Reviewers squeal and go 'AWWWWWWWW!'
Behind him, a sneaky brunette takes advantage of the distraction and drags a disclaimer out. Her muse turns around. The reviewers look around.
'It's Nitte iz! It's been five months for this chapter! Get her!'
Authoress runs, angry mob (of five) following.
Kiome eats another cookie.
Chapter 12: Steppin' Out…
But not with my baby
Bra rubbed her temples.
It had been a hectic two days since her last encounter with Goten. The b-. She hadn't contacted him since, nor him her. She didn't know how much longer that would go on. For some reason, she didn't think Goten was done with her yet. Brushing such thoughts away, she directed her attention back to what had been absorbing it in the meantime.
With a critical eye, she surveyed the dress in front of her. A light shade of blue, it was sleeveless, the bodice pulled to just over her chest and kept in place with a tied halter. The bottom flared just slightly from her hips to augment an ease of movement. All in all, it was a gorgeous dress. She needed no less for a Capsule Corporation function.
She growled slightly in annoyance. She hated these formal affairs. She hated the fact she was only there to be oohed over as 'Bulma's teenage daughter' while people gossiped about what her future would be. As if they had any right!
But the Fundraiser Ball was the biggest CC event of the year and something she definitely could not miss. All CC investors were invited, as well as prominent members of the community: politicians, businessmen, high society, and up-and-comers. It meant a whole lot of rich people. And they were dreadfully boring.
The corner of Bra's mouth twitched. She fantasized about suddenly making an announcement at dinner that she was half-alien.
That would definitely liven things up.
But not even Vegeta dared to budge a toe out of line for something this important to her mother. She shook her head. No, Vegeta was wise enough to let Bulma dress him up, stay on her arm, and not say a single word that could disrupt anything. It had not been that way in the beginning – Bra had still been a child when her mother had decided that it was about time her –husband– made an appearance in decent society since she did have two children and there were so many questions about their father. She had been terrified upon seeing her parents face off so dramatically, as she was not used to it. Vegeta really had mellowed somewhat over time. Of course Trunks had quickly reassured her, nonchalantly stating that they'd been that way as long as he could remember and no, they weren't going to break up.
That had actually been a fear of hers, having just been introduced to the concept of divorce. She knew a lot better now and if her mother's muttered comments over making up were any indication, it actually made their relationship stronger. They weren't afraid to confront each other or disagree. And over the years, Bra had realized that beyond her father's love of sparring and her mother's naturally dramatic nature, their arguments actually showed how much they respected and cared for each other. Sure, they still got in stupid name calling fights every now and again, but plenty of times their fights stemmed from Vegeta's concern over Bulma's human fragility or Bulma's concern over Vegeta's sometimes fragile mental and emotional state.
Of course, you often had to really delve to figure that out, but it was still true. The day after the argument, there would there would be a slight compromise in one's favor, whoever had ended up with the stronger argument. Bra choose not to dwell on the intervening night; she just felt lucky enough that her parents had decided fitting their bedroom with an automatic lock (and soundproof walls to boot) was a good idea by the time she had begun walking.
She rolled her shoulders in agitation. She didn't like to dwell on the arguing aspect of her parents' relationship, as it threw her own tranquil relationship with Tenshi in sharp relief. But she wasn't her mother, she wasn't that way. She didn't need it.
It wasn't until a copper tangy scent hit her nose that she realized she was biting her lip hard enough to bleed. Stupid Saiyan incisors.
Bra moved to inspect her lip in her mirror. It wasn't bad; it would be healed by the night. She sighed slightly. It was too bad. If she had really split the lip, she might've had a viable excuse for getting out of the night. Not that her mother would've actually accepted the excuse.
Oh well.
At least the fundraiser had served one purpose; her mother hadn't bugged her for very long over her involvement with Goten. She was far too busy, and actually had only spoken to Bra once in the past few days to double check that she had a dress and date.
Bra frowned sourly. Like she could forget either feature. She had planned this with Tenshi long in advance, even if her mother doubted her ability to do so.
Nothing on her end was going to disturb the night's festivities.
She quickly loosened her shoulders and turned to take a shower, ready to start her preparation for the night ahead.
"You what?" She couldn't keep the shock out of her voice. She was able to hear his gulp over the line.
"Look, I know it's short notice and everything-"
"SHORT NOTICE!" she just about announced to her entire building complex. "The party's tonight Tenshi!"
"I'm really sorry, B-chan-"
"Don't call me that!" she snapped. He paused, startled by her ferocity, and blinked.
"Uh, okay." He quickly regained his train of thought. "I really have to work Bra. Kojiro and Kenzio are both sick and that means I'm going to have to work the floor as well as check that everyone else is doing their jobs. Not to mention, we're getting stocked tonight and I have to make sure the back is correctly put in order."
"Can't you just call someone to cover you?" she asked desperately, her hand going up to run through her blue mane.
"No Bra. I have to take care of this."
She couldn't speak. She closed her eyes and bit her lip, again, so hard 'til it bled.
"I'm really sorry Bra. I'll try to get out as soon as possible-"
"Don't bother," she hissed and slammed the phone down.
Or at least that's how it went in her head. In reality, she didn't say a word, merely gripped the phone even harder. It creaked in protest.
"I'm sorry B-chan." She howled inwardly at his lapse back to that childish nickname, that stupid nickname that someone branded her with so long ago. B for Bra, B for Bulma, B for Baby.
The line went dead. She could barely untense her grip to return the phone to its cradle.
How could he? How could he back out now, hours before they were expected? She couldn't go alone tonight! He knew that! Not only would she look ridiculous, but she just couldn't take all their pitying looks or snob remarks without someone by her side! Anyone!
Even…
She froze. No, it was a horrible idea, abominable even. She couldn't…could she?
Hesitantly she picked the phone back up. Hands, tipped in a blue to match the dress that still laying waiting on her bed, played with phone cord.
Oh yes, she could. And she would.
With sudden determination, she turned on her heel and hunted up His phone number. He owed her one anyway.
He picked up on the third ring. Seemed he'd learned from the pre-party incident.
"Yes?"
"Don't you have any phone manners?" she said airily, stretching herself out on her favorite plush chair.
He gave a low chuckle that tingled down her spine. "Well, well if it isn't the Princess. Now I wonder what she wants…" She pictured him smirking and against her will, felt a light flush fill her cheeks. She ignored both facts.
"You're going to be my date for tonight's Capsule Corp. Fundraiser Ball," she announced cheerily.
There was a pause. "Repeat that please."
"You're going to be my date at a party I need to attend tonight," she restated patiently.
Another pause. "I am, am I?" His faint amusement tried to cover up his surprise.
"Look Saiyan, you owe me for ditching me last time, remember?" she reminded him sweetly.
"I wasn't really ditching you-"
Bra snorted at the protest. "I don't really want to go into what you were about to do." Not waiting for an answer, she went on, thinking aloud. "Now, how exactly to do this? You're going to need to come in my limo, since it would be a nightmare actually meeting at the Briefs Tower. Just a good thing I got my own instead of sharing with my parents. Dad would not be pleased about that." She winced. "So that means you'll have to meet me here at my apartment, which shouldn't be a problem as you've been here. Juniper Avenue, remember? You can meet me outside at 7:00 – d- you're going to need a tux! I assume you don't have one?"
"Uh," Goten wasn't sure if she expected an answer and sure enough, she swept on without heed.
"I don't suppose you would. You'll have to go to Ryomaru, he's never let us down – I mean he's dealt with my father voluntarily more than once! Any human who can do that gets major stars in my book. I'll just have to convince him to do an emergency fitting. But you should get there a.s.a.p." She paused to hunt up the address, still going. "I'll make the appointment for 3:00 and you absolutely can't be late! All things considering, I wouldn't be surprised if he demanded my firstborn child considering how last-minute this is. Not that I'm having one anytime soon," she muttered, finally digging up Ryomaru's address and rattling it off. "You got that?"
"Uh."
"Goten! Repeat it back!" Dutifully he did so, too overwhelmed to form a teasing rebuttal.
"Good," she nodded to herself, feeling pleased. "The tux should be black, which I'm guessing you shouldn't have a problem with. Make sure you get a tie as well. See you at seven!"
And with that she hung up, supremely pleased with herself. That took care of her problem and hey, added bonus – there was no way in hell that the evening would be boring.
Bra hummed happily under her breath and proceeded with her primping.
Goten just blinked, as the dial tone filled his ears, getting the distinct feeling he'd just been railroaded.
She tapped her blue pump clad foot impatiently on the ground before coming to a stop after realizing how childish the action was, a hand unconsciously going up to check that her bun hadn't been disturbed by the motion. Where was he? And why couldn't he ever be on time? She felt a growl build in the depths of her throat.
"I'm guessing patience is not a royal trait," a wry voice commented from behind her.
Jumping, she whirled around in instinctive response. "What have I told you about sneaking up on me?" she hissed, her voice embarrassingly higher pitched than usual.
He smirked. How typical.
Rolling her eyes, she took the opportunity to critically survey him. The eyebrow piercing was still in, she noted with a small frown, but his hair seemed somewhat better groomed. And the suit… She felt her clinical assessment break down into a flat out drooling appreciation. He fit the suit perfectly (in the back of her head she mentally reminded herself to buy Ryomaru a yacht), highlighting firm muscles and toned attributes.
D-, her mother was right. Saiyans in suits were absolutely delectable.
He even had a tie. She blinked and felt a smirk tug at her mouth, even as she felt her cheeks tint at the fact he was smirking at her gawking.
She clucked her tongue. "I'm guessing you always had your mother tie your tie?" she asked humorously, eying the deformed shape of the knot. His smirk gave way to a faintly embarrassed smile.
"Haven't had to wear one in a while," he shrugged.
With a put upon sigh, she advanced and set to work, thanking her practice with Tenshi. It was such a familiar act for her – something Tenshi had always reserved for her on the nights she required a date to some fancy shmancy corporate function. She fell easily into the practiced motions and it wasn't until she smoothed the knot that she realized how intimate it was. She stiffened, suddenly extremely conscious of just how close she was and how his body was exuding enough heat to run right through her.
Her heart just about stopped when he sunk his head to her neck and breathed in her scent. She shivered. "You look...delectable," he purred, his breath sending earthquake worthy tremors straight down her spine and bare back. She gulped, intensely aware of the full blown flush on her face and the fact her heart had just jump started to Super Saiyan speed.
Hastily she stepped back, trying desperately to regain her composure and ignore the smirking demon across from her. Thankfully the limo chose that moment to pull up, before she would be needed to form some kind of reaction. She very nearly raced to enter it, but Goten still got there first.
With all the aplomb of a gentleman, he opened the door for her and extended a hand to help her in. Bra hesitated, mentally cursing how he could turn on the charm at the drop of a hat. But there was no real reason not to play along, so without protest, she accepted the help and situated herself in the cab. Goten entered after, placing himself on the other seat facing her, and closing the door.
Bra avoided his eyes. This was going to be a long ride.
Surprisingly though, when he spoke, it wasn't of their little incident.
"So how exactly did I end up as your choice of a date tonight?" he asked mildly.
"Something came up and Tenshi couldn't make it," she mumbled, feeling guilt sweep over her in a sudden wave. She'd completely forgotten about him… This wasn't good.
"Work?"
She blinked at his dead-on guess, her eyes finally flicking up to meet his. "Yes actually."
"Sounds like he's very responsible." Anybody else would've taken the comment to be complimentary, but Bra frowned. There was mocking there, she just knew it.
"He's the manager of his store; he has a lot of responsibilities," she snapped defensively, never mind the fact that just hours ago she'd been cursing him for ditching her.
His eyes glittered at her response, but he dropped the line of questioning for the moment. "You couldn't find another male to go with you?" Well, that line of questioning.
"It was kindof last minute," she said evasively, not wanting to admit that she really didn't have any other male friends.
Pan was the easy going one, the tomboy that could hang out with guys without it being weird or misconstrued. She could talk to them. For Bra, Tenshi was about it. It was hard enough getting along with other girls, without her looks, fortune, or background getting in the way.
"I'm touched." She blinked, uneasily wondering yet again if he could perform telepathy.
"What do you mean?" she asked, more touchily than she wished. He raised an eyebrow, but answered anyway.
"To be your assured fall-back man." She couldn't help the small laugh that forced itself out and the tension from leaving her body at the ridiculous statement. Akuma, her assured fall-back.
"Oh don't worry Goten," she replied humorously, "you're more than that." So much more, was the unbidden thought that entered her mind.
His ebony eyes gleamed knowingly in the filtered light.
Bra surveyed the host of paparazzi with resignation, long having been used to their overwhelming presence. Her blue eyes flickered to her date that was not. He blinked, clearly surprised by the sheer number.
"The flashes are going to blind you," she warned him from long experience. "Just keep walking and try to focus on the entrance. If any reporter tries to stop you, ignore them. I'll deal with them, okay?"
He gave her a look of complete self assurance.
"What? Afraid of what I might say, princess?" he baited her.
She frowned. "This is serious Saiyan."
"I have been out in prestigious social situations before," he informed her. "Granted, that was before Gohan and I stopped speaking, but I have." Bra blinked, honestly surprised. Before she could respond though, Goten swung open the car dog and made his appearance to the press. She scooted to the door to make her own and was only half startled to see an offered hand. She took it without hesitation this time.
Ambushed by the sudden explosion of lights, it took her a second to recognize the bent arm held out to her.
"Shall we princess?" His voice was low and temptingly intimate.
She balked for a moment. It would be awkward if she took it, but more so if she didn't in the eyes of the press. Cursing her last name for the trillionith time, she casually locked arms with him. Daring a glance up, she was unprepared for the sight of a genuine smile.
"We shall," she murmured back, slightly dazed by the rare sight.
And the walk was simply a blur.
"Yes, Mrs. Kizaki, it's such a pleasure to see you again," Bulma murmured politely, fake smile firmly attached, hoping against hope someone would distract the other woman's attention before she could launch into one of her famous five hour spiels. Vegeta made a low snort that displayed her real feelings so truly, she couldn't even muster up a glare. She just nodded as the tow-headed (obviously fake considering Mrs. Kizaki was pushing 60) woman chattered on. Finally though the other woman paused and said something that completely caught Bulma's attention.
"Oh, isn't that your daughter?" Finally! She had been beginning to wonder… Her response was already half formed as she turned to observe her daughter's entrance, only to have it die on her lips. Vegeta stiffened beside her, radiating disbelief at the sight at the entrance. "That's funny; I don't recognize that man with her. I thought she was dating that nice boy Tenshi?"
"She-she is," Bulma stuttered, her thoughts whirling. What the hell was Bra doing with Goten?
"What's Kakkarot's blasted brat doing here?" Vegeta hissed agitated, though low enough so only his mate heard him. His eyes narrowed; he'd specifically told that brat to leave Bra alone!
"Who is that?" All innocence…and the question the blue haired woman knew would be on the press' mind for quite a while.
"Son Goten," Bulma said with forced composure. "He's an old family friend."
"Friend, hmm?" The woman's blue eyes sparkled in devious humor. She might've been old, but she was still sharp. Vegeta gave a choking sound. Feeling him tense in ready to approach the man who dared to escort his daughter without his knowledge – or consent for that matter, Bulma tightened her grip, silently telling him to calm down.
"Mrs. Kizaki, if you could excuse us?" she asked politely, though her eyes were fastened on the blue and black figures that had just arrived.
The blond gave a dismissive wave while chuckling to herself. "Of course."
"You picked a hellava big party to bring me to," Goten murmured in an undertone, his eyes casually sweeping over the bustling hall. More than one head had turned at their entrance, though whether it was because of their late entrance or Bra's identity was uncertain.
Bra gave a wide false smile, feeling eyes intensify on her. "Why do you think I preferred you to going alone?" she commented wryly. His lips quirked at that, before he abruptly became aware of a spiking ki nearby, an extremely high ki (considering the surroundings).
"You didn't happen to mention your sudden change in escorts to your parents, did you?" His tone gave away no nervousness, even as he eyed the approaching couple warily. Neither looked happy.
Bra cursed. "I knew I forgot something." She plastered on a smile, readying herself for the coming confrontation. It took far too little time for them to reach the waiting couple and Bra belatedly wondered where the 'annoying people who just had to talk to you' had gone. "Mom, Dad, sorry I'm late," she started brightly, before her parents could comment. "Goten takes more time to get ready than any girl I know."
Goten blinked at the unexpected assault on his masculinity. "I do not!" The words were out before he could stop them and he could just feel a flush begin to settle under his cheekbones as Vegeta raised an eyebrow. He frowned slightly; that was what he got for relaxing.
"Hmm," Bulma pursued her lips, amused by the thought but not distracted from her purpose. "But that does raise the question of why you were waiting for Goten and not Tenshi." Her look was pointed, as was Vegeta's regained glower.
Bra's smile flickered, but persistently remained. "Tenshi got hung up with work at the very last minute, so I called in the backup." She gestured unnecessarily
Now Bulma raised an eyebrow, but decided to play nice – at least while still in public. "How sweet of you Goten," she murmured, leveling a piercing gaze straight at the dark eyed demi-Saiyan.
With fluid grace, Goten unexpectedly swept into an elaborate bow, his hand sweeping out to his side, rather than going to his waist. "The least I could do for a princess," he simpered, his eyes flicking up to catch theirs with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Vegeta barely controlled a growl, though Bulma was suitably entertained.
"What a charming young man!" The two couples turned to see this new interruption, a slender woman who made graying stylish. She was dressed in a deep blue conservative gown and gave no sign of embarrassment at interrupting the family affair. "Bulma my dear, you must introduce us." 'Us' included the equally slender man beside her, who was viewing Goten with slightly more reservation.
Bulma rushed to comply. "Of course Mrs. Yukoshira." Inwardly she cringed, but she could not possibly refuse – the Yukoshiras were the single largest investors in Capsule Corp. outside of the Briefs family. "This is Son Goten, an old friend of the family's. He's filling in for my daughter's boyfriend Tenshi, who was unable to make it. Goten, these are the Yukoshiras, investors in Capsule Corp." Bulma was too experienced to betray her unease in her voice, but it and warning to Goten, was visible in her eyes.
Goten didn't fail to disappoint and was instead gallant to cheesiness. He seized Mrs. Yukoshira's hand and gave a flamboyant kiss to it, his eyes respectfully dropping. "It's an honor to meet you, Mrs. Yukoshira." She gave an approving smile as her husband frowned, more out of possessiveness than anything else.
"It's rare to find such respect nowadays," she praised him. "You wouldn't happen to be a prospective, would you?" It was a highbrow way of referring to an up-and-comer, and both blue haired women's jaws just about dropped. Vegeta merely muttered something that sounded suspiciously like 'baka humans'.
"Alas, I'm afraid business is not my foray," Goten confided easily. "So perhaps, if I may, be excused to dance with my beautiful date, since that is primarily the reason I am here," he paused, aware of Vegeta's ki spike but not letting it faze him for more than a moment "and leave the business to those better suited?"
"Of course," Mrs. Yukoshira gave her permission graciously. Bra flushed as the woman shot her an almost envious look, but barely had time to register it as Goten swiftly propelled her from the group.
"What was that?" she hissed when she finally regained her ability to speak, not sure whether she should be aghast, impressed, or in stitches over what had just occurred.
Goten shot her a completely roguish smirk. "Just a little fun," he murmured, abruptly spinning her to fit her neatly in his arms. She jerked.
"What are you doing?" she asked, too thoroughly confused to make any real protest.
"Well, I did get us excused to go dancing." Oh, he was definitely amused. He began to move, bringing Bra with him. His head dipped down to her bare neck and she suppressed a shiver, acutely aware of the hand on her back just high enough to brush the bare skin. "Looks like you'll be dancing with me after all."
She didn't pretend to misunderstand.
"Oh Bra Briefs, it's so nice to see you again. You just seemed to grow up overnight. Why I remember…" That was about the time Bra began to block them out – them being practically any person who had attended the ball for over five years. It was exactly why she had needed reinforcements, even as unconventional as they had turned out to be. "Now, who is this charming man with you?" Not that she had anything to worry about – Goten had been on his best 'charming' behavior all night, for reasons she couldn't even begin to comprehend. He had answered all questions politely, if not somewhat evasively. For example, apparently being a bartender was equivalent to being a specialty drink provider. Most people seemed to assume this meant health drinks. She had had to choke down the urge to laugh more than once, which just went to show Goten had actually been an excellent pick. This ball was shaping to be the most amusing yet, if somewhat uncomfortable at the same time. Goten had taken the opportunity of the often rapt audience to flirt with her shamelessly. The women found it immensely amusing, if not envy-inducing, while the men seemed to take it in stride, probably just happy he wasn't turning his charm on their wives.
Nevertheless, she couldn't help commenting on his tact.
"You'd make an excellent politician, you know." Goten raised an eyebrow at the out-of-the-blue comment, turning his ebony gaze on her from across the table they were currently resting at.
"Is that an insult or a compliment?" he asked lazily. She shrugged.
"Politicians are famous for being able to construe things in the best light for their audience's reception, while at the same time, avoiding incriminating themselves." He just stared at her. Too relaxed by his good behavior, she gave a sheepish grin instead of an offended huff. "Okay, so I took Government & Economics senior year. The point is you've somehow managed to make everyone you've met tonight like you, without actually revealing your actual life or lying. That's a feat." She tipped her soda to him (soda as her mother was hosting this event and would skin her alive if she realized her precious daughter was drinking anything harder than that).
Goten mulled over the suggestion. "A politician?" he echoed skeptically, then shook his head. "Not here. I have too many family connections and skeletons. It's a miracle that we've gone so long unexposed with all the scrutiny on the Satans and Briefs." Bra gave him a calculating look.
"Or else those connections have ensured that privacy. It's all a matter of perspective." Goten frowned, but it was more of a considering frown rather than a disagreeing one. "Not to mention, money does make the world go round and between the Satans and us, that's a lot of money." He made a shocked face.
"Why Bra Briefs, that's an awfully cynical thought." She smiled. "And here I thought, how did it go," he paused in exaggerated thought "'love will save the day'?"
"I still believe that," she defended herself, though not sure it was an attack. "But that seems to be in the more 'Earth will be obliterated' scenarios, than the everyday disasters," she allowed, with more humor.
Goten took a moment to puzzle that out and then gave a muted 'humph'.
"In those cases, you turn to the politicians."
The solemn response surprised Bra. "Pardon?"
"Politicians are the ones that solve the everyday catastrophes, the ones where individual's worlds are threatened, and not by some egotistical ki-enhanced super villain. They're the real heroes. They fight everyday, not just every three or seven years." Blue eyes carefully traced over her companion's dark features, but they were fastidiously blank.
"There wouldn't even be those catastrophes if someone hadn't stopped those ki-enhanced villains," she returned carefully.
He didn't reply to that.
Politician though? How, interesting…
"Speaking of Satans," Goten spoke up so abruptly, Bra started in alarm. "I notice Videl's here without my brother."
"Thank Dende for small favors," the blue haired girl muttered, reliving the brothers' encounter the past Saturday. "Do you want to go talk to her?" she asked brusquely, figuring the man wouldn't have brought up the point without reason.
When he didn't respond immediately, she hazarded a glance at him. This time, he was clearly torn. Vaguely, she dredged up memories of Trunks talking fondly of how Goten had taken to calling her 'Nee-chan' before Gohan and she had even started dating. They had seemed to hit it off from the start. And Goten had never seemed angry with her, though then again, Goten had never given signs of being angry period before his transformation. Still…
Well, if he couldn't decide, she'd do it for him. She got his arm and tugged him up, ignoring his startled expression. "So let's speak to her."
Once he was by her side however, Bra paused, close to sweat dropping. Uh, where exactly was Videl?
Goten laughed in genuine amusement, the sound making Bra's stomach flip flop. Dende, he really needed to do that more often. And smile. And breathe on her – she stomped that thought down with metal tipped combat boots. It took a second for her to recognize the directing finger and the smirk directed at her. "She's over there."
Bra flushed and got going, ignoring the man she dragging with her and his badly contained merriment.
Halfway to the blue eyed Son, they were stopped by one of the 'annoying people who just had to talk to you'. Oh yes, now they showed up.
For once, it was the male who hailed her. "Ms. Briefs! Why, we were just talking about you, weren't we Mikomi?" Bra cursed mentally. It was Mr. Saburo, the current mayor of Satan City. She wasn't going to get out of this easily.
"Mayor Saburo, Mrs. Saburo, it's been a while," she said genially, mouth once again shaping into an overly effusive smile. Her demi-Saiyan companion came to a stop behind her, his eyes fixed on the man she was addressing.
"Mikomi was just exclaiming how beautiful you look tonight," he continued. "And I must say you do, so much like your mother." Her smile seemed to become a completely separate entity, even as she clenched her teeth forcefully. It was bad enough he had to follow the compliment with a full body once over (in front of his wife!), but he just had to tack on the clone clause.
"And yet not," Goten inserted smoothly, stepping up. "She shines with her own unique luminance." He wrapped an arm around her waist, seemingly unconsciously, and Bra stiffened. "Not that your own wife isn't lovely," he allowed, "Mr.-" Goten cocked his head innocently "what was it again?"
By that time, Bra's attention had completely left the arm casually draped around her, in favor of the unexpected shade of white the Mayor was turning. Goten simply smirked widely in a completely 'cat just ate the canary' way. His wife simply looked confused.
"Saburo," she supplied, deciding to ignore her husband's odd reaction.
"Wonderful to meet you," he murmured, giving her the same full treatment as Mrs. Yukoshira, hand kiss included. "A lovely couple you two make," he commented, his attention re-attaching to the mayor. "Why Mr. Saburo, you look like you've just seen something disturbing." Goten's eyes danced with dark humor, even as he kept his tone mockingly innocent.
"I," the mayor finally regained himself, "I'm sorry, you just remind me of someone I once had the displeasure of meeting." And he regained himself like a true politician did, silver tongue and all.
"Oh? I'm usually thought of as quite distinctive, nowadays." He shot an enticing smile at Mrs. Saburo. "Wouldn't you agree, Mrs. Saburo?" Bra's eyebrow raised in suspicion, catching the stress he put on her status. The addressed woman's face flushed attractively, but she simply gave a wry smile.
"I suppose," she allowed. "But then I'm a married woman; my husband is whom I should think is so distinctive," this was said with a wan smile. But if anything, the compliment had the effect of making said husband blanch further.
"Oh, I quite agree," Goten returned silkily, seeming to get far too much enjoyment out of this 'innocent' conversation. Bra didn't like this feeling of being left out.
"If you could excuse us," she started politely, "there is actually someone we were trying to catch. I'm sorry to cut this short."
"Oh, no trouble at all," the mayor leapt on her words, beads of sweat suddenly apparent on his brow. "Of course, we shouldn't delay you." Before his wife could say another word, he quickly steered them away, leaving one girl extremely confused and one man extremely amused.
"Now what was that about?" she asked exasperated yet again. She kept up her pointed glare even as they role reversed, his hand firmly pressing on her bare back as he guided them to Videl.
"I've met the Mayor before, though in a rather compromising state," he answered smugly. It was intoxicating, the knowledge he had power over the Mayor. And just because he happened to know something… It was new and strange. He liked it. "Even politicians need somewhere to drink."
"And take hookers," Bra finished dryly, abruptly understanding Goten's pointed remarks of the Saburos as a couple. "That's disgusting." She made a face.
"And yet how the world often works." It was a straightforward statement Bra could hardly disagree with.
The conversation died at the point, silence enveloping the couple until they reached their target. She was chatting calmly with some old friends – high up police brass that she'd known since the days of her exploits as a crime fighter. She didn't stiffen as they approached, though Bra was sure she knew they were approaching. The blue haired girl resisted the urge to pout – it just wasn't fair that even Videl knew how to ki sense.
Odd, she'd never even felt the urge to learn, not until these last few meetings with Goten. She didn't like him being able to hold that over her head.
"Now boys," Videl's voice broke into Bra's thoughts, "I'm afraid I'll have to leave you to talk with my brother-in-law." Her blue eyes flicked over to the two hovering demi-Saiyans.
"Brother-in-law?" one asked curiously, blinking over his glass of wine.
"Goten." It was as much an answer as an address. Goten inclined his head. "Gentlemen." With all the grace of an ex-fighter, Videl easily slipped away, moving off to a more isolated part of the room to talk.
Bra paused, not sure if the invitation included her. Perhaps she should leave this to just Goten and Videl. Without warning though, she felt herself being pushed to follow and abruptly became re-aware of the fact a certain dark eyed man had yet to take his hand from her back. She scowled and stepped away from him pointedly, before striding to situate herself next to Videl. Goten placed himself in front of them, with a simple amused quirk to his lips.
Mentally, she was furious with herself. How could she forget he was touching her?
"Goten," Videl quickly spoke up, forestalling anything Goten was about to stay and causing the merriment to evaporate from his face. "I'd like to apologize for Gohan's behavior Saturday." She looked him steadily in the eye. "He was completely out-of-line." That was to put it mildly. She hadn't seen her husband that livid in years.
The tightening of Goten's jaw was the only show of how deeply the argument had affected him. "You don't need to apologize for him," he said fixedly. "Gohan and I have our issues period. It would've been better if we hadn't gotten into them so publicly…" he trailed off, for the first time in Bra's memory at a loss for words.
"Better is an understatement," Bra muttered, rolling her eyes. "Besides, it's not like Gohan is the only one to blame for Saturday's fiasco." That was said with a pointed look, complete with a hair flip.
Goten frowned slightly, but allowed begrudgingly, "It would have gone smoother if I had been," he paused, "more composed." Bra gave a little snort, recognizing it as an admittance of his drug use.
"The one you really should apologize to is to your mother." He stiffened as soon as the words left the girl's mouth. She would've noticed if she hadn't been so focused on her tirade. "I mean really, to have it out right in front of her was completely uncalled for. And honestly, what you said to her…" Here she had to trail off, because she actually hadn't heard their exchange, having come in upon Gohan's disastrous last statement to his brother. She was fairly convinced though, that his conversation with his mother had been equally offensive.
"Don't talk about things you have no knowledge of." She started at the cold clipped tone Goten appropriated and she was surprised to realize his body language was completely closed off. His magnificent eyes were dead once again, and she found herself filled with an inexplicable pang that the life that had been dancing there all night was gone.
Videl was forgotten.
Confused, she fell back to an anger response. "I do know that you've hardly spoken to her since Goku left, I mean really. She hardly sees you for five years and you-"
"This is none of your business, princess," he spat at her, clearly agitated.
She firmed her jaw, emotions warring inside. Continue this argumentative route or soften? "Why not, Goten? What happened?" Something had to have happened. Goten had always loved and adored his mother. Both of the Son boys had and for very good reason – she had always been there while their father had not. Goku's leaving could not explain this reaction of Goten's for once.
He wouldn't answer, the muscles of his jaw clenching, which of course was enough of an answer to Bra.
"D-it, talk to me Goten!" she demanded, the only way she knew how to plead.
However, resolutely, he turned to his sister-in-law. "I hope you have a nice night Videl." It was a clear farewell and Goten immediately followed the gesture by turning on his heel and making straight for the open air balcony.
Bra gritted her teeth. What was with him ditching her? She muttered some desultory goodbye and immediately followed him.
She didn't stop to ponder if she should follow him or even to realize that it was a choice. But, then again, was it?
Three pairs of eyes followed the couple's departure from the room with rapt attention and varying degrees of uneasy.
"I don't like this." As usual, Vegeta was vocal in his dislike. Ebony eyes narrowed at the sight of his daughter rushing after the third-class brat.
Bulma sighed, inwardly agreeing but determined not to augment his agitation. Before she could get a word in however, Trunks broke in.
"This is all my fault," he muttered. "I just thought, you know, she might remind him of everything he's turning his back to – the good things." He uneasily fiddled with his glass, obviously disliking the fact his sister was following the friend he no longer knew to where he could not see. "I never meant…"
Bulma rolled her eyes, forcefully rousing herself. "Honestly you two, nothing is going to happen. And Goten definitely could use someone to talk to," she paused as her eyes became distant for a second. "It's not like he's going to hurt her," she finished firmly.
Vegeta frowned further. "There are many ways to hurt someone, Woman."
And still troubled, the three sets of eyes watched as Bra disappeared into the night.
"Goten?" she called softly into the night, coming to a standstill several feet in back of him. He was facing away from her, towards the expanse of air, city, and sky beyond him. His back was rigid, his hands firmly clenched on the ornamental metal railing. She absently wondered just how much he was restraining himself to resist twisting it. "Talk to me Go-chan."
She hadn't used that nickname since she was 10.
He gave a brittle laugh, but his resistance seemed to break and his shoulders slumped. "The last time I spoken to my mother before last Saturday was two days after He left." The pronoun was spoken with hatred, but was obviously not the focus of his speech. "I stayed with her two days," he stopped, struggling with old long buried emotion. "That was all I could take."
The words hung in the air, whispered yet sounding like thunder.
"Why?"
Such a simple question. He gave a bitter grin and closed his eyes.
She took a step closer.
"You know, when he left, she actually asked him if he was going to be home for dinner?" He gave a choked laugh that stuck in his throat. "I took her home and that's what she set out to do – make a feast. And when it was all laid out? We just sat there and stared at it, almost expecting him to walk in any moment and announce he was starving. I don't know when it hit her; he wasn't coming. He was never going to come." The anger stifled him, yet the words only came out sad and resigned. "We finally ate and I decided to stay the night. I fell asleep to her sobs – my childhood lullaby. But then-" he paused and the railing gave a warning creak. He couldn't go on so familiarly. "I guess the clinical term would be a form of regression. For the sake of her sanity, she went back to an earlier time where she was happy. When her husband was there and normal – even if a jobless freakishly strong martial artist, and her son was still her little boy."
It was the singular that drove it home for her. She couldn't help her small gasp of horror.
His lips bent in a parody of his father's grin.
"She completely imagined Gohan, talking to empty space in his stead, but for his father… Oh my father, she directed her rants at him at something, someone, much more substantial." Bra's stomach rolled. "And after all, at one part of my life, I did look exactly like him. It's not like my face's changed so much."
"Oh, Goten…" she stopped, unable to say anything. Her mind threatened to fold into shock. "How-?" The words choked her and she cut off. He answered nonetheless.
"I-" his voice caught and he let out his breath in a rush. "Actually I don't know." He stared fixedly into the darkness of the night, seeing nothing. "I stood it as long as I could, but then I called your mother. When she arrived, I took off."
Silence.
"I couldn't, I couldn't stay." It sounded like an attempt at explaining what was too painful for words.
Bra's heart swelled and tenderness filling her, she reached out a hand to touch his arm. "Got-"
Neither the word nor action was completed.
"Bra, I am so sorry-"
She whirled around, just in time to see Tenshi come to a bumbling stop, his attention immediately ensnared by the fact his girlfriend wasn't alone. Goten turned, registering the interruption.
"that I'm late," he finished flatly without any real comprehension he did.
"Tenshi!" It came out embarrassingly high-pitched. "What are-" abruptly realizing the tactlessness of such a question, she changed it mid-sentence "I thought you couldn't come." It still sounded lame.
"I said I would try to come as soon as I could." His voice was still far too calm and flat. Some part of his mind said this wasn't a big deal. He knew how important this ball was and that Bra had really been depending on moral support. And sure, it hurt that she'd turned to another guy, but he was just an old family friend.
But another part of his mind remembered the halting and evasive answers to his questions about Goten from the Z-senshi. How nobody wanted to talk about him and they all became pensive, eyes darting worriedly to Bra the day of the barbecue. How intimidating the other man could be. How violent. And it whispered that this promised only bad things in the future.
"Goten just escorted me as a favor," Bra rushed out, feeling herself floundering, but not questioning the fact she felt she'd just been caught in something far from innocent. Tenshi just looked at her, pain coloring his green eyes. Escort.
He nodded woodenly. "I guess I should leave you to it then." And robotically, he turned and hurried back the way he had come.
Bra choked in frustration, but wavered, glancing back at Goten. He wore no expression, but his face showed shockingly visible against the black night. Except his eyes – perfectly matching the night and seemed far too much like holes for comfort. With a shudder, she spun and fled into the lit ballroom after her boyfriend, her mind already tabulating how she would console him and reassure him that she was glad he had been able to come, even so late.
Goten watched her go, his face still and closed. But his jaw was clenched and the antique railing crumbled a little under his hand.
So close…
But – "Soon princess," he murmured.
Without another word, he turned as well and made his own way – into the dark night.
As if they had heard his statement, four sets of eyes, Son and Brief alike, watched Bra hovering 'round her boyfriend with unmitigated disquiet and fear.
For it would be soon.
Uhem, well five months is better than over a year! Hehehehe –sweatdrop-.
But it indeed will be soon… 'it' being, well, you'll see. But hint – 4 chapters until Goten heads for space – as people who remember my first summary of the story know. Wow, that was a really long time ago.
To all my reviewers, I'm so sorry and honestly, I feel far too guilty to read my reviews until I've updated so no responses to them this time.