When Darkness Falls
Tien held Launch's hand as they entered the apartment building.
"Do you think they'll be happy to see me?" the dark-haired Launch asked.
Tien smiled at the woman at his side. Her eyes betrayed her nervousness.
"They'll be glad to see you," Tien replied.
Launch smiled at him.
"I've really missed them," Launch whispered.
Tien smiled and continued forward. He couldn't wait to show the gang the reurn of their lost friend.
They reached the apartment door. Launch took a deep breath as Tien reached for the door knob. He opened the door and took the first step inside. launch squeezed her love's hand as they entered the apartment. Inside, Gohan and Krillin were sitting on the couch after their spar. Piccolo was sitting in the corner, meditating. 18 had just gotten out of the shower and came out with a towel to dry her hair. Yamcha was sitting on the table with Puar eating some food. Bulma and Chi Chi still were not home yet.
Piccolo was the first to notice Tien's return. He opened one eye and noticed the girl holding Tien's hand. Choutzou was right behind them with a big grin on his small face. Next it was Krillin and Gohan. They heard the door open and shut. Gohan was hoping it was his mother returning from visiting his father's grave. Krillin thought it would be Bulma since she should be home from work anytime now.
"Tien, Choutzou," Gohan called.
"Launch?" Krillin stutered.
Now everyone looked at the three-eyed man and his dark blue, almost purple haired companion.
"Hello everyone," Launch greeted polielty.
The gang smiled widely and ran over to their lost friend. Even though Launch had two distinctive personalities, she was still part of the gang. Not to mention she and Tien were head over heels in love. The walked over to her and each person gave her a hug (except for Piccolo).
"It's great to see you," Yamcha stated.
"I didn't know if I'd ever see Tien smile again," Krillin added.
Launch giggled. She missed everyone too. She looked at Tien's face. She could see the happiness he felt in his brown eyes.
"So what have you been doing all this time?" 18 asked her friend.
Launch frowned and looked at her palms that were resting on her leg. Everyone was now sitting on the kitchen table. It was all bad memories for the two-sided woman since she had split from the man that took her heart.
"I had to find a way to support myself," Launch said with regret.
Everyone knew what she was talking about. It broke their hearts to know their friend was selling herself to keep going. They were all lucky that Bulma made the sacrifice to do the hard things for them.
"Where is Chi Chi and Bulma?" Launch asked as she noticed the two vibrant women she knew where not amongst the others.
"Mom is visiting Dad," Gohan stated in a low voice.
Everyone looked down. They all knew what today was. Everyone missed the fun-loving Goku. Chi Chi always visited his grave on those special days.
"What about Bulma?" Launch asked.
Everyone looked away. They all felt terrible that Launch had to sell herself to survive. But how were they going to tell her that Bulma is doing the same thing to keep them going?
"Bulma is at work," Yamcha answered.
Launch had confusion evident on her face. There wasn't much Bulma Briefs could do considering she was hiding from Vegeta. How was she supporting everyone?
"What is her job?" Launch asked again.
Chi Chi entered the apartment. She noticed everyone was sitting at the one table they had. She heard Launch's familiar voice. So Tien finally found Launch. She couldn't be happier for them. But why was everyone not her what Bulma is sacrificing for all of their survival.
"Why don't you just tell her," Chi Chi spoke.
Everyone turned to the raven-haired mother. She was standing in the doorway. Dirt stains were visible on her clothes. Her eyes were puffy from the tears she shed earlier. And her hair was dissheveled from the wind. Chi Chi moved closer to the rest of the gang.
"Bulma does whatever she can to keep us going. Mostly she strips at local strip clubs," Chi Chi told the truth.
Launch gasped. She couldn't believe it. She never before would have imagined Bulma doing that. She always saw Bulma in a better light.
"That's awful!" Launch responded.
Chi Chi sat down in the last empty seat. It was a harsh world out there, and everyone here knew how bad it could really be.
"She blames herself for what happened," Chi Chi replied.
Launch shook her head. 'Poor Bulma,' she thought.
Speaking of the blue-haired beauty, Bulma Briefs walked in the apartment in that moment. Everyone looked at the last member of the gang to return. She noticed the somber looks on the gang's faces. Immediatly she thought something bad happened. Did someone die or worse?
"What's wrong guys?" Bulma asked as she studied her friends.
Everyone wiped the sad looks off their faces. They didn't need Bulma feeling even more guilty.
"Nothing Bulma," Piccolo responded.
Bulma shrugged her shoulders and dropped her bag on the ground. It felt good to be home. Being at Capsule Corp and remembering was hard on her. She wasn't ready to deal with those emotions.
"Bulma," Tien stood up.
"What's up Tien?" Bulma asked.
Tien smiled at his friend. he knew she would be happy to see Launch again. Bulma and the blond Launch got along real well.
"There is someone here," Tien spoke as he grabbed Launch's hand and helped her on her feet.
Bulma's face lit up as she recongized her old friend. She had no idea what happened to her after that day.
"Launch!" Bulma gave her friend a hug.
Bulma and the gang began to laugh and have a good time. Just like in the old days. Little did they know, that Vegeta had picked up Bulma's trail...
A/N: Well what did you think?
How long until Vegeta finds Bulma? And what will happen when he finds her?
Sorry it wasn't an eventful chapter. I wanted to add all the characters more in the story.
Thanks for all the reviews so far, I really appreciate all of them :)
For the next chapter... you got to...
REVIEW!