Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or the characters

Sorry, everyone, for quite the lengthy time between updates. It's starting to get to that point mainly because I've been trying to complete older stories and get other stories going again. It's possible that most stuff will be updated monthly at this point, however, if I meet all of my personal goals for the week, I'll continue to work on stocking up on multiple chapters ;) Anyway, I hope you've all been well and that you all enjoy!

Vegeta stared at the television, arms crossed as he watched the unusual program strangely. He had been used to his mother's Thanksgiving Day tradition of watching the parade each year, but right after the parade, Bulma had changed the program to an annual dog show. Never in his life had Vegeta ever spent hours watching both the normal and strange looking dogs being led around and put on display. He wondered why Bulma was so fascinated by such a program, and when he asked she just explained that she had watched the dog show every year since her father's mother had pointed it out to her. Thankfully, it would be over soon, and best in show would be decided. Vegeta needed the action of football. If this didn't end soon, he was hitting the liquor early.

"The American beagle is going to win."

The brooding male looked over to his girlfriend's best friend, and he was wearing a knowing smile. It had been a while since the two men had talked. Vegeta scoffed that this dragging dog show was the topic of conversation. "How could you possibly know that?"

Goku grinned. "Vet assistant, remember? I've seen a ton of breed, and I know what they look for when they're judging. Anyway, just call it a hunch."

"Sure," Vegeta sighed. "How much longer?"

"About another hour," Goku empathized. "I forgot to warn you."

"Warn me?" Vegeta chuckled.

"I love dogs as much as the next one," Goku started, smiling fondly, "but unlike Bulma I can't dedicate three hours to sitting and watching them, though I guess it's good background noise for her while she's cooking. Bulma's the kind of person who needs background noise, but I'm sure you figured that out already."

Vegeta grunted an affirmative. Bulma did not like the silence. Well, she did when it was just the two of them, but if she was doing work in bed or even at the company, she needed music or the sound of the T.V. She couldn't focus either way, and she had admitted to Vegeta that she needed the noise because she hated the eerie feeling of being alone. She had been requiring the noise less and less when in his presence or that of her son and Mai, but old habits were hard to break, and Vegeta didn't particularly mind. He too had lived alone and in the silence. He understood.

"You two wouldn't be dissing my dog show, now would you?" Bulma asked, entering the room, her voice light and jocular.

Goku rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "No, never," he said, playing along. "How's everything coming?"

"Fine," Chi Chi replied. "Some of the appetizers are ready, if you two would like some food. Can you let the kids know?"

"Sure," Goku answered. "Thanks, you two."

The two women shared a smile with each other before they turned to continue dealing with the meal. Vegeta got up wanting to help out if they needed it. The last time he asked, Chi Chi had chased him out of the kitchen and he was forced to let his mind rot for hours watch fur balls run across the screen, and also learning that there were way too many breeds of terriers that should ever exist.

"Is there anything I can do?" he asked his girlfriend, though he could see Goku's wife ready to reject him.

"Of course," Bulma called out, smiling at him before Chi Chi could deny him. Bulma looked too amused. She must have realized the torture he had to deal with after the other woman denied him the first time. "Could you work on the salad while I deal with these potatoes?"

"Hm," he agreed, moving to a free spot on the counter where he could prepare the vegetables. He was certain Chi Chi didn't like that very much. That didn't matter to him, though. He had humored the harpy once, but it was his and Bulma's kitchen, after all.

When Vegeta finished the salad and a couple of other dishes, the game was finally on and Bulma sent him off with some food and a beer. He smirked. The woman really did know him well.

They had about an hour before everyone started to show up, and Vegeta was having mixed feelings about the affair. For the more part he was fine with having a large crowd over, but the fact that his other would be there was slightly troubling. He grimaced as soon as the thought entered his head.

"Who's wining?"

Vegeta looked to see that Goku had, once again, joined him. The game had been on for a short time, but Vegeta hadn't been paying much attention. "Does it matter?"

"Nah, not really," Goku responded. "Just making conversation. I'm not really into the pro football thing. Only time I really care is the Super Bowl, and that's usually just because any party I've gone to has had a lot of great food."

The other male grunted a chuckle. "That doesn't surprise me."

Goku merely smiled, happy to have gotten the sullen look off of Vegeta's face. He had noticed when he came downstairs after spending time with the kids that Vegeta wasn't really having a good time. He didn't know the details of Vegeta's life, but he did know that he was the friend his brother always talked about, and he knew that Vegeta's mother was coming and that Raditz's friend didn't have the best relationship with his family. Goku had put two and two together, and doing so he realized he needed to get Vegeta's mind off of it by any means necessary.

"You know," Goku pondered, "I still remember this one party. Bulma's mom had this Super Bowl party once, but the following year, her team was in it, and she gets pretty intense when watching her team play so she didn't want any of us to see her like that. It's kind of funny. I only recently learned more about the game though and how intense it could be when Goten and Trunks joined the team, and now Gohan is with them. Panics Chi Chi immensely."

"I can tell Bulma isn't thrilled with it, either," Vegeta remarked, "but she keeps her opinion to herself and supports Trunks. He knows she worries, so he tries to keep injuries down to a minimum."

"That last game sure was something," Goku murmured contently. "It'll be great when the martial arts group starts meeting. Now that I'm really into."

"Really," Vegeta remarked, interested. "To be honest, I am too. You fight?"

"Eh, not really," Goku answered, "but I'm interested. I have a bunch of equipment down in the basement and basically train myself whenever I get the opportunity. It's kind of therapeutic, you know? Helps when I'm really anxious." Vegeta nodded, but didn't press. "What about you?"

"I used to," Vegeta admitted, "but not in a club. I had to learn to protect myself."

"Sounds bad," Goku empathized, feeling a little concerned. "But everything's good now?"

Vegeta nodded again. "I still train every day. Habit. The danger was back in college, before I met your brother."

"I'm glad Raditz helped you." Vegeta looked over to Goku, a bit perplexed. "Well, think about it. If he hadn't, who knows where you'd be. I'm glad that you ended up here and met Bulma. She's been really happy ever since she met you. I didn't think I'd ever see her this way."

"She's been happy before," Vegeta remarked, though he did feel pride at the man's words.

"Well, yeah, and she always tries to look at the bright side," Goku agreed, "but she always had a lot of fears and, because of you, they've kind of died off. I'm really happy for your both."

"Stop being sentimental," Vegeta ordered before smirking. "If not, I'll have to show you just how much I've trained over the years."

Goku looked amused. "Is that a challenge, Vegeta?"

"Damn straight," he replied, the grin never leaving his face.

"Ah, ah, break it up," Trunks joked as he and the other teenagers finally came downstairs. "It's Thanksgiving."

"Hn," Vegeta responded. "Another day, then."

"Looking forward to it, buddy!"

Later, once everyone had arrived, dinner was served. There were two tables: the dining room table and then a folding table in the living room. Goten huffed and leaned on the table. The day had been fine. He had been happy that Valese was there with him, and that her father had come and met his parents. Usually, he really enjoyed Thanksgiving. Still, today was really chaotic. There were so many people in the apartment, and Lime's kids were loud and overexcited. They were really stressing him out.

"Why is it that even though we're teenagers, we're still sitting at the kid's table…"

Trunks chuckled, but then he noticed Goten's expression. He looked angry, and that was worrisome. The lavender-haired teen was about to say something, but then Valese and Mai caught the two boys' attention. The two were laughing, and Videl looked at the two confused as is she missed a joke. Trunks and Goten had no idea what was going on, but seeing the girls so happy made them both smile. Goten was still on edge, especially when one of Lime's kids nearly screamed before tossing himself at Valese. Goten calmed while watching Valese interact with the boy. She settled him down, which in turn settled his brother down. The two boys sat back in their seats and continued to eat their dinner. Valese was a natural.

Goten's expression darkened, and he grew quiet, not that he had been saying much to begin with, for guilt crept into his heart. Trunks could see every emotion that passed over his friend's face. Goten needed to talk. They would not have a repeat of his last breakdown. "Hey," Trunks called out, earning the attention of his friends and the kids. "Anyone need any drinks?"

"I could use another soda," Gohan requested with a smile. "Thanks."

"Sure, no problem," Trunks remarked. "One soda. Any other takers?"

"Could I get another water, please?" Mai sheepishly asked. Trunks grinned at her and nodded.

"What about you, Videl? Another iced tea?"

"Sure," the girl replied.

Trunks nodded. "Valese?"

"Could I trouble you for another glass of fruit punch?" she asked.

"Of course. Kids?"

Lime's boys looked at each other before glancing back at Trunks. "We're good," the eldest said.

"Alright, then," Trunks replied. "Goten, want to come help me carry?"

Goten snapped out of his thoughts, and the spiky-haired teen simply nodded and stood, following closely behind Trunks. They didn't notice Valese watching Goten with worried eyes.

Trunks and Goten were alone in the kitchen, the noise and conversation of the adults overshadowing anything they could have said. "So, what's up?" Trunks questioned. Goten didn't look like he knew what his friend was talking about. "You look like crap. Are you sleeping? Still taking your meds?"

Goten released an elongated sigh. "Yes, Trunks," he assured him. "Dad and I take our meds together every night. You don't have to worry."

"I always worry," Trunks admitted. "You're my best friend."

That made Goten smile before his earlier thoughts returned to him. "I'm fine, Trunks," he stated. "Just, something hit me and it's bothering me, but it's nothing."

"It's never nothing," Trunks empathized. "You can talk to me. I won't judge you. I just want to help. Last time you didn't talk to me about stuff…"

"I know, I know," Goten softly said. "And I know that it's bad to keep stuff inside, just this is terrible. Those kids were pissing me off."

"Yeah, they're pretty loud," Trunks agreed. "They were getting on my nerves, too. I think it's just 'cause they're young and it's a day off from school, plus they probably filled up on those marshmallow sweet potatoes Vegeta made. Kids and sugar is a horrible combination."

Trunks had hoped his joke would make Goten laugh, but if anything it flared Goten's temper more, his jaw clenched. "Yeah, that's the problem," he grunted lowly. "You already know…you know that I can't handle kids, even when we're just walking in the park. You know I don't want kids."

"Right now," Trunks reminded him. "You could always change your mind. You're almost fifteen, Ten. It's okay that you don't want kids now."

"No, Trunks," Goten bit out forcefully. "I never wanted kids. I never will want kids. Ever since middle school when I learned about this illness, I had decided then that I never wanted a family. I've never told Valese this, and seeing her with those boys just made me realize that one day I'll have to talk to her about this. Kids stress me out, but even if my kid didn't, I don't want to risk them being as fucked up as I am."

Trunks's eyes narrowed. "You're not 'fucked up,'" he deadpanned. "And Goten, listen, those are all legitimate concerns, but you don't have to worry about it now. If you decide one day that you could handle a kid, there's always another way. There's always adoption or even what my mother did. Only issue will be if you think you'd be able to love a child that isn't biologically yours."

Goten huffed. "That's not an issue. The issue is that I'd be a terrible father. I'd be impatient and short-tempered with them."

His friend leaned against the wall in the kitchen and slid to the floor. Trunks followed suit and said, "You know, I'm going to tell you something. I'm not even supposed to know. It's something I learned a long time ago eavesdropping on mom."

Goten laughed bitterly. "You do that a lot."

"What can I say?" Trunks joked. "I'm a curious kid. Anyway, Ten, what you're feeling is normal. Before your dad ever met your mom, he felt the same way you do." Goten looked surprised. "He was afraid that he'd pass on his illnesses, and he was easily stressed out by kids, too, but when I was born, he was around, and he saw that he could handle a kid. He married your mom soon after, and then they had you and Gohan pretty soon after. And he loves you both a lot."

"I know he does," Goten sighed. "I didn't know he felt that way."

Trunks nodded. "And don't think he's the only one who didn't think they could do it. Mom, too, had problems after she had me. She had that postpartum depression thing, and she thought she was crazy for even trying to do it alone. She didn't think she could do it, but she's a really great mom. Gramma told me about all that once before. So, don't be worried that you have doubts. That's called being human." Goten actually laughed at that. "So…does that help?"

"Yeah," Goten answered. "I'm feeling better. I have to talk to Valese about this, though, don't I?"

Trunks scoffed a laugh and waved him off. "Of course not. I already told you, we're teenagers. None of us need to think about having kids yet. We still are kids!"

Goten had to admit, his friend had a point.

With that conversation over, the two continued with their task, the pretense of why they had left the table. They each took two drinks before heading back to the "kids" table, and they were both engaged in conversation. Now that Goten's mind had been set at ease, he was a bit more vocal, and Valese noticed. She mentally thanked Trunks for whatever it was he said to Goten within the last ten minutes.

The adults, too, were immersed in conversation. One of the conversations put Tarble and Gure on the spot. It was Launch's second time meeting Gure, though she hadn't seen much of her or Tarble at the Halloween party. In those few minutes where the two held all the attention, it came out that they were dating. Launch seemed very happy about it. She really liked Gure, and Gure was much more polite than Maron. She had never liked that woman for her son.

Of course, it also came out, when Launch asked how they met, that Tarble had met her at Trunks's school when he went to talk to his new guidance counselor. Bulma saw Launch frown, and she knew what was coming. She was ready to defend her brother and Gure. "Isn't that a little unethical?"

Bulma was about to speak, but Vegeta beat her to it. "No more 'unethical' than a woman dating her boss and said boss living with her, right?"

Launch looked at Vegeta warily. "I didn't say that."

"No, but you've implied it," he said nonchalantly. "Many times. And to that I say screw ethics in that case. Just accept it, be happy, and move on."

"Now, now," Bulma laughed lightly, placing a hand on Vegeta's shoulder. "We're all happy for Tarble, isn't that right, Launch?"

"Yes," Launch replied sincerely. "That's right. And we're very happy to have you here, Gure."

The woman smiled thankfully and took Tarble's hand as they continued to eat. Bulma was really happy to see such a smile on her brother's face. Likewise, she wore one as well, and she sneakily rubbed Vegeta's leg, a silent thanks for his assist. It seemed like the two of them could handle any battle together, including a battle of words.

Or almost any battle.

After the one conversation was over, there were others, and the first one to occur was Vegeta's mother thanking Bulma for once again inviting her into her home and blessing them with such a delicious meal. Bulma didn't yet know how to interact with the woman, especially when Vegeta tensed at the sound of her voice. "Well, actually," she started, "it was a group effort on mine, Chi Chi's, and Vegeta's part."

That had apparently been the wrong thing to say for Kalina's attention was her son instantly. "You can cook?"

Vegeta's expression darkened, becoming hardened as he answered, "I don't know why that's such a surprise. I applied what you taught me when we used to bake when I was living on my own. If I didn't learn to cook, I wouldn't have eaten."

Kalina forced a smile, her eyes nearly tearing up. She closed her eyes and forced a light laugh, hoping not to draw attention to herself, but Vegeta noticed. He saw, and his brow furrowed in confusion before everyone at the table got unusually quiet.

Bulma noticed this and made the attempt to move conversation forward. "So, Pilaf," she called out getting the attention of Mai's "uncle." "How's your puppy doing?"

Pilaf grinned at the woman. "I wouldn't exactly call Shu a puppy," he joked, "but fine. Thank you so much for the vet recommendation. I was surprised to see your friend working there. It's always good to see a familiar face."

Goku smiled at that, and he could tell what Bulma was trying to do. He wanted to keep the ball rolling. "Yeah, good dog. I was surprised. According to what you said he seemed to have a lot going on this year."

"Yes, but it was worth it," Pilaf stated. "He's my humble companion."

Goku nodded at that before looking over at Broly. He remembered him. He was Bulma's coworker, the one who threw his father under the bus to protect Trunks. He was a good guy, but he was so quiet and out-of-place the whole meal. It was time to engage him. "So, Broly, you have any pets?"

Broly looked up when he heard his name called and saw Bulma's friend staring at him. He realized he had asked a question. "Um, no," he answered. "I live alone."

Raditz scoffed a laugh. "You shouldn't have told him that," he warned a little too late. "When I told him I moved into Vegeta's place, next think I know he's telling me about this cat up for adoption at the clinic."

"Did you get the cat?" Lime asked in interest.

A startled glanced flashed over Raditz's features before he grumbled, "I don't want to talk about it."

Bulma laughed and looked to her best friend. "I bet you used all the guilt tactics in the world to accomplish that feat."

"You're not kidding," Raditz griped before looking back at Broly. "So, yeah, don't fall for it. If he ever tries to get you to adopt, just walk the other way."

"Feh," Nappa chuckled. "You kids need to be more assertive. If you didn't want the damn cat, you shouldn't have said 'yes.'"

Raditz's eyes narrowed. "It had three legs and was less likely to get adopted, and they had a week before they needed to send it back to the shelter."

"Hey, come on," Goku whined. "He looked like Tripod!"

"Tripod?" Broly questioned.

Bulma just shook her head and smiled. "Their cat they had when we were younger. And aw, poor kitty. You did a good thing, Raditz."

"A very good thing," Lime agreed, kissing Raditz's cheek.

"Huh, well I'll be damned," Nappa remarked before looking over to their coworker. "Hey, kid, forget what Raditz said. Apparently, the cat's a chick magnet."

"I'm fine on my own," Broly stated, but he sounded more amused than curt. Still, Goku looked at him strangely, so he reluctantly added, "But I'll keep it in mind should it ever change."

That appeased Goku, and he changed his attention to another unsuspecting male. "What about you, Walsh?"

Valese's father looked up at the other man and shook his head. "No pets for me, but that's fine. I have to travel for work much of the time, unfortunately. I know Valese is home, but when I'm away she's normally with her mother. Actually, about that, I've been meaning to ask you and your wife, but next week I'll be away on a trip, and Valese really doesn't want to go to her mother's this time. Would it be okay if she stayed with you?"

"I don't see why not," Chi Chi answered. "Is there a reason she doesn't want to go to her mother's?"

Walsh sighed. "Well, it's not really Thanksgiving talk, so I probably shouldn't say."

"It's all right," Bulma assured him. "You're among friends here. Is everything okay?"

"Not exactly," the man offered before sighing. "You know that we're in the process of a divorce, but what Valese and I haven't been saying is why and how it's going. I would venture to guess that the only one who knows is your son, Goten, actually. I'm very glad he's been there for her. Everything's been a mess."

"We can understand," Bunny interjected. "Divorce is never an easy thing."

"Basically, she cheated on me because of my busy schedule," Walsh admitted. "When I got promoted, things became very difficult. I had to start travelling for work. I hate it, but it puts food on the table, and I knew I needed to start thinking about Valese's future. I always made sure it was okay with Valese if I had been given an assignment, because if she said 'no,' I would have stayed. I didn't want her to feel like I was abandoning her, but she was always a very understanding girl. Her mother, not so much. But she never told me to my face she had a problem with me leaving so much. I would ask her, and she'd just give me attitude while saying it was fine.

"Valese heard us the night I found out, and she's been struggling to forgive her mother," Walsh continued. "She has less respect for her now, and my ex has been giving her hell for it. The last time I left her with Anita, they got into a huge fight, and when I picked Valese up, she wouldn't even talk to me. It wasn't until we got home and I asked her how her week went that she broke down into tears and sobbed for an hour. I couldn't even get her to tell me what was wrong until she stopped. Apparently, her mother had said some very awful things to her and she doesn't want to go there anymore."

"Oh that poor dear," Bunny sighed, shaking her head. "No parent should ever say anything to make their child cry like that." Launch looked over at the woman, but said nothing.

"We'd be happy to let her stay with us," Goku agreed. "Anytime. She's been a great friend to our son, and I'm sure you know how important that is to us."

Walsh smiled. "And she's always welcome here, too," Bulma added. "Mai loves having her over for sleepovers."

"I guess we all have a lot to be thankful for," Walsh stated. "I'm very glad that Valese has all of you looking out for her, too."

"This is getting very sentimental," Vegeta stated, finally breaking his wall of silence. "Perhaps Bulma and I should put the food away. The game's still on, so we can watch that before dessert."

"Sounds like a plan," Bulma remarked. She looked to their guests. "You all mingle. We'll join you in a second."

"Do you need any help?" Bunny offered.

"Nah, mom, we've got this," Bulma assured her. "You go relax."

The kitchen was very welcoming at the moment for Vegeta was still struggling with his mother's reaction towards his statement. He always hated seeing the woman cry, and now that it almost happened he was reminded that she was human. Letting his guard down was not something he wanted to do, especially not around her, but he couldn't help but feel a little guilty for making the remark that made her feel that way. He was at an impasse in his own psyche.

"Hey," Bulma whispered, wrapping her arms around him as he covered up a tray of food, "are you doing okay?"

Vegeta grunted sardonically before he put the tray in the fridge. "Define okay."

"I know what your mom said got to you," she murmured against his ear. Vegeta shivered slightly, his eyes closing as temporary relief washed over him. "I just wanted to gage how much it bothered you. If her being here is too much, we don't have to keep inviting her."

"No," he said a bit too hurriedly. "I mean, no, that's not it. I feel guilty for my statement, and I know I shouldn't. I don't know what to do. I don't want to pretend there's nothing wrong, but I don't want her to keep looking like that, either."

"I get it," Bulma reminded him. "I used to pretend when I was younger that I wasn't upset with my father or our situation. Every time I saw him, I put on a happy face. It was so easy, but as I got older, the estrogen thing kicked in, which we didn't know about, and I couldn't keep up the façade, even when I was trying to save face. He would tell me I was too emotional and he hated that about me and didn't have to deal with my emotions, but the only reasons I was that emotional was because of a biological condition I couldn't control and because he acted like an asshole a lot of the time. This is different because both you and your mother are emotional about it, even if you can hide it so much better than she can. I'm not saying this to undermine whatever you're feeling, and I one-hundred percent will understand if you can never get past how she treated you, and Lord knows it took me forever to get past my father's mistakes. She made mistakes, Vegeta, and she's at least trying. Even if it doesn't erase what happened, one day you'll have to make a decision on whether or not you can forgive her. If the answer is 'yes,' then you need to move forward and try to leave the past in the past. If the answer is 'no,' then this is the last time you need to see her. I'll support you either way."

"Why do you need to make sense?" her boyfriend huffed before he turned to face her and embraced her in a tight hug. "I don't know what I want to do yet."

"Then you have time to decide," she responded softly. "We can invite her another time and see how you feel. But also…maybe you should try talking to her one on one at some point. The group conversations didn't seem to assuage anything."

Vegeta scoffed a laugh. "You're telling me. Between Goku trying to pawn animals on everyone and your stepmother looking like she wanted to tell off your mother for her 'parents not making children cry' comment, everything was unraveling quickly."

"I know mom was thinking of how Trunks treated me and all the times I called her sobbing," Bulma sighed. "One time in particular, I had gone out to visit for Tarble's First Communion, and I did something that I knew would piss my father and Launch off, but it was necessary, and the last day I was there, they cornered me and sat me down saying I shouldn't have done what I did, that they were taking the choice away from me from ever doing it again, and then preceded to say they were my parents, needed to protect me, and needed to raise me to be the best Bulma they knew I could be. I was twenty, by the way."

"Hn, idiots," Vegeta grumbled. "Don't tell Launch I said that, or she may make a complaint of slander at work."

"Oh, shut up," Bulma giggled. "Strangely enough, right before that was the time I decided to talk to Goku again after our breakup. It had been about a year since we had broken up and eight months since we had spoken. After I called mom up hysterical, I called him up and confided in him what happened. So much more was said that day, but I don't care enough to remember it all. After some distance, it's still the worst that I remember. Only other thing I can remember about that day is that he slandered mom and his parents, and then he did apologize and told me it was never my fault, but then shortly afterwards started treating me like shit again."

"Let's just hope that's not the case with my mother…"

"I don't think it will be," Bulma reassured him while rubbing his shoulders. "I'm getting really good feelings from her. This is the second time she's been here, and it seems she's working hard to watch what she says. She doesn't want to offend you or push you away again. That's at least something."

"Right," he could agree. "We should finish packing up the food."

"Hey, guys?"

The couple looked to see Trunks standing in the kitchen archway. He looked guilty, and the two could immediately tell that he had probably heard a lot of their conversation. "Hey, Trunks," the mother greeted warmly. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah," the teenager lied, before he told them why he was there. "I honestly came to see if you needed help putting the food away."

Vegeta's expression softened. "Sure, boy. Come in."

The acceptance Vegeta gave him caused Trunks's face to light up, and he practically ran inside to help. He really had been going to assist, but he heard his mother say that something Vegeta's mom had said bothered him. Trunks didn't know much about Vegeta's past except that he had gone through some stuff with his parents and that he was on his own. He knew enough, but his mother knew more details. When he heard their conversation, he had been frozen in place and in shock as he listened to his mother confide in Vegeta about her past pain and learned about Vegeta's uncertainty. It was surprising to the boy because Vegeta never seemed uncertain about anything.

The three worked diligently to put the massive amount of food away. They would definitely be having leftovers a lot in the next couple of days. Vegeta looked over at the mother and son, the two looking so happy and bright that it made his own spirit feel lighter. He was sure Trunks overheard, but it really didn't bother him. He felt comfortable around the boy feeling like he was his own. Vegeta had always accept Trunks, had confessed certain things to the boy before his mother, given him advice, but even then he didn't feel as connected to the boy as he did in that moment. So this is what it's like to have a son…

The thought both frightened him and made him feel at ease. He was confident in his relationship with Bulma, but he knew if something were to shift and their relationship would fall apart that he would lose both the woman he loved and a child he now considered to be his. He shook the doubts away just as soon as they entered his mind. No, they were in a good place, a wonderful place, and Vegeta was thankful for the two of them. A small smirk lined his features. Maybe, just maybe, there was something to this holiday, and it definitely wasn't a three hour dog show, but he would gladly watch that each year if it meant getting to have these two in his life forever.

In the late evening, Krillin, Juu, and Marron finally showed up for dessert. There were a ton of different pies on the table, and Bulma's eyes widened. It seemed everyone brought a pie: pumpkin, blueberry, apple, and even chocolate pudding. And there was more than one of each. "You do realized some of you are going to have to take some of this home, right? We're running out of room in the fridge…"

"Well, you did get a bigger table," Goku pointed out knowingly, mirth shining in his eyes as he looked at Bulma. "Looks like you need a bigger fridge, too, huh?"

"Cheeky bastard," Vegeta muttered under his breath as Bulma blushed.

"Speaking of, nice," Juu said, shifting the attention off of the couple and to the table itself. "Where'd you find one that looked like it could hold a committee of knights?"

"Oh, ha ha," Bulma wryly remarked. "And actually, it was that furniture in the mall. They have a lot of nice stuff. We furnished Mai's bedroom using that place. They deliver, too, so you don't need a moving truck to bring it all home."

"We'll have to keep that in mind," Krillin stated. "Juu wants to redecorate the whole place."

"It's time for a change," the blonde informed them. "I'm getting bored with the look."

"That sounds fun," Bunny chimed. "Is Marron excited about the process?"

Krillin beamed at that. "Actually, yeah. She's looking to be a designer. At least for offices and stuff like that. She has a really good eye."

"Well, if she ever wants to utilize those skills," Vegeta stated, "I'm sure Ouji. Corp could use some redecorating."

"That would be fantastic," Krillin marveled. "Thank you."

"Look at you helping all the younglings meet their dreams," Nappa teased.

"Not only them," Vegeta countered before looking towards Walsh. "If you ever get tired of the traveling for whatever company you're working for, we would certainly be willing to hire you."

"You serious?" the man responded, shocked. "That's…that's an unbelievable offer. I'm on contract right now, but the second it's up, I'd like to take you up on that."

"Hn," Vegeta answered with a nod.

Bulma smiled at the exchange. Vegeta was still trying to make everything better for those around him like he had done for her. He proved time and time again that he was a good man. She admired and loved him more for it.

The whole exchange shocked his mother, though.

Marron was thrilled to see Mai doing so well, and Mai was very receptive of the blonde girl asking her questions about her new life. To be honest, Mai was enjoying her life of freedom. She still felt anxiety here and there, but with Zarbon in prison she knew she was safe. Trunks was with her, and he took care of her always making sure that she was talking about her stress. He was probably the most supportive person she ever had in her life, and, even better, he loved her as she loved him. She definitely had a lot to be thankful for after so long. She was a part of a family again.

The girls talked about getting together the next day later in the day to go shopping when everything was less chaotic. The boys promised to go with them, just in case. Trunks still had this picture in his head that his mom described. When she was a child, she had gone with her mother to a store and had been separated from her mother and nearly run down by a cart…in the toy section. Even if it would be later in the day, Trunks still pictured armageddon.

Eventually, everyone had started to leave, saying their goodbyes to Bulma, Vegeta, and the kids, though Vegeta stepped away. He knew his mother was still there, and he was not yet ready to give a kind goodbye. He decided to go out onto the deck outside the living room. Perhaps he should have gone to the balcony upstairs, but he was certain the others would hear and he wanted to be discrete.

He was still furious when it came to his mother and father, the cool air and deep breath doing little to soothe that fire. If there was one thing Vegeta hated it was to be at war with himself. His mind wandered to earlier when his mother forced herself not to cry in front of all those people. Vegeta had never seen his mother cry, not since she found out that his father had cheated on her. Though he was angry, part of him didn't want to be anymore.

"Vegeta?"

The man bit his tongue to prevent himself from cursing. He had hoped that his mother wouldn't seek him out when she didn't find him. "What?"

"I…" Kalina started, but she paused and looked out into the courtyard. It was a lovely area. She sighed, feeling torn. "I just wanted to talk before I said goodbye. Well, actually…I wanted you to talk."

"Me?" Vegeta asked indignantly, glaring at the woman. He scoffed. "I have nothing to say."

"That's not true," Kalina countered haughtily before her voice softened again. "You proved as much with your comment in there."

Vegeta chanced a glance at her and then crossed his arms looking back out at the barren trees. "Nothing I said was wrong. It was fact."

"I know," she responded. "But it shows me you're still holding onto a lot of anger, and I don't want that for you. Son, you can talk to me. It might be hard to hear it, but it's important you don't keep this bottled up. I can handle it."

"Hn, you have no idea what I need to do," Vegeta retorted bitterly. "I don't even know what I need to do. I haven't 'bottled' anything. You think I don't talk to Bulma about all this bullshit?"

Kalina's expression betrayed a small smile. "She's a good woman. I like her."

"Like I give a damn?" Vegeta nearly shouted. "The only opinion that would have mattered is mine, not yours, so I don't need your approval, not on any of my life choices. You lost the right to have an opinion when you acted the way you did. You abandoned me, not the other way around. The both of you did. And then you come back into my life when you get a phone call from that spineless bastard to investigate who Bulma was. Do you know how much that pissed me off?"

"I'm starting to realize," Kalina said as seriously as she could without laughing. Vegeta was acting just as he did when he was younger, but she knew everything he was saying was serious, so she didn't want him to think she was making light of it. "And I'm sorry for that. I was just concerned about you. You needed to know how we really felt. I didn't want you to live the rest of your life thinking we didn't love you."

"Neither of you knew what love was," Vegeta snipped. "I felt I owed it to you to give this a shot, but everything you do or say, it's like you're trying to get us back to what used to be normal, when we got along, but nothing between us can ever be normal…not like that. And stupidly enough I feel guilt over it." He laughed cynically. "Pathetic, isn't it? I'm not the one at fault, and yet I feel the guilt."

"Son, it's not pathetic," his mother rejected. "And I know my word means nothing to you all things considered, but you have no reason to feel guilty. I'm the one who should feel guilty, and I do. Vegeta, I treated you terribly after I found out about the affair. You just, you reminded me so much of your father. It's not your fault, and it was both wrong and unhealthy for both of us that I did that. I just couldn't handle it and found a way to detach myself from everything and everyone. I isolated myself because of my own problems, and I treated you like you didn't belong in that safe spot I made for myself.

"But I should have never done that," she continued, looking to Vegeta and meeting his eyes. "It's not your fault that you favored his genetics, and it's definitely not your fault that he cheated on me. We had problems, and instead of facing them head-on, we both put more pressure on you and treated you like you were the problem that we couldn't face. You're nothing like your father, Vegeta. You're a good man, strong, and so incredibly kind, all of the things your father had to work for after you left. You proved that to me tonight even more when you decided to give jobs to total strangers you know nothing about. Your father would have never done that. He would have never helped anyone like that, nor would he have hired children for anything."

Vegeta released an agreeable chuckle. He knew his mother was right about that, and he wouldn't refute it. The only part he would counter was what she said regarding him. "I know enough about them," he told her. "I know that that girl was one of the few who tried to help Mai before her stepfather moved her out of the school to avoid suspicion. I know her mother is the social worker who helped us with Mai's case. Her father works at Bulma's and her friend's favorite restaurant, and Bulma grew up with him. I know that Walsh's daughter is a good friend to Trunks and Mai, that she cares a great deal about Trunks's best friend. I know that he is a good person because he wishes to protect his child. The girl would rather be with her father than her mother, which tells more than it should. That is all I need to know about them."

The sincerity in her son's voice made Kalina feel indescribable joy. That was probably the first good thing her son had confided in her, the first glimpse he allowed her to see of the man he had become without any influence from her or her husband. She was so proud, but she wouldn't ruin the moment by telling him so. Vegeta would just shut down like with any praise or acceptance she gave. "I don't expect you to forgive me," she admitted, shocking her son instead, "not anytime soon, at least. I just would like to be a part of your life, as much as you'll let me. That's not my choice, though. It's yours, and you are free to make whatever choice you need. I will understand either way. If you do choose to allow me back into your life, I can promise that I will never put you through what I had ever again, and as for things being normal…we can create a new normal. I know you aren't the same Vegeta that I used to take care of and bathe. I know you aren't still the teenager vying for my attention that I ignored. You're a man, now, and I just want to get to know who you are now, if you'll let me."

They were pretty words, Vegeta knew, but the woman had been sincere when she suggested it. He hated to admit it, but creating a new normal actually sounded good. It appealed to him because it wouldn't be pretending that nothing had changed. She was away he wasn't the same person, and she really just didn't want to fight anymore.

He still needed to give an answer.

"If you try to mother me, I'm done," Vegeta stated.

Kalina smiled in understanding and nodded. "Am I still allowed to call you 'son?'"

He sighed, "You've been doing that anyway and I haven't thrown you out yet."

The two remained out there for a bit in silence, and Kalina was the first to break it. Awkwardly, she placed her hand on Vegeta's shoulder earning his attention. Her nervous grin softened Vegeta only slightly. "Thank you," she whispered.

He answered with a nod, and then pulled away. There was still a lot he needed to work through, and he had already met his match for the day. He entered the apartment and then hurried up the stairs. His mother watched him, but instead of feeling sad and hopeless she felt relief and optimism. She would not squander this chance.