Last time:
"Fair enough. Do you want to know what is said?"
She was silent, her eyes cast at the table.
**************************************************
Bulma plopped down in one of the many big poofy chairs in her living room, sighing deeply; Vegeta would be there in a few minutes to pick up Trunks. She had all his essential things ready, though she knew Vegeta had most of it at his house, she packed it anyway; one can never be too prepared. She didn't want her little boy to be without anything, and she definitely didn't want Vegeta to have to come back over to retrieve something she forgot. Trunks was asleep in his baby carrier beside her chair, having just closed his big blue eyes a few moments before. It was the first peaceful moment she'd had all day. She hated to be without her precious little baby, but laws were laws, and they required that her and Vegeta share equal custody, and the day to switch had been decided at Thursday, as odd as it was, and that was today (The last day in the last chapter was Tuesday, so I skipped a day :P).
She leaned her head back, closing her eyes, sleep carrying her away almost instantly.
"Woman," came a voice from above her. She shot up, ready to tear out the eyes of whoever dared scare her like that. Vegeta, of course, she should have known. She simply glared at him, then bent over and grabbed Trunks' bags, handing them none too gently to him. He took them, without hesitation, then waited for her to hand him his son. Even for him being such a small child, he still had immense pride for the little ball of cuteness with a purple tuff of hair. "Come on, I know you don't want me here any longer than I have to be, so hand me the child and I'll be on my way." She barred her teeth at him, but abided and took hold of the top handle of the carrier with both hands, and handed it to Vegeta, who took it easily with one hand, the bags over his opposite shoulder. "Your man called me today," he said, out of the blue, as he turned and headed for the door.
"What?" She was caught off guard; not enough time to realize who it was and that she didn't want to talk to him.
"Your man, Sorai's brother. He called me today, left a message with my mom."
"About?" She tried to act normal, as if this was all new information and she was bitter about digging for it.
"I don't know, I'm 'supposed' to call him back when I get home, but I'm not going to, I don't want to hear a word that moron has to say to me, and I know it's about you, and you know where I stand with that, so tell him for me, will you?"
"Excuse me Vegeta!" she hissed, waking her sleeping child, though he didn't cry, like usual, only blinked open his eyes and starred at his parents, who were looming over him not noticing his woken state. "I am NOT your messenger, and HE is not a moron! What the hell gives you any right what so ever to talk about him that way!? And why the hell is what he has to say worthless!? He has more of a right to speak his mind than you ever will!"
"I don't want to hear what he has to tell me, because it's about you, like I said. I will tell no one, save you, what has been asked of me since graduation."
"Stop being jealous and just talk to him, Kami knows you owe him."
"I do? How?" She was about to answer him when- "Wait, did you just say jealous? I am NOT jealous of that half pint. He has nothing on me."
"He has EVERYTHING on you Vegeta, save the fatherhood to my child. Though that's not a difficult piece for him to obtain, co-"
"You're not actually falling for that mushy goody-goody are you? Kami you sure know how to pick 'em. Stay away from that damn family, nothing good there."
"And who are you, the almighty cheater, to tell me who I should and should not date? And who cares if he is mushy and a goody-goody, I need some stability for Trunks, and he'd be perfect for that."
"For what?" He snarled his upper lip at her, setting his son's carrier and bags down so not to drop them out of rage.
"Being Trunks' step father, an actual good father figure. He needs that in his life, not some low life like you to learn from."
"No," he said flatly, crossing his arms over his chest, far too angry to realize that they were actually having a conversation, as screwed up as that conversation was, they were still having one.
Bulma arched an eyebrow as if to ask what he was saying no to.
"No, that idiot will NOT be MY son's step father. I will not have him influenced by an Ivy League momma's boy."
"Well that's one thing you cannot stop from happening; maybe not with Rikyu, though it seems a fair assumption, but with someone. I will get married Vegeta Ouji! Trunks will have a proper father figure around him all the time, not just every other week! I will NOT spend the rest of my life alone wishing for a husband just because you're too damn jealous to accept it! It WILL happen and you will have to deal with it!"
He chuckled to himself, shaking his head.
"What?" she snarled, clenching her fists and dropping them to her sides.
"You're foolish woman," he sighed, looking up at her. "You do not need to go searching for any random man that seems to fit your 'profile' of the perfect husband and father."
"I will not be alone," she repeated through her teeth.
"You don't have to be."
"Oh? By your terms, which I refuse to follow, how can that happen? I can't be with Rikyu, you like to tell me, which is absurd. So who Vegeta? Who would you approve of for Trunks' step father?"
"You know what I'm going to say," he said barely above a whisper, leaning closer to her, though they were still a considerable distance apart, by Bulma's choosing.
"And you know what I would say to that you bastard. There is no way in hell I would ever consider taking a scum like you back! Are you insane!? How can you honestly think I would ever do that!?"
"I never said that," he said quietly, as if to say, "Shh, I'm not yelling, so why are you?"
She glared daggers at him, then glanced at her son, whose eyes were darting back and forth between his parents. She needed to end this argument quickly, so Trunks' ears didn't hear another word of their fighting, another reason she had vowed to never speak with him again, she didn't want him to have to hear their inevitable fighting, though she now realized that it was just that, inevitable.
"I simply implied that I am the only suitable candidate for father to Trunks and husband to you. You know that as well as I do, you're just too stubborn to admit it."
"On the contrary my arrogant adversary," she said mockingly, crossing her arms in the same fashion as him. "I agree completely with you, though it's not stubbornness that keeps me from going with what I agree."
"Let me te-"
"No Vegeta. I saw what I saw, there's nothing you can tell me that can change that."
"But there's more to it than you know!" he hissed, slamming his fists on the back of the chair she'd been sitting in before.
"And that's for you then, isn't it? Because I refuse to hear you out, not after what you did to me. That can NEVER be undone!"
"B-"
"You've overstayed your welcome Vegeta," she said in a normal tone, pointing towards the door.
"Fine woman, be stubborn. But you're missing out."
"No Vegeta, that's where you're wrong. I'm not missing out, because I will get married, I will have the husband I always dreamed of. It's you who are missing out, you will die alone, without a loving wife, because I am the ONLY one for you!..No one else can tolerate your bullshit."
"You're right on the latter," he admitted, reaching down and retrieving the bags and his son. "But you ARE missing out, because the same is true for you, I'm the only one for you, and you know it, and that's why you can't forgive me."
"Get out!" she screamed, grabbing a pillow from the chair, using all her willpower to not throw it at him. He quickly slipped out the door and was probably half way across the lawn back to his house by the time she'd calmed herself down. She stared at the empty space where he had been, cursing him over and over in her head. He was right, about it all; she would not forgive him for that exact reason, because he was the only one for her, the only one who could make her truly happy, the only one she thought she could trust with her heart, and he foolishly broke it, ending both their lives, so to speak, in an instant. How could she possibly forgive the only one she ever allowed herself to truly love?
***********************************************
Rikyu sat at the kitchen table, phone in hand, pressing on and off every so often to check and see if it was still working. It always was. It was 8:00 and Vegeta still hadn't called him back. He knew he was home by now, because when he talked to Bulma she said he'd already stopped by and picked up Trunks, purposely leaving out their argument. He kept pondering in his mind whether or not he should just call again, see if maybe he hadn't gotten the message, or if he wasn't home yet or something. He'd figured before he called that he probably wouldn't return the call, so calling now would ensure that he at least get a chance to talk to him for a few seconds.
And what was he going to do about bringing someone? Bulma already told him bringing Sorai wasn't a good idea, but how could she be completely certain? Well, he knew how, she knew him better than anyone. But that didn't mean that Sorai wouldn't work, she just said little kids would be a better bet, and since he really didn't know Chi-Chi, he wasn't about to call and ask her if he could take her little brother to talk to Vegeta with him. So maybe Sorai wasn't such a bad choice, he did look up to the guy, as odd of a thing as it was. He respected Vegeta's supposed superiority over people, well, at least that's how it had been when they were in high school together.
"Sorai!" Rikyu called, setting the phone down.
"Yeah?" he answered in his brother's ear, he had just been entering the kitchen when Rikyu called for him.
"Jerk," he growled, handing him the phone. "Don't sneak up on me like that."
"What's this for? Did someone call me?"
"No, I need you to do me a huge favor."
"Ok, so you call me in here, call me a jerk, yell at me, and then ask for something? What makes you think I'll help you?"
"Because, it involves Bulma and Vegeta." Sorai's ears perked. Not only did he admire Vegeta, but he also admired Bulma, though for different reasons. He didn't have a crush on her like most other guys in the town, wasn't in love with her like his brother Yamcha or the helpless 17; he just admired her stamina and vast knowledge and the fact that she didn't take crap from anyone, no matter who they were and what trouble she would get in for speaking her mind. She had her beliefs and there was nothing that could stop her from enforcing them when threatened. He wished he could be more like them both.
"What about them?" he inquired, taking a seat beside his brother. "Not together?"
"No, separately, and it only directly involves Vegeta." Sorai smiled, setting the phone down on the table in front of him.
"I'm listening."
"Well..." He proceeded to tell him, to the best of his recollection, about what had happened between Bulma and Vegeta a few days ago and how he thought it was affecting them both, though he was only concerned for Bulma's well-being. He decided, with Bulma's permission, to confront Vegeta and ask him about what had happened and possibly dig into the past as of a year prior.
"What makes you think he'll say two words to you?" Sorai cut in, finding something wrong with Rikyu's little makeshift plan. "From what I've heard, he hasn't told anyone what happened back then; not Goku, not 18, not Chi-Chi, not even 17 who he allowed to beat him up. No offense, but you are nothing to him, what makes you think he'll tell you anything?"
"Well, first of all, you'll be there, and he likes you." Sorai's eyes lit up for a brief second, before he realized that what he probably meant was what Bulma had said, he 'tolerates' him, though he still held his smile. "Second, all of those people are guaranteed to go to Bulma with the information that he wants to give her personally."
"And how can he trust that you won't?"
"But I will."
"Then how will this work? You're not making any sense. You're just going to piss him off."
"I won't ask about a year ago, directly. My main purpose for going is just what happened a few days ago, it really rattled Bulma whether she'll admit it or not; she's still hurting. I'm just going to ask him questions about that, find out why he did what he did and what his motives are for her right now, you know, like the stupid overbearing protective boyfriend thing."
"He'll never buy it, he knows enough about you to know that you're not that type of boyfriend. You'd never do that to Bulma."
"True, but even he doesn't truly know me. I'll play that I'm only fooling with Bulma and want the information because she wouldn't tell me everything and I'll threaten him to never come near her again."
"And how will that get anything out of him?"
"I don't know, it's a gamble, but it's the only shot I have. Anger always gets people to say things they never thought they would."
"You have a point there. How do I fit in?"
"You side with him, defending him against my insults and blows, if it comes to that." Sorai's eyes widened in shock; he couldn't really be serious about what he was saying, it was insane.
"How the hell can that work? He'll know it's staged."
"Not necessarily, not if you do it a certain way."
"And that way would be?" he asked, making an offhand gesture.
"You're on my side first, but that once you see things take a bad turn, that things may get ugly, you jump to his side and defend him and yell at me and what not."
"So, let me get this straight. You want me to purposely fight you, maybe even hit you, because you think this may have a slight chance of getting some information out of him?"
"Well, if you don't want to d-"
"Whoa, I never said that. I'm in, definitely. I just wanted to make sure I knew what was going on. When are we going to talk to him?" Rikyu laughed, his brother was such a character. He got up and went to the refrigerator, grabbing a couple cans of soda, opening one for himself and setting the other in front of Sorai.
"As soon as possible," he finally answered with a smile, returning to his seat. "I just need to be sure he's up for it, but there's one problem."
"Hmm?" He opened is can, taking a big gulp, the sweet liquid filling his mouth; he loved that stuff.
"I already called him once, and he wasn't home. He hasn't called me back yet and I'm almost positive that he's home now. I don't think he'll call me back, and if I call again, I don't think he'll talk to me for more than two seconds."
"I could call him. Tell him I need to talk to him about girl problems or something."
"You think he'd buy it?"
"It's worked before."
"You called Vegeta about girl problems before you came to me?"
"You and Yamcha were having your own at the time," he shrugged, getting up and taking the phone with him.
"Where are you going?"
"To call Vegeta. No, don't follow me." He motioned for him to sit back down. "I don't want you listening in and telling me what to say. I know, pretty much, how to handle this guy. You being around will just make me nervous and I'll screw everything up. I'll be right back. Go relax for a minute." He walked out of the room, already dialing the number before he was out of hearing range.
Rikyu sat at the table a while, trying to listen in on the conversation from where he was, though soon found it was impossible; Sorai was too far away. He was about to get up and rummage through the fridge to see what he could scrounge up, when Yamcha, with Sayuri (7) on his shoulders, entered the room. They didn't even noticed their brother sitting there until he moved.
"Hey Rik," Yamcha said, setting the giggling Sayuri on the ground and taking a seat with him at the table. He'd just carried her around for the past hour, running around and playing all sorts of elementary games; he was pooped. "What's up?"
"Nothing, just waiting for Sorai, we're kind of in the middle of a conversation."
"Where'd he go?"
"Bathroom."
"Ah, I see."
"Rikyu, catch me!" Sayuri yelled as she jumped into his arms; if he didn't have cat like reflexes, she'd be face down on the floor crying her eyes out.
"Hey there scout," he cooed, kissing her forehead. "What are you up to? Making Yamcha run around in circles?"
"No," she giggled, resting her tired head on his shoulder, she was worn out too. "We were just playing."
"Hey, isn't it time for bed?" he asked, tilting his head in the usual manner people used when speaking to children. "I thought mom said bedtime was 8:00 for you."
"But she's not here."
"That doesn't mean she didn't make rules. Come on, let's go get you ready."
"Here," Yamcha said, reaching out for her. "You're in the middle of something, I'll take her."
"Thanks."
"No problem." He picked up his kid sister, her chubby little legs hooking around his waist, her arms around his think muscular neck. He was nearly out of the room when he stopped and looked over his shoulder. "I heard most of the conversation Rikyu," he said, half embarrassed for having eavesdropped. "Can we talk later? I'm not mad."
"Umm, sure."
"Thanks. I know some things that might help you." Before Rikyu could answer, he was out the door. He didn't quite know how Yamcha could contribute to his task, but what's another opinion? He needed all the help he could get. Besides, he held no grudge with him anymore, if Bulma could forgive him then he sure as hell could too. It was awfully strange when he got a new girlfriend though, but then again, Kiko (Roxy's sister [17], remember?) was a good pair for him, more like his personality, nothing like Bulma. That was after he and Bulma started dating though, so it was ok for him, right?
"Rikyu, hey, snap out of it." Sorai, snapping his fingers in front of his face; he must have zoned out there for a minute.
"Hmm?" he responded, swatting his brother's annoying hand away.
"It took some persuasion, but I finally got him to agree to it. I said I couldn't talk about my 'problem' on the phone cause it was complicated and that he should just come over here after class tomorrow."
"What'd he say to that?"
"He was totally against it, but he finally agreed. I told him you and Bulma were going out because she didn't have to watch Trunks."
"Alright. Thanks Sorai, I owe you one."
"I know," he replied with a smile. "Why else would I risk life and limb to help you?"
***************************************
The next day:
Bulma sat at the restaurant, legs crossed, hands folded on her menu, she already knew what she was going to order. Every few seconds she glanced at the clock on the wall behind her, even though she had a watch, she wasn't used to wearing one. She'd been there for twenty minutes, waiting, having been on time, for once.
"Bulma!" a familiar voice caught her attention and she looked up where it had come from. A girl, her age, with bright blonde hair that was tied into a messy ponytail came walking towards her, a guilty smile on her lips. "Before I get a beating," she sighed, taking a seat across from her, "I have to tell you something." Bulma nodded. "Krillin proposed to me!" She could barely keep her voice from going out of control as she held out her newly diamond decorated left hand.
"Holy shit!" Bulma swore, taking her hand. "Look at the size of that thing. Er, I mean, it's about time." 18 gave her a crooked smile and jerked her hand away. "Congratulations," she said sincerely, reaching across the table and giving her a hug, well, as best as she could. "How'd it happened?"
"Well, I was at his house after school, as usual, just sitting around. He was acting all weird and ditzy, like usual," she laughed, "but I paid no mind to it and kept my eyes on the movie we were watching."
"What movie?"
"What's it matter?"
"You know Krillin. Mood is everything to him when it comes to you. Romance or action?"
"The Silence of the Lambs." Bulma arched an eyebrow.
"Well that's not right. He must have wanted to surprise you. Good call Krillin..What next?" She leaned in, eager to hear the juicy news. Krillin and 18 engaged?-It was the best news she could have gotten at that moment, the best thing, possible, that could pull out of her bad mood.
"Well, we were watching the movie, mocking it, as usual, since we've both seen it like a million times, and then, in the middle of one of the best scenes, he turns to me and says, '18, look at me.' So I do, cause, you know, people usually look when someone tells them to out of curiosity." Bulma nodded. "Then he puts his hands on my face and makes me look into his eyes, but when I do, I can tell something serious is on his mind. 'What's wrong Krillin?' I asked him, and he put his forehead against mine and, in these exact words, said, 'I've never met anyone more unbelievable in my life. No woman can compare to you, you're the best that's out there. I never want to loose you-' And then he-he..he stopped and reached into his pocket and-" Her slight sobbing cut her off, and Bulma reached for a napkin and handed it to her, grabbing one herself. She dabbed her eyes quickly, cleared her throat, and continued. "'And he said, 'Please, tell me I won't loose you.' And he pulled out a little black ring box and got on one knee in front of me and opened it. My Kami I was too shocked to move. And then he says, '18, I love you with all my being. Would you do me the honor, and be my wife?' For ten seconds I was like stone, but then I through my arms around his neck and kissed his bald head and said yes, yes I would marry him, and he slipped the ring on my finger." She sighed, done with her story, and leaned back in the both, getting comfortable, glancing at her ring out of the corner of her eye.
"Damn, you would think the whole horror movie part would ruin the moment-"
"But it didn't," she finished for her, sighing again. She just couldn't believe she was wearing Krillin's engagement ring.
"Well I'm happy for you. It's about time he sucked up and finally asked you. He's had that ring for Kami knows how long."
"Wh-What'd you just say?"
"Kuso," Bulma swore, casting her eyes at the table.
"How long has he had it?"
"He bought it the day before graduation, but could never find a time to ask you, too nervous he said. Listen, 18, the only reason I know is because I was upset over Vegeta and he thought by telling me and having me be the only one who knew it'd make me feel better."
"It's ok B, I'm not mad, just shocked. I thought it was a spur of the moment kind of thing."
"You sure?"
"Positive, which makes it harder for me to say this next thing."
"You're not staying for dinner."
` "I'm sorry," she sighed, giving her best sad puppy face. "But Krillin asked me to go out for a celebration dinner, and he had to book reservations and everything and-I'm just sorry. I feel horrible. You're all alone tonight, Rikyu's busy-What's he up to anyway?"
"It's complicated, I'll tell you later when you're heads not spinning."
"It is not!" 18 hissed, though she could hardly hold back her smile.
"Oh come on, everyone in this room knows you're happy and excited and head over heals in love, it's written all over your face."
"Well you can't blame me. I'll see you later, ok B? What are you doing tomorrow night?"
"Triple date with Rikyu."
"Who else?"
"Yamcha and Kiko. You two want to tag along? We're meeting Tamotsu and Yumako at their new club off Deushi Street, opening night."
"Count us in," she said, standing up. "Sorry again about tonight."
"If you say sorry to me one more time-"
"Alright, alright," she interrupted, holding her hands out. "Call me some time tomorrow."
"Yup. Bye."
"Bye!" she called as she walked away, waving happily. Her and Krillin, what a pair.
************************************************
Rikyu, with Sorai beside him, pulled into Vegeta's driveway, stopping behind his car. He was definitely home.
"Who's going in first?" Sorai asked, unbuckling his seat belt.
"Who do you think? He's expecting you. Just get him on the front porch, then I'll get out of the car, ok?"
"Ei, ei , captain!" he laughed, abiding his suggestion. He jogged to the front door, and knocked a few times then waited for someone to answer.
"What?" Vegeta snarled as he answered the door, annoyed that someone disturb him while he fed his son. "Oh, you. I thought you were coming later."
"No, actually I'm late."
"Whatever." He adjusted Trunks in his arms and motion with his head for him to follow, though something caught his eye, and he turned back. "Who's with you?"
**********************************************
---Chapter 5! YAY! I'm on a roll! I hope everyone enjoyed it! :P
REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Next time: Rikyu, Sorai, and Vegeta talk, and Bulma will actually do that thing I said she would before, I just forgot about it this time :P Heehee.
"Fair enough. Do you want to know what is said?"
She was silent, her eyes cast at the table.
**************************************************
Bulma plopped down in one of the many big poofy chairs in her living room, sighing deeply; Vegeta would be there in a few minutes to pick up Trunks. She had all his essential things ready, though she knew Vegeta had most of it at his house, she packed it anyway; one can never be too prepared. She didn't want her little boy to be without anything, and she definitely didn't want Vegeta to have to come back over to retrieve something she forgot. Trunks was asleep in his baby carrier beside her chair, having just closed his big blue eyes a few moments before. It was the first peaceful moment she'd had all day. She hated to be without her precious little baby, but laws were laws, and they required that her and Vegeta share equal custody, and the day to switch had been decided at Thursday, as odd as it was, and that was today (The last day in the last chapter was Tuesday, so I skipped a day :P).
She leaned her head back, closing her eyes, sleep carrying her away almost instantly.
"Woman," came a voice from above her. She shot up, ready to tear out the eyes of whoever dared scare her like that. Vegeta, of course, she should have known. She simply glared at him, then bent over and grabbed Trunks' bags, handing them none too gently to him. He took them, without hesitation, then waited for her to hand him his son. Even for him being such a small child, he still had immense pride for the little ball of cuteness with a purple tuff of hair. "Come on, I know you don't want me here any longer than I have to be, so hand me the child and I'll be on my way." She barred her teeth at him, but abided and took hold of the top handle of the carrier with both hands, and handed it to Vegeta, who took it easily with one hand, the bags over his opposite shoulder. "Your man called me today," he said, out of the blue, as he turned and headed for the door.
"What?" She was caught off guard; not enough time to realize who it was and that she didn't want to talk to him.
"Your man, Sorai's brother. He called me today, left a message with my mom."
"About?" She tried to act normal, as if this was all new information and she was bitter about digging for it.
"I don't know, I'm 'supposed' to call him back when I get home, but I'm not going to, I don't want to hear a word that moron has to say to me, and I know it's about you, and you know where I stand with that, so tell him for me, will you?"
"Excuse me Vegeta!" she hissed, waking her sleeping child, though he didn't cry, like usual, only blinked open his eyes and starred at his parents, who were looming over him not noticing his woken state. "I am NOT your messenger, and HE is not a moron! What the hell gives you any right what so ever to talk about him that way!? And why the hell is what he has to say worthless!? He has more of a right to speak his mind than you ever will!"
"I don't want to hear what he has to tell me, because it's about you, like I said. I will tell no one, save you, what has been asked of me since graduation."
"Stop being jealous and just talk to him, Kami knows you owe him."
"I do? How?" She was about to answer him when- "Wait, did you just say jealous? I am NOT jealous of that half pint. He has nothing on me."
"He has EVERYTHING on you Vegeta, save the fatherhood to my child. Though that's not a difficult piece for him to obtain, co-"
"You're not actually falling for that mushy goody-goody are you? Kami you sure know how to pick 'em. Stay away from that damn family, nothing good there."
"And who are you, the almighty cheater, to tell me who I should and should not date? And who cares if he is mushy and a goody-goody, I need some stability for Trunks, and he'd be perfect for that."
"For what?" He snarled his upper lip at her, setting his son's carrier and bags down so not to drop them out of rage.
"Being Trunks' step father, an actual good father figure. He needs that in his life, not some low life like you to learn from."
"No," he said flatly, crossing his arms over his chest, far too angry to realize that they were actually having a conversation, as screwed up as that conversation was, they were still having one.
Bulma arched an eyebrow as if to ask what he was saying no to.
"No, that idiot will NOT be MY son's step father. I will not have him influenced by an Ivy League momma's boy."
"Well that's one thing you cannot stop from happening; maybe not with Rikyu, though it seems a fair assumption, but with someone. I will get married Vegeta Ouji! Trunks will have a proper father figure around him all the time, not just every other week! I will NOT spend the rest of my life alone wishing for a husband just because you're too damn jealous to accept it! It WILL happen and you will have to deal with it!"
He chuckled to himself, shaking his head.
"What?" she snarled, clenching her fists and dropping them to her sides.
"You're foolish woman," he sighed, looking up at her. "You do not need to go searching for any random man that seems to fit your 'profile' of the perfect husband and father."
"I will not be alone," she repeated through her teeth.
"You don't have to be."
"Oh? By your terms, which I refuse to follow, how can that happen? I can't be with Rikyu, you like to tell me, which is absurd. So who Vegeta? Who would you approve of for Trunks' step father?"
"You know what I'm going to say," he said barely above a whisper, leaning closer to her, though they were still a considerable distance apart, by Bulma's choosing.
"And you know what I would say to that you bastard. There is no way in hell I would ever consider taking a scum like you back! Are you insane!? How can you honestly think I would ever do that!?"
"I never said that," he said quietly, as if to say, "Shh, I'm not yelling, so why are you?"
She glared daggers at him, then glanced at her son, whose eyes were darting back and forth between his parents. She needed to end this argument quickly, so Trunks' ears didn't hear another word of their fighting, another reason she had vowed to never speak with him again, she didn't want him to have to hear their inevitable fighting, though she now realized that it was just that, inevitable.
"I simply implied that I am the only suitable candidate for father to Trunks and husband to you. You know that as well as I do, you're just too stubborn to admit it."
"On the contrary my arrogant adversary," she said mockingly, crossing her arms in the same fashion as him. "I agree completely with you, though it's not stubbornness that keeps me from going with what I agree."
"Let me te-"
"No Vegeta. I saw what I saw, there's nothing you can tell me that can change that."
"But there's more to it than you know!" he hissed, slamming his fists on the back of the chair she'd been sitting in before.
"And that's for you then, isn't it? Because I refuse to hear you out, not after what you did to me. That can NEVER be undone!"
"B-"
"You've overstayed your welcome Vegeta," she said in a normal tone, pointing towards the door.
"Fine woman, be stubborn. But you're missing out."
"No Vegeta, that's where you're wrong. I'm not missing out, because I will get married, I will have the husband I always dreamed of. It's you who are missing out, you will die alone, without a loving wife, because I am the ONLY one for you!..No one else can tolerate your bullshit."
"You're right on the latter," he admitted, reaching down and retrieving the bags and his son. "But you ARE missing out, because the same is true for you, I'm the only one for you, and you know it, and that's why you can't forgive me."
"Get out!" she screamed, grabbing a pillow from the chair, using all her willpower to not throw it at him. He quickly slipped out the door and was probably half way across the lawn back to his house by the time she'd calmed herself down. She stared at the empty space where he had been, cursing him over and over in her head. He was right, about it all; she would not forgive him for that exact reason, because he was the only one for her, the only one who could make her truly happy, the only one she thought she could trust with her heart, and he foolishly broke it, ending both their lives, so to speak, in an instant. How could she possibly forgive the only one she ever allowed herself to truly love?
***********************************************
Rikyu sat at the kitchen table, phone in hand, pressing on and off every so often to check and see if it was still working. It always was. It was 8:00 and Vegeta still hadn't called him back. He knew he was home by now, because when he talked to Bulma she said he'd already stopped by and picked up Trunks, purposely leaving out their argument. He kept pondering in his mind whether or not he should just call again, see if maybe he hadn't gotten the message, or if he wasn't home yet or something. He'd figured before he called that he probably wouldn't return the call, so calling now would ensure that he at least get a chance to talk to him for a few seconds.
And what was he going to do about bringing someone? Bulma already told him bringing Sorai wasn't a good idea, but how could she be completely certain? Well, he knew how, she knew him better than anyone. But that didn't mean that Sorai wouldn't work, she just said little kids would be a better bet, and since he really didn't know Chi-Chi, he wasn't about to call and ask her if he could take her little brother to talk to Vegeta with him. So maybe Sorai wasn't such a bad choice, he did look up to the guy, as odd of a thing as it was. He respected Vegeta's supposed superiority over people, well, at least that's how it had been when they were in high school together.
"Sorai!" Rikyu called, setting the phone down.
"Yeah?" he answered in his brother's ear, he had just been entering the kitchen when Rikyu called for him.
"Jerk," he growled, handing him the phone. "Don't sneak up on me like that."
"What's this for? Did someone call me?"
"No, I need you to do me a huge favor."
"Ok, so you call me in here, call me a jerk, yell at me, and then ask for something? What makes you think I'll help you?"
"Because, it involves Bulma and Vegeta." Sorai's ears perked. Not only did he admire Vegeta, but he also admired Bulma, though for different reasons. He didn't have a crush on her like most other guys in the town, wasn't in love with her like his brother Yamcha or the helpless 17; he just admired her stamina and vast knowledge and the fact that she didn't take crap from anyone, no matter who they were and what trouble she would get in for speaking her mind. She had her beliefs and there was nothing that could stop her from enforcing them when threatened. He wished he could be more like them both.
"What about them?" he inquired, taking a seat beside his brother. "Not together?"
"No, separately, and it only directly involves Vegeta." Sorai smiled, setting the phone down on the table in front of him.
"I'm listening."
"Well..." He proceeded to tell him, to the best of his recollection, about what had happened between Bulma and Vegeta a few days ago and how he thought it was affecting them both, though he was only concerned for Bulma's well-being. He decided, with Bulma's permission, to confront Vegeta and ask him about what had happened and possibly dig into the past as of a year prior.
"What makes you think he'll say two words to you?" Sorai cut in, finding something wrong with Rikyu's little makeshift plan. "From what I've heard, he hasn't told anyone what happened back then; not Goku, not 18, not Chi-Chi, not even 17 who he allowed to beat him up. No offense, but you are nothing to him, what makes you think he'll tell you anything?"
"Well, first of all, you'll be there, and he likes you." Sorai's eyes lit up for a brief second, before he realized that what he probably meant was what Bulma had said, he 'tolerates' him, though he still held his smile. "Second, all of those people are guaranteed to go to Bulma with the information that he wants to give her personally."
"And how can he trust that you won't?"
"But I will."
"Then how will this work? You're not making any sense. You're just going to piss him off."
"I won't ask about a year ago, directly. My main purpose for going is just what happened a few days ago, it really rattled Bulma whether she'll admit it or not; she's still hurting. I'm just going to ask him questions about that, find out why he did what he did and what his motives are for her right now, you know, like the stupid overbearing protective boyfriend thing."
"He'll never buy it, he knows enough about you to know that you're not that type of boyfriend. You'd never do that to Bulma."
"True, but even he doesn't truly know me. I'll play that I'm only fooling with Bulma and want the information because she wouldn't tell me everything and I'll threaten him to never come near her again."
"And how will that get anything out of him?"
"I don't know, it's a gamble, but it's the only shot I have. Anger always gets people to say things they never thought they would."
"You have a point there. How do I fit in?"
"You side with him, defending him against my insults and blows, if it comes to that." Sorai's eyes widened in shock; he couldn't really be serious about what he was saying, it was insane.
"How the hell can that work? He'll know it's staged."
"Not necessarily, not if you do it a certain way."
"And that way would be?" he asked, making an offhand gesture.
"You're on my side first, but that once you see things take a bad turn, that things may get ugly, you jump to his side and defend him and yell at me and what not."
"So, let me get this straight. You want me to purposely fight you, maybe even hit you, because you think this may have a slight chance of getting some information out of him?"
"Well, if you don't want to d-"
"Whoa, I never said that. I'm in, definitely. I just wanted to make sure I knew what was going on. When are we going to talk to him?" Rikyu laughed, his brother was such a character. He got up and went to the refrigerator, grabbing a couple cans of soda, opening one for himself and setting the other in front of Sorai.
"As soon as possible," he finally answered with a smile, returning to his seat. "I just need to be sure he's up for it, but there's one problem."
"Hmm?" He opened is can, taking a big gulp, the sweet liquid filling his mouth; he loved that stuff.
"I already called him once, and he wasn't home. He hasn't called me back yet and I'm almost positive that he's home now. I don't think he'll call me back, and if I call again, I don't think he'll talk to me for more than two seconds."
"I could call him. Tell him I need to talk to him about girl problems or something."
"You think he'd buy it?"
"It's worked before."
"You called Vegeta about girl problems before you came to me?"
"You and Yamcha were having your own at the time," he shrugged, getting up and taking the phone with him.
"Where are you going?"
"To call Vegeta. No, don't follow me." He motioned for him to sit back down. "I don't want you listening in and telling me what to say. I know, pretty much, how to handle this guy. You being around will just make me nervous and I'll screw everything up. I'll be right back. Go relax for a minute." He walked out of the room, already dialing the number before he was out of hearing range.
Rikyu sat at the table a while, trying to listen in on the conversation from where he was, though soon found it was impossible; Sorai was too far away. He was about to get up and rummage through the fridge to see what he could scrounge up, when Yamcha, with Sayuri (7) on his shoulders, entered the room. They didn't even noticed their brother sitting there until he moved.
"Hey Rik," Yamcha said, setting the giggling Sayuri on the ground and taking a seat with him at the table. He'd just carried her around for the past hour, running around and playing all sorts of elementary games; he was pooped. "What's up?"
"Nothing, just waiting for Sorai, we're kind of in the middle of a conversation."
"Where'd he go?"
"Bathroom."
"Ah, I see."
"Rikyu, catch me!" Sayuri yelled as she jumped into his arms; if he didn't have cat like reflexes, she'd be face down on the floor crying her eyes out.
"Hey there scout," he cooed, kissing her forehead. "What are you up to? Making Yamcha run around in circles?"
"No," she giggled, resting her tired head on his shoulder, she was worn out too. "We were just playing."
"Hey, isn't it time for bed?" he asked, tilting his head in the usual manner people used when speaking to children. "I thought mom said bedtime was 8:00 for you."
"But she's not here."
"That doesn't mean she didn't make rules. Come on, let's go get you ready."
"Here," Yamcha said, reaching out for her. "You're in the middle of something, I'll take her."
"Thanks."
"No problem." He picked up his kid sister, her chubby little legs hooking around his waist, her arms around his think muscular neck. He was nearly out of the room when he stopped and looked over his shoulder. "I heard most of the conversation Rikyu," he said, half embarrassed for having eavesdropped. "Can we talk later? I'm not mad."
"Umm, sure."
"Thanks. I know some things that might help you." Before Rikyu could answer, he was out the door. He didn't quite know how Yamcha could contribute to his task, but what's another opinion? He needed all the help he could get. Besides, he held no grudge with him anymore, if Bulma could forgive him then he sure as hell could too. It was awfully strange when he got a new girlfriend though, but then again, Kiko (Roxy's sister [17], remember?) was a good pair for him, more like his personality, nothing like Bulma. That was after he and Bulma started dating though, so it was ok for him, right?
"Rikyu, hey, snap out of it." Sorai, snapping his fingers in front of his face; he must have zoned out there for a minute.
"Hmm?" he responded, swatting his brother's annoying hand away.
"It took some persuasion, but I finally got him to agree to it. I said I couldn't talk about my 'problem' on the phone cause it was complicated and that he should just come over here after class tomorrow."
"What'd he say to that?"
"He was totally against it, but he finally agreed. I told him you and Bulma were going out because she didn't have to watch Trunks."
"Alright. Thanks Sorai, I owe you one."
"I know," he replied with a smile. "Why else would I risk life and limb to help you?"
***************************************
The next day:
Bulma sat at the restaurant, legs crossed, hands folded on her menu, she already knew what she was going to order. Every few seconds she glanced at the clock on the wall behind her, even though she had a watch, she wasn't used to wearing one. She'd been there for twenty minutes, waiting, having been on time, for once.
"Bulma!" a familiar voice caught her attention and she looked up where it had come from. A girl, her age, with bright blonde hair that was tied into a messy ponytail came walking towards her, a guilty smile on her lips. "Before I get a beating," she sighed, taking a seat across from her, "I have to tell you something." Bulma nodded. "Krillin proposed to me!" She could barely keep her voice from going out of control as she held out her newly diamond decorated left hand.
"Holy shit!" Bulma swore, taking her hand. "Look at the size of that thing. Er, I mean, it's about time." 18 gave her a crooked smile and jerked her hand away. "Congratulations," she said sincerely, reaching across the table and giving her a hug, well, as best as she could. "How'd it happened?"
"Well, I was at his house after school, as usual, just sitting around. He was acting all weird and ditzy, like usual," she laughed, "but I paid no mind to it and kept my eyes on the movie we were watching."
"What movie?"
"What's it matter?"
"You know Krillin. Mood is everything to him when it comes to you. Romance or action?"
"The Silence of the Lambs." Bulma arched an eyebrow.
"Well that's not right. He must have wanted to surprise you. Good call Krillin..What next?" She leaned in, eager to hear the juicy news. Krillin and 18 engaged?-It was the best news she could have gotten at that moment, the best thing, possible, that could pull out of her bad mood.
"Well, we were watching the movie, mocking it, as usual, since we've both seen it like a million times, and then, in the middle of one of the best scenes, he turns to me and says, '18, look at me.' So I do, cause, you know, people usually look when someone tells them to out of curiosity." Bulma nodded. "Then he puts his hands on my face and makes me look into his eyes, but when I do, I can tell something serious is on his mind. 'What's wrong Krillin?' I asked him, and he put his forehead against mine and, in these exact words, said, 'I've never met anyone more unbelievable in my life. No woman can compare to you, you're the best that's out there. I never want to loose you-' And then he-he..he stopped and reached into his pocket and-" Her slight sobbing cut her off, and Bulma reached for a napkin and handed it to her, grabbing one herself. She dabbed her eyes quickly, cleared her throat, and continued. "'And he said, 'Please, tell me I won't loose you.' And he pulled out a little black ring box and got on one knee in front of me and opened it. My Kami I was too shocked to move. And then he says, '18, I love you with all my being. Would you do me the honor, and be my wife?' For ten seconds I was like stone, but then I through my arms around his neck and kissed his bald head and said yes, yes I would marry him, and he slipped the ring on my finger." She sighed, done with her story, and leaned back in the both, getting comfortable, glancing at her ring out of the corner of her eye.
"Damn, you would think the whole horror movie part would ruin the moment-"
"But it didn't," she finished for her, sighing again. She just couldn't believe she was wearing Krillin's engagement ring.
"Well I'm happy for you. It's about time he sucked up and finally asked you. He's had that ring for Kami knows how long."
"Wh-What'd you just say?"
"Kuso," Bulma swore, casting her eyes at the table.
"How long has he had it?"
"He bought it the day before graduation, but could never find a time to ask you, too nervous he said. Listen, 18, the only reason I know is because I was upset over Vegeta and he thought by telling me and having me be the only one who knew it'd make me feel better."
"It's ok B, I'm not mad, just shocked. I thought it was a spur of the moment kind of thing."
"You sure?"
"Positive, which makes it harder for me to say this next thing."
"You're not staying for dinner."
` "I'm sorry," she sighed, giving her best sad puppy face. "But Krillin asked me to go out for a celebration dinner, and he had to book reservations and everything and-I'm just sorry. I feel horrible. You're all alone tonight, Rikyu's busy-What's he up to anyway?"
"It's complicated, I'll tell you later when you're heads not spinning."
"It is not!" 18 hissed, though she could hardly hold back her smile.
"Oh come on, everyone in this room knows you're happy and excited and head over heals in love, it's written all over your face."
"Well you can't blame me. I'll see you later, ok B? What are you doing tomorrow night?"
"Triple date with Rikyu."
"Who else?"
"Yamcha and Kiko. You two want to tag along? We're meeting Tamotsu and Yumako at their new club off Deushi Street, opening night."
"Count us in," she said, standing up. "Sorry again about tonight."
"If you say sorry to me one more time-"
"Alright, alright," she interrupted, holding her hands out. "Call me some time tomorrow."
"Yup. Bye."
"Bye!" she called as she walked away, waving happily. Her and Krillin, what a pair.
************************************************
Rikyu, with Sorai beside him, pulled into Vegeta's driveway, stopping behind his car. He was definitely home.
"Who's going in first?" Sorai asked, unbuckling his seat belt.
"Who do you think? He's expecting you. Just get him on the front porch, then I'll get out of the car, ok?"
"Ei, ei , captain!" he laughed, abiding his suggestion. He jogged to the front door, and knocked a few times then waited for someone to answer.
"What?" Vegeta snarled as he answered the door, annoyed that someone disturb him while he fed his son. "Oh, you. I thought you were coming later."
"No, actually I'm late."
"Whatever." He adjusted Trunks in his arms and motion with his head for him to follow, though something caught his eye, and he turned back. "Who's with you?"
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---Chapter 5! YAY! I'm on a roll! I hope everyone enjoyed it! :P
REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Next time: Rikyu, Sorai, and Vegeta talk, and Bulma will actually do that thing I said she would before, I just forgot about it this time :P Heehee.