A/N: Reviews: elianni- Yes! Taylor Swift has some amazing songs! Glad someone appreciated it :) . Thank you very much for your constant reviews! If I could give you a set of dragon balls, I would.

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Gingerly he stroked her hair, relishing every bit of this moment. Her vibrant blue hair was softer than silk itself. She was letting her hair grow out over the years, and it was a little past her shoulder now. He loved the way it cascaded into place on her while she was asleep. The messier look from tossing herself around during the night looked rather nice on her. Softly, Vegeta brushed a few strands away from her face so he could see her better. The only time Bulma ever seemed peaceful was when she was sleeping. It was hard to believe she is such a pain in the ass when she's awake looking the way she does now.

After all these years he still couldn't understand what it was about her. She made him feel like there was a reason worth fighting for besides to claim himself the victor. She made him care more about his well-being, and have a reason to come back from any battle in one piece. She made him feel vulnerable, just by hearing his name fall from her lips.

For a while he would ask himself where his pride was. To think, a weak girl like herself could make him lose it all by her mere presence baffled him because there was one thing a Saiyan always kept, his pride. His long absence made him realize though that he never lost it in the first place. Bulma was his pride, just like she was his everything else. At first the thought horrified and disgusted him, but now watching her sleep made him believe otherwise for the time being.

The sun crept its way up, finally leaking more light in between his window shades. The soft beams were now directly hitting her eyes, waking her up almost instantly. Slowly she blinked the grogginess from her eyes, pleased to see that Vegeta was already awake and watching her while she slept.

"You need to get off of me," he said while slightly nudging her.

"Well good morning to you, too." Would it kill him to ever say hello first? The more she questioned it, the more she realized it probably would. God forbid he was ever polite for a second. Apparently manners were beneath the prince.

"I have to train. Move."

"No, I'm comfortable." To emphasize her point, she scooched closer to him, nuzzling her cheek on his bare chest, and draping her arm around his torso. Bulma made a mental note to herself when he didn't make any effort to push her off again, and sighed in contempt.

Absent mindedly, her fingers trailed against his bare chest. She loved how smooth his ivory skin was to the touch, and how his muscles tightened under her fingertips. Eventually, they stopped when they came across a few scars. They were new because she vividly recalled none of them being there before he left on his mission. A frown formed at the corner of her lips as she continued to trace them. Not only did someone hurt him, repeatedly, but they left the marks so Vegeta would be reminded of it forever. What she would give to make them all go away.

Vegeta trapped her hand in his, stopping her ministrations. She didn't have to say any words for him to know what she was thinking. He couldn't have her thinking like that, not about him. Something small tugged at his heart with the thought of her hurting for him. His tail trailed up her wrist until it met with her fingers. She lightly stroked it, making Vegeta purr quietly. She loved when he did that, and he knew it. For some reason it always brought her comfort, which in turn, did the same for him.

"So my father is throwing a party tonight at our palace," she said to break the silence. "You should come."

"What for?" His eyes were closed now, savoring the thoughtful touches as he pulled her closer to him.

"Because I want you there, idiot. Why else would I ask?"

"I meant what is the party for. Also, you should never insult someone if you're trying to get them to attend something for you, rude wench. For a princess, you sure lack in manners." Bulma slapped him as hard as she could, even though she knew it wouldn't even so much as tickle him. Vegeta laughed at her poor attempts to hurt him, which only pissed her off even more. He was the last person to be calling anyone else rude! The nerve of him!

"He made some breakthrough that was going to better not only our empire, but yours. I'm not sure about all the details though. I haven't paid all that much attention to it since he started working on it not too long ago, but it's supposed to be brilliant. I'm not surprised; it is my father we're talking about."

Her father really was a brilliant man. Vegeta was smart, no doubt about it, but he would be lying if he said he was able to keep up with him or even Bulma sometimes. If she said it was that great, then he believed her. It did strike him as odd though that she didn't know what it was, and why it was so incredible. It wasn't like her to not be involved with whatever it was her father cooked up in his labs. She was his partner in everything because she was the only person who could actually keep up with the old man and his scientific rambles. "Why don't you know? I find that odd, considering you always have your nose in everything."

Bulma rolled her eyes, knowing he was only trying to get her riled up. "I've just been distracted and didn't have time for it, alright?" She pushed herself up to a sitting position, crossing her arms. Vegeta propped himself up too with his hands behind him supporting his weight. Immediately he regretted pushing her on the subject, missing their shared warmth. "Will you go, or not?" She asked again in a small voice.

"Sure," he answered with a nod. "Now you really do need to get out," he said, wanting to change the subject. Her sadness was replaced with agitation and annoyance, a look he knew all too well from her. He smirked, loving how he knew how to always get her going. She really did make it too easy sometimes.

After a few crude remarks that were said under hear breath, she finally did as her asked and left. But not before she threw a pillow at his face, which he caught effortlessly, and told him not to be late.

Taking his time, Vegeta put on some training clothes and walked over to his brother's room. It's been a damn long time since he's actually spoken to Tarble, and he hated it. He missed him, even if he would never admit it out loud. He knocked on the door and opened it, not waiting for his permission. When he did he saw both Tarble and Kakarot sprawled out with their hands behind their heads, lying down on the opposite sides of the large bed. The second he cleared his throat, and they realized who it was, they shot up in unison. They were surprised to see him out of his room for once.

"Up for some sparring?" He tried to avoid sounding so awkward, but it didn't seem to work. It's been so long since anything has been normal between them, and he knew he better than to think he could just jump back into things like nothing happened, but that didn't mean he wouldn't try.

Without hesitation, the Tarble and Kakarot agreed. The three stormed out their home and flew as fast as they could to their secret stop. To Vegeta's surprise and amusement, even Tarble fought, and he put up a good fight too. It was almost unbelievable to see how much stronger he had become since the last time they fought. Pride swelled up inside him with this new discovery. Kakarot was much stronger now, too. No doubt that they had been sparring together in their free time during his absence. To think little Tarble had been willingly training for once. He couldn't help but wonder why now.

After another hour of going at each other, the three finally called it quits. Kakarot and Tarble were both hunched over, struggling to get some air in their lungs. Vegeta however, seemed to have barely broken a sweat. "Not going to lie," Kakarot huffed out in between breaths, "I figured this wouldn't be such a blowout. I mean, I really thought I finally caught up to you. We've been training our asses off since you left. I guess we didn't try hard enough. You're on a whole other level now!"

Tarble slung his arm over Vegeta's shoulders. "Honestly, brother! That was incredible! Can't believe I ever thought I actually stood a chance against you now." He laughed to himself, but soon regretted it. Any additional movement caused him pain. He must have bruised every muscle and bone in his body, but he didn't care. None of the pain mattered if it meant he could have his brother back again.

"Yes I am quite remarkable now," he responded with a smirk, "but it was gained at a price. There were days I truly thought I was going to die. I supposed it worked in my favor. The new power boost, it's exhilarating to say the least."

"I knew you wouldn't die," Tarble said, ignoring the ego trip he was having about his new found strength. "You're my big brother, strongest on the planet! Hell, probably one of the strongest in the galaxy! I knew you'd come back alive." Tarble couldn't help but tense up while he spoke. All the buried emotions and worries finally surfacing. It's true, he knew in his heart Vegeta wouldn't die or be killed. Vegeta could handle pain, sure, but that didn't mean he was okay with the fact that he had to suffer in it alone.

Unlike Tarble, Vegeta was not one to openly show others his feelings. To him it was a weakness, but his brother never saw it that way. Suffice to say, Tarble opening up began to make Vegeta feel uncomfortable. "Don't go all sentimental on me! No use getting upset over something that didn't happen. If you cry I swear I'll give you a damn reason to."

Tarble shook his head and quietly chuckled. He knew his confession made him unease. He could never understand why it bothered his brother to show emotions so much, but he respected his unspoken wish and kept the rest to himself.

"Hey Vegeta," Kakarot interrupted. "So you promised Bulma you wouldn't be late, right?"

"More like she forced those words into my mouth, but yes. Why?"

"Because it's in 30 minutes and-" Kakarot was never able to finish the rest because Vegeta immediately dashed into the sky, yelling profanities as he passed by. Sure, Frieza was scary when he was angry, but she was absolutely terrifying when she was. He didn't want to think about what she would do if he broke his, or more like her, promise.

He managed to arrive on time, thanking any God that was listening to him on the way here. As he waited for her at the bottom of the stairwell, he straightened whatever seemed out of place. Why is he so nervous all of a sudden? It was only a stupid party.

"Don't worry Vegeta, you look handsome. You always do." Her words snuck up on the prince, and he froze in place. His eyes slowly trailed up the steps, until they finally met hers. His heart raced, and his breath hitched, and his eyes were now locked on her. How could someone be so beautiful?

The dress was simple, yet perfect. It was a snug black dress, with no sleeves, and cut off above her knees. The side of her dress was slightly open with stitches lacing in between. Her hair was in a loose ponytail with a few strands of hair framing her face. His favorite part about the whole ensemble though, was her bright pink lip stick. How had he not noticed her full her lips before? "And we match! This is perfect!"

Vegeta looked down, realizing she was right. He wore a black party shirt, with black slacks. It was a coincidence, of course. He figured wearing black was simple, but still nice enough to look dressed up for a party. Now a small part of him was glad though. People wouldn't try to come between them if they assumed they were an item. Not that it mattered, he told himself. It was just less of a headache watching people swoon over her right in front of him. At least, that's what he tried to convince himself. "Yeah, whatever. Let's just grab a table already."

Bulma smiled and nodded in agreement as she laced her fingers between his, guiding him to their designated table. Before he pulled her seat out so she could sit down, she grabbed him by the arm. "Wait, I don't want to sit down yet. Can we dance first?"

"No," he stated matter of factly. "I don't dance."

"Aww c'mon, Vegeta! Just one dance! Please?"

"No." He was a warrior! Not some ridiculous dancer! Besides, the room was already full of people. There was no way he would subject himself to such humiliation, and in front of strangers no less!

"Fine" Bulma stuck her nose in the air, looking away from him. "If you won't, then I'm sure Yamcha will."

"Yamcha? Who the hell is, Yamcha?!" His voice raised a few octaves. Not once has she ever mentioned this name before. Maybe she was lying and just made up a name to trick him into dancing with her. She was pretty manipulative, so he wouldn't put it pass her to think of something like that. "You know what? Go ahead," he finally said, thinking he beat her at her own game. She stomped off, not wanting to be anywhere near the prince. He smirked, thinking he won.

His eyes followed her as she strode across the dance floor, watching to see what she planned on doing. He assumed she would storm out the party for a few minutes all together, not to actually find someone. He hated how friendly she was with the stranger. How was she already laughing? She just got there! He couldn't possibly be so funny. His ki flared the longer she was with him.

He marched over to where they were, and slightly stood in front of her, forcing the other guy to take a few steps back. "Who the fuck is this?" He growled through his teeth, not taking his eyes off him.

"This is, Yamcha. You know that because I told you I was coming to talk to him."

"I didn't realize bottom feeding scums were allowed through the palace doors."

"Who the hell are you calling scum, you arrogant prick!" Yamcha finally lashed out, tired of Vegeta already.

"I call it like I see it, you weak-ass bitch!" Both the boys balled up their fist, getting ready to fight. Bulma quickly stepped in between them in attempts to deescalate the tension, spreading her arms out as far as she can so the two can get some distance. Guys were such pig-headed idiots.

"Vegeta, that's not right! You can't just walk up and start insulting him! I invited him myself, so of course he's allowed to be here! Besides, I asked you to dance, you said no, so I asked him because I knew he would say yes! That's it, done, no more!"

"Well, I changed my mind! You're not dancing with this filth, you're dancing with me. C'mon." Neither Bulma, nor Yamcha, had time to protest because he already grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her to the dance floor.

After being manhandled enough by him, she finally gave in and wrapped her arms around his neck, and he held her by the waist. He looked over at Yamcha from time to time, and tightened his grip on her possessively. To think, this was almost that trash holding her like this so intimately. He wanted to walk right back over there and punch him every time he noticed him stealing a few glimpses at, Bulma. "So, is this why you were so distracted?" He spat out in a harsh tone. "You have a boyfriend? That it? I thought you would have better taste in men then him."

She rolled her eyes at his petty comment. "He's not my boyfriend, jackass. Just a friend."

"You didn't answer the first question."

"Yes, Vegeta, he was the reason! There, are you happy now? You were gone for months, and it hurt too much to visit Kakarot and Tarble knowing you wouldn't be there when I saw them. It hurt even more knowing you were finally home, and you didn't want me there with you. I met Yamcha at some mall where I was shopping not long after you left with, Frieza. He was a very good friend to me when I needed one, and he was a good distraction. He made me forget for a while about how much I missed you."

He let her go and stopped dancing and walked outside to the balcony, leaving her alone. The air was crisp and cold, but not as cold as he felt right now. How she coped with her issues was none of his business. If she thought befriending that poor excuse of a guy was a good way of dealing with it, it shouldn't matter to him. Besides, it was what he wanted after all. He wanted her to hurt so she would hate him enough to never think of him again. Seeing her try and replace him though, and find another to fix what he caused? Well, that was something he didn't plan on having to deal with too.

"I forgave you a long time ago, Vegeta." How long had she been out there? Probably as long as he has been, he thought.

"I didn't ask for your forgiveness."

"I don't care because you got it. You should forgive yourself too, you know." Bulma stood right next to him, looking out in the same direction he was. They stood in that spot for hours, just starring out at the stars. Bulma didn't mind, in fact she rather enjoyed it, but everyone left a while ago and she knew he had to too. "Why don't you go home, Vegeta. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Right, I'm pretty tired now anyway," he lied. He wasn't tired at all, but he did want some space to clear his head.

Bulma lifted herself up on her tip toes, and kissed him on the cheek and left as she said good night, leaving him on the balcony. His eyes went wide, slightly turning to face her as she left. She's never kissed him before, why do it now? And why did he miss the sudden loss of heat from her lips? A part of him regretted not turning in on the kiss so her lips fell on his lips instead. He aggressively pushed the thoughts away, trying not to think of her like that, but to no avail.

He was up for the entire night, not sleeping for a second. All he could think about were her lips, and how desperately he wanted them on his right now. He groaned as he tossed and turned in his bed. Why did she have to go and do that? She was such an enigma, and he hated her for it.

A/N: Yes, this was more of a filler chapter. I like some fluff, what can I say? I have a weakness for cute possessive Vegeta, and I'm not sorry for that.

There was another reason for this fluffy chapter, other than me loving jealous Vegeta. As they say, it's always calm before the storm. There was a reason Frieza had been brought into this story, and we will delve into that more very soon. I figured I'd give you all something cute before things get real.

Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter! As always, please R&R! It would be much appreciated!