68.0

Time Nest

"What do you mean you're getting married!"

Shallot grabbed Rhudas shoulders. "No way! Forget it!"

Trunks glared from behind his girlfriend very coldly at Shallot. Unpreturbed, Shallot shook her vigorously, ranting on about how it was too soon and out of the blue, and he still had a chance. Eventually Trunks snatched her away. "That's enough, Shallot. She's mine."

"Ano...Shallot," Rhuda said, "I'll still be your friend."

"Tch! Dammit, noodles--! You're killing me you know that!" Shallot stormed off from the Nest. Over his shoulder he yelled at them, "I'm not coming to the wedding!"

Trunks sighed. "It's not like I was going to ask him to be my best man."

"He's so upset...." Rhuda nibbled her lower lip, "Should I go and talk to him?"

"Absolutely not!" Trunks said. Calmer he added, "Give him time. He needs to work this out on his own."

Chronoa popped her head out from her home, "Is it true? Trunks, you and Rhuda are getting hitched?"

Trunks nodded. "Yeah. In a week. I uh, want you to come if you can."

"I'm so happy for both of you! I'd be honored to attend." Chronoa beamed. "I can even bring some snacks!"

"Guh..."

Rhuda giggled, then spotted Granola making his way through the portal. She ran to him. "Granola!"

His eyes widened before a gentle smile he gave her. Granola bowed, "You're looking well."

"So are you!"

He chuckled, watching as Trunks gave him the evil eye from afar. Granola lifted her hand and pecked it. "...You're too kind. I have to thank you by the way."

"Eh? What for?" She asked.

"Giving me purpose. And asking Goku to give my years back." Granola said. He stared rather fondly at the girl whom had been so brave.

"Dad wanted to! He told me he was keeping that wish for you, but needed to make sure that's what you wanted first," she told him brightly. "The only thing I did was talk to him."

"Hmm. Then I have to go thank him, too."

Granola made to leave.

"Wait! Ano...Granola?" Rhuda cutely asked, kicking her feet. "I'm getting married in a week. I wanted to ask if you'd come."

"I wouldn't miss it." He winked and left the Nest.

After he was gone Rhuda beamed over at her boyfriend Trunks, whom was scowling. "I'm so happy! The people we care about will all be there!"

"Yeah...can't help but notice they're all guys, though." Trunks crossed his arms. "You should ask more girls. You know--to uh, level it out."

('It's bad enough Gohan is involved with our marriage. I can't have anyone else trying to snatch her away! Why does she have to be so damn cute all the time!')

Rhuda flushed beet red hearing his thoughts. "T-Trunks has nothing to worry about."

"..." Trunks' blue eyes fell to the grass. He sighed, "I know. But...everyone can't help but fawn over you. It's...a little worrying, is all."

She cheered him up with a hug and kiss to his cheek, causing Trunks to grab his red face. Rhuda told him she would invite girls too and set off to Conton, leaving behind her blushing darling and a giggling Kai of Time.

*

Conton City - Plaza

As Rhuda walked down the Nest Steps and looked over the city, she saw a new Shop.

'Hakurei Shrine' the wood sign read in katakana.

It was square, with a Japanese style shingle roof, hanging lanterns, and a wooden porch around it. Rhuda carefully stepped to it and said, "Ano...anyone here?"

Her call was met with a blonde haired Marisa who sprang out so fast Rhuda jumped. "Hya!"

"Heya!" Marisa waved, right in her face.

Marisa was pushed aside by Reimu, who came out holding a cup of hot tea. Reimu bowed, "Good to see you, Chisato. Or should we call you Rhuda?"

"Ano...either one is fine."

"Then Chisato it is. Are you here for me to read your fortune? Or...perhaps there's a job for me?"

"A-Actually I was hoping the two of you would come to my wedding."

"No way!" Marisa grabbed Rhuda and jumped, "You're getting married to the King of Time!?"

Rhuda tilted her head, "King...of Time?"

"She means Trunks," Reimu said, sitting down and sipping her tea quietly. "In our timeline, Trunks became the King of Time. He's the head over the real world, keeping it safe from evil."

"King of Time..." Rhuda thought on that. "That title sounds so important."

"It is!" Marisa said. "He's the only one who can do it. That's who brought US here."

Quietly Reimu said, "It was actually Zamasu. But he gave the order."

Rhuda was quite puzzled, but hearing them talk about Zamasu, she pulled from her shirt a slip of paper. "Ano...can you tell me what this says? Zamasu said he wanted this but I don't have any idea what it could be."

She held it out and Reimu snatched paper, charcoal eyes wide as she read it. "EH!"

"Lemme see, too!" Marisa peered over before she said, "Good grief..."

"Ano...is it hard to find?" Rhuda asked them.

With a pointed look to Marisa whom was about to reveal the truth, Reimu cut in, "--Spicy crab cakes!"

"I see. That shouldn't be too hard," Rhuda said. "Ah, I should go now. I hope to see you two at the wedding." She bowed and tucked the paper into her shirt.

After Rhuda left, Marisa shoved Reimus arm. "What's the big idea! You know it didn't say that at all!"

"Hmp! I know that, and you know that, but she doesn't need to know that." Reimu crossed her arms in a huff and turned on her heel, "I'm a Trunks and Rhuda shipper. Not that...I would ever get involved."

"Chih! Let's hope nothing happens."

*

*

*

Trunks was relieved that his day had been so boring. It was high time all the excitement, battles, and stress settled down. He finally had time to actually 'relax'. Well...

If he knew how.

At present he was checking over the Time Scrolls with Xeno Vegeta and Goku. "..Nothing here," he said.

"Same! Looks like future you really came through," Goku told him, smiling.

Trunks didn't plan on laying back and thinking things would be perfect. He knew eventually trouble would come, and for that reason he couldn't totally rely on the future. He knew...knew how easy it was for the future to change.

"We can't predict the Game Masters next move. Shallots team haven't turned up any leads, so we have to assume the GM will strike again. It's only a matter of time." Trunks told them.

"Hn. And this time I'll be ready," Vegeta said.

*

*

Real World - Tokyo

Shallot leaned against the gaming tower and stared up at the dreary sky of Tokyo. "Tch! How could she--?! It was supposed to be ME."

"..."

Granola, whom had went with Shallot and his team, listened quietly. The Cerealian was busy whittling away a stick using a pocket knife, and the tiny wood shavings were slowly becoming a pile on the sidewalk.

With a aggravated sigh Shallot looked to Granola, "She was crazy about me. We all--everyone who seen us knew we'd be together. Yet..."

"Love is a complicated thing," Granola finally said. He flipped his knife closed and pocketed it. "It can change over time. From what I've seen she loves you, only...not in the way you'd expect."

"The hell does that mean!" Shallot punched the building. "For me, I'll always feel this way! Gurrah...I hate this!"

Slowly Granola shook his head.

*

*

Gohans Home - Orange City

The night before her wedding day, Rhuda couldn't sleep a wink. It had been a very, very long day. From morning until night: chaos.

Actually the entire week had been chaotic. Her new family had been supportive of course, but her poor boyfriend hadn't gotten a break from the constant threats. Then there was the dress shopping, the food catering, the decorations, the bridesmaids and party invitations...

Rhuda put her pillow over her face but it was too hot. Her throat was dry, pulse racing, palms sweaty.

'What if I forget my vows?'

'What if I trip in my high heels?'

Eventually she gave up on sleep and crept up and out of her room on the second floor, trying to be quiet in search of a cup of water.

Her bare feet--including rounded, manicured white tips--padded down the steps, around the corner and into the dining room. The moon was streaming from the windows of Gohans kitchen, washing it with blue. As she opened the shiny wood cabinet to get a glass, her back tingled. There was only one person who caused her body to react like that. It was his energy--

--Gohan.

He leaned against the counter and yawned widely, rubbing his askew hair. "Hey."

Sweatpants and a loose button-up was what he was wearing, feet lacking shoes.

"I'm sorry if I woke you up. I was just thirsty." She said, shutting the cabinet and going to the sink.

The water filled the glass.

"I've been awake for awhile." He said, getting his own glass of water. "...Tomorrows the big day. Are you going to be alright?"

"I'm fine!"

He downed his glass and took her empty one, setting them in the sink. "You'll do fine, Chisato. You won't trip, and even if you did it wouldn't be a big deal."

'Ah...he heard me worrying.'

With a chuckle Gohan slid over behind her and put his hands around her hips. "If you forget your vows, find me. I'll help you remember."

Of course he knew them, hearing her practice so much.

"T-Thank you."

Rhuda escaped from him and edged away until to be tugged back. He tucked into her shoulder from behind, chuckling. "Relax. I won't hurt you."

"It's just...ano..."

"Shh..." he nipped at her ear, "I'll only help you sleep. You don't want to wake up with panda eyes."

'That's true...!'

He swiveled her around, picked her up and set off for her bedroom.

*

"Gohan, you s-shouldn't sleep with me. V-Videl will--"

He eased down beside her, pulling his shirt off and setting it on the night stand beside her blue bed. "She knows, remember? And how can I sleep when you don't?"

"..."

Rhuda tugged the cover up but he pulled it down and leaned playfully forward, rolling them both to the mattress. "You're so tense."

'That's because you're in my bed...!'

"Like I said...every worry you have is mine. Let me help."

When his hands rest on her back, massaging her shoulders through the thin fabric of her night gown, a great heat came from her core. Rhuda pulled the cover over her red face. "Y-You're touching m-me but it's not h-helping at all!"

The palms of Gohans hands began knead into every aching spot of her back, gliding up and down gently. Nerve by nerve she began to relax into him, eyes shutting only to fight open. "...That's...nice..."

"I thought you might like it."

She did, indeed. Her toes curled into the cover.

'It's like magic. My body feels weightless.'

"Close your eyes..."

Rhuda did so, enjoying his touch so much she turned and cuddled his hard chest, cheek flat against his pectorals which swayed as he moved, adjusting his technique for a different angle. "Does this feel good?" He asked, lowering his hand to the spot where a tail should have been.

"Nnn...yes..."

"Sleep well Chisato. I'll be here." Gohan said, watching and sensing her thoughts taper off.

*

"Mm..." Rhuda turned and clutched her warm pillow. A pillow that slowly rose and deflated, and smelled just like-- "G-Gohan."

His dark eyes blearily opened, saw her, and Rhuda found her legs had been trapped between his, a hard thing poking right at her panties.

'Ah...! He's...h-hard!'

"Kolard is still sleeping..." Gohan mumbled, beginning to give her face kisses. He seemed amused by her embarrassment. "...let's enjoy the quiet for a minute."

*

*

*

Dende's Lookout

It was time. The venue for Trunks wedding was the Lookout, and it was swarming with people and teeming with food. While he stood out on the tiled platform, chatting with old friends, his beautiful bride was inside waiting for it to begin. His mother had ensured no expense was withheld, and it was easy to see that the Briefs only son and heir, Trunks, was a half man with power, wealth, and good looks.

Trunks chuckled at something Krillin said and looked over the crowd. The attendees were as follows and in no particular order: Trunks, Gohan, Videl, Bulma, Vegeta, Bra and Pan, Goten, the other Trunks, Yamcha, Tien, Chaotzu, Piccolo, Master Roshi and Turtle, Buu, Hercule, and Android 18. Even Granola, Reimu and Marisa had came.

For the higher ups who were there, the list went as such: Chronoa, Beerus, Whis, Zamasu, and Elder Kai.

The remaining guests had arrived with Rhuda and should be coming out of Dende's chamber soon enough. Broly, Goku, and Chichi.

It was quite the crowd, really.

Trunks adjusted his tight collar and swallowed.

'It's starting soon.'

Most of his guests were milling about outside, just talking and mingling. The Lookout had been decorated with flowers, lined seats, with tables of food beyond them. Even a tiered cake was there. Between the seats a red carpet had been rolled out, and a podium at the end of that carpet, which was where Dende, Trunks and Rhuda would be.

He'd already had talks with his Father and mother, both of whom told Trunks different things. For his Fathers advice, Trunks had been grateful.

"You're sweating." He heard.

It was Zamasu. His gray eyes looked up and down Trunks in his white suit and red rose intellectually.

"Y-Yeah. I'm just nervous I guess." Trunks told him.

"That girl has worked hard to please you, mortal. Treat her well."

'Zamasu? Giving me advice? Or was that a threat?'

"Er...she's a hard worker that's for sure."

"Hn."

His mother walked up holding a glass of wine and pecked her sons cheek. "Oh Trunks. This is such a special day. I can't believe my baby boy is all grown up now and getting married!"

"M-Mom..."

She wiped her eyes. "Sorry but I can't help it. I've wanted you to find someone to be by your side for years. You were always so worried about protecting everyone that I was beginning to think you'd never settle down."

"Ah ha ha..."

"Trunks, look at me."

Trunks peered down at his small mother. "What is it?"

"You have to think about her first from now on. Instead of running off like your father does all the time, you need to stay with her. Take her places. Makes lots of memories. You hear me?"

"Right. I will, mom. Thanks."

*

Rhuda bit her red lip and adjusted the veil over her head.

'It's starting any moment! I'm so nervous!'

"Relax Chisato." Her Dad said, nibbling another appetizer. "You'll end up tripping in those crazy shoes."

Her wedding dress was backless and strapless, shining with pearls embedded across her heart shaped chest, and had an excessive long train behind it. Beneath that dress was a pair of high heels that she wasn't used to wearing yet, per Chichi's advice not to bother with undergarments, only a white frilly garter and stockings covering flesh. Her long auburn hair was halfway up, pinned from her face, and a crown of jewels had been weaved into the braid. For jewelry she had a pair of earrings, long and dangling silver, and a matching silver necklace.

"I know..." she said, sighing. "I just wish it would start already. The build up is awful."

Chichi giggled and leaned onto her husbands shoulder. "Our beautiful daughter. Just look at her Goku!"

"Yeah, she sure is something. Trunks better be super nice to you or he'll have to face me and Broly," Goku said.

"He will! I'm sure of it!" Rhuda was quick to say.

Her brother Broly frowned. "If he makes you cry, I'll make him cry."

"The both of you be quiet!" Chichi said with a huff. "But you know, they're right. We just want you to be happy, dear."

"Thanks...I love my family." Rhuda smiled. "I believe he'll be wonderful."

*

The piano music began.

Rhuda came out on time, Goku at her side, and through the veil she peered at Trunks. He looked like a dashing prince in his white suit, and her breath hitched. His short lilac hair looked immaculate with not a strand out of place, peachy skin polished and perfect. His broad shoulders were framed well in the white suit, and the red rose attached to his chest set everything off. His cobalt eyes gleamed with excited energy as he watch over trek.

In a daze she looked at him.

'There he is...my...husband..'

She lifted the train of her dress, watching Pan toss rose petals in front of her, and finally she stood at the podium. Trunks left the side where his best man, Gohan, stood to meet her.

Dende looked tiny behind the podium but he stood on a stool, which helped his height somewhat. "Ahem. We're gathered here today to join these two in holy matrimony..."

As his speech began Rhuda shyly gazed at her beloved, who's lips were in a tight line of nervousness. He caught her eyes and smiled.

('You look beautiful.')

'T-Trunks is the most handsome man in the world! I'm so nervous!'

('Don't be. I mean, I am too, but...ha ha.')

Rhuda bit her lip, not hearing Dende ask if they'd prepared vows until he repeated it.

"Y-Yes." She said, glancing over at Zamasu gratefully in the crowd. He dipped his head.

"Never in my wildest dreams would I ever stop and think that I would find you. I could search the universe over and come up empty, but as soon as we met that fateful day, I couldn't think of anyone else. You've been by my side through these months, every obstacle in our way a stepping stone for this moment. The hands which will hold mine I promise to protect, cherish, and adore forever. Nothing will keep us apart."

Trunks face had grown rather red hearing that.

('T-That was amazing. I think my heart just exploded...')

Rhuda looked away bashfully even though he couldn't see her very well through the veil.

Trunks cleared his throat. "I remember the times that we spent together and they'll never be enough. Call me selfish, but if I lived forever it still wouldn't be long enough by your side. Your beautiful heart and soul I promise to uphold forever. I want to be the one you rely on through life's difficulties, the good and the bad. We'll face the storms of life hand in hand. I will love you until the day I day, and more."

'Uuu...I-I'm going to cry...!'

('You'll ruin your makeup.')

'But I can't help it. I'm so happy.'

('It's fine. I'm going to smear it later anyway.')

'Hya...'

Dende began speaking again.

Rhuda sniffled behind her veil, seeing Trunks with his own shining eyes.

"Do you, Trunks Briefs, take Son Rhuda to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold---"

Trunks nodded his head on cue. "I do."

"And do you, Son Rhuda, take Trunks Briefs to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold--"

Rhuda was so lost in thought, daydreaming about Trunks that she missed his words. Dende prodded her ribs. "Ahem..."

"I DO!"

The crowd snickered.

Tiny Pan flew over with a red velvet cushion, two rings on it. The same rings Trunks had made himself. After each had their ring on, holding hands, Dende began again.

"Then by the powers vested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Trunks lifted her veil and scooped her to him for a passion filled kiss, holding nothing back.

The applause of the crowd was deafening. Still, both ignored the noise and the clicking of a camera shutter to hold each other lovingly.

Of course the saiyans in the crowd went straight for the food table, while the women ran up to Rhuda and Trunks. "Congratulations!" They heard over and over.

"Thanks..." Trunks kept his arm around his brides waist tightly. "We'll uh, see you guys shortly. Hang out here for a bit."

Everyone looked at Trunks, whom had grown beet red. He coughed and loosened his tie, saying, "W-We're just gonna pop in the Time Chamber. Y-You know..."

"But the cake! It needs to be cut!" His mother said.

"I'll do it when I get out." Trunks said, hoisting his bride to his arms. "You won't even know we were gone."

Android 18 chuckled, saying, "You sure move fast."

Trunks walked to Dende, getting the guardians permission, when Gohan and Vegeta came over.

"Wait." Vegeta said. He pulled from his black suit a brown satchel and tossed it to them. Rhuda snagged it.

"Father? Sensu beans?" Trunks asked, blinking.

"You'll thank me later." Vegeta smirked and lifted two fingers, "That should be enough for awhile. Now go in there and come out a champion."

Trunks nearly dropped his wife then and there. "Guwah! Y-Yeah! I'll m-make sure t-to give you a new grandson right away!"

After his father had went over to fight with Goku about the food situation, Gohan looked at them. In his arms was Kolard. "Take care of her Trunks. I'll watch over Kolard until you come out."

Rhuda beamed at Gohan. "Thank you."

"C'mon, beautiful. It's high time you and I have a new adventure." Trunks said, smirking at Gohan, whom looked a little sour faced.

"Y-Yes!"

With a wave to everyone the two set off for the Time Chamber to consummate their marriage above all the earth.