A/N: Thanks so much for all of your lovely reviews! I really enjoyed them. And I'm glad you're enjoying the story. Best Path! :)
Family Ties
CAPSULE CORPORATION WAS quiet in the early evenings once all the employees had left for the night and only the servo-bots remained, quietly following their cleaning protocol. Bulma found that she enjoyed the peace. Welcomed it, even, after the bustle of a long day in a busy corporation. She occasionally would check in on everything Trunks and Bura were doing, the mother inside of her that was unable to leave things be nagging at her until she entered the database and checked everything herself.
Trunks hadn't made a mistake in over a decade, and since Bura had become vice-president their company's ledgers were infallible. Her children were brilliant when it came to the family business, she thought smugly. And they hadn't only inherited it from her. Vegeta, too, was a talented strategist. He had certainly taught their offspring the value of a good strategy. Work ethic too, she mused.
Things were going well, over all. The company was successful, Chikyuu had enjoyed nearly twelve years of uninterrupted peace, and she had a beautiful grandchild that she saw regularly. Really, what more could one ask of the seventy-two years they had lived?
Still, Bura's situation troubled her. Bura marrying Goten in the first place had troubled her. The divorce that was to ensue was only the disastrous finish to a sloppy and haphazard start. Bulma hadn't been too happy that they were marrying in the first place. Bura should have been marrying someone who would suit her future aspirations. Goten had no ambitions to speak of, only thinking of his next meal or next sparring session.
Now, when Trunks had chosen Pan to be his mate, it had made perfect sense. Pan was intelligent and quite pretty. She kept Trunks happy so he was able to succeed at running C.C. She had an education. She could contribute to Capsule Corp whenever a problem was presented. She had helped resolve issues in the past, a soft whisper in Trunks' ear one evening was a fantastic business idea in a meeting the next day.
Now Goten...he only caused Bura more stress, aggravation, and money spent. He did not help her be successful, and had oftentimes been a hindrance when she was pursuing lofty career goals. And now he had gone and hurt Bura deeply. Bulma sighed softly, wishing that Bura was young again and all of her pains and fears could be kissed and cooed away. How could you help your daughter who was going through a painful impending divorce? As a mother, she was helpless and useless.
"Woman, with all of that sighing, one would think you were watching one of your infernal sappy shows."
Bulma blinked, turning to gaze upon her husband, and sighed once more. Vegeta had that infuriating habit of sneaking up on her and to this day it still startled her. You think she'd be used to it by now, what with him lurking and skulking around for the past forty years.
His typical stance of arms crossed and scowl firmly in place softened. "What troubles you?" He finally asked, tone still firm, but gentle.
She leaned back in her chair, eyes roaming over her husband's muscled frame. He didn't look a day over thirty, damn him. And he was older than her! The seldom occasions when they did go out in public looked, well, odd. She didn't look seventy-two, that was for certain, but it was obvious she was well in her years. Fifty-five on a good day, sixty on a bad. But damn it, she still gave an effort.
"If you're just going to sit there and stare at me-"
"Vegeta, for Kami's sake, I'm just concerned for our daughter." She hissed, her temper flaring as it did whenever he was impatient and cross with her. Maybe he was what kept her young, for they fought like hormonal teenagers a good majority of the time. At least the make up sex still followed.
His features flitted from angry to sad, then into the neutral mask he wore in hopes that no one could decipher his true feelings. "Dwelling on it won't fix anything." He said evenly. He too, was concerned for their daughter, but all the weeping in the world couldn't change the fact that Goten was a piece of garbage. Of all the things he detested about Son Goku, the whelp he'd died and left others to raise was pretty high up on the list. Son Goten, the leftover son, the by-blow, the after thought. How could such a circumstance produce anything more than nothing?
She chewed on her lip, a nervous habit that wasn't good for her. "I know. I just...wish she would have chosen a different path for herself." A different husband, more like. But Vegeta knew her well enough to know what was unsaid.
He snorted. "As headstrong and impossible as you are, what makes you think your daughter would be any different?" He leaned against the office wall, making certain not to disrupt the framed painting that hung conspicuously.
Bulma laughed. "As headstrong and impossible as you are, what makes you think our daughter would be any different?" She knew Vegeta loved their children, but oftentimes it bothered her when he spoke of them as if he had no hand in siring them. They were obviously every bit as foolhardy as he was himself. Though she'd been reckless in her youth. And adult life. Even now, probably.
He sneered. "Any time our children do foolish things they are yours and yours alone."
She rolled her eyes. His sense of humor was often dry or downright cruel, but she could appreciate it. "As if you haven't done foolish things." Bulma remarked as she stood. She smoothed her clothing perfunctorily and stepped up to her longtime mate. She placed a kiss on his unsuspecting mouth, smirking as he responded to her touch.
His hands found her waist and she buried her hands in his riotous hair. "Speaking of foolish things...that other Son whelp is courting our daughter." Vegeta leaned in to press a kiss to his wife's brow.
She blinked, squirming in his grasp. "Wait...what? Gohan? Courting Bura? What are you talking about?" She shrilled. Vegeta was a lot of things, but a liar and dramatist he was not. Which could only mean...
He winced at his high tone but remained calm. "You haven't noticed them spending more time together when they were acquaintances previously?" He queried, brow arched. He knew his wife didn't have ki scanning abilities, but surely she must have known what their own daughter was up to. He made it a point to keep tabs on both of his children throughout the day. More to see that they were safe than out of any sort of nosiness. He really didn't want to know the sordid details, to tell the truth.
Bulma took deep even breaths to calm herself. Not that she was on the verge of a stroke or anything of the sort, but it was shocking at the very least to think that Gohan had an interest in Bura. It was strange on several levels, since she'd known Gohan since he was a toddler, since he and Bura had a twenty-three year difference, and because Bura was currently separating from Gohan's younger brother and Gohan's daughter was married to Bura's own brother.
"They're dating?" She finally questioned, gazing into her husband's obsidian eyes. They were so damn hard to read sometimes.
He sighed as if this conversation were paining him, and her own ignorance especially. "They are not 'dating', but are merely spending time together in a chance to know one another better. Why else would they be doing this if not preparing for a romantic investment in the near future? They would have spent time learning one another previously in life if it were not so."
It was Bulma's turn to scowl. Vegeta always had a way of making human emotion into something that was detached and scientific. She suspected that logistics and rationalization were the way he handled emotions as a way to remain sane. Otherwise he would have never survived the years he'd spent in service to Frieza. A survival mechanism, if you will. "I suppose you're right." Though it was despicable to admit such a thing. Vegeta being right. Feh.
His features were pensive, and she remained silent. Oftentimes he would admit something whenever this mood struck, and she wanted to hear it. "I would much prefer the elder Son over the younger, if I were to chose between the two to be Bura's mate."
"The progeny of Kakarrot?" She queried slyly, "Suitable for our princess?" Oh, if she could only get such a confession on videotape...
He donned his perpetual scowl once more. "Better to have third-class Saiya-jin in our bloodline than further dilute it with Chikyuu-jin blood." And it was true. He'd been glad when Trunks had chosen Pan to be his mate. Their child was now 37.5% Saiya-jin instead of the mere 25% it would be if Trunks had selected a human female. This slowed the dilution of Saiya-jin blood, if only for a generation. Not to mention his satisfaction when Boxers had been born resembling him far more than any of his other grandparents. Save for the aquamarine locks, he was a miniature copy.
Bulma ignored the insult, there was no use in fighting with Vegeta now. Not when she had this new revelation to turn over in her mind. Gohan and Bura. Hmm...
Well, Gohan was successful, intelligent, contributed to Capsule Corporation, responsible, and could very well be the best thing for Bura. She'd always cared for Gohan, liked him as a boy and as the man he'd grown into. She'd have no qualms if he and Bura decided to give it a go.
"Planning a wedding?" Vegeta remarked snidely.
She gave him a shove, he didn't budge an inch, and so she stalked off. "Actually speculating on what the grandchildren would look like. Hopefully not you." She quipped in reply. Not caring if Vegeta followed her or not, she retreated to the quiet of their bedroom. Gohan and Bura...it was certainly intriguing, to say the least. Yes, most definitely intriguing.
THE OFFICE WAS a flurry of activity, what with phones ringing, faxes coming in, people milling about. Bura welcomed the commotion, for it meant that business was carrying on as usual. She'd snuck into the office early, hoping to gain advantage over her argument with Trunks by being the first one on the scene of the next battle. If there was to be a battle. The screaming match yesterday certainly had been unexpected and alarming. She hadn't realized that her and Trunks were still capable of escalating to that level of arguing.
But then again, Goten had been Trunks' best friend through thick and thin and her relationship with Goten had without a doubt affected that. But still, the things that Trunks had said, the blame he'd laid all upon her, it wasn't fair. Trunks' temper was volatile at times and it wasn't always necessarily aimed at the right people. She most certainly was harboring some hurt feelings over her brother's behavior.
Bura organized her desk routinely, sighing softly. Trunks would probably come to her office after he arrived with hopes of getting her to see her wrongdoings and admit to them. He was such a bossy older brother at times and now wasn't one of them where it was appropriate. It used to be his way or the highway when they were kids growing up, unless she somehow could manage to be irresistibly cute to get her way. Now was not one of the times that 'cute-ing' him out would work.
Sure enough, there was Trunks' tell-tale knock on her door and she raised her brow in surprise. He was earlier than typical, especially since his wife and son could hold him up sometimes in the mornings. He must have gone out of his way to arrive this early, a sure sign that Trunks was out for blood. She winced and answered with a short reply.
He entered, his expression remorseful instead of vengeful, and she blinked in surprise. "What brings you in so early?" she questioned lightly, though it took most of her will to keep from spouting something snide. She knew exactly what to say to bug Trunks most of the time and had no qualms about doing it. Especially whenever he was acting like a jerk.
Trunks closed the door with a light click, striding up to Bura's desk, resting his hands on the smooth surface. "I wanted to start the day off on the right foot with you." he replied earnestly. Pan had made it all too clear last night that Goten was just as much to blame as Bura was, and in the bigger picture his little sister and best friend's relationship was none of his business.
Bura blinked yet again. Who was this nice, level headed man? Surely it wasn't her hot tempered, grudge bearing older brother? "Do tell." she urged him, leaning back, arms crossing. She was willing to hear what her brother had to say, especially since it was probably all Pan's doing in straightening Trunks's attitude out. The Son female always knew how to inspire Trunks into doing the right thing. Pan truly brought out the best in Trunks.
He sat down in the chair before her desk, his back straight, his eyes questing hers. "I'm sorry about yesterday Bura, I was reactive-"
"Again." she interrupted quickly, her tone sour.
"Again." Trunks conceded, throwing his hands up into the air. Bura nodded at his acknowledgment and he continued, "and it wasn't right of me to peg you as responsible for my and Goten's deteriorating relationship. He and I had a talk yesterday and resolved a lot of things...our friendship seems to be on the mend."
Bura sighed softly. "Well...I'm glad your beating of him hasn't killed his love for you."
Trunks flushed slightly. "Nobody's perfect. Especially not you." he remarked.
The daughter of Vegeta rolled her eyes. "I know Trunks. Obviously I'm not if I'm about to get divorced." And she didn't add that she could be with child. Trunks didn't need to know that much. Pan probably didn't say anything to Trunks yet anyway, considering how explosive Trunks had been as of late.
"I didn't come in here to argue more." Trunks groaned.
Bura turned away from her brother, choosing instead to look upon the city. Her office was located on the highest floor of the Capsule Corp building and her view was quite nice. "I know Trunks. It just seems to be what we're both good at when concerning the other." she murmured exasperatedly. Their parents were both effervescent and it was no surprise that both Trunks and herself had inherited this quality themselves.
"You're my sister. I love you. This is a difficult time for the family and for you especially. I'm here to support you, whether you like it or not. I don't want to fight you, I just want to be there for you when you need me." he managed to speak whole-heartedly.
Bura felt her emotions and features soften and she turned to look at her brother. Trunks was like their father when it came to expressing his feelings. He usually didn't do it well, though Kami-sama knows he tried. "I know Trunks. I love you too."
"You didn't tell Dad that I pissed you off, did you?" the elder of the Briefs children probed carefully. He couldn't let on that even after all these years he was scared of Bura tattling on him and earning Vegeta's anger.
Bura couldn't help but laugh. "No, but I probably should have." Trunks was all too easy to read. Their father used to beat Trunks quite soundly whenever he tormented Bura. They had quite the sibling skirmishes growing up, taking turns causing one another embarrassment and/or pain.
Trunks chuckled. "Just kidding. All right then, let me get on with work. Pan said you'll be coming over for dinner tonight, so I guess just bring dessert or something." He rose, adjusting his suit.
Bura nodded in agreement. "Alright. No one else is coming, right?" She sincerely hoped it would just be Gohan and not the rest of the family. They would just add extra noise to what would already be a distracting night. All she could think of was Gohan's lips upon her own. About their embrace on her couch. About how they could possibly conclude such an enjoyable experience...
He shook his head. "No one else but Gohan, I think."
Her lips quirked. "Excellent." The Saiya-jin princess picked up a pen and scrawled a reminder note to bring dessert. Little hearts soon joined the text to add flair.
Trunks arched a brow in confusion but decided to disregard his sister's odd behavior. Why she was pleased was beyond him and he didn't need to know. Though he did suspect it had something to do with Gohan. But he already decided he wouldn't interfere with Bura's relationships any further. Too many family ties made things too messy.
He left his sister's office before more confrontations could be had, leaving his sister with a dreamy smile on her face.
PAN FURROWED HER brow as she opened the oven to check on the chicken. It seemed she had been furrowing her brow all day. Something was just bothering her. Something just wasn't sitting right. Something involving Bura and her father.
When she had stopped by her best friend's condo yesterday, something was off. There was some kind of tension in the air. Something that Bura and Gohan weren't letting on to. It was rather clever, actually, for both of them to conceal something so well from her that she could only guess at it. She knew them both, knew them better than the back of her hand.
How could she not know what it was they were hiding? Although perhaps she was jumping to conclusions, she decided as she shut the oven door. The chicken was baking along nicely, good. She was secretly glad for all of the cooking lessons she endured with grandma Chichi as a teenager. They paid off now that she had a family of her own, just as grandma had said they would.
But, she digressed. It wasn't necessarily that her father and best friend were hiding anything, perhaps they were just not being forthcoming. They were developing a friendship, she knew that much. And it had begun even before this whole fiasco with Goten's infidelity had come to the surface. So maybe they were just nervous that it could 'look' like they were doing hanky panky, when really they were just continuing the friendship they'd began before Bura's marriage had openly dissolved.
Pan knew she had a vivid imagination, and the soap opera dying to unfold in her head was that Bura and Gohan were secretly having an affair, and had been for years, and when her mother and father divorced it was because Videl had found out and Bura paid her a large sum to keep it under wraps. But, Pan was a logical adult and knew better. In all likelihood Bura was just needing a male friend who could explain some of the screwed up things her husband did.
And Gohan, who had a hand in raising Goten, knew him better than anyone else, save for Trunks. Trunks would be too infuriated by the whole situation to even talk about it, let alone with his little sister, so Gohan was logically the next best option. It made sense, really.
So then why did she have such an unsettled feeling? Why were her guts twisting like this? Why had she spent the better half of her day dwelling on this? She shook her head, stirring the vegetables that were simmering on the stove top. Bura and Gohan would probably show up soon, and it was better not to drive herself crazy thinking about it.
As if on cue, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it." Trunks announced from the living room and she didn't bother to reply. Instead she focused on the rice, knowing she'd need a bit more to feed four adult Saiya-jin. She heard her son's thrilled cry upon seeing whomever had arrived, whether it be Gohan or Bura. She smiled to herself. He had begun to make sense of all the family members, developing likes and dislikes for each individual based on his infantile judgment of merit. He had a particular fondness for whomever brought toys or sweets of any kind.
"Hey there Panny." Her father peeked his head into the kitchen, his smile broad.
"Hi Dad." She gave a smile as well, walking over to him to receive his bear hug. Trunks joined them, Boxers in arms, and looked around the kitchen expectantly.
"It's almost ready honey." She informed him before he could even ask. "Take Dad into the living room and wait for Bura to come, okay?" She didn't mean to be condescending or anything of the sort, but Trunks was a petulant child when it came to food. It was usually best to direct him away from the cooking process.
Gohan hid a grin, enjoying how much Pan resembled his own mother, reigning as queen of the kitchen. Kami-sama, he was proud of how capable his daughter was. He followed Trunks into the living room, and sat on the sectional that he was certain was new. "Pan's choice?" He queried, gesturing to the horseshoe shaped sectional that was both comfortable and stylish. It was a suede of some sort, and a rich brown.
The whole living room was decorated in warm shades of browns, camels, and creams. Pan's and Bura's doing, most likely. Those two had an uncanny knack for turning any home into a haven when they put their heads together. Gohan noted that a great majority of family photos graced the walls and shelves. A warm touch, and fond memories to boot.
Trunks nodded, jiggling his son on his knee. "Yeah, Panny insisted that we finally retire my leather sofa ensemble." He failed to mention that the leather had begun to crack and was over a decade old, but hey, why get into details? That furniture was a homage to his old bachelor days and deserved the respect they had earned.
Gohan nodded, feeling dumb to be discussing decor with another male. "And she mentioned yesterday that Boxers was going to start some training?"he queried, leaning back to appraise his son-in-law.
Trunks rolled his eyes, showing his obvious distaste for the idea. "I'm not so sure...he's young yet. But he's fooling around with ki blasts...and we don't want a temper tantrum to be, well, explosive." His reluctance was clear and Gohan wondered if Trunks was fearful of Vegeta's potential hand in Boxers' training regimen.
"Boom!" Boxers crowed, spreading his arms. He understood all too well what his father and grandfather were discussing and chose to share his opinion
Trunks ruffled his child's hair. "No boom." He didn't want to encourage his son's reckless ki antics.
"No boom." The youngster replied solemnly, though his face cracked into a wide grin regardless. Trunks couldn't help but smile himself. His son's enthusiasm for fighting wasn't something he should have an opinion over or deter him from, and he felt guilt for even trying to affect that.
Gohan also had afflicted emotions regarding childhood training and wisely said nothing regarding the matter. This was something for Pan and Trunks to decide and his own experiences were not anything that Boxers would ever be exposed to.
Pan blissfully chose that moment to peek her head into the living room. "Dad, do you want anything to drink? Wine?" She kept her gaze fixed on her father expectantly.
"Sure, wine would be great. Red?" he replied. Perhaps the wine would calm his nerves, seeing as how he'd have to conceal his burgeoning feelings for Bura. Wine could potentially take the edge off...
The door bell rang and Pan beamed. "Could you get that Dad? I'm going to uncork the bottle." And with that she ducked back into the kitchen. Gohan stood and complied with his daughter's request, his heart leaping as his eyes met with Bura's. She smiled in response.
"Hi." he breathed, taking in her beauty. She was dressed in black tailored slacks and a white button down shirt. Heels and purse to match. It was simple, elegant. It did not detract from her beauty and was a gentle compliment to her business persona.. He wanted to take her into his arms and smell her hair.
She held a boxed confectionery and he belatedly took it from her. "Hi." she replied softly, taking note of Gohan's own casual dress. His slacks were a charcoal gray, his collared shirt rolled to the sleeves, the red shade a compliment to his dark features. His hair was relaxed, tousled even, and she wanted to bury her fingers in it.
Trunks stood to greet his sister, breaking the couple from their reverie. "Hey there." He noticed the looks his father-in-law and sister were giving one another and wondered just what exactly they had done together at this point. They seemed liked twitter-patted teenagers. Oh Kami-sama...
Bura smiled softly at her brother, oblivious to his perplexity. The rest of their day at the office had been relatively comfortable, being on their best behavior with one another since their mended spat. "Hey."
Trunks took the dessert from Gohan, handing Boxers to him instead and used it as an opportunity to sneak into the kitchen. He placed it, probably a pie, on the kitchen table and joined his wife's side. "There's something weird going on between those two." he whispered conspiratorially.
Pan arched a brow, checking on the various dishes she had concocted for this dinner. "What's that sweetheart?" She gave her husband her undivided attention, her hands on hips.
The demi-Saiya-jin tutted.. "Bura and your dad." he answered in a hushed tone. Honestly, who else would he be talking about? Boxers was not having a love affair with his stuffed toys or anything like that.
The Son daughter bit her lip, her facade becoming thoughtful. "I know. When I stopped by yesterday they both looked...flustered." How could she even begin to dissect her father and best friend's odd behavior?
"What?" Trunks fought to keep his voice down, since Bura and Gohan were in the other room and also had abnormally sensitive Saiya-jin hearing. "Why didn't you tell me this yesterday?" How could she keep such a juicy tidbit for herself?
His wife covered his mouth. "Well, after you came home from reconciling with Goten...I was still thinking it over, trying to figure it out and all...I wasn't sure..." she murmured thoughtfully. That and she had pulled Trunks to bed to make love. After all of the recent drama she needed the pleasure of his touch to distract herself. And Boxers had passed out early for once after a particularly enormous feeding. And they were trying for another baby after all...
He pulled his wife into an embrace, pressing kisses on the hand that covered his mouth. She giggled, replying with kisses of her own to his face. "I guess I can't be mad then." He tucked her ebony hair behind her ears, tweaking them affectionately. "I just...they seem to be moving fast, if a potential relationship is the case."
Pan paused in her affections. "Now remember that its not your business, okay? Boxers has a loving family, no matter it is arraigned, and you need not meddle." But, still, her stomach flip flopped at the thought of her father loving any other woman than her own mother.
Her parents divorce, though she had been an adult at the time, had still caused a twinge of pain. Something only Trunks truly knew about. She had not really told either parent how much it had shocked her that they had decided to end their marriage after nearly three decades. She would ponder if they had been unhappy the entire time. Had her childhood been a sham? Were all the smiles lies? They didn't fight too much, from what she remembered. At least not loudly enough for her to hear, or if she was even home...
"I know, I know." her husband retorted, waving a hand dismissively. The hand went rouge and found her rear end. She welcomed the distraction of his touch. She nuzzled his neck. "Are you alright?" he queried, sensing her wavering emotions.
"...I guess I still feel weird that my parents aren't together." she admitted softly.
His hands encircled her small waist. He marveled at how tiny she was, even after the birth of their son. "I know it must be really weird for your inner child, babes." he murmured sympathetically.
She felt safe in his arms and ran her hands down Trunks's muscled back. "Yeah...my dad dating again is weird. Although mom already has a boy toy..." she trailed off.
"Your mom's a cougar?" Trunks could barely keep his voice level again. Who would have thought that Videl would be trailing after jail bait? How funny! "How old is he?"
"Well...he looks to be about college age, so younger than me. And she just turned forty eight this year." Pan answered, annoyed. Really, she was more than old enough to be the man's mother. She was surprised her mother had pulled it off. Perhaps she still had it after all. But could she blame her? If Pan was older herself and didn't have Trunks, perhaps she'd go after a younger man herself.
"Sweet. Your mom's hot. Lucky kid." Trunks had no inhibitions about admitting if other women were attractive, nor did Pan keep her tongue still when she thought a man was handsome. Jealousy wasn't something they practiced in their relationship, nor did they feel threatened by a passing stranger's level of attractiveness.
"Trunks." Now Pan definitely was annoyed. Not because Trunks thought Videl was beautiful, for she resembled her mother quite a bit, but because Trunks wasn't taking her annoyance over her mother's actions seriously.
"Okay, okay. I'm just going to say that your parents are people too, with their own libidos to deal with. You don't want your mom and dad to be alone the rest of their lives simply because they divorced each other, right?"
"You're right. I just...I'm being sensitive about it. I love them both and want them to be happy. It's just a bit hard to swallow, that's all." she insisted, hoping to end the issue right then and there.
Trunks allowed it to slide, but knew that if Gohan really was going to date Bura, Pan would definitely have some mixed feelings about it, simply because her parent's recent divorce had shocked her. He only wished that Pan could have told them about her feelings instead of putting on a strong facade in light of the emotional pain.
She was certainly his strong warrior woman, though he knew her heart to be as tender as the woman, wife, and mother she was.
BOXERS SQUIRMED IN his grandfather's arms, wondering just what his own parents were speaking of in the kitchen. He liked his grandfather Gohan, but he wanted to be wherever his parents were. Plus, his Auntie Bura and grandpa were being odd.
To his diminutive knowledge, his grandpa Gohan and Auntie Bura weren't in love love like his mommy and daddy were. He'd never seen them kiss or anything like that. But he sensed the feelings growing between them. He observed them carefully, taking note of this new predicament. He wondered if perhaps he could make words to his parents to describe this later. It might be frustrating since his vocabulary was limited presently.
"You look good." his aunt said softly to his grandfather, her hand resting on his forearm to connect them.
His grandfather smiled. "You too. Much happier than yesterday." Boxers rested his smaller hand on his aunt's. Her fingernails were a light pink this time, for he took note of whenever the color changed. It fascinated him, the colors she wore on her nails.
His aunt smiled at him, as she always did, and took him from his grandfather's arms. He liked being nestled against her chest. Her breasts were larger than his mother's, though she didn't seem inclined to feed him ever. It was kind of disappointing, actually. He was quite content to squish against them anyway. He often found his aunt Bura's arms where a good place to sleep.
"I was looking forward to seeing you today." Her voice was feminine and soft, quite soothing. His eyelids felt heavy, as if her voice were like his mother's lullabies.
His grandfather stepped close to his aunt. "I was looking forward to seeing you as well." Boxers was nearly squeezed between their two bodies. The heat of them felt comfortable, and he could smell their familiar scents. They were his family. He was safe. As his eyelids grew heavier, he looked up to see his grandfather and aunt's faces closing in together.
Their lips touched tentatively. Once, then twice. They smiled. Again, they kissed. They parted just as quickly, moving to sit on the couch together at a comfortable distance. It confused him. Why weren't they open to express those emotions once mommy and daddy would enter the room? Was it a secret, like the ones his parents discussed softly in the early evenings together? Soft voices merging together, sharing deep confidences, the kisses, the embraces.
He still was not certain, but sleep claimed him before he could ponder it further. This would be a matter to broach with his parents, that much was certain.