First, some Review Responses! (Haven't seen these in a while have ya?)
PURPLERAINDROPS: Wow, has it really been that long? It feels like just yesterday I started. Thank you very much for sticking with the story this long and I hope you continue to enjoy the LTL experience!
JUST4SMILES: I'm glad you liked it! I agree, Bulma and Vegeta are ridiculously stubborn at times (you'll see that in this chapter also). I don't know which Vegeta I'd choose! I loved the sweet one but I also love the asshole version, LOL. Maybe I would have flipped a coin…no, I'm just kidding. I'd probably choose the original, but not for the same reasons as Bulma. I'd choose him for the sex P Just kidding, gosh, I'm so evil. Thanks for reading!
Enchanted-Princess: I am happy to hear that you decided to read this and that you liked it. I understand your apprehension about reading certain stories. There are a lot of weird ones out there nowadays, LOL. Not that I'm weird ahem …right. LOL, thanks for giving LTL a chance!
VEGGIENAKU: I know! Don't you just hate when the author makes the character so blind to their true emotions?! I know it's evil and annoying, but it happens a lot in real life. Hope you enjoy LTL13 as much as I do!
CCFLEURSDELYS: Thank you! And I hope you enjoy this chapter.
THEOUJISMATE: Hopefully this chapter will help ease your anxiety! Well…more or less. I couldn't decide for a while if I wanted to make this a cliffhanger or not. Anyway, let me know how you feel! Many thanks for reading and reviewing LTL12! Oh, wait, I see more reviews down here. Yeah, I do skip stuff between chapters, especially at the beginning of this fic. Right around that point, you're just trying to make a foundation as fast as you can so you can start building your story from there. In the later chapters, try to slow things down. Oh good, you caught the name thing! ) Then you'll love the newest character's name, LOL. Thanks for reading/reviewing!
SUPERSAIYANSHADOW: Ah, long time no see! I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter-which took forever and a year to write. I really liked writing the Bulma and "Amnesia Vegeta" scene. Well, except for Bulma's feelings on the whole thing. That was kind of depressing. But anyway, I always value your advice. Thank you so much for reading Shadow!
Deranged Medicine: 28 Thank you's! I hope you love this chapter also! P
Princess Bulma: Don't feel bad. Sometimes I have to re-read LTL to remember, LOL. Gomen. But I'm glad you still enjoy the LTL experience!
RODEOSTAR: Thank you so much! And I think I would have chosen the old Vegeta too…after I'd basked in the adoration of Amnesia Vegeta for a while, LOL.
Sierra-Falls: Have a heart? Of course not! LOL, just kidding (uh, I think). I know cliffhangers are bad for your help, but I just can't help myself. Thanks for reading/reviewing!
Natasha: Thanks a lot!
Sesshomaru is my fluffy: I love Sesshomaru! But that's beside the point. Thank you so much! Wow, you nearly made me blush! I hope you enjoy the new chapters.
NASCARGURL2436: Sorry about those long delays between updates. I try to write as fast as I can but also without making the story too rushed. I think I did pretty well this time though. Two updates in almost one month! That's unheard of, LOL. Hope you continue to enjoy LTL!
SHADOWOBSCURITY: Thank you so much, ShadowObscurity! Ah, you're not selfish. Trust me, I've told a million billion authors to update soon. If that's selfishness, well then we have something in common!
BLUEVENOM: I know, I know. I can be cruel. I'm trying to work on cutting the delays between chapters. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
LAINA: Cause I'm evil! Never fear, I don't leave you on cliffhangers for too long. But then again, that's according to what you consider to be too long, LOL.
Konnichiwa minna! Whew, I finally finished! I didn't want you guys to think I've been ignoring what you have to say, so I decided to do review responses this time. Many thanks to those who reviewed. Since this chapter is lucky number 13, I want to make it extra special. And on that note, please-for the love of all that you hold to be sacrosanct-heed my:
WARNING! This chapter contains sexual content. Not enough for me to consider it to be rated NC-17, but enough so that I feel that I need to warn the younger readers. This fic is rated R after all so anyone reading it should be 18 (isn't that what they say at the movies?)
Ahem, and with that said, Please enjoy
Learning to Love: Chapter 13
His muscular hands massaged her breasts in a slow torturous kneading fashion at first, but as his thrusting became more urgent, his ministrations became less playful lover and something a little closer to the pleasure pain basis of sex. She arched her back and moaned, but continued to meet his thrusts half-way, their bodies fitting together as perfectly as if they were made for each other.
Her lover chuckled as he heard inadvertently emit a small whimper as they both began that maddening roller-coaster ascent to their climax.
Her toes clenched and unclenched as yet another orgasm sent ripples of pleasure through her body and she closed her eyes to let her other senses take over as she felt how close they were to their final destination.
"No," he said in the husky, almost breathless voice of one on the verge. "I want you and I to be looking at each other when it happens."
Her cerulean eyes opened and she did as he said. The female was both intrigued and impassioned by the desire she could see in those fathomless onyx eyes of his and as she looked up into his roguishly handsome face felt a sudden deep and unexplainable connection forming between herself and the infuriating King.
She inhaled sharply as she sensed the final ascent, her finger nails digging into the tabletop beneath her. As they both climaxed, she said aloud what she'd been thinking the entire night-and Kami only knows how many nights before that: "Vegeta, I love you!"
As her Saiyan lover lay, spent on top of her, a lazy grin came over his usually stoic face. He planted teasing kisses on either corner of her mouth before giving her a deep, passionate kiss on her lips as the final quivers of their tremendous orgasm coursed through them. "And I love you, Diana," he replied softly, his expression as tender and loving as his voice.
Bulma bolted upright in bed, perspiration across her forehead and a look of abject terror on her ashen face.
It-it was only a dream, she told herself after a while in an attempt to quiet her racing heart.
But it was so real! It was as though, she blushed slightly in remembrance, it was as though it was happening to me, until the very end, where it was as though I was watching him and someone else. Bulma put her right hand over her heart as she felt it seemingly skip a beat. "What could it mean?" she whispered aloud into the deafening silence of her otherwise empty quarters.
Oh come on! You know exactly what it means, a part of her reprimanded. It means that-that if I don't tell Vegeta my-my feelings, I'll lose him. A look of grim determination came over her face. Bulma lay back down in her huge bed, pulling the blanket up to her chin. Tomorrow. I'll find the courage to tell him tomorrow, she told herself.
The Next Day
"Goku, for the love of Kami, leave some of that curry for the rest of us, won't you?" Chichi said in a tone of utmost exasperation.
Bulma smiled as she watched the Saiyan male reluctantly comply with his mate's request, offering the curry around. Once he'd done what she asked, he good-spirited warrior gave his mate a tentative smile as if he was apologizing for his behavior. Kakkarot is such a nice guy. If only Vegeta was still like…no, it's too late for that kind of thinking now. I promised myself I'd have no regrets about that decision. It was for the best.
Chichi frowned as she noticed the sorrowful expression on her old pal's face. "Is there something bothering you, Bulma?" she asked.
The distracted Queen shook her head. "No, I'm just…thinking," she replied in a light tone, trying not to meet the concerned eyes of her best friend.
"King Vegeta really wanted to at least make it to dinner tonight, but his business dealings carried on far longer than he'd counted on," Kakkarot announced, guessing at the reason behind the human female's unhappiness.
At the mention of her mate, Bulma flushed dramatically, a distinct memory of herself shouting her sentiments for the man in the throes of passion.
"You're blushing!" the pregnant woman crowed gleefully, relieved that there was nothing seriously wrong with her old partner in crime.
"Can't we just enjoy our meal without mentioning that man?" the blue-haired scientist pleaded, in an attempt to change the focus of their attentions.
Chichi put her hand over Bulma's and squeezed it for a moment. "Hang in there Bulma. Never forget that there is a light at the end of even the longest, darkest tunnel."
Smiling, the Queen nodded. "Thank you. I'll try to keep that in mind."
About 3 hours later
(The Throne Room)
"So, he is the best one to consult in these particular matters, sire?"
Vegeta nodded once, his thoughts going back to the long meeting he'd just escaped from. "Though I like this no more than anyone else, Bishon En is the only one we can rely on in this situation. Espionage and surveillance are his specialty and he's infiltrated Freeza's defenses for us once before."
Lettuco scowled as an image of that pretty boy popped into his mind. "But sire, En has been known to double cross those for whom he works for if the price is right."
"I know this," Vegeta said impatiently "but that bastard owes me a favor. His honor will not permit him to go against me," he said in a tone that left little room for disbelief.
His advisor bowed. "As you say, sire. If you will permit me, I will begin the preparations for his arrival."
The King waved his arm in dismissal, his face not mirroring the uncertainty he felt within.
The 2nd Class Saiyan found himself wondering if King Vegeta was right about their being able to rely on Bishon. The man was an outcast Saiyan who traveled the galaxy to anywhere he was needed (more specifically, where they could afford to pay him). Somehow I have trouble believing someone who would double cross you for a mere difference of 1,300 monetary units would adhere to an honor code, Saiyan blood or not.
0300 hours
(Royal Chambers)
I can't do it, Bulma thought as she lay on her back in the darkness of her bedroom. She'd been unable to sleep at all, due to the fact that she was too busy thinking of what had happened during the course of her day.
During breakfast when she had received word from one of the palace slaves that the King had left first thing in the morning to over see business, she had sighed in relief. She did the same thing when Kakkarot and Chichi had stopped by during the day to inform her that they would be the only ones able to be with her that night since Vegeta was tied up elsewhere.
This is too difficult. Damn it, even as a teenager, I never had this much trouble getting out what I wanted to say. It seems like it was so easy for me to tell Yamcha how much I loved him. So why is it so hard now? she wondered.
"It must be true love-not that bull shit adolescent stuff, but the kind you experience once in a life time!" Stace said dreamily.
Shawn Haze and Morgan Mol-Olly looked at each other and then burst into laughter. "T-true love? Oh, Stace, sweetie, get real. Shawn, honey, wasn't that the name of the last cabaret you were in?" Morgan asked in her annoying-high-pitched voice.
As the laugh track played, Bulma flipped off her old favorite show (Phil & Stace) and turned off the TV (which she'd had imported from earth one day on a shim).
She glanced at her watch; it was nearly 8:00 AM, and a long last her eyelids were starting feel heavy. I'll just stretch out here on the couch, she told herself as she yawned hugely, closing her eyes in anticipation of some much anticipated sleep.
(9:17 AM)
For a brief moment, all reason went straight from the Saiyan Ruler's mind. Once he regained his sense however, he took a step toward the couch where his Queen was soundly sleeping. Hard to tell what an annoyance she can be when she's like this, Vegeta thought, crossing his arms over his chest. He considered waking her with a kiss but quickly quashed this idea. I can't go near her. Even now, I'm too close, he thought, tearing his eyes away from the woman who looked so small and frail curled up in his couch.
Purposefully turning his back to her, he quietly sat down at the dining room table to begin writing up a draft of his orders for Bishon. The distance between himself and the earth woman comforted him. I can't be near her…or what happened last time could happen again, only next time, I could possibly… he couldn't finish the thought, so perturbed was he by the possibility. It may be difficult to keep finding reasons to stay off planet without making her suspicious. A wry smile came across his face and he chuckled slightly as a memory of the human female came to mind.
Flashback
"That's enough Kakkarot, you needn't say any more," the King interrupted, any trace of amusement gone from his face.
"My apologies," the guard said automatically.
Bulma frowned as she looked from Kakkarot and then to Vegeta. "You don't trust me, do you?"
"I trust no one. You are certainly not an exception from that."
"Kakkarot obviously is," Bulma said smugly, crossing her arms over her chest.
The King's eyes glittered in annoyance. "Nevertheless, that information is none of your business. It is solely my concern and whoever I wish to include. You are obviously not a person I want to include on this."
"Not my business?" Bulma repeated, her voice dangerously calm. "The well-being of the planet I am working on is very well my business! It's everyone's, not just yours."
"The state of the planet is MY business alone," the King growled, scowling at the straightforward female.
Bulma smiled prettily at him. "Make this your business asshole." She gave him the universal signal for 'fuck you', turned on her heel and left, the doors slammed shut behind her.
Kakkarot watched her go in complete surprise. He turned his gaze to the King who was staring at the doors the earth female had just walked through with a wry smile on his face.
Vegeta looked away and looked at Kakkarot, a frown on his face. "Don't you have something to be doing Kakkarot?"
"No sire."
"Find something to do before I think of something you won't like," the King growled.
"Yes sire," was the amused reply.
"Damn earth females…" the King muttered
. End of Flashback
She is often too smart for her own good, Vegeta thought, not noticing the odd kind of warmth he felt as he remembered this odd moment.
27 hours later
(The Throne Room)
As she stood by Vegeta's side that afternoon, Bulma found herself wondering how long he was going to continue to ignore her. When she awoke the morning before, she had found the room empty, though for some reason something-perhaps women's intuition?-told her that he had paid her a visit not long before.
Did he come to see me then? And if so, why does he ignore me now? Bulma wondered, not paying attention to the conversation going on around her. Maybe I've done something wrong. Before the whole "Amnesia Vegeta" episode, Vegeta at least acknowledged me but now…She swallowed with some difficulty, her fists clenched at her sides as she was unable to complete the thought: it's as if I don't exist to him any more.
(Moments later)
:And so you arrive at long last, Bishon."
A tall, muscular man with short black hair and dazzling green eyes bowed low, his tone giving Bulma the impression that he was rather arrogant. As he straightened his back, he spoke in his low, sensual voice that made her think of a sensual singer she used to have a crush on when she was young. "But of course Vegeta-sama; when the Saiyan no Ou summons, it is only a fool that would turn him down."
The King's stoic expression never wavered, but Bulma could almost feel how irritated he was by the younger man's mocking tones. "You know what you are here for, so I won't bother going into it for now," Vegeta said in his neutral tones. "I will have Nappa show you around and find you suitable living quarters."
At the mention of his name, Nappa came forth from the shadows, bowing lowly. "Right away sire." As he straightened up, he glanced in Bishon's direction, a look of thinly disguised disgust on his face. "Follow me."
Bishon didn't seem to notice the bald Saiyan's instructions as his eyes met those of the silent woman at Vegeta's side. She was beautifully adorned in a sapphire blue dress of many layers of varying shades of blue and her hair was held high on her head with diamond combs. She wore no jewelry except for a pair of diamond teardrop earrings-which was what initially caught Bishon's eye. "And who, may I ask, is the beautiful woman at your side on this day?" he asked Vegeta in a tone of joyful surprise.
Bulma smiled and curtseyed, not noticing the scowl on her mate's face. "I am Bulma from the planet earth. Welcome to Vegetaseii," she said pleasantly.
The Great Breaker of Hearts (as he was known by some) grinned, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "And this beautiful Princess of the earth is your mistress, Vegeta-sama?"
The answer he got was as cold and to the point as a stalactite. "She is the Queen of Vegetaseii."
And yet, from the looks of things…Bishon thought, his eyes half-closed in speculation as he noticed how the human female looked like the most lonely person in the universe even as she attempted to project otherwise. Beautiful sorrow, he thought as he bowed to the soft-spoken female. "As I mentioned before, I am unworthy of your beautiful and gracious company," he said smoothly.
The blue haired beauty glanced at her mate to gauge his reaction but he seemed as stoic and uncaring as ever. "Thank you," she said, meeting Bishon's gaze and feeling more like her old self thanks to his flattery.
"Bishon," Vegeta began. "There's been a change in plans. Bulma will be the one to find you living quarters and give you a tour of the castle."
What can he be thinking? Is he trying to get rid of me or something? I guess my presence really bothers him. The Queen smiled winningly at their vaguely amused guest, none of the remorse she was feeling inside showing. "Please come with me." Without a backwards glance at her sullen mate, she swept past him with a swoosh of her skirts and walked up to the excruciatingly sexy Bishon En.
He returned her smile with one of his own, holding his arm out to her. "With pleasure, Your Highness."
Bulma laughed softly as she took his arm and the two left the Throne Room looking much like the kind of beautifully perfect couples that artists often attempted to portray in paintings and sketches.
Nappa watched the two, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. That cheeky half-breed asshole is not to be trusted. Surely the King has a reason for letting the Queen go with him unescorted. He glanced at his monarch and then immediately tore his eyes away again.
Vegeta was sitting in his throne, his face as expressionless as usual, but from the rigid set of his shoulders and the whiteness of his knuckles, it was clear something had most certainly pissed him off.
It's been ages since I've seen the King this mad, the old warrior though, partially amused and at the same time partially afraid. Maybe he let the wench go without anticipating what kind of impact something like that would have on his Saiyan instinct to protect his mate. I know Vegeta is way too smart to believe Bishon can be trusted, so what could he be up to?
I wonder what Vegeta's intentions in this could be? Bulma thought, absently nodding as Bishon turned to her as he remarked on something as she walked him through the palace.
Unused to being ignored by any female, the King's handsome new hire squeezed the Queen's shoulder gently to re-capture her attention. "Am I boring you, Your Highness?" he asked softly, a kind expression on his face even as a darker emotion stirred inside.
The blue-haired genius shook her head, her cheeks a bit flushed in embarrassment. "Gomen ne-I mean, I apologize. My mind was on—" she stopped in mid sentence (and in the middle of the SE corridor) as she realized something. "You spoke in Japanese earlier! Have you been to earth then?" she inquired eagerly.
The look of excitement on her face made the Great Heartbreaker smile. "I am actually a half-breed. My father was Saiyan who had to make an emergency landing on earth a little more than 2 and a half decades ago. My mother found him and nursed him back to health, and in thanks," here Bishon's kind expression seemed to disappear and his light tone darkened considerably. "He impregnated the earth woman and left, never to be seen again."
Bulma felt a stab of pity for the young man who was obviously so strongly affected by these past events, but could think of nothing to say to this man, especially since she had no similar events to draw from.
"What makes me even angrier than the fact that he left her-left me!-is that she would always defend him and his actions. I've never been able to understand what would make her do such a thing after what he did," he said, looking down at his clenched fists, his brows furrowed.
"Love," the Queen said softly, resting her hand on the engraved symbols on the door before her and tracing them slowly, not even realizing she had spoken the word aloud.
Bishon winced slightly at the word and wondered if she could be right. His dark brows raised quizzically. "Ai?" he repeated dubiously, an image of his gentle mother telling him about his father in his mind's eye as he saw the Queen's gentle expression. "How could she possibly love him after all that he put her through?" the half-breed demanded, his voice hardening slightly as he struggled to control his emotions.
Bulma sighed, a look of purpose on her face as she spoke. "I won't pretend it makes much sense on the surface, but love has a way of making you overlook the flaws of a person. It makes you feel so strongly about them that sometimes you just decide that, no matter what, you want to be with that person. Even if that love is unrequited." As she spoke, Bulma found herself remembering the period of time where she had stayed at the King's bedside in order to assure that he would okay. You're right on one thing at the very least. These emotions I feel for him, I just can't make sense of them.
The Heartbreaker made a face and was going to remark on the Queen's statement until he saw the tender and vulnerable expression on her face. She doesn't even seem to know that she wears her heart on her sleeve, he thought, feeling a certain connection with this earth woman. "Your Highness," he said finally, a smile on his handsome face as he kissed her hand. "Thank you for your words on this night."
His kiss brought her out of her reminiscing and into the present. "Oh, En-san, if I said something to offend you, please disregard it. I was just thinking aloud," she said quickly, her hands clasped behind her back, giving her an innocent, almost angelic appeal.
Bishon chuckled, quite intrigued by this woman-even if she was currently attached to the King of the race he'd come to hate. "Do not worry, I am made of much tougher stuff than that," he said, casually resting a hand on her bare shoulder.
Bulma smiled,, more out of relief than anything. Thank goodness. I know Vegeta would be really pissed off if I was rude to one of his guests. "I'm glad," the scientist replied, trying hard not to notice the hand on her shoulder.
"Your Highness," a familiar voice said, nearly making her jump.
"Oh, it's you Bardock," Bulma said, as she looked past Bishon's shoulder.
The older man's face could have been carved from stone for all the expression it showed as he looked from the notorious play boy to the flustered Queen. "The King regrets that he will be unable to accompany you yet again at dinner tonight due to some urgent business." He paused a moment, his tone altering a bit even as he expression remained unchanged as he continued. "He asks that you entertain his guest in his stead as best you can."
"I must say that this turn of events is definitely in my favor," Bishon said smoothly, folding his arms over his chest.
Bulma rubbed the area where he'd touched her absently. "Thank you Bardock. En-san," she paused, pointing to a door with #728 engraved in gold on the front. "These are your rooms. I will see you later tonight."
The half-breed put a hand on the door and then looked over his shoulder, flashing one of his winning smiles at the already befuddled female. "Just Bishon please. And I shall look forward to our next meeting." With that said, he swept into his rooms.
Bulma smiled weakly as she felt the unflinching gaze of the Lieutenant. "Why do I feel like I've done something you disapprove of?"
Bardock opened his mouth to say something, but then stopped himself, coughing slightly. It is not my place to criticize you, Your Highness," he said stiffly.
When the human female smiled this time, it was for real as she remembered all the times Bardock had lectured her in the past. "But if you could…" she began, knowing he'd willingly take the chance.
"I'd tell you to forget that troublemaker Bishon and remember the obligations you have for Vegetaseii-to the people and especially the King."
The smile vanished from her face and was quickly replaced by a scowl. "You needn't remind me of my 'obligations' to Vegeta! Perhaps you would be better off reminding him that he also has such obligations to me, even if he would rather forget!"
The older man was seemingly nonplussed by her outburst. "I'm sure the King has a good explanation for his recent actions."
The Queen sniffed disdainfully, some of the old fire back in her eyes. "As do I." And with a swish of her skirts, she was gone.
Bardock rolled his eyes as he walked down the now deserted hallway toward his own rooms. The King really did make one helluva choice in mates. Those two are so alike it's almost frightening.
The Dining Hall
(6 days later)
"It's awfully lucky that you could join us today, boy," Lord Vegeta said in a gruff undertone, looking over his glass at Bulma and Bishon.
The two earthlings were the most conspicuous at the table because of how animated they were and thanks to their distinct good looks that set them apart from the others.
The King had a bored expression on his face as he followed his father's stare. "Is something about that supposed to bother me?" he asked looking away again after a moment.
The older Vegeta glanced at Bardock, Lettuco, Kakkarot, and the raven-haired woman, Chichi. "Son, if you are displeased with your choice of mate, this is not the way to end it. As long as you two haven't bonded--"
"I'm not," Vegeta interrupted loudly, his voice a low growl as he grasped an eating utensil in one hand. "I am not displeased," he said again, after he'd had a moment to control his temper.
"Then sire, may I ask why you allow this loathsome relationship to continue? Bardock asked in a low voice, his dark brows furrowing even more as he heard Bulma's merry laughter joined by the smooth chuckles of the half-breed.
The ruler of all Saiyans did not answer aloud. He simply continued to eat in a cool, composed manner, trying hard to quench the stirring of rage welling up inside him as he heard the gentle, happy tones of his mate that he was almost certain he'd never heard before.
As Bishon finished his recount of trying to train his hyper-active cat how to fetch, Bulma found herself laughing for the umpteenth time that night. It felt good to let go and not give a damn about the opinions of others for once. And if Vegeta doesn't like my friendship with Bishon, he has only himself to blame since he is the one that put us together to begin with. She beamed into the face of the man she had become to feel inexplicably close to over time. If Vegeta can't appreciate what he's missing out on, at least Bishon can.
Chichi couldn't make herself eat another bite, so torn was she between joy and disappointment that the only thing that held any appeal was finding a solution to this problem. On one hand, she knew that her friend could be pretty happy with the enigmatic Bishon…for a while a least. Just until one of them got bored. Yet on the other hand, there was Vegeta, the "Pompous Maximus" ahs her friend had once called him. The rotten bastard, as she had personally dubbed him. And yet, she could have sworn that more than she'd noticed either cerulean blue eyes looking in the King's direction every once in a while or white-gloved hands clenching angrily as Bishon and Bulma laughed at some shared joke.
Maybe this means he actually does care, Chichi considered as her own mate helped himself to a 6th helping of everything. In that case, I pity the poor son of a bitch. Maybe now he'll start to realize what he's done to poor Bulma, she thought, chewing on her mashed potatoes thoughtfully.
Lord Vegeta rubbed the coarse hair of his chin thoughtfully as he observed his son reservedly consuming his evening meal, looking at no one or really anything in particular. I may not be father of the year, but dammit, I know this is bothering the boy. The former King grunted as his son's face seemed to momentarily darken into a look of homicidal rage as they all heard Bishon call the Queen, Bulma-chan. After a moment though, it returned to it's usual stoniness however, the King's movements seemed a little more stiff, as if his muscles were still clenched in anger.
I knew this bothered him, even if he said otherwise. Well, can't say I blame him for being upset. He turns his back just for a minute and already someone younger and better looking has replaced him. He snorted at the irony of the situation as he refilled his glass with wine. Now he knows how I felt when he replaced me, he thought, trying not to let the situation bother him as much as it did.
Kakkarot continued to eat his meal as enthusiastically as usual, even though he was just as curious about the King's casual acceptance of his mate's behavior as everyone else. However, unlike the others, he had a little more faith in the two. I hope Vegeta knows that this thing with Bishon is nothing to worry about. If it was real, well…his thoughts trailed off and he paused mid-bite, glancing at his pregnant mate who had an annoyed expression on her face. Well I guess Bulma could leave whenever she wants after the joining is absolved. It's not as if they're bonded or anything. Too bad. Cause if they were bonded, this wouldn't be happening right now.
Vegeta was painfully aware of the scrutiny he was under by his subjects in the room. It was as if everyone was waiting for him to do something to stop what was going on down the table between his new hire and his mate. That's it. He pushed his plate away from him, tired of pretending he had been able to retain his appetite during the Queen and the half-breed's flirtation. It had been a tremendous feat within itself that he had not acted on instinct and blasted the pretty boy on the spot.
Vegeta silently held out his hand in Lettuco's direction, know that the skilled advisor had brought papers for him to look over. Setting the folder before him, he flipped it pen slowly, inadvertently catching a glimpse of his mate as he did so.
She's even more beautiful today than she's ever been, a part of him said. Vegeta scowled at that thought, annoyed by how weak that kind of thinking was. Fool. Her appeal only grows because you know you cannot have her. Get her out of your thoughts or you won't be able to think of anything else, he told himself, fully intending to do so.
To his credit, the Saiyan no ou was able to follow his own advice all the way thought the first page, yet as soon as he flipped the page over, it seemed that her name was written on every square inch of the page.
At that same moment, on the edge of his consciousness, he heard the woman that was currently plaguing his thoughts laughing. An image of her as she was then burned into his mind even as he tightly closed his eyes against it. Her hair lying loosely on her bare shoulders. Her twinkling eyes as tumultuously blue as her gown with its tight fitting bodice.
However, it was not the clothing she wore that bothered him. It was the fact that she seemed so much happier with the disrespectful half-breed than she had ever been with him. When have I ever seen her look so happy, or heard her laugh so unreservedly? Vegeta opened his eyes again and closed the folder as he decided upon his next course of action.
"Sire…" Bardock said pushing his chair from the table.
King Vegeta stood, his expression guarded. "Council will be delayed on this night. Wait for me in the throne room, all of you." He paused, his gaze momentarily shifting to the now silent picturesque couple. "That includes you Bishon."
Everyone stood slowly, looking around a bit uncertainly. Such a change in routine was peculiar, but the King's behavior was stranger still.
Bulma's heart halted mid-beat as, for the first time in what seemed like a life time, she and Vegeta locked eyes.
"Go now," he said, never taking his eyes off of the earth woman. "I must speak to your Queen."
Chichi was the first to comply. She had wanted her encourage her friend a bit, but Bulma's attention had been so fixed on Vegeta that if Elvis Presley had passed by walking an opera singing green elephant, she doubted the love-stricken scientist would have even noticed.
Goku followed closely behind with his father and Lettuco close on his heels. I hope Vegeta puts a stop to this. I know its really bothering him, even if he's trying hard not to show it, he thought taking his mate's arm.
I hope King Vegeta can get this strange woman to remember her duties even if I couldn't. The King is a much better negotiator than I am. The corners of Bardock's twitched with amusement. But she'll give him back just as good as she gets. That woman is a true Saiyan. More so than some with actual Saiyan blood flowing in their veins.
Bishon hesitated in the doorway as he saw the expression on the face of his new friend. Strange…I feel as though I've seen that expression somewhere before, he thought. He shrugged and followed the others out of the door unconcernedly.
Lord Vegeta was the last to leave. There was much that HAD to be said between those two for things to work-out but his closed-lip son might never come out and say them. It was the younger man's way to show emotion through his actions rather than come out and say it. Just trust his judgement, his old friend, common sense told him. With the sigh of one in long suffering, he turned to leave, a slight smile on his aged face. I did not raise a complete fool. Vegeta is smart enough to know that right now, what this woman needs is reassurance that she is still important to him. Do not disappoint me son.
As the soundproof door finally shut behind his old man, Vegeta tore his eyes from his mate's cerulean stare and turned away from her as if he needed to brace himself for what was to come. "Bulma," he said, hoarsely at first. He swore, cleared his throat and tried again, this time speaking in his normal tone of voice, though he spoke much slower as if what he was saying pained him. "Bulma, you have everything you desire here, don't you?"
The confused woman nodded slowly, and then spoke aloud as she reminded herself he was not looking at her. "Yes. You have provided me with everything and anything I could possibly want," she said softly, looking away from the King's ramrod straight back. Almost everything…she thought, trying to swallow past the sobs that were lodged in her throat.
His voice seemed to soften as he spoke again. "And yet you were unhappy. That is, until the arrival of En."
Not sure what he was trying to say, Bulma shrugged. "Your guest and I have much in common since we're both from earth and he is alone here…so-so I try to keep him entertained." Bulma grasped her gown. She'd almost said: "he is alone here, like me."
"If being with En is what makes you happy…then I will have him permanently appointed here."
"What?" Bulma asked breathless, nearly speechless in her surprise as her eyes returned to her mate's back. Does this mean what I think it does? Does he really mean to…
His tone hardened a bit. "I said—"
"No, I heard what you said, Vegeta," the human female interrupted impatiently, wishing she could see his face. "Vegeta, don't--"she stopped herself as she considered what she was about to say. Get real Bulma. You should have known you couldn't make Vegeta jealous of you and Bishon. You've made things easier for him, because now he can just sponge me off on Bishon-san and I'll be out of his hair for good.
Tears welled up in her eyes and trickled down her cheeks as she spoke. "Th-thank you," she got out, her chest heaving with silent sobs as she finished.
The Saiyan ruler heard the raw emotion in her voice as she tanked him and mistook it for something else. It is as I expected. She has developed feelings for the half-breed. "Don't mention it," he said a bit more harshly than he meant to. Quelling his anger, Vegeta sighed in resolve, crossing his arms over his chest and walking toward the door. Seeing her right now…it'll make me forget why I am doing this. This is for her own protection, he reminded himself, forgetting completely about his earlier thought that said she was merely a distraction. The handsome, King of all Saiyans hesitated in the doorway, fighting the urge to look upon her face. "I know you can't always tell Bulma, but I do not want you to be unhappy here," he said quietly, the gentleness in his voice so similar to that of Amnesia Vegeta that Bulma flinched.
As the door closed behind him, Bulma sank to her knees, covering her face with her hands. "Then why can't you love me?" she sobbed, wishing she had the guts to ask the question to his face. And why can't I tell you how I feel, even now that you're no longer Amnesia Vegeta?
The End of Chapter Thirteen
So what did you think? I know there was a whole lot of stuff going on here. I think this might be the longest chapter of LTL in a long time (not counting the review responses). Email me if you have any questions or comments! Also: if you emailed me about getting the MG Lemon, Gomen ne, but I lost track of your email addresses. If you still want that, just let me know!
Till the next time!
Claire/Aisu