Previously…

"Yep, Goku's brother is the one who got him killed. Raditz was the name." He said soberly.

Launch froze, her heart feeling stabbed with shock. "R-Raditz, you say...?"

...

Master Roshi eyed Launch inquisitively, studying her reaction after telling her the truth about her little house guest, Raditz. He wasn't an old fool like everyone liked to think, he had added two and two together. After Launch proclaimed that there was a very hungry man in her bed and Chi-Chi called in a panic saying that Goku's neighboring gravesite seemed to be crawled out of... He had good reason to suspect a saiyan was in his house.

Now, he only wanted to be sure that his demure little housekeeper who at times was a bit ditzy, knew exactly what she was dealing with.

"Yes. Did you know that Raditz was a space pirate?" He said, as if innocently making conversation.

"A-a-a space pirate? What's that?" She asked, feigning a smile.

"Well, from what I've heard... they're much like those 'gentlemen' who destroyed part of East City. Ya see, they go from planet to planet, killing any inhabitants that pose a threat, or simply slaughtering the innocents! Then, they sell it to other aliens at a high price... But what does that matter to us? Heh heh." Launch stared on, her eyes wide and beginning to water.

"M-Murder...?" Her voice quivered.

"I don't think murder is quite the word. More like... mass genocide...or purge… A societal cleansing, if you will." He said, taking a swig of his beer and eyeing her as she took in this information.

"I...I see..." Launch lowered her head and stared into the fire, wrapping her arms around her stomach. Her entire body quivered.

No... Raditz couldn't do that... could he? Come to think of it, I never bothered to question why he was injured so badly, nor do I know much of anything about his past. Launch thought to herself, frowning.

Master Roshi did as well. He was feeling slightly bad about telling her the truth, but he felt she should know before getting herself in too deep. He also wasn't too keen on harboring such a criminal, but Launch was one, too... At least, blonde Launch.

"Would you like a drink, dear?" He asked, hoping to soften the blow. She looked ready to topple over.

"..No, thank you... I h-have to go inside..." She said, standing a bit woozily, and began walking stiffly toward the house. Master Roshi bit his cheek as Tien popped out of the bushes with a large feather and tickled her nose with it. Launch was startled, her eyes watering as he kept tickling. "Ahchoo!" She sneezed daintily, transformed into her blonde counterpart.

Tien quickly switched the feather for a bouquet of roses and a box of chocolate, getting down on one knee.

"Oh brother, what now?" Launch said, crossing her arms.

"Launch, my love! Please forgive me!" Tien said, thrusting the gifts into her hands and bowing to the ground with his face nearly in the dirt. She sniffed the flowers, looking to him on the ground and chuckling at the pitiful display.

"Hmmm..." She hummed as she put her shoe on the back of his head. "I might consider it. If - you tell me how beautiful I am... And do whatever I want!" She ground his face into the dirt, and he yelled back obediently, though muffled.

"You're as beautiful as the stars! No, more beautiful than all the universe! Launch, I beg you, please give me another chance!" She took her foot off and laughed, pulling him up by his ear.

"Ya didn't hafta' beg, goofball! But I appreciate the sentiment." Tien smiled, revealing chunks of dirt between his teeth.

"Sheesh, if we're gonna go on a date, you better brush your teeth!" She said and sauntered away, grinning smugly.

"Ya did it! Woo hoo!" Master Roshi cheered, jumping up and giving Tien a high five.

"It wouldn't have worked if it weren't for your clever distraction!" Tien replied, nudging Roshi in the side.

Master Roshi chuckled a little uneasily, "Oh, eheheh, don't mention it..."

Bulma brushed her long azure locks, sighing as she gazed at the phone. Isn't Yamcha ever going to call and check on me? I wonder what he's doing...? She stood, smelling something delectable wafting up from downstairs and straightened out her crushed velvet blue tank top and scarlet silk skirt, turning in the mirror and observing herself.

Hmm..this is the closest thing I have to that dress the Prince liked...I bet this will make his Majesty's eyes pop right out of his head! Bulma paused, frowning. Why do I give a damn what he likes? She walked down the hallway leading to guestrooms, not even looking where she was going in her determination to not care. "Oof!" Bulma grunted as she felt like she walked into a wall, then felt herself floating in mid-air a split second later.

Bulma opened her eyes to see Vegeta leaning down to catch her, his dark ebony eyes hard and emotionless. He yanked her to her feet then sneered with disgust.

"It might help to open your eyes while you walk, Woman." Bulma was still regaining her wits but bristled when she heard him call her 'Woman' again in such a demeaning tone.

"My name is Bulma! Use it sometime!" She snapped and stormed off. She kept walking but found her steps got her no farther. "What the hell!?" She looked down and saw his tail wrapped around her waist and started grabbing and pulling it, but it was like a steel bar. He pulled her around to face him, and she quivered but didn't tear her eyes away from his as he spoke.

"I don't care what the ridiculous name of some puny human princess is. You may bear the royal colors but you have no air of dignity, no class. You're just a weak human, nothing but a bag of impure blood and fragile bones." He monologued, venom dripping from every word. His tail tightened gradually as he spoke, nearly squeezing the air from her. Bulma swallowed, feeling fear-laced sweat dripping down the middle of her back.

"I am more than just some human; I'll have you know I am the heiress to the Capsule Corporation, which makes the most high tech, state-of-the-art technology that your primitive brain couldn't possibly comprehend! If you hurt me, you'll have a lot of angry people to deal with! I have very strong friends who would come to save me and send you scampering back to the hellhole you crawled out of!" She countered, and with a sharp pinch on the tip of his tail he retracted it in pain, curling it around himself protectively.

Vegeta stared at her with disbelief as she walked away, her shapely bottom encased in the silky skirt. His years of tail training, wasted as she somehow knew that the very tip of his tail was the most vulnerable! How... How could she possibly know about my tail's one susceptibility?!...It had to be a bluff. He stormed past the woman, leaving her in the dust as he followed the tempting smell. He hadn't had a proper meal in almost a year now, and he wasn't going to allow some dainty princess to beat him to it.

Wrath returned to Bulma's face, but not for long. She reared back her arm and smacked him right across his hard buttock, rubbing her injured hand afterwards.

The Prince froze, the hairs sticking up on the nape of his neck, then turned slowly towards her and smirked. "Well, well, that was foolish. You nearly broke your poor, useless hand on my firm glutes." He let out a harsh laugh and hopped down the staircase in one leap. Bulma growled out loud, balling her fists and tossing her head back as she made a primal scream to express her agitation.

"Bulma dear, aren't you going to introduce our handsome guest?" Bunny called up the stairs.

Vegeta sat at the table, watching her with that malevolent gleam in his eye as she came down and bumbled to form words. "This is his highness, Prince Vegeta, of-of.."

"Planet Vegeta."

This guy is on a whole new level of narcissism! "Of Planet Vegeta." She finished, "and this is my Mom and Dad. I mean uh...the King and Queen of this region." Her mother laughed giddily and fluffed her hair, flattered, as Dr. Briefs lowered his paper and glanced from Bulma to Vegeta. He didn't point out Bulma's fabrication, knowing she would only make up such a lie if she had good reason.

"Aw, Bulma you're such a sweetie-pie!" Bulma sat down, laughing nervously as her mother began spooning out dinner for them all. Her father muttered to himself, appearing to be lost in thoughts of scientific theory. Vegeta stared at her with narrowed eyes over the growing pile of food in front of him.

"How's this, your majesty? More chicken?" Bunny gushed, and he nodded curtly, allowing her to plop the glistening, crispy kung pao chicken on top of his large dome of white rice and panko fried vegetables.

Bulma smiled, an evil plan forming. "Thank you for the lovely dinner, Momma. I hope that it's satisfactory for his majesty's discerning tastes." She said as she popped a piece of chicken in her mouth. Bunny sat down and set her chin in her hands to eagerly observe him taking his first bite. Vegeta picked up his chopsticks and looked at them as if they were offensive, his brows furrowed.

"Oh, you poor dear! Let me get you a fork!" His eyes drilled into Bulma suspiciously as Bunny hopped up to fetch him a fork. Bulma snickered into her hand as he snatched away the fork and stabbed it into the food, picking up a large piece of sliced red pepper and stuffing it into his mouth. He chewed, clearly deep in thought as his taste buds fired off in response to this new spicy flavor, then swallowed, his face slowly turning red and sweating.

"Do you like it, Prince Vegeta? I just love kung pao chicken, it's nice and hot. Just the way I like it! My sensitive human tongue can handle it juuust fine. Did they have food like this on your planet?" He shook his head no, hiding a tiny grunt as he sufferingly stuffed a large blob of rice and chicken in his cheek.

"Oh, that's too bad! Was it hot there? It gets pretty hot here in the summer," She said, popping more food in her mouth and chewing politely. Vegeta nodded at her, chewing quickly and shoving more food in his mouth bravely, his eyes starting to water. "Why, sometimes it gets up to one hundred degrees. It makes me want to have a nice, cool drink." Bulma took a sip of milk from her glass to soothe the spiciness.

Vegeta stared at the glass, admiring how condensation was dripping slowly down the side of the as he chewed with a pained expression. "Milk! I love milk!" Bulma sighed loudly, taking another gulp.

"Mm-mm-mmm! Cools that spiciness right down! And it's important for growing bones, you know. I've heard that it can even make you taller!" She giggled, clearly making a dig at his height. Vegeta scooped more food into his mouth stubbornly, a helpless glaze coming over his eyes.

"Oh! I'll get the prince some milk! I guess I forgot, I'm not used to having guests!" Bunny said, jumping up and opening the fridge. She slowly poured him a glass as Bulma grinned smugly at him. Vegeta was shaking, he was holding in the urge to scream so badly. Once Bunny returned, he took the offered glass and downed it, letting out a large sigh of relief. Then he eyed the milk pitcher on the table and stood and guzzled it down, a white line trickling down his smooth, bronze cheek as he gulped loudly until it was empty. Vegeta panted once he was finished, wiping the white milk mustache from his upper lip. Bunny giggled, "Help yourself, sweetie! There's more where that came from! Why, you're a growing boy!" She tittered, amused. Bulma nodded in agreement, savoring the sweet, sweet revenge.

He had sated his need for food, released his bladder, cleaned himself of the tasty sauce, and now Raditz sat contently in wait for the return of his little nurse Launch. There are some things that need her attention, he thought with a mischievous grin. He laid back on the bed, his tail twitching, until the door blew wide open.

He sat up with restrained excitement only to be stunned by what he saw. Launch glared down at him, her eyes wide with surprise. Raditz's eyes widened as well, taking in the odd sight of Launch's clothes on her blonde counterpart. She reached behind the door carefully and pulled out an assault rifle.

"You have five seconds to get out of my bed. Or these bullets are going straight through your heart!" She said, slinging the strap over her shoulder and loading it.

Raditz chuckled, unintimidated.

"You think that measly gun will have any effect on me?" He said, moving to stand on his still quivering legs. He wore only a white towel slung loosely over his hips. Launch's eyes took in his form a split second then snapped back to attention.

"My gun will pulverize ya!" She said, lifting it. Her arms shook, remembering that this was the man from before that kidnapped Gohan. He kept walking, slowly unravelling the many bloody bandages around his chest. She looked on in amazement, almost feeling sick to her stomach as he removed the last strip and revealed the exposed, beating heart inside; a hole could be discerned going right through his back. She gulped, trying to look away but too morbidly fascinated.

"Here. Put it right here. That way, you would be sure to kill me." He said, arching the gun's barrel to point directly at his heart. Her arms shook as she looked down the barrel, then up into his eyes.

"T-That would be cheating." She managed to say.

"Who cares? I'm a 'plague upon humanity,' isn't that what they say? Do it." He said with a cold glare, and he appeared certain.

"...No. I won't kill somebody just 'cause they ask me to. You just wait till you're better, then we'll talk." She said, removing her rifle and setting it aside.

Raditz seemed puzzled by this but didn't question her remark. "Suit yourself." He wouldn't kill her, not if that meant with her death his Little Launch would die. But he liked her optimism. She looked around the room, her eyes softening.

"She's been taking care of ya. Hasn't she?" He nodded. "I see..." Her emerald eyes took in his rough appearance, travelling up and down the bandages on his arms and legs. She frowned at the way his shoulders sagged and legs quivered, even though he attempted to stand proudly.

"I'll let you stay... on one condition." She said sternly. He blinked, waiting.

"You won't hurt my other self. I'll know if you do. I mean it. If you lay one dirty paw on her, I'll...I'll castrate ya!" She said, loudly with emphasis.

Raditz had to smile at the girl's bravery. "Fair. Fine, you have my word. I won't hurt her." He said, tilting his head.

"Good. Because if you do, you'll have me to deal with, an' I ain't as nice as her!" She said, huffing. Raditz groaned, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Er.. do ya need... help?" She said, grimacing. A thin line of blood trickled from the wound, and meandered down the grooves in his abdomen.

"No." He said, turning away. It wouldn't feel right... she's not her.

"Alright, well, uh, don't mind me. I hafta get ready for a date!"

Raditz's eyes widened at the scent the girl gave off as she rummaged through her dresser. Excitement, anxiety, arousal...?

"You will wash yourself after." He stated, growling.

Launch gaped at him, offended. "Excuse me?!"

Raditz turned to her, his face contorted in anger. "I will not smell one speck of some pitiful male's arousal on my Launch. Do you understand?" His irises were dark as an abyss, red veins throbbed in the whites of his eyes as he turned, gripping the sheets. Launch stepped back, swallowing.

"Ok, okay! I will! Not that it's any of your business what I do!" She snapped at him, pulling out the garments she planned to wear and stormed off into the bathroom, slamming the door.

Raditz backed onto the bed, wincing. The pain had become unbearable, as his chest wound reopened in his rage. He lied down and turned his head, feeling the pain in his chest radiating, almost as if it were squeezing and draining the blood from him. No..! I can't.. can't let another man soil her! He cringed, clutching his chest.

Why...why does it hurt me like this? It's unlike any injury I've had before...

Could it be...? His eyes widened, searching his memory for some elusive clue. Was it what Bardock said?

'Females soften a man's heart and make it weak. You'd be wise to stay away from females until you're mature enough, boy. Else you'll never make it into the Saiyan Army.'

No. He shook his head vigorously. Father was wrong. It's only the wound that's aching. Fuck, I can't fight to protect her like this... He choked down the offensive sound in his throat as hot tears welled in the corners of his eyes.

Pathetic. I am nothing but a pathetic excuse for a Saiyan...I've failed her, just like I failed you, father...

His grimace faded into a blank expression, his eyes glazed over and stared at nothing, the many tears spilling down his cheeks.

Launch grumbled as she zipped up the back of her short denim skirt, wearing a leather jacket over a low cut red tube top and tan stockings with shiny red pumps. That man can't tell me what to do with my body! I'll do whatever I want! I'm a free woman! She affirmed to herself as she leaned into the mirror to check that her black eyeliner wasn't smudged and added another layer of red lipstick, then fluffed and sprayed her hair. I know what I want! I'm not like her, I'm a real woman! And Tien's gonna find out exactly what that means!

Launch grinned back at herself in the mirror, and feeling satisfied that she looked hot enough, she stepped out, grabbing her purse. She was about to run out the door when she glanced at the strange man one last time; curious, she walked over, thinking he was sleeping, but as she looked closer she saw blood running straight out of his wound and pooling on the floor and screamed.

"Help! Master Roshi! There's a dyin' man in here! " She screeched, and ran downstairs out of the room, straight into Tien's arms and told him frantically about what she'd seen in the other room. He looked down at her, startled, and he and Master Roshi filed into the room and observed the Saiyan on the bed. Roshi looked him up and down and nodded.

"Mhm. Uh huh. You two get going. I have this under control." He said without an ounce of fear and pulled up his sleeves, ready to start working on him.

"Now go, scram!" He shouted, and Tien and Launch scrambled out of the room, wide-eyed.

He felt cool metal around his wrists and his ankles as Nappa awoke from his forced sleep. His eyes scanned the room: it was a dark basement, with bare, water-stained concrete walls and a bright light overhead that strained his eyes.

As he turned his head, his eyes widened to look into the rusty metal cages before him. Beings that seemed humanoid either laid or sat on the floor, listless, or dragged their knuckles on the ground like primates. His eyes widened further as he saw the telltale sight of a brown tail. Partially hairless and cut off halfway, but he knew immediately what it was as he swallowed down his horrified realization.

"What do we have here?" Nappa turned his head quickly to the voice, going to open his mouth but it was stuck together with dried blood. "I see, you have scented out your brethren." A man with long, greasy black hair said, coming forward to look down at him. Nappa fought against his shackles, struggling as he observed the man before him with a startling appearance.

"Oh. Do you recognize me? It has been quite some time, Nappa. We have been waiting for your return." He said callously.

The man looking down at him had sharp, almond eyes, a long, narrow nose and black and white hair on his upper lip that came down in two twisted strands. But that was not what was frightening to Nappa. His eye...oh god... that terrible eye...I could never forget...

"Remember? Twenty-eight years ago..."

Nappa nodded, yes he remembered. The eye on the man's forehead was unblinking, saw all, its tiny quivering pupil and fleshy whites striated with collapsed red veins. He couldn't tear his eyes away from it.

A glint caught his attention: a long, narrow knife. "Tell me, if you would, in your own words, what you were doing in this solar system?" The man said as he sliced a hair thin cut in Nappa's thigh.

"We were..." slice… The cut deepened. "Ordered by Lord Frieza to.." slice… "Check the planet known as Mars for life..." He gasped as the knife sliced ever deeper. It cut the femoral vein clean in half and went on to pluck the artery like a string, teasing it.

"W-When we got there, we couldn't find anything.." Pluck. "Until we checked inside the caves..." Pluck. "That's where we found them." Pluck. "We killed them. Women, children, it didn't matter!" Pluck. Nappa growled, feeling enraged at the incessant plucking. "Just cut the fucking artery!" He bellowed, straining to get up from the table, his ropy muscles bulging against the binds around his chest.

"That would be too easy. You didn't allow my people such a quick ending, did you?" The man said, plucking again. Nappa sighed.

"...No. I had to teach them. Show them. To not have mercy." Pluck. "The two young boys. Raditz and Prince Vegeta. They were too young!" The plucking stopped and the knife played at the surface of his femoral artery, scratching at the flesh around it.

"As were the children you slaughtered." Scratch.

"I had to teach them a lesson! We couldn't allow fear! You don't understand!" Scratch. The man smiled, his unblinking eye focusing on the tear trickling down Nappa's cheek. "You don't know what Frieza would have done had he found out those boys didn't see every last drop of blood!"

The knife sliced the neighboring tendon there, causing Nappa to cry out.

"Your warriors were strong! They fought well!" He fisted his hands, the veins in his throat bulging as he screamed. "They were worthy opponents!" The man chuckled softly, a hissing sound with his dry rattling breath.

"That's right! We were. We are. We survived." He seethed, his cold hands gripping Nappa by his shoulders. "... But then you went to Neptune. And what of the girl you met there..?"

Nappa choked back a sob, looking away. The man slowly backed away, laughing. Then he receded into the shadows. Nappa cries grew longer as the blood trickled down his thigh, as he heard the soft grunts of the others caged around him as they attempted to calm him, to understand.

He paced back and forth in the tiny room offered by the Briefs. Even with all the amenities he could ask for, Vegeta was tense. He pressed the button on his scouter, checking to see if there was any answer yet from Nappa. Could it be, he is truly...? Vegeta frowned, setting it down softly on the table. It's hard to believe... I would have never guessed I would lose him one day, just gone like that..?

He looked up to the window where the dark sky was lit with stars. He sighed and cracked it open.

"Oh, uhh... heheh! It's a long story! I'll tell you later. You look like you've been training!" That woman! What is she doing?

"I've been busy, yeah... Things are pretty wild over at Master Roshi's! You'd never guess what happened!"

He opened the window, quietly lifting himself up and out to land softly in the damp grass below with his bare feet. I'll let her know that it's too late to be cavorting about at this hour! He made his way across the yard, grumbling as they rattled on.

"Another one? Jeez! Where do they all come from?" She said, laughing. He stopped in his tracks to listen.

"I don't know, but this one was banged up real bad! Almost dead! Shot right through the heart!"

Vegeta gasped, straightening.

"That's crazy!"

"Oh yeah, and guess who's on a hot date tonight!"

Vegeta growled, tired of listening to their idiotic banter and swiftly moved across the yard.

"Tien and Launch!"

"Whaaa? No way!"

"Enough!" He interrupted, standing across from them where they had been happily chatting at the doorway. Bulma turned and glared at him. The scar-faced human male with her was surprised and stood in front of her as if in some pathetic show of protection.

"Who are you to just butt in like that, huh?" scar-face said arrogantly.

"Oh, Yamcha d-don't worry about him! What is it Vegeta?" She whispered sharply, pulling away from Yamcha.

"I came out here to tell you two to stop that irritating racket! But now, I demand answers!" He snapped, and as Bulma looked at him, she could see his eyebrows twisting upwards almost worriedly.

"Why, what is it..?" She asked, her voice softening. He shook his head, hardening his features.

"The injured man you spoke of, who is he?" He spat towards the weakling.

"I think his name is Raditz..." Yamcha responded, bristling.

Raditz?! Vegeta gave pause. I assumed he was already dead when I heard the transmission from his scouter, that's what it sounded like.

"...Do you want to go visit him, Vegeta?" Bulma asked, and he saw the glint of pity in her azure eyes.

"No! He can rot in hell for all I fucking care!" Vegeta responded, snarling, and turned back.

"Really...?" She breathed, with a hint of sadness in her voice. Vegeta stormed away, jumping back up into his window and slamming it shut.

"Who shoved a stick up his ass?" Yamcha said with a laugh, but Bulma only stared on, wondering. Doesn't he care at all?

"Hey, don't forget about me, babe!" Yamcha piped, leaning down to kiss her.

"Oh kami! Have you been drinking Yamcha!?" Bulma said, backing away and covering her nose at the stench of his malted breath.

"Uhh, yeah I had a few..."

"Well, guess I better drive then!" She snapped, turning around and storming through the doorway to get her keys.

"Um, are you sure we should be going this fast?" Tien said nervously from the passenger seat. His eyes widened, with one hand tugging at the collar of his dark purple dress shirt.

Launch cackled, cheering, "Woo! This is the way to live, baby!" She slammed on the gas, squealing the tires as they barreled down the road in the shiny red convertible they borrowed from Yamcha for the night.

"Maybe we should be more careful with Yamcha's car, he used his college fund to-"

"Burn rubber! Yeah! Haha!" Launch laughed, and Tien sighed, resigning to the fact that he was either going to die on this date or have his nuts stomped unceremoniously if he didn't. They pulled into the Drive-In movie theater and Launch slowed the car so they could pay for the parking spot. Tien handed her the money (reminded of Master Roshi's advice that women had to be spoiled), and Launch took half and gave him the remainder back.

"Here, save that for the drinks!" She said smiling, and they found a parking spot and got out to go purchase snacks while waiting for the movie to start.

"Hey Launch, how you doin'?" Tien glared at the posse of greasy looking men coming her way, feeling his ki rising.

"Oh, leave me alone, Tommy I'm on a date." She said haughtily. Tien took her elbow and attempted to usher her away.

"Who's this cue ball?" The greaser looked to them and jumped. "Yowza! I'm scared! Lookit, those three eyes!" He said, backing away. The gang took off back to their car talking excitedly about his three eyes, forgetting all about Launch.

"Wow, that was great!" She laughed, and Tien felt cocky. He placed his hand on her lower back and pulled her closer to him, earning a hum of approval from her as they walked up to the snack kiosk.

"One large popcorn and a rum and coke." Launch took one look at Tien and added "Make that two."

Tien balked. "I don't drink, Launch.. I.."

"Oh, live a little! Just one won't kill ya!" She said, and they placed their money on the counter.

He smiled a little and nodded, feeling nervous. "Ok. I guess it might be fun to try." Launch leaned up and kissed his cheek approvingly, and he had to blush as everyone around them could see. He lowered his eyes and took his drink, sniffing it with suspicion.

"It's good! Drink up!" She said, tilting her head back and gulping hers down.

"O-okay..." He said, taking a hesitant sip. It was pretty good.

They went back to the car and sat down, waiting for the movie to start.

"I'm glad that we're doing this Launch, I think it's important that we get to know each other better. I have a lot of things I want to-"

''Shh! The movie's startin'!" She squealed and tilted her head onto his shoulder as the speakers roared.

"And now, for our feature presentation..."

Tien frowned, feeling a bit frustrated. Launch tugged on his arm and nudged him to put his arm around her shoulders and he did, blushing as she rested her head on his chest. He blew the chemical scent of her heavily hairsprayed hair out of his nostrils and focused on the start of the movie.

"Blood on the Tracks 2!" an ominous voice began, with the dark screen showing only a woman tied to train tracks struggling, as a cowboy walked up to her slowly, the spurs on his boots spinning. Launch squirmed in her seat.

"Oh he's so dreamy!" A girl said from one of the other cars, and he heard Launch sigh, putting her hand on his leg as the man in all black walked up to the girl and started talking in a gruff voice.

"Now what did I tell you would happen, Mary Sue?"

"Clide! Please don't do this!"

Tien's eyes darted nervously at the screen as a train came into the picture.

"I told you not to even talk to him, and what did you do?"

''I'm sorry Clide! I have always loved you!"

Launch clutched his leg tighter, digging in her popcorn with the other.

"This is what you get. I'm sorry it had to end this way."

Tien swallowed.

Are they really going to show this?

"I would never cheat on Clide Wallace!" Another girl yelled, earning the other's agreement. Launch laughed through a mouthful of popcorn.

"Ha! That dumb broads gettin' what was comin' to her!"

Tien gulped as a splash of red guts covered the screen, and everyone yelled out for more blood, including Launch. "Isn't this great Tien? You're gonna love this!" She said happily, snuggling closer to him. He could only gulp down his drink in the hope that it could somehow make him appreciate the gory film...

"Oh man, I've never seen so much blood..." Krillin said, making a gagging sound.

"That's nothing, you seem to forget I had to patch you and Goku up before.."

Voices faded in and out as Raditz cracked his eyes open to see the old man and the shorter bald one sitting before him, the latter looking ready to vomit as he held many bloody rags in his hands.

"It's alright there Mr. Raditz, don't worry, we stopped the bleeding just in time. You had a tear in your aorta wall. Now no more stress or else that baby's gonna burst."

Raditz said nothing and turned away.

"Just rest up now, we'll make sure to have Launch keep a close eye on it." Roshi said, and the two made their way out of the room, shutting off the lights and closing the door quietly.

"Do you think we should give him a Senzu bean?" Krillin whispered.

"Ohoho no...! Let's just be glad he's incapacitated at the moment..."

Raditz heard the conversation and scoffed; he was tired of hearing all the earthlings' nonsensical chattering day in and out. The only time he truly had peace was when she was there… He squeezed his eyes shut painfully.

Launch... I hope you are okay... I'm sorry I couldn't stop her...

Bulma sat at the bar, tapping her suede blue Louis Vuitton heels with bright red soles impatiently as she sipped on a plain pepsi and waited for Yamcha to come out of the bathroom. They hadn't even been there that long before he had two more drinks, and that was enough to set off the alcohol in his stomach that had been building all day. She grimaced in disgust as she could hear him retching when she last went to check on him.

"Well, this has turned out to be a great evening!" She sighed, twirling the straw in her drink. She stared at the sticky rings of beer on the bar and saw Yamcha's phone that he had forgotten. Bzz Bzz! it vibrated, the screen lighting up.

She tapped her foot, looking away, irritated. Bzz Bzz!

She heard his phone go off again and went to turn it on silent. Bulma looked at the message flashing across the screen, only briefly.

"Where are you?" From someone named F. She furrowed her brows, clicking it shut.

It's none of my business. I'm not the kind of insecure woman who feels the need to snoop through my boyfriend's phone. Bulma scoffed to herself, thinking of her and Vegeta's little argument about her bikini. She found herself smirking at the ridiculousness of the whole situation; she still was in disbelief that he bought her whole shtick about being a Princess. She chuckled softly, twirling the straw thoughtfully as images of the prince went through her head.

"Ugh. I'm ready to go home. I'm just gonna grab a taxi." Bulma was caught off guard, she jumped a little at Yamcha's sullen voice behind her.

"You sure? I don't mind taking you. I could stay for a little bit and make sure you're alright..?" She said, concerned, standing and taking his arm to steady him.

"Uh... no. I don't want to mess up your new car. This has been a real bust, huh? Two bad dates in a row. I wouldn't blame you for being mad." He said, groggily sitting to check his phone and call a cab. His eyes lit up at the screen, and he started typing.

"I'm not mad, Yamcha, honest! It's no big deal. We'll have fun next time!" She said, optimistic. He nodded, half listening. "Um, Yamcha?"

He looked up, closing his phone quickly. "What was that? Sorry."

Bulma chewed her bottom lip nervously, wondering about the message from F. and if that's who he was talking to.

"Oh, nothing... I'll just, just..get going..." She said, nodding to herself and gathered up her purse. His phone started ringing incessantly as they were about to hug goodbye.

"Sorry. Just a sec." He stood up quickly and walked over to the noisy side of the bar to talk.

Bulma stood just staring, then walked hesitantly over, dragging one heel after the other.

"I'll let you know when! Yeah, heheh… See you soon. You too. Bye." He hung up, a small smile on his face. Bulma backed up as he came back over, not wanting him to know she heard.

"E-everything okay?" She asked, swallowing.

"Yeah, that's the taxi. They'll be here soon. Why don't you just get going Bulma, really I'm okay!" He said and started ushering her out, nearly pushing her out the door.

"Fine! If you want to get me out of your hair so badly, then I'll go!" She choked out, feeling a sob building in her throat. Bulma walked briskly to her car, brushing off his attempts to stop her.

"Bulma!?" He said, standing haplessly at the corner, his head hanging down and hair all in disarray with bags building under his eyes. She hadn't noticed just how sick he looked, like he had lost five pounds. Bulma frowned, turning the key in the ignition and drove away.

I can see when I'm no longer wanted. She thought, feeling an ache building in her chest as she watched him from the rearview mirror. She came to the stoplight, glancing back a moment to see the car that was picking him up, a banged up looking hover sedan. She couldn't see the face of the driver, only the faint halo of blonde hair, then, their faces met for a lingering, passionate kiss under the sparkling city lights. Bulma's eyes filled with tears as she turned away and gasped, shuddering for air.

No.. he... couldn't! Bulma clutched the wheel tighter, pressing hard on the gas and lurching forward, only wanting to go home and forget this whole night even happened. I'll just curl up in bed, and never wake up! She cried, turning up the radio to drown out the sound, and drove home.

"Oh Clide... I have never wanted something as bad as I want you, right now! Take me!" The lustful voice of the woman on the screen begged, making Tien gulp as Launch glanced at him to see his reaction.

"Susanna! I have to have you!" His throat bobbed as Launch turned and kissed him on the cheek, stroking circles on his chest. The other car windows were becoming steamed up already, and he had tried his hardest to ignore Launch's hand climbing ever higher up his leg and stroking his thigh.

"Tien..." She whispered, kissing his neck, her hand heading for his groin. He tried to pretend he wasn't feeling her exploring the shape of him and trailing her fingers up and down his length, but his body's firm reaction gave him away. He clenched the armrest, squeezing his eyes shut. "Just relax, let me help you..." She unzipped his pants and he felt a rush of cold air and gasped as she took him in her hand and gently stroked him, kissing his collarbone and moving so that her body was hovering over his. He met her in a kiss, his heart racing as he placed his arms around her and tried to process that this really was happening now.

"L-Launch what are you doing?" He hadn't even noticed her legs were now bare of her stockings as she stroked and kissed him. He couldn't help but to give in to the sensations as they grew more intense. Her slick warmth slid against him and he shuddered, grabbing her by her hips as she moaned and lowered her hips, her core swallowing him to the ridge of his swollen head with a soft cry.

"I want you to love me Tien, please make love to me..." She said softly, her cheeks flushed as he gazed at her in aroused disbelief. Not knowing what to say, he could only pant and lick his lips with his desire. He surprised himself with how badly he wanted to agree, if only to feel more of her.

"I-if... you're really sure this is what you want, " He answered, gulping as she became more slippery around him and he gripped the armrests, waiting for her to plunge that warmth down until it surrounded him completely. There was no going back now; once he gave in he was breaking his bow completely. Turning himself over to the cruel whimsy of the darkness.

Do it. You know you must. A voice whispered to him, and Tien felt a change take him over, his anxiety fading away.

"Yes... Tien, please.." She whispered and placed her arms on his shoulders and sighed as she allowed him to enter her further. He gasped as she encased him, her slowing with a small mewl as she felt him beginning to stretch her walls. He bucked his hips and grit his teeth with the tension that began to build in him; he wanted her, wanted to be fully inside of her, but he also didn't want to hurt her. Tien put his hands on her hips and gradually pressed further into her, kissing her mouth tenderly and groaning at the tightness of her body.

He felt her beginning to soften temptingly around him as they kissed and matched the soft movements of his lips with an achingly slow rhythm as she slid herself further down him with every gentle thrust, plunging him further into darkness.

Tien looked at Launch and couldn't lie to himself anymore. This is what he truly wanted. He gripped her plush bottom in his hands and pulled her down onto him so that he could fill her completely, feeling her walls give and clench around him, and Launch gasped at the sudden fullness where she had been hollow.

"I can't help it. I need to feel you, Launch. I want to bury myself in you." He growled, his eyes widening as he admitted the revelation, his movement making her cry out. He felt something clawing up from within, a sense of primal masculinity he had never allowed himself to feel.

Tien groaned in his chest at the sight of her, then found himself lost in the haze of passion, lifting his body off the seat and positioning himself so that he could move more freely. She spread her legs and rested them on the armrests as he came up to meet her, making shallow thrusts as he buried his entire length deep inside of her. He pulled down her top with his teeth and kissed her goosebump prickled chest, her breasts high and firm with excitement. He rolled her pale sanguine nipple on his tongue, nibbling lightly as he teased her. Launch's hips rocked across his thighs and she moaned as the pressure built within her nearly to bursting. She was balanced on his slickness gliding in and out of her until he found that untapped pool of her desire, and she moaned as it escaped her with a hot splash onto his thighs.

He groaned with lust, at the sensation of warm liquid pooling down around him as Launch cried out, "Oh Tien, more! Don't stop!" This made him thrust even more fervently, the feeling around him was too much all at once; she was so ready for him that his length kissed her soft barrier with every hard clap of their bodies.

Condensation fogged the windows as their breaths became heavier, the feeling of their joining becoming harmonious. She rode him; her sublime body above him as she tilted her head of golden blonde locks back and gyrated her hips on him as he pumped upward, craning his head back and panting with exertion. Launch clutched him by his firm shoulders, Tien stared into her eyes and they kissed fervently, not able to speak as they felt themselves reaching that height. Launch cried out as her walls began to fluctuate around him; the feeling sent waves of pleasure throughout her body so intense she was moaning wantonly with each stroke. She squeezed her eyes shut and gave herself over to the quickening throbs, her body becoming weak with the overwhelming sensations. She cried out as her orgasm hit her and resonated throughout her body; the only sensation she knew was of his touch and the thrusts that grew more wild and passionate as he became further aroused by her climax.

Tien no longer cared how firmly he grabbed her hips as he brought her down onto him, grinding together with her and meeting as one. He pulled her down to the very base of his shaft and shuddered as he felt the hot coils of his seed shooting up into her and filling her as they tangled their tongues together. He quivered and pulsed up again, his fluids flowing down her, bubbling out around the base as she collapsed on top of him, panting and kissing his lips softly.

"Launch... I ..." he panted, still blinking with the realization of what had just happened.

"Don't talk. Just kiss me." She whispered, and he did, feeling his third eye rolling to the back of his skull and the sensation of the throbbing slowing to a dull thrum that resonated all throughout him.

You've succeeded. Now you have the power. A raspy voice whispered in his mind, and Tien cringed back from the disturbing sensations he was feeling.

Launch pulled back, staring, her emerald eyes wide with surprise as she had felt it too. "What...was that?" She gasped.

"No..! It's...we need to get out of here!" Tien panted, his vision blurry. Launch righted herself, as did he, and she lowered down the top of the car, allowing the crisp summer air of night to flow over them as the credits rolled across the screen.

To Be Continued...