Ch 26

Goten regretted joining Vegeta for training in the morning. He was aching in places he didn't know he had as he passed out on the lawn chair on the deck overlooking the backyard. The breeze felt good on his face, and he felt like he could drift off. Before he could, he heard the sliding door to the deck open and out came a smiling Bulma.

"Hey Goten, did my husband work you too hard?"

"He can be pretty brutal."

"Well its only to make you better saiyan warriors, at least that's how Vegeta puts it."

"I appreciate it, I really do. It feels good to get back in shape."

"So, Trunks told me about what happened last night when you went to visit Videl's family."

"Her mother seemed so cold, and it bothered me how she treated Videl, you know like she could take her or leave her. I mean I know Vivian said she wants to fix things, but—

"Are you sure you're not thinking about your own mom Goten? Videl is going to make her own choice about what kind of relationship she wants to have with her mom. Have you given it any thought about the relationship you want to have with your mother?"

"At this point I've decided to keep my distance from her. I'm not ready to forgive just yet. Plus I'm not thrilled about what my mom's reaction is going to be when I tell her I'm leaving the music industry behind after my contract's up."

"I believe you're making the right decision about your contract. I know music is something you love. Sometimes we have to decide whether we want to be happy with ourselves at the end of the day or accept the things in life that will make us successful no matter the cost."

"Thanks for the support Bulma."

"Anytime. So any idea what your plans are when your contract ends?"

"I've talked about it with Trunks last night. In college I minored in the culinary arts. I'm going to use that to good use and enroll in culinary school and hopefully own my own restaurant someday."

"That sounds great Goten. It's always good to have something to fall back on."

"It's been a passion of mine for a long time. I haven't even told mom. She thinks cooking should be left to women."

"Yeah I know, believe me I've had to hold my tongue about that subject with Chichi. It's a traditional way of thinking that I don't like. Having men and women in the kitchen is good, you get different perspectives on food and the way it should be handled.

"Sounds like you've had some experience in the restaurant world."

"I know some of the biggest chefs in the world. When I'd travel for business, I'd visit some of the most interesting and unique restaurants in the world and learn all about food. It doesn't necessarily mean I'm going to cook those dishes. I just love traveling," she smiled.

Goten came out of a warm shower refreshed and ready for nap. Drying himself of with hi ki, he hadn't realized how much Vegeta's training session had kicked his butt when he found himself falling asleep in the shower. Seeing Trunks' bed in his sites, he landed on the bed face first, bringing the covers over his naked body. Sleep came instantly.

Trunks came in the door from a long day of work to see his mom in the living room talking with Bob Terix, and he didn't like it. "Hi mom, what's he doing here?"

"We were just catching up Trunks," said Bulma. "Is something wrong?"

"You don't think it's a coincidence that I met his family yesterday and the moment I mention you, he comes here to see you."

"It's not a surprise. Your mother and I hung out in the same circle of friends," said Bob.

Every bone in Trunks' body said this guy was trouble but how could he explain this to his mother without coming out like an overprotective son? It was then that his father walked in, and he was no longer worried. "Oh Vegeta," said Bulma as she stood up with Bob. "This is a friend of mine, Bob Terix. Bob, this is my husband Vegeta."

"Whoa," said Bob in surprise.

Trunks smirked at Bob's reaction. He was clearly intimidated, but he didn't want to back down. "What's wrong Mr. Terix?"

"Nothing, it's nice to meet you Vegeta," said Bob. "Well I should get going. It was nice to see you Bulma."

"You to Bob, goodbye," she said as she closed the door behind him. "All right Trunks why are you acting so weird?"

"Well I think it's perfectly clear that our son was just looking out for your well being," said Vegeta.

"Ok, what are you talking about?" asked Bulma.

"Mom, that guy is interested in you."

"Trunks I'm not blind. I know, but I know how to handle myself around men. I've been working beside them for years now. If it ever gets dangerous, I know my family is here to watch out for me," she smiled, "but I think it's sweet how much you care sweetie."

"Uh thanks," Trunks blushed as Vegeta smirked, "for embarrassing me."

"It's what I do son," smiled Bulma as Trunks headed upstairs.

"It's fun to mess with him," said Vegeta.

"I know his heart was in the right place, but this woman knows how to handle things."

"Does she now?" said Vegeta as his hands found their way around her waist, holding her close to his body.

"Yes," she smiled as she leaned against his back, pressing herself against him, "big things."

Trunks got to his room and opened the door to see his mate sleeping in his bed. Deciding not to disturb his mate, he entered his bathroom, took off his clothes, and stepped into his shower. It felt good to have his energy back and to finally get a good night's sleep. The nightmares had been over for a few days and while he acted the same around his father like he always had, there was somewhat of a difference that he was sure his father could see.

Stepping out of the shower, he wrapped a towel around his waist. Wiping the condensation off the mirror, he saw himself staring back. He never took the time to really look at himself. He wasn't vain. Looking at himself now, he could see traces of his mother and he could see his father in him as well. It didn't surprise him, but he wondered if the circumstances were different, if he had lived a completely different life, could he have turned out like his father had in the beginning.

Trunks could hear the shift of his mate's body on his bed, knowing he was waking up. Coming out of the bathroom, he faced his tired but smiling mate and his smile alone made the dark thoughts in his mind disappear. He wondered suddenly if that's what his mother did for his father, took away the pain and darkness in his heart. "Hey chibi, my dad kick your ass again?" he smiled as he sat next to his mate on the bed.

"Trunks, can you do something for me?" Goten asked with a serious look on his face.

"Anything chibi you know that, what's wrong?"

"I want you to spend some time with your dad. I know you've been acting weird when you interact with him, but he's your dad. We don't know how much time we have to spend with the ones we love. My father is gone Trunks, and he's never coming back. I was lucky to resolve my relationship with him before he left this world, but you might not be that lucky with your father. Vegeta is the way he is now for a reason. He's done so much good but all you can focus on is the bad, his past. There's no reason your relationship can't get better, and it might not be the same as it was. Hell it won't be but it might be better. You have a better understanding of him now."

"I know it's something I have to do, and I promise you I will chibi."

"Really, no resistance from you?"

"What can I say?" Trunks smirked. "You're really persuasive when you're passionate about something."

Goten blushed as he looked down at his blanketed lap. "Well I love you and I've always known how much you really looked up to and admired your father. You love him, and I would hate for things to be unresolved between you two." He felt the warmth of Trunks' hand on his cheek, and he looked into the blue eyes of his mate.

"God I love you so much chibi," Trunks said with so much passion that he was surprised when Goten lied him down on the bed and kissed him senseless as he straddled his waist. Looking up at beauty in its rare and purist form, he couldn't help but be breathless. His mate was the most amazing person he had ever met.

"Trunks, are you all right?" asked Goten as looked down at his mate who seemed deep in thought and then he saw Trunks smile. His concern was unwarranted as he found himself below Trunks.

Trunks' lips met Goten's in a passionate kiss that would lead to so much more tonight.