Chapter 2
As her pod crashed into the soft barrier on Planet Vegeta, Gine could honestly say that she has never been this happy to be home. After a long six week mission, she was ready to take a break and not think about fighting or killing anyone for a few days. It was a hard battle, especially since it was only her second raid. The team somewhat warmed up to her, but the only person she could not figure out was Bardock.
Most of the time he was a complete asshole to her, yelling at her to keep up with everyone or critiquing her battle form. However, there were subtle moments when he would almost be gentle, like after she got nicked by a stray bullet. The inhabitants of the planet they were on had all kinds of weapons and their guns took Gine by surprise, causing her to take a shot in the side. The pain was blinding and she couldn't move, making her vulnerable for more attacks. The rest of her team closed in around her as they were slowly becoming outnumbered and needed to retreat. Gine only could remember the shearing pain so the next thing she woke up to was Bardock running with her in his arm. He brought her back to their makeshift camp where he treated her wounds with care. Bardock's mood swings always caught her off guard and after knowing him for almost two months, she still had no clue how to read him.
Gine stepped out of her ship and grabbed all of her belongings before going into the base to check in. She'd have a month off before her next assignment and Gine was looking forward to having some time to rest. She was worn and exhausted, trying to keep up with her teammates was challenging but somehow she was able to make it with only a few mishaps. Gine turned to the hanger opening, walking towards the sunlight streaming in from outside. Passing a tall figure that was cloaked by the dark shadow, a serious and strong voice called to her.
"Tomorrow. 6:00 AM."
"Huh?" Turning to get a better visual at who was speaking to her, Gine stopped and stepped out of the sunlight,"What's tomorrow?"
"Training. I can't keep saving your ass every time you get in over your head and you are obviously not learning what you need to in the field. So, I'm going to train you." Bardock responded with a hint of humor, clearly looking forward to torturing her with his training regimen.
"Seriously? Can't I have one day of rest? We just got home." Gine protested.
"Sure, but you might as well stay home with that attitude. We never get a day off, Gine." Bardock turned and walked away from her, calling over his shoulder, "Don't be late. I'm not a patient man."
Gine sighed and rubbed her face. What did she get herself into?
"Again!" Bardock shouted and Gine wheezed, trying to recover from the last set. This drill was insane. Bardock wanted her to run as fast as she could while she ducked and dodged his energy blasts.
"Get to the line, Gine." Bardock ordered and Gine groaned, exasperated but she slowly walked back over to the starting line.
"W-what is this s-suppose to even t-teach me?" Gine asked while still out of breath and Bardock frowned.
"If you don't know that by now then we really got some work to do. We are testing your battle reflexes. You are too slow and that's going to get you killed. Now, again."
Gine coughed and prepared herself for another round as she jogged down to the other end of the training facility. Once she was there, she nodded to Bardock and took off, sprinting at full speed towards him as he shot at her with bright yellow energy balls. Some she could knock off to the side with her forearm, but as she got closer, Bardock raised his power and the blasts became stronger so Gine had to think quickly. She was able to shoot one up above her with her own energy but Bardock fired a stronger shot right after his previous one, catching Gine off guard. Luckily, she was able to at least block it, crossing her arms in defense as she skidded across the floor, trying to gain control.
"Push it out, it's too much energy." Bardock instructed on the other end and Gine followed his suggestion, forcing the energy upwards with her arms, the blast exploding above her. Relieved, Gine dropped to her knees, breathing loudly as sweat dripped off her forehead. After a moment Gine looked up at Bardock, who was standing over her with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable.
"Again."
It was only the first day but Gine was convinced that Bardock was going to kill her. If she didn't die out in the field, then his insane training would do it.
"C'mon! Push yourself!" Bardock yelled at Gine as she lifted the barbell slowly and shakily. Grunting through the burning in her arms, Gine pushed the bar up one more time before dropping the weight on the ground. Exhausted, Gine leaned forward panting, trying to catch her breath.
"Good. Now ten more." Bardock smirked and leaned against the metal equipment.
"Screw. You." Gine bit back, earring a soft chuckle from Bardock.
They've been training together for the last two weeks every day and initially, Bardock was sure he had made a mistake. Gine could not keep up with anything that he threw at her and he was expecting her to throw the towel in after day one. Instead, Gine surprised him, and that doesn't happen very often. He had to give her credit where it was due. While Gine wasn't the strongest warrior he'd met, she possessed something that a lot of his fellow comrades lacked. Gine had a fiery determination and untapped potential that if she just would push herself more, she could really be a force to be reckoned with. Bardock had to admit that the combination was attractive. It also helped that she was pissed at him most of the time during these sessions, which only fueled his lust for her. He wished he made his move on their last raid but it was way too chaotic. Since they were home and spending a lot of time together, Bardock hoped he would finally have the opportunity to sleep with her. If of course he played things just right.
"Are you giving up? We haven't even gotten to sparing yet."
Exhaling, Gine wiped her face and said, "Fine. But I've been here all day, Bardock. Please tell me we aren't going to go into the evening. I have plans."
Bardock considered this. It had been a while since he had a night to himself and he really needed to put in some extra work, teaching Gine had started to interfere with his own training. Conceding, Bardock answered, "Alright, I'll make you a deal. If you can land one punch on me, I'll cut our session short."
"You're on." Gine grinned with new resolve and went to finish the ten reps before sparring with Bardock.
The bar was packed with Saiyans surrounded by loud music and shouting. Gine stood at the entrance with her friend, Peppa, scouting out the scene before them. Gine uncomfortably adjusted her top, not being used to such low cut armor but Peppa insisted she wear this outfit tonight.
"Peppa, did I really have to wear this? It's too much cleavage for me." Gine whined and her friend lightly punched her arm.
"Gine, you look hot, stop worrying. Isn't that what tonight is about? Finding one of these guys to take us home?"
"I just wanted to get some drinks with my friend, I could care less about screwing someone tonight." Gine answered bluntly.
"Oh you're just sad that Bardock isn't here!" Peppa sing songed his name and Gine looked at her friend with fury.
"Shut up!" Gine hissed and Peppa giggled. Changing the subject, Gine spotted a table and pushed her friend over to it.
Once they sat down, Peppa immediately gave Gine the third degree.
"Alright, so what's the deal with you and Bardock? You are with him all the time."
"Can you just drop it, please? He's helping me get stronger, that's it."
"It is not! I've known you for years and I've never seen you so wrapped up with anyone like this before. I can't even say his name with you wanting to hide. You have a little crush don't you."
"Fine! I do. Now can we get our drinks, please." Gine resigned herself to telling her friend the truth. And that was the truth. As Gine spent more time with Bardock, she couldn't stop herself from being enchanted by the mystery of him. One minute he's sweet to her and the next he's yelling. It made her head spin. Peppa laughed and got up to grab drinks to begin their night.
As the night wore on though, Gine was eventually ditched by her friend who found some guy who worked in the computer department to take home. It was a match that Gine feared her friend would regret due to the copious amount of alcohol she had, but Gine couldn't stop her. Noticing her drink was empty, Gine walked over and stopped at the bar, leaning against the dark wood.
"You look like you could use a refill." A voice called next to Gine and she turned to see a man standing next to her with a weird smirk across his face.
"Uh I can get my own drink. Thanks." Gine answered hesitantly.
"Come on, baby. I'll pick up this round and then you can thank me by riding me later." He chuckled and Gine frowned.
"No thanks."
The jerk was not taking the hint and suddenly, Gine felt a tail snake its way around her waist and pulled her towards the creep. Instead of being shoved up against his sweaty chest, Gine hit a hard, muscular back. Confused, Gine looked up to see a tall Saiyan man in front of her with black, wild hair. Bardock.
"She said no, asshole." Bardock said sharply.
"Ah come on, Bardock. She wants it." The man swayed and slurred his words and Bardock growled low in his throat.
"You've got ten seconds to step away before I throw you through a wall."
Gine pushed past Bardock so that she stood next to him and the man laughed and leaned in towards her.
"Come on, baby. I'll make you scream my name."
Bardock stepped towards the Saiyan to make good on his threat but before he could attack, a quick movement occurred to his side and the man was on the ground in seconds. Bardock turned to see Gine shaking out her hand and frowning at the unconscious man on the floor.
"What a creep."
Impressed, Bardock turned to Gine, "Well after that, you definitely deserve a beer. It's on me."
"My hero." Gine teased and Bardock nodded to her to follow him to a spot further along the bar. They both sat down on stools next to each other and Gine questioned him.
"What are you doing here?
"I needed a drink." Truth is, Bardock was training intensely earlier and decided he needed a break. He completely forgot Gine said she'd be here until he saw that creep hitting on her from across the room. Something inside him flipped and he acted. He didn't know why he felt so protective over Gine but for now he passed it off as that he was looking out for a fellow teammate.
"Well, thanks for the back up." Gine answered and Bardock gave her the grin that always made her knees want to buckle.
"No problem, although you didn't need help. You can handle yourself."
Gine blushed and tried desperately to hide it. Was that a compliment? Once the drinks arrived, Gine took a huge sip, chugging almost half her beer. Bardock eyed her suspiciously and asked, "You alright?"
Frankly, no she was not. Here she was, buzzed and sitting next to a man who drove her nuts while also giving her butterflies. The only reasonable conclusion to calm her nerves was to drink.
"Yep. Perfect, just needed a drink."
"I can see that." Bardock responded sarcastically and sipped his beer, peering over at Gine again, an almost subconscious reaction these days. He was always looking at her.
The beers started to pile up around them as the both began to talk, enjoying each other's company and reminiscing about some of their war stories. Gine giggled and took a drink, "So, why did you really want to train me?"
"You're weak." Bardock responded as bluntly as possible, which took Gine back.
"Well, you have a way with words, Bardock." Gine answered with a hint of anger, which Bardock immediately caught onto and backtracked,
"No, Gine what I mean is that yes, you're weak but you have potential. You just got to put some work in and harness your hidden powers. Once you can do that, I think you could really be a strong warrior."
"Really?" Gine questioned with renewed enthusiasm and Bardock nodded before sipping his drink.
"Sure. I mean it will take a bit, but you'll get there."
Gine smiled, and Bardock glanced over at her, facing her fully now. He quickly looked her over and took notice at how good she looked tonight. Damn.
"I've got to say, Gine. You look amazing tonight." He blurted and immediately regretted that action.
Gine's eyes widen momentarily before smiling and leaning forward, purposely revealing her low cut armor, which she's caught him staring at her chest a few times already. It might be the booze or the high from sitting next to Bardock but Gine was feeling bold, and who better to have a one night stand with than him. It won't mean anything and they could go right back to where they were before.
"You think? My friend said this top works but…I don't know. I think it's too revealing. What do you say?"
Bardock scoffed with a bit of humor and leaned closer to Gine, "Ah no, it's perfect."
Silence and lust passed between them and Bardock glanced briefly at Gine's lips.
"Do you want to get out of here?" Bardock asked in a low, seductive tone that sent shivers up Gine's spine. Overwhelmed, she nodded.
Grinning, Bardock stood and took her hand, quickly passing and shoving people in the crowd so he can get out of here as soon as possible, his need growing. Once they were outside and the brisk night air hit their body, Bardock started walking towards his place, taking the shortcut through an alley.
Bravery overwhelmed Gine and she stopped suddenly, pulling slightly on Bardock's arm. He turned with confusion and said, "Gine-."
Before he could finish, Gine stepped towards him and leaned up on her tippy toes, pressing her lips to his. Shit, she's been wanting this for a long time now, her feelings towards Bardock magnified by the booze in her system. While she initially thought they could hook up and it would not mean anything, she knew herself and this would not just be nothing.
Bardock moved his lips against hers, fighting for control before she deepened the embrace by moving her hands through his hair. Growling against her lips, Bardock backed her up against a brick wall, continuing to kiss her fervently, sucking lightly at her bottom lip before trailing his mouth down her throat, nipping at her collarbone. His actions elicited a small gasp from Gine and he grinned against her pale skin. Gine slowly wrapped her tail around Bardock's waist to bring him closer against her, needing him as close to her as possible.
Gine pulled back and Bardock moved his head up to look at her. Both of their eyes are dark with lust as Gine nodded in permission, the unspoken request answered. Leaning down, Bardock lifted Gine up and she locked her ankles around his waist. Their tails intertwine as Bardock adjusted himself and Gine gripped onto his body, her soft hands holding his hard and strong back muscles.
Groans and creaking, pants and moans filled the tiny room as a sudden loud grunt signaled an end. Exhausted, Bardock collapsed on top of Gine's naked body, tucking his head into her shoulder and kissing her neck, his hot heaving breath warm on her skin. Gine shuddered from her high, sweat rolling off her body. After a few moments, Bardock rolled off of Gine and laid next to her.
"Fuck. That was ama -. " He whispered and Gine interrupted, "Amazing."
They both look over at each other in Bardock's bed and smirk. They've been sleeping with each other for about two weeks now. Ever since their first time in the alley, they can't keep their hands off each other. After that night, the lesson the day afterwards was mixed with sexual tension. Bardock was the one who initiated the next step, leading them to have sex in the supply closet in the training facility. After that, all bets were off. Workout sessions sometimes devolved into all night sex, or quickies turned into hour long visits.
"This has to be the last time. We have a mission in two days." Gine stated and Bardock smirked, leaning up on his elbow, "You always say that."
Gine scoffed and hit his chest, "I mean it this time. You said it yourself, distractions in battle can be fatal. I don't want anyone to get hurt just because we can't stay away from each other."
"I don't think they'll mind." Bardock moved towards Gine and softly kissed her lips, moving gently against her as he ran his free hand up her leg to her thigh, slightly grazing his palm inwards to her core. Ever since that night in the alley, his need for her was constant. He could honestly say that she's the best sex he's ever had and that's saying something considering all the women he's slept with before Gine. But, she did have a point, sleeping together while they were on a mission could be dangerous.
"Bardock-." Gine protested against his lips and he chucked before pulling away.
"Fine, how about we make a deal? When we are on missions, we can't fuck. But once we are back home, you are all mine." He growled and leaned forward, nipping his lips behind Gine's ear which caused her to giggle.
"Deal. But you can't flash me with that grin of yours. A look like that and we are in trouble."
"Oh are we?" He teased and moved on top of her, leaning on his outstretched arms that were on either side of her head. He gave her the sideways grin that she just admitted was her weakness which earned him a hard smack in his arm.
"Ow." He faked and Gine shot him a look, "That's the grin. If you do that to me on this mission, I'm going to kick your ass."
"I doubt it." Bardock responded with blunt honesty and leaned down, trailing his lips across her neck and further to her chest, slowly making his way down Gine's body.
"Bardock-." She whined and snaked a hand through his black hair. Bardock looked up from her belly button and grinned devilishly.
"Last one right? I plan to make it count."
This mission was not as exciting as the last two raids had been. The planet's inhabitants were few and hard to find, so most of the day, everyone either slept or trained. Today though, Gine decided to venture out on her own to explore and have some peace and quiet. She desperately craved some solitude.
It had been weird the first two days to be by Bardock but not be with him like she wanted. She had a hard time focusing with him around her so Gine thought that some time to clear her head would do her some good.
Meanwhile, Bardock and his second in command, Ruco, sorted through all the data that they had on this planet to see how they could find some of the inhabitants so that they could wipe out this planet like they were supposed to do. So far, their usual methods had not worked so they needed to be creative. For hours, Ruco, Bardock, and even Gula went through every scenario and finally came up with a decent plan to lure the enemy out. Finally looking up from all this information, Bardock gazed at the setting sun across the sky. Unfortunately, this planet did not have a moon so they would have to rely on their other option if they needed to go that route but right now, Ruco and Bardock agreed that they wouldn't need that power just yet. Glancing over at the rest of this crew, Bardock noticed that Gine was not back yet. However, he didn't think anything was off just yet.
Hours later and the cold night upon them, Gine was still not back from her excursion. Bardock told his team he'd take the first watch, partly because he enjoyed the first watch and he also wanted to wait up for Gine. He had an overwhelming urge to make sure she was safe and the anxiety of waiting for her was frustrating him, more than he would like to admit.
A rustle in the bushes in front of him caught his eye and he tensed, preparing himself for battle. Instead, it was Gine, battleworn and covered with bruises and cuts. She slowly walked towards their camp, tired and haggard. Initially, Bardock felt relief that she was alright, but then an all consuming rage burned in his chest. Standing up, Bardock stormed over to her.
"Where the hell have you been?"
Gine sighed, "I was training and then got ambushed by their army. It was a lot of low level warriors but it was a hell of a battle."
Anger fumed inside Bardock and he could sense that he was going to lose control. Glancing to the crew, he quickly grabbed Gine's elbow and marched her off to the side, away from the crew's eyes.
"Let go of me!" Gine struggled against his strong grip on her elbow and once they were hidden, Bardock snapped.
"Are you a fucking idiot? You should have called for backup!"
Gine broke free of his grasp and shouted back, "I didn't need it, I had it handled!"
"It was still reckless and you know the rules. We fight together or not at all. That's the point of having a team!"
"I was fine!" Gine shot back and Bardock crossed his arms.
"Well, that stupid stunt just cost you. You're sitting out on our next scouting mission tomorrow. If you can't obey my command then you can stay back and learn how to."
Gine stepped towards him and got right in Bardock's face, "You're benching me? You can't do that!"
"Incase you forgot, I'm your commanding officer so yes, I can. Just because I fucked you a few times doesn't change that I am in charge here." Bardock bit back and he noticed that Gine challenging his authority sparked something inside him. He liked when she was this feisty.
"You son of a bitch!" Gine yelled and Bardock shouted right back at her, the space between them closing.
"Keep it up and you'll sit out longer, Gine!"
They both exhaled with anger and they were inches from each other, Bardock accidentally looked at her lips and a sudden desire grew inside him. He shouldn't want her now, but he did.
Gine gazed up at him and sensed the mood change, and before she could react, Bardock's lips were on hers, his embrace hard. She responded with the same, her anger still there but it slowly started to change into something more.
"I need you." Bardock spoke against her lips, his need almost uncomfortable and Gine nodded, she also needed this. Their deal had to be broken, she couldn't stay away from him this long.
The rest of the night they made up for lost time, and Bardock made sure to show her who was the boss so she would never forget.
For the rest of their mission, as much as they tried to follow the deal that they made back home, most of their nights ended with them sneaking away, and somehow no one on the team suspected that they were sleeping together. Once they got back to Planet Vegeta, they stayed locked in Bardock's apartment for three days, Bardock keeping his end of the broken deal.
