AN: Hey everyone! Here's the chapter (and it's actually in a timely manner, imagine that! So no complaints about the lag time between updates! :-P). Some of you complained about the chapter length - well this one is almost double the last chapter, so be happy! I actually wrote the last 10 pages this afternoon, I'm on a roll! I was in a strange mood, so a lot of Vegeta's dialogue is a little odd - this is your warning! Anyway, happy readings!

Chapter 20

"Woman, when are Kakarot and his idiot friends coming? I don't have time to wait on their slow asses," Vegeta barked out as he stalked into the living room with a permanent scowl etched across his face.

Bulma sighed, "They should be here any moment. You know I told everyone to wait so that we could have a nice family dinner before everyone got caught up with serious talk. If I know all of you, then you'll blast off to go fight some aliens bent on taking over Earth and then I wouldn't be able to spend any time with Mirai."

Vegeta humphed. "Who cares about your sentimental little female desires? I could be training right now!"

"No! Usa, don't -! Oh, no you don't! Go, go, GO!" Goten's sputtering bellow interrupted Bulma's violent thoughts of retaliation. The two half-Saiyajin siblings were viciously mashing the buttons of the remote controls and staring with rapt attention at the television as they watched their virtual sports aircars race towards the finish line.

"Ha! Beat that!" Usagi crowed in victory as Goten collapsed on the couch with an over exaggerated groan. She did a little victory dance. "You two are slower than me even it the virtual world! Who's the fastest, huh? Me!"

Goten frowned, "Oh really?" Without warning, he launched himself from the couch and tackled her to the floor. She shrieked when he started tickling her mercilessly.

"T-Trunks!" she gasped out in a panic. "Help me!"

Trunks crossed his arms with a little smirk. "What makes you think I'm going to help you? If I remember correctly, you beat me too. I think you deserve a little punishment."

"Please!" She dissolved into another round of spastic giggles.

Trunks grinned. "Not until you admit that I'm the Supreme Ruler of the Universe."

Mirai watched the drama unfold with no small amount of amusement. The whole atmosphere of the living room was filled to brimming with so many different emotions that it seemed to breathe with life. His mother was bickering and attempting to do bodily harm to his father, while his father literally exuded arrogance and amusement at her puny attempts; but what really kept his attention were the children battling it out with the video games. Goten's innocent indignation over the slightest little problem along with his younger self's playful arrogance and deep-seated contentment perfectly matched Usagi's happiness which seemed to constantly bubble over and spread throughout the room. All three of them were well suited to be close friends.

Mirai frowned when he realized that he didn't have such carefully matched chemistry with anyone back at home. Even Gohan, when he was alive, wasn't constantly a friend. Some days he was a demanding teacher, a distant fighter, or even a stern older brother figure before he was ever a friend. Perhaps this Trunks' opinion held some truth; maybe he was missing out on a fuller life without Goten or Usagi.

Before he could contemplate further, Usagi shrieked loud enough to wake the dead while trying to squirm her way from under her younger brother.

"Mirai! Help!" Usagi implored after her Trunks refused to save her.

Mirai looked stunned. He hadn't expected to be included in their friendly fights.

Trunks growled. "What the hell are you asking him for? This isn't his fight!"

Mirai tensed and seriously thought about rescuing his new friend, but his younger self was right. It wasn't his place to interfere; this wasn't his time and these weren't his friends. The opportunity for all of this – he glanced around at his fuming mother, his smirking father, and the brawling siblings on the floor in front of the television – this sense of family and belonging had already passed him by. With a quick shake of his head and a sad smile, Mirai declined Usagi's plea.

"Fine!" despite her pride, her ribs couldn't hold out any longer. She turned back to her Trunks, now her only savior. "You're the Supreme Ruler, alright? Just help me!"

With a little grin, Trunks leaned down, grabbed Goten's leg, and yanked. Hard. Goten jerked back in surprise but kicked out with his other leg and rolled to his feet and into a defensive stance more out of habit than any real desire to spar. Trunks ignored him to scoop up a trembling Usagi and plopped her onto his lap. She was curled into a ball with her hands protectively covering her sides to prevent from future tickle attacks. When her trembling subsided slightly she peeked over her bent knees and defiantly stuck her tongue out at Goten, much to Mirai's amusement. Their group dynamic was fascinating.

"Hey guys, I'm not late am I?"

Usagi perked up from Trunks' lap. "Krillen!" Trunks wouldn't let her get up so she settled on waving from the couch.

"Nope, you're actually the first one here," Bulma shot her husband another glare before greeting the first of the Z fighters.

After Krillen's arrival, everyone else seemed to follow one after another until the door was simply left open for convenience. Mirai was glad to mingle with the people who only existed in his Earth's past, but he still kept a close eye on the video game drama behind him. Now Trunks and Goten were battling for second place, but Mirai's attention strayed to Trunks' tail that was lightly stroking Usagi's waist even when its owner seemed to be completely absorbed in beating Goten.

"Mirai?" Usagi had turned and propped her arms across the back of the couch. She grabbed his hand. "Gohan's about to walk in. Are you ready?" she asked in a quiet voice.

He quirked a smile as warmth spread through his heart. She cared about him even though she had just met him hours ago. He gave her hand a quick squeeze before letting go and stepping back, not wishing to incite his younger self's dark side in the middle of the reunion. "Yeah, I'll be fine. It'll be nice to see him again."

"Gohan!" Bulma's voice arched over the room's many conversations. "How are you? How is college? Are you ready to graduate yet? If you want a job, Capsule Corp. could use another genius!"

Mirai craned his head around Piccolo's turban to critically study this reality's version of his mentor and friend. He was surprised at what he found. This Gohan seemed ... softer ... somehow. He seemed to have retained a level of innocence that his Gohan lost the minute the Androids started killing off their friends. This Gohan wasn't hardened by years of desperation and loss, instead, he seemed sad. 'Why is he sad?' There was a lack of confidence that could be seen in the way he held himself and the way he spoke. 'Where is the natural born leader, the loving friend, and the optimistic fighter? Where is that Gohan? Could it be hiding within him?'

"Everyone's here, so Trunks, turn off the video game. We're going to have our talk now."

"But Mooom," Trunks automatically protested while his fingers continued to move at their lightning speed.

"Brat, listen to your mother."

Trunks switched his appeals to his father. "Dad, I'm about to kick Goten's ass."

Vegeta rolled his eyes. "Alright, kick Kakarot's puny offspring's ass and then turn it off."

Trunks grinned, "Okay."

"OW!" Goten dropped his controller and whirled around with a whimper. "Trunks that hurt!" He massaged his rump and glared.

Trunks blinked innocently and watched with no small amount of satisfaction as Goten's character died before he turned off the TV. "What? Dad told me to." He snickered under his breath.

Bulma glared at her husband. "You know you have to be careful with the commands you give our son. He always takes them so literally."

Vegeta smirked. "I know." He and his son shared a look of complete understanding and approval while his wife stormed off in a huff mumbling "hopeless, absolutely hopeless" under her breath.

Mirai watched as the world's greatest fighters crowded together in the living room of the past version of his home. They were leaning against walls or sprawled over chairs, some were even sitting on the floor with their backs propped against tables; and they were all looking at him expectantly, waiting for some kind of explanation. Mirai suddenly found himself at a loss for words.

It was funny really. The past few days he had solely concentrated on getting to the past, and then he was so shocked at Usagi and Goten's sudden appearance (not to mention his past self's hostile attitude) that he hadn't really given a thought to what he would say at this meeting.

"Mirai, sit over here!" Usagi's cheerful voice brought his anxiety to a sudden halt. "We have room." She pointed to an empty spot on the couch.

"No, we don't," Trunks interrupted, and shot him a glare that could melt steel.

Usagi was too busy waving at him to catch her best friend's hostility. "Sure we do, Trunks. Stop being such a grouch."

Mirai suddenly felt like laughing. This young girl just demoted that piercing glare to "grouchy" behavior. As he made his way around the couch he shot an inquiring glance at Goku and Gohan, surprised that they hadn't taken a seat next to their other two family members. Something just wasn't right about their whole situation.

Mirai happily plopped down next to Usagi and pretended not to notice Trunks wrapping his tail securely around her waist and pulling her away from him. Usagi retaliated by slipping her small hand into his and ignoring Trunks altogether. At the touch of her hand, Mirai felt all anxiety drain from his mind.

"I'm sure you can all guess why I'm here," he began.

Piccolo rolled his eyes. "A new enemy?"

When Mirai nodded, Goku leaped into the air and screamed, "Yes!" Everyone turned to stare in shock. "Ah, come on guys. It's been too quiet around here for the past few years, and you all know it. We're all getting lazy and bored."

Vegeta sneered. "Lazy? Speak for yourself, Kakarot. Some of us still train every day. If you're that out of shape, don't worry, I'm sure that you can still snore the enemy to death."

Bulma stepped in between them before an argument could break out. "Shut it, both of you! Vegeta, sweetie," she purred, knowing full well that he hated when she called him pet names in front of everyone, "we all already know about your obsessive training habits, and Goku," she snapped when he started snickering, "I hardly think that this is the time for celebration – I don't care how much you Saiyajins like battle. Mirai wouldn't have come looking for help unless this was serious, so why don't you both just sit down, shut up, and let him speak!" she finished with a bellow that had the tables rattling and Piccolo clutching his ears in pain.

Silence reigned for a full minute. Krillen was attempting to hide behind Gohan, but the young Saiyajin kept pushing him away. Mirai cleared his throat awkwardly. "Uh ... thanks Mom."

She patted him on the head as she made her way back to her seat. "Don't mention it, honey."

Mirai momentarily marveled at the awesome power of her mood swings. "Right then," he continued awkwardly, "Well, a week ago I was out scouting for some salvageable materials for the rebuilding efforts, when I sensed an approaching ki heading towards Earth. I flew out to meet it and found a space pod that Mom said looked nearly identical to the one that Dad arrived in the first time he came to Earth."

Everyone tensed at this. Vegeta, in particular, stood to attention. Could Freeza be back? How was that even possible?

"I tracked the alien and observed it for a few hours before I made myself known. I think it was some kind of scout or scientist or something, because he seemed to be taking measurements and collecting data, as opposed to picking fights and blasting everything in sight," he attempted to interject some dry humor.

"When I finally decided to confront him, he seemed surprised to see me, panicked even. We fought, and he wasn't really much of a challenge; but before I blasted him to oblivion, he confessed that his employers would be coming and that they planned to exterminate what little life was left on Earth before selling the planet off to the highest bidder.

"I wasn't really worried about it, until Mom analyzed his space pod and tracked down the fleet that he was talking about. There are way too many of them for me alone to handle, even if I went Super Saiyajin. What's more, I think that the one I destroyed wasn't even a warrior – so I'm not really sure about this new enemy's actual fighting capabilities." He paused, lost in thought, before continuing, "Anyway, Mom and I thought about it for a while before we decided that the best option was to come to the past and see if you all wouldn't mind repaying the favor and traveling to the future to save my world."

There was silence as everyone attempted to assimilate the new information.

"Brat, what did the scout look like?" Vegeta's voice was less hostile as he was lost in thought, mentally scanning through the aliens he had encountered throughout the years.

Mirai frowned and thought back. "Well, he wasn't really pretty, if that's what you're asking; he was more reptilian than anything: spotted green skin, a beak-like nose, webbed fingers."

"The spots, were they yellow?"

Mirai nodded. "Yeah, how did you know?"

"Damn Sardanian." Vegeta shook his head. "You were right in thinking that it wasn't a fighter. The Sardanian race has been enslaved or 'employed'," he scoffed, "for more than four hundred years. They are renowned throughout the universe as being diligent little scientist drones who are mostly spineless. Countless races are known to take advantage of their services. Yes, the Saiyajins were one of them," he answered the unspoken question. "As was Freeza and his race of Ice-jins. We mostly used them for maintenance and repair work, but apparently this one was doing reconnaissance. How intriguing."

Usagi frowned in thought. "Yeah, I think I saw one when I was on Vegeta-sei." Everyone turned to her. "It was after Nappa beat me up pretty badly." Trunks's tail tightened around her waist. He remembered Nappa alright. Usagi's arm subconsciously covered his tail and pressed it closer to her. This wasn't a particularly pleasant memory for her either. "I was in the infirmary, and when I woke up I about died 'cause this really ugly creature was standing over me. At first I thought it was Piccolo, but then -" she stopped and blushed horribly at the implied insult. 'Oops.'

Piccolo growled. "Cute, brat. Real cute."

Several people around the room coughed in a futile attempt to cover their snorts of laughter.

Goku was suddenly serious. "Vegeta, do you think you could identify the enemy when we get there?"

"Kakarot, are you attempting to order me around? Or are you just trying to play leader like always?"

"It was just a question, Vegeta, jeez. There's no need for you to get your royal panties in a twist."

"Panties?! How dare you, you insolent little piece of -" Vegeta lunged.

Bulma sighed from her chair, but didn't attempt to intervene this time. Goku really had it coming with that comment, and she knew that there was nothing that she could possibly say to make her husband back down. At least she could take some small comfort in that they wouldn't use ki blasts while indoors; they remembered the wrath and fury she brought on their heads the last time they conveniently forgot that little rule and promptly swore that it would never happen again.

Something told her that Goku was deliberately inciting a fight. 'Saiyajins,' she sighed mentally and shook her head at their hopeless attitudes. No matter how much she tried, there was no way that they would ever be truly civilized; there was just too much warrior blood ruling their every action. At least they would both feel better after a good fight.

Mirai ignored the wrestling match that splintered the coffee table and had everyone scampering out of the way. "You mean it? You'll help?"

Krillen stopped in mid-cheer. "Of course! You didn't really expect us to say 'no' did you? Come on, we're Earth's defenders. It doesn't matter what time period it is, She's still our home."

Mirai looked at everyone and felt his chest get tight. So this was what it was like to have the unconditional support of friends and family. He knew that his Mom, Gohan, and Chichi supported him in almost everything he did, but he didn't even belong in the same time line as these people and they were still willing to lay down their lives and dedicate their time and energy just to help him. He suddenly felt lost. He didn't know how to react to such selflessness.

Usagi tightened her grip on his hand and smiled up at him. "Don't worry so much." She could practically feel it coming off him in waves. 'Man, this Trunks needs to learn how to relax every once in a while.'

"Beat his ass, Dad!" Trunks howled out between cupped hands.

Her Trunks never had a problem with having fun.

Later that night, Mirai left the kitchen table where his father sat glaring with one eye while his mother read him the riot act and held a raw steak the size of Namek pressed firmly to his face to reduce the swelling. It had been a long while since he had laughed so long and so hard. His father's face when he noticed that the meat juice was slowly trickling down to soak the front of his white shirt was priceless! 'If only Mom were here to see this!'

He stared at the quiet hallway and thought about his waiting bed with distaste. Even though it was quite late, he didn't have the slightest desire to turn in for the night. This was his last night in the past; he didn't want to spend it sleeping! His eyes attempted to pierce the darkness that consumed the end of the hallway and felt a slight tug at his consciousness. He frowned in concentration and felt Usagi and Trunks' kis on the other side of the house. 'What's she still doing here?'

With nothing better to do, he slowly made his way to the entertainment room and, for some reason, lowered his ki until is virtually undetectable. He didn't want his younger self to know that he was spying. 'I'm not spying,' his conscious rushed to justify his actions, 'I'm just curious is all. For all I know, there could be a problem or something that's keeping Usagi here after hours.'

He mentally rolled his eyes. Right. Like his younger self would let anything happen to her. Crossing his arms, he propped himself against the corner of the door, just out of sight, and strained his Saiyajin ears.

"The past few weeks we haven't been this close without you kicking up a fuss. Why the sudden change? Not that I'm complaining or anything."

Mirai's eyes widened. Just what were those two up to anyway? After a comment like that he couldn't resist peaking around the corner to see what was happening. He was at just the right angle to see that they were both lying on the couch, Usagi's back was pressed tightly to Trunks' front while they watched TV together. 'Well,' Mirai mentally amended, 'Usagi is watching TV.' It seemed that Trunks was otherwise occupied with running his hands through her hair and watching the light from the television turn it to various shades of muted gold.

Trunks' tail was wrapped around her upper leg while hers kept clasping and re-clasping around his wrist, as if it couldn't find a comfortable grip.

"I got scared today," Usagi finally admitted in a quiet voice before she tore her eyes away from the television.

Trunks immediately stilled. "What happened?" He growled out in a menacing voice. "Was it that prick Mirai? Did he do something? Was it one of the others who came by tonight?"

Usagi shook her head in denial. "No, it wasn't like that."

Trunks loosened his hold so that she could turn around until they were facing each other. "I got scared when I answered the door and thought that Mirai was you."

"How could you ever think that loser was me?" Trunks bristled with false indignation, attempting to ease the raw expression from her eyes with humor.

"How could I not? Lavender locks. Blue eyes," she trailed her fingers through his hair and lightly across his face. "It was you, and yet, it wasn't. For one moment you looked at me as though I were a stranger. You didn't care about me. You didn't even know me, and I panicked." She wrapped as much of herself around him as she could – arms, tail, and legs – and buried her face in his shoulder. "I can't lose you, Trunks. Ever. I think these past few weeks, I had forgotten that because you've been really demanding and acting like an ass. Admit it."

Trunks' lips quirked. "Maybe."

Usagi tilted her head up and stared him in the eyes. "Why? Why have you changed?"

"I don't know," he frowned in thought. "I've just had this feeling for a little while." He looked away, his cheeks flushed.

"Tell me."

"Suddenly, you weren't close enough."

Usagi frowned in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Trunks shifted but didn't relinquish his tight grip around her. "I get angry now when I didn't before," he admitted slowly, "and the only time I'm not is when you're with me, when we're this close. I want you this close all the time," he squeezed her around the waist and gently nudged her head down until it was once again resting on his shoulder. Usagi could hear his heart beating beneath her ear as the warmth from his body spread through her limbs and made its way inside her. Her breath puffed against his neck. His hand splayed wide across her back and slowly stroked up her spine. "I don't want to share you...with anyone."

Usagi eyes unfocused in thought. She wasn't completely sure that she understood his feelings, although she could tell that they were apparently strong and embarrassed him a great deal. 'At least he's finally telling me the problem,' she thought with relief. He wasn't shutting her out any longer. "Share me? You're my best friend; I don't have any others, so you don't have to worry about sharing."

Trunks closed his eyes with resignation. He knew that she wouldn't understand. 'What were you expecting, anyway? That she would admit similar feelings? That she would agree to stay this close? Get real Trunks.'

"There's Goten."

Usagi frowned. "But he's my little brother; not my best friend."

"But you spend time with him. And you spend time with Dad. Sometimes you even help Mom cook or help out when she's in the lab working."

Usagi's brow furrowed. "Yeah..." she still wasn't sure what he wanted. Did he want her to give up all of that to spend it with him?

Trunks remained silent, refusing to let the silent demand be voiced. He had a strange feeling that it would either come out as begging or ordering and either were unacceptable. He refused to appear weak in front of her and didn't want to alienate her by demanding the impossible.

"I don't think I can do what you're asking, Trunks."

Trunks gritted his teeth, fighting the sudden urge to go out and destroy something helpless.

Usagi ignored the clinched fist slowly digging into her back. "But, how about I move into your room so that we can be this close. That can be our time. You won't have to share. What do you think?"

Trunks took a few deep breaths. "I think I'd like that."

Usagi grinned, happy to have momentarily banished the darkness that had crept into his eyes these past few weeks, and quickly dismissed the serious topic. "So, what do you think of Mirai? You don't really think he's a prick. Do you?"

Mirai perked up from the other side of the room.

Trunks loosened his fists and attempted to relax. "No, he seems alright. He's just a little too uptight all the time." 'And he stares at you a little too much.' Trunks frowned. Now that he thought about it, Mirai seemed to watch both of them and Goten a little too closely.

Usagi closed her eyes when he started stroking her hair again. "I think he's lonely."

Mirai winced at the strikingly accurate assumption. Maybe he shouldn't stick around for this particular conversation, but his curiosity kept him rooted to the floor.

"And he's cute!"

Mirai's eyes bulged and his mouth dropped. Oh Kami.

Trunks jerked and looked down at her grinning face with budding horror. "You can't possibly like him!" He frantically studied her face. "Are you blushing? You do like him! I can't believe this! He's, like, a bazillion years older than you! He's as old as Gohan!"

Usagi pouted. "So?"

Trunks was flabbergasted. He was speechless for a few minutes while his brain quickly searched for an adequate rebuttal to such a nonsensical comment. "Besides, if he choses people like Gohan as a best friend, what kind of judgment does he actually have? He is hardly crush material."

"Are you insulting yourself?"

"No!"

Usagi grinned. "So you're saying that I can never have a crush on you?"

Dead silence.

Mischief danced in her eyes as she blithely continued in a thoughtful voice. "Although, at first, I was surprised that it was you. After all, who would have thought that you would turn out that cute?"

"What?!" Trunks flipped her over and mercilessly began his tickle assault. "You take that back! I am too cute! I'm cuter than Mirai could ever hope to be. Admit it!"

Mirai retreated back to the main part of the house with the Usagi's suppressed giggles echoing in his ears. When he first approached their conversation he was expecting to gain a little more insight into their unique relationship and this connection that they seemed to share – a subject that he was beginning to obsess over. Never in a million years did he expect to discover that they shared such a depth of feeling and empathy. They practically read each other's minds. He marveled, never imagining that any two people could be so close.

'What would it be like if Usagi had been born in my time?' He thought about growing up with someone who he wouldn't hesitate in confessing his deepest secrets, darkest thoughts, and innermost fears; someone he could go on adventures with and who he could take care of. Memories of his mom and Gohan flashed through his mind. They always seemed to be taking care of him, no matter how hard he tried to mature and act the man; but there was no one in his life who depended on him. He ached to be there for someone, but never really had the chance to prove himself. Now, he supposed that his mom depended on him a little, but she had always been fiercely independent and mentally stood apart from everyone and had actually encouraged him to return to the past. If he knew her, she had lock herself in her lab and probably hadn't missed him in the least. 'That's not fair, and you know it.' He rolled his suspiciously shiny eyes, trying to banish the self pity that suddenly gripped his heart. It settled down right next to the envy that had been there all day. This present's Trunks didn't know what treasures he had in his friends.

"Mirai? What are you still doing up?"

Mirai about jumped out of his skin when he heard his mother's voice from behind him. "Nothing. Just thinking. Why does Usagi have a room here? Why does Trunks not like Gohan?"

Bulma sucked in a deep breath. "Why are you worried about all of that?" she attempted to breeze over his questions.

"Please, Mom. I want to know. I expected Usagi to want to spend some time with her family before we all ship off tomorrow; instead, she's here. As for Gohan, Trunks has already admitted his disdain at least three times today."

Bulma sighed, "It's a long and complicated story. Despite what you think, she is spending time with her loved ones. This is her home now, and it has been for the past five years."

"But why?" Something was definitely wrong with this situation.

Bulma shook her head. "It's not my story to tell. Don't worry about it. It's all in the past now. As for Gohan," Bulma trailed off in thought, unsure of what to tell her son. She knew how much he admired his Gohan and didn't want to say anything that would taint the memory of his childhood hero. "In this time period, Gohan made a few horrible choices in his teenage years that had many lasting consequences. Suffice it to say, that these bad choices caused a riff between him and Trunks that will probably never fully heal."

Mirai studied her closed expression and tried to decipher her deliberately vague answers. "What choices?"

She shook her head sadly and turned to continue down the hall to her own bedroom. "You'll be going home tomorrow, Mirai. I'm sure you're excited, but you'll need some sleep. Why don't you head on to bed?" The darkness at the end of the hallway swallowed her retreating figure and left him standing alone, completely frustrated with the entire conversation. Now he had even more questions. He would find out Usagi's story. 'Even if I have to drag her to my time to do it!'

Goten gaped at the television, completely stupefied. His controller lay limp in his hands, forgotten. "Kami, Trunks! That was an awesome move!"

Trunks grinned and eyed Usagi at his side. "What? Don't I get a congratulatory kiss or something?" he tapped his cheek expectantly.

Usagi eyed the screen dubiously before rolling her eyes. Of course it was a fighting game. She was only interested in the racing ones, so she wasn't all that impressed. "Boys and their little fighting games. I don't think so."

Trunks turned away in a huff. "It looks like Goten is the only one who appreciates my genius."

Usagi grinned evilly. "Then why don't you ask him for a kiss?"

Trunks glared. Mirai snorted from is seat. Goten about fainted. "What? I'm not going to kiss Trunks!"

Vegeta stalked into the room just in time to hear the comment. He growled. "Kakarot, keep your youngest brat's lips as far away from my son as possible, or I will personally sew them shut!"

Goku looked momentarily shocked. "You can sew?! Wow, Vegeta! When did you learn that? I didn't think Freeza would give his soldiers embroidery classes."

Mirai choked on his laughter as he watched his father take a very deep breath to keep from launching himself at his rival. The morning had been so full of entertainment that he was almost sorry that they had to leave.

"Kakarot," Vegeta said very slowly. "I think..." He suck in another deep breath.

"Yeah, Vegeta?" Goku chirped.

"I think I hate you. Really and truly hate you."

Goku blinked. "But, why?"

Vegeta's eye twitched in annoyance. Could the man really be that dense? "Oh, I don't know. Why don't you think, Kakarot. Think really hard and I'm sure that the answer will come to you."

So, Goku sat blinking hard for a few minutes. "Nope! I still don't get it. I guess that means that we're still friends!"

"Calm down, Vegeta!" Bulma snapped as she swept into the room. "I think the last of the group arrived. Does everyone have clothes and whatnot? Who knows how long you'll be there before you've wiped the floor with the invading aliens."

Mirai leaned back in his chair with a grin. Ah, how he had missed his mother's supreme confidence. 'She and Dad really are well suited, provided that they don't kill each other, of course.'

"Now then, Mirai, you'll have to explain to everyone how they're getting to the future, because something tells me that you didn't arrive in a time machine big enough to fit," she did a quick head count, "eleven people."

"Twelve," Mirai corrected.

"Twelve?" Bulma counted again. "No, there's you, Goku, Gohan, Goten, Trunks, Vegeta, Piccolo, Krillen, Tien, Yamcha, and Chaotsu. That's eleven."

Mirai nodded. "You're forgetting Usagi."

Bulma frowned. "I am?"

Usagi's eyes widened. "She is?" She was going to the future? When was this decided?

"No," Gohan stepped forward. "It's too dangerous. She could get hurt."

Trunks glared him back, suddenly wanting Usagi to come just to spite her older brother. He knew that it would be dangerous, but he didn't want to spend any amount of time away from her. His two desires had been warring with each other all morning, but he gritted his teeth and told himself not to be selfish, and resigned himself to the fact that she was going to remain in the past while he went to the future to kick some serious alien butt. Now, however, things might change.

"I think it will be fine. I'm not saying that we should drag her into battle or anything. She could stay at Capsule Corp. with my mom while we're out fighting."

Gohan still shook his head. "Absolutely not! Your world is going to be invaded by a massive alien force, you can't possibly expect us to bring along someone who doesn't know the first thing about defending herself. It's out of the question."

Trunks rolled his eyes. "Usa doesn't need to know how to fight. She's faster than any of us. She can always make a run for it."

Gohan quirked an eyebrow. "And what if the aliens are faster than even a Super Saiyajin?"

Mirai crossed his arms and grinned arrogantly. "The Androids weren't faster than a Super Saiyajin at the second level. I highly doubt these aliens will be much different."

Vegeta narrowed his eyes. "I know why my brat is pushing for this, but why are you?"

Mirai shifted, suddenly feeling as though his father could see right through him. "I just want Usagi to see my home, is all."

Vegeta continued to eye him suspiciously, not completely satisfied with his hasty explanation.

"Why?" Usagi's spoke up for the first time since the argument began.

Mirai stared at her for a long moment. Since the moment he met her, he wanted to see her in his time. He wanted to see her walking through his house and looking at his ruined planet...and sharing his past. Would it change how she looked at him? There was some deep feeling in his gut that was driving these crazy thoughts that he just couldn't ignore. "I just do."

Usagi blushed and turned away from his intense gaze. Trunks looked between the two of them with a fierce frown before slipping his hand in hers and shooting his older self a glare that promised bloody murder.

"Look, we can always send her back if things get too crazy," Mirai finally amended his request and waited for the verdict.

"Dad, you're the leader. What do you think?" Gohan finally turned the decision over to his father.

Vegeta snorted. "The only thing Kakarot is the leader of is the Intergalactic Consortium of Idiots – I.C.I or Icky for short." He trailed off with a snicker. Bulma smacked him across the head.

Goku tilted his head. "Well, I don't see why she can't come. I'm sure it won't be that dangerous and Mirai's right; we can always send her back if stuff gets too intense. Besides, we'll be there to protect her if anything happens." He waved his hand haphazardly, "Let the kid have an adventure."

Usagi grinned. "Really? I can go?"

Goku winked in answer.

"Thank you, Goku!" she shrieked and gave him a bear hug before racing out of the room. "Goten, Trunks come help me pack!"

Goku stared off after his daughter with a dazed expression on his face. She had hugged him!

Gohan crossed his arms. "You did that on purpose just to get on her good side."

Goku shrugged. "It made her happy, didn't it? Isn't that what fathers are supposed to do? Make their kids happy?"

Gohan glared. "And keep them safe."

Mirai watched all of this with a critical eye. Usagi had called her father by his first name again. At first he thought that there was some kind of estrangement between Usagi and her family, but it was obvious that Gohan and Goku both cared about her. 'Why is she living at Capsule Corp.?'

"Leave it alone, brat," Vegeta cautioned, having caught his future son's calculating glances. "It's best not to meddle with this."

"With what?" For the life of him, his curiosity wouldn't stop eating at him.

Vegeta shook his head, declining to answer.

It didn't take long for the children to return to the group, adding a pink duffel bag to the pile of luggage in the corner.

"Okay," Mirai took a long piece of cloth from his bag and made some minute adjustments before handing it to Goku. "This headband was designed to allow its wearer to teleport through time. I've recalibrated it so that it can handle all twelve of us. We just need to be touching Goku when he teleports."

Goku stared at the black headband with awe. "This looks so cool. Can I wear it all the time?"

Mirai lifted an eyebrow. "Uh, sure Goku."

He quickly strapped it around his head and struck a playful pose. "How do I look?"

Usagi giggled and gave her father two thumbs up.

Goten grinned. "Awesome, Dad!"

Trunks rolled his eyes. "Well, at least its better than Gohan's Saiyaman costume."

Vegeta snorted. "Not by much." He twitched. "I'm going to have to touch Kakarot. It's enough to drive someone to gouge their eyes out with a rusted spoon," he mumbled to himself.

"What are you talking about? You touch Goku all the time," Bulma grinned from her husband's side.

Vegeta's eyes widened. "The Hell you say!"

"Are you finally admitting to never actually landing a blow during your sparring matches?" She grinned.

"Woman, punching and touching are not the same thing."

"Huh," she hauled off and punched him in the shoulder, but Vegeta caught her fist in midair. "You better not give my future self a headache."

Vegeta smirked. "Are you kidding me? She's had 20 years of peace and quiet, she'll be looking for a fight. Not that she'll win," he finished arrogantly.

"And don't let any little aliens bloody you up too badly. I'd hate for my life to suddenly turn peaceful and my migraines to disappear."

Vegeta squeezed the fist he still held and locked gazes with her for one long moment before turning his back and stalking over to his rival – his arrogance and pride intact.

Mirai watched his parents with fascination. Nope. There were no mushy parting scenes and syrupy words between them, and yet he could still tell that they cared deeply for each other. This Bulma turned to him next. "Bye, Mirai. You need to come back sometime just to spend a few days. Don't wait another decade or for the next alien invasion okay? And make sure your father stays out of trouble."

Mirai hugged her back with a quick grin.

Bulma dropped to her knees and pulled Trunks and Usagi in for a hug. "You two be careful. Usagi, keep a tight leash on Trunks and your little brother – Kami only knows what trouble they'll get into left to their own devices. Trunks, I know you'll watch out for Usagi, so I'm not too worried. Make sure you don't take any stupid risks with these aliens, okay?"

Trunks sighed. "Alright, Mom. Can you let go now so that we can go already?"

"Just for that charming little comment." She leaned in and pecked his cheek. "Kiss." She demanded and pointed to her cheek.

Trunks look horrified at the prospect of having to kiss his mother in front of everyone. "But, Mom," he whispered. "Everyone's watching."

"Does that change how you love your mother? Kiss," she barked out like a commander.

Trunks cringed and quickly kissed her cheek before racing off to his father, his face burning, dragging a giggling Usagi behind.

Mirai looked around the assembled group with a frown. "Where's Chichi? Doesn't she want to say bye to her family?"

Everyone froze when they heard the woman's name. Mirai watched in confusion as Trunks and Vegeta both growled while the Sons each looked uncomfortable.

Goten hurried with an explanation before tempers could start to rise. "Uh, we already said our goodbyes before we left this morning."

Mirai frowned. "Oh. Okay, then. Is everyone ready?"

Earth's warriors gathered around their leader, grasping their suitcases and duffel bags with one hand.

"Guys!" Goku laughed when eleven other hands reached out to him. "That tickles!" He squirmed and laughed helplessly.

"Shut up, Kakarot, and do it already!" Vegeta barked. "I don't want my hand to get permanently infected with your idiocy."

"Alright, alright. Hold your royal horses." He raised his fingers to his forehead and concentrated. There was a slight pause. "Uh, Mirai? What am I supposed to be concentrating on anyway?"

Everyone groaned.

Mirai hid a grin. "Just concentrate on Capsule Corp.'s front door. The headband will do the rest."

"Oh, okay!" he chirped and thought hard. It would take a good bit of energy to teleport this many people at once.

"Bye Bulma!"

And they disappeared.

AN: I know nothing much happened this chapter because it's really a transition chapter, but I figured everyone would like the dialogue (someone requested less serious dialogue, and I delivered! I just hope that everyone liked it and that it still fit in with the rest of the story) and the couch scene between Trunks and Usa. Hopefully this gives you a little more insight into Mirai's character and motivation. The next chapter is going to be long and there will be lots of stuff going on, so don't worry! I'll give you a little hint: she's going to meet the future version of Chichi in the next chappy. 0.0

I updated my profile page! Yay! So, please check it out!

As always, critics and comments are most appreciated! I always like listening to what yall have to say. I'm also trying to comment to some of your comments.

!-- page size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in P margin-bottom: 0.08in --

Fire Dolphin – You're going to have a long wait for the reintroduction of the Saiyajin world and Bardock, but it's all connected! You'll see them again in the last third of this story if everything goes to plan.

Tsuki no Echo – I'm glad you noticed how different they are! You are so on the right track with Vegeta being the deciding influence, but there is one other reason. It should be explained in the next few chapters.

Dreaming.sapphire – I'm glad the last chappy was a b-day present. Happy birthday!

Moon-bunny735 – Yeah, there was no way I was going to leave the story hanging. Trunks and Usa still have to get together in the end, but not without walking through fire first!

The Night Air – Much of what I have planned so far is still in outline form in my head. I'm going to try my best to not have the time changes be very abrupt. If I planned it out right then the time changes should divide the story into its three parts. (crosses fingers) hopefully there should only be one more time change.

Shadowchild89 – I wasn't thinking about giving Usagi a full blown crush until your comment, so thanks!

Bebepantheon – I'm glad that you liked Completion, and thanks for the vote of confidence!

HayleyM425 – loved the batman comment! Made me laugh.

Elfwarrior87 – You're on the right track about the puberty. I also kept her oblivious in this chapter because of your comment! Yes, Usagi will be getting more scout powers, but not for a little while; probably not until the last third of this story.