So this is love? Chapter 2, a dragon ball z fanfic

Disclaimer: As much as I would love to have Vegeta for myself, Vegeta and all other Dragon Ball Z characters are created and owned by Akira Toriyama.

So this is love?

Chapter Two

Dean's POV

The half an hour came and went very quickly. I guess that's what happens when you're having fun. I quickly estimate my earnings to be about fifty zeni when I put my guitar back in its case. The crowd clapped my performance for the last time and began to dissipate, many looking forward to the tournament coming up.

'Thank you and farewell, ladies and gentlemen. You will be seeing me soon.' I say to nobody in particular as I jump into flight once more.

A fair few people gasp as they watch me take off over the wall. Many had shocked or looks of awe on their faces. For some reason it gives me a lot of satisfaction that I can cause such a commotion. It could just be the individual in me but I always thought that being unique is cool. It's not every day you see somebody take to the skies so effortlessly, even if it was due to a wish on the dragon balls.

I was true to my word when I told the monk of my return. Right on cue the same monk directed me to the preparation arena where all the other fighters were waiting. I wouldn't say I was being fashionably late but I did enjoy making an entrance. As I entered the new area I found that there were lots of different fighters present. It was interesting to see the diversity of the different fighters, not only due to race but the way they dressed also suggested an array of fighting styles. The time in the preparation arena gave us all the opportunity to size each other up. I may not look like much but because of that, many people think I'm a pushover.

I would hate to be the first person who finds out otherwise.

Including myself, there were fifteen competitors present. The obvious contestant, Hercule Satan had not shown his face yet. I put on a grin upon a sarcastic thought; I hope that Trunks kid didn't hurt him too much. Maybe the exhibition match could have provided some sort of entertainment value after all.

I sit in the corner of the arena, it's a lot smaller than the main stage but it was still very impressive. I was able to see everyone from here. The announcer from the Junior tournament approached me as he did the other contestants to confirm that I was who I said I was. I thought my photo on the giant LCD would have done justice, apparently not.

'Okay, people.' The Announcer started. 'This is how it works; I will call your name and you will come up here to draw a ball. The ball you choose will determine your opponent in the match.'

Interesting, I like the random selection idea. I thought they might pair matches based on the score we received from the punching machine. This put a new spin on things. I look around to see my competition. While it was nice to see diversity in the competition, I never expected someone to have green skin. I watched some of the monks looking frantic around him as though he was ill. I guess it's not something you see every day. What I found even more interesting is that one of the taller men, who looked really buff was wearing a headpiece which looked like halo. If I didn't know any better I would say he looked like an angel. It was also nice to see that there were some girls in the tournament too.

'When I call your name please come forward. Um, Mister Killa?'

A very fit looking black guy makes his way to the box where the balls were to be drawn. You would think that there would be a cooler and more exciting way to draw than to just reach into a box. The fighter named Killa pulled out a number and muttered something too quick for me to comprehend. As it turns out, he drew the number fourteen. The monks tapped the LCD screen and Killa's photo appeared on the fourteenth spot of the tournament board. The selections had begun.

Vegeta's POV

Only one thought was going through my head at this point; I can prove that I am better than Kakarot once and for all. Since we first met as enemies I knew he would be fun to be in competition with. But then he dared to surpass me and become a Super Saiyan first. This this is my chance to prove knock that bastard off his high horse and become the champion. If Trunks can beat his littler brat then I can throttle him.

'Next up is Dahlia.' The announcer said.

As the beautiful red haired woman made her way to the draw I maintained my surprise from earlier. I found it hard to believe that out of the hundreds of male fighters who entered, all of them were weaker than the four women who got to the top sixteen. It just goes to show how weak and sensitive the men on this planet truly are.

'Alright then, Dahlia has chosen number ten.' The announcer piped up once again as the monks continued to fiddle with the feeble technology. I find it hard to believe that such 'intelligent' forms of life could be so far behind the other planets I've been to. 'Next up for the draw is Krillin.'

'W- wait, what? Uh.' Krillin shuddered nervously. 'I guess it's my turn.'

Honestly human, if you're going to show how scared you are then you might as well give up while you're ahead.

Krillin continued as he dipped his hand into the box. 'I hope my number isn't too late in the match.' He pulled out a number, revealing immediately the number one. 'Uh, what in the world did I do to deserve this?'

Be careful what you wish for, moron. I thought to myself as I fight back a laugh. Sometimes he makes it so easy for the universe to conspire against him. As the drawing continued, Gohan who was stupidly disguised as The Great Saiyaman drew number eleven and Android 18 drew number seven. At least if I get paired up with 18 I'll be able to settle a score with her. Darian, a teenaged boy ridiculously clothed in pink drew the number six. If he and Gohan were in competition for the world's worst fighting getup I don't think a winner could be decided.

I was getting pissed because most of the competition I saw before me were the people I knew well enough to know how to defeat. The other competitors don't even pose a threat at all. That was proven once and for all when Pintar drew the number two. Finally, an opponent Krillin would actually be able to beat.

'Okay, Mighty Mask, you have drawn number four.' The announcer drolled, it was clear that he wanted something exciting to happen as much as I did. He was about to get his wish. 'Vegeta, you're up next.'

I stroll up to the box, a pitiful box it was too. I thought they would use something more high-tech to choose the match-ups. Nope, before me were eight balls in an abysmal wooden box. I guess all the expensive stuff is all for the fanfare; no one in the audience could see us drawing our numbers after all. I pick up the first ball I touch; number five. Five? I look up at the LCD and facepalm for the second time that day. My first opponent is that loser clad in pink. Outraged, I took my place beside Kakarot and nudged him hard.

'Ah! Vegeta, what the hell was that for?' He whined.

'Listen, Kakarot. You better pick a good number. The sooner we have our rematch the better.'

'… Oh, I get it. I'll see what I can do.' He winked at me, unsure of whether he was oblivious or not.

Suddenly without warning, the odd smell assaulted my nose once again. This time it was twice as strong, an overwhelming smell which was similar to musk and, weirdly enough, strawberries. Unlike last time when it just annoyed me, this time it was quite pleasurable and my body started to act a little too favourably. I crouch down and cover my nose and mouth with my hands, the obvious reaction causing others to respond.

'Vegeta?' Kakarot asked. 'Vegeta, are you alright?'

Dean's POV

I was still sitting in the far corner of the ring when the announcer called out my name. I leave my guitar at said spot and walked over to draw a ball. There were only seven spots remaining and there was still no sign of Hercule. Part of me wondered what was taking him so long, another part was wondering who I was going to be facing first.

I place my hand in the box to randomly choose a number. I don't know if it was that I turned away so I didn't look at what I chose, but the moment I turned around the smell had returned. The same smell from the market square while I was performing. I don't know why it was happening but the aroma had returned twice as potent as the first time. I doubled over and nearly knocked the box of the table, although it was not a feeling of pain. It sent warm flushes through my body and I could feel myself blushing. 'What's wrong with me?' I question myself.

'I do not care how or when it happens, nor do I care who it is, but I wish to know when my true love appears before me in the future, to give me an obvious sign that said person is my future partner.'

'Young mortal, love is perhaps the most powerful force in the universe! When you do find this person the love may be returned but there may be a price! Are you willing to take this burden?!'

'Yes!'

'Dean.' The announcer asked, snapping me back into reality. 'Are you alright?'

'Never better.' I reply through gritted teeth.

Upon my reply I only just realised that I was craning over the box with a look of unadulterated rage on my face. I regain my posture and breathe; though my face was calm the flush of red still remained. I looked at the ball I withdrew, number eight.

'Judging from the blushing I'm thinking you've seen someone you really like. Am I right?' The announcer joked with me. If only he knew the truth.

And after all these years I was under the impression that the dragon didn't grant my third wish. As it turns out the wish did come to pass, the drawback was that I had no idea who it was, the clue I was given was debilitating beyond belief and to top it all it all off, the timing could not be worse. I turned to retrieve my guitar when I notice about half of the fighters gathered around and murmuring. Did they notice what had happened? No, they were gathering around someone. He was crouching and clutching his face. I didn't get a good look at him but he appeared to be short in stature, rather brawny and had a very prominent widow's peak.

As soon as I walk past the large group the scent faded almost immediately. I couldn't get to my guitar quick enough. I pick it up and fumble it as I try to stay as far from the competitors as possible. It's great that the person I'm supposed to fall in love with was in that group, but now was neither the time nor the place.

Amidst my flapping about I didn't realise that one of the competitors had come to talk to me. The woman was blonde, nicely dressed and very beautiful. While she had very sharp features about her she walked in by no means a feminine way. I also noticed that she was one of the few contestants who were surrounding that short guy.

'It looks like it's you and me in the first round, buddy.' She motioned to the LCD, indicating that she was my first opponent.

'Oh. So we are.' I reply sheepishly, what happened earlier still grating on my mind. 'The name's Dean by the way.'

'18.'

'18?'

'Don't ask.'

'Um okay then.' I continue acting awkwardly; I needed to change the subject. 'That guy over there. Is he alright?'

'Oh, Vegeta? He's fine, he's just having a moment. He was complaining about some smell earlier. I think he just didn't shower after his last training session.'

'Give me an obvious sign that said person is my future partner.'

… Oh shit!

Vegeta's POV

The sickeningly sweet aroma leaves me once again, my body wracking unconditionally with pleasure. I was breathing heavily, not only to make sure that I didn't imagine the experience but also because I wanted to seek it out again. Not even the woman makes me feel the way I felt just now.

I looked up and realised that everybody was crowded around me like a bunch of gawkers. I promptly yell at Kakarot to get of my way and everybody else to leave me alone. I only thing I needed to focus on was the tournament draw and how many opponents I had to beat before my rematch with Kakarot.

'Alright folks, the match-ups for the World Martial Arts Tournament has been decided.' The announcer informed once again. 'The first match is between Krillin and Pintar. The second match is between Rei and Mighty Mask. Match number three is between Vegeta and Darian. Match number four is between 18 and Dean. Match number five is between Videl and Dahlia. Match number six is between The Great Saiyaman and Ma. Jnr. Match number seven is between Goku and Killa, and match number eight is between Hercule and Jewel.

'Humph. Kakarot, I order you to win all of your matches so I can beat your ass in the final.' I say sternly.

He returns a cocky grin, 'I'll see you there, Vegeta.' Now that the competition had begun he begins to take it seriously. Man he can be so difficult to read sometimes.

"Isn't it weird? Isn't it strange?
Even though we're just two strangers on this runaway train.
We're both trying to find a place in the sun.
We've lived in the shadows, but doesn't everyone?
Isn't it strange how we all feel a little bit weird sometimes?"

It didn't take me long to recognise the voice behind the music. The boy from the market square was here. I hadn't even noticed he was here until now. I look over at the LCD and back to him again, finding it hard to believe that someone as mellow looking was an entrant in the tournament. Dean was his name, and compared to the song he was singing before his style of music had changed drastically. If this guy could fight as well as he could perform he would definitely make an excellent opponent. I was too busy focussing on the music that I didn't realise that he was walking toward us.

"Sitting on the side waiting for a sign, hoping that my luck will change.
Reaching for a hand that can understand someone who feels the same.
When you live in a cookie cutter world being different is a sin.
So you don't stand out. But you don't fit in. Weird."

For the third time today, the aroma attacked my nose once again. As expected the feeling of pleasure rushing through me was so completely indescribable that I fall to my knees once again. I felt something trickling down my face and I realised that my nose was bleeding. I wiped my nose clean and look up again. Dean had stopped playing for a moment, but not on my account. He had fallen to his knees too. To my shock he looks up at me, his nose bleeding profusely as well.

"Strange, how we all get a little bit..."

Suddenly it dawned on me…

"Strange, 'cause we're all just a little bit weird sometimes."

…He was who I smelt, and he could smell me too.

"Strange, 'cause we're all just a little bit weird sometimes."

Well, that escalated pretty quickly. Hopefully it hasn't escalated too much. What will Vegeta and Dean do to overcome their powerful sensory issue? Will they be able to compete in the tournament? What would Bulma have to say about this? Find out in the next chapter of 'So this is love?' Please show your continued support by writing me a review. Thank you for all contributions.

Songs used in this chapter:

Weird – Hanson.