It was late in the afternoon and Goku found himself sitting outside Bulma's home bored out of his mind while Bulma, Vegeta, and Trunks worked on filling out invitations.
"C'mon Vegeta," Goku whined. "Hurry up already! I want to train!"
Vegeta, who was in the middle of licking a stamp, felt his fingers twitch. How humiliating that his archrival should come to his home and find him doing such a menial task. The proud saiyan glanced at his wife who ignored Goku's complaints as she filled out another invitation. If Vegeta so much as shifted in the wrong direction it would set her off.
Through gritted teeth Vegeta snapped, "Then go find some other person to train with! I'm busy!."
Goku pouted and crossed his arms. "I already tried but ever since we reached god mode no one wants to train with me!" He leaned back and from the look on his face you'd think something tragic had occurred. "And I already tried asking Whis to come get me but he said that it'll have to wait till after the party."
At the mention of the party Vegeta found himself looking at the floor where his daughter, Bulla, lay fast asleep. He could hardly believe that a year had already passed since she had entered their life. Despite having Trunks, this was the first time Vegeta had spent any time with a child her size. The saiyan race generally placed their children in Nurturing Tanks as soon as they were born.
This time with Bulla had been...Vegeta cringed inwardly at the word that came to him. Precious. There was something about this tiny baby that pulled on his heart and he knew without a doubt that he would do anything for her. Even menial tasks like putting stamps on envelopes.
Bulma cleared her throat and said, "Goku, do me a favor will you? I thought it'd be nice to invite those new friends of yours but I need you to deliver the invitation." She held up a sparkly pink envelope.
Immediately Goku leapt to his feet. "Good idea Bulma! I almost forgot about Broly. Maybe he'll want to train with me." He glared reproachfully at Vegeta before taking the invitation from Bulma, putting his fingers against his forehead, and disappearing from sight.
On Vampa, Cheelai, Broly and Lemo were seated in front of the television in the boys' home. The TV models on earth were outdated compared to what other planets offered in terms of electronic entertainment. Once he had it figured out Lemo had hooked up some cables to it, done some finangaling and was able to bring in a signal from various planets across the galaxy.
It was wonderful. Cheelai had nearly jumped out of her skin with glee when she realized she could continue watching an intergalactic soap opera about two star crossed lovers stationed at different points in the galaxy. It was clearly based on the Frieza Force, the best known military force in the universe. Lemo and Broly had ended up watching a few episodes with her and now they were hooked as well.
"Do you think Vaporia will finally come to terms with her heritage and confess her love for Gregorio?" Lemo asked as the intro credits to the show began. It was the season finale for the show and the three of them were all eager for different reasons.
Cheelai shook her head. "I doubt it. Vaporia's going to end up with Danimas. I just know it." She glanced around and ground. "Where's Broly?"
The Saiyan appeared in the doorway, looking embarrassed. "Sorry. I was in the bathroom. Has the battle begun?" Broly could have cared less about the relationships in the show but the battle scenes fascinated him.
The three of them settled down to watch the episode and Cheelai tried not to think about how close she and Broly were sitting. Since the day the two of them had first held hands they had become more affectionate...at least when it was just the two of them. When Lemo was around Cheelai and Broly had a silent agreement to keep their distance from each other. Right now she wanted to do nothing more than wrap his arm around her shoulders and sink into his warm side. It was killing her to sit so stiffly beside him.
Eventually the dramas of the episode overcame them all and the three of them sat on the edge of their seats as the final scene started. Just as a pivotal plot point was being resolved Goku suddenly appeared before them blocking the screen.
"Hey guys! How're you doing?" Goku greeted them cheerfully as the strains of the credits began to play.
A pillow to the face was his response from them. "Goku," Cheelai yelled out loud. "Didn't we tell you to stop appearing directly in the house?"
Goku rubbed his face and gave an exaggerated pout. "What was that for? It's not like you're naked this time."
One of the last times he had appeared had been when Broly was off world with Lemo requisitioning supplies Cheelai had stayed behind to indulge in a long bubble bath. Goku had suddenly appeared in the bathroom scaring the girl out of her wits and earning a face full of soap.
"I don't need to be naked for you to have some common courtesy!" Cheelai snapped back.
"Alright, alright, I'm sorry." Goku replied sheepishly. He held out his hand showing them all the pink sparkly envelope.
Lemo stood and grabbed it. "What's this for?"
"You guys remember Vegeta the other Saiyan Broly fought?" Goku asked.
Immediately Cheelai tensed up and she saw that Broly stiffened also. "What does he want?" she asked tersely. "If he thinks he can fight Broly again he's got another thing coming!"
"Relax, it's just an invitation for a party." Goku said with a smile. His gaze shifted towards Broly and he said cheerfully, "But if you want to train I'll be more than happy to take you on!"
Broly glanced down at Cheelai who was still glaring at Goku and shook his head. "Perhaps we can train later."
Goku nodded in disappointed. "Ah alright." he paused briefly. "Well are you guys going to go to the party or not?"
Frowning, Cheelai took the invitation in her hand and read it. "It's for a birthday party," she said with some surprise. "I didn't realize he had children. He doesn't seem like the type."
"He's a big ole softy when it comes to his kids," Goku replied. Looking at the three of them he asked impatiently, "Well are you guys gonna come? Bulma wants me to bring back an answer."
Immediately Lemo and Cheelai looked at Broly. While the Saiyan had really come out of his shell during the past months, they had yet to experience a party and neither of them wished to overwhelm their friend. Broly noticed their glances and shrugged.
Broly looked at Goku and said, "We would be pleased to attend your event."
"Great!" Goku said cheerfully. "The party's in three days! I'll be here early to pick you guys up." He paused and looked woeful for a moment. "Are you sure you don't want to train right now?"
When Broly hesitated, Cheelai rolled her eyes and threw her hands up in the air. "Oh go on the both of you. We'll see you later Broly."
Goku let out a cheer, grabbed Broly by the arm and then used instant transmission to whisk them both away for training.
Three days later Cheelai was putting the final touches on her outfit. It pained her to admit it but this was the first event she was going to attend in almost three years. Her tenure in the Frieza Force hadn't allowed for much down time. The dress Cheelai had decided on was a simple tshirt design. It was a deep purple color and Cheelai had looped a belt the same color as Ba around her waist to give the dress some shape. She wasn't normally into jewelry but she had found a simple necklace that she put on now.
With her short hair, there wasn't much that Cheelai could do with it. She turned to her makeup and began the process. She didn't usually wear a ton of makeup; generally all she put on was a hint of mascara and a touch of lip gloss. Today however Cheelai decided to branch out a bit and use other products. She was just finishing up when there was a knock at the door.
"Come in!" Cheelai yelled. She finished swiping on some lipgloss and left the bathroom and found Lemo standing in the doorway of the house.
Lemo looked her up and down and gave a low whistle. "Wow, you clean up nice."
Cheelai grinned at her friend. "Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself." The shorter man was wearing a pair of trousers held up by a pair of suspenders. On his head he had a brown cap she had never seen before. "What's up with that hat?"
"Hey don't make that face." Lemo said, his tone defensive. He hooked his thumbs through the straps of the suspenders and pulled them out slightly. "According to the sales lady on Pohiri these hats are all the rage."
Her lips quivering in an attempt not to smile, Cheelai grabbed and attached the bag where she held her gun to the belt around her waist. Looking up she noticed Lemo's frown. "Why're you looking at me like that?"
Pointing at the bag the small man asked, "Are you sure you should be taking that? What if Goku's friends think we're trying to harm them."
"That's exactly why I'm taking it!" Cheelai said cheerfully. "They're not going to catch me off guard just because I dressed up a bit." She swept out the room past Lemo and asked, "Well where's Broly?"
As if waiting for his name to be called the saiyan appeared in the doorway and Cheelai felt her mouth go dry at the sight of him. A fitted long sleeve shirt, tapered pants and simple shoes had turned him from a simple man into someone who could be on the cover of a magazine. His hair looked somewhat tidier than usual and Cheelai had to resit the urge to go over to him and run her fingers through the dark locks.
Lemo gave an admiring smile. "I think Broly takes the prize for best dressed this today."
"He sure does look nice," Goku chirped from beside Cheelai.
Cheelai gasped and stumbled slightly in her surprise at finding the man standing so close to her. Lemo caught her before she hit the ground and Cheelai felt herself growing angry. However, before she could yell at the saiyan for appearing once more in their house without permission, she was pushed forward by Lemo, and Goku spirited them away.
Lemo was surprised at how much he was enjoying himself at this party. He had been expecting a small affair but this was more like a carnival instead of a birthday party. There was food, games, prizes, and entertainment. Once night had fallen the children had been taken indoors and the party had taken a more adult turn. Music was playing and people were dancing and milling around in various conversations. Currently Lemo stood beneath a giant umbrella nursing a cup of something delicious while talking with an old timer named Dr. Brief. The grandfather of the tiny girl being celebrated, Dr. Brief was in a jovial mood and the two men were animatedly talking about their various projects.
During a pause in the conversation a beautiful woman with short blonde curls bustled over with two plates filled with sweets. She handed one to each of the men and giggled at Lemo's surprised thanks. "Oh it's no worry sweetie," She reached over and patted a soft hand against Dr. Brief's face. "I know my husband, once he gets started he forgets everything; food included!"
Dr. Brief chuckled. "Thank you dear." He gestured to the woman and said, "Lemo, this is my wife Panchy."
"It's nice to meet you," Panchy said with a beatific smile. "Are you one of my daughter's friends?"
Lemo nodded his head towards Vegeta who stood arguing with Goku near a kiosk of fried foods. "Actually, I'm acquainted with your son-in-law."
Panchy clapped her hands together. "How wonderful to see that Vegeta has more friends! I do worry about him, you know." She paused, leaning forward to whisper. "He won't admit it but he can get rather lonely."
Taking another glance at the glowering saiyan, Lemo found that hard to believe. He was saved from responding when a flushed Cheelai appeared by his side. "What's the matter with you?" he asked.
Eyes flashing Cheelai snapped, "I danced with some old man and he tried to feel me up!" She noticed Dr. Brief and Panchy and immediately looked embarrassed. "Oh...sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt your conversation."
"That's quite alright dear," Panchy said cheerfully. "Are you Lemo's wife?"
Lemo choked on the cookie he had slipped in his mouth. He recovered enough to croak out, "Me? Married to her? I don't think my old heart could take it."
The others laughed and once Lemo no longer felt like he had a cookie stuck in his throat he asked Cheelai, "Have you seen Broly?"
Cheelai shook her head. "I haven't seen him since I got asked to dance. I'll go look for him." She patted Lemo on the shoulder and slipped back into the crowd.
After fifteen minutes of searching, Cheelai found Broly on the other side of the massive complex sitting on a bench. Away from the party there was a chill in the air and she rubbed her bare arms and made her way over to her friend.
"There you are!" Cheelai called out. "What are you doing all the way out here?"
Broly looked up, startled but relaxed when he saw it was Cheelai. He said quietly, "I'm just thinking."
Cheelai sat beside him. "Thinking about what?" She looked up at him and was surprised to see how serious he looked. His jaw was set and his shoulders looked stiff. "Broly? What is it?"
After several beats of silence Broly said, "I think...you should stay here."
"What? What do you mean stay here?" Cheelai demanded. When Broly didn't respond she jumped to her feet and moved in front of him, placing her hands on her hips. "Alright big guy, what the heck happened? Did someone say something to you?"
Broly kept his gaze firmly on the ground. "You look...happy. Around other people. You don't have that on Vampa."
"Oh Broly…" Cheelai sighed, her irritation melting away. "Look at me." When he didn't look up Cheelai touched one of her hands to his cheek. When he finally looked up she smiled. "I've got everything I need on Vampa. I've got Lemo and I've got you."
When Broly didn't look convinced, Cheelai took a step forward so that she stood in between his legs. She placed her other hand on his cheek so she was holding his face in her hands. Her voice firm Cheelai said "Listen closely Broly because I'm only going to say this once. I chose to go to Vampa, I chose to stay with you on that planet. And not once have I regretted it." She paused, her lips curving up into a smile. "You're stuck with me big guy."
Satisfied she had made her point, Cheelai dropped her hands from Broly's face. To her shock Broly grabbed her hands in his and brought them back to his face.
"It feels nice." Broly said simply as he stared into Cheelai's wide eyes. The touch of her palms against his cheek sent a thrumming heat through him and the saiyan wasn't ready for it to end.
When they had arrived at the party Broly had been roped into conversations with Goku and his friends. The saiyan hadn't said much, mostly listened, but he had kept an eye on Cheelai. Her face had been lit with a smile and she had been joking and laughing throughout the party. Broly knew now that the word to describe her was beautiful. He had first heard the word as they watched the show on the television.
Broly hadn't understood the word then but tonight, seeing Cheelai's glowing features, she was the word come to life. Her face, her hair, her laugh, her smile, everything about her was beautiful. An ache had filled the large man's chest and it seemed to sharpen when Cheelai had been pulled out on the dance floor. Broly hadn't known what she and the other man, Yamcha if he recalled the name correctly, were doing. Dancing was something he had never seen before. But the sight of someone holding Cheelai close, had been too much for him to bear.
Excusing himself, Broly had left the party area seeking a quiet dark space where he could collect his thoughts. He had found it on the other side of the complex and had sat in the darkness realizing that he had to let Cheelai go. How could he keep her beautiful spirit trapped on that dusty planet? What right did he have to her?
All those thoughts had been chased away moments before when Cheelai had stood before Broly, touched his face, and said she chose him. Staring now into the woman's eyes, the saiyan knew that he felt the same. Cheelai seemed to be closer than before and Broly could feel her breath against his mouth. Heat burned through Broly and he closed his eyes. He reached up with his own hands, fingers trembling slightly as he brushed them against Cheelai's cheeks, desperate to make her feel how he felt in that moment.
Cheelai breathed out his name before leaning forward and pressing her mouth against Broly's.
For one glorious moment Cheelai was kissing Broly. And it felt good, better than she could have ever imagined. The moment was shattered when she felt Broly stiffen beneath her. Immediately Cheelai pulled back, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. What on earth had she been thinking?
"I'm sorry," Cheelai babbled her cheeks burning. "I didn't mean to kiss you like that. Let's forget that happened." She tried to take a step back but stopped, finding herself trapped by Broly putting his hand on her hip.
"That was...a kiss?" Broly asked, his dark eyes searching hers. At her nod he continued, "That's what they were doing...in the TV show we watched."
Cheelai vaguely remembered a scene where Vaporia, one of the main characters, had been kissing someone dramatically. Broly had been alarmed thinking they were eating each other and between bouts of laughter Lemo had explained to the other man that kissing was a way of showing affection to another person you felt romantically about.
Cheelai nodded again, wondering if it were possible for her cheeks to melt off from how hot they felt. "Yeah. That's right."
Broly looked thoughtful for a few moments before relaxing. To Cheelai's shock he said, "I apologize. I wasn't...prepared for that but...I think I'm ready to try again."
"You want me to kiss you again?" Cheelai asked, unsure if she had understood him correctly. "Broly we don't have to. I was just-!" Her voice was cut off when Broly pulled her down and their lips touched.
"Hey Lemo, are you guys ready to go?"
Lemo jerked awake and realized he had dozed off against the wall. He saw that Goku was standing beside him with a pleasant smile on his face. The party had dwindled down and Lemo could see that people were in the process of picking up.
The smaller man nodded. "Yeah, I think I'm ready." He glanced around and frowned when he couldn't see Cheelai or Broly. "I don't know where the other two are."
"Oh, they're close by," Goku said confidently. "I can sense their ki." Without waiting he put his hand on Lemo's shoulder, touched his own forehead with two fingers and they were suddenly in a dark area on the other side of the house. "Look there they…" Goku stopped cold. His mouth dropping open. "T...They're kissing!"
Lemo himself felt speechless when he realized that he was looking at Broly and Cheelai wrapped up in each other's arms. After a moment a grin spread across his face. It was about time; these two had been driving Lemo crazy with all their furtive glances and touches. "Sure looks like it," he said cheerfully.
When the couple took no notice of the two men, Lemo chuckled. The smaller man elbowed Goku in the ribs. "Let's give them some privacy."
Thirty minutes later, when Cheelai and Broly reappeared, their faces flushed and smiling, Lemo grinned. "It's about damn time." He said teasingly. "I thought you two got lost. I was about to send Goku to go and find you."
Immediately Cheelai began to stammer out a response but Lemo held up his hands. "Sure, of course you got stuck in the bathroom. And I don't have a sizable bounty on my head. C'mon, let's go home."
The official last chapter of this mini series! Thank you to all who have read it. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it :)