Disclaimer: Well I've had dreams from time to time about owning it but very few of my dreams actually become reality. *shrugs* Go figure.

AN: Yeah, took a minute but it's finally here. Oh and guess what?! I got a beta!!! (Now maybe you guys will actually understand what I'm talking about, eh? ^_~) Much love to hippiechick! You're the best! Anyway on to the fic.

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Bulma pressed the doorbell again, then squinted against the morning sun as she looked back at the driveway. She released a soft curse when she confirmed the black dodge was really there. She squared her shoulders a bit and mentally strengthened her resolve. As much as she hated it, she had to do this. Last night had been all the proof she needed.

Due to a scheduling conflict on the school's part, the championship games of both the girls' and boys' basketball teams were moved from Saturday to Thursday night. The gym was packed as the teams from Orange Star High pummeled their opponents into the ground. The evening had only two real down sides. First ChiChi and Goku had fought a few days before causing ChiChi to be a real downer all night, and secondly, she'd had to pee so bad the whole night. That's why the moment they finished the boys' awards ceremony, she'd practically ran to the nearest toilet.

With a sigh of relief, Bulma pulled her jeans up, just as she heard someone enter the previously empty restroom. She recognized the two voices immediately and was about to exit the stall and say hi when she realized the subject of their conversation.

"So you don't think Bulma will be angry?" Launch asked.

"Why would she be?" Marron answered then followed with, "here try this one."

Launch made a soft sound of disgust. "That's too red Marron. I want a clear lip gloss."

Bulma could picture Marron rolling her eyes as she said, "Fine." She listened as the girl rustled around in her bag then said, "Here."

"Thanks," Launch chirped.

"Anyway," Marron said getting back to the point. "I'm sure Bulma's not going to prom alone so it wouldn't be fair for her to expect Yamcha to go alone either."

"But they dated a really long time. There are probably still feelings there and she may think I'm trying to cut in on her guy."

"Oh come on Launch! Everybody knows that Bulma's dating Vegeta now. She won't care in the slightest."

Bulma frowned. And they thought they were being so inconspicuous.

"Besides, Yamcha asked you and you wanted to go. It would have been dumb for you to say no. Even Bulma would tell you that."

"I guess you're right," Launch sighed. "Oh, here's your gloss back."

"You know you should really try some color," Marron told her.

"I am not having this conversation with you again." Her words were accompanied by the sound of her sneakered feet moving toward the door.

"Oh come on Launch!" Marron cried, her words fading slightly as she followed her friend out the door.

Bulma waited a few minutes before she left the stall. As she began to mull over the things said, she examined herself in the smeared mirror before her. This had been one hell of a year. After all that had happened she had to say that now things finally seemed to be settling down. She and Vegeta had worked things out for the most part and even though her parents had decided to split she no longer blamed her mother for it. She had finally accepted it. Everything was starting to fall into place for her, except one thing.

She hadn't spoken to Yamcha since the night of her party, and for weeks afterward just seeing him in the hallways everyday brought a pain to her heart that she couldn't describe. At the time she'd thought it was the pain of a great love lost, and her heart had blamed him for ruining her life. Now she knew better.

Over the weeks her relationship with Vegeta had evolved, and she'd learned the true meaning of love, for that's what she felt for Vegeta, the purest love a teenage girl could ever know. As she looked at her reflection, she realized Yamcha had been right that night. The love and dedication he had put into their relationship had always outweighed the amount she had offered in returned. With a heavy heart she knew what had to be done, but as she now stood on the front porch of the small house he shared with his aging grandmother, she couldn't help but try to think of a way not to do what had to be done.

Her last knock took what was left of her reserves of bravery. She was just about to turn tail and run when the door creaked open.

"Bulma? Why my dear it's been such a long time! How are you?" the wrinkles of the old woman's face scrunched up in an easy smile.

"Hello Nana Sheki. It's good to see you again," she smiled then lowered her eyes to the animal the woman was cradling in her arms. "Hello Puar," she said as she used her index finger to stroke the underside of the animal's chin.

The cat purred gently then jumped out of his owner's arms and into Bulma's. The old woman giggled and clasped her hands together. "See, my dear, you've been gone too long. She's missed you."

"I've missed her too," Bulma murmured as she rubbed her cheek against the soft blue coat.

"Hey Grams I told you I would get it-" Yamcha stopped mid-sentence as he saw who the visitor was. After taking the last step down the staircase he approached the door. "What are you doing here?" he asked with no malice, only blatant curiosity.

Bulma fluttered a moment before clearing her throat. "I need to talk to you."

Yamcha looked unsure of what to say to that, choosing rather to reach for the cat. Bulma handed the animal over and he in turn gave it to his grandmother. "Grams, why don't you and Puar go upstairs and get ready for your appointment? I'll come get you when I'm ready to go."

The old woman grunted, then turned to the stairs. "Come on Puar. They never let us hear the good stuff."

Yamcha watched her go, with a smile, before turning to Bulma, who had stepped into house and closed the door behind her. "Do you want to sit down or something?" he asked. The way he crossed his arms over his chest told her just how uncomfortable he was with the idea.

Bulma smiled a little and shook her head. "No, I'm fine. This won't take too long."

Though he nodded nonchalantly, he couldn't hide the relief in his eyes. They stared at each other for a moment before Bulma reached behind her neck and undid the small clasp there. She held the heart pendent in both hands and offered it to him. "It's the necklace you gave me for my birthday," she explained quickly.

He didn't uncross his arms as he glanced down at the offering. "That was a gift Bulma. I don't want it back."

She took the necklace back, having known that's what he would say. The silence between them filled the whole room, and neither knew what to say next. Finally Yamcha cleared his throat.

"Look Bulma, I have to take Grams to a doctors appoint-"

"Did you know my parents are getting divorced?" she said trying to buy some time to get her thoughts together.

He nodded sadly. "Yeah I saw something about it on TV. I'm sorry."

Bulma dropped her eyes. "It's okay. My mom and I talked things over." She paused a moment before locking eyes with him. "It took some time but I finally realized that nothing lasts forever." He would have to be an idiot not to realize that the conversation had just changed subjects.

"I hear you're taking Launch to prom," she said softly.

His cheeks reddened slightly as he spoke. "Yeah, neither of us had anyone so-"

"You don't have to explain," she told him quickly. "Launch is really nice. I'm glad you found someone, Yamcha. Someone better than-"

"Listen Bulma-"

"No, I need to say this. You were right. I never found the time for us and it was really unfair to you," she paused gnawing her lip. "When you broke up with me, I couldn't understand how you could throw all we had away. Now I realize there really wasn't much to throw away in the first place." The tears that had been threatening couldn't be contained any longer and they began to slowly slip down her pale cheeks, unnoticed by their owner. "The truth is Yamcha, I really do love you. I'm just so sorry that I could never love you the same way you loved me."

He seemed to mull over her words carefully before finally speaking. "You said love. As in present tense?"

She smiled through her tears finally noticing them enough to wipe at them. "You were my first everything, Yamcha. I'll always love you for that."

He smiled gently before opening his arms to her. "Come here." Her smile widened a bit as she walked into his arms, tightly wrapping her own around his neck in their embrace. The simple act was the final closure both needed to one of the biggest chapters in their young lives.

She pulled back, though she left her arms where they lay, and looked up at him. "You had every right to refuse to be second place Yamcha, and I'm glad you did."

Yamcha's eyes lit teasingly as he returned her warm smile. "I bet I know why too. I've heard rumors about you too, you know?"

"Oh really? Like what?" she asked, releasing him.

"Like that you and Vegeta are the new big couple."

She chuckled as she crossed her arms over her chest. "How in the world does everybody know about that?"

"I'm not really surprised. I always felt that Vegeta didn't like me, now I know why."

Bulma laughed full out at that. "It could have been that he just didn't like you. He usually doesn't need a reason."

Yamcha's laughter joined hers at that as he placed a hand at the small of her back. "Come on, I'll walk you out."

The sun beamed down on the two as they reached her car, and Bulma paused after opening her door, something just hitting her. "You know that today is Goku's birthday, right?"

"Yeah. I was going to give him a call later," Yamcha said.

"Well we're having a party for him at the Grove today after the wrestling tournament. He told me he's been trying to do things with you but you always had something else to do. I think it would mean a lot to him if you came."

"You don't mind?" he asked.

"No, not at all," she said sincerely.

"Then I'll see you there," he said.

With a final smile Bulma stood on her tiptoes and placed a kiss on his cheek. "Good-bye, Yamcha," she said.

"Good-bye, Bulma," he answered as he watched her slip into the flashy red car.

She gave one last wave before pulling out of the driveway. When his house finally faded from view, Bulma released a shriek of utter joy. Everything had finally fallen into place.

* * *

As Bulma entered the packed gymnasium, she could barely hear herself think for all the noise. If it hadn't been for Goku leaning on the railing that separated the crowd and the competitors, she never would have found her friends. She was more than a little surprised to see how many people had shown up for this final tournament. Expected of course were Krillin and Jay who seemed to be arguing over the outcome of the last match. The true surprise though came from the fact that not only had Goku's whole family turned out for the bouts but so had Vegeta's mother, who sat, pleasantly chatting with Goku's mom.

She was also a little shocked to see Juu there. Even though the girl frequented the matches, she had been keeping to herself ever since finding out her dad was back in town. They had seen so little of her over the last week, it had been her twin who had filled them all in on what was going on. Bulma was going to sit next to the other girl when Goku waved her over to stand next to him.

"Happy Birthday, kiddo," she said, stopping next to him.

"Thanks B! Big turn out, huh?" he said jerking his head toward the group behind him.

"I'll say," Bulma answered. Nothing made her happier than to see the people closest to Vegeta finally showing an interest in the sport he loved.

"And that's not all either," Goku said with a hug grin that must have hurt. When her questioning blue eyes turned to him, he motioned to the door. It took a few minutes of her looking through the crowd before her eyes finally fell on what Goku was smiling about. The tall handsome man leaned against the wall dressed in dark colors. It was obvious that he was trying to remain discreet but that trademark flame of hair on his head couldn't be denied.

"Ohmigod!" Bulma practically cried.

"Shh," Goku said quickly. "We're not supposed to know he's here."

"Oh," Bulma said, then tapped his arm urgently as her eyes fell on someone coming in the door. "Look it gets better."

Goku's gaze followed hers, landing on the dark haired girl standing in the doorway, an uncommon frown graced his handsome features. Bulma picked up on it immediately and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know you guys are mad at each other for some reason but you really should talk about it."

His eyes had were locked on the obviously out of place girl across the room, as he slowly nodded. Pushing away from the rail he made his way down to her. Her eyes lowered nervously as he stopped before her.

"What are you doing here Chi?" he asked over the roaring noise of the gymnasia.

"Well I-" a group of excited girls rushing by cutting her sentence short knocking her into her unusually cool boyfriend. When he didn't move to steady her, she bit her bottom lip to stop it from trembling. It was the first she'd ever looked into those normally warm, obsidian-like eyes and seen nothing. It broke her heart to think she could have done that to him. "Can we step outside?"

He hesitated, then glanced back at the match where two boys were mauling one another. "Vegeta's weight class is up next. I don't-"

"It won't take long," she said quickly.

Goku sighed then motioned toward the door for her to precede him. It took several moments before they found a somewhat secluded spot. ChiChi couldn't believe the pressure she felt as he waited for her to speak; his eyes focused on the floor as he did.

"I wasn't taking those pills. I mean I was, but it's not what you're thinking," she said, deciding to skip all the small talk.

Something entered his eyes then. Confusion. "What do you mean you were but you weren't?"

"They were aspirin Goku. I was taking aspirin," she informed him.

He blinked his surprise before frowning. "Then why didn't you just say that instead of blowing up like you did?" he wanted to know.

"Because I was embarrassed. That tube was what you thought it was. The fact is that I ran out of what I had left of the speed shortly before I went into the hospital, but for some reason I couldn't I get rid of that tube."

She rolled her eyes before adding, "My 'group counselor' said it was like my security blanket. She said needing it was a way of assuring myself that something was there for me. She said I have nothing to be ashamed of. That it was actually helping me recover. Reminding me that even though it was there, deep down I didn't need it."

She shrugged, now looking at her feet in shame. "I guess what I'm saying is I wanted you to know that I no longer need that blanket. I threw the tube away yesterday." It took everything in her to tell him those things, and the way he just stared at her made her painfully uneasy. When he still hadn't spoken after another full minute, she took a shaky breath and murmured, "I'll let you get back to the meet," before quickly taking her leave. Her pride had been damaged enough by just coming here and confessing the weaknesses she just had. She couldn't let him see her breakdown as well.

She had taken no more than ten steps before his calling of her name made her pause. The hurt she saw in his face as she turned to him was heart wrenching. "Do you really not need me Chi?" The childlike pain in his eyes only tripled her guilt, and she barely contained a sob.

"I'm so sorry for saying that Goku," she said walking toward him. "You mean the world to me and I need you now, more than ever."

"Really?" he asked hopefully.

"Really," she confirmed placing a hand lightly on his chest. She couldn't believe the way her heart leapt when a smile spread across his face. "I know it sounds corny but you're like the hero of my own little fairy tale."

"Anime," he corrected.

"Huh?" ChiChi asked wondering what cartoons had to do with anything.

"I'd rather be the hero of your own little anime," he explained. "Anime heroes are much cooler than fairy tale heroes."

ChiChi chuckled and nodded her head. "Whatever you say Goku."

"Wow, Chi. I think that's the first time I've ever heard you apologize," he said, wrapping an arm around her waist as he got back to the subject at hand.

"Well, don't get use to it," she politely told him as his lips lowered to brush hers. "So does this mean I'm forgiven?" she questioned.

"Well if you do one thing," he said his eyes almost sparkling now.

"Oh and what's that?"

"Stay." When she frowned he quickly added. "It would mean a lot to Vegeta if you did."

"With all those people, I hardly think he's going to notice if I'm there or not," she complained. She really did not want to stay.

"Okay maybe not, but it really would mean a lot to me."

She gnawed her lip a moment before reluctantly nodding. "All right, Goku."

"Thanks Chi," he said as they reentered the gymnasium. Obviously the last match had gone well because the crowd was in an absolute frenzy. ChiChi's frown deepened.

"What's with them?" Goku yelled over the noise as they reached their blue haired friend.

"They just announced that Vegeta's weight class is next and everyone went crazy!" she yelled back excitedly. "This is going to be double as sweet for me."

"Why?" ChiChi wanted to know.

"Because of who his opponent is. I can't wait to see Vegeta pin that jerk," she stated.

ChiChi rolled her eyes, then pulled away from Goku. "Well if I have to be here I'm not going to stand," she informed him before making her way over to sit with Juu.

Bulma mimicked ChiChi's earlier eye rotation as she smiled up at her oldest friend. "Some people just don't know how to live."

The audience's explosion, as the PA system began to announce the start of the champion, almost drowned out Goku's chuckle. He had to cover his sensitive ears when Bulma added her own shrieks of excitement to the crowd's, as the two competitors entered the ring. The smirk that covered Vegeta's face had nothing to do with his adoring public, however.

"You should have stayed in your own weight class," Vegeta told the other man, thrilled at the chance of getting a piece of this loser.

Zarbon smiled as well, not the least bit intimidated by the smaller man. "Actually I think it's the best idea I've ever had. First I'll take your title then that pretty little girlfriend of yours that comes with it."

Vegeta's smirk only grew as their talk was brought to an end, as the referee began to explain the rules to them. With a quick shake of hands between competitors, the ref declared the start of the match. Zarbon wasted no time in going for the legs, a move that greatly surprised Vegeta though not enough to knock him down. The guy was a lot stronger than Vegeta originally thought. Bending forward, he wrapped his arms around the other man's waist.

Zarbon was more than a little stunned to find himself hoisted into the air, upside down, and then slammed back down again. When the back of his neck connected with the mat, he finally realized he was in over his head. Deciding to try reaching the outside of the ring so he could try a different tactic, Zarbon rolled onto his stomach and tried to make his escape. The sudden heavy weight on his back told him that he was caught. Vegeta's hand caught his arms at the shoulders and pulled back, painfully.

"Where are you going?" Vegeta questioned dropping his head close Zarbon's. "I thought you were going to take my title?" he taunted.

"You haven't won yet. You still have to pin me," Zarbon growled against the pain.

"Oh I will. Don't worry about that. I just want you to see something first. Look up," Vegeta instructed, cruel amusement saturating his tone. Zarbon gazed up, into the crowd and at first couldn't, for the life of him, see what the little shrimp was talking about. Then a flash of blue caught his eyes. He couldn't believe the humiliation he felt as he watched the object of his desire for weeks now cheering her head off for his opponent. Vegeta seemed to sense this shame and decided it was time to add a little salt.

"Mine," he informed the teal-colored man before in one swift move he flipped the loser onto his back and pinned his shoulder blades to the mat. The five-second count was one of the sweetest moments Vegeta had ever known, and when he was declared winner, he could honestly say he had never felt so cocky in all his life.

The crowd went wild as the man in black and white raised Vegeta's hand to officially proclaim him, the four times running, national champion. For a brief moment his eyes found an elated pair of blue ones in the horde of people. Using both hands, the girl in question blew him a kiss, to which he only raised a brow before exiting the mat.

* * *

Much to her companion's chagrin, Bulma sang along happily to the radio as they flew down the road toward the Grove. Throwing her head back, she belted out the chorus of Ashanti's Happy, the wind tossing her blue locks about as the driver put the petal to the metal. Vegeta figured he had been nice long enough and lifted one hand from the steering wheel to flick off the stereo. It was several moments before Bulma realized she was singing alone. She glanced at the radio, then frowned at Vegeta. After a few moments she shrugged. She was in too good a mood to fight with him.

"Vegeta, if I ask you something will you say yes?"

The arched glance he threw her said simply that he wasn't making any promises.

"Well I was wondering if you'd be my prom date?" she said, sweetness dripping from her every pore.

Even the master of hidden emotion couldn't hide his surprise at that. "Why would I do that?"

Bulma shrugged. "Oh, come on Vegeta. It's pretty much assumed that we're going together. I just figured it would be nice if one of us actually asked the other. So what do you say?"

He was quiet a moment before he turned back to her with a crude grin. "What do I get out of the deal?"

Bulma giggled as she returned the grin. "Oh, I don't know," she said running a polished fingernail down his bare arm. "But I'm sure I can think of something that will interest you."

The grin turned to a smirk as he pulled the red convertible in next to Goku's jeep. After turning off the engine he turned to her saying, "Count me in then."

Bulma didn't hesitate to lean across the gear shaft and capture his lips, gently sucking on the bottom lip as she pulled away. "Great! You won't regret it." Throwing one last wink in his direction, she climbed out the car.

After grabbing her carryall beach bag out of the trunk, the two made their way through the thick foliage that blocked the gang's secret hideaway from the rest of the world. As always, they were late, and the party was in full swing.

"Say cheese!" Krillin said pointing his camera at the new arrivals. Bulma, never one to miss a good opportunity, threw her arms around Vegeta's neck and planted a big wet one on his cheek. Krillin chuckled and snapped the shot before Vegeta could pull away.

"Why are you always doing shit like that?" he demanded as he wiped angrily at his cheek. The darkening in his face made both witness' to his embarrassment laugh.

"Because I know you hate it," Bulma answered pinching his cheek, getting her hand slapped in the process.

Krillin shook his head at the pair. "You two," he chuckled as he began winding his camera. He frowned when he realized it was his last picture. "Guess I got a little carried away," he muttered.

"Here give it to me," Bulma said. "I'll put it in my bag. It always takes you forever to get pictures developed, so I'll do it for you."

Krillin shrugged and handed the camera over so she could place it in the already overstuffed bag. At least he wouldn't have to pay to get them developed this time.

"Come on, Vegeta," she said wrapping both her arms around one of his and nuzzling close to his side. "Let's find somewhere to spread my blanket so we can cuddle."

With a grunt of disdain, he shook her off and moved toward the flaming grill Jay had going. Throwing a wink in the shorter man's direction, Bulma hurried after him.

Krillin watched the two for sometime. Honestly he hadn't been any more surprised than anyone else when the two had gotten together. They just seemed to fit. The thought of couples that just seemed right made him start to scan the gathering for his better half. He frowned deeply when he spotted her far from the group, near the lake's edge, her legs pulled to her chest as she watched the water before her.

Sighing heavily, he made his way to her. "You okay, kid," he asked softly. When her nod wasn't accompanied by a look in his direction, he took a seat beside her. "I haven't seen you talk to Jay all day," he commented as he also took up watching the water.

She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear before saying, "I can't talk to him right now."

"Wanna share?" he asked.

"He went to see him," she said simply.

"Oh."

"Now all of a sudden he's Mr. Forgive and Forget. He's been riding my ass for the last few days about it and I'm sick of hearing it."

Krillin watched her profile closely as he spoke his next words. "And what about your mom?"

Her face didn't change as she released a half grunt. "She's the same. She said that even though Nijuu has made some mistakes he's still my father. I don't see it that way. I mean, for more than fourteen years I've watched my mother struggle alone to raise Jay and I, and now all of a sudden they want me to just forget all that. Maybe there's something wrong with me, but I just can't do it."

Acting purely on instinct, Krillin reached in front of her legs and took one of her hands in his. Juu shuddered at the contact and Krillin watched as a bitter tear slipped down her cheek. It was obvious that she had been fighting these emotions for as long as she could. Krillin tugged her until she rested her head on his shoulder. They sat, silently watching the water as the tears streamed from her eyes to his shoulder, the sound of their friends' laughter dancing behind them.

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Okay kiddies, next chapter, it's what you've all been waiting for. PROM!!!! Okay, so maybe you haven't been waiting for it but it's coming anyway. See ya then. Thanks for reading.