Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ To Begin Again ❯ Bulma. A Bride's Work Is Never Done ( Chapter 9 )

To Begin Again, Part 9: Bulma the Bride

Disclaimer: *Thinking* What haven't I written down for the disclaimer yet? Hmm... I own a dirt bike that doesn't work, but I don't own Dragonball, Z & GT. Was that enough for the lawyers?

*A Bride's Work Is Never Done*

"Mom! Have you seen the order slip from the Valenti Caterers*?" Bulma yelled for her mother's help. Bulma had just decided to add another foodstuff to the ever growing list. She had left a hairstylist in her large bathroom to look the house over for the needed receipt.

Several locks had fallen free from Bulma's newest hairstyle. She had her hair pinned atop her head in a large pile of blue silken curls. For the past few hours the hairstylist had been at Capsule Corporation trying out different styles for the bride. Bulma was to decide on the one style she wanted to wear the most. Then Claude-Luc** would style her hair just before the wedding that would take place in just over a month.

"It's in the left drawer in the phone stand by your father's study." Mrs. Briefs answered the tenth question that day by her daughter about the wedding.

"Thanks, Mom!" Bulma rushed to get the order menu and her cell phone. In three minutes she was back in the chair to be fussed over by the tall blonde haired Belgian.

Claude-Luc had a swimmer's body and the longest hair Bulma had ever seen on a man since Raditz. The man was a genius when it came to hair. She had been going to him for years. Claude-Luc would also do her mother, the bridesmaids and ChiChi's hair. The bridal wedding party was to look fantastic. Like visions upon silvery clouds.

Bulma had to get another fitting after she and Claude-Luc agreed upon a hair style. She wanted to get as many things taken care of before the wedding as possible.

Floral arrangements were taken care of by both her mother and one of the best local hothouse flower cultivators. There would be jasmine, roses and orchids arrayed in the large backyard at Capsule Corporation for the ceremony and reception. With the aide of Mrs. Briefs, the florist would create a look that was tasteful and elegantly simplified for the nuptials.

Dende had kindly agreed to marry Piccolo and Bulma. Within a arbor or small altar like structure, which Piccolo was busily making, they would exchange vows.

The caterers would handle all the food. Bulma and her mother had hired two catering companies for the wedding. With seven people of Saiyajin blood it was the wisest thing to do. Both companies specialized in different types of cuisine. Valenti Caterers were well known for their Tuscan style Italian gourmet food.

Cashner's* was another catering company that had specialty foods. French infused Germanic cuisine was their forte. They were also hired to create the wedding cakes. Bulma had made it very clear to Piccolo that he was to eat at the reception. Including the cake.

The cake was argued over by both nuptially intended. Since Goku was more than likely to eat half of any cake they ordered; they decided a bride's cake and a groom's cake would be included.

Piccolo loved their Toasted Coconut Pineapple Lemon Curd White Layered Cake with Vanilla Bean Buttercream. The white cake layers would be flavored with coconut milk and pineapple juice. Crushed pineapple would be added to a basic lemon curd and spread between each sectioned layer. A ring of the Buttercream would be used to dam the lemon curd. The Buttercream was also used to frost the cake. When finished, toasted grated coconut would be sprinkled upon the tiers' frosted tops. Then little pineapples would be made along the sides by piping the Vanilla Bean Buttercream. It would be a fine-looking cake that either bride or groom would love.

Bulma's bride's cake was not the least bit diet friendly. The cake layers would be flavored with espresso. They both decided that a whipped white chocolate mousse should be spread between each layer of cake. Both tiers had three evenly sliced cake layers. Crushed almond pralines would coat the tops of the cakes. Caramel Buttercream frosting would be used for icing the cake. A cream tinted lace design would be piped to decorate the sides of each layer in a tasteful display. The same frosting would then be piped around the edges and bases in decorative bordering styles.

They just had to agree upon one major cake for the event. They decided their two cakes would only be two columns high. So then the main cake was to be four tiers high. That cake was to be a true masterpiece of the confectionary arts.

Swiss Meringue German Mocha Chocolate Layered Cake with Raspberry Jam Coulee. Just the name was enough to make anyone's mouth water. German chocolate cake flavored with mocha would be spread with the berry coulee. The Swiss Meringue would be carefully frosted over every decadent layered section. When all sides were perfectly smooth, a garland of roses would be piped with the meringue along the top edges. The roses would be a mix of pure white and tinted with edible silver food coloring powder. Then white vanilla orchid blossoms would be tucked about the roses. Rose leaves stenciled with more of the silver food coloring powder would drape down the sides in small clusters. Fern fronds, piped in varying green tinted meringue, would be piped between the silver leaf clusters. About the bases, a scroll design would also be piped. The top layer of the cake would be completely covered in a pile of white Swiss Meringue roses. Bulma and Piccolo didn't want a cake topper. They'd rather have more sweet frosting.

Bulma was extremely happy to find out that Piccolo had a hidden sweet tooth. Their future looked brighter as she discovered more about her intended. Piccolo still closed himself off to most people. It seemed that only she and Gohan had gotten beyond that invisible wall.

Admittedly, Piccolo was nowhere near as circumscribed as Vegeta was. Bulma just hoped her ex would someday find the one perfect person for himself. She did have a great idea of whom that should be. Bulma just didn't what to risk her life by suggesting her eldest and dearest friend to the Saiyajin Prince. She loved Goku as a brother and now Vegeta as well. Just watching those two together, they looked so perfect. Bulma didn't want to lose both of them. She decided to keep those thoughts to herself.

'Who knows? Maybe someday they'll see it. Until then, I'll just watch how cute they look together.' Bulma shook herself from that train of imaging. Weddings tend to get people on a romantic mood. She just wanted all the people she loved most to be happy. Bulma didn't see the questioning look upon Claude-Luc's face when she smiled for no apparent reason.

"Ms. Briefs? How do you like this coiffure?" The curls had once again been artfully designed atop her head. Several locks fell down her back to look like long streamers. Small sprigs of jasmine would be clipped into the style just an hour before the wedding.

"I like it very much, Claude-Luc. Let's try one more. Maybe something medieval. Like braids starting from the temples then meeting in the back. Then joining both braids to fall down in one large plait. What do you think?" Bulma had grown her hair long again and had been wanting to try a hair style like that for years.

"It is going to take some time, Ms. Briefs. Are you sure you'll have time for your fitting later?" Claude-Luc didn't mind creating another style with Bulma's blue hair. He was being payed by the hour, after all. A very nice sum per hour.

"That isn't until 1:30 this afternoon." Bulma checked her watch for the current time. "It's only 11:19 right now. I think that's plenty of time; don't you?"

"That sounds just fine." Claude-Luc went to his stylist case. He converted a tackle box into a transportable salon. He took out more pins, clips and combs than was currently being used.

Bulma smiled toward Claude-Luc and stated, "let's get to it."

The next five minutes were spent by blue hair being unpinned and clips removed. Bulma's hair was brushed out again then pinned in place with clips so Claude-Luc could begin braiding. He worked the left side along the crown of Bulma's head. It looked like a French braid that started at the temple and ended at the back only to meet with the other side later. A large clip and band were used to secure the braid in place after being completed. Now to begin the right side.

Bulma quietly sat and watched Claude-Luc work in the mirror. As the style was taking shape, she was imagining what kind of headpiece she should wear with her gown. Bulma could already tell she liked this style a great deal. 'Maybe a large pearl, ribbon and crystal clip just at the back would look fine. Then mom's lacy veil attached to the clip to hang about and down the back of my head. I am going for a graceful and elegant look, after all.'

It took Claude-Luc a good forty-five minutes to finish the braids. He stepped back to admire his work. Walking around the sitting woman, Claude-Luc adjusted little areas and inspected the results. A smile crept upon his face. "Bulma Briefs, you look stunning. Add a platinum colored ribbon to both braids and little crystal jasmine flower clips and you'll look perfect."

"What about a little veil clip? Just around here, at the back? Then the front caul can hang about my face. How does that sound, Claude-Luc?" Bulma showed him where she wanted to put the clip. She touched the area just atop the hanging braid's starting point.

"Hmm... that sounds nice. How long are the veil and your gown's back?" Claude-Luc tapped his chin with his left index finger. He pursed pink lips while he was imagining the suggested look.

"The veil is only thirty inches at its longest point. The gown is just over floor length in the back. Why do you ask?" Bulma tilted her head as she noted the contemplating look on her stylist's face.

"How about putting the clip right above where the braids start. It'll add length and volume to the braid look. Do you have the veil near at hand so we can try it out?"

"Sure, let me get it." Bulma left her private bathroom and entered her bedroom. In a chest at the foot of her bed was a small shirt box. Inside the box was her mother's heirloom wedding veil. After retrieving the box, Bulma returned to the bathroom.

She sat back down in the chair while Claude-Luc got a few pins and clips. He carefully pinned and clipped the veil to the place where Bulma had proposed, atop her head at the back. The veil splayed about her shoulders while the frontal caul hung just below her eyes and around her head.

"That style does look nice, let's try the other way." Claude-Luc just as carefully as before removed the veil and started to place it where he had suggested.

Since the braids started atop the front of her head, the veil cascaded downward like a lacy waterfall. The facial caul hung just under her chin, giving Bulma a mysterious and elegant look. "What do you think of it that way, Ms. Briefs?"

Bulma carefully stood and stepped toward the full length mirror that hung upon her bathroom's door. She stepped to the left and right to get both sides' views. Bulma took several minutes picturing how the veil would look with her gown. Bulma then flipped the front caul backward so it would hang along with the rest of the veil. She had to admit that Claude-Luc was right. The look was incredible. Bulma turned to the hairstylist with a smile. "Claude-Luc, you've just earned a really big bonus. I love it! Piccolo will be speechless."

Claude-Luc was very pleased with himself also. The woman was a masterpiece. Within his artistic mind he pictured ribbons intertwined and little flowers clipped along the braids. That would be for later in the day when the veil was removed. "I know what I want for my bonus. How's about an invitation?"

Bulma just chuckled. "I'll see what Piccolo says. When I tell him how I look right now, I'm sure he'll heartily agree, Claude-Luc."

"Sunday, the seventh of September?" A nod answered the stylist's inquiry. "I'll be there."

"Great! Now help me get this off so I can get to the boutique. I've only got a half hour till my appointment. I'm sure you've got more engagements, too."

"I do have other clients to see."

"Then let us get this veil off." Claude-Luc helped with the veil's removal. The lacy bridal heirloom was safely tucked away back in its box. Bulma stored the box back inside her hope chest. She escorted the stylist to the front door of Capsule Corp.; then she hastened to get the rest of the day's errands done.

*Bride Gown & Wedding Trousseau*

Bulma entered Linda's Boutique on the south end of Capital City's business district. It seemed the place would forever smell of dried lavender and candle incense.

Bridal gowns, formal and cocktail dresses draped as they hung from high racks that kept them from dragging on the floor. The gowns were arranged together by style and size. There was a plus-size section and a maternity section as well. A glass case by an oak desk held accessories. Shoes, gloves, handbags, headpieces and scarves were artfully arrayed.

Veils hung about the store by co-ordinating gowns in cellophane airtight bags. A mannequin stood in the storefront window dressed in all the essential wedding finery.

Victorian style floor lamps and matching table lamps gave the store a soft feminine glow. The lamp shades were made of frosted etched glass with some long crystal beaded fringes. The bases were made of brass, recently polished to a gleaming sheen.

Linda MacDugal, the proprietress, walked from behind a small oak desk to great her well-known customer. "Hello, Bulma. I've got the back dressing room all set up and waiting for you. Everything is going just fine. The attendants' dresses should be here next week." She informed Bulma when she questioned of the latest developments.

Linda MacDugal was a petite woman with strawberry blonde hair and bright green and brown hazel eyes. She was wearing a peach sun dress along with strappy sandals. A brown leather strapped watch was on her left wrist. Opal studded earrings glittered on her lobes.

"Are the gloves here yet?" Bulma had also ordered wrist length white gloves dyed to match the bride's maids gowns. She had also ordered white elbow length gloves in matte satin to go with her gown.

"All the gloves should be here next week. Then your bridal trousseau should be just about finished. Have you already decided on any jewelry you'll be wearing? And what about the veil and headpiece?" Linda wanted to assist one of the most prestigious clients she's ever had. She asked Bulma if there were any other details with which she could help.

"I've got my mother's veil for the wedding. I also wanted to see if you had any small clip designs for holding the veil in place." Bulma continued to explain the idea that she and Claude-Luc had for the hairstyle and placement of the veil.

Linda listened intently as both women walked to the already prepared dressing room. Some of her previous clients had hired Claude-Luc to style their wedding coiffures. The man was a true genius when it came to fashioning women's hair. "I've got a computer catalog program that can match any headpiece with your dress. Would you like to get the fitting or pick out a headpiece first?"

"I'd like to get the fitting done first. Then I'd like to go through the catalog." Bulma answered Linda's question. The boutique shop owner showed Bulma which cubicle her wedding dress hung inside.

"If you need my help with anything, please let me know. I'll get a scan of your dress on the computer and a selection of hair clips ready on the menu." Linda closed the booth's door behind Bulma and proceeded to her computer desk in the corner of the communal dressing area.

The back dressing area had large sitting space with chairs and several mirrors hung upon the walls. The women and young ladies would change their clothing in the five separate cubicles. When ready, they would step out into the viewing area for critique and advice from any sitting family members.

Bulma wasn't quite ready for any criticism of her chosen gown just yet. Which is why she hadn't brought her mother with her. Although, Bulma was very certain her mother would have loved anything she selected to wear and that may be a bad thing. She'd never ask ChiChi to come along. The woman was bad enough when she saw the bride's maids' dresses.

ChiChi had stated that the bride's maids' dresses were far too gauzy and low lined. Did the poor fashion deprived woman think that Bulma Briefs would dress her attendants in the kind of silly ruffled disaster ChiChi had worn at her own wedding? Bulma decided it would be best to bring Bura along with her next time. She could totally trust her daughter in giving sound advice.

Bulma made a mental note to do just that on her next fitting. She'd even bring along the veil and hopefully by then the veil clip will have arrived. She then began to undress. Bulma started pulling off her white tennis shoes and then her pale blue jeans. Her pink crochet sleeved cotton shirt was the last to come off. She carefully took the gown from it's hanger.

Linda called out to her from the outer room, "how are things going in there?"

"I'm doing fine. Getting a strapless gown with my figure was a great idea. I always did look great in a halter top. I just know Piccolo's jaw will drop when he sees me walking down the aisle with my father." The sound of cloth rustling almost overrode Bulma's voice. Luckily, Linda was used to such things and could drown out the noise.

"How have the wedding plans gone so far? Have you gotten much taken care of?" Linda was understandably curious about the wedding of the richest woman on the planet. All anyone really knew about the wedding was that it would be held on CC grounds, there were very few people invited

"We sent out the invitations last week. Piccolo and I had agreed on a very small gathering of family and friends. There'll be about fifty people at the wedding. Total. We've picked out the cakes. The rings are being sized. The tuxedos and gowns are being made. Then there are the fittings to be done. The caterers have been hired. Food's been ordered. We've hired a bartender for the open bar. Champagne's been ordered. Flowers have been picked out and ordered. Gifts for the groom's men and the bridal party have been ordered." Bulma informed Linda of the latest wedding planning developments. "My dad finally got a chance last week to get his measurements taken for his tux. He and I have been really busy with work lately. I want to get as much done as I can. I don't want to be on my honeymoon worrying about work and Capsule Corp."

Linda was quite used to brides talking of how busy they tended to be before their weddings. For Bulma Briefs it must be terribly hectic. She was curious about one thing, though. "Cakes? How many will there be, Ms. Briefs?"

"Three. There is a bride's cake, a groom's cake and the main wedding cake." Bulma answered the bridal boutique proprietress. She then went on to describe each cake.

Linda was astounded. Each cake sounded more decadent than the last. "With only fifty people there, why so much cake? You'll have a ton of leftover cake."

"If you knew the eating habits of some of the guests, you'd understand. My oldest and dearest friend could probably eat one of the cakes himself and not get sick. Imagine having seven guest almost like him. Good thing my mother and I decided to hire two catering companies." Bulma chuckled to herself when she pictured Goku covered in cake and frosting.

"My goodness! You've invited seven people that could eat an entire wedding cake by themselves. I can't even begin to imagine the severe stomachache I'd get if I tried to eat that much cake." Linda couldn't help but imagine the scene of several people gorging on wedding cake. It nearly made her sick to her own stomach.

The boutique owner felt changing the subject a good idea. Linda asked Bulma some more questions about the wedding. "Would you mind talking about the reception? How will you have it decorated and planned out?"

"First off, Piccolo and I are getting married by a close friend of ours under a nuptial arbor in my mother's garden. Piccolo is making the arbor himself. I can hardly wait to see what he's come up with. Then of course the reception to follow. The guests will all be sitting at cast-iron garden tables painted white. White floral cushions will be on every seat. Over the round tables will first be a satin gunmetal grey round cloth with scalloped pipe edging. Over that will be a square white Georgette lace tablecloth. We've ordered hand blown glass swan vases for the centerpieces. They'll be placed onto an oval mirror tray along with crystal votive candle holders. The candles will be lit when it gets night time. In the vases will be white jasmine, some white and purple orchids, and some white and pale blue roses along with small fern fronds."

"It sounds absolutely lovely so far." Linda sighed as she pictured the event. She's seen those swan vases and they look beautiful.

"I'm not even done." Bulma took a deep breath before she continued with the reception's description. "White linen napkins with pewter rose napkin holders at each place setting. Small matte silver frames are being used for the place cards. Piccolo's idea. Inside the frames will be eggshell white cards written in calligraphy with all the guests' names. They are just one of the party favors for the guests. We'll send out two different pictures of the wedding. One of Piccolo and I posing while standing. That one is a vertical shot. The other is of the entire wedding party, and that's horizontal. The frames will be able to set in either vertical or horizontal sides.

"The rest of the guests' gifts are personalized signature bottles of champagne. A silver gauze pouch with grey leather pull strings will have a box of specialty chocolates and a box of truffles. And those cute little bubble bottles will be in a basket at every table. Piccolo and I still might pick out something else for the guests' favors. There will also be a candy tray taken around to each table. Each candy will be in a wrapper. The guests can fill up their pouches with as many sweets they can handle."

Linda had other brides for clients that had far fewer gifts for their guests. It was rare to hear of at least four favors. "Champagne, chocolates and truffles in a pouch, along with a pretty frame? Those sound like great gifts. I'm sure all your guests will be very pleased. Those candy trays have gotten very popular. What kinds will you have?"

Bulma rattled off each confection she could remember. "White chocolates molded to look like a wedding cake. Divinities, fudge, lollipops, hard candies, butter scotches, marzipan fruits, nut brittles and pralines. I think that's all we ordered."

'My God. People will be leaving with sugar highs and possibly drunk. Since there is an open bar.' If Bulma could see the other woman, she'd see that Linda's were bug-eyed. "Wow, that sounds like a diabetic's worst nightmare."

"Compared to a friend's wedding I went to two months ago, this is more low-key elegance. That's what Piccolo and I both want." Bulma continued with describing the reception. "The buffet tables will have palette lights at varying heights. The cake table will have flower petals and two mirror trays with candles. The candles are in white and silver and all different heights. Um... what else did mother and I come up with?

"Big urn pots will be set up around the reception's border. They'll be filled with the wedding flowers and large fern fronds intermingled. White bone china place settings with my mother's antique silverware. Crystal wineglasses and tumblers. Then we've got the bar, the dance floor and the music area. There will also be several disposable cameras at every table."

Linda was amazed at all Bulma, her mother and her groom had accomplished in such a short time. "It sounds like you've got most of the wedding planned already. It sounds like every bride's dream."

"Oh well, there's still more things to take care of. The guest sign in book is yet to be finished. I've hired a woman to embroider a floral design on the cover. She assures me it will be done in time. Piccolo and I still have to hire the entertainment. I have no idea what I want for that. The rings are being sized. I've got to decide on what kind of jewelry I want to wear. I'm thinking pearls, but that's usually the standard for weddings."

"Sounds like you really do have everything planned."

"Now it's just getting everything in time for the wedding and setting it all up. And don't let me forget about the RSVP's." Bulma was quiet for a few minutes, then the door to the cubicle opened. Out stepped one of the most beautiful brides Linda had ever seen.

"Oh my. You've got to look in the mirror, Bulma. Just to see that it's for real." The look upon Linda's face told Bulma exactly what she wanted to know. She looked stunning.

Bulma stepped in front of a full mirror. She gasped at what she saw. Bulma began to mentally picture the gloves, shoes, veil along with the headpiece and any jewelry she may choose added to the sight before her eyes. If she wasn't worried about her mascara running she'd start to cry.

The gown was made of pure white organza in a classic design. A sheer neckline was accented with crystal and pearl beads. It was strapless and hung perfectly from Bulma's impressive bust. The front swayed like a bell with her steps while the back draped upon the floor and swept along after her. It fit her figure and coloring perfectly. She looked like a mermaid princess. With that thought, Bulma decided to get a pearl necklace and pearl drop earrings.

Linda came over to were Bulma stood. She had her tape measurer, a notepad with pencil and some pins. She began to check measurements. Lengths and widths were checked and double checked. A small area of the hem was pinned so it would hang even with the rest. Other than that, the dress looked perfect. "I think that's all that is needed today. It looks just fine everywhere else. Is there anything you'd like to change now?"

"I think I love it just the way it is. I'll have to get a tube bra in white. I've got all the other undergarments I'll need. I think that's all. Wow. It really is beautiful. I can hardly wait to see Piccolo's face." Bulma rocked back and forth enough to make the front sway like a bell. The sight made her giggle. Linda just thought she was like any other bride to come to her shop.

Bulma wen t back into the dressing cubicle to change. She was very careful to avoid any snags or tears. Bulma was also wary of the pins. She didn't want to get scratched just a little over a month from her wedding day. When she was finished changing back into her clothes, Bulma exited the booth with her gown over her left arm.

Linda took the dress and placed it into a large bag and then into a box. One of her seamstresses would take care of the pinned hem and place the final stitches to the folds and edges. Both women went to the computer and began searching for the right accompanying headpiece to the gown. It took less than an hour for Bulma to see just what she wanted. Bulma decided to get a small crystal and pearl beaded silver tiara. She left with an appointment for the next fitting in three weeks.

*Author's Notes*

*: If there are catering companies out there by these names, sorry! Just more made up names. It is purely coincidence.

**: Claude-Luc and Linda MacDugal are original characters. Which means I made them up. If there are people with these names and appearances, it is again coincidence.

***: Linda's Boutique has been made up by me. If there, is such a place? Sorry! Coincidences are running rampant today!

I wanted to get most of the wedding description out of the way. If anybody wants to know where to find some of the items and the gowns I (with some help from Emmy) had picked out for Bulma and the bridal party, let me know. I'll send the sites' URL and item numbers.

Yes, Kewla, I know. More food with lots of description. You've got to admit those cakes do sound damn good. I don't think I'm going to write the entire menu. That's way too much food.

I want to ask the readers their opinion. Should they get a DJ and the quartet? Or a band?

And are there any suggestions for the wedding song? These are what I have in mind so far:

Righteous Brothers: "Just Once in My Life"

John Denver: "Seasons of the Heart"

"For You" (that one makes me cry)

"Annie's Song"

Jeff Healey Band: "Angel Eyes" (my oldest, older brother had that for his wedding song)

Charlotte Church: "From My First Moment"

The Drifters: "This Magic Moment"

"Some Kind of Wonderful"

"Dance With Me"

"Stand By Me"