Dragon Ball Z: Dynasty
Written by: Feraligreater328
Edited by: StevenBodner
Chapter 93: Saiyan Love Part 3
On the television...
Explosions and pyro went off in sequence as a loud, rock and roll track began to play out through the television studio. People cheered at the top of their lungs, waving around merchandise featuring the face of a man with a large, fu manchu mustache and a curly afro double the size of his head. Once the smoke from the explosions subsided, that same large man came out pulling a line of four double decker buses using only a single hand.
The men in the crowd cheered at the top of their lungs and the women swooned as this behemoth of a man balled up his fist and punched through the front of the bus, sending the vehicles engine block flying back and crashing all the way through the back of the fourth one.
The host of the television show, Jimmy Firecracker, shouted into his microphone. "Ladies and Gentlemen! I swear to you that this man is not a television illusion! He is not an artist's conception! He is not a figment of the imagination! He is real! He stands an amazing 6 foot, 5 inches tall! He weighs and incredible 250 pounds of pure, all-beef muscle! He is your World Martial Arts Champion! HE! IS! SATAN!"
The people in the crowd cheered at the top of their lungs as the behemoth did his poses. "HAIL MR. SATAN! HAIL MR. SATAN! HAIL MR. SATAN!"
Mr. Satan smirked and reached for a microphone. Jimmy Firecracker handed him one with a flourish. The monstrous, muscled brute took a deep breath and bellowed at the top of his lungs. "HE-LLO, MY SATANISTS! ARE YOU SICK OF THE CHEAP TRICKS BEING THROWN AROUND BY SOME POSER IN A BUG MONSTER SUIT?!"
They shouted back. "YEAH!"
Mr. Satan shouted again. "ARE YOU SICK OF THE CONSPIRACIES AND HOAXES BEING SHOVED DOWN YOUR THROAT?!"
They shouted back. "YEAH!"
Mr. Satan shouted again. "ARE YOU TIRED OF THE WORLD OF MARTIAL ARTS BEING POLLUTED BY GIANT MONKEYS, SO-CALLED DEMONS, AND MEANINGLESS LIGHT SHOWS?!"
They shouted back. "YEAH!"
He smirked. "WELL THEN I HAVE GOOD NEWS FOR ALL OF YOU! I, MARK HERCULE, THE REIGNING AND DEFENDING WORLD MARTIAL ARTS CHAMPION, YOUR MR. SATAN, AM GOING TO PUT A STOP TO ALL OF THIS ONCE AND FOR ALL! CELL MIGHT THINK HE'S TOUGH, BUT HE'S LITTLE MORE THAN A PAPER TIGER! I'M GOING TO SHOW UP AT THE CELL GAMES IN FOUR DAYS TIME AND I AM GOING TO PUT A STOP TO THAT NO GOOD TRICKSTER FOR GOOD!"
They all cheered at the top of their lungs. "YEAH!"
Mr. Satan smirked. "CAN I GET A 'HAIL SATAN'?!"
The crowd roared back a booming response. "HAIL, MR. SATAN! HAIL, MR. SATAN! HAIL, MR. SATAN! HAIL, MR. SATAN! HAIL, MR. SATAN! HAIL, MR. SATAN! HAIL, MR. SATAN! HAIL, MR. SATAN! HAIL, MR. SATAN!"
In Bulma and Vegeta's house...
Bulma and Future Bulma both sat in the den. Future Bulma looked utterly bored of the massive, screaming idiot on the television. Bulma was distracted by something a mail drone had delivered to her. Jimmy Firecracker announced. "You heard it here first, folks! Mr. Satan, the World Martial Arts Champion, is going to go the Cell Games! And he's going to leave wearing Cell as a shoe! Let's hear it again for our brave, World Champion!"
Future Bulma clicked a button on the remote and shut off the television. "That blowhard is going to show up to the Cell Games and get himself killed..."
Bulma responded, not paying full attention. "U-Uh-huh..."
Future Bulma turned to her. "What's wrong?"
Bulma swallowed a lump in her throat, fidgeting with something in the box in her lap. "Y-You ever decide that you want to try something new, but then have a bundle of nerves in your gut when you get the chance to...?"
Future Bulma looked at Bulma, a bright red blush on her past counterpart's face. She stammered. "I-Is this in relation to that thing you made Vegeta agree to yesterday?"
Bulma nodded. "Mhm...I...I still want to try it. It's just, I'm actually kind of nervous now that I can actually touch and hold this thing. It's-"
Before the conversation could continue, Android 17 emerged from Bulma's guest room with a concerned look on his face. "H-Hey! I don't mean to keep bothering, but she still hasn't woken up. Wh-Why hasn't she woken up?!"
Bulma sighed, putting her box to the side. "We've explained this, 17. 18 got a 'Goku' dose of sedatives before we started her operation. That's enough to put out a small village for a few weeks."
17 scowled, crossing his arms and glaring back in the room at the slumbering 18, dressed in one of Bulma's expensive sets of pajamas. Future Bulma shrugged. "Be angry if you want. That isn't going to make us feel bad. If your sister were to jerk the wrong way during that operation and we didn't see it coming, she could literally take both of our heads off with a single punch. You should really be happy that she's alive, not pissy about how we had to save her."
The raven-haired Android closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He sighed. "You're right. You're right. Sorry..."
Bulma stood, picking up the box and putting it under her arm. "Look, 17, you could use some fresh air. You haven't left the guest room with her all night. Why don't you go for a walk or something? Clear your head? She's safe here, I promise."
17 didn't seem like he wanted to budge. Bulma walked up to him and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Android 16 has been staying in my parents' atrium back over in Capsule Corp since we fixed his body up. Why don't you go and check in with him? I bet he could use a friend to talk to..."
After a moment of considering his options, Android 17 acquiesced. "Fine. I'll head out and check on 16. But once I'm done I'm coming straight back here to be with 18. I-If that's okay, of course."
Bulma nodded. "You don't have to ask. The Capsule Corp grounds are yours to roam."
Android 17 nodded and then turned to walk out the front door. Once he was gone, Bulma turned to Future Bulma. "Well, Future Me, with all else finished, I guess I'm going to head upstairs and prepare for date night, tonight. Vegeta should be back from the Time Chamber, soon."
Future Bulma smiled. "Going to have a fun night tonight, huh?"
Bulma chuckled. "Only if I can make myself look half as good as you do~ I mean...damn. Not to sound conceited, but I aged well for living through an apocalypse."
She smirked. "You're actually kind of making have second thoughts about sticking with Vegeta. Are you sure you need to go back to the future~?"
Future Bulma flinched. "Wh-What?!"
Bulma chuckled and waved her off. "Kidding. I'm kidding. It's just always nice to see you and know that, one day, I'll become you. I guess Tights was right, we did get our mother's genes when it came to the looks department~"
Future Bulma smiled. "I miss Tights..."
Bulma rolled her eyes. "She probably just ran off somewhere with Jaco. Maybe she got eaten or something..."
Future Bulma nodded. "Knowing her and knowing Jaco...yeah, that seems likely..."
Bulma giggled. "Remember when she let me fly Jaco's ship without telling him?"
Future Bulma sighed. "Yeah. Poor Jaco~"
The future scientist turned and looked to her past self, sneaking a peek into the box again and shuddering. Future Bulma sighed. "I really am jealous of you, ya know? You still have Vegeta and Tights and Jaco. You're making all these plans for dates and other risqué things. And I... I feel guilty over..."
Bulma rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on! What do you have to be guilty over, huh?"
Future Bulma flashed back to the kiss in the Future and then bit her lip. Shaking her head, she turned to her past counterpart with a sad look in her eyes. "I... I kissed Vegeta. When I saw him, back in the Future, I was just overwhelmed and it was just such a shameful thing to do. I should have known that he wasn't my Vegeta, I should have had better self-control. I should have-"
Bulma stepped forward and pressed her hand over Future Bulma's mouth. Future Bulma looked at her and Bulma had an unimpressed look on her face. "Dude. Shut up."
Bulma moved her hand and Future Bulma flinched. "But, I...I..."
Bulma shook her head. "You kissed your husband after going two decades without seeing him. Who could hold that against you?"
Future Bulma frowned. "But...that's your Vegeta..."
Bulma countered. "And you are me."
Future Bulma slumped. "I just don't get how you can be so forgiving about this..."
Bulma smiled. "Because you're only human. And your feelings and emotional needs are just as valid as anyone else's. You need TLC just like any person in the world. You need to do some self-care..."
Bulma paused, and then her smile turned into a smirk. "As a matter of fact, stand up and come to the bedroom with me. You need a nice outfit~"
Future Bulma flinched. "H-Hold on. What do you mean?"
Bulma chuckled. "I've made up my mind. You're coming out with us tonight. You're going to put on something that shows off those boobs and that butt and you're going to sing some goddamned karaoke with us tonight~"
Future Bulma blushed. "B-But isn't this a night for you and Vegeta...?"
Bulma shrugged. "I mean, it was. Until Trunks asked if he could come along because he needed emotional support or something. And then Suno heard we were going out and asked if she and Yamcha could come along..."
She shook her head. "Point it, the more the merrier. So, you're coming along. And you don't have a choice in the matter. Understand?"
Future Bulma took a minute to think. Maybe this was what she needed. Maybe this night out was her chance. Maybe, if she went along with this, she might be able to cope and put all of the negative, sorrowful feelings regarding Vegeta behind her for good. Future Bulma looked up to her counterpart and Bulma smirked. "Well? Any answer is acceptable so long as it's yes~"
Future Bulma held out her hand to be helped to her feet. "Fine. I'm in."
In a Capsule House, next to Capsule Corp...
Future Trunks stared into the mirror, looking nervous. His hands fumbling, the boy attempted to straighten his tie. His mind was wandering as he jerked on the knot, trying to focus on his mission for the evening. "Come on, man. You can do this. You've fought killer Androids and biological abominations...this shouldn't be hard..."
Future Trunks closed his eyes. "You'll have your parents there. They'll take the edge off. That'll make it easier. It'll make it easier to not...get lost in her eyes...in that smile of hers..."
Reaching behind him, Future Trunks grabbed his jacket off of the chair and put it on, feeling a hard mass inside the breast pocket thump against his chest. He took a deep breath and let it out. "You can do this..."
"So, we're doin' somethin' are we?"
Future Trunks whipped around and gasped in shock, coming upon the sight of Master Roshi standing behind him. Roshi chuckled. "Heh! Sorry to just sneak in your house like this, I was just comin' around to check on everyone and thought this might be where Tien or Yamcha were stayin'~"
Future Trunks sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Ugh...no. Tien is...wherever Tien goes when he's not with us. And Yamcha has his own apartment..."
Master Roshi nodded and sat in the chair Future Trunks' jacket was sitting on. He smirked. "So, getting all dressed up, are ya? Big night on the town tonight?"
Future Trunks glanced away, his face burning red. Master Roshi looked at the boy, and then noticed the square-shaped bulge in his breast pocket. Roshi shook his head, and then he bonked Future Trunks on the head with his staff. Future Trunks flinched back. "Ow!"
Master Roshi sighed. "Why don't we stop practicin' the art of beating yourself down and let me tell you a story, Trunks. A story about a girl named Fanfan..."
Future Trunks flinched. Roshi continued. "I loved her, ya know? She was the first girl this ol' horndog was every really sweet on. I always wanted us to live a long, happy life together. Grow old together. But I could never work up the nerve to take that extra step..."
Roshi rubbed his fingers beneath his glasses, squeezing the bridge of his nose. "When King Piccolo struck and she and Master Mutaito died, I never found it in me to love another woman again..."
And then Roshi put on a pervy smile. "So, I just became an ol' lecher instead! Heh!"
Future Trunks narrowed his eyes in embarrassment. "Master Roshi, is there a point here...?"
Master Roshi stood and pressed his hand over the square shape in Future Trunks' jacket pocket. "The point is, you might be nervous. But you can't let that stop you, boy. It's obvious how you feel about that sweet, little thing. So, you need to act now while the actin' is good. You never know when the end might come, so you gotta do as much livin' as you can along the way~"
Future Trunks was stunned. "I-I see..."
Roshi chuckled. "Now, one more piece of advice before I get going. One that you should take to heart..."
Future Trunks listened intently. Roshi smiled. "If you want what you're plannin' to do to be a surprise, then you should hide that ring somewhere less obvious~"
Future Trunks flinched and then quickly nodded. "Th-Thank you sir, for everything."
Later that day...
Vegeta stepped out of his house wearing an orange shirt with black jacket, being pants, and a pair of brown, leather shoes. He looked rather annoyed as he adjusted his jacket. "I can't believe I forgot that I had to go out and do this..."
Bulma stepped out right after him, wearing maroon cocktail dress and a pair of black heels. Her hair was done up in a feathered-style and she happily clung to her husband's arm. "What was that? I couldn't hear you. Too busy thinking about how cute you are when you dress up~"
Vegeta cringed and lightly blushed. "Sh-Shut up..."
As they stepped forward, Future Bulma came following after them. Unlike the saucy number that her past counterpart chose to wear, Future Bulma went of a more reserved, long-sleeve dress blue dress. A white shawl draped over her shoulders and was tied in a rose knot at the center of her chest.
As the three of them stepped out into the main courtyard, another joined their group. Descending from the sky was Future Ranch, dressed in an asymmetrical, strapless, forest-green dress with a ruffle skirt and a crisscrossing, lace-up back. Future Ranch winked. "Hey, Miss Bulma! Nice to see you dressed up for once~ You two, Past Bulma, that's a sexy look if I've ever seen one~"
She glanced over at Vegeta. "Sup, dick? Those shoes have lifts?"
Vegeta dryly responded. "I grew an inch and a half in the Time Chamber, thank you. And at least I'm wearing real shoes. Did you not dig in the dirt enough for Raditz to buy you something other than a pair of ratty sneakers?"
Future Ranch put on a voice of mock pity. "Well I was gonna wear high-heels, but I'm already super tall. I figured that would make you all self-conscious and I wouldn't wanna hurt your sensitive wittle egow~"
Bulma stepped between the two of them. "Okay, okay. Back to your corners! We don't need to start a fight before we even leave Capsule Corp!"
Future Ranch opened her mouth to say something, but then looked past Bulma and Vegeta to see the person she had come to spend time with walking around the curve of the Capsule Corp building. Future Trunks was hugging the outer wall of Capsule Corp, murmuring something to himself as he plodded towards Bulma and Vegeta's house. Overjoyed at the sight of her beloved beau, Future Ranch called out. "Trunks! Hey Trunks!"
Future Trunks was snapped out of his stupor and focused ahead, recoiling in shock at what he saw. Future Ranch was positively radiant in the evening sunlight. The green tone of her dress perfectly accentuated her skin tone, making her seem like she was almost glowing. Her cheerful grin and the way her hair parted framed her angelic face prettier than any picture. Future Trunks' hands trembled as whatever he was practicing saying in his head all faded away. Stammering, he managed to speak back two words as his amazon-like girlfriend ran up to him. He looked up to her. "H-Hey Ranch..."
Future Ranch leaned down and kissed him on the lips. When she separated, she had a lusty smile on her face. "So, I heard through the grapevine you have your own little house around here? That right?"
Future Trunks nodded. "Uh-huh..."
Future Ranch smirked. "Oh, that's good. Cuz I've been in the fields for the past few days...and all I could think about was all the different ways I've missed you. I think...I'm gonna bunk with you until Gohan's birthday in a few days. Kay?"
Future Trunks was lost. "I-I-I-I-I... d-don't have b-b-bunk beds..."
Future Ranch whispered in his ear. "Then we'll just have to share~"
She cleared her throat. "But, that's for later. We have drinks and karaoke tonight! So, we need to focus on that!"
Future Trunks cleared his throat as well, wiping his forehead on his sleeve. "N-Neither of us are old enough to drink."
Future Ranch nodded. "Good point."
And then she turned. "Yo! Vegeta! I know you look like a kid, but you're old enough to drink, right? Be a decent person for once and help us out at the bar, kay?"
Vegeta shrugged, not paying Future Ranch any mind. "Whatever."
Future Ranch smiled at Future Trunks. "Problem solved~"
Future Trunks swallowed a lump in his throat. "You make it look so easy..."
Future Ranch chuckled. "He's probably just intimidated by my raw sex appeal. I am kind of a knockout~! Or, maybe he's just scared that I'd knock him out if he said no~"
As Future Ranch shadow-boxed in Vegeta's general direction, Future Trunks looked sheepish. "Y-Yeah...you...are..."
Future Ranch smiled sweetly and full of understanding. She put her arm around Future Trunks' shoulder and pulled him close, the two of them walking over to Vegeta, Bulma, and Future Bulma. Future Ranch spoke gently. "Lighten up, Trunks. We're fine. This is going to be a good night, I promise~"
Future Trunks pressed his hand over his pants pocket, feeling the square shape nestled behind his Capsule Case and his wallet. "Yeah. Yeah it is..."
In the atrium of Capsule Corp...
Android 17 stepped into a denser section of forest within the Capsule Corp atrium and came upon the quaintest of sights. Sitting next to a stream, surrounded by ducks and smaller dinosaurs, were Android 8 and Android 16. The two hulking, robotic behemoths sat side-by-side and spoke to one another. Android 16's hand was splayed out, with a crumbled loaf of bread cupped in his palm.
Despite being surrounded by animals, 16 had a concerned, serious look on his face. Eighter, meanwhile, had a look of kindness and understanding on his. Android 17 spoke up. "Am... I interrupting? I can come back later..."
Eighter flinched, but then he smiled at 17. "Oh, heavens no! You aren't interrupting! Please, come and sit down, fellow Android~"
17 glanced over at 16, the larger Android's head hung over. 17 sat and sighed. "So, having a heavy conversation or something? Why do you look so down, 16?"
16 remained silent. After a minute, Eighter spoke up. "16 and I have been discussing all sorts of topics: that Cell monster, making friends, nature and the state of the Earth, and one other subject that he can't help but be hung up on..."
17 looked to 16, and then back to Eighter. "Goku, then?"
Eighter nodded and poked the tip of his nose with his finger. 16 remained silent. 17 shook his head. "I'm confused too, buddy. I, like, actually got to meet Goku not too long ago. And, well...he says different, but I don't think we would have stood a chance. Something about that guy is just leagues above anything I've ever dealt with before. He looks like a normal-ish guy, and he acts like a normal-ish guy. But the aura he puts off is just overwhelming..."
17 scratched his cheek. "But...in a warm way. Like...I really don't get what reason a Gero could have had for wanting to kill that guy...other than that he was an insane, selfish bastard..."
Eighter smiled. "That's Goku for you. He's just that type of person. The kind of guy that everyone wants to be around~"
16 and 17 were both silent as Eighter chuckled. Once Eighter finished having his laugh, 17 sighed. "He...uh...he invited us to his kids' big birthday party they're throwing in a few days. Me, you, and 18...I didn't know what to say, to I just gave him a thumbs-up..."
16 closed his eyes and spoke. "I... find myself enjoying this life. I find myself enjoying every one of Goku's friends that I have come across. Krillin, Bulma, Panchy...even people such as Goku's brother Raditz..."
He gripped his fists. "I desire to stay around them. To value you them closely, because they are good people. But, whenever I try to envision to full portrait of the three of us being ingratiated into this friend group, I reach the last person necessary to complete the portrait, and-"
For the briefest moment, Android 16 pictured himself with a friendly arm wrapped around a certain person's shoulder. They were both smiling and seemed to be having the time of their life. But then, with a painful jolt of electricity, that thought was expelled and replaced by a single order to kill. 17 pitied his larger friend. But then, he had an idea. "Why not just ask the Bulma duo to deprogram that part of you?"
16 responded bluntly. "I have asked."
17 flinched. "Th-Then why do you still...?"
16 frowned. "They refused. Because...they are good people. They are people who...who see me as a person. A person whom they refuse to alter the mind of. They told me that they believe in the good soul within me..."
17 reached out. "16..."
16 slammed his fist to the ground. "They are good people. And I wish to hold them close. To value them. But I am aware that such a thing is impossible so long as my brains r-rejects..."
More sparks shot from 16's head. He cringed. 17 and Eighter both looked concerned. After a moment, 16's eyes opened back up and revealed themselves to be bloodshot. He sneered and snarled. "I... I will attend Son Gohan's birthday. And there...I will...I will make my choice..."
In downtown West City, West City Center Park...
Vegeta, Bulma, Future Bulma, Future Trunks, and Future Ranch all walked through the center of West City Central Park. They were making their way to their destination for the evening: The High Dine Restaurant and Karaoke Bar.
The group's reservations weren't due for another two hours, so they were taking their time in their walk. Not only did they have to wait for the reservations to come up, but they were also waiting for Yamcha and Suno to show up.
Future Bulma cocked her head. "So... are they on a date?"
Bulma held up her finger. "A friendly date, as Yamcha called it. A friendly date."
Future Bulma cringed. "A friendly date, huh? That's..."
Bulma nodded. "I know. But, neither of them has made any attempt at making a move yet. Yamcha's too shy and Suno's too meek."
Vegeta rolled his eyes. "That guy has no backbone to speak of..."
Bulma slapped Vegeta on the arm. "Don't be rude!"
Vegeta snapped at her. "Didn't he cheat on you? Why defend him?"
Bulma groaned and scratched the back of her head. Future Bulma sighed. "We...weren't the best girlfriend. What he did was wrong but...gasoline on a fire, ya know? Him dying messed us up pretty badly..."
Bulma nodded. "But, now, things are better and my end of things is a lot better than it was back when we broke up. I have you and Trunks now, Vegeta. I'm content. So, now, I really want to see Yamcha get a happy ending too. He's a good guy. He deserves to be happy for all the shit he gets..."
Future Bulma bit her thumb. "We just have to force either him or that Suno girl to make the first step. So... how are we going to do that?"
Bulma smirked. "Don't worry about that. I have an idea..."
Future Bulma stepped up next to her past counterpart. "So, what's the plan?"
Bulma chuckled. "Well, you see-"
Vegeta pulled away from Bulma. "Don't care. I do not care. If you're just going to stand around and talk about romance while we wait for that fool, I'm going to distract myself with..."
The Prince looked around, eventually spotting an ice cream cart in the distance. "Ice cream."
And then, without another word, Vegeta went walking off towards the ice cream cart. Future Ranch cocked an eyebrow and she watched him march off. She shrugged. "I could go for some ice cream..."
She turned to Future Trunks. "Would you like some ice cream?"
Future Trunks flinched. "N-No thank you..."
She nodded. "Kay."
And then, Future Ranch turned and shouted. "Hey! Vegeta! Wait up!"
Watching as Future Ranch marched off, Future Trunks breathed a heavy sigh of relief. Once she was far enough away, Future Trunks turned to look over at both versions of his mother. The two Bulma's were standing there, plotting on how to interfere with Yamcha's love life. He walked over to them with a sheepish look on his face. "U-Um...Mother...s..."
Bulma and Future Bulma turned to their son. Bulma smiled. "Oh, hey Trunks. I figured you would have walked off with Vegeta and Ranch."
Her smile faded. "Wait...does that mean that Vegeta and Ranch are off by themselves?! With how badly they bicker?!"
Future Bulma cringed. "That might turn out really bad. Blonde Launch might be gone in our time, but Ranch happily assumed her temper. If Vegeta sets her off we might have to rebuild the park again..."
As the two of them considered the ramifications of letting Vegeta and Future Ranch loose without supervision, Future Trunks tried to work up the nerve to say what he was trying to say to them. Shakily digging in his pocket, the boy pulled out the small, square box. He gripped it tight as both Bulma's studied it.
Eventually, Bulma gasped. "Trunks...is that what I think it is...?"
They both saw how Trunks was shaking. Gently, Future Bulma reached out and took the box, opening it. A bright glimmer emerged from the small container and both Bulma's squealed in delight. Future Trunks cleared his throat, his face glowing bright red. "W-While Father and Ranch aren't around...I need to ask you two for some advice. I'm...very nervous and I could use some help trying to figure out what to say..."
Both Bulma's warmly smiled. Future Bulma returned the box to Future Trunks' pocket and Bulma, herself, wrapped her arm around her taller son's shoulder. "It's okay to be nervous. Every man is. Even your father was."
Future Bulma giggled. "Now, neither of us can speak for Ranch...but here's what we'd want to hear if it were us..."
Over by the ice cream cart...
Meanwhile, Vegeta and Future Ranch stood next to the ice cream cart waiting for their delicious, cold treat to be prepared. As the two of them stood there, Vegeta glared up at Future Ranch and Future Ranch glared down at Vegeta. Things were silent. Even a bit tense. But then, with a sigh and a distant look, Future Ranch spoke. "I heard about what happened with Cell and how he became Perfect. I'm sorry I shifted blame onto you for no reason..."
Vegeta crossed his arms. "Oh really?"
Future Ranch grumbled. "Don't get me wrong. You're an asshole. You treat everyone around you as inherently lesser. And the way you act towards my boyfriend and my father makes me want to throttle you. But...you were willing to give up everything for Trunks' sake...so I guess I can't go around calling you a bad guy anymore..."
Vegeta sneaked a glance at Future Ranch's face, seeing her blushing bright red. He could tell it was hard for her to say that, all things considered. Vegeta reached out and took his ice cream cone and then, as Future Ranch walked up and began to pulling out money, Vegeta dropped his Capsule Corp Bank Card onto the cart. "I've got her covered. Give her whatever she wants."
Future Ranch was taken aback. She pointed to the frozen banana sign and then, after taking her snack and having it paid for, she picked up Vegeta's card and handed it back to him. Future Ranch spoke awkwardly. "I... I can't believe Miss Bulma got you a credit card..."
He scowled. "It's a bank card connected to her bank account. She gave it to me to use in case she ever needed me to run out and get anything for Trunks..."
Future Ranch nodded. "Ah..."
The two of them started walking back the opposite way, eating their frozen treats. Future Ranch kept glancing out of the corner of her eye, watching as Vegeta ate his soft-serve cone with that Vegeta-like scowl of his. After the Prince finished crunching down the waffle cone, he sighed. "You were man enough to apologize to me. So... I suppose I owe you a small apology..."
Future Ranch flinched. "Hm?"
Vegeta crossed his arms. "When your father told me that you and Trunks were dating, I immediately discounted you are being unworthy of being a part of the Saiyan Royal Bloodline, even through a marriage..."
He grumbled and his jaw tightened. "You'll be a fine Princess of All Saiyans, one day..."
Future Ranch smirked. "Oh man...listen to you being all complimentary. So, I'm a princess, huh? Or...are you just calling me and Trunk the Princess and Prince because you want to call yourself King?"
Vegeta shook his head. "No. Not yet. I thought, in the Time Chamber, I was ready to take my place as they King of All Saiyans, for as few Saiyans as are actually left...but, this business with Cell has shown me that I'm not strong enough to take that title as my own. Not yet..."
Future Ranch sighed. "I wouldn't say that. You did do a pretty noble thing. Strength isn't all that it takes to be a king..."
Vegeta rolled his eyes. "You younger generations know nothing of how Saiyan culture works..."
Future Ranch closed her eyes and shrugged. Things went silent for a moment. And then, once they were nearly back with the group, Future Ranch nudged Vegeta and whispered. "So... are we going to act like friends now, or...?"
Vegeta was blunt. "Hell no."
She smiled. "Good. Because, I gotta say, being a bitch towards you has been one of my favorite parts about being in the past..."
Vegeta smirked. "I can understand that. Part of the reason I'm so coarse with everyone I speak too is because it's fun being a bastard towards all of them."
Future Ranch chuckled. "I guess we have a lot in common, huh...?"
Finally, the both arrived back with Bulma, Future Bulma, and Future Trunks. Vegeta scowled. "You think I have anything in common with a low-class guttersnipe like you? Crawl back into the filth where you belong, Ranch the Runt."
Future Ranch scowled at him. "Excuse me?! Runt?! Are you blind or have people just been telling you your stupid hair is part of your height?!"
Bulma rolled her eyes and grabbed Vegeta by the arm. "Okay. That's enough. You're both pretty."
Future Trunks swallowed a lump in his throat and gently grabbed Future Ranch's hand. "Why don't we just try and have a good night together?"
Future Ranch sniffed and then looked down at her boyfriend, a loving smile immediately spreading across her face. "Fine. But only because you asked~"
Future Ranch leaned over and lovingly nuzzled her head atop Future Trunks'. Meanwhile, Bulma had managed to get Vegeta to put his arm around her waist. The four of them began to walk further through West City Central Park, quite happy to be in each other's company.
And bringing up the rear, all by her lonesome, was Future Bulma. The older scientist stared ahead at the two happy couples; her longing gaze focused on Vegeta. And then, she left loose a single, solemn sigh before following along.
At the Cell Games Arena...
Cell cocked his head, staring down at the two terrified humans in front of him. "Run that by me one more time..."
One of the humans, stammering and barely holding it together. "W-Well, sir, w-we're f-from the J-Jimmy Firecracker sports b-broadcast: F-Firecracker T-T-Tonight...and we've b-been sent to d-d-discuss the b-b-broadcasting rights to the Cell G-Games with y-you..."
Cell nodded. "Yes. Okay..."
He stroked his chin. "So, what you're telling me is that this Jimmy Firecracker stooge wants to provide live commentary to my tournament, free of charge. And I all have to do is assure him that his cameras will be the only cameras allowed to engage in the broadcast?"
The other human nodded. "That is...correct...sir..."
Cell bobbed his head back and forth. "Well...deal."
Both humans flinched. Cell smirked. "That saves me the trouble of having to go hunt down and kidnap that Tournament Announcer fellow that calls the action on the World Martial Arts Tournaments. Do I have to sign something?"
Both of the men seemed rather caught off guard. But, seeing this interaction going positively, they wasted no time in handing Cell the contract and the pen. As Cell signed, he spoke. "I have a couple of conditions of my own. If he is going to set up a table to do commentary from, it must match the aesthetic of my arena. No marble, no table. Furthermore, I expect his commentary to be honest and impartial. He may bring along a color commentator to provide opinions, but he is to state nothing but the facts of the battles taking place before him while he is speaking into the microphone. Understood?"
They both nodded. "Y-Yes sir."
Cell smirked. "Excellent. Now, do either of you have a Zeni coin?"
One of them reached into his pocket and pulled out the coin. "I do, sir."
Cell nodded. "Flip it."
The man did as he was instructed, flipping the coin and catching it. Cell turned to the other. "Call it."
The other man spoke. "Tails."
Cell turned back to the coin-flipper and he lifted his hand. "Tails."
He turned to his partner. "You w-"
Cell grabbed the man by the top of his head and, with one swift twist, wrench his neck until it snapped. He fell over, instantly dead. The winner of the coin flip screamed in horror as Cell signed the contract and handed it back. "Only one person is needed to remember a message. I expect every detail of my demands to be met to the letter. Now get lost."
The remaining producer was frozen in place, shaking like a leaf. Cell scowled at him. "Was I not heard?"
And then, with his tail between his legs, the frightened man ran back to his vehicle and sped away as fast as he could. Cell smirked, booting the corpse out of his arena and over the horizon. "I don't even have to source my own announcer. This is going swimmingly~"
Later that evening, the High Dine Restaurant and Karaoke Bar...
Vegeta, Bulma, Future Bulma, Future Trunks, and Future Ranch all walked into the restaurant and found Yamcha and Suno waiting for them in the lobby. Yamcha smirked and waved at his comrades. "Sup, guys! How's everyone doing this evening?"
Bulma smiled. "We're good. And how are you two?"
Yamcha looked nervous, chuckling and scratching the back of his head. "W-We're good. Really excited to be out and about, being friends this evening..."
Suno blushed, looking away from everyone. "Y-Yeah...friends..."
Vegeta rolled his eyes and looked at his watch. "Wow. Less than 60 seconds and I'm already annoyed to be here. Let's get a table so I can get something to drink."
Future Ranch nodded. "Same."
Future Trunks looked nervous. "Uh, Ranch...we aren't old enough to..."
Future Ranch waved him off. "I'm aware. Miss Bulma, Vegeta, would you be willing to help us bend the rules a bit...?"
Vegeta glared back at her. "And why would I do that?"
Future Ranch snapped back. "Because we're all going to be marching towards our deaths at the hands of an oddly attractive bug monster in a few days' time and I think that merits buying me a goddamned Appletini if I want one!"
Vegeta bobbed his head back and forth and then nodded. "That makes sense. I've got you covered."
Future Ranch smiled. "Thanks, Vegeta~"
Being ushered in by a server, the group was sat at a large party table and given their menus. Soon enough, the table was loaded with food, beverages, and all variety of alcoholic offerings. Vegeta picked up his Whiskey on the Rocks and downed it in a single gulp. And then, to his annoyance, a long, muscular arm wrapped around his neck and pulled him close. Future Ranch giggled and finished her third Appletini. "I love this guy~! I don't know if I've ever made it obvious, but this Vegeta is prolly my favorite Vegeta I've ever met~!"
Vegeta glanced from the positively sloshed Future Ranch and glared right at Future Trunks. Future Trunks sipped his rum and coke and then went back to the plate of fries he had ordered. "Don't look at me. I told everyone this was a bad idea."
Future Bulma chuckled. "I've let them trying alcohol a couple of times before. Ranch is...very much a lightweight..."
Future Ranch frowned. "What are you talking about?! I weigh more than half the people at this table..."
She flexed her arm, showing off her sizeable bicep. "I mighta left the Capsules at home, but the gun show is still open for business~"
And then she shrieked and laughed right in Vegeta's ear, making the Prince cringe and grumble. She smirked. "Hey Vegeta~"
He sneered. "What?!"
She giggled and pressed her lips to the side of his head for a quick kiss. "I take it all back~ I love you, man~"
If something as benign as a look of the eyes could start a fire, Vegeta would have burned West City to the ground by this point. Bulma smiled and took a sip of her plum sake, her face twisting up. "Ugh..."
She motioned toward Yamcha and Suno, offering them what was left. Suno took it with a thankful nod. Bulma motioned. "Hey, waiter! I need a palate cleanser! Bring me a bottle of vodka!"
Yamcha smirked. "Why would you get that? You hate plums."
Bulma grimaced. "I thought the alcohol would cover the plum taste up..."
Everyone shared a laugh at the disgusted look on Bulma's face. Vegeta shoved Future Ranch off of himself and over onto Future Trunks. Future Trunks caught his inebriated love and then sighed. "So, the Cell Games are getting closer every day...is everyone ready?"
Bulma shrugged. "As I'll ever be, I suppose. This is just like every other fight, I'm just gonna be watching from the background and hoping I don't have to flee the planet..."
Vegeta remained silent on the subject. Future Ranch was too drunk to even hear what Future Trunks had said. Yamcha sighed and drank his drink. "I think I'm ready. I spent a year training with Tien and 17, and then another year as Vegeta's punching bag. I've gotten a lot stronger than I was before...I just have no idea if it's enough to make me anywhere near a match for Cell..."
Vegeta chimed in. "It's not."
Yamcha flinched. Vegeta sighed. "But, for what it's worth, I think Kakarot has something in mind for how to deal with this. I just couldn't tell you what that something might be."
Yamcha nodded. "Yeah, Goku's being oddly distant about what sort of plan he has. He's not usually like this..."
Vegeta shrugged. "Doesn't matter. We have to win. The future timeline is free of Androids, so we have to make sure that Trunks, Goten, Ranch, and Bulma are able to make it back there and enjoy some peace for a change..."
Everyone flinched back at this sudden showing of care and concern from Vegeta. Bulma smiled. "Wow, that's not what I ever expected to hear from you..."
Vegeta flinched and a bead of sweat ran down the side of his face. "Ignore me. My mind is...elsewhere..."
Bulma blinked a couple of times, but then smirked seeing Vegeta staring at the karaoke stage. "Oh, I get it. You're nervous about what's coming up in a bit, aren't you?"
Vegeta sneered. "I can't believe I let you talk me into this..."
The waiter showed up and handed Bulma a bottle of chilled vodka and a glass. Bulma poured herself a drink with a smug smile. "I mean, if you wanna back out I can just go home, grab my wrench, go into the Gravity Chamber, and-"
Vegeta snapped. "I'll sing the damned song, woman!"
Bulma smirked. Yamcha looked utterly stunned that Vegeta was apparently going to be singing. Vegeta opened his mouth to speak, but was then interrupted by the resurgence of the drunk Future Ranch. "Hey, Vegeta! My Dad told me all sorts of stories about a guy named Nappa while we were working in the fields~!"
She downed an entire Appletini in once gulp. "So, where he at~?!"
Vegeta cringed. "Why in the hell do you care about Nappa?!"
Future Ranch smirked. "Well, it sounded like he was ya best friend~! Why ain'tcha wished him back~?!"
Vegeta cringed. "Because he'd probably want to go right back to conquering planets! And... I never remember when we actually have the Dragon Balls around..."
Future Ranch nodded. "Mhm~ Mhm~ Man, that sucks~ You suck~ You're a bad friend~"
Vegeta growled and shoved Future Ranch again. "Oh, piss off!"
And then, only compounding onto Vegeta's foul mood, the lights and sounds systems to the karaoke display came on. The DJ up in the booth called out. "Hey there High Dine patrons! Who's ready for another night of karaoke?!"
The entire building erupted. The DJ chuckled. "Sounds like we got a good crowd for tonight! That's awesome! Our loving wait staff will be bringing around the music that has been pre-registered for so that the people who came here to jam out can be ready to get on the stage and show their stuff~!"
Vegeta flinched and glared at a waiter as he set down a pamphlet of lyrics in from of the Prince. The DJ continued. "And, one last thing for people who haven't been here in a bit! Our newly installed dance floor is open for business!"
Suno adopted a small smile. "A-A dance floor, huh? W-Well that just sounds...nice. I-I love dancing..."
Yamcha chuckled. "Y-Yeah...dancing is pretty great..."
Bulma stared over at the two of them, unimpressed. She waited a few minutes to see if either of the two of them would make the first move. And, as it would turn out, they didn't. So, it quickly dawned on Bulma that she was going to have to make the first move for them. She cleared her throat. "So, hey, Yamcha!"
Yamcha flinched. "W-What's up, Bulma?"
Bulma rested the side of her head on her fist. "You remember that dance you showed me when we were still dating? The one from that movie? What was it called...?"
Yamcha stopped to think for a minute. "You mean The Twist...?"
Bulma nodded, snapping her fingers and pointing a Yamcha. "Yeah! That's the one!"
Suno gasped. "Like, from Pulp Fiction?! That Twist?! I love that movie~!"
Yamcha chuckled. "Y-Yeah...I love that movie too..."
Bulma nodded. "Good. That's something you two have in common~! Now, why don't you crazy kids go down to the dance floor and talk about Pulp Fiction together? Spend a little time hanging out. Maybe find another movie you both like and agree to watch it when you're back home later this evening~"
Yamcha cocked his head, looking quite nervous. "A-Are you sure, Bulma? Wouldn't it be rude for us to just leave the group like that?"
Bulma waved him off. "It's fine."
She glanced over to Vegeta, who looked like he was malfunctioning as he and Future Ranch read the lyrics to the song Bulma had picked for him and her to sing. Bulma chuckled. "Trust me. Vegeta would probably prefer if less people were here anyway..."
Yamcha nodded and, with a blush, cleared his throat. "S-So... Suno? Would you, uh, would you like to go and-"
Suno blurted out. "I'd love to go and dance!"
Yamcha flinched and then nodded. "Okay then. Well..."
He stood up and got up from the table, holding his hand out to help Suno to her feet. Once they were up, Yamcha nodded. "I guess we can go and share a dance then..."
And so, Yamcha marched towards the dance floor, looking about as wooden as Master Roshi's staff. Suno followed along, turning and mouthing the words "thank you" to Bulma. Bulma responded with the okay sign and, soon enough, Yamcha and Suno disappeared into the crowded dance floor.
The remaining five members of the group sat at their table as the evening really got underway. Vegeta had put his head down in front of his plate, mentally wrestling with what he had gotten himself into. Future Ranch was leaned against Future Trunks, using him as a place to rest her head as she read through the lyrics to the song Vegeta was being forced to sing.
Bulma had finally settled on the type of alcohol she wanted to spend the rest of her night went, smiling with delight as the waiter brought her a tequila sampler tray. And Future Bulma longingly stared at the stage.
The aged scientist looked up at the structure, watching as couple after couple got up in front of the crowd and sang their hearts out. It made her think back to that night, her getting up on stage and singing "Love Dramatic", and how that lead to the happiest days of her life. And then how those happy days all faded away.
Future Bulma thought to Vegeta, her Vegeta, and then looked over to the Present Vegeta. And she let loose a shaky, longing sigh. But, as she sat there, Future Trunks suddenly spoke up. "M-Mother...?"
Future Bulma flinched. "Yes Trunks? What's up...?"
Future Trunks frowned. Future Ranch looked concerned as well. Even Vegeta seemed a tad taken aback. Future Trunks reached over to his mother. "You're crying. Is there something wrong?"
Future Bulma flinched. She hadn't even realized just how freely the tears were flowing from her eyes. She sniffled and wiped her face with her forearm. "I-I'm fine. I just...I..."
Very quickly, Future Bulma stood and started to walk off. "I need to go to the bathroom..."
Future Ranch frowned, suddenly lucid despite her drunken status. "Vegeta, move. I need to-"
Bulma was already on her feet. "It's fine, Ranch. I've got her."
In the bathroom...
Future Bulma stared into the bathroom mirror, sniffling and sobbing as she desperately attempted to save her make-up from the flow of tears running down her face. It was a fruitless endeavor, however. So, eventually, Future Bulma just gave up and collapsed on top of the sink.
"Need some help?"
Future Bulma looked up and saw Bulma standing there, a sympathetic look on her face. Bulma held out her arms, offering a hug, and Future Bulma obliged. The two of them stood there for a long while, embracing and allowing Future Bulma to just cry. Bulma gently stroked the back of her head and tried to soothe her. "It'll be okay. Everything will be just fine."
Future Bulma sniffled. "I-I'm sorry. I just...I..."
Bulma nodded. "You're sad. It's fine. Not one is going to judge you for being sad."
After a few more minutes, Future Bulma calmed down. And, with Bulma's help, she began to reapply her make-up. Bulma leaned against the sink. "So, what's going on?"
Future Bulma sighed and shrugged. "It's...stupid. I just...this place..."
She swallowed a lump in her throat. "I've accepted that my Vegeta is gone. I know that he's probably never coming back. But...being here, listening to people sing...it just makes me wish that I could have gotten one last chance to just...say goodbye, I suppose..."
Future Bulma looked at herself in the mirror with a sad smile. "I lost a piece of myself when I lost him..."
Bulma nodded, taking note of everything Future Bulma said. And then, once her future counterpart was done reapplying her make-up, Bulma smiled. "You should really join us back out there. I'm sure you'll get a kick out of seeing Vegeta sing~"
Back in the Karaoke Bar...
Future Bulma sat back down in her seat and picked up her beer, finishing the bottle and waiving for the bartender to bring her another. Bulma sat down as well. "So, Vegeta, have you looked at the song I picked for us to sing together?"
Vegeta looked grim. "I did. Do you really expect me to sing such a schmaltzy love ballad in front of all of these people...?"
Bulma shrugged. "I guess you could wuss out. But then I'd have to call up Launch and tell her all about it. And Launch would tell Chi-Chi. And Chi-Chi would tell Gine. And Gine would tell Bardock. And Bardock would tell Raditz. And Raditz would tell Goku. And then who knows who Goku would tell about the great Prince of All Saiyans being too white-knuckled to perform in front of a crowd..."
Vegeta looked thoroughly unamused. Bulma glared at him. "Besides, you promised me that you'd do this if I fixed the Gravity Chamber. I did my part, Vegeta. Now you have to do yours."
Future Ranch snorted, incredibly drunk. She glanced down at Vegeta derisively. "Aww~! Look at you, makin' promises to your wife like that~! It's adorable, Geets~"
Vegeta scowled. "Shut your dirty, half-breed mouth."
As Vegeta sat there, fully absorbing the gravity of his situation, Future Ranch smirked. "It does sound fun, though. Getting up on the stage and singin' like that..."
Future Ranch giggled in delight as another drink was placed in front of her. She picked it up and downed it, still quite high on the idea of getting on stage and singing. And then, Vegeta's worst fear came to pass. The DJ got onto the microphone and spoke. "And now, coming onto stage is the couple of Vegeta and Bulma. They'll be singing a rendition of that hit, new Rock & Love song you've been hearing on the radio. You all know the one~"
Bulma and Vegeta got on stage, Vegeta looking like he'd rather be anywhere else. The DJ spoke into the mic. "Coming to you, live from the stage, here's...Daddy Daddy Do!"
The music began to boom out of the speakers, a combination of guitars and horns blasting in a rhythmic, jazzy fashion. The words began to scroll on the screen and Vegeta took a deep breath. Bulma smiled wide and then, Vegeta began to sing.
"Daddy Daddy Do~
I want all of you~
Your entire body and soul~
Let my heart be engulfed and set ablaze~
By the searing flames of our love~"
Bulma watched as Vegeta closed his eyes and sang, trying his damnedest to block out the crowd that was loudly cheering at his feet from the seats below. She knew her husband all too well and knew exactly how he was going to react to having to perform like this.
And so, the plan that Bulma had formulated was set into motion. Jumping off the stage as the instrumentals played, to the confusion of all the onlookers, Bulma proceeded to grab Future Bulma by her arm and toss her onto the stage.
Future Bulma looked confused, turning and staring at Bulma. Bulma shrugged and motioned for her future counterpart to turn around. Future Bulma did and, to her surprise, she saw him right there. Vegeta looked as dumbfounded as she did, staring at her and waiting to see what she would do.
Future Bulma was freaking out in her head. And so, with nothing else to do, she went on auto-pilot. The scientist turned and looked to the scrolling lyrics on the screen. And then, she lowered her head and began to sing her heart out.
"A single kiss~
And then in 1, 2, 3~
I feel so cheated as you start to look away~
My feelings exposed, for everyone to see~
It's like life's playing cruel tricks on me~"
Future Bulma lowered her head, still singing but in a much more solemn tone. She gripped her hand over her heart as her feelings all spilled out.
"I'm well aware that~
I shouldn't chase you~
But I can't help it~
And I'm aware that~
If I tried to make a move, there'd be no turning back around~
And I try to take this make off~
And fire my shot~
Straight from my heart~
I couldn't suppress these feelings anymore~"
Future Bulma was shaking, she looked like she was about to cry just standing there. But then, to her surprise, Vegeta's voice began to sing out behind her. She turned and the Prince was standing right next to her, looking her in the eye. He grabbed her hand and held it tight as he sang.
"Daddy Daddy Do~
I want all of you~
Your entire body and soul~
And even if life plays tricks, I'm okay either way~
I love to feel you tugging my heart~"
Vegeta gently grabbed Future Bulma's chin, holding her close.
"Let me in to see~
What you're keeping locked away~
Behind the sad smile spread on your face~
Let my heart be engulfed and set ablaze~
By the searing flames of our love~"
The crowd cheered at the top of their lungs as Vegeta and Future Bulma stood there, looking into each other's eyes. For Future Bulma, this was the warmest and the happiest she had felt in nearly two decades. He held up her hands. "Vegeta..."
And then, to put the icing on the cake, Vegeta simply leaned forward and pressed his lips to Future Bulma's forehead. She blushed and looked at him and he stared back. He whispered in a tone so hushed that no one but Future Bulma could hear it. "I know I'm not your Vegeta, but I love you just like he did. And I always will..."
That one line right there was enough. Future Bulma's chest tightened and her face twisted into one of the saddest, puppy-dog looks a person could muster. The tears flowed from Future Bulma's eyes, but they weren't bitter this time. She pressed her face into Vegeta's chest and he held her close, trying to comfort her as best he could.
The DJ, meanwhile, called out. "H-Hey! Miss! It's not your turn on the stage! M-Miss!"
And then, to Vegeta and Future Bulma's surprise, Future Ranch's drunken voice began to sing.
"I'll never hold back~
Oh my gosh no no no~
Because I'll never meet a guy like this again~
So rather than just~
Be held down by doubts and regrets~
I'll jump straight into the flames of love~"
Future Ranch stared directly at Future Trunks with a warm, loving smile.
"It was on purpose~
With those sparkling eyes~
Shining so bright~
Making me love you~
So that every time I turn and see that face of yours~
And your smile fills up my heart~
My breathing stops, hard in my chest~
And I know deep down it's not just a game anymore~"
Future Ranch fell to her knees, singing with all of the passion, energy, and emotion she could muster. And the crowd responded to this by cheering their hearts out.
"Daddy Daddy Do~
I want to give to you~
Every single feeling I have~
Not just the beautiful ones~
But the ugly ones too~
Every single thing in my heart~
So please don't ever stop~
With that gentle, loving voice~
That somehow takes away all my pain~
My heart's been engulfed and set ablaze~
Burning with the searing flames of our love~"
Future Trunks could tell that Future Ranch was blitzed out of their mind. It wasn't like they had ever gotten up to that much drinking before, but Future Trunks knew that Future Ranch held her liquor about as well as a strainer held water. She clearly wasn't in full control of herself belting out the lyrics to such a sappy love song.
But, at the same time, watching her sing made Future Trunks' heart beat like crazy. He felt the box pressing against his thigh inside his pants pocket. He knew that this was the time. It was time for him to let his feelings to Future Ranch be really, truly known.
Future Trunks stood, taking the microphone from the love of his life, and sang.
"'Only You' is all I can think every time
I see those lips begin to gently smile
I feel myself pulled into
And swallowed by
A place where I feel happy and safe~"
Future Ranch stood and she and Future Trunks sang into the microphone together.
"OOOOOOH~
Daddy Daddy Do~
Until the very end~
I want to be held safe in your heart~
Even if life breaks me and I just go crazy~
I want to do it holding your hand~
If you show me yours~
Then I'll show you mine~
The deepest, darkest parts of my heart~
And we can both be consumed and set ablaze~
Burning up~
Searing in the flames of our love~"
As the music for the song wrapped up, the crowd cheered for the performance that they had just witnessed. And the people on stage all seemed pretty content as well. Vegeta was still visibly annoyed and jumped off the stage without a send thought. Watching him leave for the table, Future Bulma smiled and wiped her eyes, her heart feeling light after such a long time.
As she left the stage, Future Trunks tried to speak to his girlfriend, but Future Ranch was too blitzed to pay any real attention. She hung off of Future Trunks with a bright red nose and a constant chuckling that made it impossible for the future teen to get her attention. "R-Ranch..."
Future Ranch chuckled. "This was so much fun~! Damn it, how have we never gone to karaoke back home~?!"
Future Trunks nudged her. "Ranch."
Future Ranch smirked and shoved him over, pressing her lips to his. "You know how much I love you, right?"
Future Trunks stammered. "I... I do, but I'm trying to say that-"
Future Ranch cut him off. "Whazzat? I can't hear you over the crowd~"
Future Trunks had a lump in his throat, but he knew it was now or never. Reaching over, he grabbed the microphone that he was singing in a few moments ago. It wasn't an idea he reveled in, but he knew this would be the only way to get her attention. Future Trunks shouted. "Hey Ranch!"
The sound of Future Trunks' voice made the entire bar go silent. Everyone stared directly at him and Future Ranch. Future Ranch cocked her head. "Wh-What's wrong, Trunks?"
Future Trunks closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "R-Ranch...you've been a glimmer of light in a dark world for a long time now. Wh-Whenever I try to think about the future, I can't envision anything without you right next to me..."
Future Trunks reached into his pocket, pulling out the box and opening it. Within was a small, silver band with a single, tiny diamond affixed to the top. An inscription of "Hope!" was visible as Future Trunks pulled it out and presented it to her, wincing and closing his eyes. "So... will you marry me so that we can face what's to come together?"
Everything was silent. Future Trunks didn't open his eyes, waiting for some kind of response. But, as it seemed like he wasn't going to get one, he suddenly felt something warm and wet dripping on his face. Future Trunks cracked his eyes open and, hovering over him, was Future Ranch. Her lips were quivering and tears were overflowing out of her eyes. Future Trunks flinched. "R-Ranch...?"
Future Ranch opened her mouth to speak, but little more than a squeak came out. So, instead of answer, she simply nodded her head yes, and then pressed her lips to Future Trunks' to the screaming cheers of the surrounding crowd.
Watching on from the sides, Bulma and Future Bulma were in tears as well, cheering and crying out for their son and his new fiancé. Vegeta crossed his arms over his chest, attempting to remain stoic, but he couldn't help but smile at seeing the two of them embrace.
Later than night...
Shambling into their room, both of them quite tipsy, Vegeta and Bulma hurriedly stripped off their clothing. It had been a long, long night, but the two of them were both very happy. Bulma smiled, her cheeks glowing. "I'm really proud of you. You know that? I don't care what anyone says..."
She hiccupped. "You're a good husband~"
Vegeta shrugged, tossing his pants to the side and standing there in only his underwear. "You mean a lot to me. It doesn't matter what time period you come from..."
The Prince smirked and leaned forward, pressing his lips to Bulma's and tackling her onto the bed. The kiss separated and Vegeta chuckled. "And I'll never be tired of that smile of yours~"
Bulma wrapped her arms around Vegeta's neck. "Well, Future Me agreed to watch the baby and the guest room that 18 is in is soundproofed, so I look forward to showing you that smile all night long~"
Vegeta wickedly grinned and grabbed Bulma's bra, ripping it off with a swift motion and tossing it aside. As he did the same to her underwear, Bulma sighed. "You're lucky that I was going to throw those away anyway~"
The Prince ripped away his own underwear and tossed them aside. "Now, where do we begin~?"
Bulma smirked. "Well, I have that box of fun stuff I ordered back when it thought your hands were still disabled~"
She got up on her knees and pressed herself against Vegeta. "It has some of the things I told you I wanted to try in it~ A blindfold~ A wooden paddle~"
Bulma reached into her nightstand and pulled out a pair of silver handcuffs. "Other things to go alongside these~"
Vegeta flinched. "Are those the damned handcuffs from the night we got together?"
Bulma bit her lower lip. "Mhm~"
Vegeta was stunned. "You've kept them all this time?"
She smirked and whisper into Vegeta's ear in a low, soft voice. "I even had a key made for them~ So that they could be put to use~"
The hair on Vegeta's tail stood on end, his face blushing bright red. Bulma grabbed her husband's newly healed hands and gripped them tight. "But, let's not just sit here and talk. We have all night, and I'm all yours. So..."
Bulma pressed her lips to Vegeta's, for just a brief moment, and then pulled back. "We've still got a few days until the Cell Games and I wanna get weird. Now let's put those healed hands to good use~"
And then Bulma fell back, pulling Vegeta on top of her, and clapped to make the lights in the room go dim.
