"Y-" I stopped, nearly biting the tip of my tongue off. "You're right, I don't know what I want, but I'll figure that out in a moment, if you'd stop bothering me."
"Am I truly that unwanted that you would rather die than have me as your mate?" There was no pity in her voice; she only wanted the truth. "Listen, I didn't put those horrid images into your mind. I don't know how they got there. I only know that when I sought your thoughts I found those images. I tried to impose other ones on top of them, but I couldn't, they were too strong." She cast her eyes at the floor, as if she'd only just revealed that she was weaker than myself.
"What images did you press?" Common curiosity.
"First ones of Trunks, because I'd just put him down for a nap. I knew immediately that they weren't going to work because they don't hold enough emotion for you…So I projected our nights together. Not the most passionate image could break the barrier." She looked up at me innocently. "Can Terrak communicate telepathically?"
I sighed. Well at least she didn't call it "mind reading" like she usually does.
"I suppose he could, though I don't know of it. You think he projected those images?"
"He's very adamant about bringing us together."
"I'm aware," I sighed, picking myself up off the stairs.
"Where're you going?"
"To get the truth from Terrak."
"Why?"
"What do you mean?"
"Why does it matter?"
"Because he invaded my thoughts!"
"And?" She grabbed my hands and I noticed hers; so tiny, so fragile. I could easily crush them with a mere "handshake". "The images had an effect on you, didn't they? That's why you came to my room, to make sure that I was alive. Vegeta-"
"You're venturing down a dark road and you don't know your way. I'd suggest sticking to a familiar path."
"Such as?"
"Silence."
She stammered and cursed under her breath, allowing me in her brief anger to pass by and pursue Terrak.
When I found him he was in the garden with the mother, on his knees, pulling at the earth with a crude tool. At once he hopped to his feet, though shrunk back when he realized my mood. The mother rose as well, smiling stupidly at me, unaware of--or maybe just ignoring--my scowl.
"Make food for the woman. She's too thin."
"Oh my, yes!" she agreed, clasping her veiny hands together. "I've been trying to push food down her throat for months. Seems your absence had quite a raw effect on her appetite. I'm so glad that you're taking notice of this." She went to grab my arm, but thought better of it, thank Kami, and turned to leave. "Dear Kami she is so thin," she mumbled, walking into the house. I didn't speak until the door shut behind her.
"You're a tricky little alien," I said, crossing my arms. He looked positively petrified, and probably was quite a bit more, but was holding it in. I won't harm a single hair on his head, though I'm not going to let on to that. He deserves a little fear in his veins for what he did; sneaky medium. "I didn't know you could delve into others' thoughts, let alone impose images upon them with such force. The woman says she tried to intervene but could not, and she's no weak medium. She was communicating with our son while he was still in her womb. That strength must have been very strained; a one time thing, am I right?"
He nodded, skin paling to nearly the tone of his mate's skin.
"And you can pick up thoughts quite easily from unguarded minds, I suppose. Must have been rigid discipline to accomplish what you did." I caught his eyes, giving him a warning glare that he was not to look away; he obeyed, unlike the woman would have done. "Why?"
"You know why, friend."
"I'm no friend in this argument, Terrak. Save those words for another time. Tell me now."
"Because if I did not do something drastic then you would loose Bulma forever, and she you. I could not stand by and allow something like that to happen to those I care for so much."
"You care for Bulma?"
"I thought that was clear." I growled and he gave me an apologetic look for his disrespect. "Yes, I care for her. I love her. She's a close friend now, as you are. And I love you too."
"Save those words forever, if you would…Continue."
"With what?"
"How did you impose the images? And why those particular images? What did you think would happen?"
"It took all my mental and physical strength to send and hold those images. Bulma gave me quite a battle, but my will was too strong. If she'd tried once more she'd have broke my hold, I think. Thank Kami you went to her when you did." He cleared his throat and glanced at the house. Yes, I knew what he was looking at. The woman was on her balcony, watching us. I paid no mind to her; she could not hear our words. "I chose those images because death is the single greatest reason for life. Without death no being would have a reason to live, no being would strive to complete their tasks before their final day, no lives would need protection." I nodded, telling him that I knew what he meant, and that he'd better find a point soon. "I figured that if you saw images of Bulma dead, very real looking images, of obvious death, that you'd come to your senses and accept her as your mate, instead of trying to sever your intense bond."
"You'll do something for me," I commanded, stepping closer and lowering my voice. "You will not ask questions or offer advice. You will do as I say and think nothing of it. If it is not done as I've advised than you are the one to blame."
"What am I to do?" he asked with a heavy sigh. I believe I am the only being that he will take such orders from. "You and my wife, though for her its out of love and adoration. For you its fear. You can try asking nicely."
"Number one, you are NOT, under any circumstances, to reach into my mind and obtain my thoughts. Is that clear?"
"As my undying love for my wife and daughter."
"Excuse me?"
"Very clear."
***************************************************************
I stood in the living room, dimly lit with candles, a mere silhouette in the darkness. The woman's mother had lighted the ugly waxen sticks. I didn't care; she could do as she damn well pleased she long as she followed my rules. She wasn't on the compound now, as I'd advised. Neither was the doctor or my son. Terrak and the woman would be here any moment, though my patience was running thin. If they didn't appear soon, I'd clean out the refrigerator out of boredom.
I noticed now that there were candles on the floor as well, and leading up the stairs. Her damn mother was so pertinent on those things, though they did have a nice smell. Nothing flowery or fruity like the woman wears on her skin and in her hair, but waxy and plain. Kami I'm so bored that I'm thinking intently about candles.
The sound of a car door slamming brought me from my thoughts on candles, however great they were; I abandoned them and listened completely. Sound of heeled shoes and bare feet on the paved walkway, and keys clanging into one another, and the turning of a lock. When the door opened it was only the woman; Terrak had fled, no doubt, as I'd told him.
She strained her eyes to see into the stupidly dark room. I almost reached over and turned on the lights, but then she came towards me, ignoring the open door, and discarding her leather bag halfway across the room. Her face held utter confusion and intrigue. What could I be doing, standing here in a dark room with pleasant smelling candles all around? Kami damn it Vegeta! Forget the ridiculous candles!
"What-" But I placed my hand over her mouth to stop her words.
"Silence or I'll rip those luscious little lips off you."
She smiled under my hand, and squealed with delight when I lifted her off the floor. Her dress, red in color, and tight, very tight, looked too good to be real. Her breasts pushed out nicely and her slender legs were unbearably smooth; I almost couldn't take it. Terrak and the mother did well with my instructions.
When I laid her on her bed, covered in hundreds of red pieces of paper, her smile morphed into the seductress's smirk.
"Candles and rose petals," she said, picking up one of the red things, feeling it between her fingers. "You must have had help."
"I'm an alien," I reminded her, though for some reason she found this delightfully humorous.
"Tell me," she whispered, her voice becoming very serious. "What is all this? I hardly would expect this from you, Vegeta."
"All your brainless mother's idea. I only wanted you dressed up and alone."
"For what purpose?"
My answer came in physical form, as I sunk my sharpest of teeth into her mates mark. She gasped, then eased into my embrace, bending her head back to give me better access. The blood was deliciously warm and brimming with the woman's scent. Only I could enjoy this metallic liquid so thoroughly.
When I brought my head back her face was solemn, yet impassioned.
"What does this mean?" she whispered, a little short of breath.
"You're my mate."
"You're staying?" Her question held more than I could imagine, and I tried not to. I pulled her head to me so that her lips rested on my scarred wound.
"Yes, staying." She lifted her head suddenly. I frowned at her, though she seemed not to notice.
"Why? What changed?"
"Nothing," I admitted, finding the words rather hard to center on, let alone speak.
"Nothing?"
"Yes. Are you hard of hearing?"
"So you don't love me?"
"Woman," I sighed, bringing her head back down. She instinctively, I imagined, kissed the wound. I shivered. How erotic that simple gesture; she shall never know the feeling, though I will deprive her of no pleasure. "You've always known the answer to that preposterous question."
"If you don't-"
"I'll sacrifice my pride," I said, silencing her immediately. "You knew the truth when I did not, and even when I did I held it from you for pride's sake." I grabbed her face, a very earthy thing to do, though I liked it very much and am glad that I did so. She didn't take her eyes off me. "Woman, you are the only woman that could be my mate. This I always knew, but was convinced that I did not wish for a mate, so much as crave it instinctively. Pride again, old Saiyan pride, the only rule I knew how to live by, until I came here." She shuddered in my arms. "Woman, as I said before in my heated words of passion, I cannot live without you as my mate. I must have you, even if that means losing my pride in the process." She foolishly went to speak, but stopped as I lifted my hand. If she did not let me say these words she would never hear them. "I do not need a mate. I need you, Bulma." My breath caught in my throat, but I pushed the words. Only have to say them once, once will serve my purpose. The damage to my pride can be repaired if I say this but once. "Bulma, the hellish earthling that never ceases to annoy me-" She glared at me, though knew that my words were playful and needed for the next to come. "-I'll sacrifice my pride to say these words, and you best be listening." She went tense all over, but I held to my promise to myself. Say the damn words! "I-I…I love you…"
She collapsed in my arms, and thinking that she fainted I shook her to her senses. No, she was of sound mind, well, maybe not mind.
"I'm of sound, mind, body, and pride, thank you," she said, straightening herself, her smile seeming to be chiseled into her features. Maybe that wasn't as bad as I supposed. Maybe.
"Pride?" My full voice was back, unstuck from my throat, and powerful again.
"Pride in you." She kissed my forehead. "Proud that I'm your mate, and that I can do this."
Before I could ask what "this" was, she'd bitten into my wound, pulling out the blood and humming her moans. My body gave way, unstoppably, and I sunk into her. She held me up, amazingly, still suckling at my wound until finally she was lapping at the blood, kissing the wound again. I almost gave into my urges to rip her clothes off and ravage her. That will come, but Kami, not soon enough!
"I love you too, Vegeta."
"Don't get used to saying that," I huffed, pushing her gently over so I could lie beside her.
"Can I ask you something?"
"What?" She never shuts up.
"What made you come around?"
I hung my head. More bruises, damn it.
"Fear?"
I glanced at her for a split second to let her know that she was correct.
"Terrak was wise," I sighed, kissing her soft forehead. Kiss her body, I reminded myself. Touch and kiss for hours. Examine this delicate creature. Oh! And that bubble stuff! "Death drives life."
She was smiling at me, a laugh behind her lips.
"What?"
"What about bubbles?"
I grabbed her up off the bed, her legs daggling deliciously. She clung to my neck, resting her head on my shoulder. When I set her down in the bathroom, I told her what I wanted: the tub full of hot water and bubbles, and us inside and naked.
"Oh, a bubble bath?" She found a slender bottle full of blue liquid and poured it into the half-filled steaming tub. Soon it was full to the brim, the bubbles smelling delicious, the way the woman smells after being in them; nothing to eat, of course; the bubbles anyway.
Once inside the tub, I pulled her to me, her moist back against my chest, breasts unfortunately hidden under the bubbles. I brushed them away and she laughed, leaning her head back and kissing my cheek.
"I want this everyday," I said.
"As you wish," she replied. "But I'll need more bubble bath." She turned around suddenly, nearly startling me. "Hey, what about Terrak?"
"What?" I was outraged. She was thinking of Terrak, now!?
"I mean, when does he leave? And are you bringing him home? I don't want you to leave just yet. Can I come with you?"
"Shut up woman," I demanded, pulling her back to my chest. "Worry about him later." I rested my hand on her stomach, smooth and flat. "You're ruining the moment."
She sighed with pleasure, placing her hand on top of mine.
My woman.
My mate.
My Bulma.
***THE END!!!***
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---Chapter 18, and the end! Yay! Hmm, how did you like it? Think it was too mushy? I dunno, I think maybe a little. But hey, he's still the same old Vegeta.
REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Next time: Yes, I know I said this is the end, and it is, but I'm doing an update sort of thing, you know, to show you how things turned out years after this happy ending. Aww :P