The Stranger
By Jody
Kind of fic: Romance /Alternate Universe / Suspense / Angst Pairing: Vegata/Bulma Rating: R Warnings: Suggestive language, angst. Disclaimer: I not own Dragonball Z or any it's characters. Background: This fic takes place in the late nineteen century in England, which is more technologically advanced. Vegeta is a very rich gentleman who moves into the countryside in which Bulma resides with her mother and father. Because of his wealth he is simultaneously welcomed into the elite social circle in the society with Bulma. Summery of Chapter: Lady Carter comes for a visit and raises interesting subject matters. Bulma on pondering about them thinks about Vegeta in a more appealing way.
Chapter 4
Gossiping Mouths
Lady Mary Cater was here again but this time in the late afternoon. She was sitting under the Mahoney tree, with my mother, having some tea. I was keeping myself from going to join them with the excuse that I wanted to get a book to read but the time limit was now at an end, leaving me to face my obligations. Another injury to my 'weak ' character was sure to be made by her at my expense for what she said was for my own good. To me the only good thing about Lady Cater at this moment was that she provided some excitement, some gossip and was a trustworthy confidant of the family. This was a lot in many eyes but it came at a price.
I walked out of the library and headed for the party of two, which was soon to be three. Father was so unbelievably lucky to be born of his sex. He was in the comfort of his lab probably thinking God for the small mercies he bestowed on him. But me who was of the 'weaker sex' had to be stronger than him in order to brace myself for what was sooner or later going to happen.
Mother waved me over as soon as she saw that I was approaching. The Lady merely raised an eyebrow to acknowledge my presence. I held unto my book tightly, bracing myself for all-upcoming attacks that could never be really answered appropriately, which was the way I wanted to. I had to respect my elders, though sometimes life's superiors would come out of place and needed to be placed back into their respective place.
"Well it has been long enough, Bulma. Were you writing your own book," Lady Carter said with a questioning smile while simultaneously pouring me out some tea. I was going to say nothing but opted otherwise, after all, Lady Carter had her uses.
"I'm afraid not. I just couldn't find this book."
"Is that so?"
"Yes."
"Well, Bulma, I am afraid you missed my mention of the new eligible bachelors in the neighbourhood to your mother but I do not mind repeating them for you. I hope you will find one of them suitable for marriage. You must understand, Bulma, you are not exactly the youngest of their prospects to begin with and being choosey at your age is not a royalty you will ever enjoy."
There it was, the mention of my age. What was the difference of two or three years in life? It was expected for every girl, excluding her own ones, to be granted some time after being "brought out" to get married. I knew girls far older than myself who just got married. I should admit it was somewhat my fault, it had long since been brought to my attention people's expectations for me were higher than others and I did nothing to change that. In this society being this rich and this beautiful could either work to one's advantage or, for me, one's disadvantage. I could not help my looks or the family I was placed in so why should I be judged at a higher level than others. It was not fair on any terms but then again life was never fair.
I sighed. There was nothing I could say to change anything in these people's mind; I could only try my best to be in charge of my own destiny no matter the obstacles I would have to go through. I slumped down a little further, seeking comfort in the softness of the chair, readying myself for the barrage of unneeded information I was about to receive.
"Donald Viscount," Lady Carter started ", the only son of Charles Viscount, will have all his family fortune in the death of his father in addition to the somewhat large one he has made for himself. He holds the characteristics of all Viscount men, tall, dark and handsome with unmatched gentleness. Superb choice especially since he has made it no secret that he has been looking for a wife."
"Is that where I come in?" I asked nonchalantly, playing with my gloved hand. Viscount men, though they all held these characteristics, did not arouse my interest in the least.
"Yes, but not interested I can see."
"Yes, not interested " I said firmly.
She moved on.
"Mr. Henry Carlton, a nice young man. His heart is in London though but I am sure with some convincing this could be changed."
'That was if I was interested.' I thought
"Oh yes, his father owns one of the electricity companies in London. He runs it and it has been thriving."
"Has it?" I said stroking the tablecloth. It was made of a magnificent white lace, which was definitely from Italy, which was definitely more interesting than the present topic. I heard the too loud clink of a teacup and saucer. I looked up, this was a rear occasion to hear such noise. I could by the look on Lady Carter's face she was more than displeased with my behaviour and was so that she was acting out of her quite decent, well- tempered character. She opened her mouth to say something but before she could say anything my mother intervened.
"Bulma please try to look interested. Please for your father and I's sake at least, even if it is not for your own. Mary and I have both watched you grow up, we do care for your well being."
This was the first time my mother spoke in the entire conversation and it could be noticed that her voice was considerably more steady and serious than normally. She had been paying attention to the conversation the whole time though she had remained silent. Her smile and grasp was caring and held no falsity in it. How could I at least not humour them? But I did not need to try, the last bachelor sparked my interest somehow.
"Should I continue," Mary asked softly.
"Yes."
"This for the best. Bulma you know............."
"I know," I said cutting her off. I knew this already, repeating it was not necessary and was just a waste of my precious time. She needed to get along with it instead of babbling more than needs be.
Silence reined for some time before Mary cleared her throat and continued. "This is the last one Bulma. I do not think I can tell you anything you don't already know but there is never any waste in going over things. He may not be any girl's cup of tea but Mr. Vegeta no Ouji is still a gentleman."
Then something struck me the moment after his name floated from her lips. His name reminded be of him and vice versa. His name was just as rough as he was. It described, no mimicked his erratic behaviour in a way no other thing could. It was strange but his name sounded powerful and hard like the man himself and unlike other names no matter how it was said, whether in a sweet soprano or in a dangerously low alto, could not be soft or gentle but instead sent shivers down one's spine, hardly a caress in this case it was more like a violation. The violation one experienced when he looked at you like he could see everything you were and would be and because of it knew he was your superior, robbing you of equality.
Meeting the man himself was no anticlimax after you heard all the pleasant and unpleasant things about him. His body boldly set in a superior stance that made him look powerful, majestically masculine in a way that made the blood boil or chill, depending on the sex you were and/or the mood he was in. His hair was the distinct replica of the flames you saw in his eyes. Yes, he was certainly not a girl's regular cup of tea, not the one that was the sweet liquid that caressed the back of the throat after being drunk but the infrequent one that scorched the tongue with it's fiery heat only by testing the liquid with the delicate organ, slightly. Was this why women fell in love with him? He was the epitome of rebellion and by letting him engulf you completely would this allow you your little secret rebellion against the society that imprisoned you in itself. A secret triumph experienced in elation.
I banished my thoughts, laying them to rest again in the dark place in my mind I had left them in from the last time. Between his visit, the firm letters he wrote thereafter requesting the gravity room and the free time I have been having on my hands since the completion of designs for the Manning account, have turned my mind into breeding grounds for trifling thoughts. After all this thinking one knew that intrigue, in the end, was not a feeling that should be attached with your feelings for a man like Vegeta yet it was the most recurrent feeling one could feel around him other than anger and disdain.
"Bulma do you know Mr. Ouji?"
This question was a good one. After all the thoughts I have been having about him it should have been a question I should have asked myself.
Did I know Vegeta? I was not sure, myself. I knew his appearance, the way he looked physically but not much else other than the obvious . I knew his arrogance, his ignorance, and his inconsideration for others but that was not what a man was made of. A man was made of a combination of things, whether good or bad and for Vegeta I had yet to see the good.
"Yes, to an extent."
They both laughed. Was there something I missed when I was engulfed in my own thoughts, something that probably would be of some significance to me at the moment?
"Did I miss something?"
"Yes, quite a lot but let's not dwell on that at the moment." She paused. "Your mother was just telling me that Mr. Ouji stopped by for a visit while she and your father was in London."
"Yes." What was she getting at? I thought.
"It seems that he left London to come down here urgently for a visit. He could not even wait your father to be presence before he came. Quite peculiar, don't you think, Bulma."
I wanted to explain but I could just picture the future smiles on their smiles on their face. Defending yourself always made one seem guilty just as silence did but through silence there lied some uncertainity in people's minds.
"Nothing to say?"
I sighed. My mother knew damn well why Vegeta was here and it was most certainly not for an exchange of pleasantries. It was business that had to deal with the gravity room that he had not received yet completely. The setting up of the machine at his home was still not done yet and until then I would not see him for I was not needed on the site until they were completely set up.
"No."
"Quite defensive isn't she, Lind."
My gaze instantly shifted straight towards my mother. She was giggling. She had been the one to make it seem like there was some blooming romance between Vegeta and I. But it was my fault, if my mind wasn't somewhere else I could have squished this idea before it reached this far, before it became a belief between the two. I hope they would not share this belief with anyone else. Yes, Mary was a confidant of the family but only when confidence was needed otherwise...........
"No, not defensive, annoyed."
And with that response there was silence. This silence lasted sometime until Mary mentioned how unfortunate it was that the Duke died so suddenly of natural causes.
"You stayed in London for the funeral. You must know, Lind, why he died."
"The Police said it was a massive heart attack or something along those lines which seemed to me like a plausible explanation but John found it peculiar that he had that small burn mark on his chest."
"Why would he find that be peculiar."
"Because other deaths have been reported with the same marks."
"Bulma you're somewhat of a scientist. Could there be anyway that this is due to a new disease we don't know about. The marks do not necessarily have to be a burn mark but a mark that is a sign that the person has the disease."
This question got me thinking. "That could be a possibility but with only experimentation would one know." That was true with only experimentation would they know anything truly was true.
"Will I guess the police is taking care of that. They always do so, we shouldn't bother ourselves." Lady Carter said before looking at the sky. "What time is it?"
That was the first time I was recognizing how late it was getting. Mary definitely had to leave now.
"I have to go."
"We know. I'll let you out" my mother said.
"Yes."
Mother and Lady Carter then got up leaving me there alone. I did not want to follow them, mimicking what a small child did in such circumstances in order to avoid being alone. I was not afraid to be alone, I could trust my own company. I was always truthful and faithful to myself. No I was not afraid of being alone but afraid of being in people's presence.
Okay I know this chapter took a long time to come out but I was very very busy. All I can say is I am sorry. This especially goes out to the people who saw the fic at the top of the updated list and it was not updated. And guys please review after reading. I would be great to have some opinions the fic. I would really appreciate some reviews whether it is good or bad once you told me what you think. Oh yes I will try and get out the next chapter soon, very soon, maybe even next week.
By Jody
Kind of fic: Romance /Alternate Universe / Suspense / Angst Pairing: Vegata/Bulma Rating: R Warnings: Suggestive language, angst. Disclaimer: I not own Dragonball Z or any it's characters. Background: This fic takes place in the late nineteen century in England, which is more technologically advanced. Vegeta is a very rich gentleman who moves into the countryside in which Bulma resides with her mother and father. Because of his wealth he is simultaneously welcomed into the elite social circle in the society with Bulma. Summery of Chapter: Lady Carter comes for a visit and raises interesting subject matters. Bulma on pondering about them thinks about Vegeta in a more appealing way.
Chapter 4
Gossiping Mouths
Lady Mary Cater was here again but this time in the late afternoon. She was sitting under the Mahoney tree, with my mother, having some tea. I was keeping myself from going to join them with the excuse that I wanted to get a book to read but the time limit was now at an end, leaving me to face my obligations. Another injury to my 'weak ' character was sure to be made by her at my expense for what she said was for my own good. To me the only good thing about Lady Cater at this moment was that she provided some excitement, some gossip and was a trustworthy confidant of the family. This was a lot in many eyes but it came at a price.
I walked out of the library and headed for the party of two, which was soon to be three. Father was so unbelievably lucky to be born of his sex. He was in the comfort of his lab probably thinking God for the small mercies he bestowed on him. But me who was of the 'weaker sex' had to be stronger than him in order to brace myself for what was sooner or later going to happen.
Mother waved me over as soon as she saw that I was approaching. The Lady merely raised an eyebrow to acknowledge my presence. I held unto my book tightly, bracing myself for all-upcoming attacks that could never be really answered appropriately, which was the way I wanted to. I had to respect my elders, though sometimes life's superiors would come out of place and needed to be placed back into their respective place.
"Well it has been long enough, Bulma. Were you writing your own book," Lady Carter said with a questioning smile while simultaneously pouring me out some tea. I was going to say nothing but opted otherwise, after all, Lady Carter had her uses.
"I'm afraid not. I just couldn't find this book."
"Is that so?"
"Yes."
"Well, Bulma, I am afraid you missed my mention of the new eligible bachelors in the neighbourhood to your mother but I do not mind repeating them for you. I hope you will find one of them suitable for marriage. You must understand, Bulma, you are not exactly the youngest of their prospects to begin with and being choosey at your age is not a royalty you will ever enjoy."
There it was, the mention of my age. What was the difference of two or three years in life? It was expected for every girl, excluding her own ones, to be granted some time after being "brought out" to get married. I knew girls far older than myself who just got married. I should admit it was somewhat my fault, it had long since been brought to my attention people's expectations for me were higher than others and I did nothing to change that. In this society being this rich and this beautiful could either work to one's advantage or, for me, one's disadvantage. I could not help my looks or the family I was placed in so why should I be judged at a higher level than others. It was not fair on any terms but then again life was never fair.
I sighed. There was nothing I could say to change anything in these people's mind; I could only try my best to be in charge of my own destiny no matter the obstacles I would have to go through. I slumped down a little further, seeking comfort in the softness of the chair, readying myself for the barrage of unneeded information I was about to receive.
"Donald Viscount," Lady Carter started ", the only son of Charles Viscount, will have all his family fortune in the death of his father in addition to the somewhat large one he has made for himself. He holds the characteristics of all Viscount men, tall, dark and handsome with unmatched gentleness. Superb choice especially since he has made it no secret that he has been looking for a wife."
"Is that where I come in?" I asked nonchalantly, playing with my gloved hand. Viscount men, though they all held these characteristics, did not arouse my interest in the least.
"Yes, but not interested I can see."
"Yes, not interested " I said firmly.
She moved on.
"Mr. Henry Carlton, a nice young man. His heart is in London though but I am sure with some convincing this could be changed."
'That was if I was interested.' I thought
"Oh yes, his father owns one of the electricity companies in London. He runs it and it has been thriving."
"Has it?" I said stroking the tablecloth. It was made of a magnificent white lace, which was definitely from Italy, which was definitely more interesting than the present topic. I heard the too loud clink of a teacup and saucer. I looked up, this was a rear occasion to hear such noise. I could by the look on Lady Carter's face she was more than displeased with my behaviour and was so that she was acting out of her quite decent, well- tempered character. She opened her mouth to say something but before she could say anything my mother intervened.
"Bulma please try to look interested. Please for your father and I's sake at least, even if it is not for your own. Mary and I have both watched you grow up, we do care for your well being."
This was the first time my mother spoke in the entire conversation and it could be noticed that her voice was considerably more steady and serious than normally. She had been paying attention to the conversation the whole time though she had remained silent. Her smile and grasp was caring and held no falsity in it. How could I at least not humour them? But I did not need to try, the last bachelor sparked my interest somehow.
"Should I continue," Mary asked softly.
"Yes."
"This for the best. Bulma you know............."
"I know," I said cutting her off. I knew this already, repeating it was not necessary and was just a waste of my precious time. She needed to get along with it instead of babbling more than needs be.
Silence reined for some time before Mary cleared her throat and continued. "This is the last one Bulma. I do not think I can tell you anything you don't already know but there is never any waste in going over things. He may not be any girl's cup of tea but Mr. Vegeta no Ouji is still a gentleman."
Then something struck me the moment after his name floated from her lips. His name reminded be of him and vice versa. His name was just as rough as he was. It described, no mimicked his erratic behaviour in a way no other thing could. It was strange but his name sounded powerful and hard like the man himself and unlike other names no matter how it was said, whether in a sweet soprano or in a dangerously low alto, could not be soft or gentle but instead sent shivers down one's spine, hardly a caress in this case it was more like a violation. The violation one experienced when he looked at you like he could see everything you were and would be and because of it knew he was your superior, robbing you of equality.
Meeting the man himself was no anticlimax after you heard all the pleasant and unpleasant things about him. His body boldly set in a superior stance that made him look powerful, majestically masculine in a way that made the blood boil or chill, depending on the sex you were and/or the mood he was in. His hair was the distinct replica of the flames you saw in his eyes. Yes, he was certainly not a girl's regular cup of tea, not the one that was the sweet liquid that caressed the back of the throat after being drunk but the infrequent one that scorched the tongue with it's fiery heat only by testing the liquid with the delicate organ, slightly. Was this why women fell in love with him? He was the epitome of rebellion and by letting him engulf you completely would this allow you your little secret rebellion against the society that imprisoned you in itself. A secret triumph experienced in elation.
I banished my thoughts, laying them to rest again in the dark place in my mind I had left them in from the last time. Between his visit, the firm letters he wrote thereafter requesting the gravity room and the free time I have been having on my hands since the completion of designs for the Manning account, have turned my mind into breeding grounds for trifling thoughts. After all this thinking one knew that intrigue, in the end, was not a feeling that should be attached with your feelings for a man like Vegeta yet it was the most recurrent feeling one could feel around him other than anger and disdain.
"Bulma do you know Mr. Ouji?"
This question was a good one. After all the thoughts I have been having about him it should have been a question I should have asked myself.
Did I know Vegeta? I was not sure, myself. I knew his appearance, the way he looked physically but not much else other than the obvious . I knew his arrogance, his ignorance, and his inconsideration for others but that was not what a man was made of. A man was made of a combination of things, whether good or bad and for Vegeta I had yet to see the good.
"Yes, to an extent."
They both laughed. Was there something I missed when I was engulfed in my own thoughts, something that probably would be of some significance to me at the moment?
"Did I miss something?"
"Yes, quite a lot but let's not dwell on that at the moment." She paused. "Your mother was just telling me that Mr. Ouji stopped by for a visit while she and your father was in London."
"Yes." What was she getting at? I thought.
"It seems that he left London to come down here urgently for a visit. He could not even wait your father to be presence before he came. Quite peculiar, don't you think, Bulma."
I wanted to explain but I could just picture the future smiles on their smiles on their face. Defending yourself always made one seem guilty just as silence did but through silence there lied some uncertainity in people's minds.
"Nothing to say?"
I sighed. My mother knew damn well why Vegeta was here and it was most certainly not for an exchange of pleasantries. It was business that had to deal with the gravity room that he had not received yet completely. The setting up of the machine at his home was still not done yet and until then I would not see him for I was not needed on the site until they were completely set up.
"No."
"Quite defensive isn't she, Lind."
My gaze instantly shifted straight towards my mother. She was giggling. She had been the one to make it seem like there was some blooming romance between Vegeta and I. But it was my fault, if my mind wasn't somewhere else I could have squished this idea before it reached this far, before it became a belief between the two. I hope they would not share this belief with anyone else. Yes, Mary was a confidant of the family but only when confidence was needed otherwise...........
"No, not defensive, annoyed."
And with that response there was silence. This silence lasted sometime until Mary mentioned how unfortunate it was that the Duke died so suddenly of natural causes.
"You stayed in London for the funeral. You must know, Lind, why he died."
"The Police said it was a massive heart attack or something along those lines which seemed to me like a plausible explanation but John found it peculiar that he had that small burn mark on his chest."
"Why would he find that be peculiar."
"Because other deaths have been reported with the same marks."
"Bulma you're somewhat of a scientist. Could there be anyway that this is due to a new disease we don't know about. The marks do not necessarily have to be a burn mark but a mark that is a sign that the person has the disease."
This question got me thinking. "That could be a possibility but with only experimentation would one know." That was true with only experimentation would they know anything truly was true.
"Will I guess the police is taking care of that. They always do so, we shouldn't bother ourselves." Lady Carter said before looking at the sky. "What time is it?"
That was the first time I was recognizing how late it was getting. Mary definitely had to leave now.
"I have to go."
"We know. I'll let you out" my mother said.
"Yes."
Mother and Lady Carter then got up leaving me there alone. I did not want to follow them, mimicking what a small child did in such circumstances in order to avoid being alone. I was not afraid to be alone, I could trust my own company. I was always truthful and faithful to myself. No I was not afraid of being alone but afraid of being in people's presence.
Okay I know this chapter took a long time to come out but I was very very busy. All I can say is I am sorry. This especially goes out to the people who saw the fic at the top of the updated list and it was not updated. And guys please review after reading. I would be great to have some opinions the fic. I would really appreciate some reviews whether it is good or bad once you told me what you think. Oh yes I will try and get out the next chapter soon, very soon, maybe even next week.