This chapter was an afterthought. I realized when I was writing the last one that there was a big plot hole. This is a shorter chapter meant to fill in this hole. I hope it works….

"Bulma, I'm sorry." Tears ran down his cheeks as he continued, "I didn't mean for it to go that far. I'm—" his voice cracked and softened, "—ashamed of myself." He swallowed. "Please forgive me."

Bulma was huddled on the opposite side of the room, listening to Yamcha's pleas solemnly. "I forgive you," she said lowly. "I just don't think things will ever be the same between us." She paused meaningfully. "Can we just be friends?"

Nodding, he replied, "I guess it's for the better." A silence followed, and the two seemed to reach the same conclusion.

They had never really been in love at all.

Finally, Bulma rose. "I'll see you tomorrow, then."

"At the party, right. I'll be there." Yamcha rose as well. They stared at each other for a split second, and then awkwardly embraced. It wasn't like the embraces they had shared before; this was a hug between two old friends.

"Bye, Yamcha."

"Good-bye."

Yamcha smiled weakly and left. Bulma watched him go before turning into the kitchen. Grabbing an apple, Bulma took a bite and turned around. She suddenly shrunk back.

Vegeta was sitting at the table, looking slightly ill-at-ease.

"How much did you hear?" she asked directly.

"Not much," he admitted, "just the good-bye. Why was he here?"

Bulma gaped at Vegeta openly. 'Since when has he actually cared?' Vegeta repeated his question, his eyes turning from an impartial opaqueness to the usual cold stare. Bulma managed to snap out of her trance.

"He just came to apologize for…." Bulma trailed off meaningfully and the Saiyan nodded in understanding. Again, she stared at him, taking a thoughtful bite out of her apple. 'He really does care, doesn't he?' For awhile, the two sat in an awkward silence.

"Vegeta," Bulma finally burst, "I think I—"

"Don't say it," he hissed as he stood. "I'm going to train now." Angrily, or was it fearfully, Vegeta breezed past her, brushingup against hershoulder, and she found herself holding her breath, almost in ecstasy.

She turned to catch him, but he had disappeared down the hall. Bulma didn't see him again until the New Year's Eve party.

What was Bulma going to say to Vegeta? I think you know….

Really short, right? Hard to believe, but it would have been even shorter if TrunksGurl09 hadn't intervened. You rock! Don't worry, the last chapter will be up very soon, like Saturday, so get ready for the New Year's Eve Par-TAY!