Bulma was drawing solution into a large needle when Vegeta arrived. She kept a calm face despite being slightly concerned. Small welts had appeared on his arms, and he was wheezing somewhat.

He pulled his shoulders in closer on both sides. "Is that for me?"

"What does it look like, Vegeta?"

"Woman, you are not injecting me with anything until…"

Bulma tapped the needle. "You have developed an allergy. Looks like a nasty one, too."

"Allergy? Allergic to what? I have been here almost a year now. I exercise daily."

"Let's do a little investigation." Bulma tapped the needle again. "Your worst sneezing attacks are at night in your room and early morning, is that correct? I suspect you have also felt unwell in other carpeted rooms or around plush furniture in our house."

At the moment Vegeta felt impatient, and his arms itched terribly. He thought she was having way too much fun watching him suffer.

"Yes to both, Bulma," he said. "Now get on with it."

"Adults can develop allergies. Sometimes it's a gradual build-up as you're exposed more to the source." Bulma injected the solution. "That's what's happened with you. It was faster than most, looks like."

"And the source is?"

"Vegeta, from now on, keep your doors and windows closed when you're not there. Apparently the cat has been sleeping in your room, mostly on your bed, for a while. I caught her doing it today. I confirmed that you were allergic after we had… our moment together on the ground earlier. You were sneezing from the dander on my lab coat. It was probably in my hair, too. Tama had been all over me before I saw you. I'm surprised you didn't recognize that she had invaded your room. She doesn't shed much, but cats do leave some hair around."

"So do Saiyan males," he replied. "I probably did not notice because our bodies shed hair too. It happens every two years or so."

"Okay." Bulma tried to be nonjudgmental about that comment. He was trying to be open with her in his own peculiar way.

"So explain this to me again, Bulma. Why am I barred from torturing and ripping the limbs from that creature? And what did you just inject me with?"

"Benadryl. It's an older antihistamine that works well for emergencies like this. Dad and I will have someone to help you with longer-term treatment - because we aren't getting rid of the cat, dude. Frankly, it's good that we discovered this problem now. If you're sensitive to Tama, you may be far more allergic to other animal or plant species on Earth, which could possibly kill you."

"I highly doubt that," Vegeta said, "but I do find your casual tone about my death strangely disturbing. I am not staying on this planet forever, either."

"See, you're feeling better already!" Bulma smiled. "You will be back to normal soon enough. Your bedroom and sitting room are being cleaned as we speak. We'll improve the ventilation and cleaning schedule throughout the house so you won't be affected, no matter where our cat is. Now get the hell out of my lab."

Vegeta demurred. "And what if I choose not to?"

Bulma returned to the medicine fridge. "Do as you will, but I suggest that you rest. I gave you a large dose of this drug. You haven't felt the full impact yet. I need to return to the machine lab, so…"

"That can wait." Vegeta slid his arms around Bulma's waist from the back. His physical warmth relaxed her instantly, as if his body were custom-made to fit her. She leaned on his chest while his hands stroked her hips. He turned her to face him.

"Did you not hear what I said, Vegeta? Are you going to sneeze all over me again? You nose is still red."

He kissed her forehead. "I guarantee nothing, and I said your other duties can wait." He raised Bulma's arms over her head and pressed her against the wall. Then he brushed his lips along her neck and shoulders until she felt compelled to unfasten his pants.

Vegeta moved her arms back to the wall. Amused, Bulma laughed and tried again.

"No." His voice dropped to a whisper. "Touch me all you want, but our clothes stay on. Do you understand? Say it."

Bulma shivered as Vegeta's body circled faster around her midsection. "Yes."

She panted when he pressed in harder, lifting her slightly. Her stance widened, making room for his finger to caress the growing wet spot between her legs. Then he placed it in his mouth.

"Hhmm…ah… yes." Bulma's mind blurred. "Stay right there. Please."

"Yes, what?" Vegeta increased the friction. "Give me what I want. Say it, woman."

"Ha... ah...ah…yes, I understand." Bulma closed her eyes, lowering her head as his finger bore down in her pants. "Yes… our clothes stay on. Ah…ha…ah..."

Vegeta sucked air through his teeth. Bulma's hands were tracing the slope of his lower back. His member was swollen and beginning to thrust. He had to re-establish control.

"You are not paying attention, Bulma. Look up at me now…and give me… the…ah… right answer. Have you…mmm... forgotten who I am?"

Bulma's arms grabbed at his pants again. "Please."

"I said no!" Vegeta shook his head and pushed harder. "Now…mmm… now look at me and say… my… name, damn it!"

"Yes…ah…Prince Vegeta! Prince… Vegeta."

"That is right."

He kissed her deep and hard as if he had found an oasis in the desert. Bulma, with her arms wrapped around neck, returned the gesture with equal force as their bodies fell to the floor. Then she seized Vegeta's face and gazed into his eyes. She had to see the person behind them. Startled, he winced and looked away from her.

One would have thought she had slapped him.

Bulma let him go. Her caring nature and loneliness had clouded her reasoning. She wanted every ounce of him, but she couldn't allow herself to be emotionally devoured by Vegeta's inability to see past himself. It was his fatal flaw.

"We cannot do this," she said to him. "Just leave. Please."

Vegeta lifted her chin. "So where will I sleep tonight?" Bulma exhaled as he inserted his finger in her mouth.

"I had another room prepared," she replied, removing his hand. "You have fresh sets of clothes there, but you will likely fall asleep as soon as you arrive. I can see the drug is making you drowsy now, in spite of what just happened."

"Consider this the one time that I will trust your wisdom, Bulma. Our clothes are still on. We shall not take this further." Then he strode out.