[READ THIS! Please :P ]--- Hello all! :D Before I start the final chapter
in this Bulma and Vegeta fic which I've grown so attached to, I'd just like
to say a few things. First of all, thank you to all of those readers who
read my fic and gave me great reviews and criticism; it really helped a lot
in pushing me to write more. I don't think I could have continued without
all those reviews, cause what's the sense in writing something that I don't
think people are reading?..Second, many people have offered advice to me
for chapters and other things, and the funny thing is before I received any
of those suggestions the thoughts were already in my head. Three specific
ideas I am going to use and had planned on from about the fifth chapter on
(You'll know by the end of this chapter). Another thing, is that because of
my focus on this fic, I've somewhat neglected many of my others which I
still intend to finish. I don't know how that effects any of you, but if it
does I'm sorry and I'll be updating and reposting fics pretty soon, I hope.
Alright, without further adieu..Chapter 23, the ending! *Sob, sniffle, sob*
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Last time:
"I don't want to get up for school," Bulma moaned, resting her head on his chest, pulling the blankets to cover them.
"Me neither woman," he agreed, kissing her forehead and welcoming sleep. Both were exhausted from their love making and having not slept all night. So, being emotional and physically drained to the point of blacking out, they curling into each other's arms and drifted into a short slumber before the alarm would wake them in about an hour.
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Bulma sat, poised and prepared, in the front row, dead center, her hands placed gracefully over her very swollen belly. It had been many months, around six, maybe less, since she and her love had come together. He sat a few rows back, slumped in his chair and would have nodded off several times if it had not been for Goku who was seated beside him. Goku was in quite the cheer mood that morning, even after having been woken up numerous times during the night to tend to Gohan, his infant son. Chi-Chi, a proud new mother, sat next to Goku, eyeing her father and brothers across the lawn, making sure little Gohan was safe and not causing an uproar. For such a tiny thing his lungs sure did pack some power. Krillin, who had fallen asleep by now, was on the other side of Chi-Chi, his head drooping to his chest. His girlfriend, and her twin brother, were up next to Bulma, they being the two second smartest kids of their graduating class. Bulma, the smartest of course, was valedictorian, and 17 and 18, with a tied average that went back countless decimals, were both named salutatorians.
Over those long months, many things had happened that changed all their lives greatly. Chi-Chi and Goku had been married, and their baby followed soon after that. Chi-Chi had been rather upset to have to be a "fat" bride, but she figured that was better than birthing a bastard child. She refused to do that. The ceremony had been small, but beautiful. It took place at Capsule Corp., organized and decorated by Mrs. Briefs. Bulma and 18 had been the maids of honor, and Vegeta and Krillin had been the best men; for neither wanted to pick one over the other, the choice being impossible. And to see how proud the Ox King had looked when giving his daughter away to an honorable man was a priceless moment. Then, about a month later, little Gohan had announced his arrival into the world in the middle of the night. Chi-Chi had been staying at Bulma's house and Goku was over at Vegeta's, for they hadn't been able to spend much time with one another, and in the middle of a midnight snack, her water broke. Bulma smiled gingerly at the memory; Chi-Chi had been so calm about the whole situation, walking slowly into her room and easing her awake.
Another wedding had taken place as well, a few months prior to Goku and Chi-Chi. It was that of Bulma's brother Tsuruki and Krillin's sister Sadako. Their's had been a less than small wedding, consisting of over three hundred guests. It had to be outside to accommodate all the people, and the reception was in two buildings side by side. Most of the guests were strangers to the six, being friends and associates and co-workers of the couple. And though Bulma was ecstatic for both couples, her heart had sank both times when she realized her wedding day would not be any time soon, for Vegeta had wanted to wait until they'd been together longer and after college so he could support a family and not have to rely on his parents. She'd agreed with him, reluctantly, for she knew he was right. There was no sense in getting married when they'd only been together a few months; having a baby was no reason, in either of their minds.
A few days after Tsuruki and Sadako's wedding, Mrs. Ouji had been rushed to the hospital, and delivered her new baby girl. The six had been there afterwards, all going in when they could to give their congratulations to the mother and to see the newborn. She'd been named Tsukiyama, and had the family black hair, and bright, almost violet, eyes. She was a gorgeous little baby, reflecting her mother and sisters' beauty. Vegeta had been less than thrilled to be dragged to the "damn" hospital so late at night, but when he was allowed to hold his new baby sister, he'd accidentally let a smile slip.
Several other small things had happened as well; Chi-Chi and Bulma becoming the talk of the school, and many schools in that area, after they'd begun to show. Rumors ran ramped, but only when they got out of control did they voice their opinions of the other people, who were mostly jealous girls who wished to have such great men as them who would stand by them in any situation. Chi-Chi and Goku's marriage was another big topic of discussion for several months, for every time Chi-Chi was called Chi-Chi Mau, she kindly, if she could, corrected the person telling them she was now Chi-Chi Son. Bulma and Vegeta was a hot topic, filled with rumors, of which Bulma quickly put an end to. She'd heard everything from Vegeta had raped her and forced her at gunpoint to be with her, to she'd gotten him drunk and used the baby as an excuse to keep him around. Vegeta let these things go, knowing full well that he could pound any one of those morons into the ground. It was rather amusing to him at times, when ex-girlfriends would come up to him in the middle of passing bells and announce they were pregnant with his baby as well and he needed to support her and the unborn child. His reply: when you begin to show, I begin to care, if you have proof. Bulma had been insanely jealous at the time, feeling defensive over her boyfriend. But she later realized that she would always have to deal with that fact--so why fight it?--for he would always be admired in the eyes of women. And on the topic of other women; there had been a slight brawl with him and Roxy and all his other friends. She'd confronted him in the parking lot one day shortly after Bulma and Vegeta had become a known couple. All his friends were behind her, all glaring angrily; Bulma remembered it perfectly, for she'd glared back as she held him securely around the waist. Her goal had been to mock Vegeta into breaking up with Bulma, but after he'd announced her pregnancy, they found that would be an impossibility, though they hadn't realized it had been before. Long story short, Roxy swung at Bulma but Vegeta clocked her and they didn't speak for several months, until Roxy swallowed her pride and admitted she had been a bit over dramatic. And Bulma learned to tolerate her, for they'd had to spend some time together when at clubs, and she found her somewhat less of a threat now; she'd even made her laugh. But that did not mean they were any where near being acquaintances.
Another event, that Bulma was less than proud of, was a confrontation she'd had with Yamcha after she'd begun to show. He'd approached her in the halls, furious with a hangover. He'd shouted various curses and threats towards Vegeta. Though Bulma simply passed them off as jealously, for he'd always wanted to be the man to give her a child and be her husband. She'd been all ready to walk away, ignoring his insults, when he'd lashed out at her, calling her a whore and Vegeta a rapist. She was so furious that she didn't allow herself time to think, slamming her fist into his nose then stomach without warning. He hadn't talked to her since. And to think, at one time she'd thought she loved that childish boy.
Bulma's ears perked up at the sound of the microphone screeching before the voice of the principal came on. She forced her postured to be presentable, as he began a short speech; she would be giving hers soon after.
"Nervous?" 18 whispered to Bulma, who'd directed her attention to her belly, the fetus within having just kicked.
"Well, what do you think?" she laughed, feeling some slight morning sickness. She knew 17 and 18 wouldn't be even slightly nervous, for they both had a passion for acting and being in the spot light.
"You'll do great, I know it," 17 added in, leaning over his sister. He'd long since come to Bulma, accepting her offer of friendship, and they'd never been so close. Vegeta, on the other hand, could have been either way for him, though he chose to block him out for the time being. And Vegeta understood, 17 needed time to think on things, to decide if he was ready to become friends with him again. Sure he had been upset to no longer be friends, but the hurt of what he'd done had blinded him. He would forgive him someday, and thank him as well for bringing such happiness to Bulma's life. And he was grateful for that, as were everyone else, for he'd never seen her so happy, never seen her eyes light up so brightly. Of course he was still jealous and very much in love with her, but her happiness, no matter the cost, was far more important to him.
"Thanks 17," she whispered, not wanting to disturb the principal. "I'd wish you luck, but neither of you need it."
"So Vegeta," Goku whispered, nudging him with his elbow. "How's the pregnancy thing going?"
"Horrible," he grunted, playing with the tassel on his cap which was in his lap, for he couldn't wear it on account of his hair, a fact Chi-Chi had pestered him about that morning. They'd become closer, as well, both remembering that they too had had a great friendship back then as well. "When I don't stay over, she calls me at all hours of the night for inane reasons. And when I am there, she tosses and turns in the bed and its impossible to fall asleep."
"Oh, come on 'Get," he cooed, giving him a brotherly punch in the arm. Vegeta flinched at this action, barring his teeth in a sneer. But Goku ignored that, for he knew his best friend all too well, and public displays of friendliness were not in his character. "You're not miserable and you know it. You're excited."
"Oh yeah, try having your woma-"
"Vegeta, I've been there. It's not nearly the crisis you make it out to be. She's in much more agony than you are. And besides, it's more than worth it," he explained, glancing over at Gohan, who was occupied with pulling on his father-in-law's beard. He chuckled to himself, not hearing Vegeta's reply.
"I know," he agreed, holding back a smile. He couldn't wait 'til his baby was born. And no matter the sex, he knew pride wasn't going to be an issue, it was his child after all, not just some whiny little runt he had to babysit.
The principal droned on for what seemed like hours to the anxious young graduates. They sat, slumped in the cold metal chairs, playing with their gowns, pulling at their gum, or any other thing that would keep them busy while they sat in boredom. Goku had found a comfortable spot, his head resting on Chi-Chi's lap, while she rubbed behind his ear, an action that put him to sleep, quickly. Vegeta, who found the chair unbelievably uncomfortable, sat rigidly, arms crossed, glaring daggers at the principal who kept babbling on and wasting his time. He hadn't even wanted to come to this annoying ceremony, but Bulma had insisted that it'd be good for him and then that would be the end of high school and he'd be rid of it. Krillin, was still asleep, though he'd been woken several times when the person next to him would poke him, just to see him jump. 17 and 18 were comparing their speeches for the fifth time that day, making sure they didn't say the same things or anything stupid. And Bulma, who'd repeatedly looked back at Vegeta, was starring intently at her belly, not being able to wait until their child was born, though she was miss being pregnant greatly. The feeling of knowing there was life growing inside her was something she could have never imagined and would never forget. She sighed deeply, drumming her fingers around her belly button to see what kind of reaction she could get from within. Not much, a few kicks, then nothing. And then she realized that she was terribly hungry, that her rushed breakfast that morning hadn't been enough. She grabbed her bag from under her chair and pulled out a Ziploc baggy that contained the food her child craved most; a salsa, green olive, barbeque potato chip, whipped cream, and melted caramel sandwich. 18 sniffed the air, then sneered at the meal.
"Do you have to eat that around me?" she groaned, turning her nose up at it.
"Hey, it's not that bad," she assured her, taking a huge bite. "Besides, I'm not to say what he or she does or does not want."
"How come you haven't found out the sex yet?" she asked, having been waiting to for a while, but just had forgotten every time she was around.
"Vegeta didn't want to know the sex, so I've just become accustomed to saying he or she."
"So you know?"
She nodded, taking another less than ladylike bite of her disgusting sandwich, a trickle of caramel dripping from the corner of her mouth. She whipped it away, licking her fingers. Who would have thought she'd enjoy such a preposterous meal? Vegeta had sure as hell voiced his dislike of it, calling it "evil", "rancid", and even "an insult to Kami."
"And?"
"Promise you won't tell him?" she asked, leaning in, the smell of the sandwich almost too much for 18 to bear.
"He could never get it out of me."
"Alright." She leaned in closer, whispering in her ear. "It's a boy." 18 smiled gingerly, hugging her friend.
"Excited?"
"Oh! I can't wait!" she nearly shouted excitedly, shoving the rest of her sandwich back into its baggy and throwing it under her chair, not really caring much what would become of it. She was beginning to get slightly nauseous anyway. "Can you imagine?" she sighed, grabbing around her belly, a huge grin etched into her features. "A little Vegeta running around, terrorizing the town, with my intellect. He'll be a millionaire before he's twenty!"
18 simply laughed to herself, glad that her friend finally had something in her life that she could concentrate on, something that was good and good for her. Vegeta had certainly done a one-eighty, on her, and with himself. He hadn't been to his basement sanctuary, except for an occasional workout, in months. And his other bad habit, the one that sent shivers down 18'd spine, that had ceased as well, his instruments of destruction being disposed of. She'd been truly proud the day she'd search his room when he was in the bathroom, and found they were missing. She didn't even think he knew she knew, and he definitely didn't know that Bulma knew, otherwise he would have hidden them more carefully, for his parents never intruded into his room.
"And now," the principal yelled, pausing when the microphone made that annoying high-pitched sketching noise that makes everyone cover their hears. Across the lawn, Gohan, and the other infants, began to cry. Chi-Chi looked over in alarm, anxious to get to her son and calm him. But before she could, Vegeta had grabbed her arm and told her that he'd be fine and that her father knew what he was doing. "Without further adieu, your valedictorian, Bulma Briefs!"
Bulma stood, carefully, looking back into the crowd before she made her way up onto the makeshift stage construct before the graduate audience. The parents and other guests were seated in metal bleachers on either side of the group of graduating students. She walked slowly, holding her stomach as she did so, scanning the bleachers for her parents and others that she might wave to. Her mother bounced excitedly, waving so quickly Bulma thought her arm might fly off and hit some random person in the head. And her father, calm and composed, sat beside his jittery wife, smiling proudly at his accomplished child who would without a doubt be president of Capsule Corp. one day, for Tsuruki would never want a job like that. He was an artist, and made his living as an architect, and a painter and writer on the side. He, and his wife Sadako and her parents, Krillin's parents, sat beside their father, waving with his usual gentleman-like manner. Jun'ko and Kimiko sat next to him, both simply smiling, for they didn't want to draw anymore attention to their section of the bleachers; their mother was doing enough of that. Shirosama and Hiroe were next, and they were only smiling as well, for the children in their arms were doing it for them. Little Mai, barely able to talk, was in Shirosama's lap, her chubby little hands reaching out then flapping wildly in her own version of a wave; and Ryu, who idolized Bulma, sat, or rather bounced, on Hiroe's lap, trying to draw all her attention to him. She gave him a little wave, making sure he noticed it was all for him. The Ox King, and the rest of Chi-Chi's family caught her gaze next. They were seated between her family and Goku's. Akio, Shuji, Juro, and her father waved to her, while Dayu and Haruki argued with one another out of sheer boredom. Radditz, who had been through this himself last year, nodded his head at Bulma, knowing she would understand his non-excitement. Goku's grandfather, a stout gray-haired kindly gentleman, sat next to his oldest grandson, smiling to Bulma when she caught his eyes. He'd been surprisingly happy to be a great grandfather, for he missed having little children running around the house. Emiko (15), Masumi (14), Nariko (12), Suko (11), and Sayuri (6), Yamcha's sisters, all regarded Bulma in their own ways. Emiko and Masumi smiled at her, though they were saddened smiles, for they still felt for their brother's ex- girlfriend and still couldn't forgive him for what he'd done to her. Nariko was bitter, and turned her head away, for she was angry that Bulma was no longer around; and Suko and Sayuri waved nicely, though they both knew things weren't quite right with their relationship with Bulma, but they still loved her. Rikyu and Sorai both grinned and winked at her, causing her to smile and laugh a little; they were such good-natured boys, she would always love them. Yoshi, Yamcha's youngest brother, sat in Yamcha's lap, waving as excitedly as the other young children had, while Yamcha tried to hold back his glare. He'd been angry with her ever since she'd punched him, though in his heart he knew she was right and that he'd deserved it, of course, and that he still loved her deeply. Vegeta's family sat a few rows in front of the other families, all present, even Mr. Ouji, who forced a smile towards Bulma, not wanting any harsh feelings towards the mother of his first grandchild. Mrs. Ouji, always happy to see the aqua- haired love-interest of her son, waved with one arm, while holding Tsukiyama securely with the other. Little Taikan was in the arms of his father, both children being fast asleep. Yuri and Yuki were playing with some unseen object on the bleachers, ignoring all the world around them; and Tomiko, who'd been overly excited about her new sister and niece, smiled with a little wave. Roxy was the next set of eyes Bulma's made contact with as she scanned the crowd on her way to the stage. She sat between her younger, by one year, sister Kiko, and her twin brother Izo. Izo waved passionately at her, though there was grief behind his bright smile, for he'd been disappointed months ago when he learned about her and Vegeta. Roxy was less anxious to acknowledge her, though she gave a little nod of her head, having become less hateful of her over the months. Kiko was indifferent, for she didn't really know Bulma personally. And the of course there was Yumako and Tamotsu, who waved as well, Yumako's belly not nearly as swollen as Bulma's, for she'd just begun to show, and was extremely excited about the intended birth, as was Tamotsu. It was about time they started a family of their own.
She finally made it to the stage, after her slow walk there, and stood before the podium, note cards in hand. A small sweat had broken out on her forehead and her hands were a bit shaky from simple nervousness. Sure she'd given plenty of presentations in front of large groups, but this was to top all of them, or so she hoped, and she had to deliver it just right. And with her pregnancy, the scandal of the senior class, it had been debated whether or not she should even be given the honor of valedictorian. But her teachers, the ones she'd become rather close with over the years, had pushed for the administration to allow her that title, for the pregnancy had been the only thing they had against her. Her grades, personality, attitude towards other students and faculty, and her all around goodness had been their arguments, and in the end, the administration had been out-numbered and were forced to let her take the honor.
"Hello my Senior class," Bulma began, scanning the audience for her close friends to which she smiled at. Vegeta, who her eyes settled on last, scowled up at her, though she could see the smile hidden in his eyes; his eyes always gave away the truth to her and she could see that he was proud of her. She cleared her throat, then began her speech, a small self-written piece that took weeks to perfect, but would only take less than ten minutes to deliver. Her sentences flowed easily enough, the carefully chosen words accenting the intelligence to the well-written work. She'd even consulted a thesaurus to find better sounding words that would impress the administration, for they had a close eye on her. She finished the speech, taking a deep breath, having given a wonderful performance, or so she viewed it as that. Her fellow classmates stood, Vegeta which some persuasion from Chi-Chi, and clapped and cheered with pride and admiration. She waved respectfully at them, then turned and smiled at the faculty and took her seat to the right, and a little behind, the podium.
"And now, your twin salutatorians, 17 and 18!" They stood in unison, hoots and hollers and cheers being heard throughout the crowd of rambunctious teens. Both walked slowly, side by side, waving at their family and friends in the crowd. But then, when they reached the stairs, 18 shoved 17 to the ground, making a run for the podium. She didn't make it three steps however, for 17 grabbed her ankles and pulled her down as well. And a ripple of laughter tore across the lawn, even some teachers chuckled a little under their breath at the sight of brother and sister scrambling to reach the podium first even though 17 was scheduled to speak first.
"17, you little creep!" 18 yelled, swatting at his hands that securely held her ankles, not allowing her to move. "Let go!"
"No! I'm going first! You know that!"
"Well not anymore!" She stuck her tongue out at him, and kicked herself free; scurrying to the podium and latching onto it, holding the edges tightly as she began her speech. "Hello my fellow class mates. It gives me gr-" But before she could continue, 17 shoved her aside roughly, causing her to land in Bulma's lap, and he made an attempt at a speech.
"Hello my adoring class." Another ripple of laughter, a few hoots from the guys. "You must excuse my sister's behavior, she's jealous of my stamina."
"Jealous my ass!" she countered, standing and joining him at the podium, flinging her arm around his shoulder and giving him a well deserved noogy. He struggled to get free, though not without sustaining some pain from the friction first. He glared daggers at his co-salutatorian, then smiled and hugged her. They both laughed, their voices being carried by the microphone, and they combined their speeches into one. When they were finished, the class stood once more, cheering for their twins.
"And finally, the rest of the senior class!" the principal shouted, expecting cheers like the students received, but only got mild clapping. She frowned for a split second, then began to call the names of the other students. They came and went onto the stage, accepting their diplomas then walking off; some cheering for themselves for simply graduating, others running off as if being up there too long would kill them. Krillin had tripped, though 18 was quick to help him to his feet, giving him a quick kiss before he walked off the stage. Chi-Chi was called before Goku, for her first name came first, though they went up together as husband and wife and accepted their diplomas. Vegeta had been too busy starring at Gohan and his baby sister Tsukiyama to notice when his name was called, imaging what his son or daughter would look like, and was therefore laughed at, though he quickly silenced everyone with a single glare once he was on stage. They admired and feared him, so they were putty in his hands, or so he led himself to believe.
After the ceremony, everyone hung around the school for a while, knowing it would be there last time all together like that. Vegeta, of course, kept his distance from the crowd, not wanting anyone to think he was anymore social now just because of him and Bulma. They had refreshments, and cake, and students ran around getting their last few people to sign their yearbooks before they went off to college, never to be seen again.
"Beat it moron," Vegeta snapped at a squeamish boy who'd come towards him holding his yearbook.
"Vegeta," Bulma scolded, coming up behind him and wrapping her arms around his waist. "Don't be so mean, he only wanted your signature, not your soul." She laughed, playfully nibbling on his ear, an action she knew would make him weak in the knees. He moaned under his breath, then batted her away and turned around to hold her and kiss her forehead.
"Woman, you shouldn't do that in public," he warned, reaching behind her and grabbing a handful of her rear. "I just might not be able to keep my hands off you."
"You never could," she whispered, walking her fingers up his chest to his nose, where she poked it, then kissed his lips quickly. "But, you still have a few weeks to wait 'til we can do anything."
"But-"
"Doctor's orders," she laughed, kissing his cheek a few times. "I want it just as much as you sweety." He growled at the pet name, wrinkling his nose, but didn't interrupt. "But you know we can't just ignore what he said."
He rolled his eyes, thoroughly annoyed, but nodded his head in agreement anyway. He wouldn't admit it, but he could never say no to her, she always persuaded him into things he never would have even thought of, let alone considered, before her.
"Hey!" Krillin called from across the lawn, his arm wrapped protectively around 18's waist. "We're all going to my house! Come on you two!"
"K! We'll be right there!" Bulma called back, kissing Vegeta's cheek then pulling him to come with her. He resisted a moment, but then went along with her, not wanting to be away from her very long for they'd be going to different colleges come fall. She was going off to the most prestigious science college in the world, and he was going to a college a little closer to home, only a few towns over. He wanted to stay close on account of Taikan and Tsukiyama. "Oh Vegeta," she cooed as they walked to follow Krillin and the others to the parking lot. "You'll have fun and you know it. You didn't regret coming today, did you?"
"Of course I did."
"Oh right, that wasn't a smile I saw when I mentioned you in my speech."
"It wasn't," he insisted, squeezing her a little closer. He reached his free arm around, placing it on her belly, spreading his fingers out, and sighed deeply. A small, almost invisible, smile came to his lips as he felt a weak kick from within. And Bulma couldn't hold back a grin, though he wasn't paying attention, he was too caught up in trying to picture what was going on within her womb. "What's it like?" he asked suddenly, catching her off guard.
"What's what like?" She gave him a strange look even though he was still staring at her swollen abdomen.
"Having life inside you," he whispered, almost so low she couldn't hear him. She didn't answer right away, stopping in her tracks to examine his face when he looked up at her, his hand still on her stomach. Her other hand that wasn't around his waist, reached up and touched his face; her thumb running over his lips, thinking how smooth they were and how wonderful they felt when they kissed her lips, and her cheeks and forehead and fingers and chest. She'd never noticed how smooth they were 'til just then.
"I wouldn't know where to begin," she finally answered, kissing his soft lips, marveling again in her mind at their smoothness. "All I can say is that it's the most wonderful feeling I've ever known, it's so unreal." She paused, catching his eyes. "Well, the second most wonderful feeling." She wrapped both arms around his neck and pulled herself as close to him as she could without feeling she was causing their baby any harm. She kissed him passionately this time, letting him know that when she could, she'd make up for all the time they couldn't have been together over the months. "Cause the first doesn't involved morning sickness and constant headaches and backaches," she giggled, kissing him again.
"Backaches?" He arched a playful eyebrow.
"Oh yeah." She unwrapped her arms, and grabbed his hand, heading towards the parking lot again. "You've got to learn to control yourself better," she cooed, giggling a little as a naughty thought entered her mind.
"Well you need to learn to not seduce me so much."
"I look at you and you go wild, Vegeta."
"Yeah, but that's because I know you're not as innocent as you pretend to be." He kissed her ear, then nibbled at the lobe for a second before she could stop him, before she could think to stop the moan that was to come. "And those little lingerie outfits you wear," he nearly gasped. "Kami, those are so cruel!"
"I thought you liked them," she fake pouted, then smirked deviously. "Well, I better not wear them anymore."
"Don't you dare woman," he warned through his teeth, narrowing his brow at her. But then he smirked, for he couldn't hold it in any longer. She laughed that silvery little laugh that could make any man come a runnin' if she beckoned him; and this made Vegeta's smirk deepen, for he knew he'd be the only one she'd be beckoning.
They continued on their way, receiving various looks, and sometimes glares, from students that envied the couple, and parents that held either shock or scorn in their eyes. They must have wondered how anyone could be so proud of being pregnant at such an age, but then again, not many people really knew the real Bulma, or the real Vegeta for that matter.
"Hurry up to two!" Krillin practically whined when the couple was in hearing range. He was leaning against his car, 18 in the passengers seat holding his hand; the expression on his face was priceless. "I've gotta piss like a race horse! And if you don't hurry, I'm leaving without you!" Bulma laughed at the strain in his voice, and purposely slowed down. Krillin growled angrily and hopped into the driver's seat.
"Hey Krillin," Bulma said nonchalantly, leaning her elbow on the roof of the vehicle. "You know, I did drive my own car here, and I do know where you live." His face dropped, his last bit of composure gone. He grunted at his pregnant friend, then turned the key, causing Bulma to quickly step back to avoid getting her toes stepped on. "'Geta," she cooed when they were out of sight. He turned his head towards her, already having his mouth ready to say no to whatever she had in mind. "Can you wait here a minute while I go back and get something I forgot?"
"What'd you forget that's so important that I have to waste my time in waiting for you?" She rolled her eyes at his assessment of the situation, then began walking back towards the school, purposely waving her bottom a little for his amusement, which was shown by the widening smirk that began to form on his lips. "Well, what is it?" he called after her, trying to ignore how seductive she was being. Even with her belly swollen so big that he could hardly get his arms around her, she could still turn him on without doing the slightest thing, without even knowing it, though he knew she was being intention at the moment., no one could walk that seductively without knowing it.
"My shoes," she replied, as if that were a normal thing to just forget. Before he could voice his annoyance, she added, "My feet were swollen, so I left them behind the podium. I'll be right back, don't get all bent out of shape." He growled under his breath, holding himself back from snapping an insult at her that he knew she never deserved.
She walked as quickly as she could without causing loss of breath, having to stop several times on the way there because people had stopped her and asked if she'd sign their yearbook, and, not wanting to be mean, she agreed with a warm smile. That's what people liked most about her, that she was so popular, yet she was still one of the nicest people they'd ever meet. Many people had stories of when she'd helped them out when they had no one else to turn to, even if they barely knew her or she'd never even seen them before. She was like that with everyone, everyone she felt deserved it, that hadn't done anything to her or someone else that would make her feel they didn't deserve her kindness. That was one of the aspects of Bulma's personality that drew Vegeta to her, as surprising as that may seem. He loved how he could have a compliment to his own character, but she still had a temper and a lust for a good verbal fight that could rival his own. How had he ever been so lucky to be blessed with her? He certainly hadn't done anything that made anyone else think he deserved her, and he knew that as well. But he had her, and he wasn't going to argue, or give her up without a fight. She was far too important to him, more important than even he knew, and if he lost her, he wouldn't know where to begin to pick up his life.
He crossed his arms and leaned against her car, the convertible that Yamcha had given her on her birthday, though it was slightly different; the writing on the seats had been removed, for it reminded Bulma of Yamcha too much and of how she'd been back then, and she didn't want that feeling again, also, for the same reason, the racing stripes had been changed, from purple to green, her favorite color.
"Hey there stud," came a voice that caused Vegeta's eyes to snap open. He tried to glare at the figure standing before him, but all he could do was stare as they walked closer to him, stopping only inches away. "Miss me?"
"Arisa," his hissed, finally regaining his personality. "What do you want?"
"I'm on vacation, and I knew your graduation was today, so I just had to come," she cooed, pinching his cheek before he could slap her arm away. "I wouldn't miss that for the world."
"Go away," he demanded, turning away, reaching for the door handle. She grabbed his arm though, spinning him back around, not letting go.
"Oh come on. I know you missed me. I know you still think about me in the middle of the night and sweat breaks out on your forehead and you sit up with an erection that is craving me." Her voice started out normal, but by the middle, she was pressed against him, her voice husky and low.
"Well you're right about one thing," he replied with a smirk, pushing her back gently so she didn't just latch back onto him; this was safer. "I do wake in the middle of the night just as you said." Her eyes widened, her smiled widened. "But I'm not thinking about you at all."
"What?" she pouted, sticking out her lower lip. She composed herself though, crossing her arms over her chest, a mirrored smirk on her lips. "Well, you've just forgotten how good I really am. You need to take another spin." She arched an eyebrow when his expression changed slightly. "What, do you have another woman?"
He didn't answer, only looked at her, as if she weren't really there; or he was trying to make her disappear with his thoughts, though neither was the case. He was simply trying to remember what had caused him to become attracted to her in the first place. She was no more attractive than any other girl, and nothing compared to Bulma's beauty. What had it been?
"Well then come on. I've missed you too." She pulled at his arm so he'd follow her to her car, an over-priced eye-sore that one of the forty year old men she'd had affairs with had bought for her. "What's the matter with you? I'm practically in my underwear here," she whined, motioning towards her outfit, a practically see-through white mid-drift tank top and a pair of daisy-dukes that were so short they looked like denim panties.
He was about to open his mouth and protest, probably insult her, call her fat or something, when she slammed him against Bulma's car and jabbed her tongue down his throat. And the only thing that seemed to register in his mind was for him to wrap his arms around her waist and kiss her back, for he'd never had to refuse an advance before, so naturally his mind reverted back to that train of thought. He ran his hand up her back, pulling her in closer, then reached one hand down to her firmly toned rear, and squeezed one of her cheeks. His other hand slowly made its way around to the front of her shirt, ready to slip his hand under the thin fabric, when his brain suddenly had a flash of aqua hair and shimmering blue eyes, and he placed his hand on her stomach and tried to push her off.
But it was too late, for just when Vegeta had grabbed around Arisa, Bulma had stepped into the parking lot. She'd seen the whole thing. She didn't even know what to think first, but her mind finally settled on the only thing it could in her frantic rapid search for an explanation, "You fucking bastard!" she screamed at the top of her lungs, stomping over to her car that had the father of her baby pressed against it with another woman on top of him. "You bastard!" She slapped him as hard as she could across the face, not caring about the sting it left afterward. And she would have hit him again it he hadn't tried to speak.
"No, it's not-" He tried to reason, but she wasn't going to let him get another word out.
"I don't know how I could have EVER trusted scum like you! You're nothing! You'll never be anything! Stay away from me and MY baby! I don't want anything more to do with you!" Tears were streaming down her perfect face, ugly mascara racing stripes of midnight black; but she paid no mind to that, for her thoughts were somewhere else completely. "How could I have not seen this coming!?"
"Bulma, please, it's not-I didn't-She-I-"
"Don't you dare try and make excuses! I know who you are! I know what you've done to girls! I guess it was just a matter of time before you did the same with me! Kami damn it! I can't believe you had me so blinded!" She paused, attempting to calm herself. "And here I was dumb enough to think you actually loved me."
"But I-"
"Loved you?" Arisa cut in with a cruel laugh. "You've got to be joking you little priss."
Bulma didn't even think when her fist lashed out at the other girl's face, colliding right where she was aiming, her jaw. She tumbled back, slamming into the nearest car, her back making a horrible cracking noise when she hit.
"Bulma please-"
"The only thing you will ever give me again is child support money," she hissed through clenched teeth, pushing him off her car. "And think Vegeta," she sighed, opening the driver's side door. "You could have actually been a father to him, not just another face, another enemy to his mother."
"H-Him?" he stuttered, leaning onto the car next to Bulma's. "It-It's a boy?"
"Yes Vegeta, it's a boy, MY son."
He shook his head to clear his thoughts of anything but Bulma, then ran around to her, grabbing for her arm, though she had the door slammed shut before he could blink. He pulled frantically on the handle, but it was already locked.
"Please Bulma," he begged, not caring that both girls could clearly witness his tears. "Just listen for one minute!" His voice was already becoming hoarse, his throat strained; he needed a drink.
She rolled down the window a crack, and a glimmer of hope passed through his body. "Nothing you could say in an eternity could change my mind of what I think of you now." And then it shattered. "And this goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway, because right now I would love to see you hurt, and I don't care how cruel that sounds, I'm through with being nice; we're over." Her voice had been calm and steady, her words carefully chosen; but he could see the shrink-wrapping of tears beginning to encase her eyes. She needed to get away quickly; she wouldn't let him see anymore of her tears, her pain. And with all said that she could think to say, all insults already voiced, she rolled the window back up, started the engine, and sped out of the parking lot without so much as a glance in her rear-view mirror back at him.
"Well, that bitch sure was annoying," Arisa grumbled, rubbing her already bruised face.
"If you don't want one to match the other side, I suggest you leave now. No one insults Bulma." She starred at him a moment, completely dumbfounded by what he'd just said. Never had he been known to defend anyone, especially not a girlfriend.
"You're pathetic," she huffed, turning her nose up at him; she stomped away and sped off, kicking up dust in his face. But he ignored that, starring off at where Bulma had once stood, the entire scene not quite sunken in yet.
He leaned against the closest car, sliding down to the pavement, his knees to his chest, his head to his knees, tears relentlessly pouring from his eyes. He didn't seem to notice the people who walked by, that they would stare while the passed, and even if he did, he wouldn't have cared if the heard his sobbing or saw his tear-stained cheeks. She was gone in a heartbeat, and there was nothing he could do about it, no way he could get her back; he would never again feel the simple joy of holding her in his arms. And to think, he thought all his pain was over.
His body fell sideways, his head colliding with the concrete, but he didn't seem to feel it as he whispered in a choked sob, "I love you.." And closed his eyes.
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---Chapter 23! Oh my Kami! It's over! It's all over! *Cries uncontrollably* I don't want it to end! I want more! It's not fair that it has to end! *Sob..Sob..* Ok now, pull yourself together..So, that's it, the ending. I hope you liked it :P And I know I'm going to get seriously screamed at for the way I ended it with Bulma and Vegeta breaking up, but that's only because I've been planning a sequel since around chapter 17. It'll take place in college, and I know Bulma and Vegeta aren't going to the same college, but they have a baby, so they will see each other. I hope everyone liked it and didn't hate the ending too much, cause I have more in store!..Don't hate me!!
REVIEW!!!!!!!!!
Next time: There is no next time : (
COMING SOON--- THE SEQUEL!!!!!!!!!!
Alright, without further adieu..Chapter 23, the ending! *Sob, sniffle, sob*
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Last time:
"I don't want to get up for school," Bulma moaned, resting her head on his chest, pulling the blankets to cover them.
"Me neither woman," he agreed, kissing her forehead and welcoming sleep. Both were exhausted from their love making and having not slept all night. So, being emotional and physically drained to the point of blacking out, they curling into each other's arms and drifted into a short slumber before the alarm would wake them in about an hour.
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Bulma sat, poised and prepared, in the front row, dead center, her hands placed gracefully over her very swollen belly. It had been many months, around six, maybe less, since she and her love had come together. He sat a few rows back, slumped in his chair and would have nodded off several times if it had not been for Goku who was seated beside him. Goku was in quite the cheer mood that morning, even after having been woken up numerous times during the night to tend to Gohan, his infant son. Chi-Chi, a proud new mother, sat next to Goku, eyeing her father and brothers across the lawn, making sure little Gohan was safe and not causing an uproar. For such a tiny thing his lungs sure did pack some power. Krillin, who had fallen asleep by now, was on the other side of Chi-Chi, his head drooping to his chest. His girlfriend, and her twin brother, were up next to Bulma, they being the two second smartest kids of their graduating class. Bulma, the smartest of course, was valedictorian, and 17 and 18, with a tied average that went back countless decimals, were both named salutatorians.
Over those long months, many things had happened that changed all their lives greatly. Chi-Chi and Goku had been married, and their baby followed soon after that. Chi-Chi had been rather upset to have to be a "fat" bride, but she figured that was better than birthing a bastard child. She refused to do that. The ceremony had been small, but beautiful. It took place at Capsule Corp., organized and decorated by Mrs. Briefs. Bulma and 18 had been the maids of honor, and Vegeta and Krillin had been the best men; for neither wanted to pick one over the other, the choice being impossible. And to see how proud the Ox King had looked when giving his daughter away to an honorable man was a priceless moment. Then, about a month later, little Gohan had announced his arrival into the world in the middle of the night. Chi-Chi had been staying at Bulma's house and Goku was over at Vegeta's, for they hadn't been able to spend much time with one another, and in the middle of a midnight snack, her water broke. Bulma smiled gingerly at the memory; Chi-Chi had been so calm about the whole situation, walking slowly into her room and easing her awake.
Another wedding had taken place as well, a few months prior to Goku and Chi-Chi. It was that of Bulma's brother Tsuruki and Krillin's sister Sadako. Their's had been a less than small wedding, consisting of over three hundred guests. It had to be outside to accommodate all the people, and the reception was in two buildings side by side. Most of the guests were strangers to the six, being friends and associates and co-workers of the couple. And though Bulma was ecstatic for both couples, her heart had sank both times when she realized her wedding day would not be any time soon, for Vegeta had wanted to wait until they'd been together longer and after college so he could support a family and not have to rely on his parents. She'd agreed with him, reluctantly, for she knew he was right. There was no sense in getting married when they'd only been together a few months; having a baby was no reason, in either of their minds.
A few days after Tsuruki and Sadako's wedding, Mrs. Ouji had been rushed to the hospital, and delivered her new baby girl. The six had been there afterwards, all going in when they could to give their congratulations to the mother and to see the newborn. She'd been named Tsukiyama, and had the family black hair, and bright, almost violet, eyes. She was a gorgeous little baby, reflecting her mother and sisters' beauty. Vegeta had been less than thrilled to be dragged to the "damn" hospital so late at night, but when he was allowed to hold his new baby sister, he'd accidentally let a smile slip.
Several other small things had happened as well; Chi-Chi and Bulma becoming the talk of the school, and many schools in that area, after they'd begun to show. Rumors ran ramped, but only when they got out of control did they voice their opinions of the other people, who were mostly jealous girls who wished to have such great men as them who would stand by them in any situation. Chi-Chi and Goku's marriage was another big topic of discussion for several months, for every time Chi-Chi was called Chi-Chi Mau, she kindly, if she could, corrected the person telling them she was now Chi-Chi Son. Bulma and Vegeta was a hot topic, filled with rumors, of which Bulma quickly put an end to. She'd heard everything from Vegeta had raped her and forced her at gunpoint to be with her, to she'd gotten him drunk and used the baby as an excuse to keep him around. Vegeta let these things go, knowing full well that he could pound any one of those morons into the ground. It was rather amusing to him at times, when ex-girlfriends would come up to him in the middle of passing bells and announce they were pregnant with his baby as well and he needed to support her and the unborn child. His reply: when you begin to show, I begin to care, if you have proof. Bulma had been insanely jealous at the time, feeling defensive over her boyfriend. But she later realized that she would always have to deal with that fact--so why fight it?--for he would always be admired in the eyes of women. And on the topic of other women; there had been a slight brawl with him and Roxy and all his other friends. She'd confronted him in the parking lot one day shortly after Bulma and Vegeta had become a known couple. All his friends were behind her, all glaring angrily; Bulma remembered it perfectly, for she'd glared back as she held him securely around the waist. Her goal had been to mock Vegeta into breaking up with Bulma, but after he'd announced her pregnancy, they found that would be an impossibility, though they hadn't realized it had been before. Long story short, Roxy swung at Bulma but Vegeta clocked her and they didn't speak for several months, until Roxy swallowed her pride and admitted she had been a bit over dramatic. And Bulma learned to tolerate her, for they'd had to spend some time together when at clubs, and she found her somewhat less of a threat now; she'd even made her laugh. But that did not mean they were any where near being acquaintances.
Another event, that Bulma was less than proud of, was a confrontation she'd had with Yamcha after she'd begun to show. He'd approached her in the halls, furious with a hangover. He'd shouted various curses and threats towards Vegeta. Though Bulma simply passed them off as jealously, for he'd always wanted to be the man to give her a child and be her husband. She'd been all ready to walk away, ignoring his insults, when he'd lashed out at her, calling her a whore and Vegeta a rapist. She was so furious that she didn't allow herself time to think, slamming her fist into his nose then stomach without warning. He hadn't talked to her since. And to think, at one time she'd thought she loved that childish boy.
Bulma's ears perked up at the sound of the microphone screeching before the voice of the principal came on. She forced her postured to be presentable, as he began a short speech; she would be giving hers soon after.
"Nervous?" 18 whispered to Bulma, who'd directed her attention to her belly, the fetus within having just kicked.
"Well, what do you think?" she laughed, feeling some slight morning sickness. She knew 17 and 18 wouldn't be even slightly nervous, for they both had a passion for acting and being in the spot light.
"You'll do great, I know it," 17 added in, leaning over his sister. He'd long since come to Bulma, accepting her offer of friendship, and they'd never been so close. Vegeta, on the other hand, could have been either way for him, though he chose to block him out for the time being. And Vegeta understood, 17 needed time to think on things, to decide if he was ready to become friends with him again. Sure he had been upset to no longer be friends, but the hurt of what he'd done had blinded him. He would forgive him someday, and thank him as well for bringing such happiness to Bulma's life. And he was grateful for that, as were everyone else, for he'd never seen her so happy, never seen her eyes light up so brightly. Of course he was still jealous and very much in love with her, but her happiness, no matter the cost, was far more important to him.
"Thanks 17," she whispered, not wanting to disturb the principal. "I'd wish you luck, but neither of you need it."
"So Vegeta," Goku whispered, nudging him with his elbow. "How's the pregnancy thing going?"
"Horrible," he grunted, playing with the tassel on his cap which was in his lap, for he couldn't wear it on account of his hair, a fact Chi-Chi had pestered him about that morning. They'd become closer, as well, both remembering that they too had had a great friendship back then as well. "When I don't stay over, she calls me at all hours of the night for inane reasons. And when I am there, she tosses and turns in the bed and its impossible to fall asleep."
"Oh, come on 'Get," he cooed, giving him a brotherly punch in the arm. Vegeta flinched at this action, barring his teeth in a sneer. But Goku ignored that, for he knew his best friend all too well, and public displays of friendliness were not in his character. "You're not miserable and you know it. You're excited."
"Oh yeah, try having your woma-"
"Vegeta, I've been there. It's not nearly the crisis you make it out to be. She's in much more agony than you are. And besides, it's more than worth it," he explained, glancing over at Gohan, who was occupied with pulling on his father-in-law's beard. He chuckled to himself, not hearing Vegeta's reply.
"I know," he agreed, holding back a smile. He couldn't wait 'til his baby was born. And no matter the sex, he knew pride wasn't going to be an issue, it was his child after all, not just some whiny little runt he had to babysit.
The principal droned on for what seemed like hours to the anxious young graduates. They sat, slumped in the cold metal chairs, playing with their gowns, pulling at their gum, or any other thing that would keep them busy while they sat in boredom. Goku had found a comfortable spot, his head resting on Chi-Chi's lap, while she rubbed behind his ear, an action that put him to sleep, quickly. Vegeta, who found the chair unbelievably uncomfortable, sat rigidly, arms crossed, glaring daggers at the principal who kept babbling on and wasting his time. He hadn't even wanted to come to this annoying ceremony, but Bulma had insisted that it'd be good for him and then that would be the end of high school and he'd be rid of it. Krillin, was still asleep, though he'd been woken several times when the person next to him would poke him, just to see him jump. 17 and 18 were comparing their speeches for the fifth time that day, making sure they didn't say the same things or anything stupid. And Bulma, who'd repeatedly looked back at Vegeta, was starring intently at her belly, not being able to wait until their child was born, though she was miss being pregnant greatly. The feeling of knowing there was life growing inside her was something she could have never imagined and would never forget. She sighed deeply, drumming her fingers around her belly button to see what kind of reaction she could get from within. Not much, a few kicks, then nothing. And then she realized that she was terribly hungry, that her rushed breakfast that morning hadn't been enough. She grabbed her bag from under her chair and pulled out a Ziploc baggy that contained the food her child craved most; a salsa, green olive, barbeque potato chip, whipped cream, and melted caramel sandwich. 18 sniffed the air, then sneered at the meal.
"Do you have to eat that around me?" she groaned, turning her nose up at it.
"Hey, it's not that bad," she assured her, taking a huge bite. "Besides, I'm not to say what he or she does or does not want."
"How come you haven't found out the sex yet?" she asked, having been waiting to for a while, but just had forgotten every time she was around.
"Vegeta didn't want to know the sex, so I've just become accustomed to saying he or she."
"So you know?"
She nodded, taking another less than ladylike bite of her disgusting sandwich, a trickle of caramel dripping from the corner of her mouth. She whipped it away, licking her fingers. Who would have thought she'd enjoy such a preposterous meal? Vegeta had sure as hell voiced his dislike of it, calling it "evil", "rancid", and even "an insult to Kami."
"And?"
"Promise you won't tell him?" she asked, leaning in, the smell of the sandwich almost too much for 18 to bear.
"He could never get it out of me."
"Alright." She leaned in closer, whispering in her ear. "It's a boy." 18 smiled gingerly, hugging her friend.
"Excited?"
"Oh! I can't wait!" she nearly shouted excitedly, shoving the rest of her sandwich back into its baggy and throwing it under her chair, not really caring much what would become of it. She was beginning to get slightly nauseous anyway. "Can you imagine?" she sighed, grabbing around her belly, a huge grin etched into her features. "A little Vegeta running around, terrorizing the town, with my intellect. He'll be a millionaire before he's twenty!"
18 simply laughed to herself, glad that her friend finally had something in her life that she could concentrate on, something that was good and good for her. Vegeta had certainly done a one-eighty, on her, and with himself. He hadn't been to his basement sanctuary, except for an occasional workout, in months. And his other bad habit, the one that sent shivers down 18'd spine, that had ceased as well, his instruments of destruction being disposed of. She'd been truly proud the day she'd search his room when he was in the bathroom, and found they were missing. She didn't even think he knew she knew, and he definitely didn't know that Bulma knew, otherwise he would have hidden them more carefully, for his parents never intruded into his room.
"And now," the principal yelled, pausing when the microphone made that annoying high-pitched sketching noise that makes everyone cover their hears. Across the lawn, Gohan, and the other infants, began to cry. Chi-Chi looked over in alarm, anxious to get to her son and calm him. But before she could, Vegeta had grabbed her arm and told her that he'd be fine and that her father knew what he was doing. "Without further adieu, your valedictorian, Bulma Briefs!"
Bulma stood, carefully, looking back into the crowd before she made her way up onto the makeshift stage construct before the graduate audience. The parents and other guests were seated in metal bleachers on either side of the group of graduating students. She walked slowly, holding her stomach as she did so, scanning the bleachers for her parents and others that she might wave to. Her mother bounced excitedly, waving so quickly Bulma thought her arm might fly off and hit some random person in the head. And her father, calm and composed, sat beside his jittery wife, smiling proudly at his accomplished child who would without a doubt be president of Capsule Corp. one day, for Tsuruki would never want a job like that. He was an artist, and made his living as an architect, and a painter and writer on the side. He, and his wife Sadako and her parents, Krillin's parents, sat beside their father, waving with his usual gentleman-like manner. Jun'ko and Kimiko sat next to him, both simply smiling, for they didn't want to draw anymore attention to their section of the bleachers; their mother was doing enough of that. Shirosama and Hiroe were next, and they were only smiling as well, for the children in their arms were doing it for them. Little Mai, barely able to talk, was in Shirosama's lap, her chubby little hands reaching out then flapping wildly in her own version of a wave; and Ryu, who idolized Bulma, sat, or rather bounced, on Hiroe's lap, trying to draw all her attention to him. She gave him a little wave, making sure he noticed it was all for him. The Ox King, and the rest of Chi-Chi's family caught her gaze next. They were seated between her family and Goku's. Akio, Shuji, Juro, and her father waved to her, while Dayu and Haruki argued with one another out of sheer boredom. Radditz, who had been through this himself last year, nodded his head at Bulma, knowing she would understand his non-excitement. Goku's grandfather, a stout gray-haired kindly gentleman, sat next to his oldest grandson, smiling to Bulma when she caught his eyes. He'd been surprisingly happy to be a great grandfather, for he missed having little children running around the house. Emiko (15), Masumi (14), Nariko (12), Suko (11), and Sayuri (6), Yamcha's sisters, all regarded Bulma in their own ways. Emiko and Masumi smiled at her, though they were saddened smiles, for they still felt for their brother's ex- girlfriend and still couldn't forgive him for what he'd done to her. Nariko was bitter, and turned her head away, for she was angry that Bulma was no longer around; and Suko and Sayuri waved nicely, though they both knew things weren't quite right with their relationship with Bulma, but they still loved her. Rikyu and Sorai both grinned and winked at her, causing her to smile and laugh a little; they were such good-natured boys, she would always love them. Yoshi, Yamcha's youngest brother, sat in Yamcha's lap, waving as excitedly as the other young children had, while Yamcha tried to hold back his glare. He'd been angry with her ever since she'd punched him, though in his heart he knew she was right and that he'd deserved it, of course, and that he still loved her deeply. Vegeta's family sat a few rows in front of the other families, all present, even Mr. Ouji, who forced a smile towards Bulma, not wanting any harsh feelings towards the mother of his first grandchild. Mrs. Ouji, always happy to see the aqua- haired love-interest of her son, waved with one arm, while holding Tsukiyama securely with the other. Little Taikan was in the arms of his father, both children being fast asleep. Yuri and Yuki were playing with some unseen object on the bleachers, ignoring all the world around them; and Tomiko, who'd been overly excited about her new sister and niece, smiled with a little wave. Roxy was the next set of eyes Bulma's made contact with as she scanned the crowd on her way to the stage. She sat between her younger, by one year, sister Kiko, and her twin brother Izo. Izo waved passionately at her, though there was grief behind his bright smile, for he'd been disappointed months ago when he learned about her and Vegeta. Roxy was less anxious to acknowledge her, though she gave a little nod of her head, having become less hateful of her over the months. Kiko was indifferent, for she didn't really know Bulma personally. And the of course there was Yumako and Tamotsu, who waved as well, Yumako's belly not nearly as swollen as Bulma's, for she'd just begun to show, and was extremely excited about the intended birth, as was Tamotsu. It was about time they started a family of their own.
She finally made it to the stage, after her slow walk there, and stood before the podium, note cards in hand. A small sweat had broken out on her forehead and her hands were a bit shaky from simple nervousness. Sure she'd given plenty of presentations in front of large groups, but this was to top all of them, or so she hoped, and she had to deliver it just right. And with her pregnancy, the scandal of the senior class, it had been debated whether or not she should even be given the honor of valedictorian. But her teachers, the ones she'd become rather close with over the years, had pushed for the administration to allow her that title, for the pregnancy had been the only thing they had against her. Her grades, personality, attitude towards other students and faculty, and her all around goodness had been their arguments, and in the end, the administration had been out-numbered and were forced to let her take the honor.
"Hello my Senior class," Bulma began, scanning the audience for her close friends to which she smiled at. Vegeta, who her eyes settled on last, scowled up at her, though she could see the smile hidden in his eyes; his eyes always gave away the truth to her and she could see that he was proud of her. She cleared her throat, then began her speech, a small self-written piece that took weeks to perfect, but would only take less than ten minutes to deliver. Her sentences flowed easily enough, the carefully chosen words accenting the intelligence to the well-written work. She'd even consulted a thesaurus to find better sounding words that would impress the administration, for they had a close eye on her. She finished the speech, taking a deep breath, having given a wonderful performance, or so she viewed it as that. Her fellow classmates stood, Vegeta which some persuasion from Chi-Chi, and clapped and cheered with pride and admiration. She waved respectfully at them, then turned and smiled at the faculty and took her seat to the right, and a little behind, the podium.
"And now, your twin salutatorians, 17 and 18!" They stood in unison, hoots and hollers and cheers being heard throughout the crowd of rambunctious teens. Both walked slowly, side by side, waving at their family and friends in the crowd. But then, when they reached the stairs, 18 shoved 17 to the ground, making a run for the podium. She didn't make it three steps however, for 17 grabbed her ankles and pulled her down as well. And a ripple of laughter tore across the lawn, even some teachers chuckled a little under their breath at the sight of brother and sister scrambling to reach the podium first even though 17 was scheduled to speak first.
"17, you little creep!" 18 yelled, swatting at his hands that securely held her ankles, not allowing her to move. "Let go!"
"No! I'm going first! You know that!"
"Well not anymore!" She stuck her tongue out at him, and kicked herself free; scurrying to the podium and latching onto it, holding the edges tightly as she began her speech. "Hello my fellow class mates. It gives me gr-" But before she could continue, 17 shoved her aside roughly, causing her to land in Bulma's lap, and he made an attempt at a speech.
"Hello my adoring class." Another ripple of laughter, a few hoots from the guys. "You must excuse my sister's behavior, she's jealous of my stamina."
"Jealous my ass!" she countered, standing and joining him at the podium, flinging her arm around his shoulder and giving him a well deserved noogy. He struggled to get free, though not without sustaining some pain from the friction first. He glared daggers at his co-salutatorian, then smiled and hugged her. They both laughed, their voices being carried by the microphone, and they combined their speeches into one. When they were finished, the class stood once more, cheering for their twins.
"And finally, the rest of the senior class!" the principal shouted, expecting cheers like the students received, but only got mild clapping. She frowned for a split second, then began to call the names of the other students. They came and went onto the stage, accepting their diplomas then walking off; some cheering for themselves for simply graduating, others running off as if being up there too long would kill them. Krillin had tripped, though 18 was quick to help him to his feet, giving him a quick kiss before he walked off the stage. Chi-Chi was called before Goku, for her first name came first, though they went up together as husband and wife and accepted their diplomas. Vegeta had been too busy starring at Gohan and his baby sister Tsukiyama to notice when his name was called, imaging what his son or daughter would look like, and was therefore laughed at, though he quickly silenced everyone with a single glare once he was on stage. They admired and feared him, so they were putty in his hands, or so he led himself to believe.
After the ceremony, everyone hung around the school for a while, knowing it would be there last time all together like that. Vegeta, of course, kept his distance from the crowd, not wanting anyone to think he was anymore social now just because of him and Bulma. They had refreshments, and cake, and students ran around getting their last few people to sign their yearbooks before they went off to college, never to be seen again.
"Beat it moron," Vegeta snapped at a squeamish boy who'd come towards him holding his yearbook.
"Vegeta," Bulma scolded, coming up behind him and wrapping her arms around his waist. "Don't be so mean, he only wanted your signature, not your soul." She laughed, playfully nibbling on his ear, an action she knew would make him weak in the knees. He moaned under his breath, then batted her away and turned around to hold her and kiss her forehead.
"Woman, you shouldn't do that in public," he warned, reaching behind her and grabbing a handful of her rear. "I just might not be able to keep my hands off you."
"You never could," she whispered, walking her fingers up his chest to his nose, where she poked it, then kissed his lips quickly. "But, you still have a few weeks to wait 'til we can do anything."
"But-"
"Doctor's orders," she laughed, kissing his cheek a few times. "I want it just as much as you sweety." He growled at the pet name, wrinkling his nose, but didn't interrupt. "But you know we can't just ignore what he said."
He rolled his eyes, thoroughly annoyed, but nodded his head in agreement anyway. He wouldn't admit it, but he could never say no to her, she always persuaded him into things he never would have even thought of, let alone considered, before her.
"Hey!" Krillin called from across the lawn, his arm wrapped protectively around 18's waist. "We're all going to my house! Come on you two!"
"K! We'll be right there!" Bulma called back, kissing Vegeta's cheek then pulling him to come with her. He resisted a moment, but then went along with her, not wanting to be away from her very long for they'd be going to different colleges come fall. She was going off to the most prestigious science college in the world, and he was going to a college a little closer to home, only a few towns over. He wanted to stay close on account of Taikan and Tsukiyama. "Oh Vegeta," she cooed as they walked to follow Krillin and the others to the parking lot. "You'll have fun and you know it. You didn't regret coming today, did you?"
"Of course I did."
"Oh right, that wasn't a smile I saw when I mentioned you in my speech."
"It wasn't," he insisted, squeezing her a little closer. He reached his free arm around, placing it on her belly, spreading his fingers out, and sighed deeply. A small, almost invisible, smile came to his lips as he felt a weak kick from within. And Bulma couldn't hold back a grin, though he wasn't paying attention, he was too caught up in trying to picture what was going on within her womb. "What's it like?" he asked suddenly, catching her off guard.
"What's what like?" She gave him a strange look even though he was still staring at her swollen abdomen.
"Having life inside you," he whispered, almost so low she couldn't hear him. She didn't answer right away, stopping in her tracks to examine his face when he looked up at her, his hand still on her stomach. Her other hand that wasn't around his waist, reached up and touched his face; her thumb running over his lips, thinking how smooth they were and how wonderful they felt when they kissed her lips, and her cheeks and forehead and fingers and chest. She'd never noticed how smooth they were 'til just then.
"I wouldn't know where to begin," she finally answered, kissing his soft lips, marveling again in her mind at their smoothness. "All I can say is that it's the most wonderful feeling I've ever known, it's so unreal." She paused, catching his eyes. "Well, the second most wonderful feeling." She wrapped both arms around his neck and pulled herself as close to him as she could without feeling she was causing their baby any harm. She kissed him passionately this time, letting him know that when she could, she'd make up for all the time they couldn't have been together over the months. "Cause the first doesn't involved morning sickness and constant headaches and backaches," she giggled, kissing him again.
"Backaches?" He arched a playful eyebrow.
"Oh yeah." She unwrapped her arms, and grabbed his hand, heading towards the parking lot again. "You've got to learn to control yourself better," she cooed, giggling a little as a naughty thought entered her mind.
"Well you need to learn to not seduce me so much."
"I look at you and you go wild, Vegeta."
"Yeah, but that's because I know you're not as innocent as you pretend to be." He kissed her ear, then nibbled at the lobe for a second before she could stop him, before she could think to stop the moan that was to come. "And those little lingerie outfits you wear," he nearly gasped. "Kami, those are so cruel!"
"I thought you liked them," she fake pouted, then smirked deviously. "Well, I better not wear them anymore."
"Don't you dare woman," he warned through his teeth, narrowing his brow at her. But then he smirked, for he couldn't hold it in any longer. She laughed that silvery little laugh that could make any man come a runnin' if she beckoned him; and this made Vegeta's smirk deepen, for he knew he'd be the only one she'd be beckoning.
They continued on their way, receiving various looks, and sometimes glares, from students that envied the couple, and parents that held either shock or scorn in their eyes. They must have wondered how anyone could be so proud of being pregnant at such an age, but then again, not many people really knew the real Bulma, or the real Vegeta for that matter.
"Hurry up to two!" Krillin practically whined when the couple was in hearing range. He was leaning against his car, 18 in the passengers seat holding his hand; the expression on his face was priceless. "I've gotta piss like a race horse! And if you don't hurry, I'm leaving without you!" Bulma laughed at the strain in his voice, and purposely slowed down. Krillin growled angrily and hopped into the driver's seat.
"Hey Krillin," Bulma said nonchalantly, leaning her elbow on the roof of the vehicle. "You know, I did drive my own car here, and I do know where you live." His face dropped, his last bit of composure gone. He grunted at his pregnant friend, then turned the key, causing Bulma to quickly step back to avoid getting her toes stepped on. "'Geta," she cooed when they were out of sight. He turned his head towards her, already having his mouth ready to say no to whatever she had in mind. "Can you wait here a minute while I go back and get something I forgot?"
"What'd you forget that's so important that I have to waste my time in waiting for you?" She rolled her eyes at his assessment of the situation, then began walking back towards the school, purposely waving her bottom a little for his amusement, which was shown by the widening smirk that began to form on his lips. "Well, what is it?" he called after her, trying to ignore how seductive she was being. Even with her belly swollen so big that he could hardly get his arms around her, she could still turn him on without doing the slightest thing, without even knowing it, though he knew she was being intention at the moment., no one could walk that seductively without knowing it.
"My shoes," she replied, as if that were a normal thing to just forget. Before he could voice his annoyance, she added, "My feet were swollen, so I left them behind the podium. I'll be right back, don't get all bent out of shape." He growled under his breath, holding himself back from snapping an insult at her that he knew she never deserved.
She walked as quickly as she could without causing loss of breath, having to stop several times on the way there because people had stopped her and asked if she'd sign their yearbook, and, not wanting to be mean, she agreed with a warm smile. That's what people liked most about her, that she was so popular, yet she was still one of the nicest people they'd ever meet. Many people had stories of when she'd helped them out when they had no one else to turn to, even if they barely knew her or she'd never even seen them before. She was like that with everyone, everyone she felt deserved it, that hadn't done anything to her or someone else that would make her feel they didn't deserve her kindness. That was one of the aspects of Bulma's personality that drew Vegeta to her, as surprising as that may seem. He loved how he could have a compliment to his own character, but she still had a temper and a lust for a good verbal fight that could rival his own. How had he ever been so lucky to be blessed with her? He certainly hadn't done anything that made anyone else think he deserved her, and he knew that as well. But he had her, and he wasn't going to argue, or give her up without a fight. She was far too important to him, more important than even he knew, and if he lost her, he wouldn't know where to begin to pick up his life.
He crossed his arms and leaned against her car, the convertible that Yamcha had given her on her birthday, though it was slightly different; the writing on the seats had been removed, for it reminded Bulma of Yamcha too much and of how she'd been back then, and she didn't want that feeling again, also, for the same reason, the racing stripes had been changed, from purple to green, her favorite color.
"Hey there stud," came a voice that caused Vegeta's eyes to snap open. He tried to glare at the figure standing before him, but all he could do was stare as they walked closer to him, stopping only inches away. "Miss me?"
"Arisa," his hissed, finally regaining his personality. "What do you want?"
"I'm on vacation, and I knew your graduation was today, so I just had to come," she cooed, pinching his cheek before he could slap her arm away. "I wouldn't miss that for the world."
"Go away," he demanded, turning away, reaching for the door handle. She grabbed his arm though, spinning him back around, not letting go.
"Oh come on. I know you missed me. I know you still think about me in the middle of the night and sweat breaks out on your forehead and you sit up with an erection that is craving me." Her voice started out normal, but by the middle, she was pressed against him, her voice husky and low.
"Well you're right about one thing," he replied with a smirk, pushing her back gently so she didn't just latch back onto him; this was safer. "I do wake in the middle of the night just as you said." Her eyes widened, her smiled widened. "But I'm not thinking about you at all."
"What?" she pouted, sticking out her lower lip. She composed herself though, crossing her arms over her chest, a mirrored smirk on her lips. "Well, you've just forgotten how good I really am. You need to take another spin." She arched an eyebrow when his expression changed slightly. "What, do you have another woman?"
He didn't answer, only looked at her, as if she weren't really there; or he was trying to make her disappear with his thoughts, though neither was the case. He was simply trying to remember what had caused him to become attracted to her in the first place. She was no more attractive than any other girl, and nothing compared to Bulma's beauty. What had it been?
"Well then come on. I've missed you too." She pulled at his arm so he'd follow her to her car, an over-priced eye-sore that one of the forty year old men she'd had affairs with had bought for her. "What's the matter with you? I'm practically in my underwear here," she whined, motioning towards her outfit, a practically see-through white mid-drift tank top and a pair of daisy-dukes that were so short they looked like denim panties.
He was about to open his mouth and protest, probably insult her, call her fat or something, when she slammed him against Bulma's car and jabbed her tongue down his throat. And the only thing that seemed to register in his mind was for him to wrap his arms around her waist and kiss her back, for he'd never had to refuse an advance before, so naturally his mind reverted back to that train of thought. He ran his hand up her back, pulling her in closer, then reached one hand down to her firmly toned rear, and squeezed one of her cheeks. His other hand slowly made its way around to the front of her shirt, ready to slip his hand under the thin fabric, when his brain suddenly had a flash of aqua hair and shimmering blue eyes, and he placed his hand on her stomach and tried to push her off.
But it was too late, for just when Vegeta had grabbed around Arisa, Bulma had stepped into the parking lot. She'd seen the whole thing. She didn't even know what to think first, but her mind finally settled on the only thing it could in her frantic rapid search for an explanation, "You fucking bastard!" she screamed at the top of her lungs, stomping over to her car that had the father of her baby pressed against it with another woman on top of him. "You bastard!" She slapped him as hard as she could across the face, not caring about the sting it left afterward. And she would have hit him again it he hadn't tried to speak.
"No, it's not-" He tried to reason, but she wasn't going to let him get another word out.
"I don't know how I could have EVER trusted scum like you! You're nothing! You'll never be anything! Stay away from me and MY baby! I don't want anything more to do with you!" Tears were streaming down her perfect face, ugly mascara racing stripes of midnight black; but she paid no mind to that, for her thoughts were somewhere else completely. "How could I have not seen this coming!?"
"Bulma, please, it's not-I didn't-She-I-"
"Don't you dare try and make excuses! I know who you are! I know what you've done to girls! I guess it was just a matter of time before you did the same with me! Kami damn it! I can't believe you had me so blinded!" She paused, attempting to calm herself. "And here I was dumb enough to think you actually loved me."
"But I-"
"Loved you?" Arisa cut in with a cruel laugh. "You've got to be joking you little priss."
Bulma didn't even think when her fist lashed out at the other girl's face, colliding right where she was aiming, her jaw. She tumbled back, slamming into the nearest car, her back making a horrible cracking noise when she hit.
"Bulma please-"
"The only thing you will ever give me again is child support money," she hissed through clenched teeth, pushing him off her car. "And think Vegeta," she sighed, opening the driver's side door. "You could have actually been a father to him, not just another face, another enemy to his mother."
"H-Him?" he stuttered, leaning onto the car next to Bulma's. "It-It's a boy?"
"Yes Vegeta, it's a boy, MY son."
He shook his head to clear his thoughts of anything but Bulma, then ran around to her, grabbing for her arm, though she had the door slammed shut before he could blink. He pulled frantically on the handle, but it was already locked.
"Please Bulma," he begged, not caring that both girls could clearly witness his tears. "Just listen for one minute!" His voice was already becoming hoarse, his throat strained; he needed a drink.
She rolled down the window a crack, and a glimmer of hope passed through his body. "Nothing you could say in an eternity could change my mind of what I think of you now." And then it shattered. "And this goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway, because right now I would love to see you hurt, and I don't care how cruel that sounds, I'm through with being nice; we're over." Her voice had been calm and steady, her words carefully chosen; but he could see the shrink-wrapping of tears beginning to encase her eyes. She needed to get away quickly; she wouldn't let him see anymore of her tears, her pain. And with all said that she could think to say, all insults already voiced, she rolled the window back up, started the engine, and sped out of the parking lot without so much as a glance in her rear-view mirror back at him.
"Well, that bitch sure was annoying," Arisa grumbled, rubbing her already bruised face.
"If you don't want one to match the other side, I suggest you leave now. No one insults Bulma." She starred at him a moment, completely dumbfounded by what he'd just said. Never had he been known to defend anyone, especially not a girlfriend.
"You're pathetic," she huffed, turning her nose up at him; she stomped away and sped off, kicking up dust in his face. But he ignored that, starring off at where Bulma had once stood, the entire scene not quite sunken in yet.
He leaned against the closest car, sliding down to the pavement, his knees to his chest, his head to his knees, tears relentlessly pouring from his eyes. He didn't seem to notice the people who walked by, that they would stare while the passed, and even if he did, he wouldn't have cared if the heard his sobbing or saw his tear-stained cheeks. She was gone in a heartbeat, and there was nothing he could do about it, no way he could get her back; he would never again feel the simple joy of holding her in his arms. And to think, he thought all his pain was over.
His body fell sideways, his head colliding with the concrete, but he didn't seem to feel it as he whispered in a choked sob, "I love you.." And closed his eyes.
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---Chapter 23! Oh my Kami! It's over! It's all over! *Cries uncontrollably* I don't want it to end! I want more! It's not fair that it has to end! *Sob..Sob..* Ok now, pull yourself together..So, that's it, the ending. I hope you liked it :P And I know I'm going to get seriously screamed at for the way I ended it with Bulma and Vegeta breaking up, but that's only because I've been planning a sequel since around chapter 17. It'll take place in college, and I know Bulma and Vegeta aren't going to the same college, but they have a baby, so they will see each other. I hope everyone liked it and didn't hate the ending too much, cause I have more in store!..Don't hate me!!
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Next time: There is no next time : (
COMING SOON--- THE SEQUEL!!!!!!!!!!