Hi people! How's it going? Everything's Fine and Dandy in the world of Claire. In the world of LTL's Bulma and Vegeta…well, that's a horse of a different color, LOL. I hope you enjoy this chapter. SSJ Shadow and I worked really hard on it.

*~* *~* Learning To Love: Chapter 10 *~* *~*

***QUARTERS OF THE KING AND QUEEN***

Humiliation. Pure and simple. There was nothing like waking up to a glorious morning, only to remember that the night before, you had made a complete and utter ass of yourself. Bulma groaned putting her hands over her face. It was like college all over again!

A fast glance around the room showed no signs of the Saiyan King…and there was no sound of a shower running in the bathroom. And it's not like Vegeta's one to hide…if he was here, he'd let me know. The human female stood up slowly, stretching and yawning as she walked to the clothes rack to survey her recently acquired wardrobe. There was a nice selection…much to pick from…but what was she dressing for? Just what kind of things would she expect to do now that she was Queen of Saiyans? What kind of things will Vegeta expect from me now? Bulma wondered nervously, swallowing hard.

***SOMEWHERE IN THE CASTLE…***

"…and if you think I'm fucking kidding, be one millisecond late and see what happens!"

Kakkarot tried not to sigh with relief as the King finished roaring at some underlings whose only crime had been to cross his path at this unfortunate point in time. Gee, I wonder what happened to piss Vegeta off, he wondered absently, trailing the King as he stormed down the hallways. The Royal Guard cleared his throat. "Sire, if I may..." he paused a moment giving the King time to tell him to shut the hell up if necessary. "Is there, ahem, something that has displeased you? Something to do with--"

"Don't!" Vegeta broke in angrily, whipping around to face the startled Kakkarot. He lowered his voice, speaking more calmly. "Don't say her name."

"What happened sire?" Kakkarot winced as he saw Vegeta's power spike through his scouter. "I mean…I might hear about it later from Chichi later on…that is if uh, the Queen tells her. They're close friends you know."

The King muttered a few choice words under his breath for a full three minutes. "That damned woman," he finally got out, the furious look in his eyes making several soldiers back up and find another way to get to their destination. The two Saiyans looked up as they sensed a familiar ki approaching.

"So boy, how was your night of consummation?" the former King drawled.

Vegeta scowled darkly at his father, crossing his arms over his chest. "Don't you start with me today old man."

The older Saiyan ignored the warning in his tone. "Heard from a few whimpering Sergeants  that you were in one nasty mood and had to see for myself," he chuckled. He raised his brows in amusement. "She hold out on you, huh?"

A muscle in the King's temple jerked sporadically his face flushed red with anger, and he clenched his fists so tightly that Kakkarot would have bet everything he owned that Vegeta had broken a bone somewhere. In a surprising (and admirable) display of self control, the ruler managed to walk away from his father without killing him, but not before cursing him out in 4 different languages.

Lord Vegeta chuckled in amusement as he watched his offspring storm down the hallway. "You think I hit a sensitive spot?"

Kakkarot laughed weakly still trying to quash the apprehension that had sprung up upon seeing the wrath in the King's eyes. "Yeah…I guess you did."

*** The Dining Hall ***

(That same night)

Bulma glanced up at Vegeta again, unable to truly come to grips with the fact that he was actually ignoring her. Maybe I should consider myself lucky, she thought turning her attention to the conversation going on around her.

"There's nothing like a good session of reprimand to get those damn Sergeants in line," Lord Vegeta advised casually.

Bardock nodded his head. "I agree. Fear is a good motivator for some."

Kakkarot cursed as he spilled his drink all over the table and onto the floor. Chichi patted him on the knee reassuringly as he sheepishly got out of the way so that the servants could clean up the mess.

"That's my son," Bardock sighed, shaking his head wearily. "One of the clumsiest Saiyans I know."

Bulma frowned ever so slightly, her brows furrowed together. "How can you say that about Kakkarot? He's one of the kindest Saiyans on this planet!"

Chichi glanced at Bulma who had remained silent up until that point. "Bulma, what's wrong with you?" she asked, confused as to why her friend was taking her father in law's teasing so seriously.

Her blue haired friend's lip quivered a moment and then her resolve strengthened. "I'm tired of certain Saiyans bringing people down, helpless to control themselves and their egos! It's always the nice ones that this…I mean, these assholes bring down!"

Silence filled the room as everyone present simultaneously realized what-or rather who-Bulma was talking about. Almost against their wills, everyone turned to gauge the King's reaction.

Vegeta wiped his hands calmly on his napkin before pushing back his chair and standing up slowly, a look of great composure on his face as he looked at everyone in turn, leaving his mate for last. Upon meeting her defiant gaze the corner of his mouth curled up ever so slightly in a very unconvincing resemblance of a smile.

Bulma fought the impulse to flinch at what she saw on his face; behind the calm front. Red hot boiling rage…directed at her. She swallowed hard but did not give him any sign of her growing apprehension.

He switched his gaze to Kakkarot nodded once and then left, his cape rustled behind him and his footsteps echoed loudly in the silence of the Great Hall.

Lord Vegeta laughed and took a long sip from his silver goblet, the slight waver in his hand showing that even he had been unsettled by the potent anger coming from his son. "Cheers," he said solemnly raising his glass to Bulma.

***SOMEWHERE IN THE CASTLE***

(Around the same time…)

Sgt. Cor Nshuck yawned tiredly as he stood at the entrance to the Royal Castle. It had been a long 72 hours on the job and he wasn't due to get off for another thirty minutes. He scratched his bicep absently while keeping a sharp eye out for any trespassers. He tensed slightly as he sensed someone behind him and turned around to see a lithe young woman with her arms crossed over her chest and gazed pensively at the castle. The sergeant frowned and stepped toward her. "Halt right there! State your business. What are you doing here on Vegetaseii?"

The woman laughed softly as she turned to face him, her visage partially covered in shadow. "Get out of my way you. I have business with the King."

What the hell, the guard wondered as he made a move to apprehend her. "The King won't see you."

 "That's not his decision to make. Nor is it yours," was the smooth retort delivered in a mocking tone. The miscreant female's muscles tensed as her body was swathed in a bright green glow. "I will return," she promised, disappearing into the night.

*** THE ROYAL CHAMBERS***

(Hours Later…)

Never before in her life had she been so certain of her own doom. Never before had she been so certain of her own helplessness. And never before had she been so unwilling to fight back.

Bulma stared blankly up at the ceiling in the darkness of the bedroom, listening as hard as she could for the sound of her mate, Vegeta coming in to kill her like he had threatened several times before. But for once, the proud human didn't feel like fighting. If Vegeta was going to come and kill her tonight, then she'd accept her fate with the kind of grace and dignity she wanted to be remembered for.

Just then, she heard the door open and close and then the slow approach of footsteps toward the bedroom door. This is it Bulma. Just remember…your pride. A soft knock sounded against the door making her bolt upright in bed. Courtesy?! From Vegeta? She jumped out of bed and flicked on the light as she walked over to the door. "Kakkarot!" she exclaimed softly, rubbing her eyes as they grew accustomed to the light.

The Guard looked away from the scantily clad female. "The King ordered me here to guard you. There's currently a security breach that he is addressing."

"Someone's trying to break into the castle?" she asked bewilderedly. "But why?"

Kakkarot shrugged. "We don't know yet. All I know is that I have to stay here and make sure you're safe."

Bulma shrugged, yawning tiredly. "Fine whatever, I just need to get some sleep."

The lower class Saiyan grinned. "Right. I'll just sit out here then." He sat down on the couch, propping his legs up on the cushion and running a hand through his unruly hair.

The Queen of Saiyans turned to go to bed but paused as something came to mind. "Kakkarot," she said slowly, turning to face him. "You saw the King's, well, uh performance at dinner tonight. What did you think of it all?"

What did I think of it all? Why is she asking me this…? "Well," he said hesitantly, tapping his fingertips restlessly on the arm of the couch. "I sort of got the impression that Vegeta was angry with you."

It took all her self control to keep from saying, "no shit Sherlock" in response to this statement. "What else did you perceive?"

"Uh, well, I can't really say," the younger man said, not meeting her eyes. To tell the absolute truth, he just didn't really want to get involved in their argument, especially after the King's shitty mood as of late. The only time he would let himself get involved would be if one of their lives was to be in danger…more specifically, if Bulma was ever in danger, because as far as his mate, Chichi, was concerned, Vegeta was sure to kill her 'in the throes of passion' as she put it.

Bulma sighed wearily. She should have known that Saiyan loyalty would come to play here, not only that but self-preservation. Chances were extremely slim that she'd get anything out of Kakkarot tonight.

"Fine, I'll just go on to bed then." She walked into the bedroom and closed the door. Yawning, she plopped down into bed and hugged the pillow tightly to her chest. There was nothing to do now but enjoy the sweet benefits of sleep, and if Vegeta wasn't going to kill her tonight, well, there was always tomorrow.

(Moments later…)

The sound of voices dragged her from her unconscious state.

"…looked everywhere and there was no trace of an intruder?"

Bulma heard the low tones of Vegeta respond to Kakkarot's question. "Right, and I had the guard tested for chemical influences and he was completely clean."

"This is weird…" the guard murmured.

The human female tried to hear the King's response but she couldn't make out just what exactly he was saying.

"She's okay; she went to bed a while ago," Kakkarot replied, yawning.

Vegeta said something else to him, to which his guard replied, "Thank you sire. Good night." Then Bulma heard the door open and close. She closed her eyes and quickly slowed down her breathing as she heard the bedroom door open.

The King of all Saiyans paused for a moment in the doorway as he caught sight of his mate lying in the bed, apparently asleep. He wasn't exactly aware of what he was thinking as he walked to her bedside and looked down into her beautifully serene face. But he knew he felt a certain sense of relief upon seeing her there, in one piece.

Bulma's mind raced as she sensed Vegeta standing above her. If he's going to kill me, what is he waiting for? She wondered, not daring to move an inch. It was then, as she felt his warm hands on her face that she started to have second thoughts. She didn't want to die. Not now. But it he was going to strangle her or break her neck, his hands were not on the right place…

Vegeta could feel her pulse accelerating beneath his fingertips so he knew she was feigning sleep for one reason or another. He laughed softly. This woman was an enigma wrapped inside of a riddle, wrapped inside of a puzzle and Kami knows, it was taking all of his patience and then some to keep from strangling her. He pushed loose strands of hair from her face, surprised by his own actions. As he looked down at her, Vegeta found himself thinking, she looks so…fragile. And yet I know her to be as strong a woman as any Saiyan.

At that moment, the King was swamped by feelings he had never felt before…and he found their effects to be as intoxicating as the sweet smell of his Queen.

Bulma nearly gasped as she felt the King put a gentle kiss on her lips. She didn't know what to make of it! But…oh sweet Kami-sama, why do things have to be so complicated? She thought, feeling an odd pang in her chest at the tender compassion behind that kiss.

The new Queen of all Saiyans opened her cerulean blue eyes just as her mate was turning to leave. She sat up and held a hand out to him. "Vegeta wait!" she swallowed with some difficulty as she felt affection of some kind building inside her as she looked into his eyes. "Don't leave me alone tonight."

***ROOM # 96***

(The next day…)

Chichi cleared her throat, looking at her mate pointedly.

Kakkarot raised his brows. "Yes?"

"Don't tell me you didn't notice how strange Bulma was acting at breakfast this morning!"

Her mate shrugged. "I didn't notice anything."

"Oh for goodness' sakes; you didn't notice how quiet she was? Or how she winced every time the King said something?"

"Nope."

The brunette woman rolled her eyes. "You are hopeless Kakkarot."

He chuckled good-naturedly. "Now you sound like my father."

Chichi smiled at him fondly. "And we both say it because it's true."

Kakkarot frowned slightly as he remembered something. "Do you remember when I was summoned by the King last night?"

The pregnant female groaned. "I remember we were in the middle of one hell of a massage."

"Yeah, well, I had to go to guard Queen Bulma since there was a minor security breach in the castle."

"Did something happen?" the concerned female asked, her voice hushed.

"No, nothing happened. But…well, when King Vegeta got back, he was really concerned about the Queen's safety."

Chichi frowned. "That's weird. I guess maybe you and Lord Vegeta were right about him."

"I hope so, Chichi."

***Planet Freeze, CONTROL ROOM***

(Later that day…)

"Zarbon. Come here."

The officer flinched at the coldness in his master's voice as he moved to stand before him. "Yes, Lord Freeza?"

Freeza smirked slightly as he sensed the other man's discomfort. "I am in a very good mood today Zarbon. Would you like to know why?"

Zarbon couldn't meet the lizard's eyes. "Yes, sire."

"Your filthy little bitch has finally arrived on Vegetaseii. Isn't that great news?" Freeza asked, an evil smile on his face.

"Yes Lord Freeza, that's great news," his officer said in a flat tone.

"You don't sound nearly as delighted as I am Zarbon," Freeza said, his smile growing as Zarbon's discomfort grew. "Perhaps you're concerned as to the safety of your whore?"

Zarbon bit his lip so hard he broke skin in his effort not to speak out against what

Freeza was saying. He can't call Anyla that. She's anything but a whore. She's the woman I love.

"Ah Zarbon," Freeza said in a whimsical tone. "What am I going to do with you? Well, I know for certain that if I didn't need you for a very important task, you'd already be dead by now." The cruel leader laughed, much amused by the whole situation. "Doesn't that bit of news make you feel any better?"

"Y-yes sire."

*** Vegetaseii: THE ROYAL CHAMBERS ***

(That Afternoon…)

Bulma yawned tiredly as she flipped through an old business magazine she'd brought with her from earth. I miss working, she found herself thinking as she gazed at a picture of a smiling woman with goggles on operating a Bunsen burner. More specifically, she missed working in science. Maybe…just maybe, with some persuasion I could convince Vegeta to let me…she stopped that thought. "No way Bulma; you're overestimating your influence on him." Just because last night Vegeta showed you a gentler side doesn't necessarily mean anything…does it?

The previous night had been the kind of beautiful experience Bulma used to dream would occur between herself and her soul mate: the man she would love and spend the rest of her life with. It had been consensual caring and tenderness…and upon waking up that morning, the blue haired female hadn't even been sure it really happened. Vegeta's ignoring her all day hadn't helped matters much but it did make her believe that it really had happened. So what now I wonder? I guess I just wait until I see what move to make next.

***The Throne Room***

(A few minutes later…)

"Are you certain this is absolutely imperative?"

"Yes, sire. We can find no other alternative to this course of action," Lettuco said solemnly.

Vegeta frowned as he thought hard on the subject. "Very well. Inform Nappa on all that you told me and tell him to be ready within the hour."

His coordinator nodded in understanding and bowed before leaving. "Yes sire."

Kakkarot cleared his throat from where he was standing next to the King. "If I may, sire…"

"Go ahead, Kakkarot."

"Isn't it customary for the King's First Guard to accompany him on any trips off planet?" he asked.

Vegeta stood up and took a few steps toward the exit. "I need you to stay here Kakkarot and watch after Bulma," he said blandly, turning to face him.

His guard pushed aside his initial surprise. "Couldn't Nappa do that just as well as I can sire?" he persisted.

"I don't trust him as much as I trust you," was the King's smooth reply.

Kakkarot bowed lowly before the older Saiyan. "Thank you sire. I will not fail you."

***THE ROYAL CHAMBERS***

(Ten minutes later…)

Bulma nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard the door open and she got on her feet when she saw who it was. Her mind raced with thousands of things to say and questions to ask but she couldn't get anything out.

On his part, Vegeta barely spared her a glance before brushing past her into their bedroom. Irritated, Bulma followed him and silently watched for a long moment as he packed several items in a large case.

"Vegeta," she said softly, taking a few steps in his direction. "I-I want to ask a favor of you."

Her mate continued packing for a while and then as he yanked the zipper shut he replied, still not meeting her gaze. "What?" he asked harshly.

Bulma took a deep breath to calm her nerves. "I'd like to work in the science lab if you'll let me. I don't like having nothing to do all day. I promise I'd stay out of trouble," she finished quickly thinking that would be a good way to end her request.

The King looked at her then, an odd look on his face as his ebony orbs met her blue ones. "Very well woman," he said softly as he picked up his case. "I'll have Lettuco set it up for you."

"Thank you so much!" she gushed enthusiastically, a smile on her face. It dimmed slightly as she realized what was going on. "Are you leaving?"

"An astute observation if I've ever heard one," Vegeta drawled, a smirk on his face.

The Queen blushed, but continued her questioning. "Where are you going?"

Vegeta's smirk was quickly replaced with an irritated scowl. "I must be present for treaty delegations between two planets that want to join Vegetaseii's side in the fight against Freeza."

"Oh."

He walked past her and into their living room and entered the code to open the front door. Vegeta paused for a moment as if torn between deciding whether or not to say something before he left, but he evidently decided against this course of action as he walked out of the room and out of his mate's life for an indeterminate amount of time.

*** ROOM #96***

(Late that same evening…)

"It's great Chichi! I mean they have everything there. I'm so excited about it all!" Bulma gushed to her friend.

The pregnant woman wrinkled her nose at the mention of things pertaining to science. "Oh yeah that's right, you always liked that whole 'hands on' science-y crap," she said waving her hand dismissively. "So, what are you going to do now that Vegeta's gone?"

Bulma shrugged. "I imagine I'll just mess around the lab most of the time." She frowned as she thought of a question to ask her inquisitive friend. "When is he supposed to be back?"

It was Chichi's turn to shrug. "No one knows for sure how long he'll be gone. I suppose he has to stay until he's certain that all loose ends are tied up and etcetera."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," the Queen said slowly.

"Not that you'll miss him," her friend said slyly.

"No…of course I won't."

***Vegetaseii: UNKNOWN LOCATION ***

(A week later…)

Twice she'd asked someone about the Queen's security but there was no let down in the security. Apparently, the King's Guard took his job very seriously and made certain there was someone keeping an eye on the human female at all times.

"Damn it," she muttered to herself, slamming her mug onto the countertop. How was she going to be able to carry out her mission if things kept on as they were?


*** Planet Vance: War Room ***

(About 27 days later)

"Thanks again Vegeta. Your diplomatic advice has been key in these dealings," King Frances said sincerely shaking the Saiyan's hand enthusiastically for a moment.

Vegeta nodded his head folding his arms over his chest. "As long as we see eye to eye on what needs to be done concerning Freeza…"

"And I assure you, we do!"

"Yeah Frances, well it's time for me to return to Vegetaseii. You and Alloy will be coming to the big meeting on Vegetaseii in 8 weeks…?"

King Frances smiled. "Of course Vegeta…and then perhaps you could introduce us to your better half…?"

Vegeta scowled. "Let's go Nappa," he growled, turning to leave.

Nappa nodded his head curtly to Frances and followed the King of al Saiyans to the space port where they got into their respective pods. He ignored the rumbling of his stomach and the stab of pain behind his eyes as he entered the proper coordinates into the computer. It would only be about seven days, 12 maximum, until they reached Vegetaseii; his stomach could wait until then.

*** Planet Vegetaseii: Science Lab***

(Ten days later…)

"This particular strand of synthetic DNA that I have created is durable and cannot be denatured and in addition to all this," Bulma announced, smiling as her test subject stepped out of a pod of her creation as good as new, a sheepish grin on his face. "It can also be used to accelerate the healing process in Saiyans, or any other race."

"Genius! Pure genius," one of the scientists at the presentation raved, clapping enthusiastically along with everyone else.

"You know, she did the project all on her own, wouldn't let anyone else help her," someone murmured.

The Queen of Vegetaseii blushed as the applause and cheering continued. "I can't believe I've done it, Kakkarot."

The wet Saiyan beside her gratefully took a towel from one of the lab assistants and dried off his hair and chest. "Done what?" he asked, feeling a bit surprised that Bulma's invention had actually repaired the gaping wound that had been made in his shoulder at the beginning of the presentation.

She smiled enthusiastically as she saw the scientists pushing to get a closer look at her 'rejuvenation tank'. "I've earned their respect; I've been accepted as a Saiyan."

Kakkarot smiled slightly. "I guess you have. Is that really something that you consider to be important though?"

Bulma found herself momentarily speechless as she considered this. "I-I don't want them to think I'm something Vegeta settled for…that I'm in some way inferior to all of you."

The Guard laughed at her. "No one thought for a moment that any woman the King would join with could be inferior to the Saiyan race. Maybe they thought that she wouldn't be as well suited as a Saiyan female, but given the rather obvious differences between yourself and the King's previous fiancé, you are much preferred."

"I guess that's good to hear," the female said slowly, putting her hands in the pockets of her lab coat as she walked with the Saiyan to her office.

He closed the door behind himself and sat in the chair across from her, rubbing his shoulder absently.

"Does it hurt?" she asked him once she noticed that the shoulder that appeared to be bothering him was the same shoulder they had injured for her presentation that day.

Kakkarot shook his head. "No…I just can't believe that the reju-whatever tank, actually worked."

Bulma raised her blue eyebrows in question. "You have difficulty believing that I came up with this? Kakkarot I'm hurt," she said, a slight trace of mocking in her voice.

The Saiyan male shook his head, anxious to get his point across. "No! Not really. I mean, it's hard to believe that someone like you could--"

"Someone like me?" she interrupted, frowning. "Just what exactly do you mean by that?"

Inwardly cursing his clumsiness, he pressed on. "What I was trying to say was that, usually you don't expect a woman with your looks to also be so smart."

The Queen smiled brightly, all forgiven. "Thank you Kakkarot, and I guess I see what you mean." I'm glad he can appreciate that. Maybe some of the other Saiyans around here—namely Vegeta—will start to realize that. And while I'm thinking of that baffling man…. "Hey, Kakkarot when is Vegeta supposed to get back?" she asked.

Trying hard not to smile at her too casual tone, he shrugged his shoulders, appearing to be very nonchalant. "Any day now; it's just a manner of time I suppose before he's back and everything's back to normal, right?"

Bulma forced a laugh. "Right." Whatever the hell normal may be…

*** Landing Port ***

(Two hours later…)

Vegeta felt himself dragged from deep sleep and his eyes snapped open as he heard his ship informing him of his arrival on Vegetaseii. The door to his pod snapped open and he got out, relieved that he was getting the opportunity to stretch out his muscles. He tried to ignore the pain in his stomach and the intense blinding pain in his head. He hadn't been able to eat anything during the entire duration of the trip so he was feeling rather weak. How Nappa had been able to stomach it was beyond him. Yet at the same time…something felt very wrong, but he wasn't going to let himself dwell on it.

The King forced himself to walk quickly, his arms crossed over his chest as he walked past at least 5 of his officers trying to get his attention. He wanted to get to his rooms as quickly as possible and if things went as he hoped they would, no one would ever catch wind of his weakness. The only possible problem he could fathom was his mate, but he was certain he could deal with her if necessary.

***The Royal Chambers***

Her new freedom was great and she was certainly enjoying it but at the same time, she felt alone, even amongst the group of lab workers who constantly sought her wisdom and advice on their many experiments. It was as though a vital part of her was missing.

Maybe I miss…no, that's just ridiculous, I can't believe I was stupid enough to even consider that for a moment. Bulma gulped down her sherry as she flipped through the glossy pages of her science magazine, twirling a strand of her hair around one finger as she contemplated different ideas for her next invention. "Perhaps something, well, maybe a new kind of ship," she thought aloud, visualizing it in her mind's eye.

The Queen paused a moment as she heard the door open and then flipped the pages decisively. She didn't even have to look up to know who it was, something about the decisive footsteps that made their way in her direction that let her know at once who it was. "Back so soon?" she said lightly, not looking up.

Vegeta found himself nearly smiling in spite of his foul mood brought about by his mysterious ailment. "So it would seem."

Bulma bit her lip to keep from laughing—she really did enjoy their banter. "I can only assume that your dealings went well then…?"

The King felt a sharp throb of pain in his stomach and he grit his teeth as he felt his energy slowly draining him.

His mate looked up finally to see what delayed his reply, and gasped at what she saw. "Vegeta! What is it? What's wrong?" she asked, walking over to him, concern in her eyes.

He growled in warning. "Stay away from me, woman." He made his way to the couch and sat down heavily, watching the room swim before his eyes.

The Queen sat down beside him and looked into his eyes. "You have to tell me what ails you Vegeta so that I may do something…."

Vegeta closed his eyes as he saw four blue haired women before his eyes. "Get…a doctor…" he finally got out, beads of sweat appearing on his brow.

Bulma felt his forehead with the back of her hand. "Sweet Kami-sama Vegeta; you're burning up!" she exclaimed.

The Saiyan winced at the sudden loud noise. "Stop wasting…time," he told her, forcing his eyes open so that he could try to make eye contact with one of the Bulma's. "Go now."

The human female frowned at him as she noticed his focus was off kilter. "I know enough about medicine Vegeta; you don't need a doctor."

"Don't be…stupid." This was said in a near whisper as the King's energy continually dwindled.

Bulma stood up, determination setting in. "I am competent Vegeta, whether you care to acknowledge the fact or not. I'll treat you in my lab. I know how you are about your pride though, so I'm going to give you the opportunity to walk with my help." She ignored the disgusted noise she heard from the ailing man. "I'm stronger than I look Vegeta. If we do this right, we can make it look like you're supporting me."

Vegeta's eyes burned with some of his old fervor as his pride took the blow. "I can stand!" he said angrily, standing in one fluid motion. He wavered on his feet for a second but quickly steadied himself. "Fine; you lead."

His mate hid her amusement as she nodded at him resolutely. "Right. Let's go then."

*** The Queen's Laboratory***

"Just a little further," she told him, feeling admiration for this man--who was obviously in a great deal of pain—who managed to walk all the way across the palace without faltering and without her assistance.

Vegeta said nothing. Every ounce of his strength was going into the task at hand.

The scientist typed her password into the computer and entered the proper key-sequence to activate an examination table. "Can you…" She didn't even get to finish her sentence before the exhausted King lay himself on the table, clearly unable to keep up the macho façade any longer.

My gosh…he must be in horrible pain, she found herself thinking, pity entering her heart. The professionalism in Bulma made her temporarily forget her feelings toward this man (both positive and negative). She quickly washed her hands and put on a pair of sterile gloves, standing so that she was looking into the face of the pale, unconscious Saiyan. Whether he realizes it or not, he's trusting me with his life. Now's my chance to show him what kind of woman I really am.

** ** **

"Sire!"

Vegeta turned, raising his brows as he heard the urgency in Kakkarot's voice. "What is it?"

The younger man gave the one knee bow of submission. "It-it's Bulma sire. The Queen, something terrible has happened."

The wavering in his voice made Vegeta wonder how terrible it could really be. "What is it?" he demanded, a scowl on his face. "Stop screwing around and tell me Kakkarot!"

The Guard stood then and met the King's gaze, his eyes having a haunted look. "You have to see for yourself," he said softly. "Go to her. She's waiting for you."

Vegeta felt a chill in his spine as Kakkarot disappeared right in front of his eyes. There was definitely something amiss here. As far as he knew, the younger Saiyan hadn't mastered that skill yet.

"…Vegeta…"

It was Bulma. The King followed the whispered voice, his mind devoid of all thoughts except one; he had to see the terrible thing Kakkarot had seemed afraid to say.

"Vegeta…Vegeta." Her voice was beginning to sound more alarmed now so Vegeta quickened his footsteps.

And then he was there; at last. He walked into his quarters, his mind not registering the fact that nothing was as it should be. The Saiyan took a deep breath as he quickly swept through the living room and opened the door to the dimly lit bedroom.

"Vegeta," Bulma said softly from where she lay on the bed.

"Bulma," he got out stand at her bedside and looking down into her face. He inadvertently took a step back at what he saw.

Anyla sat up slowly. "Just wait Vegeta. In time I will get you where it hurts, just like you got me, and when I do your suffering will know no bounds."

** ** **

Vegeta jerked a couple of times on the examination table, a scowl on his face as he made unintelligible noises in his unconscious state. Bulma continued working after making sure the Saiyan male was done moving. She'd been working non-stop on him for the past 5 hours, doing lab tests, setting up his IV's, and bringing down his fever while making sure to keep the King's condition a secret from everyone, though she was sure people in the main lab were wondering why she'd been requesting so much medical equipment.

Bulma set up the bedrails and yawned as she ran her fingers through her unruly locks. She wanted to sit in her rolling chair for a moment and nap, but she needed to check the blood sample under the microscope before it was too late.

She switched the machine on and flipped it to the highest objective and peered through the lens at her prepared slide. "Hmm...well, let's see if I did this right. Ah ha, here we go. I can see the cells from the sample and they appear to be a little dehydrated, but they also appear to be…lysed…by something with mutagenic properties. But…that couldn't be true unless...." Bulma trailed off leaning back in her chair as she realized what must have happened. "Oh Kami; Vegeta's been poisoned!"

*** ***

End of LTL10

So what'd you think? Review, review, review and when you're done, review some more! I really want to know what you guys think about this! Okay, so if you have any questions, comments, requests, etc drop me a line! I'm always happy to oblige, LOL. Okay, I'm going to upload this now before I forget. Everyone have a *GREAT* Spring Break! And I'll update…uh, before school's out I promise, LOL.

Ciao for now folks!

*Bulma16/Claire