My Angel

CH. 16 - Should be.

Chapter is NSFW and contains non-consensual adult themes. Please do not read if this will trigger/offend you or cause you to feel uncomfortable.

You cannot stop staring at the glimmering ring upon your finger. The solitaire diamond laid into the platinum band shines brightly under the lights of the ballroom where the party carries on. The evening has been filled with dancing, drinking, and getting reacquainted with old friends. It has truly been the most incredible party you have ever attended.

Throughout the night your friends have been practically lining up to congratulate you and Whis, asking to see your ring and inquiring as to when and where the wedding will be held. To be honest, even though you have always dreamed that this day would come, you have never given any real thought as to what your wedding might look like.

In this very moment however, as you gaze down at the truly perfect engagement ring with a huge smile upon your face, all you can think about is how happy you are that Whis made good on the promise he made to you that evening at Bulma's two years earlier.

He is going to marry you, just like he said he would.

Your eyes hastily flick upwards as someone takes the seat across from you at the table. You offer them a warm smile in greeting.

"Its nice to see you, Yamcha."

"You too," Yamcha responds quickly. It looks as though something is troubling him, but you decide not to pry. At that moment Puar floats over as well, a drink in each hand.

"Hey Puar," you grin as the cat-like creature places one of the drinks in front of Yamcha, "How are you two doing? Are you enjoying the party?"

"Its so much fun!" Puar chirps, "I think we're both danced out. Congratulations on your engagement, by the way!"

"Thank you," you say for the umpteenth time tonight, chuckling as Puar not so subtly nudges Yamcha, prompting him to say the same thing. Yamcha says nothing and glares down at his drink. He looks as though something is weighing him down emotionally. After a very long moment of pondering, you finally deem it your duty as his friend to question his wellbeing.

"Yamcha," you start in a soft voice, are you alri—"

"—It should have been me," he says, cutting you off. Puar looks mortified and quickly motions for Yamcha to silence himself. Said man's eyes move upward to meet yours, a scowl etched upon his face.

"P-pardon?" you fidget nervously beneath his gaze, not entirely sure of the meaning behind his words – or that you even want to know.

"It should have been me," he repeats a little louder, shoving Puar away from him and ignoring his friend's desperate pleas for him to keep quiet, "I should have been the one to ask for your hand, not him." His glare turns toward the dance floor as he speaks the last word, where Whis and Bulma are trying to convince a rather tipsy looking Piccolo to dance. You follow his gaze, your frown deepening.

"What? I... huh?"

"I've been in love with you since long before that damn Angel came along," Yamcha hisses, "It should have been me that you fell madly in love with! I should be the one you marry! Just look at all the hoops you've had to jump through for him. For the love of Kami, he isn't even human! It isn't a healthy relationship. I could make you so much happier!"

His voice increases in anger and volume as he continues, drawing the attention of Gohan and Videl at the next table over. Yamcha's eyes return to his drink, and he raises the glass to his lips to take a large gulp of the alcoholic beverage.

You roll your eyes. He's just drunk and upset.

Behind him you notice Gohan move to stand, ready to intervene. You wave him off and send him a grateful smile. You are certain you can handle this.