Disclaimer:

I do not own or profit from any Dragonball Z content or characters. The same applies to any popular songs referenced in the story, any publications, or other cultural references. Any original characters not in the Dragonball Z universe are named at random, and not intended to mirror any living or dead individual.

The plot idea for this story belongs to Charismatic Beauty.

This is chapter 1 of a multi-chapter story.

Chapter 1: A Gala of Deceit

Two weeks before Christmas. The air was cold and West City had been enduring snow for a few weeks now. But this time held greater significance to the socialites of the metropolis. It was the evening of Bulma Briefs's Christmas masquerade ball. The event had been running for several years now. Anyone who was anyone attended. The mayor, the state senators, local congressmen, business and labor leaders, and professional athletes could be found.

Bulma never really liked these, she thought as she stared at her aged reflection while getting ready. Sure, she could feign a bubbly and 'naughty' girl personality if needed; but that was her public persona. Now she had to keep it up for a whole night in front of scum bags who either wanted her money, influence, or what was under her clothes. Thankfully, she always invited her real friends as well to make the evening more tolerable. Why she held this event is something she often forgot, but she remembered her father's discussion about these gatherings being necessary for continuing to spread the company's now global reputation and brand as a technology powerhouse.

She continued to analyze her visage and hair in the mirror as she mindlessly put on her dress. She had crow's feet at her eyes and her hair was almost a fifth gray. She stopped years ago even trying to dye it. Especially after Bulla was born, she just didn't care anymore. In a way she didn't even care if Vegeta found her attractive anymore-even though his actions suggested he was. At the very least her body appeared to be in good shape; but what was happening inside her body was a mystery. She didn't have time to exercise anymore. And the cost of taking what her father created and building an empire from it showed its costs in her features.

It also showed in her behavior. Only a month ago Vegeta found some white powder hidden in her dresser drawers. Not knowing what it was, Bulma blustered in telling him it was sugar. Since this sounded ridiculous, Vegeta could tell she was lying in a heartbeat. So he asked his now sixteen year old son what the substance was, after which he was informed that it was cocaine. Never mind how Trunks knew what it was, Vegeta was now incredibly worried about what Bulma's work was doing to her. He noticed the woman had been increasingly stressed and under pressure. She was almost always 'not in the mood' and was generally fatigued. Outside of pressing her on it and making her break down in tears, Vegeta referenced his years of being around Bulma and decided to tell Bulma's semi-retired father, who could certainly talk about this to her more level-headed than he could.

Bulma remembering that conversation with her father caused her to stop in mid-motion as she finished dressing. She then remembered how…tender Vegeta was about it. He usually would flip out about her tobacco use or drinking, which is how he expressed concern. This time was different, meaning he understood how serious it was. But how could anyone think she could maintain her lifestyle of sleeping as much as a full-blooded Saiyan (ie, not much) and firing on all cylinders every day…who knows? Eventually, she was going to resort to drastic measures.

Bulma received a text from one of her assistants reading "show time." She had to get this out of her mind and wrap up her make-up application to hide the dark circles under her eyes so she could go greet her guests as they filed in. Lastly, she applied the domino mask she'd wear for the evening considering that it was a masquerade ball. Not that anyone would be fooled.

Entering the downstairs of the complex, Bulma saw all the blood suckers and sycophants in her house and place of business. She passed a member of West City's pro ball team, the one Yamcha used to play for, who was not even trying to hide his staring at her cleavage. The mayor was more classy and offered a seemingly sincere, "Good evening, Mrs. Briefs." She then ran into her son, who said some of her actual friends had arrived.

Bulma ran to the door to greet Goku, Chi Chi, Goten, Gohan, and Videl. "Hey guys!" she exclaimed with a great deal of enthusiasm.

"Hi Bulma!" Goten greeted in his usual chipper attitude.

Bulma couldn't help but notice that Goku was dressed as Superman. Granted, it was a masquerade ball; but he was wearing a Halloween costume.

"What's with the get-up Goku?"

"The boys thought it would be a good costume for him," Chi Chi explained with an aloof attitude.

"Defender of Truth, Justice, and the American Way then," Bulma commented while chuckling.

"When he actually says things like that on the battlefield, it sounds pretty inspiring," Gohan duly noted his respect for his father.

Chi Chi maintained her unwavering stare toward nothingness. She couldn't blame her sons for admiring and looking up to him. Goku was after all a good father.

"Hey Bulma, do you know where Vegeta is?"

"Haven't a clue, Goku. But can't you like…you know, sense him or something?"

"Oh yea. Hmmm. Got 'em," Goku then Instant Transmissioned to where Vegeta was, presumably in the gravity room.

"How predictable," Chi Chi commented cynically.

"What's also predictable is that Vegeta will have a field day with that consume," Bulma added.

As that happened an instrumental version of Rick James's "Super Freak" started playing over the dance floor.

Videl's eyes opened wide. "Come on, Gohan. We haven't danced since this thing last year!"

Gohan had visible discomfort on his face. It took Chi Chi's persuasion for him to even dance on his and Videl's wedding day.

Chi Chi leant over to Gohan's ear and whispered, "Go on Gohan. It will only be for a short time. You don't want to have a relationship with your wife like the one your father has. Besides, everyone is staring at Bulma, not you."

Gohan stared at his mother, never hearing her make such a remark about his father. It was definitely something he would have to evaluate further; but for now he put it in the back of his mind and explained to his mother, "Well, I don't want to leave you alone mom," showing the protectiveness of his mother he developed while his father was 'dead' for seven years.

"AHHH, HELLLLOOO! I'm right here," Bulma made her presence known.

"I'll be fine Gohan," Chi Chi reassured.

"Let's go before the music stops!" Videl exclaimed while grabbing Gohan's hand to toward the dance floor.

"He looks exhausted Chi Chi," Bulma noted the wear and tear on Gohan's face.

"I know. It's amazing his still standing. I couldn't imagine what he would be like right now if he weren't half-Saiyan. A human couldn't keep his schedule."

Gohan been up and coming the ranks of academia at West City University. Between teaching, researching, and mingling he practically lived at the institution and rarely slept. Due to constantly being in a public place, it was almost impossible for him to eat the way a Saiyan needs to eat. He had lost weight as he was somehow managing to support his partially alien metabolism on a caloric level that would support a top human like Krillin.

"Hmmm…" Bulma contemplated out loud.

"So if Goku is Superman, then why aren't you dressed as Lois Lane?" Bulma asked Chi Chi seductively, clearly trying to change the subject.

"Well then I wouldn't be wearing a mask now would I? This is a masquerade ball after all. I'm here as Chi Chi, loyal wife of the world's greatest hero."

Naturally, it didn't take a lot of processing for Bulma to pick up on what Chi Chi was saying.

After some awkward silence, Chi Chi took her turn.

"You don't look the best yourself Bulma."

Bulma let out a loud sigh, "I can't remember the last time I felt the best Chi."

"We're not solving these problems tonight, let's grab something," Chi Chi finally suggested after pause in conversation.

The two made their way over the open bar where the bartender greeted, "Hello Mrs. Briefs. Good evening Ms.," he greeted Chi Chi with the latter.

Bulma made haste in putting her social mask on, "What's up Jordan?! Straight vodka martini with a twist. You know the drill big guy!"

The bartender grinned as he looked down at his work in response to Bulma's remarks. He did indeed know the drill with Bulma. He had worked several parties at Capsule Corp, and naturally the compensation was always great. As he was working, he directed his eyes to Chi Chi and asked what she wanted, "For you, Ms."

"Umm, what's the highest proof item you have?" Chi Chi asked with Bulma's mouth gaping.

"Well we have 100 proof vodka, and 120 proof scotch."

"The scotch will do. Four shots please, on ice."

"Ms. I can't go over a double."

"Are you crazy Chi Chi?! You'll be tipped over in five minutes!" Bulma exclaimed.

"Bulma, do you remember the moonshine my father made that you tried? That's what I'm used to. I'll be fine."

Bulma grinned remembering the incident Chi Chi was explaining.

"It's fine Jordan, she's my friend," Bulma allowed the bartender to supersede his contractual limit when serving.

The bartender's eyes opened wide as he thought about what a mess this could create. Anyway, he was not to be held responsible for intoxicated mishaps, per his contract.

As he finished and handed the beverages to the two, Bulma motioned for them to head outside to talk to each other in private.

They both stopped out on the patio into the frozen air. Neither had a coat; but Chi Chi seemed unfazed by the weather as she took a gulp of her steamy cauldron. She blew a gust of her own breath to see it crystallize in the cold air.

Despite her own discomfort, Bulma roughed out the temperature. She knew what was on Chi Chi's mind.

"Do you mind if I light up?"

"Don't care. Just don't bring out the white powder," Chi Chi stated with a vindictive look at her friend for her previous misbehavior.

"We'll talk about that another time Chi Chi."

They had been best friends for years now, and it didn't take a lot for Bulma to read her fellow Earthling-Saiyan mother. Despite this, she decided to keep things on the lighter side.

"I have to say, you really look stunning Chi Chi. You're not fibbing to me when you say you don't color your hair? Not to mention that your face and figure both look fantastic! Honestly, I'm jealous."

"Well keep in mind I am a few years younger Bulma."

"Hey, I'm not the one who's a grandmother doll," Bulma rebuttled.

"I guess so," Chi Chi replied in a somber tone.

Chi Chi's tone and mood indicated to Bulma that she had to make more serious conversation for the sake of her friend.

"So things are still like that huh?" Bulma asked her friend.

"No difference from before," Chi Chi confirmed.

"Care to elaborate?"

"It's like I told you. After Majin Buu was defeated, Goku was the ideal father…which he still is in a way. He was also the ideal husband. He paid more attention to me and spent more time with me than he had since his brother landed on this planet and started a radical chain of events. But with time, I suppose he slipped into old routines. His training was the first priority he had. I never spoke to him or saw him outside of the morning and night. And then even sometimes in the morning he started leaving the house without breakfast. Think about that. Goku SKIPPING a meal! We rarely talk anymore-only if it relates to Goten or how things are going with Gohan and Videl. We haven't been intimate in over a year Bulma! Even on our birthdays and Valentine's Day. It's mind-boggling."

"And you haven't addressed this with him?" Bulma inquired.

"No. It seems to be pointless. We're so distant from each other now. Our only bond is that we live together, sleep in the same bed-except for when he falls asleep on the couch, and our sons. There's nothing there. No spark. I can't help but think we were a mismatch all along."

Bulma had her usual pensive look with her lips cocked to one side of her face. She really didn't know what to say. She understood Goku wasn't always the most considerate husband; but this was taking things to a different level.

"Bulma, how do you and Vegeta get along? I realize he and Goku are remarkably different; but they both still have the same priorities with their training, and the same instincts with fighting," Chi Chi asked her trusted confidante.

"Well, as you know we didn't in the beginning. But after the fiasco with the androids and Cell, things changed a lot. I suppose similar to you and Goku we don't really see each other outside of the morning and night; but that's when we speak to each other about matters regarding our children, our relationship, and other trivial matters if there's nothing else important. Of course, I see him a lot more in the morning now since I wake up when he does because of my fucking work schedule. So I guess we just work. I'm not really sure how to explain it," Bulma elaborated.

"You don't mind that he skips events like this?" Chi Chi asked.

"No. Frankly, I don't like them myself. He made it clear to me he didn't want to be a part of them, and I was willing to concede that since I don't place a high priority on them. Besides, even if he doesn't attend, I'm pretty sure he's always watching to make sure that some random guy doesn't touch me inappropriately."

Chi Chi thought introspectively that it seemed somehow the Dark Prince was actually a better mate than sweet and innocent Goku.

Sensing her discomfort, Bulma provided a hug to her friend. Chi Chi couldn't fully control her emotions, and some light tears worked their way from her eyes.

After a few seconds, Bulma worked to shift the mood.

"As I said, it's freaking freezing! Let's head back in."

The two headed back inside. Upon re-entry, some man grabbed Bulma's hand to dance. She grinned and shrugged her shoulders at Chi Chi, conveying the message 'Unfortunately, this comes with my line of work.'

Chi Chi found herself, albeit looking gorgeous, alone now standing on the outskirts of the dance floor. No Bulma, no Gohan, and certainly no Goku. She always prided her value in life as a good mother and devoted wife. None of that mattered as she looked at the remainders of her drink and finished it-alone.

To Be Continued