A/N: Oh, goodness! Where to start. It's been a long 3 years since I updated this story. I have thought about it quite often since then, and I have finally found joy in writing again. I want to thank all of you who have reviewed up until this point. It is your reviews that have encouraged me to do this again. And for those who are curious, I have changed my penname because I would like to start fresh again. Any feedback or suggestions are appreciated. Enjoy the story guys!

Exhale
Chapter 7: I Missed The Point
DeepxWater

I was suddenly and very rudely awoken from my sleep as the annoying buzz of the alarm clock rung in my ears. I rolled over on my stomach, accidentally hitting Goten in the process. I covered my head with my pillow trying desperately to make the noise vanish, but it didn't help.

I curled up under the comforter as I felt a firm hand on my shoulder. Goten groaned and shook me lightly. "C'mon B, it's time to wake up," he muttered, still half-asleep himself.

"But Goten, I'm so tired," I complained in my groggy voice while rubbing my very heavy eyelids.

"Wake up, B. Aren't you hungry for some breakfast?" he asked in a whiney voice. I knew he was hungry, he was a saiyan after all so I couldn't blame him. I was too. I rolled over facing Goten and smiled. "Alright, alright," I said with little enthusiasm, "let's get some food."

Goten pounced up out of the bed and began shuffling through his clothes, trying to find something comfortable to wear. Seeing as he was so occupied with his task at hand, I took the opportunity to lay back and shut my eyes, wishing I could have some more sleep. That idea was quickly disregarded as Goten yanked the comforter off me and pulled me up off the bed completely.

"Gotennn," my voice trailed off grumpily. "Now, B, we're in Vegas. Do you really want to waste this amazing experience for a little sleep?" He stated happily. I sat there for a moment thinking about it. He was so right. "Well,-" "I didn't think so," he said in a hurry. He handed me one of the numerous outfits that I had so sloppily packed in my suitcase. "Now, get dressed." He smiled that cute little grin and walked into the bathroom to finish getting ready. I wondered for a minute how the hell he had gotten my clothes, but that thought quickly disappeared. I smiled to myself knowing that we would spend this whole day together. Just me and him. Just me and you, Goten.

oOoOoOo

The morning started off with a slow beginning as I took my sweet time adjusting to the new day. Unbeknownst to me, Goten had already scheduled an agenda for us before we even arrived. As we sat at the table, pigging out over our breakfast, Goten took the time to go over all the things he had planned for us. Us. Just as Goten was about discuss more details with me, a soft ringing could distantly be heard from the other room. Goten let out a soft sigh as he was unexpectedly interrupted. "Sorry, B" He stood up sternly, yet managed to genuinely smile as his eyes caught mine. He offered me the agenda. "Here. You can go ahead and look over the details and I'll be right back." I watched as Goten patiently walked into the other room. I took notice of how his demeanor changed as soon as his phone started ringing, as if it had zapped the lightheartedness right out of the moment. Deep down I knew who was calling, but that thought quickly slipped away as I looked down at the neatly typed paper.

Being a member of the Son family, one would assume Goten was almost incapable of planning such an extravagant getaway, after all.. he was Goku's son. I carefully looked through the list of things he had planned. He had taken the time to carefully type up a whole schedule of the day's activities. I felt excitement growing through me as I played out in my mind just how the day would go. As my eyes fell over the fine-grained words on the frail paper, I contemplated just how long ago he must have had this planned. The detail and effort he had put into planning this was immediately recognizable. There was no doubt denying just how much love he had put into this trip. He had put his heart into it.

I could faintly hear his deep voice talking in the other room. I listened quietly for only a brief moment, fighting the urge to invade his privacy. His words were indiscernible, but from the soft, gentle tone of his voice I knew who was on the other line. My heart sank as realization once again fell over me as it had so many times in the past few weeks. I ran my fingertips along the rigid edges of thin paper as his muffled voice filled my ears. He didn't plan this for us. This was all for Paris, not me. I shouldn't even be here. I couldn't help feeling a bit saddened as I imagined the two of them here on this vacation, a romantic getaway that was planned for two people.. in love.

oOoOoOo

I was just about to go over the events I had planned for the day with Bra when the annoying ring of my phone put a damper on my mood. Man, just when I was beginning to put all my worries and thoughts behind me. I kindly excused myself from Bra's presence as I offered her the schedule of events to look over. Our eyes locked for only a second, but that was enough for me to relinquish an honest smile. I followed the ill-timed ringing to its source under the pillow of the poorly made bed. I grabbed the phone and saw the vivid name flashing on the screen. Paris. I cursed myself for forgetting to call her when we arrived yesterday evening. I had promised I would, but with all the traveling and sight-seeing I had completely forgotten. "Shit.." I quietly muttered. I prepared myself for a harsh exchange of words as I answered the phone.

"Hello?"

"Goten, hi!" Paris cheerfully exclaimed. All the tension I had built up was quickly released.

"Uh.. Hey Paris. What's up?" From her cheerful reaction I assumed she wasn't mad, but I didn't want to chance anything just yet.

"Oh, well, I'm just here at the airport. Our flight is leaving soon and I wanted to let you know that I'll call you when I get back. You know how busy I'll be with work and all," she said kindly.

"Our?" I warily asked. There was a short pause.

"Huh?" she distantly replied.

"You said our flight? I thought you were working a solo gig this weekend?"

The voice on the other line fell quiet. I briefly wondered if we had lost connection. "Paris?"

"Oh.. uh.. sorry Goten I just.. got distracted for a moment. Yeah, you're right. I did say it was a solo trip but they had a change of plans and, uh, booked another model with me. You know how they are, always making changes last minute. You know?" Paris replied. I didn't really put much thought in the way her voice quivered with that last statement. I knew she was easily distracted when it came to prepping for work trips so I let it go.

"Oh, sure. So you're not mad I didn't call last night?" I asked wanting to fess up.

"Oh, not at all, Goten. You had a long day I'm sure. I was busy myself anyway." Before I could even reply, I faintly heard a voice announcing the departing flight. "Look, Goten. I really need to go now. Our flight is boarding. I'll talk to you in a few days, ok?"

"Yeah, okay. Have fun Paris!" I replied.

"I will Goten," she flatly replied.

"I love y-" Those last words were cut off as I heard the line go completely silent. She had hung up rather fast. I pulled the phone away from my ear to verify that she was no longer there. Call Ended.

oOoOoOo

"Shit, shit, shit," Paris trailed off as she stared at the phone in her hand.

"Great going, babe," the man sitting next to her replied. Silence fell over the two as Paris sighed heavily and leaned back in her seat. The man looked at her lovingly. As much as the guilt weighed heavily on her, she knew he suffered just as much. His lips parted as he sucked in a quiet breath. He began, "You know you're going to have to tell him eventually, don't you? We can't go on like this forever. The longer you put this off the harder it's going to be, for everyone," she stared at the man she had heedlessly fallen for just a few short months ago. Though they had known each other for several years, they had only recently crossed the line in their strictly professional relationship. Up until that point there was no doubt in her mind that she loved Goten, but this, this feeling she had for this man ran much, much deeper. Her eyes fell to the floor with guilt as her brow furrowed out of sadness. Slowly nodding her head, she quietly replied, "I know." The man took notice of her expression and gently grasped her hand in his. She brought her head to rest on his shoulder as he comforted her.

She had played dozens of scenarios though her head as she imagined how Goten would react. What would she say? How could she even begin? Goten loved her. He had made plans for them, plans for the future, plans for marriage. What would he do when that future was gone? Her mind painfully drifted back to a few weeks ago when her, Goten and Bra were having dinner. Hearing him bring up the topic of marriage to Bra was almost heartbreaking, she had tried to ignore the rest of the conversation for she knew it would never come to that. Her mind had already been made up then.

She glanced over to the man who had given her hand a gentle squeeze. For the past few weeks they had openly discussed where their own relationship was going and if it would even be worth the pain they were bound to cause. As hard as it might be for her to hurt someone who loved her, she knew it was time to let Goten go. Her heart was with someone else now. That had been the obvious reason that she chose not to go on the Las Vegas trip with him, she knew their relationship was coming to an end soon. There was no point in prolonging this. She already knew how much Goten would be hurt, and having a romantic getaway before she told him the truth would only make her seem that much more heartless. She knew the trip would still be salvageable because his best friend could take her place. Though her and Bra were never really more than acquaintances, she knew the blue-haired beauty would be there for him to help pick up the pieces of the damage she would do. It was easy to see how much Bra and Goten adored each other, Bra wouldn't let him down now, not like she was about to do.

Her dark-haired companion leaned over and gave her a loving kiss on the cheek. Her troubled thoughts slipped away as it dawned on her how patient and understanding he had been through all of this. She knew he was the one.

The man carefully unlocked his fingers from hers as he stood up to stretch. "Ready to go babe?" Paris glanced down at her phone to check the time, their flight would be boarding soon. "Ready as I'll ever be," she replied. Being the gentleman he was, he grabbed the bags they'd be toting with them. Rising from her seat, he kindly offered her his hand. She grasped his tightly as they walked off in the direction of the gate entrance. She glanced out the window taking in the sight of West City in the distance. Once she told Goten the truth, she knew this city would only hold painful memories for the both of them.

oOoOoOo

Silence had fallen over the living area of our suite, but Goten had not made his appearance yet. I continued to glance repeatedly over the familiar words as I patiently waited for his return. A few minutes later the soft shuffling of his feet heading this way let me know he was coming. "Hey, B," Goten said as he entered our room. He forced a weak smile, tightly grasping the small phone in his hand. He shoved it in his pocket and took a seat next to me. Creases of sadness were plastered across his gentle, handsome face. His lips parted as if he was going to say something, but quickly changed his mind.

I placed my hand on his, "Is everything okay, Goten?" He looked up at me with a look in his eyes that only made me want to hold him.

"I just, I don't know B. Lately, I've just been getting this feeling that something is off. I'm just not sure what. Let's just have fun today, okay?" He ran his hand through his hair as if he was trying to force the disturbing thoughts from his head. I gave his hand a light squeeze. "Of course," I smiled.

I got up from my chair and walked around to Goten, firmly placing my hands on his shoulders I tried to release some of the tension as I massaged his trouble away. "Relax," I whispered into his ear. He shut his eyes momentarily as he gave in. I continued for a few minutes when he groaned as his frustration left his body. I gave his shoulders one last squeeze as I leaned down to face him, "Now, what do you say we go down to the pool and soak up some sun?"

His eyes fluttered open as he was pulled back to reality. "I'd say.. last one there's a rotten egg!" Out of nowhere he had jumped up and darted for the door, knocking me to the ground during the process. "Goten, what the hell! Wait for me!" He leaned against the door as he broke out into a fit of laughter. I stood up and stomped my foot, "Oh yeah? You think that's funny?" I tried to maintain an angry tone with him, but I was failing miserably which only evoked more laughter from the dark-haired Saiyan. I charged at him trying to throw some playful punches but I missed every single time. "Missed me, missed me, now you gotta kiss me!" Goten could barely contain his laughter now. I crossed my arms and turned away from him, "Pff, kiss you? No way!" His laughter was diminishing now. "Oh, is that so?" he asked with a huge smile only the son of Goku could sport. He wrapped his arms around me from behind and began making childish kissy noises in my ear. His breath along my neck was enough to tickle me into a fit of laughter. "Okay, okay," I breathlessly tried to give in, "I.. give.. up!"

He gently released me from his arms and I turned around to face him as the last of our uncontained giggles escaped our systems. We composed ourselves as we stood a second in silence. Unexpectedly, he pulled me into a tight hug. He lovingly rested his head on top of mine as I returned the hug, placing my hands on his back. I deeply breathed in his scent, and I listened as he did the same. I never want this to end. "Thanks for being here, B." He slowly released me from his hold. "Always," I said quietly. He brushed his hand through my blue locks, removing the stray hairs from my face. Our eyes locked for a moment, both looking deeply into each other's eyes as his fingers carefully untwined from my hair, and I could have sworn that he loved me.

oOoOoOo

Bra and I stood silently in the elevator as it gradually took us down to the pool level. My thoughts slipped away back to that genuinely deep moment we had just shared in our room. My eyes fell upon her and she was quick to turn away. I knew she had been staring which wouldn't have stood out to me if I hadn't thought about what Vegeta had said. Bra and I obviously shared a close bond as he had made clear, that was obvious to anyone who knew us. But when had she started looking at me differently? I had never known Vegeta to lie about anything. He was stubborn, yes, but he was as blunt and painfully honest as they come. During those last moments in our suite while we were staring into each other's eyes, I could have kissed her. I wanted to kiss her. I shamefully bowed my head. I mentally cursed myself for even wanting to cross that line. It was just the heat of the moment, Goten. Get it together, man.

But did she really have feelings for me? Deep down, I had this aching feeling that I already knew. Part of me wanted to know the truth out of curiosity. The other part didn't want to know, because if those feelings for me were there that would surely mean the end of our friendship. She can't possibly have feelings for me. I'm with Paris. She knows that. Looking at her I could see she was just as lost in her thoughts as I had been. Her face lit up as the elevator doors slid smoothly open. She glided her tote bag over her shoulder as she stepped out of the elevator. Bra's accidental slipup last night about a guy she supposedly loved made me worry. Please, don't fall in love with me Bra. She turned her head towards me with blank expression on her face and I wondered for a moment if I had said that out loud. The sides of her lips formed a sweet smile. "You going to ride the elevator all day, Goten?" She stuck her hand in the elevator as the doors were beginning to close. The doors instantly whooshed back open. Here I was staring at this beautiful young woman in front of me who had shown me nothing but love, and then it finally dawned on me, Why was Bra here, and Paris wasn't?

The woman who supposedly loved him hadn't made any effort to actually come on this trip, yet here was his best friend who came in a heartbeat. If they had planned this trip together months ago, why wasn't she here now? He knew how important Paris's job was, but would it have killed her to say no. Goten stepped out of the elevator and mentally noted not to be bothered by Paris while he was here. He was going to have an amazing time with his best friend and that was all that mattered this weekend. He could work this all out with Paris later and things would get better. Things will get better, I know they will. They have to. As the last thought of Paris exited his mind, he threw his arm around Bra's shoulders and they guided each other aimlessly to the pool.

oOoOoOo

My legs were sprawled over Goten's as we sat in the comfy lounge chairs lined against the pool. We both had a mixed drink in hand, sipping away as we shared stories from when we were little kids. It had been awhile since we had had a moment like this. Just the two of us in a carefree environment having a few good laughs together. I wish we could do this more often, I thought.

A shadow crept over us as an old woman smiled down upon us. "You two are just so adorable together. Are you on your honeymoon?" The gray-haired woman had the sweetest smile smeared across her face as she tilted her head to the side and glanced between the two of us. "Well, we're actu-" I was abruptly interrupted by Goten.

"We sure are!" Goten said cheerfully as he reached for my hand and gave it a playful squeeze. I looked at him to see he was trying to hold back his laughter as he smiled through his teeth. I stared at him blankly in disbelief that he had just lied to this sweet, old woman.

"Well, young man, she definitely looks like a keeper. I wouldn't let her go if I were you."

"I wouldn't dream of it," he said with a nod and a smile. The old woman smiled ever so sweetly and continued on her way. As soon as she was out of sight, I playfully hit Goten on the arm. "What the hell was that, Goten?" I said in a harsh whisper. Though I honestly wanted it to be true.

"Whaaat? That sweet, old lady looked so happy for us. I couldn't let her down."

"So you had to lie to her? Smooth move, Goten," I replied with a hint of laughter.

"Oh, c'mon. You know you want this," he said jokingly as he leaned back with his hands behind his head. It only helped show off the muscle definition on his shirtless body.

"In your dreams," I said trying my best to sound uninterested. I turned my head away in hopes of hiding the blush that had crept onto my cheeks. He didn't seem to notice. If only..

The sun was warmly beaming down on us and the rowdy kids that had once filled the pool area had left. I decided now was a good time if any to go for a swim. The weather was perfect and the crystalline blue water was impossible to resist any longer. I removed my legs from Goten's and pulled myself up from the lounge chair. Normally I wouldn't care at all about walking around in a bathing suit, but ever since I had developed feelings for Goten not caring was out of the question. I looked down as I began to unzip the jean shorts I had sported for the trip down here. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Goten lift the shades from his eyes as I began to remove the shorts. I quickly discarded them along with the tight, white tank top I had been wearing. I was wearing nothing but a neon pink bikini now.

"You wanna go for a swim Goten?" I asked as I let my released my hair clip. My blue locks cascaded down my back and I gently shook my head to shake the binding strands loose. Without glancing in his direction, I knew he was staring. I blushed lightly at the thought of him checking me out. My thoughts were quickly interrupted.

"That guy is totally checking you out, B," he said with a light laugh.

"Hmm?" I turned to look in the direction that Goten was looking, and sure enough a guy was staring at me. He gave a light nod and flashed his overly white teeth at me. I may be Bra Briefs, but when it came to getting attention from the public's eye, I immediately felt uncomfortable. Thankfully, most of the attention directed towards our family was focused on my mother and brother since they ran Capsule Corp. Sadly, the majority of attention I did get was from men who were just after popularity and money. I had learned long ago to keep my guard up.

I rolled my eyes at the guy as I broke eye contact. Letting out a heavy sigh, I turned back towards Goten. "Lovely," I muttered a little to harshly under my breath as I grabbed a towel to cover up. "Why don't you get his number?" he asked in a curious tone. I laughed, "I'll pass."

"You know, I was wondering, how come you never date, B?" Goten asked, his voice sounded slightly concerned. I shook my head, "It's complicated, Goten. Most guys are just after my family's money or publicity. They don't even try to get to know me." He looked off in the direction of the guy that had been staring at me and his eyes froze as he contemplated what I had said. "Their loss, B. They have no idea what they're missing out on."

I smiled at his remark. "No worries, I have all I need in my life right now." I walked off to the side of the pool and Goten followed after tossing his sunglasses onto the chair. "But last night, you said you lov-" before Goten could finish the question I knew he was going to ask, I jumped into the pool. A reminder of my stupidity from last night. I swam under the cool water and felt it glaze over me. I knew this wasn't the last time he'd bring it up. I would eventually have to tell him the truth. I couldn't avoid it forever, but I could for now.

oOoOoOo

"Trunks! Pan! Breakfast is ready!" I called up the stairs as I placed the last plate in its place. No matter how busy everyone was during the week, we always came together for a big family breakfast on the weekends. Vegeta had just finished his morning training and was freshly showered. He snuck up behind me and slipped an arm around my waist. He leaned forward to smell the food as I got a whiff of his shampoo. I kissed him on the cheek and handed him some silverware letting it be known that he could dig in whenever he was ready. This was a family full of Saiyans after all, I always found it somewhat cruel to make them wait.

"Have you heard from Bra yet?" he asked in his soft, gruff voice as he took a seat at the table. Although Vegeta could be very stubborn when it came to showing he cared, when it came to his little girl it didn't matter anymore. He was very protective of her, and everyone knew it.

"She called me this morning actually. She said they enjoyed a lovely day by the pool. I told her to enjoy the warm weather there while she could." I stated.

Vegeta reached over and poured himself some orange juice. "And Goten? Is he keeping his hands to himself?" I laughed at the idiotic question. "Really Vegeta? You know he's still with Paris. If Bra's anything like me, you know she'll be the first to make a move." I laughed whole-heartedly as he snorted in annoyance.

"Just because you got me into your bed woman, doesn't mean our daughter would do the same. Besides, my money's on Goten," I looked at him with astonishment. "Oooh, a little feisty this morning are we?" I playfully bumped him with my hip. The faint sound of footsteps could be heard from the hallway. He reached for his orange juice and started to take a drink.

"Well, I wouldn't be surprised if she came back knocked up," I said rather plainly. Just as Pan and Trunks entered the dining room, orange juice could be seen spewing through the air. Perfect timing, I thought.

The two young Saiyans looked utterly confused at what had just taken place. The look on their faces done me in, I couldn't contain my laughter. Clutching my stomach I said between laughs, "Care to join us?"

"You guys are weird, seriously," Trunks said as he seated his girlfriend. "See what you have to look forward to Panny," he said as he took his own seat. She elbowed him in the side. "At least I know where you get it from," she teased, flashing her beautiful Son smile.

Pan was definitely a sweetheart. The perfect match for my son. I couldn't help but smile every time I saw them together because unlike his past relationships, what they shared was real love. I knew their relationship was permanent.

"What were you guys talking about anyway?" Trunks asked as he quickly loaded his plate with food.

"Oh, you know, just your sister getting knocked up." I watched as Trunks almost knocked over the pitcher of orange juice. Pan's fork loudly hit her plate with shock. Both of their eyes immediately turned to me with concern. "Huh?" Trunks asked. And there it was, that look again. Just like his father. I covered my mouth with my hand as I tried to stifle the giggles.

"You all need to lighten up!" I exclaimed with a smile on my face. I reached for the scrambled eggs and nudged the plate towards Pan. "Pan, honey, would you like your eggs scrambled?" She nodded. "Sure, Bulma," she said as she took the plate from my hand. "Good, I need some grandchildren soon." Pan's face went pale. Trunks choked on his bacon. "Mom, really? You're embarrassing me!" His cheeks were now a light pink.

"Last time, I promise!" I said as I recollected myself.

"Your mother has jokes," Vegeta stately flatly between bites.

"Why would you even say that about Bra?" Trunks asked.

"Oh, c'mon. Her and Goten have their own suite for a whole weekend in Vegas of all places. You know what they say, 'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas'. And I know I'm not the only one who thinks they wouldn't make a cute couple," I replied.

"Well, I can't argue with you there Bulma," Pan agreed.

"Yeah, me too." Trunks raised his glass, "Here's to hoping they get drunk and married in Vegas," he said jokingly.

Pan and I laughed and raised our glasses to join in the fun.

"Just like your mother," Vegeta said under his breath.

A/N: Thanks for reading guys! I can't say for sure when the next update will be up (aiming for a few days), but I want you to know that I am currently working on the next chapter. If you have any questions at all, feel free to PM me.