Learning to Love Chapter Nine, a dragon ball z fanfic

Thanks to everyone who wrote a review! I have some free time today, so I'm going to write some

REVIEW RESPONSES:

ASHLEYRAINEY: Thank you and I will!

HOPE KILLER: LOL, you are too funny for words, I hope you enjoy this chapter and thanks for writing!

SAIYANPASSION: 'Cause I'm evil, LOL. I'm glad you like LTL so far!

OUTTADALOOP: It was originally a lemon, but after remembering what happened to Mind Games…I decided not to include it. Sorry about the evil cliffy, LOL.

PRINCESS BULMA: Thanks a lot! And believe me, I will!

BULMA: LOL, I know how scary a sugar high can be *cough, cough*. Thanks for writing Bulma and take it easy on Anyla…that poor girl *ducks as Bulma makes a swing at her* I was just joking!

KRYS: Thanks, and I fixed the problem (thank goodness). Oy, what a headache that was!

ADBZFAN2K03: Ooh, flattery will get you everywhere! LOL. Actually, yeah they have but I've never taken them seriously until now…hmm, maybe I should consider that: that I could be evil…

SOUTHERNBUBBA07: Thanks for writing and uh…*coughs * let your AOR and DOR and the gummy bears know that I said, 'hi'. LOL.

VINY: Thanks so much Viny! And WOW, you're the only person I know of who likes cliffhangers, LOL.

SSJSHADOW: Bait is good though! It's still evil, but oh well, what can I say? Feeling sorry for Anyla is like feeling sorry for Freeza…you just don't do it, LOL! Well, I'll be calling on you once I start up on ten (let me know if you have any ideas). See ya later!

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Hi folks! It's me, B16 in the proverbial flesh! I hope everyone's doing okay…especially after the whole evil cliffhanger thing and the chapter mix up.

*~*~*~*~* Learning to Love: Chapter Nine *~*~*~*~*

****Bulma's Quarters****

(The next morning)

It was all a dream, she thought, disappointed. Or at least the part where the King undressed her was.

***Flashback***

"Us: me and you. You've changed your mind about getting joined with me…not that I blame you. I mean, why the hell would you want to--"

Vegeta approached her slowly: the look in his eyes making Bulma cut herself off. He cupped her cheeks in his gloved hands, a strange expression on his face as though he was fighting a part of himself to get the words out. "No…I'm not having second thoughts. I'm…" he trailed off, searching Bulma's eyes for something.

Bulma quivered slightly at the emotion she could read behind his words and in his voice. "You're what?" she asked him, unconsciously leaning into his caresses.

He pulled her body to his in response and Bulma's eyes widened in realization as she felt the
Saiyan's hardened member against her. "Oh," she said, blushing slightly. "I-I didn't know."

The King ran his fingers through her hair, a sardonic look on his face. "I think you did," he stated in a matter of fact way, as he pressed her back to the cold, metallic wall. "I think you purposely dressed in such a way just so you could get a repeat of the last time."

Bulma could feel her body responding to his nearness and she shook her head trying to remember what she had sworn to herself earlier…something about a bet? "No, that's not true," she denied vehemently.

Vegeta's voice was laced with disbelief as he continued to run his fingers through her hair. "Of course it's not." He paused, an amused expression on his face. "What you didn't count on was my self control however. And the fact that you would be just as desirous of me as I am for you," he said lowly.

This isn't how this is supposed to be happening! Bulma pushed him away from her, an angry expression on her face. "This is a business agreement, Vegeta, in case you've forgotten."

"No," he responded, his amusement quickly disappearing. "I haven't forgotten."

"Don't think for a second that-that screwing with me is some kind of-of-of a sick bonus you get out of this 'cause it's not!"

The King smirked as he realized something that she was obviously unaware of. "Don't you know anything of the Saiyan culture?"

The human female bristled at his mocking tone. "What are you talking about?"

"Our joining must be consummated to be considered official: surely you knew that? Don't they have similar rules on earth?" he asked softly, his eyes glittering meanly. "Don't pretend as if the idea of me touching you repulses you. We both know how…shall we say, 'responsive' I can make you," he murmured, his voice as smooth as silk.

Bulma gasped, her cheeks flaming pink with embarrassment as the memory of their wild night came back to haunt her. "Don't you dare make reference to that-that--"

The Saiyan Ruler raised his brows at her outrage. "Why? You regret that night then?" He smirked evilly. "Because I don't. I can remember everything from that night. The way you sounded…how you smelled, how you looked as you came with me…"

***End of Flashback***

And then I ran away from him and what he was saying: as though I was a wilting flower or something. I'm so disgusted with myself. Bulma groaned and covered her eyes with her hands as she recalled her dream…the bastard was right. She did want him. But she'd be damned if she was going to let him know that.

****The Throne Room* ***

(That Same Day)

"…it takes nine months, or at least that's what Chichi says. She wants to name him after some old guy she knew on earth, and that's just fine with me as long as he comes out healthy…" Kakkarot trailed off as he realized the King was showing no intention of shutting him up. "Is there something that troubles you, sire?"

A single muscle jumped ever so slightly in Vegeta's shoulders, and this was the only sign his guard had of his ruler's attentiveness. "No," he admitted slowly, after a long silence between them. "I was merely considering for the first time what the hell could come out of copulating with the Briefs woman…"

The lower classed Saiyan blushed ever so slightly and scratched his head pensively. "Well, my best bet would be that the kid would have the, uh, distinctive hair color of its mother…"

Vegeta frowned at him. "I wasn't referring to looks, Kakkarot," he growled. But he winced as he imagined a weak, frail human looking boy with the long blue hair and wide blue eyes of his mother. That would be…unsettling to say the least. "I was thinking in terms of strength."

Kakkarot scratched his noggin thoughtfully. "I never really even thought about that. Wow, wouldn't it suck if the brat came out like his mother? Uh, Strength wise?" he quickly added.

The King's scowl deepened. "Haven't you considered the same? Especially since you too are with a human female—and a rather weak one at that."

"Oh, well…I guess I haven't." The lower-classed Saiyan grinned sheepishly. "I guess I was just to excited about becoming a father so soon to think about stuff like that." He crossed his arms, a serious expression finding its way onto his face as he decided something. "Well, I'll be proud to his father whether the child turns out to be either weak or strong."

Vegeta ignored Kakkarot as he noted someone coming toward them.

"Sire," Lettuco said, bowing. "Our sources have told us that Anyla has joined forces with Zarbon and that the two of them are residing on the Planet Freeze."

Kakkarot snorted. "I was wondering what happened to that fork-tongued, double-crossing harpy," he said, a look of disgust on his face.

The King nearly laughed aloud at his Guard's uncharacteristic statement, and he grinned self-confidently at his troubled coordinator. "Let her feed her poison into Zarbon's mind for a change. I for one am glad to be rid of her. However," he said, regaining his somber composure. "There is still the possibility that she may somehow catch Freeza's ear. She might convince him to go to war against us."

Lettuco nodded solemnly. "Yes sire, that is the main concern among most of your Advisory Board."

Kakkarot frowned slightly in consternation. "Even if Freeza did go to war against us, with your superior strength sire, we could defeat him."

Vegeta nodded in accordance. "That much is true. But if he was to get enough people on his side to fight against us…" he trailed off significantly.

The two other Saiyans glanced at each other for a moment. "What can we do?" Lettuco asked, his eyes full of the steadfast determination of a man with the desire to protect someone near to his heart (namely, his daughter).

The newly joined guard cleared his throat nervously as he considered the possible reactions to his upcoming suggestion. "I have an idea sire," he said lowly, not meeting his ruler's gaze.

A pause, and then: "Well, spit it out then, Kakkarot."

The nervous Saiyan took a deep breath. "Why don't we ask your fiancée, Bulma?"

***Zarbon's Quarters***

(That same day)

Anyla smiled up at him as she felt him shudder and finally release before collapsing on the bed beside her. "Was it good for you lover?" she purred.

Zarbon could only grunt a yes as he pulled his new sex toy to him. This woman is amazing. Never before have I ever been able to attain such heights. He took a few calming breaths, brushing stray strands of green hair from his sweaty face as he turned her to face him. "Love, I've never met a woman like you before," he said, admiration in his tone.

And it was true. In all his years of skirt chasing, the alien had never found a woman who interested him as much as Anyla did: a woman who didn't balk at his obsession with handcuffs or his desire to role-play. Anyla was special. So special in fact, that he was able now to acquire an erection without even using the handcuffs, the leather outfits, or the bullwhip.

Is this love? He wondered, rubbing a strand of her beautiful hair between his fingers.

Anyla bit him gently on the nose before nuzzling her face into his neck to hide the triumphant expression there. The dumb fuck is mine to control now. I suppose I should feel bad: I mean, it's not his fault that he thinks with the wrong head…and it's awfully mean of me to take advantage of his weakness, isn't it? She laughed softly as she got up and straddled the besotted alien, a wild look on her face as she rubbed his smooth chest. Nah. After all, all's fair in love and war, right?

***Dining Hall***

(That night)

"…to figure out how best to resolve the problem."

"Why the devil are you asking me of all people?" Bulma asked, surprise on her face.

Kakkarot grinned. "Well, actually it was my idea. You're supposed to be a genius so I guess I figured that you'd be able to handle a problem like this pretty well."

The human stiffened slightly, her eyes narrowing. "What do you mean 'supposed to be'? I am a genius!" she exclaimed angrily.

"Then you'll do it?"

"Fine!"

Bardock clapped his son once on the back for a job well done. It wasn't everyday he got to watch his offspring pull the wool over someone's eyes: especially over the eyes of a 'genius' who allowed herself to be fooled into taking the assignment.

Bulma looked at the food on her plate wistfully, her mood quickly changing. "I just need to figure out the best way to go about this," she said to herself, tapping her fingers on the table thoughtfully.

Lord Vegeta swallowed a mouthful of food and grinned at her. "I suggest beginning at the beginning."

"Good advice," the blue haired woman said, a smile on her face as she glanced up at her future father in law. She cleared her throat slightly as she felt herself beginning to blush. "Where's uh, your son?"

"Vegeta? Oh, he had to attend some painfully dull Advisory Board Meeting along with Lettuco, just in case one of those board member bozos have come up with any wise ideas as to getting rid of the proverbial thorn in Vegetaseii's side." He shrugged as if to say 'no biggie'.

The human raised her brows, her expression amused. "Oh."

"So Bulma," Chichi began, her eyes locked onto her friend's. "Excited about the joining ceremony?"

Kakkarot glanced at his wife a moment before moving his gaze to the blue-eyed woman, curious to see her reaction.

She fought the urge to blush and kept her expression cool and controlled. "Not particularly, no. Why would I be?"

Lord Vegeta chuckled softly. "I guess I can understand what you said. Especially considering the fact that this is just a 'business arrangement'."

Bardock gave the older Saiyan a warning look as he realized what he was implying

Chichi folded her arms on the table, a condemning look on her face. "It is just a business arrangement right? I mean, you haven't—in a state of denial—fooled yourself into believing you have no feelings for the King, have you?"

Bulma nearly fell out of her seat so great was her shock. "What! Sweet Kami Chichi, do you know what you're saying?" she said in slightly incensed tones.

"Do you know what you're doing?" her friend asked quietly, her eyes full of warning. "I just want you to think about it for a while."

Bardock frowned as he sensed the high emotions beginning to enter the conversation. "There's nothing to be concerned about. I assure you, the King has no romantic intentions on his part so, Bulma is not at risk."

"Risk? Of what?"

Kakkarot frowned at his father's words. "At risk for bonding. It's something only 1st Class Saiyans can participate in. It would intricately link 2 souls together forever. It's very dangerous for both parties because…well, it's kind of like always knowing what your partner feels and thinks." He paused for a moment. "It would be the human equivalent of finding your soul mate I think."

His mate frowned. "And why don't the other classes have something like that?"

The Guard smiled at her. "We typically don't join for the wrong reasons, so the bond doesn't need to exist between us. Because when 2 lower classed people choose to be joined to one another…it's usually for--"

"Love," Bulma interrupted, saying the word scornfully. "I don't believe in that anymore."

Bardock nodded his head in agreement, finally beginning to enjoy where the conversation was going. "Of course you don't! Anyone with half a brain cell would tell you that love is really just an irrepressible desire to no longer be alone, so therefore you take a mate and give them false promises of faith, loyalty and undying affections," he said, his disgust with the subject evident from the expression on his face.

The King's fiancée nodded, glad that the Lieutenant was on her side. "I whole-heartedly agree. Which is why I believe that-that this arrangement is ideal."

Chichi opened her mouth to object but a look from her mate silenced her. 'She'll figure it out for herself' he mouthed to her, a smile on his face. She folded her lips angrily at first, and then nodded in agreement. I'll just let Bulma discover for herself just how wrong she is about her little 'arrangement' with the King. I only wish I could find a way to make her see for herself what is so obvious to Kakkarot and I.

***Planet Freeze***

(About a week later)

"And just how is your new squeeze working out for you Zarbon?"

The green-haired man flinched ever so slightly at hearing his new lover being referred to as such but he otherwise kept his composure. "Very well sire."

Freeza chuckled in amusement. "I'm so glad for you," he said in that light, airy tone that scared the hell out of all of his men. "Now, what information have you gotten out of her about the Saiyans? Or have you been so busy getting her to open her legs that you've forgotten to get her to open her mouth?"

Zarbon flushed slightly at the harsh words. "Well sire…she doesn't know much more about the Saiyans than we already know."

"I see," the white lizard said softly, his eyes burning into his officers. "So what you're telling me is that you've been wasting valuable time fucking around with that ignorant monkey wench, when you could be elsewhere being of some use to me? Is that what you're telling me Zarbon?"

The tall alien trembled in fear, unable to answer the question.

"Oh, Zarbon," his master said in what was supposed to pass as a pitying, sympathetic tone. "When will you learn better than to be lead around by your dick? You're so like the Saiyans in that respect."

"Sire--"

The Ice-Jin's eyes flashed angrily. "Silence!" he commanded, the entire pretense of kindness long gone. "Here's what I am going to do for you today Zarbon," Freeza began, putting a hand on his officer's shoulder. "I'm going to give you a choice that will affect your sexual escapades: either you decide to ditch the bitch or you can keep her, under the condition that she is in some way, doing this empire, a service. Do I make myself clear to you, Zarbon?"

Zarbon bowed his head and nodded. "Perfectly, Mater Freeza."

"Good. Now get out of here; I'm tired of looking at you."

***Bulma's Quarters***

(Days Later)

"I don't envy you one bit," Bulma said, a wry expression on her face.

Chichi laughed, tossing a magazine at her friend as she sat down. "It isn't so bad, really! And besides, I've always wanted a child of my own."

Her friend laughed. "That's a scary thought: a person raised to believe that your word is the final word on everything. My gosh," she gasped in mock horror. "Why stop at having just one child? Why not have 10 or 20? That way you'll have a little adoring fan club of your own!"

"Ha, ha," Chichi said dryly, wrinkling her nose in disgust. "I don't know…I'm thinking I don't want more than 3 children. I know—thanks to Kakkarot the blabbermouth—that my first child is a boy…I just hope that the next two might be girls," she said wistfully.

Bulma winced. "Three kids? Good, sweet Kami, and I thought one was too many!"

The brunette woman quickly sobered, leaning forward to maintain eye contact with her friend. "Seriously though Bulma, I know this is off subject and everything, but every single time I bring this up, you find some way to change the subject! Have you really turned your back on love?"

"Well—"

"Ah ha! I knew it!" the younger woman crowed. "I knew you couldn't just drop all of your old ideas like that just because Vegeta asked you to."

"Love exists, I don't deny that," Bulma began, looking away from her friend. "Just not for me."

Chichi stood up angrily, putting her hands on her hips. "And what makes you so different that you would be the only person in the world without a soul mate?" she demanded.

Her friend chewed her lip thoughtfully as she pondered on the topic. "Well, nothing. But still, this is the best opportunity placed on the table before me up until now, so why the hell shouldn't I take it?"

"Well…because it's wrong for one," the pregnant woman said slowly, trying to think of other reasons. "And because, it isn't fair to you: you deserve better than Vegeta."

Bulma smiled at her long-time friend. "Thanks Chichi, for believing that." Even though I don't.

"Don't thank me yet! I have something I want to put on the table. Now, these are just wild ideas, mind you. But I believe that you can so easily see yourself in this 'business arrangement' with the King because you're half-way in love with him."

The blue-haired woman laughed at this idea. "In love with Vegeta? Oh, Chichi come on!"

"But I've seen it!" her friend protested. "I've seen the way you look at him, and I've heard the way you talk about him. I really do think that you have some kind of amorous feelings for that man Bulma. Whether it's love or lust is the only real question I have."

***Flashback***

"No, that's not true," she said, her voice breathy as the King easily unzipped the scrap of leather that served as her tube top. His fiancée held her breath in anticipation of his touch, her skin tingling as she felt his eyes on her body.

Vegeta chuckled softly as he eased the garment off of her body and onto the floor.

***End of Flashback***

Bulma flushed with embarrassment. She couldn't honestly deny what her friend had just said. She was, in fact, sexually attracted to the bothersome Saiyan: so she could admit to that much…but halfway in love with him. That's just going too far.

"Okay, maybe I'm 'in lust' with him," she admitted, raising her brows as she stated her question. "But so what? That still doesn't make our business proposition anything other than what it is: just an arrangement between two people. It's basically marriage, minus the love and devotion part."

Chichi waved her hand in dismissal to that information. "I know what the 'agreement' between you is. But I still think that it will change into something else."

"Yeah…right."

Her friend got up, a smile on her face to balance out the seriousness in her words. "Just don't forget about that bonding thing. If that was to happen somehow…well, like it or not you'll be stuck to him."

Bulma rolled her eyes, seeing her friend out. "I know, I know. And trust me, I won't let that ever happen."

***Grand Hall***

(Weeks later)

"Ooh, doesn't she look pretty, Father?"

Lettuco shushed his offspring but nodded his head in response to her question. Bulma—their new Queen—was dressed so that she seemed to radiate more beauty than ever before. Well, at least nothing bad has happened thus far. He thought optimistically, he jostled the child resting on his shoulders a bit. "Shall we go greet them now?"

Egplnta's smile got even bigger. "Yes, please!"

"All right then, let's go do it."

******

She'd believed that her visage throughout this event would be strained and artificial, but to her surprise, it was very natural and extremely effortless to keep a small, impersonal smile on her face. Bulma found that she rather enjoyed being up here before of all the Saiyan people…my people, she thought for a half second, and then quickly dismissed the notion. No, they would never be her people. Of that much she was certain.

At any moment now, Bulma was expecting to open her eyes and find that she was dreaming. Yet as the events of the ritual took place and time went on, she began to realize that this was for real. She really was getting joined with Vegeta. By the time she realized that, it was far too late to do anything to stop this. So she kept her composure, her gloved hand resting ever so lightly on her mate's arm.

This is hell.

******

Chichi spared her friend one more glance before sitting down at a dining table with her mate and his raucous family. Poor Bulma, she thought, chewing on her lip thoughtfully. It seems as though she's beginning to realize what a monumental mistake she's made. But…it's too late for her to back out of it now, the poor girl. Well, actually, she can still end the joining later as long as they don't consummate it…

******

Vegeta had never in his life been so attuned to another person's discomfort…and he wasn't enjoying it. Just imagine how much worse this would be if we were bonded, he thought to himself, a grim expression on his face.

He tried to keep thoughts similar to this one in nature in the forefront of his mind: because when he took her tonight, he was going to have to use some self-control.

"Sire and, uh Your Majesty."

Vegeta turned his body so that he and his mate were facing Lettuco the bowing and his wide-eyed imp. "Lettuco," he said, acknowledging the man and his daughter with a nod.

Somewhere from the foggy haze of her mind, Bulma was able to recognize the two Saiyans and she smiled at the youngster.

The coordinator stood and nudged his daughter, who curtsied sweetly to them. "Good health to King Vegeta and Queen Bulma, and may your joining be a peaceful, fruitful one."

Her father hid his proud expression as his daughter spoke the standard statement of congratulations to their rulers and inwardly relaxed, grateful that the little upstart hadn't tried any of her usual tricks.

"Thank you," the human female said in a detached manner.

Egplnta met her gaze and smiled brightly, winking so covertly that Bulma wasn't really sure that it'd happened. She curtsied to the King again, took her father's hand and pulled him in the opposite direction.

Once they were well out of earshot, she pulled on her father's hand to get his attention. "Father, do you think their joining will actually be a good one?"

Lettuco patted his offspring reassuringly on the back. "Of course it will," he said. That is, if Lord Vegeta was right…

She nodded her head wisely, her eyes glittering with conviction. "I think so too. I could tell that they were very compatible."

Her father rolled his eyes. From the mouths of babes…he thought sardonically, leading the child in the direction of Kakkarot's table.

"Ah, Lettuco!"

The coordinator nodded at Radditz before turning to Bardock. "Do you know where Lord Vegeta is?"

The older Saiyan sighed wearily. "I believe I see him just behind you, making a beeline for the Queen."

Lettuco watched the Lord for a moment and then turned back to the Lieutenant. "Do you think he was right about those two?"

Bardock frowned slightly, ignoring his older son's questioning look. "It's too early to tell yet. But, personally, from the pained expressions on both of their faces, I'm starting to believe that Lord Vegeta was entirely mistaken."

*** Grand Hall ***

(Hours Later)

It was growing late, and his mate was growing tired. Vegeta met Nappa's gaze and nodded once.

The bald Saiyan gained everyone's attention with his booming voice. "The King and his new mate are retiring for the night."

All of the occupants of the room bowed respectfully as the royal pair descended the steps from the platform and walked out of the room, and then they stood, going back to the party.

Chichi's brows furrowed as she saw the blank expression on Bulma's face. Perhaps I should have said something to Bulma…but, well, something tells me I shouldn't interfere. She took her mate's hand and smiled into his face as he led her out of the room.

Kakkarot glanced at his mate. "So what'd you think of those two?" he asked casually.

"I think it's a mistake to put the two of them together," she said boldly. "But…I don't know, I get this peculiar feeling when I see that pair that I just can't put my finger on."

Her mate hid his surprise at her statement, a grin on his face. "Well, Lord Vegeta seems to think that the two of them are destined for each other."

Chichi was silent for a moment as she contemplated this belief. Is it possible? It would explain a lot of things. Like why Bulma felt so strongly in her hatred for him, and why Vegeta was always picking on her. "Sweet Kami-sama," she said faintly.

"Yeah, that's what I thought at first," Kakkarot said, laughing at the expression on her face. "But after I got a while to think about it, I started to like the idea." He quickly sobered. "The only thing is, you can't mention this to either of them or they'll ruin everything."

The brunette woman's brows furrowed slightly in confusion. "How do you mean?"

The Saiyan scratched the back of his head as he tried to think of a way to phrase his statement. "Well…uh, you know how the two of them are both kind of proud and stubborn?" He continued after she nodded emphatically in agreement. "We—uh, Lord Vegeta, my father, Lettuco, and I—we all believe that their natural inclinations after hearing about this kind of thing would be to fight destiny so to speak."

Chichi suddenly thought back to a conversation she'd had with Bulma not too long ago…

***Flashback***

Chichi waved her hand in dismissal to that information. "I know what the 'agreement' between you is. But I still think that it will change into something else."

"Yeah…right."

Bulma rolled her eyes, seeing her friend out. "I know, I know. And trust me, I won't let that ever happen."

***End of Flashback***

His mate nodded solemnly, a smile on her pretty face. "Well, I'd have to agree with all of you on that."

Kakkarot sighed in relief. "So you promise not to say anything?"

Chichi smiled at him, squeezing his hand reassuringly. "I promise."

***The King's Quarters ***

(About 15 minutes later)

Bulma waited patiently as the King opened the door to his quarters and then quietly followed him in. His rooms were much more resplendent than those she was used to…but not too much unlike the kind of splendor she was used to from living in Capsule Corp.

Her mate gestured vaguely in the direction of their bedroom. "Your clothes are in there. He removed his gloves as he walked through the doorway, flipping on the light and taking off his boots. "I'll be in the shower," he said, not even sparing her a glance.

The new Queen of the Saiyans heard him but chose not to acknowledge, choosing instead to examine her surroundings. That's a huge bed she thought, sitting on it, the blank look still on her face. She vaguely wondered if she was in shock. Probably.

She patted the royal blue comforter and rubbed the silky material between her fingers, a small smile on her face. He has good taste, she found herself thinking. Her smile wavered slightly and she stood up, looking elsewhere. There was a clothes rack to one side of the room with woman's clothes hanging from it. Bulma walked over there slowly, her skirts swishing in the silence of the room. She examined the clothes, a frown on her face as a memory came into the haze of her thoughts. These are the clothes that Tatiana made. The foreign girl had been right: the clothes were very beautiful. And they'd need to be since you're a Queen now, a voice in her mind told her. Bulma winced and looked away from the rich fabrics, a part of her mind still refusing to believe that was true. Crossing the room, she sat back down on the bed to wait for her new mate.

*** ***

Vegeta sighed, tilting his head back to let the water pour down his chest, his eyes closed. He only hoped that during this time, his mate was coming out of whatever strange human mood she was in, and coming to her senses. Their joining would be much simpler if she was cooperative and the mood he sensed from her that night…wasn't exactly cooperative or uncooperative. It was more apathetic. The King adjusted the water temperature as he thought back to their ceremony.

***Flashback (A day before The Ceremony) ***

"This is a lot better than the stuff they were serving at that meeting yesterday," Lord Vegeta commented, gesturing in the direction of their loin chops.

Vegeta nodded absently, his thoughts elsewhere.

His father turned to Bulma, who had finished eating a while ago. "Are you ready for the ceremony tomorrow?"

The human female's eyes flashed quickly some unreadable emotion for a second, and then she nodded solemnly. "Yes, the dressmaker has given me the dress and says she finished all of my other clothes." She glanced at her fiancée for a moment before returning her gaze to his father a smile on her face. "It's only a matter of getting used to being called 'Your Majesty' instead of 'hey you,'" she joked.

Kakkarot chuckled at her statement. "You'll get used to it easily enough," he said comfortingly.

Bulma smiled slightly. "I hope so."

Lord Vegeta glanced at his offspring, a mischievous gleam in his eyes as he spoke. "Who knows? Maybe after a while you'll grow to like it."

The female shrugged, her thoughts drifting.

Vegeta frowned at his father, wondering what the too casually spoken statement was hinting at.

"After all," the older Saiyan continued, not paying his son any attention. "My son isn't quite as bad as he makes himself out to be."

"Would you, for once, just shut the hell up old man," the King growled in irritation.

Bulma smiled slightly at Lord Vegeta, disbelief in her voice as she spoke in an especially low voice to the Saiyan sitting beside her. "I find that hard to believe," she said so softly that he was the only one who heard her.

"Wait and see," he said aloud, chuckling.

***(The Next Day)***

Vegeta felt his heartbeat accelerate ever so slightly as he saw her for the first time that day, and he unconsciously wondered why it was that this woman could look attractive in anything, be it sweatpants and a T-shirt or dressed as formally as she was that day. His future mate wore a deep, royal blue sleeveless dress that was tight in the bodice and then belled out into long, shimmering skirts. She wore matching gloves and a deep blue sapphire at her throat and wore her hair down in curls.

She met his gaze and he felt his muscles stiffen slightly as he saw that blank expression on her face as she placed a hand on his arm.

He made his muscles relax as he led her up the steps to the ceremony head.

Sal nodded his sandy head at them before opening an ancient book and reading from it in the Old Tongue for what seemed like forever. Vegeta only half-listened, his sense attuned to the female at his side, who seemed somehow detached from the entire occurrence. He turned his head as he sensed it was about time for his involvement in the ceremony.

"King Vegeta," Sal said solemnly. "Will you protect your mate, Bulma's honor as you protect your own and will you see that all of her needs are met?"

Vegeta's expression was somber. "I will," he said gruffly.

Sal nodded at him, pouring wine into a goblet. "Then please drink from this goblet."

The King took a quick sip from the cup, a little relieved that Sal had chosen to use one of the weakest wines in the galaxy for their ceremony.

The ceremony head turned to the impassive female. "Bulma Briefs, will you honor your mate, King Vegeta and fulfill all of his needs?"

She was silent for a moment as she fought inwardly to respond. "Yes, I will," she said softly.

On Sal's indication, Vegeta handed her the goblet and she took it from him, meeting his gaze for a second as their fingers touched. She drank from the goblet and handed it to Sal.

The elderly Saiyan took the goblet nodding at them both. "Vows exchanged, it is now time to seal this deal with a kiss."

The King sensed her growing panic and he took her shoulders and kissed her before she could think to protest. She relaxed slightly but stood unresponsive in his grasp. When Vegeta ended the kiss, her expression was just as cold and lifeless as before.

Sal beamed at them. "King Vegeta, Queen Bulma, good health to you both, and may your joining be a peaceful, fruitful one."

***End of Flashback***

Vegeta turned off the water, a scowl on his face as he yanked the curtain open. He'd be damned if he let the damned woman's sulking keep him from consummating their joining on this night.

****Zarbon's Quarters ***

(That same night)

Zarbon groped blindly in the dark for his bedfellow and then sighed as he remembered she wouldn't be there. She's out doing a 'service for the empire' remember? He thought irritably. He inwardly cursed Freeza for what he'd made his lover do. "It's not fair," he said aloud, and then instantly wishing he hadn't sounded so childish when he said that. But it wasn't fair. Just when he'd gotten something he'd really wanted—really needed in his opinion—Freeza had taken it away from him just like that.

What really angered him was not knowing when she'd be back or even if she'd ever be back. He felt himself getting upset. She'd better come back he thought, a look of fierce anger on his usually handsome face.

***Room #96 ***

(That Same Night)

"Mm, Kakkarot, that feels good," Chichi purred as her mate massaged her back.

He smiled at her lovingly. "Just making up for lost time. You don't really mind all that much do you?" he asked, a guilty expression on his face.

Chichi turned to face him, an adoring smile on her face. "Of course I don't. I just get kind of lonely and I start to miss having you around: that's all. By the time Gohan is born…well, I have a feeling I'll be too busy to be lonely."

The King's guard smiled at her gratefully, kissing her. "I'm so lucky to have you."

She laughed at him, snuggling up closer to his body. "Damned right," she teased.

"I honestly don't know what I'd do without you," he said slowly, his voice shaking slightly. He grasped her shoulders suddenly, his eyes showing his seriousness at that moment. "Chichi, if you ever left me…" he trailed off, unable to even finish the statement.

Rather than be put off by his confession, his mate felt herself falling in love with him even more. "I feel the same way about you."

The Saiyan smiled sheepishly, letting her go. "I'm sorry. It's just that, well, I've seen so many mated people dissolve their joining and it's always hard on them. We really are lucky to have true feelings in our joining," he said softly.

Chichi smiled slightly as her thoughts moved to Bulma. "I only hope that somehow Bulma and the King can have the same kind of happiness we have."

Kakkarot nodded his head in agreement, but inwardly he wasn't so sure. I want it as bad as you do, Chichi…I'm just not so sure it'll happen.

***The Royal Chambers***

(That same Night)

Bulma took off her gloves and shoes slowly and then rolled her hose down her legs. She'd heard the water turn off in the bathroom and she knew that soon it'd be time for the two of them to consummate their joining. The human female felt nothing still…except for the slightest bit of trepidation somewhere in the back of her mind. But it was mostly engulfed by the apathetic state of mind that had taken over her brain functions like some kind of defense mechanism.

The blue haired woman reached up to take off the beautiful sapphire necklace Tatiana had left for her to wear, tensing as she heard the bathroom door open. She took off the necklace and dropped it on top of her gloves, her eyes meeting those of her mate as he entered to bedroom

Vegeta crossed his arms over his chest, a slight frown on his face as he looked at her. She still looked as lifeless as before…only now, there was the slightest trace of something resembling fear in her eyes. What the hell is she afraid of? She's acting as though we've never done this before, he thought irritably.

Bulma stood and coolly reached back and unzipped her dress so that it fell into a puddle around her ankles, leaving her completely nude. She met his gaze and walked toward him, her eyes full of conviction as she moved to complete their mission for that night.

The King was too surprised to do anything just then, his eyes flashed with surprise and then desire as he watched her approach him, her beautifully curled blue hair framing her face.

His mate stood before him and put her arms around his neck, pressing her bare breasts to his chest and kissed him with a passion that surprised him. Vegeta found himself responding to her in spite of a part of his mind that advised him that this was all a bad idea. He allowed the female to press his back against the wall and realized with amusement that she had taken off the towel that had been wrapped around his waist. He couldn't deny that the fiery blue-haired female aroused him, but common sense told him this was wrong. For some reason, the woman was not acting as she normally would. So, as her hands move down toward his ready and willing member, he stopped her, breaking their contact abruptly.

Bulma tried to embrace him again, but he kept her back. "I don't know what the hell is wrong with you, woman, but I refuse to take advantage of the fact that you are not fully conscious of what you're doing," he told her, irritation on his face.

Something happened then: a light came on in her eyes and Bulma was back to her senses. She shuddered suddenly as she realized what she'd just done, turning from Vegeta to hide the flush on her cheeks.

It's about fucking time, Vegeta thought, relieved as he realized she was back to normal. He begrudgingly pulled on some shorts to ease her discomfort. "Your clothes are over there," he told her.

She nodded walking toward the clothes rack. The female quickly found a nightgown and pulled it on, along with some underwear for modesty's sake. She stood by the rack for a while, not really wanting to get in bed, but knowing full well that she'd have to sooner or later. This was your decision Bulma, now follow through with it, she told herself. Bulma turned to find that the King's eyes were on her and she blushed slightly. "What?" she blurted unthinkingly.

He raised his brows, crossing his arms over his bare, muscled chest. "I'm the one who should be asking you that: as in, what the hell was that all about?"

Bulma winced. "I…I guess I was having difficulty accepting that this was really happening," she admitted slowly.

Vegeta frowned. "And what brought you around?" he asked curiously.

She shrugged, blinking innocently. "I don't know," she lied. As if she was going to tell him the truth. That his unselfish act had made her realize…that maybe, just maybe this wouldn't all be as bad as she thought. It could even be an enjoyable experience. "Are we still going to…go through with this?"

The Saiyan King frowned and finally shook his head. "Perhaps it'd be best to go through with this another night."

Bulma smiled slightly in gratitude before getting into bed. "Well, if you don't mind, I'm kind of tired…"

Vegeta carefully considered getting into bed with the woman and then considered deciding against it. He shouldn't in the state that he was in: he was much too aroused to sleep in the same bed as this woman and stay in control of his baser emotions…wasn't he? No, he thought, turning off the light and getting into bed, turning his back to her. My self-control is boundless. I will very easily be able to get through tonight.

*** The King's Quarters***

(0235)

Vegeta got out of the bed, a dour expression on his face. He'd made an effort, and had failed. As soon as he'd started to get comfortable, or right when he started to fall asleep, the human female would moan in her sleep or brush up against him waking him up instantly, and making him painfully aware of her presence. He put on his training gi and stormed out of his rooms to get some training. That would help drive all thoughts of that bothersome woman out of his mind.

*** ****

END OF CHAPTER NINE!

Woo, this chapter was interesting to write. I know some of you will be like, 'what the hell was up with Bulma?' Well think about it, she never really in the past had the opportunity to ADJUST to all the changes in her life and NOW she's gone from being a teacher to being the Queen of one of the most powerful planets in the universe. So, I had to do it (even though it absolutely pained me to do so). Anyway, this chapter was long (as promised) and chock full of stuff. A few little moments between Chichi and Kakkarot (he's so cute!) and Egplnta and her father (I wanted to show a more loving relationship between a Saiyan and his offspring here) and some fun stuff with Freeza (I hate writing those…to me those are some of the hardest parts. It's like getting into the mind of a madman, LOL).

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Many thanks to SSJ Shadow who will be beta-ing for me! =) All right, don't forget to read and review! And I'll work on Chapter Ten as soon as possible!

Ciao for now Folks!

*~* Bulma16/Aisu-Sama/Claire-Chan *~*