.0A/N: Making a very pissed off face, expelling every cuss word I can think of, my program crashed just as I started to do spell check. And of course, I did not save my work before hand. Stupid mistake. Well, anyways, here is chapter 11 rewritten.

Disclaimer: Same old, same old, Don't own it, never will.

Chapter 11: A Small Price To Pay

Vegeta headed straight for the shower. Now that she was sound asleep, he had some snooping to do. Quickly he finished and dressed. Silently, he left the main house heading to her lab. He soon realized his mistake. 'Shit! I forgot about the alarm.' He had completely forgotten about the alarm that was set after hours. 'Let's see. Whatever she is up to, I'm sure the old man knows something about it. In the morning I'll make sure to pay him a visit.' Normally he would have just blasted it, but the less attention he brought to himself, the less chance of him being caught.

Vegeta returned to his room. After resetting his alarm, he crawled into bed. This night would bring strange dreams to him.

He was standing in front of Bulma. It was if she were waiting for something. Then he powered up, but instead of his hair changing to a golden color, it changed to black? But it was long, hanging past his shoulders, no longer in its usual widows peak. His eyes appeared to be blue in color. But his body was different. His bare chest could still be seen, with all of it's rippling muscles. However, now there was a fine red fur that covered him. It went from his wrists to his shoulders, across his back, around his groin area, down his legs to his ankles and covered the length of his tail. It made a V shape beginning at his shoulders and coming to a point at his abdomen. Inside the V was his bare chest and abs. He was dressed in black leather pants and boots. He looked at her, desiring her, his mate. Waking suddenly, he looked around to see where he was. Yes, he was still at CC, in his room. He laid back down, folding his arms back beneath his head.

'I don't understand. I've reached the legendary but what was this dream? I feel like there was an enormous power surrounding me. And she was there. Why would she be there? Could it be a premonition of what's to come? Wait, I remember, in the dream, we were undergoing the mating ritual. Is this the transformation that is possible if the ritual is performed in that one certain manner? But there is almost certain a chance of death.'

So many questions spun an intricate web throughout his mind. He would not get much sleep tonight after all.

The sun shone across her room, dancing along the covers of her bed. The warmth woke her to find that she was in desperate need of a shower. 'Ewe! What is that smell? Oh, Kami, it's me.' She rolled out of bed and made her way to the shower. Adjusting the temperature so that it was not too hot, but rather warm, she undressed and climbed in.

'Just what I needed. Boy, my muscles haven't ached this much in years. Must be all the extracurricular exercise here lately.' She leaned into the water, letting the droplets pummel her soft skin. Finishing up, she dressed, did her hair and make-up, then made her way down to the kitchen.

Mr. And Mrs. Briefs were sitting at the table having coffee. They had already ate and were just enjoying each others company. Occasionally, the Mrs. would have a non-blond moment to where they could quietly sit together. Hearing noise from the stairway, Mrs. Briefs popped up and off she went. Busy, busy, busy. Bulma, went over to the table and sat by her father.

"So, I guess Vegeta's out training?"

"He's been out there for hours," replied Dr. Briefs.

"Good. So how's the project coming?"

"Excellent. Should have it done this evening, tomorrow at the latest."

"Wow, that fast. What about the regeneration tanks? And how about the stuff I gave you yesterday afternoon?"

"No problem. Consider it handled."

"Great. I'm going this morning to make the final decision on where it will go. Then I'll have the crew go out and ready the lot."

"Just let me know what you need, dear."

"Thanks a bunch, dad. You're the best."

Bulma grabbed a quick bite and then she was off. She picked out the exact place where she wanted the house and marked it so that the ground crew could ready it. Afterwards, she sat beside the running stream, thinking of how she hoped things would work out.

Meanwhile, Vegeta left the GR to pay a visit to Dr. Briefs. Entering his lab, he quietly snuck up behind the man. He was trying to see what he was working on. Luckily, the actual construction was being done in another building. Dr. Briefs just oversaw the project.

"Old man, tell me what it is your working on," demanded Vegeta.

"Oh, it's you, Vegeta. You startled me. Well, I'm trying to make a new training bot that will withstand your attacks. That way you won't have to be inconvenienced any more than necessary." Dr. Briefs could tell that Vegeta was fishing for information.

"I don't believe you. You and her are up to something and I'm damn well going to find out what it is."

"If you say so, Vegeta. But I promise me and Bulma aren't up to anything."

"Ah, ha! I never said it was Bulma that you were working with. Now tell me old man or else."

Vegeta was very good at bullying the elder Briefs. Even though he did not feel the need to actually do harm to him, it still was interesting seeing him squirm.

"But I promised not to say a word. It's supposed to be a surprise."

"What do you mean a surprise?"

"Her house, Bulma has decided to move out into her own house. I've just been helping her get it together. You can't let her know that I told you. She'll never forgive me."

"Where is she now?"

"She's marking the lot so that the ground crew can ready it for the house."

"And where might that be?"

"In the south quadrant."

Vegeta turned and left. Leaving Dr. Briefs to ponder what he had done.

He flew in the direction she should be, keeping low so as not to be noticed. He searched for her ki signature, she had developed a distinct ki since her change had taken place.

'There it is, she's just ahead.' He dropped down to the ground, satisfied to walk the rest of the way.

Bulma dangled her feet in the water, enjoying the peacefulness that surrounded her. 'This is the perfect place to make a home,' she thought. She laid back on the ground still keeping her feet in the cool water. She watched as the occasional cloud would pass over, trying to decide what shape it looked like. 'That one looks like Oolong,' she laughed out loud as she remembered the early days of their friendship, 'Here piggy, piggy.' She laughed again. 'That Oolong is so funny.'

Vegeta watched from a distance. He was not aware that this area existed on the Capsule Corp. compound. 'I like this place,' he thought. 'There's no one around to interrupt like at the main grounds.' He continued watching Bulma when he noticed she had her feet stuck in the water of the stream. She didn't seem to be paying much attention to anything. He wasn't going to let her know that he was there, but the devil in him would not let him miss an opportunity like this. He made his way to the edge of the water, slipping in quietly so not to alert her of his presence. He was a very agile swimmer and therefore could hold his breath a long time. He swam up to where he could see her feet in front of him. At first, he took a piece of water grass and tickled her foot.

Bulma jerked her foot a little as something tickled it. She raised up and looked to see if she could see anything but there was nothing there. 'Must have been one of those little fishies,' she thought.

This time, he grabbed a hold of her ankles and pulled her in, scaring the shit out of her. She screamed as loud as she could before going under. Luckily for him, his ears were submerged and the water baffled her shrieking voice. As soon as he yanked her in, he let go of her ankles, still hiding , unnoticed. Bulma raised up out of the water, after gathering her breath she started screaming again.

"What the hell grabbed me? Who's there?," she said out loud. She looked around the top of the water and still could not see anything. Especially anything big enough to have pulled her in. 'Something's not kosher about this.' Bulma stood still and waited for the ripples to stop. Slowly she turned scanning the area again, this was when she noticed a few tiny air bubbles rising up to the surface. She wasn't sure, but she thought she could make out a black widows peak floating in the soft waters current. 'That no good son-of-a-bitch. How the hell did he find…..Dad how could you! Oooh, I'm pissed.' Her tail lashed about behind her signaling to those in the know to stay away. Funny thing though, Vegeta couldn't see her very well from his current vantage point so he was unaware that she had spotted him. He dared not to move. Out of nowhere came a crash on top of him. She had pounced, landing horizontal with him. She was also a very good swimmer. She attempted to strangle him but to no avail. Vegeta retaliated with the sudden contact, flying straight up out of the water. Bulma clung to him tightly, he was not going to get away from her. He came down on the ground turning so that she would absorb the impact. He did slow up so as not to do any permanent damage.

"Ungh," was the escape of pain from her lips. "You asshole! What the fuck do you think you're doing? First you try to drown me and now your trying to break my back."

"Oh, poor little spoiled girl, can't take a joke," Vegeta said as he was attempting to tickle her. She was in no mood for this.

"Get away from me," she said as she pushed him away. Normally his antics would not affect her in such a way, but this time he had really caught her off guard and scared her. She stood and walked away from him, trying not to let him see the tears flowing from her eyes. But he did notice, causing other unfamiliar feelings to hit him, ones of regret, concern.

'Why do I care if I scared her? She deserved it. She should know to be more alert than that, not to allow herself to be open to such an attack.' But just as he thought these words his heart felt heavy. He did not like seeing her sad, she has always been so happy, so alive. Very reluctantly, he walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her in an embrace.

"Woman, this will be the first and last time I ever say this, I'm sorry."

'Did I just hear him correctly? Did he just say he was sorry?' Bulma was awestruck. Never in a million years did she ever expect an apology.

"It is clear, Vegeta, you are apparently suffering from lack of oxygen from being under the water for so long. Because I know I did not just hear you apologize."

"I would not have said it if I did not mean it. But, like I also said, it will never happen again."

Deciding that in itself, his apology would be enough, she changed the subject.

"So, how did you know where to find me?"

Vegeta could tell she was trying to catch him and whoever might have given him her location, but decided to play coy. "What do you mean, I wasn't looking for you?"

"Then what are you doing out here?"

'Hmmm, come on Vegeta think of a good answer or she's going to figure you out,' his mind trying to convey some type of urgency.

"I come here a lot when I want to be alone. There's no interruptions, usually."

Bulma was still a little suspicious. "So, do you come here often?"

"Lately I have. I have had several things to think about."

"Like what?"

'Damn nosey woman,' was one thing he was wanting to say but refrained. It was very unVegeta like to act in such a manner. One who doesn't care, demanding not asking, blow them to bits, that was more his style, except with her. He just started making up answers that sounded good.

"I am a Prince, from a very proud heritage. It is belittling to me to have to depend on others for my necessities. Being that I have no income, as you humans call it, I am at a loss. I thought perhaps, of having the old man construct a cabin here for me. I am able to hunt for my food and therefore would only need the technological help.

At least then, I would no longer be in total debt to your family." Thinking to himself, 'Yeah, that sounds good.'

"I guess I can see your point but you were invited. It's not like you walked up and said 'I'm going to live with you and you will be at my every beck and call' well at least the first part is true. Vegeta, there is something I have to tell you."

'Oh, shit! Don't be pregnant. Don't be pregnant,' he kept chanting this in his mind. Not that he didn't want an heir, but now was not the time. First the ceremonies would have to take place.

Seeing the look on his face, she deduced that he probably thinks she's pregnant. 'Hmmm, revenge or no revenge? Boy that's a toughie. I think I'll save my revenge for later.'

"No, I'm not pregnant."

"How did you know that's what I was thinking?"

"ESP, woman's intuition, whatever you want to call it."

"E-S huh? Women's what?"

"Never mind. Anyway, I have decided that it is time for me to move out of the main house at Capsule Corp. I am a young woman, with certain needs, and no longer feel comfortable living under my parent's roof."

"So what does this have to do with me?"

"Well, one of the conditions upon me being able to do this, is that I have to take you with me."

"Excuse, me. Do I not have any say in this?"

"At first I was concerned whether you would agree to move in with me, however, in light of what you just said about your pride and all, I should think it would be a welcomed move for you. Plus we would have more time alone to , you know," Bulma winked at him in regards to her last few words.

'Damn it. She's got me there,' he thought.

"Don't worry Vegeta. I have arranged for you to have anything that you could possibly need. Kami knows I would not want to have to listen to you bitch all the time."

He was taken aback that she would take his needs into consideration. But she did have a point. If he did not have his necessities, he would be after her at all times.

"Exactly what have you arranged for me to have?"

"Well, a new state of the art Gravity Room with sparring bots that have been built to withstand a nuclear explosion. A weight room with your own personal hot tub and sauna. Then there are a few other surprises."

"What surprises?"

"Well if I told you, they wouldn't be surprises anymore."

"I don't like surprises!"

"Trust me, you'll like these."

"Fine. When exactly is this going to take place? I don't want to interrupt my training any longer than absolutely necessary."

"Either today or tomorrow. You won't have to do a thing. I will have our serva-bots pack your belongings and bring them here." Bulma looked at her watch. "Oh, wow, I didn't know it was getting so late. Popping a capsule containing her air bike, she hoped on and called out to Vegeta, "Sorry Veggie, gotta go check on things. See ya later, alligator!"

'Mental note: Rethink bright idea of making the blue haired woman my mate.'

Vegeta just stood there, his head cocked to one side with his arms crossed over his chest, thinking of what had just transpired. Gathering his wits about him, he looked around the place. In all actuality, he had never been here before. It was definitely away from the hustle and bustle of the city. He stayed there up until a blanket of darkness fell across the land. He sat, leaning back against a rock, with one leg bent up to his chest. The dream from the previous night playing through his thoughts. Being the warrior that he was, his body yearned for the possibility of reaching new levels of strength. But at what risk would this be obtained. He was certain it was the result of initiating the mating ritual along with tail manipulation. That would mean if initiated, there was a distinct possibility he would do bodily harm to her or even worse. 'She is a lot stronger now. Perhaps it would not be as bad as I think.' It would have to be a mutual decision.

Bulma had checked and double checked on the progress. Everything was ahead of schedule and should be completed in the next day. She arranged for the ground crew to start their job in the morning. Stretching, she called it an evening and went in for diner.

It was odd that Vegeta did not show for a meal. After she finished, she excused herself and went out to the porch to relax in the swing.

'I wonder why he didn't come for diner? It's not like him to miss meals. Maybe he's still up at the site. He did say that he liked to go there to think.'

She longed for him. Lately, she needed contact with him daily. She wanted his embrace, his soft, sultry whispers, his kiss….. 'Oh, what the hell. I'll just go and see if he's still there.' She popped open her capsule air bike and took off in his direction.

Keep in mind that Bulma does not know that Vegeta had never been there before. He had only been trying to calm a storm before it could start. He knew that if she found out the old man had disclosed the information to him, she would never forgive him.

Vegeta looked to the stars. He wondered what life would have been like if that little thing called destiny had not played it's small part in this warriors life. He pictured himself being alone, even though he would be the strongest being in the known universe, even though he could have any woman he desired, none of them would be his equal. None of them would be her. Not that she was as strong as he, or as knowledgeable in warfare, but she made it up in intellect, cunning and bravery. Plus she was the most stunning mortal he had ever laid eyes on. He gazed out across the moonlit land. It was breathtaking. One should not be alone to experience it. As if hearing his silent plea, the soft hum of an air bike approached. Searching, he recognized her distinct ki. Ever since the new Saiyan DNA coursed through her veins, certain attributes were beginning to manifest themselves. In all honesty, he did not know what the final outcome would be. 'It will definitely be interesting to find out.'

Bulma pulled up near where he sat. Hopping off the bike she asked, "Whatca doin?"

"Thinking."

"About what?"

"Specifically, you!"

"Oh, is that a good thing or a bad thing." Her tail playful flicked behind her anticipating contact with his body.

"Yet to be determined."

"Asshole!"

"That's me."

Bulma walked over and sat beside him. Giving him a punch in the arm. He moved his legs in order to place her in between them. He encouraged her to lay back against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tightly against him. Just as his tail wrapped around her waist, her entwined around his arm. Together they sat, gazing at the stars.

When Vegeta spoke, it was with great importance. The sudden break in silence caused Bulma to jump. "Kami, Vegeta. Don't do that."

"Woman, I need to ask you a question."

"So ask, and by the way my name is Bulma."

Vegeta looked at her, it was now or never.

"For Kami's sake Vegeta, quit looking so serious. You're scarring me."

"Bulma, I would be honored if you would be my mate."

Bulma turned to him, cupping her hands to his face. This had been what she had longed to hear. She searched deeply into his onyx eyes, looking for truth. There, she found it, absolute genuine sincerity. A lone tear trickled down her face. She nodded yes and gently placed her lips on his.

Pulling away, he continued, "That's not all."

"What do you mean that's not all? What else is there?"

Vegeta felt confident that she would not deny him this. However, he was certain that she would have demands for him in order to obtain her complete cooperation.

"Do you remember the time you were fondling my tail? I scolded you for it, telling you that if manipulated in the correct fashion, a transformation would occur."

"Yes, I remember."

"Last night, I had a dream, or rather a vision. I was standing before you, my intended mate. You looked as if you were waiting for something. That is when I transformed. If I am correct, this process will bypass all other levels of Super Saiyan, taking one directly to the pinnacle of its very existence. I will understand if you do not wish to engage in this part of the ceremony. It will be dangerous and could cause bodily harm if not worse."

His words were not taken lightly. She knew what he asked of her. Within her very soul, lay her answer. If she was to deny him of this, a dark cloud would loom over their very happiness. This she did not want.

"Yes, I will do it, on one condition."

'Well, here it comes. I knew there would be something she would want in return,' he thought.

Vegeta asked, "What is your condition?"

"That you take me as a mate in human ways as well as Saiyan. It would be a small, discrete wedding, inviting only a few select guests."

He thought about it for, oh, about a hundredth of a second. "I agree to your request." To him it would be a small price to pay to reach the pinnacle of his strength.

"Vegeta, you won't regret it. I promise. There are so many plans to be made. Guests to be invited, caterers to be called. Rings, what about rings? And my dress."

"Woman, you talk too much." He wrapped his arms around her pulling her lips to meet his, embarking on a long, passionate journey beneath a starlit sky.

A/N: Sorry, no lemon this time. I'll try to work one in next chapter.