A/N: I want to give thanks to those who reviewed. I really appreciate your support! I realized here lately that this story is going to be very, very long considering I haven't even begun to cover the main episodes of this story so bare with me.

Exhale
Chapter 2: Les Lumieres
SeverelyAlone

I slowly made my way over to the balcony overlooking the foyer. I could vaguely hear Goten and Paris talking with my mother downstairs in the living room. I wonder what they're talking about.. I loudly walked down the stairs gripping the cold rail along the way. I wanted to make my approaching presence known just in case I had been made the topic of their conversation for the night.

I ran my fingers through my soft azure hair as I reached the bottom of the stairs. I began to feel a little sick to my stomach almost like I was nervous. Now why should I be nervous?, I thought. It's not like I haven't done this before. I glanced into the living room and saw that my mother, Goten, and Paris were just getting up from the sofa.

"Well, look who decided to join us," my mother said. I gave her a slight smile and she knew why I was feeling a little down. My mother and I had a close relationship so it was no surprise that she could read me like a book. I talked to her about everything, including the certain demi-saiyan standing right in front of her. Kami, my mother could write my entire biography for me if she wanted to. I looked up to her greatly and she knew it.

"Hey, B! You ready to go?" Goten asked.

"Yea, sure." I said flashing my pearly whites. Ready as I'll ever be.

"Great! Let's head out then," said Goten as he reached over and took Paris's hand in his. I scowled, but it went unnoticed luckily.

Goten and Paris led the way to the front door while I somewhat lingered behind them like a lost puppy. Goten seemed to be quite fond of both Paris and I so I knew I would not be made a third wheel for the night, however, only one of us had his heart which made me realize, in reality, I was the third wheel. The person who held his heart was the one that really mattered. I only wish I could have his heart one day.

My mother opened the door for us as she was about to say her goodbyes. "Now you better behave while you're out sweetie," said my overprotective mother. I sent her a frustrating expression.

Goten laughed as he said, "Ah, you don't have to worry Bulma. She's in good hands." He threw his arm over my shoulder for a little encouragement.

I cringed as I heard him say that. Even though I was almost an adult now, everyone seemed to treat me like I was still a child. I knew they didn't mean anything by it. They were just looking out for me after all.

"I'll be fine Mom. Don't worry," I said while reassuring her with a smile.

"Alright, just be back by midnight. You don't want your father to flip."

Goten lightly removed his arm from my shoulder at the mention of my father. He knew my father would have his neck if I was not home by the stroke of midnight. Goten accepted my mother's request with a nod and returned his attention to Paris.

I watched as the two love birds walked happily out the front door hand-in-hand. As I watched him walk outside, he turned around and gave me a gesture to do the same. I nodded.

I turned around to acknowledge my mother. "I'll be home by midnight," I said as I hugged her goodbye. "Don't wait up." I caught a nod from her as I pulled the door shut behind me. She quickly stopped the door as I was about to shut it. I worriedly turned around to see her holding the door open.

She scowled and let out a sigh, "Try not to let it get to you, alright?"

I glanced downward at my shoes and stood there for moment with my hand still holding on to the icy door knob. I wasn't exactly sure how to respond to that. I wasn't expecting it. I took in a deep breath and exhaled loudly.

I looked back up at my mother and stared into her eyes, "I'll try," I said. I'll try. She removed her hand, and I slowly shut the door.

I looked up and saw that Goten and Paris were waiting by his car as I uncomfortably made my way over to them. It looked like they were having an important conversation. I hope I'm not about to interrupt anything, I thought.

Darkness had already set as the stars were shining ever so brightly in the sky. It was absolutely freezing out here since it was November after all. I should have threw on a warmer coat. I'm going to freeze by the time this night's over with.

oOoOoOo

I gently took Paris's hand in mine and silently led our way out the front door of Capsule Corp. I knew Bra would want to have a few words with her mother before taking off so I unknowingly offered them their privacy. I turned around to give Bra a heads up that we would be waiting for her. She nodded in agreement.

Paris and I made our way over to my car and we stood there in silence until I decided to break it.

I wrapped my arms around Paris's waist as I drew her close to me to keep warm. "So, baby, are you excited about next weekend?" I asked eagerly.

"Look Goten, about next weekend," she started as she withdrew out of my arms. Oh, no, I thought. She can't seriously be bailing on me. Can she? She paused for a moment and became slightly uncomfortable. I kept my focus on her waiting to hear the excuse I knew was coming. "I'm really sorry, baby, but I won't be able to make it. Work calls…"

I sighed and became slightly upset. "Paris, you know how long we've had this planned. Can't you ask them for one weekend off?" my voice began to trail off, "I've already made reservations and everything."

"I did, baby. I tried my best to avoid having to work, you know that," she reached up and brushed her hand along my face. "I'm really sorry, Goten," she said apologetically. She looked down and adverted her gaze. It seemed like lately she was always working, and I hardly got to see her anymore. I only wondered if this is what it would be like if we decided to get married.

"What about the reservations, Paris? They're already paid for. I can't just forget about them," I said hoping she would change her mind.

"Well, you could always take Bra. I'm sure she would love to go," she said with no hesitation.

I was about to continue with our conversation when I caught a glimpse of Bra in the corner of my eye. She was on her way over. I didn't want to ruin the night so I did my best to force a smile.

oOoOoOo

Goten looked up at me as he noticed I was heading over. I could tell something was wrong by the way his facial expression dramatically changed from a scowl to a smile. Something was definitely up.

"Hey B," he said while trying to force a smile, "Let's get going."

I made a note-to-self to be sure and ask him what was up when Paris wasn't around. I walked around to the passenger side of his car as Paris opened the door. I quickly crawled into the backseat and sat next to the window. I fidgeted with the seatbelt as I tried to make myself more comfortable while trying to remain relaxed. Thoughts began to wonder through my head as I tried to figure out what was going on between Pairs and Goten before I had shown up. My guess was that it wasn't anything serious because it did not seem to be bothering either one of them anymore.

I wonder what is going on with him. It's probably nothing, I reassured myselfI studied his face in the rearview mirror as we began to take off from the Capsule Corp driveway. I suppose he had sensed me staring at him and he immediately caught me staring. He smiled a real smile. I could tell he wasn't forcing it this time. I sighed, if only you knew.

There was an awkward silence filling the atmosphere as we all just sat there not really acknowledging each other's company. I was becoming slightly agitated as the silence didn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. The first thought that came to mind was that Paris was annoyed because I had came, but then again, Goten had told me she had agreed with me coming in the first place. It didn't really matter what was wrong, I needed to break this uneasy silence.

"So, where are we going tonight Goten?" I asked with a little uncertainty in my voice.

"I'm taking both of you out to this new restaurant called Les Lumieres," he stated.

"Wow, it sure does sound nice," I said with a smile, "expensive too."

He looked at me in his rearview mirror, "Yea, you both are going to love this place! Trunks and I came out to eat here last weekend. The food is absolutely amazing!"

I saw Goten's hand reach over as he took Paris's hand in his and gave it a light squeeze. She looked over at him and gave him an encouraging smile. They always look so in love. I could feel tears beginning to sting my eyes so I immediately recollected myself. I leaned my head back against the headrest as I stared out the window. The stars were twinkling so beautifully. I had almost wished I would have stayed home tonight. This night would have made for some killer astrophotography, I thought.

Goten turned up the radio in an attempt to drown out the overwhelming silence, and it did just that. I continued to stare out the window and daydream as I waited for our arrival at Les Lumieres. I wasn't expecting the car ride to be so short, and before I knew it we were already there. I realized not one of us had really uttered a word since we had left my house. This night is going to be exciting, I thought sarcastically.

Paris attempted to open the door as Goten laid his hand on her arm. She turned around to face him and he smiled.

"Wait, I'll get it," he said.

He opened his car door and hopped out. He walked around the front of the car while Paris and I watched from the interior. He gripped the car handle and gently opened the door. I watched as he reached his hand out to Paris offering to help her out. She greatly accepted his offer as she firmly took his hand. I glanced down at the floor of his car and grabbed my purse.

"Thank you, Goten," I heard Paris say as I looked up. She gave him a tender kiss. I reached for the handle on the side of the seat to scoot it up. Goten's eyes adverted down to me as I clumsily tried to pry myself from the backseat with little effort. He pulled away from Paris's kiss and quickly came to my aid.

"Here you go, B," he offered his hand to me and I lightly took it in mine. I could feel his gaze staring at me as I tried not to focus on him. I stepped up onto my feet and readjusted my purse hanging from my shoulder. I looked at Paris and she smiled as I tried to fix my hair that had gotten tangled in the seat belt on my way out of the car. I ran my fingers through my hair as I pulled it over the front of my shoulders.

"Thanks, Goten," I said appreciatively, "You didn't have to-"

"Oh, don't worry about it, Bra," he said. He playfully punched me in the arm as we began to make our way to the entrance of Les Lumieres. I saw a couple walk inside and noticed that they were dressed up in fancy clothing which only made me feel like an idiot for not getting more dressed up in the first place.

"I feel a bit underdressed for this place," I stated.

"Yea, that's what I thought when Trunks and I came here last weekend, but there is supposedly an upper floor where all the rich people go to wine and dine. Other than that, it's all casual."

"Oh, okay," I felt relieved as we made our way through the double doors. I saw that most of the people were indeed dressed casually.

"Wow, Goten. This place is beautiful," I heard Paris say slightly above a whisper.

She was right. Les Lumieres was absolutely astonishing. I began to look around the restaurant as I gawked at the sight of its tranquility. The restaurant was split up into several different sections and each room was dimly lit. There were candles placed neatly at every table which gave the place a romantic atmosphere. The whole room had a night theme to it that still managed to make you feel relaxed. I looked up to see that the ceiling was painted a deep black and had several miniature lights that magnificently resembled the effect of stars. Wow!, I thought. Les Lumieres was by far the most beautiful restaurant I had ever stepped foot in. Damn, I can only imagine what the food tastes like.

oOoOoOo

I looked over and noticed Bra was gazing at her beautiful surroundings as I tried hopelessly to regain her attention.

"Bra," I said quietly. Nothing.. "Hello, Bra, you there?" Still nothing.. I felt Paris lay her hand on my arm as she smiled up at me. She giggled as she saw what I was trying to do. Bra had seemed to get lost in her thoughts a lot lately. "Bra, earth to Bra," she finally broke out of her trance as I began to wave my hand frantically in front of her face.

"Oh, sorry, Goten! I wasn't paying attention," she said embarrassingly. I noticed her cheeks turn slightly pink. She's blushing, how cute. I smiled at her, "It's alright, aren't you ready to eat?"

"Yeah, I sure am," she said while regaining her normal composure.

We patiently waited for the hostess to return from her previous task. I looked down and laid my hand upon my stomach as I heard it growl. Man, I'm starving. I looked up as I noticed the hostess had already returned to her workstation.

"Party of three, sir?" asked the hostess as she reached for the menus and silverware.

"Yes, ma'am." I said while giving her a nod.

"Ok then, follow me," she said.

We began trailing through the beautifully furnished room, shuffling between the many tables and chairs as we finally made our way over to our table for the night. I could not help but gaze around at this amazing place. It wasn't exactly something you could get use to right away. It was purely stunning.

We all took our seats as the hostess said, "Your waiter will be right with you." She carefully placed our menus and silverware in front of us and scurried off to her next duty.

I looked over at Paris and noticed she had already began scanning over her menu. I was glad to see that she had lightened up after the brief argument we had before leaving Capsule Corp. I looked over at Bra who had the menu in her hands and her eyes focused on me.

She smiled and asked, "What did you eat last time when you came here with Trunks?"

I quietly laughed, "Well, actually we ordered the whole menu, you know how us saiyans are."

She laughed and said, "Yea, of course. Would you be up for it again?" she asked.

"I sure would."

She folded up her menu and replaced it gently in front of her. She began to look around again while I continued to watch her intently. She always seemed to look gorgeous, even when she wasn't trying to. The candles let off just enough light to cast a glow on her flawless face capturing every little detail. Her icy blue eyes were glistening in the candlelight which only made them standout even more than they usually did. I had often wondered why Bra hadn't become a model instead of a photographer. I knew she often posed for self-portraits, but she could make a killer fortune off professional modeling. She was the perfect definition of beauty.

I studied her facial expression and became aware that she looked a little nervous. She began to move around uneasily, and I could tell that she was trying to avoid my gaze. I wish I knew what was running through her thoughts right now..

oOoOoOo

I could feel Goten's gaze practically burning right through me. I wonder why he's staring at me. I tried desperately to avoid his gaze without making it obvious, but I knew it wasn't working so I let my eyes drift back to him.

He smiled at me and I could feel my cheeks grow slightly warmer. Since when do I get embarrassed around him? I have never gotten this feeling from any other guy I liked before, but then again, I was in love with this particular one. Maybe that's why, I contemplated.

My thoughts were interrupted as I heard our waitress ask, "Are you guys ready to order?"

I slowly drifted back into my thoughts as Goten did the pleasure of ordering for us. I hope he doesn't suspect that something is going on with me, and I really hope he doesn't catch on to my secret. That would be life ruining, a total embarrassment. I glanced up and saw that Goten had finished ordering our food as he handed the waitress our menus.

The waitress quickly left while we were all forced to face the uncomfortable silence was again.

"So, Bra," Paris began, "how's your photography career coming along? Working on any new projects?" I was taken aback to even think Paris would even care about my career. She had never shown interest in it before.

"Oh, uh, it's going great, I guess," I stated, "I'm not really working on any big projects right now just a few photo shoots here and there."

"I thought you had a lot of photo shoots lined up in a couple weeks? Sounds to me like that is more than a few," Goten said in a teasing manner.

"Well, yea, I guess you're right," I said while sulking into my seat.

"You know what, I think when Paris and I get married you should be our wedding photographer," Goten said. Wait, what?! Married?! They can't possibly be thinking of getting married can they? Well, they have been dating for three years now. Oh, no, I thought. Am I too late?

I quickly grew extremely uncomfortable. I felt like I had just been hit by a bus. My heart was pounding in my ears, and I wanted desperately to cry. I immediately turned to Goten and put on the best smile I could possibly force. "Sure, Goten, I'd love to."

I looked up and noticed Goten didn't return the smile. He was staring at me like I just threw an insult in his face. I knew damn well that he knew something up. Did I react that horribly? Shit. I immediately began to worry because if Goten had seen my reaction then so did Paris. I daringly looked towards Paris and noticed she didn't seem to care the least bit. She wasn't even paying attention to the conversation we were having. Her eyes were darting around the room almost as if she were looking for someone.

I smiled as I realized what an idiot I was beginning to look like. Goten was about to say something directed towards me when he was interrupted by our waitress, "Here's your food, sir," she said as she gently placed what was the whole menu onto our table." I laughed at the sight of it all. We must have looked like complete pigs.

Paris never liked the attention we saiyans got from ordering so much food and her attitude about it never seemed to change.

"Goten, was all this food really necessary?" she asked rather annoyed.

"Well, yea. You know about my saiyan heritage. It's in our blood, we can't help it!" Goten let out a small laugh and began to chow down on his food.

Dinner went by pretty fast as we finished stuffing our faces. The table was stacked with empty plates. There wasn't a lot of talking done through the rest of our dinner and I didn't really care. I just wanted to go home and cry. I still couldn't get what Goten had said earlier out of my head.What if they really were going to get married? How soon would it be? I don't think I would be able to handle it.

As we made our way out to the car I glanced down at the cell phone in my hand and saw that it was only ten o'clock. Looks like I'll beat curfew after all. I walked over to the passenger side of the car and hurriedly swung open the door. I couldn't wait to get home.

I hopped in the backseat as Goten started the car. The exterior of my seat was freezing which only made me shiver uncontrollably. I watched as Paris made her way into the front passenger seat as I tried desperately to bundle up. I couldn't help but be beyond jealous at her right now. I buckled my seat belt and sunk into my seat as we left the Les Lumieres parking lot. I just wanted to disappear.

I stared out the window again as I realized it was starting to become a hobby of mine. Before I knew it we had arrived at Paris's apartment, and Goten was saying his goodbyes.

oOoOoOo

Paris and I got out of my car and I timidly walked around to her side. She looked a little agitated which I guessed was because of the conversation we had earlier.

I took her hand in mine and walked her upstairs to her apartment. As we reached the door to her apartment, I said "Look, Paris, I'm sorry for getting aggravated at you earlier. It wasn't your fault you couldn't take off from work. I understand that,"

She raised up on her tip-toes and gave me a tender kiss. "It's alright, Goten, don't worry about it."

"Well, I will just see if Bra wants to go. I would ask Trunks, but I know he is super busy especially with the holidays coming up," I said halfheartedly.

"Alright, I'll talk to you soon, baby," she gave me one last kiss and let herself into her apartment. Our eyes met one last time as she shut quietly shut the door.

I walked over to the stairs and slowly made my way down to the first floor. I looked up and could see that Bra hadn't made her way into the front seat yet.

I jogged the rest of the way to my car since I was already starting to freeze. I could see the breath escaping from my lips as I exhaled rapidly with the help of a nearby streetlight.

I swung open the door of my car and quickly hopped in. I was shivering and decided to turn my heater on full blast.

I turned towards the backseat and saw Bra trying desperately to keep warm.

"C'mon B, hop up here," I said as I patted the seat next to me.

She smiled and I took her hand as I generously helped her climb between to the two seats. She plopped herself down into the passenger seat and quickly snapped on her safety belt. She looked up and I could see that same twinkle in her eyes as I did before at the restaurant. I smiled as I shifted the gear into drive.

oOoOoOo

The atmosphere had become incredibly relaxing after Paris had left, and I supposed Goten knew it too because we began to act more like ourselves.

"So, did you have fun tonight, B?" asked Goten as he turned down the radio a little.

"Yea, thanks for asking me to join you guys," I said with little enthusiasm.

"You're welcome, B. It wouldn't have been the same without you," He said as he rested his hand on my knee. I almost flipped when he didn't remove it right away. It was beginning to make me very uneasy. He retrieved his hand and placed it steadily on the steering wheel. We sat there for a couple more minutes in silence until I remembered what had happened earlier before we had left my place.

"Hey, Goten," I said with a questioning voice.

I looked over and saw him concentrating on the road in front of us, "Yea, B."

"Sorry if I am being nosy, Goten, but what happened earlier between you and Paris before I came outside?" I asked, "You looked kind of sad. Was something bothering you?" I noticed his facial expression kind of weaken as he heard the last of my question.

"Well, you know how I had made plans for Paris and I to go to Las Vegas next weekend?" I had remembered him bringing it up a month ago. He told me he had been planning it for awhile because he had always wanted to go.

"Yea, I remember, what about it?" I asked rather quickly as I shifted my gaze to him.

"Well, it turns out she couldn't get off work to go with me, and I've already bought the plane tickets and made reservations for the hotel. I was just really upset because I was so sure she would be able to go, ya know?"

I focused my attention on the road in front of us and watched as the line of streetlights flew by as we neared the driveway to my house. "Oh, I'm sorry, Goten. Maybe you can ask Trunks, I am sure he'd love to go," I said secretly hoping he would invite me. I knew it wasn't likely. What good could a seventeen year-old do in Las Vegas anyway?

He pulled into my driveway and shifted his car into park. He killed the engine and turned his attention to me while flashing his famous Son grin.

"Actually, I was wanting to see if you would like to come with me. I mean I would ask Trunks in all, but you know how busy he's going to be with the holidays right around the corner. Besides it would give me more time to bond with my best friend," he said gratefully.

"Really?" I asked bewildered.

"Of course, I'll come by and talk to your parents about it in the morning. I'm sure they'll let you go," Goten said.

"Wow, sure. That would be awesome!" I leaned over and gave Goten a tight hug and thanked him again. I reached over and pulled on the door handle and just as I was getting out he grabbed my arm.

I swung my head around to see why he had stopped me. "Thanks for coming out tonight, B. It really meant a lot to me," he said with so much sincerity.

"No problem, Goten," I said. He let go of my arm and I finished climbing out of his car. I shut the door and headed towards the entrance of Capsule Corp and just as I made my way to the porch I heard him yell, "Hey B!"

I turned around to see Goten was leaning over his armrest and looking out the passenger side window. "I'll see you tomorrow!" he yelled.

I smiled and replied with a wave. I remained outside as I watched him make his way down the strip of my driveway. As I saw his headlights disappear, I turned around to open the door only to see that it was already ajar with a head poking between the little space there was. It was none of than my favorite raven-haired quarter-saiyan.

"Hey, Pan!" I said as I just stood there staring at her.

"Bra! Get in here, it's freezing!" she said as she began to shiver.

I gladly began to make my way inside as I took one last look at the stars overhead. I only wish I could tell him how I feel.

I shut the door and saw Pan waiting patiently inside for me. I smiled as I noticed she was wearing pajama pants and house shoes which clearly told me she was sleeping over at my place tonight.

I was glad to she was staying over though. I really needed to talk to her about everything. Not just about tonight, but everything that included my feelings toward Goten. Tonight would be the perfect opportunity to tell her my little secret. I smiled at her, Boy, do I have a lot to tell you. I grabbed her arm without saying a word and dragged her up stairs into my room locking the door behind me. I wasn't going to let her leave until I had gotten everything off of my chest.

A/N: I know, I know. It's still a little typical, but it'll get beyond better, I promise! Let me know what you guys think. Any reviews would be very appreciated.

Oh, and for Les Lumieres, it means "Lights" in French. It's the title of a song I like by Idiot Pilot. I thought it fit the concept of the restaurant which was suppose to be a night theme with stars (hint: the lights, les lumieres.)