Southern Army Base, time 19:45:

Bardock stalked down the hallway. He couldn't believe that wench. His very blood boiled. Not only did she have the nerve to disgrace him like that in front half the base but also she had sent word though the prince that she wouldn't honor his challenge! The bitch! He would show her. She had always gotten under his skin. From the first day they had met in the market she had infuriated him. He reached her door and pounded on it.

"Open up damn it I know you are in there Tarma!" He bellowed so loud that others poked heads out to see what the noise was only to smirk at him and withdraw back. He growled, Gods damn the woman! He pounded more. Finally the door hissed open but Tarma was nowhere to be seen. Where the fuck was she? He narrowed his eyes and stalked though her quarters. The door to bedroom was shut fast and he pounded on that.

"Get your tail out here woman!"

He could hear her moving around in there for several seconds before the door opened. It was easy to see she had just gotten out of the shower. Her hair hung still damp around her face and she didn't have her armor on. She brushed past him without a word, dressed only in her little crimson mid-drift and calf long pants. Her style had never changed in all these years. He stalked after her.

"What the fuck is your problem?!" When she did not respond he grabbed her by the arm and spun her around. "Don't pull that mute shit on me! Speak woman!"

Tarma wasn't sure what to say to him. She had only relented and let him in because she knew he wouldn't go away. She met his eyes and shook her head, pulling her arm out of his grip.

"What do you want me to say to you Bardock?" She turned on her heel and headed to the little kitchen area. Once in a while she cooked for herself, when she couldn't stand people. She had the feeling tonight was going to be one of those nights and opened the fridge. She knew she would have to face him but she was hoping he would have held off until tomorrow at lest. Her neat little world had been rocked by the realizations of her talk with the Prince. How did one approach something like this? For twelve years she had bickered and argued with Bardock, he was someone to compete with. She had never given a single thought to mating, lets not even cover mating with him. It was just not something she had not considered. In truth she wasn't all that sure how she felt about it. She had always thought he hated her. She grabbed a few things out of the fridge and turned with the intention of placing them on the counter but there was a wall of muscle in her way. She looked up the few inches that separated them.

"Move."

He bared his teeth at her.

"No."

Growling she shouldered him out of her way. Mutely she went about starting dinner for herself. Bardock brought his fist down on the counter, shaking it.

"Damn it Tarma!"

She snapped her head towards him.

"What?!"

Instead of answering her he grab her and planted a rough kiss on her lips. Tarma froze, her hands up as if to ward off a blow that did not come. The kiss did not last long but it left her weak in her knees. Bardock pulled back, his face inches from hers.

"That's what." His voice was gruff and full of barely controlled violence.

Tarma blinked at him and leaned against the counter so he couldn't tell her legs where a little shaky. She was at a loss here. She had no experiences to fall back on, she was not by nature a sexual creature. The COM panel on the wall saved her. It chirped and then Pantor's voice came from it.

"Tarma? The computer says you are in there. I want to talk to you."

Bardock snarled and back up, running a hand thru the wild spikes of his hair. Tarma looked at him for a long moment before sliding past him and walking to the panel by the door. She could have opened it from any panel like she had when he had shown up but she felt the need to exit the tense situation in the kitchen. The door hissed open to revel Pantor and a very nervous Horic. She stepped to the side in a silent invitation. Bardock emerged from the kitchen and glared at them. Horic visibly gulped and moved as far away from the taller saiyan as he could. Pantor eyed Bardock then turned to Tarma.

"I think the whole crew should train together this evening. On your grounds or the base gym it doesn't matter."

Horic couldn't believe his luck could get any worse today. When he had thought about the whole thing he had done the only thing he could, he went to Pantor. He felt like a weakling because of it but it was better than dead. Looking at Bardock now he was sure dead was just what he would have been too. The moment the door had opened he could smell the musk in the air. Yet Tarma stood here looking totally unmoved. He almost felt sorry for Bardock. The female would be enough to drive any male to fits of destruction. Tarma nodded to Pantor.

"Alright. We can us my area. Let me eat and I will meet you there."

Pantor turned and started to leave only to pause at the door.

"Oh and Tarma." He lifted an eyebrow. "You may want to air it out in here. It smells like someone is in rut." With that he lead Horic out of the quarters and the door hissed closed.

Tarma narrowed her eyes and sniffed the air. How could she have missed that smell? It was over powering. She had been so focused that she had just blocked it out maybe. She turned very slowly. Bardock was leaned against the doorframe to the kitchen, his arms crossed over his chest, watching her like a hawk. Only his tail moved and it waved in a lazy arch behind him, spreading that sent. She backed up a pace and he smirked at her.

"Now this is new. Tarma retreating. I will have to file this away." He pushed off the doorjamb and stalked towards her.

Tarma backed up more and he advanced more. "I have played your game for years damn it. No more little games woman. I am sick of the chase." Tarma's back encountered a wall and he moved with a flash of speed, one hand on each side of her head, effectively trapping her. He leaned down and scented her neck, she could feel his breath hot on her throat and it sent a thrill thru her body. She shivered. He rasied his head and locked his eyes on hers. "Tell me to leave." It should have been easy. She should have been able to do just that but she couldn't, words failed her. She was just a mute has he had once accused her of being. A flame danced in his eyes. "I am waiting, just tell me to go and I will." He was giving her an out but she was no longer sure she wanted it. She closed her eyes and leaned against the wall, breathing in the smell he was giving off. She could almost roll in it, it was so thick in the air. That was enough to send her heartbeat rushing forward. Opening her eyes she shook her head. He leaned in until his lips where almost but no quite touching hers. "Last chance woman." Again she shook her head but she did find her voice.

"No I don't want you to leave but I do have training in less than an hour and I need to eat."

He captured her lips in a hungry kiss and she found herself responding in kind. His tail wrapped around her waist on pulled her against him, his hands threading into her hair. Tarma's heart raced and she leaned against him, her legs trying to fail on her. She had never felt so weak before but for some reason it wasn't bad. She gripped his shoulders to keep on her feet. Finally he lifted his head.

"I have waited this long I don't think a little while longer will kill me." His voice was husky. He backed up a step. "Eat woman and go train." He turned and left her quarters and Tarma sunk to the floor in a breathless heap. Gods and Moons what was happening to her?

Tarma's training area, time 21:30:

Tarma's slid across the ground, sending a wave of dust high into the air. Geamie eyed her the sick parody that past for a smile on his face.

"You're losing your edge girl, that's three for three."

She growled and got to her feet once more. Damn it what is wrong with me? She scrubbed her face with her hands. For a half hour now Geamie had been kicking her ass. Her mind kept wondering. This wasn't like her at all. She faced him and dropped into her fighting crouch. She had to focus.

"Quite you're yapping and fight."

Geamie threw back his head and let out one of his insane laughs before charging her. Fists flashed and kicks spun. Tarma battered him backwards, keeping a tight rein on her thoughts. Narrowing her world to nothing but the dance. That was how she thought of fighting a dance, a deadly dance to be sure but a dance nonetheless. Step and turn, punch and kick. Don't think of anything else. Don't think of Bardock looming over you. Geamie's blow took her in the jaw and she staggered backwards but kept her feet.

"Fuck!"

He stopped and eyed her again.

"What is on your mind girl? This isn't like you."

Pantor motioned to Horic and the rookie stopped in mid swing. He had noticed how out of it she was as well. They where not going to get anything done with her in this state.

"Alright people that's enough for tonight. From now on we train together every evening until our next mission."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Why don't we hit the pub for a few drinks?" Geamie offered. "I'll buy the first round"

The idea sounded like a good one and they four took to the air and headed towards the capital. The Dragon pub was a regular hang out for the southern base soldiers. As always it was crowed. Tarma took care to step over the passed out and unconscious bodies by the door on her way in. You mix saiyans and alcohol and you get bar fights, it was a simple equation and it never failed. It was unspoken that you stepped over and not on the poor fucks that had lost because one day that might be you out cold by the door. The music was loud and very bass. It sunk into your bones like the call of a hunt in your blood. In the dim light of the pub she could see groups clustered around tables and a few couples backed off in the shadows in the back. Geamie cleared their normal table with little fuss and they sat down. In no time they had ales and food. Conversation turned to the purge they had just finished the other day. Tarma let her mind wonder some, the day had been strange and this setting eased her discomfort some. She was starting on her third drink when a voice made her turn in her chair.

"Well if it isn't her high and mightiness." Kittro looked like hell, his life had clearly not been kind to him. Not that she cared. His face was thin and pale, the fur on his tail dull. He stood with an odd slant, like his leg had been broken and never set right. Tarma snorted and turned her back to him. He was sad and she felt no need to even acknowledge him. A hand touched her shoulder and she surged to her feet. The rest of her crew where up and surrounding her in a flash. Whatever threatened one had to face them all. Geamie cracked his knuckles and gave the sorry looking male a long look.

"Who is this punk?"

Tarma couldn't help but chuckle, the big male was always ready for a fight.

"Kittro" She stated simply. Both Pantor and Geamie knew her past well enough, it was all the expiation they needed. They moved to flank him but Kittro kept his eyes on Tarma.

"Still can't fight your own battles eh?" He narrowed his eyes at her.

Tarma reached out and laid a hand on each of her old crewmates.

"I'll handle this."

Pantor frowned but stepped back. As distracted as she had been this evening he wasn't so sure this was a good idea but he wasn't going to voice that thought. The pub owner came over and demanded they take the fight outside. So Kittro and Tarma stepped out alone, the streets where silent compared to the noise of the pub. The two faced off. Kittro surprise her and attacked first, his charge caching her off balance. She went backwards, using the movement she twisted her body sideways into a kick. Despite his obvious limits Kittro moved quickly. He grabbed her legs and heaved her to the side. Tarma hit the wall with a grunt. She shook her head hard as she got to her feet again, her head pounding from the impact. Kittro hovered inches off the ground, his face a mask of hatred.

"I have been waiting a long time to do this." He rasied his hands and gathered a blast in them. Aiming for Tarma's chest. She gasped, it was too much for this close a range. She couldn't block it, he truly meant to kill her. Right as he fired the blast something hit him from behind and the shot went wild, taking out a nearby building. Bardock stood over the now unconscious body of the former bandleader. He pushed him with his toe.

"Why does this maggot look familiar?"

Tarma bit down the urge to sigh in relief. She stepped forward and gazed down that the limp form.

"Kittro, the prick that interrupted our first fight."

Bardock met her eyes.

"Ah yes." He closed the distance between them, the still form on the ground forgotten. Tarma found herself watching him a different light. He moved with the grace of a panther. Except the prey he was stalking was her. His tail curled from his waist and started to wave, he was inches from her. "I believe we had unfinished business."

Tarma fought to control her racing heartbeat. She nodded and laid a forestalling hand on his chest. Even thru his armor she could feel the heat rolling off him in waves.

"The others are inside still."

Bardock growled.

"I don't care if they're having a circle jerk in there." His tail snaked around her waist, pulling her against him. Leaning in he took in her scent and Tarma shivered. "I'm done waiting."

She reached up and keyed her scouter.

"Pantor. I'm heading home." She paused and listened. "No that is taken care of. Tarma Out." She closed the COM and turned off her scouter. Didn't just key it out but turned it off, something she had never done before. She had never felt the want to be totally cut off before. It was odd the compete silents in her left ear, no news rolling past her eye. She had the sudden urge to turn it back on but Bardock grab her hand.

"Leave it off." He banded his arms around her and took to the air. They where back at the base in no time. Tarma stepped back from him as they landed.

"Where?"

He shifted a little.

"Toma is sleeping on my couch." He looked at her and she couldn't help but laugh. Bardock's second was famous for pissing off his mate and getting kicked out of his little house in the mountains. Bardock made a face and grabbed her wrist, jerking her against him again. Tarma pulled free and started inside. He growled and followed. Tarma's quarters where on the third floor. A few times someone tried to greet one or both of them and Bardock growled a warning. Finally they reached her door and Tarma opened it, stepping in without waiting for him. The door hissed closed in front of him. Tarma smirked at the curse that exploded one the other side of the door and keyed the panel to open it again. He entered and grabbed her by the shoulders, spinning her to pen her back against his chest.

"You're going to pay for that woman." One arm banded around her middle, trapping her there. His tail wrapping around her thigh, she could feel his breath puffing hot on her neck. She felt helpless and while part of her enjoyed the release of control, everything she was fought it. She spun out of his grip and faced him.

"Oh really?" She rasied an eyebrow. "Just how do you plan to make me pay?"

Bardock smirked, she was going to fight him. Just what he wanted. He moved in a blur of speed and slammed her against the wall. He penned her hands over her head with one hand.

"Oh I will think of something." He lowered his head to her neck and nibbled none to gently. Tarma groaned, her senses reeling but she collected herself quickly and hooked a foot around his knee. She jerked with her foot and pushed with the rest of her body sending him backwards but he retained his hold on her, pulling her with him. He rolled to pen her under him, using his whole body to retain control this time. "Give up Tarma."

She bared her teeth at him.

"I never give up." She head butted him dead in the center of his forehead. Bardock growled and released her hands to wipe the trickle of blood that threatened to roll into his eyes. It was all the opening she needed. She worked her feet under him and heaved him up, rolling to the side. She was on her feet and backing away when he collected himself. He licked the blood from his finger with a feral grin and rushed her. They went to the floor in a tangle of limbs. His tail snaking around her throat and her tail in his grip, he smirked. Fingers running thru the sensitive fur on her tail. Tarma's eyes almost rolled back in her head and her whole body quaked. The sensation was overpowering, it sapped her of her resistance. Every stroke of his fingers sent new shock waves coursing though her. His tail tightened slightly around her throat and pulled her up. He released her from the sweet torment he was causing her only to crush his lips to hers in a fierce kiss. Tarma relized something she had never had to admit before in her life. She was beaten, he had pounded down her wall, bashed it into a million pieces. The fight that had started more than twelve years ago on the street of the market was over and he had won. She arched herself against him. Reaching up to thread her hands into the wild spikes of his hair. He pulled back only to assault her neck with small bites. Her head fell to the side giving him a better angle. He growled deeply in his chest his fingers finding the caches on her armor. Her shirt quickly followed into the pile. His eyes where wild as the stared down at her.

"Tarma." Her name was a breath on his lips, his hands roamed over her body and she moaned behind sealed lips. He flicked the pads of his thumbs over her nipples, such a simple movement but it sent her thrashing in his grip. She could feel his breath hot on her skin as he lowered his head to take one of her now aching peaks into his mouth. She twisted her hands deeper into his hair. It had to be painful but he gave no sign of it. Only growled and turned his attention to the other one. She was overcome with the need to touch him. His armor was truly starting to piss her off. Releasing her hold on his hair she fumbled with the caches. He rasied his head and smirked at her sudden impatience. Finally the caches gave way under her fingers and with that barrier gone she reached out to run her hands over the hard planes of his chest and back. Their tails twine together, stroking. Once more he growled at her and she responded. What last vestige of control he had been striped him and he ripped her pants from her body only to be followed by his own. He crawled over her. Locking his eyes on hers. Nudging himself against her passage but not entering her yet, Tarma moaned arching, begging silently for him to end her torment. Bardock reined himself harshly and leaned down to nuzzle her neck.

"Say it." He demanded in a harsh voice, his breathing just as ragged as hers. "I want to hear you say it."

Tarma panted, and tried to press herself to him but he stopped her, penning her with his greater weight. She moaned in frustration and laid her head back on the floor.

"You win Bardock." She rasied her head and meet his eyes, her gaze burning with need. "Claim your prize."

Bardock threw back his head and roar, plunging into her, taking her with unrestrained fury. Tarma howled with unexpected pain and equal amounts of pleasure. He banded his arms around her and without stopping his thrusts hovered them up until he was standing with her legs wrapped around his waist. He turned and slammed her against the wall, his eyes flamed. Tarma was lost, her world had narrowed until there was nothing but him and the sensations coursing though her. His tail wrapped possessively around her thigh. She felt like her body was going to break apart, she trembled as wave after wave crashed over her. She thrashed wantonly.

"Bardock!" Then the world did break for her, lights flashed before her eyes. She barely felt his breath panting on her neck or heard his harshly whispered word.

"Mine." Then his teeth sunk into her neck, claiming her. He drank from the wound and Tarma forgot where she was, she forgot everything but the here and now. Instinct drove her to lean forward and bite him in return. Bardock head shot up as her teeth sunk into his flesh and once more he roared, burying himself to the hilt in her. The walls trembled with his call as he spilled his seed into her. The next heartbeat found them crumpled on the ground, both panting, trying to relearn how the breath properly. Tarma lay in a half sprawl across his chest, her tail entwined with his. She was sure she could not move, her body felt like jelly. Bardock hand smoothed her hair back off her face.

"Woman, are you awake?"

Tarma blinked and rasied her head a mere half inch.

"Mm um"

A chuckle rumbled him is chest.

"Don't think you are going to get off that easy." He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to lay flush on him. "I'm not done with you yet."