A/N: Didn't expect to get another one up so soon, but this is a shorty and something I've had in my head for almost a year.
I have gone on record to say I don't like paparazzi or media drama in my stories. This idea was too cute to pass up though. Just don't expect much like this XD.
Characters: Trunks, Vegeta, Bulma.
The young boy didn't like the camera people. They got in Mom's face and didn't leave his parents alone. Most of the time, Mom handled it well, unless they tried to pry into her personal life. Dad often looked like he wanted to pound them to dust. He probably could, but he had enough restraint to hold back everything but sharp comments. If Dad did beat them up that would just give them more to talk about.
Sometimes, they focused on him. These times Trunks hid behind either of his parents, or grandma and grandpa. Because of this, anyone who did not know him personally thought he was a shy kid. Well, they were stupid. He simply didn't want faces, big clunky equipment or notepads in his face.
They were at it again. Trunks hung back as they pestered Mom for some thing or another. His dad was glaring at them, as Bulma tried to dismiss them. They were a block away from home after shopping, and once they were safe at home then they could kick them out. Dad looked ready to punch something. It did not help that his mood was already sour for having to carry half a dozen shopping bags. Trunks imagined him punching their faces in. Eh, that would leave a mess.
The four-year-old took his mother's hand and helped usher her away. The sun was setting over the buildings of West City, and grandma should have food ready soon. Nothing could interrupt food time. Not his mother's busy schedule or dad's training. Everyone ate at dinner.
Also, Trunks really did not like how they made Mom and Dad so stressed. Stupid camera people. He already thought they were too high-strung most of the time. That was why he liked to lighten them up with his pranks. Although, that meant he would need to play hide and seek first while he got camera footage of their reaction.
Was it hypocrisy then to hate the camera people? No, the child thought not.
They were almost home. Most of their pursuers had given up. One of them was still persistent. He wanted to know about… whatever it was, complicated grownup stuff. Like how Mom and Dad got together or one of Mom's new inventions. That was what they were usually asked. Boring. Who would even want to know the answers? He thought it was better when he got prank-video reactions.
"Mom, let's go. Grandma will have cookies done." He tugged on her hand. It was easier when they drove or flew when they went shopping. It was just to the department store a couple blocks away, though. Thus, they walked there. He ground his teeth and glared as the camera focused momentarily on him.
Bulma was about to make a statement to get the guy off their back and smiled sadly down at her son. Trunks frowned. He didn't like Mom giving in. He didn't like having to wait for food either. He continued to glare, and when the camera was no longer focused on him he made up his mind.
He stepped out from behind his mother and held up his hand. He wasn't very good yet, but he was annoyed and would try anything. Before anyone could stop him, he fired a small ki blast and destroyed the camera. There was a crackle as the mechanism failed and burst into flames, singeing the guy's hands. The man blinked in disbelief.
Vegeta laughed, tossing his head back and making no attempt to hide his amusement. Trunks puffed up in pride from hearing the deep reassuring sound. It was hard to get Dad to laugh.
"What did you do?" Bulma sighed as the camera guy backed away nervously. No one will believe him if he said what happened. Trunks deflated. He'd like if Mom acknowledged his brilliance as well. Vegeta tapered off into chuckles, walking the rest of the way to Capsule Corp. As he passed, he ruffled Trunks' hair roughly.
"It wasn't me, woman. Now, the boy's right. I'm hungry."
Bulma sighed, covering her mouth to hide her smile. Her boys were crazy. "I should make sure your father doesn't become too much of a bad influence on you." She spoke to her son with barely hidden affection. She gave him a one-armed hugged and finished the walk home. "Let's get food into you two before any other mishaps happened."
A/N: Thanks for reading! I've gotten a few more one-shots written out, although I'm not sure when I can post the next one. About a week, at latest? I have a few real life things on my plate that I don't know when I can edit and polish off what I have done.
