Bulma awoke the next morning with a pounding headache. I just don't understand Vegeta. Why does he hate me so much? I know he must have some sort of an attraction towards me, or he wouldn't have checked me out last night. Wait a second! Why on earth do I even care what some egotistical ape of a man thinks of me. I am Bulma Briefs, daughter of the famous Dr. Briefs and heiress to a multi-billion dollar company! Bulma grimaced at the thought. Well, at least I WAS heiress to it, before monkey-boy had to go and ruin everything for me. So what if he doesn't like me and won't walk me home...BIG LOSS! I should be grateful he said no...there probably wouldn't have even been room for me to walk beside him with his over-inflated ego and big head. Bulma kept mumbling things about dumb apes that thought they owned the universe as she got up to ready herself for another day. She decided that with the way things looked with Vegeta, she'd just go ahead and continue on with those escape plans after all. And if she happened to bump into Vegeta, she promised herself that she would not set herself up for another rejection. There's no way I will stoop as low as to ask anything from that jerk again...I can't believe myself...what was I thinking?!? That's it!!! I must have gotten some sort of concussion when that dumb ape, Kakarot, knocked me out. Why else would I ever have found myself attracted to a stupid, inconsiderate, egotistical, gorgeous jerk! Bulma frowned. If only he wasn't so freaking hot...this wouldn't be such a problem! Well, screw it! I am not about to waste my day thinking on HIM!
Bulma quickly took a shower and dried her hair. She chose to wear a pair of dark green cargo shorts and a tight white tank top. She dried her hair as fast as possible and pulled it up into a neat ponytail. She frowned as she noticed her red eyes and the little puffy circles under them. Oh well, I won't be crying over that jerk again. She smiled to herself in the mirror and turned to leave. As she emerged from her bedroom, she immediately became aware of the smell of frying bacon and sausage. Yes, breakfast...here I come!
~*~*~
Vegeta sat in his royal dining hall and tapped his fingers impatiently on the table. Where the heck is my food?!? And where are Kakarot and Krillen...most likely sleeping away after spending time with those stupid human girls. If they are anything like the blue-haired harpy...they would have completely exhausted those two in no time. Vegeta smirked to himself and briefly considered giving them a day to themselves. After realizing how long it has been since they had a day off...not to mention how long it had been since he himself had spent a day relaxing, he decided to do just that. "SLAVE!!! Where IS my food?!?!" Vegeta yelled angrily after hearing his stomach growl for the 50th time. A small girl about the age of ten or eleven quickly scurried into the dining hall with a large tray full of food. She quickly deposited it in front of the prince and tried her best to shrink into non-existence, fearing what the prince would do for having to wait so long. She was not disillusioned...she had heard many stories of how the prince had gone on killing sprees after his short temper had sent him over the deep end.
"What took so long, slave?" Vegeta spat out in-between mouthfuls of food. The young girl tried her best to think of an appropriate answer. She feared to tell him the truth, that she had overslept again, knowing she would be dreadfully punished for it. She had gotten flogged and whipped beyond recognition by other saiyans for oversleeping when she had worked cleaning rooms. And now here she was, having to serve the prince of all saiyans because he had lost his temper two weeks earlier and killed the previous serving girl in a fit of rage.
"I...I....I....W-well, um...y-you s-see.." she stuttered out.
"Oh forget it! Shut up before you give me a headache. If you are late one more time, I will kill you. Now, be gone!" Vegeta said giving her an annoyed look.
The girl's face was a mask of pure relief as she bowed and quickly complied with his wishes, moving towards the door. "Slave!" Vegeta called out. Her face paled as she slowly turned towards him, eyes gazing at the floor below her. She prayed to God that he hadn't been toying with her, and decided to kill her for her tardiness after all. "Y-yes, my p-prince," she said softly as her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "Look at me when I am talking to you!" he said gruffly. The girl glanced up at him and he looked somewhat puzzled at the fear and tears he saw flooding her eyes. "Stupid girl...I'm not going to kill you. So stop that right now! Run and go tell my two head guards that they are to take the day off, I do not wish to have to see their ugly faces today!" with that, Vegeta scooted back his chair and got up to leave. He hadn't eaten very much of his food. For some odd reason he couldn't figure out, the food had been very bland and unappealing this morning. Lunch better be more edible than this crap was or someone is going to die! he thought to himself.
He left the girl in the dining hall and proceeded to head back to his room. He was hoping to catch up on some much-needed sleep. He hadn't had a very fitful sleep the night before. He kept replaying the scene in his mind. Bulma had been standing before him asking him to walk her home. She had been so close within his reach. And more amazingly, she had wanted him to walk with her. It was something he couldn't comprehend. Why would she even ask?!? I was the one who kidnapped her...I have threatened her. I even insulted her in front of her friends. Then, I gave her the most hateful, cold glare I could muster up...and yet she still had the courage to ask. What were her motives for doing that? What could she possibly have had to gain? Vegeta had pondered it all night. He just didn't understand the woman. Then, after giving himself a headache from thinking on it all night, he had the nightmare again. He didn't understand it. He had decided on doing all within his power to get her to hate him...he figured it wouldn't be too hard. He didn't even love the girl...in fact, he told himself he didn't even like her...she was just a passing attraction and that was all. So why would the nightmares still haunt him? He couldn't figure it out. They should be gone! Maybe it isn't the woman after all. Maybe the dream is simply that...a dream. Yet, it was so startling to look straight into the face of the woman who has haunted my dreams for years on end. To look at her face and see flashes of the young son that could possibly be mine. And it actually brought me pain, anger, and regret to know that I won't be able to save them...when the time comes. I cannot fall for this girl...I have to make her hate me. I just hope it isn't too hard, as for the looks of it...she is already falling for me...of all people, the murderous "ape" that kidnapped her. Vegeta chuckled at the irony of it. He couldn't fathom the fact that the woman who should hate him with every ounce of emotion in her, was starting to become attracted to him! Vegeta pushed all thoughts of the woman, his feelings for her, and the reoccurring nightmare aside. He forced his mind not to think at all and quickly fell into a deep sleep.
~*~*~
Bulma was having a GREAT day! She had enjoyed a nice home cooked breakfast with her friends. She was able to tease both of them about their new relationships. She found out that Krillen actually got up the courage to kiss 18 goodnight. More amazingly, he was able to reach her lips! Bulma got a kick out of that! She kept asking 18 if she had to kneel down so he could reach her. And ChiChi...she was the one to kiss Kakarot goodnight. The stupid oaf didn't even have the guts to make the first move, not to mention his lack of the brains to think of it. Neither ChiChi or 18 had asked what had happened between her and Vegeta...in fact, he wasn't even mentioned...not with Bulma in the room anyway. ChiChi and 18 had discussed it earlier that morning before Bulma came out to breakfast, both girls had heard her stifling sobs the night before. They had also overheard her ranting and raving about dumb apes that morning. They decided it best to just let it drop and to put off their plans of matchmaking. After a good twenty minutes of friendly bantering...the objects of their conversation walked in and began helping themselves to mounds of food.
Bulma feeling herself a fifth wheel excused herself to her room to continue escape plans. She had really made a lot of progress, especially after she cut everything down to fit just herself. She knew that if she had asked, the girls would have still gone with her...but she didn't want to make them sacrifice something good they had finally obtained since their kidnap. She heard a knock at her door and quickly hid away her plans. She didn't want the girls noticing it and then feeling guilty about it...she knew that neither of them likely considered escaping now. She quickly jumped onto the bed and under the covers and flicked off the lamp beside her bed.
"Come *yawn* in..." she said sleepily.
"Hey Bulma, are you feeling alright?" ChiChi asked concerned.
"Yeah Chi...I'm fine. Just a bit tired. What can I do for you?" Bulma replied.
"Well, I was just coming to see if you were hungry. It's ten past two and you missed lunch...so I thought I might see if you wanted me to make you a sandwich or something. Sorry we didn't wake you...the boys came by and we completely forgot," she said tilting her head down in shame. She had felt so bad that both 18 and herself had completely forgotten Bulma.
Bulma couldn't believe how late it was. Luckily, she had stocked herself up on eggs, bacon, and sausage that morning so she wasn't all that hungry. "It's okay, don't worry about it Chi. Thanks for the offer, but I'm really not all that hungry. In fact, I'm still kind of sleepy. I think I just may lie down for a bit more. Why don't you just come wake me up before you start dinner, okay?" Bulma answered truthfully. As she lay in her bed, she was realizing just how tired she had become...planning takes a lot out of you.
ChiChi looked uncertain and was silent for a moment. "Well...okay...I guess if you're sure you don't want anything..." ChiChi trailed off.
Bulma smiled warmly at her friend, "Really Chi, I'm sure...just wake me up before you start dinner, we don't want you to get distracted before I get a chance to eat," she said winking. ChiChi blushed and nodded. Then with one last look at her friend, she turned and slowly closed the door behind her. Bulma sighed...she had such good friends. She felt genuinely terrible for making Chi worry so...she made a mental note to spend more time out of her room in the days to come. She knew both Chi and 18 were worried about her. She had tried her hardest to keep her crying low key the night before but had not managed well. And she was sure her red puffy eyes didn't help that morning either...although the cold water from the shower had managed to ease away most of the puffiness. Bulma uttered a small prayer of thanks for such great friends and then turned over and settled herself in for a nice nap.
*DREAM*
Bulma found herself in a dark room. She stumbled around in the darkness. She would walk, but could not see the ground she was walking on...everything was pitch black. Except...whoa! There's a light! Bulma, you sure scored big time...maybe I can find my way around this place now. Bulma started walking towards the light. She kept her eyes focused on it, unblinking...afraid that if she closed her eyes for one second, it would disappear and she would again be plunged into the black void. When she finally got close enough, she could not find the origin of the light. It seemed to just be shining down from no where. It formed some sort of spotlight surrounding a rather large fluffy bed. She noticed a lump under a dark black sheet. It was then that she noticed there was someone lying in the bed. She walked over towards the bed. The figure was tossing and turning, tangling themselves in the sheet. Bulma edged closer and closer until at last she was standing over the figure. She looked down into the face of the person. My goodness! Vegeta?!? No way! Bulma was in complete shock...she couldn't understand why she was in Vegeta's room...and why it had changed so drastically since the last time she had been there. He's having a nightmare...he must be! Vegeta's body was soaked with sweat and he was still tossing and turning. He kept mumbling in his sleep, although Bulma didn't understand any of it. She looked at his face thoughtfully...he looked so scared, and so angry. I wonder what he's dreaming about...it must be terrible for him to look so utterly scared and helpless. What are you thinking Bulma?!?! Why do you even care? It's not like he would ever care about you...he doesn't like you remember? You are just a worthless, pathetic earthling to him.
"Vegeta...wake up," Bulma said coldly, nudging him in the shoulder. Vegeta didn't stir from his sleep. Bulma was about to turn away when all of a sudden she noticed something different about him. The color had drained from his face. He looked a ghostly white, and it was even beginning to scare her. Then to her amazement, his eyes shot wide open. He sat up in the bed and just stared at her. "Vegeta...are you okay?" Bulma asked rather timidly. He just stared at her blankly, he was seeing her...but not really seeing her. He reached out to her and pulled her into his arms. Bulma was so confused...she didn't understand what was happening. But his touch, it was so gentle...and it felt so right that she just allowed herself to relax in his embrace. Then he started rocking back and forth...just holding her. She looked up at him and his eyes were closed. His face was masked with sorrow. He looked so incredibly sad. He then lifted his hand and ran it through her hair. She liked the feel of it. Other guys she had dated had run their fingers through her hair before and she hated it. It was a major pet peeve of hers...she hated anyone to touch her hair...but not him. She wanted so much for him to just run his fingers through it over and over, but she found herself being set down. He laid her down on the bed and just leaned over her. She stared up into his eyes...they were so distant, yet he was staring right at her. What is he doing?!? I don't understand this guy at all...I mean why would he- all her thoughts were immediately cut off as she felt his soft lips pressing tenderly against her own. She was drowning in the kiss. Forgetting all of her confusion, she closed her eyes, cherishing the kiss...hoping it would last forever. It wasn't the kind of kiss she would have expected from someone like Vegeta. It was so soft and gentle...completely unlike him. She would have expected him to be someone who would kiss deep and passionately...and rough. She saw everything coming from him being rough. She opened her eyes as she felt Vegeta pull away from her. Again he was staring at her with those distant, unreadable eyes. "Woman...I will always love you," he said. Then he got up and started walking away...into the black void.
Wait a second...did he just say he loves me?!?! "VEGETA!!!! WAIT!!" Bulma shot off the bed to run after him. She was about three steps behind him and shot out her hand gripping his shoulder. He turned around in defense and then looked overcome with shock. She stared into his eyes...they were no longer distant. She could see that he was really seeing her this time. She could read the emotions flitting across his eyes: relief, shock, confusion...and love?!?! He opened his mouth to speak...
*END DREAM*
Bulma stirred uneasily from the sound of knocking. Bulma scowled...he had been right about to say something. Man! But wait...he said he loved me?!?! I am the only one he calls woman....it had to have been me. What is going on?!? Hold on...I'm just thinking foolishness. It was just a dream...
"Yes, come in," Bulma said.
"Hey Bulma, are you feeling better now that you've rested?" Bulma nodded at 18. "Well, ChiChi told me to come wake you up. Dinner is almost finished...we should be eating in about 20 minutes. She came and tried to wake you up earlier but you were sleeping so deeply that she couldn't stir you...we were actually kind of worried when we had tried shaking you and found it didn't help at all," 18 said while carefully studying Bulma. Neither her nor ChiChi could understand it. She was usually a very light sleeper ChiChi had said. So she had been terrified when she had gone in to rouse Bulma and she didn't awaken. She had even tried shaking her...but she just wouldn't wake up. Chi had come to 18 asking her to help and they both shook her hard...but to no avail...she just would not wake up.
"Hmm...that's strange...usually anything can wake me up. I must have been more tired than I thought. Well, I'll be right out to help you both set the table and all," Bulma said smiling. 18 took that as her cue to leave and shut the door behind her. Bulma pondered a moment the fact she didn't wake up...had Chi really tried shaking her?!? She couldn't have...surely she would have woken up. Bulma dismissed the thoughts as she went into her bathroom to freshen up a bit before dinner.
~*~*~
Vegeta woke up in a cold sweat. It had been the same dream again...but this time...he didn't finish it. He had gone into their room and found his mate dead again. He had picked her up and rocked her again. He had run his hand through her hair...he had kissed her...he had told her he loved her. Then...it changed. He had walked away from her, to go find the person who had done this when someone grabbed his shoulder. He had turned around to face them, thinking it might be the killer...but it was her. He was shocked to see her...she had just been dead...but it was really her! He was so happy and relieved she was alive. He thought maybe fate was giving him a chance...telling him it was okay to love her now. He had opened his mouth to speak to her when all of a sudden she just disappeared and he was plunged into a black void of nothingness. It was then, that he awoke.
Darn her! Why did she just disappear like that?!? And why this sudden shift in the dream? I don't understand it at- he was interrupted from his inner thoughts by the sound of his stomach growling. He looked at the clock...5:50pm. 5:50pm?!?! How did I sleep so late? Why didn't anyone wake me?!?!? Vegeta was furious and very hungry. He stormed into his bathroom and took a quick shower to cleanse himself of the sticky sweat. Then he quickly dressed and headed towards his royal dining hall. Right as he stepped out of his chambers, he was bombarded with the most delightful smell. That sure smells a lot better than breakfast tasted like! Whoever has that, will serve it to me! Vegeta immediately began following the smell.
~*~*~
Bulma sat herself at their circular dining table as she waited for Chi to finish cooking. 18 took the seat next to her and just stared at her intently.
"What? Do I have something on my face?" Bulma asked reaching her hand up to wipe at her face.
"No...that's not it. It's just that...well, I'm worried about you," 18 replied. She continued in a whisper, "We are both worried about you. Chi was crying earlier...she was so scared. She thought you were in a coma or something because you didn't stir. She had been shaking you and jumping up and down on the bed. Screaming your name in your ear...you really had her frightened..." 18 said trailing off.
Bulma wore a mask of utter confusion. She could not understand why she didn't wake. It was just a dream after all...wasn't it? Why didn't she wake up? She had always slept so lightly, if a pin had dropped in the room...she would have stirred from the sound. She just didn't understand it...
Bulma didn't have very much time to think about it. Kakarot and Krillen knocked on the door a few times before opening it and letting themselves in. "Hey guys...dinner will be ready in a few minutes. Just seat yourselves at the table," ChiChi said looking over to the two men. They both quickly complied. Krillen chose the seat next to 18 and Kakarot sat beside him. Oh great...another meal with me being the fifth wheel. Maybe I'll just eat in my room. Bulma thought to herself. The sound of the door being thrown open quickly brought her out of her thoughts. "What the heck was that?!?" Bulma screeched.
Vegeta chose that moment to come stalking into the dining area. "I will be joining you for dinner," he declared in a voice that left no room for argument. He went to sit in the seat beside Kakarot. Kakarot quickly moved over so that he either had to seat himself between Kakarot and Krillen, or Kakarot and Bulma. Vegeta quickly made his way to the seat between Kakarot and Krillen. Just as he was about to reach the chair, Kakarot put his foot upon it.
"Remove your foot from that chair!" Vegeta growled. Kakarot just gulped, yet held his ground. "Um...I'm sorry Vegeta, but, ChiChi will be sitting here," he replied. Vegeta growled lowly and walked over beside Bulma and seated himself. ChiChi walked over and took her seat beside Kakarot while she let the stew simmer for a bit.
"Hey Vegeta, um...are you alright?" Krillen asked.
"And why wouldn't I be, idiot?"
"Well, you see, Kakarot and I tried to wake you and invite you to dinner...but you didn't stir. I'm sure glad you finally woke up though," Krillen said nervously.
"Yeah Vegeta, I mean...you were all sweaty and you were tossing and turning. We shook you and smacked you and screamed your name...but you wouldn't get up. What were you dreaming about?" Kakarot said.
Bulma blanched white. It can't possibly be. Could we have really met in our dreams... ChiChi spoke up, "You know, that's so strange....I tried to wake Bulma earlier as well. I was jumping up and down on the bed and shaking her and yelling her name. She wouldn't stir either, and she's always such a light sleeper..." ChiChi trailed off. Then her eyes opened wide. "Kakarot, what time did you go to wake Vegeta?" she asked frantically.
"Um...I dunno...I guess it was about 5. Right Krillen?" Krillen nodded in agreement. ChiChi blanched white. "That's the same time I tried to wake Bulma..." she said in a whisper.
Suddenly, all eyes were upon Vegeta and Bulma. Bulma squirmed uneasily under their intense gaze. Vegeta just scowled angrily.
"So Vegeta, what were you dreaming about?" Kakarot repeated.
"None of your business! I don't discuss my dreams with ANYONE!" he growled, baring his sharp canines in warning.
"What about you Bulma, what were you dreaming about?" 18 asked.
Bulma looked at Vegeta. He just glared back at her. I really want to know if our dreams match. But what if they don't? I don't want to let him know that I had been dreaming about him. Maybe I can tell it without ever mentioning his name and who it was... "Well, I was walking in this pitch-black room. I couldn't see anything at first. Then I noticed a light. It was kind of like a spotlight and it just shone down on a large fluffy bed. There was someone lying in it, tossing and turning and soaked with sweat. Then he shot up, his eyes wide open. He pulled me into his arms and began rocking me back and forth. Then he ran his fingers through my hair and laid me on the bed. He gave me the softest, most gentle kiss and told me he loved me. Then he turned and walked away. I ran after him and grabbed his shoulder. He turned and looked defensive, then looked relieved and happy, and I could see the love shining in his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but then I heard 18 knocking on the door and woke up..." Bulma said. The whole time Vegeta had remained indifferent through her story. I guess I was wrong and we didn't have the same dream after all.
"Who was the guy?" Chi asked.
She glanced at Vegeta and then looked down. "Um...I couldn't tell you that," she lied.
Vegeta knew that she had known he was the one in her dreams. She just wouldn't tell them because she didn't want him knowing she had dreamt of him. So that is why she disappeared. Because she had woken up. I can't believe we had a similar dream. She had lived my dream. And then...we met in our dreams. This is not a good thing. I may be starting to bond to her. I can't let that happen. But I don't get how I can bond...I'm royalty I shouldn't even be able to. Then again, I said I had bonded in my nightmare. But I thought you had to mark them before the bonding occurred...this is so confusing!?! No matter, I must work harder to make her hate me. I wish I had known what would have happened between us in our dream though... 18 found herself under the glare of the saiyan prince. He was looking at her as if she had done something unforgivable. She squirmed uncomfortably. "Well, what do you say we eat?" 18 said softly.
"Good idea 18," ChiChi said. She got up and grabbed the stew. 18 got up and filled everyone's glass with lemonade. ChiChi brought the stew over to the table and started dishing it out. When she got to Vegeta, he covered his bowl with his hand. "What? Aren't you hungry Vegeta?" ChiChi asked. He didn't reply. Just glared at her. She gulped and moved on to the next person. When she had served everyone, with the exception of Vegeta, she took her place at the table. Everyone had been courteous enough to wait for her before they began eating. Although Kakarot and Krillen were biting their lips and twisting uncomfortably in their chairs wishing she'd hurry up. Bulma dipped her spoon into the stew and brought it to her lips. As she was about to take her first bite, she was stopped by Vegeta's voice.
"Woman...you will not eat until you have served me," he commanded, staring at Bulma.
"What are you talking about? You had your chance! Chi was willing to give you some but you covered your bowl!" she hissed.
"I did not wish for her to serve me. She knows her place...you do not. Now, you will serve me, woman!" he growled.
Bulma just stared at him. She could not believe him! What nerve?!?! She scooted back her chair and got up mumbling something about ungrateful stupid apes and got the stew. She brought it over to Vegeta and dished some into his bowl. She returned the stew to the stove and walked back to the table. As she pulled out her chair to seat herself, Vegeta smirked up at her.
"I want more, woman!"
Bulma stared at him in disbelief. He had already finished the bowl of stew and was now demanding more. She huffed and puffed her way back to the stove and grabbed the stew. She dished more out to him. She stood next to him waiting expectantly. Vegeta smirked at her and ever so slowly began eating. When Bulma realized he was taking his time just to piss her off, she stalked back towards the stove and dropped it down with a bang. She walked back to her chair and pulled it out. As she sat halfway into the chair, an empty glass was thrust in her face. "More drink, woman!"
The other occupants of the table were just staring at the two. Realizing from the look on Bulma's face that things were going to take a turn for the worst, they all quickly retreated. Luckily they had all managed to get down some of their stew before anything terrible happened. Krillen and 18 quickly stood up. Krillen led her towards the door exiting the apartment. Kakarot, however, just stared wide-eyed at Vegeta and Bulma. ChiChi began tugging on his arm. "Come on, Kakarot!" she hissed. "Oh Chi, but I really wanna watch this...it's gonna be so GOOD!" he whined. She just glared in reply and he reluctantly got up from the table. They also exited the room seemingly unnoticed by the other two occupants.
Bulma's face became red with fury. "Well, you can just FORGET IT! I am done serving the likes of YOU!?!" Bulma shouted. "I haven't even gotten a chance to eat one BITE of my food! SO GO SERVE YOURSELF YOU INCONSIDERATE, UNGRATEFUL, MONKEY!!!!!"
Vegeta just smirked at her as his eyes twinkled in amusement. Man, she really has the guts to stand up to me. Not even Kakarot is dumb enough to openly yell in my face. I like her fire...oh wait...I forgot...I'm supposed to get her to hate me, that's right! he cleared his throat and his eyes became dark and cold. "Do not speak to me in that tone of voice. You are my servant! You will do as you are told. I am thirsty and I want more of that sour concoction, so you will go and get me some as I have ordered!"
Bulma was fuming inwardly. That stupid, arrogant, ungrateful, inconsiderate, jerk of an ape. I can't believe that guy! How on earth could I have ever been attracted to him?!?! Oh yeah, I'm not ON earth thanks to him! This space air must be messing with my brain. And just look at him...he is so moody, swinging from amusement to hate in a matter of seconds!?! He needs to be locked in a mental ward the stupid ape! Well he wants more lemonade, does he?!? FINE!!! He will definitely GET MORE! Bulma stomped over to the pitcher of lemonade. She grabbed it and hastily walked back to Vegeta. She gave him the sweetest smile she could and said in an airy, ditzy voice, "Here you are, my prince," with that she proceeded to empty the contents of the pitcher onto Vegeta's head.
Vegeta's eyes sparked in anger. He quickly put up a mask of indifference. He wasn't going to let her affect him in such a manner. He licked his lips as the lemonade slid over them. "Mmm...that was quite good. Now, I think I would like some more. Oh wait...I think you have finished it. You will make me more!" Vegeta smirked at her.
That JERK! I can't believe the audacity of that guy!?! He actually wants me to make MORE?!?! Bulma growled low in her throat. She walked over towards the cupboards. She had no idea where anything was. Chi had set up the kitchen in the way she wanted. She opened the first cupboard and found some glass vases. She smirked. She grabbed one and threw it at the back of Vegeta's head. Vegeta not expecting her to attack him, got hit. The vase shattered, cutting him on the back of his ear. That woman sure is brave. I can't believe she has such good aim. But she will pay for that...
Before Bulma realized what was happening she was being shoved up against the counter. Vegeta's left hand was wrapped around her throat. He wasn't squeezing hard enough to choke her, but it was hard enough that she was unable to move. She lifted her hands up to Vegeta's and tried to pry it off of her throat. Vegeta just smirked at her. "It's of no use woman..."
Vegeta reached his other hand up and wiped away some of the blood that was trickling down his ear. He looked at his finger and smirked. "You drew blood...now that wasn't very nice." He shook his finger at her, "Naughty, naughty. Then again, I believe we should always do unto others as they do unto us...so its only fair that I draw some of your blood. Is it not?" his eyes wandered to her bare shoulder. In the force of knocking her against the counter, the left strap of her tank top had slid down her arm. He had the sudden urge to just sink his teeth into the soft, cream colored flesh. It looked so inviting. He dipped his head to her shoulder and flicked his tongue across the exposed flesh. She tastes so good... Bulma gasped at the feel of his warm tongue caressing her bare shoulder. What is he doing?!? He wouldn't bite me...would he? Who knows what kind of rabies this guy has?!?! He bared his canines and was about to bite down when he realized what he was doing. I can't believe it!?! I was actually about to mark her as my mate. What is this woman doing to me?!?! I don't want her....I don't!!! He pulled his head back and gazed at her intensively. Bulma's face was as white as a ghost. He could see the fear in her eyes...and the anger. For a moment, he felt regret for what he was doing. He felt like his heart was breaking. He hadn't really wanted to scare her...he just needed to get her to hate him, so they wouldn't bond and seal their own fates. Then he saw something in her eyes. All of the fear diminished and he could see intense anger burning there. He became bitter. I guess she didn't care for me as much as I thought, because it sure hasn't been all too hard to get her to hate me. All of the anger in her eyes...she has got to be wanting to kill me right now. Maybe I've done enough...maybe she finally realizes she was insane to be attracted to someone like me. Maybe...she hates me now.
"How DARE you?!? Who knows what kind of germs you monkeys have! Don't you EVER touch me in that manner again!?!" Bulma hissed. Vegeta's grip started loosening. Bulma looked into his eyes and saw a flash of bitterness and pain before it was quickly buried under his ever-present mask of indifference. What are you doing Bulma?!? How can you still care for him? What is happening to you? Unconsciously, Bulma brought her hand to his wounded ear. She swiped a finger across the blood and just stared at it. And then, she brought it to her lips. She had never tasted blood so sweet and salty all at once. Vegeta's grip immediately retightened on her throat. "You shouldn't have done that woman! You're right...who knows what kind of germs we monkeys have?" he growled.
Bulma didn't care anymore. She was no longer thinking rationally. It was almost as if she was becoming drunk on his blood and all she wanted was to taste more of it. She was craving it like she was addicted. She tried to pull her face towards his ear but was unable to do so from the hand that held her in place. She growled in frustration. "Now, I really get to draw some blood, for it is unfair of you to taste my blood yet not offer me some of your own."
Bulma became confused, she didn't understand what he was saying. Vegeta knew that he couldn't make her his mate. Not only would that give freedom to the feelings he was forcefully keeping pushed down, but he also knew that would surely sign her death warrant. He used his thumb of his left hand to tilt her head to the right. He studied her ear in the light. He brought his face towards her ear and whispered in a low, dark voice, "This may hurt a bit..." Vegeta's warm breath on Bulma's ear sent chills down her spine. She was no longer frightened, but was anxiously anticipating what Vegeta was going to do.
Vegeta slowly ran his tongue over her earlobe before sucking it into his mouth. His tongue drew patterns on it and occasionally flicked over it. Bulma let out a breath she didn't even realize she had been holding. Her knees were beginning to tremble and she was feeling faint. All of a sudden her whole body tensed as a sharp throbbing pain coursed through her left ear. It slowly faded as Vegeta caressed his bite with his tongue. He slowly drank whatever the small puncture would offer.
Vegeta was out of control. His mind was telling him to pull away from the woman and run, but his body was not cooperating. His left hand trailed down her neck to her shoulder, then down her arm until it reached her waist. His right hand met his left and he securely locked her in a tight, yet gentle embrace. Bulma twisted her face until her lips were in front of his. She was breathing light and fast. Vegeta was just staring into her eyes, drowning. Bulma gazed at his dark, onyx eyes. They always masked his emotions...but this time, his guard was down. He wanted her. She could see it clearly. She slowly brought her mouth to meet his in a tender kiss. Vegeta backed her away from the counter over towards the table, never letting their mouths separate. He used one hand to hastily wipe everything off the table and then gently placed Bulma on top of it. He lowered himself down on top of her, his arms caressing her sides. Bulma was in pure bliss. Vegeta slowly parted his mouth and ran his tongue across her full lips, seeking entrance. Bulma complied and parted her lips. She gasped as she felt his warm tongue caressing her own. After regaining her composure, she became braver. She let her tongue wander into Vegeta's mouth. Both of them were lost in each other. Their tongues exploring every part of the other's mouth. Memorizing each other as if they would never meet again. Bulma suddenly felt something wrapping itself around her upper thigh and she gasped.(AN: Okay...I felt like that scene was extremely corny but Diane told me to keep it in...so I am. Sorry if it sucks. lol)
~*~*~
Vegeta knew that he was in danger of losing himself. He knew that he should just get up and leave her and never look back. He was endangering her life, and the life of their future son, by letting his emotions run free. Stupid weak emotions. I shouldn't even have them...how can I feel such things for her?!? Suddenly Bulma's voice cut into his thoughts. What the heck is that? Where did it come from? Oh Vegeta...I think I'm falling in love with you... Vegeta was confused...he knew she couldn't possibly be talking to him when his mouth was covering her own.
Vegeta realized what was going on and immediately blocked all his thoughts. He pulled himself up and off of both her and the table. Bulma looked at him bewildered. He looked terrified and angry all at once. "The bond..." he gasped out. He quickly turned to run out of the room but felt himself held back. He heard a loud thump and then he fell to the ground. He turned to see what had happened. He was horrified when he saw that Bulma was lying on the ground under him and his tail had unconsciously wrapped itself around Bulma's thigh. Pulling her to the ground when he walked away, and pulling him on top of her when she fell.
"NO....This is not happening...this can't happen?!?!?!" he said in a panic, more to himself then Bulma.
Bulma's thoughts immediately invaded his mind. What on earth is wrong with him. And why the heck is his tail around me? I wonder if he's alright...maybe he should see a doctor.
"SHUT UP WOMAN!!!!" Vegeta shouted, glaring at her.
Bulma was utterly confused. "Vegeta, I didn't say anything. Hey are you okay, do you want to see a doctor or something?" Bulma was really worried about him. He was just holding his head in his hands shaking it wildly back and forth.
"Not out loud you didn't! But I heard you....I don't know why my tail did that! I didn't even know it happened!!!!" he replied. He then tried to pull his tail back to him. When it refused to comply with his mind's commands, he forcefully unwrapped it from her thigh.
Bulma paled. How did he know what I was thinking?!? She looked over at Vegeta who was holding his tail in his hands glaring at it. He was scolding it harshly for not listening to him. "And don't you ever leave my waist without notifying me first. How could you do that? Stupid tail. Did I say "go wrap around the woman?" NO! So why did you do it? You belong to me...you need to listen to my orders!!! So don't you EVER do that again!" Vegeta hissed at his tail shaking it wildly in his hands. That's it...this guy is a total nut! But I'm really worried about him. Maybe I should bring him to the medical ward. He really should be looked at...
Vegeta forcefully rewrapped his tail about his waist and then glared at Bulma. "SHUT UP WOMAN! I am NOT a nut and that is very disrespectful to call me such. I am royalty. You could be killed for talking in such a manner," Vegeta said. He forced himself to calm down and think rationally. The woman would have a lot of questions. The best way he could show her...would be to let her go through it. He scowled at the thought of it. The bond had already taken its course...now, she was in danger no matter what.
"Vegeta...w-what is going on? H-how are y-you reading my thoughts?" Bulma asked shakily. Vegeta rubbed his temples. This was going to be difficult for her to understand.
"It's the bond, woman," he said patiently.
"Bond? What bond?"
"Well, I'm not really sure how to explain this, so instead, I will just let you experience it. Watch my lips carefully."
Bulma focused intently on his lips. Vegeta reluctantly let down his thought barrier and began talking to her through his mind. You see woman, you can hear me as well. I'm not exactly sure why this happened. I'm not supposed to be able to bond... Bulma shook her head to clear her mind.
I could have sworn I just heard Vegeta inside my head. But his lips didn't even move...so that can't be...can it?
Woman, why do you think I told you to watch my lips? So that you could experience the bond. I had a barrier on my thoughts before, I didn't want you to be able to know what I was thinking. I am allowing you to now so you might better understand the bond.
Vegeta...is that really you? Bulma stared at Vegeta uncertainly and he just nodded at her. Bulma's face paled more so. "Vegeta, but why can we hear each other's thoughts?"
"Because, we have partly bonded. It usually happens when two saiyans are deeply attracted to one another. It also doesn't usually happen until a saiyan chooses their mate. It's kind of like what you earthlings call love, but it runs much deeper than that. Saiyans bond for life...they stay with their mate forever. I, however, was not supposed to bond," Vegeta said patiently.
"But why not Vegeta?"
"Well, because I'm royalty. You see, some people see bonding as a weakness. A long time ago, one saiyan was so deeply connected to his mate that it killed him to live without her. He had come home from a mission and found her dead and in a fit of rage, he killed himself. From that point on, bonding was always looked at as a weakness. So scientists altered the genes of all people with royal blood so we would not be exposed to that weakness," he replied.
Bulma thought hard on all she just heard. So bonding occurs when saiyans are attracted to each other. But wait...I'm not a saiyan so how come it worked with me? He said its kind of like love? Do I really even love him??? Bulma glanced up at Vegeta who was just gazing at her intently with a unreadable question in his eyes. Yes...I do love him. I don't know when exactly it happened or how...but I fell hard for that egotistical ape. Bulma smirked, soon her smirk turned into a frown as she continued her thoughts, But the gene was supposed to be removed from royalty so how did Vegeta bond? And does he think of it as a weakness? Am I making him weak?
"You know...you have got to learn how to hide your thoughts better than this. You will never be able to keep a secret from me if you don't learn," he said smirking. "And no, I don't think of it as a weakness. It has only been a weakness once in the course of 10 generations. In other instances, it has proven a great strength. I'm not sure how I have bonded to you. I was not supposed to have the choice to, and I am not sure how you have achieved it either, being a mere human. In this case, I didn't really have the choice to either...if I had it my way...this wouldn't have happened," he said softly.
Bulma's eyes brimmed with tears. "Vegeta, you are such a jerk! Just because I'm a human doesn't mean I am inferior to you. And I'm sorry I love you. I'm sorry that you don't want this bond. How the heck did it even happen, huh? You said when two saiyans are deeply attracted to one another. So why is it working only one sided?" Bulma said. He could tell he had hurt her. Not only just by the words she had spoken, but he could read her inner thoughts as well.
"Yes...it happens when two people are deeply attracted to each other. But Bulma...you don't understand. I can't be attracted to you...I won't allow myself to. I can't hurt you that way...but you are right. I don't want this bond. I shouldn't have let things go so far. I should have turned and ran the second I considered marking you as my mate..." Vegeta mumbled.
"You can't hurt me that way?!? Well, do you think you not wanting this bond is making me feel GOOD?!? I love you Vegeta, do you understand that?!? Wait a second...did you just call me Bulma?" she said.
"Well, that is your name, is it not?" he smirked.
Bulma just smiled in return. "Why don't you want this bond? Why won't you let yourself be attracted to me? And when were you considering marking me as your mate...what exactly does that mean even? And will you take that stupid thought barrier down? It's not fair you can read me and I can't read you. I want to know what's going on. I want to know your thoughts. Let me in Vegeta! Let me in..." Bulma broke down into quiet sobs.
Vegeta didn't know what to do. He scooted close to her and just sat beside her. She had pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. She was just hiding her face in her knees, her back gently shaking from her quiet sobs. Vegeta brought one hand to the back of her head and pulled out the band that was holding her hair in place. He loved the way her hair fell over her arms hiding her from the view of the world. He plunged his hand into her silky strands. As he ran his fingers through her hair, she glanced up at him. He let down his guard fully. Her hair really is as silky as I remember it to be. Bulma looked up at him startled. He hasn't ever felt my hair before...unless he did while I was unconscious...wait a second...I heard his thoughts...he let down his barrier! Bulma smiled warmly at him. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you Vegeta. But when did you touch my hair before?"
He gulped. He hadn't really wanted to tell her this, but he supposed he should. "In my dream..." he gazed into her eyes as the realization hit her.
"You mean...you dreamt it too?" she asked amazed.
"Yes, although not quite the same. I had been having this nightmare for years. And then I met you...and it scared me because you were in my dream. So I avoided you. I had Kakarot take you to the ship...and I determined that I would make you hate me. I do not want the dream to come true..." he trailed off.
"What is so bad about the dream Vegeta? You told me you loved me in it...if it is true, then nothing can be bad about it," she tried reasoning with him.
"You don't understand Bulma, you don't know the dream. In your dream when I picked you up and was rocking you back and forth...well, it was different than in my dream. My dream had gone the exact same way it always had, until you touched my shoulder. You changed my dream. I wanted to ask you what was happening when all of a sudden you disappeared and I was plunged into a dark black void!"
"I started in the black void. And I was watching you sleep. You went so pale, and you were sweaty and tossing and turning. You must have been having an awful nightmare. Then you picked me up. You were looking at me but it was like you weren't even seeing me. Your eyes were distant and unreadable. Until I touched your shoulder. Then I knew you saw me. That's when our dreams came together...isn't it? What were you dreaming about that was so awful? What happens in your nightmare, Vegeta? What is it that you don't want to come true?" Bulma pleaded with him.
Vegeta glared at her. Why is she making this so hard? Does she really want to hear of her own death? Of the fact that I wasn't able to save her or get to her until it was too late? Why won't she just let it be? Why does she think I tried to get her to hate me? I didn't want this to happen...I don't want her to die....I...love her... Vegeta was shocked as he realized it. He really did love her. He had only known her a short time but he loved her. When he had first heard about the genius woman, he was intrigued. A woman, with so much intelligence. He always admired a woman with brains...then he met her. This girl was the one in his dreams, the one he had called his mate, the one he had confessed his love to. And her fire...she was the only person who had ever had the courage to stand up to him. To openly disrespect and disobey him. And she even had the guts to attack him. Vegeta chuckled...she really is the perfect mate for me. I could never love anyone else... Vegeta glanced up from his inner thoughts towards her. She was as white as a ghost. Vegeta cursed himself as he realized his thought barrier was down and she had just heard everything...
"I'm going to die Vegeta? You have been dreaming for years about my death?" Bulma looked at him shakily. Then to his confusion he saw a spark of anger flit across her eyes. "Why couldn't I make my own choice Vegeta? Don't you understand, if I love you, nothing can be bad! Even if I know that someday down the road, I will die...I DON'T CARE! Vegeta, I love you, I want to be with you forever. You need to let me make my own choice. I can't believe you tried to make me hate you because you didn't think I could handle death? How weak do you think I am, Vegeta? Now I know, that someday I will die...well that someday...is not today! I am living for today. Let's take this one day at a time. Stop worrying about the future...worry about the present! I love you...you love me...so why don't we go from there? Please Vegeta, I want to do this! I want to be your mate! I know the consequences...but still...I choose living a short life with you and then dealing with my death, over living a lifetime without you. Do you get it??? I CHOOSE YOU!" Bulma shouted at him.
Vegeta just looked at her. "Woman, it was not that I didn't think you could handle death...it was that I was scared to live a life without the person I loved," Vegeta was angry...because that was a weakness. He was scared to try and live without her. In his anger, he glared at Bulma. "You want this so much do you? Let me just tell you right now...if I make you mine...you will be mine alone! I do not tolerate infidelity! I will be very jealous over you...but you have made your choice!!!"
Vegeta roughly grabbed Bulma and pulled her onto his lap. He could see a small ounce of fear in her eyes and just smirked at her. "What, so now you're scared of me are you? Well, you are the one that wanted this...you just remember that!" he growled lowly. He swiftly brushed her hair off her left shoulder and embedded his canines into her soft, creamy flesh. Bulma shrieked out in pain and squirmed to get away. She was unsuccessful due to the fact Vegeta had her wrapped in a gentle, yet firm embrace. Suddenly, her pain was overtaken by a pleasure she had never known before. She suddenly felt herself thrown into Vegeta's mind. She saw him as a young child growing up. She saw all of the people he had killed. She saw his father, and how he had abused Vegeta's mother in front of his face almost every day of his life. She saw the day the abuse had gone too far, and the woman was killed. She saw a seven-year-old Vegeta trying to take on his adult father, to avenge his mother's death. She felt his pain at losing the only family he loved. She saw the brutal beating he received from his father after the way he openly defied his father. She saw the way he had closed himself off from the rest of the world...refusing to make friends for fear that he might lose them, as he lost his mother. She saw the day he met Kakarot and Krillen...and the way he had tried to appear cold to them also. She noticed the way Krillen and Kakarot never gave up on him and saw the strong bond of friendship they now shared. She saw many scenes throughout his life until she found herself in her very own house. She saw them trashing the place, searching for her. Bulma became very anxious, she prayed to God he hadn't killed her family. She had seen the many murders he had committed throughout his lifetime. Relief flooded over her as she heard him tell Kakarot to release them from their ropes and simply knock them unconscious before leaving. Bulma kept looking around inside Vegeta's mind...she wanted to find his nightmare. She wanted to know what had made his face so ashen white with fear. She saw a few weeks prior when he had killed a young serving girl in a fit of rage. She saw the way he acted afterwards. He locked himself in his room and stared straight off in space. He had felt bad...it had been an accident, he hadn't meant to let his temper get out of control. Bulma cried, he had been through so much, had experienced so much pain, but never let himself cry...not even after the death of his mother. She got back on task looking for the nightmare. When she finally found it, she tried to see into his mind...but he had a secure lock on it...he would not allow her to see the dream. Knowing her fate was bad enough...he didn't want her to know the fate of their son as well.
He gently flicked his tongue over the wound lapping up the blood that poured from her shoulder, hungrily. He loved the taste of her. When the wound finally stopped bleeding he pulled back and looked into her eyes. She looked overwhelmed. "See, you asked for it. Now you know what I'm really like. You have seen how many people I have murdered. I have killed plenty...and I didn't care a bit! Now...do you still want this?" he laughed cruelly.
Bulma studied him intently for some time. "Yes Vegeta, I want this...I want you. Yes, I have seen you kill many people...but only when you were ordered to do so...or when you were extremely ticked off. And I have seen the way you have felt guilt over your accidental killings as well. I saw the pain you went through in your youth. I saw the fact that you spared my parents when you could have easily obliterated them. So don't tell me that you are some cold-hearted, ruthless murderer...you don't fool me so easily..." Bulma replied thoughtfully.
"Woman, you are mistaken...you obviously don't know me as well as you think you do. I have no heart...you're right...I went through a lot of pain in the past...and that is why I am what I am. I don't care about anyone or anything!" Vegeta said.
Bulma lifted her hand to touch his face. She looked at him thoughtfully. "Vegeta...why are you trying to lie to me? I had access to every memory in your mind...all except one. You wouldn't let me see your nightmare. I know you care about me, I know you love me! You don't have to tell me, because I already know. You wouldn't let me see that...because you didn't want me to be scared of what will happen in the future. Vegeta, listen to me...I love you...no matter what! I don't care about what happened in your past...of all of the wrongs you have done. All I care about is you! Vegeta, the future doesn't have to be the way your nightmare was. We can change it! Fate is not certain in life...but our love is...and love conquers all! We will beat this thing...just you wait and see!"
Vegeta looked at her. He was stunned...he hadn't expected that type of a reply. He thought she would immediately shun him for his past. He loved her and she knew it...but he needed to know that she would still love him...after all he had done. She did love him...he could see that. He knew that she would never leave him. He pulled her close to him until their lips were centimeters apart. "You are mine now..." he whispered, his hot breath caressing her lips.
"And I wouldn't have it any other way," she replied staring intently into his eyes. He plunged his hand into her hair and ran his fingers through it, as he drew her head closer in towards his. He kissed her tenderly before releasing her. He stood up, pulling her with him. Setting her feet on solid ground, he led her by the hand towards the apartment exit, "Come...your friends will be worried about you."
Bulma followed him. "Yes, I suppose they will be. But they have no need to be anymore. I love you Vegeta..."
Vegeta just stared at her and then proceeded to lead her out of the apartment. I love you too, woman... he thought to her and affectionately squeezed her hand. They both stepped out into the hall and began searching for their friends. Vegeta wanted to begin planning with Kakarot and Krillen how to keep Bulma safe from her future. Bulma was excited to tell her friends of the new love she had. She made a mental note to destroy her escape plans as soon as she went back home. She looked up and smiled at Vegeta. He was all hers now...and he loved her. I finally have my prince...