Last time:
"Yes what?"
"Yes I'll go on another date with you."
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
It was now a week since the last time Bulma had seen Vegeta. A few times, and very briefly, they had conversations on the phone, though they were hardly anything but discussions. Anzai was the topic he chose to stick with, rarely speaking about the upcoming date, even when she mentioned it. She sensed tension in his voice and therefore opted to leave the subject of the date until later on. Besides, she had Chi-Chi's surprise party to think about; it was tonight.
"So how did you get her to ditch Saturday cartoons?" Maris asked Krillin, as she tried in vain to tack streamers to the ceiling.
"Goku's at the mall with her right now," he said triumphantly. "But it wasn't easy. She really didn't want to leave. Even for him. But I have 18 scouting around, so she'll call when they're on their way back."
"And why again are we hanging streamers and balloons? She is turning eighteen, right? Not eight."
"Because," Bulma cut in. "She can't stand 'ridiculous baby birthday parties' as she calls them. It's a big joke. Really we're going to a club, then for a midnight dinner, and then to laser tag—we'll have that place all to ourselves, 'cause I paid the owner off and he's having a few people do overtime for a good sum."
"Really?" Maris asked, her thumb between her teeth. Damn tacks were giving her a hard time. "I didn't think she was like that. I mean, I just figured she was into the whole birthday party thing."
"You would think so, wouldn't you?" Mr. Mau laughed from his place on the couch, where he was wrapping all the presents; his tradition, the guests bring unwrapped presents and he wraps them while they wait for Chi-Chi. And, it never fails; she is always surprised every year, because they always pick a different day and never her birthday, well, except for this year. She wasn't expecting it in the least. "And you know, what?"
"What?"
"We somehow manage to come up with something new to do each year. Last year we managed to get the entire school to line up on the football field and spell out 'Happy Birthday Chi-Chi' with their bodies. She was crying by the time we were headed for the lake for some midnight water games and a bonfire."
"Damn, you guys sure do love her. Going to all that trouble every year."
"Kuso!" Krillin suddenly swore, ducking behind the nearest chair. "They're here!"
"No they're not," Bulma sighed, aggravated.
"Then who just pulled in?"
"I don't know," she grumbled, throwing down the balloon she'd been trying to blow up. "Maybe…17 and Vegeta!" she hissed, bringing everyone's eyes to her. "I'm a little stressed, ok?"
Everyone nodded in unison, just as Vegeta made his entrance, with 17 on his heels, a scowl etched in his features. And Bulma knew exactly what he was staring at; the decorations.
"It's a joke," she explained, before he could make a wise crack. "She hates birthday parties. Don't say a word."
"I wasn't going to," he laughed coldly. "Kami, calm down. Don't be so uptight just because I didn't call you."
"You're so shallow that you actually believe that. Here." She handed him a balloon. "Blow."
Maris crept over to Krillin and leaned over his shoulder, whispering, "What's that all about?" in his ear.
"I have no clue," he whispered back, glancing at Bulma to make sure she couldn't hear them. "She's been short with us all week. You've noticed, right?"
"Yeah, I just figured you guys knew."
"Come on Mar'. You're in the group now. What we know, you know. And we don't know a thing about what's going on with them. Last I checked they were shopping for party decorations. Maybe he did something to piss her off, again."
"Kuso man. We've known these guys for like a month and they act like they've known each other all their lives."
"It's because they're too much alike," came 17's voice, whispering it's way into the conversation. "They're in constant competition."
"You think?" Maris asked, completely accepting his eavesdropping, where, on the other hand, Krillin was silently fuming.
"Yeah, of course. I mean, look at them, blowing those balloons up and just glaring at each other. Kami, if I ever saw two people more made for each other."
"But they hate each other."
"How can they hate each other? They're going on a date next weekend."
"What?" Krillin and Maris blurted out in unison, startling Bulma from her stare-down. But she didn't have time to ask what was going on, for at that moment, Krillin's cellphone rang.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"Kami," Chi-Chi laughed as she and Goku got into his car to head back home. "I don't think the mall's ever been that fun, and I didn't even buy anything! Damn that little fat security guard could run fast! I never knew it was wrong to stand in the coin fountain and yell at passersby…That was the best birthday."
"Well it's not over yet," he informed her, having still not started the engine.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm taking you home to change, then we're going out," which wasn't a total lie.
"You betters stop it," she giggled, catching his steady eyes. They both leaned in at the same time, their arms circling around each other, their lips coming together in a silent fury of the desire they were both feeling.
But, as luck would have it, Goku knew that their passion had to wait for another time. Hell! They weren't even officially a couple. With reluctance, he pulled away, giving her a small smile, and started the car.
It took no more than ten minutes to reach her house. For a split second Goku feared she knew what was going on, for there were several other cars parked in the driveway, but all she said about them was, "Gotta love my friends. They're here even when I'm not." Luckily she didn't here his sigh of relief, as he parked the car on the side of the road, then ran around to open the door for her.
"Gentleman, are we?" she laughed, accepting his hand, and she didn't let go until she was to the front door, opening it casually as always. But, at the sight of the balloons and streamers, she let out a hollowing laugh, nearly coming to tears. "You bakas!" she cried, holding the stitch in her side. "This is hideous! Oh! I hate it!"
Goku paled. What? She hated it?
"Great!" Bulma cheered, enclosing her friend into a tight bear hug. "We knew you would." She then reached over and patted Goku on the shoulder. "Smile, big guy. It's a joke. She loves it, well, the joke anyway."
"Yeah," Chi-Chi confirmed, wiping her eyes. "They know how much I hate ridiculous baby birthday parties." On the other side of the living room Maris laughed. "What?" She shook her head. "Damn it Bulma, don't mock me!"
"Shut up Chi and open your presents so we can go."
"And you." Chi-Chi whirled around and jabbed her finger playfully into Goku's chest. "You knew all along."
"Guilty," he laughed, finally understanding the situation. Well, not really, but it was fun all the same.
"So," she said, taking a seat in the middle of her circle of presents, her head still swimming slightly. Never had she expected this on this day. "Where are we going this time?"
"Clubbin'," Mr. Mau said cheerfully, shaking his hips ever so slightly.
"You're going clubbing daddy?" She couldn't help her laugh.
"Why not? Your old man can shake it. Besides, I wouldn't miss any one of your birthday parties, you know that."
"Yeah," Bulma cut in, taking her seat just outside the circle, purposely avoiding Vegeta. "Oxie's got some moves in him." All throughout their lives, Chi-Chi's close friends had always called her father the Ox King, an inside joke that just seemed to fit him and had stuck, permanently, over time.
"The King sure can dance," Krillin informed, pushing the present he knew to be his at Chi-Chi. "I've seen him."
"When?" Mr. Mau demanded, a deep chuckle still in his throat.
"Tons of times. You think you're invisible in the den when people are here?"
"Be quiet everyone," Chi-Chi snapped, nearly startling Goku who opted to stand. "I'm commencing the opening." Another way of laughter rang through the group, though, as Bulma caught Vegeta's eyes, she seemed to lose her voice, and—surprising herself—gave him a smile.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Bulma let out a great war cry as she charged at Vegeta, her gun pointed directly at him, pulling the trigger frantically. But, to her utter dismay, and astonishment, his mark was hit first and she dramatically tumbled to the ground, her vest issuing a low buzzing sound.
"Damn it," she muttered, picking herself up off the floor. "How did you get me? No one ever gets me, especially when I do that."
"You think I've never played laser tag before?" he laughed. "No one ever beats ME."
"Yeah, well, my vest is almost back, so we'll see." With that said, she ran around the corner, up a ramp, through a small tunnel, and aimed her gun directly at Vegeta from atop a balcony. But, as luck would have it, 18 ran passed her, completely missing her to the shadows, and Bulma got distracted and shot her instead; Green Dragon vs. The Commoners, were their teams. "Kuso!" she swore, smacking her vest as it began to buzz again. From below, Vegeta had managed to hit her. "What the hell! I will beat you!" And again she ran off, this time planning to come around behind him.
Vegeta anticipated this, however, and tried to head her off, though, unfortunately for him, he didn't know the lay out of the place and ended up trapped in his own base, an enclosure that takes a spiral hallway to reach, with only one entrance/exit. Bulma found him easily enough and, this time, hit her mark, cheering triumphantly as HIS vest started buzzing.
"Ha! There! I got you!"
"Very good," he said monotone, attaching his gun to the side of his vest, in it's "holster".
"Damn, you were like a rat in a cheese maze. Ha!"
"Shut up woman," he snapped, though the undertone of his voice suggested he was thinking something completely different. Slowly, cautiously perhaps, he inched closer to her, placing a hand on her waist. She didn't move. He leaned in, inches from her face. Still, she didn't move. And, as their lips finally made contact, she stayed right in place, giving in completely to his kiss, her free hand finding a place in his wild hair.
"Vegeta," she whispered when they both needed to breath.
"What?" came his husky reply.
"I got you again." And before he could ask what she meant, his vest buzzed, and she was gone.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Sunday nights were never that exciting for the group, who usually sat around watching TV in a daze, with the impending school week looming in the distance, or they'd be at their own separate houses, finishing up any work they had left. Tonight, Bulma and Chi-Chi had such work, both being in Latin, they had a project to finish before Monday. Krillin and Maris, however, found themselves bored out of their minds, as they sat on his front porch, as if watching the grass grow.
"Man, this is fun," Maris sighed, pulling at her gum.
"Tell me about it," Krillin said. "I hate Sundays."
"I wonder what the others are up to? Didn't Goku say they were just relaxing at their separate houses."
"I thought they had hotel rooms."
"They do, for some reason. I don't know. Famous people are strange."
"Yeah, we are," came 17's voice, his feet coming into view first, for Krillin and Maris had been staring down the whole time. When they looked up, they found that only 18 was with him, her face a mask of indifference, though she was really trying to hide her contempt for Maris, who smiled brightly at her brother.
"Whore," she muttered under her breath, though no one seemed to catch it.
"So, what're you two up to?"
"Nothing," Maris answered, popping her gum back in her mouth. "As you can see."
"How's skinny dipping sound?" he asked jokingly.
"I'm in!"
"Of course you are," 18 said to herself, though this time, the contempt was too much to hide. Maris flew off the steps and came within inches of 18, almost unable to keep her fists at bay.
"What was that?" she barked, knowing full well exactly what she'd said.
"You know what I said, but for the rest of you," 18 snarled, "I said, 'Of course YOU are.'"
"You can stop with the jealousy now, 18. It's so unbecoming."
"Jealous!?"
"Yes, jealous. You can't stand it that Krillin pays more attention to me. You want him, don't think I can't see that."
18 went rigid, and Krillin let out a small gasp. The others assumed it to be shock, which somewhat it was, but, for the most part, he was overjoyed to learn what was so plainly clear in 18's silence; she liked him back!
"And you don't?" finally came 18's retort. "I see the way you hang all over him. It's disgusting. Let him decide what he wants, instead of throwing yourself at him, and my brother too, AND Vegeta for that matter. What are you planning, Maris, to make it with every guy in these groups?"
"I DO NOT want Vegeta," Maris snapped, realizing that only now. For him it had only been physical attraction. But with Krillin, there was a small history, and 17, he was new and exciting and seemed to always be somewhere on her mind. Frustrated, she let out a huff and sat back down, crossing her arms. "I don't know who I want, ok?"
This surprised everyone, including 18, who up until now had figured Maris to be nothing but a hussy. She had to admit, if only to herself, that she could no longer hate her for liking Krillin, because, as plain as day, Maris was hurting over her feelings, and, on top of that, both Krillin and 17 now knew her feelings for them. She had guts, 18 was giving her that. Even she wouldn't have come right out like that.
"I like you Krill," she sighed into her lap, then looked up at 17, whose face was knitted in mild pain and resignation. "And I like you too, 17. I just don't know who I like more. I'm sorry I ruined whatever plans you guys had for today. I should go."
"No," 18 said, reaching her hand out to Maris, who took it hesitantly. They walked several yards away from the guys, and 18 made sure to keep her voice low as she talked. "Look, I'm sorry about our…whatever it was…rivalry. I was just afraid that you'd get Krillin and I wouldn't even have a chance at him. I really like him, you know?"
Maris nodded. She knew EXACTLY what 18 was saying.
"I go on dates with guys, half of which I don't even know. I dated Vegeta for a while, bad idea. Heh. I just never found that guy I actually felt something, even slightly, for. With Vegeta there was something strong, but I realized it was friendship, and he did too, in his own way, and we haven't talked about it since. But with Krillin, Kami. There's something there damn it, and I was too focused on it to see how wide the gap between us got. I never wanted that. I really did like you when we all first met. I just let my emotions get the better of me."
"Me too," Maris admitted, finally looking up at the blonde. "But you know what?"
"Hmm?"
"I don't want to hate you anymore. Truce?"
"Yeah," 18 laughed, shaking her hand. "And, for what it's worth, I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry too. And I promise, I'll back down from Krillin. Besides, I really do like 17, a lot. It's only the 'competition' between us kept me further from him."
"You don't have to do that. I want Krillin to decide for himself who he likes best. You know? Let's just keep things as they are, and wait for him to make the move."
"Right, and when he picks you, I'll ask 17 on a date."
"Right," 18 laughed. "He's completely fallen for you."
"Really? Hmm, that must explain why he talks about you most of the time we're together."
"Stop it. We're good now."
"No, I'm serious."
"Yeah, well, you're all 17 talks about."
A heavy blush crept onto Maris's cheeks, and, as her eyes drifted towards 17, she found he was staring right back at her.
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"So, how come you didn't tell us?" was all Chi-Chi said as the group gathered in front of the school Monday in their usual spot until the bell rang.
"Because," Bulma sighed, knowing exactly what she meant. Obviously Vegeta had told his friends, and Goku must have slipped it to Chi-Chi. "I didn't want to say anything until I was sure we were going. I don't want you guys to worry about me, and there was a good chance he would stand me up, you know, 'cause he's a jerk like that."
"Didn't want to jinx yourself?"
"You know it," Bulma laughed bitterly. "You guys hate me?"
As if they were trained seals, all three shook their heads: no.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but this thing with Vegeta, err…I don't know. It's complicated. I don't want to like him, I try to push him away, and it worked—for what?—a week, but there's just something about him. And even though I know he's a womanizer and is probably only trying to get me into bed, I can't help myself. Damn him for being so irresistible! And the book he gave me. Damn him! I know it was only a lure…You guys need to help me."
"With what?" Krillin asked, just as the bell rang.
"To stay away from him. I'll go on this date, but after that, you guys have to help me say no."
"You mean," Maris said, as they began to walk into the school, "that you want us to keep you from falling in love with him?"
Bulma sighed deeply and nodded her head, tears beginning to form in her eyes.
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---Chapter 13! Yeah! I'm on a roll! Yes! Woohoo! Bulma!! What the hell!? How are you going to keep yourself away from a god like Vegeta? Good luck sister, heehee :P
REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Reviews=More Chapters)Remember that :P
Next time: Probably the date, unless something else comes to mind.
Note: I really hope none of the story is confusing to you guys. Tell me if anything is!
P.S.: Too lazy to re-read. Will make corrections later.
"Yes what?"
"Yes I'll go on another date with you."
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It was now a week since the last time Bulma had seen Vegeta. A few times, and very briefly, they had conversations on the phone, though they were hardly anything but discussions. Anzai was the topic he chose to stick with, rarely speaking about the upcoming date, even when she mentioned it. She sensed tension in his voice and therefore opted to leave the subject of the date until later on. Besides, she had Chi-Chi's surprise party to think about; it was tonight.
"So how did you get her to ditch Saturday cartoons?" Maris asked Krillin, as she tried in vain to tack streamers to the ceiling.
"Goku's at the mall with her right now," he said triumphantly. "But it wasn't easy. She really didn't want to leave. Even for him. But I have 18 scouting around, so she'll call when they're on their way back."
"And why again are we hanging streamers and balloons? She is turning eighteen, right? Not eight."
"Because," Bulma cut in. "She can't stand 'ridiculous baby birthday parties' as she calls them. It's a big joke. Really we're going to a club, then for a midnight dinner, and then to laser tag—we'll have that place all to ourselves, 'cause I paid the owner off and he's having a few people do overtime for a good sum."
"Really?" Maris asked, her thumb between her teeth. Damn tacks were giving her a hard time. "I didn't think she was like that. I mean, I just figured she was into the whole birthday party thing."
"You would think so, wouldn't you?" Mr. Mau laughed from his place on the couch, where he was wrapping all the presents; his tradition, the guests bring unwrapped presents and he wraps them while they wait for Chi-Chi. And, it never fails; she is always surprised every year, because they always pick a different day and never her birthday, well, except for this year. She wasn't expecting it in the least. "And you know, what?"
"What?"
"We somehow manage to come up with something new to do each year. Last year we managed to get the entire school to line up on the football field and spell out 'Happy Birthday Chi-Chi' with their bodies. She was crying by the time we were headed for the lake for some midnight water games and a bonfire."
"Damn, you guys sure do love her. Going to all that trouble every year."
"Kuso!" Krillin suddenly swore, ducking behind the nearest chair. "They're here!"
"No they're not," Bulma sighed, aggravated.
"Then who just pulled in?"
"I don't know," she grumbled, throwing down the balloon she'd been trying to blow up. "Maybe…17 and Vegeta!" she hissed, bringing everyone's eyes to her. "I'm a little stressed, ok?"
Everyone nodded in unison, just as Vegeta made his entrance, with 17 on his heels, a scowl etched in his features. And Bulma knew exactly what he was staring at; the decorations.
"It's a joke," she explained, before he could make a wise crack. "She hates birthday parties. Don't say a word."
"I wasn't going to," he laughed coldly. "Kami, calm down. Don't be so uptight just because I didn't call you."
"You're so shallow that you actually believe that. Here." She handed him a balloon. "Blow."
Maris crept over to Krillin and leaned over his shoulder, whispering, "What's that all about?" in his ear.
"I have no clue," he whispered back, glancing at Bulma to make sure she couldn't hear them. "She's been short with us all week. You've noticed, right?"
"Yeah, I just figured you guys knew."
"Come on Mar'. You're in the group now. What we know, you know. And we don't know a thing about what's going on with them. Last I checked they were shopping for party decorations. Maybe he did something to piss her off, again."
"Kuso man. We've known these guys for like a month and they act like they've known each other all their lives."
"It's because they're too much alike," came 17's voice, whispering it's way into the conversation. "They're in constant competition."
"You think?" Maris asked, completely accepting his eavesdropping, where, on the other hand, Krillin was silently fuming.
"Yeah, of course. I mean, look at them, blowing those balloons up and just glaring at each other. Kami, if I ever saw two people more made for each other."
"But they hate each other."
"How can they hate each other? They're going on a date next weekend."
"What?" Krillin and Maris blurted out in unison, startling Bulma from her stare-down. But she didn't have time to ask what was going on, for at that moment, Krillin's cellphone rang.
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"Kami," Chi-Chi laughed as she and Goku got into his car to head back home. "I don't think the mall's ever been that fun, and I didn't even buy anything! Damn that little fat security guard could run fast! I never knew it was wrong to stand in the coin fountain and yell at passersby…That was the best birthday."
"Well it's not over yet," he informed her, having still not started the engine.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm taking you home to change, then we're going out," which wasn't a total lie.
"You betters stop it," she giggled, catching his steady eyes. They both leaned in at the same time, their arms circling around each other, their lips coming together in a silent fury of the desire they were both feeling.
But, as luck would have it, Goku knew that their passion had to wait for another time. Hell! They weren't even officially a couple. With reluctance, he pulled away, giving her a small smile, and started the car.
It took no more than ten minutes to reach her house. For a split second Goku feared she knew what was going on, for there were several other cars parked in the driveway, but all she said about them was, "Gotta love my friends. They're here even when I'm not." Luckily she didn't here his sigh of relief, as he parked the car on the side of the road, then ran around to open the door for her.
"Gentleman, are we?" she laughed, accepting his hand, and she didn't let go until she was to the front door, opening it casually as always. But, at the sight of the balloons and streamers, she let out a hollowing laugh, nearly coming to tears. "You bakas!" she cried, holding the stitch in her side. "This is hideous! Oh! I hate it!"
Goku paled. What? She hated it?
"Great!" Bulma cheered, enclosing her friend into a tight bear hug. "We knew you would." She then reached over and patted Goku on the shoulder. "Smile, big guy. It's a joke. She loves it, well, the joke anyway."
"Yeah," Chi-Chi confirmed, wiping her eyes. "They know how much I hate ridiculous baby birthday parties." On the other side of the living room Maris laughed. "What?" She shook her head. "Damn it Bulma, don't mock me!"
"Shut up Chi and open your presents so we can go."
"And you." Chi-Chi whirled around and jabbed her finger playfully into Goku's chest. "You knew all along."
"Guilty," he laughed, finally understanding the situation. Well, not really, but it was fun all the same.
"So," she said, taking a seat in the middle of her circle of presents, her head still swimming slightly. Never had she expected this on this day. "Where are we going this time?"
"Clubbin'," Mr. Mau said cheerfully, shaking his hips ever so slightly.
"You're going clubbing daddy?" She couldn't help her laugh.
"Why not? Your old man can shake it. Besides, I wouldn't miss any one of your birthday parties, you know that."
"Yeah," Bulma cut in, taking her seat just outside the circle, purposely avoiding Vegeta. "Oxie's got some moves in him." All throughout their lives, Chi-Chi's close friends had always called her father the Ox King, an inside joke that just seemed to fit him and had stuck, permanently, over time.
"The King sure can dance," Krillin informed, pushing the present he knew to be his at Chi-Chi. "I've seen him."
"When?" Mr. Mau demanded, a deep chuckle still in his throat.
"Tons of times. You think you're invisible in the den when people are here?"
"Be quiet everyone," Chi-Chi snapped, nearly startling Goku who opted to stand. "I'm commencing the opening." Another way of laughter rang through the group, though, as Bulma caught Vegeta's eyes, she seemed to lose her voice, and—surprising herself—gave him a smile.
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Bulma let out a great war cry as she charged at Vegeta, her gun pointed directly at him, pulling the trigger frantically. But, to her utter dismay, and astonishment, his mark was hit first and she dramatically tumbled to the ground, her vest issuing a low buzzing sound.
"Damn it," she muttered, picking herself up off the floor. "How did you get me? No one ever gets me, especially when I do that."
"You think I've never played laser tag before?" he laughed. "No one ever beats ME."
"Yeah, well, my vest is almost back, so we'll see." With that said, she ran around the corner, up a ramp, through a small tunnel, and aimed her gun directly at Vegeta from atop a balcony. But, as luck would have it, 18 ran passed her, completely missing her to the shadows, and Bulma got distracted and shot her instead; Green Dragon vs. The Commoners, were their teams. "Kuso!" she swore, smacking her vest as it began to buzz again. From below, Vegeta had managed to hit her. "What the hell! I will beat you!" And again she ran off, this time planning to come around behind him.
Vegeta anticipated this, however, and tried to head her off, though, unfortunately for him, he didn't know the lay out of the place and ended up trapped in his own base, an enclosure that takes a spiral hallway to reach, with only one entrance/exit. Bulma found him easily enough and, this time, hit her mark, cheering triumphantly as HIS vest started buzzing.
"Ha! There! I got you!"
"Very good," he said monotone, attaching his gun to the side of his vest, in it's "holster".
"Damn, you were like a rat in a cheese maze. Ha!"
"Shut up woman," he snapped, though the undertone of his voice suggested he was thinking something completely different. Slowly, cautiously perhaps, he inched closer to her, placing a hand on her waist. She didn't move. He leaned in, inches from her face. Still, she didn't move. And, as their lips finally made contact, she stayed right in place, giving in completely to his kiss, her free hand finding a place in his wild hair.
"Vegeta," she whispered when they both needed to breath.
"What?" came his husky reply.
"I got you again." And before he could ask what she meant, his vest buzzed, and she was gone.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Sunday nights were never that exciting for the group, who usually sat around watching TV in a daze, with the impending school week looming in the distance, or they'd be at their own separate houses, finishing up any work they had left. Tonight, Bulma and Chi-Chi had such work, both being in Latin, they had a project to finish before Monday. Krillin and Maris, however, found themselves bored out of their minds, as they sat on his front porch, as if watching the grass grow.
"Man, this is fun," Maris sighed, pulling at her gum.
"Tell me about it," Krillin said. "I hate Sundays."
"I wonder what the others are up to? Didn't Goku say they were just relaxing at their separate houses."
"I thought they had hotel rooms."
"They do, for some reason. I don't know. Famous people are strange."
"Yeah, we are," came 17's voice, his feet coming into view first, for Krillin and Maris had been staring down the whole time. When they looked up, they found that only 18 was with him, her face a mask of indifference, though she was really trying to hide her contempt for Maris, who smiled brightly at her brother.
"Whore," she muttered under her breath, though no one seemed to catch it.
"So, what're you two up to?"
"Nothing," Maris answered, popping her gum back in her mouth. "As you can see."
"How's skinny dipping sound?" he asked jokingly.
"I'm in!"
"Of course you are," 18 said to herself, though this time, the contempt was too much to hide. Maris flew off the steps and came within inches of 18, almost unable to keep her fists at bay.
"What was that?" she barked, knowing full well exactly what she'd said.
"You know what I said, but for the rest of you," 18 snarled, "I said, 'Of course YOU are.'"
"You can stop with the jealousy now, 18. It's so unbecoming."
"Jealous!?"
"Yes, jealous. You can't stand it that Krillin pays more attention to me. You want him, don't think I can't see that."
18 went rigid, and Krillin let out a small gasp. The others assumed it to be shock, which somewhat it was, but, for the most part, he was overjoyed to learn what was so plainly clear in 18's silence; she liked him back!
"And you don't?" finally came 18's retort. "I see the way you hang all over him. It's disgusting. Let him decide what he wants, instead of throwing yourself at him, and my brother too, AND Vegeta for that matter. What are you planning, Maris, to make it with every guy in these groups?"
"I DO NOT want Vegeta," Maris snapped, realizing that only now. For him it had only been physical attraction. But with Krillin, there was a small history, and 17, he was new and exciting and seemed to always be somewhere on her mind. Frustrated, she let out a huff and sat back down, crossing her arms. "I don't know who I want, ok?"
This surprised everyone, including 18, who up until now had figured Maris to be nothing but a hussy. She had to admit, if only to herself, that she could no longer hate her for liking Krillin, because, as plain as day, Maris was hurting over her feelings, and, on top of that, both Krillin and 17 now knew her feelings for them. She had guts, 18 was giving her that. Even she wouldn't have come right out like that.
"I like you Krill," she sighed into her lap, then looked up at 17, whose face was knitted in mild pain and resignation. "And I like you too, 17. I just don't know who I like more. I'm sorry I ruined whatever plans you guys had for today. I should go."
"No," 18 said, reaching her hand out to Maris, who took it hesitantly. They walked several yards away from the guys, and 18 made sure to keep her voice low as she talked. "Look, I'm sorry about our…whatever it was…rivalry. I was just afraid that you'd get Krillin and I wouldn't even have a chance at him. I really like him, you know?"
Maris nodded. She knew EXACTLY what 18 was saying.
"I go on dates with guys, half of which I don't even know. I dated Vegeta for a while, bad idea. Heh. I just never found that guy I actually felt something, even slightly, for. With Vegeta there was something strong, but I realized it was friendship, and he did too, in his own way, and we haven't talked about it since. But with Krillin, Kami. There's something there damn it, and I was too focused on it to see how wide the gap between us got. I never wanted that. I really did like you when we all first met. I just let my emotions get the better of me."
"Me too," Maris admitted, finally looking up at the blonde. "But you know what?"
"Hmm?"
"I don't want to hate you anymore. Truce?"
"Yeah," 18 laughed, shaking her hand. "And, for what it's worth, I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry too. And I promise, I'll back down from Krillin. Besides, I really do like 17, a lot. It's only the 'competition' between us kept me further from him."
"You don't have to do that. I want Krillin to decide for himself who he likes best. You know? Let's just keep things as they are, and wait for him to make the move."
"Right, and when he picks you, I'll ask 17 on a date."
"Right," 18 laughed. "He's completely fallen for you."
"Really? Hmm, that must explain why he talks about you most of the time we're together."
"Stop it. We're good now."
"No, I'm serious."
"Yeah, well, you're all 17 talks about."
A heavy blush crept onto Maris's cheeks, and, as her eyes drifted towards 17, she found he was staring right back at her.
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"So, how come you didn't tell us?" was all Chi-Chi said as the group gathered in front of the school Monday in their usual spot until the bell rang.
"Because," Bulma sighed, knowing exactly what she meant. Obviously Vegeta had told his friends, and Goku must have slipped it to Chi-Chi. "I didn't want to say anything until I was sure we were going. I don't want you guys to worry about me, and there was a good chance he would stand me up, you know, 'cause he's a jerk like that."
"Didn't want to jinx yourself?"
"You know it," Bulma laughed bitterly. "You guys hate me?"
As if they were trained seals, all three shook their heads: no.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but this thing with Vegeta, err…I don't know. It's complicated. I don't want to like him, I try to push him away, and it worked—for what?—a week, but there's just something about him. And even though I know he's a womanizer and is probably only trying to get me into bed, I can't help myself. Damn him for being so irresistible! And the book he gave me. Damn him! I know it was only a lure…You guys need to help me."
"With what?" Krillin asked, just as the bell rang.
"To stay away from him. I'll go on this date, but after that, you guys have to help me say no."
"You mean," Maris said, as they began to walk into the school, "that you want us to keep you from falling in love with him?"
Bulma sighed deeply and nodded her head, tears beginning to form in her eyes.
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---Chapter 13! Yeah! I'm on a roll! Yes! Woohoo! Bulma!! What the hell!? How are you going to keep yourself away from a god like Vegeta? Good luck sister, heehee :P
REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Reviews=More Chapters)Remember that :P
Next time: Probably the date, unless something else comes to mind.
Note: I really hope none of the story is confusing to you guys. Tell me if anything is!
P.S.: Too lazy to re-read. Will make corrections later.