Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or anything to do with the Boys over Flowers franchise.

Chapter 8: Double Trouble

Vegeta glared at the two Earthling women in front of him. His woman was clearly not as excited as Kakarot's but he still asked, "And who's idea was this?"

"It was mine." Chichi said happily. "Two friends dating two friends; we're going to have so much fun!"

Vegeta looked to Bulma. "Woman I did not agree to this."

Bulma wasn't sure about it either. She was still trying to wrap her mind around the whole 'dating Vegeta' thing and whether or not it was a bad idea. But whether she was confident or not, he wasn't going to embarrass her in front of her only friend. "Well it's happening so get over it."

"You don't give me orders."

"And you don't control my life but you sure do try!"

"Haha. Like I need to try."

"You stupid-!"

"You guys don't like each other?" Chichi asked confused.

Vegeta and Bulma turned to Chichi and they both simultaneously said,

"She/He likes me."

They glared at each other again and Kakarot turned to Chichi. "They have a complicated relationship, but I'm sure it will last. So where do you ladies want to go? There are a million restaurants we can try." He said excited for a reason to visit the Restaurant district.

Vegeta crossed his arms in frustration at the idea of sharing his company with the other couple. "I already took Bulma to the best one."

Bulma was curious at his statement. "What makes that one the best?"

"I like it more so than the others. Any other place would be mediocre."

Bulma was silent for a moment and a blush came to her cheeks as she said, "You took me to your favorite restaurant?"

"Yeah so?"

"Oh nothing I just didn't know it was your favorite." She said looking away from him. She didn't know why it mattered herself, but for some reason it did.

Chichi sighed. "Guys we don't have to go to a restaurant for a date."

Vegeta became curious and Kakarot scratched the back of his head in confusion. "I thought that's what aliens did. What else do you guys do?"

Chichi and Bulma were shocked by their ignorance. They both became aware of the notion that they were probably the only aliens that the two Saiyans had interacted with. It was Bulma who spoke next. "Dating is just finding a fun activity to do while spending time with your significant other. We could do anything really."

Chichi got excited all over again as an idea came to her. "Yes like go to the beach!"

Bulma's eyes became large. "Oh yes! We can totally go!"

Vegeta and Kakarot looked at each other then Vegeta looked back to his woman. "Why in the universe would you want to go to the ocean?"

Bulma rolled her eyes. "To swim, to-"

"You guys want to train in the water?" Kakarot asked confused.

Bulma sighed. "No, we want to play in the water and lie on the sand and feel the sun on our skin. It would be so wonderful."

"Yeah," Chichi agreed. "The only time we get to do that is if we go to the lake not too far from here. But it's always crowded with other aliens and we're not allowed to go to the beach."

"Yeah and believe me when I say that Chichi and I tried. We got caught by some patrollers. They accused us of trying to do something to the water. They let us go when we convinced them of what we wanted to do and they laughed in our faces for it."

Vegeta cracked his neck in annoyance. "That's because 'playing' in water is absolutely ridiculous. No Saiyan would do such a thing and would look down upon anyone that would. Planet Vegeta only has one Ocean and the deepest part of it is used to teach young Saiyans how to fight properly in the underwater. So being seen 'swimming' or 'playing' at the shore is completely absurd. It's not happening Woman so choose something else."

"But Vegeta-"

"No."

Bulma was about to explode with anger. She didn't even want to go out with him in the first place and now when she actually wants to do something with him he shoots her down. Well if this is how it's going to be then she was going to end it right here and now!

Chichi saw her friend and stopped her from going berserk when another idea came to her. "But Vegeta you get to see Bulma in a bikini."

Bulma's quick anger dissipated as she shook her head at her friend. "Chichi-"

But she ignored her and went on. "And Kakarot you get to see me in one as well."

Both the Saiyan males' interests were piqued. "What's a bikini?" Kakarot asked.

Chichi smirked. "Oh something that is only decent for a woman to wear when she is at the beach. Any other time she would be considered...hmm what's the right word Bulma?"

Bulma cleared her throat not liking at all where this conversation was going. Sure she had no problem flaunting her body. She even bragged about it. But Vegeta already was suspicious of her being a tease and this wasn't going to be good for her case. "Well it's not-"

Chichi realized that her friend wasn't going to play ball and cut her off. "A slut. That's the right word."

Bulma's eyes became large. "Chichi what are you doing?"

Vegeta chuckled. Obviously what Kakarot's woman said was the truth if Bulma was reacting this way. "So let me get this straight; if we agree to take you to the beach, you both will willingly dress like sluts?"

Chichi didn't really like that phrase and would never deem her swimsuit as 'slutty' but she was desperate. "Well yes."

"Chichi can I have a word with you please!" Bulma said as she grabbed her friend and hauled her outside before she could protest. She walked away from the boys without closing the door, forgetting that they have really good hearing and could hear every word that was said.

"What are you doing?"

"I want to go to the beach Bulma." Chichi said angrily as she yanked her arm away.

Bulma clenched her fists. "Why did you have to use the word 'slut'? That's exactly the image of myself I've been trying not to paint."

Chichi grabbed her friend's shoulders in determination. "Look, my dad and your parents have talked about the beaches on Earth and vacations they used to take and I want to at least experience it once in my life! Vegeta is the prince and he can do whatever he wants and we will never have the opportunity to do this again."

"I know." Bulma said looking down. "I want to go to. I had always hoped to go to the beaches on Earth but I can't find any more information on it."

"I want to go to the beaches on Earth as well and one day we will, but until then we have to make the best of things here. Come on we'll have fun." She ended by hugging her friend. Bulma sadly hugged her back. She hadn't given up hope on her lost planet but it seemed to be getting harder and harder every day.

Vegeta and Kakarot watched the scene before them. Kakarot feeling that strong guilt return to him once more said, "Vegeta I want to take them."

"You and your emotions." Vegeta responded, but part of him actually wanted to do it for Bulma as well, but as far as she or anyone else was going to know was that he was doing this just to see this, 'bikini'.

The girls walked up to them and Vegeta sighed. "We will go to the beach at the week's end. I will arrange it so we will not be disturbed."

"Yea! I'm so excited." Chichi said as she hugged Kakarot. He smiled at her excitement and was pleased that he was able to bring a smile to her face.

Bulma placed her hands on her hips and eyed Vegeta. "And you are willing to do something you see as 'absurd' only to see me in a bikini?"

Vegeta chuckled. "I am only curious about this 'pure' culture of yours. I find its contradictions fascinating."

Bulma's face turned red with embarrassment and anger as she shot Chichi a glare that said, 'See what you did?' But she only shrugged and went behind the counter to start cooking. Bulma sighed and muttered "Whatever." She had dug her own grave and was annoyed to find out that she was still shoveling.

Pleased with himself Vegeta turned to Kakarot and nodded toward the door. "Come on Kakarot let's go."

"You guys aren't going to stay? I was starting to cook." Chichi said over her shoulder.

"Yea Vegeta can we eat?" Kakarot asked as he rubbed his stomach for emphasis.

Vegeta was about to say 'no' but Bulma chimed in. "Of course you guys can stay for a little while. I'll help you Chichi.'

Vegeta glared at Bulma. "Woman I have things to do. I don't have time to sit here and eat your poison."

Bulma raised an eyebrow as she washed her hands in the sink. "Oh really? Because I'm pretty sure you are a sushi man. Judging by the food you ate at the Aquarian restaurant you'll love my cooking. At least the sushi."

Vegeta was about to snap at her but after smelling some of the food Chichi started cooking his stomach growled and in defeat as he sat down. "Blasted Woman."

Bulma smirked and started to prepare the food. 'Haha I'm not the only one that knows how to get under the other person's skin.'

...

Two hours later Vegeta and Kakarot were standing in front of Bardock. Vegeta meant to get there sooner but Bulma had turned out to be right. He found out he was definitely a sushi man. He couldn't get enough of it which caused him to end up trying everything that the restaurant had to offer. He could see why Kakarot kept going back. It turned out Earthling food was actually very tasty.

Kakarot had a great time eating Chichi's food and at the moment he wished he was still there instead of being in front of his father.

Bardock resisted the urge to blast his son for disobeying a direct order. It was embarrassing already for him to be so emotionally attached to his first purge and now he was going out with an Earthling. "I have told you for years that your emotions were your greatest weakness and now you are making it worse. So I'm only going to ask you this once and I want a clear answer. Why?"

Kakarot gulped down his nervousness. "I...at first I felt guilty and it made me feel good or at least made feel better to make Chichi happy. Now I find myself wanting to make her happy all the time."

Bardock really wanted to hit him now. "So your guilt is causing you to see this girl?"

"No, not anymore. I...I care about her."

"I'm not convinced. You should end it with her."

"He can't" Vegeta said. "Chichi is too close to Bulma. It will hinder things."

Bardock rolled his eyes. "Teenagers. Fine. I could care less who you want to mate with but there is no place for soft hearts and emotions on a battle field Kakarot. So you need to learn to draw them back or you are going to be seen as a weakling. Emotions will cause you to make mistakes so get a grip."

"Yes father." Kakarot said obediently. But he knew that it was easier said than done.

Bardock turned his attention to the prince. "No I assume that you are here because of the press conference the Queen had ordered."

"Yes. Tomorrow everyone will know that Bulma is an Earthling so you must come up with something." Vegeta said.

Bardock exhaled. "There is something I can do, but it still can be found out."

"What is it?"

"There is a galaxy pretty close to the one where Bulma's planet is in. There is a planet that had some similar features and the ones that are different can be covered up due to the fact that it has become a training base. I can switch all the old files that hold the truth of the planets real names but anyone who is from there would know the difference."

"I don't think that is something you really have to worry about."

"Oh? How so?"

"Neither Bulma's parents or Chichi's father have told their children of the devastation of their planet. It is obvious they don't want them to know. So this should be fine for now."

Kakarot spoke up, " I don't even know if Chichi's father knows the truth."

"Well if Bulma's father is a genius and is the one that taught Bulma everything she knows then I'm sure he already found out."

Bardock went to his computer and asked, "Their parents don't have a problem with Saiyans?"

Vegeta thought about how Bulma's parents were fawning over him. "From the looks of it no."

Bardock shrugged his shoulders. "Well then the truth will completely be in her parents hands. If her father does know then he can expose it any time. Are you worried of what she will do when she finds out that you have deliberately made everyone keep her in the dark only to mate her?" Bardock asked the last part amused.

Like his mother had told him before, he had a problem with not paying attention to what happened down the line. All he was thinking about was here and now. He had already decided that his relationship with Bulma was beyond 'bedding' her. He knew that she would find out the truth eventually but he would rather she found out when he became bored with her. When that time would come he could care less about her actions. But at the moment he found her very entertaining. "Just do what you need to do." He told him as he left out the room.

The Next day at school

When Bulma arrived at School she was surprised to see Vegeta actually waiting for her. She was about to smile at him but he killed her actions by glaring at her and saying, "Took you long enough."

"Well it's nice to see you too." She muttered.

Just then the rest of F4 showed up and Bulma was pleased to see Raditz healed. The three boys bowed to Vegeta, but Raditz dropped to one knee in front of him and said, "I apologize sincerely your Highness. It won't ever happen again."

Vegeta grunted a response and started walking away from the group expecting them to follow. Bulma shook her head at his rudeness and walked in step with the other boys. "It's nice to see you guys on this lovely morning." She said breaking the weird tension that was in the air. Kakarot smiled at her, Turles nodded and Raditz completely ignored her. She then frowned when she realized that he was completely ignoring her. He wouldn't even look her way. Sure she was with Vegeta but she couldn't see why she couldn't be friends with Raditz.

She was about to say something when she jumped as she felt Vegeta's tail wrap around her waist as he brought her closer to him so that she was by his side. He only chuckled at her response "Relax Woman."

Bulma sent him a death glare and said, "If I'm going to go on with this fiasco the least you could do is call me by name."

Vegeta only shrugged as he walked into the school. If Bulma thought she felt like a rock star before, then she felt like a princess today. Everyone bowed as they walked by, sure they were bowing to Vegeta but she didn't see anything wrong with pretending they were bowing to her as well...and also pretending that the three tall Saiyans behind her were her bodyguards willing to protect her at all costs. She could hear people whispering about her and she let it fill her ego up and spill over the sides.

'That's right ladies and gentlemen, I'm Bulma Briefs.'

When it was time to part ways Bulma leaned in to kiss Vegeta, telling herself that she was only putting on a show, when Vegeta leaned back from her.

"Not in public Woman."

Her pride slightly wounded, she nearly yelled, "Says the guy who makes his tail my personal belt."

"Whatever." He said amused as he turned away.

Bulma let out a 'humph' and turned to go to class. Once she walked in she was surprised that the ladies applauded her and the guys whooped and hollered.

"What's going on?" She said smiling a little.

"No outsider has ever gained as much respect as you have in such a short period of time." A girl said coming up to her.

"No one will ever mess with you Miss Briefs." A boy said like he was a fan boy.

Another Saiyan boy approached her and pleadingly asked, "Bulma please do me the honor of punching me in the face."

She was shocked to say the least. "What are you crazy?"

A girl nearby rolled his eyes. "Whatever. He just wants to brag about you giving him enough attention to get punched in the face."

"I don't want to sound weak but I don't want to hurt my hand on your strong Saiyan skin." Bulma said stroking the boy's ego for no reason. The other people in the room appreciated the response. No one liked an alien that thought they were superior in every area so it was nice that she wasn't ashamed to admit the truth of not being anywhere near as strong as a Saiyan.

"It's ok I'll lower my power level really low."

"Oh Ok." She said drawing back a hand. Instantly a few girls came over to her and showed her how she should stand and aim her fist. Bulma had no idea that so much went into punching. After they were pleased with her stance and showing her numerous demonstrations she punched the kid right in his face. She was surprised that it didn't hurt and laughed as he the boy acted very badly in pretending to be thrown against the wall.

Everyone then laughed until the Teacher came into to start the lesson.

Later...

Nappa was walking around the outskirts of the school catching different students and was completely floored with the responses he was getting from them about the 'alien princess'. At first he thought it was some kind of joke but every one of those kids knew who he was and that it would be extremely foolish to lie to him. But he still couldn't believe some of the answers he got when he asked them to describe Bulma Briefs...

"Bulma Briefs is flawless."

"She owns the fastest flying transport since she can't fly."

"I hear her hair is insured for $10,000 creds."

"I hear she does modeling for alien planets."

"Her favorite hobby is swimming."

"She met the King and he told her she was pretty."

"Bulma Briefs punched me in the face...it was awesome!"

Nappa couldn't believe how the Saiyan teenagers were lifting her up as if...as if she was a Saiyan. None of it made any sense. He was about to take off and report back to the Queen when a Saiyan girl came up to him.

"I hear you are asking about Bulma."

"Yes what about it?" He asked annoyed. If he heard one more stupid detail he swore he was going to blow that stupid school to bits.

"I can tell you what's been going and why so many Saiyans are bowing before her like she's some kind of Saiyan princess." She sneered with disgust.

Nappa smirked finally believing he found what he was looking for. "What is your name?"

"My name is Aspa."

...

Bulma was a bit nervous when Vegeta walked with her into his mother's war room. The press conference was going to start soon but she had to meet the Queen first. Her parents were already in the press room. They were excited beyond everything to know that their daughter was officially going public with the Prince. She looked down at her dress that her mother had made; it was a white airy hi-low dress that flowed when she walked. Vegeta had told her she looked 'decent' which she was beginning to interpret as 'beautiful'.

Vegeta allowed Bulma to go in first and soon as she got a glimpse of the Queen she bowed to her. She didn't know what made her more nervous, the fact that she was the queen or the fact that she was Vegeta's mother. All she knew was that she wanted to make a good impression.

"You may rise." Bulma stood up and finally looked at the Queen as she looked at her. The Queen got up and walked around her, similar to what the King had done before. "You are actually prettier in person."

"I have the same opinion about you your majesty. The media hardly does your beauty justice."

The Queen smirked. "Beauty and Charm. I see why my son is attracted to you. Saiyan males have a weakness for ego stroking."

"Oh Vegeta doesn't need any help on my part. He does quite well on his own."

The Queen looked at her surprised and then laughed out loud. "My my, humor as well. Yes you are very entertaining indeed. Well, I am confident that you will not embarrass the royal house with your wording. The both of you may go. I will join you shortly in the conference room."

They both bowed and walked out into the hall. As soon as the door closed Bulma shoved Vegeta, or at least tried to. He barely moved. "What's your problem?"

"You are my problem." She said pointing a finger in his face. "I asked you to tell me about your mother and all you said was, 'She's a queen' as if that's any kind of helpful information."

Vegeta rolled his eyes and started walking toward the press room with Bulma right next to him. "Because if you would have been rehearsed she would have known. She wanted to speak to you as you are. You didn't need to be prepared. You only needed to be yourself."

"Well you could have at least have told me that."

"Woman, why wouldn't you want to be yourself?"

"That's not what I meant."

"Then you should say what you mean. Earthling nonsense."

Bulma glared at him. "Saiyan stupidity."

Vegeta glared back at her. "Are you done? Because we are about to go through these doors and whatever these people paint you as is what the whole universe will see you as. So if you want to act like a-"

"I'm sorry ok! I'm just nervous." Bulma said crossing her arms. Why couldn't she have found herself a nice sweet alien boy? But no she had to go with the Saiyan prince that had no concept of comfort what so ever.

She became startled once more as she felt his tail wrap around her waist.

"Relax Woman." He said looking away.

She blinked once she realized that his face was blushing. She then looked down at his tail. "Wait is wrapping your tail around me the same like giving me a hug?"

Vegeta's face became redder. "I just-it's just something Saiyans do."

Bulma giggled and stepped closer to him. "I didn't know." She said before she decided to reward him by giving him a kiss on his lips.

Vegeta kissed her back and ran his hands up and down her arms, enjoying her exposed skin that's usually covered by her Saiyan attire. The couple broke apart as they heard camera's flashing. Apparently some of the reporters got a little restless waiting for them and stepped out of the room only to find the couple engaging in one another.

Bulma blushed from being caught and was glad that they didn't come out earlier and saw them arguing. Vegeta then placed his tail back around his own waist and ushered her inside. Bulma was surprised to see so many people there and was glad that her parents were in the front row. The Queen came in and everyone bowed to her. She sat down in thrown like chair on the side and then Vegeta and Bulma sat down in the chairs that were given to them. Vegeta nodded signaling the reporters that they could start.

"Where are you from Miss Briefs?"

Bulma briefly wondered where the microphones were but ignored it as she assumed that everyone had theirs built into their equipment. "I'm from planet Earth. I hear it's a training ground now."

"How long have you and the Prince been dating?"

"Only a few days I think. Time fly's when you're having fun." Bulma giggled nervously. Some of the reporters laughed as well.

"Prince Vegeta aren't you worried that people will be upset that you might mate and have children with an alien?"

"It is against Bulma's culture to have sex before marriage and we are only having fun. There is no talk of marriage."

Bulma looked over to her parents who were pleased but also surprised to hear that. She gave them a nervous smile and knew that she was going to have some explaining to do. Vegeta had no clue that it wasn't against her culture and that it was just something that she decided to do. 'Great now everyone will be watching me for the rest of my life.'

"Miss Briefs, how do you feel about the title of being called the 'alien princess' and did that give you confidence in going after the Prince?"

"I didn't really think anything of it and the prince pursued me."

"Ha! She challenged me and I never turn down a good challenge." He said looking at her as if he was daring her to challenge him right then and there.

"Miss Briefs have you seen your planet as it is today?"

Vegeta stilled at the question. He didn't know if Bardock had done what he said he would do. He then looked to Bulma's father who had also seemed tense as he grasped his wife's hand. 'Just as I suspected. You know old man.'

"No I have not." Bulma said a bit sadly.

"Well Miss Briefs we actually have some footage of Earth that we found this morning. Would you like to see it now?"

Bulma gasped. She didn't think it was possible. She had looked and looked and couldn't find anything. Perhaps her skills weren't as impressive as she thought. "Yes I would."

The reporter lifted up a hologram and instantly a solar system popped up and one planet that was blue and filled with water and had some land became larger than the others. "According to the records, this is your home planet."

"It's...it's beautiful." She said as tears fell from her eyes. All her life she had wanted to see her home and there it was right in front of her. She didn't expect to be so overwhelmed by it. She was almost beginning to lose hope and there it was right there. With that image she felt like all her dreams were possible.

Vegeta kept his eyes on Bulma's parents. He saw her mother whisper frantically to her husband as her father shook his head and seemed very upset. Either they were going to have to let Bulma live with the lie or crush her. He didn't expect them to do the latter. Vegeta turned his attention to Bulma. Seeing the way she was now, he didn't want to be the one to do it either.

Bulma smiled and wiped her tears away. "I am sorry, my people are quite emotional." She laughed.

Everyone else laughed with her and the rest of the questions were mundane and not as important as the ones before them. When it was all over Bulma left with her parents and the whole ride home in their new flight car, that was given to them by a company that wanted the 'alien princess' to be seen in their latest model, she couldn't stop talking about the possibility of going to Earth.

Her parents didn't say anything until they got home. "Bulma sit down please." Her father said as he pointed to the table.

Her mother quickly went to go make some of her hot chocolate knowing that her daughter would probably need some comforting in a moment.

"What is it Dad?"

He didn't know how to put it so he just let it out. "That wasn't Earth."

Bulma blinked at him. "But...but it has to be. Why would they say it if it wasn't?"

Dr. Briefs sighed and walked over to one of his capsules he kept stashed in a drawer and pulled out one and came back and sat down. "This is what Earth's solar system looks like."

He said pressing the button and revealing a homemade solar system. "Earth is the third planet from the sun, not the fourth. Always has been. I'm sorry to tell you but that wasn't Earth."

Bulma shook her head in disbelief. She felt betrayed by her own emotions. "Then why would they say-"

"Perhaps they got something confused."

"Then where is it? Why can't I find it? Why can't I see it?" She screamed.

"Honey calm down."

"No! Tell me where it is!"

Dr. Brief felt torn. If he told her daughter the truth then everything she was starting to build for herself would possibly come tumbling down. She had placed Earth on this pedestal and once she realized there was nothing there then she would hate every Saiyan alive. She was so close to having an amazing future and he was too afraid of taking it from her.

"I'm sorry dear I can't."

Bulma shook with fury. Her mother approached with the hot drink and she slapped it out of her hand causing it to crash against the wall and shatter into a million pieces. She looked at it and saw what she felt. Shattered. She had thought she found her home only to be told it was a lie. And the people she loved and trusted the most wouldn't tell her the truth. She stormed out of the room and went to her room to cry her shattered hopes into her pillow.

That week end

Bulma had been ignoring her parents all week and needed this break badly. She had spent the next couple days searching and searching but all she found was what the reporter had revealed to her. But her father was adamant that it wasn't Earth. Her father was never wrong and even Chichi's father said that Earth was the third planet from the sun. So why was the information wrong? She was starting to doubt if Earth was even purged at all. Everything was just confusing. So she was relieved when the day finally came for the double date. She had only spoke to her mother once and that was when she told her that she was going to the beach and needed the proper attire. She was happy to do that for them and that was all the parental contact she had or could stand at the moment.

She and Chichi were now standing outside her house holding a bag filled with towels and sun lotion waiting for the boys to come and get them. When they finally landed they noticed the boys looking at them confused.

"This doesn't look like slutty attire." Vegeta said eyeing the matching orange smock dresses they were wearing.

Bulma rolled her eyes. "For your information our bikinis are under our dresses. You don't wear your swim suits to the beach. It's not proper."

"Is that why you said that Kakarot and I should wear training shorts under our pants?"

"Yes." Bulma said looking at their attire. They both were wearing loose light weight material pants and white tank tops. Bulma wondered how much alien clothing they actually owned.

Kakarot walked up to Chichi and smiled at her. "You look great."

"Thank you Kakarot." She said kissing him and Kakarot didn't hesitate to kiss her back.

Vegeta frowned at their public display of affection. He narrowed his eyes at Kakarot as he pulled away smirking from Chichi and raised his eyebrows as if he won something. Vegeta didn't know what that look meant exactly but just in case it was a challenge he decided to accept it. He grabbed a surprised Bulma and bent her backwards a little as he kissed her longer than what Kakarot kissed Chichi.

When he pulled back from her, her face was flushed and she was panting for air. "What happened to no PDA?"

"What?"

"Public Display of Affection?"

Vegeta shrugged his shoulders and said, "Let's just go Woman." He said holding her tightly as he blasted into the air. Kakarot was right behind them with Chichi. Vegeta scoffed when Kakarot passed them. Vegeta growled then sped up faster. And soon it became a race as their laughing and squealing girlfriends had to bury their faces in their necks to block the strong wind from getting in their faces.

Once they landed Bulma and Chichi had to steady themselves. They laughed at how dizzy they felt as Vegeta gloated to Kakarot about him being the fastest and Kakarot being too slow. The girls then looked at the water and excitedly tossed off their dresses.

Vegeta and Kakarot froze.

Chichi's bikini consisted of a white bandeau top with a jeweled center that had red, purple and pink stones. The bottom was a plum colored hip bottom that made the white top look brighter than it was.

Bulma's bikini was a two piece red halter top and matching bottom that did nothing but made what she already had look even more voluptuous.

Vegeta and Kakarot were shocked and near drooling but then they noticed each other. "Don't look at my Woman!" Vegeta said as he shoved Kakarot.

Kakarot quickly retaliated and shoved back not caring that Vegeta was his prince. "Well don't look at mine!"

"I'm not!"

"Well I'm not looking at yours either!"

"Boys, calm down. Now no more fighting this is supposed to be fun." Bulma said laughing. She was expecting a reaction but not on that scale. It made her confidence soar to new heights.

"Come on Bulma!" Chichi said grabbing her hand and running into the water.

Vegeta crossed his arms over their excitement as they practically frolicked into the water. "Even with their attire I still don't see the point of..." His words trailed off as he saw Bulma emerge from underneath the water. "Great tail of Oozaru." He whispered to no one in particular. She didn't even look real. She looked like some sort of Goddess or Sea nymph from a folk lore as the sun light shined behind her and the water sparkled around her.

She turned to him then and their eyes locked. "Come in Vegeta!"

Without realizing it he stripped off his shirt and pants and started toward her not even noticing that Kakarot had already left his side and was already next to his own woman. As soon as Vegeta got close enough, Bulma snapped him out of his daze by splashing water in his face. He growled as she laughed at him and tried to swim away. But he easily caught her and lifted her above his head.

"Apologize or face my wrath Woman!"

Bulma laughed and yelled out, "Never!" He dropped her in the water with a loud splash but she quickly came back up and splashed him in his face again.

Chichi was having equally amount of fun by dunking Kakarot's head in the water. He flipped her over him in retaliation and she in turn kicked him in the back of his legs making him fall into the water.

The Saiyan males found themselves actually having fun in the water with their girlfriends. It wasn't long until both couples were facing off. Bulma was on top of Vegeta's shoulders and Chichi was on top of Kakarot's. Vegeta was getting angry as Chichi managed to push Bulma back for the second time. Kakarot and Chichi were laughing while Vegeta growled out. "Woman we are losing because you are weak."

"Well I'm sorry. Chichi's father taught her how to fight. She knows more moves." She said as she got back on his shoulders.

"Good grief Woman will you just aim for her throat so that we can beat them."

"Vegeta? She is my friend you jerk I don't want to hurt her."

"Well you better do something because you are embarrassing me."

"Look, just hold onto my thighs ok?"

Vegeta smirked. "That's the only fun part of this game so far."

"Pervert"

"It's your culture Woman not mines."

Bulma ignored him and eyed Chichi with a playful fierceness. They both grabbed each other's hands and started a strength contest of who could knock who off their boyfriend's shoulders first.

"Come on Woman! Use the strength in your back and not your arms!"

Bulma ignored him and started laughing as she realized she was about to lose again. But Vegeta wasn't going to let it happen. He quickly kicked Kakarot in his chest making him and Chichi fall backwards into the water.

"Vegeta!" Bulma yelled.

Vegeta not wanting to hear a lecture let her tumble backwards into the water. "I win." He said smugly. He then raised an eyebrow as everyone emerged from the water and circled him. Then it became a 3 on 1 water fight. The girls were laughing as the Saiyan males were taking it a little too seriously as they began using their energy to manipulate the water. After a while the girls left the boys and just enjoyed the show they were putting on as they sun bathed on the sand.

Once Vegeta was satisfied that he could declare himself the winner they left out the water. Chichi wanting to spend some time alone with her man stood up and grasped his hand.

"Where are we going?"

"Just around." She said snuggling closer to him. He didn't mind at all, especially since he could place his hand on her smooth skin.

Bulma patted the towel next to her signaling Vegeta to lay down on it. He did so and closed his eyes as he felt the sun beam down on him. Bulma took that moment to observe his body. She had seen him topless before but she hadn't noticed the condition of his skin.

"You have so many scars on you. This one is particularly nasty." She said smoothing her fingers over a huge scar across his chest.

Vegeta didn't really want to talk about them but he found her touch quite soothing. "I'm a warrior I'm supposed to have scars."

"How did you get these?" She sound almost concerned.

"Battles...fights...torture."

"You were tortured?" She asked shocked.

Vegeta opened his eyes and looked at her. "What did you think; that because I am a prince I would only have a life of pampered riches?"

"Well..."

"You can't be serious?" He said offended.

"I mean I heard that you were a fighter but-"

"I always knew you were an idiot." He scoffed pushing her hand away.

Bulma was about to snap at him but she still wanted to know the story behind his scars. She placed a hand once again on the horrible scar on his chest. "How did you get this Vegeta?"

Vegeta sighed realizing that she wasn't going to let up until she got an answer. "It was Frieza."

Bulma's mind raced and then she knew who he was talking about. "You mean one of the Ice tyrants that your father and Bardock defeated?"

"Well look who paid attention in school. Yes."

"I never knew that you fought him."

"I didn't...not really."

"What happened?"

"Why should I tell you anything?"

"Because I'm your girlfriend."

"The other day you said you weren't and now you're claiming it? I knew something was wrong with your sanity."

"Vegeta what happened?" She persisted as she realized that he loved to use insults as a deflecting method. Well she wasn't going to fall for it this time. She stared into his eyes and he closed his once more.

"Freiza demanded that I be given to him and before my father strategized the rescue I was with Frieza for 6 months. Every day he would send his top lieutenants to...attack me to break me out of my 'royal attitude'. When my father saw what they did and fought Freiza that's when he became a Super saiyan and defeated him. Bardock later became a Super Saiyan not soon after that."

"Is that why you're so addicted to your training...because you want to be a Super Saiyan?"

"Of course I want to be a Super Saiyan. It's clearly in my blood."

Bulma didn't like making excuses for anyone but she could start to see why Vegeta was the way he was. He had to be the strongest so that no one could hurt him again. She bit her lip before she decided to go ahead and tell him what was on her mind. "Vegeta I might see you as a jerk sometimes, but you can always talk to me. I'll never hurt you."

Vegeta opened his eyes and glared at her. "You are a weakling. What could you possibly ever do to me?"

"That's not what I meant." She said offended. "I know I can't hurt you physically."

Vegeta rolled his eyes as he caught her meaning. "You don't have to worry about my feelings Woman. I am not some emotional fool and I also don't need your blasted pity."

"I could never pity you Vegeta, but everyone has emotions whether you want to admit them or not. You Saiyans are all talk." She said as she crossed her arms.

Vegeta eyed her annoyed posture and couldn't help but smirk. "Woman I am a man of action." He said as he pulled her down on top of him. She was about to protest but he silenced her with a kiss that left her utterly breathless. He pressed her against him, loving the feeling of her skin on his. "You look ravishing Woman."

Bulma smirked back at him. "You just keep your hands in the safe zone areas."

"I'm sorry I don't understand your culture, we're going to have to figure out these 'safe zone areas' through trial and error."

He said as he rolled a giggling Bulma underneath him.

Meanwhile...

"Kakarot!" Chichi said as she pushed his hands away.

"I'm sorry Chichi...but they're just...there." He said looking down at her boobs.

"Good grief." Chichi said as she stopped away from the rock she and Kakarot were just making out against. "And I thought I had the nice Saiyan."

"Compared to Vegeta you do." He said chuckling.

"Well I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I, like Bulma, do not want to have sex until I'm married. Now I'm sorry if that's not something you're used to but-"

"I haven't been with anyone."

"Really?" Chichi asked surprised.

Kakarot's flushed face gave away the truth. He then rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, you're my first girlfriend Chichi."

"I am?"

He nodded in response.

"But Bulma tells me you're so popular and I even looked you up on the media news. You have fan pages devoted to you. Girls must be throwing themselves at you all the time."

"They do, but none of them were as interesting as you I guess."

Chichi felt like a million butterflies swarmed in her stomach. Without another word she grabbed his shoulders and brought him back into a kiss, which he didn't hesitate to return. "Just watch the hands this time." He nodded his agreement as they continued to kiss.

A little while later, a laughing Bulma pulled her smock back on. "You've had enough for the day Mister."

Vegeta only chuckled and pulled his pants back on. "Well you should have clarified what 'safe zone' actually meant and perhaps there wouldn't have been so many errors."

Bulma kissed her boyfriend and let her arms hang loose around his neck as he brought her close to him. "You sir are a bad man."

"Did I ever say I was good?"

"Well you're good for something." She said pecking his lips one last time before pulling away. "Come on let's go find those two so we can eat something. I'm starving."

Vegeta would prefer to still be lying on the beach with Bulma in his arms as be explored the wonders of a bikini but he could eat. Just when Bulma finished folding the towels her blushing friend came over to them cradling her boyfriend's arm. After a brief discussion of where they were going to eat, the four was finally ready to go.

When they landed in the restaurant district people instantly started bowing to the prince. Bulma smiled at the admiration that the people had for him, but she noticed out the corner of her eye that someone was still standing.

Then everything instantly went into slow motion. This alien that was still standing raised some sort of weapon and fired. Instead of warning Vegeta she hugged him, taking the sharp metal that was fired straight into her back.

Chichi screamed for her friend as Kakarot rushed the attacker. Vegeta cradled Bulma in his arms as her mouth filled with blood. Without another moment of hesitation he flew as fast as he could back to the palace and headed straight for the infirmary. He ordered for the workers to get a tank ready as he ripped her smock off her body. He then pulled the metal shard out of her back ignoring the scream that left her mouth.

He took her trembling form in his arms again and placed her in the tank. Before he could place the mouth piece on she placed a hand on his stopping him. "Please t-tell me parents-"

He glared at her and strapped the mouth piece on her. "Tell them yourself." He said as he closed the tank and watched it fill with the healing liquid. Her eyes fluttered closed as she gave away to slumber. He knew she would be alright. He had got her there in time but that didn't stop the panic that was still present in his form. He hated this feeling and hadn't felt that way since he was a child.

Moments later his mother came into the room. He could feel her piercing gaze on his back as he watched an unconscious Bulma float inside the tank.

The Queen crossed her arms to keep from blasting her son. "Do you have any idea what Saiyans are going to be saying? 'Prince Vegeta isn't even strong enough to protect some weak alien girl! It is embarrassing and precisely the reason why you shouldn't mess with an alien! I knew something like this would happen. Of course someone would try to kill her. She is weak. She is pretty, I will give you that. And apparently she is smarter than what she lets on, but she is not worth the problems that come attached to her."

"Are you done?"

"What?"

"I said are you done?"

"For now."

"Good." He said in a clipped tone.

"Vegeta you have to care about what people is say-"

"I could care more about a Tuffle's life than what people say. The woman was not attacked. Some foolish alien tried to assassinate me and Bulma purposely got in the way."

The Queen was silent for a moment then asked, "How do you know this?"

"I saw the look in her eyes right before it happened. She was concerned for me." He spat. It was the same blasted look she gave him at the beach. "It was extremely foolish on her part but none the less she is loyal to me and that's all there is to it."

The Queen nodded. "I can respect her loyalty to you and that is the only reason why I will not end this now. But hear my words, don't get attached Vegeta. The moment you do I will end her."

"I've never been attached to anyone so I don't see how that would be a problem." Vegeta said finally looking over his shoulder. They both knew that the word 'anyone' applied to the Queen as well. The Queen frowned at that. Her son had never forgiven her or his father for letting Frieza take him away. She regretted it but at the time there was nothing they could do. He would simply have to get over it. She left the room then without saying another word.

An hour later Bulma opened her eyes and for a moment was in a state of panic, but once she saw Vegeta she calmed down again as she remembered what happened. The liquid drained and the latch opened. With shaky fingers she pulled the mask off her face. She stepped out and Vegeta handed her a towel. She dried herself off while avoiding his eyes not ready to face him.

Finally Vegeta couldn't take it anymore. "Why did you do it woman?"

Bulma paused her movements and stared at the floor.

"That weapon was nothing. It would have done me no harm."

silence

"It was foolishness on your part."

silence

"Well?"

"I DONT KNOW ALRIGHT?" She screamed, but then she slowly breathed in and out and calmed down a bit. "I just saw him and I reacted."

Vegeta narrowed his eyes at her. "Do you think I'm some kind of weakling-?"

"No... I just... Didn't want you to be hurt." She said kind of brokenly as she fought back tears.

Vegeta's voice softened a bit at the sound of hers. "I do the protecting in this agreement. Understand?"

Bulma nodded but couldn't help the tear that fell from her eyes. "Can you just shut up and hold me please?"

Vegeta paused at her words and then walked up to her and held her. She buried her face in his neck and cried. He had no idea what to do.

"I thought I was going to die." She sobbed out.

Vegeta pulled her back hating the sight of seeing her cry. "You do not have to die for me Woman. Not ever."

"I didn't think I would, but...I guess I like you more than I realized." She said avoiding his eyes once more. She had never felt more vulnerable in her life. She knew that he didn't need protecting, but she just had to for some reason. She didn't think of the cost.

Vegeta felt something at the moment. He didn't know how to describe it, but all he knew was that he would single handily kill anyone that ever tried to harm her again. He wiped her tears off her face with his thumbs. "Tears do not suit you Woman."

Bulma laughed. "Why is it so hard to say my name?"

"It is not hard. You are my woman so I am giving you the proper title." He said kissing her lips.

She kissed him back and pressed into him as she shivered from being in the cold room and only wearing her bikini. Vegeta noticed and went to a drawer and pulled out a training suit. He handed it to her and she quickly pulled on the blue spandex like material.

Vegeta looked to the side and cleared his throat as he said, "Woman, next month is my father's honoring celebration and you are to accompany me."

Bulma paused and then stared back at him for a while. "Are you inviting me to a party?"

"It's not a party Woman. Dignitaries from across the universe are coming to give my father gifts."

"But you want me to go with you as your date?"

"Yes."

"I'd love to. I've never been to a ball before." She said excited. The invitation quickly cheering her up. Her mother had told her many fairy tales about a Prince and a ball and a beautiful dress. She could hardly believe that it was going to happen to her. "I don't have anything to wear though."

"That's not a hard thing to do Woman. I will take care of that."

Bulma blinked at him in surprise. "Vegeta are you going to take me shopping?"

"Don't get excited Woman, this is a onetime thing." He warned.

Bulma squealed and jumped into his arms. He caught her and chuckled as she rained butterfly kisses on his face.

Elsewhere...

Bardock knelt before the Queen as she taped fingers on her arms in annoyance. "I'm trying to figure out how she could do what she did without you knowing." Nappa had found out what had gone on at the school and the Queen was shocked to say the least. She was going to sit on this thing and watch would happen next but after what had happened today she realized she needed to speed up her investigation.

Bardock hated being caught between the royals. "I knew."

"Yet you told no one. Let me guess...this was supposed to be kept between you and my son." Bardock nodded. "Well we are going to keep this fiasco a secret. I don't want to make Bulma an enemy but now that I know her potential I can't allow her to be with my son. She could actually be a threat to him. I will take care of things from now on. Speak of this to no one."

Bardock bowed to her once more before he left out.

Queen Cellena watched him go and pondered of what to do. She couldn't allow physical harm to come to the girl. No she had to figure out a way to make the girl loyal to the royal family while stay away from Vegeta. With all the information that was given to her, she was sure she could come up with something.

Author's Note: In case someone caught it, that scene where Nappa talked to the students was from 'Mean Girls'. Anyways…Vegeta and Bulma are going shopping! What is the Queen going to do? What's going to happen at the party? If you have read my previous stories, you know that something always happens during a party chapter. Please Review!