A/N: I know what you're all thinking . . .'What the hell? AUTHOR'S NOTES? On the twenty-somethin' CHAPTER? Is she NUTS? There weren't any a/ns on the OTHER twenty-somethin' chapters, why start now?' I have no REAL answer, just thought you needed to know something: apparently, Launch (blonde) becomes good and all, but I've only seen two sagas in Dragonball, so if she seems a little O.O.C., it's because I don't know how to make her act.

Disclaimer: Not that I . . .KNOW of . . .



CHAPTER 28

"Vegeta!" Bulma called out, slamming on the gravity room's locked door. "Vegeta, open up! It's important!"

Vegeta turned to face the door. What the . . .what is she doing here? All of a sudden, he could feel the intense heat of his ki blast slam towards him, ricocheting off the mirror-like walls of the gravity chamber. Shooting his attention back towards the huge ball of energy whizzing towards him, he sent a blast at the first one, destroying it in a flash of white.

The flash was so brilliant, Bulma had to shield her eyes. Even then, her eyes stung for a few moments afterwards, long enough for Vegeta to switch off the machine and barge out the door. "What the hell, woman?" he yelled the instant he emerged from the white dome. "Can't you see I was training in there?"

"No dip, moron," Bulma retorted. "I thought you were having a picnic."

"Quit your sarcasm, girl. I have more important things to do today other than talking to you." He rolled his eyes and leaned up against the gravity chamber. Bulma placed her hand on her hips and glared at him.

"Do you think this is some kind of joke? I mean, do you honestly think I want to be out here arguing with you? Hmm?"

"Well, by the looks of it, woman," he narrowed his eyes. "You're not disliking it."

"And I think you're actually enjoying it," she huffed, "but that's not the point. The point is Chi-Chi, Launch, and I are all planning this wedding, and we need to know---"

"Whenever, woman. I have training to do." With that said, he turned on his heel and started to open the door back into the G.R.

"What do you mean, 'whenever'? You have a say in this too, mister." She pressed on the door with all her weight, keeping it tightly shut. "And you're not going back in there until we agree on a date."

"Tomorrow," he grunted, trying to push her off, open the door, and keep her from falling all at the same time. Needless to say, it didn't work.

"Oh, no, you don't," Bulma grunted, forcing her weight onto the door. "I have gone through too much to be blown off that quickly. There's no way in hell our wedding can be tomorrow, dumb ass. We have to plan this thing, not just show up in the church and demand to get married. It doesn't work that way!"

"Really? You don't say," his voice was dripping sarcasm.

Bulma glared at him. "Well, if you aren't going to take this seriously . . ." she reached for the main power switch (conveniently located outside the G.R.).

"You wouldn't," he growled, stepping away from the wall.

"Oh, wouldn't I?" she smirked and pulled the cord just slightly, causing the lights to flicker. "Just watch me."

Much to Bulma's delight, Vegeta was left speechless. "All right then," she smiled, letting go of the cable. "Now, maybe we can get something accomplished."

He smirked casually. "Fine. Whatever you want, woman." Kami, is she good. Blackmail, trickery, bribes . . .I think I'm starting to rub off on her. This thought made him smile.

Okay, whatever. I wonder what's so funny . . . "So, when do you want to do this? Or do you?" She eyed him, and her words caused him to jump in alarm. "Wha---?" he asked, his eyes bugging out ever so slightly. "Of course I want to do this," he scoffed, embarrassed that she had seen him freak out. "I wouldn't have asked you if I felt different."

"Right," Bulma nodded. "Sure," she rolled her eyes back, fully aware of how annoyed he was getting.

"GRRRR," he growled, fighting off the urge to kill her. No . . .must . . .stay . . .focused. If I kill her now, Kakarot will come, and I'm not ready for that. Yet. Besides, if I killed her now, I'd lose her, and I suppose I do love her, and the brat too. "Sometime in this century, woman. I'm beginning to lose my patience."

Bulma stopped bothering him, even though she knew he wouldn't hurt her. "So, are you willing to choose a more reasonable date?"

"Fine. Next week."

"Vegeta! Be serious!"

"Fine! One month. Is that better?" He glared at her, wishing she would leave so he could continue with his rigorous training schedule.

Groaning inwardly, Bulma sighed and nodded. "Fine. One month from today, if they'll take us," she added under her breath.

The Saiyan Prince arched an eyebrow at her comment, but that was about it. There's no way they won't, he thought with a smirk. Like they'd reject the Capsule Corp. heiress. Or a prince, for that matter . . .

"One month," Bulma told her friends as she returned to the main building. Chi-Chi and Launch passed an uneasy look before commenting.

"Um, Bulma?" Launch asked, giving Chi-Chi an awkward glance. "Can . . .can I ask you something?"

"Sure, Launch. What is it?" Bulma asked as she slid into her seat between the other two women. Once again, the two women shared an awkward glance. "Well?"

"Well . . .I don't really know how to put this, but . . ."

"But you have something on your neck," Chi-Chi finished, pointing. "It looks like someone bit you."

Gingerly, Bulma ran her fingers over the crescent-shaped scar on her neck. What the hell . . .Vegeta! "I don't believe this," she muttered, running to the nearest mirror, to see it for herself. "Dammit, Vegeta!" she howled when she saw the mark. "I oughta kill you for this one!"

"What?" Launch was really confused now.

"Remind me to kill him," Bulma muttered as she slid into the seat between the other two. They gaped at each other as Bulma began sorting through yet another Modern Bride Magazine.

"Aren't you going to tell us about this?" Chi-Chi gawked. "Or are you going to wait for it to disappear, then tell us?"

"Oh, it's not going to disappear," Bulma was too preoccupied to look at Chi- Chi as she answered her. "It's permanent."

"What do you mean, permanent? It's a scar, it's not going to last forever," Chi-Chi waved her hands wildly. "What, have you never had one before? They look really awful until they eventually heal up and disappear."

"Not this one," Bulma groaned. "It's gonna be here a while. Like, till I die."

"What are you talking about, Bulma?" Launch smiled.

"Yeah, Bulma, let us in on it!"

Bulma sighed in defeat. "Fine, you win . . . yes, it is a scar, but . . . dammit! I don't know how to explain it!"

"I do," a gruff voice grunted from the doorway.

The three women turned to see the Prince of Saiyans standing by the other end of the table. He was standing as he usually does (standing straight, eyes narrowed, arms crossed, chin on chest), dresses in a spandex training outfit, with a fluffy white towel draped around his muscular neck.

"Hey . . .Vegeta . . ." Bulma laughed nervously. "Uh . . . how long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough to hear your pathetic conversation," he snapped. "Honestly, woman, do you really expect me to stand around while you---" he glared at Chi-Chi and Launch, "plan my damn life? I think not."

Bulma's eyes narrowed. "We're not planning your damn life, we're planning our wedding. Or have you forgotten that?"

Once again, Vegeta scowled. "Curse you, woman. If you don't want to know what I have to say, why bother asking me."

"I never asked you!" Bulma exploded. Launch and Chi-Chi shrank down in their chairs at the sound of her shrill voice. "I merely said I didn't know how to explain it!"

"In other words, you don't know."

"I damn well do know!" She shrieked, causing Launch and Chi-Chi to cover their ears with their hands. "I never said I didn't; I said I couldn't explain it. There's a difference, ya know."

Vegeta laughed coldly. "And what would that difference be?" he challenged.

She smirked evilly.

Holy mother of pearl, Chi-Chi thought, looking back and forth between the two. Would ya look at that resemblance? They look just like each other! Well, except for the hair . . .and the muscles . . .and . . .

"I know how to split an atom, but I'd have one hell of a time trying to explain it to someone. And you!" she pointed an accusing finger in his face. "You know how to fly and shoot energy blasts, but how the hell would you explain how to do something like that?"

Vegeta smirked. "Easy. Begin by focusing your energy, and push it out either below you or in front of you." He laughed at her scowling face.

Launch glanced back and forth between the two. "Did . . .she say . . .Vegeta?" Chi-Chi nodded and Launch smiled.

"Hi!" she cried out, running over and reaching out her hand to Vegeta (like she wanted to shake hands). "You must be Bulma's new boyfriend."

Vegeta scowled and her and looked down at her hand like it was going to bite him. He glared at the blue-haired woman before giving her the cold- shoulder and leaving the room.

Launch looked around. "Was it something I said?"

Bulma patted her back to comfort her. "There, there, Launch, don't worry. Vegeta's just being a jackass, that's all."

The Prince stopped in mid-step. "What did you say, woman?" He fought to keep his voice level and his temper down.

"You heard me."

By now, Vegeta was almost shaking with rage. "Watch what you say, woman," he warned. "You never know who might take offense."

"Ha!" Bulma scoffed, turning away from Launch (who was looking pretty upset). "Aw, what's the matter? Is the almighty prince of Saiyans offended by what a mere human has to say?"

Muttering through clenched teeth, Vegeta replied, "Watch your mouth. That is no way to talk to a prince, let alone the father of your child."

Launch stared at the prince, than back at Bulma. "How---?" she began, but Chi-Chi shook her head.

"Don't ask. I have no clue," Chi-Chi told her, eyeing the two. "Trust me, if I hadn't seen this with my own two eyes, I never would've believed that these two would be the two to get together."

Launch nodded her head in agreement. "Yeah. They don't seem to get along well, do they?"

They were interrupted by a yell from Bulma.

"So you think you're all high and mighty, do you? Well, let me tell you something, mister! You wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for me and my family, so why don't you try treating them with respect?"

"I'll respect them when they deserve it!" Vegeta snapped back angrily. "Humans are worthless creatures who couldn't defend themselves if their entire world---no, universe depended on it! And when someone of a higher class is left on their planet---" he glared at Bulma, "---and isn't given the respect they deserve . . ."

"ARGH!" Bulma yelled. "I'LL SHOW YOU RESPECT!"

She darted towards him, catching him off-guard. She somehow managed to hit him, on his jaw, causing a paper-cut like scratch (which hurt like hell, thank you). He cursed out loud and grabbed her wrist, quite violently actually.

He pulled her in close to his face, her whole body stiff and shaking with fear.

"If you were any other human besides my mate," he snarled, growling low enough so Launch and Chi-Chi couldn't hear, "you would be dead by now."

Bulma gulped. Even though she was paralyzed with fear, she knew it was the truth. Had she been anyone else, he would've killed them---on the spot.

Glaring down at her, he let go and pushed her to the ground at the same time. She landed with an 'oomph!' and sat still, watching him retreat to their bedroom. "Jackass," she mumbled as Chi-Chi and Launch helped her to her feet.

"You should be ashamed of yourself!" Chi-Chi yelled at him, startling Bulma. "Please no, Chi-Chi . . ." Bulma groaned.

Launch, however, didn't have time to yell at him. She was too busy getting ready to sneeze. "Ah . . .ah . . .ah . . ."

Vegeta scowled at Launch and then turned to Chi-Chi. "What do you think you're doing, woman?" he smirked. "Your precious husband won't be around to save you, I warn you."

"LEAVE GOKU OUTTA THIS!" Chi-Chi yelled, lunging forward and slamming her fist into Vegeta's chest. (And no, it didn't hurt him. Much)

He growled and was about to lunge at her, when the inevitable came.

"AH-CHOOOOOOO!"

He stared wide-eyed at the former blue-haired woman, now blonde, with a crazed look in her eyes. "Who the hell . . ." he began, but he didn't get very far.

"I'll teach you to mess with her!" Launch screamed, whipping out a machine- gun (never leave home without one!). Laughing maniacally, she opened fire at Vegeta.

Silently cursing humans everywhere, Vegeta found himself having quite the time trying to catch the bullets before they could do any damage. One grazed his cheek, leaving a small but painful cut.

He winced and howled, "I'll kill you for that one, bitch!" Spitting angrily, he started sneaking closer to Launch while continuing to catch the bullets that threatened to take away his life.

Both Bulma and Chi-Chi realized they had to act fast if they wanted to save their friend's life. Bulma scooted over to the counter, keeping her head low so that the spray of bullets wouldn't hit her. Fumbling, she reached up on the counter top, desperately trying to find a cure for this. "Aha," she laughed, pulling the peppershaker to her chest. "I've got it."

"Chi-Chi!" she called out, catching the younger woman's attention. "Catch!"

Chi-Chi glanced up only once, to see the peppershaker flying through the air. Reaching out her hands, she caught it. Smiling with relief, she fumbled around with the silver top, trying to pry it off before Vegeta managed to get Launch.

"Yes," she whispered as the top fell off in her hands. Glancing at Vegeta, who was getting closer to the trigger-happy blonde, she decided to do what had to be done. Pouring a handful of pepper into her hand, she threw it into Launch's face.

Launch looked around for a moment, confused, the bullets still firing. "Ah . . .ah . . .ah . . .AH-CHOOOOOOOOO!" she sneezed. Vegeta froze, watching her return to normal. But as she changed, her hand jerked and the gun fired off one last time, hitting Vegeta right in the chest, only a few inches away from his heart. Clutching his chest tightly with one hand, his eyes squeezed shut, the fiery pain in his chest worse than any he'd ever felt before, save the few ki blasts that had dared pierce his flesh.

"Ah," he gasped, trying desperately to regain his focus and composure. Squinting through one eye, he managed to pull a straight face, though his hand was still tightly clenched to his chest to stop the blood from flowing everywhere.

Turning away from the women, he began to walk back down the hall, but Bulma noticed that he was holing his chest, and asked, "Are you alright?"

Freezing in mid-step, Vegeta looked back at his mate over his shoulder. "Why the hell wouldn't I be all right?" he snapped, his anger hiding his pain. "It's just a little heartburn from your damn chili."

Bulma glared at him, rising to her feet only to stumble and land back on her knees. "Dammit," she muttered, pulling herself up again. "You don't have to be so bitchy about it," she hissed at him, "I was just trying to make sure you were okay."

"I'm fine," he grunted, looking forwards again.

She made a face, but Bulma stayed silent as he walked up the stairs. Baka, she thought to herself, I was just being kind, he didn't have to go all ballistic on me. All I did was ask if he was all right and he completely turned on me.

"Are you all right?" Launch asked quietly, watching Bulma dust the dirt off her stretch/maternity pants.

Bulma scowled and gave Launch the Death Glare. "Do I look all right to you?" Launch jumped a bit, taken back by Bulma's harsh words. "Sorry, Launch," Bulma mumbled, fumbling with the tie on her v-neck t-shirt.

"It's all right," Launch grinned, her sunny personality returning.

"No, it's not," Bulma sighed. "I shouldn't have snapped at you like that, Launch, I'm sorry." Her big blue eyes began to well up with tears. Damn these hormones! she cursed.

Chi-Chi rolled her eyes at the whole ordeal. Heh, heh . . .so Bulma's hormones are finally kicking in, eh? Ha. I sure wouldn't like to be Vegeta when she gets a hold of him.

Launch, however, was totally and utterly confused.

"Wha---oh no, don't cry Bulma!" Launch's eyes began to fill up with tears as Bulma pressed her face in to Launch's shoulder, crying her eyes out. "Now I'm gonna cry!" Launch cried out as she began wailing too.

"Dear Kami this is pathetic," Chi-Chi mumbled, looking over at her two childhood friends, both of which were crying their eyes out on the kitchen floor, one five months pregnant, the other with a split personality (literally).

"That must have been some chili," Chi-Chi said nonchalantly. "I mean, Goku's eaten your chili lots of times, he's never gotten heartburn. And I've seen Vegeta eat just as much as him."

"Yeah," Bulma said, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "I mean, I haven't made any chili for months . . ."

"You haven't?" Chi-Chi gasped. "Well then . . .how could he . . ."

Launch glanced up, her face showing the fear none of them wanted to show. "Did I do anything . . .to him?" she asked timidly, afraid of the answer.

Bulma shrugged it off with a laugh. "Well, you did kind of pull a gun on him . . .but he caught the bullets in mid-air, so don't worry about it," she said, pointing to the small pile of lead. "And the chili? My mom probably made some. Hers is a lot spicier than mine is, and I probably just didn't notice it being gone because I had to give up spicy stuff a while ago."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Launch nodded, looking at the pile. "I couldn't have hurt him if he caught them all, right?" The three friends exchanged a grin and went back to planning, but Bulma couldn't concentrate.

Chili . . .he's eaten lots of Mom's chili before . . .hell, he once had the whole damn pot! He's never had heartburn before . . .maybe I should check on him . . .just to make sure that he's all right . . .nah. I mean, if he was hurt or something, he would've told me. Right?

Bulma grimaced as a searing hot pain struck through her chest. "Gack!" she cried out, clutching her burning chest.

"Bulma! Are you all right?" Chi-Chi gasped.

"Bulma?" Launch asked timidly, "is everything all right?"

"Yeah," Bulma said softly. How weird . . .she thought. The pain just . . .stopped . . . "It was kinda like . . .like I don't know what . . .kinda like someone ha shot he, right here," she said, fingering a small area near her collarbone. "But then it just . . .stopped."

"Weird," Launch replied.

"Totally," Chi-Chi agreed.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N: Oh, no! Poor Bulma . . .she doesn't realize that her pain is really Vegeta's! And what about poor, poor Vegeta? What will I torment him with next? Will he survive the gunshot, or will we be needing to find the Dragonballs? And what of this scar? Does it mean something, or is it just something the author (me) put in there cause she was too bored to think of something else? Well, you'll just have to wait and see, won't you?

Gangsta Videl