Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or the characters

Welp…the one story I've been on writing fire with this past week has been this one. I'm already working on Chapter 15, so with all these chapters stocked up, I decided you guys get another update :) Anyway, that you to everyone that's been reviewing. I just answered last chapter's reviews. Enjoy this next installment! Another conflict is about to be added in here. Yay…conflict…

Bulma had been at peace for the week spending time with her son, Mai, and her brother. They had gone out a few nights either out to eat or for some other activity. Mai was beginning to come out of her shell a little bit more, going as far as to converse with Bulma and Tarble easily. She was still a little wary of her friend's mother, though. After all, she couldn't forget that she saw the bruises. Thankfully, the woman hadn't brought them up again.

Work had become easier now that Bulma was settled. She even had time to visit sales and chat with Lime who was loving her new job. Life had become easier for her friend, and Bulma was happy.

Still, there was enough drama to go around. Paragus hadn't ended his quest of getting under Bulma's skin. The woman could tell it annoyed Vegeta to no end, but he couldn't really do anything about it. He was just waiting for the man to mess up so that he could let him go. Until then, Vegeta had to bide his time. The board was still irritated from when he had fired a lot of staff members the weeks prior.

Paragus, though, wouldn't let that happen, at least not without a fight. He wanted Ouji Corp. for himself. He would make sure that Vegeta would fall. For the time being, he had no leverage against Vegeta. However, he was starting to see that maybe the boss and his little assistant were a little more that.

No, Miss Hamasaki wasn't really an "assistant," but Paragus refused to acknowledge her as the leading scientist. He could admit that her ideas were new and fresh, but she wasn't the best out there. He was sure he'd find better.

"Father, what are you doing in here?"

The businessman turned and looked to his son, Broly, whom was working in the records department in the corporation, his expression softening. Broly was Paragus's one and only weakness, and for that reason, among many, he needed to keep him close. His son had always had difficulty holding down a job, and so Vegeta Ouji, Sr. had given him a chance at Paragus's request. It was definitely a position his son could handle.

"Nothing," Paragus replied. "I just needed a glimpse of an employee's file. I just needed to confirm some things on her resume."

Broly looked confused, his brow furrowing. "Wouldn't that already have been done before hiring?"

Always with the honor code, Paragus thought bitterly. If he wanted to see Bulma's file, no questions asked, he needed to come up with a good lie. "I believe she withheld references, and I want to know why."

"Did Mr. Kurobushi ask you investigate her?" Broly questioned.

Paragus shook his head. "I didn't want to bother him with details. My suspicions could be false, after all. There isn't any reason to bother him with this."

But Broly was skeptical and didn't know what he should do. What his father was asking for was completely unconventional and a violation of an employee's privacy. He couldn't go along with it unless he had proper authorization. "I'm sorry, father, but unless he signed off on this, I can't-"

Out of nowhere, the record keeper heard a random tapping noise and instantly went on high alert, looking around. Paragus instantly looked concerned. "Broly, something wrong?"

His son looked to him with wary, saddened eyes. "You don't hear it?"

Paragus frowned. "Hear what?"

"Son of a bitch," Broly hissed before leaving his father alone in the room.

Once alone, Paragus sighed and took his cane out from behind his back. He would have to get the file now, for he knew his son would be away for a while thinking he was having another episode. It wasn't like he wanted his son to think he was going crazy again, but sometimes his past problems came in handy.

He went to the file cabinet and began perusing the names. Eventually, he found Bulma's file and made a copy of all of her paperwork. He was able to take a quick glimpse at her resume, and according to the paper, she had done well for herself and he was impressed. It was noticeable that Raditz Son, one of the employees Vegeta had hired, was a reference for her, and a company where she had previously been working for did not have a reference listed despite the nearly twenty years she had been working there.

That was highly unusual and strange to the businessman, and he figured he could start there. He shoved the documents into his briefcase before replacing Bulma's file in the cabinet. He did it just in time too, for Broly had returned, horrified eyes staring into those of feigned concern. "Is everything okay, son?

Broly nodded weakly before returning to his desk. "Yeah," he hoarsely spoke. "I thought I was hearing things again, but it stopped when I left. It could have been someone stomping upstairs or the pipes."

"You've been taking your medication, I hope," his father responded adamantly.

"I have," he returned. "Trust me, father. I'm not stupid. I don't want to go back to those days."

"Good," Paragus stated. "It's possible you could hear something I could not. Your senses have always been better than mine, and my hearing is not what it used to be."

Broly breathed a sigh of relief at the confirmation and laughed. "Makes sense," he teased. "You are getting older."

Paragus smirked and chuckled. "Hey now," he murmured. "Just take time to relax, maybe take an early break and go for a walk."

"That sounds like a plan," Broly agreed. "And I'm sorry I couldn't help you. If you're really concerned, just get Mr. Kurobushi to sign off on it."

"That's quite all right," Paragus said holding his hand up. "I think I might just be a little paranoid is all. Maybe I need to take a step back as well."

"Maybe," Broly agreed knowing how much his father valued his company duties. "Anyway, I'll see you later?"

"Sure," Paragus answered, feeling he owed his son some time after scaring him the way he had. Besides, he had what he needed now. His investigation could be put off for a day.

"So, how's it been going with Mai staying with you?"

Trunks and Goten were in class, chatting as they waited for the bell to ring. The lavender-haired teen looked over his shoulder to see Mai sitting in the back of the room talking with the girls she normally hung around with. The only difference was that she looked over to him, meeting his eyes and smiling. Her friends were stunned by the expression that they had to follow Mai's line of sight. Their mouths dropped when they saw Trunks, both his and Mai's brows furrowing as they shrugged to one another. The two both went back to speaking with their respective friends. "It's going well," Trunks informed his friend. "I'm glad that she decided to stay. Mom took us miniature golfing last night. She said she hadn't done that since she was a kid."

Goten smiled, happy by how upbeat his friend was. He honestly needed that for the moment. He had been feeling low since the previous evening. Nothing had really happened, so he kept quiet about the feeling. He was certain it was just a fleeting thing and decided to deal with it on his own. Besides, it started bothering him in the early morning hours when his parents and brother were still sleeping. With Trunks staying in his uncle's room, Goten didn't want to bother the older man. He was sure he could wait it out until after the dance when Mai went back home. "So, I know she's staying over, but would it be okay if I came over tonight to work on some homework?"

"Of course," Trunks beamed. "You know you hardly have to ask. How have you been now that you're in Earth science?"

"Better," Goten admitted. "I still feel the pressure, but it's nothing like physics."

"I'm sure," Trunks replied, worry etched in his features. "You know, Goten, if you need to talk about anything, I'm here for you. What's causing you to feel pressured?"

Goten shrugged. "Honestly, I can't pinpoint it. I'm sure it's just a phase."

That did not reassure Trunks in the slightest. "Well, if it starts becoming more that a 'phase,' just make sure you talk to me and your parents. We'll all help you."

"I know," Goten responded, "and thanks. It means a lot."

"You'd do the same for me," Trunks reminded him. "So no worries."

"Alright, class," the teacher called after entering the room. "Take out your books and turn to the lesson on the board. Get started on problems one through twenty. We'll go over them when you're finished." She looked over to Trunks and Goten. "No talking with your neighbor."

Trunks and Goten looked to each other, Trunks rolling his eyes before smirking and taking out his phone putting it on his lap, just in case Goten needed any help with their classwork. At that moment, he received a text message and was surprised to see a message from an unknown number. He opened it, the message reading, What? No counter? That's so unlike you.

He knew immediately who it was and looked back at a slyly smirking Mai before sending back, Eh, not worth it today. I'm not even going to ask how you got my cell number, but I don't mind.

Yeah, well, I won't reveal my sources. Anyway, why is this class so dull? I used to like math.

It's just repetitive, Trunks explained. I mean, the teacher always does this, since day one actually. Gives us problems from the last lesson, go over, learn new stuff in the last few minutes, get homework. Wash, rinse, repeat.

He heard Mai laugh and tensed as the teacher looked over to the girl. Main simply smiled and said, "I'm sorry. I found the wording of the problem silly. Inside joke."

The teacher glowered at the teenager, but said nothing else. Careful, Mai admonished, or you'll get me in trouble.

Sorry, we wouldn't want that. Might not want to chat during class. Not sure if I can tone it down ;)

Mai shook her head and slipped her phone back into her purse. She had the biggest smile on her face which felt so strange to her. It wasn't something she was used to feeling, this feeling of delight. Unfortunately, she didn't know how long it would last, especially with Zarbon coming home that weekend. At least she'd have the night of the dance, see what it was like to be a normal teenager for one amazing night. After that, at least she would be able to see Trunks at school and he would be wonderful and reassuring despite not knowing what was happening.

A frown marred her features when she thought about Trunks's mother. She had never pressed her to talk about the now fading bruises, but she was sure she suspected something. Her promising words said as much. Still, even if Bulma assured her she wouldn't do anything to make it worse for her, she couldn't trust the woman. Adults had power over children, no matter what. Even if they were the worst parents ever, they could still do whatever they needed to in order to ascertain that they were the best. Zarbon was one such person. She learned that the hard way after her mother had passed.

The purse buzzed on Mai's lap, distracting her from her thoughts. She subtly took out the device and read the message that was sent. Seriously, though, I'll stop. If you need any help during class, let me know.

Mai sent back a quick "thanks" before smiling softly once again. Somehow, even if it was something so small like that, Trunks had a way of making her feel lighter despite the problems plaguing her mind. His bright attitude helped her chase away those shadows, and his continuous offering of his help really meant a lot to her. She couldn't take him up on his offer, but it was nice that it was there.

Bulma was busy typing on her computer when her cell went off and displayed a number she hadn't expected to see. She took a deep, centering breath, trying to calm her rapidly beating heart as she answered. "Hi, Launch," she greeted coolly, knowing exactly what the woman would say considering she was spending the day with Tarble.

"Why am I hearing from my son that you started working at Ouji Corp.? And why haven't I seen you?"

She forced herself not to sigh. "We must not have crossed paths. It wasn't intentional." That last part was a half-lie. "I've been really busy learning all of this new information."

"But why didn't you say anything? We could have grabbed lunch together."

Yeah, because that's exactly what I want, Bulma thought. She was used to having lunch with her stepmother and Tarble, but part of her didn't feel comfortable being alone with the woman. Not yet. "My lunch break varies every day," Bulma explained, thinking of any reason she could to end the conversation.

"How about we grab lunch now? Can you take your break?"

Bulma looked to her computer mentally cursing that she was almost finished with her work. "Sure," she replied. "Just give me about fifteen minutes. I'll meet you in the cafeteria."

She hung up her phone and started shutting everything down when she heard a knock on the door. Not having expected anyone, Bulma quickly moved to open the door and found Raditz on the other side. "Hey, Bulma," he greeted. "Ready for lunch? Vegeta's meeting is almost over."

"Actually…" Bulma hesitated. "Launch found out I'm working here and she wants to have lunch."

"Oh, well, invite her, too, then," Raditz suggested. When Bulma looked skeptical, his brows furrowed. "What?"

"I haven't exactly told Vegeta who my father is," Bulma admitted, shocking her friend's brother.

"Bulma, why not?" Raditz questioned abruptly. "If it's because you didn't want to be associated with him…"

"No, it's not that," Bulma told him. "I mean, partly, but I mean, my father made himself look perfect. This company is one of Capsule Corp.'s sister companies meaning Vegeta knows who he is, and he probably knows what everyone else thinks they know. I'll tell him, but I'm not ready yet. I want to establish trust so that when I finally do tell him, he won't think I'm lying."

"For what it's worth," Raditz sighed, "Vegeta does trust you. If he didn't, you wouldn't be sitting in on some of the meetings with us. Second, he won't think you're lying. You have no reason to lie, and no reason to smear Trunks's name. I know this sounds callous, but he's dead and he can't hurt you anymore. I don't know the specifics, obviously. My brother hardly said anything, but I heard him talking to our mom a few times, and some nights I could hear him on the phone with you when I was still living there. What are you so afraid of?"

"The ground coming out from underneath me," Bulma joked lightly. "Honestly, I don't want to have a long discussion with Tarble, and I don't want to get into an argument with Launch. I just want to put it behind me."

"Bulma, I hate to say this, but eventually, she's going to say something to set you off," Raditz warned. "You're great under pressure, but sometimes it's too much. You'll have to face it eventually."

Bulma's sad eyes met Raditz, and he was stunned. "You don't know what's there to face," she told him. "I've avoided it this long. What's a few more weeks, right?"

"Just…tell him before it comes out in some big way that blows up in your face," Raditz tried again. "It won't be as big a deal as you think."

"Logically, I know," Bulma answered. "Emotionally, I still need convincing."

She left Raditz alone outside her office and started heading down to the cafeteria. It was time to face her stepmother. Besides, it was only one lunch. What could possibly go wrong?

Eventually, Bulma and Launch met up and got their respective lunches. The two women sat down at a table and began to eat. It didn't go unnoticed by Bulma that her stepmother was watching her diligently. She wondered what exactly it was she wanted. Over the years, Bulma had learned to trust the woman to an extent, but there were still parts that she kept guarded, especially when it came to her father. They were never going to agree on the man he was. Bulma did her best not to let her feelings be known, but Launch didn't take her cues. Instead, she talked up her father all the time, or at least offered the "your father would have been so proud." She'd have to swallow down whatever retort she wanted to make.

"Everything okay?" Bulma asked snapping Launch out of whatever thought she was having.

"I believe so," Launch stated. "It's just, I heard something else from your brother that concerns me as your parent."

Oh jeez, Bulma mentally huffed. She didn't know where it was going, but even as an adult her stepmother was still trying to "parent" her. It was something her father had done and said. One time, Bulma had made a decision that she knew they wouldn't approve of. It had been when Tarble was seven, and she had gone to visit for his First Communion. The whole family had been invited, but not everyone could get out there. It had been around mother's day, so Bulma called her grandmother and great-grandmother, and she had let Tarble speak with them without permission. There had been a lecture, her stepmother saying it was their job as their parents to protect them, and then the two of them had spent time making Bulma feel like the smallest person in the world. After Trunks had died, Launch went ultra, overprotective parent on her when her own mother let her make her own decisions and supported her.

"Oh?" Bulma muttered wryly. "What is that?"

"Are you really dating our boss?"

Oh, here we go, Bulma mentally scoffed, but she wanted to be honest with the woman. And she needed to be calm. "Vegeta and I have been seeing each other, yes," Bulma answered. When the other woman frowned, Bulma asked, "Do you not approve?"

Launch sighed before responding. She wanted to handle the situation delicately. "I've heard about his reputation," the concerned parent spoke. "He's known for dating his secretaries and having casual flings. I'm just worried for you. You don't know what you're getting into, and it won't end well, especially when he has authority over you."

Bulma blinked a few times, stunned that her stepmother was criticizing Vegeta in such a way. She didn't even know him. "Vegeta told me about his past, Launch. He's been very respectful of me, and doesn't lord his position over me. He treats me like an equal and, not that it's anyone's business, but this isn't a 'fling.' We've just been getting to know each other. He's good company."

"Even so," Launch pressed carefully, "he still holds an authoritative position. It doesn't look good for either of you, especially if you go looking for another job."

"Is this seriously happening right now?" Bulma asked, aghast and disgusted. "I don't care what others think. My work speaks for itself. I'm an adult and can make my own choices."

"I know, but I feel like I needed to warn you," Launch countered. "Bulma, I've only ever wanted what's best for you. Your father wouldn't want you in that kind of position, one where you could be hurt or ruin your career."

"This conversation is over," Bulma muttered darkly gripping her bottled water. The crinkling of the plastic helped distract her, but it did not calm the rage she was starting to feel.

Launch placed her hands on Bulma's. "Sweetheart, I'm just trying to help you see that you might not be making the best decision. I don't want to see you hurt."

"Fine, I get that," Bulma snapped, "but it's still my choice to make, and I am going to continue seeing Vegeta. I know what I'm looking for in a relationship, and if anything changes or I feel pressured I know to leave. I'm old enough to know how to deal with my actions. You can either trust me or not, but if not there is nothing left to say."

"I do trust you," Launch stated, "but I know how vulnerable you are. You're a single mother. Have you even considered how Trunks will feel? I know it must be difficult doing things alone, but-"

"I'm not doing anything alone," Bulma managed to say evenly. "I've had help from my mother and Goku and Tarble. That's how it's always been and always will be. As far as Trunks is concerned, he already knows. He knew about Vegeta even before we started dating. I know what I'm doing."

"But this can't go anywhere," Launch advised. "The two of you are coworkers and he's your boss. You and Trunks will only end up getting hurt by this. Your father wouldn't want that for you. Your father would-"

"My father would what?" Bulma snapped, but kept her voice low. "He wouldn't want me to go out with someone who has power over me and could hurt me like he did? He wouldn't want me to become meek like I did because of things he said? Seriously, Launch, finish, because this conversation will go nowhere if you keep bringing him up. We don't view him the same way."

"Bulma, if you would only let me tell you everything…"

"There's nothing that I need to know about him," Bulma replied, taking a deep breath. "You know what, I lost my appetite. I'm just going to head back to my office. There's a lot for me to do."

Bulma stood up from the table and started walking away, but Launch added a saddened, "You'll only get hurt," that momentarily stopped Bulma before she exited the room. Of course, neither woman knew that Vegeta had witnessed their argument. He didn't hear much, but he was highly confused by it. He didn't even know that Bulma knew Launch for they were in completely different departments. Maybe later, he could ask the woman, but right now she seemed upset and probably needed to cool off. Then he realized that all of her morning work had been completed and sent to him. He smirked, getting an idea. Perhaps the two of them could take an extended break.

With that thought in mind, he headed towards her office thinking of a few places they could go.

The school day was drawing to a close, and Trunks was gathering his belongings at his locker. Goten had already joined him having already said goodbye to his brother who was going the vet clinic where his father worked to see if he could either volunteer or get a job. The younger twin had been surprised by Gohan's desire to get a job, but Gohan said that it might help him learn to deal with people better, and that was where his trouble lied. Because of that, Goten planned to support his brother. He was actually glad Gohan could handle work on top of school. Goten was still very much struggling with school. His grades had been better, but the anxiety still wouldn't leave him. It had to just be a phase. Stuff like this happened all the time, even with his father, and it always went away. This time would be no different.

When Trunks was ready to go, he slipped his bag over his shoulder. "Let's go meet up with Mai," he said, but then he heard snickering beside him. A couple of guys he knew from homeroom were standing in front of him.

"So it's true then?" one of them said. "About you and Mai. You're really nailing her."

Trunks eyes widened before he glared at the student. Even Goten was appalled by that. "Where did you hear that?"

"Oh, it's definitely true then," another laughed. "I didn't know that such a goody two-shoes had it in him. So is she really as loose as they say?"

"Shut up," Trunks commanded, his voice silencing the boys. "I want to know who said that, and then I want you to keep your mouth shut. Do not talk about my friend like that again. Mai doesn't deserve that."

"Easy," the third boy said raising his hands in defense. "We just heard it. Everyone is talking about it. With your reaction, we thought it was true."

"Mai is my friend," Trunks stated. "Beyond that, even if there was anything more going on with us, it would be none of your damn business. What right do you have to talk about anyone else's life? You all disgust me. Come on, Goten."

"Right," his friend replied, eyes still narrowed at the three boys who all looked flabbergasted.

What surprised both boys, when they turned around, was Mai standing right there with her bag. It looked like she had been crying, but had stopped for some time and was wiping the remnants away. "Trunks?"

The lavender-haired teen flashed her an understanding yet sad smile before extending his hand to her. "Let's get out of here," he suggested lightly. "We have a bus to catch."

"Okay," Mai responded, a smile finally gracing her features.

The three walked together in silence, Trunks holding Mai's hand in support glaring at the groups of people who looked at them and whispered with Goten as backup. When they were on the bus, they went all the way to the back to avoid prying eyes. Goten sat in the seat opposite of Trunks and Mai shaking his head. To be honest, Goten had never liked Mai. She had seemed like a person who was nothing but trouble, who would use this tough attitude to command attention. After getting to know her, he realized that he had been wrong, judged her even though she had purposefully acted that way. Once he had seen how she acted around Trunks and around them, he could see that it was her defense mechanism for keeping people at a distance. When people were close to her, even Trunks, she seemed uneasy. He was glad he was beginning to see it, but it also enraged him that people were talking about her like that, degrading the friendship she and Trunks had.

Mai was so upset. After gym, her day had unraveled. Students in her classes kept pointing or looking at her, and she had wanted to know why. Eventually, she found out when she was accosted by some girls who apparently had secret crushes on Trunks. They called her names, said he was probably just using her to get off and that there was nothing special about her. Some called her words she didn't want to repeat. She had just felt so dirty even though she knew it wasn't true. All she wanted was to go home, which ironically was Trunks home and not hers. She at least felt safe there.

Tears began to fall again, but Trunks wiped them away. "Hey, don't cry," he whispered. "Don't let what they said bother you. We know it's not true."

"It's not that," Mai quietly admitted. "I don't care about the rumors, honestly. That's normal, high school drama. Just…no one has ever stood up for me before."

Trunks's eyes grew as wide as saucers. "No one?" Mai sniffled and shook her head. The teen's expression grew grim as he took in her distressed and withdrawn form. Before Mai knew it, she was wrapped in his strong arms, paralyzed. "I'm sorry about that," he empathized. "Not even your friends?"

"Trunks…" Mai murmured sounding slightly frustrated. "You're my first and only true friend." She felt him jump and pull away. He was looking at her with both disbelief and concern. She sighed. "Those girls are acquaintances and honestly the ones who started the rumors today, people I just hung around with just to…pretend I was like them."

Her friend's brows furrowed. "But what would you want to do that? You're great."

Mai blushed at his words. "Th-thanks," she responded. "Honestly, Trunks…I just don't like getting close to people. I don't want to get into it, but my life is complicated, and I've always refused to let others in to be a part of it. I do a good job at keeping people distant." She chuckled wryly, smiling despite her tears. "There was just this one stubborn idiot who didn't take the hint."

The teasing was not lost on Trunks, and he grinned rubbing her shoulders. "You're worth being friends with," he told her, taking her breath away. "Nothing idiotic about that. All of our lives are complicated. Friends help us get through them."

"Trunks is right," Goten interjected, earning the attention of the two. "I know I wouldn't have been able to get through the troubles I have without him and Valese. My dad always said his friendship with Trunks's mom was one of the few things that kept him sane when he was our age."

The raven-haired girl seemed surprised by this. "Your parents have been friends that long?"

"Longer than that," Trunks replied with a smile. "They've been friends since they were nine. They grew up together, and so have we. Redefines the phrase 'friends are the family we choose.' Basically, our friends are our family, so no matter what we'll defend them with every fiber of our being. It's why I defended you. Whether you like it or not, you're one of us now, Mai."

Mai felt her heart burst at the declaration. It had been so long since she had felt this genuine acceptance and care, that she was a part of a true family. She didn't want to give it up, but she knew that when Zarbon returned, she'd be forced to. At least she'd be able to see Trunks at school, but all of this extra time she spent…at least she would have the memories.

"Anyway, that explains why you were crying now, but not before," Trunks pondered. "What happened in school?"

"It was nothing, really," she lied before sighing. "Just, a bunch of girls were degrading me and calling me names. They said I was plain, that there was nothing you could be remotely interested in and that you were just going to use me for sex and kick me to the curb because I have nothing else going for me in life. I know the stuff about you was wrong, but they just reaffirmed stuff I thought about myself. I really don't have anything going for me in life, and there really is nothing about me guys would be interested in except for sex."

"That's not true at all," Trunks assured her. "You're beautiful, Mai. There's no question about that. You are you. That's all that matters. I just wanted to get to know you because there was something about you and it made me want to see the real you. You know, this side you keep hiding from other people and pretend doesn't exist. The girl who got three holes in one last night, that has a brazen sense of humor and kind heart. The one who got a one hundred and one on her first exam in the school when the rest of us struggled to get a B. You have a lot going for you, and these idiots can't see it because they're stuck in their own image of the world. They're in for a rude awakening when they get into later grades. Trust me, Mai. You're beyond them."

Mai couldn't believe Trunks's words, and not only that but the fact that he could remember her grade on that test weeks prior. He noticed things about her that Mai never really cared to notice about herself, or really couldn't since she was always focusing on surviving her home life. But still, this teenager claimed her as his friend from the moment they met, always trying to weaken her guard, and he succeeded, and he wasn't hurting her or causing her pain. He was doing the opposite, giving her incentive to fight harder, just to get that reaffirmation. "I…don't know how to respond to that."

"Eh, you don't have to," Trunks stated, moving his hands behind his head to act as a pillow as he leaned back. "Sometimes silence is the best answer."

Well, he had her there.

Bulma was frustrated, but once she was in her office and saw the picture of Trunks, Goten, and Gohan on her desk, she felt a bit calmer. They were young children in the picture, the scene taken before years before Goten's problems and now Gohan's seemed to arise. The children were so carefree back then, but they were all handling everything better now. It amazed her, how much they had grown up and how quickly the time passed by. Of course, despite the changes in her children, she still felt like she had remained the same. The pain she was trying to hide had been resurfacing. She figured that was the punishment of blocking it out for over a decade.

A resounding knock on the door startled her out of her thoughts. A Godsend, she thought, happy to have been interrupted. She did not want to zone out for hours at work doing nothing because she was thinking and letting Launch's words get to her.

She moved to answer the door seeing Vegeta smirking at her as he casually strode into her office. Bulma laughed lightly, closing the door behind him. It was funny that Vegeta didn't seem to ask for invitations and just sat down on a sofa in the room. "I don't believe we bought these," Vegeta remarked. "You?"

Bulma nodded and took a seat beside him. "I had my own money. Besides, I brought in the couch here for when Trunks decides to stop by and do his homework, if I'm ever working and he feels like getting out of the house. Hope you don't mind that I brought a mini fridge in. There's water and fruit if you'd like."

"I'm fine," Vegeta replied smoothly. He grinned impishly at the woman. "Sounds like someone is making themselves at home here. I hope that means you're planning on staying quite a while."

"I am," Bulma answered. "The boss here is much more desirable then at that other place. Very capable and knowledgeable."

Vegeta chuckled at the praise. He knew Bulma believed it, but she was teasing him now. Nevertheless, he had a purpose for coming to her office. "So I take it your argument with the head of human resources and training didn't chase you away."

Bulma froze, her arms clutching each other. "You…you know about that?"

Her reaction caused Vegeta's brow to furrow in confusion. He now wondered what Launch said to Bulma to get her upset. It was possible that Launch was getting to know Bulma, for Vegeta had handled her case and paperwork on his own, making sure she'd be cleared to start working right away. Launch was never contacted, nor had she seen or had clearance to the private paperwork since it had never touched her hands to begin with. "I take it she said something to bother you, then?"

What could Bulma say? She couldn't possibly admit to Vegeta, right now, who her father was and that Launch was her stepmother. Part of her was still screaming that it was too soon, so she decided to tell a half-truth. "Launch was just being a concerned…friend," she awkwardly stated. "She overheard from someone that the two of us were dating and was pointing out the potential pitfalls of dating our boss."

"That's all it was," Vegeta declared, though it was really more of a question despite his tone.

Bulma nodded. "Yes, but don't worry. I set her straight. I just needed some time to myself. I'm not used to discussing my relationship choices with coworkers."

"Fair enough," Vegeta accepted, "but I hope she hasn't changed your mind about us either. As I said, I can keep business and my personal life separate, even if they collide slightly. I treat you as all my other employees when on the clock."

Bulma laughed at that. "So, you visit all of your employees' offices to shoot the breeze?"

Vegeta couldn't help but grin cockily once again. "That implies that I am 'on the clock,' woman. I'm actually taking a few hours off of work. In this moment, I'm your boyfriend wondering if you have a few hours to spare so that we could both unwind from the pressures of our job. Do you have much work left?"

"Actually," Bulma murmured happily, "I finished all of the work from the morning, and I didn't have much planned for the afternoon at all, so as long as my boss is okay with me catching up on a couple hours at home tonight, I can go."

"I'm sure your boss is a reasonable man," Vegeta retorted reaching out for the woman and pulling her close. Their lips were almost touching, his words coming out as warm breath against them. "He's been known to let others work from home. As long as the work gets done, he won't care, I'm sure."

"I'll have to thank him later," Bulma agreed, closing the distance between the two of them.