Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Till Death Do We Part ❯ Reasons Revealed ( Chapter 10 )

Author’s Note: OK, last one was a cliffhanger and a few people guessed what was going to happen, but you can stop guessing now because it’s reasons revealed!

LAST TIME:

Chichi and Bulma made their way to the restroom where Bulma collapsed on the couch. She looked up at Chichi.

“It’s all my fault, Chichi.” Chichi frowned and sat next to her.

“What’s your fault?”

“It’s my fault Vegeta hates me!” Chichi’s eyes widened.

“Are you going to tell her Vegeta? Or shall I?” Vegeta’s head shot up and he glared at Goku.

“You tell her,” he mumbled, putting his arms on the table and laying his head down on them.

Chapter 10: Reasons Revealed

“Well, you already know they were friends, right?” 18 nodded and Goku continued. “Well they were practically inseparable. Like brother and sister. If Vegeta was somewhere, Bulma was bound to be there too and vice versa. It had been that way since Vegeta moved here. Well, we all moved onto Intermediate. It was the same for them there. Until about mid Form two, our last year there. Vegeta started to like Bulma a little more than a friend, and was seriously considering asking her out. Anyway, he was round at Bulma’s, staying the night. They were up quite late and Vegeta told her that he thought he liked her a little more than a friend. They talked about it for a while, and in the end, they decided they’d see how things went and think about dating later. Well Bulma was young then and kind of naïve. She didn’t really understand it as well as Vegeta thought she did.”

“What happened?” 18 was totally shocked by the fact that Vegeta and Bulma had been so close, and that Vegeta had actually admitted to her, that he liked her. Goku sighed and looked at Vegeta. He had his head in his hands now but lifted it out to look at Goku.

“Get on with it Kakarot,” he sighed. Goku continued.

“Well everything went fine for a while and they talked about it some more, but never made any move. About a week after their first talk, Yamcha asked Bulma out and she said yes.” 18’s eyes went wide.

“Oh my gosh! She said yes?” Goku nodded.

“That was the last straw for Vegeta. He’d never really disclosed emotion other than hatred and anger and other stuff like that. He’d opened up to Bulma and she’d rejected him. Well, it was all over the school; Bulma and Yamcha I mean. People kept asking Vegeta what he thought about it, because their close friendship was common knowledge. He got angry and started boycotting Bulma. She, like I said was really naïve and didn’t get it. She assumed Vegeta wouldn’t care that she was dating Yamcha, and on the outside it appeared that way. But really, Vegeta was gutted. Just when he’d admitted everything, she’d gone and thrown it back in his face. One thing led to another and he started to hate her for hurting him so much. The result is their relationship today,” Goku sighed sadly. 18 opened and closed her mouth several times.

“I can’t believe her. How could she do that?” Goku shrugged.

“None of the others knew, and the only reason I did is because Vegeta had told me he was going to ask her out.” 18 couldn’t explain why, but she was really angry with Bulma and, she guiltily admitted, she thought Bulma deserved the way Vegeta treated her.

18 laid a hand on Vegeta’s shoulder. He looked up at her, hating every moment that Goku raved on about how weak he’d been, even though 18 needed to know.

“I can’t blame you Vegeta. And I think that everything you do to Bulma, she deserves it. I promise I won’t tell, but I can only hope that Bulma will see the truth in what she did, especially considering now that Yamcha and she have broken up. Had she said yes to you, I’m betting you would still be dating.” Vegeta sighed and 18 withdrew her hand.

“Whatever. Kakarot, 18, I’m going to get some food. Give Bulma my regards if you see her,” he sneered, before standing and leaving the table.

“How can it be your fault, Bulma? He’s the one that started ignoring you, not the other way around.”

“But I made him ignore me!” she wailed desperately.

“How can you make him ignore you? He’s kind of a strong willed person.” Chichi reasoned. Bulma looked up at her through teary eyes.

“I didn’t force him, Chi. But I made him.”

“Explain.” Bulma nodded shakily.

“Well, you know how we were friends and stuff.” Chichi nodded. “Well he was staying at my place, one night ‘bout mid Form two. H-h-he said some stuff.”

“Like what?” asked Chichi, frowning.

“H-he said that he’d starting liking me more than a friend. And I liked him that way too.” Chichi opened her mouth and her eyes widened. Bulma gulped. “W-we talked about it, dating I mean. But in the end we decided we’d see how things went and think consider it later.” Chichi was shocked. Never, in her wildest dreams, would she have thought that Vegeta thought that way about Bulma, let alone admitted it. “Well, it worked for a while, a-a-and then Yamcha asked me out!” Bulma’s eyes welled with tears again. “And I don’t know what I was thinking but I said yes, Chi, I said yes! Vegeta’s not one to show emotions, and when he did I dismissed it like nothing had happened!” Tears were streaming uncontrollably down her face now. Chichi clapped a hand to her mouth.

“Bulma! How could you do that to him? For Yamcha? Why didn’t you ever tell me?” Bulma shook her head.

“I don’t know, I guess I was just too confused about Vegeta. I really liked him but I was scared I’d ruin our friendship and Yamcha seemed an easier option. And now, we break up just when I realise I would have been better off with Vegeta! I ruined our friendship more by rejecting him than I would of if I’d said yes.” She threw herself at Chichi, sobbing uncontrollably and hugging her friend. Chichi pried Bulma off and stood up.

“Bulma. I can’t believe you did that to him. I thought you were a better person than that! It’s a wonder Vegeta ignores you!” Chichi could hardly believe what Bulma had just told her. Although she knew Bulma needed her right now, she couldn’t bring herself to comfort her, considering she was the instigator. “Just think, Bulma. You could have had something much better with Vegeta; you obviously liked him, the drug made that evident. But Vegeta’s not to blame you brought it on yourself. I’m sorry B, but really I feel more sorry for Vegeta than I do you.” She turned and walked from the bathroom leaving Bulma alone.

Bulma hugged her knees to her chest, rocking slightly.

‘It really is my fault. Vegeta admitted he liked me and I didn’t care! It’s all my fault!’ She placed her head on her knees and cried.

“Wow, I can’t believe Bulma did that. She just doesn’t seem that kind of person.” 18 was still getting over the shock. Vegeta had long ago returned, with a normal person sized plate of food and seated himself next to Goku. Goku nodded.

“But I think this would be hard on her too,” Goku reasoned. “Especially if she………..” he paused, looking over at Chichi, who had just entered the cafeteria minus Bulma. “Hold on guys. I’ll be right back.” He rushed over to Chichi who had seated herself next to Krillin. “Chi? Where’s Bulma?” Chichi looked up at him.

“She’s in the bathroom.” Goku felt his stomach drop.

“Er, why?”

“She’s just realised that she made the only person who she ever shared something special with, hate her. I’m sorry, Goku. But if you know the story, you’d understand why I can’t bring myself to console her.” She stole a glance at a dejected Vegeta and shell-shocked 18 at the table across the room and assumed she was correct. Goku frowned.

“Chichi you’re her friend. I know what Bulma did was mean, and no doubt it hurt Vegeta, but that was a long time ago and Bulma was uncaring then. She understands what she did and you can’t leave her to deal with it on her own.” Goku felt sorry for Bulma. Her best friend ditching her was more than she deserved. Chichi sighed and ran a hand through her long black hair.

“Maybe you’re right Goku. I’m going to go and see her.” She stood and exited. Goku watched her go before sitting down next to Krillin.

“So Bulma finally figured it out huh?” he asked sadly. Krillin nodded.

“Yeah. But I dunno, she knows now, so maybe they can fix things up,” he suggested hopefully. Goku shook his head.

“Nah, I think their relationship’s too far gone. It’s been too long.”

“B?” Chichi asked as she peered around the door. Bulma was sitting quietly on the couch, no longer crying but obviously thinking hard. “Bulma I’m sorry, I-”she shook her head and cut Chichi off.

“No, Chi. You’re right. I deserved everything you said. Everything Vegeta’s said and everything anyone else will say.”

“No, B. You don’t. It was a bitchy thing to do, but you don’t deserve that.” She sat down next to Bulma and put a comforting arm around her. This shattered her outer expression of composure, and she began crying again. “Come on Bulma. I think you should go home, the teachers will make an exception.” Bulma nodded slightly and Chichi helped her stand. Arm still around Bulma, they made their way to the admin block.

“Hey 18,” Krillin greeted, as him and Goku vacated the seats next to her and Vegeta. She nodded. Krillin sighed. “OK guys, well Bulma found out. She realised what happened.” 18 opened her eyes and Vegeta’s head shot up out of his hands.

“Stupid wench does have some common sense after all,” he muttered darkly.

“Come on Vegeta. Now that she knows, don’t you think you two should try and fix things up?” Goku asked. He shook his head.

“I’ll never go crawling back to her. If she wants to be friends she can talk to me but I’m not lowering my pride so low as to beg for her back. Truth be told I’m quite sure I don’t want to be friends with her anyway.” Sarcasm was heavy in his voice. Goku shook his head.

“I know you do, Vegeta, why don’t you just admit it?” It was 18’s turned to shake her head.

“No, I think Bulma deserves everything Vegeta gives her. And more,” she added darkly. Vegeta smirked appreciatively at her, but made sure no one could see.

“Come on. Vegeta, why don’t you just try? Damn your pride!” Goku was getting angry. Vegeta could be so stubborn sometimes.

“Dammit Kakarot! These last few days my pride has taken a huge beating! I will not willingly beg!” All three of the others could see he was pissed. Vegeta pushed over the table and all its contents, before storming to the door.

“Mr. Ouji!” the teacher on duty yelled. He ignored her. “Mr. Ouji unless you come back here, you’re on detention!” Vegeta laughed hollowly.

“I already am! See if I fucken care if I get another one!” he waved his hand dismissively. Vegeta threw open the doors, knocking both of them off their hinges. Goku rubbed his head worriedly.

“I don’t know what to do guys.” 18 smirked.

“I’m siding with Vegeta. Bulma deserves whatever he gives her.” With that parting note, she hurried after Vegeta, leaving Krillin and Goku alone. Again.

“Yes Miss Mau, you may escort Miss. Briefs home at once,” the office woman told Chichi as she registered the state Bulma was in. “I shall inform the teachers that you have gone home.” Chichi smiled thankfully and took Bulma out to her car.

“18 won’t mind if she has to hitch a ride with the boys will she?” Chichi asked. Bulma shook her head weakly. Chichi took her place at the driver’s seat and started Bulma’s car.

They arrived at Bulma’s place, five minutes later.

“You hungry B?” Bulma shook her head. Chichi nodded and the two made their way inside. “Is your Mum home?” Bulma shook her head again.

“And Dad’s in the lab,” she mumbled miserably. Chichi helped her upstairs, before disappearing back down to find herself some food. In all the commotion at lunch she’d forgotten to eat.

Bulma sat on her bed her head filling with negative thoughts.

‘It’s a wonder he hates me. If he did that to me I’d hate him for sure.” She shook her head dispiritedly.

Chichi reappeared a few moments later, sandwich in hand.

“Come on Bulma. I think you should just ring Vegeta when he gets home, and apologise.”

“Chi, I can’t do that. This isn’t just something you can apologise for and have it all happy again.”

”But there’s no reason why not? If you guys were such good friends, then Vegeta should forgive you. If he valued your friendship.”

“I obviously didn’t,” Bulma mumbled. Chichi placed a hand on Bulma’s back.

”Bulma, that’s not you now. You’re older, more mature.”

“But I still did it.”

“Vegeta?” 18 looked down the corridor. It was deserted. She grumbled and headed out into J Block.

She found him, fifteen minutes later at the far end of the school by the tractor shed. “Vegeta? What are you-” she stopped and opened her mouth. “VEGETA!” she yelled shrilly, before marching over to him. He looked up at her.

“What d’you want,” he mumbled.

“For you to get that smoke out of your mouth!” she yelled angrily. He glared at her.

“Why should I?”

“Because it’s killing you! And smoking is no way to deal with your problems Vegeta! You of all people should know that!” He shrugged.

“Well obviously I don’t. So piss off and leave me to smoke in peace.” He exhaled a cloud of smoke, so as to prove his point. That was it. 18 marched right up to his face and whipped the smoke from his mouth, stamping it out on the grass. “You stupid bitch!” he growled. She smirked, satisfied.

“No, you’re wrong Vegeta. I’m a smart bitch, unlike you who seems to have taken up smoking of all things? Geez, didn’t you know chocolate’s an anti-depressant?” He growled louder. “Oh quit your pathetic growling and listen to me! If you were going to pack up your life, why didn’t you do it when your family died? Or when Bulma actually rejected you, instead of when you’re just reminiscing on it. Face it Vegeta. You miss Bulma. No matter how hard you pretend to be, you miss her. I can tell.” He pushed himself off the wall angrily.

“And when did you become an expert on me huh? Last time I checked you’d known me little more than a month!”

“But that’s long enough to get to know you. You seemed to think so when you informed me of your darkest secrets!”

“I only did that because Kakarot was pissing me off with his badgering!”

“Well he was right you know! You’re too fucking arrogant for your own good Vegeta. Smoke your life away, see if I care!” She turned on her heal and stalked abruptly, back into the grounds and headed in search of the others.

When she was out of earshot, Vegeta groaned.

“Why the fuck is my life so fucking fucked up!” he yelled, before punching the wall sliding down it and collapsing his head into his hands.

“Guys?” 18 asked as she located Goku and Krillin by their lockers. They looked up.

“18. Where’s Vegeta? I thought you went to find him?” Krillin asked. She snorted.

“Oh sure, I found him alright. But there’s no way I’m bringing him back her, smelling of smoke.” Krillin’s and Goku’s jaws dropped.

“Oh shit 18! Don’t tell me he’s smoking again!” Goku moaned. “This is all my fault for making him relive it! Especially with everything that’s happened recently.”

“What do you mean again? Happened recently? Has he smoked before?” 18 was shocked. Just when she thought she knew all she could, Vegeta surprised her again. Goku nodded.

“When he moved here, he was only like nine or something, he took up smoking. Heavily as well. At least a packet a day. That was until he met Bulma. She convinced him to give them up. By recently, I just mean everything. Telling you about you know,” he looked at her seriously. 18 nodded, understanding that Krillin didn’t know. “Then Bulma at the club, Yamcha’s accusations, what happened over the holidays…. ” 18 frowned. Goku shook his head. “I’ll tell you later. It’s to do with Bulma and Yamcha. They. Never mind. He’s obviously been missing her this whole time. Reliving her rejection was the last straw. It’s the only way he really knows to fix himself when he’s depressed.” 18 closed her eyes and moaned.

“Poor Vegeta. I was too hard on him. And Bulma. I owe both of them an apology.” 18 sighed. Goku nodded.

“OK, I’m going to go and see Vegeta. Are you coming Goku, 18?” 18 shook her head.

“I think I’ll just leave him alone for a bit.”

“I’ll come,” Goku agreed.

“Oh, 18. Chichi took Bulma home; just explain to the office woman, Mrs. Roosh or whatever her name is, and she’ll let you go. She’s nice like that.” 18 nodded.

“Thanks Krillin.” And they parted their ways.

Next Chapter: I’m not saying anything, except there’s a LOT of phone calls made on behalf of Bulma, Yamcha, Vegeta, Goku, Chichi, Krillin and 18. Oh, and a lot of apologies as well.

Author’s Note: My head hurts. Figuring that all out! What did you think? I. R&R should have the next chappy soon.

Kaibun