Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ You're What?! ❯ Continuing Celebrations ( Chapter 14 )

You're What?! Chapter 14: Continuing Celebrations

"Keep up the good work boys." Videl said as she started to walk out of the kitchen. Once she reached the entrance she turned back around to look at the dynamic duo. "Some one else will be back in a little while to check up on your progress, so don't slack off." She then gave the boys a wink and left.

"Goten, one of these days I am seriously going to kill you." Trunks grumbled as he vigorously scrubbed a plate, one of the countless pieces of dishware he had already cleaned. Both boys stood on step stools in the kitchen, aprons tied around their waists. The heir to the Saiyan throne had his sleeves rolled up and was sporting some very unstylish aqua-marine rubber gloves so that his hands would not prune up due to long soakage time in the dishwater. Goten, standing next to Trunks, likewise had his sleeves rolled up and was responsible for drying and stacking all of the dishes Trunks was cleaning. As punishment for their little frog stunt, which Trunks had tried to explain as "frog liberation", both boys were responsible for cleaning one load of dishes. Too bad for them that one load of dishes consisted of about 200 pieces of dishware and just as many pieces of flatware. What made the experience even worse for Trunks was that he knew they had an industrial dishwasher that could take care of this mess in about 10 minutes. At least Goten was used to the manual labor required to do dishes, his family didn't have the money to buy such fancy luxuries.

"Why are you going to kill me? It wasn't my idea to scare everyone with those frogs." Goten whined, hating it when his friend was upset at him.

"I know that Goten, but it is your fault that we got caught!" Trunks exclaimed in exasperation, turning to look at his friend in disbelief. "Honestly Goten, you knew we were doing something that could get us into trouble, so what do you decide to go and do? Oh that's right, you go running up to your mother when she is calling your name, and to make matters worse you told her where I was hiding!"

"How was I supposed to know that my mom was calling me because she was going to punish me? What if something was wrong? Besides, you aren't supposed to disobey or lie to your parents. So, I had to tell my mother the truth when she asked me where you were." Goten stated simply, his face the picture of innocence. Trunks just stared at his friend deadpan. "What?" Goten questioned in confusion, not fully understanding why his friend was staring at him like that.

"I will never understand you." The troublesome prince announced after a short pause. Goten tilted his head and waited for his friend to elaborate. "Yep, you are definitely not a normal kid. Normal kids cause trouble all the time and then lie to avoid getting caught or punished. It is just they way the world works." Trunks had stopped washing dishes and was now facing Goten, who was listening intently. Trunks was waving his scrubbing brush around, accentuating his points. "It is our job to do such things in order to keep our parents' on their toes. Think about how boring their lives would be if I didn't come up with these awesome pranks. Subconsciously, parents love it when we pull such hi-jinks and then try and get away with it. It's like a battle of wits, and we have to win! Anyway, back to what I was saying, you are the only kid I know that causes some trouble and then surrenders without even putting up a fight. It is very disappointing to all parties involved. I see now that you have a lot to learn my friend." The lavender-haired child finished up his speech by poking Goten in the chest with his brush, leaving a wet, soapy spot on his shirt.

"Wow, I never knew that parents wanted us to cause trouble! Thanks Trunks! I don't know what I would do with out you to tell me all these things." Goten replied in awe, excited about learning something new.

"Think nothing of it Goten. That's what friends are for. Now let's get back to washing these dishes. We've missed enough of the party already."

"Hey Buu, what have you got there?" Hercule Satan asked as he walked over to his pink, puffy companion. Buu looked up at his dearest friend and let out a squeal of delight.

"Lookie, lookie, Buu have a new pet." The child-like monster exclaimed and thrust out his hand. Clutched tightly in his grasp was a disoriented Captain Ginyu.

"Buu, you can't just take that animal. It has a home here with all the other frogs." The bumbling con artist, Hercule explained.

"It ok for Buu to have froggie. Mr. Vegeta say it ok. He caught it especially for Buu." Buu then started to pat the poor ex-Ginyu Force leader on the head. "Buu like froggie. Keep forever and ever!" He declared while grasping the wriggling frog in a strong hug, causing the amphibious captain to let out a low croak.

"Well if that is the case, then I see no problem with you caring for the frog." Hercule said with a smile at seeing how happy Buu was with his newest pet.

"Hooray!" Buu squealed in delight. "You hear that froggie? You all mine!" Captain Ginyu just looked up at his new "owner" and could do nothing but shudder.

Meanwhile, Vegeta smirked as he heard Buu declare that he would now be caring for the frog. It would serve that devious, little amphibian right to have to spend the rest of his days enduring the whims of that gigantic piece of bubble gum. Pushing away from the tree he had been leaning against, Vegeta decided he had spent enough time watching the two idiots before him. Speaking of idiots, just as Vegeta started to walk back toward the tables where everyone was seated he saw Goku running toward him.

"Hey Vegeta, there you are. We were wondering where you had disappeared to," the younger Saiyan stated as he came to stand next to his prince. Vegeta glared up at the man next to him, rolled his eyes, and then continued on his way without saying a word. "Hey!" Goku called out after being dismissed so easily by his former enemy. "Where are you going Vegeta?"

"Where does it look like you fool?" Vegeta snapped, pointing over to where his wife was sitting.

"Oh. Well, anyway, I was wondering if you maybe want to go spar. I haven't done any training all day!" Goku whined. Vegeta stopped in his tracks, instantly attracted to the idea of getting some training in, as well as getting away from all his "friends". He then caught sight of Bulma, sitting in a chair, her hand absently rubbing circles over her swollen stomach. Then, as though sensing his eyes upon her, she turned slightly and looked over at him. She flashed him a brilliant smile and waved over to him enthusiastically. Vegeta closed his eyes and let out a low growl. The things he did for his woman.

"I don't think sparring would be a good idea Kakarrot." Vegeta said quietly. Goku looked at the smaller man, his eyes going impossibly wide. Without thinking of the consequences, Goku immediately placed a hand on the Saiyan Prince's forehead, a look of complete concern plastered on his face.

"What's wrong Vegeta? You don't feel like you have a fever! Oh Dende, you're dying aren't you?!" Goku said in a panic, letting his imagination run wild. Forcibly, Vegeta pushed Goku's hand away from his face.

"No, I am not dying," Vegeta spit out, barely getting past his shock that Goku had the audacity to touch him in such a familiar fashion. Granted, the two were no longer enemies, and maybe, just maybe, Vegeta was starting to think of the lunk-head next to him as a friend (not that he would ever admit that to anyone) but he would be damned if he allowed Goku to act as casually with him as the younger Saiyan did with his other friends. "And for future reference, if you want to keep your arms, don't ever touch me again." Goku took the comment in stride, he didn't expect anything else from his prince.

"I guess you truly are feeling ok." The tall warrior said with a laugh, his fear subsiding. "I have just never heard you turn down a fight before."

"I'm just looking out for my best interest; picking the lesser of two evils. If I go spar with you, I will have one pissed off hormonal, pregnant mate on my hands. However, if I stay I will still be able to spar later on AND I won't have an angered wife. Patience is a virtue you apparently know nothing of, Kakarrot." Vegeta said with a smirk, his whole posture screaming superiority.

"I'll vouch for that," Chi-chi said, butting into the conversation as the last two Saiyans came within earshot of the group sitting around Bulma. "I swear that Goku is worse than the kids when it comes to having a little patience!"

"It is forgivable," Vegeta stated, an evil smirk coming to his face. "One too many hits to the head can do that to anyone." Then, if it was possible, his smirk turned a tad bit more sinister as he leaned toward the raven-haired housewife. "Then again, I don't blame him for his lack of patience when it comes to hanging around you and the rest of the losers here."

"Why you son-of-a-" Chi-Chi started to shout, only to have Gohan leap out of his seat and cover her mouth, noticing young Marron sitting next to her half-android mother.

"MOM!" Gohan exclaimed in shock. "There is a child present." He then took his hand away from his mother's mouth, and immediately regretted it for her fury then settled on him.

"I can't believe you would take his side!" Chi-chi screeched with a sense of betrayal. "Why are both of my children delinquents?"

"Maybe you should look in the mirror." Vegeta quipped sarcastically.

"Vegeta!" Bulma exclaimed, after finally lifting herself out of her sitting position. "That's enough. You just had to get her started, didn't you?"

"What do you mean 'get her started'?" Chi-chi said, uncharacteristically quiet. Bulma looked over at the disgruntled woman like a deer caught in the headlights.

"I didn't mean anything," Bulma said rather unconvincingly.

"Oh, I think you meant something." Chi-chi hissed out, her fists resting on her hips and her eyes narrowing. Vegeta, whom was still standing next to Goku, poked him in the ribs with his elbow.

"Get a handle on your mate Kakarrot. As amusing as your harpy can be to bait, she never knows when to quit and she is crossing the line right now." Vegeta commanded in a hushed voice to his younger Saiyan. He was not fond of the black-haired witch setting her sights on his mate, especially in her emotional state. Goku immediately jumped away from Vegeta at that suggestion, however, his face was frozen in fear.

"You mean you actually want me to talk to Chi-Chi when she is all worked up! That's suicide!"

"What did you just say Goku!?" Chi-chi yelled, her face flushing a beet red in her anger. Vegeta's plan had worked. The banshee's anger was no longer focused on his wife. Goku let out a very undignified squeak of fear before bolting off in the opposite direction. "Oh no you don't Son Goku! Get back here!" Chi-chi called out as she chased on after her husband, that mysterious frying pan gripped in her hands. Once the dysfunctional couple was gone an awkward silence fell over the group. Everyone looked at one another as though not sure how they should react. Finally, it was Krillin who broke the silence when he finally burst out laughing.

"Oh man," the short man gasped out between his laughter, "and I thought my wife was bad!" His joke brought laughter to the rest of the group, except Vegeta, Piccolo, and Android 18. However, even the Saiyan and Namek were smirking in amusement at Krillin's unexpected jab directed at both Chi-chi and his wife.

"Very funny Krillin," 18's silky voice cut through the laughter, her voice was dripping sarcasm. "If you think I'm bad now, you have not seen anything yet." Immediately Krillin shut up with a little "eep" of surprise and fear. His reaction caused another round of laughter to erupt from the group of friends. Finally, as the laughter subsided, everyone went back to their own mingling. Master Roshi, Krillin, Hercule, and Yamcha went over to one of the tables to start up a game of poker. Bulma sat back down in her chair next and looked at the group surrounding her. To her left sat Marron, then 18, Gohan, Videl, Oolong, and her parents. Bulma glanced over at her husband and saw him standing next to Piccolo, neither one of them were talking but just standing next to each other in a companionable silence. The blue-haired scientist smiled and turned her attention back to the group.

"So, you two," Bulma began, addressing the newly engaged pair at the table, "when are you planning on having a little buddle of joy?" She gave a small smirk as she saw the young couple blush. "My little one could certainly use a playmate, and I'm sure little Marron would like that too!" Bulma said while rubbing her rounding stomach and gave the little girl to her left a wink.

"Um, Gohan and I haven't really talked about having a child yet," Videl said shyly, still not used to answering questions of this nature, even though Chi-chi had been pestering her since the day after they announced their engagement about the importance of giving her a grandchild to spoil. "We aren't even married yet." Videl reminded with a nervous laugh.

"Well, are you even considering it in the future?" Bulma pressed, just trying to keep some form of conversation going. She didn't expect them to be planning for a baby at this time. Like Videl had said, the happy couple was not even married yet. This time it was Gohan who answered and he was equally embarrassed about the topic of conversation being focused on him and his soon-to-be wife.

"We are both very excited at the prospect of having children in the future. I love the idea of being a father one day, and I think Videl would make an excellent mother," Gohan said softly, looking over at his wife earnestly. Videl blushed, but smiled at his compliment. Bulma sighed wistfully when she saw Gohan place his hand over Videl's.

"Ah, young love. Too bad some people in the general vicinity don't know what it means to romance a woman!" Bulma called over her shoulder, directly at Vegeta, in a teasing manner. Vegeta crossed his arms over his chest and gave a grunt of annoyance, in no way ready to join a conversation of that topic. Bulma shook her head and began speaking back toward the young couple. "I swear, there I times I think I must have the plague because Vegeta won't touch me like that." The mother-to-be exclaimed, motioning to Gohan and Videl's entwined hands.

"Well apparently Vegeta is touching you somewhere or else we wouldn't all be here today!" Oolong said with a lecherous grin, his mind in the gutter, as always. That statement caught the attention of everyone in the area and all eyes turned toward Bulma's table.

"You guys talking about Bulma and Vegeta's sex life?" Roshi called out, practically drooling at the mental pictures that conjured up.

"We most certainly are not!" Bulma sputtered out, not liking the turn this conversation had taken.

"Well that is what it sounded like from here!" The old turtle hermit countered. "Why are you so flustered Bulma my dear? You, of all people, should not be embarrassed!" He paused as a thought hit him. "Unless you are embarrassed because there is nothing good to discuss." Immediately Vegeta bristled.

"Or maybe it is so good she is rendered speechless just thinking about it!" Vegeta responded passionately, not wanting anyone to think that he could not pleasure his own mate. Bulma glanced over at her parents and blushed. Why did she even bother inviting these people over to her house any more? She decided that she must be a glutton for punishment. Roshi caught the blush that colored Bulma's cheeks and he let out a wheezing laugh.

"Ha! It's true: the sex must be mind-blowing. I haven't seen the girl blush like that in years!" The pervert exclaimed in glee, hopping up out of his chair.

"Now that sounds promising!" Oolong said, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. "Come on Bulma, give us the scoop. I want details!"

"Well I don't!" Yamcha said in disgust. Although he did not think of Bulma in a romantic way, that didn't mean he wanted to hear about her sex life with the Saiyan that stole her from him. "You can go ahead and keep you lips sealed Babe." Then as an afterthought, Yamcha turned to Vegeta. "That goes double for you."

Vegeta narrowed his eyes at the scarred human. It was no secret that Yamcha was Vegeta's least favorite person. He would never get over that little bit of jealousy he held towards the man for being with Bulma before he was. Vegeta walked up to the poker table and immediately Roshi sat back down, figuring the monarch was coming over to speak to him. The four Earthlings looked at Vegeta, an uneasiness hanging in the air.

"Human, come with me. We need to speak." Vegeta stated suddenly. Then, without waiting, Vegeta started to head back toward the main house on the other side of the park, effectively telling the person to follow him. Although he had not said a name, and all of those present at the poker table were human, there was no doubt on whom Vegeta was talking to. "Human" had been Yamcha's nickname, if that was what you wanted to call it, ever since Vegeta had come to stay at Capsule Corporation. Krillin was "Baldy", and even though he now had hair, Vegeta was not going to waste his time coming up with a new name. The little man wasn't worth it. Master Roshi was always called "Pervert", amazingly enough. And finally, Hercule was the only one with a constantly changing name, but they all stayed along the lines of "Idiot" or "Moron".

Yamcha got up, confusion written all over his face. Why, of all the people here, did Vegeta want to talk to him? Deciding that it would be best not to keep the grumpy Saiyan Prince waiting, the scarred fighter hurried after the disappearing father-to-be. Once they were on the other side of the indoor park, out of sight, and earshot, of all the other guests, Vegeta spun around in mid-stride to face Yamcha. The tall human almost ran over the smaller alien, due to the fact that he had not been expecting him to stop so abruptly. The two warriors stood there facing each other for a few moments, one scowling the other looking completely lost.

"What did you want to talk to me about Vegeta?" Yamcha finally inquired, not liking the uncomfortable silence. At first he didn't think the prince was going to answer him, for he continued to glare at the man before him with an unreadable glint in his eyes. Then, just as abruptly as he had stopped, Vegeta began pacing like a caged animal in front of Yamcha. Now the ex-boyfriend was getting nervous. Vegeta was agitated, that could only spell trouble for Yamcha.

"I don't like you human and I don't think I ever will," Vegeta began, his voice a soft growl. Yamcha blinked at that statement. It was definitely not what he was expecting Vegeta to say. Vegeta must have seen his reaction for a small smirk suddenly tugged at one corner of his mouth. "I'm sure you already knew that though. Just as I know you certainly could care less about me." The whole time he was talking, Vegeta continued to pace.

"Vegeta, does this have a point?" Yamcha said in annoyance. He was not one to sit around and deal with Vegeta's cryptic speeches. Vegeta suddenly stopped pacing and whipped around to stare pointedly at the human before him.

"Of course I have a point. I was just getting to it." The Saiyan monarch snapped. He then promptly, but casually, walked over to Yamcha and proceeded to punch him in the face. Since he wasn't powered up the punch did not do much damage to the man. It did, however, cause Yamcha to fall to the ground, clutching his right eye that would definitely be bruised by the end of the night.

"Ow! What was that for?" Yamcha said in a semi-whiny voice, while still sprawled on the ground. He looked up to see the darkened Vegeta staring down at him. With the lights shining down from the dome, Vegeta was effectively masked in shadow, as his back blocked the light. Vegeta let out a low growl and mumbled "pathetic" under his breath, seeing how easily the so-called warrior was caught off guard. Yamcha finally sat up and continued to look at Vegeta. "Well, if you were going to hit me again, you would have done it by now. So, I'll ask again; what was that first punch for?"

"That," Vegeta clipped out, pointing to his eye, "was for trying to take what is mine."

"I thought you were perfectly clear on the fact that Bulma and I are just friends. I don't ever plan on trying to 'take' her from you, and I doubt she'd even be wooed anyway." Yamcha rationalized, believing that the Saiyan Prince was talking about his mate. That thought was quickly dashed.

"I'm not talking about Bulma, you idiot!" Vegeta hissed, annoyance clearly heard in his voice. He saw the absolute cluelessness flash across the younger man's face and Vegeta practically snarled. "I'm talking about Trunks!"

"Trunks?!" Yamcha questioned, growing more and more lost by the second. "Vegeta, I don't know what I did that gave you the impression I was trying to take your son, but I am not. Trunks is a cool kid and all, but I have no desire to take him in as my own. Nor do I want to kidnap him, if that is what you are talking about." The scarred warrior added as an afterthought.

"Have you been hanging around Kakarrot?" The shorter warrior questioned rhetorically. "Because, I think his stupidity his contagious. Not that I would ever consider you intelligent, but this is worse than normal. Think real hard about what I am talking about."

Yamcha paused for a second and started to think back. He couldn't remember a time he had tried to take Trunks, especially anytime recently. Then it clicked. This was something way back in the past. Vegeta wasn't talking about Yamcha physically trying to take Trunks away, he meant that Yamcha had tried to claim him as his own. The tall human could not begin to fathom how his royal highness had found out about his offer to Bulma back when she was pregnant with Trunks, but somehow the arrogant prince had found out all the same. Great, with the way Vegeta held a grudge, Yamcha was probably about to get the tar beaten out of him. Vegeta crossed his arms over his chest and smirked devilishly when he saw the flash of recognition finally cross Yamcha's face.

"Hey, Vegeta," Yamcha said from his place on the ground, his hands held out in front of him in a non-threatening manner, "that was a long time ago. I only did it because I was concerned for Bulma. We weren't sure if you were coming back, and I didn't want her to have to carry all the strain of raising a child all by herself. I only did what I thought best. Bulma didn't take me up on the offer, why don't we just let this drop." The fighter said in a calm voice, trying to convince the Saiyan not to "fight" him. He saw the warrior prince take a step toward him and Yamcha backpedaled, effectively doing the crabwalk in order to do so. Yet, again Vegeta stalked toward him. Although Yamcha knew Vegeta wasn't about to go Super Saiyan on him or anything, at least not while inside Capsule Corp., he did know that the disgruntled alien before him would have no qualms about pounding him to a bloody pulp. Yamcha was not so insecure as to deny that, even without powering up, he was no match for Vegeta, especially an angered, territorial Vegeta. Yamcha scrambled to his feet, not wanting to face the advancing doom from his place on the ground. As silly as it might have seemed, Yamcha took a defensive stance, waiting for the next blow.

Finally, Vegeta stopped and looked at his adversary. He noticed the weak defensive stance and the flashes of nervousness that showed across his face, although he was trying hard to hide it. The Saiyan Prince let out a small mocking laugh. "You truly are pathetic, you know that right? If I wanted to pound you into nothingness, there is little you could do to stop me." Vegeta gloated. To prove his point, he flashed out of Yamcha's line of sight and almost immediately flashed back in. Yamcha suddenly felt his pants start to drop and was at least nimble enough to catch them before they fell to the floor. His eyes wide with shock, Yamcha looked over at Vegeta and saw him holding his belt in one hand. "You couldn't even monitor my movement." Vegeta stated in disgust as he tossed the belt back at the human.

Yamcha eyed the Saiyan warily, he was acting so strange. He was neither yelling at him, nor beating him up. Something was not right here and Yamcha didn't want to know what was in store for him. His belt in place, Yamcha gathered all the courage he had and again addressed Vegeta. "Why did you bring me over here Vegeta? I know it wasn't to gloat about how easily you could kick my ass, you've always had that power. I don't get to see my friends very often and I'd prefer not to be standing around wasting my time with you and your strange behavior."

"Will you just shut up? I'm getting there!" Vegeta bellowed, while grabbing the front of Yamcha's favorite yellow suit and pulling him down to face level. He then let go with a push and once again Yamcha found himself on the ground. This time, however, the human made no attempt to get up. He was resigned to let Vegeta say whatever it was he was struggling to say at his own pace. Resuming his pacing, his arms once again across his chest, Vegeta shot icy glares at his mate's ex-boyfriend.

"I will never forgive you for trying to reclaim Bulma while I was gone, nor will I ever forgive you for attempting to claim my royal heir as your own. Both offenses would be punishable by death in my kingdom." Vegeta finally began, his voice cold and harsh. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Yamcha pale slightly at the mention of death, and Vegeta smirked. "However, this is not my kingdom and so you live. But know this human, my dislike for you is as strong as ever, so just keep that in mind when you are in my presence. Don't ever presume you can talk to me as you did back there. I am not your friend and you are not mine!" Yamcha once again held up his hands in a sign of peace.

"Settle down Vegeta, I said like six words to you. Hardly a conversation in my book." At the murderous glare he received, Yamcha immediately changed his tactic. "But fine, you win Vegeta. I won't ever talk to you or try and run into at these get togethers. Believe me, it will be no skin off my nose." With that Yamcha stood up, believing the conversation to be over. Turning away from Vegeta, he took about a half a step before bumping into Vegeta's solid frame.

"I'm not finished! I have to get this out of my system." Vegeta said more to himself than to Yamcha. He then mumbled two words: thank you. Yamcha leaned forward, not catching the words.

"What did you just say? I couldn't hear you?" The tall warrior asked in confusion, becoming more and more baffled by Vegeta's behavior.

"I said thank you, you ungrateful little fool!" Vegeta snapped out, angered that he was even saying such a thing to the man before him. Yamcha's jaw just about hit the ground when he heard Vegeta's statement. Why would Vegeta be thanking him? His mind was coming up with a complete blank as to what he could be referring to.

"What for?" He asked, genuinely confused.

"I know I was not there for Bulma when she was pregnant with Trunks. You were. While I'll always hate you for having that time with her, and will never get over this itching urge to blast you for your presumptuous nature as to whether or not I would return; I know you were good to her. She said so herself. I don't believe she would have survived the pregnancy and birth if not for you. For that, I am grateful. So, there, I said it, and it is the only time you will ever hear it so don't get used to it. And don't think this changes anything between us. Just because I may have given you a minute speck of gratitude does not mean I still don't want to see you tortured. Oh, and before I forget, if you call my mate 'babe' one more time I will personally remove your tongue from your mouth." Vegeta announced, his voice growing increasingly harsh. Vegeta had stopped his pacing and was standing in trademark fashion, his eyes downcast on the ground. Yamcha looked at Vegeta in shock, but quickly covered it up. He didn't want to make Vegeta feel uncomfortable.

"Thanks Vegeta. In regards to the whole torture thing, the feeling is mutual. As I said before, I only did what I thought was best for Bulma. I won't lie and say I had no hopes of winning her back during that time, but first and foremost, I was her friend. She needed that the most. I am only glad that I was there for her. And since now I feel guilty, I suppose I should say thank you as well." At this, Vegeta's eyes snapped up and he could not quite hide the surprise on his face. Yamcha could read the question in Vegeta's eyes and decided to elaborate. "While I'll never forgive you for stealing Bulma from me, I see how happy you make her. She has a sparkle in her eyes that I was never able to put there. She loves you with all her heart. I'm just glad you have been there for her and given her the life I could not. I have always just wanted to see her happy. You have done that, so thanks." Then without waiting for the awkward silence that was bound to fall after two such admissions from warriors that hated each other, Yamcha turned and started to walk on back towards the party. And even though he may have a little more respect for the Saiyan whom was still rooted to the spot, no doubt analyzing everything that had just occurred, Yamcha covered his swelling right eye and thought about all the things he would do to that arrogant little troll who had given him the hideous black eye if he had the power.

Bulma glanced around the immediate area and yawned. It was getting late and it appeared that everyone was starting to get ready to leave. Standing up to say her good-byes she finally saw Vegeta. He was over by Piccolo doing some sort of meditation by the indoor stream. Bulma had been wondering where her husband had gone to when Yamcha came back from their little "chat" and he had not. Speaking of Yamcha, her poor ex-boyfriend was still clutching a bag of ice to his almost completely swollen eye as he left the compound. She had asked him what had happened and where Vegeta was, but Yamcha had only given her a lopsided grin and told her not to worry and that things were better than they had ever been. Krillin, 18, and Marron had left a little while ago when their daughter started falling asleep in her chair. Gohan and Videl approached her, each giving her a hug and words of congratulations. With their departure, Piccolo got up from his meditative pose and moved to leave, only giving Bulma a nodded and a small smirk as way of farewell. Bulma shook her head; same old Piccolo, no physical touching or lengthy conversations.

Approaching the designated card table, Bulma smiled as she saw Majin Buu playing poker and apparently doing pretty well by the looks of annoyance and complete shock on the faces of Roshi, Oolong, and Mr. Satan. "So, who is winning?" Bulma asked with a small smile as she came to stand behind the pink blob known as Buu. She rested a hand on the back of his chair and leaned against it.

"Buu win! Buu win!" The happy monster exclaimed in excitement. Everyone else around the table groaned. Bulma watched them all finish off their last hand. The blue-haired scientist held in her laughter at seeing Buu discard two cards only to receive the two cards he needed for a royal flush. Either he was cheating, or he was extremely lucky. She knew he sounded naïve and childlike, but there were times when Buu was deceptively smart.

"Well that's enough cards for me," Hercule exclaimed after they all laid down their cards and Buu won easily. "I can't take too much more of this losing. Besides, I think it is time Buu and I headed on home." Buu jumped up out of his chair at that suggestion, apparently he was ready to leave as well. Both said their farewells and were gone. Now that there were two available seats, Bulma sat down.

"So, how about it Bulma? We could play some strip poker." Master Roshi said in a suggestive voice, his eyes no doubt looking her up and down behind his goofy sunglasses. Oolong looked equally enthused at the idea.

"Aw, I would boys," Bulma began in an overly-sweet and completely sarcastic voice, "but I don't think Vegeta would like it too much. I don't want him to kill you over something as silly as a game." Both the old man and the shape-shifter looked at one another in panic before hopping out of their seats. Vegeta was walking towards them, and somehow, no matter how far away he was, Vegeta always seemed to know when the two perverts were hitting on Bulma.

"Well, perhaps we will play some other time." Roshi said in a rush, grabbing Oolong's arm. "Oolong and I have to get going. I forgot that we have a very important date. Can't break important dates, don't you know." Then the two perverts were hustling out of the compound, both yelling goodbye to Bulma over their shoulders. Bulma shook her head. Those two would never learn. Now sitting at the table alone, Bulma looked at her approaching mate and smiled. He actually looked content. Then again, it was probably due to the fact that everyone was now gone. Or so they thought. Suddenly Bulma heard her name being called in a hushed, but urgent, whisper. Looking around she caught sight of one of the tablecloths moving. Glancing at her husband curiously, Bulma hoisted herself out of the chair and walked toward the talking table. Lifting up the tablecloth she found Goku camped out under the table.

"Goku! What are you doing under there?" Bulma exclaimed in shock. Vegeta came up next her and stared at his one time rival in amusement. This had to be good.

"Don't be so loud Bulma!" Goku said again in that hushed whisper. "Is Chi-chi gone yet? I've been hiding under this table for a good two hours and my head is killing me." The tall warrior whined while rubbing his head. "Never underestimate the power of a frying pan."

"Never underestimate the power of a psycho mate," Vegeta said with a laugh.

"What did you say?!" A decidedly female voice called out shrilly. All three at Goku's table tensed.

"You have got to be kidding me! You aren't done bitching yet?" Vegeta exclaimed, amazed at the temper Goku's mate possessed.

"Chi-chi, why don't you put the frying pan down. Don't you think it is time to let bygones by bygones?" Bulma said in an attempt to be peacemaker.

"Yeah, Chi-chi, I said I was sorry!" Goku pleaded, moving further under the table.

"Besides, harpy, I don't think your mate can take too many more blows to the head! He doesn't need anymore brain damage." Vegeta cracked with an evil smirk. Chi-chi whirled on him, her eyes glittering dangerously.

"That's it! I've had enough out of you!" She yelled and immediately rushed at Vegeta.

"Wow, it must be Chi-chi's time of the month." Goku said as he crawled out from under the table. Bulma, not liking when men would dismiss everything a woman does to hormones, although her hormones certainly had control of her at the moment, glared at her longtime friend.

"How dare you make such generalities? You know nothing of what it is like to have to put up with all this hormonal bullshit!" Bulma began her lecture, her voice rising in her agitation.

It was at this moment Trunks and Goten finally emerged from the kitchen. "I can't believe we missed the party!" Goten whined as they walked to the area where all the tables were set up. They boys had seen many of the guests filing out of the house from their spots in the kitchen. Needless to say, they never realized how long it would take to do so many dishes! As the boys came to the top of the hill and looked down at the tables their mouths fell open in surprise. Vegeta was being chased around by Chi-chi, who was trying rather unsuccessfully to pound the Saiyan Prince with her reliable frying pan. Both were yelling some choice obscenities at one another that would make even the most experienced sailor blush. Then, off to the side, standing next to a table, Bulma was yelling viciously at Goku, whom was cringing and trying desperately to get Bulma to stop.

Trunks smirked mischievously and turned to his best friend, motioning for them to go down and take a seat at the far back table. Once they were there Trunks immediately took a seat. "Well Goten, we may have missed the party, but something is telling me that there are still fireworks to be seen." The older boy said as he tipped his chair back and put his hands behind his head.

Wow! That was a huge chapter; definitely my longest yet. However, I think you all deserved it for my lack of an update lately. As you can see though, I have my computer back, so writing will proceed as usual. So, I just wanted to thank everyone for their patience. Hopefully, this chapter makes up for it! I realize that it is a long chapter, I just hope I didn't lose anyone's interest. I had debated about making this chapter into two separate parts, but then decided that I really just wanted to get past the baby shower and on to other things. I had also decided on cutting out the Vegeta/Yamcha talk. I wasn't sure if I liked it, and I know it takes up a sizeable portion of chapter. Let me know what you think! As always, I love hearing from all of you. Also, I do want to encourage you to tell me what you would like to see in this story. While I have an overall idea of where I want this story to go, I am always open to suggestions and in fact, I have incorporated small ideas here and there from the reviews I have received. I guess I just like hearing everyone's ideas of what would occur during this time period and seeing how they match up with my own. Anyway, enjoy the chapter! Thanks for sticking with the story.

Until Next Time…