Authors note: I decided to name this fic, since I am continuing it. It was formally my second untitled fic. This is still in draft form and I'd really like some opinions on how to improve it, or if it's even worth improving.
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He brushed his thumb along her cheek, his other hand on the small of her back, holding her to him. He reveled in the feel of her arms around him. He could stay like that forever. He leaned over and gently pressed his lips to hers. He pulled his lips apart causing hers to part as well. He was pleasantly surprised when her tongue slipped into his mouth first. They both worked to deepen the kiss. They were locked in a silent struggle to out do each other. A fight neither would ever lose at. He slowly pulled her with him as he lay down on the bed. He pushed her back as he partially levitated, not daring to put even half of his weight on her. He smiled lovingly at her while looking deep into her her sparkling cerulean eyes. If he could have he would've lived in those intense eyes. Those eyes held such passion, determination, and kindness. He sighed contentedly, nothing mattered more to him than this beautiful creature. He didn't feel the need for power or money as long as she loved him.
It was funny, he couldn't remember his life before her and couldn't wait for the life he was going to have with her. Nothing could make what he felt more perfect. He ran a hand through her soft blue hair, marveling at it's beauty as the sun playfully danced across it. He leaned down and kissed her again with more passion than before. His very soul burned for more as she responded eagerly. He pulled back sighing again. The happiness he felt was overwhelming at times. But a nagging at the back of his head gave him the feeling that he didn't deserve this. That he was cheating and this was too good for him.
He gazed down at her, trying to ignore his brain. He couldn't think of any reason why he didn't deserve this. "Bulma-chan," he breathed, "I love you so much." He nuzzled her neck making her sigh as well.
"Oh Vegeta! I love you too..."
If such a beautiful being could love him then he did deserve this, he reasoned. Besides he'd devoted his life to her. He would do absolutely anything for her. He'd suffer unthinkable tortures for her, he'd swallow his pride for her, and he'd most gladly die for her. So why didn't he deserve this? He leaned in to kiss her again but she turned her head giggling. He chuckled, he loved it when she played. He kissed her on the cheek instead and she turned to him. His body tingled and a familiar warmth intensified as she grabbed his face, pulling him down and crushing his mouth with hers.
Vegeta's whole body spasmed and he felt like he'd just been thrown back into his own body. He sat up quickly and glanced around the cave he was stashed in. His breathing was ragged and it felt like he'd been holding it for quite a while. His heart was beating so fast he was almost afraid it would explode. He closed his eyes, cold sweat dripping down his body. "Shimatta!" He said in a low growl.
He tried desperately to shake his dream away. But the images clung to his mind like ants to honey. It was a recurring dream and it was really starting to bother him. In the dream he was at peace with everything. The only thing he could remember or wanted to remember was the woman. The only thing that kept him from losing himself was the nagging feeling that he didn't deserve her. And he didn't, he wasn't going to fool himself into thinking he did. If anyone deserved such happiness it was Kakorrotto. He'd saved the earth countless times, always putting everyone else's happiness ahead of his own. Willingly leaving the family and friends that loved him to do what he thought was right.
But Vegeta had only sacrificed himself once and it hadn't even worked. And he couldn't even be sure if he had done it for the right reasons. Besides it hadn't worked. It hardly made up for all of the worlds he'd destroyed. It didn't wash the blood off of his hands. It didn't make him sorry for what he'd done. Only made him sorry that he wasn't some carefree human that could be happy on a clear conscience. Made him sorry that he couldn't settle down and live out a meaningless life with a family and someone to hold on the cold, lonely nights. Made him sorry that he couldn't be with Bulma, his mate, the woman he loved, the woman he was bonded to. And he didn't feel right around his son. Didn't want to touch him. He didn't want to risk staining another soul. If he felt bad about anything, he felt bad about risking Bulma. He'd not only bonded to her, he'd made love to her. He'd touched her with his bloody hands, and he couldn't ever take it back
She deserved so much more than him. Someone pure that could make her feel as happy and loved as she should be. Someone to take care of her and Trunks. Someone who would never hurt her. He swore that if anyone ever did, he'd kill them. But didn't that make him a hypocrite? Wasn't he long before that? All of his life he'd struggled for power. Lived by the notion that the strong survived and killed the weak. But he'd only judged strength my physical power, when there was so many other ways to be strong. Bulma had taught him that. If the weak really should die, then so should he. Sure he was strong physically but not any other way. Simple emotions wreaked havoc on him, and he had no pride left. He was just too ashamed to admit it.
No he was a hypocrite long before this. And he hurt her all the time. But she still did so much for him. She cleaned his clothes, made him new battle suits and armor, cooked for him, and she was always listening to whatever he might say. He owed her big time. He owed alot of people alot of things, but she was the only one that mattered to him. She had given him a place to stay when others fled from him. She had wanted him to call that place home, but he had no right to. He knew she wanted him to come back, settle down, at least a little, be happy...He knew she was worried about him. He was just too afraid to go back. Afraid he'd be happy, afraid he'd just hurt her again. But wasn't he doing that now? The longer he stayed away, the longer she worried.
He had to do something. She was bonded to him, it wasn't like she could just move on. If he didn't go back it would end up killing both of them. Then Trunks wouldn't have anyone. He realized that they needed him, and he needed them. It didn't matter how stained he was. Or that he'd never be the husband and father they deserved. Then again he could always collect the dragonballs and wish the bond and all memories of himself away. That way Bulma and Trunks would get a fresh start. But he'd have to go back at least for a couple of days. He needed the dragon radar. He couldn't sense the earth's dragonballs like he could the Namekian ones. It would at least give him a chance to say good-bye.
TO BE CONTINUED...
The Tribulations of a Prince
Authors Note: Thanks to the people who reviewed the first chapter ^_^ Suggestions for how to make this better are always welcome, I don't have a proof reader.
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He sifted through the drawer as quietly as possible. He really didn't want to be caught in Bulma's lab. He just didn't know if he could face her yet. One thing was for certain, no one could know about this. They'd probably all think he was just going to wish for immortality. He doubted if even the pure hearted innocent Kakorrotto would ever truly trust him. Vegeta hung his head in shame. How could he have been so blind for so long? It was true, not all of it was his fault. He'd been conditioned since birth to conquer and pillage. But the opportunity to change had presented itself over and over again.
It didn't matter now. After he'd collected the dragonballs, he'd wish away her bond so that she'd be free from him. Then he'd wish everyone's memories of him away. However he'd keep his bond and memories. He didn't deserve to be free. After the wishes were made he'd just go away somewhere and waste away living a half life. There wasn't much else he could do. He sighed slamming the drawer shut in frustration and cringing as it echoed through the otherwise silent room. He jumped as a nearby computer came to life and started making strange noises. The monitor displayed a bunch of little boxes doing something. Vegeta had no idea what it was and prayed that it wasn't some security alarm. He leaned over and stared blankly at the screen.
"Disk defragmentor? What the hell is that?" He asked to no one in particular.
"It's just something that'll make the computer run faster. A computer is a high maintenance machine."
Vegeta's whole body went rigid and he cursed himself for not sensing Bulma sooner. He turned slowly, slipping on his emotionless mask. Her questioning eyes caught him and dragged him in. He felt as if he were drowning and started to panic. So caught up in keeping appearances he forgot to speak and instead just stared at her.
She let her eyes wander over him, trying to burn his image into her brain. She had missed him so much. She had known he was dead before they told her, and had been so relieved when he'd come back to life. Now she didn't know what to feel. She loved him more than she'd ever loved anyone in her entire life. But why hadn't he come back before now? Did he really not care about her? Her eyes traveled back to his face. His expression was cold and distant but his eyes...Was that panic she saw? It was! She'd caught him off guard, he hadn't wanted to be discovered, and now he was panicking. She smiled, kind of liking the idea she could do that to the almighty prince.
She sighed, "Vegeta...what are you doing in here?"
He didn't answer, what could he say? He couldn't tell her the truth, and he couldn't tell her it was none of her business. It was her business, this was her house, her lab, and her dragon radar he was looking for. So he opted for silence, hoping she'd drop it.
"Ok, fine, never mind. You were probably looking for training robots or something." She could see where this was going and she didn't have the energy or the desire. "Anyway, I'm glad you're here. I missed you." She wanted to look away but she didn't dare. She was afraid he'd disappear if she even so much as blinked.
His eyes widened, she was actually glad he was here? He reached out to wipe a tear off of her cheek but caught himself and started to pull his hand back. He silently cursed as more tears spilled from her eyes. He'd hurt her yet again. A silent gasp parted his lips as she grabbed his wrist pulling his hand to her. She gingerly removed his glove, tossing it to the floor as she kissed the soft flesh of his palm. His chest ached as she nuzzled her cheek into his hand.
"Are you staying?" It was more of a request than a question. He started to pull his hand away again but she held on tighter. "Please Vegeta."
"It's the bond talking not you." He said gruffly, hating the way he sounded. He knew he was tearing her heart to shreds, he was tearing his own heart into pieces as well.
"No it's not! It's me talking. I loved you before the bond, and I'll love you even if it's taken away. I need you."
The tears streaming down her face stabbed at him accusingly. He looked to the side, unable to stand those sorrowful eyes any longer. "I don't have anything to offer you."
"Yes you do!" Bulma cried, working hard to talk over sobs that were becoming stronger. "You have your love and protection to offer! No one else could protect us like you can! Please Vegeta!"
She made him face her and looked at him with pleading eyes. Begging him to stay, begging him to be happy with her. He didn't deserve it. But he felt his resolve breaking. He was already going to hell. He was, after all, only doing this out of personal punishment. But there would be plenty of time for punishment in the after life. Kakorrotto and his mate might not be together in the mortal life, but they would spend the rest of eternity together when they died. However he and Bulma would be separated at death...he'd go to hell and she'd go to heaven...And it wasn't like being happy would be the worst thing he'd ever done. But making Bulma happy would, most assuredly, be the best thing he'd ever done.
He decided then that he would wish her bond away. If she really did still love him and want him around after that, then he'd stay. But if she didn't then everything would go on as planned. He'd wipe everyone's memories and leave.
Can a person really change? Will Bulma still love Vegeta after her part of the bond is gone? Will Vegeta even make the wish? And is he really going to hell?
TO BE CONTINUED....
The Tribulations of a Prince
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Author's note: Thanks again to people who reviewed!! I love you all! ^_^ Thanks to my mom too for helping me with this, without her pre-reading none of this would be possible. And to the person that left the review about Vegeta's afterlife problems...he did go to hell after he self destructed. Baba or whoever let him come back for 24 hours to fight Buu and when they made the wish to bring all the good people back he was just good enough to be brought back too. But I'm trying to write what I think he's thinking and if I were him I'd still be afraid about going back to hell. He's new to being good and he still has the bad boy attitude, he's afraid that he's still evil and that he might slip...anyway on to the story.
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Warnings: This is lemon scented...so if like any kind of intimacy bothers you, go away! Oh and my keyboard is messed up and some letters aren't working properly...if you see letters missing you can either tell me or ignore it. ^_^
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He couldn't eat. He just sat there staring at his plate. He knew Bulma probably thought that he didn't like it since he'd barely eaten enough to keep a human alive, but that wasn't it. His stomach didn't feel right. He didn't know the word for it, he'd never experienced something like this. He hadn't known alot about bodies until he'd come to live with Bulma and her family. They seemed to have no end to problems with their stomachs. Vomiting had to be the most vile thing he'd ever witnessed. He'd seen people cough up blood, he'd coughed up blood, but this was different. This was someone's body expelling food and that was a thought he couldn't come to terms with. Of course thinking about it while staring at a plate of food wasn't helping any. He felt his stomach twist and was suddenly afraid he'd throw up.
He was nervous, extremely nervous. Not only was his stomach being weird, but Bulma had been staring at him since she'd found him in the lab, and Trunks had been staring at him since he'd sat at the table. He wasn't used to so much scrutiny, and the fact that they both looked like they wanted to talk but weren't saying anything only made it worse. He picked up his fork and sat it down again. He just couldn't eat. He'd never had this sort of problem before. He had nothing to relate to and no experience to fall back on. He didn't have anything to say, and didn't know if he should say anything.
"Oi 'Kaasan?"
"Yes Trunks?" Bulma asked finally looking away from Vegeta.
"I was wondering if Goten could spend the night tonight?" Trunks asked a bit hesitantly.
"Sure, I don't see why not. Are you guys going to be using the gravity room?" She inquired, more for Vegeta's sake than her own.
Trunks shrugged. "I don't know if he wants to spar or not."
"Ok."
"May I be excused so I can call him and tell him to come over?"
"Are you finished eating?"
"Uh huh."
Bulma smiled, "Ok."
Vegeta watched as Trunks raced out of the room. He almost scoffed at the fact that his son was hanging out with a third class saiyan, but let it drop. At least he was hanging out with a saiyan and not a human. He snorted at himself. He was being a hypocrite again. How could he bitch about who his son associated with when he had a human for a mate? Ah, but she wasn't just any human, he argued. She wasn't like the rest who ran when he so much as blinked. No, she stood up to him, and risked breaking various body parts while trying to hurt him. She'd had the courage to make love to him. The first time he'd been so afraid that he was going to break her, but she hadn't even been nervous. He'd been as gentle as possible and she'd even chided him about being too gentle. And she'd insisted on going through with the pregnancy with Trunks. She had said that if Chichi could do it so could she. Kakorotto's mate had a much higher power level than she did, but she survived none the less.
No she wasn't just any human. She was considered to be on the same level as royalty by her fellow humans. She had all the money, technology, and political power she could ever want, or need, at her fingertips. She was a technological genius. Her future self had created a time machine that she herself could easily reproduce. She could probably build a robot that could defeat him if she wanted to. She'd already made training robots that he couldn't sense even though they used ki. She could do almost anything she wanted and get away with it. And had he ever planned on acquiring a mate, he probably would have chosen her anyway. He probably would have chosen her over a saiya-jin mate.
Bulma's voice broke through his reverie. "What are you thinking about?"
"Hmmm? Oh...nothing." He scowled at her hoping she'd drop it.
"Whatever Vegeta. Do you want to watch some TV?" She eyed him hopefully.
"Hn." Was his only response as he stood and stalked into the living room.
She blinked a couple of times, surprised that he'd actually agreed despite the fact that there were hours left in the day to train. Although she wasn't about to say anything to dissuade him. As she entered the living room she saw him sitting on the couch with his arm slung over the back. He looked awkward and uncomfortable but she held her tongue. It was obvious he was trying to look relaxed and the last thing she needed was to start a childish fight. Even though he'd stayed so far, something told her that he hadn't made up his mind yet.
She understood that he thought it was just the bond that made her want to be with him. She had to make him understand it was more than that. She could tell the difference between the bond and her own love. However similar they may be, they were still separate. They were almost like symbiotic beings, aiding one another without any conscious effort. The bond made the love stronger, more profound. While the love made the bond stable, it made her need him that much more, it gave her latent psychic ability a boost. Without the love, the bond would have meant nothing to her. It would have been something she could have pushed to the back of her mind. She would have been able to go on and probably fall in love with someone else.
Bulma sighed, wondering how to go about making Vegeta comprehend. She set her jaw determinedly and stepped boldly up to the couch. She smiled as Vegeta glanced up at he and proceeded to sit down beside him, cuddling up to him. She felt him tense, but didn't let it bother her. She poked what appeared to be a soft spot in the armor he was wearing and it encapsulated into her hand. She giggled as he stared back at her slack jawed.
"I rigged it to do that in case I didn't want to wait for you to uh...take off your armor." She said blushing lightly.
He smirked, there was no end to the surprises she had. He hesitantly draped his arm around her shoulders and relaxed slightly as she snuggled into his side sighing contentedly.
"Vegeta?"
"What woman?"
She stood and sat on the table in front of him to make sure he watched her instead of the television. "Well since you've never actually told me, what exactly is a bond?"
He raised an eyebrow momentarily before settling into a scowl. "It's a telepathic link that determines mates."
"What does a bond entail? And can you bond with more than one person." She asked, slipping into a business like attitude.
Vegeta gritted his teeth before answering. "Well it enables two saiyans to read each other's thoughts and feelings. If the bond is neglected it's like they are only half of themselves. It's the same if a person is bonded to someone who doesn't return it. And no, a saiyan can only bond to one mate."
"What has to happen for a bond to form?"
Vegeta shrugged, "You have to know the person."
"So you could bond to someone you hate?" Vegeta only nodded. "What do you mean by neglect?"
"I mean," he said slowly, "that if a saiyan pushes the bond away and doesn't accept it, or being separated from a mate for too long by any means. If one neglects it they both suffer."
"So then the feelings of hate and the bond would be separate?"
"I guess," he growled, "I don't really know. The royal line was bred not to bond. I wasn't ever taught about it."
Bulma tilted her head to the side. "Then how do you know about bonds at all?"
He grunted, becoming agitated by all the questions. "Because I spent alot of time with off world third class saiya-jins."
"Well how long does a bond last?"
"Forever. Nothing can break it."
Bulma's brows drew together. "Is that why you came back? The bond I mean."
"Yes and no."
"Well what's the other reason?"
Vegeta growled baring his razor sharp teeth. "It certainly wasn't to play twenty questions with you woman!"
He could tell she was about to make some snide comment but the doorbell rang and she left to answer it. He noticed he'd sat forward and pushed back into the couch. He slouched, deflated, he'd been hoping for a verbal spar with her. He liked seeing her flustered. But she'd bested him more than once. He listened curiously as he heard her greet someone and grunted when he found out it was just Kakorotto's youngest brat.
"Konban wa Bulma-san!" He heard Goten chirp.
"Now Goten-kun, you know it's Bulma-chan!" She berated him.
"Gomen Bulma-chan. Trunks-kun said Vegeta-san is here."
"He sure is."
"Can I talk to him?"
"Sure honey, he's in the living room."
Vegeta groaned, rolling his eyes. Now he was going to have to talk to Kakorotto's annoying little brat. He ground his teeth together as they entered the living room and gave Bulma a look that said 'why are you doing this to me?' She just smiled sweetly at him and he knew it was because of the 20 questions comment.
He growled, "What do you want Kakorotto's brat?"
Goten rubbed the back of his neck. "'Tousan wanted me to ask you if you'd come over and spar tomorrow."
"Hn."
Bulma shrugged, "I guess that's an 'ok'. Trunks is in his room."
"Thanks Bulma-chan, later Vegeta-san!" Goten called as he bounded up the stairs.
"Hmph! Just like his baka father!" Vegeta grumbled.
Bulma frowned sitting beside him again and lightly slapping him on the chest. "Vegeta!"
He smirked pulling her closer. "Well it's true!"
She giggled in reply and he momentarily forget about his worries as they watched TV in a more comfortable silence. He let his mind drift, more meditating than watching TV. He didn't care about watching humans make fools of themselves. The only thing he ever liked when it came to television was Bruce Lee movies. Now if they ever made a movie about saiyans he'd be there.
As his body relaxed he felt Bulma shift and drape her arm over his stomach, the other worming it's way between the small of his back and the sofa. Her finger played over the muscles in his upper thigh and he looked down at her. Her eyes gazed back up at him unwavering. Caught in the moment he leaned down and kissed her, his need for her taking over. His other arm came around her, pulling her up so she straddled him. He gently rubbed her back causing her to moan into the kiss while leaning forward as much as she could. One of her hands came up and swept through his wild mane.
She broke the kiss and stared at him breathlessly. His facial expression was soft, void of his trademark scowl, lips slightly parted. His hot breath caressed her exposed neck before his mouth touched there. She leaned into his touch, squeezing his shoulders, as a soft moan escaped her throat. She stopped him and crushed her lips to his. Her tongue locked in a battle with his and it was his turn to moan as she pushed her body as close as she could.
He needed her, needed her more than he'd ever needed anything. He wanted to be as close to he as physically possible. His hands tried to be everywhere at once, they traveled down her back and over the soft flesh of her rear causing her to give a little squeak and press her body harder against his. As she rubbed against him, he stifled a groan, this was quickly becoming more than he could handle. Her mouth moved and she left a trail of kisses from his mouth to his ear. Her teeth scraped his earlobe and he growled loudly, almost a purr. Saiya-jin's ears were as sensitive as their tails.
Bulma slapped her hand over his mouth and whispered in his ear. "Shhh! You don't want to draw any unwanted attention. Let's go to bed."
She gasped as he abruptly stood and carried her to their room. He gently laid her on the bed and walked back to the door to lock it and turn out the light. "You know Vegeta," she said causing him to turn and face her. "That battlesuit leaves almost nothing to the imagination." A smirk was all she saw before the lights went out.
TO BE CONTINUED...
The Tribulations of a Prince
Author's Notes: Finally!! This was a bitch to write, I had wicked writer's block. And my muse took a vacation. Anyway, thanks to the people who reviewed before, you're the only reason I keep writing this. And thanks to my mom for pre-reading and giving me ideas! I was thinking of doing a lemon for the night Bulma and Vegeta had, anyone interested??
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He felt deliciously warm and relaxed. Floating in that state between sleep and wakefulness. He couldn't remember having slept so good in years. He pulled the body next to his closer, reveling in the soft skin against his. He nuzzled her neck, as she stirred, he breathed deeply taking in her scent, still slightly musky from hours of love making. He cracked open an eye and studied the side of her exposed neck. Before he realized what he was doing, his vampiric teeth sank into her skin. She cried out in pain, but it didn't phase him. He had a tight grip on her and she wasn't going anywhere. Vegeta emitted a low purring sound that made his entire body vibrate, and caused Bulma to moan in pleasure. He stopped after a few minutes and tentatively licked the wound until the blood stopped flowing.
"Vegeta, what did you do?" Bulma asked through a yawn.
"I marked you, you're mine now." He answered gruffly.
"Mmm, I was always yours." She murmured softly before drifting back to sleep.
His eyes shot wide open as he cursed himself. How could he have been so stupid? He'd lost total control of himself last night. And he'd marked her to boot. He wasn't even sure yet if he was the one she wanted to be with. He knew that his bond influenced him, but it wasn't the reason why he loved her. But he didn't know how bonds effected humans. He started to panic, he'd taken advantage of her, he was sure of it. Hell was inevitable now, it had to be. He'd betrayed his love for her. He gently extracted his arm from beneath Bulma and nudged her. He figured he could ask her about the dragon radar while she was still too tired to ask questions, and probably too tired to remember anything said. He nudged her again, more urgently.
She groaned angrily, "What?!"
"Where's the dragon radar?" He asked coolly.
"Why?"
He cursed silently, it was too much to hope that she wouldn't ask any questions. "We should have all the dragonballs together in case of emergency."
She yawned loudly, "Oh, well they're all at Goku-kun's house." She yawned again falling asleep.
His brows drew together, he had to figure out how to get the dragonballs away from Kakorotto. He might play stupid, but Vegeta knew better. He was smart, he just didn't have any common sense. But neither did Vegeta when it came to human ways. Thinking about how to get the golden balls, Vegeta came up with a plan almost immediately. His mind instantly filled in holes, and calculated every possible variable. This had to work, because the alternative wasn't something he wanted to do.
The only other choice he had was to open a direct telepathic link to her. To let her into his mind so that he could search through hers. And that was the last thing he wanted to do. Despite his already shredded dignity, he was still too proud to let her know how weak he really was. She already knew some of his weakness, and that was too much. If she really did love him, how could she after knowing him inside and out? He knew all the terrible things he'd done bothered her, they had to. But she didn't even know half of them. He couldn't imagine what she'd think if she knew everything.
He gently lifted himself off the bed. He took a quick shower and dressed in his normal attire. As he entered the breakfast room he saw Goten and Trunks were already in there eating and talking loudly. He rolled his eyes, scowling. He was in no mood to deal with their incessant chattering. It was bad enough that he had to deal with Kakorotto today.
"Ohayo 'tousan." Trunks greeted in a much quieter voice than he'd been using with Goten.
"Hn."
"Are you going to spar with 'tousan?" Goten asked, not bothering to lower his voice.
Vegeta gritted his teeth and nodded. He continued into the kitchen, wanting to eat quickly and get to Kakorotto's house. He had to get those dragonballs. He noticed Trunks had followed him, and to his relief Goten hadn't. He spun on his heel and faced his son. "What?"
Trunks' eyes were trained on the floor and he kicked his foot sheepishly. "I just...um wanted to..."
"What?" Vegeta asked again, trying to hide his irritation and failing miserably.
Trunks gulped audibly. "I just wanted to return something to you 'tousan." Vegeta's brows rose and he waited for his son to do something. Trunks flew at his father, glomping onto him. Vegeta stumbled back in surprise but quickly recovered. His facial expression softened momentarily as he awkwardly patted his son on the back.
Trunks looked up at him with big watery eyes. "I'm glad your home daddy." He said in a low whisper.
Before Vegeta could respond Trunks was gone. 'Damn that kid's getting fast.' Vegeta mused before returning to his hunt for food. After he was satisfied he left for Kakorotto's. If Bulma didn't love him after the bond was gone, he'd never see his son again. He wouldn't be there to train the boy and make sure he was strong and independent. He wouldn't be there to give his son all of the things he had never had as a child. His stomach felt weird again. He decided that the spar with Kakorotto would make him feel better. He tried as best he could to push the disturbing thoughts away. But he couldn't, and he had the feeling that he was going to get the crap beat out of him today. As he approached the Son house he spotted Kakorotto floating in the air, waiting patiently for him.
"Oi Vegeta!" Goku called out, "I didn't think you'd be so early." He said, giving Vegeta a knowing smile.
"Shut up Kakorotto." Vegeta said angrily. "I'm here to spar not talk."
As fists, feet, and various ki blast started to fly, Vegeta's prediction came true. Kakorotto completely clobbered him. And while he did enjoy what little punishment he was able to dish out, Vegeta just couldn't keep his mind on the fight. After a couple of hours of sparring Kakorotto stopped with only a crushed arm, a shattered knee, and a gash under his left eye. While Vegeta had several broken ribs, one fractured arm, the other arm broken, a leg broken in 3 places, a shattered jaw, and numerous cuts and bruises all over his body.
"What's wrong Vegeta?" Goku asked as he tossed Vegeta a sensu bean.
Vegeta just grunted, unable to speak and struggled to swallow the sensu bean whole. It took a few minutes before his injuries healed, leaving him pleasantly sore. "Where are the dragonballs?"
"Huh? They're in my house, why?" Goku asked surprised.
"Give them to me."
"Why?"
"They should stay at Capsule Corp."
"Why?"
Vegeta growled, "You sound like a damn broken record! Because if there is ever an emergency, there will always be someone there to make a wish."
"Ok Vegeta." Goku said slowly. "I trust you." He teleported away and back instantly with all seven dragonballs in tow.
He handed them over, trying not to show his reluctance. He hoped that if he had confidence in Vegeta then he would stay on the side of good. They all needed Vegeta with them, he'd be trouble if he decided to go against them. Vegeta mumbled something Goku didn't catch and took off. Goku watched him go, silently praying that Vegeta wasn't going to do something bad.
Kakorotto's words rang in Vegeta's ears. He hadn't expected the 3rd class saiyan to hand the dragonballs over so easily. Maybe Kakorotto really did trust him. He had been there to witness Vegeta come back to life with all the good people. Vegeta remembered when he realized how good it had felt to help all of those people, even though they didn't know. And Kakorotto had smiled at him, after everything was over, like a comrade, like a friend. Not one of those goofy grins, but an honest, and sincere smile. It had felt good to be smiled at like that. It had felt good to be looked up to by the other Z-senshi for what he'd done.
He'd mellowed out alot, most of his anger had faded. He was still angry, but for different reasons. Now he was angry at himself instead of everyone else. Now he had no one to blame but himself, and he was doing alot of that. As he flew towards the cave he'd been hiding at, he passed over Capsule Corp. The building that held his mate and offspring. He knew that lying to Kakorotto had been wrong, and that hiding his intentions was wrong as well. But he didn't have any evil intentions this time, he only had the happiness of two people in mind. Of course other people were important, that had been a hard lesson for him to learn, but these were the two people he would sacrifice everything and everyone else for. The only two people that really mattered to him.
The Tribulations of a Prince
Author's note: Thanks to those of you that reviewed. And as always thanks to my mom for pre reading. And to the person that left the smart ass comment about my mom proof reading the lemon: I have my mom proof read because she's an author and I respect her opinion. We're both adults and if I thought I needed to have the lemon proof read yes she would do it. Having someone proof read your work is always a good idea, and I wouldn't trust anyone other than my mom to do it. Anyway...even more oocness in this one hee hee. Um ~ is telepathic speech.
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He'd been sitting there for three days straight. He couldn't eat, he couldn't sleep, he didn't even have the will to move. After he'd made the wish, he'd just sat down. He never thought that it would feel this horrible. He couldn't imagine having to spend the rest of his life like this. But considering he hadn't moved a muscle in three days, it wasn't likely he'd have to suffer for long. It was like he was trapped in his own body. He couldn't feel Bulma anymore. All he felt was pain, all he wanted to do was lay down and die. But he couldn't, he had to go back and find out if she still loved him. And if she didn't, he had to live at least four months to make the second wish.
He shakily stood, glancing around. He'd have to find something to eat, he barely had the energy to walk, let alone fly. Maybe he could get Kakorotto to bring him food. But then he'd probably want to spar and Vegeta'd just get the crap beat out of him again. Not like it really mattered. He'd just tell Kakorotto he had something else to do first. He was too tired, hungry, and depressed to care who he got the food from. But Kakorotto could teleport, so he'd be faster than anyone else.
~Kakorotto~
~Vegeta? Where have you been?~
~Nevermind that. Come here.~
~Why?~
~Just do it.~
~Ok.~
~And bring some food.~
~Ok, where are you?~
~Just lock onto my ki baka.~
~Vegeta, are you all right? Your ki is dangerously low.~
~No I'm not, hurry up!~
Bulma wandered aimlessly through the house. Sometimes she stopped to pace, but eventually she continued wandering. The mansion was cleaner than it had ever been. She'd run out of things to clean. She picked up things, put them down, picked them up again, moved them around, she didn't know what to do with herself. She didn't know what to feel. She was sad, lonely, angry, and worried all at once. She'd sent Trunks to the Son house so that he wouldn't have to see her like this. She didn't know what to think. Her mate had left to spar with Goku and had disappeared with the dragonballs.
She was worried about Vegeta. She knew that he could take care of himself, but she was still worried for his safety. And she knew that he wasn't evil anymore, but what could he want with the dragonballs? She couldn't think of anything he'd want to wish for, besides immortality. But she felt confident that he wouldn't wish for that. And even if he had, why would he stay away? She felt oddly empty somehow. She couldn't quite place her finger on it. It was almost like something was missing. But she couldn't tell if it was her overreacting, or if something really was missing. She was just too confused.
Goku stared at his rival/friend, something was definitely wrong. Vegeta looked pale and tired. "Vegeta are you sick or somethin'?"
"No."
"Then what's wrong? You can tell me. I'm the only one here." Goku said, he didn't know what was up, but he meant to find out.
"I used a wish." Vegeta said quietly, staring back at Goku emotionlessly.
"You what?!" Goku nearly screamed.
"I used a wish." He repeated.
"On what?! What did you wish for?"
"I wished Bulma's bond away."
"What the hell did you do that for?" Goku hardly ever said bad words, because Chichi would scream about it. But she wasn't here, and he felt this situation deserved one.
Vegeta winced. "None of you business."
Goku gawked at him. "It is too my business!"
"No it's not. I'm going to see Bulma now."
Goku watched in stunned silence as Vegeta took off, slowly flying towards Capsule Corp. He then realized that Vegeta had actually said Bulma's name, twice. Goku nodded, understanding. He hadn't thought Vegeta would be so worried about what Bulma thought and felt towards him. He'd underestimated the prince, and now he felt bad about it.
"Good luck Vegeta. Not that you'll need it." Goku said before teleporting back to his own house.
As he flew towards Capsule Corp., and his mate, he couldn't help but regret that he hadn't spent more time with his family when he'd had the chance. He realized he barely even knew his own son, and how many times had he neglected Bulma when she'd needed him. He wouldn't ever let that happen again. Whether it was becoming the father and husband they needed, or wishing away their memories, he'd never let them down again.
His stomach felt like it was inside out and his chest was tight. He'd never been so nervous before. His life hung on the line, literally. But that was the least of his worries. Even though he knew he had no right, he prayed to Dende that Bulma still loved him. Suddenly feeling extremely self conscious about not having bathed in three days, Vegeta stopped off at a near by stream. He stripped and washed himself and his clothes as thoroughly as possible. He dried everything with his ki and was almost as clean as he would have been had he been able to take an actual bath.
As he arrived at Capsule Corp., he tried to find Bulma with his senses, but he couldn't feel her at all, and it was painful. It was the bond lashing out at him. It would drive him crazy if he didn't die first. He sighed, he'd have to find her manually. When he opened the door, his sensitive saiya-jin ears heard loud sobbing He knew it was Bulma and followed the sound to find her. He found her curled up on the floor of the family room. His heart nearly stopped when she looked up at him. She looked so broken, what it because of him? He winced as she spoke.
"Vegeta," She hissed. "Where have you been?" She stood and stalked towards him. "I've been so worried about you! How could you just up and leave for three days without saying anything?" She stopped in front of him, debating on whether she should hug him or slap him. "And what have you done with the dragonballs?"
He didn't answer, just stood there. She looked closely at him and gasped, her anger melting away into worry. He looked so pale, was he sick? No, it wasn't that kind of pale, no he looked scared. Suddenly she understood. She couldn't feel him, even though he was so close. She felt empty, she hadn't just been imagining it. He'd wished her bond away, but why? He was obviously suffering.
"Why Vegeta? Why did you wish my bond away? You're obviously suffering. So why? I love you so much. Why can't you just be happy with me?" She asked, more tears slipping down her face. She didn't want him to be hurting, she wanted to make it better.
She tentatively reached out a hand and took hold of his. She pulled him towards her and embraced him tightly. And as they stood heart to heart a jolt went through her mind and body. The bond re-established itself stronger than before. And she understood what all of this had been about. She could hear his thoughts as clear as day, like they were her own. She smiled warmly at him, tears still rolling down her cheeks, but not from sadness, or anger. She leaned her head towards the hand that gently wiped her tears. She closed her eyes briefly, savoring the moment. When she opened them again she saw tears falling from Vegeta's eyes as well. Bulma couldn't believe that the almighty prince had loved her enough to put himself through so much pain.
"Oh Vegeta." She sighed. "I love you! You're not going to hell, we'll be able to spend the rest of eternity together. And you'll make a wonderful father to our kids."
He looked at her. She was breathtakingly beautiful, and she was all his. He realized that his dream hadn't been torture but foreshadowing. Had there still been a home world, she would have been at his side ruling it. As far as he was concerned, she was his queen. He smiled at her, and honest to God smile. One full of love and hope. It fell abruptly from his face. "Did you say kids? As in more than one?"
She smiled brightly at him and nodded. "Yep."
"Oh my..."
Epilogue
Vegeta gazed down at his newborn baby daughter. She looked just like her mother, except she had a little blue tail. Vegeta snorted, no doubt they would remove her heritage from her. He looked over at his exhausted mate. "How are you feeling?"
She sighed happily. "Aside from being tired, just fine. The doctors said I'll be able to leave tomorrow."
"Why are they keeping you so long?"
"Just to run a few tests and make sure I'm all right. It's not everyday a weak human like me gives birth to a strong saiya-jin child ya know." She teased.
He frowned, "You're not weak." He said as he laid his daughter in her crib.
"I'm glad you were here for the delivery, and that you've stayed with me. You were spending so much time at Goku's, I was afraid you were going to leave again." She said playfully.
"Um...well I was getting help from Kakorotto's mate about a certain earth custom." He said quickly.
Bulma's brows rose, "What custom is that?"
He gently picked up her hand and kissed it. He heard her gasp as he gracefully lowered himself to one knee. "Bulma Briefs, will you do me the honor of marrying me?"
She couldn't breathe, she was sure she was going to faint. He'd gotten down on one knee, and said her name!!! "Oh Vegeta!!! Of course I will!!!"
He stood and kissed her gently. All she could think, as he slipped a diamond ring on her finger, was that it was like a fairytale, and she was marrying the prince of her dreams.
The End