Warning: Lemony zest.

Together Forever

Vegeta wasn't the same after his isolation period. He was broken. It wasn't his pride that snapped, it wasn't his strength, his body, his memory. His mind was broken. His volatile moods, already infamous, shifted without cause quicker than his eyes. His eyes were always darting to and fro, frantically looking out for unseen attacks from unknown enemies. He was jumpy, on edge, high-strung, paranoid. Mistrustful as he was, he refused to ever be separated from people again. He didn't care who it was, though he did prefer the company of Raditz and Nappa. At least they never openly showed him hostility. Sometimes he wondered if he should trust them the least. Maybe they were respectful because they were trying to deceive him. They would turn on him and kill him one day. He found he didn't care. He was with someone.

It had taken Nappa and Raditz several weeks with him to convince him that they were real, as were his surroundings. Around him, they were careful never to make sudden moves, never make loud sounds. They tried to protect him from others. He was vulnerable. When provided nourishment, he regained his strength easily enough, but he was mentally unstable. He slept mostly when the lights were on and stayed awake when the lights were out. He would make noise through the night, keeping them awake for hours. But they weren't going to tell him to be quiet. He needed their support. It was awkward at first, as if they were babysitting a grown man. At least he kept training. That was the one sign that kept them hopeful that he would make it fully back to reality eventually. He hadn't lost his obsession. Granted, he was training in their quarters, but he was training. He almost never left the small, cramped room, even for food. They had to bring him his meals to keep him from starving. One of them always had to remain behind with him to prevent him from hurting himself to be sure he was real. He couldn't be left alone for any period of time without him relapsing into complete madness.

"Nappa, it's been months. Is he ever going to get better?" Raditz asked once Vegeta fell asleep one morning. He kept his eyes on the prince, wary of waking him up. He had always been a light sleeper, but now a pin dropping would wake him up in a terror.

The bald saiyan heaved a deep sigh and rubbed his smooth head with one hand. "I don't know. Not many saiyans ever experienced isolation like that and survived it."

Raditz felt like ripping his hair out with his frustration. There didn't seem to be anything they could do to help their prince. He was insane. That was all there was to it. Frieza finally broke him. It was irreparable. He didn't want to believe it, but after almost a year had passed and Vegeta was still acting like a frightened child, what was he supposed to think?

"He's expecting us to attack him."

"I know." Nappa cast a sidelong glance at the third-class warrior. He remembered one particular incident that made Vegeta draw that conclusion.

Raditz opened the door to go to the mess hall for the evening meal. Vegeta had just woken up a few minutes ago. He asked Raditz not to leave, but the long-haired saiyan was tired of coddling the prince. He rounded on him with a snarl curling his lips.

"Why should I stay here, Vegeta?" he snapped. "I'm starving and you want me to sit here because you're afraid to be alone? Nappa's going to stay with you!"

Vegeta backpedaled away from him until his back was pressed against the wall. "You kill me?"

Raditz growled, more than exasperated with Vegeta's erratic behavior. It had been going on for two months straight. "I am not going to kill you! I'm just going to leave for a few fucking minutes to get something to eat and then I'll come back. Got it?"

Nappa stood up from his seat on his cot and advanced on the third-class saiyan. "How dare you speak to the prince that way!" He punched him, knocking him to the floor.

The small saiyan clawed at his scalp. "Don't leave me! Don't leave! Kill me fine! Alone don't want!" He threw himself at Raditz, landing on his back and clinging to him with both arms and legs, desperate to feel him, to know he was there, he was real. "Don't leave!"

Since then, at least one of them was with Vegeta every hour of every day, even when he was asleep. The last thing they wanted was for him to wake up and find himself alone. He would panic. When he panicked, he hurt himself. It was the only way he could convince himself he wasn't dead, or that what he saw was real.

Raditz shook his head. "You know what we need to do."

"What?"

"The problem is he doesn't feel really connected with anyone. He thinks he's with us because we're here, but it's not enough." Raditz sat down on the foot of his cot. "If we somehow force him to reestablish the mental connection, he might get better."

Nappa crossed his arms over his chest. His brows furrowed as he considered what Raditz suggested. "It makes sense. But how do we force it? We tried to contact him while he was in isolation and he severed the links. Do you think they can be remade?"

Raditz shrugged. "It's worth a shot. What could it hurt? Anything has to be an improvement to this. He can't even go on purge missions. He's too unstable. You know sooner or later Frieza's going to send us on an assignment and he'll be stuck here. What would happen then? What if he kills himself?"

He had a valid point. At first Frieza thought it humorous how Vegeta had lost his mind, but when the effects of his isolation punishment lasted, he grew irritated. He wouldn't accept blame for Vegeta's mental state, instead chalking it up to Vegeta's own weakness. At the very least, he hadn't sent any of the saiyans on a purge since then despite having several dozen planets he wanted. He gave the excuse that Vegeta was incapable of successfully completing a mission, which may have been true. Nappa didn't think Frieza cared much about Vegeta, whether or not he got himself killed in battle, but he didn't want to waste time purging planets with a crew that was unfit for the job. He was actually surprised Frieza hadn't killed Vegeta. He wasn't much closer to recovery than he was months ago.

"How would we do it?"

Raditz looked over at Vegeta again, curled in the fetal position and clutching his thin blanket like a lifeline. "His mind is more open when he's asleep. Maybe if both of us try to force the link when he's asleep, he'll be unable to stop both of us. If one of us can get through, we might be able to make some progress with him."

"It doesn't seem right to invade his mind like this." Nappa rubbed his temples. He knew they didn't have much choice. They had to get Vegeta back to reality somehow. Nothing else had worked. Hell, they'd tried about everything short of sodomy.

"We have to."

"I know."

"Alright then. Let's do it."

As much as he didn't appreciate taking orders from a lower class saiyan, Nappa grunted his consent. They both closed their eyes and cleared their minds as if to meditate. Then they reached out their minds to Vegeta, searching for the old link they each shared with him. It was there somewhere, hidden, broken.

Doing so proved to be more difficult than either of them imagined. Vegeta's mind was closed off, as if he put a physical barrier around himself that nothing could penetrate. Breaking through was nearly impossible despite his shattered mental state. Sometimes it was painful to them when he would drive them out of his mind with excessive, paranoid force. They would simultaneously work to break down the wall until at least one of them could get through to him. It took a long time; hours passed before Nappa was finally able to sneak through Vegeta's defenses. By the time he did, both he and Raditz were mentally and physically exhausted, with sweat dripping from their chins to the floor and fists clenched so tight their knuckles were white. They were trembling from the effort.

"I'm in," he muttered. Vegeta was sitting only a few feet away from him, watching him warily, as if afraid if he took his eyes off him he would leave and never return. He wondered when the prince had woken up and shifted positions. He hadn't even noticed.

Raditz was lying on his cot with his arms crossed under his head, staring at the ceiling. He turned when he heard Nappa. "What?"

Nappa nodded his head toward Vegeta. "I'm in. He stopped trying to push me out."

The long-haired saiyan quirked an eyebrow. Vegeta didn't appear to be any different. He had the same terrified look in his eyes, almost unblinking as he watched his bodyguard. He hadn't moved a muscle in hours. "That's great. Is he better now?"

"Does he look better?" Nappa growled. He rolled his eyes and leaned against the wall.

"No." Raditz shrugged and stopped trying to find his way into Vegeta's mind. "Have you said anything to him?"

"Not yet."

"Maybe that would help."

Nappa stole another glance at his prince. "I don't want to alarm him. It was hard enough getting him to accept the mental link." It felt strange talking about him as if he weren't there. He rarely responded to their words and didn't seem to understand their conversations. He almost never spoke, and when he did he was often incoherent.

The mental contact proved to be of little immediate benefit to Vegeta's health. He continued periodically resisting Nappa's presence, unable to recognize what it was. He felt violated having someone else in his mind with him. He sank deeper into himself, refusing food when it was offered, sleeping less, and stopping his daily training. Then, after two weeks of maintaining constant contact, Nappa stopped feeling resistance from the prince altogether. He had been accepted. He hadn't slept for that time, afraid he would be forced from Vegeta's mind if he stopped fighting to remain there for even a minute. He sighed when he no longer had to push to keep his mental link open.

Raditz crossed his legs and started combing his hair with his fingers. Sometimes he envied Nappa for having no hair. His was always getting tangled. He spent more time grooming it than he thought he should have to. "You should probably sleep while you can. You never know, he might get scared and start pushing you out later."

"Maybe." Nappa sighed and closed his eyes. He was so tired, but he was also afraid that if he went to sleep what Raditz said might happen. He didn't want to spend another two weeks fighting to share the bond that was severed when Vegeta lost contact with reality.

"Who knows," Raditz continued, "Maybe he'll be less defensive if you give the link a break for a while."

"You have a point." Nappa pulled his blanket over himself as he lied down. "Make sure he gets his midday meal."

"I will."

"And don't try to force your way in yet. Let him get used to one of us first."

"Alright."

It didn't take long for Nappa to fall asleep. Two weeks straight without sleep was rough, even for a saiyan elite. Raditz wasn't sure, but when he heard Nappa's breathing slow he thought he saw some of the tension in Vegeta's muscles easing. Still, he didn't change position and he never took his eyes from the larger saiyan. Raditz watched him and contemplated what they would do if their mental links didn't help him. Would Frieza kill him? What would happen to himself and Nappa if that happened? Their people would never be avenged. He shook his head and turned his attention to the ceiling again. Plain as it was, it was less depressing than Vegeta. He was the prince. He shouldn't be afraid of abandonment. He shouldn't be crazy. He was always the strongest of them, both physically and mentally. What happened to him? He knew he was put in isolation for over three months, but what was it like? He wasn't inclined to find out for himself, but he wanted to know what happened so he could help Vegeta return to reality.

Nappa's breathing turned into a loud, growling snore. Raditz groaned when it started. He could leave Vegeta for a short time while Nappa was sleeping, but if he was gone too long and Nappa didn't wake up, Vegeta would probably start hurting himself. It had happened before. There was no escaping their quarters, so he would have to listen to Nappa's snoring. He couldn't even hope for the distraction of conversation since the only other person in the room was Vegeta. He had never been a great conversationalist, but he may as well have been a mime now. Raditz glanced over at Vegeta and saw the prince's eyes shift from him back to Nappa. How long had he been watching him?

Raditz frowned and continued combing his tangled hair. "I don't know if it makes you feel any better, but I doubt Frieza will put you in isolation again," he told Vegeta. He looked over and saw Vegeta's left eye twitch. Maybe he was listening. "You see what happened. He probably wasn't counting on you being out of commission for a year. I'm surprised he hasn't said anything about it yet. Stupid bastard.

"You know Nappa's been trying real hard to build a mental link with you. Guess you've noticed, huh? You can trust him. He isn't going to hurt you or anything. Who knows, maybe you'll feel better if you let us in your mind again like we used to be. Why'd you shut us out, anyway? Didn't you want someone with you when you were in isolation?"

He didn't expect an answer, and he didn't get one. When he looked over again, he did see that Vegeta's dark gaze was on him now. Maybe he didn't understand what he was saying, but he knew he was talking. That was progress, anyway. Raditz sighed. What use was there in talking to Vegeta? They'd been talking to him for months and it hadn't helped. He was frustrated. He wanted Vegeta to be the way he was before. He hadn't been mentally healthy, per se, but at least he wasn't broken. He was beginning to think there was no way to fix what was wrong. Something cracked when Vegeta was in isolation. He seemed to be unreachable. It was hard to hold onto any hope when he saw him acting so fearful all the time.

"We're not going to leave you, Vegeta. We'll be with you forever. Even if we had the choice to leave, we wouldn't. You're our prince. We'll serve you until the day we die." He was startled when he felt something stirring in the depths of his mind.

…

He knelt down, smiling bashfully as he looked into her beautiful cerulean eyes. He cleared his throat and mentally rehearsed his next words, the words that would change his life for better or for worse. He was horribly nervous. He could feel himself breaking out in a cold sweat. What if it was for the worse? How could he go on living? No, he couldn't think like that. There was no way she would do that to him. They had been through too much together. This had been a long time coming. He finally gathered the courage – and finances – to do it, and damnit he was going to do it. There was no backing out now. Of course, he could just tell her he dropped his keys. She would believe him, right? No, he couldn't make up such a stupid excuse. He was going to do it for real this time. He could see how hopeful she was. Her answer was in her eyes before he even spoke the question. There was nothing to be afraid of.

He took her hand in his and took a deep breath. It was now or never. He was going to do it. "Bulma, we've been together for about ten years now, and I was hoping that, maybe, you would want to make it for the rest of our lives." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box and flipped it open.

Bulma gasped when she saw the giant diamond, bending and refracting the light in a dazzling prism of color. Slowly, a grin spread across her face and tears formed in her eyes. She reached out to the diamond and almost pouted when he pulled it away from her.

He raised his eyebrow. "Does that mean yes?"

She could have laughed if she weren't so breathless. She could only nod. She watched as he pulled the ring free from its case and slipped it onto her finger. It fit perfectly. It was the most gorgeous thing she had ever seen. A marquise cut diamond in the center with ten smaller, round diamonds around it on a silver band. It was exactly what she wanted. It was the first step in making all her dreams come true. "Yamcha, I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything, B." He stood up and pulled her into his arms. He kissed her cheek, then her lips. "I love you."

She smiled and kissed him until their lips and tongues were dancing across each other. "I love you too," she whispered when they broke apart for air.

Yamcha kissed her one more time. He was relieved. He had been planning this night for weeks. He finally saved up enough money to buy her the ring. It cost almost two thousand zeni, but Bulma was worth it. As soon as he had it he made reservations at her favorite restaurant, early enough so they could go on a romantic, moonlit walk through West City Park where he would propose to her on the shores of the lake.

They stood there, their feet bare in the cool sand, gazing into each other's eyes. He could see the moonlight shimmering in her blue eyes. He thought she had never looked so beautiful before in all the years he had known her. Her cheeks were flushed and her long, wavy hair was blowing in the gentle breeze around her face. A goddess. That was the best way to describe her. Bulma Brief was his goddess. He considered himself to be the most fortunate man in the world. He had been a desert bandit in his teen years, a feared criminal of the land with only a shape-shifting cat as his companion. But somehow, he had been blessed when this woman, still a girl, had come into his life without warning. She appeared, and he thought she was the prettiest girl he had ever seen. He was terrified of her. By some miracle, they came together though. Their relationship had many rough patches. They had broken up and gotten back together more times than anyone could count, but this time he promised himself he would make it work. Bulma was independent, headstrong, brilliant, and adventurous. He loved her for it, but sometimes it made getting along with her difficult. She made him feel inadequate in so many ways, but she still loved him. How could he spend the rest of his life without her, knowing he had the best thing the world had to offer? He would never give her up. She was his. He loved her, and she loved him.

"I can't wait to tell everyone," she said, then started giggling. She was overjoyed. Yamcha finally proposed to her. They were really going to get married. It was about time. She had been waiting for years for this. It didn't matter though. The wait was worth it. He was worth it.

Yamcha laughed with her, the remains of his anxiety melting away. "Your mother's going to be happy."

"Tell me about it! She's going to expect grandbabies right away."

The former bandit paled. "Kids? So soon?"

Bulma grinned and smacked his shoulder. "Hell no. There's way too much I want to do before we're tied down with a bunch of brats."

He laughed again. Secretly, he did want kids. At least two, maybe more, but he doubted that Bulma would ever want to settle down and have babies. She was too young at heart. He didn't think she would ever really grow up. She would be afraid of getting old or getting fat or something like that. Besides, she had never really shown any interest in raising a family. Sure, she wanted to get married, but did she ever want to have children? She never mentioned it to him before. Maybe he was wrong. Maybe she did want to be a mother someday. Just not yet.

"So when do you want to get married?" he asked as he started leading her toward the park entrance. It was getting late. She would want to return home soon so she could go to bed.

Bulma shrugged and leaned against him as they walked, her head resting on his shoulder. "I don't know. It's going to take a long time to plan. And I want to be sure everyone can make it."

He rubbed her back. "How long does it take to plan a wedding? You could have everyone drop whatever they were doing and run to cater to you."

"Yeah, I know, but I want to plan everything myself. That means I have to figure out what colors I want, who my bridesmaids will be, what decorations to have, where I want to have it, who to invite, what cake to get, how much food to order, where to have the reception, what music to play, where we should go on a honeymoon, the works. There's a lot of planning to do."

"You haven't thought of any of that yet?"

"Of course I've thought about it. I just never really decided. I was starting to think we weren't ever going to get married."

Yamcha felt a pang of guilt. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. "I'm sorry, B. I just wanted to be sure we were ready for it."

"I understand." Bulma put her arm around him. She wasn't going to tell him how long she had been hoping for him to propose. She wouldn't tell him how many times she cried herself to sleep at night when she realized she was still unmarried when everyone else her age was already married and starting families. She didn't have the heart to tell him how many times she considered breaking up with him for good and dating someone who would take their relationship more seriously or how often she broke down in tears because her mother asked when she could expect to have a grandbaby. To Bulma, none of that mattered anymore. What was done was done. But now she was engaged and she had a wedding to prepare for.

He kissed her head. "Well, I'll let you set the date then. I want it to be everything you've ever wanted."

"Thanks, Yam."

They walked slowly, enjoying each other's company without words. They passed a few other couples as they walked through the park, but for the most part they were alone. They finally made it to the park entrance and left. Yamcha took his hovercar capsule out of his pocket and tossed it in the air. He opened the passenger side door for Bulma and helped her in, then ran around the car and got in the driver's seat.

He drove Bulma back to Capsule Corporation and walked her to the front door. She stopped before going inside and kissed him once more. "Come over for dinner tomorrow night and we'll make the official announcement, ok?"

"Sure, B."

Bulma smiled and hugged him before turning and going inside. When the door was shut behind her, she squealed and practically ran to her bedroom. She was far too excited to sleep, so she was going to get started with planning her wedding. In the morning she would call all of her friends and invite them over for dinner. She couldn't wait to see the looks on their faces when she told them that she and Yamcha were finally, finally tying the knot! Ten years. Ten long years. This was the best night of her life.

"I'm finally going to be a bride!" she sighed as she sat down at her desk and opened a notebook to write a list of friends to invite. "And we'll live happily ever after."

…

It was a sensation so familiar, so comfortable he immediately welcomed it. It was hard to believe it was true, but what else could it be? Nothing else felt quite the same. He allowed it and felt it strengthen substantially. He hadn't realized how much he missed it when it was gone. It hadn't hurt him the same way. Removing it hadn't left him empty and alone. He still had a connection with Nappa, but Vegeta hadn't had a connection with anyone.

Raditz licked his dry lips and broke eye contact with Vegeta. He was nervous. One wrong move and he might push Vegeta away for good. He would have to be careful. Let him make the first move. He felt their mental link growing until it was almost what it used to be. He still didn't feel anything from the other end. No feelings, no thoughts, nothing. It was as if Vegeta were hollow inside with nothing to give. Maybe that wasn't too far from the truth. It was disheartening. Raditz tried to push some feelings across, feelings of warmth, companionship, and trust. He wanted Vegeta to feel welcome and accepted as he probed his mind. He would let him go anywhere, bring up any memories, anything. Don't push him away. Let him reform their connection. Let him feel the connection he longed for.

"Who are you?" Vegeta's voice came in a whisper, barely heard, more felt.

Raditz's heart jumped when he heard it. The last thing he expected was for Vegeta to speak to him through their link. Especially not coherently. Was it only when he spoke that he made no sense? Was his mind still able to form complete thoughts? He wondered if it was just a disconnect somewhere between Vegeta's thoughts and his speech. "It's me, Raditz."

"Raditz?"

"Yes, Vegeta. Raditz. I'm sitting right here. You're looking at me." He projected images of Vegeta watching him through the link. Vegeta would see himself from his perspective.

There was a long silence. Raditz was afraid he had scared Vegeta away when he heard Vegeta's voice again. "If you're in my mind, you're real, aren't you?"

"Yes. I'm real. So is Nappa."

"Nappa?"

"Him." Raditz sent Vegeta an image of Nappa. "He's in your mind too. Do you feel him?"

"Yes."

"You're not alone. We're with you. You can feel our presence." For the first time since their mental link was created, Raditz felt something from Vegeta's side. He felt something like hope. Perhaps it was more akin to relief. He wasn't sure. It was still faint, whatever it was. But it stirred his own hope. Maybe Vegeta wasn't lost. "Everything around you is real. You can live in this world as well as your mind."

"How can I trust you?"

Raditz felt his heart thumping in his chest. Could he get Vegeta to believe him? Could he bring Vegeta back to this world, the world outside his broken mind? "Can you find any deception in my thoughts?" He could sense some hesitation, then he felt a tendril of Vegeta's mentality probe his mind, weaving through his memories, his thoughts, searching through all his secrets and emotions. He had never felt so naked before in his life. He was laying himself bare before his prince, not holding anything back. Nothing would be a secret after this, but if it would help Vegeta it was worth it.

"You're not lying. At least, not intentionally. I still don't know if I can believe you."

"That's fine. I won't force you to do anything you're not comfortable doing. Take your time. Explore a little, see if what I said is true." Raditz was hopeful. He was communicating with Vegeta for the first time since their last purge mission together. He hoped that when Nappa woke up he could talk some sense into Vegeta. Maybe his recovery wouldn't be instantaneous, but at least he was on the right path. All he wanted was for Vegeta to return to life. He had been nothing but a shell the past few months, little more than a shadow. He was silent, lifeless, and afraid. Completely alone, even in the presence of his comrades. But not anymore. Now he held them close, sharing the mental links that never should have been cut.

…

Bulma looked around the dining table at all her friends and family. It was a large table, covered in a crisp white table cloth and a bountiful feast. She insisted they use their best china and silverware for the occasion, as well as the silk napkins and servant bots. She wanted the dinner to be absolutely perfect. She reached over and grabbed Yamcha's hand in her own. She felt nervous, but in a good way. Everyone she loved was there: Goku and Chi-Chi, Tien and Chiaotzu, Launch, Master Roshi, her parents, Oolong and Puar, Krillin, and even Turtle. Everyone was there except Ox King, who had stayed at Mount Paozu to babysit Goku and Chi-Chi's son, Gohan.

She could feel her stomach twisting and turning. She looked around the table again. They were all looking at her, waiting for her to tell them why she gathered them all together. She swallowed and smiled, then looked over at Yamcha. He nodded encouragingly, so she stood up on shaky legs. He stood up with her. She took a deep breath. "Well, as you know I have an announcement to make. So I guess you're all wondering why I've asked you all to come here." She grinned. "I wanted you all to know that Yamcha has asked me to marry him."

"And she said yes," Yamcha finished. He grinned and rubbed the back of his head.

Their guests started applauding and congratulating them. Bulma was overcome with happiness as her friends hugged her, kissed her cheeks, asked for details, and admired her ring. She hardly heard a word they were saying. She felt lightheaded, elated, relieved. There was a rush of emotions battling for supremacy in her heart, and all of them were good. She met Yamcha's eyes and time seemed to stand still for them. It was official. They were engaged. They were going to be married at last. She couldn't wait.

"When's the date?"

Bulma broke out of her reverie when she heard Chi-Chi's question. When was the date? That was a good question. She shrugged. "How about October 12 of next year? That should give me plenty of time to plan."

"Why October 12?" Chi-Chi asked.

"I don't know, but I like it," Bulma laughed. She raised her glass in the air. "We're getting married October 12!"

"We are?" Yamcha asked.

"That's wonderful, honey!" Mrs. Brief exclaimed.

"That seems like a long time to wait," Yamcha mumbled. Still, he wasn't going to argue with his bride-to-be. If she wanted their wedding to be on October 12, it would be on October 12.

Goku caught Bulma in a bear hug. "Isn't that right after your birthday?"

"Why, Goku, I can't believe you actually remembered," she teased him. "Yes, it is. Is there something wrong with that?"

"Nope."

"Good. Then you can put me down."

Goku lowered Bulma back to the floor and released her. He laughed when she wagged her finger at him for his behavior. Bulma tried to hold a frown, but she broke into a wide grin and laughed with him. She couldn't seem to stop herself from laughing. Everything was too good to be true. It was wonderful. She didn't want the night to end.

But, no matter what Bulma wanted, the night progressed until it was getting late. Slowly, her guests started leaving for home, giving their last congratulations on their way out the door. She thanked them all, promising to send them invitations as soon as she figured out the time and place. Once everyone had left, Bulma went upstairs to get ready for bed. She had work in the morning and wanted to get plenty of beauty sleep. She invited Yamcha to come upstairs with her.

She went into her room and pulled Yamcha into an embrace. "I can't believe we're really getting married. We're going to be together forever."

Yamcha smiled and kissed her. "No matter what."

"No matter what," she agreed. Their relationship was infamous for their disagreements, arguments, fights, and break-ups, but they were past that. They were finally ready to settle down. "Stay with me tonight?"

"If you want me to."

"I do." Bulma turned around. "Can you unzip me?"

Yamcha unzipped Bulma's dress for her. She let it slip off her shoulders and fall to the floor. He put his hands on her hips and pulled her against his body. He trailed wet kisses down her neck and shoulder.

Bulma looked at the clock on her nightstand. It was almost her bedtime. She leaned against Yamcha's chest and moaned as he moved his hands all over her body. She didn't have to worry about getting to sleep on time. He never lasted very long in bed. That was one thing she hoped to change eventually. Maybe when they were married she could spice up their sex life a little more. It wasn't that it wasn't satisfying, but she definitely thought it could be a lot better than what he regularly offered her. She dismissed those thoughts. With no one to compare him to, she couldn't make any assumptions about his performance. And what did it matter if he was the best? If she got bored with him, she could always teach him something new.

She finished undressing and went to the bed while Yamcha pulled his clothes off. He climbed on top of her and kissed her gently at first, then more forcefully. His hands gripped her hips, then moved up to her breasts. She moaned softly, urging him to continue. He positioned himself between her legs and thrust into her, earning a groan of pleasure. He was definitely the luckiest man in the world. He would have this woman for the rest of his life. She was by far the best he had ever had. Being married to her would be a dream come true.

A/N: I do NOT condone premarital sex, but, unfortunately, it's likely to happen with Bulma and Yamcha. Gross, right? Either way, they're getting married! Hooray! (Or not?) On another note, it seems Vegeta is finally starting to come out of his stupor. But will it be on time, or will Frieza lose patience and kill him? You'll have to read on to see. And when are they inevitably going to meet again? Hold on, my dear readers, for their reunion is in six short chapters!

I just finished writing chapter 48. Maybe I'm biased, but I'm telling you, there's good stuff ahead. Things are definitely going to start picking up. In the meantime, I ask of you to review! Yes, review! Every review is worth reading and I appreciate them all. I'm not exaggerating when I say they help me when I'm writing.

Thanks, lilpumpkingirl for beta-ing!

Vegeta: 27
Bulma: 25