It was a week before Christmas. Lilith and Asaki had finished decorating the house for the upcoming party. It was more for their eldest teens. This year, they couldn't have been prouder of them. The younger kids were outside playing in the snow while everyone else got ready. The group of friends knew this was a big deal, so they all agreed to dress formally, much to Vegeta and Seventeen's dismay. Vegeta and his siblings emerged from their room wearing a white long-sleeved shirt with black jeans. Seventeen wore a dark salmon T with an unbuttoned black shirt and dark jeans. Eighteen wore a flared black knee-length skirt and a strapless purple top. She had changed her hair and crimped it. Her nails were painted red, and she wore dangly silver earrings.

"I feel stupid," Seventeen announced, shoving his hands in his pockets.

Vegeta huffed. "Why did we agree to this again?"

Eighteen rolled her eyes. "Because it's Christmas, and you promised."

Seventeen frowned. "You can't tell me you like this anymore than we do."

Eighteen shrugged. "Sometimes, it's a nice change."

Vegeta grinned. "Oh, of course. Anything to make baldy's jaw drop, right?"

Eighteen narrowed her eyes. "If I didn't want to chip my painted nails, I'd hit you."

Seventeen sighed and headed for the stairs. "Let's face it, Vegeta, we're all stuck in the same boat, giving a damn how we look to keep the girls happy or whatever. It's lame and annoying, but unfortunately, there's nothing we can do about it." Vegeta and Eighteen exchanged glances of surprise. Seventeen turned to them. "What?"

"Did you start drinking already?" Eighteen questioned.

Seventeen snorted. "Shut up."

The three teens reached the bottom steps, greeted by Asaki, who was carrying a tray of food to the dining room. "Are you three attending a Christmas party or a funeral?"

Lilith walked into the room and looked at them. "Couldn't you have at least worn something Christmassy?"

Seventeen looked down at himself. "My shirt is almost red – sort of."

Lilith frowned and looked at Vegeta, who tilted his head. "White for snow?"

Eighteen showed her hands. "My nails are red."

Their foster parents shook their heads and continued toward the dining room. The teens shrugged and moved into the decorated living room where the Christmas tree stood. A long table covered in a red silk cloth sat toward the back wall with an assortment of alcohol. Seventeen reached out to grab a beer. Lilith poked her head out of the kitchen. "Not until you've eaten!"

Seventeen withdrew his hand. "Yeah, yeah."

The couple had agreed to allow the teens to drink on the condition they clean up their own mess and ensure they ate sufficiently and drank responsibly.

Soon, the guests began to arrive. Lilith and Asaki had invited some of their old friends to the party, so the house was divided. The teens were allowed the living room to themselves, while the adults settled in the dining room where other food and alcohol had been setup.

Vegeta took a mouthful of peanuts and almost choked on them when their friends started to arrive. Eighteen looked at him weirdly. "What happened?"

The twins turned to see Bulma walking their way. She wore a glittery silver strapped dress to her ankles with a slit down one side, with a gold necklace.

"You look like a fish," Seventeen laughed, but Vegeta was too stunned to reply.

Followed next were Chi Chi and Goku. Goku wore a dark blue shirt with black trousers and smart dress shoes. Chi Chi wore a red dress, accompanied by a small glittery gold jacket, and her earrings in the form of Christmas trees dangled, finishing off the outfit nicely. "Everyone looks so nice," she commented. "The guys clean up well, don't they?" Chi Chi smiled at Goku, who scratched his head with a cheesy grin.

"They sure do," Bulma replied, smiling at Vegeta, who glanced away, completely embarrassed.

Luce was next to arrive, wearing a two-layer dress: one red, one black, with black flats to match. She wore a beaded black necklace. Asaki passed by her with some more food. "Oh, good, another funeral dresser." He rolled his eyes, but Luce smiled. The group were all used to their parents' antics by now.

Lilith smiled at her from behind her husband. "You look beautiful, Lucinda."

Luce giggled. "Thank you, Mrs. Waifuu."

Lilith waved her hand. "Oh, come now. Call me Lilith."

As usual, Krillin was the last to arrive, wearing a grey shirt with beige dress pants and black shoes. Eighteen moved to greet him with a grin. "You really need a car."

Krillin was gaping too much to listen. "Wow, Eighteen, you look incredible."

Eighteen punched his arm. "Not bad yourself."

Krillin smiled. "Really? Not too dorky?"

Eighteen tilted her head with a kind smile. "Not this time."

Goku spotted the array of food by the drinks, his eyes widening in excitement. "Is it okay to eat yet?"

Vegeta turned to him blankly. "No, Kakarott, the food is just there to look at."

Goku swerved toward him with shock written all over his face. "But it looks so good!"

Vegeta shook his head. "You're such a moron."

Chi Chi steered Goku away toward the food. "He's kidding, Goku. Let's get you some food."

"Hopeless, absolutely hopeless," Seventeen commented.

Goku turned to them with a chicken breast already in his mouth. "Wat woz dhat?"

Seventeen and Eighteen grimaced. "Nevermind."

Bulma laughed and snapped a picture of him, causing Vegeta to frown at her. "I hope you're not planning on doing that all night?"

Bulma poked her tongue out. "It's my new years resolution to make a scrap book of all the fun times we have together."

Chi Chi smiled in agreement. "That's a great idea! We could even use some for our year book in three years."

"I can barely contain my excitement," Vegeta replied.

"That's the spirit, Vegeta!" Goku replied after finishing his mouthful.

The teens had eaten and were talking amongst themselves while Christmas songs played in the background. The girls were drinking wine while the boys had beer or cider. Bulma smiled, looking around the room. This was what Christmas was all about. Being together. Now, it felt even more special because their group had coupled. Bulma looked at Vegeta; she was finally with the one she was meant to be with.

"Goku, can we dance?" Chi Chi asked, placing her wine glass on the table.

Goku smiled and stood up. "If you want to."

Seventeen walked in from the kitchen with Luce in tow, holding a tray of shots. "Alright, losers. Luce came up with a game. You set a timer for thirty minutes, and when the buzzer goes off, we each take a shot."

Bulma watched him set the tray down. "Sounds like fun, but shall we do presents first before we get too drunk?"

Eighteen nodded. "Good idea."

The group had decided to keep presents for couples only to save money. "Goku, Chi Chi, we're doing presents now," Bulma called to the dancing couple.

The two made their way back to the couch. Chi Chi looked at Goku with concern. "Why do you look so nervous, silly?"

Goku gulped. "No reason."

The group sat in a circle next to their partners, ready to exchange gifts. Bulma placed a bowl in the center full of tiny folded-up paper. "Okay, when I draw a name, that person will go first." She pulled out a paper and opened it. "Krillin, looks like it's your turn first."

Krillin groaned. Why me?

Seventeen laughed. "Bulma, you should take a picture of this, so we can laugh at it later." Eighteen glared at her brother even though she knew he was teasing.

Luce slapped him on the arm. "That's not very nice, Seventeen."

"Who said I was nice?"

Bulma rolled her eyes. "Go ahead, Krillin."

Krillin nervously handed Eighteen the gold-wrapped gift. "You can return it if you want."

Eighteen shoved him playfully. "Shut up, dork." Eighteen unwrapped the gift and revealed a sharp silver blade; the handle was black with red jewels. She ran her fingers over the blade with a hint of gratefulness in her eyes. "Krillin, what did you do," she was flabbergasted.

"Do you like it?"

Eighteen stared at him. "Do I like it? I love it. How did you know this was one I wanted?"

Krillin smiled with a blush. "Remember when we were in free period, and you were looking at the catalogue? You said all the red circles were on your list and were saving up to get one. Well, this one seemed important because you wrote deffo beside it."

Eighteen looked at the blade again. "Krillin, you could have brought a second-hand car for this…."

Krillin smiled. "A car for myself won't put a smile like that on your face."

Eighteen hunched her shoulders in embarrassment. "Thank you…"

Krillin's eyes widened when Eighteen turned to him and kissed him softly. He was left speechless, giving Bulma the exact opportunity to snap a picture.

Eighteen placed the blade back in the box and placed it on the top shelf in a safe spot, away from the little ones, returning to the group.

It was Krillin's turn to pick a paper. "Okay, let's see who we got here. Goku, you're up."

Goku gaped. "Already?"

Krillin looked at him sympathetically. "Sorry, man. You know, you don't have to do it in front of us. You could wait until you're both alone." He knew what Goku had gotten Chi Chi for Christmas because a week ago, Goku had asked him to go with him.

Goku shook his head. "No, but thanks, Krillin." Goku pulled a red box out of his trouser pocket, leaving everyone gasping.

"Holy shit," Seventeen remarked.

Chi Chi stared at Goku in shock as he turned to her; her entire being was numb. "Goku, what are you-"

Goku took a deep breath. "Chi Chi, from the minute I saw you on the bus, I knew I loved you. I know it's crazy, and we're only in high school, but I wanna spend the rest of my life with you. I can't afford an engagement ring, and we're too young to get married," Goku opened the box to reveal a silver band, "but would you accept this promise ring as a promsie that we will one day in the future?"

The group fell silent; there were no words. Chi Chi's eyes filled with tears of happiness. "Oh, Goku! Yes, of course I will!" Goku smiled cheerfully and took the ring to place it on Chi Chi's finger. She pulled him in for a kiss, and Bulma took a photo.

"Congratulations!" Bulma told them.

"Who wants to make a bet that they'll make it last?" Seventeen asked, causing them to glare at him. "I'm kidding."

The group made their way through the names quickly. Eighteen brought Krillin a cap with the Nike logo on; it was officially the first trendy thing he owed. Chi Chi brought Goku an orange jacket with a dragon printed on the back. Bulma got Vegeta a pair of black leather tipless gloves and a silver chain with a cross. Vegeta brought Bulma her very own bike helmet, black with red writing: Bad Girl, matching his Bad Boy one perfectly. Seventeen gave Luce his first metal band shirt of Metallica; it was a nice personal touch, and she loved it. Luce returned the sentiment and gave him her signed picture by James Alan Hetfield; Seventeen was so shocked that he almost cried, which Bulma found absolutely adorable and caught it on camera.

With presents exchanged and out of the way, the group was finally able to relax and join the party.

…

Luce was curled up on top of Seventeen's chest. Goku was still hugging the lamp with his legs sprawled out. Bulma had moved onto the single comfy chair, and Vegeta was out flat on his back on a double duvet. Eighteen was passed out on Krillin's lap with her fingers laced with his. Chi Chi stirred from her position on the couch, blinking at the sunlight as she sat up. Chi Chi held a hand to her head, looking around at her friends. "We drank so much."

Goku was the next to rise, groaning. "I can't remember anything." Goku looked down and raised an eyebrow before looking at his girlfriend. "Why am I holding a lamp?"

Chi Chi smiled at him. "I have no idea."

Eighteen turned her head with a grunt. "Why are people yelling?" She quickly unlaced her hand, and Krillin helped her to sit up despite his pounding head.

Lilith and Asaki walked into the living room. Asaki clicked his tongue. "At least no one threw up."

Seventeen groaned and looked down, wondering why his chest was so heavy. "Oi, get off…."

Luce looked bleary-eyed up at him before rolling off with a mumbled apology.

Vegeta groaned and sat up from the floor, flinching as his hand brushed against what was no doubt a bruise above his eyebrow.

Bulma looked around the room; there didn't seem to be any empty bottles around. "How much did we drink? I lost count after about six."

Chi Chi moved to Goku's lap, trying to recall when it was that she had passed out.

Lilith nodded to Bulma's camera sitting on the table. "See for yourselves."

Eighteen grimaced and crawled over with the camera to plug it into the TV. "This won't be pretty."

Goku laughed at himself. "I look really silly."

Bulma looked at him with a grin. "Why was the lamp so funny?" Goku shrugged with a sheepish smile. "I'm surprised I could hold the camera steady."

Vegeta looked at her, his eyes glazing for a moment as he fell against the couch. "We aren't dwunk yo are."
Seventeen gasped when the timer they had all forgotten about went off. "What was that!"
Eighteen gasped in horror as she looked at him. "I think you timed out!"
Seventeen looked at her blankly. "I what?"
Eighteen just burst into laughter.
Vegeta growled. "I look completely ridiculous!"
"Hey, where did the timer go?" Seventeen asked curiously.
Eighteen shrugged. "It's probably broken somewhere."
Eighteen and Vegeta soon joined him. "You know what, we don't show much aprciation to you," Eighteen slurred.
Vegeta nodded dramatically. "It's teribel, we luv you guys!"
Lilith tried her best not to laugh. "We love you too."
Asaki sighed. "I think you've all had enough," he said. "Give me the bottle, Vegeta."
Vegeta grinned and hid the bottle behind his back. "What cup?"
Bulma laughed hysterically. "He said cup!"
Krillin suddenly gasped. "Oh no! We forgot to drink a shot!"
Luce turned to Seventeen and poked him. "It's your fault! You killed the timer!"
Seventeen poised a peace sign, laughing. "Victory!"
Krillin covered his face with a hand. "Oh, man. We were really drunk."
Bulma nodded. "Maybe it was a good thing we didn't go out after all."
"Run, Vegeta! She's trying to steal your cup!" Seventeen told him.
Vegeta stood up on the couch and started swigging the bottle before anyone could get it. He stumbled off and into Asaki. "You're the best!"
Bulma held her camera whilst still swigging her WKD. Bulma stepped back when Lilith tried to take it from her. "I don't wanna!"
"I'll save you, Bulma!" Vegeta announced as he ran toward her, tripping over the table and falling headfirst into the end corner table's leg. Vegeta turned on his back with a short laugh. "That's gonna hurt tomorrow."
Vegeta cringed. "That explains why my head hurts."
Bulma grinned and wrapped her arms around Vegeta's neck. "My hero!" Vegeta shoved her off in annoyance.
Asaki frowned sternly. "That's what we should have said to you."
"Why would you do that!" Eighteen shouted before laughing as Krillin fell against her.
Lilith shook her head. "It's time for bed. You might wake up the kids."
The teens gasped dramatically. "I am sooo sorry!" Goku told them.
Asaki pointed his finger. "Just go to sleep."
Vegeta stood up, blinking away the dizziness. "Wait! I love this song!"
Asaki and Lilith looked at each other before Eighteen turned up the music.
Vegeta turned to Bulma and reached for her hand. "My love! Ders only you in my life! Der only fing dats right!"
Vegeta looked horrified. "Oh god!"
The group partnered up, and Goku looked around and finally realized that Chi Chi had already passed out and fallen asleep on the couch. He pulled a sour face before grinning stupidly and grabbing the fallen lamp from the floor."
Soon enough, everyone started singing. "And I…. I want to share all my love with you. No one else will do. And your eyes, your eyes, your eyes. They tell me how much you care. Oh, yes. You will always be - my endless love. Oh yeah. Two hearts, two hearts that beat as one, our lives have just begun, and forever, forever. I'll hold you close in my arms. I can't resist your charms. No no no no no no no. And I…. I'd be a fool for you, I'm sure. You know I don't mind. You mean the world to me, yeah. I know - I've found in you - my endless love. Cause no-one can't deny - this love I have inside, and I'll give it all to you, my love, my love, my love. My endless love...
The group could do nothing but stare in embarrassment. Vegeta and Seventeen were mortified. It was the most embarrassing moment of their entire lives. Goku found it hilarious. Bulma was grateful to capture such a rare moment of them all so chilled, not worrying about what they thought of each other. It was probably the only time that Vegeta danced with her. What a night to remember.
Sobered up, fed, and house cleaned, the group sat around the living room in comfortable silence. "Hey, you know what a great idea would be?" Bulma asked as she shifted in Vegeta's arms. "If we all took a vacation somewhere close for New Year's."
Eighteen smiled. "That's actually not a bad idea."
Vegeta shrugged. "Beats hanging around with old people."
Seventeen nodded. "Anything is better than last year."
Luce looked quizzically at him. "What happened last year?"
Vegeta grinned. "Seventeen got arrested."
The group gasped, and Seventeen glared. "I didn't get arrested! I was brought home in a police car."
Vegeta's grin remained. "For?"
Seventeen huffed. "Streaking in the park."
Vegeta laughed his head off. "I have no idea why you did that."
Seventeen threw a pillow at him. "Yeah, and where were you?"
Vegeta shrugged amusedly. "I was with Eighteen trying to get into the next bar. One minute you were with us, and the next, gone."
Eighteen groaned; she would never forget coming home that night to a clip of her naked brother on the news. "Let's change the subject now."
Goku chuckled and wrapped an arm around Chi Chi. "I'd love to go away for New Years."
Chi Chi nodded. "Me too. Sounds like fun."
Bulma grabbed her phone and started telling them about her plan. "Great! I read about this resort not too far from here. There's a buffet included in the price on the site, plenty of activities like rock climbing, and skating. There's a big arcade, and every night they have a different show. The New Years eve party is supposed to be awesome."
Goku had the biggest smile on his face. "That sounds amazing!"
Vegeta laughed. "You had Kakarott at buffet."
Krillin smiled at his friend before a look of doubt came over him. "Guys, not to be a downer, but I don't think I can afford this."
Everyone knew the situation; Krillin wasn't wealthy or had savings, inheritance, or people who could support him during their outings. The twins and Vegeta had foster parents who generated a lot of income; they were good at saving the money they earned through various chores and babysitting. Goku's grandfather was a former master of martial arts, Chi Chi's dad had sold acres of land when they moved, Luce was living alone off her father's inheritance, and Bulma's parents were one of the richest couples in the world.
Bulma smiled. "Don't worry, Krillin, I'll cover your share."
Krillin looked at her in shock. "No way, I can't ask you to do that!"
Goku and Chi Chi exchanged knowing smiles. "Sure you can!" Goku said.
"We'll all pitch in," Chi Chi followed.
Eighteen slapped Krillin upside the head. "Yeah, so get over it."
Krillin couldn't believe it. "Wow. Thanks everyone. I really appreciate it."
Bulma pumped her fist. "Then it's settled. Holiday resort, here we come!"