The Ball

Usagi stood in front of the mirror inspecting her final look for the ball. Allana had brought her some makeup, and done her hair. A beautiful crown lay on her head, and beautiful purple jewelry accented her ears, wrist and neck.

She took a deep breath. She was nervous, not sure what to expect. There was a knock on the door.

"Are you ready Princess?" Allana's voice called.

"Yes." Usagi exited the room to find Allana dressed in a beautiful gown. "You look beautiful!"

"Thank you." Allana blushed.

They both walked to the ball room. Allana went in first to let King Vegeta know Usagi was ready.

The King walked into the middle of the ball room and announced the entrance of the Princess.

Usagi walked in and the crowd fell silent. She walked up to the King and curtsied. "Why is everyone so quiet?" She whispered.

"Beauty such as yours is rarely seen among these parts, they are simply stunned by your beauty," he explained. "Music, please," he called to the band. Music started and the King offered Usagi his hand. "May I have the honor of the first dance?"

Usagi smiled. "It would be my pleasure."

The two began to glide across the floor. Soon others began to join them.

Vegeta sat on his throne, mesmerized by the woman dancing with his father.

"She is beautiful, isn't she?" Goku asked his friend.

"I never knew such beauty existed in this world," Vegeta agreed. Then he glared at the man beside him. "You better not tell anyone I just said that, Kakarot."

Goku smiled. "Not a soul."

Allana approached the Prince. "Do you like her dress, sire?"

"It's fine," Vegeta answered in his normal somber tone.

"You did a great job," Goku told her. "Prince Vegeta thinks so too."

"Thank you." She smiled and walked away.

"Princess, I hope you will stay here for a while," King Vegeta said as they danced.

"I am very grateful for your hospitality," Usagi replied. "I am finding it comfortable here."

"I'm glad to hear it." King Vegeta smiled at her. "Is Kakarot treating you well?"

"He has been very kind to me," Usagi said.

"Good. He and my son are very close; though Vegeta would never admit it."

"They are quite the pair. I have seen them fight, it is spectacular."

"It is."

The music stopped and the King backed away and bowed to the Princess. "Please enjoy the ball." He turned and walked away.

Usagi exited the dance floor and began to mingle with some of the guests. About an hour into the ball Vegeta walked up to her.

"May I have this dance?" He asked with a deep bow.

"Of course." Usagi took his hand and followed him onto the dance floor.

Vegeta was a strong leader, and Usagi easily followed his every movement. The two danced across the floor with ease, and Usagi found herself thinking about the way he fought. He was graceful in everything he did. Goku had been right about him; he seemed tough on the outside, but he was really, very gentle. His touch was soft, and his step light.

He twirled her around and was captivated by the changing color of her dress. This woman had only been on the planet a few weeks, yet she danced with such grace, as if the gravity were nothing to her.

Pulling her close to him he breathed in her scent. It was light and pleasant. "You look absolutely ravishing tonight, Princess," he whispered in her ear.

Goose bumps ran down her back and arms. "Thank you. You are looking very handsome yourself, Vegeta," she replied quietly.

They finished the dance and Vegeta bowed to her once again, and swiftly walked away, leaving her stunned on the dance floor. Goku quickly jumped in to rescue her.

"You'll have to forgive him," he said as he directed her around the floor.

"He left without a word," Usagi said.

"He's not the talkative type, as you noticed," Goku replied. "He doesn't know how to voice his feelings."

Usagi scoffed. "That's for sure."

"You look even more beautiful than you did the other day," Goku said.

"Thank you, Goku." She smiled brightly.

The two danced together for much of the remaining ball, talking and laughing with each other. Vegeta watched in frustration and jealousy. He wanted to be the one dancing with the Princess, but he was too proud to admit he was starting to like the woman.

Finally deciding he'd had enough Vegeta walked toward his best warrior and the Princess.

"Goku, I want to learn how to fight like you," Usagi was saying as Vegeta approached.

"I think that is a wonderful idea," Vegeta interjected.

Goku and Usagi stopped dancing to face the Prince.

"Can I cut in?" Vegeta asked.

"Sure," Goku replied stepping aside.

Vegeta swiftly took Usagi into his arms and began to lead her away from Goku. Usagi noticed his grip was almost possessive.

"Is everything okay?" She asked.

"Why wouldn't it be?" Vegeta's tone was harsh.

"I'm sorry if I did something to offend you," Usagi said.

"Woman, just be quiet and dance with me," Vegeta growled.

As the music ended Usagi tried to move away but Vegeta held her close and began another dance. Not wanting to upset him, Usagi moved along with him. Eventually Vegeta loosened his grip on her, allowing them to move together more gracefully.

Usagi smiled in appreciation and Vegeta seemed to loosen up more. By the end of the song both were relaxed and flowing seamlessly. The music ended and Vegeta pulled away from the blonde, and bowed. "I appreciate your cooperation," he said, and walked away.

"That's his way of saying thank you," Goku whispered in her ear, startling her.

"I need some air, and a seat, my feet are killing me," Usagi told the warrior.

"May I?" Goku offered her a hand.

Usagi gave him a puzzled look, but took his hand anyway.

Goku pulled her close. "Close your eyes." She did as she was told and a whooshing sound filled her ears. Suddenly she could feel a breeze on her face, and the sound of water rang in her ears.

She opened her eyes. They were somewhere on a beach of some sort. "Oh wow!"

"Will this work?" Goku asked.

"This is perfect, you are amazing, Goku!" She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tight.

Goku beamed. As she let go of him, he grabbed her hand and led her down to the beach where a few chairs sat. Plopping down in one of the chairs, Usagi swiftly removed her shoes and stockings, burying her aching feet in the cool sand. Sighing she leaned back and looked up at the dark sky.

The stars were breathtaking, as well as the two moons decorating the sky. This was the first time she'd really been outside at night on Planet Vegeta.

Noticing the way Usagi was looking up at the sky Goku leaned over and said, "Want to see something amazing?"

She giggled. "Sure."

Leaning even close to her, he pointed to a star in the sky. "Do you see that star?"

Usagi followed his finger. "Yes."

"That's the Earth's sun," Goku explained.

"It looks so tiny from here." That small dot was where her home resided. She focused on that star and zoned out for a while, letting her mind wander. The feel of warm water on her feet pulled her out of her thoughts. "The water is warm," she said incredulously.

"That's one of the reasons I like this beach so much, the water is always the perfect temperature," Goku replied.

A devilish smile crossed Usagi's face and she looked at the man beside her. "Let's go swimming," she said.

"What?"

"Let's go swimming."

"But you don't have a bathing suit!"

"So." Usagi stood and began to walk toward the large trees that surrounded the beach. Goku sat, puzzled, until he heard a happy squeal and saw Usagi race into the waves. "C'mon, Goku," she hollered.

Goku stood and stripped down to his underwear, swiftly joining the girl in the water. They swam, and laughed and played for what seemed like hours, until finally exhausted they rested beneath a tree.

"Thank you," Usagi said quietly.

"For what?" Goku questioned.

"I can't remember the last time I laughed this much." She smiled. "So, thank you." She rested her head against the tree.

"You're welcome." He smiled and looked out at the water. A small snore pulled his gaze toward the Moon Princess who had fallen asleep. He smiled again and watched her sleep for a moment before standing to gather their clothes. Using instant transmission, he took their clothes back to the palace and returned for Usagi. As carefully as he could he picked up the sleeping woman and held her tight to him as he transported into her bedroom. Laying her down on her bed and covering her he smiled softly. She looked so peaceful, this woman from another planet. As he watched her, something in him told him she would change his life.

That's it for this chapter. Stay tuned for more, and please review.

Gohaun