Last time:
"I. Don't. Love. Her," he hissed, clenching his teeth and separating each word so she heard him.
"You're strong Vegeta," she sighed, turning to head back to Furto. "But even you can be broken."
*********************************************
"What if they inform my parents of my whereabouts?" Jemalin asked in a sort of panic. She'd been weary about going to Fewskm ever since she was told, and was now to near hysterics for the ship had landed and the others were preparing to leave for Furto's home. "I'll be taken back to Doon! Furto, I can't go back there! Not after being with you again! I can't! Please! Just let me stay on the ship." Her words were rushed and frantic now, the complete opposite of the princess Bulma had met on Doon. "I-I…I can watch over the Rymrons, and keep them company."
"Princess," Vegeta said sternly, handing her a canteen filled with cool water. The trek from the ship to Furto's home was several miles, due to the fact that Fewskm landing technology was less than perfect and sometimes inaccurate, therefore ships were landed on wide stretches of land. They would be flying, of course, but it was "summer" now on Fewskm, and without proper fluids one was likely to faint. "You're going with us, end of discussion. Like I said before, there is no way your retched mother is going to bring you back to Doon. I will not have that trip back there done for nothing." He sighed. "Besides, once Furto's made the arrangements, you'll both be off to some other planet."
"What solar system?" she asked, her voice calmer now. Strange how Vegeta seemed to calm her.
"Not this one, and not a neighboring," Furto said, grabbing her hand affectionately. "Gergo knows of many refugee planets two and three solar systems away. Some Doon do not know about, and if they do, there isn't much of a chance that they'll find us on one in several planets."
"But what if my mother puts a price on my head? Surely she'll make it known in as many solar systems as she can. She's not a young woman and I was the heir to the throne. Without me there is no heir. I don't think she'll give up looking for me."
"Look, I promise you that nothing will separate us again. Nothing. Your mother can search all the planets and every habit on each planet 'til she dies, and she will not find us. We will live a great life, raise our children, and have no fear of your mother finding us. And if she does find us, then we will escape her, because nothing can keep me from enjoying my life with you."
"Can we hire guards?"
"Yes, dear, if that's what it takes so you can sleep at night. We will hire guards in shifts in an area on the planet where others have guards so not to stand out to your mother's searching eyes."
"Are you two done now? We don't have all the time in the universe," Vegeta huffed, trudged towards the door and pressed the button to open it. "When we return from speaking with Gergo, I want to go over to our ship and make sure your people did an adequate job."
"When are you leaving?"
"When the woman is well. It's clear that coming here was the wrong choice. I'll complete my training elsewhere."
"I'm not going anywhere else but home," Bulma interjected as they descended the ramp.
"I never said you were going. You're going home."
"Oh."
*************************************************************
Bulma wrapped her arms affectionately around Gergo's neck, not letting him go for some time.
"Thank you so much," she said, stepping back to stand beside Vegeta and Furto. Jemalin stood behind them, trying her best to hide, though both males were quite a bit shorter than her.
"For what, Miss?" he asked, his voice deep and grainy, just the way she remembered it.
"For telling Vegeta about the cure. We've found it! Furto's nearly finished with preparing it."
"Then the queen allowed you to have the Elpin?" He was relieved to say the least, and utterly shocked behind his smile. He had not thought she would give up the little plant to this earth woman, especially in the company of Vegeta and Furto.
"Well, no, not exactly."
"What do you mean?"
"They moved the plant to Geranoma."
All eyes suddenly fell on Vegeta, who glared back furiously. He knew what they were thinking; Saiyans and Geranomes do not get along, and, furthermore, the Prince in particular was not looked upon highly on that planet.
"Geranoma? But why?"
"The soil wasn't good enough on Doon."
"I daresay that you were given the Elpin on Geranoma. Their leader is known for her cruelty."
"We created a diversion and stole some of the plant," she said in a low voice, ashamed suddenly for admitting to their vandalism. "But that was the only way to obtain the plant. Otherwise…"
"I understand. I myself would have done the same. But come, come in. A doorway is no place to have a conversation, and I'm itching to know why the Princess Jemalin has graced us with her presence." He made a little bow at the princess, then gestured for the group to follow. He was more cheery this time, Bulma thought. Not the hard, harsh warrior that she'd met the first time. She figured that was due to the fact that he knew Vegeta was coming back, and was prepared for it. She pictured him as a kindly retired man now who'd gotten used to the idea of defeat.
He led them through the winding corridors of the home, until reaching the centermost of the habit. A large circular room with high doomed ceiling and a sunroof. Around, and against the walls, were pillows and sofa-like pieces of furniture. In the middle, dug into the earth, was a bed of coals, glowing and giving the room a tropical feel. Bulma liked the room immensely, and made a note to try to recreate it in her own home.
There were a few scattered occupants in the room, a few of which looked slightly familiar. Nomana was there, who she barely remembered meeting, as well as Tosana, who helped her find Furto once in the halls, Golana, Vegeta's "friend", and Senju, the wonderful Fewsk who she'd had a slight crush on after he'd helped given her a check-up. She figured the crush had only developed because he and Vegeta were enemies and she was set on hating Vegeta at that point. Now she simply smiled at Senju from across the room, thinking him handsome, and nothing more.
"Come. Sit," said Gergo, taking a seat himself on an over-stuffed earth tone sofa. Bulma chose a royal blue pillow twice her size. Vegeta sat beside her, though leaned in the opposite direction. Furto and Jemalin remained standing, catching the eyes of the Fewsks who had not noticed the Princess before. Almost immediately the entire room was to their feet and bowing.
"Please, sit," Furto said, blushing slightly. Jemalin still stood behind him, clinging helplessly to his arm. She was truly terrified. Bulma couldn't imagine what she must be going through, what must be running through her brain. "I have some news for you all."
"Furto." It was Senju who spoke, addressing him as a friend, rather than a housemate. "All you need to tell us is what you need. We'll head off Queen Ezador."
"How did you-"
"Furto. You may be an expert healer, but when it comes to keeping secrets, you don't quite have the skills as most…We've all always known about you and the Princess. We only never mentioned it to save you the pain that we knew came when you never returned to Doon."
"I…well…"
"My mother will stop at nothing to find me," Jemalin suddenly said, stepping forward. "I am the heir and since I was a young child she has talked to me of nothing more than my becoming the next leader. I've been preparing for it my whole life. She will not simply forget me!"
"We're aware of that Princess," Senju said calmly. "We will all give our best efforts to keep you from the Queen."
"I…thank you…very much." She looked at the floor, slightly stunned still, her thoughts a jumble of random words and blank spots. She wanted so much to show her gratitude, to tell the Fewsks how much this all meant to her, that she could finally live the life she'd always dreamed for her and Furto, and yet she could not get a single syllable to pass her lips.
"Come friend." Senju grabbed Furto's arm and lead him out of the room, Jemalin on their heals. There was no doubt in Bulma's mind that they were being led to a bedroom where they could be alone. She glanced absently at Vegeta, who was starring forward blankly, eyes not focused on anything in particular.
"What if I die?" she whispered, only saying what was on her mind, not caring if anyone heard or answered. It was too much for her to keep all her thoughts inside.
"That can't happen," Vegeta answered, not moving at all, save his lips.
"Can't?"
"I won't let it."
********************************************************************
It was late, well passed midnight in earth time, and Bulma only wanted to find a warm bed. Furto and Jemalin had returned from wherever they'd gone a few hours after leaving, and had dinner with the others. Meanwhile, Bulma and Vegeta had been speaking with Gergo on Furto's plans to leave, on the repairs for their ship, and the quality of the cure. Vegeta had many questions about how strong the Elpin was and if it would be enough to totally eradicate the disease and Bulma would live. Bulma only sat by, asking a few questions here and there, and smiling so broadly that she felt her lips would fall off soon; Vegeta was actually concerned as to whether she lived or died. And even though he'd displayed affection in that sense before, it seemed it was all finally sinking in for her. She would live because Vegeta would not let her die.
"So, do you really think that awful queen has no chance of finding Furto and Jemalin?" Bulma asked once her and Vegeta were out of the central room and on their way to their rooms.
"I highly doubt that woman, or her cronies, could find them if they were still in the palace."
"Well that's good to know. I really hope they can finally be happy together and have no worries. Kami knows how long that will be for me."
"Woman, I already told you when the cure would be ready. Do you not listen to a word I say?"
"That's not what I meant Vegeta."
"What did you mean?"
"I meant-You know what? Forget it." She stopped in front of a door with a rounded top. It had a sign on the door that read: Guest, in Fewskm. "This is me." She pointed at the door, then went for the handle. "Good night Vegeta."
She shut the down before he could say a word. Not that he was going to, but if he had been, she didn't want to know what was on his mind. There was too much on her mind to be thinking of what could possibly be on his mind. She didn't even want to think on the possibility that he could actually be thinking of her. That was too far-fetched, so far in left field that she scolded herself for pondering it for a split second.
A sudden knock brought her from her thoughts.
"Come in."
"Hello Bulma." It was Golana, a Fewsk that Bulma really didn't know. She was quite jealous of her close relationship with Vegeta, but would barely admit it to herself. "How are you?"
"I'm fine. A bit tired. How are you?"
"Oh, I'm alright. Just worried about Vegeta."
"I know what you mean," she sighed, patting the bed so she would come sit.
"Yes. He does have a way of burrowing into women's hearts. He's a great man, just a little lost."
"Do you love him?" She regretted the question even before it was all the way out, and couldn't for the life of her think of why she'd said such a thing. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-"
"No. No. It's very much alright. I don't mind answering that question at all." She finally took a seat at the corner of the bed, folding her hands properly in her lap. "I don't think any woman could be around Vegeta for a long period of time and not have strong feelings for him, no matter how rude he is. There's just something so irresistible about him that draws women in." She paused for a moment, as if she'd been saying something highly inappropriate, then went on. "I have several friend on other planets that come to visit and that I travel to see as well. And those who have come in contact with him cannot stop talking of him for months after he is gone. He can wipe out entire cities and there would still be women left to fall over him." She turned suddenly to Bulma, eyes wet as if she were going to cry. "I cannot deny that I have loved the Saiyan Prince in the past. I have. I have gone for long periods of time where he is all that is on my mind and I don't eat or sleep or think on any of my responsibilities. But those times were long ago, and now I think my feelings for him are purely as a friend. I do love him in the sense that I would be shattered if any harm came to him." She looked back at the floor. "I know you love him more deeply than I, and that you would make him your own given the chance. I urge you to chase after him. I can see that he feels for you too. If you only give him a great nudge in the right direction I think he can come out of his shell…for a moment at least…I'm very worried about him…"
Bulma sat in silence for a long while, opening and closing her mouth when she thought she might say something, then never did. So many beings had told her so many times that they knew of her love for Vegeta, and then, as always, they would say what Golana had said next, that he appeared to feel the same way, though needed help in expressing himself.
"He's a stubborn man," she finally said, stretching out her legs. "And yes, I do love him. I can't love another man as much as I love him, and yet…I cannot bring myself to be his mate."
"Well," Golana sighed, with a hint of a bitter laugh. "In order for that to happen he would have to propose to mate. At least if he's honoring Saiyan tradition, which I can't imagine him not doing."
"Yeah, well, he has offered to mate."
"All the stars in heaven!" she exclaimed. "He did? When? What did he say? What-When-What-"
"Calm down. I'll tell you."
"Sorry."
"It's alright. I'm used to it by now…I'd just had a recent cold attack and was spitting up iced blood-" Golana gasped loudly at this, though didn't speak. "-and when I awoke Vegeta said he had a proposition for me. I asked him what and he went on about neither of us having mates or children. And then he said, 'Be my mate,' and I said yes…but…"
"Yes?"
"But a few days later I realized that he didn't love me. He told me that his only reason for wanting to be with me was to 'obtain heirs', so I told him I couldn't be his mate without love…I…It was impossible, and yet…I still think about it, still wish that I'd said yes and never looked back and could be in his arms right now…I miss him…"
"Bulma," she sighed, a small smile pulling at her lips. "I'm no expert on love. I've loved Vegeta, and another man too, and I am with no man as of now. I cannot tell you a thing that can help, only that I believe wholeheartedly that Vegeta does love you. I believed this even before you told me of the mating proposal. He's a complicated man and I can understand almost nothing about him, except this."
"So I've been told," Bulma grumbled, not meaning to be so rude.
"By whom?"
"Just about everyone. You, Furto, Jemalin, so many have told me the same thing. And you know what? I don't believe any of them. I'm sorry, but I refuse to believe that he loves me and can't tell me because of some foolish, stupid pride."
"Well refusal to believe is common with someone such as Vegeta." She stood suddenly, though stayed close to the bed. "I believe that he will come around, just as soon as he realizes what a loss it would be without you. It may take some time considering who he is; Saiyan logic is far different from other beings' logic."
"So I've noticed. Listen, I don't mean to be rude, but can we talk some other time? I do want to speak with you some more, but I'm so tired I can barely keep my eyes open."
"Oh, of course. Forgive me for keeping you awake. But may I ask you one last question?"
"Sure."
"Forgive me for my rudeness, but have you been to bed with the Prince?" She blushed madly at this, though stood firm, wanting to know the answer.
"Umm…Yes…Yes I have. I…I needed to be with him just once. I couldn't just-"
"I know. And I only ask because…well…Bulma…How have you been feeling lately? Are you well?"
"Well, besides the Denj-sa I'm alright. A little nauseous, but that's to be expected when you have a fatal disease, right?"
"Well…Not with Denj-sa."
"What d'you mean? All diseases-"
"Bulma, what I'm trying to say is that I believe you are with child."
"And what makes you believe that?" she snapped, before she could stop herself.
"I'm a healer, Bulma. I have a sense about these things. If you would like I could run a test to determine if you are."
"No. Not necessary. I'm not pregnant."
"Very well. Good night then."
"Good night Golana."
The door closed with a click, though Bulma seemed not to hear it. She was in another world, her hands wrapped protectively around her waist, tears streaming down her face. Could it be possible? Could she really be pregnant with Vegeta's child?
The idea was too impossible to believe, and yet, it was entirely possible. They had been together many times in that one night, and not once had they used protection. And she'd been ovulating then, and, now that she thought of it, she was a week and a half overdue for her menstrual cycle.
She sighed deeply and smiled.
"Woman." It was Vegeta at the door, of course. She didn't bother to answer. She knew he would come in no matter what. "What's wrong with you?" He'd obviously noticed the tears.
"Nothing," she whispered, her smile broadening.
She couldn't remember having been so happy.
"Tell me what's wrong with you."
"Nothing," she repeated. "Nothing is wrong…"
*************************************************************
---Chapter 27!!! Woo Yea! Would you look at that! Bulma is pregnant! Yay! Woohoo! Hmm…I wonder how this could change things…Heehee :P
REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Reviews=More Chapters)
Next time: A baby!? Holy Kami! Who could it be!? :P
Note: Hey, it's 1:47 AM, and I'm too tired to keep my eyes open any longer. But I want to post this update, so if I make any spelling errors or anything tell me. I'll re-read the chapter later and correct anything I see.
"I. Don't. Love. Her," he hissed, clenching his teeth and separating each word so she heard him.
"You're strong Vegeta," she sighed, turning to head back to Furto. "But even you can be broken."
*********************************************
"What if they inform my parents of my whereabouts?" Jemalin asked in a sort of panic. She'd been weary about going to Fewskm ever since she was told, and was now to near hysterics for the ship had landed and the others were preparing to leave for Furto's home. "I'll be taken back to Doon! Furto, I can't go back there! Not after being with you again! I can't! Please! Just let me stay on the ship." Her words were rushed and frantic now, the complete opposite of the princess Bulma had met on Doon. "I-I…I can watch over the Rymrons, and keep them company."
"Princess," Vegeta said sternly, handing her a canteen filled with cool water. The trek from the ship to Furto's home was several miles, due to the fact that Fewskm landing technology was less than perfect and sometimes inaccurate, therefore ships were landed on wide stretches of land. They would be flying, of course, but it was "summer" now on Fewskm, and without proper fluids one was likely to faint. "You're going with us, end of discussion. Like I said before, there is no way your retched mother is going to bring you back to Doon. I will not have that trip back there done for nothing." He sighed. "Besides, once Furto's made the arrangements, you'll both be off to some other planet."
"What solar system?" she asked, her voice calmer now. Strange how Vegeta seemed to calm her.
"Not this one, and not a neighboring," Furto said, grabbing her hand affectionately. "Gergo knows of many refugee planets two and three solar systems away. Some Doon do not know about, and if they do, there isn't much of a chance that they'll find us on one in several planets."
"But what if my mother puts a price on my head? Surely she'll make it known in as many solar systems as she can. She's not a young woman and I was the heir to the throne. Without me there is no heir. I don't think she'll give up looking for me."
"Look, I promise you that nothing will separate us again. Nothing. Your mother can search all the planets and every habit on each planet 'til she dies, and she will not find us. We will live a great life, raise our children, and have no fear of your mother finding us. And if she does find us, then we will escape her, because nothing can keep me from enjoying my life with you."
"Can we hire guards?"
"Yes, dear, if that's what it takes so you can sleep at night. We will hire guards in shifts in an area on the planet where others have guards so not to stand out to your mother's searching eyes."
"Are you two done now? We don't have all the time in the universe," Vegeta huffed, trudged towards the door and pressed the button to open it. "When we return from speaking with Gergo, I want to go over to our ship and make sure your people did an adequate job."
"When are you leaving?"
"When the woman is well. It's clear that coming here was the wrong choice. I'll complete my training elsewhere."
"I'm not going anywhere else but home," Bulma interjected as they descended the ramp.
"I never said you were going. You're going home."
"Oh."
*************************************************************
Bulma wrapped her arms affectionately around Gergo's neck, not letting him go for some time.
"Thank you so much," she said, stepping back to stand beside Vegeta and Furto. Jemalin stood behind them, trying her best to hide, though both males were quite a bit shorter than her.
"For what, Miss?" he asked, his voice deep and grainy, just the way she remembered it.
"For telling Vegeta about the cure. We've found it! Furto's nearly finished with preparing it."
"Then the queen allowed you to have the Elpin?" He was relieved to say the least, and utterly shocked behind his smile. He had not thought she would give up the little plant to this earth woman, especially in the company of Vegeta and Furto.
"Well, no, not exactly."
"What do you mean?"
"They moved the plant to Geranoma."
All eyes suddenly fell on Vegeta, who glared back furiously. He knew what they were thinking; Saiyans and Geranomes do not get along, and, furthermore, the Prince in particular was not looked upon highly on that planet.
"Geranoma? But why?"
"The soil wasn't good enough on Doon."
"I daresay that you were given the Elpin on Geranoma. Their leader is known for her cruelty."
"We created a diversion and stole some of the plant," she said in a low voice, ashamed suddenly for admitting to their vandalism. "But that was the only way to obtain the plant. Otherwise…"
"I understand. I myself would have done the same. But come, come in. A doorway is no place to have a conversation, and I'm itching to know why the Princess Jemalin has graced us with her presence." He made a little bow at the princess, then gestured for the group to follow. He was more cheery this time, Bulma thought. Not the hard, harsh warrior that she'd met the first time. She figured that was due to the fact that he knew Vegeta was coming back, and was prepared for it. She pictured him as a kindly retired man now who'd gotten used to the idea of defeat.
He led them through the winding corridors of the home, until reaching the centermost of the habit. A large circular room with high doomed ceiling and a sunroof. Around, and against the walls, were pillows and sofa-like pieces of furniture. In the middle, dug into the earth, was a bed of coals, glowing and giving the room a tropical feel. Bulma liked the room immensely, and made a note to try to recreate it in her own home.
There were a few scattered occupants in the room, a few of which looked slightly familiar. Nomana was there, who she barely remembered meeting, as well as Tosana, who helped her find Furto once in the halls, Golana, Vegeta's "friend", and Senju, the wonderful Fewsk who she'd had a slight crush on after he'd helped given her a check-up. She figured the crush had only developed because he and Vegeta were enemies and she was set on hating Vegeta at that point. Now she simply smiled at Senju from across the room, thinking him handsome, and nothing more.
"Come. Sit," said Gergo, taking a seat himself on an over-stuffed earth tone sofa. Bulma chose a royal blue pillow twice her size. Vegeta sat beside her, though leaned in the opposite direction. Furto and Jemalin remained standing, catching the eyes of the Fewsks who had not noticed the Princess before. Almost immediately the entire room was to their feet and bowing.
"Please, sit," Furto said, blushing slightly. Jemalin still stood behind him, clinging helplessly to his arm. She was truly terrified. Bulma couldn't imagine what she must be going through, what must be running through her brain. "I have some news for you all."
"Furto." It was Senju who spoke, addressing him as a friend, rather than a housemate. "All you need to tell us is what you need. We'll head off Queen Ezador."
"How did you-"
"Furto. You may be an expert healer, but when it comes to keeping secrets, you don't quite have the skills as most…We've all always known about you and the Princess. We only never mentioned it to save you the pain that we knew came when you never returned to Doon."
"I…well…"
"My mother will stop at nothing to find me," Jemalin suddenly said, stepping forward. "I am the heir and since I was a young child she has talked to me of nothing more than my becoming the next leader. I've been preparing for it my whole life. She will not simply forget me!"
"We're aware of that Princess," Senju said calmly. "We will all give our best efforts to keep you from the Queen."
"I…thank you…very much." She looked at the floor, slightly stunned still, her thoughts a jumble of random words and blank spots. She wanted so much to show her gratitude, to tell the Fewsks how much this all meant to her, that she could finally live the life she'd always dreamed for her and Furto, and yet she could not get a single syllable to pass her lips.
"Come friend." Senju grabbed Furto's arm and lead him out of the room, Jemalin on their heals. There was no doubt in Bulma's mind that they were being led to a bedroom where they could be alone. She glanced absently at Vegeta, who was starring forward blankly, eyes not focused on anything in particular.
"What if I die?" she whispered, only saying what was on her mind, not caring if anyone heard or answered. It was too much for her to keep all her thoughts inside.
"That can't happen," Vegeta answered, not moving at all, save his lips.
"Can't?"
"I won't let it."
********************************************************************
It was late, well passed midnight in earth time, and Bulma only wanted to find a warm bed. Furto and Jemalin had returned from wherever they'd gone a few hours after leaving, and had dinner with the others. Meanwhile, Bulma and Vegeta had been speaking with Gergo on Furto's plans to leave, on the repairs for their ship, and the quality of the cure. Vegeta had many questions about how strong the Elpin was and if it would be enough to totally eradicate the disease and Bulma would live. Bulma only sat by, asking a few questions here and there, and smiling so broadly that she felt her lips would fall off soon; Vegeta was actually concerned as to whether she lived or died. And even though he'd displayed affection in that sense before, it seemed it was all finally sinking in for her. She would live because Vegeta would not let her die.
"So, do you really think that awful queen has no chance of finding Furto and Jemalin?" Bulma asked once her and Vegeta were out of the central room and on their way to their rooms.
"I highly doubt that woman, or her cronies, could find them if they were still in the palace."
"Well that's good to know. I really hope they can finally be happy together and have no worries. Kami knows how long that will be for me."
"Woman, I already told you when the cure would be ready. Do you not listen to a word I say?"
"That's not what I meant Vegeta."
"What did you mean?"
"I meant-You know what? Forget it." She stopped in front of a door with a rounded top. It had a sign on the door that read: Guest, in Fewskm. "This is me." She pointed at the door, then went for the handle. "Good night Vegeta."
She shut the down before he could say a word. Not that he was going to, but if he had been, she didn't want to know what was on his mind. There was too much on her mind to be thinking of what could possibly be on his mind. She didn't even want to think on the possibility that he could actually be thinking of her. That was too far-fetched, so far in left field that she scolded herself for pondering it for a split second.
A sudden knock brought her from her thoughts.
"Come in."
"Hello Bulma." It was Golana, a Fewsk that Bulma really didn't know. She was quite jealous of her close relationship with Vegeta, but would barely admit it to herself. "How are you?"
"I'm fine. A bit tired. How are you?"
"Oh, I'm alright. Just worried about Vegeta."
"I know what you mean," she sighed, patting the bed so she would come sit.
"Yes. He does have a way of burrowing into women's hearts. He's a great man, just a little lost."
"Do you love him?" She regretted the question even before it was all the way out, and couldn't for the life of her think of why she'd said such a thing. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-"
"No. No. It's very much alright. I don't mind answering that question at all." She finally took a seat at the corner of the bed, folding her hands properly in her lap. "I don't think any woman could be around Vegeta for a long period of time and not have strong feelings for him, no matter how rude he is. There's just something so irresistible about him that draws women in." She paused for a moment, as if she'd been saying something highly inappropriate, then went on. "I have several friend on other planets that come to visit and that I travel to see as well. And those who have come in contact with him cannot stop talking of him for months after he is gone. He can wipe out entire cities and there would still be women left to fall over him." She turned suddenly to Bulma, eyes wet as if she were going to cry. "I cannot deny that I have loved the Saiyan Prince in the past. I have. I have gone for long periods of time where he is all that is on my mind and I don't eat or sleep or think on any of my responsibilities. But those times were long ago, and now I think my feelings for him are purely as a friend. I do love him in the sense that I would be shattered if any harm came to him." She looked back at the floor. "I know you love him more deeply than I, and that you would make him your own given the chance. I urge you to chase after him. I can see that he feels for you too. If you only give him a great nudge in the right direction I think he can come out of his shell…for a moment at least…I'm very worried about him…"
Bulma sat in silence for a long while, opening and closing her mouth when she thought she might say something, then never did. So many beings had told her so many times that they knew of her love for Vegeta, and then, as always, they would say what Golana had said next, that he appeared to feel the same way, though needed help in expressing himself.
"He's a stubborn man," she finally said, stretching out her legs. "And yes, I do love him. I can't love another man as much as I love him, and yet…I cannot bring myself to be his mate."
"Well," Golana sighed, with a hint of a bitter laugh. "In order for that to happen he would have to propose to mate. At least if he's honoring Saiyan tradition, which I can't imagine him not doing."
"Yeah, well, he has offered to mate."
"All the stars in heaven!" she exclaimed. "He did? When? What did he say? What-When-What-"
"Calm down. I'll tell you."
"Sorry."
"It's alright. I'm used to it by now…I'd just had a recent cold attack and was spitting up iced blood-" Golana gasped loudly at this, though didn't speak. "-and when I awoke Vegeta said he had a proposition for me. I asked him what and he went on about neither of us having mates or children. And then he said, 'Be my mate,' and I said yes…but…"
"Yes?"
"But a few days later I realized that he didn't love me. He told me that his only reason for wanting to be with me was to 'obtain heirs', so I told him I couldn't be his mate without love…I…It was impossible, and yet…I still think about it, still wish that I'd said yes and never looked back and could be in his arms right now…I miss him…"
"Bulma," she sighed, a small smile pulling at her lips. "I'm no expert on love. I've loved Vegeta, and another man too, and I am with no man as of now. I cannot tell you a thing that can help, only that I believe wholeheartedly that Vegeta does love you. I believed this even before you told me of the mating proposal. He's a complicated man and I can understand almost nothing about him, except this."
"So I've been told," Bulma grumbled, not meaning to be so rude.
"By whom?"
"Just about everyone. You, Furto, Jemalin, so many have told me the same thing. And you know what? I don't believe any of them. I'm sorry, but I refuse to believe that he loves me and can't tell me because of some foolish, stupid pride."
"Well refusal to believe is common with someone such as Vegeta." She stood suddenly, though stayed close to the bed. "I believe that he will come around, just as soon as he realizes what a loss it would be without you. It may take some time considering who he is; Saiyan logic is far different from other beings' logic."
"So I've noticed. Listen, I don't mean to be rude, but can we talk some other time? I do want to speak with you some more, but I'm so tired I can barely keep my eyes open."
"Oh, of course. Forgive me for keeping you awake. But may I ask you one last question?"
"Sure."
"Forgive me for my rudeness, but have you been to bed with the Prince?" She blushed madly at this, though stood firm, wanting to know the answer.
"Umm…Yes…Yes I have. I…I needed to be with him just once. I couldn't just-"
"I know. And I only ask because…well…Bulma…How have you been feeling lately? Are you well?"
"Well, besides the Denj-sa I'm alright. A little nauseous, but that's to be expected when you have a fatal disease, right?"
"Well…Not with Denj-sa."
"What d'you mean? All diseases-"
"Bulma, what I'm trying to say is that I believe you are with child."
"And what makes you believe that?" she snapped, before she could stop herself.
"I'm a healer, Bulma. I have a sense about these things. If you would like I could run a test to determine if you are."
"No. Not necessary. I'm not pregnant."
"Very well. Good night then."
"Good night Golana."
The door closed with a click, though Bulma seemed not to hear it. She was in another world, her hands wrapped protectively around her waist, tears streaming down her face. Could it be possible? Could she really be pregnant with Vegeta's child?
The idea was too impossible to believe, and yet, it was entirely possible. They had been together many times in that one night, and not once had they used protection. And she'd been ovulating then, and, now that she thought of it, she was a week and a half overdue for her menstrual cycle.
She sighed deeply and smiled.
"Woman." It was Vegeta at the door, of course. She didn't bother to answer. She knew he would come in no matter what. "What's wrong with you?" He'd obviously noticed the tears.
"Nothing," she whispered, her smile broadening.
She couldn't remember having been so happy.
"Tell me what's wrong with you."
"Nothing," she repeated. "Nothing is wrong…"
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---Chapter 27!!! Woo Yea! Would you look at that! Bulma is pregnant! Yay! Woohoo! Hmm…I wonder how this could change things…Heehee :P
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Next time: A baby!? Holy Kami! Who could it be!? :P
Note: Hey, it's 1:47 AM, and I'm too tired to keep my eyes open any longer. But I want to post this update, so if I make any spelling errors or anything tell me. I'll re-read the chapter later and correct anything I see.