"Two more lessons after this and we're free for a week," Bulma stated as she and her friends waited outside their DT classroom. It was amazing. They had officially become a solid group of friends, and yet, there was still so much they didn't know about each other. Bulma and Yamcha were a couple now, deciding to give their relationship a fresh start.

"It's also Halloween," Chi Chi replied. "Do you think we could all do something?" She never imagined having even one good friend, and now she had seven.

"Trick or treating!" Goku suggested excitedly because he never had to worry anymore that his childish and kind antics would scare off his friends. Yes, they teased him, but it was all in good fun, and he loved them.

Krillin looked at his friends, who cringed. "Don't you think we're a little old for that, Goku?" Krillin had always been the target of bullies in his schools. Goku stuck up for him back in elementary school, and they became good friends, but when the two were separated into different middle schools, they lost touch, and Krillin was on his own again. Now, finally, not only was he reunited with Goku, but he also had several others who looked out for him, which made him stronger.

Goku pouted. "I guess."

Vegeta clicked his tongue. "Halloween is just another stupid holiday for little brats who haven't got anything else better to do than bother us for damn sweets." Vegeta didn't like to admit it, but having such a strong group of friends who didn't take no for an answer and simply brushed off his arrogance was refreshing. Vegeta didn't know how many times he had told them they were just there to pass the time, but they ignored him because, deep down, they knew the truth.

Bulma huffed. "You're really not a holiday person, are you?"

Vegeta glanced at her with his arms folded. "Whatever gave you that idea?"

Eighteen hooked her thumbs in the loops of her jeans. "How about a party?" She was proud to call the group her friends. Never in her life had she expected such acceptance, and she was proud of her brother, or should she say brothers, because they had really tried their hardest to stay out of trouble this time, and she felt like she owed their new friends for that.

Bulma smiled with a nod. "That could be fun. I'll even host since mum and dad are out of town. We can make a chill pajama party."

Yamcha looked at her, wondering if that was some kind of hint. "I'll wear my best costume." Yamcha winked at Bulma, who just rolled her eyes good-naturedly and kissed his cheek. Even though they had all been friends for months now, he still felt like an outsider. Goku and Krillin liked him for sure, and obviously Bulma; he wasn't sure about Chi Chi, but the others definitely only hung out with him because he was dating Bulma.

Seventeen shrugged. "Yeah, anything's better than listening to the kids back home scream and hype around in stupid costumes. Remember last year?" Eighteen and Vegeta nodded with a grimace. It amazed Seventeen to think these people were considered his friends. For a long time, he had considered friends a waste of time, and Eighteen and Vegeta were the only ones he trusted, but now, people like Goku had changed that. The group was just genuinely easy to connect with. They bantered and shared ideas, and he found himself just having a good time.

Bulma smiled and nodded eagerly. "Then it's settled! We'll have a private party at my house. We'll get snacks, some pizza, and I'm pretty sure at least one of us can get served alcohol. We can even play some corny games."

…

With DT out of the way, the group shuffled out of class, and as usual, Goku ran on ahead to reach the lunchline with as few people as possible with Vegeta following close behind while the others took their time, hanging back to chat.

"Oh no," Chi Chi groaned as they reached the hall. The others looked at her for confirmation. "Gym class is next. Why did that have to be the last class before our holiday?"

Bulma giggled. "Hey, at least it'll give us a chance to workout before we stuff our faces at the weekend."

Yamcha grinned. "Yeah, and I bet you look good running in your uniform."

Bulma scoffed. "My pervert boyfriend ladies and gentlemen." She grinned back at him, and they shared a kiss before finally getting their food.

When lunch was over, the group discussed their meeting point before heading separate ways. The girls had their gym inside while the boys were on the field.

...

Inside the gym hall, the girls were paired off and helping each other warm up, talking as they did so. "Vegeta is such a jerk," Bulma blurted out with a frown, causing her two friends to stare at her confoundedly. They had convinced their teacher to let them pair as a group of three.

"Okay, gonna need a little more info there, blue," Eighteen replied while holding Chi Chi's ankles to support her sit-ups.

Bulma laughed. "He sent me a text earlier and told me not to break a nail. I don't even have nails! I always bite them."

Chi Chi leaned back on her palms. "Maybe that's why he said it. It was probably a joke since he obviously knows you don't have nails."

Eighteen raised an eyebrow. "Wow. I have to say Vegeta texting you randomly is somewhat of a compliment. He doesn't usually go out of his way just to annoy someone."

Bulma turned to Eighteen as though she wasn't really paying attention. "Well, I guess he is handsome, but he's a jerk, and his arrogance is just plain aggravating."

Chi Chi and Eighteen looked at each other in surprise. Eighteen regarded Bulma with a grin. "I didn't say anything about his looks."

Bulma blinked. "Huh?"

Eighteen laughed. "You said Vegeta was handsome."

Bulma almost fell over. "No, I didn't!"

Chi Chi nodded with a smile. "Oh, yeah, you totally did." Chi Chi stood up to switch with Bulma.

Eighteen continued to grin at Bulma's now annoyed expression. "So, you like Vegeta. That explains all your bickering."

Bulma huffed and flicked Eighteen on the forehead. "I don't like Vegeta. Besides, I'm with Yamcha."

Eighteen rolled her eyes. "Right, because you couldn't do better than him. Geez, even Krillin is better than him."

Now, it was Bulma's turn to grin. "Come again? What was that Eighteen?"

Chi Chi nudged Eighteen with her foot. "Yeah, spill."

Eighteen shoved Chi Chi away, and she almost lost her balance. "Shut the hell up. Krillin's a dork, end of story. All I'm saying is at least he's not what we say in the lamest terms, a ladies' man. I've seen the way he looks at other girls when he's not around you. Just be careful is all. I'll totally kick his ass if he hurts you."

Before Bulma could reply and defend her boyfriend, two girls made their way over. One had long blonde hair, while the other had cropped brown hair. Maron and Sei, the school's most popular cheerleaders. Maron had a hand on her hip with a grin. "What the hell does a guy like Yamcha see in you. Look at you. I'm way hotter. I think it's time he upgraded. What do you think, Sei?"

Sei nodded. "It'd be about time."

Bulma glared and stood up. "Say that again, bitch."

Maron giggled. "Why? Are you deaf as well as basic?"

Bulma's eyes widened, but before she could act, Eighteen stepped in front, and within seconds, Maron was on her ass, gaping in shock. Eighteen grinned. "Oh, yeah, that's a much better look for you. Down on the floor with your mouth open. You can spell the word slut without even using your voice. How about that."

Bulma and Chi Chi stared in shock. They couldn't believe it. Bulma looked up and was relieved that the teacher hadn't noticed the little scuffle. Eighteen shooed Maron and her friend away. "Run along now." Maron and Sei glared at her, but they knew better than to mess with someone like Eighteen and left them alone.

"Wow," Bulma uttered before looking back at Eighteen. "Thanks."

Eighteen shrugged. "Just don't tell Seventeen or Vegeta. They've been trying hard to stay out of trouble, and I'll never hear the end of it if they hear what I just did."

…

The boys headed toward the school entrance to meet up with the girls to discuss their weekend before heading home. As they turned the corner, Yamcha's attention strayed from whatever conversation they were having, and Goku clicked his fingers before the rest noticed where his attention was. Maron smiled and winked at Yamcha. She was wearing a short, tight black skirt with a red low-cut shirt that showed off her small stomach.

Krillin nudged him, snapping him out of his trance as he waved back with a goofy grin. "Aren't you dating, Bulma?"

Yamcha blinked in surprise at the odd question. "Of course."

Krillin raised an eyebrow. "Then maybe you shouldn't flirt with other girls. She's gonna get mad."

Yamcha shook his head. "I wasn't. I was being friendly. Come on, guys, give me a break." Yamcha laughed nervously. "I wouldn't do that."

Goku frowned, causing the others to stop mid-walk because they had never seen Goku look serious before. "Don't hurt Bulma. You're both my friends, but don't hurt Bulma by going with that other girl while you're still together."

Yamcha gulped at Goku's seriousness. "I won't…"

Goku smiled, his serious expression completely disappearing. "Okay. Let's go or we'll be late."

The group stared after Goku incredulously. "That was almost creepy," Krillin commented.

"I know," Yamcha replied.

…

The group stood outside the school discussing the weekend, but Bulma noticed Yamcha's attention wasn't on her or their friends. She waved a hand in front of his face, gaining back his attention. Bulma smiled at him amusedly. "Where were you?"

Yamcha laughed nervously. "Oh, heh, sorry about that. Guess I zoned out."

Bulma tilted her head. "Are you feeling okay?"

Yamcha wrapped his arm around her. "Sure, babe."

Bulma lightly hit him on the chest with a grin. "What were you even staring at?"

Seventeen and Vegeta exchanged amused glances. "Yeah, moron," Seventeen commented, "what was so interesting over there?"

Yamcha frowned at them before looking down at Bulma. "Erm...I was mesmerized but your pretty reflection in the window."

Bulma beamed up at him and kissed him on the cheek. "That's so sweet."

Vegeta decided to play along. "Oh, and here we thought all this time you were staring at some other girl, guess we were wrong."

Seventeen shrugged. "Our mistake."

Bulma frowned with hands on her hips. "Why would he be looking at someone else?"

Vegeta folded his arms with a grin. "The real question is why do you believe everything that comes out of this moron's mouth? I'll tell you why, because you might be a brainiac, but you can't see anything past your gullible idiocy when it comes to his pathetic ass."

Bulma almost growled at him. "You don't know anything, Vegeta! Yamcha and I are perfect for each other because he treats me like I deserve!"

Vegeta scoffed. "Which is getting walked over and cheated on? If that's what you think you deserve, then by all means, continue."

Eighteen and Chi Chi exchanged glances. Yeah, something was definitely there between Bulma and Vegeta. Eighteen had never heard Vegeta tell someone they deserved better.

Bulma nudged Yamcha. "Tell him, Yamcha!"

Yamcha snapped out of his thoughts and shook his head. "I wasn't staring at Maron!"

Vegeta laughed. "Busted!"

Seventeen grinned. "You're such a loser, man." The group left the couple, leaving Bulma and Yamcha to talk.

Seventeen pulled out his wallet. "A hundred says she believes his lies."

Goku frowned and shook his head. "Betting on our friends relationship isn't very nice. I'm sure they'll figure things out."

Chi Chi smiled; every day, she found herself so in awe of Goku's kindness.

Eighteen sighed. "Trust you to bet on something like this."

"Makes it interesting."

Krillin shook his head. "No thanks. It's just wrong."

Vegeta rolled his eyes when Seventeen looked over at him. "What's the point when I'd be betting the same."

Seventeen was disappointed and put his money away. "We're about to find out."

The group looked toward the couple holding hands. "Unbelievable," Vegeta muttered.

"You'll always be my girl, Bulma."

"Don't worry, guys, it was all a big misunderstanding," Bulma told them before glancing at Vegeta, who narrowed his eyes at her before storming off toward his bike. What's his problem?

Bulma shrugged it off and regarded her two female friends. "Wanna come shopping with me tomorrow?"

Eighteen gave a short nod like she wasn't bothered either way, while Chi Chi smiled in agreement. It was strange. She had never been on a shopping trip with friends before.

"Great," Bulma replied happily. "We'll do lunch too. There's this great place I know. My treat." Bulma kissed Yamcha goodbye before heading to her car. "See you guys at the weekend!"

Goku smiled at Chi Chi as they got into her car. Since they had met at the bus stop, Chi Chi had been giving Goku lifts to and from school, courtesy of the surprise gift from her dad, a red focus. "Chi Chi?"

Chi Chi was about to start the engine but stopped when Goku said her name. "What is it?"

Goku stared at her, lost for words because her smile always made his heart skip a beat. He wanted so badly to ask her out, but nerves got the better of him, and then he thought about Bulma and Yamcha; what if he unintentionally hurt Chi Chi? Not in the same way, but still. He'd never forgive himself. The real question was if she even liked him the way he liked her. "Never mind. I forgot it."

Chi Chi giggled at him before pulling away from the school. "You goon," she commented playfully.

When Chi Chi pulled to a stop outside Goku's house, she stopped him before he exited the car. "Goku? Back at the school, when you forgot what you wanted to say? Were you-" Chi Chi's heart thudded in her chest. What if he said no? What if he didn't like her back? She'd simply die if he rejected her. Here goes nothing. "Were you – were you trying to ask me out?"

Goku's eyes widened. "Erm! Well, I – I mean, you don't have to! I was just-" Goku sighed. "Chi Chi, I really like you a lot…. you're special to me, but I don't wanna mess up the friendship we have…"

Chi Chi smiled through happy tears. "Goku, I feel the same way. I've never felt this way about anyone before, and I think we owe it to ourselves to act on our feelings. I want to be with you, Goku. I want to be your girlfriend."

Goku's smile brightened, and he couldn't help but shout out. "Alright! I'm so happy!" Goku pressed his palm on the car's horn. "Yes! She said yes! I'm going out with Chi Chi!"

Chi Chi laughed and grabbed Goku's wrist. "Shhh. My dad might hear you. We don't want him finding out like this."

Goku hunched his shoulders with a small smile. "Oh, right. Sorry. I'm just so happy."

They smiled warmly at each other before embracing tightly.

…..

It was the weekend and the night of the party. Everything was set up in the living room, and there was a buffet of assorted foods and snacks in the dining room. Bulma just hoped it would be enough to feed people like Goku and Vegeta.

Bulma was in her room smiling to herself in the mirror, chuckling at her new silky red long pajama set she had bought.

Goku waited outside for Chi Chi to pick him up. They didn't want her dad finding out about them yet. He turned to see her car and smiled. Every day, he couldn't wait to see her again. When Chi Chi emerged from the car, Goku's eyes lit up. "Wow. You look great, Chi Chi." Goku blushed. "I mean – you look nice…pretty."

Chi Chi smiled at Goku's shyness as he tried so hard to be a gentleman. "Thank you. It's only pajamas." She was wearing a long white gown with a pink robe and pink fluffy slippers to match. "You look very handsome, though."

Goku looked down at himself and scratched his head embarrassingly. "You think so?" Goku was dressed in an orange t shirt with dark grey joggers.

Chi Chi nodded and tiptoed to kiss Goku's cheek. "Ready to go?"

Goku quickly held the door open for Chi Chi and then stepped into the passenger seat. "I can't wait."

Vegeta, Seventeen, and Eighteen had stopped off on their way to Bulma's to buy some alcohol at their local store, as Eighteen had insisted that it was traditional to arrive at someone's party with it. Eighteen wore black knee-length leggings, and a dark purple baggy long sleeved shirt. Seventeen wore a Billy Talent baggy shirt, and a pair of black joggers. Vegeta wore a short sleeved Metallica shirt and black joggers.

They stepped into the dimly lit shop and grimaced at the smell of what was clearly weed. Eighteen pulled a face at the sticky floor. She would have preferred not to get their drinks from here, but Vegeta pointed out it was probably the only place that would serve sixteen-year-olds. In this part of the neighborhood, the rules were simple. If you don't want to pick a fight or get beaten up, don't make eye contact, keep your head low, and don't talk down to anyone. Of course, that was easier said than done most of the time, and Vegeta had a hard time letting things go when someone said something he didn't like.

They ignored the shop's state and picked their desired drinks while others around the store stared at them, looking almost as rough as the shop. Vegeta growled quietly as Seventeen placed the basket of drinks at the till point where the cashier was waiting suspiciously. "They're getting on my nerves," he muttered to his foster siblings.

Eighteen looked at the three guys standing in the corner by the beer section. "Just ignore them, Vegeta. We'll just pay for our drinks and go."

"ID," the cashier said bluntly.

Seventeen dramatically patted his jacket and pant pockets. "Darn, must have left it in my other jacket, so be a pal and let us off, would ya?"

The clerk frowned at them, and Vegeta slid the money across to him. "If you sell us the drinks now, your store can remain untouched. If not, then it'll get trashed more than it looks already after I'm done beating the shit out of those idiots who won't stop staring at me!" Vegeta glared at the three in the corner to make his point clear before looking back at the cashier. "Got it?"

The three teens left the store with their drinks paid for. Vegeta mounted his bike as the twins got into their car; he grinned, gave a two-finger salute, and sped off toward Bulma's.

"I think that's the first time we've walked away from a situation like that without fighting," Seventeen said in mild shock. "Hell is chilly tonight."

Eighteen nodded with a small smile. "Miracles really do happen."

Bulma smiled as she opened the door to her first guests, excluding Yamcha, who had already arrived. He was wearing a sleeveless white shirt with knee-length grey khakis. "Goku, Chi Chi, you made it. Come in and make yourselves at home. There's food in the dining room, and drinks are on the back table in the sitting room. There's blankets and pillows, so help yourself." Goku and Chi Chi thanked Bulma and headed inside. They had all seen Bulma's place by now but were always amazed by the interior. Thankfully, they had a friend like Bulma who didn't flaunt her richness.

Vegeta, Seventeen, and Eighteen were next to arrive, followed by Krillin, who was last. Krillin was wearing a simple white t shirt and light grey joggers.

Bulma pressed play on the audio system, and the speakers started playing a mixture of genres to the group's liking. "Let's get this party started!"

After plating some food from the buffet, the group each took a drink from the table and settled around in a circle among the comfortable duvets. "Okay, what sort of corny game should we play first?" Bulma asked as she sipped her cider can.

Eighteen shrugged. "You're the host, you pick first."

Bulma gave a thoughtful frown before smiling and taking Vegeta's bottle from him.

Vegeta frowned at her. "Was I done with that?" Bulma looked at him and shook it with a grin. "Alright, then be a good host and get me another one." Vegeta returned the grin.

Bulma scoffed at him. "Get it yourself."

Vegeta clicked his tongue and moved to the table to grab a drink. As he was about to turn back to the sitting area, Goku, Seventeen, and Yamcha each called out to get them another. Vegeta growled, took the drinks from the table, and handed Goku and Seventeen their bottles.

Yamcha looked up with a slight frown. "What about mine?"

Vegeta sat back down with a smirk. "Sorry, I have selected hearing when it comes to weakass players."

Yamcha narrowed his eyes and got up to retrieve his drink. He pulled his phone out when it bleeped and saw a text.

'I'm outside.'

Yamcha paled slightly and shoved his phone back in his pocket and returning to the group, ignoring the message.

Bulma looked at Vegeta in annoyance. "Don't be a jerk, Vegeta."

Vegeta was too amused by her glare to bite back. "Whatever. Just say your corny game already."

Bulma held up the bottle in her hand. "Spin the bottle?"

The group pulled faces, while Goku and Chi Chi blushed slightly; they hadn't even told their friends that they were dating yet.

Vegeta grimaced. "What are you, eight? Pick something else."

Eighteen nodded. "Sorry, Bulma, but I agree with Vegeta. Besides, there's not enough girls here. There has to be an equal number of guys and girls."

Seventeen raised an eyebrow amusedly. "You sound like you've played before."

Eighteen shoved her brother roughly. "Shut up, of course I haven't. I only know because I was looking up corny party games to play this morning."

Seventeen laughed. "That's so lame."

Eighteen glared at him and thumped him with her pillow, causing him to choke on his cider. "Serves you right," she grinned.

Bulma huffed and discarded the bottle. "Alright, so what else was on the list, Eighteen?"

Eighteen leaned back against the couch. "I guess we could play truth or dare."

Krillin agreed with a smile. "That doesn't sound too bad."

Vegeta looked at him with a smirk. "Really? Then why don't you go first, shorty. Truth or dare?"

Krillin gulped and chewed his lip before answering. "Truth."

Vegeta was hoping Krillin picked dare so that he could trick him into something embarrassing. I guess I'll settle for embarrassing him another way. "Do you have a crush?" Vegeta knew it was lame, but he hadn't counted on Krillin's answer.

Krillin groaned. "What do I have to do if I don't wanna answer?"

Vegeta clicked his tongue. "I don't care, take a shot or something. Don't be a coward and answer the question."

Krillin sighed and glanced quickly at Eighteen before looking at the floor, causing her to blink in surprise. "It's – it's Eighteen."

The group fell silent before Vegeta and Seventeen burst into laughter. "Talk about way out of your league, baldy," Seventeen remarked between laughter.

"I wasn't expecting that," Vegeta chuckled.

Eighteen covered her face from embarrassment. It wasn't Krillin liking her that she found embarrassing, it was how she found out, and what the hell was she to say to that in front of everyone?

Krillin glanced at her and grimaced at her reaction. "Sorry, Eighteen."

Eighteen frowned and swigged her bottle. "Let's just get on with the game."

Bulma and Chi Chi exchanged knowing smiles because they knew how Eighteen felt about Krillin even though she didn't outright admit it.

The group took turns with their answers, which resulted in some dares regarding mixed drinks and odd singing, to truths about their personal thoughts, which resulted in Goku and Chi Chi's relationship. The couple were relieved now that everyone knew about them because now, they could be themselves.

"I've got an idea for our next game!" Goku announced as the group opened their third cider. "Dodgeball – with socks!" The group gave him a strange look, and Goku hunched his shoulders. "No?"

They exchanged glances before agreeing to Goku's odd game and began rolling up sock balls. "I think I'll sit this one out," Krillin said and sat back on the armchair.

Yamcha nodded in agreement. "Me too. We'll be the refs."

Seventeen shrugged. "Suit yourselves, cowards, but I guess that makes it even. Guys versus girls. It's a fact that guys are better at sports than girls, so we already know who's going to win."

The girls moved to the left, with the boys on the right, each with balled socks in each hand. "Ready to eat socks?" Bulma grinned.

"Three," Seventeen started counting.

"Two," Eighteen followed with a grin.

"One!" they all shouted in unison.

Goku threw the ball, aiming for Chi Chi, but she dodged it and threw hers in the air, and it landed on top of the fireplace. Bulma ducked, but she couldn't see her assailant. She crouched low and sprang to her feet, chucking the ball as hard as she could, and it flew through the air, landing on Goku's head.

"Yes!" Bulma cheered with a hop.

Eighteen grinned. "You're out!"

Chi Chi clapped a hand on Bulma's shoulder. "Nice one."

Goku pouted with his sock ball. "Darn, I lost."

Vegeta growled lightly. "You suck, Kakarott!" He snatched the ball from Goku. "Give me that!"

The teen took a seat next to his two friends, who were cheering from the sidelines. "Unlucky, Goku," Yamcha commented.

Seventeen moved to the side, dodging each of the socks as they flew toward him, grinning as he threw the socks over Chi Chi's head, aiming for Eighteen.

Eighteen laughed as she sidestepped to avoid such an easy attack. "You missed by a mile!"

Dodging another sock from Bulma, Seventeen pulled out another ball and chucked it at his sister, and it hit her on the forehead. She blinked a few times, then frowned at her brother as he laughed. "I never miss twice."

Eighteen huffed, annoyed that she lost, and took a seat near Goku.

Seventeen retreated to their "armory" and grabbed another ball. Vegeta spotted Chi Chi running to throw both sock balls at them and jumped to avoid the attack. "Duck," he warned Seventeen, but it was too late, and Seventeen was hit on the chest. The teen frowned at Vegeta as though he was to blame. "I said duck." Vegeta turned and realized that he was now outmatched two to one.

Bulma grinned at his luck. "This will be a synch."

Vegeta gathered more sock balls, determined to win. "Think so?"

Chi Chi threw a ball, but Vegeta dodged it easily and ducked when Bulma threw hers. He crouched low, picked up four balls, and threw them one by one at the girls. Bulma dodged two, but before Chi Chi dodged the others, she tripped on the duvet. Vegeta laughed and lightly pelted her back with socks. Chi Chi looked up with a frown. "Now, I know I'm great, but there's no need to bow."

Chi Chi stood up and scoffed. "You wish, veg head."

Vegeta scowled at her as she walked to the sidelines and sat on Goku's lap, poking out her tongue. He turned his attention to Bulma and smirked. "Well well, looks who's left."

Bulma lightly tossed a sock in her hands. "Surprised?"

Vegeta gathered his own weapons. "Not at all, actually. I wasn't hoping for the chance to embarrass you."

Bulma clicked her tongue. "You wish."

"Ready?"

Bulma grinned. "I was born ready, Veg head."

Vegeta growled, and the tossing began. Vegeta and Bulma threw sock balls, dodging them easily. Bulma got bored of their tactics and jumped at Vegeta, tackling him to the ground, but the sock balls flew from their hands. "Woman!" Vegeta protested.

Bulma grinned down at him. "What you going to do about it?"

Vegeta suddenly smirked. "This." He lifted his legs and pressed his feet on Bulma's stomach before kicking out lightly, causing her to land on her butt. Vegeta got up quickly, and they both reached for the same ball.

"Give it!" Bulma yelled.

"Not a chance. Just give up."

Yamcha started to get nervous. The two were looking pretty close from his viewpoint, but he dared not comment. His friends were already suspicious of him, so him playing the jealous card wouldn't work.

Bulma dug her nails into Vegeta's hand, and he growled before reluctantly letting go and running toward a sock ball, but the moment he did, he felt one hit his leg. "Yes! Oh yeah!"

Vegeta stared at her for a moment as she jumped up and down, cheering. She was unlike anyone he'd met before. She was graceful yet fiery, kind yet stubborn, and her beauty was just – natural. Vegeta shook his head.

Yamcha snatched Bulma up from the floor and swung her around before kissing her. "Well done, babe." Bulma smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, causing Vegeta to grit his teeth.

He doesn't deserve her. Vegeta growled at his thoughts and looked away. What the hell is wrong with me?

The group picked up the fallen socks and cleared some space when the girls insisted that they wanted to dance. Goku reluctantly looked confused when Chi Chi tried to teach him. Vegeta and Seventeen were stood by the drinks table absolutely refusing to dance, so they enjoyed watching Goku make an ass of himself. Krillin sighed as he watched the three girls unite back on the dance floor as Yamcha excused himself for the bathroom. Goku joined Vegeta and Seventeen near the table, laughing sheepishly when they teased him about his dancing.

Eighteen regarded Krillin guiltily. He wasn't her usual type, but she was sick of stereotypes that rivaled her personality. Krillin was kind and caring, and she felt unfair to him. Eighteen sighed and knew she would get teased for this later as she walked in front of Krillin, grabbed his hand, and dragged him to the dance spot. "Come on, dork, let's dance."

Krillin stammered over his words and almost tripped as Eighteen pulled him a little closer. "Are you sure about this? I mean, your brothers are right there…"

Eighteen smiled at his use of plural because it was obvious that Krillin knew how much they meant to her. "Just dance."

Vegeta chuckled. "There's something you don't see everyday."

Seventeen groaned. "Aw, sis, why'd ya have to fall for the dork."

Vegeta laughed. "Would you rather her date an asshole like us?"

Seventeen grimaced. "I'd rather her not date at all. She's my sister, man."

Vegeta regarded the dancing duo with a thoughtful frown. "Ditto. But at least we know she can take care of herself, and that baldy wouldn't hurt her."

Seventeen looked at Vegeta weirdly. "Are you drunk?"

Vegeta glanced at Seventeen, then down at his half-empty bottle. "A little bit, actually."

Bulma looked around the room, realizing that Yamcha hadn't come back yet. "The idiot probably got lost again," she commented to Chi Chi and left in search of her boyfriend.

Maron giggled as Yamcha pinned her to the wall of the house in the backyard, kissing her neck. "You smell good," he muttered and raised his hands under her crop top.

"Bad boy, didn't I give you enough satisfaction yesterday?"

Suddenly, they heard glass breaking and turned to see Bulma standing there, a look of horror plastered on her face. "No….no way…."

Yamcha's eyes widened. "Bulma!" Yamcha immediately left Maron and tried to reach for Bulma, but she stepped back. "Bulma, let me explain!"

Bulma's eyes filled with tears. "How could you…."

Maron smiled and flipped her blonde hair back. "Oops. I'll see myself out. Call me later, Yamy."

Bulma was too stunned to react to Maron even being in her own yard as she stared broken-heartedly at Yamcha. "I can't believe it…" As Yamcha reached for her again, Bulma faced away from him, yanking her arm away. "Oh my god. They were right... our friends… they warned me, all of them told me this would happen, but I didn't believe them. Chi Chi, Eighteen, Seventeen, even Vegeta, all said you would do this...How could I be so stupid."

Yamcha began to panic. He was losing her. "Bulma! Please, you have to forgive me. I never meant for it to go this far. It was like she seduced me or something. I wouldn't hurt you on purpose, I swear we can show them how wrong they are!"

Bulma swerved to glare at him. "You don't deserve another chance!" She stormed into the house, and Yamcha followed closely. "I never wanna see you again!"

The group turned to the sudden commotion as the couple stormed into the living room. "Bulma! Please! Forgive me! It was a mistake!"

Bulma turned and stood in the center of the room, all eyes on her now. "You slept with Maron! Then you had the nerve to meet up with her in my own fucking garden to make out?" The group gasped, and soon, the party was over, no laughter, no smiles. They glared at Yamcha in disgust. Vegeta looked about ready to beat the crap out of him.

"Yamcha!" Goku scorned. "How could you!"

Krillin couldn't believe it either. "What you did is-"

Bulma glared through her tears. "It's unforgivable! Why, Yamcha! Did you get bored of waiting for me? Was this payback because I said I wasn't ready when you came over last night?"

Vegeta almost left the table to approach, but Seventeen grabbed his wrist, knowing that with his temper and intoxication, the teen might not be able to stop.

Bulma almost slumped as her temper got weaker. "Why did you do it?" Bulma's tears fell from her face.

Vegeta never wanted to see Bulma so spirit broken; it was so unlike her.

Yamcha tried to step toward her, but she moved away. "I don't know. I'm an idiot... I'm so sorry, Bulma. If i could take it back, I would! I didn't mean for this to happen! Please...forgive me. It will never happen again... I swear!"

Bulma felt her friends close by, waiting to either comfort her or pound Yamcha to the ground. Bulma's tears fell to the ground as her head lowered. "No, it won't happen again." At first, Yamcha thought he was in the clear until Bulma raised her head, eyes full of despair and mistrust. "It's over."

Yamcha's eyes widened. "No…. Bulma, please…"

Eighteen frowned and stood in front of him. "I think you better leave."

Yamcha stammered and looked at Goku and Krillin. "Guys, help me out, you believe me, right?"

Goku frowned and shook his head. "I wish I could, Yamcha, but not this time. You said you wouldn't hurt her. I think you better leave."

Krillin nodded. "It's better if you do."

Yamcha realized he was now alone. No one had his back anymore. He had truly screwed up. Yamcha looked at Bulma woefully. "I'm sorry." He grabbed his bag from under the table, slipped into his shoes, and left.

Bulma broke down the moment the door clicked shut. Chi Chi and Eighteen were there instantly crouched beside her, both with an arm around her shoulders. "Forget him, Bulma. He's not worth crying over," Eighteen tried.

Chi Chi nodded with a frown. "Yeah, you're free of that jerk now. We're here for you, always."

The guys stood awkwardly, not knowing what to say.

"I should have pounded his face in," Vegeta commented.