Well, now that I've finished the "Green Dragon" stories, I think I can draw my attention back to this one. I neglected it for months, but after re-reading what I had I decided to give it another shot. I think there's some potential in this story, I just need to revise a lot and work on it. I'll have this fic and one other (Origin of the Androids—check it out!!) to work on, so there will be plenty of Marci work! Heehee! Who knows, maybe this story will bomb completely…or maybe it'll be as successful as the "Neighbor Boy" series and the "Green Dragon" series. I just hope that people read and review, and like it of course.
Now on with the show!
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A young girl with long raven black hair scurried down the hall, desperately trying to make it to class before the late bell rang. She'd already been late to class twice that week. One more time and she would get detention for sure. She turned the corner and dove into her science class just as the bell rang. The teacher looked up at her and scowled. "Miss Mau, you were almost late…again," he scolded, tapping his pen on the desk in annoyance.
"Sorry Mr. Kuroki," she half cried, running to her seat. She was the type of girl who always had her work done on time, and was almost always early for class. It wasn't her fault that the past few days had been total chaos. That, and other obstacles. "It won't happen again."
"That's what you said last time. Just try and get here on time."
"Of course, sir. Sorry again." She hung her head in shame, shrinking down in her chair.
"Hey Chi," whispered a voice behind her. "What's going on?" She turned to her longtime boyfriend Goku Son, sadness evident in her eyes.
"It was Vegeta, that jerk," she whined, trying her hardest not to let the tears that were brimming in her eyes out. She wasn't one to cry in public, or so easily, but, if under stress, she could wail like a baby. "We were in study hall, and I was helping him with math. He wouldn't let me leave until he was done. He did it on purpose too. 'Cause I had told him that I couldn't be late and he smiled. Uh, Goku! I don't see how you can be friends with that moron!" she yelled in a hushed tone, though not going unnoticed by the teacher.
"Miss Mau! Mr. Son!" Both students faced Mr. Kuroki immediately, faces flushed of all color. "Would you mind telling me what on Kami's green earth is more important than the periodic table of elements!?"
"Everything," a masculine voice laughed from the doorway. The class came to life with laughter as Vegeta entered the room, late as usual, and with a smartass remark to get him in even more troubled. And he loved doing it. He'd push teachers just so far for the hell of it. He didn't care if he got in trouble. It was all fine with him. He usually skipped detention anyway. No one, not even his closest friends, knew what made him tick. He was a sealed box, the key long gone in the abyss of his broken childhood.
"Mr. Ouji! Late again!!" the teacher yelled as he made his way across the room to his seat, next to Goku. "Don't even bother sitting down! Its straight to Mrs. Oishi's with you!" He scribbled down something on a yellow slip of paper and held it in the air for Vegeta to come claim it.
"Fine with me. I hate this damn class," he huffed, snatching the paper and left the room.
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"Hey Chi-Chi!!" a tall girl with short blonde hair yelled as she ran down the hall towards her friend.
"What's up 18?" Chi-Chi asked, a confused look on her face. "Damn, did you just run a marathon or something?"
"Ha…Very…funny…" she managed between huge labored breaths. "Guess…what??" Chi-Chi only gave her a blank look, then shrugged her shoulders. "Re…member-"
"Catch your breath first 18. Sheesh." 18 only glared at her, but did as she was told. A few moments later her breathing was back to normal, and by then Vegeta, Goku, and her boyfriend Krillin had joined them in the hall outside the cafeteria.
"Ok," she sighed, taking one last deep breath. "Do you guys remember Bulma Briefs?"
"Remember!?" Chi-Chi squealed. "How could I forget her!? She was my best friend up until eighth grade when she moved away!"
"Kakarot! Make your wench's screeching stop," Vegeta groaned, covering his ears with his palms. Chi-Chi only glared at him, then turned to 18 with a hopefully look on her face.
"Well…Do you remember where she moved?" 18 continued.
"Yeah…Wasn't it Watanabe City? Her dad moved his company way out there for better business or something," Krillin stated, only half remembering the blue haired girl. He'd been new to that district just the year before she'd moved.
"Exactly. Do you guys know what Watanabe City is known for?" They all stared blankly at her for an answer. "It's the superstar capital of Japan!!" she squealed happily, though her friends' expressions didn't change much. If anything they were mildly shocked at their usually mellow friend's behavior. 18 Gero did NOT "squeal".
"What are you trying to tell us?" Vegeta demanded, getting rather annoyed with her slow pace. What was with her? he thought. She was acting normally that morning.
"I'm telling you that while she was there someone must have discovered her, 'cause now she's a movie star!!" 18 held up a movie flyer, Bulma's face clearly depicted in brilliant colors. She looked older, but it was definitely her. Even if she was to dye her hair, her eyes were unmistakenable. Anyone who had ever come in contact with Bulma was left with a certain impression.
They all gasped aloud, aside from Vegeta who was still glaring, acting as though the image of her face didn't affect him in the least, when in fact he was probably the one who cared the most. He'd fallen for the blue haired beauty early on. In fact, he'd planned on asking her out the very same week she announced she was leaving, but opted not to because of distance. Since then he tried to block out all memories and thoughts of her, though he knew he'd never forget her. Or forgive her for that matter. And eventually, over the years, he grew to love her, her absence only made his heart beat for her more. He never admitted this to himself though, and definitely to no one else, but he knew deep down how he felt. It was always there, nagging at him, silently driving him mad. Once he became so desperate to see her that he hopped a bus to Watanabe City. He made it there, but got right back on the bus and came home. He really beat himself up for that one. He'd blamed it on temporary insanity, worked out for hours on end, then swore to never think of her again. He of course did think of her and ended up passing out from over exertion.
"Wow." Goku was the first to speak, snapping Vegeta out of his trance. He grabbed the poster from 18's hands for a closer inspection. "I would have never thought of her as an actress. She had the worst case of stage fright back in eighth grade."
"That's what I thought when I saw this. I didn't believe it was her at first. But it was kind of hard to ignore her name in bold print," 18 said, grabbing the poster back from Goku. "I know the movie looks really dumb, but what do you say we go and see it? Just to see how good she is, you know?" They all nodded their heads in agreement, save Vegeta of course, who was shaking his head no. It was one thing to think of her, to see pictures of her from time to time, but to see her in motion? To hear words pass her lips? Even the idea of the illusion sent angry shivers down his spine.
"I'm not going to subject myself to some ridiculously mushy movie just to see that wench," Vegeta huffed, crossing his arms over his chest stubbornly.
"Oh come on Vegeta," Goku pleaded, being the only one who'd known about his crush on Bulma, though Vegeta denied it through and through. "It won't be that bad. I promise." He smiled dumbly at his angry friend, giving him a moment to answer before he said anything more. "I'll pay for your ticket."
"Right, because I'm starving for money," he scoffed. "Why do you guys want to see her anyway? She has a new life, and you're not a part of it. I'm sure 18 agrees with me when I say she probably doesn't even remember us." With that Vegeta turned and trudged into the cafeteria, unaware of the pain he'd just delivered 18. Right now what he needed was peace, an escape from the rift Bulma's face had caused. He soon found, however, that peace was not in the cafeteria. The whole room was in an uproar, flyers with Bulma's face all over the floor and in people's hands. He tried to ignore all the excess noise, but could no longer when he passed the person he despised the most.
"Yeah and I dated her," Yamcha bragged, pointing to Bulma's picture for a group of hooting football players. How he even got Bulma to look at him was a puzzle to everyone, especially Yamcha himself. He couldn't have been more lucky.
"And now you can say you got dumped by a movie star," Vegeta sneered angrily, unable to control his anger. It was in his character to hide feelings such as love, but Vegeta was known for his devotion to his friends, even if he did show them as much respect as if they were flees. When it came down to it, he was there for them when they needed him most. Even Chi-Chi, who complained about him constantly, had been on the receiving end of his help. Last year, just before the end of their junior year, Vegeta found her crying in an empty classroom. After only minimal persuasion, she confessed that she was late for her period and might be pregnant. He convinced her to confront Goku. Thankfully she wasn't pregnant, and the memory of his kindness has never left her, though she cannot ignore his day-to-day rudeness.
This kindness, of course, only applied to those he trusted; his closet friends, Goku, Krillin, 17, 18, and, most recently, Chi-Chi. It had applied to Bulma in the past, but as time wore on anger took control. If he had anything to do with it, she would never lay eyes on him again.
"At least I had her Vegeta. I can understand why you'd be jealous," Yamcha retorted, knowing that the comment would set him off. He may have been a womanizing jerk, but he knew admiration when he saw it, and it had been in Vegeta's every move when Bulma was still around.
"Like I'd want a wench like her," Vegeta hand offhandedly. Yamcha looked to Goku who was trying his hardest not to blow Vegeta's cover and smile.
"Sure thing Veg-head," he said with a huge grin, turning back to his cronies to brag some more. Goku couldn't help but chuckle a little, receiving an angry glare from Vegeta, followed by a slap to the back of the head.
"Hey! What was that for?" Goku whined, holding his head and pouting his bottom lip out.
"For being you," Vegeta growled, then stalked over to the lunch line. Food was exactly what he needed to calm his nerves.
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"Father!" a blue haired girl yelled, as she stomped into the immaculate lab, an argument at the tip of her tongue.
"Bulma dear, what's wrong?" Dr. Briefs asked in his usual tone, knowing there was no real emergency.
"I'm sick of this place! And that jerk, Yutaka!" She was nearly to tears with anger.
"Well dear, he's your agent. He's only doing his job."
"Well he's not giving me any time for me! I JUST finished filming "Beautiful Dead" and already he's got me scheduled for filming another movie next week! I can't take much more of this," she whined, picking up the closest thing to her and throwing it across the room. Luckily it was only an empty beaker.
"Hey! Watch it honey! I'm working in here." She only glared angrily at him, crossing her arms over her chest. "Why not go visit some friends 'til filming starts?"
"Like who? Shoko? Mizuki? Saya! Umeka!" she screamed. "They're only friends with me because of who I am! Uh! I hate it here! Why did we have to move? I loved Satan City and my old friends…" Her father thought a moment, scratching his forehead. Then he smiled, that knowing smile he always had when working on a project, a smile that meant nothing bad could happen, that everything was perfect and would stay perfect.
"Well…Why not go visit them?" he suggested, wondering absently why the thought had never occurred to him before. Surely Bulma had wanted to see her childhood friends. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized that she had never made an attempt to go back. She'd written letters, he knew that, but actually go back? Not once had she brought it up. But then again, her booming career to stardom had come so quickly after the move. She hadn't had time in those first few years. And then…He didn't want to think about it now. It was over. "Take as long as you wish," he said after a moment. Yes, it was time for a break. "If Yutaka calls I'll tell him you're ill."
"Oh dad! You're the best!" she squealed, running over and hugging him tightly. She gave him a great daughterly kiss on the cheek for good measure. "I'll call you when I get there! Bye!" Before waiting for a reply she was out the door, heading for her room to pack. She didn't even consider the consequences of her spur of the moment trip. A million and one thoughts rushed through her mind, all of which filled her with a happiness she hadn't known since living in Satan City. It never occurred to her that they might be angry…
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"Hey Vegeta!" 18 called as she entered the Spanish room. He only grunted at her in response, too caught up in his own thoughts to really do much else. "Hello in there." She knocked on his head a few times, gaining his attention.
"Stop that woman," he hissed, grabbing his head with one hand and pushing her away with the other. "Kami!"
"What were you thinking about?" she teased, elbowing him in the side.
"Nothing," he snapped, turning his back to her. "And what's gotten into you? If you keep grinning like that I'll start calling you Kakarot."
"You're lying," she said, ignoring his insult. "I know you too well." He turned his head around to face her, giving her the best dirty look he could muster, then turned back around just as the teacher entered the room.
"Hola class!"
Vegeta stopped listening, drowning her out as usual. He'd taken a particular hatred to this class, though his grades would suggest otherwise. Back in grade and middle school he'd always been a slacker, not caring about his grades and never doing his work. He almost failed several grades, just passing by mere fractions of points. Then one year it all turned around. He did his work, got good grades, and was now well on his way to a full scholarship at one of the best, and therefore hardest, colleges in the country. No one could quite understand how he could suddenly become so smart all at once. In truth, he'd always had the brain and the potential for such grades, but just didn't bother putting his mind to work. After Bulma left he became so angry, that he focused all his energy on his work, when he wasn't pushing his body to its limits, that is. He became more intelligent, or seemed to become that way, and more muscular than before, though his attitude never changed.
"Mr. Ouji!" the teacher yelled, snapping her fingers in his face. "Mr. Ouji! Are you there?" Vegeta blinked his eyes twice, then looked at the teacher who was only inches from his face.
"What?" he hissed, not caring that he'd already seen the principal once that day. What was another detention?
"Excuse me Mr. Ouji! I don't mean to disturb you with my teaching!"
"Just don't let it happen again," he said with a smirk, sending the whole class into a fit of laughter.
"Quiet! All of you!" Immediately they went silent, aside from Vegeta who continued to chuckle. "Mr. Ou-"
"Yeah, yeah. I know. To Mrs. Oishi's," he grumbled, standing up and exiting the room calmly.
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"Wow, I can't wait to see this movie," Chi-Chi sighed, resting her head on her fist. "I've missed Bulma so much."
"Its not like you're actually going to see her," Krillin butted in, shattering Chi-Chi's good mood.
"Pipe down cue ball," she hissed, slamming her book over his head.
"Kuso! What was that for?" He rubbed his head dramatically; she never hit him hard.
"Hey Cheech, calm down. He does have a point you know," Goku added in his friend's defense. All Chi-Chi had to do was lift her book, and Goku backed off. "Sorry hun." He kissed her cheek lovingly, then settled back in his seat.
"You know you guys." They both turned to her. "We could take a bus out to Watanabe City and go visit her. It'll be-"
"Ha!" a squeaky feminine voice cut her off. "Like she'd waste her time with the likes of you! Come on Chi-Chi. She's a movie star now. She has movie star friends. I read in a magazine that she's even dating Okura Aida. So, she obviously doesn't have time for nobodies like you," the bleached blonde cheerleader sneered, flicking Chi-Chi's nose with her finger.
"Nomi!" Chi-Chi screamed. "I've known Bulma since I was two years old! She's not a stuck up bitch like you!" She jumped at her, slamming her into the nearby wall, her hands tightly around hr neck. "And further more, she would never date a fake like Okura!" With that she released the shrieking girl from her grasp and watched as she scurried across the floor, not stopping until she reached the other side of the room and let out a deep breath. "Don't test me bitch," she whispered just loud enough for her to hear, then took her seat, ignoring all the stares from everyone else.
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Bulma pulled into town and read the sign she saw aloud, "Welcome to Satan City. Enjoy your stay." She smiled to herself, stepping on the gas to get to the old Capsule Corp building. Once there she found it'd been turned into a retirement home. All the lights were out, aside from the lights shining on the building's sign out front that read: Still Kickin' Retirement Home. "If I know Vegeta, he doesn't like living next door to this place," she said to herself, her smile widening at the thought of her old arrogant friend. Back in Middle School she'd had a huge crush on him, but decided never to act on her feelings because she figured he hated her, and then she moved away. It was as simple as that, or so she led herself to believe.
"I really should visit Chi-Chi first," she thought and was about to pull out of the driveway, when she spotted a familiar jet-black mane behind the wooden fence that separated the two yards. She pulled the car out and onto the curb in front of his house. "Hey 'Geta!" she called to her old friend with his back to her. It was so spontaneous that she didn't realize she'd done it until the words left her mouth.
Vegeta righted himself from the crouched position, a large red ball held at his fingertips. He whipped around at the mention of his old nickname, his eyes almost bulging out of his head when he saw the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. He took a few steps forward, and on closer inspection found it to be Bulma.
"What do you want woman?" he finally managed to say, stomping over to her car. Rage was evident in his eyes. He hadn't changed one bit. But, before she could answer, a tiny black haired girl, no older than three, came running over and clung to Vegeta's leg.
"Vegeta!" she whined. "Gimmie my ball!"
"Here brat," he huffed, throwing the ball towards the front porch. She ran after it, squealing happily.
"Who's that?" Bulma asked, knowing Vegeta was an only child.
"Midori," he said flatly, trying his hardest not to smile or even smirk at the sight of his lost love. Though it wasn't that difficult once the thought of years of pain surfaced.
"She's beautiful. Has your eyes." Must have been a cousin.
"Like I asked before. What do you want?"
"Just visiting. Haven't seen you in a while," she said with a huge grin. In her mind however, she heard her words, saw her happy outward appearance, and wanted to throw herself in the middle of on coming traffic. It was at that moment that the full weight of what she was doing set in. But she couldn't go back now.
"Sure you are. You leave for four years, then come back when you're a huge star. That's perfectly now," he scoffed, rolling his eyes.
"Hey! I had a lot going on. I had to beg just to come here for a few days," she lied, not wanting to get into detail about why she hadn't visited until now. Just being there, in that city, was a miracle in itself. When Yutaka found out, she put money on losing her career. And it didn't matter now that she saw Vegeta's face again, the thought of the others looming in her mind.
"Whatever. Why come see me?" he asked suspiciously. His heart hadn't stopped racing since the moment he saw her face, the real thing, before him. If anyone could see his thoughts, or took his pulse, they'd want him in every big movie. He was a natural "actor".
"Well," she shied her head away, blushing madly. "I…Want to go see a movie? My treat." The moment the words were out in the open, she knew she'd blown it. What was with her? Her mind screamed for her to apologize and run away, go back to her old, new life and sulk until she died. But her legs wouldn't budge and her mouth wouldn't listen. Her subconscious wanted so badly for things to be as they were that it ruled out all ration thinking.
"Sure!" he snorted sarcastically. "I haven't seen you in years, let alone heard from you. Sure! Let's go be all buddy-buddy and see a movie! And then ride unicorns through fields of daisies while we're at it…Fat chance Briefs," he growled, turning and walking back towards the house. "Go see Kakarot's wench. She'd be more than happy to go see a stupid movie." Bulma was shocked at his display of anger, but isn't that what she'd expected? But this was Vegeta, rock hard and coldly emotionless. This was how everyone else should react, not him.
Suddenly the thought of confronting the others sent terror through her entire being. If Vegeta reacted this harshly, how would the others take it?
Before she knew it, she was on the front porch, the doorbell already rung. She couldn't just leave without apologizing. Maybe it wasn't too late to go back; the others didn't have to know that she was ever there.
"Hell-o," came a dumb-founded voice, bringing her from her thoughts. She mustered a smile at the boy who'd answered the door; Vegeta's cousin Taisho, the same age as himself.
"Hey Tai. Can I come in?" Bulma asked in the sweetest voice she could, ignoring the obvious staring on his part.
"A…Sure," he finally managed to say, regaining some composure. "What brings you here?" he asked, trying to be subtle as he shut the door behind her. He couldn't remember the last time he'd seen her in person.
"I came to see Vegeta, though I got the feeling he's not too happy to see me." Her smile quickly faded into a frown as she followed Taisho into the living room. She wanted to slap herself; she sounded like a complete moron! She was one of the smartest people in the world, and this was difficult for her.
"What makes you say that?" His voice still sounded a bit shaky. He'd seen the flyers for her movie and couldn't believe that an actual movie star was in his house, standing in front of him, even if he had known her all his life.
"Taisho, calm down. I'm the same person you've known since forever." He smiled apologetically at her, casting his eyes away. "Its alright. I've missed you."
"Me too," he said, looking at her again. Had she been this beautiful back then?
"I feel like such an ass, standing here in front of you after so long. You all must hate me for not visiting until now…I really screwed up with Vegeta out there," she sighed, motioning to the front door. "I couldn't have handled the situation any worse."
"To tell you the truth, I don't think there would be any right way to 'handle' Vegeta." Taisho took a calculated breath and smiled. He was strangely comfortable with her.
"Look, I'm never going to get him to talk to me again tonight. Would you maybe want to see that movie with me or grab a quick bite? I could use a good conversation, you know, like old times."
"I'd love to," he said, though his expression was anything but happy.
"But?"
"But I have to stay here and watch Midori. Vegeta locked himself in the basement, and I can't leave her alone. Mom would kill me."
Bulma frowned momentarily, then shrugged. "It's fine. I understand. How is your mother, anyway? And your dad, for that matter."
"They're fine. Dad's on a business trip, and mom's still at work. She should be home in an hour, if you still want to go somewhere." He smiled wide, unable to control his emotions. He hadn't thought of Bulma the way she used to be in years. It had been Bulma The Movie Star for so long that he'd almost forgotten his friendship with her. And now it was so natural. Whatever had kept her from visiting must have been big; he trusted that she would never abandon them on purpose. Vegeta, on the other hand, wasn't so trusting.
"I think that'd be great. I can't wait to hear about what you've been up to."
"A lot," he laughed, all uneasiness completely gone. "I hope you have some time, 'cause I have quite the story to tell."
"I'm all ears, kiddo."
"Kiddo," he repeated, rolling his eyes much like his cousin. "Kami, I never missed that. You're never going to let up on me, are you?" Bulma giggled and shook her head. "I'm only two months younger than you, grandma."
Bulma could only laugh at his come back. It was exactly as she remembered it. But, then again, she never, in her worst nightmares, could have seen Taisho turning his back on her. Even without knowing what had happened in the past four years, he'd welcomed her with open arms. She couldn't imagine what he'd do if he heard her story.
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---Chapter one!! Well, I think that's a sufficient length for a beginning chapter. Much longer than I usually do.
REVIEW!!!!!! (ReviewsMore Chapters)
Next time: Bulma stays the night at the Ouji's (I'll explain why Vegeta's cousins live at his house in time), then visits her other friends in the morning. How will everyone react to her sudden appearance? Will they even talk to her? I dunno…Wait and see!! :P
Note: So, how does this compare to what I had posted earlier? It's not too different, but I think it's much better. I've had a lot of practice since I first posted this fic, so I think its better off this way…What do YOU think?
Now on with the show!
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A young girl with long raven black hair scurried down the hall, desperately trying to make it to class before the late bell rang. She'd already been late to class twice that week. One more time and she would get detention for sure. She turned the corner and dove into her science class just as the bell rang. The teacher looked up at her and scowled. "Miss Mau, you were almost late…again," he scolded, tapping his pen on the desk in annoyance.
"Sorry Mr. Kuroki," she half cried, running to her seat. She was the type of girl who always had her work done on time, and was almost always early for class. It wasn't her fault that the past few days had been total chaos. That, and other obstacles. "It won't happen again."
"That's what you said last time. Just try and get here on time."
"Of course, sir. Sorry again." She hung her head in shame, shrinking down in her chair.
"Hey Chi," whispered a voice behind her. "What's going on?" She turned to her longtime boyfriend Goku Son, sadness evident in her eyes.
"It was Vegeta, that jerk," she whined, trying her hardest not to let the tears that were brimming in her eyes out. She wasn't one to cry in public, or so easily, but, if under stress, she could wail like a baby. "We were in study hall, and I was helping him with math. He wouldn't let me leave until he was done. He did it on purpose too. 'Cause I had told him that I couldn't be late and he smiled. Uh, Goku! I don't see how you can be friends with that moron!" she yelled in a hushed tone, though not going unnoticed by the teacher.
"Miss Mau! Mr. Son!" Both students faced Mr. Kuroki immediately, faces flushed of all color. "Would you mind telling me what on Kami's green earth is more important than the periodic table of elements!?"
"Everything," a masculine voice laughed from the doorway. The class came to life with laughter as Vegeta entered the room, late as usual, and with a smartass remark to get him in even more troubled. And he loved doing it. He'd push teachers just so far for the hell of it. He didn't care if he got in trouble. It was all fine with him. He usually skipped detention anyway. No one, not even his closest friends, knew what made him tick. He was a sealed box, the key long gone in the abyss of his broken childhood.
"Mr. Ouji! Late again!!" the teacher yelled as he made his way across the room to his seat, next to Goku. "Don't even bother sitting down! Its straight to Mrs. Oishi's with you!" He scribbled down something on a yellow slip of paper and held it in the air for Vegeta to come claim it.
"Fine with me. I hate this damn class," he huffed, snatching the paper and left the room.
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"Hey Chi-Chi!!" a tall girl with short blonde hair yelled as she ran down the hall towards her friend.
"What's up 18?" Chi-Chi asked, a confused look on her face. "Damn, did you just run a marathon or something?"
"Ha…Very…funny…" she managed between huge labored breaths. "Guess…what??" Chi-Chi only gave her a blank look, then shrugged her shoulders. "Re…member-"
"Catch your breath first 18. Sheesh." 18 only glared at her, but did as she was told. A few moments later her breathing was back to normal, and by then Vegeta, Goku, and her boyfriend Krillin had joined them in the hall outside the cafeteria.
"Ok," she sighed, taking one last deep breath. "Do you guys remember Bulma Briefs?"
"Remember!?" Chi-Chi squealed. "How could I forget her!? She was my best friend up until eighth grade when she moved away!"
"Kakarot! Make your wench's screeching stop," Vegeta groaned, covering his ears with his palms. Chi-Chi only glared at him, then turned to 18 with a hopefully look on her face.
"Well…Do you remember where she moved?" 18 continued.
"Yeah…Wasn't it Watanabe City? Her dad moved his company way out there for better business or something," Krillin stated, only half remembering the blue haired girl. He'd been new to that district just the year before she'd moved.
"Exactly. Do you guys know what Watanabe City is known for?" They all stared blankly at her for an answer. "It's the superstar capital of Japan!!" she squealed happily, though her friends' expressions didn't change much. If anything they were mildly shocked at their usually mellow friend's behavior. 18 Gero did NOT "squeal".
"What are you trying to tell us?" Vegeta demanded, getting rather annoyed with her slow pace. What was with her? he thought. She was acting normally that morning.
"I'm telling you that while she was there someone must have discovered her, 'cause now she's a movie star!!" 18 held up a movie flyer, Bulma's face clearly depicted in brilliant colors. She looked older, but it was definitely her. Even if she was to dye her hair, her eyes were unmistakenable. Anyone who had ever come in contact with Bulma was left with a certain impression.
They all gasped aloud, aside from Vegeta who was still glaring, acting as though the image of her face didn't affect him in the least, when in fact he was probably the one who cared the most. He'd fallen for the blue haired beauty early on. In fact, he'd planned on asking her out the very same week she announced she was leaving, but opted not to because of distance. Since then he tried to block out all memories and thoughts of her, though he knew he'd never forget her. Or forgive her for that matter. And eventually, over the years, he grew to love her, her absence only made his heart beat for her more. He never admitted this to himself though, and definitely to no one else, but he knew deep down how he felt. It was always there, nagging at him, silently driving him mad. Once he became so desperate to see her that he hopped a bus to Watanabe City. He made it there, but got right back on the bus and came home. He really beat himself up for that one. He'd blamed it on temporary insanity, worked out for hours on end, then swore to never think of her again. He of course did think of her and ended up passing out from over exertion.
"Wow." Goku was the first to speak, snapping Vegeta out of his trance. He grabbed the poster from 18's hands for a closer inspection. "I would have never thought of her as an actress. She had the worst case of stage fright back in eighth grade."
"That's what I thought when I saw this. I didn't believe it was her at first. But it was kind of hard to ignore her name in bold print," 18 said, grabbing the poster back from Goku. "I know the movie looks really dumb, but what do you say we go and see it? Just to see how good she is, you know?" They all nodded their heads in agreement, save Vegeta of course, who was shaking his head no. It was one thing to think of her, to see pictures of her from time to time, but to see her in motion? To hear words pass her lips? Even the idea of the illusion sent angry shivers down his spine.
"I'm not going to subject myself to some ridiculously mushy movie just to see that wench," Vegeta huffed, crossing his arms over his chest stubbornly.
"Oh come on Vegeta," Goku pleaded, being the only one who'd known about his crush on Bulma, though Vegeta denied it through and through. "It won't be that bad. I promise." He smiled dumbly at his angry friend, giving him a moment to answer before he said anything more. "I'll pay for your ticket."
"Right, because I'm starving for money," he scoffed. "Why do you guys want to see her anyway? She has a new life, and you're not a part of it. I'm sure 18 agrees with me when I say she probably doesn't even remember us." With that Vegeta turned and trudged into the cafeteria, unaware of the pain he'd just delivered 18. Right now what he needed was peace, an escape from the rift Bulma's face had caused. He soon found, however, that peace was not in the cafeteria. The whole room was in an uproar, flyers with Bulma's face all over the floor and in people's hands. He tried to ignore all the excess noise, but could no longer when he passed the person he despised the most.
"Yeah and I dated her," Yamcha bragged, pointing to Bulma's picture for a group of hooting football players. How he even got Bulma to look at him was a puzzle to everyone, especially Yamcha himself. He couldn't have been more lucky.
"And now you can say you got dumped by a movie star," Vegeta sneered angrily, unable to control his anger. It was in his character to hide feelings such as love, but Vegeta was known for his devotion to his friends, even if he did show them as much respect as if they were flees. When it came down to it, he was there for them when they needed him most. Even Chi-Chi, who complained about him constantly, had been on the receiving end of his help. Last year, just before the end of their junior year, Vegeta found her crying in an empty classroom. After only minimal persuasion, she confessed that she was late for her period and might be pregnant. He convinced her to confront Goku. Thankfully she wasn't pregnant, and the memory of his kindness has never left her, though she cannot ignore his day-to-day rudeness.
This kindness, of course, only applied to those he trusted; his closet friends, Goku, Krillin, 17, 18, and, most recently, Chi-Chi. It had applied to Bulma in the past, but as time wore on anger took control. If he had anything to do with it, she would never lay eyes on him again.
"At least I had her Vegeta. I can understand why you'd be jealous," Yamcha retorted, knowing that the comment would set him off. He may have been a womanizing jerk, but he knew admiration when he saw it, and it had been in Vegeta's every move when Bulma was still around.
"Like I'd want a wench like her," Vegeta hand offhandedly. Yamcha looked to Goku who was trying his hardest not to blow Vegeta's cover and smile.
"Sure thing Veg-head," he said with a huge grin, turning back to his cronies to brag some more. Goku couldn't help but chuckle a little, receiving an angry glare from Vegeta, followed by a slap to the back of the head.
"Hey! What was that for?" Goku whined, holding his head and pouting his bottom lip out.
"For being you," Vegeta growled, then stalked over to the lunch line. Food was exactly what he needed to calm his nerves.
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"Father!" a blue haired girl yelled, as she stomped into the immaculate lab, an argument at the tip of her tongue.
"Bulma dear, what's wrong?" Dr. Briefs asked in his usual tone, knowing there was no real emergency.
"I'm sick of this place! And that jerk, Yutaka!" She was nearly to tears with anger.
"Well dear, he's your agent. He's only doing his job."
"Well he's not giving me any time for me! I JUST finished filming "Beautiful Dead" and already he's got me scheduled for filming another movie next week! I can't take much more of this," she whined, picking up the closest thing to her and throwing it across the room. Luckily it was only an empty beaker.
"Hey! Watch it honey! I'm working in here." She only glared angrily at him, crossing her arms over her chest. "Why not go visit some friends 'til filming starts?"
"Like who? Shoko? Mizuki? Saya! Umeka!" she screamed. "They're only friends with me because of who I am! Uh! I hate it here! Why did we have to move? I loved Satan City and my old friends…" Her father thought a moment, scratching his forehead. Then he smiled, that knowing smile he always had when working on a project, a smile that meant nothing bad could happen, that everything was perfect and would stay perfect.
"Well…Why not go visit them?" he suggested, wondering absently why the thought had never occurred to him before. Surely Bulma had wanted to see her childhood friends. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized that she had never made an attempt to go back. She'd written letters, he knew that, but actually go back? Not once had she brought it up. But then again, her booming career to stardom had come so quickly after the move. She hadn't had time in those first few years. And then…He didn't want to think about it now. It was over. "Take as long as you wish," he said after a moment. Yes, it was time for a break. "If Yutaka calls I'll tell him you're ill."
"Oh dad! You're the best!" she squealed, running over and hugging him tightly. She gave him a great daughterly kiss on the cheek for good measure. "I'll call you when I get there! Bye!" Before waiting for a reply she was out the door, heading for her room to pack. She didn't even consider the consequences of her spur of the moment trip. A million and one thoughts rushed through her mind, all of which filled her with a happiness she hadn't known since living in Satan City. It never occurred to her that they might be angry…
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"Hey Vegeta!" 18 called as she entered the Spanish room. He only grunted at her in response, too caught up in his own thoughts to really do much else. "Hello in there." She knocked on his head a few times, gaining his attention.
"Stop that woman," he hissed, grabbing his head with one hand and pushing her away with the other. "Kami!"
"What were you thinking about?" she teased, elbowing him in the side.
"Nothing," he snapped, turning his back to her. "And what's gotten into you? If you keep grinning like that I'll start calling you Kakarot."
"You're lying," she said, ignoring his insult. "I know you too well." He turned his head around to face her, giving her the best dirty look he could muster, then turned back around just as the teacher entered the room.
"Hola class!"
Vegeta stopped listening, drowning her out as usual. He'd taken a particular hatred to this class, though his grades would suggest otherwise. Back in grade and middle school he'd always been a slacker, not caring about his grades and never doing his work. He almost failed several grades, just passing by mere fractions of points. Then one year it all turned around. He did his work, got good grades, and was now well on his way to a full scholarship at one of the best, and therefore hardest, colleges in the country. No one could quite understand how he could suddenly become so smart all at once. In truth, he'd always had the brain and the potential for such grades, but just didn't bother putting his mind to work. After Bulma left he became so angry, that he focused all his energy on his work, when he wasn't pushing his body to its limits, that is. He became more intelligent, or seemed to become that way, and more muscular than before, though his attitude never changed.
"Mr. Ouji!" the teacher yelled, snapping her fingers in his face. "Mr. Ouji! Are you there?" Vegeta blinked his eyes twice, then looked at the teacher who was only inches from his face.
"What?" he hissed, not caring that he'd already seen the principal once that day. What was another detention?
"Excuse me Mr. Ouji! I don't mean to disturb you with my teaching!"
"Just don't let it happen again," he said with a smirk, sending the whole class into a fit of laughter.
"Quiet! All of you!" Immediately they went silent, aside from Vegeta who continued to chuckle. "Mr. Ou-"
"Yeah, yeah. I know. To Mrs. Oishi's," he grumbled, standing up and exiting the room calmly.
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"Wow, I can't wait to see this movie," Chi-Chi sighed, resting her head on her fist. "I've missed Bulma so much."
"Its not like you're actually going to see her," Krillin butted in, shattering Chi-Chi's good mood.
"Pipe down cue ball," she hissed, slamming her book over his head.
"Kuso! What was that for?" He rubbed his head dramatically; she never hit him hard.
"Hey Cheech, calm down. He does have a point you know," Goku added in his friend's defense. All Chi-Chi had to do was lift her book, and Goku backed off. "Sorry hun." He kissed her cheek lovingly, then settled back in his seat.
"You know you guys." They both turned to her. "We could take a bus out to Watanabe City and go visit her. It'll be-"
"Ha!" a squeaky feminine voice cut her off. "Like she'd waste her time with the likes of you! Come on Chi-Chi. She's a movie star now. She has movie star friends. I read in a magazine that she's even dating Okura Aida. So, she obviously doesn't have time for nobodies like you," the bleached blonde cheerleader sneered, flicking Chi-Chi's nose with her finger.
"Nomi!" Chi-Chi screamed. "I've known Bulma since I was two years old! She's not a stuck up bitch like you!" She jumped at her, slamming her into the nearby wall, her hands tightly around hr neck. "And further more, she would never date a fake like Okura!" With that she released the shrieking girl from her grasp and watched as she scurried across the floor, not stopping until she reached the other side of the room and let out a deep breath. "Don't test me bitch," she whispered just loud enough for her to hear, then took her seat, ignoring all the stares from everyone else.
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Bulma pulled into town and read the sign she saw aloud, "Welcome to Satan City. Enjoy your stay." She smiled to herself, stepping on the gas to get to the old Capsule Corp building. Once there she found it'd been turned into a retirement home. All the lights were out, aside from the lights shining on the building's sign out front that read: Still Kickin' Retirement Home. "If I know Vegeta, he doesn't like living next door to this place," she said to herself, her smile widening at the thought of her old arrogant friend. Back in Middle School she'd had a huge crush on him, but decided never to act on her feelings because she figured he hated her, and then she moved away. It was as simple as that, or so she led herself to believe.
"I really should visit Chi-Chi first," she thought and was about to pull out of the driveway, when she spotted a familiar jet-black mane behind the wooden fence that separated the two yards. She pulled the car out and onto the curb in front of his house. "Hey 'Geta!" she called to her old friend with his back to her. It was so spontaneous that she didn't realize she'd done it until the words left her mouth.
Vegeta righted himself from the crouched position, a large red ball held at his fingertips. He whipped around at the mention of his old nickname, his eyes almost bulging out of his head when he saw the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. He took a few steps forward, and on closer inspection found it to be Bulma.
"What do you want woman?" he finally managed to say, stomping over to her car. Rage was evident in his eyes. He hadn't changed one bit. But, before she could answer, a tiny black haired girl, no older than three, came running over and clung to Vegeta's leg.
"Vegeta!" she whined. "Gimmie my ball!"
"Here brat," he huffed, throwing the ball towards the front porch. She ran after it, squealing happily.
"Who's that?" Bulma asked, knowing Vegeta was an only child.
"Midori," he said flatly, trying his hardest not to smile or even smirk at the sight of his lost love. Though it wasn't that difficult once the thought of years of pain surfaced.
"She's beautiful. Has your eyes." Must have been a cousin.
"Like I asked before. What do you want?"
"Just visiting. Haven't seen you in a while," she said with a huge grin. In her mind however, she heard her words, saw her happy outward appearance, and wanted to throw herself in the middle of on coming traffic. It was at that moment that the full weight of what she was doing set in. But she couldn't go back now.
"Sure you are. You leave for four years, then come back when you're a huge star. That's perfectly now," he scoffed, rolling his eyes.
"Hey! I had a lot going on. I had to beg just to come here for a few days," she lied, not wanting to get into detail about why she hadn't visited until now. Just being there, in that city, was a miracle in itself. When Yutaka found out, she put money on losing her career. And it didn't matter now that she saw Vegeta's face again, the thought of the others looming in her mind.
"Whatever. Why come see me?" he asked suspiciously. His heart hadn't stopped racing since the moment he saw her face, the real thing, before him. If anyone could see his thoughts, or took his pulse, they'd want him in every big movie. He was a natural "actor".
"Well," she shied her head away, blushing madly. "I…Want to go see a movie? My treat." The moment the words were out in the open, she knew she'd blown it. What was with her? Her mind screamed for her to apologize and run away, go back to her old, new life and sulk until she died. But her legs wouldn't budge and her mouth wouldn't listen. Her subconscious wanted so badly for things to be as they were that it ruled out all ration thinking.
"Sure!" he snorted sarcastically. "I haven't seen you in years, let alone heard from you. Sure! Let's go be all buddy-buddy and see a movie! And then ride unicorns through fields of daisies while we're at it…Fat chance Briefs," he growled, turning and walking back towards the house. "Go see Kakarot's wench. She'd be more than happy to go see a stupid movie." Bulma was shocked at his display of anger, but isn't that what she'd expected? But this was Vegeta, rock hard and coldly emotionless. This was how everyone else should react, not him.
Suddenly the thought of confronting the others sent terror through her entire being. If Vegeta reacted this harshly, how would the others take it?
Before she knew it, she was on the front porch, the doorbell already rung. She couldn't just leave without apologizing. Maybe it wasn't too late to go back; the others didn't have to know that she was ever there.
"Hell-o," came a dumb-founded voice, bringing her from her thoughts. She mustered a smile at the boy who'd answered the door; Vegeta's cousin Taisho, the same age as himself.
"Hey Tai. Can I come in?" Bulma asked in the sweetest voice she could, ignoring the obvious staring on his part.
"A…Sure," he finally managed to say, regaining some composure. "What brings you here?" he asked, trying to be subtle as he shut the door behind her. He couldn't remember the last time he'd seen her in person.
"I came to see Vegeta, though I got the feeling he's not too happy to see me." Her smile quickly faded into a frown as she followed Taisho into the living room. She wanted to slap herself; she sounded like a complete moron! She was one of the smartest people in the world, and this was difficult for her.
"What makes you say that?" His voice still sounded a bit shaky. He'd seen the flyers for her movie and couldn't believe that an actual movie star was in his house, standing in front of him, even if he had known her all his life.
"Taisho, calm down. I'm the same person you've known since forever." He smiled apologetically at her, casting his eyes away. "Its alright. I've missed you."
"Me too," he said, looking at her again. Had she been this beautiful back then?
"I feel like such an ass, standing here in front of you after so long. You all must hate me for not visiting until now…I really screwed up with Vegeta out there," she sighed, motioning to the front door. "I couldn't have handled the situation any worse."
"To tell you the truth, I don't think there would be any right way to 'handle' Vegeta." Taisho took a calculated breath and smiled. He was strangely comfortable with her.
"Look, I'm never going to get him to talk to me again tonight. Would you maybe want to see that movie with me or grab a quick bite? I could use a good conversation, you know, like old times."
"I'd love to," he said, though his expression was anything but happy.
"But?"
"But I have to stay here and watch Midori. Vegeta locked himself in the basement, and I can't leave her alone. Mom would kill me."
Bulma frowned momentarily, then shrugged. "It's fine. I understand. How is your mother, anyway? And your dad, for that matter."
"They're fine. Dad's on a business trip, and mom's still at work. She should be home in an hour, if you still want to go somewhere." He smiled wide, unable to control his emotions. He hadn't thought of Bulma the way she used to be in years. It had been Bulma The Movie Star for so long that he'd almost forgotten his friendship with her. And now it was so natural. Whatever had kept her from visiting must have been big; he trusted that she would never abandon them on purpose. Vegeta, on the other hand, wasn't so trusting.
"I think that'd be great. I can't wait to hear about what you've been up to."
"A lot," he laughed, all uneasiness completely gone. "I hope you have some time, 'cause I have quite the story to tell."
"I'm all ears, kiddo."
"Kiddo," he repeated, rolling his eyes much like his cousin. "Kami, I never missed that. You're never going to let up on me, are you?" Bulma giggled and shook her head. "I'm only two months younger than you, grandma."
Bulma could only laugh at his come back. It was exactly as she remembered it. But, then again, she never, in her worst nightmares, could have seen Taisho turning his back on her. Even without knowing what had happened in the past four years, he'd welcomed her with open arms. She couldn't imagine what he'd do if he heard her story.
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---Chapter one!! Well, I think that's a sufficient length for a beginning chapter. Much longer than I usually do.
REVIEW!!!!!! (ReviewsMore Chapters)
Next time: Bulma stays the night at the Ouji's (I'll explain why Vegeta's cousins live at his house in time), then visits her other friends in the morning. How will everyone react to her sudden appearance? Will they even talk to her? I dunno…Wait and see!! :P
Note: So, how does this compare to what I had posted earlier? It's not too different, but I think it's much better. I've had a lot of practice since I first posted this fic, so I think its better off this way…What do YOU think?