Last time:
"I love you Vegeta," she whispered, leaning her head on his shoulder.
"You too woman," he sighed, still grasping her hand. "You too."
*********************************************
Six months had never seemed so long as it did now to the bride-to-be. Days dragged on monotonously, giving way to one drab thing after another. Even seconds seemed to linger much longer than was natural, slowing down time to "Sunday driving" speed. Of course Bulma was very much in love with her groom, her life-long love, Vegeta—they spent most all of their time together, and with Trunks of course, forming great memories—but the wait to finally become a wife; it was almost more than the aqua-haired heiress could bear.
After Krillin and 18's wedding—once everyone was settled and done spinning from the announcement that 18 was pregnant—Bulma announced that her and Vegeta would be getting married, the very next day if they could.
Mrs. Briefs screeched with joy at the idea, but to everyone's complete surprise—and especially Bulma's—it was her airy mother who demanded that a true ceremony be held. She estimated on the spot that a span of six months for engagement would be quite enough and that the wedding arrangements would probably take as long to come full circle anyway.
Dr. Briefs was prepared to go to any eloping site in the world, beaming with joy that his eldest daughter would be married, and to the father of her child no less. It was almost too much emotion for the graying man. But he was also adamant about respecting his wife's wishes, and even he could not guess as to why she'd made such a choice. And no one ever did ask her about it. She was so caught up in the wedding from the moment they left Krillin and 18 at the chapel that she was never still long enough for anyone to pull her into a conversation.
Vegeta seemed torn on the subject, unwilling, though probably unable too, to express his feelings. Kami knows he'd done so much of that in the past few years; he was drained to the point that his old fire seemed to be weakened. This wasn't true, of course, though he didn't show any signs of returning to his normal self. Maybe he felt that he owed Bulma this for all his years of silence and pseudo hatred. But what he didn't know was that she wanted nothing more than to marry the man she feel in love with in her childhood; the arrogant, bossy, ill-tempered boy with such an icy glare he could have frightened Hitler. Not that she didn't love his chaste kisses or the way he stayed with her in bed until she woke each morning, but something told her that these things were not normally in his nature and were only bringing him further from her. She felt he was fading in a way, that the old Vegeta was buried in some unreachable tomb, miles under the earth, and she was too caught up in her emotions to go looking for him. He promised her several times that he was fine, but he probably didn't notice the subtle changes. Maybe she was the only one that did. And maybe she was the only one that could bring him back, not matter how far away he was.
"Bulma," came Vegeta's monotone voice, the only thing it seemed that he retained, though the fact that he called her Bulma set her off again. How long had it been since he'd called her woman? She looked down at him in the bed, his arm draped carelessly over her waist, hair mussed from sleep. She'd been awake for hours. Sleep had become more and more difficult for her in these past few months.
"Hmm?" She smiled as he yawned, tired from a day of chasing Trunks and Gohan in the park. Chi-Chi and Goku were off on a well-deserved vacation to Europe with Chi-Chi's family and Goku's grandfather. Bulma had agreed to watch little Gohan without a second's thought.
"Sleep," he mumbled, his tiredness pulling at him. "You don't sleep anymore."
"I know," she sighed, leaning her head against the padded backboard. With her being an official grown woman now—out of college and making her own living—she'd redone her bedroom in silk and velvet, all navy blue. She still lived with her parents, and Vegeta now, though she figured that would always be the case, because she couldn't imagine ever leaving Capsule Corp., especially when Vegeta had no desire to leave as well. Once she owned the company she would run the household, move into the master bedroom, and pay all the bills, but her parents would still be there, living in the back quarters of the house that were reserved now for guests, but never did they have more than ten guests at one time, the number of guest rooms they had. There was a living room and kitchen and bathroom in the guest quarters as well, which Bulma would probably suggest they cut off from the other guests and give this all to her parents.
"You need to sleep." He'd said more before that, but in her jumbled thoughts, Bulma hadn't heard a word of it. He sat up suddenly, his eyes very focused and quick. "Your father tells me you blackout in the lab. Why aren't you telling me this?"
"Vegeta, I know how much stress you are under right now. You don't have a job, even though you keep looking, and being cooped up here all the time is probably driving you insane. I didn't want to add to that with my silliness. I'll be fine. I just have a lot on my mind lately, that's all. Nothing to worry about."
"My job can wait," he confessed, though she knew he desperately wanted to do his share of earning income. But no job he was qualified for seemed to suit him, and even if he did want to work somewhere, he always managed to scare the bosses into saying no, and always through the mail. It was funny sometimes to Bulma how her fiancée could instill fear in the hearts of rich business men five and six times his age. "If that keeps happening to you, you're going to the doctor."
"I don't need a doctor, Vegeta. I know why I'm not sleeping, and having someone with a PhD isn't going to help the situation. Hell, I have a PhD and I can't even help the situation." (I know four years of college isn't enough for a PhD, but she took all the tests, yadda, yadda, and now she has one.)
"Then what is wrong, if you seem to know?" A little bit of the old Vegeta seemed to flicker for a moment, a part of him that wanted to say, "The hell with this!" and go back to sleep. But maybe it was just the exhaustion that she saw. The contempt in his voice was old too, the way in which he used to speak to everyone, something that he used to put behind his monotone. She didn't know why she wanted that Vegeta back, the one that wouldn't care what she was feeling or if their son was happy or not. But there was just something so wrong about this Vegeta that startled her every time she looked in his eyes. And if she didn't either get to the bottom of it, and begin to accept him as he was, or get the old Vegeta to come back, then she was would go absolutely mad.
"The wedding," she half lied. Of course the wedding was an ever-present numbing feeling, that part was true. "I still cannot believe that my mother wanted to wait six months. How long has it been since Krillin and 18's wedding?"
"Four months."
"Four months," she sighed. "It feels like four years. Did time ever go by so quickly, or was I in a coma all through college?"
"There's something else," he said, giving way to another yawn. "And I know you're deliberately keeping it from me, and it's eating away at you. It's what you're really up thinking about and you can't bring yourself to tell me—"
"Stop right there, I know what you're thinking."
"No, you're thinking that I'm thinking that you're cheating on me or have cheated on me. But you're not smart enough to know that I would never think that. I know you're not some slut, Bulma. I give you more credit than that."
"How do you know for sure that I'm keeping something from you? And if I am, then how do you know that it isn't something silly and foolish that you'd only scoff at?"
"Because I know you better than that." He turned over on his back, eyes focused on the navy blue silk canopy, his arm no longer draped over her waist. She missed the warm of it. "When you refurnished this room to make it more ugly than before—" A glimmer of old Vegeta, but not enough. Come back. Please come back. "—you spent all your time in here, ordering the painters and plasterers and everyone to do exactly what you wanted, even though you knew that they were professionals and you trusted them. You even ripped a brush from someone's hand and started painting yourself."
"And how does that say I'm avoiding you?"
"You messed up the wall and they had to redo it."
"That says nothing," she huffed. "Continue."
"Look, you don't want to tell me. Fine. I won't ask you again about it. But if you blackout one more time I'm personally taking you to the doctor."
"I expect no less."
"And stop it with that, will you?" he sighed, turning away from her. "You're beginning to sound like me."
"At least one of us is." She climbed unceremoniously out of bed and stomped out of the room, ignoring Vegeta as he called for her to come back and explain what she meant.
It was 2:30AM by the microwave clock in the kitchen. Well, she thought, if Krillin and 18 are sleeping then I'm about to wake them up. She grabbed for the phone, halfway through their number, when she hit "off" and set the phone down on the kitchen table. No, she wouldn't bother them. They had enough on their plate with 18's pregnancy and Krillin running back and forth from the club to tend to her. He and 18, and 17, had recently opened a club, with the aid of Yumako and Tamotsu, of course. It was the hottest club around, though it was an hour out of the city, and quite hard to get into. Yumako and Tamotsu had suggested the strict entrance policy for their first investment; otherwise they might find themselves broke and paying off high debts.
Bulma picked up the phone again and dialed Yamcha's old number, though he had since moved away with his wife Kiko, but they still kept in touch quite frequently. The phone rang four times before a tired voice answered. It was Rikyu, she could tell right away. Just who she was looking for.
"Hey," she said. "Sorry to wake you. Aren't you supposed to go back to the US of A soon?"
"Yes," he yawned, knowing it was Bulma and not at all surprised that she was calling so late. "In a few days. We're starting later this year 'cause a big storm knocked some huge trees into some of the buildings on campus. Caused a big mess over there…What's up?"
"Nothing, just can't sleep."
"You never sleep anymore."
"I know. I just need to figure some stuff out."
"I know," he sighed. "Vegeta. It's always Vegeta. What's up with him this time?"
She sighed deeply, glancing over at the picture of herself, Vegeta, and Trunks on the refrigerator. It was taken a few months earlier, when they went to Disney World. It had been a hectic few days, running here and there all over Mickey Mouse's Kingdom. But it was worth it to see her son so happy. Even Vegeta confessed that it wasn't "quite the hell that he had imagined."
After several moments of silence she finally answered.
"He's sweet, he's kind, he's loving, he's a great role model and father to Trunks—"
"And somehow you're still unhappy?" Rikyu ventured. "You want the old Vegeta back."
"Exactly."
"Have you tried talking with him about it? Not to sound rude, but I'm sure the new Vegeta wouldn't mind spilling his heart out to you."
"Did you hear that?"
"Hear what?"
"Nothing. Thought I heard a click. Nevermind. You were saying?"
"Have you tried to ask him what's going on?"
"No," she admitted shamefully. "I've tried so hard to bring him out of his shell that it would be unfair to shove him back in it just because I'm suddenly not comfortable with his softness. You know he's even called Goku Goku a few times. Never used to. Always said that everyone should be called by their first names, not their middle names, even if they hate them."
"He has been very different ever since 18's wedding. Last time I took you out to dinner—what was it? Two weeks ago?—he actually offered me a drink while I waited for you."
"Yeah," she sighed. "He didn't care that I was going out with you, even if it was a five star restaurant and we were practically going on a date. He just nodded and asked me what time I was going to be home when I told him. Didn't bat an eyelash. Either he's really changed, or he's a better actor than I thought."
"It's all for you, I'm sure. He probably realized how Goku and Krillin treated their wives and felt that you wanted no less."
"But I want MY Vegeta!" she practically whined. "I don't care if he never wants to talk about deep stuff, or volunteer to take Trunks to the park. I just want him the way he always was."
"But you like him now, right?"
"I love him, of course. But something just doesn't seem right. I don't want him to be cold and distant and NEVER talk to me, but I can't stand this. He smiles all the time now, not smirks, but smiles. And I can tell that it's awkward for him, but he still does it and everyone else seems to believe that he's truly changed. I don't know what to think."
"Well I've noticed something with him. And I don't think he's changed. I think he's trying to be what he thinks you want. During that year that you two were apart he heard directly from your lips that you wanted to marry someone like me. And I'm the complete opposite of Vegeta. It's possible that with the marriage coming up, he's trying to be that storybook groom. A regular prince or knight in shining armor." He paused for a moment, then added, "I think you should talk to him, soon. I don't like the idea of you marrying someone you're no longer comfortable with."
"Me neither," she sighed. "Are you terribly tired?"
"Where are we going?" he laughed, already slipping his shoes on.
"Brouji Falls. I really need to relax."
*****************************************************************
"Bulma, sweety!" Mrs. Briefs called, her tray of lemonade and ice audible from a mile away. Bulma was in her lab, where she'd been since Rikyu had dropped her off earlier that morning; around 8:00AM. Vegeta had been up when she'd come home, only wanting to know where she'd gone and if she was tired. It was 10:00 now and he and Trunks and Gohan were already outside in the pool, enjoying the last few days before fall was finally upon them. Bulma didn't remember ever going in that pool all summer.
"Oh there you are," her mother sighed, entering her daughter's lab. It had been added onto recently and was twice as big as it was before. Several lab technicians and interns were scattered about the vast sterile room, immediately grabbing up their glass of lemonade that Mrs. Briefs never failed to bring. "You look dreadful. When was the last time you had a good night's sleep? Here, drink this. Pink lemonade for you."
"What else did you put in it?" she asked, suspiciously eyeing the pink liquid. Lately she'd had the habit of slipping sleeping pills into her food, something Bulma would have none of. She wanted her sleep to come naturally.
"Nothing but love dear, I promise. I'm not trying to drug you anymore. You're too clever for me."
Bulma took a large gulp of the deliciously sugary drink then turned back to her computer screen, a jumble of encoded numbers and letters that she read as easily as "Dick and Jane" books.
"Vegeta tells me you're blacking out down here?"
"Does he?" she mumbled, jotting something down. That was another thing that got to her. He never did like her mother, finding her rather annoying, but now he was confiding in her? She wondered how much else he told her.
"Yes and so does your father. And I agree with them both, that you should see a doctor. It's not good for your health to lose all that sleep."
"What else does he tell you?" she snapped, allowing her temper to get the better of her. She hadn't noticed that he clipboard had fallen to the floor or that all the others in the lab were watching the mother and daughter fight. "Does he tell you his deepest, darkest secrets? Do you two swap cooking recipes? Does he give you fashion tips? Do him and dad go fishing on the weekends? Huh, mother? What does Mr. Perfect tell you!"
"Bulma Ouji!" Mrs. Briefs scolded, her eyes glistening. She would cry in a matter of seconds if Bulma's didn't calm herself down. "I don't know what has gotten into you—"
"Into me!" she howled, her stool falling behind her as she stood. "What's gotten into Vegeta? What the hell is wrong with him! Why does he have to wear that stupid fake smile all the time and pretend that he gives a damn about what I have to say!"
"I would have thought you wanted that," her mother sighed, defeated. "That boy has made some amazing changes in himself for you and all you can do is dwell on the fact that he's become nicer than you are lately."
"I don't want a fake husband, mom," she cried, her voice dropping considerably. She was at the end of her ropes, the tiredness starting to weigh on her. "I want the Vegeta I fell in love with. If I wanted some goody-goody I'd have married Rikyu or Yamcha or Izo."
"I understand what you mean dear. I apologize for yelling. But there are some things that you're going to need to know before you marry that boy. That's why I wanted you to wait so long." She took Bulma's hand and pulled her into a warm embrace. "Your father had quite the temper too when we first started dating."
"But dad hardly ever yells."
"Exactly. He's changed over the years and I can't deny that I miss that fire he used to have. He sent a boy to the hospital once for looking at me. He was so angry and in love he didn't know what to do with himself. And then his father knocked something into him, and I still don't know exactly what your grandfather said, but since then he's been as he is now. He still has some of that old spirit in him, but never around you children. But then again, he was never so extreme as your Vegeta. He was an old-fashioned wild child."
"But mom," Bulma whimpered, burying her face in her mother's shoulder. "I don't want Vegeta to be like daddy. I love daddy, but I don't want to marry a man like him. I want my Vegeta. I—"
"I understand dear. I wanted you to see for yourself how things could change once reality showed itself. I had a hunch that Vegeta would sense something and retreat from himself. Who knows, maybe his father gave him a lecture. But I think you need to talk to him yourself. He just came in from the pool and the boys are watching a movie in Trunks' room. Now's your chance."
"But what can I say to him? 'Hey Vegeta, don't be nice to me anymore.' He'd laugh right in my face."
"It'll be strange for him to hear. Probably no one has ever told him to be himself before. It's always been the opposite. Everyone always wanted him to be a 'nicer' person. But I think you need to try, otherwise you can never be truly happy."
"Are you truly happy?"
"Yes dear. I confronted your father about my doubts years ago and things have never been better."
"And you really think that he would listen to me?"
"As he is now, I'm sure of it. The old Vegeta would never admit to this, so now is the right time. I won't let you back away."
"I'm going. I'm going."
****************************************************************
Vegeta sat lazily on the living room couch, the remote loosely in his hand, the TV showing a muted infomercial. He wasn't really watching the screen, and the distant look in his unmoving eyes told Bulma that he was in deep thought. Maybe she should talk to him later. She turned to leave.
"Don't lose your nerve now, Bulma," he said, straightening up in his seat. She walked slowly over to him and sat down. He absently took one of her hands, though she slipped it free and grabbed for a pillow. "Just ask me. I'll tell you the truth."
"I don't doubt that you would. And your willingness tells be so much already. When were you ever so willing with me? With anyone?"
"I had thought you hadn't noticed," he laughed bitterly. There was clearly a conflict going on inside of him. He didn't mask it, though he didn't acknowledge it either. "Ask me."
"Why did you change?" she whimpered. She grabbed up his hand suddenly, allowing the pillow to fall to the floor. "Why aren't you my Vegeta anymore? Why are you willing to love me so openly? What did you do with your shell, you damn hermit crab!"
He laughed loudly at her last comment.
"Tell me!"
"You know the answer. But I'll tell you, since you want it from my lips." He held her eyes for a moment, then something in him faltered and he stood and walked towards the kitchen.
"Where are you going, damn it!" she yelled, to her feet at once. "Get back here and tell me!"
"I don't need to give you what's mine," he countered. She didn't even notice the change as she fired back venomously.
"You're such a jackass! Kami, the simple pleasures I took for granted."
Suddenly his arms were around her and he was kissing her face all over. She melted in his arms and allowed him to sit her on the couch. He sat beside her.
"I don't know why," he confessed. "I do, partly. But right there, that anger you had, when I started to act like my old self, that just doesn't do what it used to. Before I lived for such things. I wanted to fight with you, with everyone. It kept me balanced and sane, but now I just can't hear you raise your voice. I don't understand it, and that's why I changed. That's why I listen now. That's why I can't be a jerk anymore. I see how angry you get when I am, and I'm so confused as to why in Kami's name you would want that person back."
"I want it though," she cried. "I need you back, Vegeta. And I know that I was so angry a moment ago, but for some reason, I want that back too. I can't marry a man I didn't fall in love with."
"Tell me that in two months," he sighed, leaning back on the couch cushions, his brow furrowed. His mind was an intricate maze of thoughts and unreached conclusions. There was something monumental going on in him and there was no way Bulma could find it out. "If you still feel that way, then the wedding's off. Alright?"
She nodded solemnly, surrendering to Vegeta's soft touch and comforting kisses.
In two months she would decide the rest of her life. And though Vegeta was so close, his arms wrapped protectively around her shoulders, he never felt so cold and far away.
"Where are you Vegeta?"
"I'm here," he wanted to say, but all he could do was hold her.
***************************************************************
Tomorrow was it. Tomorrow was the big day. Tomorrow Bulma would decide whether she could endure with the new Vegeta for the rest of her life.
Chi-Chi and 18, and all the rest of her friends, knew the story by now. No one seemed brave enough to utter a word about it to Vegeta, though Bulma knew that Goku was itching to talk with him. Everyone was completely supportive, and though they all wanted Bulma and Vegeta to tie the knot once and for all, there was no way they would try to force her into something she wasn't prepared for.
Mrs. Briefs was insane by now. She never sat down for more than a second and was always on the phone or down at the chapel where the ceremony was to be held. Flowers, the cake, table settings, the band; everything seemed to be ticking off the usually calm woman. Her children, all of who had been home for the past few days, were wise to stay away from her.
Rikyu, Sorai, and all the rest of those who were off at college, took a few days off to attend the wedding. Bulma confided all her fears and doubts in Rikyu once he arrived. She was so tired of talking about the subject. She felt as though she were back to the beginning with Vegeta. Their problems never seemed to go away.
Her sister Jun'ko, who'd recently told her family of her new found sexuality, seemed to be coping well with her love problems. Tomiko was still uneasy around her, and didn't share the same feelings, but Jun'ko understood, and took up blind dating. She'd even been out with a girl who she felt she was really starting to connect with. If not Bulma, then at least someone was finally starting to solve their problems.
"I am literally going to die," Bulma said, falling back on her bed.
"Oh, stop it," 18 sighed, sitting next to her. "I was nervous beyond reason when me and Krillin got married. But look at me. I'm fine now. It's something everyone goes through."
"Yeah," Chi-Chi added. "There's nothing abnormal about it."
"But Vegeta," it was Rikyu who spoke now. "He's not who Bulma needs right now. He's changed. You all know that. It's deeper than marriage tremors."
"I still don't even understand everything!" Sorai complained, glancing at his watch. He wanted to call Natalie, but knew that he couldn't until after the wedding tomorrow. She wasn't waiting for his call, she knew what was going on, but he was dying to hear her voice. "What is so wrong with Vegeta being nice? I mean, isn't he more bearable now? Not that I didn't like the old him, but isn't the new him good too?"
Bulma glanced at the occupants of the room. These four people she chose to be her bridal night party. Vegeta was at 17's house with Krillin, Goku, Nyoko, Roxy, and of course 17.
"It's complicated, Sorai," she finally sighed, turning over on her stomach. "And I still don't know if I can go through with this. Of course I love Vegeta. I always have. I always will. But I don't think I can ever like the man that's going to be at the other end of the alter tomorrow. Do you know what I mean?"
Everyone nodded.
"My mother was right. I did need these six months. I think I could use six more."
"Bulma," Rikyu interjected, taking a seat on the floor in front of her. He grabbed up her hands and held them tight. He'd grown even more gorgeous over the past years. It was amazing how she hadn't fallen in love with him. Love him, of course, but never as she loved Vegeta. "I don't think you could handle that. And neither could he. He's under an immense amount of stress, and I think it's best to just get things over with now. Waiting always makes everything harder. Look at what these six months have done. There's a massive wedge between you and Vegeta; hardly your mother's intensions."
"I know, I know. But it's so hard." She looked around at everyone's faces again, feeling the tension of the room. "Well, what're we waiting for? Go get those margaritas my mom made for us. And someone, for the love of Kami, turn on some music and grab my Twister game."
***********************************************************
The bridal changing room was coated with such a thick layer of tension that the walls ached from the strain and seemed to sag in on the bride as she prepped herself, but for what she still didn't know. Marriage? Or defeat? Her head hadn't stopped spinning since that morning.
She looked radiate, of course, in her immaculate white Versache gown and veil. Both Chi-Chi and 18 had been in to ogle over her, claiming that she was the best of the brides, though she insisted she wasn't and politely asked them to leave her alone until the wedding started.
She was sitting at her vanity now, the same one at 18 had sat at six months earlier, yet the picture seemed all wrong. She starred blankly at her reflection, tears streaming down her eyes and smearing her make-up. She barely noticed the door opening.
"You're not supposed to see the bride before the wedding," she murmured, dabbing her eyes with a silk handkerchief. What a mess she'd made.
"By the looks of it there isn't going to be a wedding," Vegeta said, his voice solemn and hurt. New Vegeta. Bad Vegeta.
"I don't know, ok?" she hissed, unable to restrain her emotions.
Suddenly he burst into laughter, and if he couldn't hold it in any longer. Bulma was dumbstruck and could not bring herself to move her lips and demand what in Kami's name could be so funny. He didn't stop laughing for several minutes, his eyes beginning to tear-up as a result.
"Just tell me," she sighed. "I couldn't possible guess what could be funny at this moment. Or maybe the fear has finally gripped you." He didn't answer, a small chuckle still left in him. "Doesn't it scare you that I could say no to marrying you?"
"I'm terrified, woman. Believe me," he laughed. He wiped his eyes with the back of his sleeve. "But I can't hold it in anymore." He turned to the door and yelled, "Come on. I can't do it. It's too much."
To Bulma's utter shock her mother came through the door, a small smile on her lips.
"Wh—"
"I was in on it," she confessed, though Bulma hardly had a clue as to what.
"I never changed," Vegeta laughed. "And Kami damn it I can act. Six months of being Kakarot is tough."
"What the hell is going on!"
"Look woman, it was my idea. Don't be angry with your mother." He grabbed her arms suddenly and forced her eyes to meet his. "I never changed, but I needed to be one hundred percent such that you wanted me as I was. I've always, always had doubts about that. This was the only way, and Kami was it hard. I nearly laughed myself to death half the time when you were gone."
"You're a bastard," she spat, then fixed her glare on her mother.
"But you love me."
"You think I'll marry you after this!" she screamed, shoving him away. He starred at her a moment, then grabbed her back up, hugging her to him.
"Kami," he groaned. "Don't tell me this!" His fear was as plain as the fear she'd had for the past six months. And now it was her turn to laugh.
"You still have that change in you," she laughed, gently pushing him away so he didn't further mess up her wedding dress. "You still can't bear to be without me, and you don't care who knows it."
"No woman," he said, glaring at her. She'd really given him a start. "That was always there."
He pulled her in for a passionate kiss and finally Bulma felt that burning fire that she'd been craving for so long.
Her lost Vegeta was back. He was finally back.
"Oh Kami," she whimpered, wanting nothing more than to rip off his suit and take him right there. "I love you so much Vegeta."
"I know woman," he sighed. "Now hurry up. I might not want to marry you if you make me wait any longer." And all she could do was laugh.
****************************************************************
"And that's how it happened," Bulma yawned. She glanced at the clock. It was well passed midnight. "Kami, how long have I been talking?"
"Too long," Vegeta groaned as he walked into the living room, his robe open, revealing that he wore only black silk pajama pants. "Don't you have a conference or something tomorrow? And don't they have school?" He pointed to the two eager listeners on either side of Bulma.
"Yes, we have school daddy," came his daughter's innocent voice. "But we couldn't not know what happened after mommy started telling us the story."
"Yeah," came Trunks deep voice, an almost mirror of Vegeta's. He'd grown to quite the strong and handsome man. Sometimes he couldn't keep the girls in his school away. "I always ask you, but you never tell me how you and mom got together."
"It's a boring story," Vegeta yawned. "And now that you've heard it, get to bed."
Trunks groaned, but did as his father told him. Bra, the spitting image of her mother, ran into her father's arms and kissed his cheek once before following her big brother upstairs.
"You love her," Bulma said. "She's your little princess."
"Hmph."
"What'd you come down for? I thought you were sleeping."
"You know damn well that I can't sleep when you're not there. Come on. I have to get some sleep tonight."
"Alright, alright," she sighed, not at all surprised when he scooped her into his arms and carried her away.
"On second thought," he said with a smirk, seeming fully awake now. "I think I can stay awake for a little longer."
"Mmm. You read my mind," she breathed, wrapping her arms around his neck.
She couldn't imagine anyone in the world that was happier than she was. And something told her that Vegeta felt exactly the same.
*********************************************************
---Chapter 24! And I am officially done. I don't know what I mean by officially, but, umm, yeah—All done! Heehee. So, come on! I NEED major feedback on this! The WHOLE story. Tell me EVERYTHING you thought about it. Tel me if the whole thing was good. I have to know. I've been doing this story, and the other one, for so long that it's like a part of me. I can't believe that it's over already. I want to cry : (
REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Reviews=Happy Author)
Note: I really enjoyed writing this fic and I hope you all enjoyed reading it. I'm sad that it's over, but I think I did a fairly good job and I can't wait to start writing something else, which, of course, I am doing. My newest fic, "Green Dragon", will be posted shortly. I'll explain everything about it in a note in the first chapter, but enough about that, more about this fic…I've really gotten so attached to all my characters. I can't believe it's ended, and I hope I didn't leave anything hanging there that was unsolved or whatever. If I did I apologize.
I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!
P.S. I know I'm a moron when it comes to editing. But, to tell the truth, I didn't even edit this chapter. I've been typing it up for the past 3 hours and I never went back to read it. I will, of course. Probably tomorrow or the next day, and if I kind anything then I'm make the changes. So if anyone sees anything, please tell me and make my life easier :P Thanks!
"I love you Vegeta," she whispered, leaning her head on his shoulder.
"You too woman," he sighed, still grasping her hand. "You too."
*********************************************
Six months had never seemed so long as it did now to the bride-to-be. Days dragged on monotonously, giving way to one drab thing after another. Even seconds seemed to linger much longer than was natural, slowing down time to "Sunday driving" speed. Of course Bulma was very much in love with her groom, her life-long love, Vegeta—they spent most all of their time together, and with Trunks of course, forming great memories—but the wait to finally become a wife; it was almost more than the aqua-haired heiress could bear.
After Krillin and 18's wedding—once everyone was settled and done spinning from the announcement that 18 was pregnant—Bulma announced that her and Vegeta would be getting married, the very next day if they could.
Mrs. Briefs screeched with joy at the idea, but to everyone's complete surprise—and especially Bulma's—it was her airy mother who demanded that a true ceremony be held. She estimated on the spot that a span of six months for engagement would be quite enough and that the wedding arrangements would probably take as long to come full circle anyway.
Dr. Briefs was prepared to go to any eloping site in the world, beaming with joy that his eldest daughter would be married, and to the father of her child no less. It was almost too much emotion for the graying man. But he was also adamant about respecting his wife's wishes, and even he could not guess as to why she'd made such a choice. And no one ever did ask her about it. She was so caught up in the wedding from the moment they left Krillin and 18 at the chapel that she was never still long enough for anyone to pull her into a conversation.
Vegeta seemed torn on the subject, unwilling, though probably unable too, to express his feelings. Kami knows he'd done so much of that in the past few years; he was drained to the point that his old fire seemed to be weakened. This wasn't true, of course, though he didn't show any signs of returning to his normal self. Maybe he felt that he owed Bulma this for all his years of silence and pseudo hatred. But what he didn't know was that she wanted nothing more than to marry the man she feel in love with in her childhood; the arrogant, bossy, ill-tempered boy with such an icy glare he could have frightened Hitler. Not that she didn't love his chaste kisses or the way he stayed with her in bed until she woke each morning, but something told her that these things were not normally in his nature and were only bringing him further from her. She felt he was fading in a way, that the old Vegeta was buried in some unreachable tomb, miles under the earth, and she was too caught up in her emotions to go looking for him. He promised her several times that he was fine, but he probably didn't notice the subtle changes. Maybe she was the only one that did. And maybe she was the only one that could bring him back, not matter how far away he was.
"Bulma," came Vegeta's monotone voice, the only thing it seemed that he retained, though the fact that he called her Bulma set her off again. How long had it been since he'd called her woman? She looked down at him in the bed, his arm draped carelessly over her waist, hair mussed from sleep. She'd been awake for hours. Sleep had become more and more difficult for her in these past few months.
"Hmm?" She smiled as he yawned, tired from a day of chasing Trunks and Gohan in the park. Chi-Chi and Goku were off on a well-deserved vacation to Europe with Chi-Chi's family and Goku's grandfather. Bulma had agreed to watch little Gohan without a second's thought.
"Sleep," he mumbled, his tiredness pulling at him. "You don't sleep anymore."
"I know," she sighed, leaning her head against the padded backboard. With her being an official grown woman now—out of college and making her own living—she'd redone her bedroom in silk and velvet, all navy blue. She still lived with her parents, and Vegeta now, though she figured that would always be the case, because she couldn't imagine ever leaving Capsule Corp., especially when Vegeta had no desire to leave as well. Once she owned the company she would run the household, move into the master bedroom, and pay all the bills, but her parents would still be there, living in the back quarters of the house that were reserved now for guests, but never did they have more than ten guests at one time, the number of guest rooms they had. There was a living room and kitchen and bathroom in the guest quarters as well, which Bulma would probably suggest they cut off from the other guests and give this all to her parents.
"You need to sleep." He'd said more before that, but in her jumbled thoughts, Bulma hadn't heard a word of it. He sat up suddenly, his eyes very focused and quick. "Your father tells me you blackout in the lab. Why aren't you telling me this?"
"Vegeta, I know how much stress you are under right now. You don't have a job, even though you keep looking, and being cooped up here all the time is probably driving you insane. I didn't want to add to that with my silliness. I'll be fine. I just have a lot on my mind lately, that's all. Nothing to worry about."
"My job can wait," he confessed, though she knew he desperately wanted to do his share of earning income. But no job he was qualified for seemed to suit him, and even if he did want to work somewhere, he always managed to scare the bosses into saying no, and always through the mail. It was funny sometimes to Bulma how her fiancée could instill fear in the hearts of rich business men five and six times his age. "If that keeps happening to you, you're going to the doctor."
"I don't need a doctor, Vegeta. I know why I'm not sleeping, and having someone with a PhD isn't going to help the situation. Hell, I have a PhD and I can't even help the situation." (I know four years of college isn't enough for a PhD, but she took all the tests, yadda, yadda, and now she has one.)
"Then what is wrong, if you seem to know?" A little bit of the old Vegeta seemed to flicker for a moment, a part of him that wanted to say, "The hell with this!" and go back to sleep. But maybe it was just the exhaustion that she saw. The contempt in his voice was old too, the way in which he used to speak to everyone, something that he used to put behind his monotone. She didn't know why she wanted that Vegeta back, the one that wouldn't care what she was feeling or if their son was happy or not. But there was just something so wrong about this Vegeta that startled her every time she looked in his eyes. And if she didn't either get to the bottom of it, and begin to accept him as he was, or get the old Vegeta to come back, then she was would go absolutely mad.
"The wedding," she half lied. Of course the wedding was an ever-present numbing feeling, that part was true. "I still cannot believe that my mother wanted to wait six months. How long has it been since Krillin and 18's wedding?"
"Four months."
"Four months," she sighed. "It feels like four years. Did time ever go by so quickly, or was I in a coma all through college?"
"There's something else," he said, giving way to another yawn. "And I know you're deliberately keeping it from me, and it's eating away at you. It's what you're really up thinking about and you can't bring yourself to tell me—"
"Stop right there, I know what you're thinking."
"No, you're thinking that I'm thinking that you're cheating on me or have cheated on me. But you're not smart enough to know that I would never think that. I know you're not some slut, Bulma. I give you more credit than that."
"How do you know for sure that I'm keeping something from you? And if I am, then how do you know that it isn't something silly and foolish that you'd only scoff at?"
"Because I know you better than that." He turned over on his back, eyes focused on the navy blue silk canopy, his arm no longer draped over her waist. She missed the warm of it. "When you refurnished this room to make it more ugly than before—" A glimmer of old Vegeta, but not enough. Come back. Please come back. "—you spent all your time in here, ordering the painters and plasterers and everyone to do exactly what you wanted, even though you knew that they were professionals and you trusted them. You even ripped a brush from someone's hand and started painting yourself."
"And how does that say I'm avoiding you?"
"You messed up the wall and they had to redo it."
"That says nothing," she huffed. "Continue."
"Look, you don't want to tell me. Fine. I won't ask you again about it. But if you blackout one more time I'm personally taking you to the doctor."
"I expect no less."
"And stop it with that, will you?" he sighed, turning away from her. "You're beginning to sound like me."
"At least one of us is." She climbed unceremoniously out of bed and stomped out of the room, ignoring Vegeta as he called for her to come back and explain what she meant.
It was 2:30AM by the microwave clock in the kitchen. Well, she thought, if Krillin and 18 are sleeping then I'm about to wake them up. She grabbed for the phone, halfway through their number, when she hit "off" and set the phone down on the kitchen table. No, she wouldn't bother them. They had enough on their plate with 18's pregnancy and Krillin running back and forth from the club to tend to her. He and 18, and 17, had recently opened a club, with the aid of Yumako and Tamotsu, of course. It was the hottest club around, though it was an hour out of the city, and quite hard to get into. Yumako and Tamotsu had suggested the strict entrance policy for their first investment; otherwise they might find themselves broke and paying off high debts.
Bulma picked up the phone again and dialed Yamcha's old number, though he had since moved away with his wife Kiko, but they still kept in touch quite frequently. The phone rang four times before a tired voice answered. It was Rikyu, she could tell right away. Just who she was looking for.
"Hey," she said. "Sorry to wake you. Aren't you supposed to go back to the US of A soon?"
"Yes," he yawned, knowing it was Bulma and not at all surprised that she was calling so late. "In a few days. We're starting later this year 'cause a big storm knocked some huge trees into some of the buildings on campus. Caused a big mess over there…What's up?"
"Nothing, just can't sleep."
"You never sleep anymore."
"I know. I just need to figure some stuff out."
"I know," he sighed. "Vegeta. It's always Vegeta. What's up with him this time?"
She sighed deeply, glancing over at the picture of herself, Vegeta, and Trunks on the refrigerator. It was taken a few months earlier, when they went to Disney World. It had been a hectic few days, running here and there all over Mickey Mouse's Kingdom. But it was worth it to see her son so happy. Even Vegeta confessed that it wasn't "quite the hell that he had imagined."
After several moments of silence she finally answered.
"He's sweet, he's kind, he's loving, he's a great role model and father to Trunks—"
"And somehow you're still unhappy?" Rikyu ventured. "You want the old Vegeta back."
"Exactly."
"Have you tried talking with him about it? Not to sound rude, but I'm sure the new Vegeta wouldn't mind spilling his heart out to you."
"Did you hear that?"
"Hear what?"
"Nothing. Thought I heard a click. Nevermind. You were saying?"
"Have you tried to ask him what's going on?"
"No," she admitted shamefully. "I've tried so hard to bring him out of his shell that it would be unfair to shove him back in it just because I'm suddenly not comfortable with his softness. You know he's even called Goku Goku a few times. Never used to. Always said that everyone should be called by their first names, not their middle names, even if they hate them."
"He has been very different ever since 18's wedding. Last time I took you out to dinner—what was it? Two weeks ago?—he actually offered me a drink while I waited for you."
"Yeah," she sighed. "He didn't care that I was going out with you, even if it was a five star restaurant and we were practically going on a date. He just nodded and asked me what time I was going to be home when I told him. Didn't bat an eyelash. Either he's really changed, or he's a better actor than I thought."
"It's all for you, I'm sure. He probably realized how Goku and Krillin treated their wives and felt that you wanted no less."
"But I want MY Vegeta!" she practically whined. "I don't care if he never wants to talk about deep stuff, or volunteer to take Trunks to the park. I just want him the way he always was."
"But you like him now, right?"
"I love him, of course. But something just doesn't seem right. I don't want him to be cold and distant and NEVER talk to me, but I can't stand this. He smiles all the time now, not smirks, but smiles. And I can tell that it's awkward for him, but he still does it and everyone else seems to believe that he's truly changed. I don't know what to think."
"Well I've noticed something with him. And I don't think he's changed. I think he's trying to be what he thinks you want. During that year that you two were apart he heard directly from your lips that you wanted to marry someone like me. And I'm the complete opposite of Vegeta. It's possible that with the marriage coming up, he's trying to be that storybook groom. A regular prince or knight in shining armor." He paused for a moment, then added, "I think you should talk to him, soon. I don't like the idea of you marrying someone you're no longer comfortable with."
"Me neither," she sighed. "Are you terribly tired?"
"Where are we going?" he laughed, already slipping his shoes on.
"Brouji Falls. I really need to relax."
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"Bulma, sweety!" Mrs. Briefs called, her tray of lemonade and ice audible from a mile away. Bulma was in her lab, where she'd been since Rikyu had dropped her off earlier that morning; around 8:00AM. Vegeta had been up when she'd come home, only wanting to know where she'd gone and if she was tired. It was 10:00 now and he and Trunks and Gohan were already outside in the pool, enjoying the last few days before fall was finally upon them. Bulma didn't remember ever going in that pool all summer.
"Oh there you are," her mother sighed, entering her daughter's lab. It had been added onto recently and was twice as big as it was before. Several lab technicians and interns were scattered about the vast sterile room, immediately grabbing up their glass of lemonade that Mrs. Briefs never failed to bring. "You look dreadful. When was the last time you had a good night's sleep? Here, drink this. Pink lemonade for you."
"What else did you put in it?" she asked, suspiciously eyeing the pink liquid. Lately she'd had the habit of slipping sleeping pills into her food, something Bulma would have none of. She wanted her sleep to come naturally.
"Nothing but love dear, I promise. I'm not trying to drug you anymore. You're too clever for me."
Bulma took a large gulp of the deliciously sugary drink then turned back to her computer screen, a jumble of encoded numbers and letters that she read as easily as "Dick and Jane" books.
"Vegeta tells me you're blacking out down here?"
"Does he?" she mumbled, jotting something down. That was another thing that got to her. He never did like her mother, finding her rather annoying, but now he was confiding in her? She wondered how much else he told her.
"Yes and so does your father. And I agree with them both, that you should see a doctor. It's not good for your health to lose all that sleep."
"What else does he tell you?" she snapped, allowing her temper to get the better of her. She hadn't noticed that he clipboard had fallen to the floor or that all the others in the lab were watching the mother and daughter fight. "Does he tell you his deepest, darkest secrets? Do you two swap cooking recipes? Does he give you fashion tips? Do him and dad go fishing on the weekends? Huh, mother? What does Mr. Perfect tell you!"
"Bulma Ouji!" Mrs. Briefs scolded, her eyes glistening. She would cry in a matter of seconds if Bulma's didn't calm herself down. "I don't know what has gotten into you—"
"Into me!" she howled, her stool falling behind her as she stood. "What's gotten into Vegeta? What the hell is wrong with him! Why does he have to wear that stupid fake smile all the time and pretend that he gives a damn about what I have to say!"
"I would have thought you wanted that," her mother sighed, defeated. "That boy has made some amazing changes in himself for you and all you can do is dwell on the fact that he's become nicer than you are lately."
"I don't want a fake husband, mom," she cried, her voice dropping considerably. She was at the end of her ropes, the tiredness starting to weigh on her. "I want the Vegeta I fell in love with. If I wanted some goody-goody I'd have married Rikyu or Yamcha or Izo."
"I understand what you mean dear. I apologize for yelling. But there are some things that you're going to need to know before you marry that boy. That's why I wanted you to wait so long." She took Bulma's hand and pulled her into a warm embrace. "Your father had quite the temper too when we first started dating."
"But dad hardly ever yells."
"Exactly. He's changed over the years and I can't deny that I miss that fire he used to have. He sent a boy to the hospital once for looking at me. He was so angry and in love he didn't know what to do with himself. And then his father knocked something into him, and I still don't know exactly what your grandfather said, but since then he's been as he is now. He still has some of that old spirit in him, but never around you children. But then again, he was never so extreme as your Vegeta. He was an old-fashioned wild child."
"But mom," Bulma whimpered, burying her face in her mother's shoulder. "I don't want Vegeta to be like daddy. I love daddy, but I don't want to marry a man like him. I want my Vegeta. I—"
"I understand dear. I wanted you to see for yourself how things could change once reality showed itself. I had a hunch that Vegeta would sense something and retreat from himself. Who knows, maybe his father gave him a lecture. But I think you need to talk to him yourself. He just came in from the pool and the boys are watching a movie in Trunks' room. Now's your chance."
"But what can I say to him? 'Hey Vegeta, don't be nice to me anymore.' He'd laugh right in my face."
"It'll be strange for him to hear. Probably no one has ever told him to be himself before. It's always been the opposite. Everyone always wanted him to be a 'nicer' person. But I think you need to try, otherwise you can never be truly happy."
"Are you truly happy?"
"Yes dear. I confronted your father about my doubts years ago and things have never been better."
"And you really think that he would listen to me?"
"As he is now, I'm sure of it. The old Vegeta would never admit to this, so now is the right time. I won't let you back away."
"I'm going. I'm going."
****************************************************************
Vegeta sat lazily on the living room couch, the remote loosely in his hand, the TV showing a muted infomercial. He wasn't really watching the screen, and the distant look in his unmoving eyes told Bulma that he was in deep thought. Maybe she should talk to him later. She turned to leave.
"Don't lose your nerve now, Bulma," he said, straightening up in his seat. She walked slowly over to him and sat down. He absently took one of her hands, though she slipped it free and grabbed for a pillow. "Just ask me. I'll tell you the truth."
"I don't doubt that you would. And your willingness tells be so much already. When were you ever so willing with me? With anyone?"
"I had thought you hadn't noticed," he laughed bitterly. There was clearly a conflict going on inside of him. He didn't mask it, though he didn't acknowledge it either. "Ask me."
"Why did you change?" she whimpered. She grabbed up his hand suddenly, allowing the pillow to fall to the floor. "Why aren't you my Vegeta anymore? Why are you willing to love me so openly? What did you do with your shell, you damn hermit crab!"
He laughed loudly at her last comment.
"Tell me!"
"You know the answer. But I'll tell you, since you want it from my lips." He held her eyes for a moment, then something in him faltered and he stood and walked towards the kitchen.
"Where are you going, damn it!" she yelled, to her feet at once. "Get back here and tell me!"
"I don't need to give you what's mine," he countered. She didn't even notice the change as she fired back venomously.
"You're such a jackass! Kami, the simple pleasures I took for granted."
Suddenly his arms were around her and he was kissing her face all over. She melted in his arms and allowed him to sit her on the couch. He sat beside her.
"I don't know why," he confessed. "I do, partly. But right there, that anger you had, when I started to act like my old self, that just doesn't do what it used to. Before I lived for such things. I wanted to fight with you, with everyone. It kept me balanced and sane, but now I just can't hear you raise your voice. I don't understand it, and that's why I changed. That's why I listen now. That's why I can't be a jerk anymore. I see how angry you get when I am, and I'm so confused as to why in Kami's name you would want that person back."
"I want it though," she cried. "I need you back, Vegeta. And I know that I was so angry a moment ago, but for some reason, I want that back too. I can't marry a man I didn't fall in love with."
"Tell me that in two months," he sighed, leaning back on the couch cushions, his brow furrowed. His mind was an intricate maze of thoughts and unreached conclusions. There was something monumental going on in him and there was no way Bulma could find it out. "If you still feel that way, then the wedding's off. Alright?"
She nodded solemnly, surrendering to Vegeta's soft touch and comforting kisses.
In two months she would decide the rest of her life. And though Vegeta was so close, his arms wrapped protectively around her shoulders, he never felt so cold and far away.
"Where are you Vegeta?"
"I'm here," he wanted to say, but all he could do was hold her.
***************************************************************
Tomorrow was it. Tomorrow was the big day. Tomorrow Bulma would decide whether she could endure with the new Vegeta for the rest of her life.
Chi-Chi and 18, and all the rest of her friends, knew the story by now. No one seemed brave enough to utter a word about it to Vegeta, though Bulma knew that Goku was itching to talk with him. Everyone was completely supportive, and though they all wanted Bulma and Vegeta to tie the knot once and for all, there was no way they would try to force her into something she wasn't prepared for.
Mrs. Briefs was insane by now. She never sat down for more than a second and was always on the phone or down at the chapel where the ceremony was to be held. Flowers, the cake, table settings, the band; everything seemed to be ticking off the usually calm woman. Her children, all of who had been home for the past few days, were wise to stay away from her.
Rikyu, Sorai, and all the rest of those who were off at college, took a few days off to attend the wedding. Bulma confided all her fears and doubts in Rikyu once he arrived. She was so tired of talking about the subject. She felt as though she were back to the beginning with Vegeta. Their problems never seemed to go away.
Her sister Jun'ko, who'd recently told her family of her new found sexuality, seemed to be coping well with her love problems. Tomiko was still uneasy around her, and didn't share the same feelings, but Jun'ko understood, and took up blind dating. She'd even been out with a girl who she felt she was really starting to connect with. If not Bulma, then at least someone was finally starting to solve their problems.
"I am literally going to die," Bulma said, falling back on her bed.
"Oh, stop it," 18 sighed, sitting next to her. "I was nervous beyond reason when me and Krillin got married. But look at me. I'm fine now. It's something everyone goes through."
"Yeah," Chi-Chi added. "There's nothing abnormal about it."
"But Vegeta," it was Rikyu who spoke now. "He's not who Bulma needs right now. He's changed. You all know that. It's deeper than marriage tremors."
"I still don't even understand everything!" Sorai complained, glancing at his watch. He wanted to call Natalie, but knew that he couldn't until after the wedding tomorrow. She wasn't waiting for his call, she knew what was going on, but he was dying to hear her voice. "What is so wrong with Vegeta being nice? I mean, isn't he more bearable now? Not that I didn't like the old him, but isn't the new him good too?"
Bulma glanced at the occupants of the room. These four people she chose to be her bridal night party. Vegeta was at 17's house with Krillin, Goku, Nyoko, Roxy, and of course 17.
"It's complicated, Sorai," she finally sighed, turning over on her stomach. "And I still don't know if I can go through with this. Of course I love Vegeta. I always have. I always will. But I don't think I can ever like the man that's going to be at the other end of the alter tomorrow. Do you know what I mean?"
Everyone nodded.
"My mother was right. I did need these six months. I think I could use six more."
"Bulma," Rikyu interjected, taking a seat on the floor in front of her. He grabbed up her hands and held them tight. He'd grown even more gorgeous over the past years. It was amazing how she hadn't fallen in love with him. Love him, of course, but never as she loved Vegeta. "I don't think you could handle that. And neither could he. He's under an immense amount of stress, and I think it's best to just get things over with now. Waiting always makes everything harder. Look at what these six months have done. There's a massive wedge between you and Vegeta; hardly your mother's intensions."
"I know, I know. But it's so hard." She looked around at everyone's faces again, feeling the tension of the room. "Well, what're we waiting for? Go get those margaritas my mom made for us. And someone, for the love of Kami, turn on some music and grab my Twister game."
***********************************************************
The bridal changing room was coated with such a thick layer of tension that the walls ached from the strain and seemed to sag in on the bride as she prepped herself, but for what she still didn't know. Marriage? Or defeat? Her head hadn't stopped spinning since that morning.
She looked radiate, of course, in her immaculate white Versache gown and veil. Both Chi-Chi and 18 had been in to ogle over her, claiming that she was the best of the brides, though she insisted she wasn't and politely asked them to leave her alone until the wedding started.
She was sitting at her vanity now, the same one at 18 had sat at six months earlier, yet the picture seemed all wrong. She starred blankly at her reflection, tears streaming down her eyes and smearing her make-up. She barely noticed the door opening.
"You're not supposed to see the bride before the wedding," she murmured, dabbing her eyes with a silk handkerchief. What a mess she'd made.
"By the looks of it there isn't going to be a wedding," Vegeta said, his voice solemn and hurt. New Vegeta. Bad Vegeta.
"I don't know, ok?" she hissed, unable to restrain her emotions.
Suddenly he burst into laughter, and if he couldn't hold it in any longer. Bulma was dumbstruck and could not bring herself to move her lips and demand what in Kami's name could be so funny. He didn't stop laughing for several minutes, his eyes beginning to tear-up as a result.
"Just tell me," she sighed. "I couldn't possible guess what could be funny at this moment. Or maybe the fear has finally gripped you." He didn't answer, a small chuckle still left in him. "Doesn't it scare you that I could say no to marrying you?"
"I'm terrified, woman. Believe me," he laughed. He wiped his eyes with the back of his sleeve. "But I can't hold it in anymore." He turned to the door and yelled, "Come on. I can't do it. It's too much."
To Bulma's utter shock her mother came through the door, a small smile on her lips.
"Wh—"
"I was in on it," she confessed, though Bulma hardly had a clue as to what.
"I never changed," Vegeta laughed. "And Kami damn it I can act. Six months of being Kakarot is tough."
"What the hell is going on!"
"Look woman, it was my idea. Don't be angry with your mother." He grabbed her arms suddenly and forced her eyes to meet his. "I never changed, but I needed to be one hundred percent such that you wanted me as I was. I've always, always had doubts about that. This was the only way, and Kami was it hard. I nearly laughed myself to death half the time when you were gone."
"You're a bastard," she spat, then fixed her glare on her mother.
"But you love me."
"You think I'll marry you after this!" she screamed, shoving him away. He starred at her a moment, then grabbed her back up, hugging her to him.
"Kami," he groaned. "Don't tell me this!" His fear was as plain as the fear she'd had for the past six months. And now it was her turn to laugh.
"You still have that change in you," she laughed, gently pushing him away so he didn't further mess up her wedding dress. "You still can't bear to be without me, and you don't care who knows it."
"No woman," he said, glaring at her. She'd really given him a start. "That was always there."
He pulled her in for a passionate kiss and finally Bulma felt that burning fire that she'd been craving for so long.
Her lost Vegeta was back. He was finally back.
"Oh Kami," she whimpered, wanting nothing more than to rip off his suit and take him right there. "I love you so much Vegeta."
"I know woman," he sighed. "Now hurry up. I might not want to marry you if you make me wait any longer." And all she could do was laugh.
****************************************************************
"And that's how it happened," Bulma yawned. She glanced at the clock. It was well passed midnight. "Kami, how long have I been talking?"
"Too long," Vegeta groaned as he walked into the living room, his robe open, revealing that he wore only black silk pajama pants. "Don't you have a conference or something tomorrow? And don't they have school?" He pointed to the two eager listeners on either side of Bulma.
"Yes, we have school daddy," came his daughter's innocent voice. "But we couldn't not know what happened after mommy started telling us the story."
"Yeah," came Trunks deep voice, an almost mirror of Vegeta's. He'd grown to quite the strong and handsome man. Sometimes he couldn't keep the girls in his school away. "I always ask you, but you never tell me how you and mom got together."
"It's a boring story," Vegeta yawned. "And now that you've heard it, get to bed."
Trunks groaned, but did as his father told him. Bra, the spitting image of her mother, ran into her father's arms and kissed his cheek once before following her big brother upstairs.
"You love her," Bulma said. "She's your little princess."
"Hmph."
"What'd you come down for? I thought you were sleeping."
"You know damn well that I can't sleep when you're not there. Come on. I have to get some sleep tonight."
"Alright, alright," she sighed, not at all surprised when he scooped her into his arms and carried her away.
"On second thought," he said with a smirk, seeming fully awake now. "I think I can stay awake for a little longer."
"Mmm. You read my mind," she breathed, wrapping her arms around his neck.
She couldn't imagine anyone in the world that was happier than she was. And something told her that Vegeta felt exactly the same.
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---Chapter 24! And I am officially done. I don't know what I mean by officially, but, umm, yeah—All done! Heehee. So, come on! I NEED major feedback on this! The WHOLE story. Tell me EVERYTHING you thought about it. Tel me if the whole thing was good. I have to know. I've been doing this story, and the other one, for so long that it's like a part of me. I can't believe that it's over already. I want to cry : (
REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Reviews=Happy Author)
Note: I really enjoyed writing this fic and I hope you all enjoyed reading it. I'm sad that it's over, but I think I did a fairly good job and I can't wait to start writing something else, which, of course, I am doing. My newest fic, "Green Dragon", will be posted shortly. I'll explain everything about it in a note in the first chapter, but enough about that, more about this fic…I've really gotten so attached to all my characters. I can't believe it's ended, and I hope I didn't leave anything hanging there that was unsolved or whatever. If I did I apologize.
I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!
P.S. I know I'm a moron when it comes to editing. But, to tell the truth, I didn't even edit this chapter. I've been typing it up for the past 3 hours and I never went back to read it. I will, of course. Probably tomorrow or the next day, and if I kind anything then I'm make the changes. So if anyone sees anything, please tell me and make my life easier :P Thanks!