Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or the characters

See the ending A/N for some news. For now, enjoy the chapter!


When Vegeta had contacted him, Goku had been surprised. It was even more surprising when his best friend's fiancé was inviting him to go out Friday night with him and Raditz. Goku had voiced his surprise, asking why, and Vegeta had answered in his abrasive way telling him he didn't need to have a reason. Besides, it sounded like a good opportunity to get out of the house. He knew Bulma would be encouraging him to go out, even if he wasn't that thrilled around crowds. He would be with his brother and Vegeta. It would be a good evening.

So, there they were, sitting at a busy pizzeria. Goku had thought his brother and Vegeta would choose a bar. That was more their scene. It had been Vegeta's suggestion, Raditz had told him, which actually touched Goku. It meant he was taking his anxiety into consideration. He wasn't always comfortable going to bars.

"So, what's up?" Goku questioned, sensing that there was more to Vegeta's random invitation.

The waitress had just delivered their drinks and pizza when Goku abruptly asked. The group had been talking about random topics, Vegeta waiting until they had relaxed a bit before he got straight to business. It seemed Goku really was really perceptive. Vegeta was actually impressed the younger man had gathered he wanted to talk about something.

"I'm just going to cut to the chase," Vegeta stated. "Bulma and I would like you to be ushers at the wedding."

It wasn't the most surprising declaration, but Goku's eyes still widened comically. He knew Vegeta accepted his friendship with Bulma, and that was enough for him, but for him to ask for him to be in the wedding, even if Bulma had something to do with it, moved him. "Really?"

Vegeta's brow quirked, slightly taken aback by the amazement in the man's tone. "I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want you in the wedding party," he stated, hoping that would erase whatever doubts or thoughts appeared in his fiancé's friend's mind.

"So we'll be ushers," Raditz agreed, accepting for both of them. "Who's your best man?"

"Trunks is," Vegeta informed them. Honestly, he could think of no one better suited for the job. Trunks had become a son in Vegeta's mind and heart, and he was the one Vegeta wanted to stand up for him. He had gone with him to pick out a ring, helped him with the proposal, and he was so incredibly excited. Vegeta remembered when he asked Trunks, he and the teenager hanging out at home. They had been working on dinner, Vegeta teaching Trunks some more complex cooking techniques. Trunks had baked a lot with his mother and knew how to cook for himself, but Vegeta wanted to teach him how to cook more elegant dishes. Trunks had been eager to learn.

Out of nowhere, Vegeta asked the boy how he'd feel about being his best man, and Trunks froze, as shocked as Goku seemed to be when he asked him to be an usher. "Are you serious?" he had asked. "I thought you would have asked Raditz."

Vegeta had thought about it. Raditz had pulled him off a terrible path. He was his best and most trusted friend, and he knew he would have accepted that role easily. The businessman still wanted Raditz up there with him, but he couldn't see anyone but Trunks by his side. This was important to him, and he knew that throughout his life it would be important to the boy as well. He had answered him honestly. "It can only be you." Trunks had accepted, a joyful and eager smile plastered on his face for the rest of the day. That smile made his decision even more worth it.

"I'm surprised you didn't go for Tarble," Raditz stated. "He is her brother, after all."

That was true, Vegeta knew, but he had already asked Trunks before he ever considered Tarble. He hadn't been too concerned, but he broached the topic with his fiancé. The woman had actually be relieved he hadn't asked Tarble, and there was a reason for that. "Don't worry about him," he responded, taking a swig of his beer. "Bulma has a special job for him."


At a nice restaurant on the other side of the city, Bulma was meeting with her brother for dinner. It had been a while since it had just been the two of them, and Bulma was happy that he accepted her invitation. She had something very important to ask him. Still, she didn't want to jump into it right away for she would then be completely emotional by the time they're meal came. So for the first half-hour, the two simply caught up on the happenings of their lives, their jobs, Trunks's and Mai's report cards, and everything simple.

"So, how is it going with Gure?" Bulma asked her brother. A smile alit his face, and it was so infectious that Bulma grinned too. "That good, huh?"

"She's amazing," Tarble replied. "I never thought I'd meet someone like her. Can you believe that right at the beginning of Trunks's school year, I was engaged to Maron?"

"Please, don't remind me of that woman," Bulma grumbled, feeling completely sick to her stomach. She still couldn't get over the fact that the one she had cheated on her brother with was none other than he longtime ex.

Tarble nodded. "That's how I feel now, too," Tarble remarked. "Even when I ended things with her, it felt right. Our relationship was too much work on my part. With Gure, it just feels easy, right. Like even with all of the craziness that happens, I don't feel like I'm handling it alone, you know?"

"Yeah," Bulma said fondly, thinking of Vegeta. "I know."

"We ran into Maron not too long ago," Tarble remarked, his eyes becoming angry. Bulma actually looked slightly concerned. She rarely ever saw her brother angry.

"What happened?" she asked warmly.

Her brother shook his head in disbelief. "She was horrible," Tarble remarked, his fists clenching. "I couldn't believe I was so blind to it before, how shallow she was. And, I mean, I guess I wasn't really blind to it. Bulma…how could I be with that?"

"You loved her," Bulma offered. "I mean, I loved Yamcha way back when, even though he wasn't right for me. I continued to go out with him even though I never felt comfortable staying overnight as his place or having him stay at mine. He and I were completely different people, just like you and Maron, and I was with him for a long time. The signs were there from the beginning that we wouldn't work, but I genuinely cared about him." She did her best not to think of the fact that her ex had been with her brother's ex, even if it was a one-time thing. "And because of those feelings, it's easy to look passed the behaviors we don't approve of, but the blinders come up at some point when it's not the right person."

"She insulted Gure," Tarble uncharacteristically growled, his fist going white as his heated eyes met his sister's. "I don't think I had ever been that angry before. You should have seen the look on her face. I thought it would have ended right then and there, and it scared me."

"Oh honey," Bulma soothed, placing a hand on her brother's fist to calm him. "Gure will be fine. I know how rude Maron could be, and she was probably jealous that she let a wonderful guy like you go. I'm sure Gure knows that, too. She's a smart woman, and I doubt she'd be as foolish as Maron and let you go for something you have no control over."

A smile of relief appeared on Tarble's face. "You're right. But anyway, I have to say, I've learned a lot from you and Vegeta."

"What do you mean?" Bulma questioned.

"The two of you fit, you work together," Tarble explained. "Even when things are tough, you have each other and the difficult becomes easier. I feel that way with Gure, so I know not to let that go."

It was Bulma's turn to beam brightly at her brother. "Then I'm incredibly happy that I had to send you to talk to her about Trunks," Bulma replied.

"How is Trunks, by the way?" Tarble asked. "I still can't believe all that happened this year."

Neither could the mother as she thought about all her son and his friends had endured. Between Zarbon, the court case, the wrongful imprisonment, Goten's near mental break, and the fight with Frieza Cold's son, she was thankful that Mai was on the road to recovery and her little boy was still the same just with a few scars. He confided in her some of what happened, finally, months later. Vegeta was with him when he did. Apparently Trunks had been confiding more about his imprisonment with Vegeta than her in the beginning, mainly to spare her concern. "He's doing all right," she told her brother. "He still has a lot he's dealing with. It wasn't easy on him before Vegeta's lawyer got him out of jail, so he still deals with the memories, but most of his energy has gone into finishing off the year, helping Mai through her PTSD, and the wedding."

"I bet he's excited about that," Tarble stated, smiling sadly. He felt bad for his happy-go-lucky nephew, and he still couldn't believe half of what happened to him. It seemed he was being forced to grow up too early just like Bulma had with Goku's hospitalization after a panic attack in high school followed by their father's treatment towards her and then the tragic circumstances that befell Goku's father. Still, the one thing Tarble knew was that Trunks would be giddy over his mother's upcoming marriage. "I am too, to be honest. As is mom. I'm still amazed that she's finally getting along with yours."

It was what Bulma always wanted after her father passed. She knew Launch would never understand the way she and her mother saw her father. Launch would never accept their truth, but Bulma had always had the sincere hope that Launch would be willing to put that aside. Her mother was very kind towards Launch. There were times she was interested in hearing what Launch had to say in the conversation, but Bunny ultimately knew what Bulma did. It wouldn't change the past, wouldn't change how her daughter had suffered, and Launch would never listen to their side of things. It would only lead to unnecessary turmoil that none of them needed. The other woman hadn't been bringing it up lately. Instead, she was letting it go, it seemed, and actually trying to get along with her mother. It couldn't have come at a better time.

"You've come a long way, too," Tarble continued. "Dad would be so proud of you."

A pang struck Bulma's heart, but not in a bad way. Honestly, Tarble was the only one she could call Trunks dad around. Usually she took to saying what she had in the past, either calling him her father or by his name. Likewise, he was the only one who could get away with saying that without feelings of anxiety curling in her.

She believed what Tarble was saying, her baby brother who was now so grown up. As the thought entered her mind, she was starting to feel her emotions welling up. She had planned to wait until after the food came, but she was already welling up. She decided she was going to have to get her question out before she really started bawling.

Tarble noticed her distress and took her hand. "What's wrong?" he asked her. "Did I say something wrong?" He really hoped that his words hadn't upset his sister in any way.

Bulma shook her head in response, assuring him he hadn't. Then she spoke up, voicing her inner thoughts. "Speaking of dad," she began, "he's not here to walk me down the aisle. I was wondering…Tarble, would you be willing-?"

"Say no more, Bulma," Tarble interrupted. "I'd be happy to." He grinned at his sister, his grip on her hand tightening. Bulma laughed through her tears, calling the waiter over to get their order in now that the emotional part was over. The man was looking at the woman like something was wrong with her, but Tarble never stopped smiling even when he released her hand. He couldn't believe Bulma had asked him to stand up for her in place of their father. It both honored and humbled him, and he could think of nothing else he'd rather do than show his support of hers and Vegeta's relationship. Besides, he knew his father would be happy for her despite whatever it was he had done to her through the years. He would want to be there to make things right. The way Tarble saw it, he would be fulfilling both his father's and sister's desires. He didn't even need to think twice about it.


Vegeta was sitting in the living room of his mother's new house arms crossed and tapping his finger against his shoulder. She had finally settled in, many of the employees still coming in daily to see her and help her out with the housework. His mother had thought long and hard about it. All of the staff that had lived at the mansion had become like family, and just because she needed to let go didn't mean she wanted them to be out of work. Despite them staying around, she did do quite a bit of housework herself, trying to reestablish some form of independence. Though not as large as the mansion, there were still plenty of rooms for his mother and at least the butler, Salza, to live, and a couple of guest rooms in case Vegeta and Bulma ever wanted to stay with the kids. She never voiced that hope, but he knew. She really was never going to push for it if he didn't broach the topic. He hadn't yet. He had something else in mind.

"I'm so glad you called," Kalina stated, bringing in a tray with sandwiches, cookies, and glasses of lemonade. "Here, I made lunch."

"You made lunch?" Vegeta questioned. It had been a long time since his mother had been the one to prepare a meal. "Getting bored?"

"No, it's not that," she replied, smiling. "Well, okay, maybe a little. I was so used to being taken care of that I want to get myself back to how I used to be before…" A small pause of silence rested between them before she continued. "In any case, I wanted to make my son lunch, today."

"Hm," Vegeta hummed in response, taking the plate holding a sandwich. The two began to eat in silence, Vegeta avoiding eye contact with the woman. Kalina never took her eyes off of him smiling this joyous grin. It made Vegeta uncomfortable, but at least his presence there brought the woman some happiness. That was something he never deemed possible since his childhood. "It's good," he told her awkwardly, gesturing to the sandwich in his hand. Kalina nodded and picked up her own meal.

After they were done eating, Vegeta reached into the inner pocket of his suit jacket. He pulled out an envelope and presented it to the woman. "What is that?"

"An invitation," Vegeta told her, handing it to her. Kalina took it and looked into her son's eyes. "Open it."

Kalina did open it, delicately separating the paper of the envelope as if the whole invitation was an important treasure. As she took the parchment out of the envelope, her eyes scanned over the words. She couldn't help but beam with pride as she read the words that her son would be married to Bulma. Kalina adored the woman who had succeeded in stealing and healing her son's broken heart. She was so incredibly blessed to be a part of any of it. Her eye then caught something else, and she looked to Vegeta with surprise shining in her eyes. "Vegeta, what is this?" she questioned, pointing to the spot where it said her name plus a guest.

"It's something to think about," Vegeta answered coolly, still not making eye contact. "I'm not being heartless as I say this because, believe me, I speak from experience. It has been years since father's death. The two of you had a rocky marriage at best, even when I was gone. I know you love him, and I am not trying to push you into the arms of another man, not until you're ready. I think…I think you should consider moving on. I won't force you to do it, but it's unhealthy to not let go. You're starting to by finally leaving that prison, and I just wanted you to see that the option is there. I didn't see it until decades after Ella's death. She is still a part of me, but I had to be willing to open my heart to someone else. I got my stubbornness from both of you, so I just don't want you to be as closed off to the idea as I was."

His mother blinked a couple of times at him, completely astonished. That was probably the most emotional thing her son had said to her since he had allowed her back into his life. She knew he wasn't giving her a lecture or trying to force her to move on. Knowing what he suffered, she knew he was only looking out for her, wanting her to see a future where she didn't have to be alone. Her lips quirked into a smile, and she placed the invitation on the coffee table. "I will think about it," she replied, getting up from her seat.

Vegeta was expecting her to leave the room, honestly, when she stood. That was what he probably would have done. Instead, the woman walked over to him and place her hand on his shoulder. The man looked up to see her loving gaze. "Thank you, Vegeta, for your concerns and advice. You are a wonderful son, and I couldn't have asked for a better one."

After she praised him, Kalina left the room, probably to process the whole ordeal. As she was leaving, she called out to Vegeta, "Make yourself at home. I won't be long."

"Fine," Vegeta agreed, actually sitting back on the couch, attempting to relax. He was still just a bit tense when he was around his mother which was laughable, but at least everything was starting to get better between them. He took the plate of cookies and started snacking on them. He had to admit they were pretty good, and so was the lemonade. Honestly, the tastes of them caused a wave of nostalgia to wash over Vegeta. He was pretty sure his mother made them before, a long time ago on the weekends the two spent together. A bittersweet chuckle escaped him. It was the same.


While Vegeta was giving his mother an invitation, Bulma was out to lunch with all of her girl friends and Mai. She had planned to ask Chi Chi, Lime, and Gure to be bridesmaids, and they all accepted. Bulma informed Gure that Tarble would be walking down the aisle, and she asked the woman if she'd be okay with walking down alone. Gure had assured the woman that she didn't even need to be in the wedding. Bulma declared "nonsense" saying to the counselor that she was practically family. Gure had been taken aback and blushed, but she was honestly happy that Bulma saw her that way.

Then, Bulma turned to see a silent Mai drawing in her sketchbook at the table and smiled. She still remembered the day the young girl had come into her home, shy and troubled over accepting her son's invitation. The girl had been so scared back then, trapped in her tumultuous life and never seeing the other side, a good side. She remembered when she found out about Mai, how she communicated her what-if scenario to Juu who thankfully had started finding more information immediately so Mai could start the process of being free. Zarbon was indeed a creep who used lies, charm, and money to hide who he was, but between her support, Vegeta's assistance, and both Mai's and Trunks's bravery, the man had finally been seen for the monster he truly was. There was no way he could hurt them ever again.

The PTSD was definitely something Mai didn't need to deal with, but she had gotten so much better in such a short time. Bulma knew personally that processing emotional abuse was hard enough. She still struggled, and it had been decades. Mai had both physical and emotional abuse to reflect on, but she knew the girl would be okay. The worst of her episodes were happening far less than before, Mai focusing on helping others in her lunch group and enjoying life to the fullest with her son. Bulma was immensely proud of her.

As if sensing Bulma's eyes on her, Mai looked up from her art timidly before she smiled. "What?"

"I have a special job for you, Mai," Bulma told her, her tone warm and loving. "How would you feel about being my maid of honor?"

The raven-haired teen's eyes widened, her mouth gaping open slightly. "I-I-I-I…" she stammered nervously. "Why are you asking when you can ask one of your other friends?"

Bulma only giggled over her reaction, placing a hand on the girl's. "Part of it is because Trunks will be Vegeta's best man," she admitted, "but the other part is that I truly consider you as a daughter." Mai looked even more astounded by Bulma's confession. "I have ever since you became so close with my son and even more when you started living with us, and I would be honored to have my daughter standing at my side while my son stands at Vegeta's. What do you say?"

What kind of question was that? Mai chuckled as tears filled her eyes. She got up from her seat, giving Bulma a hug. She hugged the woman so tightly. "I'd love to," she accepted, the tears flowing freely. She laughed again before she apologized, "I'm sorry for crying."

Bulma stroked the girl's long, black hair and whispered to her, "There's no reason to apologize for that. I love you, sweetheart. I'm so happy you said 'yes.'"

The other women at the table watched the scene, exchanging knowing smiles. Chi Chi laughed at herself, for she caught herself wiping away a few tears of her own.


Vegeta had come home finding that Bulma was still out with the girls. Trunks was home by himself, just watching some T.V. His expression lit up when he saw Vegeta enter the room. "Hey, dad," he greeted casually. "Mom and Mai are still out. They decided to go shopping with mom's friends." His answer was a curt nod. "How was everything at your mom's?"

"It was fine," Vegeta replied. Honestly, it had gone fairly well. After his mother had returned, the two of them somehow found themselves talking about important matters with the company. His mother had simply asked how everything was going at work, and Vegeta filled her in. He had told her some basic information, and they somehow started discussing Bulma's project. When that topic came up, Vegeta had gotten very quiet and his expression darkened, his mind going to Frieza.

It was the first time he confessed to his mother his anxieties with Frieza. Kalina had heard of the businessman long before his name came up during Trunks's trial regarding Zarbon. Vegeta explained that the man had been following his progress since he managed his own company before he sold and continuously contacted him once he took the reins at Ouji Corp. For the longest time, Trunks kept the man at bay, but during the conference, he explained to Kalina that Frieza had expressed interest in going into the weapons trade together, which Vegeta immediately shot down. Then, when Bulma started working on her project, even before she had even made it public, Frieza wanted to work together for a cut. Vegeta rejected him, most likely angering him, and then Bulma's stepmother warned him not to make the man angry. Since then, Frieza approached Bulma without an appointment, offering her a position at his company, and Bulma refused. The man practically threatened her, not in so many words, but in his tone. Bulma was worried that Frieza would eventually come after them. The kids were already having trouble with his son.

Kalina had offered Vegeta a listening ear, never interrupting, and when he finished telling her, she expressed to her son that if they were that concerned about Frieza, a restraining order should be put in effect. It would be difficult to enforce at business functions and conferences; however, if they could limit the amount of contact Frieza could make then it would be better. Vegeta didn't know if they were at restraining order level yet. He knew he was at the he wanted to rip Frieza apart level if the bastard ever decided to go near his wife-to-be. Still, he thanked her for the suggestion. He would talk about it with Bulma later.

"Have you eaten?" Vegeta asked Trunks. The teenager shook his head, glancing over to the television with an impish smile. Vegeta chuckled and shook his head. It was moments like these where he saw Trunks's childlike charm. "Come on, let's go."

"Go where?" Trunks asked, head cocked to the side.

"Your mother would kill me if I didn't get you fed so late in the day," Vegeta remarked. "I'm taking you to lunch."


Vegeta took Trunks to a burger joint a few blocks over, and while there he listened to Trunks chatter about summer plans he wanted to make with his friends and him and Bulma. It was going to be the boy's first summer with a father and a girlfriend, and it was going to be Mai's first summer being able to do anything that regular kids would do since the death of her mother. Plus, they had the upcoming wedding, and both Vegeta and Trunks couldn't wait for that moment for a similar reason. They were already a family, but soon it would be completely and legally official.

"Well, look who's here."

Coal and blue eyes fell on the intruder, Vegeta glaring heated at Ginyu. It had been so long since he heard from the man, and he was not expecting him to show up when he Trunks with him. He cast the boy a sideward glance, Trunks having jumped at the sound of the unknown voice before his brows furrowed in confusion. Vegeta knew Trunks would want to ask who the guy was, but he wanted to limit their interaction. He spoke up to prevent Trunks from asking. "What do you want, Ginyu?" He saw the recognition and concern enter Trunks's eyes from when he told the boy about his past. Instead of looking away from Ginyu and just letting the adults talk, Trunks flashed the man a cold glare. Vegeta mentally sighed. He guessed he couldn't blame Trunks for his reaction.

"I wanted to see if you gave my…proposal…any thought," Ginyu stated, grinning when Vegeta's eyes narrowed. "I need an answer soon."

"I already gave you an answer," Vegeta replied. "Not. Interested."

Ginyu's feigned geniality vanished abruptly. His eyes finally shifted to Trunks, the teenager holding his gaze showing no fear towards Ginyu's glare. "Who's the kid, anyway?"

"None of your concern," Vegeta immediately countered. "I already told you I'm not interested in being your group's benefactor. I cannot be clearer. Find someone else."

"Come on, Vegeta, it was a long time ago," Ginyu goaded. "We looked after you for the longest time."

"Is that what you call it?" Vegeta grumbled flatly. "In any case, I owe you nothing. I already paid you back with me…service. I'm done. Now, if you'll excuse us."

Vegeta moved to get, and Trunks followed suit, but Ginyu quickly shifted to block the teenager's escape. The older man glowered down at the boy, trying to intimidate him. Trunks merely met his gaze with hardened eyes full of disgust and hate. It occurred Ginyu that, looking at this boy, he had flashbacks to a young Vegeta giving him that look. He smirked, never breaking eye contact with the teen. "I'll be seeing you around."

Ginyu was the one to walk away, and when he left the restaurant, both Vegeta and Trunks took their seats again. Vegeta huffed in frustration, glaring at a spot on the table. Trunks cast him a worried glance. "What was that all about?"

"It was nothing," Vegeta said, attempting to assure the boy. Then he added, "It looks like Jay is going to need to file a restraining order." Trunks was appeared alarmed when Vegeta said this, but the man once again attempted to assuage his concerns. "Don't worry, Trunks. It will be okay. I'm handling it."

"Okay," Trunks whispered, though there wasn't a shred of doubt in his voice. He truly trusted Vegeta with all his heart. As long as his father would be okay, Trunks would allow him to deal with his old associate. Vegeta knew him best, after all. So, to try to distract the older man from his frustrations and the serious and troubled aura that befell them, he decided to change the subject to something more lighthearted. "So, you'll never guess where I took Mai for our latest date."

Seeing what Trunks was doing, Vegeta quickly ate up the new topic. "Hm? Where?"

The teenager grinned, happy Vegeta took the bait. "I took her dancing," he proudly said. "I'm really thankful for the lessons. Mai was really impressed."

"Hn." Vegeta smirked at that. "It was nothing."

At that moment, the waiter came to take their meal orders. The topic change was welcome; however, it did little to calm Vegeta. The man was content, just listening to the simple happenings of Trunks's life. In his mind, though, he was already plotting how to deal with Ginyu. It didn't sit well with him that now he had indirectly threatened his fiancé, and now he had done the same with their son. Vegeta refused to let any part of his past affect his present and future. He hadn't seen the last of Ginyu, but Ginyu had no idea of what Vegeta was capable.


A/N: Well…seems like Ginyu isn't going away. But next chapter, we'll have ourselves a wedding, so it will be a nice, lax chapter compared to the foreboding endings of the last two. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter.

And now, I have some exciting news. I'm starting a DeviantArt exclusive series that may interest any of you Pokémon fans out there :D I'm not sure if you've heard of something called a nuzlocke challenge. Anyway, TeamFourStar inspired me to do more of those, but they can be frustrating at times, so I enlisted my best friend to do one with me, and while I'm playing and getting frustrated, he's helping me with names and giving our character and his team character, so I decided to write a story and post it solely on DeviantArt (which could lead to more stories like that in the future). Anyway, if any of you are Pokémon fans, please check out the series. It will be in my DeviantArt Gallery under Pokémon Platinum Nuzlocke. You can watch me on there to get updates. And if you decide not to, that's okay too. ^^ Either way, thank you everyone for your support!