7

Thankful that they didn't have to give a speech when they made it back to Region 12, Vegeta and Bulma walked through the crowds of people that had gathered at the train station to welcome them home. Proudly displaying her pin, Bulma smiled and waved as they wove their way towards the Justice Building where they would raise the first toast of the New Year's Festival. Showing just enough of his sharp canine teeth, Vegeta smirked as he watched any male in their path practically jump out of their way to avoid the Saiyan Prince's wrath. The boorish Mayor met them at the bottom of the steps and ushered them up onto the platform.

Addressing the people before him, the Mayor intoned the greeting that was anything but the usual one, "Ladies and gentlemen! Let's have a hand for our Winners, Vegeta Saiyan and Bulma Briefs!" The crowds cheered and many Saiyans chanted, "A'oo! A'oo! A'oo!" Now it was their turn, Vegeta and Bulma stepped forward to the small, round table which held two mugs of steaming hot wassail. Gently blowing on a mug, Vegeta handed it to Bulma as he did the same to his cup. Shaking his head when she started to lift the mug to her lip, Vegeta looped his arm around her's so that they were drinking from their own mug but their arms were interlocked. Little did Bulma know, this was very special in Saiyan culture because it was not only used in the Mating rituals, but it also symbolized peace.

Then Vegeta did something slightly out of character, he gave a toast, "I know I said that I wouldn't speak, but I can't seem to help myself with I'm with you, Woman. A toast! To another year! Let's hope that 12 has many more Winners to come in the coming years! But I will always have to most beautiful one by my side for as long as I live." The teens then drank their wassail in unison, signaling the start of the three-day-long Festival. There was partying, dancing, and what food people could afford to share; which always ended up being enough no matter how many people ate. Bulma insisted that Krillin stay for the Festival but the short man politely refused her offer, going on about something he had to do back at the Capital the next day. Good riddance. Vegeta snorted as Bulma dragged him to see the bald man to the train.


After the Festival was over and the shops were open again, Vegeta had insisted that the Briefs come and join him and Nappa for supper. Vegeta spared no expense when it came to the food for this small gathering, and he only used what Zeni Nappa had leftover from taking care of the household and food over the years. Helping his bald guardian prepare the food, Vegeta took it upon himself to fix the main course of the best steaks the butcher had to offer, mashed potatoes with loads of butter, and cheese rolls from the Senzu Bakery; while Nappa focused on the salad, drinks, and dessert. "I take it you finally decided to follow our traditions, my Prince." Nappa's gruff voice snarked from the dining room where he was setting the table. "Shut up, Nappa! You know I didn't have much of a choice on that blasted Journey." Vegeta growled, wiping his hands on a towel.

Bounding up the stairs, Vegeta cursed at himself for cutting it so close to time to get ready. He had just finished pulling on a pair of gray khaki pants when he saw Bulma and her parents leave their house. Right across the street. Shoot! Hurriedly slipping into a blue-green long-sleeved shirt as he stumbled down the steps, Vegeta ran to answer the door, opening it right as Bulma had raised her hand to knock. "Bulma! Dr. and Mrs. Briefs. Come on in." Vegeta huffed out of breath as he stood aside for his guests to enter. "What a quaint little house!" Panchy Briefs exclaimed as she shrugged out of her coat which, to everyone's surprise, Vegeta took without complaint. Nappa came in and firmly shook Hank's hand, "Well Dr. Briefs, it seems that we finally kept our word. Glad you all could make it."

Everyone piled into the dining room for supper and to Bulma's obvious shock, Vegeta was acting like a perfect gentleman; not the bushy, surly, leave-me-alone Saiyan that she knew. It was almost like he was trying to impress her parents or something. 'Oh my goodness! He is trying to impress them! She concluded, coughing as she almost choked on mashed potatoes. At her side in a flash, Vegeta thumped and rubbed her back, "You alright there, Bulma?" Clearing her throat, Bulma swallowed, nodding, "Yeah. You might want to be careful though, I'm starting to like how my name sounds when you say it." "Is that so… Bulma?" Vegeta purred as he settled back into his seat across from her. The tone in which he used almost made her choke again, 'I don't know if I'm going to make through dinner or not with him talking like that.'


With the food eaten, Vegeta and Nappa cleared the dishes and brought out Bulma's favorite desserts, cinnamon rolls and fresh strawberries; and Vegeta even sprang for some chocolate that he melted in a pot on the stove to dip them in. "Where in Ee-arth did you get these? I thought strawberries were out of season." Bulma exclaimed as she picked up the biggest, juiciest berry and bit into the sucker. "I got Selypa to send them to me. She's the only person I know in the Capital who wouldn't ask why I wanted them." Vegeta stated, dipping his fruit into the melted chocolate. Continuing to use his Princely charms, Vegeta turned out to be a great conversationalist, managing to hold conversations with both Bulma's father and mother. And while Panchy Briefs may be a ditzy as her hair color suggests, she can be rather intelligent if the right topic is brought up.

After Bulma and Vegeta started eating the chocolate straight from the pot, Nappa suggested, "Why don't we have coffee in the living room?" " Me and Vegeta'll get it." Bulma volunteered as she reached for a plate but Vegeta grabbed her wrist, "You may keep me company, Woman, but I will not allow you to assist me." Crossing her arms, Bulma pouted as she watched Vegeta stack up all the plates, glasses, and silverware in a well-thought-out tower.

Balancing the dishes in one hand, Vegeta grabbed the pot and headed to the kitchen with Bulma on his heels. "What was that all about back there?" Bulma hissed as the black haired teen began to place the dishes in the sink. Once his hands were free, Vegeta turned and leaned against the sink, pinching the bridge of his nose, "I'm supposed to be your protector and provide for you and our offspring. This is when I'm to show to your father how well I can do the job. That's why I bought everything from the shops in town, it's why I got you those strawberries from the Capital, to show your dad that I'm willing to do anything to make you happy, no matter the cost."

Vegeta cupped her soft, heart-shaped face, stroking her cheek with his thumb, "Listen, I don't expect you to understand how big of a deal this is to me, but I cannot start with my other preparation for Mating until I have your father's approval. Family is important to us Saiyans, that's why Nappa's here; he's the closest thing I've got to family. Well, Nappa… and you." Pressing a kiss to her forehead, Vegeta murmured, "We'd better get the coffee to the adults before they come looking for us. Woman, can you carry the milk and sugar for me? I seem to have my hands full." Vegeta picked up a dingy silver tray he'd found at the Market awhile back, upon which sat a large teapot full of coffee, five mugs, and six spoons. "Sure." Bulma giggled as she grabbed the necessary ingredients for a decent cup of coffee.