Thank you all for the wonderful reviews! Some really were a big help for me! I hope you all have a wonderful New Year!
I like to thank Midnight Fearie, trunksgf96, and all of you for the wonderful suggestions on this chapter! I'm mixing both ideas together!
U guys rock! Thanks a lot!
Chapter Five: Movie Night
Bulma looked up at the blue sky as she walked out of her house. Today was the day she was going to the movie theater with Vegeta. Her ex. There was nothing wrong with that, right? She didn't know why she was so nervous. It was just a movie. A scary movie to be exact. Since Trunks was at Goten's house for the day and Yamcha was at work, she didn't have to worry about get home on time.
Bulma didn't even tell Yamcha that she was going to the movies with Vegeta. Because of what he did on Trunks' birthday which was the day before...
"The one thing I don't get about this stupid show, is why does Larry and Curly let Moe beat the crap out of them? I mean, seriously, Curly is bigger than Moe." Bulma said as she reached into her bowl of popcorn. Bulma and Trunks sat on the couch watching the Three Stooges. It was Trunks birthday and before they could begin the small party of three, Yamcha had to leave to run an 'errand'. So while they waited, they decided to watch T.V.
Trunks shook his head. "No, I just think they're all morons. Especially Shemp. Mom, when can we start opening up presents?" Bulma chunked another piece of popcorn into her mouth. "No Trunks. We have to wait for Yamcha. I told you that earlier."
"Mom, I really don't want to wait for him. He's a jerk."
Bulma was about to open her mouth when the door bell suddenly rung. Trunks quickly hopped off the couch and ran toward the door. He flung it open and happily said, "Uncle Tarble!" Bulma climbed off the couch and saw Vegeta's brother hugging her son. When they were married, Tarble often stopped by every once in awhile to visit his brother. Besides Vegeta, it seemed that Tarble was the only one who can make Trunks really happy. When they divorced, that didn't seem to break the two apart. Tarble visited every few months now and Trunks really looked forward to his visits.
"How's my favorite nephew, huh?" He asked as he ran a hand through Trunks' purple rough hair. Trunks smiled up at him and replied with, "Uncle Tarble, I'm your only nephew."
He chuckled and looked to Bulma. "Hey Bulma, how ya been since the last time I saw you?"
She blinked for a second before answering. "Oh, um, hi Tarble. I'm fine. Where's your wife at?" Tarble shifted his weight to one foot. "She's back in South City. She couldn't come because she had to visit her mother. Something about her being sick I believe. But forget that, I just came by to wish Trunks a happy birthday and to give him his present. Is Yamcha here?"
"No. He had to go run an errand. He'll be back soon."
Trunks moved out of the way to let Tarble in. He carried a large blue package wrapped in big yellow bows. He sat it on the table and followed Bulma into the living room area. "I'll be right back mom!" Trunks quickly turned around and jetted upstairs and as soon as Tarble heard the door close he turned quickly to Bulma. She jumped from his sudden action.
His face was unreadable and he looked a little pale. "Bulma, have you talked to...Vegeta lately?" He asked choosing each word carefully. She sat still for a full five minutes before answering, "Yes, I have. Why? You haven't talked to him?"
"Oh, I talked to him yesterday. He told me about how you guys work together and all. He also said-" He paused and then closed his eyes. Tarble crossed his arms across his chest and then lowered his head a little. He spoke in almost a whisper and if Bulma wasn't sitting close to him she probably wouldn't be able to hear him.
"...he said that he wished that he never made the mistake...that he could turn his life around...and...you know what? I shouldn't tell you the rest. I should just leave it between you two." That caught her attention. Bulma's eyes widen and she quickly grabbed Tarble's shoulders.
"Wait? What did Vegeta say?"
"Bulma I shouldn't have said anything forget it."
"No, wait. I have to know what he said. Please Tarble tell me."
Tarble opened his eyes and he turned to Bulma. Ever since he knew her, he knew he couldn't keep a secret from her. They had a special bond and they were always honest with each other. Once, Tarble tried to keep a secret from Bulma about Vegeta and that caused the two of them to fight. Bulma and Tarble didn't talk for two days after that and since then they learned to tell each other the truth.
Some didn't know why they were like that, but they just were. "Bulma, I-"
"Mom? Uncle Tarble? What are you guys doing?" They quickly turned to where Trunks' voice was as he stared at them with confused eyes. Bulma let Tarble go and shook her head. "Nothing, sweetie. Where did you go?"
"To my room to get my PSP." He walked over and showed Tarble. About a week ago Yamcha bought Trunks a PSP for an early birthday present to show Bulma he remembered it. Of course, Trunks didn't want it at first but then he took it anyway. "I just got this cool new fighting game with it. I'll show you later, okay?" Tarble nodded.
Trunks just shrugged and looked down at it. "Mom can I ask you something?"
"Sure. What is it Trunks?"
"Well, do you-"
KNOCK! KNOCK! The three of them jumped and turned toward the door. The doorknob twisted and within seconds Yamcha appeared. He held onto a box and walked into the living room. "Oh, hey Tarble. How are you doing?" He sat the box down on the table. "I'm fine. I just stopped by to give Trunks his gift."
Yamcha nodded and turned to Bulma. "Do you guys want to start opening presents now?" Bulma turned to Trunks and nodded. "Okay, sweetie. Which one do you want to open first?"
Trunks looked at the multiple gifts. Most were sent from his grandparents and the others were from Bulma. He blinked for a second before saying, "Can we cut the cake first, I want to make a wish before opening my presents."
"Wish? Oh, um, okay."
The group of four got up and went into the kitchen. On the table, sat a vanilla cake decorated with dozens of strawberries and in red frosting read 'Happy 13th Birthday Trunks!' written across the top. They quickly gathered around and just as Trunks wanted, they put thirteen candles in it. Yamcha lit the candles and pushed the cake closer to Trunks.
"Well, Trunks. Make a wish and hopefully it might come true."
"Don't rush me. I want it to be the perfect wish...where I KNOW it will come true."
He leaned on the table top and sucked in all of his breath. Trunks closed his eyes for a moment before finally blowing out the candles. One by one they went out and soon they were all blown out. "What did you wish for Trunks?"
"I can't tell you uncle Tarble, then it won't come true. Believe me, I WANT this to come true."
Tarble just shrugged and watched Bulma cut the cake. She placed a piece of cake on a plate and slid it to her son. She cut another piece and gave it to Yamcha and the last to Tarble. Suddenly they all heard a knock from the door. No one moved. Who would come over on a Friday afternoon? Surely ,Yamcha didn't invite anybody, or did he?
Bulma walked out of the kitchen and to the front door. She paused for a moment before reaching her hand out and unlocking it. It flew open and Bulma's eyes widen as she saw no other than...
"Vegeta? What are you doing here?"
Trunks popped his head out from the kitchen and smiled. "Dad? Is that you?" He quickly hopped out of his chair and ran toward the door. Yamcha and Tarble following him. Vegeta reached out and ran a hand through his purple hair. "Hello, son. I can't stay long. I just came to drop off your gift and then I gotta go."
"What is it?"
"I have to go get it."
Trunks, Bulma, and Yamcha walked out of the house and followed Vegeta over toward his car. He quickly popped the trunk and began throwing some bags around. "Wait, a second Vegeta. You can't just come over here unannounced. It's very rude you know." Yamcha said but Vegeta ignored him. He continued moving bags around before finally grabbing onto something metal.
Bulma watched as her son's face went from calm to happy. His smile was so wide and his eyes twinkling. What Vegeta pulled out of his trunk made everyone gasped. He placed down a bike. That's right a bike. But this was no ordinary bike. This bike was a BMX bike and had very unique style to it. The handlebars were black and blue and the seat was as well.
The wheels were pretty big and had pegs on each side. The chain was blue and on the seat was Trunks' name engraved in it. This thing looked really expensive.
Trunks quickly hugged Vegeta. "Thank you so much! Dad, I love it! Thank you! This is the best gift anyone can give me!" He let go of his father and quickly hopped onto the bike. He gave them one last look before pedaling off the driveway and into the street. Trunks really loved his gift. They all watched as he zoomed past them trying out his gift. The one his father got him.
However, Yamcha was outraged. "What is wrong with you Vegeta? We all agreed to a thirty dollar limit! How much did you pay for that?"
Vegeta rolled his eyes. "Don't worry about it. I know it cost more than your crappy gift. I care enough for my son to buy him things he deserves."
"Wait? We had a limit?" Bulma asked and Yamcha nodded. "Oh, crap. I bought Trunks a Wii and a PS3. You should've told me Yamcha. What did you get him?"
"A board game. Life, to be specific. I didn't really want to spend a lot of money because I got him a PSP last week."
"Well, I guess Trunks will get bored as soon as he opens it." Vegeta remarked and watched Trunks pop a wheelie. He never saw him smile like that. Tarble emerged out of the house and had both of his arms behind his head. "Hey 'Geta. What are you doing here man?" Vegeta turned to his younger brother and frowned. He didn't respond right away and that worried Bulma.
The two men stared at each before Vegeta said, "I just came by to give Trunks his gift."
"So did I. I'm about to leave." He watched Trunks speeding down the street. "You got him a BMX bike? How much did you spend on that?"
"I spent about seven hundred dollars on this. Three hundred for extra to have Trunks' name engraved in it. This shop I went to charged a lot for it because its a new bike from the factory and the designs are unique. Other than that it would be around two hundred dollars. But it depends if its used or not. This however is not used. I would never give Trunks something used."
"Wait a second! So you spent basically a thousand dollars on a bike? Are you nuts? That can't be possible!"
"Tarble, if you listened then you would've heard me said it cost more because of the design and engraving. Plus, this shop handles it with care. Idiot."
Tarble just shook his head and turned to Bulma. She was too shocked. How could he spend so much on a present? Plus, WHERE did he get the money from? All these questions raced through her head as she watched Trunks flying around on his new bike. He zoomed past cars and sped on the sidewalk and followed it back to their house.
He hopped off it and once again hugged Vegeta. "Thank you again dad! I love it! No other gift could top this!" Vegeta returned the hug and smirked at Yamcha evilly. "Don't worry about it. I'm sure Trunks can use your gift and the box as a ramp for his bike. He'll love it." Vegeta walked over toward his car and closed the trunk down.
"Wait, dad. Are you going to come in for some cake?"
"No, son. I have to go to the store for something. I'll see you later."
Tarble told everyone to follow him into the house to finish opening presents. Yamcha glared at Vegeta and followed Tarble. Trunks gave Vegeta one last hug before taking his bike into the garage. There, he entered into the house. Leaving Bulma and Vegeta alone in the driveway. He walked over toward his car and opened the door.
"I'll see you tomorrow Vegeta. Seven, remember?" Bulma said in a low tone.
He nodded and climbed into his car. "See you then." He drove out of the driveway and was soon out of sight. Bulma stood there for a moment in deep thought. She stood there and heard, "Mom! Come on! We can't start without you!" She shook her head and walked to the house. "I'm coming Trunks!"
For the rest of that party, Trunks opened up his gifts and was very happy with what he got. Tarble bought him a video game and Trunks got lots of clothes from his grandmother. But what made Bulma angry at Yamcha was that he didn't give Trunks his gift. He felt like the boy wouldn't like it and would use it as a ramp just like Vegeta had said.
So instead of giving him it, he asked Bulma if she could say the PS3 was from him and her. She tried to convince him to give it to him but after the party she found it in the garbage. What a jerk. Trunks might've actually liked it too.
Bulma shifted her purse from her left hand to her right. It was after seven and Vegeta was running late. She still didn't know WHY she was agreeing to go through with this. She can just easily pay Vegeta and then she can move on with her life, but a thought at the back of her head kept saying, 'You know you want to do this. Once he pulls up, there's no turning back.' Also, she wanted to figure out what Tarble meant.
Before he left the party he walked right up Bulma and whispered so Trunks or Yamcha couldn't hear. "...Vegeta told me that he asked you out to the movies. But, something sounded odd about him. He was talking and acting strange. Saying 'I want it to end.' I have no idea what was wrong with him. "
Bulma shook her head. "Tarble. Stop being paranoid. There's nothing wrong with Vegeta. I don't know what you're talking about but-"
"Believe me Bulma. I know my brother, and he's acting strange. What ever you do, DON'T go to the movies. He might do something that might ruin your relationship. Does Yamcha even know?"
"No. I didn't tell him. I can't believe you Tarble. You're making Vegeta seem like an evil person. What can he possibly do to ruin my relationship, huh? Besides I'm a grown woman. I can handle my own problems and I certainly don't need to hear this crap coming from you." She spun on her heel and walked away leaving Tarble standing there. "You're wrong Bulma..."
Bulma quickly shook her head. Right now she didn't want to think about that. She looked up and saw Vegeta pull up in his Lexus and honked to get her attention. Annoyed, she walked toward the car and climbed in. On the way there they were completely silent. Bulma never felt so uncomfortable in her life. Every time he stopped at a red light she felt his eyes on her.
Talk about creepy.
Vegeta got out of the car and began walking to the theater. Bulma following behind him. They entered in and within five minutes they were sitting down.
Since The Last Exorcism was sold out, they had to watch a movie called "Behind Closed Doors..." Which was the scariest movie ever made. Well, at least that was what Bulma thought.
"Where's the brat at?" Vegeta whispered as they began watching trailers to future movies. He chunked some popcorn into his mouth and eyed Bulma. She looked pale for some odd reason.
"He's at Goten's house and is sleeping over tonight. Yamcha is still at work, why?"
"No reason. So the moron works later than usual, why?"
"I don't know. And?"
"Do you think that means something?"
"No. What are you talking about?"
Vegeta just rolled his eyes and watched the movie. The movie was very scary and throughout the entire time you would hear a scream or two coming from the person beside you. At one part in the movie, where the girl was running around the house acting crazy, Bulma screamed and clutched on tightly to Vegeta's arm. To her surprise, he didn't shake it off.
"Oh, god this movie is scary. Why did you choose this?"
"This movie isn't scary Bulma. It's funny. The little orphaned girl is killing her family members off. To make it even funnier, she possessed by the devil, who ever wrote this movie should win an award. I never laughed so hard in my life." Bulma blinked and then socked Vegeta in the arm.
Of course, it didn't hurt him. She shook her head. "I can't believe you Vegeta. How can you laugh at something like that? That's terrible." Vegeta chuckled and for the rest of the movie, Bulma screamed and Vegeta laughed at the movie. Some people gave them odd looks but mostly to Vegeta. He never got scared and Bulma knew it.
"Now, what do we do?" She asked as they walked back to Vegeta's car. He opened it and climbed in as she got into the passenger seat. "I'll take you home, but first I want to show you something."
"What is it?"
"Just wait and see."
He backed out of the parking lot and drove down the opposite road from where Bulma lived. He went down a familiar road that Bulma knew too well. "Wait, a second. I know this road. This is where I use to go to Junior High at." Vegeta didn't respond he continued the road and then stopped the car. The only light was a street light that was further down the street.
Bulma turned to her right and saw an old play ground. One she hasn't been to in years. Vegeta climbed out of the car and began walking toward a slide. Why were they there? Bulma quickly got out and began following the man. Even in the darkness she could still see his movements. "Vegeta, why are we hear?"
She stepped over a sandbox and walked up to him.
He was really lost in thought. He wouldn't answer her at all. Why are we here? What does he want? Vegeta had his head down and walked over toward a swing. He sat down and Bulma joined him on another swing. They were silent. Only crickets can be heard and children's laughter from down the road. Must've been a party.
"...Bulma, do you remember when we first met?"
That caught her off guard. "...w-what?"
"Do you remember when we first met? It was right here nearly twenty years ago..."
"Um, oh, yeah! I remember it like it was yesterday..."
On a swing sat Bulma with her head down and her blue hair a mess. On the swing next to her was Chichi, who had a worried look on her face. Both girls were just sitting there and the only sounds you could hear were Bulma's cries. She placed both her hands on her face and cried. Chichi placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and said, "Look, I'm sorry what happened Bulma. I wish I could stay but my dad will throw a fit if I didn't show up for dinner on time. I hope you feel better, but I seriously need to go. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
Bulma just looked up at her and nodded. "...okay...I'll talk to you later..." Chichi gave her a hug and then quickly sprinted out of the park. Then she was gone. Some friend she was. Bulma needed her best friend the most right now and all she cared about was her dad getting angry. She never felt so alone in her life. She hugged her herself as the wind blew and a chilling breeze came past.
Bulma placed her feet on the ground and slowly pushed off. She didn't want to move too fast or too slow. Just going at a steady pace was the only thing soothing to her. She just wanted to fall into the ground and hopefully it'll suck her up and she'll never be seen again. Who would care anyway. There was no point in living anymore until...
Out of nowhere a blue ball rolled in front of her. It had black stars and it stopped directly in front of her. Bulma placed her feet on the ground and stared at the odd looking thing. Sure, she saw these things before but this one looked unique. Like the designer made it special for who ever owned it. A little boy ran from behind a slide and toward Bulma.
His hair stuck upward and had bangs covering his eyes. He looked about in sixth grade. He looked at her with big confused eyes. "I'm sorry for asking, but why are you crying?" Bulma was surprised for the boy to ask her this. He looked to young to understand what was going on in her life. Before, she knew it she was telling him what happened.
"...my boyfriend just broke up with me...his name was Randy...and I really did like him." She sniffed and wiped her eyes. The boy sat down on the swing next to her. She never knew she would be talking to him like this. He threw the ball up in the air and smiled. "Surely, he didn't mean it. Don't cry over some stupid guy. Do you know why he want to break up with you?"
"No...he was yelling at me and...was saying mean things to me..."
"Really? What did he say?"
"...that I was ugly...and that nobody wanted to be with me..."
"WHAT? You are not ugly! You are the prettiest girl I've ever seen."
"Thanks, um, are you here by yourself?"
"No. I'm with my big brother. He's somewhere around here."
As if on cue, a tall muscular boy approached them. His hair too stuck upward but he didn't have bangs. He had an angry look on his face as he saw his little brother sitting on the swing talking to a girl.
"Tarble! Get your butt over here! How many times have I told you NOT to talk to strangers, huh?"
He walked over to his brother. "I am NOT talking to a stranger Vegeta. I saw this girl crying and asked her what was wrong."
"Crying? For what?"
"Because her boyfriend-"
"Broke up with me, okay?" Bulma spoke. "Look, its no big deal. I feel better now."
"If you feel better then why are tears still running down your cheeks?" Vegeta asked. Bulma looked at him and frowned. "...because that jerk took my phone and threw it over the fence. He told me to never call him again."
"So? Just go over there and get it."
"Don't you understand? Next to this playground is Mr. Ramsey's house. He never lets anyone over there. EVER. Trespassers get shot and he so strict that he once shot a bird for coming over there. What are you new to this neighborhood? Everyone knows that."
"We just moved in down the block. If it'll stop you from crying, I'll go over there and get it."
"You will? Didn't you hear a word I said?"
"And? I'm not gonna let some old man scare me."
Vegeta walked over to the side of the fence on the left side of the playground. Dozens of kids ran past but nobody seemed to notice him, Bulma, or Tarble. "Wait, big bro. We should wait for it to be dark out so we don't get shot." Vegeta shook his head. "I'll be in and out before you know it."
He placed his hands on the fence and lifted his weight up onto the side. The two watched as he struggled to flip his legs over and then he climbed over. "Oh my god! Why did you do that? Get back over here before you end up shot!" Bulma shouted but didn't hear a reply. This strange guy just hopped over Mr. Ramsey's fence. He was asking to be shot.
Tarble leaned on the fence and placed his ear on it. "Yo! Vegeta! Get back over here! She's right! Hurry up!" Once again there was silence and then after a few minutes, Vegeta climbed back over the fence. He reached into his pocket and tossed the phone to Bulma. "Piece of cake."
Bulma's eyes widen. "You...actually did it. Why?" Vegeta shrugged. "I hate to see people cry...especially girls." As it turned out, Mr. Ramsey left his house an hour earlier to go to the store. However, this was something he rarely did. Because he NEVER leaves his house. Vegeta wiped his hands on his pants and turned to Bulma.
"Where does this punk live?"
"What? Why?"
"I want to 'talk' to him."
"He lives over a block from here." That was all Vegeta needed. He began leaving the park with Bulma and Tarble right on his heels. "Where are we going bro?" Tarble asked. Bulma grabbed his arm in order to keep up with Vegeta. He was walking pretty fast and the two of them were practically running. "Wait, what are you going to do? Are you going to hurt him?" Once again Vegeta ignored their questions.
They turned a corner and within seconds they were in front of a red stoned brick house. Vegeta walked up to the front porch and rang the bell. Moments later a spiky blonde hair boy appeared. He looked about fifteen and was very slim. He had headphones around his neck and he looked annoyed. "What?" He asked in a angry tone.
Bulma suddenly felt scared. She didn't know why, but her body was telling her to run. Vegeta narrowed his eyes. "Did you throw this girl's phone over the fence at the park?" Randy blinked for a second. "Huh?" He looked past Vegeta and saw Bulma.
"Oh great! You're here? You were angry at me for breaking up with you so you got some ex-boyfriend of yours to come beat me up? Wow, Bulma Briefs I never knew you can sink so low."
"Boyfriend? Listen Randy...you got it all wrong he's not my boyfriend. He's-"
"Someone to knock some sense into you." Vegeta stated. He quickly socked Randy dead in his stomach as hard as he can. Bulma couldn't sworn she heard bones crack. Randy doubled over in pain and clutched onto his stomach. His eyes widen with fear and his mouth opened from the pain. Vegeta once again socked him but this time he hit him in the face causing the blonde boy to land on his back. Hard.
"Oh my god! Why did you do that?" Bulma screeched. Some neighbors from other houses were staring at them now. Randy's nose was bleeding and he had a hand on his stomach. "...dude, why did...you do that?" Randy began coughing and Vegeta smirked. " Do you want more?"
He shook his head. Vegeta reached down and roughly grabbed him by his shirt. "Then if you don't want me to continue to pound you then I would advise you to say sorry to her." He force him to turn to Bulma. She couldn't believe her eyes. Part of her felt sorry for Randy while the other half wanted Vegeta to continue punching him. She never met a guy like this.
"...I'm...s-sorry...Bulma...for throwing your phone over the fence...please tell him to let me go."
Bulma nodded and Vegeta threw him on the ground like a piece of garbage. "Jerk. If you ever mess with her again then you'll answer to me, and you might end up missing."
He turned on his heel and signaled for Tarble and Bulma to follow him. "Wait, Vegeta! We can't leave him there, what if he calls the cops?" Tarble shouted.
"Only he would be foolish enough to do such a thing...trust me he WON'T call the cops."
They walked another block over until Capsule Corp. came into view. Bulma walked over to the front door. "...um, I gotta go in now. Thanks a lot. For everything you did. I really appreciate it."
Vegeta just shrugged. "It was nothing. I can easily do it again."
"So you just moved in down the street?"
Vegeta nodded. Tarble began bouncing his ball. "Yep. Me and my bro did. He's going to Orange Star High School next week, why?"
"Really? I go there. Maybe I'll see you around, I guess."
"I guess." Tarble quickly jetted down the street toward their house. "Come on 'Geta! We're gonna be late for dinner!" Vegeta sighed and turned to Bulma. The sun was setting now and her blue eyes were almost glowing. He walked up closer to her until his face was inches from hers. "...Sure...I guess I will see you around. If anyone messes with you again, then come find me and I'll teach them a thing or two."
Bulma stayed glued to her spot. She didn't dare move, afraid that if she did then this moment will disappear. That it was all a dream and that she was thinking of all of this. In her own world and that she owned and controlled what happens. But this wasn't a dream. It was real. Bulma looked up and stared at Vegeta. Her throat became dry and the words that left her move were hard to push out.
"...okay. I will. Bye."
She backed away from Vegeta and opened the door to her house. She walked in and closed it behind her. From the other side of the door she could hear Vegeta shouting to his little brother...
"Ha-ha! I remember that day. I was so surprised. I mean, its not everyday a guy comes up to you and beats the crap out of your ex-boyfriend. I guess you can thank Tarble for making us meet each other. If it weren't for him then I don't know what my life would be at right now."
"Yeah, but we still went to the same high school."
"And? If I didn't meet you a week before I would've never thought about talking to you in school. Who knew that made a big difference...Vegeta, is that why you brought me here?"
"I guess you can say that..."
He stood up and Bulma did too. "It's late. I'll take you home." The two of them began walking back towards Vegeta's car.
A/N: Wow! That was long, wasn't it? I guess its because I combined the two ideas together maybe. Anyway, I'm so sorry for not updating as quickly as I usually do. I've been really busy for the past week and was unable to get on the computer. That doesn't count for half of the stuff that happened to me on Christmas. LOTS of drama. So you know that drill. Read and Review and you'll get the next chapter!