Long time, no see… haha. I've decided to make some separations so the flow of the story wouldn't be confusing. Please review!


A Lot to Learn

Chapter 9

Bulma grinned looking at her science club which had grown over the weeks. All the new members were Jordan's friends from the football team, some of whom were hoping to bring up their grades and others who were looking to find girls as pretty as Clara.

What surprised Bulma most was the lack of protest coming from Vegeta. Her head reasoned that it must have been because the team was doing so well that they could spare at least one morning practice a week but her heart wanted to believe it was due to a fondness for her on Vegeta's part.

Not much had changed between them, though. When she first saw him after his surprise kiss, Bulma had felt a bit awkward, unsure how to act around him. However, seeing as his demeanor hadn't changed at all, she quickly got over her feelings of unease.

On the surface everything seemed to be the same between Bulma and Vegeta. Underneath, though, Bulma was struggling to come to terms with her feelings. She tried to dismiss them. It was only lust, she thought. But the way her heart leapt every time Vegeta appeared through a doorway or from around a corner said otherwise.

Bulma had come to learn some things about Vegeta but not nearly enough. There were times when she felt like she could predict his next move or interpret the signals he was sending but for the most part…I can never tell what he's thinking, Bulma thought to herself.

Her eyes wandered to Clara, who was laughing at something goofy Jordan was doing with a washer. It happened so easily for them. Easy…maybe that's how it's supposed to be.

Suddenly a white paper bag obscured Bulma's vision. She looked up to see Yamcha smiling down at her.

"Breakfast?" he asked.

Bulma sniffed the bag. "Mmmm smells good! What is it?"

"Breakfast biscuits with sausage, egg, and cheese," he said pulling a chair up to her desk.

Bulma watched as Yamcha pulled out the biscuits and handed her one. He'd been a good friend lately, very sweet and helpful. She knew why, of course. Yamcha was trying to win her back.

"What?" Yamcha had noticed Bulma staring.

She smiled. "You're a good friend, Yamcha."

"Thanks," Yamcha said, looking puzzled.

Vegeta was wandering the halls aimlessly after his morning workout. He didn't really know what to do with himself now that he had given the team Tuesday mornings off. Earlier this year, a day off every week would have been unthinkable to Vegeta. After some coaxing from Bulma and Goku, however he decided they deserved it. Plus, they all seemed so interested in science all of a sudden. It's that woman, Vegeta thought, She has a power over people. He allowed his mind to drift to her. As he did so he didn't realize that he was mindlessly walking toward her classroom.

As they ate, Yamcha pondered Bulma's comment. A good friend? he thought, what's that supposed to mean? Is she done thinking of me as her boyfriend? Maybe it means I'm back in her good graces…yeah! It's gotta be a sign that we're on the right track—that we can get back together soon!

Yamcha beamed at her. When Bulma looked back, a little confused he reached over and pretended to wipe something from the corner of her mouth. "You have a little biscuit crumb chillin' on your face."

A feeling suddenly swept over Bulma. It was an eerie occurrence that had been happening recently every time a certain someone was near. She turned to the doorway to see Vegeta in his usual cross-armed stance. He didn't look very happy but then again Bulma wasn't quite sure what a happy Vegeta looked like.

Without thinking, Bulma moved away from Yamcha's touch. Yamcha didn't quite understand why until he followed her gaze.

The football players in the room, many of whom had been goofing around, straightened up immediately. It was like their drill sergeant had just walked in the room.

"Hi Vegeta…what are you doing here?" Bulma's voice was unsteady. She mentally kicked herself for sounding like a guilty child.

As Vegeta walked in he examined his troops. His players quickly tried to busy themselves, making it appear like they knew what they were doing with the project in front of them (most of them had no idea.)

"I'm making sure this time off from practice is being spent wisely," Vegeta spoke with a touch of disgust in his voice,

Bulma couldn't help but feel somewhat offended. "I assure you it is. The boys have been doing a great job."

She moved out from behind her desk and up to Vegeta but he turned away before she could reach him. "I don't see how you could know that," Vegeta said coldly as he headed for the door, "you seem pretty preoccupied with your boyfriend over there."

Bulma choked. All she could do was watch him leave.

"Don't let him bother you, Bulma." Yamcha's voice startled Bulma. She didn't notice him standing beside her. "He's just jealous."

"Jealous?" As Bulma thought about this a small smile appeared on her face. Yamcha meant that Vegeta was jealous that students would rather come to a science club meeting than football practice. Bulma took it to mean what she wanted it to mean. He wouldn't be jealous unless he had feelings for me! "Oh Yamcha, do you really think that?"

Yamcha arched an eyebrow. He didn't understand why she was so excited. "Yeah, I do."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Bulma squealed, hugging him.

It was then that Bulma made the decision to make her move on Vegeta.

This was harder said than done. Aside from the fact that Vegeta seemed to be suddenly mad at her, Yamcha was following her around, looking for any excuse to be with her. She couldn't get Vegeta alone. When Yamcha wasn't around, someone else would show up and start a conversation. Bulma was at her wits end but she wasn't ready to give up just yet.

During her free period Bulma headed over to the library. She wanted to spill her heart out to Chichi but she wasn't sure how the brunette would take it, especially after she'd talked so much trash about Vegeta. Bulma got cold feet. When she got to the library Chichi and Eighteen were staring at Marron with incensed expressions while she prattled on about every male teacher in the school.

"I think he liked me but he never made a move," Marron said, " maybe Goku's gay or something. Now Krillen is super adorable but he's just so shy! We did go out once…"

Sensing the situation was about to get dangerous, Bulma quickly cut in. "MARRON, I was looking for a book about endangered sea bass but it seems to be missing. Do you think you could find it?"

"Oh sure! I'll get that for ya in a jiffy!" Marron smiled as she skipped away.

Bulma turned to her friends. "Calm down, ladies."

"I'm going to murder her! Who does she think she is?" Chichi said, rolling up her sleeves and getting ready to attack.

"Oh come off it, Chichi. She's got her head in the clouds! Goku would never go for her, especially since he has such a gorgeous fiancé," Bulma spoke slyly, soothing the savage beast.

Eighteen didn't look very pleased either, but once Bulma steered the conversation towards Chichi's upcoming nuptials all was forgotten.

"We haven't quite set a date but it's definitely going to be very soon! I expect you both to be there so don't make any plans!" Chichi squealed with joy. "Eighteen, I'd really love for you to be a bridesmaid."

Eighteen looked shocked but pleased. Chichi and Eighteen had become fast friends over the weeks but she never expected to be offered such an honor. She graciously accepted.

Chichi continued, "Bulma, I'm sure you knew this already, but I want you to be my maid of honor."

Bulma could feel happy tears welling up in the corner of her eyes. "I thought you'd never ask!" she cried as she embraced Chichi.

"I found something!" Marron called, ruining the moment.

Bulma looked at her confused. There was no way the library had a book on endangered sea bass so what did Marron have in her hands? She held a book out to Bulma.

"I had no idea fish could make music," she said.

Bulma looked at the book titled Playing Bass: Jazz Edition. All three women stood in awe of Marron's stupidity.

"I hate everything about her," Chichi said as Marron walked away.

"Not everything," Eighteen admitted. The other two women stared at her, mystified. Eighteen just shrugged. "She's got a cool name."


The upcoming game against East City High was all anyone could talk about. East City's football team had been undefeated for years, making them the best in the country. Vegeta knew this was the year that would change. Last year, they had come so close. They managed to tie but lost in overtime.

This year, there were going to be no distractions. Vegeta realized this after he saw Bulma with Yamcha. At first he was enraged. Then he was angry at himself for being angry. That woman is nothing to me. Who cares if she wastes her time with a weak idiot? I could wipe the floor with him. As Vegeta thought this he smiled imagining the unholy beating he could deliver to Yamcha. In the end he decided it was for the best. The woman had done enough damage and if she was distracted by some pretty boy, he would be able to focus on what was important.

At practice, Vegeta worked the boys harder than ever. If they messed up a play, he made them run a mile and do it again.

Bulma sat in the bleachers, watching. Normally she'd be concerned that Vegeta was being too tough on the boys but she was too in awe of him. Vegeta was more himself here than anywhere Bulma had ever seen him. There was an air of majesty about him as he gave orders and worked out clever new strategies with Goku.

"Miss Briefs?" Bulma turned to see her star student, Clara on the bleachers behind her. "What are you doing here?"

Bulma thought for a while, definitely longer than she should have. Clara was eyeing her strangely so she finally blurted, "I feel so close to these boys now that they're in science club… I just wanted to see how they were doing… what are you doing here?"

Clara blushed. "Um… same here! That is also what I was doing. Yup."

Bulma grinned at her student. Everyone knew Jordan and Clara were together but for some reason the young couple still felt the need to keep it secret. The two sat and watched the rest of practice in silence. Jordan saw Clara as he was walking in front of Vegeta back to a huddle and gave her a small wave paired with a sheepish smile. Clara waved back a little too excitedly and immediately felt embarrassed. Vegeta watched this exchange in disgust. Then he noticed the woman. What is she doing here? Vegeta was so distracted he didn't realize that Jordan had stopped walking. He ran right into the boy and fell, making the boy trip as well, taking some other team mates with them like a line of dominoes. Bulma and Clara burst with laughter.

Vegeta's face went red as he stood up and brushed himself off. These women are nothing but a distraction. I won't have it anymore. "HEY, PEANUT GALLERY," he shouted at Bulma and Clara, "you have no business being here! This is a closed practice so GET OUT!"

Bulma's laugher stopped abruptly. Vegeta sounded really angry…

"Really coach?" Jordan asked as he brushed dirt off his uniform, "we've had people at practice before and—"

Vegeta didn't let him finish. "That's enough for today! Hit the showers! Maybe you can wash off all the failure I saw out there today!" The team ran off without another word. Goku followed them, assuring them that they were not failures and had in fact done really well at practice.

Finally! Bulma thought, Vegeta's alone! She ran down the bleachers and caught up to him. "Vegeta!"

He turned on her with one of his fiercest glares yet. It took Bulma aback. She'd been trying so hard to get him alone that she hadn't quite thought out what she would do when she finally did.

"What do you want woman?"

"I… I uh, I wanted to…" Bulma's heart was pounding out her chest. "I wanted to wish you good luck tonight." Immediately after saying it, Bulma wanted to punch herself in the face. I am such a chicken shit!

Vegeta raised a brow. "Whatever," he said turning to go. I am done with this woman from now on, he thought. Her head games are nothing but a threat to me.

"Vegeta!" Bulma called again.

He turned back to her in a rage. "Wha—" Vegeta started but he was cut off by her lips. They rested on his for a few moments, soft and perfect.

When she broke away she whispered, "For luck."


As Vegeta, looked over his team a shadow suddenly overcame him. "Well, well look who it is. I didn't think you'd show up this year short-stuff."

Vegeta didn't have to turn around to know exactly who was behind him. East City's football coach, Nappa, towered over him, his massive frame shading Vegeta from the bright stadium lights. Although, Nappa was so much larger than him, Vegeta felt no fear. He knew he could take Nappa out in a second if he needed to. He wouldn't of course because it would mean his team's disqualification.

"Did you? Or did you just hope I wouldn't show up? You're going down Nappa."

Nappa let out a hearty laugh. "Yeah that's what I thought you'd say. See ya later loser!"

Vegeta glared after him as he walked away. Once Nappa was out of earshot, Vegeta turned to his team. "No one here expects you to win. The other team is laughing at you. Are you going to take that? They have no idea how strong you are. Use it to your advantage! Use their weak insults to fuel your strength. WE WILL WIN THIS."

The team of boys roared powerfully. They were pumped up and ready. Vegeta watched them march onto the field proudly. As he watched the ref flip a coin he felt his lips tingle. Suddenly, he was remembering the way the woman's mouth had felt on his. He almost felt dizzy as her sweet voice echoed in he ears, "For luck." Vegeta shook his head to shake the feeling. No distractions, he said to himself.

He knew Bulma was there. He could feel her presence. She wasn't really a distraction. Something about her being there made him feel stronger and more clever, although he'd never admit it. It was as if he had to prove himself to her more than anyone and he savored the challenge.

Bulma watched him from amongst the crowded bleachers. Chichi sat on one side of her, Yamcha on the other. She couldn't take her eyes off Vegeta. Like a general commanding his army, he was so powerful and swift. Even though he was on the side lines it seemed as if he was one with each of the players.

"Unbelievable…"Bulma said, more to herself than anyone else.

Yamcha looked at her. "I know! This game is so close!"

With two minutes left on the clock East City and West City were tied. Vegeta's team was in possession of the ball. People were starting to get nervous. This was the exact position they had found themselves in last year. Too far away for a field goal, West City needed to get a touchdown or else the game would go into overtime, significantly dropping their chance for a win.

Everyone was at the edge of their seats. The seconds passed like minutes. Two giant members of the East City defense were headed right for the West City quarterback. They crashed into him just as the ball escaped his fingers. A surprisingly long pass. Every one on the team seemed incapacitated, blocked from making a run for the ball. Then with great quickness Jordan managed to slide by an opposing player. He wasn't sure he would make it in time. As the ball descended he reached out and it fell beautifully into his hands. For a moment the shock of it brought him to a standstill but the wave of giant players headed his direction was enough to put the lightning back in his step. He bolted for the end zone. The defense was on his heels faster than he expected. He passed the 20 yard line then the 10. ALMOST THERE, Jordan mentally egged himself on. He jumped, diving to reach the end zone. A player behind him dived after him. Jordan closed his eyes and he could feel hands grab his ankles. There was a loud thud as he landed, then another as others landed on top of him. He could hear a whistle blow but it sounded like it was a mile away. He opened his eyes and found that he had made it. The crowd was exploding with cheers. They'd done it. West City had won the game.

For the first time, Vegeta felt like he could stand to hug someone. He kept his hands to himself though, choosing instead to focus on Nappa's reaction. Nappa was having a fit, stomping on his play book and yelling at referees. He had to be restrained by many men when he started throwing chairs. As they dragged him away, Vegeta called out, "Don't embarrass yourself here! Save the tears for your mother!"

After much celebration, the crowd eventually dispersed. Bulma and company waited outside of the locker room to congratulate Vegeta, Goku, and the players.

Jordan came out of the locker room with Goku close behind him, his hand on Jordan's shoulder. He had been showered with praise from his peers.

"Way to go kid!" Bulma said, giving him a playful punch.

"Thanks! I still can't believe it happened. It was like a dream."

More boys came out of the locker room and patted Jordan on the back. "We'll see you at the party right?" Jordan nodded.

"You guys should come too," Jordan said to his teachers. "It's at the park. I'm pretty sure everyone and their mom is gonna be there." Jordan stopped when he saw Clara coming down the hall. "Hope to see you there!" He called back as he ran to her. When he reached Clara, Jordan lifted her and spun her around, making her squeal happily. The adults let the pair have their moment uninterrupted.

"What d'ya think?" Yamcha asked, "Should we go?"

"I told the team I would," Goku said mostly to Chichi, as if asking for permission.

Chichi shrugged, "Sure, why not?"

"Where's Vegeta?" Bulma asked. She hadn't really been listening to the ongoing conversation.

Goku answered, "He told me to say something nice to the team then headed for his office. You think he'd come to the party?"

"I bet we could drag him along," Bulma winked. "I wanted to congratulate him anyway."

Bulma started to head towards Vegeta's office when Yamcha stepped up. "I'll come with you."

"No, no that's alright. I'll just catch up with you guys outside."


In his office, Vegeta stood staring at the trophy on his desk. Tomorrow it would be in the trophy case but for now it was his. It didn't look like much, made mostly of cheap plastic but to Vegeta it represented so much more. Finally, his team was the best. He was the best. Maybe it was because all the adrenaline and excitement had yet to die down but for now Vegeta felt like he could conquer the world.

"Congratulations," a syrupy voice spoke from behind.

Vegeta turned to see the blue haired woman leaning against the doorway. Her arms were crossed over her chest, not defensively but comfortably, making her cleavage stand out. Vegeta's blood had already been rushing, now it poured through his veins like water gushing through rapids. With a grunt Vegeta refocused his attention on the trophy, moving it from his desk to the top of his book shelf.

Bulma moved into the office. She could feel an aura emanating from Vegeta and it made her heart pound. She jumped at the click of the door shutting itself behind her. She thought she saw Vegeta jump too but there was no way to be sure.

"I knew you could do it," Bulma said walking toward Vegeta. He didn't say a word. His back was still turned to her so she put her had on his shoulder.

Her touch seemed to spark something in him. Vegeta turned and grabbed the woman, pulling her into a passionate kiss. Bulma reciprocated. Every earlier interaction was a river flowing against a dam, building pressure, creating cracks. The dam had finally exploded.

Their lips never broke apart as they moved backwards. When Bulma hit the desk, Vegeta lifted her onto it. Her legs spread as the two laid flat on the desk.


"What's taking so long?" Yamcha asked. He, Chichi, Goku, Eighteen, and Krillin had been standing in the school parking lot for a while. They didn't notice the time passing at first as they recapped over the most exciting moments of the game but once that had ended they realized that Vegeta and Bulma had yet to join them.

"I'm gonna go see what's up," Yamcha said.

"Why don't you let me," Goku interjected. "I forgot to lock up the locker room anyway." He was having one of those unprecedented moments of understanding.

Yamcha wrinkled his brow, as he watched Goku head inside. "What d'ya think they're doing."

"Probably another fight," Krillin said launching into a demonstration with his hands making the others laugh. He'd been working on his impressions and he was getting pretty good at them. His right hand was Bulma, his left Vegeta.


They both breathed heavily. Their breath had become one. They had become one. Bulma was sitting on the desk naked, Vegeta holding her tightly in his arms. Her head was on his shoulder, his was on hers. It was as if he was afraid to loosen his grip, afraid to let her go. Bulma, herself didn't want him to. She almost feared that if he did she would wake up in her bed alone. Everything had escalated so quickly. It was just beginning to sink in for Bulma. She wondered what was going through Vegeta's mind at the moment. He finally stirred, moving his head off her shoulder to look into her eyes. His countenance was unlike any Bulma had ever seen line his features. It was raw and vulnerable. Bulma knew all his guards were down.

"Bulma! Vegeta!" Goku's voice calling from the end of the hall, made them both stiffen. Quickly they dressed themselves. Bulma managed to slide her dress down just as the door knob turned. Goku opened the door but looked at the floor instead of at them. "There you are," he said in pseudo-surprise, "the others were starting to worry!"

"Why?" Vegeta said, coolly. "I didn't tell anyone to wait for me."

The sound of his voice startled Bulma. She looked at his face feeling a twinge of sadness when she saw his brows were furrowed, back in their normal place, leaving Bulma to wonder if she'd ever seen them change.

Goku didn't say anything about their disheveled appearance. As they walked out Bulma continued straitening herself up. If Chichi noticed she would not have Goku's discretion.

When they reached the group, Vegeta nodded a greeting and continued on to his car. Krillin looked confused. "Seriously? We waited out here for that? I thought we were going to the victory party!"

"We are!" Goku said, "You know how Vegeta is. He probably wants to celebrate by himself."

Yamcha seemed unfazed by Vegeta's decision. "Well let's go then." He put his hand on Bulma's shoulder. "Anyone wanna carpool?"

Bulma squirmed awkwardly out of his touch. "Actually, I think I'm going to go home."

"What? Why?" Krillin, Eighteen, and Yamcha all protested.

Chichi was going to speak but Goku squeezed her had and gave her a look. She stayed silent.

"I feel a little tired to be honest…must not have slept well last night." Bulma bade them all farewell and headed home.

In her bed, Bulma's head was swimming with thoughts of Vegeta. She could feel him all around her. She wondered what he was thinking. The thought of seeing him again was an exciting one.


At the Monday morning meeting Bulma sat right next to Vegeta. She fought the urge to kiss him, or at least to touch him. She knew that was unwise. Their relationship was in a very delicate place and she would have to tread lightly.

Vegeta couldn't believe it but the woman's closeness was actually making him nervous. Her scent was intoxicating. He just wanted to hold her and take it all in. No other woman had affected him like this before. It was terrifying.

Throughout the day, Bulma was so distracted. Vegeta was the only thing on her mind. She taught her class like a zombie, mindlessly reciting the lecture.

"Ms. Briefs," the vice principle stood at Bulma's doorway, interrupting her lecture, "are these your students?"

Bulma looked over to see Piccolo holding Clara and Jordan by the collar. Both were red faced.

"Yes, they are," she said, moving out into the hall to see what the problem was. Bulma had noticed her two favorite students were missing but had decided to give them the benefit of the doubt, assuming it was just a coincidence.

"I found them in an alcove publicly displaying affection," Piccolo informed, sounding a bit disgusted.

"I see," Bulma tried to sound stern but she couldn't help feeling slightly amused.

"I'll leave their punishment to you. Skipping class is a serious offense. I hope the penalty properly reflects that." Piccolo turned to Jordan. "I'm going to have to tell your coach about this."

"Well if that's the case, why don't you tell Mr. Prince to come to my room at lunch? We can discuss their punishment then." The football season was over and Bulma knew there wasn't really anything Vegeta could do to Jordan. Still, she didn't want to underestimate him and beside that it was an excuse to be near him.

At lunch time Clara and Jordan sat in adjacent desks, eyeing each other cautiously. Vegeta had yet to arrive so Bulma began without him. "Look, I know you're young and you feel like you need to be together every second but you cannot skip class. You have all the time in the world to spend together."

"You mean to waste together," said Vegeta, entering the room.

"No not at all. Obviously, they—" Bulma started but Vegeta interrupted her.

"What are you doing, boy? Do you have any idea what's at stake?"

Bulma was about to laugh. "That's a bit dramatic, don't you think Vegeta?"

Vegeta silenced her with his hand. "Do you realize how many scouts are paying attention to you after that last game? When you graduate offers are going to come pouring in but not if you waste all your time with some silly girl." Vegeta towered over Jordan, making him shrink down into his chair.

"Hey!" Clara protested, "I'm right here!"

"That's ridiculous, Vegeta!" interjected Bulma.

"I only have the boy's best interest in mind."

"Who he spends time with is none of your business. They're both good kids and they're going to be just fine." Sensing an argument coming on she turned to the young couple. "I'm going to give you both detention. I think that's more than fair, just don't do it again." Jordan and Clara quickly exited.

Vegeta would not be silenced. He continued, "Detention? Skipping class is unacceptable, not to mention what they were doing!"

"Well then," Bulma said with a smirk, "they should kick us out for what we did."

Vegeta's face dropped. His mean face turned into one of shock, then softened. He stared at her with pleading eyes. Vegeta seemed to be struggling with something. The vulnerable expression from the other night had returned. Bulma wanted to grab his face and keep his features in place with her fingers.

"Bulma… I can't." Vegeta's use of her name made her shiver. She'd never heard him say it before. He shook his head and just like that his face fell back into its usual scowl. "This has to stop."

"Why? What are you so afraid of?"

"I'm not afraid of anything!"

"You are so full of it, Vegeta!" Bulma was struggling to control the volume of her voice. "Why won't you let me in? After all we've been through, why can't you be a little more open?"

"To what?" Vegeta spat

"To love," Bulma said simply.

"Oh please, grow up!" Vegeta hissed, "You're no better than those kids."

"At least they're happy! They're not suppressing their feelings!" Bulma could feel tears forming. Suddenly she wanted very much to get away from this. To go back to the bliss of the night they'd shared together. It was already gone. She continued, "We shared something special. How can you deny that?"

Vegeta couldn't look at her anymore. It was too upsetting. He turned away. The next few words escaped his mouth almost reflexively. "Don't confuse affection and lust. I admit that I desired you but now that I've had you I'm done." As soon as he said it, a pain unlike any other swept over him. Was it regret? He did not know. All he knew was that he had to get out of there.

Bulma's heart fell into her stomach. All she could do was watch wordlessly as he left her presence. She didn't cry. The shock was too overpowering and it stayed with her through her classes. She felt hollow. During her free period she found herself wandering the halls with no set course or direction. Outside of the library a hand grabbed her wrist and pulled her in.

"I need my maid of honor's advice," Chichi said. She led Bulma to the front desk where she'd opened up a wedding catalogue. Bulma stared as Chichi described two contrasting ideas for floral arrangements. It was like watching a movie on mute. Bulma wasn't absorbing anything.

"What do you think?" Chichi asked eagerly.

"I uh… I think they both sound beautiful," said Bulma lackadaisically.

Chichi eyed Bulma with worry. "Are you feeling alright?" Chichi placed a hand on her friend's forehead. "You didn't eat the cafeteria's fish tacos today did you?"

Chichi's frenzied concern brought Bulma back to life a bit. "Of course I didn't!" she swatted Chichi's hand away. "When's the wedding anyway? Have you set a date yet?"

"It's going to be tight but we're thinking the end of the month." Chichi's teeming excitement rubbed off on Bulma.

"Well! I better get moving on that bachelorette party!"

The pair joked about strippers and discussed color pallets until Bulma had to return to her room. Bulma decided then that Chichi's wedding would be a good distraction from her troubles. She didn't want to think about Vegeta anymore. It didn't make her angry but it did fill her with sadness and a sense of loss. Maybe she'd expected too much out of him. What do I have to be mad about anyway? she thought, It's not like he made me any promises.


Over the next week, Bulma spent all her free time with Chichi, helping plan her fast approaching nuptials. They got the most done in the teacher's lounge during lunch.

"I know they say black doesn't belong near a wedding but I feel like black and white are a match made in heaven…just like Goku and I…" Chichi said, dreamily drifting off.

Bulma snapped her fingers, "Focus! I think black and white can be very elegant. Eighteen?"

Eighteen nodded. She took a back seat in most of the planning. Usually they would ask her opinion and she would nod or shrug. She wasn't one to get excited over girly things so most of this was over her head.

Krillin and Goku sat at the other end of the table, eating. Krillin nudged his friend who was engrossed in his meal. "Chichi seems to have some big plans for the wedding…you sure you can afford it all?"

"Actually, her dad wants to pay for it," Goku spoke between chews. "I think he's the king of something…"

"He's the mayor of Fire Mount City," Eighteen said, sliding down the table next to Krillin. The other women were engrossed in wedding magazines and didn't notice her slip away.

Bulma closed her magazine and looked up at Chichi. "You know, I was talking to my dad the other day about your wedding. I was telling him that I thought—and this is completely your decision—that it might be kind of nice if you had the wedding at Capsule Corp. He was totally cool with it." Chichi stared at her making Bulma feel dumb for even asking. "You know because we basically have a park inside our house. I thought it would be a pretty nice location fo—"

Bulma couldn't finish. Chichi had squeezed all the air out of her lungs with a tight hug. "That sounds perfect! Oh Bulma, you're the best!"

As Chichi released Bulma, Vegeta entered the faculty lounge. He made very brief eye contact with Bulma before taking his lunch to a side table and chair. Bulma looked down at her own lunch. Suddenly she wasn't very hungry.

Chichi noticed the awkwardness of the situation but didn't quite know what to make of it. Usually Bulma shared everything with her so she was disappointed to not know what was going on. If they were dating on the sly, Chichi felt she deserved to know about it. She leaned over to Bulma and whispered, "He hasn't been sending many snide remarks our way lately… what's up?"

Bulma bit her lip. "I don't know. Maybe he ran out of insults." She watched Chichi decide if she should believe her. Whether or not she accepted Bulma's excuse, the brunette didn't argue. Bulma felt bad lying to her closest friend but this wasn't the place to discuss it. Besides she felt somewhat uncomfortable sharing her feelings. After all the time she'd spent trashing Vegeta it was embarrassing to admit that she'd fallen for him—not to mention the fact that he had rejected her.

"Vegeta!" Goku called, "We're over here!" He waved his arm in the air like he was in the middle of a crowded room.

Krillin slapped his forhead. "I don't think he had any trouble seeing us Goku."

"Then why is he sitting by himself? Come over here Vegeta."

Vegeta inhaled sharply. He was slightly annoyed but didn't feel like making a fuss so he moved over. No one really had much to say and the mood suddenly became very awkward. They ate in silence. Sick of the weird vibes, Krillin got up to grab himself a cup of coffee. He stood there, idly looking at the bulletin board above the coffee pot.

"Holy cow, Bulma! Why didn't you say anything about your birthday coming up?" Krillin had noticed it marked on the calendar pinned on the bulletin board. Principle Roshi had started putting birthdays on the calendar in hopes of being invited to the parties. Bulma's birthday was in 5 days.

"I'd honestly forgotten," Bulma said.

"Well, you've got to have a party!" advised Goku.

"Oh no, I couldn't. Not with all the wedding planning. There's just so much to do."

Chichi stopped her. "Are you crazy? Of course you're having a birthday party!" She moved the wedding catalogues aside. "No more wedding talk until after your birthday. We'll have plenty of time."

Bulma smiled at her friends. Their kindness made her life so much sweeter. It was even easier to be near Vegeta with them around.


That night Bulma sat on her bed, thinking about her birthday. Maybe a good party is just what I need. She pulled out some paper and started writing up an invite list. After writing in the obvious she paused for a moment. She was thinking of Vegeta. I must be crazy to even consider inviting him! she thought to herself. Then again…

Things between Bulma and Vegeta had been awkward to say the least. They avoided each other as much as possible and when they ended up near one another they exchanged the least amount of words possible. They interacted like two people who lived in the same neighborhood but didn't know the other's name—with uncomfortable politeness. Bulma comforted herself into thinking that he must still have a soft spot for her. Otherwise he wouldn't bother being so civil. It was starting to become tiring, though. She almost missed the days when they fought constantly.

Bulma wrote his name down. He probably won't come anyway.

Just then, Bulma's phone rang. "Hello?"

"Hey! It's Yamcha."

"What's up?"

"Nothing…just bored. I miss you."

Bulma paused. "Yeah, I miss you too."

"Can I come over?"

"Sure."


O_O I feel so mean right now… but everything can't always be easy right? I hope this chapter isn't too frustrating! I promise things will get better! Let me know how you feel! REVIEW!