Chapter Eight

Have We Met?

v

It had been almost a week since Vegeta and I last saw one another, and had had that night of craziness and fucked-up sex. All my scars were terrible looking, but they were slowly healing. I guess that was good… I guess. He left again on another mission to some low-level planet, leaving me here… again. Wait, what am I saying? Did I want to actually go with him?!

No, what the hell is wrong with…

My train of thought was gone when I saw someone; a Saiyan was walking down the hallway towards me. He resembled a 'Goku' look-a-like; his eyes beamed over mine as he passed by. I felt a rush of heat shoot through me. He smiled as he passed, but I got a glimpse of a frown once he did; probably for all the scars on me. He smelt like metal and that cologne a lot of Saiyans wear that sort of smells like 'Old Spice' back on Earth. It made me feel warm inside. It made me feel needy…

Oh my God, do I just want every man that looks at me now?! Jesus Christ, Taylor! Get it together!

I headed the opposite way that that guy had gone and walked towards the dining hall of the ship to get something quick to eat, considering I ate everything else in the bedroom… whoops. Whatever, it wasn't like it mattered anyway; some fruit, a nice, cool drink, and then back to bed. I thought about that guy I saw. It would be awesome and, maybe a little scary if it were true; 'Goku' being a real person, too! The thought made me smile and I didn't know why. I just continued walking back to the room, wondering if I'd see 'Goku' again. I thought back to when I was first brought onto the ship and remember one of the guys… they looked like Turles… Wait, was that Turles?! No, it couldn't have been, could it?! Never mind, I don't have to deal with him anymore, so… whatever. I grinned to myself as I finished munching on snacks and foods and walked back toward the Prince's bedchamber.

v

I walked back into the room to find the 'maybe-Goku-maybe-Turles-look-a-like' dude there, looking through one of the shelves. It startled me at first, but I wasn't too sure why he was in the Prince's room or what he was even doing.

"Excuse me…? What are you doing?"

He turned to me and smiled a friendly smile.

"Oh, umm, y-you must be Lady Taylor…"

He did a nice, little bow. I felt so special. I giggled to myself as he continued. Little did I know that he already knew who I already was; he was simply playing dumb.

"I didn't realize you were her… I… uhh, I would've said 'hello' to you earlier in the hallway… umm, I was just looking for a special form that Prince Vegeta was given, but needed one last signature by the council. They gave me orders to come here and search for it since he's still gone…"

He turned back to the shelves and continued looking through files and papers. I turned and looked down to the table and saw a form sitting there plain as day. I grinned suspiciously at it.

You're telling me he didn't see this?! Something's up…

"You mean this one?"

He spun around completely and clapped his hands together, rubbing them nervously; he blushed embarrassingly at the paper in my hand. I had picked it up off the table right near the door. He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, looking away momentarily.

"I… I guess I wasn't looking hard enough…?"

Wow, I guess he actually didn't see it! He-he; this guy!

I giggled at the cute Saiyan's face and walked over to him. He hesitantly took it from my hand and smiled at me. He blushed more, looking down. I giggled at him,

"Well, since we've never officially met yet… Hi, I'm Taylor, as you already know…"

I reached out to shake his hand.

"What's your name?"

I kept smiling at his red face. His hands were a little clammy and shaky. I noticed him wipe his hands on the sides of his pants before reaching one out. When he slowly and gently took my hand in his to shake, it was still slightly sweaty, but, then again, mine were a little like that, too.

Why is he so nervous? Was he scared of me or something? What was it?

"I… I'm Kakarot… I'm Prince Vegeta's leading Saiyan Elite."

Kakarot… so, it's not Goku, it is Kakarot… Okay, I can live with that, I guess.

"Oooh, fancy…! He must trust you a lot then. He doesn't trust too many people…"

I smiled as I thought back to a week ago when we had had our fun and I manipulated him into my little game. That was funny… painful afterwards, but totally worth it just to see that priceless look of submission and defeat on his face.

"Yeah, he does… he… uhh…yeah…"

He trailed off; lost of words. For a moment, I didn't even notice that we hadn't let go of each other's hands. I slowly tugged and he snapped out of his thoughts and looked down, letting go.

"Oh, uh… sorry…"

"He-he; it's alright…"

I swear his whole body was probably red, head to toe. He was so adorable! He bit his lower lip nervously. It made me giggle to myself quietly.

"I think I like you… You're not like the other Saiyans' on this ship!"

He swallowed hard when I spoke the first few words of my statement. He seemed very friendly… and cute. I wish he was the one I was with and not stupid, horny-all-the-time-and-beats-me-senseless-whenever-he-pleases-and-mister-I'm-the-Prince-of-all-douchebags Vegeta!

Ugh!

Maybe, all Saiyans were like that, though, maybe… Kakarot was like that, too. I wanted to get to know him better. I needed at least one person I could trust without risking going to Nathan and getting him or both of us killed… I hadn't even seen him since we were separated. I wasn't even sure if he was still alive. I felt like he was close, though. I felt like he was on the same ship; he had to have been. I just knew it.

Nathan…

"Do… Do you want to be… friends, maybe?"

The words were so abrupt, and kind of shaky, I wasn't even sure if he heard them. His eyes shot back up and he unconsciously stepped back one step.

"What, you mean… me… be friends with you?"

"Yeah, what's the big deal?!"

He stayed silent a moment.

Calm down, calm down! Good grief, I feel like a teenager again! Why, why now? Why her? She's the Prince's property, the Prince's fucking woman for fuck's sake! If I try anything, we're both dead! I want her so badly, though! Then again, who on this ship doesn't?! She's a beautiful Earthling… in plain sight everyday for everyone to admire… I've wanted her since the first day I laid eyes on her. She's beyond beautiful… Why, why?!

Kakarot was thinking to himself for a long moment, and then finally came to.

"Well, I just… I don't want Prince Vegeta to be under the wrong impression. He gets jealous very easily…"

I stared at him. I knew I probably looked confused, but I knew perfectly well what he meant. Vegeta was such a bastard and of course he'd probably come to the worst conclusion, but, maybe…

We could just hang out… privately…?

"Maybe… we could just hang out… privately."

The words sounded as if I were cheating on the moron. Kakarot gasped slightly and then chuckled. His eyes focused on mine as he grinned.

Is she flirting with me?

He shook his head nervously, but then gained the confidence he needed.

"You know what? Sure! Why not?! I don't have many friends other than the other Elites to hang out with on the ship anyways, and they're not the greatest to begin with, so I think it'd be fun…"

Good, play it smooth! This is awesome! Maybe I'll get my chance!

Kakarot stepped past me and turned back smiling.

"Let's hang out tomorrow afternoon then, around 3:00 PM… unless… you're busy or something…"

"No, that'll be perfect!"

"Oh, okay, good, I'll meet you in the main hall, then."

I smiled greatly at him, not questioning why he'd want to meet there.

"Okay, I can't wait! I'll get all dressed up and everything. It's been way too long since I've had someone to hang out with."

"He-he; same…"

"Okay, well… see you tomorrow!"

His smile grew wider, showing off his beautifully white, pearly teeth.

"See you then… friend."

He left, closing the door. The last word he spoke was so cute and beautiful that it almost brought tears to my eyes. He was perfect, the perfect Saiyan, the perfect… friend. I couldn't wait for tomorrow to come. I jumped up on the bed and began jumping up and down excitedly like a child. I wanted a new friend. I needed a new friend. I didn't have any left, or any here… I could barely remember who I used to be friends with. I remembered faces, but no names came to mind anymore. I wasn't going to let those sad thoughts get the best of me though.

"A FRIEND, A FRIEND, KAKAROT AND I ARE FRIENDS! YAAAAAAYYYYHHH!"

I purposely yelled out loud jokingly like a child. What was wrong with me? God, I swear I was losing my mind, but this time, in a fun and intriguing way. I was happier than I'd ever been in a long time. I couldn't wait for tomorrow to come. It was a dream-come-true!

v

Kakarot checked the clock above him while he waited in the main hall of the ship; it read 2:59 PM. He stood near a door which leads into one of the many guest rooms. He was dressed casual in a t-shirt and jeans (what I call them… stupid Saiyan terms for clothing)

I walked out of Vegeta's bedchamber and down the hallway. When I came around the corner, dressed in my flaming orange and yellow dress I had gotten the other day, Kakarot's eyes nearly bulged from his skull when he saw me. Thank God there was no one in the main hall at this time. The clock read exactly 3:00 PM. Thank God Saiyan's time ran the same as Earth on this ship or I'd be more confused than ever on what time of the day it was. He must've known no one would be here at this time. What was he planning? I knew the dress was rather revealing, but I wanted to look good for him. He was the first one here to make me smile, he deserved it.

"You… You look… amazing!"

I giggled.

"Awww… thank you, Kakarot!"

I swayed side to side trying to be cute in front of him.

Fuck… I have problems. Whatever, I'm alone with someone nice for once… I'm going to flirt my pretty, little ass off!

It was most certainly working, considering the fact that his eyes would leave my upper body for the longest time.

"So, where are we heading?"

He quickly tore his eyes from my being and looked at the door.

"Oh, this way, my lady…!"

He unlocked the door and opened it for me, sarcastically bowing as I went by. I laughed out loud more. He was acting so dorky and adorable. We walked up the stairs. Since I went first, I knew he was most definitely staring at my butt the entire way up. He was nice, but he was still a guy!

We reached the top and walked into a beautiful cream-colored bedroom with flowers displayed everywhere. I hadn't seen one of the guest rooms on the ship yet, and it was much different than Vegeta's dark and hazy blue and black room.

"Oh, wow… this is amazing. It's so beautiful…"

"Yeah… It sure is…"

Kakarot said calmly as he closed the door, locking it quietly without me knowing. He stood near the door for a moment checking me out. He could feel the Saiyan blood in him heating up fast. All he wanted to do was just pounce on me and rip that beautiful dress right off to reveal something even more beautiful! He slowly took his hand from the handle.

Okay, this is it! This is it! Do it! Do it! N-N-No… No, wait, I need to work my way into it first… Don't rush this, idiot!

"So… tell me about yourself… What was it like back on your home planet?"

He walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed and I quickly glanced back at him, stunned almost by the question.

"I… It… It was alright, I suppose…"

"Oh, come on, you can tell me more than that…"

I don't know if I can? Can I? Do I even remember enough of it?

My mind was slipping further and further from it each and every day. I didn't remember my family anymore or Nathan's barely. I still remembered him though… Nathan, but I can't remember what his voice sounded like anymore. The thoughts were making me sad. Kakarot quickly noticed and decided to change the topic.

"Never mind, you don't have to tell me about that if you prefer not to… umm… how's… how's Prince Vegeta?"

Damn it, stupid nervous questions!

There, another shocker. Man, what is wrong with these questions in my mind?

"He… He isn't that bad… He's just…"

Kakarot snorted slightly, cutting me off.

"You don't have to lie; you know… You can trust me…"

Could I? Okay…

"Okay… he… he sucks! He's fucking terrible! He's the worse person I think I've ever met!"

Kakarot snorted again, laughing at my statement.

"You don't have to tell me twice; the Prince is a bastard, plain and simple… I've hated him forever, even if we work together, fight together, and even seem like friends sometimes, were not… but, you know what's awesome?"

I stared at him for a moment curiously, while slowly walking towards where he was sitting.

"What?"

"I finally have someone to hang out with that can bitch about Vegeta with me!"

I laughed and sat down on the edge of the bed only to lie back comfortably. He looked over his shoulder at me, laughing too. This was the most fun I've had in days.

"You're funny."

He smiled and lay back next to me with his hands behind his head, relaxed.

"I know… I just don't get to be very often…"

I giggled and looked at him.

"What about the other Elites?"

"They're always gone doing other stuff like missions and assignments, so I never get to see any of them, unless we're all called together, or just happen to all run into each other all at the exact same time…"

I laughed and he smiled at me.

"So, yesterday, you told me about you being his most trusted Elite… besides being a mercenary, what do you do as an Elite soldier?"

His smile slowly started to decrease at my question. It was still there, just smaller. He shrugged slightly, looking up at the ceiling.

"Well, I just do favors for the Prince… sometimes the King, too, but not very often, like any of the other Elites. Those favors could vary from picking up his slack on missions to pleasing him in ways I don't even want to think about…"

My eyes widened.

"You mean… like… inappropriate things?"

He nodded his head with a disgusted look on his face. I scrunched my face in disgust, but also trying not to laugh. It wasn't that I had anything against it; it was that I thought it'd be hilarious to see Vegeta being the bottom bitch for once! I almost made him that once… almost. I was so close, but he had to ruin my fun.

What else is new?

"I just hope that day never comes…"

I exhaled slowly, relieved in a way because that could've gotten a lot more awkward. He chuckled and turned his head to look at me.

"What, did you think I fucked him or something for a second there?"

I laughed at how hilarious that sounded out loud.

"Maybe… I don't know…"

He chuckled again.

"Well, I didn't… In case you were wondering."

He said it in such a sarcastic tone; I couldn't help but giggle.

"Even if I did, I most definitely would've been the fucker, not the fucked…"

I burst out laughing, just imagining it.

"Oh, my God…! Kakarot…!"

He laughed at my reaction and then continued speaking,

"Besides… all 'that'… we just stick around to protect anything that belongs to the Royal family…"

He glanced over at me right when I was conveniently looking at him.

"…and that includes you."

I stared at him for a while and then sat back up. He slowly sat up again next to me. I felt his arm move behind my back; he wasn't touching me, he just rested his palm flat on the bed, leaning in closer to me. I noticed him unwind his tail from around his waist and relax it over the edge of the bed on the other side of him, flicking kind of like a cat's. I slouched with my hands in my lap. I was thinking about things I should've been thinking about… like Vegeta. I looked at Kakarot, whose face was even closer to me now. (He was about three inches away, maybe) He was waiting for me to say something.

I suddenly felt dizzy and leaned forward. Kakarot stood quickly to catch me from falling on the floor; his tail puffing up nervously. It took me a second to notice that his hand was very close to grabbing my breast when he caught me. It embarrassed me for some reason and I felt my cheeks burn bright red.

"Whoa, are you okay?!"

I froze for a moment while he held me. His arm felt like Nathan's. It warmed me inside… thinking about him. By the Gods, how I missed him…

"I-I'm fine… I'm just a little dizzy… That's all."

"Don't worry, Lady Taylor, I'll get you some water. Just sit down, please. Don't move and don't lean forward."

"O-Okay…"

I sat back on the edge of the bed as he quickly went to the other side of the room and poured ice cold water into a glass. I could hear the ice cubes clinking around in the glass as he brought it back over. He handed it to me. I took small sips.

"Is that better?"

His eyes were filled with worry. He was probably the most caring Saiyan I've seen yet. I nodded small nods to him.

"Yes… thank you… and…"

I trailed off for a moment; thinking about Kakarot's last question he'd asked me. I decided to answer this one.

"…and what…?"

I paused, and then spoke,

"Vegeta hurts me…"

Kakarot went completely silent. My words were quiet and shaky, but very, very truthful.

"Wh-What… I… I knew he probably did… b-but, why?"

"…because he can. He's the Prince, and I'm his woman… his slave… He can do whatever he wants to me. I love most of the things he does to me, too, which makes it even worse… He does it all the time… almost every day that he's around…"

"I guessed the other day when I saw you in the hallway… You had terrible scars all over your arms and chest…"

I felt Kakarot's hand gently touch the skin on my neck and collarbone, slowly stroking over the sensitive, swollen and bumpy scars. It felt nice to be actually cared for again. I stared down at my feet, ignoring the nice, but stinging touch, until I was startled by the grasp of Kakarot's arms. I dropped my half empty glass of water on the floor and froze in his sudden embrace.

"Ugh… K-Kakarot…?"

He sighed deeply. I slowly relaxed in his arms and slowly began to hug him back. Tears started to blur my vision. He was so nice. I felt his tail snake around me, holding me close to his body, protectively.

"I'm so sorry… I knew he was bad and probably hurt you, but not 'all' of the time."

"I… I…"

"Shhh, its okay… You don't deserve him; you don't deserve anything he does to you… You deserve better than that…"

We hugged for several minutes in silence before I finally gently pushed him back, his tail leaving from around me and rewrapping around his waist. He moved next to me and sat close to me on the edge of the bed, placing an arm protectively around me. His fingers gently caressed my hip as he held me close.

"Thank you… Kakarot… I just… I have no one else to talk to… It feels nice to be able to tell somebody about my life again…"

He stared deep into my eyes, focused and calm. His eyes seemed almost soothing to me; so warm and gold… Wait, gold?! Weren't they black just a second ago?! Whatever, I wasn't going to ask. He smiled and simply spoke calmly,

"You're welcome…"

"So… what's new with you? I'd prefer to talk more about you if you don't mind…"

Kakarot looked worrisomely at me. He was still in some sort of shock from before our hug that felt like it lasted an eternity. He moved his hand back and placed it in the gap between our legs.

"Well, I told you a little… but… I guess I could tell you more. My life is boring, though. I'm sent out on bounty hunting missions most of the time and other than that, I'm stuck here to wander the halls aimlessly with nothing to do and no one to see…"

I reached up slightly turning his face to face me and I stared straight into his eyes.

"Well, now we can hang out."

I brought my hand back down and put it over his unintentionally. We both blushed as both of us flinched away slightly for some, strange reason.

Oh, my fucking God! This God damned tension! Fuck, I can't take it!

He showed only slight embarrassment and great happiness on his face. His thoughts were a totally different story, though. I felt odd. I felt the same tension that I felt with Nathan when we were both still in high school together; back when we did our little 'YOU, YOU, YOU' game. Kakarot was cute, handsome, sexy and hot all rolled into one! It was such an inappropriate time for thoughts like that, though, but I couldn't help myself for some weird reason.

He took his arm away completely from between us, but I quickly moved almost unto his leg just to get closer to him the second he did, unintentionally.

"No, it's okay, Kakarot… I… I like when you're close. I like having your arm around me…"

He smiled and put his arm back around me to where it was earlier.

"It's okay…? Everything is okay…?"

"…everything is… okay."

I repeated him, answering his questions as well, as I stared at him. His lips parted slightly and his breathing was slighted raged. His hand slightly tightened its grip on my waist, making me look away momentarily down at it. His hand was large and strong looking. He reminded me so much of Nathan. I missed him so much. I wanted him back in my life, I wanted him more than anything, I needed him, I needed Nathan, I needed… Nathan…? I… I needed… 'K-Kakarot'…?

When I turned to face Kakarot again, his face was even closer. Our noses brushed over one another's. My lips were dry, forcing me to lick them and curl them in. I saw him bite the corner of his lower lip. I could feel heat radiating from his body. He carefully leaned in closer until his lips barely brushed mine and his eyes drifted shut. I put two fingers up to separate our lips and his eyes quickly opened.

"Wh-What?"

I giggled slightly and backed away a few inches.

"Was this whole 'let's-hang-out-together-today' thing just an excuse to get me alone?"

His cheeks flushed bright red and he looked away, rubbing the back of his head not knowing what to say.

"He-he; well, umm… m-maybe…"

"…you knew Vegeta was gone, too, didn't you?"

He blushed even more and laughed nervously.

"He-he; umm… yeah, I did… I… I was the one he assigned to watch over you actually…"

"He-he; you're so cute!"

He bit down on his lip hard still looking away. He closed his eyes hard. I could hear his heavy breathing as he also tried not to laugh. I slowly stood and moved in front of him, gently straightening out my dress, brushing over my sides and thighs before looking back at him.

"Kakarot… do you like me?"

He slowly looked up at me. I still looked so stunning in my silk dress. He swallowed hard and clenched his hands into the bed on either side of him.

"Umm… uhh, maybe… I… I suppose I do!"

I giggled more.

"I like you, too… friend."

Oh, clever girl! She's just playing with me now! Well, we'll just see how far that goes! Her scent is strong… She wants it, and badly, too! The tease…

Kakarot slowly stood staring down, chuckling. I suddenly got a little nervous.

What… What is he doing…?

He stepped forward, making me step back. He took another step, making me step back again, but this time, my back hit the wall. I held my breath when my back touched the cool wall. He chuckled more at my reaction to his enormous form towering over me.

"K-Kakarot…?"

"What's the matter, Lady Taylor? You sounded awfully confident just a moment ago… He-he; 'friend', what happened to that…?"

His sarcasm was thick and heavy. I didn't know what to say. Friend… more like… nicer version of Vegeta right now by the way he was acting.

God, I hope it's all just an act.

"I… umm… y-you…"

He chuckled more to himself.

"Speechless, huh…?"

I shook my head nervously.

"No, it's just… I… uh…"

He stepped right up to me and gently placed a large hand on my cheek. There was a long pause as he stared down into my eyes; his mischievous grin turning into a very gentle smile and his dark eyes softening.

"You don't have to be afraid anymore… I want you to have a friend that makes you feel safe… one to have fun with, one to tell all your problems to, and one to be there no matter what… I want to be that friend…"

His voice became friendlier, more sincere; he truly did care. He wanted me more than anything in the world, and he was willingly risking his life just to be with me.

"Kakarot… I…"

He put two fingers over my lips, silencing me. I stared up at him, quietly.

"Shhh… It's okay… I'll protect you from him… friend.

He slowly dropped his hand back down to his side. Emotions were running rapid through my brain. I reached up to touch his face, but his other hand caught mine and gently brought it to his mouth. He kissed the palm and then the wrist, slowly working his way up my arm. Once he was at my shoulder, he stopped for a moment, noticing the scarring of Vegeta's teeth marks in my tender skin. He clenched his teeth, swallowing hard, trying his best to ignore it. He relaxed when he saw me; melting against the wall, my eyes closed, and my scent was growing stronger. His eyes dilated into widened cat-like slits as his nostrils flared when he smelt the air around us.

Calm, calm, calm, stay calm…

He kept kissing small and delicate kisses around my collarbone and up my neck. He kissed my ear, grazing his teeth over it. It sent rapid shivers up my spine. He moved to my jaw line. Using the hand that grabbed my hand moments before, he brought it up to gently tilt my head up and to the side as he continued kissing.

"Kakarot… wait!"

He stopped and stared at me.

"What's wrong?"

I leaned forward and hugged him tightly.

"Let's wait… please…"

He slowly hugged back and calmly said, almost sounding a little sad,

"Okay… L-Lady Taylor… just… m-may I do one thing; just one?"

I stared up into his dark, looming eyes. They sparkled with desire and wonder.

"What?"

He leaned down, so close that our lips were just barely brushing over one another's.

"May I kiss you…?"

I grinned; a small, cute, but shy grin. I was nervous, but in the cute 'I feel like I'm in high school again' kind of nervous. I moved forward and our lips touched. He almost flinched when I did it, but quickly relaxed completely into the kiss and embrace. We stayed like that for a long moment, slightly parting them more. It made him tense slightly as he went in for more. It felt like an eternity-long kiss before it finally broke. He breathed heavily against my lips and whispered,

"Thank you…"

I giggled quietly and replied,

"You're welcome… 'Friend'…"

Kakarot smiled a very joyful smile and hugged me. I wasn't afraid to kiss someone, just as long as it was a kiss, and nothing more, unless… I wanted it, too. I didn't want to think like that, but something in the back of my mind was saying 'yes, yes, continue, take him' while the other was saying 'no, no, don't; this is wrong, stop it'. Kakarot was holding himself back immensely. He respected me enough to wait, to be patient. Vegeta wasn't here, but it still wasn't the right time, or, at least that's how we both kind of felt. I think I was falling in love with him; even after only knowing him for barely a day. I never wanted that moment to end.

v

I remember holding him in my arms until my eyes drifted shut. Darkness surrounded me and Kakarot was warm lying next to me on the bed, holding me protectively, petting me, and putting me to sleep. I remember drifting in and out of sleep while he carried me back downstairs a few hours after I had drifted off, but after that… it was all a blur. I remembered his eyes; they weren't gold anymore. They instead looked kind of silver.