Author's Note: I am so sorry for taking so long to get a new chapter up. I have been absolutely swamped with school. But, this chapter is fairly long, so I hope it makes up for it. I hope everyone likes this chapter. It's the "Bulma/Vegeta Get Together" chapter. But this one is a little different. This is from Vegeta's perspective and I hope its something everyone enjoys. A little bit of Vegeta's fierce passion. Well, I have left you, my readers, hanging long enough for this chapter. I hope you enjoy! Author out.

In Search for Home

Chapter 9: Courting a Princess

Ten minutes later, Vegeta set the last of the meal he prepared on the table. Bulma was giddy and hyper while Vegeta had so many butterflies in his stomach, he did not know if he was going to be able to eat the meal he just cooked. "Now, if I can only remember the lessons my mother taught me when I was a boy," he thought to himself as he sat down across from Bulma. He reached into the depths of his memory to recall his almost forgotten childhood on Planet Vegeta.

"Now, Vegeta, pay attention. Your father may be training you to fight, but there is more to being king than just being strong. You must also know chivalry," Victoria said to her almost nine-year-old son.

"Why do I have to be here? These lessons are dumb. Why can't I go with father and Recknee to fight?" Vegeta squirmed in his chair; he could care less about his mother's "lessons."

"That's enough, Vegeta. Your coronation to become crown prince is in less than six weeks. You will be expected to have a young countess on your arm and to treat her properly," Victoria scolded as a knock came on the study door, "Enter."

"Victoria, I was wondering if…" Mikal said as she entered but stopped when she saw the young prince, "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were training Prince Vegeta today."

Victoria walked over to her friend, "It's alright. He's being stubborn. What can I do for you?"

"I was going to see if you would come check on Vichell. I think she's…" Mikal stopped when she saw Vegeta shudder and shrink down in his seat. Just a week prior, Vegeta and Vichell had a sparring match and Vichell nearly ended up in a coma. Even though no one blamed Vegeta, he blamed himself and had yet to go se her despite her asking daily for him.

The women looked at the prince. Victoria turned back to Mikal, "Certainly. I'm sure she would like a visitor as well," Victoria said, smiling. Mikal returned her friend's smile and walked out to return to her daughter's bedside. Victoria turned back to her son. "Looks like your first lesson is going to be a little different than planned. We're going to start with the care of the sick," she said.

Vegeta looked in horror at his mother. "Please. No," he pleaded, not yet ready to see Vichell.

"Vegeta? Vegeta!" Vegeta was brought back to the present by Bulma's voice. Her hand was gently resting on his, "Are you alright? You're shaking."

Vegeta struggled to answer her, "I'm…I'm fine. I just need a moment." He rose and walked in the kitchen to clear his head. "Of all of my mother's lessons, why did it have to be that on I remembered?" Vegeta said to himself as he ran his hands through his hair, "Do I have any good memories of my childhood left? Or even any good memories at all to draw on?"

"Maybe we can change that," Bulma said softly from behind him; he turned to face her, "Sorry, I was worried about you. I didn't hear all you said, but I caught the last part. I know you weren't raised here, but the Earth can be a nice place to live. And I know you don't particularly like him, but the last other Saiyan is here, too. You could start a new life here, create new memories, better ones. Life doesn't have to be just about fighting. Even with the threat of the androids in a couple of years, you're safe here. I can't begin to imagine what it was like for you growing up under Frieza, but you don't have to worry any more. No one is going to make you leave here. Even if you don't believe it, you're part of the team now."

For one of the few times in his life, Vegeta was speechless. He never imagined such compassion could be spoken by another living being, especially to him. Her words struck his heart, but for the first time in his memory, the words did not hurt, but rather, brought comfort. He stared at her, still unsure what to say to her. She smiled and took his hand, leading him back to the dinning room to finish their dinner. They ate in silence as Vegeta tried to understand what was happening between the two of them.

"Thanks for the wonder night, Vegeta. You are a really sweet person underneath that tough exterior," Bulma said as they departed to turn in for the evening. They stopped in front of her bedroom door. Neither spoke; neither knew what to say. Bulma gently took Vegeta's hand and softly smiled. "Goodnight," she whispered. She leaned up and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek then walked into her room.

Vegeta walked to his room in a daze. What was happening to him? Never had anyone unraveled him like this before; neither foe nor rival, for Vegeta had not known a friend since he was ten-years-old. But in the past few hours, this one woman had rattled his world to its very foundation. Vegeta stopped in front of his dresser, pulling out of the top drawer one of the few items he had carried with him since he left his home planet – a small set of photos. He walked to the window, opened the curtains so he could see the night sky, and sat on the window sill. He sat the pictures on his lap and looked at the sky, searching for familiar stars – the stars of his home planet.

Vegeta finally found the stars, which were just rising about the horizon. He sighed and then looked at the pictures. The top picture was the one he was looking for. Taken two days before he was taken by Frieza, the picture was of his family, Vichell's family, and Kakarot's family. These people were his family, all gone now save for Kakarot. Vegeta sighed again and looked back at the sky. His hatred for Kakarot ran so deep, Vegeta could not even resign to become close to the last member of his extended family. "I'm sorry, Bardock. I failed you all. Kakarot. Vichell. Both of them are gone. And so am I," he said softly into the night sky.

"I don't think you're gone," Bulma said softly from the doorway; she walked toward Vegeta with his gloves in her hands, "Sorry. I didn't mean to overhear. You left these in my room this afternoon."

He took the gloves she offered him as she sat down across from him. He thought about telling her to leave, being an uninvited and unwelcomed guest. He refrained. As much as he was irritated by her intrusion, the feeling quickly passed and was replaced by a feeling of comfort. He said nothing but looked back out the window. She reached out and placed her hand on his. Still not speaking or looking at her, he took hold of her hand, the touch reassuring.

They sat on the window sill in silence for what seemed like hours, though only about half an hour passed. Vegeta's heart was tearing in two; his soul fighting for an answer. He felt like he had lost everything he was ever raised for, like he had lost himself and yet she said she didn't think he was gone. Could he come back? Could he be the prince he was born to be? He shifted positions, placing the pictures on the bed and pulling her to him. He no longer cared about his long time stand of being a lone warrior, he needed her. He knew he had to win her heart and make her his wife.

Bulma came willingly into his arms. She settled on his lap, resting her head lightly on his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her and rested against the wall. Softly, Bulma spoke, "I meant what I said, Vegeta. I don't think you're gone. Hurt? Wounded? Yes. But not gone. The prince in you is still in there; he just has to be found."

Vegeta looked down at her; she was smiling at him. "Why are you doing this? Why are you acting this way?" The words were out of his mouth before he knew it.

Bulma's expression changed to one Vegeta had never seen before – the smile was gone and something akin to fear entered her eyes. She pulled away slightly, out of his arms but not off of his lap. "Don't you know?" she asked softly, a trace of a quiver in her voice. He didn't answer, but only looked at her in bewilderment. Her lip trembled and tears formed in her eyes. She stood up. "I…I…" her voice failed her. She turned and ran toward the door, but Vegeta was faster. He stood at the door before she was halfway across the room. "Let me by," she struggled to say when she reached him.

"Bulma, wait," he said, firm but gentle, tenderly reaching for her arm.

She pulled back. "Don't you get it?" she nearly yelled at him, "I love you." She bursted into tears and ran past Vegeta, who stood shocked.

"How? How could I have missed it?" Vegeta asked himself about five minutes later when the events that had just transpired began to register. He walked back over to the window and picked up the pictures, which had fallen on the floor. "I don't have to win her heart," he thought as he returned his pictures to the dresser drawer, "I already have it. But now, how do I show her she had mine?" He sighed as he stood in front of the mirror, "I guess I can start by making sure she's alright."

Vegeta quietly walked down the hall, nearly tripping on a startled cat. "Too many animals," he thought, shaking his head. Shortly, he reached her door, which stood ajar. He peered in. she lay on the bed, curled up in a tight ball. He sighed and chastised himself. He had treated her no better that evening than Yamcha had that morning. This would never do. He may be a warrior but he wasn't a heartless brute. He watched her for a minute, her breathing was steady. "She must have cried herself asleep again," he thought, quietly walking in.

"Bulma?" he barely whispered. She didn't' stir; either she was asleep or was refusing to acknowledge him. He took the quilt on the end of the bed and gently covered her with it. "You need not fear me, Bulma," he quietly whispered as he placed a pillow under her head, "Not when I love you, too." He brushed her hair away from her tear-stained cheek. She slept. "In peace, I hope," he thought. He leaned down over her and did something he never thought he would do – seal his affection with a kiss. She stirred slightly when his lips touched her cheek, but she did not wake. He kept his hand on hers for a time, not wanting to leave her. Vegeta looked at the clock; it was a quarter past two. He sighed, it was too late. He placed another brief kiss on her cheek. "I promise, I will protect you with everything I have, even my own life. Sleep well, and hopefully soon you will see I share your affections," he said softly before turning out the light and leaving her room. He had one more thing to do before he could turn in.

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Over the next three months Vegeta continued to train and watch over Bulma. They no longer spoke and rarely did he see her during the day. If he did by chance run into her, the pain he saw in her eyes cut to the very depth of his soul. His being unaware to her love for him had shattered her spirit and heart; he only prayed it wasn't too late to save her for him. But he didn't know what to do to correct his oversight. He was a warrior, not a lover, and until he came to Earth, he had not been around females since his childhood.

But Vegeta did what he could. At night, after everyone was asleep, he would quietly slip into her room and watch over her as she slept. From time to time, he would leave flowers for her to find when she woke. He longed for her to wake one night and find him, proving his feeling for her, but he also dreaded that happening, unsure what he would do. So he watched from the shadows, just in case she should wake while he was there.

This night was no different. He stood in the dark corner, watching her sleep fitfully. He yawned; night watch was beginning to wear on him. In truth, it already had taken a toll on his body. He was barely able to train no matter how hard he pushed his body. It was a small price to pay as far as he as concerned, if it brought her back to him. He yawned again and glanced at her bedside table. The flowers he had placed there were beginning to wilt; he needed to replace them. He didn't have the energy tonight. Hopefully, Bulma wouldn't be too disappointed to not find fresh flowers in the morning. He yawned again. "If I don't do something to get my energy up, she's going to find me in the morning," he thought.

"But isn't that what you want?" a small voice in his head said. He started. It was what he wanted, but how could he let it happen? And how would she react? As far as he could tell, she was still furious at him. He yawned once again.

"You know, if you want to hide from someone, you should try yawning a little quieter," Vegeta jumped at the voice. He looked toward the bed where Bulma sat looking at him. She beckoned him to her. "One of these nights you are going to have to get some sleep. You can't keep watching over me forever," she said as he sat down next to her.

"But…how did…how did you…" Vegeta stuttered, unable to hide his surprise.

"How did I know? Maybe you should ask how long have I known," she finished his question, turning to face him.

"Alright. How long have you known?" he stifled another yawn; even in his surprise, his energy was plummeting.

She moved to the head of the bed, laying back down. "Since a few days after we stopped talking. I woke up in the middle of the night and you were looking out the window. I probably should have said something, but I wanted to see if it was just a random coincidence or if you were coming in regularly. So I decided to wait you out. I had no idea you would push yourself to exhaustion. I can't even begin to imagine how you are still able to train during the day." She looked at him worriedly. Even as she spoke, he yawned again. She gently reached for his hand.

He moved closer to her, taking her outstretched hand. "I don't. At first I was able to do it, watching over you at night and training during the day, but it seems my body has finally had enough. I've barely been able to train the past two weeks and today my body refused to do anything, to his surprise, he answered her question.

She tightened her grip on his hand. "No wonder, going three months without sleep. You didn't need to do that, not for me. I was upset when you didn't seem to notice my feelings for you, sure, but that all went away the next morning when I found the flowers. But it was nice of you, even romantic." She smiled sweetly at him but her expression soon turned to worry as he yawned once again. She moved over and tugged on his arm. "Look, there's no reason for this, Vegeta. You've proven you feel the same way about me as I do you. You need rest before you kill yourself. If you won't go sleep in your own room because you can't watch over me, then sleep here with me. I'll be right here and you can get some sleep."

He looked at her as she tugged on his arm again. The offer was tempting. And after all, if he succeeded in making her his wife, this would be a nightly occurrence. He smiled at the thought. "Please, Vegeta," Bulma said softly. She sat up and moved close to him, resting her chin on his shoulder. He looked down at their clasped hands. Things were going better than he had hoped, so why was he hesitating?

"For the same reason you haven't slept in three months," the voice in his head returned, "You don't want to wake up and find this all a dream."

Vegeta gasped, startling Bulma. He looked at her only to be pained by the fear in her eyes. "Please, Vegeta," she repeated, barely a whisper, "Either here or your own bed, but please lay down and sleep. I'd rather be alone tonight than have you not sleeping anymore, though I like not being alone at night." She looked down as she finished her statement.

He looked at her, drawn even more to her. She was even more beautiful in the starlight tonight than she had ever been before. He yawned again and she looked at him with tears in her eyes. He started. Reaching up with his free hand, he wiped away a single tear as it rolled down her cheek. She must have cared for him more than words could express. The thought brought the last wall around his heart down. He released her hand and stood up. Her face feel at the thought of him leaving her for the night but had relief in it at the thought of him getting the much needed rest. He smiled gently at her, bringing a small smile to her lips. "Wait a minute," Vegeta said softly, leaning down and placing a soft kiss on her cheek.

Vegeta returned a few moments later after having changed form his Saiyan uniform into a pair of shorts he normally slept in. Bulma's face lit up when she saw him in the doorway to her room. He couldn't help but return her smile; finally, things were beginning to work in his favor. She pulled the covers back so he could slip into bed with her. He struggled not to fall asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow, determined to stay awake until after she slept again. "I promise I'll still be here when you wake up in the morning," she said as she lay down on the other side of the bed.

Vegeta looked at Bulma as she took his hand in hers. She was so close and yet so far away. His heart ached. He had had enough. Up until now, he had been so careful not to scare her, but tonight, as his walls of protection were crumbling, he needed her in his arms. He released his hand form hers, causing her to look at him. He turned on his side and reached across her body with his arm, pulling her toward him gently. She smiled, understanding. She shifted positions, turning her back to him, curling up next to him as he wrapped his arm around her. They both sighed contently, causing Vegeta to smile and Bulma to chuckle.

She cuddled closer to him, pulling his arm tighter across her waist. Her head rested on his other arm and she sighed contently again. Vegeta yawned, struggling with sleep. "Rest, Vegeta," she said softly, moving as close to him as possible, "I know I'm safe and I don't want to be anywhere else other than right here in your arms." She leaned her head back for a moment, placing a soft kiss on the side of his neck before they both fell asleep.

Vegeta woke slowly, fearful his dream was over. His arm moving caused him to open his eyes. Bulma was shifting positions in her sleep, curling up into a ball around his arm. "It wasn't a dream," he thought, smiling; outside, the sun had already risen but he struggled with fatigue, "Quit being foolish, you need the rest. She promised to stay with you while you slept. Take the time to rest."

He breathed deeply and gently pulled his arm from her grip. She whimpered slightly, but soon returned to peace when he moved closer to her. He pulled the sheets back over them and then wrapped his arm back around her. She clasped her hand over his. He smiled and placed a soft kiss by her ear. "Today," he thought, settling down to go back to sleep, "Today, I will seal her to me and soon, very soon, I will bond with her and make her my wife."

Three hours later, Vegeta awoke to his name being softly said. He opened his eyes wearily to find Bulma tugging on his arm wrapped around her. He moved his arm and she sat up, gasping for air. "Sorry I had to wake you," she finally said, turning to face him, "But I couldn't breathe and I couldn't move your arm. You were holding onto me like someone was trying to take me away."

"Sorry, I can be a little overprotective," he said, sitting up and reaching for her, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. I just wish I didn't have to wake you. You were sleeping so peacefully," she answered, coming into his arms. He gently ran his hands along her waist to make sure he hadn't hurt her. She giggled, placing her hands atop his, stopping him. "Stop. That tickles," she said, turning around to face him, "I'm okay, I promise."

He pulled her into him as he lay back down. She nearly fell on top of him, but rolled to the side at the last moment to lie against his side. She rested her head on his shoulder as she gingerly ran her hand down his bare chest. This time, he could not suppress the shudder which came form the depths of his soul. She giggled and rested her hand over his heart. "You know what, Vegeta?" she said softly.

"Hmmm?" he mumbled, too content to speak.

"I could stay like this for the rest of my life," she replied.

Vegeta started, sitting up so fast he nearly sent her flying. She recovered and laid back on the pillows as he stared at her in disbelief. Had she really just said she wanted to be with him for the rest of her life? His breathing and heart rate were moving quicker than he could ever remember them doing so before. She took his hand in hers and brought it to her lips, gently kissing it before sitting up next to him. She moved close to him, placing his hands around her waist and her arms around his neck. She was smiling. He couldn't believe she was doing this to him. She moved in even closer; now here face was just inches form his. "I mean it, Vegeta. I want to be with you. Forever," she whispered softly; he could feel her breath on his lips. She closed the distance between them, bringing her lips to his.

Vegeta barely had time to react. His walls were destroyed and the condemning warrior in him no longer held sway over his heart. Finally, his compassion and passion were free to flow. As soon as he registered her kiss, he pulled her close as possible, deepening the kiss. He ran his hands up her back, causing her to come even closer and to wrap her arms around him even tighter. It was a bliss Vegeta had never experienced before.

Finally, Bulma broke off the kiss, needing to breath. But she stayed close to him. He looked into her eyes; there shown a light like the stars which had guided him so often. He smiled. "Now I have a new set of stars to guide me," he thought, giving her a gentle kiss on the cheek before puling her into his chest. She clung to him as he ran his hand through her hair, which she had recently straightened. She sighed, cuddling closer to him. "Bulma, I have to know," he finally said, causing her to look at him, "Do you really mean this or is it something you're just saying in the moment?"

She pulled away from him so she could look into his face. Taking his hands in hers, she replied, never once looking away form his eyes, "I mean it, Vegeta. I have for a long time. Ever since Namek. When I saw you there, working with Krillin and Gohan, I knew you would be joining the Z Fighters. I was overjoyed. Somehow, form the moment I saw you when you came to fight Goku, I knew I wanted to be with you. It was one of the things Yamcha and I argued about since we brought him back. I stayed with him because I didn't think I would ever have a chance with you. When I threw Yamcha out it was because I was tried of him always attacking you. I wanted you. I still want you. I don't know everything about your past, but I know enough to know not to kid you about something like this."

Vegeta struggled. He didn't know how to respond. She continued to look at him, waiting for an answer. She gently squeezed his hand, trying to bring him back to her. "Bulma, I…" he couldn't speak. He felt a fog, lost beyond all reason.

"It's okay, Vegeta. I know I've caught you off guard. Just relax. I'm right here," she said softly, gently pushing him to lie back down. She sat over him smiling. She gently stroked his hand, trying to help him come back from his shocked state.

Vegeta couldn't think. For some time he had planned to try to win her heart, but he had not thought of how he would react when he did. Everything had happened so quickly once she had discovered him the night before. He closed his eyes, focusing on controlling his breathing and enjoying her gentle touch. Slowly, he was able to calm his breathing and bring some clarity to his mind. "It's finally happened," he thought, "As a warrior, I felt I never needed a mate, but now that I do…I finally feel whole again."

Bulma had stopped stroking his hand and just gently held it. He opened his eyes and looked at her. "Are you alright?" she asked tenderly as he sat back up.

"Yes. More than alright. Come here," he replied, pulling her to him. She crawled into his lap and rested her head on his bare chest.

"I'm sorry I shocked you so bad. I felt if I didn't say something now, I would never get a chance again," she said softly.

"Don't worry about it. I was caught off guard, but in truth, I've waited for those words for a long time," he replied and she pulled away slightly so she could look at him, "I felt it too, after my battle with Kakarot. I saw you when you and your friends came for him. I had already heard your voice over the scouter from when you took Raditz's scouter. At first, I denied my feelings, chastising myself for being weak. You also were with Yamcha and I felt I had no chance with you. But after Namek, living here at Capsule Corp., my emotions became overwhelming. It was more for this reason than to find Kakarot that I left for space. I was trying to suppress my feelings. Needless to say, it didn't work and on the day I consoled you after you broke up with Yamcha, I set my mind up to win your heart and make you my wife. That's why I just stood there when you confessed your love for me; you caught me so unaware I didn't know what to do. I had no idea at the time that you felt the same about me."

"Mmm," she said, leaning back into him, "Well, now you do." He held her close, enjoying the moment, until he began to suddenly feel a drain on his energy. He released her and lay back down, closing his eyes. "Vegeta, what's wrong?" she asked worriedly, moving off his lap in case she was hurting him. She sat touching him, talking his hand once again.

"I'm not certain. My energy suddenly dropped," he replied, running his free hand over his eyes before opening them to look at her; she gasped, clasping a hand over her mouth, "Bulma, what is it?"

She became excited, almost giddy. She released his hand, jumped up, and ran into the adjoining bathroom. She shortly returned with a small mirror. "Look. I knew you could do it. You're beginning to transform," she exclaimed, handing the mirror to him.

He took the mirror in disbelief, but when he looked, he saw his eyes were green! He looked at her; she was beaming. His excitement skyrocketed and he sat the mirror on the bedside table. He sat up and pulled her into his lap. She giggled and flung her arms around his neck. "I'm not sure how it happened, but I know you had something to do with it. Finally, after all these years, the super Saiyan transformation is within my grasp. Now I just have to figure out how to complete it," he could not hide his pride.

"I know you'll find it. I always have. Ever since I saw Goku transform, I knew you would, too. And, you would surpass him. You are the prince, after all. But that will come in time. For now, seal me to you. I know that's how Saiyans show engagement."

"But how do you know?" he had yet ceased to be amazed by her this morning.

"It's not important right now. Please, do it now, before I loose my resolve to let you promise us to each other in your people's fashion. I know it's going to hurt, and I don't have the highest tolerance for pain," she said, looking into his eyes, which were now black again.

He understood. Lifting her gently off of him, he stood up. "Stay here. I'll be right back," he said gently. Vegeta went down the hall to his own room to retrieve something he never thought he would use. In his top dresser drawer, next to his cherished photos, lay a small, jade box. He carefully lifted it out and returned to Bulma's room. He found her in the bathroom with towels near by and her left shoulder bare. "You really do know about our sealing ritual," he said in amazement, setting the box in front of her on the vanity.

"Not completely, but enough to know we're going to need the towels. What's this for?" she said, eyeing the box, "It's a beautiful box."

"Open it," he said, leaning over her and placing his hands on her shoulders.

She turned on the stool she was sitting on and gently lifted the lid of the box. Inside, on a velvet cloth, lay a short dagger, the handle made of silver and inlaid with many precious jewels. "Oh, Vegeta, it's beautiful," Bulma replied, looking up at him.

"It's been in my family for generations, all the way back to the first King Vegeta," he replied, sitting down next to her, "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes. I want you to have this, this important part of your heritage," she replied, but her voice betrayed her fear, as did her quivering hands.

Vegeta took her hands in his. "Bulma," he said, "This won't work if you are scared. It will be a bad seal. The seal must be given by the warrior in faith and confidence to his mate and she must receive it that way."

Bulma glanced toward the dagger. "I'm sorry, Vegeta," she responded, "I'm trying. I do do this in faith, but the confidence…it's unknown, new. Both in custom and principle. To live your life with someone else. Don't get me wrong. I want to be with you, more than anything. It's just that it's new and I don't know what to expect. I guess what I'm most scared about is the procedure." She looked at the dagger again.

Vegeta followed her gaze. He released her hands and gently lifted the dagger. He held it in his hands between the two of them for a moment and then carefully placed it in her hands. "I understand your fear. I won't do the seal. Not now. Not until you are ready, he replied, dismay filling his heart. He tried to console himself with the knowledge she was still his, but it was to little avail. HE needed to join with her, and soon.

Bulma turned the dagger over in her hands. "Be careful with the blade; it's very sharp," Vegeta warned her a second too late as she cut her finger on the tip.

"Ow. Nice warning. You could have told me before you handed it to me," she said as he took the dagger back from her. He gently took her hand and examined the cut. "I don't think it's very deep," she said as he cleaned and bandaged it.

"It's not. That blade cuts very easily even as old as it is. It's in the design," he replied, placing the dagger back on its cloth.

"You know, it really didn't hurt that much. More just caught me by surprise," she said, carefully picking the blade back up. She turned it over in her hands and then handed it to Vegeta, "Do it. I'm not scared anymore. I want this."

Vegeta's spirits lifted in an instant. The moment he thought would never come finally had. "You have no idea what this means to me, Bulma," he said as he placed the dagger in the lid of the box and lifted the protective cloth, revealing three small bottles of oil.

"I could take a guess, but you're probably right," Bulma replied as she watched him take out the bottles, "What are those for?"

"For the seal," he replied, opening one of them, "This one I have never smelt or seen before. This oil was chosen by my mother before she passed the set down to me. It is called the royal oil. This oil is a way of anointing you and welcoming you into the royal family." He looked at her and she gave him a small smile. He gently brushed her hair off her left shoulder, holding his hand on her bare shoulder for a moment. He took a deep breath, relishing the moment, before he took the royal oil and marked her forehead and then poured the remaining oil over her shoulder.

She inhaled deeply, smelling the freshly poured oil. "Mmm…lilies. How pretty," she said after a moment. She looked at him, smiling still.

He returned her smile, a new pride filling his very being. "I'm not surprised. White lilies were my mother's favorite flower, as it has been for many of the queens," he replied, turning back to the bottles. He opened the other two bottles and handed one to her, "This is the queen's oil. Every one of my ancestors have been anointed with this oil once they have been sealed to the crown prince or king, whichever the case may be. I need you to hold it. You'll know when to use it. And now…" Vegeta turned and picked up the dagger. Both he and Bulma inhaled deeply, preparing themselves for the next step. He looked at her, praying her fear had truly vanished. She gave him a weak smile, but there was resolve in her face; she wasn't going to back out now. He reached behind her head, gently pulling her closer. He leaned in and kissed her fully on the lips, sliding his hand to her shoulder. She used her free hand to pull him closer, running her hand down his bare back. He shivered and groaned; she was going to be the death of him if he didn't seal her to him and bond with her soon. He gently broke off the kiss, but didn't remove his hand from her shoulder. "Are you ready?" he barely whispered, his voice failing him.

"More than words can express," she replied, her voice just as hoarse as his. She braced her left hand on his knee; her right held the oil.

He traced her collar bone with his thumb, causing her to shudder. He smiled and then turned his attention to the task at hand. He brought the dagger to her shoulder. He gently made the first incision as she grasped his knee but made no other reaction to the pain. He glanced up at her and she smiled. He continued, quickly finishing the intricate design on her shoulder. He looked at her as he finished and she smiled at him again, no sign of fear or pain in her face. He kissed her again, briefly, for there were two more steps to finish the seal. He took the third bottle of oil, the king's oil, in his hand, and then, to Bulma's surprise and near horror, he ran the dagger clean through his left shoulder. She cried out in her shock. He dropped the dagger to the ground and looked at her panic-stricken face. He smiled at her through his own pain, switching the bottles with her. He poured the queen's oil over her shoulder and she understood. She took the bottle he gave her, no knowing fully what it was, and poured it over his shoulder; her hands shook.

After the oils were poured, Vegeta took one last item out of the jade box – a small jewel. Bulma watched with fascination despite the tears which were beginning to form in her eyes. He ran a finger gingerly down her cheek before turning his attention back to her shoulder. He carefully placed the small jewel in the center of the delicate design and then covered the wound with his right hand. He pushed a small amount of energy into her shoulder, sealing the wound and setting the gem n place. Then he pulled her to him, where she buried her head in his chest and cried as the dam she had put up broke. Vegeta comforted her, holding her close and running his hand along her back. "I've done it, finally," he thought contently, "I've finally found my wife."

Author's Note: I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. I would really like some reviews. Please let me know there are people out there reading my stories. I want at least five new reviews before I update again. And please no flames. I know that some my not agree with my side of Vegeta, but I'm a hopeless romantic and this is my way of writing. Besides, Vegeta's strongest side is his pride, which, in my opinion, leads to a deep seated passion for his family and the need to protect them. Well, that's my disclaimer on Vegeta's attitude for this chapter. Please review.