Last time:
"Vegeta, what the hell are you doing?" she whispered, trying to appear to the audience that this was all planned.
"Proving myself."
***********************************************************
The world seemed to have stopped on that little stage. The lights shown down on Bulma's face, making her warm and uncomfortable. But she didn't care about that. Vegeta was standing before her, silent, and appeared to be thinking hard on what he was going to do, and he was obviously going to do something. She'd wanted to slap him at first, when he'd grabbed her up and pulled her on stage, but then he'd told her what he was doing, and there was nothing that could make her leave now, nothing that could make her have any sort of ill feelings towards him whatsoever.
So she waited, in silence, her hands folded neatly in front of her.
The audience was in utter suspense. No one knew what was going on, though no one said a word or moved from their seats.
Vegeta turned suddenly towards the audience and took a deep breath.
"Is she not the fairest of beauties, this Juliet that stands before thee upon this stage?" he asked of the audience, who looked at him blankly for a moment, then began to clap wildly. A few people hooted, or yelled "Yes!" or "The fairest", and some stood as they clapped. "Lady, by yonder blesséd moon I vow," he continued. What could he be up to? Why was he now reciting lines from the play? "That tips with silver all these fruit-tree tops—"
"O, swear not by the moon," Bulma answered, giving her next line where it should go. Fine, she would play his little game. But he best be going somewhere with it. "th' inconstant moon, that monthly changes in her circled orb, lest that thy love prove likewise variable."
"What shall I swear by?" He was in full play-mode now, speaking the words as if they were in that scene now, and hadn't just preformed the entire play before.
"Do not swear at all; or if thou wilt, swear my thy gracious self, which is the god of my idolatry, and I'll believe thee."
"If my heart's dear love—"
"Well, do not swear. Although I joy in thee, I have no joy of this contract tonight." Her eyes narrowed suddenly. "It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden; too like the lightning, which doth cease to be ere one can say; 'It lightens.' Sweet, good night! This bud of love, by summer's ripening breath, may prove a beauteous flow'r when next we meet. Good night, good night! As sweet repose and rest come to thy heart as that within my breast!"
She turned to walk off stage, heated with the words she'd said, though it didn't register with her that they were the play's words, for she was truly angry with him. She knew what he was up to now.
"O, wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied?"
She stopped in her tracks, and turned to him.
"What satisfaction canst thou have tonight?"
"Th' exchange of thy love's faithful vow for mine."
But to this she didn't answer, only glared softly at Vegeta so the audience could not see it. After several moments of silence, Vegeta's brow began to twitch, and she could see the sweat beads beginning to form. He was under pressure now, and probably the most embarrassed he'd been in his life.
"Did thou not hear my words?"
"Yes, I heard you, very well," she answered, dropping her play voice and picking up her regular one.
He took a step forward and grabbed her hand. And before she knew it, he was kneeling on one knee before her, reaching into his pants pocket. She tried to stop him before he said what she knew was coming next, but he'd already begun.
"Bulma," he said, opening the ring box. It was one of the most gorgeous amethyst rings she'd ever seen. But she held in her excitement, and only starred down at him, quite at a loss for words. "I know I'm not exactly the best for you," he sighed, pushing hard on the words. But he'd already come this far, and there was no turning back. "And I know I hurt you before. I can't pretend that we could be the happiest couple…but…if you give me another chance, I know I will try my hardest to be what you want…Bulma-" He took a deep, painful, breath. "-I-I love you. Be my wife."
"No," she said simply, not giving it more than a second's though, a small smile on her lips.
"N-N-"
"Look." She knelt down to his eye-level. "Can we talk about this outside? And off the stage? I can't stand all these eyes on me."
He stood and stomped off stage left, gripping the ring box tightly in his hand. All the other players moved as quickly as they could out of his way. The audience was in shock, and murmuring amongst themselves. Goku, Chi-Chi, 17, 18, and Krillin all were out of their seats and headed out the back entrance, to meet Bulma and Vegeta around the other side of the building and to find out what the hell was going on.
Once outside, Bulma took a seat on the edge of the fountain that was set in the center of the theatre's courtyard. It must have dated way back, to when the theatre was first built. Bulma loved it there, and was almost always there when she went out to get fresh air, or between scenes. There was just something so tranquil and beautiful about it. The water wasn't so loud as to be distracting, and the stone it was built from was a beautiful granite, curved and shaped so exquisitely, that she felt it should be in a museum, not a courtyard where anyone could touch or vandalize it.
Vegeta stood almost ten feet away from Bulma, glaring at the ground.
"Listen, Vegeta," she finally said. "I appreciate all this, but-"
"You appreciate it? Well thank you very much. That's exactly what I wanted you to say," he huffed, crossing his arms.
"Stop it, ok? You really sprung that on me out there. What was I supposed to do? Say yes without so much as a second's thought?"
"You said no with as much."
"Because I couldn't say yes, Vegeta." She stood and went over to him, pushing up his chin so their eyes met. "Listen, I know what it must have taken for you to say and do what you did. And you can't imagine how much it means to me to finally hear those words pass your lips after all this time. I'm still reeling over it, but…I can't just jump into this with you, not after all that's happened. It wouldn't be fair, and it was rather unfair of you to ask me such a thing in front of all those people."
"But-"
"I know. You thought that by announcing it in front of a group of strangers and our friends that I'd see that you do love me, and it would prove how much you really love me."
"But you said no."
"Yes, I said no."
"I can change," he whispered, running a nervous hand over his gelled down hair.
"Is that why you signed up for the play? To prove that you could change for me?"
He nodded solemnly.
"Oh Vegeta," she sighed, grabbing his hand and leading him over to the fountain, where she sat, pulling him to sit as well. "I never needed you to change. I never wanted you to change. I fell in love with you as you were, and I wouldn't want you any different. I love you, Vegeta. Not some preppy thespian with slicked back hair that can recite every word from 'Romeo and Juliet' to make girls' hearts melt."
"So I did this all for nothing?" he grunted, becoming angry with the events of the evening.
"No, not for nothing." She smiled, then leaned in and kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"W-"
"I can't be your wife, or even your fiancée right now Vegeta," she said when she brought her head back. "And I never wanted or needed you to change. All I ever wanted was those three words…I can't accept your ring, but I can be your girlfriend again. That is, if you still want me."
"Woman," he sighed, with a little smirk. "You know that I could never deny that I wanted you."
He leaned in to kiss her again, but found only air. She was to her feet now, standing where she'd been sitting on the fountain's ledge.
"You know Vegeta," she laughed, grabbing up his hands and pulling him to his feet. "I hate that hair on you." She ruffled it some, playfully, then added, "You need a bath." And before he could think of what she meant, he was waist deep in water, sitting inside the fountain, dripping wet.
"Woman," he growled.
"Yes, dear?" she laughed.
"Now I know you don't think you have the last laugh."
She was in the fountain with him before she had a chance to jump down. Oh well, she thought. She couldn't think of any place she'd rather be.
"Ok, let's fix that hair of yours," she said, cupping her hands and scooping up water, which she poured over his head, then ruffled his hair some more to clean out the gel.
"You're lucky you're my girlfriend," he sighed, allowing her to continue.
"I know," and there was more meaning to it than he could have guessed. "I love you."
***************************************************************
"College graduation," Bulma whispered, pulling on her blue gown over her simple black spaghetti-strapped dress. She'd been waiting for this for four years now, and could not wait a moment longer for it to be over. Sure she loved learning, but there was very little that she was taught at Nozara Science Institute that she didn't already know. Now, as soon as she had her diploma, she was free to pursue a career in science. Of course, she would immediately go to work for her father, at Capsule Corp., and she needed not a college education for that, or a high school one as a matter of fact, but the degree was for her. She wanted everyone to know that she'd earned Capsule Corp., and it wasn't simply handed to her on a gold platter, like everything else.
"Ready, B?" It was Chi-Chi who poked her head into Bulma's room, little Gohan at her heels, standing just up to her knees.
"Yeah," she sighed, grabbing her purse and cap, then followed Chi-Chi down to the living room, where everyone else was waiting. Goku sat at the foot of the stairs, grabbing up Gohan as he ran by, lifting him into the air and twirling him around. 17 and Nyoko sat in a chair together, Nyoko in his lap, talking quietly to each other, and very much in love. Bulma smiled at the sight of them, happy that 17 had his love, and they were perfect for each other. 18 and Krillin sat on the couch, talking as well, though more loudly, and Bulma could hear all their words. They were discussing the big day tomorrow; their wedding. Now that both were graduated from college, there was nothing to stop them from getting married and starting a family.
She scanned the room for Vegeta, though found him not in the living room. Her mother and father, and the rest of her siblings, were out and would meet her and the others at the school in a few hours. But where was Vegeta?
A sudden noise from the kitchen answered her question. She excused herself to Chi-Chi, then went into the kitchen, finding Vegeta trying to pull Trunks off the counter, a box of animal crackers in his hand, mouth full of the little graham-creatures.
"Woman," he sighed upon noticing her. "He won't come down."
"Trunks, dear," she said, using her motherly voice. "You do remember what today is, right?"
"You're graduating from school today," he said, sounding very much like the genius child she had been, and Mai had been at his age. He set down the box of cookies and allowed Vegeta to lift him off the counter and set him on the floor. Almost immediately he was in his mother's arms, and she lifted him up, giving him a chaste kiss on the cheek.
"How does my gown look?" she asked him.
"I like it," he answered, with a little giggle.
"And my hat?" She put in on as she said this, patting it down to fit better.
"It looks silly," he laughed.
"Why thank you. Now go on and play with Gohan." She set him down and he ran out of the room without so much as a question to why she'd sent him off. She turned to Vegeta, her smile beginning to ache. "Kami, I love him," she sighed, collapsing into Vegeta's arms.
"He's developed quite an attitude," he grunted, then kissed Bulma on the forehead.
"How many more boxes do you have left?"
"Not a lot. Stuff I can live without for awhile."
"Good, 'cause I don't want to be moving boxes tonight." She looked up at him, a devious smirk on her lips. "I want you and no other obligations."
"Brilliant."
*********************************************************
They reached the Nozara Science Institute at around 3:30, an hour before the ceremony was about to begin. The parking lot was packed, and Bulma could just barely make out the bleachers across the wide lawn. There was a makeshift stage erected, though it appeared to be an actual stage moved outside, so great was the craftsmanship.
"Where's everyone else?" 18 asked, looking around for a familiar face.
"I told them to meet me in the lounge at 3:30."
They were headed towards the school, when a figure came running towards the group, nearly knocking Bulma off her feet as she was lifted off the ground and embraced in a breath-taking hug.
"Well hello to you too, Rikyu," she said when he set her back down. "Long time."
"Yeah," he sighed, slightly ashamed. He'd gone all the way to the United States for college. She was surprised to see him here so early. Usually he came home for the summers a few weeks after he was let out, and if memory served her right, he'd only been released a few days ago. "But I couldn't miss your graduation. Or Krillin and 18's wedding."
"Well I'm glad you're here." She kissed him quickly on the cheek, ignoring Vegeta's grunt, then said, "Where's Sorai? I haven't seen him in ages either."
"Still in England," he groaned. "He fell all over himself for this English girl, and is staying at her house for a few weeks. He told me to tell you he said hi and was sorry for not making it."
"Oh, that's alright. Good for him. I hope she treats him well."
"She's great from what I've heard. Name's Natalie. I've talked to her a few times on the phone. They really seemed to have hit it off. He's going to bring her back with him when he comes home."
"And you?"
"What about me?"
"Have you found someone in America?"
"Sibyl," he said in a low voice, his cheeks reddening considerably. "She's a sophomore, so she's a year under me."
"Is she from America? Or does she only go to that school?"
"She's from Hawaii. She…She's very beautiful."
"Did you bring her back with you?"
"No, she went home for the summer, 'cause he grandfather is ill and taken to his bed."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I hope he's alright." She smiled sadly. "And I hope you two are happy together."
"Thanks."
"Are you two done now?" Vegeta grunted, pushing in between him, Trunks clinging to his hand at his side. Rikyu smiled down at the little purple-haired three-and-one-half-year-old. Trunks smiled politely at Rikyu, though he really didn't know him that well and had only met a few times that he could remember. "I thought you said your family was meeting us in the lounge."
"Oh! Bulma," Rikya said, grabbing for her hand, though Vegeta grabbed it instead. Rikyu ignored his rudeness. "Everyone's in there already. I told them I saw you and came to say hi. They're all waiting inside."
"Thank you Rikyu," she said. "And you stop it Vegeta," she mumbled as they were all heading for the building. "He's not going to steal me from you."
"Hmph," was his only response.
Once inside, they spotted their large group at once and went right to them. Bulma immediately embraced her brothers Tsuruki and Shirosama, and her sister Kimiko, all of whom she hadn't seen in months. Tsuruki and his wife, Sadako, and their daughter Yumi, had moved to southern Japan, and hadn't had time to visit for quite some time. Kimiko was off to college of course, and had just completed her junior year in Ireland, where she usually spent most of her summers. Shirosama, with his fiancée Hiroe, had gone to college in England, just like Sorai, where they both rarely wanted to leave. But this was obviously an exception to their regular lives, this and the wedding tomorrow, of which they were all invited.
Jun'ko, who'd just graduated high school, stood beside the group, arms crossed as she starred at the festivities, a little flash anger in her eyes. She'd been angry all week, and only Bulma knew why. She excused herself from her other siblings, and went over to Jun'ko, wrapping her arm around her shoulder and leading her a few feet away, out of hearing range. No one seemed to notice, for there were so many people that hadn't seen each other in so long, it was like a reunion.
"Are you alright?" Bulma whispered.
"I'll be fine," she huffed, sounding very much like Vegeta, who she'd come to admire over the years. They even went out together; shopping, the movies, taking Trunks to the park, and were rather good friends now. "Not just yet though, you know?"
"I know. I understand. I just wish there was something I could do."
"There isn't, but it's fine. I knew that it would be difficult, just I guess I wasn't fully prepared…She won't even look at me," she sighed, glancing over at Tomiko, the girl in question. "She's been here just as long as I have, and she hasn't even looked at me once."
"Well, you have to understand that it's a lot for her to handle. She didn't know how you felt, and you just sort of sprang it on her out of the blue. I'd be shocked too."
"She said it was a phase and I was being foolish. Do you think she's right?"
"Well, Jun, do you love her?"
"Yes, of course I do," she sighed, looking at the floor. "I always have, I just never knew it was that kind of love, you know?"
"She'll come around."
"She has a boyfriend."
"Well, then we need to find you a girlfriend. Someone to keep your mind off Tomi."
"I don't want someone else."
"I know. But there's no use in moping around forever. Look." She glanced back at the group. "I need to do some things right now, so I'll talk to you about this later. Do you want me to talk to Tomiko?"
"Nah. Just leave her alone. I don't want to bother her."
"Alright." She kissed her forehead quickly, then turned to go back to the group. "I'll talk to you later then."
"What was that all about?" Goku asked, trying to keep Gohan from running off and playing with the other children that were running ramped all over the lawn. He was too afraid of him getting lost or something, which was understandable, seeing as the campus was huge.
"Nothing," Bulma sighed, giving a knowing look to Chi-Chi and 18, who she'd obviously confided in after her sister had told her her secret last week. "Well, I have to go talk with the dean. 'Geta?"
"Why do you still insist on asking me such things?" he sighed, ignoring the fact that his son, who was perched on his shoulders, was pulling at his hair and running toy cars through it. "He's my son too. You don't need to ask me to watch him."
"I was just making sure you knew I was leaving so he had eyes on him."
"Woman," he sighed. "He has everyone's eyes on him. Same with Gohan. Those two can't help but attracted attention with their big mouths."
"Vegeta Ouji!" Chi-Chi snapped, slapping him on the arm. "Don't talk about my son that way."
"I'll see you in a while," Bulma said, kissing Vegeta's cheek. "Bye honey," she said to Trunks, who waved frantically at her from behind Vegeta's mountain of hair.
It was an hour before the ceremony actually began, and Bulma, sitting front and center in the crowd of graduates, was as nervous as she'd been at high school graduation. She was the class Valedictorian again, of course, her grades soaring far beyond any of those in her class. It was almost criminal how good she'd done in college, though no one would ever suspect her of cheating to get good grades. Everyone, far and wide, knew of her genius, of the fact that she'd been working with her father at Capsule Corp. since she was a child. It only seemed fitting that she was Valedictorian.
The ceremony itself only lasted inside an hour. The graduating class was small, far smaller than the beginning freshman class of four years ago. It was pleasant, if anything. Not too boring, not too long. The speeches were short and to the point.
"Finally," Bulma sighed, leaning her head on Vegeta's shoulder as he handed Trunks animal crackers from a plastic baggy. "No more school."
"So, you're President of the company now, right?" 17 asked from across the table; a long table, made of three other tables, to accommodate all of Bulma's guests.
"No, not yet. My father isn't retiring for some time. But when he does, it'll be all mine…Damn, I'm going to own my own company."
"Damn," Trunks repeated, throwing a cookie across the table at Goku.
"Kuso," Bulma swore.
"Kuso," Trunks repeated again.
"Great."
"You didn't teach him," Vegeta said. "Taikan heard those words from kids at school and taught him."
"That brother of yours."
"What?"
"He's just like you."
"And that's a bad thing?" he asked with a smirk.
"Shut up."
"Shut up," came Trunks' little voice.
"Now that's a new one for him," Vegeta laughed, handing him another cookie to throw at Goku, who didn't seem to care, picking them up and feeding them to Gohan. Chi-Chi was in deep conversation with 18, too distracted to notice.
"Whatever. I'm too exhausted to care right now."
"You better have some energy for later."
"Oh, believe me, I will."
**************************************************************
"Holy kuso!" 18 screamed, jumping out of bed. She shook Bulma and Chi-Chi awake, who were asleep on her floor. Chi-Chi had been there since after the graduation, with Gohan at her father's house and Goku with Krillin. Bulma had come in later, around midnight. Vegeta was at Krillin's as well. It was a one last time to hang-out-before-being-married type thing for 18 and Krillin. "I'm getting married today!"
"That's nice," Bulma mumbled, jamming a pillow over her head. 18 snatched it away, however, and threw it at Chi-Chi, who'd done the same.
"Come on you two! Wake up! You need to help me get ready!"
"18," Chi-Chi groaned, pointing at the clock. "It's 7:00 in the morning. Your wedding isn't until 5:00 tonight. So let me sleep."
"Fine. I'll take a shower and when I come out you two better be awake."
"Yeah…"
"Whatever…"
**************************************************************
Krillin paced nervously around his room, having woken up at 6:00 AM, not being able to fall back to sleep. He was getting married today. He would be bound in holy matrimony for the rest of his life. Who could blame him for being terrified out of his mind?
"Are you going to do that all morning?" Vegeta grumbled, glaring at him from his place on the floor.
"Sorry Vegeta," he sighed, sitting on his bed finally. "It's just that I'm so damn nervous. Do you know what I mean?"
"No."
"Yes you do," Goku snapped, having just woken up to the sound of their voices.
"Shut up Kakarot."
"What's he talking about?"
"Nothing."
"You remember the play, don't you Krillin?" Goku yawned, sitting up. "You proposed again to 18 that night, and Vegeta proposed to Bulma."
"Oh yeah…Hey, Goku. Were you nervous before you and Chi-Chi got married?"
"Of course I was, but you know, it was all worth the worrying in the end. I can't imagine my life with Chi-Chi as my wife."
"Shut up before I puke," Vegeta grumbled.
"Aw, does someone want a wifey?"
"Kakarot…"
***********************************************************
18 sat in front of the vanity mirror in her dressing room, simply starring at her reflection. Her hair was all done up on her head, though hidden slightly with the white veil, a few ringlets hanging out front. Her make-up was finished as well; light and beautiful. The dress was white, of course, a corseted number that pooled out behind her for nearly ten feet. It was the most gorgeous, and most expensive, dress in the boutique she'd visited. But that was no issue for Yumako and Tamotsu, who now owned a dozen clubs all over the city, and surrounding cities.
"Wow," Bulma gasped, entering the room. "18, you look magnificent."
"Thanks," she sighed with a little smile.
"Kami," Chi-Chi nearly snorted. "Why is everyone else a better looking bride than me?"
"What are you talking about, Chi? You were a gorgeous bride."
"I was fat."
"Oh shut up."
"Hey, you guys…I have to tell you something before we go out there."
"Hmm?" Bulma answered, picking up 18's brush and pulling at her hair to straighten it some more. She didn't like what it was doing today.
"18." The three girls turned to find Tamotsu standing in the doorway. "Stand up so I can get a better look at you." She stood graciously, twirling once so he could see her completely. "Kami, you look wonderful. You're going to make Yumako cry."
"Shut up Tamotsu."
"Well, you ready? I was told to come get you and the maids of honor."
"I think so."
"Well you better be, 'cause there's a church full of people waiting for you. Oh, and a shy groom standing at the alter, itching to marry the love of his life."
"If I wasn't wearing this dress-"
"Come on."
The music started almost too suddenly for 18, and Yumi bounced into the church, throwing flowers wildly in all directions.
"What did you want to tell us?" Chi-Chi whispered to 18, with Bulma on the other side of her. It was almost their time to go out. Next went Tetsu, Yumako and Tamotsu's son, as the ring bearer, looking absolutely adorable in his little suit.
"Don't say anything to Krillin, 'cause I haven't told him yet," she whispered. "I'm pregnant."
And then it was Bulma and Chi-Chi who entered the church, with enormous grins that held 18's news, leaving 18 and Tamotsu in the hall. Vegeta and Goku were the best men, of course, and were escorting the maids of honor to the alter. Before they left the quiet of the hall, 18 took one last deep breath, hooked her arm in Tamotsu's, and walked into the church, all eyes on her.
After what seemed to her to be lifetimes, they finally made it to the alter, where Krillin stood, beaming at his soon to be wife. She smiled warmly back at him. He took her hand to help her up the one step.
"Dearly beloved. We are gathered here to join these two people in holy matrimony."
"Vegeta," Bulma whispered, just so he could hear her.
"Do you, Krillin, take 18 to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"What?" Vegeta whispered back, quite annoyed that she'd try to talk to him while the ceremony was going on.
"I do."
"I think I'm ready."
"And do you, 18, take Krillin to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"For what?"
"I do."
Bulma whispered her response, though not loudly enough for him to hear.
"I now pronounce you man and wife." He turned to Krillin. "You may kiss the bride."
"What?" Vegeta turned to Bulma now that Krillin and 18 were locked in a kiss, and there was no more talking from anyone else.
"I'm ready for marriage. Let's get married."
He reached silently into his pocket and drew out the ring box from four years ago, not being able to help his smile.
"Be my wife," he said, grabbing her hand.
"I can't think of anything I'd want more."
He slipped the ring on her finger, then pulled her into a passionate kiss.
"I love you Vegeta," she whispered, leaning her head on his shoulder.
"You too woman," he sighed, still grasping her hand. "You too."
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---Chapter 23!! Yes! Woo! Yay! Yeehaw! Heehee! There you are, the 23rd chapter of my Sequel. But hey! That's not all! I'm doing one last chapter to completely tie everything together! Wow, I can't believe it's almost over…
REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Reviews=More Chapters)
Next time: Bulma and Vegeta get married, and some other stuff :P
"Vegeta, what the hell are you doing?" she whispered, trying to appear to the audience that this was all planned.
"Proving myself."
***********************************************************
The world seemed to have stopped on that little stage. The lights shown down on Bulma's face, making her warm and uncomfortable. But she didn't care about that. Vegeta was standing before her, silent, and appeared to be thinking hard on what he was going to do, and he was obviously going to do something. She'd wanted to slap him at first, when he'd grabbed her up and pulled her on stage, but then he'd told her what he was doing, and there was nothing that could make her leave now, nothing that could make her have any sort of ill feelings towards him whatsoever.
So she waited, in silence, her hands folded neatly in front of her.
The audience was in utter suspense. No one knew what was going on, though no one said a word or moved from their seats.
Vegeta turned suddenly towards the audience and took a deep breath.
"Is she not the fairest of beauties, this Juliet that stands before thee upon this stage?" he asked of the audience, who looked at him blankly for a moment, then began to clap wildly. A few people hooted, or yelled "Yes!" or "The fairest", and some stood as they clapped. "Lady, by yonder blesséd moon I vow," he continued. What could he be up to? Why was he now reciting lines from the play? "That tips with silver all these fruit-tree tops—"
"O, swear not by the moon," Bulma answered, giving her next line where it should go. Fine, she would play his little game. But he best be going somewhere with it. "th' inconstant moon, that monthly changes in her circled orb, lest that thy love prove likewise variable."
"What shall I swear by?" He was in full play-mode now, speaking the words as if they were in that scene now, and hadn't just preformed the entire play before.
"Do not swear at all; or if thou wilt, swear my thy gracious self, which is the god of my idolatry, and I'll believe thee."
"If my heart's dear love—"
"Well, do not swear. Although I joy in thee, I have no joy of this contract tonight." Her eyes narrowed suddenly. "It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden; too like the lightning, which doth cease to be ere one can say; 'It lightens.' Sweet, good night! This bud of love, by summer's ripening breath, may prove a beauteous flow'r when next we meet. Good night, good night! As sweet repose and rest come to thy heart as that within my breast!"
She turned to walk off stage, heated with the words she'd said, though it didn't register with her that they were the play's words, for she was truly angry with him. She knew what he was up to now.
"O, wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied?"
She stopped in her tracks, and turned to him.
"What satisfaction canst thou have tonight?"
"Th' exchange of thy love's faithful vow for mine."
But to this she didn't answer, only glared softly at Vegeta so the audience could not see it. After several moments of silence, Vegeta's brow began to twitch, and she could see the sweat beads beginning to form. He was under pressure now, and probably the most embarrassed he'd been in his life.
"Did thou not hear my words?"
"Yes, I heard you, very well," she answered, dropping her play voice and picking up her regular one.
He took a step forward and grabbed her hand. And before she knew it, he was kneeling on one knee before her, reaching into his pants pocket. She tried to stop him before he said what she knew was coming next, but he'd already begun.
"Bulma," he said, opening the ring box. It was one of the most gorgeous amethyst rings she'd ever seen. But she held in her excitement, and only starred down at him, quite at a loss for words. "I know I'm not exactly the best for you," he sighed, pushing hard on the words. But he'd already come this far, and there was no turning back. "And I know I hurt you before. I can't pretend that we could be the happiest couple…but…if you give me another chance, I know I will try my hardest to be what you want…Bulma-" He took a deep, painful, breath. "-I-I love you. Be my wife."
"No," she said simply, not giving it more than a second's though, a small smile on her lips.
"N-N-"
"Look." She knelt down to his eye-level. "Can we talk about this outside? And off the stage? I can't stand all these eyes on me."
He stood and stomped off stage left, gripping the ring box tightly in his hand. All the other players moved as quickly as they could out of his way. The audience was in shock, and murmuring amongst themselves. Goku, Chi-Chi, 17, 18, and Krillin all were out of their seats and headed out the back entrance, to meet Bulma and Vegeta around the other side of the building and to find out what the hell was going on.
Once outside, Bulma took a seat on the edge of the fountain that was set in the center of the theatre's courtyard. It must have dated way back, to when the theatre was first built. Bulma loved it there, and was almost always there when she went out to get fresh air, or between scenes. There was just something so tranquil and beautiful about it. The water wasn't so loud as to be distracting, and the stone it was built from was a beautiful granite, curved and shaped so exquisitely, that she felt it should be in a museum, not a courtyard where anyone could touch or vandalize it.
Vegeta stood almost ten feet away from Bulma, glaring at the ground.
"Listen, Vegeta," she finally said. "I appreciate all this, but-"
"You appreciate it? Well thank you very much. That's exactly what I wanted you to say," he huffed, crossing his arms.
"Stop it, ok? You really sprung that on me out there. What was I supposed to do? Say yes without so much as a second's thought?"
"You said no with as much."
"Because I couldn't say yes, Vegeta." She stood and went over to him, pushing up his chin so their eyes met. "Listen, I know what it must have taken for you to say and do what you did. And you can't imagine how much it means to me to finally hear those words pass your lips after all this time. I'm still reeling over it, but…I can't just jump into this with you, not after all that's happened. It wouldn't be fair, and it was rather unfair of you to ask me such a thing in front of all those people."
"But-"
"I know. You thought that by announcing it in front of a group of strangers and our friends that I'd see that you do love me, and it would prove how much you really love me."
"But you said no."
"Yes, I said no."
"I can change," he whispered, running a nervous hand over his gelled down hair.
"Is that why you signed up for the play? To prove that you could change for me?"
He nodded solemnly.
"Oh Vegeta," she sighed, grabbing his hand and leading him over to the fountain, where she sat, pulling him to sit as well. "I never needed you to change. I never wanted you to change. I fell in love with you as you were, and I wouldn't want you any different. I love you, Vegeta. Not some preppy thespian with slicked back hair that can recite every word from 'Romeo and Juliet' to make girls' hearts melt."
"So I did this all for nothing?" he grunted, becoming angry with the events of the evening.
"No, not for nothing." She smiled, then leaned in and kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"W-"
"I can't be your wife, or even your fiancée right now Vegeta," she said when she brought her head back. "And I never wanted or needed you to change. All I ever wanted was those three words…I can't accept your ring, but I can be your girlfriend again. That is, if you still want me."
"Woman," he sighed, with a little smirk. "You know that I could never deny that I wanted you."
He leaned in to kiss her again, but found only air. She was to her feet now, standing where she'd been sitting on the fountain's ledge.
"You know Vegeta," she laughed, grabbing up his hands and pulling him to his feet. "I hate that hair on you." She ruffled it some, playfully, then added, "You need a bath." And before he could think of what she meant, he was waist deep in water, sitting inside the fountain, dripping wet.
"Woman," he growled.
"Yes, dear?" she laughed.
"Now I know you don't think you have the last laugh."
She was in the fountain with him before she had a chance to jump down. Oh well, she thought. She couldn't think of any place she'd rather be.
"Ok, let's fix that hair of yours," she said, cupping her hands and scooping up water, which she poured over his head, then ruffled his hair some more to clean out the gel.
"You're lucky you're my girlfriend," he sighed, allowing her to continue.
"I know," and there was more meaning to it than he could have guessed. "I love you."
***************************************************************
"College graduation," Bulma whispered, pulling on her blue gown over her simple black spaghetti-strapped dress. She'd been waiting for this for four years now, and could not wait a moment longer for it to be over. Sure she loved learning, but there was very little that she was taught at Nozara Science Institute that she didn't already know. Now, as soon as she had her diploma, she was free to pursue a career in science. Of course, she would immediately go to work for her father, at Capsule Corp., and she needed not a college education for that, or a high school one as a matter of fact, but the degree was for her. She wanted everyone to know that she'd earned Capsule Corp., and it wasn't simply handed to her on a gold platter, like everything else.
"Ready, B?" It was Chi-Chi who poked her head into Bulma's room, little Gohan at her heels, standing just up to her knees.
"Yeah," she sighed, grabbing her purse and cap, then followed Chi-Chi down to the living room, where everyone else was waiting. Goku sat at the foot of the stairs, grabbing up Gohan as he ran by, lifting him into the air and twirling him around. 17 and Nyoko sat in a chair together, Nyoko in his lap, talking quietly to each other, and very much in love. Bulma smiled at the sight of them, happy that 17 had his love, and they were perfect for each other. 18 and Krillin sat on the couch, talking as well, though more loudly, and Bulma could hear all their words. They were discussing the big day tomorrow; their wedding. Now that both were graduated from college, there was nothing to stop them from getting married and starting a family.
She scanned the room for Vegeta, though found him not in the living room. Her mother and father, and the rest of her siblings, were out and would meet her and the others at the school in a few hours. But where was Vegeta?
A sudden noise from the kitchen answered her question. She excused herself to Chi-Chi, then went into the kitchen, finding Vegeta trying to pull Trunks off the counter, a box of animal crackers in his hand, mouth full of the little graham-creatures.
"Woman," he sighed upon noticing her. "He won't come down."
"Trunks, dear," she said, using her motherly voice. "You do remember what today is, right?"
"You're graduating from school today," he said, sounding very much like the genius child she had been, and Mai had been at his age. He set down the box of cookies and allowed Vegeta to lift him off the counter and set him on the floor. Almost immediately he was in his mother's arms, and she lifted him up, giving him a chaste kiss on the cheek.
"How does my gown look?" she asked him.
"I like it," he answered, with a little giggle.
"And my hat?" She put in on as she said this, patting it down to fit better.
"It looks silly," he laughed.
"Why thank you. Now go on and play with Gohan." She set him down and he ran out of the room without so much as a question to why she'd sent him off. She turned to Vegeta, her smile beginning to ache. "Kami, I love him," she sighed, collapsing into Vegeta's arms.
"He's developed quite an attitude," he grunted, then kissed Bulma on the forehead.
"How many more boxes do you have left?"
"Not a lot. Stuff I can live without for awhile."
"Good, 'cause I don't want to be moving boxes tonight." She looked up at him, a devious smirk on her lips. "I want you and no other obligations."
"Brilliant."
*********************************************************
They reached the Nozara Science Institute at around 3:30, an hour before the ceremony was about to begin. The parking lot was packed, and Bulma could just barely make out the bleachers across the wide lawn. There was a makeshift stage erected, though it appeared to be an actual stage moved outside, so great was the craftsmanship.
"Where's everyone else?" 18 asked, looking around for a familiar face.
"I told them to meet me in the lounge at 3:30."
They were headed towards the school, when a figure came running towards the group, nearly knocking Bulma off her feet as she was lifted off the ground and embraced in a breath-taking hug.
"Well hello to you too, Rikyu," she said when he set her back down. "Long time."
"Yeah," he sighed, slightly ashamed. He'd gone all the way to the United States for college. She was surprised to see him here so early. Usually he came home for the summers a few weeks after he was let out, and if memory served her right, he'd only been released a few days ago. "But I couldn't miss your graduation. Or Krillin and 18's wedding."
"Well I'm glad you're here." She kissed him quickly on the cheek, ignoring Vegeta's grunt, then said, "Where's Sorai? I haven't seen him in ages either."
"Still in England," he groaned. "He fell all over himself for this English girl, and is staying at her house for a few weeks. He told me to tell you he said hi and was sorry for not making it."
"Oh, that's alright. Good for him. I hope she treats him well."
"She's great from what I've heard. Name's Natalie. I've talked to her a few times on the phone. They really seemed to have hit it off. He's going to bring her back with him when he comes home."
"And you?"
"What about me?"
"Have you found someone in America?"
"Sibyl," he said in a low voice, his cheeks reddening considerably. "She's a sophomore, so she's a year under me."
"Is she from America? Or does she only go to that school?"
"She's from Hawaii. She…She's very beautiful."
"Did you bring her back with you?"
"No, she went home for the summer, 'cause he grandfather is ill and taken to his bed."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I hope he's alright." She smiled sadly. "And I hope you two are happy together."
"Thanks."
"Are you two done now?" Vegeta grunted, pushing in between him, Trunks clinging to his hand at his side. Rikyu smiled down at the little purple-haired three-and-one-half-year-old. Trunks smiled politely at Rikyu, though he really didn't know him that well and had only met a few times that he could remember. "I thought you said your family was meeting us in the lounge."
"Oh! Bulma," Rikya said, grabbing for her hand, though Vegeta grabbed it instead. Rikyu ignored his rudeness. "Everyone's in there already. I told them I saw you and came to say hi. They're all waiting inside."
"Thank you Rikyu," she said. "And you stop it Vegeta," she mumbled as they were all heading for the building. "He's not going to steal me from you."
"Hmph," was his only response.
Once inside, they spotted their large group at once and went right to them. Bulma immediately embraced her brothers Tsuruki and Shirosama, and her sister Kimiko, all of whom she hadn't seen in months. Tsuruki and his wife, Sadako, and their daughter Yumi, had moved to southern Japan, and hadn't had time to visit for quite some time. Kimiko was off to college of course, and had just completed her junior year in Ireland, where she usually spent most of her summers. Shirosama, with his fiancée Hiroe, had gone to college in England, just like Sorai, where they both rarely wanted to leave. But this was obviously an exception to their regular lives, this and the wedding tomorrow, of which they were all invited.
Jun'ko, who'd just graduated high school, stood beside the group, arms crossed as she starred at the festivities, a little flash anger in her eyes. She'd been angry all week, and only Bulma knew why. She excused herself from her other siblings, and went over to Jun'ko, wrapping her arm around her shoulder and leading her a few feet away, out of hearing range. No one seemed to notice, for there were so many people that hadn't seen each other in so long, it was like a reunion.
"Are you alright?" Bulma whispered.
"I'll be fine," she huffed, sounding very much like Vegeta, who she'd come to admire over the years. They even went out together; shopping, the movies, taking Trunks to the park, and were rather good friends now. "Not just yet though, you know?"
"I know. I understand. I just wish there was something I could do."
"There isn't, but it's fine. I knew that it would be difficult, just I guess I wasn't fully prepared…She won't even look at me," she sighed, glancing over at Tomiko, the girl in question. "She's been here just as long as I have, and she hasn't even looked at me once."
"Well, you have to understand that it's a lot for her to handle. She didn't know how you felt, and you just sort of sprang it on her out of the blue. I'd be shocked too."
"She said it was a phase and I was being foolish. Do you think she's right?"
"Well, Jun, do you love her?"
"Yes, of course I do," she sighed, looking at the floor. "I always have, I just never knew it was that kind of love, you know?"
"She'll come around."
"She has a boyfriend."
"Well, then we need to find you a girlfriend. Someone to keep your mind off Tomi."
"I don't want someone else."
"I know. But there's no use in moping around forever. Look." She glanced back at the group. "I need to do some things right now, so I'll talk to you about this later. Do you want me to talk to Tomiko?"
"Nah. Just leave her alone. I don't want to bother her."
"Alright." She kissed her forehead quickly, then turned to go back to the group. "I'll talk to you later then."
"What was that all about?" Goku asked, trying to keep Gohan from running off and playing with the other children that were running ramped all over the lawn. He was too afraid of him getting lost or something, which was understandable, seeing as the campus was huge.
"Nothing," Bulma sighed, giving a knowing look to Chi-Chi and 18, who she'd obviously confided in after her sister had told her her secret last week. "Well, I have to go talk with the dean. 'Geta?"
"Why do you still insist on asking me such things?" he sighed, ignoring the fact that his son, who was perched on his shoulders, was pulling at his hair and running toy cars through it. "He's my son too. You don't need to ask me to watch him."
"I was just making sure you knew I was leaving so he had eyes on him."
"Woman," he sighed. "He has everyone's eyes on him. Same with Gohan. Those two can't help but attracted attention with their big mouths."
"Vegeta Ouji!" Chi-Chi snapped, slapping him on the arm. "Don't talk about my son that way."
"I'll see you in a while," Bulma said, kissing Vegeta's cheek. "Bye honey," she said to Trunks, who waved frantically at her from behind Vegeta's mountain of hair.
It was an hour before the ceremony actually began, and Bulma, sitting front and center in the crowd of graduates, was as nervous as she'd been at high school graduation. She was the class Valedictorian again, of course, her grades soaring far beyond any of those in her class. It was almost criminal how good she'd done in college, though no one would ever suspect her of cheating to get good grades. Everyone, far and wide, knew of her genius, of the fact that she'd been working with her father at Capsule Corp. since she was a child. It only seemed fitting that she was Valedictorian.
The ceremony itself only lasted inside an hour. The graduating class was small, far smaller than the beginning freshman class of four years ago. It was pleasant, if anything. Not too boring, not too long. The speeches were short and to the point.
"Finally," Bulma sighed, leaning her head on Vegeta's shoulder as he handed Trunks animal crackers from a plastic baggy. "No more school."
"So, you're President of the company now, right?" 17 asked from across the table; a long table, made of three other tables, to accommodate all of Bulma's guests.
"No, not yet. My father isn't retiring for some time. But when he does, it'll be all mine…Damn, I'm going to own my own company."
"Damn," Trunks repeated, throwing a cookie across the table at Goku.
"Kuso," Bulma swore.
"Kuso," Trunks repeated again.
"Great."
"You didn't teach him," Vegeta said. "Taikan heard those words from kids at school and taught him."
"That brother of yours."
"What?"
"He's just like you."
"And that's a bad thing?" he asked with a smirk.
"Shut up."
"Shut up," came Trunks' little voice.
"Now that's a new one for him," Vegeta laughed, handing him another cookie to throw at Goku, who didn't seem to care, picking them up and feeding them to Gohan. Chi-Chi was in deep conversation with 18, too distracted to notice.
"Whatever. I'm too exhausted to care right now."
"You better have some energy for later."
"Oh, believe me, I will."
**************************************************************
"Holy kuso!" 18 screamed, jumping out of bed. She shook Bulma and Chi-Chi awake, who were asleep on her floor. Chi-Chi had been there since after the graduation, with Gohan at her father's house and Goku with Krillin. Bulma had come in later, around midnight. Vegeta was at Krillin's as well. It was a one last time to hang-out-before-being-married type thing for 18 and Krillin. "I'm getting married today!"
"That's nice," Bulma mumbled, jamming a pillow over her head. 18 snatched it away, however, and threw it at Chi-Chi, who'd done the same.
"Come on you two! Wake up! You need to help me get ready!"
"18," Chi-Chi groaned, pointing at the clock. "It's 7:00 in the morning. Your wedding isn't until 5:00 tonight. So let me sleep."
"Fine. I'll take a shower and when I come out you two better be awake."
"Yeah…"
"Whatever…"
**************************************************************
Krillin paced nervously around his room, having woken up at 6:00 AM, not being able to fall back to sleep. He was getting married today. He would be bound in holy matrimony for the rest of his life. Who could blame him for being terrified out of his mind?
"Are you going to do that all morning?" Vegeta grumbled, glaring at him from his place on the floor.
"Sorry Vegeta," he sighed, sitting on his bed finally. "It's just that I'm so damn nervous. Do you know what I mean?"
"No."
"Yes you do," Goku snapped, having just woken up to the sound of their voices.
"Shut up Kakarot."
"What's he talking about?"
"Nothing."
"You remember the play, don't you Krillin?" Goku yawned, sitting up. "You proposed again to 18 that night, and Vegeta proposed to Bulma."
"Oh yeah…Hey, Goku. Were you nervous before you and Chi-Chi got married?"
"Of course I was, but you know, it was all worth the worrying in the end. I can't imagine my life with Chi-Chi as my wife."
"Shut up before I puke," Vegeta grumbled.
"Aw, does someone want a wifey?"
"Kakarot…"
***********************************************************
18 sat in front of the vanity mirror in her dressing room, simply starring at her reflection. Her hair was all done up on her head, though hidden slightly with the white veil, a few ringlets hanging out front. Her make-up was finished as well; light and beautiful. The dress was white, of course, a corseted number that pooled out behind her for nearly ten feet. It was the most gorgeous, and most expensive, dress in the boutique she'd visited. But that was no issue for Yumako and Tamotsu, who now owned a dozen clubs all over the city, and surrounding cities.
"Wow," Bulma gasped, entering the room. "18, you look magnificent."
"Thanks," she sighed with a little smile.
"Kami," Chi-Chi nearly snorted. "Why is everyone else a better looking bride than me?"
"What are you talking about, Chi? You were a gorgeous bride."
"I was fat."
"Oh shut up."
"Hey, you guys…I have to tell you something before we go out there."
"Hmm?" Bulma answered, picking up 18's brush and pulling at her hair to straighten it some more. She didn't like what it was doing today.
"18." The three girls turned to find Tamotsu standing in the doorway. "Stand up so I can get a better look at you." She stood graciously, twirling once so he could see her completely. "Kami, you look wonderful. You're going to make Yumako cry."
"Shut up Tamotsu."
"Well, you ready? I was told to come get you and the maids of honor."
"I think so."
"Well you better be, 'cause there's a church full of people waiting for you. Oh, and a shy groom standing at the alter, itching to marry the love of his life."
"If I wasn't wearing this dress-"
"Come on."
The music started almost too suddenly for 18, and Yumi bounced into the church, throwing flowers wildly in all directions.
"What did you want to tell us?" Chi-Chi whispered to 18, with Bulma on the other side of her. It was almost their time to go out. Next went Tetsu, Yumako and Tamotsu's son, as the ring bearer, looking absolutely adorable in his little suit.
"Don't say anything to Krillin, 'cause I haven't told him yet," she whispered. "I'm pregnant."
And then it was Bulma and Chi-Chi who entered the church, with enormous grins that held 18's news, leaving 18 and Tamotsu in the hall. Vegeta and Goku were the best men, of course, and were escorting the maids of honor to the alter. Before they left the quiet of the hall, 18 took one last deep breath, hooked her arm in Tamotsu's, and walked into the church, all eyes on her.
After what seemed to her to be lifetimes, they finally made it to the alter, where Krillin stood, beaming at his soon to be wife. She smiled warmly back at him. He took her hand to help her up the one step.
"Dearly beloved. We are gathered here to join these two people in holy matrimony."
"Vegeta," Bulma whispered, just so he could hear her.
"Do you, Krillin, take 18 to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"What?" Vegeta whispered back, quite annoyed that she'd try to talk to him while the ceremony was going on.
"I do."
"I think I'm ready."
"And do you, 18, take Krillin to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"For what?"
"I do."
Bulma whispered her response, though not loudly enough for him to hear.
"I now pronounce you man and wife." He turned to Krillin. "You may kiss the bride."
"What?" Vegeta turned to Bulma now that Krillin and 18 were locked in a kiss, and there was no more talking from anyone else.
"I'm ready for marriage. Let's get married."
He reached silently into his pocket and drew out the ring box from four years ago, not being able to help his smile.
"Be my wife," he said, grabbing her hand.
"I can't think of anything I'd want more."
He slipped the ring on her finger, then pulled her into a passionate kiss.
"I love you Vegeta," she whispered, leaning her head on his shoulder.
"You too woman," he sighed, still grasping her hand. "You too."
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---Chapter 23!! Yes! Woo! Yay! Yeehaw! Heehee! There you are, the 23rd chapter of my Sequel. But hey! That's not all! I'm doing one last chapter to completely tie everything together! Wow, I can't believe it's almost over…
REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Reviews=More Chapters)
Next time: Bulma and Vegeta get married, and some other stuff :P