4

Before they knew it, they were done with speeches in the Regions save their own, which was last this year. The morning they were arriving at the Capital, Vegeta managed to get up without waking Bulma and walked over to her dresser where her pin rested every night. Sorry Bulma, but it only makes sense that I propose with my Mother's engagement pin. Clutching the precious item in his fist, Vegeta pressed a chaste kiss to her cheek, his voice rumbling deep in his chest, "Wake up, Woman. We're here." Blue eyes shot open as Bulma shot upright, kicking the tangled sheets from her body. Hurriedly pushing Vegeta towards the door, Bulma growled in frustration when he dug in his heels to keep her from moving him. "Come on, Vegeta! I've got to get dressed and so do you. Now get out!"

Chuckling, the Saiyan turned and lightly gripped her chin, pulling her into an intense kiss. This was only their second kiss in six months and both teens dove headfirst into the passion that threatened to swallow them whole. Vegeta was the first to break away for air, hovering over her sweet, strawberry lips as their panting breaths intermingled. Suddenly the door swooshed open, revealing a very aggravated Namekian, "Stop making out, I could hear it all the way from my room. And by the way, you've got ten minutes to get ready." Just as quickly as he appeared, Piccolo disappeared. "Well, I guess that means I've got to go." Vegeta smirked, growling lowly, "I can't wait to see you in a proper Capital dress tonight."

Quickly throwing on some clothes, teens were whisked away to the Training Center where their Designers were waiting. Dressing him in slate blue slacks, paired with a slightly darker shade of slate blue button-up shirt and a silver vest. "There. You look handsome, my Prince." Selypa said as she stood back, examining her handiwork. Vegeta nodded his thanks, slipping the pin into the pocket on his vest. But the elder Saiyan noticed, "I take it you are planning on properly proposing to Miss Briefs tonight, yes?" Slightly taken aback by her statement, Vegeta answered, "My Father proposed to my Mother with this pin. It only makes sense that I do the same."

Stepping forward, Selypa removed the precious object from his pocket and inquired, "Do you know the history of this pin, my Prince?" Slowly shaking his head, Vegeta realized that there is a lot about his family history that he didn't know. And I may never know… "This," She held the brooch in the palm of her hand, "is what every Saiyan King presented to his Chosen Mate. And, a little known fact, some Past Kings would complete the Mating rituals six months after presenting his gift." Snatching his Mother's pin from her open hand, Vegeta growled, "I shall wait the traditional year." "I'm just saying that most Saiyans would not think it odd," Selypa replied, raising her hands to show she meant no harm.

For once Vegeta was ready first, and although he was waiting by the elevator with an air of calm, the Saiyan Prince was nothing but a bundle of nerves. I don't know why I'm like this. I mean, I've already asked Her in a way and she said yes. Plus this was her idea… Scowling, Vegeta realized why he was feeling this way when he wasn't even nervous during their Game, It's Her… Dad always said the Bond was a good thing but I'm not so sure. All I get are these bad, worthless emotions from Her and I can't do a single thing about it. Slow steps coming down the hall drew Vegeta out of his thoughts, his coal-black eyes raked over her body, appraising his mate. Bulma was outfitted in a midnight blue long-sleeve dress, very form-fitting, and stopping right at her knees to showcase her long, creamy legs. Her long, blue hair was pulled into a low bun with a few strategically loose strands framing her heart-shaped face. Don't blow this.

Swallowing stiffly, Vegeta felt his cheeks grow warm as he mumbled, "You look really… nice." Ha! I didn't mess it up this time! Vegeta inwardly cheered as he watched a blush appear on Bulma's fair face. "Thanks, Vegeta. You look… very handsome." Bulma's voice faltered, looking anywhere but the young man she was complementing. After stepping into the elevator alone, Vegeta turned to her and asked, "Woman. Why are you so afraid?" Nervously shifting her weight from side to side, Bulma muttered, her eyes downcast, "I lost my pin…" Vegeta smirked as he placed a soft kiss on her forehead, "I'm sure it'll turn up before we make it home to 12."


"Hellllooo citizens of Ee-arth! Jimmy Firecracker here with our two favorite lethal lovers, Vegeta Saiyan and Bulma Briefs!" The brown-haired, middle-aged announcer was dressed in a burnt orange suit with his signature accessories: a firework tie, blue suede shoes, and wire-rim glasses. Walking out on stage with Bulma on his arm, Vegeta carried himself with pride even as he felt his Mate's desire to run backstage as quickly as possible. All three people stood next to each other since the interview would only last a few minutes. "It's so nice to see you two again. So tell me, what has been your favorite thing or memory of this trip?" Jimmy inquired, keeping his three-minute timeframe in mind. Tongue-tied, Vegeta tapped her hand and thankfully Bulma understood. She replied, "Well, I don't know about Vegeta but my favorite thing would have to be getting to eat breakfast with him every morning. And my second favorite would be visiting all the different Regions, granted I wish it was under better circumstances."

Chuckling, Jimmy stated, looking into the cameras, "Don't we all. Now, Prince Vegeta…" "Actually Jimmy, I have a question of my own." Vegeta interrupted, trying desperately to quell his growing nerves. Surprised, Jimmy gestured for him to continue, "Oh, by all means. Ask away." Reaching a slightly sweaty hand into his vest pocket, Vegeta released Bulma's arm and knelt down on one knee. "Bulma, I have loved you since I was twelve. And if I learned anything in the Game, it's that I always will." Vegeta pulled out his closed fist, "There will never be another woman who can hold a candle to you in my eyes. Woman, will you be my Mate?" Bulma's tears were not fake as she stared at the pin resting on his palm, she covered her mouth with both hands while nodding vigorously.

A loving smirk rested on his lips as Vegeta rose and hugged her tightly, chuckling, "I take that as a yes?" Lightly punching his thick chest, Bulma showed him her aggravation, "Of course it's a yes. Jerk. I've spent all day worrying that I had lost that." "It seemed only right that I propose with the same pin my Father used to ask my Mother for her hand. Besides, I already asked for your hand years ago." Vegeta declared, pinning his gift in place over her heart. "When did you do that?" Bulma asked astonished. Staring into her clear blue eyes, Vegeta simply answered, "The morning of our first Calling." Clearing his throat, Jimmy drew the teens' attention back to the task at hand, "I'm sorry to interrupt, kids, but it's time to wrap this thing up. And can I just be the first to say… Congratulations! I wish you both the best of luck and many long, happy years of life together." "Thank you, Jimmy." Bulma beamed, her eyes sparkling like blue diamonds with a wide smile that was easily worth more than a million Zeni.


With the last interview of the Triumphant Journey over, the teens were whisked back to the twelfth floor of the Training Center so they could get ready for the Winner's Ball at President Freeza's home that evening. It was a very formal party so Selypa and Nail had to put together a some-what matching set of outfits. Vegeta stepped out of the bathroom, freshly showered and dry as a bone, to find that his Designer had laid out his clothes for the evening on his bed. It was a deep maroon suit with a black dress shirt and a dark and light purple-striped tie.

Why did it have to be purple… Vegeta groused as he pulled the slacks on, leaving them unzipped so he could tuck his shirt in easier. After he had put his shirt on, someone knocked at his door. "What?" The flame-haired teen snarled as he slung open the door. "I was coming to check on you, my Prince." Selypa said as she slipped past his muscled chest, "The party starts in two hours." "Then I have plenty of time," Vegeta grumbled as he tucked in his black shirt. Shaking her head, Selypa perched on the edge of the bed, "No, you don't. I don't expect you to remember anything about Capital parties since you were so young when you left."

"Left? I was exiled!" Vegeta snarled lowly. "Just…" The older Saiyan sighed, "trust me when I say one has to be careful with how certain things are said. Anyway, yes, the party is supposed to start in two hours but people are starting to arrive at President Freeza's mansion now. If one does not show up early, then you're considered late." She raised a hand to silence Vegeta's question, "But if you arrive when the party was actually supposed to start, then your fashionably late." "And knowing the Bald One, he'll make sure we're 'fashionably late'." Vegeta rolled his eyes, Krillin's vanity knows no bounds.

Shrugging into the suit jacket, he fastened it closed with the single gold button, scowling, "Then why are you here so early, Designer?" "Because," Selypa picked up the purple striped tie, "no Prince should have to tie his own tie." Grabbing her wrists roughly, Vegeta growled, "I will not wear that tie. Not now, now ever." Anger flashed in her black eyes as Selypa ground out, "Unhand me. You may be my Prince, Vegeta, but you are sadly mistaken if you think I will let you touch me without consequences." Begrudgingly releasing his hold on her wrists, Vegeta glared at his fellow Saiyan, "My decision still stands." Sadness crept into her voice as she said, "President Freeza sent you the tie with instructions for you to wear it tonight."

Despair crashed through him as he roared, punching the wall in a vain attempt to contain his anger. Disregarding the danger, Selypa walked up to the grieving teen and gently took his face in her hands, "Vegeta. Relax. It's just a tie. Don't let him get to you, he's looking for a reaction just like this. Don't give him the satisfaction of knowing that he got to you." Taking a deep breath and slowly releasing it, Vegeta closed his eyes, a soft whimper escaping unbidden from his throat. I should not be this weak. I'm the Prince of All Saiyans! And Saiyans are a proud race of warriors! As if sensing his inner thoughts, Selypa chuckled quietly, "It is ok, my Prince, I understand. Not only are you having to deal with the usual Mating desires that start cropping up around this age, but you are also wrestling with an incomplete Bond as well. As I said, no proper Saiyan would think it odd if you Mated Bulma before the next Game."

Regaining control over himself, Vegeta pulled away, determined, "I can and will wait the traditional year. No emotions or desires shall command me for I am Vegeta, Prince of All Saiyans!" A proud smile graced Selypa's coral lips, "There's my Prince. Shall we finish getting you ready, Milord?" "Fine, seeing as I haven't been given much of a choice." He nodded his consent as his Designer retrieved the fallen silk tie from the floor. Selypa tied an Eldredge knot and straightened his tie, tucking it into his suit jacket, "Oh. Before I forget." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a pair of Saiyan Royal Crest cufflinks. After affixing them to the sleeves of his shirt, the Saiyan female stepped back to admire her handiwork, "Now you're ready. Remember to keep your chin up. You are royalty, so don't be afraid to act like it." Vegeta grunted his thanks as he started out the door and into the hallway to wait by the elevators.

What is taking them so long? Vegeta scowled murderously at the floor, I hate waiting. Upon hearing footsteps, he scanned the hallway for a glimpse of Bulma. Gracefully strolling towards him in a pair of black flats, Vegeta's mouth dropped open as he skimmed over her dress. Bulma was in a black dress that swept the floor as she walked, it was sheer from mid-thigh down, with a low-cut bodice but not too low to avoid angering the volatile Saiyan and it was covered in maroon swirls and filigree barely noticeable unless in the proper lighting. What drew his attention the most was the shoulders of the dress, they appeared to be chatterdee wings with the tips dyed a deep maroon.

Nail had left most of her hair down, braiding back only what would fall into her lovely face and hide the exquisite makeup job he had done. To Vegeta's delight, the pin was prominently displayed just under her left-wing, right over her heart. His throat went bone-dry, "You look very…" "Pretty?" Bulma supplied, a faint blush coloring her cheeks at the look he was giving her. "Stunning." He corrected her, stepping forward to crash his mouth against her painted red lips. The adults gave the now engaged teens a few moments before pressing the call button for the elevator. Breaking apart when the elevator sounded its arrival, Bulma breathed harshly, trying to catch her breath, "Wow! Where did that come from?" Vegeta shrugged, grunting as he took her hand and led her into the metal box.