Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or the characters
I'm thinking of alphabetizing review responses from now on. It might make it easier to find your name that way. Thanks for reading and reviewing, guys :)
Alana: Lol, well, I hope you enjoy this upcoming chapter.
Fati Sid: Well, it's an AU so not everything is like the anime. Besides, he wasn't a horrible guy in the anime/manga, but he did do and say things that pissed me off. I'm trying to break from my "complete hate" mode for Yamcha and I cast him in a positive light or negative light depending on what the story calls for. Here, he's helpful. Lol. As for Bulma getting "involved" with everyone's problems, it's more that she's trying to win over the family and stand up (since most of them are trying to dig into her own affairs) to them as well, and it just so happens that that's how I wrote it. Sorry if you aren't crazy about it, but now that we're moving on, it won't be happening as much. Thanks for the review and your honest opinion :)
Guest: Well, not yet. Nothing has gone wrong…yet. Lol
KimiruMai: :3 Glad you enjoyed the proposal. And sorry, but you know how my stories go. It can't always be smooth sailing.
VegetaBulma Fan: XD Sorry, don't mean to laugh, but glad the last chapter moved you :) I hope this one does just as well. Thanks for the review.
Nerves were running high for both Bulma and Vegeta when they walked into the chapel. Vegeta hid his unease well, chalking it up to anticipation. Bulma was more nervous about the fact that this was happening so fast. Honestly, she did want to marry Vegeta, but her dad, brother, Chi Chi, and even the Swifts and Tarble would have wanted to be there for them. Still, they would want them to be happy so Bulma decided to let the nerves go and do what her heart was telling her.
Vegeta walked over to her and took her hand. "We're next," he told her. She responded by lacing their fingers together.
"Let's do this," she replied with a loving smile.
Vegeta smiled back at her before a drunken couple poured out of the chapel. The teen rolled his eyes. He knew that Vegas wasn't the best place for a wedding, but it was the only place that would give a marriage license right then and there. It was also the furthest from his father's beach house so when he did get the news he really couldn't blame Yamcha. For all his father knew, he and Bulma had been discussing it for a while. He didn't need to know his reasons.
"Well, at least we know our marriage will last longer than those people, huh?" Bulma joked nudging Vegeta in the side with her elbow.
He chuckled at the joke, covering his mouth slightly. "Careful, they may be drunk, but they might hear you. But yes, I agree."
Bulma smiled as she took Vegeta's hand and their names were called. He tightened his grip on her and pulled her close. "Let's do this," he said repeating her words with a grin. Bulma just nodded trying to keep tears of joy from falling. She couldn't believe they were actually doing this.
"What do you mean she's declared independence?" Bunny shouted into her phone. "You people are useless…Well, I demand you petition it. No way am I giving up without a fight."
Michael watched his wife hang up the phone. She muttered a bunch of curses and the word "incompetent" a few times, and he could gather that things did not go their way. "Is that it?" Michael asked.
"No," Bunny assured him. "I refuse to lose here. We've already wasted so much time as it is. They lawyers said they will try to fight the decision, but they have pretty damning evidence so Bulma may get to keep her independence."
"You could always call her and say that the courts decided to keep her with us," Michael suggested. "I'm sure she'll believe that. It happened before."
"I don't have her new number, remember?" Bunny asked. "Oh well. Let's just hope the lawyers can do something about this."
"Oh my God, really?" Kakarot nearly yelled into the phone. "That's awesome! Well, I mean, that's really great. Thank you so much!"
"Good news?" Bardock asked as his son hung up the phone. He had come over for dinner the Chi Chi was helping his son cook.
"Amazing news," Kakarot said with a grin. "That was my teacher and he said that the court ruled in favor of Bulma and that the documentation and records were all she needed. She's an independent."
"That's great news," Chi Chi responded. "You should call Bulma to let her know."
"Yeah, right," Kakarot agreed before dialing her number. "Heh, her phone is off…that's weird. Eh well, I'll leave a message.
"Hey Bulma," he started. "I just got amazing news. My teacher said you're in the clear. You're independent. Mom can't touch you now. Anyways, give me a call later. I want to know how everything's going. Love you, sis. Bye!"
"Do you, Bulma, take Vegeta to be your lawful wedded husband to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?" the minister asked.
"I do," Bulma replied, not taking her eyes off of Vegeta.
He just smiled at her, squeezing her hands before the minister asked him, "And do you, Vegeta, take Bulma to be your lawful wedded wife to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"
"Yes," Vegeta answered before the minister, who looked to be not much older than them gave him a heatless glare. "I mean I do."
"Alright, do you guys have rings?" he asked.
Bulma and Vegeta looked at him like he was crazy. They were two nineteen year olds getting married at the last minute. Their looks asked the guy "what do you think" to which he responded with a nervous laugh before taking out a display case. "Well, lucky for you two we get a ton of people who donate rings for young couples like you guys, no extra charge."
"That's generous of them," Bulma said with a smile.
She and Vegeta looked at the rings and both settled for simple, gold bands. They were happy with their selections and slid the rings on each other's left ring fingers. "By the power invested in me, and the state of Nevada, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
Vegeta didn't need to be told twice as he pulled Bulma to him, kissing her gently with a chaste kiss. He didn't want to give their minister a show, after all, which from the look on the guy's face is what he had been wanting.
"Anyways, good luck to you two," the guy told them. "I now have about three more ceremonies to do before lunch break."
Bulma laughed slightly. "Thanks for fitting us in. We know it was last minute."
"Hey, everything about this place is last minute," the guy joked. "You two take care and enjoy you time in Vegas. Have you ever been here before?"
Vegeta was about to answer "no," but Bulma interrupted him. "Yeah, I used to live here with my mother and her family." This shocked Vegeta, but he did recall never asking Bulma where she came from. All she had said was that she drove as far east as possible.
After they left the hotel they had been in, Vegeta took Bulma's hand and the two of them wandered the streets. "You never told me you lived here," he stated as they got closer to the rented cottage they were staying for a few days.
"Well, it wasn't something I thought about mentioning," Bulma admitted. "Hey…Vegeta, do you think…do you think it would be too much if we went to go visit their house. I want to check on Sara, see if Kaylee and Jessie are taking care of her."
Vegeta shrugged. "I think it should be fine," he told her. "Just as long as you don't do any of their dirty work if we go to visit. It's their house."
"Sounds like a deal," Bulma said with a smile. "Thank you."
Vegeta shrugged again, pulling her closer to wrap his arm around her as they made it back to where they were staying. He had her toss him the keys so they could start heading over to the house. Then afterwards they would come back here and begin their new life as a couple.
Bulma decided to unlock the door herself with her house key and was shocked to see a huge mess, lights out, no one there, while hearing Sara crying. Vegeta watched her run up the stairs while looking around to see the shambles this place was in. There hadn't been a car in the driveway meaning no one was home, but clearly the baby was still left there. He shook his head at the situation and went upstairs to find Bulma.
He found her cradling her little sister, feeding her and then changing her so that she was clean. She looked over to Vegeta ready to burst into tears herself, but Vegeta wouldn't let that happen and went to hold her just as she was doing for the now sleeping baby. The two of them sat on her old bed, rocking the sleeping child together with small smiles on their faces. Then things grew serious as Vegeta took out his phone.
"What's the number, Bulma?" Vegeta asked her. She knew what he meant. Having called child protective services herself multiple times, she had the number committed to memory and reluctantly gave it to him.
"Vegeta, I know we have to call them, but I don't…I don't want to lose my sister, not this way."
"Don't worry," he assured her as the phone rang. "I know what to say." The phone clicked and a social worker answered. "Yes, I'm calling to report an abandoned child. My wife and I were visiting her old home for a visit and found her baby sister alone in a wrecked house…No, we don't mind someone coming to check out our story. My wife already took care of the baby and we'll wait here with her…Thank you."
Bulma looked concerned, but Vegeta's assuring gaze calmed her. "They'll be sending someone by to come and check out the house. Until then, they want us to stay with the baby and said they wouldn't mind us coming down to the office with them."
"Is that why you threw the fact that we're married at them?" Bulma questioned. "Do you really think that they'll let us…"
"I don't know, Bulma," Vegeta admitted, "but I do know that you're what this kid needs and if they are willing to work with us, then I'm willing to work with them. Maybe, just maybe they'll let us keep her and take her home with us."
"Do you mind taking her for a moment?" Bulma asked with a smile. "If that does happen, I want to pack up some of her things, especially because we would have such a long trip home."
"Not a problem," Vegeta answered while carefully taking the sleeping Sara from Bulma. "I'll take her downstairs."
"Thanks, Vegeta," Bulma replied. He left her to look around her old room. She couldn't believe how trashed it was. Sighing, she found the diaper bag and started filling it with clothes, toys, baby books, and a bunch of necessities they would need for her whether or not they agreed to let her and Vegeta foster her sister.
Just as she was about to leave her room, she decided to check the time on her phone. It was then she saw the voicemail her brother left for her. Bulma decided to listen to it and nearly dropped her phone in shock when she did. "Oh my God…" she whispered as she bolted from her room to tell Vegeta the news.
"Where are they?"
Yamcha had to hold back an amused chuckle when his cousin barged into his room in a rage. "Where are who?" he asked.
"Don't play innocent," Vegeta Sr. snapped. "What did you tell him?"
Yamcha's amused expression grew serious and he looked his cousin directly in the eye. "I didn't tell him anything," he lied without faltering. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Vegeta."
Vegeta Sr. growled. He knew Yamcha had to be lying. There was no other reason for his son to want to leave unless he knew something was going on. His cousin had betrayed him; there was no other explanation.
"Look," Yamcha said, "why don't you call him and ask? I'm telling you that I didn't tell him anything."
The angered man ripped his phone from his jacket pocket and dialed his son's number. It had gone straight to voicemail and he felt his rage rise before shouting his message into the phone. "You better call me, kid. I demand and explanation for why you left." And then he hung up his phone and nearly smashed it on the table.
Yamcha snorted slightly. "Feel better?" he jeered earning him a glare.
"If I find out you had anything to do with this," Vegeta Sr. said darkly, "then you will regret it."
"I'm sure," Yamcha muttered. "I'm sticking to my story."
"Whatever," his cousin replied before exiting the room.
Vegeta Sr. had not felt a rage this bad since he had found out his wife was pregnant again when he had been so careful about it. He hadn't wanted one child let alone two, and now his one child was proving to be more trouble than he was worth. What was he doing now? Why had he left, and for what purpose? Well one thing he knew was that he had better receive an answer soon, or there was going to be hell to pay on all sides.
Vegeta glared at his phone when he saw his father's name and sent it to voicemail so that he could focus on the task at hand. Bulma had rushed down with the news that she was finally free of her mother legally, wonderful news to be receiving on their wedding day. Then, of course, the social worker came and saw the house in shambles. She was busy investigating the rest of house when Kaylee and Jessie returned from wherever they had been.
"What are you doing here?" Kaylee snapped when she saw Bulma sitting on the couch holding Sara. "And who is he?"
"I was in the area and decided to check on my sister," Bulma stated to the teenager. "I'm glad I did because I found her abandoned here, crying. You were supposed to be watching her. Where were you?"
"Hey, it's not our fault you decided to skip town and make dad and mom chase after you," Jessie complained. "If anything it's your fault. Sara isn't our responsibility; she's yours."
Vegeta glared at the two girls. They didn't look much older than fifteen years old, and they definitely acted like selfish children. "Sara is not Bulma's responsibility, but she did what you two couldn't be bothered to do which is why we called child protective services."
"Again, who the hell are you?" Kaylee asked, ignoring his statement.
"Vegeta," he introduced himself, "Bulma's husband."
"Seriously?" Jessie screeched. "How could anyone want you?" she directed towards Bulma. "You're nothing."
"You know, I used to believe that," Bulma remarked, "but over the last few months I just stopped caring. It's funny; going across country was the best thing I ever did. I even found my dad and brother, you know, the people mom was hiding cards from? You two wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you?"
Both girls pouted and avoided answering, knowing that if they answered things would be worse for them. Vegeta shook his head as the social worker came down. The woman did not look pleased at all and was glaring at the two girls. "I take it you're the babysitters," she stated looking at the two girls. "Care to explain why the baby was all alone?"
Kaylee pointed to Bulma. "She's to blame for all of this," she accused. "If she hadn't left here, we wouldn't be stuck watching her." Jessie elbowed her to shut her up. "Ow," she whined, "what was that for?"
"Shut up, Kay," Jessie ordered. "Mom and dad will kill us."
The woman looked to Bulma and Vegeta. "What exactly does she mean by that?"
"Well," Bulma started, "my mother had me caring for Sara when I lived here and it affected my performance at school, plus she had been lying to keep me away from my dad and brother. I left town and started school across the country where my brother goes to school, and then came back here with my husband for a visit. My mother has been trying to get me back home."
"You're Bulma Briefs, aren't you?" the social worker asked in shock.
"I don't go by that name anymore," Bulma explained. "I took my father's last name, and now I'm married, so my last name is officially Ouji, but I was."
The social worker shook her head. She had heard of the case and how it resulted in the girl being a compulsive liar, but now her story was checking out. They could have helped her in the past and they blew it. "Will you two come down to the office with me? I'll take the child in my car if that's okay."
Bulma was pretty reluctant about giving Sara up, but Vegeta squeezed her shoulders to reassure her and she placed the little girl in the woman's arms. She smiled at Bulma knowing that it was definitely hard for her, but she did seem to care about her sister like she was her own.
"You can't do this!" Jessie shouted. "Our parents will kill us!"
The social worker's smile became a frown as she shot the girls a dirty look. "You should have thought of that earlier," she admonished, "and your parents should have as well."
The social worker took Sara out to the car and put her in a cushioned car seat and nodded to Vegeta and Bulma before driving off. Vegeta took out Bulma's keys and led her to the car. Before Bulma got into her car, her sisters blocked her way. Vegeta was ready to get out and push the girls out of the way, but Bulma stood her own.
"Move," she ordered them with authority in her voice, no longer cowering before the younger girls.
"No," they answered.
"You're not getting away with this," Kaylee threatened.
"I didn't do anything wrong," Bulma told them. "Now let me go. I'm not your slave any longer. I'm part of a real family, something that you four will never be to each other. Have fun with that."
Leaving the girls stunned speechless, Bulma opened her door and got in the car. She wasn't even buckled before Vegeta got them out of the driveway and started following the social worker's car to the office.
"Alright," the social worker stated, "we didn't have any formal introduction at the house, so I'll start. My name is Ms. Ives."
"Vegeta Ouji," Vegeta replied. "And my wife, Bulma."
"What's going to happen to Sara?" Bulma asked with worry. She hadn't seen her sister since they had gotten there and she was worried.
"Well, that all depends on you," Ms. Ives answered. "This is a strange case. Usually the people who call in just suspect neglect. They've never been present at the scene, and they've never been the sister of the child. Honestly, if I can help it, I don't want you to be separated from her. You seem to care a lot about her. The problem will be that the two of you live across the country and are students."
"If it helps," Vegeta stated, "I come from a wealthy family and get a very high monthly allowance."
"And we wouldn't be doing this alone," Bulma spoke up. "My brother lives with us and we live near my father. We also have friends who would help us too."
"That's actually good to hear," Ms. Ives assured them. "What can you tell me about your home life?"
So, about an hour went by for this interview. Bulma and Vegeta explained their living arrangements and everything about the teamwork that the two of them and Kakarot established, especially during heavy testing periods. The interview ran smoothly until Ives asked them a question they weren't prepared for.
"So how long have the two of you been married?"
Both of them hesitated, confusing the social worker. "Today," Vegeta reluctantly answered. "We got married today."
"Oh," Ms. Ives stated. "Well then how long have you known each other?"
"Since the semester started," Bulma told her. "Vegeta actually ran into me and recognized my name because he knew my brother. He's done a lot for me since."
"Why get married now, though?" Ms. Ives asked. "Surely the two of you have a lot on your plate with school. Was it something you were discussing?"
"It may seem impulsive," Vegeta started, "but it was a decision we made together. We hadn't been talking about it, but honestly we were already there."
Bulma smiled at Vegeta's answer. He seemed to know exactly what needed to be said to these people. Ms. Ives seemed to regain her positive disposition as well. "I think I have all the information I need," she told them. "I'll start processing this and discussing this with my co-workers. We're trying to get in touch with your mother, but there's been no answer, which is another mark against her. She should have the line open for emergencies."
"Yeah," Bulma muttered. "She was always like that."
Ms. Ives frowned and became even more serious. "I'm sorry for all that you went through," she sympathized.
Bulma beamed a bit. "Thanks," she replied, "but honestly, it was better this way. It was a blessing in disguise."
Ms. Ives chuckled before asking, "How long are you going to stay in the area?"
"As long as needed," Vegeta answered without hesitation. "However long it takes to get custody."
Ms. Ives was stunned at how passionate both teens were about this. She had expected it to at least some degree with Bulma since she was the child's sister, but Vegeta was equally if not more willing to upset his life and take on the responsibility of a child. His statement about them already being "married" made sense now. He had to be truly devoted to Bulma to be willing to go this far for her.
"Just fill out these papers with your contact information," she said handing them a clipboard. "Then you are free to go and we'll keep in contact with you."
"Can we see my sister before we leave?" Bulma asked hopefully.
Ms. Ives couldn't say "no" to her with her big, blue eyes shining with worry. "Sure," she replied. "I don't have a problem with it."
Vegeta and Bulma quickly filled out the paperwork and left the office. Ms. Ives led them to a room where they were holding Sara. When Bulma peeked over the crib, the one year old giggled and held her arms up over her. Bulma smiled sadly, trying to not let the tears fall. She picked up the little girl and held her close to her.
"Hey, baby girl," she cooed softly. "Everything is going to be all right. I promise."
Vegeta heard her quiet promise and joined her, again holding her as she held Sara. "When we leave," he whispered in her ear, "call Kakarot. I never thought I'd say this, but we may need him to make this work." Bulma nodded in agreement. If they were going to help her little sister, they needed all the help they could get.
"Impossible!" Vegeta Sr. shouted at his friend's grandson. "Where did you get this?"
"What?" Jay whined. "I was surfing the web. It was the first news bulletin I saw on my homepage. Look."
The older man snatched the phone away from the teen and his anger from earlier returned. The headline read "Ouji heir off the market" and there was a picture of his son and Bulma exiting a chapel. That explained why they had left so abruptly. His son was trying to get one over on him. The boy wanted to spite him for this visit and his treatment of him and the girl.
"So, the kid married her," Nappa stated. "He could do worse, you know."
"Nappa, that is not the point," the older Vegeta stated. "My son just crossed a line, and if she doesn't ruin him first, I will."
A/N: Well, I finally got to this point of the story, and I'm actually quite excited about things progressing further. If you couldn't tell, things are about to get intense for our favorite group :) Hooray for fictional drama XD