Goku was excited when he appeared back at the cabin, his son in his arms ready for an entire weekend with him at the cabin, "Here we are!" He said happily and set Goten down on the ground, "Man, I've been waiting for this all day, Sabriena was cooking up a storm for the better part of the afternoon! She cooked some pasta!" His stomach growled at the thought of the menu, "Mmm and fish! You hungry, kiddo?" He took Goten's back and lead the way to the cabin door, smiling as he peered in, "We're here!"

Sabriena grinned at her husband as she fixed him and Goten huge plates of food and set them on the table. "Well, go on. Eat up." Parmesan crusted fish, matsutake mushrooms, and thinly sliced green onions sat atop heaping amounts of homemade angel-hair pasta.

"Eat up, or I'mma steal yours," Tien teased as he eagerly devoured his own. He paused to swallow and chuckled, "Sorry, I couldn't wait for you guys. I'm starving and it just smelled too good."

Goku helped Goten sit down before he got to his chair, leaning over to smell the food first and heard his stomach growl louder than before, "Wow, this smells amazing!" He carefully took his first bite, savoring it like Sabriena had so graciously taught him how to do. The memory of which brought a blush to his face. He couldn't stop his eyes from rolling back into his head and the low rumble of appreciation as he did so. He opened his eyes and saw Tien eyeing his own plate and took a moment to scoot his plate away from Tien.

The bite brought tears to his eyes it was so good. The fish was delicious and delicate, the crust was crunchy and melted on his tongue. The mushrooms alone were earthy, with a hint of spice...he slurped up a noodle into his mouth and just chewed for a second, before he stopped and pinched himself, "I have to be dead. Only angels cook this good and even then I think you'd give them a run for their money with this." He laughed as he saw Goten shoving his food into his mouth like he was a man dying of thirst, "It sure is tasty, isn't it Goten!"

Goten paused only long enough to nod, noodles hanging from his mouth, and he began to shovel them in more.

Sabriena's eyes went wide and she grabbed at her hair, turning away. All that work, just for it to be inhaled so quickly that they barely took the time to taste it. She snorted softly in laughter and dropped her hands to her sides, shaking her head. 'I give up,' she thought to herself. She glanced back at the table. At least they were enjoying it.

Tien stretched his arm out to her. "C'mere, girl." She felt butterflies at his words and bounced over to sit in his lap. "Supper was incredible," his low voice rumbled softly in her ear. A smile pulled at her lips as she leaned back against Tien and tucked her chin. He knew how stressed out she had been about Goku bringing Goten out for the whole weekend. Usually Goku only got Goten for a handful of hours at a time, so Sabriena could keep fairly busy and avoid having to interact with Goten a whole lot. Tien didn't mind spending time with his husband's son and the three of them spent a lot of time fishing together. Last time, Gohan came out and joined them, giving Sabriena a good excuse to sit up at the cabin with Lindsey and the baby. But this time was different. Three whole days of Goten being there was quite a new experience for all of them, Goten included, and Sabriena was at a near snapping point by the time Goku had left to get Goten. She just didn't do well with kids. Paige, Alice, and Phoenix she could handle because, well, Paige didn't pay her much attention and the other two were too little to be sticky or talk back yet.

Tien pressed his lips to the mating mark on Sabriena's neck, then nuzzled against her ear. "Calm down," he whispered so softly only she heard. She nodded and leaned her head back against his shoulder.

Goten swallowed the huge bite in his mouth and grinned, "This is so good! Thanks, Sabriena!"

She waved at him, still looking at the ceiling, "No problem, kiddo."

Tien smiled at Goten, "You excited about being here for the whole weekend, Sport?"

Goten nodded, his eyes wide and bright.

Goku laughed and he and Goten finished off the rest of dinner quickly. Goku stretched his arms behind his head, "Oh man! That was so good! Thank you Sabriena! Why don't you and tien relax, Goten and I will wash the dishes!" He laughed at Goten's frown, "Come on. It'll go by quickly if we work on it together. Then we'll get in the hot tub!"

Tien slid Sabriena from his lap and stood. "I'll get the fire going for the hot tub," he offered. He kissed Sabriena and squeezed Goku's shoulder as he walked past, heading out into the waning evening light.

"I gotta feed dog," Sabriena muttered, heading for the door as well, "And put the chickens up. Thanks for taking care of the dishes, Goku."

The Saiyan's eyes widened and he looked over to the perch where Zip was sleeping away, his head tucked under a wing, "I gotta feed him too. I definitely don't want a cranky bird later!" He stood up, "Did you save any fish scraps?"

"Of course," Sabriena answered and reached under the counter for a bowl and handed it to Goku. "Feed him quick before the whole cabin stinks."

Goten blinked his big eyes at the falcon on the perch. "Oh wow! Dad, can I help? I wanna feed him!"

He chuckled at his son's enthusiasm, "Well sure! Then can you run down to the river and grab some water for the dishes?" He asked as he set the bowl on the table and picked Goten up, holding him with one arm as he reached out and scratched lightly at the bird's back, "Later I'll have to show you the training we've been doing together. This guy is a fast learner!" He smiled as the bird woke up, stretching his little legs and not so little wings anymore, "Hey buddy! You hungry? If you're like me, I know you work up quite the appetite when you sleep!" He picked up one of the smaller heads of fish and handed it to Goten, "Just hold it out to him, near his feet. He knows what to do."

Goten wrinkled his nose, but picked up the fish and held it out to Zip. The falcon quickly grabbed it from the little boy's hand and viciously tore into it with his beak. "Oh wow, he's hungry!" Goten giggled. "Look at him go!" He watched in fascination as Zip quickly devoured the fish offered to him.

Goku chuckled as they fed the scraps to Zip, letting Goten pet the falcon's head when he was all finished, "Sometimes, he'll share with Dog, but not often. Only when he's in a good mood!" He set Goten on the ground, "Okay you, off to get the water! There's a pail beside the house, be sure to fill it to the brim!"

"Okay, Daddy!" Goten beamed and scampered for the door, slamming it a little too hard behind him as he hurried to do as his father asked.

Goku watched as Goten ran outside to get water for the dishes and he went over to Sabriena and pulled her to him. He looked at her with big eyes, "Thanks again Sabriena. Do you want help with the chickens?" He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"No, I can take care of them," she answered. She smiled up at him, her hazel eyes glowing with affection. "Chichi didn't give you any crap when you picked Goten up this time, did she?"

Goku threw his head back and laughed, "When doesn't she? Don't let him touch those filthy animals Goku, I mean it!" He mimicked, but shrugged, "What she doesn't know won't hurt her. Does it bother you I have to go see her to pick up Goten?"

"Yeah, but, not like I'm jealous or something stupid like that," she answered. "I just... I hate her SO much, Goku. I wish you didn't have to deal with her anymore." She wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her face into his chest. "I don't want to see you get hurt. She's hurt you enough as it is."

Goku buried his face into her hair, breathing deeply. The butterflies were in his chest as she spoke. He felt so loved, "I know. I owe you and Tien so much." His voice dropped a bit, he wrapped his arms around her securely, "Thanks to you two, I see now what she's done, but she won't hurt me again. I am so lucky to have you and Tien. Nothing will ever come between us." He kissed her mark gently, "You know I don't take these lightly," He pulled back and leaned down to kiss her nose playfully.

She smiled softly. "I know that, baby," she murmured, a pleasant thrill shooting down her spine from his touch. "I know what they mean to you. Tien and I don't take them lightly, either." She reached up and kissed back at his mark, gently tracing the dark lines with her tongue. She smirked as she felt him shiver and she pulled back, winking at him. "Dog's gonna have a fit if I don't feed him," she said quietly and turned to head out the door. "Thanks again for doing the dishes."

Dog was lapping hungrily at his supper and Sabriena had just corralled the last chicken into the coop when she heard Goten's voice. He had the bucket of water sitting on the ground next to him and was watching Tien start the fire under the hot tub. "Goten!" Sabriena hollered, "I think your dad is still waiting on you!"

Goten blinked at her, "Oh yeah! See you in a bit, Tien!" and he grabbed up his bucket and hurried into the house.

"What?" Sabriena asked at the expression on Tien's face.

"You don't have to sound so harsh when you talk to him," Tien answered patiently.

Sabriena sighed, "I didn't mean to." Her shoulders slumped as she walked over to him. "Why am I so stressed out?" she whined.

Tien chuckled and pulled her close. "Because kids stress you out?" He tucked her into his arms and sat in front of the fire pit he had also started. "It's alright. It's different for all of us. I've never really had a kid over here for so long. If it helps, just think of him as a small version of Goku and remember its just for a little while." He stared into the fire, listening to Goku and Goten laughing in the house. Goku sounded so happy when he was with his sons. It was hard to deny him this. "I hope Chichi wasn't too, you know, rude to him this time." He swallowed harshly, "I'm not letting her hurt him again."

"I told Goku the same thing," Sabriena answered. "Tien, I swear to you, if she finds a way to hurt him again..." Words couldn't describe the pain Sabriena wanted to inflict on Chichi at the thought of Goku getting hurt again. She was reduced to clenching and unclenching her fingers as if she was fighting the urge to strangle someone. She stomped her foot. "Dammit, why aren't I older? If I'd come to you sooner, maybe we could've saved Goku before he ever had to deal with any of this!"

Tien chuckled but understood what she meant. "It happened for a reason. As much as it pained him, I know Goku wouldn't do it any other way. He loves his kids and I have to say, despite their mother, they turned out rather well. We'll keep an eye on her." He lowered his voice so only she could hear. "She won't hurt him again. We won't let her." He sighed and leaned down and kissed her shoulder, his heart aching for Goku.

"Yeah, yeah, his kids," she muttered. "Too bad Goten isn't closer to Gohan's age. Maybe I wouldn't be so stressed." She paused for a minute, "No, that's no good either. Then it'd be like having two Gokus. I think one is more than enough!" she finished with a laugh.

Goku came out of the house with Goten, both wearing only a towel a short time later. They were laughing together, heading for the hot tub with was steaming by now. "Thanks for getting it ready, Tien. You two want to join us?" He helped Goten get in with a small splash before he dropped his own towel and climbed in with a sigh as the hot water soothed his muscles.

"Yup," Tien grinned, undressing quickly and hopping in the tub. "C'mon, girl," he said to Sabriena as he relaxed back in the water.

"Nah," she said. "I'll get ya'll's blankets ready. You're still camping out tonight, right?"

Tien nodded, "That's okay with you, right Goten? You, me, and your dad sleeping out by the campfire tonight?"

Goten's eyes went big and a wide smile appeared on his face, "Yeah! That's awesome! I love camping!"

Goku turned around in the tub gripping the side of the tub and gave her puppy dog eyes. "You sure you don't want to join us?"

Sabriena shook her head and slapped her thigh, "C'mon Dog."

Dog bounded happily beside her, wagging his tail, as they walked around the side of the cabin to the front.

Tien sighed and shook his head as he watched her go.

Goku sighed and turned around, looking up at the sky, "She's really upset again, isn't she?" He looked down at his son who was splashing in the water and laughing.

He looked over at his dad and he frowned, "I'm sorry, Daddy. Did I do something wrong?"

"No, it's not that, you guys," Tien said shaking his head. "She's just..." How did he explain it without hurting either of their feelings? "She's just stressed because she really wants to make this weekend nice. I think she worked herself up a bit too much and now she's worn out. She just wants to make sure everyone has a good time."

Goku smiled at him, "She really is something else. I'll have to think of something nice for her after this weekend is over." He smiled at Goten and ruffled his hair, "You be real nice to Sabriena this weekend. If she looks like she needs help, ask her if you can, okay?" He grinned as his son nodded at him. "Good. Now, I think there's something on your face!" He splashed his son, starting up a water fight of epic proportions.

The three of them spent most of the evening laughing and splashing in the water, play-fighting with Goten until he got a little too wound up and they had to call it quits for a minute. Tien sat back, smiling and stared up at the stars. This was fun. He'd never wanted children, but if Goku's son came out to stay every now and then, he didn't mind at all. He finally stretched and sat up straight. "You guys ready to hit the hay? It's gettin' kinda late." He hopped out of the tub and started to pull on his clothes. "I bet Sabriena's got everything laid out for us."

Goku helped Goten out of the tub and knelt down to towel him off while his son fought back a huge yawn.

"But… 'm not tired at all!" He blinked sleepily over at Tien and then to his father.

Goku just laughed, "Okay. Okay. Go get settled in front of the fire and we will stay up finding pictures in the sky. How about that!" Goten nodded quickly and held up his arms as Goku reached into Goten's pack and pulled out his night shirt and helped him dress, "Okay kiddo get going." He stood up and toweled himself dry and put his own clothing back on. He stretched and looked up at the sky; it was a clear night. Perfect for camping outside. He looked back over at Tien and smiled, "Thanks. For everything."

Tien smiled. "Not a problem. Goten's welcome here anytime, Goku." He threw his arm around Goku's shoulders and headed around to the front of the cabin.

Goten had flopped out on the blankets laid there on his stomach, staring into the fire, his feet kicking back and forth. "Where's Sabriena?" Goten asked.

Tien dropped his arm from Goku's shoulders. "Dunno," he answered and trotted up to the door, peeking into the cabin. Sabriena was asleep in the bed, Dog curled up beside her. He raised his head when he saw Tien and slid out of bed to trot over to him. Tien rubbed at Dog's face with both hands. "She's gonna ruin you. Go on. Get back in bed with momma." Dog licked at Tien's hand, then bounded across the cabin and leapt back into the bed, laying his head over Sabriena's side. Tien shut the door and turned towards the fire again. "Looks like it's guys night."

Goku laid down on the blankets near Goten on his back, crossing his arms behind his head. "Already asleep? She must really have been stressed about making this weekend special." His heart warmed at that. Maybe after Goten left he would find something for her. Do something nice for her. He chuckled at the thought of Tien and him running around waiting on her hand and foot, she would get on them about dinner and for doing it wrong. He smiled, and looked over at Tien walking over and standing above him. He held out an arm to him, patting the bedding next to him. He looked back up to the stars, "Look there Goten, see the dragon?"

Tien laid down at Goku's side, looking up at the stars. The air was warm and the blankets beneath him were comfortable. He felt clean and relaxed after a long soak in the hot tub. He felt himself drifting off to sleep and he rolled to his side. "Hey, Goten, what's that over there?" he asked pointing. As soon as Goten looked away, he stole a quick kiss from Goku and laid back down.

"I don't see anything!" Goten cried.

"Ha ha! Gotcha again," Tien chuckled.

Goten couldn't help but laugh.

Goku chuckled and slipped his hand down between them and grasped at Tien's hand, weaving their fingers together, unable to keep the smile off of his face. With his free hand he held out to Goten until his son was snuggled up on his side looking up at the stars, so focused on them and excited when he found a shape and pointed it out to them. His voice growing heavier, his eyelids drooping until he was fast asleep, soft snores coming from him. Goku was content and warm. He blinked sleepily over at Tien and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. "Goodnight."

Sabriena woke first the next day. The bed was painfully empty, save for Dog who was stretched out on his side, taking up a good portion of the bed. "You great useless thing," Sabriena said, shoving at him. Dog groaned and didn't move. Sabriena huffed and had to climb over him to get out of bed. "Useless," she spat at him again. She dressed quickly in her tank and jean shorts, then grabbed up her basket and milk pail to head outside. She smiled down at the men as she walked past them; Goku was sprawled flat on his back with Goten curled up against one side. Tien was laying with his back against Goku, using Goku's arm as a pillow. She couldn't help but notice just how much Goten looked like his father. He was like Goku's mini-me and she had to cover her mouth with her hand to stop the snort of laughter she felt bubbling in her throat. She needed to try harder. Goten was important to Goku and she knew it. She made up her mind and reached down, gently shaking Goten awake. "Hey. Goten. You wanna come help me collect the eggs?"

Goten blinked sleepily for a second before he saw Sabriena and his eyes went wide with a large smile. He saw her press her finger to her lips and he nodded excitedly, carefully extracting himself from his father and bounded after Sabriena as she went for the chickens. He looked around excitedly. "I've never gathered chicken eggs before! Daddy said that the rooster here was mean too! I'll tackle him for you if he attacks you!"

Sabriena laughed. "I can handle the rooster," she said, picking up a switch next to the coop. She whipped it once through the air. "Don't you worry about him."

Goten winced and took a step back from Sabriena, eyeing the switch with a pained expression on his face.

Sabriena froze, and icy feeling settling into her chest. Oh, fuck no. "Hey," she said softly, "It's just to keep the rooster away. You're all right." Her grip tightened on the switch, wanting nothing more than to beat Chichi with it. Fuck. Just... fucking fuck.

Sabriena sighed and opened the small door to the coop, letting her chickens run out into the yard. The big, brightly plumed rooster strode out last, turning his head to the side to flash his mean eyes at Sabriena and Goten. "Go on," Sabriena ordered, shoving at the bird with the stick. "Come here, Goten. See these little boxes on the side of the coop? That's a nesting box." She unhooked the little latch and lifted the top, revealing the eggs laid neatly in a nest. "Put them in that basket for me, won't you?"

Goten watched Sabriena carefully, her soft words encouraging him to come take a look and with a second glance at the switch he bounded over to her side and looking into the coop with wide eyed wonder. "Oh WOW! Look at all the eggs!" He reached in and picked one up, cradling it carefully as if it would break at any moment. "Haha! It's still warm!" He moved and put it into the basket. "You want all the eggs?!" He reached back in and grabbed another one holding it carefully.

"Yup. Get 'em all," she answered. "And be careful, don't break them." She turned from Goten and set the switch back against the coop. The rooster was already across the yard, digging in the dirt. "SIBBY!" Sabriena called. "SIIIIBBY!"

The lop-eared Nubian goat wandered out of the tree line, her pink collar gleaming in the morning sunlight, a stark contrast against her chestnut brown coat. A flash of black revealed itself to be Sibby's kid, a spunky little buckling Sabriena hadn't named yet (mostly because he was probably destined for the frying pan, but she hadn't brought herself to tell Goku that yet.)

"Have you met Sibby yet, Goten?" she asked turning to look at him again. He looked horrified, staring at the ground at his feet.

Goten was as pale as a ghost. He was really going to get it now. His mother HATED it when he dropped stuff accidentally or broke glasses without meaning to. He stared horrified at the broken egg between his feet. He swallowed hard; all he wanted to do was help Sabriena and here he was messing up already. he ducked his head and hunched his shoulders, blubbering out the words, "I'm s-so sorry, Sabriena. It was an accident, honest! Please dont hit me too hard!"

Sabriena's eyes went wide and her mouth hung open. "Goten," she said softly and rushed back to him, kneeling in front of him, "Hey, kiddo, I'm not going to hit you. It was an accident. It's just an egg! We have plenty more." Her breath seemed to catch in her chest. Poor kid. God DAMN that Chichi. Goten was still upset, big tears leaking down his face. "Hey, you wanna see something funny?" Sabriena asked, picking up an egg. "Watch the chickens." She hurled the egg across the yard where it splattered in the grass. Immediately, every chicken in the yard ran for it and began to peck at the shell and spattered yolk. "Even chickens like eggs!" she grinned.

Goten gave a watery laugh and wiped at his eyes, looking up at her with big glassy eyes. "You promise you're not mad?" he asked timidly. He smiled wider at her when she nodded and he brightened up and went back for the rest of the eggs. "Whacha makin with these? OH! Are we going to have more pasta for breakfast? Last night was sooooo good!" He leaned in and talked behind his hand at her quietly, "Don't tell Momma I said this, but your food tasted better!"

"Actually, I was thinking omelets," Sabriena said, scratching at the goat's ears as she finally approached. "You take that basket of eggs and set it on the table, okay? I gotta milk the goat and then I'll cook everyone breakfast." She leaned over, "And I won't tell a soul what you said about my cooking."

Goten saw the goat, and looked over at Sabriena. "You can milk one of those? Can I watch?" He looked insecure suddenly. "Ah… That is, if I won't get in your way!" He scratched at the back of his neck, laughing. He walked closer to the goat and reached out like Sabriena was doing and carefully scratched at the goat, "Oh, wow! His ears are soft!"

Sabriena chuckled. "HER ears. Her name is Sibby." She shook her head and muttered to herself, "You wouldn't want to milk a boy goat." She squeezed her eyes shut as she walked up towards the cabin, pulling on the goat's collar, trying not to laugh at her own horrible joke. She grabbed her milking stool and sat down, setting the pail down. "Well come here if you wanna see how to do it."

Goten dutifully carried the eggs and set them outside of the chicken coop before rushing back over to Sabriena and dropping back down next to her, his knees in the dirt and he leaned forward to watch.

Goku and Tien were more than pleased to wake up to Sabriena handing each of them a plate of omelets.

Goten sitting near the smoldering ashes of the campfire, hungrily devouring every bite. "Dad! I helped gather the eggs!" Goten exclaimed between bites.

Goku's eyes widen as he accepts his eggs from Sabriena, smiling brightly at her before going over to sit next to Goten and ruffled his hair. "Did you now? Didn't let that mean old rooster get ya did you?" He took a bite of the omelets and had to close his eyes. "God, really are trying to fatten me up. All I ever want to do is eat your cooking!"

"Fattening you up for the kill," she hissed teasingly. She sat next to Tien with her own plate. "Actually, I'm just planning on working it all off of you." She winked.

Tien whapped her lightly on the back of the head. "There are children here."

She snickered, "Yeah, but we always talk like that in front of Goku. Oh! You meant Goten." She gave Goku a teasing wink.

"What's she talkin' about?" Goten asked, peering curiously up at his dad.

"Training!" Tien said a little too quickly. He cleared his throat and said calmly, "She means training."

Goku threw his head back and laughed, reaching out and fluffing Goten's hair, "Yeah, Training, You want to spar with us later today?" He smoothly diverted Goten's attention on the matter to something more tame than what Sabriena had in mind. He loved his son, but he could feel the excitement in him at being alone with his two loves after the weekend was over. He was very happy to learn that Sabriena had let Goten help her gather the eggs. Elated, he could almost do somersaults in the air.

After breakfast, Sabriena left the boys to spar in the yard while she cleaned up and started some of her chores. It was late afternoon by the time she hollered out the door for them. All day long, all she had thought about was Goten's reaction to that switch. She may have not had a motherly bone in her body, but she could still try to give him something fun to do while he was there. "Goten! You wanna help me with something real quick?" she called out the door.

Goten stopped short, causing Tien and Goku to stop short as well, lest they accidentally pummel him and he looked back to his dad, breathing hard, excitement in his eyes, "Can I daddy?!"

Goku laughed and nodded, "Better not keep her waiting!"

Goten gave a cheer and landed back on the ground, wiping his forehead with his sleeve running up and over to Sabriena, "I can help! You need more eggs?"

She laughed, "No, I think we're good on eggs today. You wanna help me make supper?"

His eyes went wide, "You want me to HELP you in the kitchen?!" He looked around her, suddenly feeling nervous. "You cook so well, I don't want to screw it up or get in your way! But I'll help you! What are we cooking? He looked around eagerly for any clues. He had been sparring all afternoon and his stomach was starting to growl at him.

"Pizzzzzzaaaa," she grinned. "There's no way you can screw this up." She grabbed him lightly by the shoulder and ushered him into the house. "Come on."

Tien cocked an eyebrow at Goku. "This I gotta see."

Goten went crazy excited, "PIZZA?! Oh wow! YEah I wanna help!" He bounced after her.

Goku raised his eyebrows at her and followed Tien into the cabin. "The only pizza I've ever had comes out of a box."

Sabriena had floured part of the table and had three large bowls sitting there with dough rising in them. Smaller bowls held cheese, chopped vegetables, thin slices of ham. The scent of tomato sauce filled the cabin, wafting over from the pot hanging in the fireplace.

"Here," she said, setting one of the bowls of dough in front of Goten as he climbed to stand in a chair next to her. "Smash it down, like this," she said, pressing the dough down in the bottom of the bowl with her fist. She flopped the bowl over and turned it out onto the floured surface, kneading it.

Goten carefully watched and mimicked what she did, putting his small fist to the bottom of the bowl carefully and flipping the bowl over, peering under it as he lifted it off to make sure it had done what it was supposed to. He laughed as he followed her, kneading his own portion carefully, he'd never been allowed to cook in the kitchen before. This was so much fun! He was going to have to ask his mom if he could help cook in the kitchen when he got back. "Like this?"

"Yup," she answered. She started flattening hers out, pressing it into a circle on the table. "Flatten yours out. I'm gonna show you something really cool here in a minute." She looked up and smiled at Tien and Goku as they sat in their chairs, watching with interest.

Tien couldn't understand what had caused her change of heart overnight, but he wasn't going to question it, especially with the look of excitement on Goten's face.

Goku watched with a childlike appreciation and wonder. He could have kissed Sabriena right then and there for that look on Goten's face.

Goten flattened his out, mashing it down a few extra times to make sure he got it right and looked up at her excitedly, "Now what?"

"Okay, now watch," Sabriena said, picking hers up and balancing it on her hands. "Bring your right hand in like this, and..." She flung the dough into the air where it spun over her head and caught it on the tops of her fists. She grinned at him. "Whaddya think of that?"

Not only did Goten's jaw drop, but Goku's fell open as well. Goten's eyes were sparkling, his grin splitting his face, "WHOA! DAD, DID YOU SEE THAT?! How did you do that?!" He looked at the dough in his hands, trying to bring his hand up and he gave it a toss where it went into the air, and fell promptly onto his head. He laughed, "Oops!"

Sabriena tossed her head back and laughed, setting her dough on the table and carefully peeling the dough off of Goten's head. "Good try. Try again," she said, handing it to him once more. She picked up her dough. "Now watch. If you keep practicing, one day you'll be able to do this." Her eyes were gleaming with a bit of pride as she took a couple steps back from the table and tossed the dough into the air again. But this time, she caught it one handed, spinning it around. She flipped the dough over and under her fist, then brought it up to roll down her arm, across the back of her shoulders to her other hand. She tossed it into the air again and spun quickly in a circle and caught it to whip it around one-handed again.

Goten was bouncing so much he nearly fell out of his chair as he watched in awe at her skills. "Oh WOW! I wanna learn how to do that! You gotta teach me! Please, please, please?!" He fumbled around with his pizza dough, as Sabriena instructed him.

Goku watched, mesmerized and leaned over to Tien, "Did you know she could do that? That's crazy! I didn't know you could play with your food like that!"

Tien watched her with wide-eyes and slowly shook his head. "I didn't know that either."

Sabriena sent the spinning circle of dough up her back and over her shoulder, catching it in front of her chest, and let it drop to the table. "Ta-da!" she beamed at Goten. "Was that cool?"

Goten furiously clapped his hands, momentarily forgetting he was holding pizza dough, "THAT WAS AMAZING! YOU ARE SO COOL! I want to do that!" He beamed as he focused on trying to toss dough just right

"Slow down, buddy," Sabriena said, stepping behind Goten, grabbing his forearms. "Watch what you're doing. Now, pull this arm in like this, keep your hand flat. There ya go. Make a fist with your other hand. Now, one... two... three!" She let go of Goten's hands as he tossed the pizza dough into the air... it spun for a moment and came back down to land in his hands once more.

Goten cheered, "I did it, I did it! Did ya see, Dad, did ya see?" He spent the rest of the time with Sabriena, tossing the pizza dough up and around until she finally laughed and told him it was time to cook, or he wouldn't be eating much. "Thank you Sabriena! When I go home, I'm gonna keep practicing, you'll see!"

"Okay, okay," she laughed, "We still have to cook it!" She grabbed the pot of pizza sauce from the fireplace and set it carefully on the table. She spooned some onto her dough, which she had set on a baking sheet, and spread it around. "Don't need too much, just enough to cover it," she said and handed Goten the spoon.

"And then, we just sprinkle on whatever toppings we want," she grinned. She covered hers with cheese, ham, mushrooms, and spinach. "Beautiful!" she sing-songed and set it on the grate in the fireplace. She dusted off her hands before she reached for another bowl of dough. She expertly flipped it around as if it were second nature to her. "What do you want on your pizza, Goku?"

Goku laughed as he tore his eyes from his son's work as he decorated his own pizza; his eyes sparkled at the amazing woman before him and he teased, "A better question would be what don't I want on that pizza? A little bit of everything! Er, a lot a bit of everything. You know what I mean," he laughed and watched as Goten piled on mushrooms and ham and cheese onto his own, sneaking a bite of the ham now and then as he decorated it.

"Mine's ready!" Goten loudly announced when his dough was thoroughly covered.

"Go set it on the rack," she said. "Put it next to mine. Don't get burned."

Goku sat up a little bit, a worried expression on his face.

"He can do it," Sabriena said calmly to her husband. "You don't want him to be insecure, do you? Let him try."

Goten, his face set in determination, grabbed up his pizza and carefully walked over to the pizza rack, the warmth from the fire was hot, but he bravely and carefully set his pizza down on the rack scooting it so it was sitting right next to Sabriena's. He jumped back when his task was complete and he threw his arms up in the air. "I DID IT! Not scared at all!" he cheered.

Goku breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed back in his chair, smiling brightly at his son, "Good work Goten!" Its all starting to smell so good! I can hardly wait!"

Before they knew it, they were all indulging in the fresh-baked pizza, each of them with their favorite toppings. Everything tasted amazingly fresh; the floury, slightly crispy dough, the zesty sauce, the rich cheese.

Sabriena closed her eyes as she chewed. "Heaven," she groaned, taking another huge bite.

Tien nodded his agreement, far too busy eating to be able to speak. He was almost keeping pace with Goku tonight, it was that amazing.

Sabriena couldn't help but smile at how quickly Goku and Goten devoured their entire pizzas. And those had been BIG pizzas.

Goku sighed happily and leaned back. Good food every day, a warm bed every night and the best company to share it with. Sabriena was right. This was heaven. He grinned as Goten finished his pizza and flopped back in his chair, "Well then! I think the chefs should rest and Tien and I will handle the dishes! You guys certainly earned it tonight!"

Goku and Tien worked side by side as they cleaned up around the kitchen. Goku was half listening to his son talking excitedly to Sabriena about tossing dough and asking her what other cool things she could do, she could make and show him, teach him. How did she get into cooking? Who taught her? Goku chuckled, "Easy with the questions Goten." He smiled at her.

"Well, I kinda taught myself," Sabriena said, sitting back in her chair. "I was about your age, actually. My dad didn't know how to cook, so I had to learn. I had to learn a lot of things, matter of fact..." she trailed off for a minute and had to swallow. "Anyway, then when I got older, I took classes at school. That's where I learned to toss the pizza dough." She managed a smile for him.

Goten smiled at her and acted like he was telling her a big secret, "Dont worry, my dad can't cook either." He laughed at Goku's exclaimed, "Hey!" and he looked at Sabriena, his eyes innocent, "Didn't your mom know how to cook?"

A small smile pulled at Sabriena's lips and she nodded. "My mom was a very good cook," she answered, "But she got really sick when I was little. She..." Sabriena hesitated, unsure of how much Goten could know about death and dying. "She went to heaven. So it was just me and Daddy after that."

Goten nodded at her, he was no stranger to death, his father had told him stories. Gohan had said a few things. "Daddy says heaven is peaceful. I bet your mommy is proud of you. Did she teach you how to cook any? I bet she'd like to try some of your food. Daddy says you go to visit your daddy often." He frowned at Sabriena's sad look. "I'm sorry. I wont ask any more. But… you don't have to be sad any more!"

Sabriena reached over and ruffled his hair. "You're all right, kid." She stood suddenly and stretched her arms over her head. "Enough talk. What would you like to do now?"

"Hey," she said, staring over at the corner at the bows setting there. "You wanna practice shooting my old bow some more?"

Goten's eyes grow wide with excitement. "Can I? Momma said it's dangerous, but I'll be extra careful, I promise!"

Goku looked over as he dried the last of the dishes and turned around. "You told your mother about that?" he asked, remembering the first time he'd brought Goten out to the cabin to visit. Tien had shown Goten how to shoot the bow at fish in the river, but Goku hadn't expected his son to tell Chichi about it. He was amazed she hadn't screamed at him the next time he saw her. "Maybe you shouldn't if it's going to upset her." He didn't want to give Chichi another reason to try to keep Goten away from him.

Goten looked at his father, clapping his hands together pleading, "Please, Dad? I'll be really extra careful! Please?! I promise I'll listen and I won't tell Momma!"

Goku considered him for a second, knowing he couldn't say "no" to that face. "Alright, but you do exactly what they say okay?"

Goten jumped up excited and he ran over to Sabriena, "I can do it, I can do it!"

Sabriena let Goten grab her hand and drag her across the cabin to the bows. "You get that white one," she said. "And don't pull on the string until Tien tells you to!" She glanced over her shoulder at him, "C'mon, Mr. Shinhan. You have a new pupil."

Tien gave a small smile and dried his hands quickly on a towel before grabbing his own bow and following them outside. "You coming, Goku?"

Goku smiled, amazed at how well Sabriena was handling the whole situation. If she was stressed out, she was handling it very well. "Yeah! Coming!" He stacked the last plate and turned and hurried out the door after the rest of them. He went to the fire pit and worked on getting it going, watching Goten following after Tien and Sabriena. He was dutifully holding the bow carefully and not pulling on the string at all. He hadn't seen his son looking so happy before. He smiled to himself, building up the fire. He was so content. This… this was what he wanted in his family.

Tien knelt beside Goten. "You remember what I showed you last time?" he asked.

Goten nodded. "Good," Tien said and placed the bow in Goten's left hand, showing him the proper way to hold it, refreshing his memory on how to draw, how to aim.

Sabriena wandered over to Goku as he got the fire going and leaned over his back, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I'm not very good at this mothering thing," she said to him, "but I'm trying."

Goku reached up, rubbing his hands along her arms, tilting his head back to look at her. "You could have fooled me." He leaned his head to the side and kissed at her arm. "I wasn't expecting you to be. I mean, not that," he sighed, trying to think of how to put this, "I was hoping you would at least be friends. It means a lot to him. I don't think Chichi lets him get out very much. She's big into homeschooling the kids when they're young. I think little Trunks is like his only other friend. Well, and Paige." He smiled back up at her, reaching up and cupping her cheek, her skin looking golden in the firelight and waning sun. "Thank you."

She pressed her lips to his, smothering his mouth in a deep kiss. He understood. Thank the gods, he understood.

Goku sighed happily into the kiss, relishing in it. She and Tien made the past twenty years of torture for him just fade away into nothing. So much love in one simple gesture. He lifted his hand and slid his fingers into her hair, the silken strands cool against his skin. He withdrew from her a moment later, smiling at her before he turned his attention to watch Tien showing Goten how to properly draw back the bowstring, how to release it without hurting himself.

Sabriena jumped up and ran into the cabin, reappearing a moment later with the bow Tien had made for Goku. She nudged Goku's shoulder with it. "Go show 'em how it's done," she grinned. "Go shoot with your son."

Goku brightened up, standing and turning, taking the bow from her. Holding onto it, with her holding the end of the bow and pulled her close, leaning down and stealing one more kiss before he gave her a goofy grin and headed over to Tien and Goten, "Let me take a whack at it!"

It became a game, trying to see who could shoot closer to the center of the tree, Goten doing very well for his first time. Though after about a hundred or so, Goten started laughing, his arms getting sore.

"Was that fun?" Sabriena asked Goten, resting her elbow on the top of his head. "Hey, you're a good height. You're my new armrest."

Goten laughed, bubbling up and warm, "Hey! Hahaha! Yeah it was fun! Do you guys go hunting with those often? That is so awesome! If I practice real hard, think I could come with you guys some time? I'll be all stealthy like! Those deer won't hear me coming!" he exclaimed loudly, grinning at her.

Tien snorted, amused. "I dunno, Sport. I think they'd hear you coming a mile away."

Sabriena laughed as Goten blushed. "He's just teasin' ya, kid. Maybe one of these days." There was no way she was taking this kid hunting with her. He was way too loud.

Goku was laughing so hard. The night had fallen around them, the trees cast with shadows and firelight. He came back over to the campfire and sat down, unstringing the bow and setting it aside for the night, looking over at Goten. "And what would you do with what you got?"

Goten looked excitedly at Sabriena, "I want Sabriena to show me how to make deer steaks!"

Sabriena grinned at her new cooking partner. "Sure, we can do that."

The weekend past by too quickly and before they knew it, it was time for Goten to go home. Sabriena helped Goten make sure he had all of his stuff and promised him that she would teach him how to cook something new in a couple of weeks when he came to visit again.

Goten shouldered his pack and looked at her excitedly. "Really? You promise?!" He was so excited; Momma had told him that Tien and Sabriena probably wouldn't want him around, but here Sabriena was telling him he could come back in a few weeks. "That would be awesome!" He stepped forward, but then stops, looking a little shy, "Ah… I, um… I… Can I give you a hug?"

Sabriena smiled and threw her arms wide to hug Goten tightly. "Now you be good," she said softly in his ear. "I don't want you getting in trouble with your mom, okay?" She hated to let him go, to send him back to his mother. That bitch. Goten just seemed to cling to her neck, not wanting to let go. She finally had to gently shove him away and smiled, "You're my new buddy. I can't wait for you to come visit again."

Goten's eyes shone with tears of happiness and he smiled widely at her, seeming to brighten the whole cabin. He looked so much like his dad; he had the same innocence about him. "I'll be good! I promise, Sabriena! Thanks so much for everything! I can't wait to cook with you again!" He waved to her and ran outside to his dad, tackling Tien first, hugging him just as tightly as he had Sabriena, "You're gonna teach me more about bows when I come back right?!"

"Sure thing, Sport," Tien smiled. "One of these days, I'll teach you how to make one, just like mine and your dad's and Sabriena's."

Goku smiled at Goten as he talked excitedly with Tien about making his own bow, promising he'd come back ready to learn. For Goku, the weekend had flown by and it had gone without a hitch. He was going to have to thank Sabriena for all her hard work later. She stressed out for nothing; it worked out wonderfully.

"Alright kiddo, you ready to go?" He leaned down and picked him up, hugging him tightly as Goten hugged his neck and pressed a kiss to his father's cheek.

"I love you daddy."

Goku smiled and kissed him back, "Lets go." He waved to Sabriena and Tien, "I'll be back in a few guys!"

Tien waved, then breathed a sigh of relief. The weekend had gone much smoother than he had anticipated. He hadn't been sure what to expect. Sabriena's reservations about being around kids had made him a bit nervous. But she had done wonderfully. He needed to tell her that.

She wandered out of the house, looking around. "Did they leave?"

Tien turned around and chuckled at her, "Yes, yes, the kid is gone. But I want you to know you did a fantastic job." He pulled her closer to him and wrapped her in his arms and kissed her forehead. "It wasn't that bad, was it?"

"No, it's just..." she hesitated. She wasn't even sure how to approach the subject. She was worried about poor little Goten. Without Goku there to protect him, did Goku even know that his ex-wife punished their children like that? "Tien, I'm worried about Goten."

Tien blinked at her with concern. "What's wrong? Did something happen?" He could hear the worry in her voice, he could feel it from her through their bond. "You're worried about him coming back here? Or going home? Did he say something to you?"

Sabriena looked at the ground for a minute, chewing her lip. "Okay, so you know the switch I keep over by the chicken coop?"

Tien nodded.

"Well, when Goten and I went to get the eggs that first morning, I picked it up in case the rooster got after us. And Goten... he was afraid of it! Like, he just went all tense. And I let him get the eggs out of the nesting boxes. He dropped one and just started bawling, asking me not to hit him too hard. Tien, I think Chichi WHIPS that poor boy!" There were tears brimming in her eyes by the time she finished. Yes, Sabriena despised most children, but she would never, in a million years, agree with beating a child.

Tien was shocked, not only at her words, but the tears in his wife's eyes. It was a very rare thing for Sabriena to cry. He processed the information over in his head, feeling anger seep into his skin. To think anyone would want to whip that sweet boy. "I really… HATE… that woman."

"Should I say something to Goku when he gets back?" Sabriena asked in a worried voice. She hated to see Goku upset, but at the same time, she felt she couldn't keep something like this from him.

Tien nodded slowly. "He might..." he pressed his lips together, "Chichi has told him a lot of lies, you know? He might think that it's normal, acceptable even. But yeah, we need to tell him about this. How could she do this to him?"

"I can't stand that bitch," Sabriena muttered. She looked quickly up at Tien, "And no, I will not do pushups for that one."

Tien hugged her tightly, "I wasn't going to make you." He leaned down and kissed her. He felt terrible; he turned when Goku appeared behind them. He looked happy.

"Man, you guys, I can't thank you enough for this weekend. Goten was so excited, he was begging me to bring him back here as soon as I could!"

"You bring your boy here as much as you want, Goku," Tien said, meeting Goku's eyes intently. "I mean that."

Sabriena was standing slightly behind Tien, her hands twisting together, staring hard at the ground. Goku was so happy about the way the weekend had gone, she hated to ruin it for him. But this was eating her alive. She'd managed to keep a happy face on for Goten while he was there, a handy trick she'd used most of her life before letting Tien and Goku into her heart and breaking down that cold wall, but now that Goten was gone, she felt she couldn't keep it up anymore.

Goku picked up on the air around them and his smile faltered, "Ah… That's good news. What's wrong, you guys? Is everything alright?" Sabriena's look on her face unsettled him as he walked over to them.

"Come here, baby," Sabriena said softly, taking Goku's hand. "I'm really worried about Goten." She explained everything to him, about the switch and the broken egg, how he'd cried and begged her not to hit him too hard. She looked truly sorry that she was telling him this, her hazel eyes full of worry.

Goku listened to her words, feeling a crushing weight pressing down on him. He stumbled over his words as he spoke, "I… I know Chichi… she used to spank Gohan and Goten." He faltered in his words, seeing the both of them shaking their heads, "for discipline? She… She's whipping him?" He looked horrified.

"He made it seem that way," Sabriena whispered.

Tien was still slightly skeptical. "Maybe Goten was playing it up just because he didn't want a spanking? Just because she spanks him doesn't necessarily mean she's BEATING him," he said. He didn't like the look on Goku's face. The poor man had been through enough as it was.

"She shouldn't spank him at all!" Sabriena nearly screamed. "I don't think children should ever be spanked!"

Tien cocked an eyebrow at her. He disagreed with that. "There's nothing wrong with a kid getting a spanking if they deserve it, but there's a fine line between discipline and abuse."

Goku mulled it over in his head, thinking back over the past few years with Chichi. She had spanked Goten a few times, but nothing too serious. "I only saw her do it a few times when he forgot to do a chore, or he got a problem wrong on his homework. Nothing like switching, though." He sighed and pressed the heel of his hand to his face. "I… I'll go talk with Gohan. Maybe he knows something and if something is going on, he will be able to help his brother." He looked back up at them, looking pale, "Thanks for tell me. I'll be back in a little bit."

Gohan rubbed at his face after hearing the story from his dad. Sure, his mom spanked him when he was little. But she'd never used a switch. Well, there was that one time she took it too far, but it was just the once and she promised she'd never do it again. "Is Sabriena sure that's what he said?" Gohan asked, sitting down on the couch next to his dad.

Goku nodded numbly, looking down at the floor, "Word for word. She said he said when he dropped an egg to please dont hit him very hard. Why on earth would he say something like that?" He looked up at Gohan, his expression was haunted. Did he just take his youngest son back to his mother's only for more of that? He remembered Goten hugging him again as he was dropping him back off. Chichi was standing in the doorway, her arms crossed. She sounded pleasant enough, saying it was time for homework before bedtime. No kid wants to do homework, but now Goku was trying to remember if he felt Goten trembling or not.

Gohan narrowed his eyes. "You let me deal with mom," he said. "I'll go there first thing in the morning. I'll bring him here and tell Mom that I'll help him with his homework so he doesn't get behind. I'll find out what's really going on." Gohan's stomach was twisting up in knots. Did it never end with his mother? He loved her, but she made it very hard to do so. He was racking his brain, trying to remember every time he'd ever gotten in trouble as a child.

Goku smiled at Gohan, "Thanks. I wish there was more I could do, but its like she has a wall up any time I go over to get Goten." He stood; he felt better knowing he could still trust Gohan to help him. "Really Gohan, I mean it. Thank you. Will you let me know as soon as you find something out, right?" He let out a sigh of relief at Gohan's nod and he gave him a hug. "Sorry its late. Tell Lindsey and Phoenix I said hi, okay?"

"You could tell us yourself, you know," Lindsey said, walking into the living room, carrying Phoenix on her hip. She smiled brightly at him. "Dad, you gotta see this. Phoenix has to show you something." She carefully lowered Phoenix to the floor where he stood, holding onto her fingers to steady himself. "Phoenix, look! It's Grandpa. Go get him. Go to Grandpa."

Phoenix gave Goku a big smile and let go of his mother's fingers, taking a wobbly step forward, then another.

"Easy," Gohan said, crouching down, prepared to grab the toddler if he started to fall. Phoenix wobbled with every step, but he was determined. He made it the short distance across the room and grabbed onto Goku's pant leg, grinning up at his grandpa.

Goku's eyes widened and he picked up his grandson and whirled him around in a circle before hugging him close. "WOW! You're walking already?! That's amazing! You're going to be running around the house in no time aren't you, little guy!" He only grinned wider when he felt the tiny tail curling around his arm. He smiled over at Lindsey and walked over to her, wrapping her in a tight hug, before handing Phoenix back over. "There's your mommy!"

She could see the concerned look in his eyes. "You okay, Dad?" she asked, tipping her head to the side.

"We've got it taken care of," Gohan interrupted before Goku could speak. He didn't want his dad to have to retell the story again. He walked over and grabbed up Phoenix before he met his father's eyes. "Don't worry about it, dad. I'll take care of it. It's late. You should get some rest."

Lindsey wanted to press the issue, but she knew better. Gohan would tell her later. She stepped forward and hugged Goku. "Come see us sometime when you can stay longer, okay?"

He hugged her tightly, more properly this time, embracing her warmly. "You got it kiddo." He stepped back and smiled at them both, feeling better and pressed his fingers to his forehead, vanishing and reappearing back at Tien's cabin, their cabin, his home. He let out a sigh. What a weekend. He tried to take Gohan's advice, let it go until Gohan told him otherwise.

A Note from the Authors: Hello again, everyone! JC 87 and I are so excited to get started on the newest story in our series! For anyone who is new, you can find the other stories by going to my profile. Be warned, the first three stories are in the process of being rewritten, so Elements is incomplete at the moment. And the other two, well, in my defense I wrote them 13 years ago. LOL! This is the 11th story in our series, with many more to follow! There have been complaints in the past that we bash on Chichi, so be warned that she may seem exceedingly horrible. It's not that we hate her, exactly, but that we use all of these stories to tell an even bigger story with her over the long run. It'll all come together in the end. Ya'll just have to stick around for another 9 or so novels to get to that point. LOL!

As always, the more reviews we get, the more it inspires us to write! I think that's probably true for most authors; who doesn't like to hear commentary about their work? We love you guys and we hope you enjoy this new story!