Disclaimer: I do not own DB or DBZ, but I'm currently working on collecting the dragonballs so that I do :~)

Author's Note: I have not taken anything said or done in Dragon Ball Z into account. This story takes place sometime after the last episode of Dragon Ball, but Dragon Ball Z doesn't take place after the story, for if it did, it would mess up the whole story line. So while you're reading this, pretend that Dragon Ball Z doesn't exist.

Launch stood with her back up against the wall, facing a door. One of them was going to have to do it at some point, so why not her, and why not now?

Launch could feel sweat begin on the forehead. She wiped it off. She couldn't be sweating when she did this, no matter how nervous she was.

"Launch," said a hushed voice to her left.

It was Bulma, returning from the bathroom to go to bed. She looked at Launch, then the door, then back at Launch. She gave her a thumbs-up and a wink, then slipped into her room.

Launch felt sick. She sighed, lifting her fist to the door to knock. "There's no turning back now," she said to herself.

She knocked three times on the door, then waited for a reply.

"Come in," said a deep voice from the other side of the door.

Launch grabbed for the handle but her hand slipped off. She wiped her palms on her jeans and tried again. The door opened with a quiet creak.

"Hey," said Launch, poking her head in.

Tien looked surprised. He swallowed hard. "Hey."

Launch walked inside, maybe a little too quickly. She caught herself, then looked at Tien and gritted her teeth.

Doesn't he own a shirt? thought Launch, who quickly looked down. He's just making it that much more difficult.

Tien cleared his throat. "What's up?"

Launch kept her eyes down. "Can I talk to you for a second?"

"Sure."

Not knowing what to do, Launch sat down next to Tien on his bed, which was a huge mistake. She could feel his body heat radiating off of his skin, and it carried a scent that made Launch dizzy. She clenched her fists at her sides.

Sure, I can pull out a gun and clear a crowd no problem. But talk to Tien? Impossible.

This isn't fair. Launch thought. It was so easy for Chi Chi, and Bulma, too. The boys just came right out within ten days of meeting each other. Of course it can't be that easy for me. I have to do everything myself.

It took a lot of willpower for Launch to speak with Tien so close. She just concentrated on breathing and forming words. "Tien, I-"

Just then a gust of wind blew in from Tien's open window, tickling Launch's nose.

No! Not now!

But it was too late. Launch sneezed, and her hair and eyes changed color.

"Where-Where am I?" black-haired Launch asked. She looked around her and realized that she was in Tien's room. "What am I doing here?"

Tien improvised. This version of Launch could be fooled so easily. "You needed a pair of socks." Tien went to his closet and brought out a pair of his socks. "You said that you need them to keep warm during the night. Something about sea breezes…"

Launch accepted them with blank eyes. "Thanks, Tien."

"No problem."

And she left.

R&R!