Pride and Sacrifice

A/N: This is my first Vegeta/Bulma fic so I apologize right now if they appear OOC. This is obviously in AU. Also Bulma is a Saiyan in this fic. So what does this mean for her? I mainly wanted her to have a tail and to play around with all that involves in said tail. She is somewhat strong but nowhere on the same scale as like Vegeta or Goku. Also I'm borrowing James Cameron's Avatars take and idea he used on the Na'vi's tails. Hope you guys enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ or the characters involved.

Chapter 1: Vegeta's Twenty-Fifth Birthday Party

Bulma looked at herself in the mirror as she combed her uniquely colored blue hair, thinking deeply about the upcoming party. Planet Vegetasei was well known for throwing grand parties, especially if royalty was involved. The party itself was for Prince Vegeta's twenty-fifth birthday. Bulma wondered if the Prince would notice her. This would be her first time attending a royal event. She loved going to parties but was usually stuck in her lab with her father creating anything and everything for the royal family. Not that she was complaining; she loved working with her father and loved creating new technology for the planet. When she was a young girl, she was always in her father's lab. As she got older her interest in the field never wavered and so she decided to join her father after her education was finished. Bulma was on the lower end scale of strength and while her race is known for their incredible strength and warrior like abilities, she lacked in those but still found her a place in the lab because of how smart she is. Her mother of course did not mind either way. Her mother was a bit of an air head at times but then she would surprise Bulma with such sound advice sometimes. While her father was a scientist, her mother was one of the head cooks in the palace. It did not take much to win the royal family over with her delicious cooking.

Bulma's musings were interrupted by a small knock on the door. "Come in!" she called out. Bulma smiled as her best friend, Chi-Chi, rushed into the room. "Bulma are you actually going to the party this time?! I heard from your mother that you were going to be present!" Chi-Chi also worked in the palace as a cook with Bulma's mother. Bulma figured her mother wouldn't be able to keep quiet about her attending the party. Bulma laughed, "Yes Chi, I'm going." Chi-Chi smiled brightly, "I'm so glad! Maybe we will finally find you and myself a mate." Chi-chi said with a dreamy smile. Bulma laughed at her friend again, "Maybe Chi-Chi, maybe. Although you will have better luck then I." she said with a small smile. Chi-Chi looked at her friend as if she had lost her mind. Bulma was a beautiful young woman. With her unique blue hair and matching eyes, she was stunning. Her skin was a beautiful porcelain color kissed lightly by Vegetasei's sun. She wore the simplest of makeup, only mascara and eyeliner. She would wear her hair up in a messy bun most days. Not very many people got to see her hair down since it was a custom on Vegetasei to only wear it down in private or if mated.

Bulma rolled her eyes, "Don't look at me like that Chi, you are so beautiful and several guys have fallen over themselves to try to impress you already. I'm not sure why you never took one of them as a mate." Chi-Chi snorted, "You must be blind since they were obviously smitten with you, not me." Bulma rolled her eyes again and finished brushing her long hair. Chi-Chi was just as stunning as Bulma. She had beautiful ebony hair that was common among the Saiyan race, dark chocolate brown eyes, and beautifully tanned skin. She had a beautiful, toned figure as well since she studied self-defense in her free time. "Sure Chi-Chi, whatever you say." Bulma said with a small smirk. Finishing with her hair, Bulma then reached for her tail, a matching unique blue just like the hair on her head. Brushing it softly, she went to thinking about how grateful she was to have her tail. She had recently gone to a planet called Earth to gather materials that were available only there. It was a weeklong trip but so worth it. The inhabitants that lived there were called Humans. The population is large like Vegetasei but the technology is underdeveloped compared to her planet. She also discovered that Saiyans and Humans are similar but different in unique ways. Two huge differences were that Humans did not have tails and strong bonds between mates. The bonds made between Humans are made through words and then put on paper. Rings are also exchanged. It is also breakable, where the bonds between two Saiyans are unbreakable. They were nowhere near as strong or as intense as their bonds. Saiyan bonds between mates are created by biting each other on the neck, to mark that they are taken and then by fusing tails to create the mental bond. Not all mates fuse tails though in fear of the mental bond. With the mental bond, if one mate dies, the other mate usually ends up following not long after due to the loss of the other. If the pair is only connected through the biting mark, the loss is not fatal. It will of course still be painful but the surviving mate will live on.

As she continued to brush her tail, she once again felt grateful to have it and to maybe one day have the opportunity to find a handsome mate to share a bond with, mentally and physically. She hoped that whoever she found would be willing to fuse tails. She always wanted a deep connection with whoever she was mated to. Everyone she has spoken with that had fused tails said it was wonderful and couldn't imagine a life without it.

Chi-Chi shook her head at her friend's day dreaming. "I'm going to go get ready for the party. I'll see you there Bulma!" she shouted. Bulma jumped a little at her friend's shouting, jerking her out of her thoughts and causing her grip on her own tail to tighten a bit too much. She scowled as her friend close the door and looked down at her throbbing tail. Wincing she let it go after smoothing it out and got up from her seat. Sighing she grabbed a light jacket to go over her light blue day dress and then left the room. She wanted to get a new dress for this party. Grabbing her handbag, she walked out the door and headed towards the carriage that would take her into town. Since her family worked for the palace, they were all handsomely paid for their services. They had plenty to be quite comfortable for the rest of their lives. Hesitating at the door, she considered just flying there but at the sight of dark clouds rolling in, she made up her mind to just skip it and take the carriage to avoid getting soaked.

"Where to madam?" The driver asked. Bulma smiled politely, "To Adalaine's Wardrobe please." Bulma took a seat and listen to the horse's feet hitting the cobble stone road. Adalaine's Wardrobe was a little hole in the wall place in town that created beautiful and unusual clothing. Bulma had been going there for years and just adored it. The owner knew her quite well now and always had something specially made for her.

As the carriage entered town, Bulma noticed quite a few ladies out shopping. It was actually quite busy but then again with Prince Vegeta's Birthday party later this evening Bulma could see why. She laughed quietly to herself watching everyone scurry about. Prince Vegeta had yet to take a mate as his own so every woman not taken was going crazy to look absolutely perfect in the off chance they attracted his attention. He barely attended the parties that were thrown but since this party was for him, he was forced to attend. Most everyone that lived or worked within the palace knew of his great dislike for parties and socializing in general.

The carriage suddenly came to a stop. Bulma looked around and noticed that they had arrived at Adalaine's Wardrobe. Her driver, known as Krillin, hopped down and opened the door for her, "We are here Miss Briefs" he stated with a small bow. Bulma thanked him and then smiled, "Please Krillin just call me Bulma." He smiled back at her and nodded, blushing a deep red. She laughed a little and then went inside after letting him know she would only be a little bit.

Adalaine looked up as the bell on her door rattled; alerting her that someone had entered her shop. Noticing it was Bulma, she brightened and rushed over, "Bulma! It's so good to see you!" she exclaimed with a small friendly hug. Bulma hugged her back, "Same to you Adalaine!" Adalaine gave her sly smile, "Let me guess, you need something exquisite for the party tonight?" Bulma blushed a little, "Yes that is if you have anything available." Adalaine laughed and waved her hand at Bulma's blushing, "Of course dear, I just had this feeling you would be attending and since it's the Prince's birthday, we have to make sure you are radiant to catch his eye." She said with a wink. Bulma blushed again and gave a small laugh, "Aw come on Adalaine, you know the Prince will be too busy to even notice me." Bulma seriously doubted the Prince would notice her. She had seen the Prince before in a few meetings about her and her father's experiments and technological upgrades. He would only acknowledge her with a nod and then focus on her father as he explained everything. Adalaine rolled her eyes and went to the back. Pulling out the dress she had made for Bulma with this occasion in mind, she smiled. Bulma would look beautiful in this and nobody would be able to resist her!

Seeing the dress, Bulma gasped, "Wow, Adalaine you really out did yourself this time, it's so beautiful!" Adalaine smiled proudly, "It will look even more so on you. Come, try it on to make sure it fits perfectly." Bulma walked into the fitting room and let Adalaine help her put it on. The dress was a beautiful royal blue color that would match perfectly with her hair and eyes. Not to mention make her skin color pop. The dress hung from one shoulder, hugging her breasts and waist tightly, showing off her perfect shape and toned arms. There was a small separation in the front that started from the top of her left breast and curved down to underneath her right one. Just showing a small amount of cleavage and skin. The back of the dress had the same separation but further apart, showing off her toned back. The bust of the dress was made of sequins and mesh. The rest of the dress draped down around her made of a light airy material. There was a slit up to the middle of her thigh but instead of it showing off her bare skin, the slit was made and covered with lace. Showing some of her thigh but not all. Bulma was pleased. It was sexy and beautiful but also tame and elegant. It was perfect.

Adalaine made a sound of approval before she started making notes of small alterations she would need to make. Bulma grabbed Adalaine's hand to get her attention, "Thank you so much Adalaine, this dress is perfect." she whispered, feeling so grateful. Adalaine smiled warmly at her, "It is no problem dear and trust me when I say that you will be the belle of the ball in this." Bulma laughed and agreed that she would look stunning. Bulma paid Adalaine for the dress and then left, making sure to let her know that someone would be by to pick it up later.

Walking out of the store, Bulma took a deep breath of fresh air and smiled. She had a strange feeling about this party she was going to. Her tail curled a little in apprehension. She hoped that all went well. Looking over, she noticed Krillin had the door to the carriage open for her, waiting. She smiled at him and got in, letting him know she was ready to go back home. Checking the time, she had about 4 hours until the party started. That gave her plenty of time to get ready.


Back at the palace, Prince Vegeta listened as his father, King Vegeta, prattled on about finances and deals made with King Cold. Some of the King's advisers argued back and forth with him on it but Vegeta could care less. His opinions on the matter were null according to his father. He growled softly in irritation that his own father refused to listen to him on how dangerous King Cold is. Unfortunately that drew the King's attention to his son. King Vegeta frowned at his son, "Is there something you wish to say boy?" the King growled questioningly. Vegeta snorted, "No Father. Nothing I have not already said before." he growled back. King Vegeta narrowed his eyes at his son and then turned back to his advisers and the conversation at hand.

Vegeta tuned his father out, thinking about King Cold and particularly in Lord Freiza, King Cold's son. Lord Freiza had been his tormentor for years. Vegeta was sent to him for training when he was just a young boy, not even eight years of age. He was forced to do some vilest things for the Lord. Murdering and purging weaker planets. It didn't matter if it was men, women, or children. No mercy was shown unless he wanted a beating from Lord Freiza. The men that would go on the mission with him would sometimes rape the women. Vegeta's stomach rolled in disgust; he would never ever take a woman without consent. He absolutely refused to stoop that low. Luckily for him Lord Freiza did not care one way or another. Prince Vegeta shuddered as that brought up more unwelcoming memories with Lord Freiza. He pushed those aside and stood up, leaving the room and ignoring his Father's calls to come back.

Walking outside, he headed to the gardens that his mother used to tend to. He missed the Queen very much. She had passed a couple years before he was shipped off to Freiza. She had died giving birth to his younger brother Tarble. Tarble and Vegeta were not very close as brothers but Vegeta was fond of him and would still protect him with his life, not that he showed it. Tarble was currently in the lab working with Dr. Briefs most likely. Tarble did not grow up with a strong urge for fighting like Vegeta did nor was he actually very strong. While Vegeta took on more traits from their Father, Tarble took on more traits from their Mother. Sometimes Vegeta found it painful to be around Tarble but did his best in hiding that from his brother. It was not Tarble's fault after all. Vegeta's ebony tail flicked in agitation at reminding himself of his Father again. His Father was the one to send him off to Freiza and did not once check in on him or question anything. Not even when he was allowed to come home to visit and was covered in fresh wounds and bruises. Vegeta growled again, shoving those memories once again to the side. He did not wish to think of such things at the moment.

His annoyance grew when he noticed a taller male Saiyan with black hair sticking up all over the place, his brown tail swaying back and forth in content, walking towards him. "Kakarot, what are you doing here?" Vegeta growled. Kakarot laughed, "Aw come on Vegeta don't be mean. I was just checking up on you." Vegeta rolled his eyes. He would never admit to the clown that he considered him a very close friend. Vegeta appreciated Kakarot more then he let on. While he was every bit a clown in Vegeta's mind, he was loyal to a fault to him and had been his childhood friend. Even going with him in his service with Freiza. Now as an adult, Kakarot served him as his right hand man. Kakarot continued to talk his ear off about the meeting and then moved on to the party that was being thrown in honor of his twenty-fifth birthday. He snarled at the reminder thinking it ridiculous and feeling irritated beyond belief that he was forced to attend. His Father made it quite clear that he was to be present or the consequences would be dire. Smirking to himself, Vegeta knew he wouldn't stay long. His father never said how long he had to stay.

When Kakarot nudged him he realized that he was being asked a question. "What Kakarot?" Kakarot laughed, "I said do you think there will be any pretty girls tonight at the party?" Vegeta rolled his eyes again, "I'm sure there will be plenty of women present at the party but probably none beautiful or smart enough to tempt me. Not to mention they are only interested in my title and being my future queen." Kakarot shook his head, "One day Vegeta someone will catch your eye, I promise." Vegeta smirked, "Like the harpy from the kitchens that has caught yours?" Kakarot's face turned a beat red and he rubbed the back of his head laughing guiltily. "hehe yeah I really hope she is there tonight. Maybe she will dance with me." Vegeta's smirk widened, "So you can impress her with your poor dance moves? Ha! I wasn't aware stepping all over one's feet screamed mate material." Kakarot frowned a little, "Aww come on, I'm not that bad. I've been practicing!" Vegeta laughed a little, "We shall see Kakarot, we shall see."

Both men headed back to the palace to start getting ready. The party started in just a couple hours. Vegeta was dying to get this over with so he could sneak away and go train. He desired a mate like every other Saiyan male but had yet to find one that was actually interested in him and not just his title and money. His tail tightened around his waist subconsciously in effort to comfort himself, as he started to wonder if he would grow old and alone or worse if his Father would end up choosing a mate for him.

Finally reaching his rooms, he entered and started getting ready.


Bulma hummed quietly as she bathed herself. Her clean hair was pinned messily on top of her head to prevent it from getting wet again. She sunk into the water up to her nose and relaxed. Her tail relaxed beside her instead of moving about. She sighed; sometimes her tail seemed to have a mind of its own. It often betrayed her feelings and moods no matter how hard she tried to control it. Finishing up her bath, she stepped out of the tub and used the small amount of ki that she had to dry herself. She was by no means a strong Saiyan, but she did have a small amount of ki and strength. Nothing compared to the warriors of the planet though. She was grateful to have what little she had. Unpinning her hair, she let it fall to rest loosely behind her. It reached the swell of her backside and had a slight wave to it. How she wished she could wear it down. Putting a robe on, she walked over to her makeup counter and started brushing her hair and styling it. She decided on a romantic braided up-do, which caused her hair to be put in a low bun with braids on the side. She made sure to leave a few loose tendrils around her face. She then started on her make up; keeping in mind to keep it light. She never did like wearing makeup heavily. Finishing with her makeup she called in a maid to assist her with getting dressed.

With fifteen minutes to spare, she was ready. She had agreed to meet Chi-Chi at the party and to not wait for her in case she was late. Getting into her carriage again, she was taken to the palace. The palace shone brightly up ahead. Working at the palace gave her family the luxury of living on the grounds for no fee. Her carriage came to a stop and Krillin once again helped her out. Stepping forward, she took a deep breath and then exhaled. Her tail curled around her waist nervously. Stepping up to the Herald, she let him know her name and status so that he could introduce her.

"Presenting: Lady Bulma Briefs, Scientist and Engineer of the Royal Technology Center." Bulma took another breath and then walked forward, slowly walking down the stairs to make sure she did not trip. With her head held high, she noticed that quite a few people stopped and stared at her, making her blush. Whispers went through the crowd on how beautiful she looked. Searching the crowd, she located Chi-Chi quickly and then made her way to her. Chi-Chi smiled and oohed and ahhed over her dress, "Wow! Your dress is so beautiful Bulma!" Bulma smiled back at her, "You look beautiful tonight as well Chi!" Chi-Chi was wearing a beautiful strapless dress the color of amethysts. It gathered and dipped slightly on the bust accenting her curves beautifully. It made her eyes and hair pop out against the color as well.


Unknown to the two women, two sets of dark eyes watched them with interest. Kakarot's mouth hung open, quite taken with the dark haired woman. The blue haired woman was also good looking but there was just something special and familiar about the woman in purple that made it to where he couldn't keep his eyes off of her. It then hit him that it was Chi-Chi! Vegeta was caught off guard by the woman in blue. Never had he seen such a beautiful creature such as her. Her blue hair and eyes were unusual in the Saiyan race but not unheard of. He looked towards her waist and was pleased to see that her tail matched. Vegeta then caught himself wondering what her tail felt like and what she smelled like. Scowling he shook his head and looked over at Kakarot. His scowl worsened when he saw that he was bewitched just as much. Growling in annoyance he smacked Kakarot upside his head, "Close your mouth you idiot before they catch you drooling over them!" Kakarot jumped slightly and then immediately straightened himself. He blushed a deep red that he had gotten caught staring by his friend and Prince. "I'm sorry Vegeta but man, look how pretty they look! Especially the one in purple! That's Chi-Chi!" Vegeta felt the strange feeling of relief go through him that Kakarot was more focused on the one in purple instead of blue. Scoffing, Vegeta turned and headed for the table that was covered in food and wine. "Instead of drooling all over her, why don't you ask her for a dance? You practiced so hard remember?" Vegeta sneered at him. Kakarot laughed, "I think I will after I grab a bite to eat. I'm starving!"

Unbeknownst to all four, was another Saiyan male that had his eyes on Bulma. He was currently off to the side, slightly hidden in the shadows. He had the normal black hair and eyes of a Saiyan but what stood out on him was the scar running down the side of his face. Yamcha stared hungrily at the beautiful woman across the dance floor. He was a slightly above average Vegetasei Warrior who was always looking for a good time. The blue haired Saiyan screamed to him, "a good time." He decided then and there that she would be his next conquest and that he would do everything he could to get her into his bed. Maybe if she was good, he would mark her as his. His tail waved excitedly behind him. Turning on the charm, he took a step towards her and began his plan of wooing and befriending her.


Bulma and Chi-Chi chatted with one another excitedly about all the handsome males around them. Bulma then took the time to look up at the front of the room where the King and Prince were supposed to be. Bulma caught sight of the prince scowling at a man that stood beside him. She wondered what brought on his scowl and had the biggest urge to run her finger between his black brows to smooth the skin back out.

Suddenly a man walked up to her and Chi-Chi with a polite and friendly smile. "Hello ladies, my name is Yamcha and I couldn't help but notice you both without a dance partner. Would one of you care for a dance?" he asked smoothly. Chi-Chi glanced subtly over at Bulma and then took a small step to the side, "I'm actually going to grab a bite to eat but my friend here would love a dance." Bulma's eyes widened and looked quickly over at Chi-Chi, "But Chi-" Chi-Chi interrupted her with small push, "No no, I insist." She said with a smirk. Bulma sighed and took the offered hand and let herself be drug out onto the dance floor. A soft song full of only the violin filled her ears. Smiling softly at Yamcha she let him lead her across the floor in a simple dance.

Yamcha crowed inside happily that he didn't have to work too hard to at least introduce himself to this blue haired beauty. "So my lady, what is your name?" he asked politely. Bulma cleared her throat, "Its Bulma. Bulma Briefs." said with a smile. Yamcha looked into her eyes, "Bulma?" he asked, tasting and rolling her name in his mouth. "That is a fitting name for such a beautiful woman." he said softly. Bulma flushed under his heated stare. Slightly uncomfortable she cleared her throat and looked away from him. "Are you enjoying the party so far?" she asked

Yamcha frowned a little at her, noticing her tail twitching in what he assumed was embarrassment. "Yes I am. Although I feel sorry for our Prince, he looks downright miserable." he said with a small chuckle. Bulma took another look over at the prince and then froze when he seemed to look over at her at the same time. Eyes locked, time seemed to slow for both. Never had she seen such dark ebony orbs boring into her own blue orbs. She felt frozen underneath his stare but also felt heat pool into her chest and stomach. Scanning his face, she noted how handsome he looked. His tanned skin looked beautiful against his wild ebony hair and his deep dark eyes. She realized then that she could stay lost in his eyes forever.

Yamcha did not miss the small show between the Prince and the woman he was trying to win over. Frowning more, he turned leading Bulma away from the Prince's gaze and pulled her closer. She instantly stiffened in his arms, her gaze with the prince broken. Taking a breath she didn't realize she had been holding, she looked up at Yamcha and saw his knowing frustrated gaze. "I apologize, I have no excuse." She said embarrassed beyond belief that a stranger had caught her staring. Yamcha nodded, tail twitching in agitation, "Its fine." Inside he was seething that this blue haired wench was staring at another male besides himself. His grip around her tightened into a possessive hold as he continued to dance with her.

Bulma felt his grip tighten around her and felt uncomfortable with how possessive this man was acting. She tried to pull away from him but found that she could not. His grip around her only tightened more. Frowning, she tried pulling back a bit harder one more time and growled lowly when he still refused to let her go. "Sir, please-" she began but was cut off when someone cleared their throat nearby.

Yamcha looked over growling at the person that would dare interrupt their dance and then felt himself go cold. The Prince of Vegetasei stood before them and gave him a daring look, just hoping he would challenge him. Yamcha frowned and stepped back from Bulma but not letting her go just yet. "Sorry to cut in but I would also like a dance with this woman and seeing that you have already had one, I think it fair that someone else should have a chance to dance with her." he said, his tone dry and daring. Vegeta raised an eyebrow at the man when he acted as if he was going to deny the prince his request. The thought did briefly go through Yamcha's mind but he thought better of it. He would get another chance; he would make sure of that. Nodding, he let go of Bulma and handed her off to the Prince.

Bulma looked between them both, tensing as she felt the atmosphere between them start to thicken. She wondered if Yamcha would try to challenge the Prince. Just as she started to get even more nervous, Yamcha stepped down and handed her over to the Prince. She briefly watched him leave and then turned her full attention to the Prince. He stared blankly at her, no emotion shown on his face to let her know or clue her in on how he truly felt at the moment. He bowed slightly and held out an offered hand to her. She nodded her head and placed her hand in his. He placed his other hand on her waist and started leading her around the floor, clearly showing he was the better dancer then Yamcha. Bulma smiled softly at him, "Thanks for rescuing Me." she whispered. Vegeta's head snapped down to meet her gaze and then scowled at her. "I was not 'rescuing' you, woman. I merely wanted a dance to show my Father that I was present. I had no idea I would be dealing with a lover's quarrel or a weakling." It didn't escape his notice that this woman had a low power level.

If Vegeta had not been leading her around, she would have stopped in the middle of the floor. She was shocked at the snarky and rude behavior coming from the prince. Not to mention the slight hurt she felt from his words. Frowning, she straightened herself out, tail lashing behind her, "You don't have to be rude about it, dear Prince" she snarled at him, the words "dear Prince" dripping with sarcasm. Vegeta's scowl deepened when he heard her sarcasm. Never had a woman talked back to him as she had. On the inside, he was impressed and his interest in her suddenly grew even more.

"You better watch yourself woman." He threatened. Bulma boldly rolled her eyes at him but said no more. Vegeta felt the vein on his forehead tick at her insolence but ignored it. He pulled her a little closer to him, hoping that would keep her quiet. He quickly realized his error when he got a strong whiff of her scent. It was the most tantalizing smell he had ever smelt. It was a mix of honeysuckle and rain; a clean but beautiful smell. He almost snorted, thinking how well it fit. He discretely took in her smell again, hoping it would be burned into his senses forever.

Bulma was unknowingly in the same situation. She had opened her mouth to complain at being pulled closer to the Prince but all coherent thoughts left her. He smelled absolutely amazing. He smelled of pine, battle, and something else that she couldn't put her finger on. It made that heat that she had felt earlier return but burn hotter and then spread to her nether regions. An unusual but addicting feeling, craving for completion that she didn't even know how to obtain. Bulma tried to look at the Prince's face through her peripheral vision but couldn't see his expression good enough to judge him. Taking a deep breath, she boldly took another step towards him and bravely laid her head on his shoulder. She felt him stiffen for a minute before relaxing, tightening his hold on her slightly.

Neither knew how long they stayed that way and danced but they would both deny it if anyone said it was for more than one song. Bulma was shocked to also see that sometime during the last dance their tails had found each other and had curled around each other loosely. Staring at the Prince's tail, she started to feel uneasy. She didn't even know this man but couldn't deny the feelings she felt for him. She knew for at the moment it was mostly just lust but she wanted to know more about him. She felt a strong connection to him that she had not felt with any male before.

Vegeta was also feeling the connection they had between each other but stubbornly pushed it aside. He didn't know this woman nor was he sure that he wanted to. Every woman he pursued was a disappointment. Frowning, he realized he had danced with this woman for most of the night. Surely she was tired. As the song came to an end, he slowly stopped dancing. Bulma looked up at him, trying her best to not look so disappointed. "Woman, would you like a drink?" Vegeta asked stiffly. Bulma gave him a small smile and nodded her head, "Yes, I would." Vegeta turned swiftly and left her there to go retrieve drinks. The whole way to the table he was berating himself on why he asked her that. Doing this would make him stay longer with her at this blasted party. "One red wine and one white wine." He demanded softly. The server quickly poured the drinks requested and handed them over to him. Turning, Vegeta snarled in frustration seeing that the woman was not where he left her. If he could not find her within the next five minutes, it wasn't worth his time.

While waiting on Vegeta to bring back the drinks, Bulma had stepped outside on the balcony for some fresh air. The combination of the hot stuffy room they were in and the tantalizing smell of Vegeta was causing her to feel suffocated. After she could finally catch her breath, she realized that Vegeta may not know to look for her out here. She also had a feeling that Vegeta would not chase after her. She caught the attention of one of the servers running the party and told them to let Prince Vegeta know where she was. Turning back to the balcony, she looked down at the one of the many gardens the palace had. The sun was starting to go down but there was still enough daylight for her to see all the different flowers planted in the garden. It was so colorful and beautiful. She would give anything to be in charge of the gardens. It was one of her hobbies that most people didn't know about her.

Hearing footsteps near her, she turned and saw Vegeta walking towards her with two glasses of wine. When he reached her, he turned his head to the side looking slightly uncomfortable. "I wasn't sure what you would like." He stated, still not looking at her. Bulma smiled and reached for the white wine, "I prefer the white wine." He nodded and let her take the glass from him. He took a sip from the red wine, not caring either way.

Bulma took a small sip of her wine and turned her attention back to the gardens below, lost in thought. Vegeta watched her carefully and then looked over to where she was staring. Noticing it was one of the gardens his mother used to tend to, he frowned. He opened his mouth to say something to her but she beat him to it. "The gardens are beautiful. I wish I could get a closer look at them one day." she said dreamily. Vegeta snorted, "Why on earth would you want a closer look Woman when you have a great view from here?"

Bulma turned to him with a small glare, "You know I do have a name and it is not 'Woman.'" She said with a small growl. Vegeta turned and looked at her with a smirk, "Oh? Then what is your name woman because you have failed to introduce yourself to me. You obviously know who I am." He snarked. Bulma bristled and grew angrier when he used the word 'woman' again to address her. "My name is Bulma! And you would know who I am if you would pay more attention to who works for you. I am one of the scientists in the lab. I am the daughter of Dr. Briefs!" Bulma had turned and faced him fully, her tail swinging back and forth, curling in anger.

Vegeta's eyes narrowed as the woman in front of him dared talk to him like that. At her words though, he thought back to his last meeting with Dr. Briefs. He vaguely remembered the good Doctor introducing a woman to him but couldn't remember the name. He did remember that she was dressed much like a male and had nodded at her in greeting but didn't really look at her. He cursed himself that he indeed wasn't paying attention like she implied. Before he had a chance to reply, Bulma swallowed the last of her wine and handed him the empty glass. She bowed respectfully at him and then walked back into the palace dance hall, leaving him there.

Vegeta watched her go and felt the urge to go after her but decided to leave her be. Already frustrated he turned and leapt off the balcony, leaving the palace behind.


It was late. Bulma walked back into the palace and immediately found Chi-Chi talking to a male Saiyan whose hair was sticking up all over the place. Walking up to them, she nodded politely to the mystery man and then looked at Chi-Chi, "I'm turning in for the night." She said with small hint of frustration coloring her voice. Chi-Chi cocked her head to the side, noticing her friend's demeanor. "Is everything ok Bulma?" she asked in concern. Bulma smiled and nodded, "Yes, just ran into a stubborn, arrogant man that calls himself our Prince." She said with frustration. The man beside Chi-Chi stiffened slightly. Chi-Chi noticed his behavior but let it be for now, more concerned with her friend. "Do you want to talk about it?" she asked. Bulma shook her head, "No it's not a big deal. I'll see you tomorrow Chi." She turned to leave but was stopped by Chi-Chi again. "Before you leave Bulma, I wanted you to meet Kakarot. He is actually Prince Vegeta's childhood friend and right hand man." Bulma smiled politely at him, "It's nice to meet you Kakarot. You must have a lot of patience to deal with our Prince." She said with a strained smile.

Kakarot laughed nervously, "Yeah, he isn't that bad once you get to know him. I promise." He said with a grin. Bulma laughed and nodded at them both, "Well I'm off, you two have fun!" They both waved her goodbye as she left. Finally back outside, Bulma located the carriage and Krillin. "Did you have a good night ma-I mean Bulma?" he asked. She ignored his slip up and crawled in. "It was different that's for sure."

On the way home, she replayed the night over and over again in her mind. The Prince not only noticed her but danced with her for the most of the night. She wouldn't lie though that she was slightly disappointed in how he acted when they were in private. Once she got home, she peeled her clothes off of her hot body, took a quick shower and fell into bed. Not wanting to think about her interactions with the Prince or the unwanted feelings that came with it anymore. Tomorrow would be a new day. She probably wouldn't see the Prince again anyways and if she did, he probably wouldn't recognize her or pay attention.


Back at the palace, Yamcha circled the room for the fifth time looking for the blue haired woman. He couldn't believe that she had somehow slipped away from him. Growling in anger he abruptly turned and stalked outside, giving up for the night. As he flew off into the sky towards his home, he decided that he would find her again no matter what. He would not give up.

TBC…