Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or the characters

Thank you, everyone, for the reviews and PMs after last chapter. I really appreciate the support and understanding and that you guys were checking up on me. I'm doing much better now, but even this past week has been full of crazy drama and stress. Still, I was finally able to sit down and write something. It helped me get back into the swing of things a little bit. I just hope I can keep up momentum. In any case, I hope you enjoy this chapter. It's full of a lot of fun and summer sweetness. And thank you guys again.


It was, by far, the best summer anyone had ever experienced. Well, in Mai's case, it was the first true summer vacation she was experiencing since her early childhood. It was Trunks's first summer with two parents, and he reveled in it. What made it even better was that, sometime after the wedding, they took a Sons and Kurobushis joint family trip. Bulma and Vegeta had opted not to take a true honeymoon, not yet since they wanted to spend time with the teenagers. They'd have their time later to get away. Right now, they just wanted to be with their family.

The two families had gone camping, something Bulma and Goku hadn't done with their families since they were children. They found this awesome lakeside campsite hoping to give their children the experiences they had. Honestly, though Vegeta didn't say anything, Bulma knew it was his first time camping also. That's why he opted not to take the high-tech camping gear their company was producing this year. He wanted to have every last experience that he never had. Bulma would sneak peaks at him and Trunks figuring out how to put up the tents while Goku and Goten were listening intently as Gohan explained how to start a fire with baffled looks on their faces. Mai went off with Bulma and Chi Chi to find more firewood.

All in all, every day held interesting adventures. The teenagers would search the woods in the day, and run around in the dark at night, Trunks playfully frightening his girlfriend which merely resulted in him getting smacked. Mai had come a long way from being the timid victim she once was. There were still moments, but Trunks had to admit he was relieved that she had become so happy and carefree. They all learned to fish from Goku who used to go with his brother and father from time to time. He had really only watched, but he picked up a thing or two. It was still quite the chaotic scene.

The summer fun continued every day. Some days, the kids would meet their friends for movies. Vegeta had gotten a gym membership so that they could all go swimming after chaotic days at work. Mai and Trunks still worked at Ouji Corp., and they were going in plenty more days. Mai spent some time drawing when she was hope, sitting outside under the summer sun. Between arcades and shopping trips, picnics in the park, and making s'more's all the time over the grill now that Mai and Vegeta finally tasted them, they were hitting all the stops.

On a day where Bulma planned to meet with Gure and Chi Chi was out visiting her father, Goku and Vegeta took the kids to a waterpark. It had been another first for Vegeta, and Goku had actually filled him in on how he and Bulma frequented waterparks as teenagers. He learned that Bulma enjoyed the parks, but she was always nervous about the slides. She used to love them when they were younger, but as she got older she grew more timid and sent Goku with their sons to go and wait on line. Now, Vegeta was basically filling that role with the other father, and he was loathe to admit he actually was having fun.

The teenagers had gone off to different locations around the waiting area where Goku and Vegeta were taking a break. Videl had dragged Gohan off to do some of the more daring stuff while Goten and Valese just went for a walk. Trunks and Mai were in the wave pool ahead of the fathers, all of the group promising to meet back at the area by noon.

Trunks came up for air, floating on his back as he eyed Mai. She had really been enjoying herself the entire day. She had loved her first waterslide even though she was freaked out in the beginning. After everyone split up after going around and around on the lazy river, Trunks decided to take Mai to the wave pool. It was nice to just relax, but surprisingly a lot of fun to roll with the waves. It was reminiscent of the beach, enjoying the ocean waves with their friends. Mai swam to a shallow spot where she could sit while the water was calm and laid back. Trunks went to join her.

"Hey," he murmured softly, Mai meeting his gaze with a bright, contented smile. "Having fun?"

His girlfriend chuckled and shook her head. "That's like the fifth time you've asked me that today, Trunks," Mai pointed out. "Seriously, I'm having a blast. Thank you so much for convincing me to go."

Trunks smirked at the girl, but he just shook his head. Honestly, Mai hadn't needed much convincing. She was eager to have these new experiences, and he enjoyed showing her what it truly meant to be a kid. Each and every day they did something, even if it was something as mundane as getting ice cream cones at the local dairy bar. Mai was having the time of her life finally getting to have normal experiences of others their age. The more she experienced, the more she was becoming her true self, shedding the layers of fear.

In response to her words, Trunks took her hand and swam backwards, silently inviting her to swim with him. Mai was taken aback by the intensity of her boyfriend's eyes while he appeared so mild as he smiled at her. Next thing she knew, Trunks grinned his usual impish grin that implied he was up to something. Before she could voice anything, Trunks brought her underwater and crashed his lips to hers. Mai could feel her face heat up, but honestly she wasn't opposed to his actions. She smiled into the kiss, wrapping her arm around his as her fingers laced in his wet hair. He cradled her to her, holding her tight, and then he pulled away, the two surfacing for air and both breathing a bit heavily as they exchanged loving glances. Mai had to admit that she had been having a lot of good days and romantic moments with her boyfriend, but, by far, this underwater kiss they shared would definitely be one of her favorite memories in years to come. She loved her goofball of a boyfriend. He made her feel like the luckiest girl in the world.


Goten had decided to go off with Valese. They hadn't really gotten to spend as much alone time as they wanted. Shortly after the wedding, Valese had to go and visit with her mother, and the woman was very strict. Goten couldn't come over, and Valese wasn't allowed to stay over his home. In fact, her mother kept taking her places, clothes shopping and for makeovers. It would have been fun for the girl, but it wasn't like she was with her friends. She had to watch her mother flirt with every guy who approached them, hear her badmouth her father, and the woman kept telling her that Valese needed sexier clothes and makeup to attract better men. Valese couldn't even talk to her mother about Goten because she didn't think her boyfriend was good enough for her. In fact, she had called him a "crazy psycho" on more than one occasion which angered her daughter immensely. She wouldn't even tell Goten that part afraid that it would make him feel hurt and anxious. She didn't believe what her mother did.

She was thankful when Goten took her hand, pulling her out of her thoughts. Then, she met his concerned gaze. "We've been wandering around for about twenty minutes, and this is the first time you looked up and like you have any idea where you are. What has you so zoned out?"

A sigh escaped Valese before she frowned at her boyfriend. "I…I'm just tired of everything," she admitted. Goten's eyes compelled her to continue. "She forced me to meet her latest boyfriend, and the way she talks about me and dad…Goten, I don't want to see her again."

His expression matched hers, although his eyes held more anger than hers did. "Can't your dad go for full custody and you just visit with that bitch when you feel up to it? When your dad is away, you could always stay with us. Mom and dad would be happy to have you."

"Goten, that's the problem," Valese replied, sounding defeated. "If dad goes for full custody, mom will fight it. She would mainly do it for the money because wherever I go the money goes. Since dad travels a lot, most likely she'd win, and then I'd be stuck with her. Then, what if she decides to move? What if I never see you again? I don't think I…"

Valese was becoming hysterical the more overwhelmed she was. Goten quickly pulled her in for a hug, ignoring the curious glances from the onlookers who couldn't mind their own business. "Sh, it's okay." She sniffled, crying against his chest as he gently patted her back. "What are you always telling me about crap like this?" That caused a light laugh to escape her, and Goten took pride in the fact that he could make her laugh like that, even when she was so distraught. "It's going to be okay, Val. Everything will work out."

The brunette lifted her head to look into her boyfriend's loving and sincere eyes. "You really believe that."

"I do," Goten agreed. The conversation was ended when he gave her an innocent peck on the lips. The two maintained the connection, standing in the middle of the waterpark.


On the top of a very large and crazy-shaped waterslide, Gohan looked up in terror. Videl had taken him to all kinds of crazy slides. He actually had wanted to go, to try to be more daring and outgoing, and he had had fun. But this…this one was too much. He looked to his fearless girlfriend, beads of sweat forming on his brow. "Um, Videl…" he nervously started, earning her attention. "I think I'm going to sit this one out…"

Videl only chuckled lightly. "Gohan, we're almost there. It's just like the other ones. Once you're on, it'll happen so quick it won't make a difference. Trust me. You had fun on all the others, right?"

"Well, yeah, I know, but-"

"And you were the one who said you wanted to go on 'every slide here' today, right?"

"I know…but this one just seems-"

Videl cut in again. "And I promised you I'd make sure you did. I'm not going to force you, obviously, but I know this is something you wanted to do, so I agreed. Don't think it's not making me nervous too. I honestly have never been on one like this before."

Gohan was shocked. He thought she had been. The way she looked at each slide was with knowing eyes, as if she had been on them before, and Gohan had assumed she had just been on everything. To hear that she was also going on slides that she hadn't gone on before because of his desires actually calmed him. How could he be so frightened when he had his brave girlfriend at his side?

"Well, then I guess this is a first for the both of us, then," Gohan stated, beaming brightly at her as he took her hand.

They did go on the slide, both of them screaming and laughing the whole way down, having the time of their lives. By the end of it, Gohan and Videl were both able to say that they had been on every single slide in the waterpark that day for the first time ever. Then, they went to go and meet up with their friends and tell them all about it, Vegeta and Goku getting lunch for all of them before heading home for the day. The teenagers promised they'd come back again before the summer ended.


While the teenagers were having fun at the waterpark, Bulma and Gure were having some much needed girl time. They had gone shopping that day and gotten their nails done while Tarble was working, and then decided to go to a nice little sushi place in the mall. During the day, they had talked about everything from work to likes, dislikes, and hobbies. Bulma asked Gure about the lunch group she had started and, out of curiosity, asked her what had made Gure decide to start the lunch group up. It led to an even longer discussion, and Bulma learned that it wasn't just Mai and the other students who kickstarted the idea.

"So, in college, that's what happened to me," Gure said, finishing off the story of the man who had assaulted her. "I know how terrifying it is to be in a situation with an abuser. There's so many different forms of abuse, and honestly, for me, I had no one back then to talk to. I couldn't bring myself to tell my parents, and I didn't have very many friends. Honestly, the people I had befriended in college turned away after I decided to shave my head. They never bothered to ask why and just assumed I was weird."

Bulma sighed and shook her head. "They weren't real friends, then. Gure, I'm so sorry you had to deal with all of that alone. Does my brother know?"

Gure offered a nod and a shy smile. "Yeah, he does. I told him back when he invited me to your Halloween party. He was so understanding, Bulma. You're brother is just so…" The woman blushed when she saw Bulma's bright smile. "Um…"

"You really care about him," Bulma softly stated. "I'm glad."

"I do," Gure admitted. "Honestly…I…" Gure became nervous again, but she found it easier talking to the other woman about her feelings than the one she was feeling them for. "I love him, Bulma, so much," she finally confessed. "I keep trying to tell him, but every time I do, something stops me. It's probably my trust issues with men, but I shouldn't feel that way with him. I'm in love with him. I shouldn't be afraid."

"Gure, it happens," Bulma assured her. "I can't tell you how many times I feared my relationship with Vegeta would end. I feared it in the beginning, before he found out who my father was, thinking he'd never believe my father was the type of man he was. I worried a few other times. There was one day we even had a huge misunderstanding and I thought that was it for good, rationally telling myself it wasn't going to happen but fearing the worst. Being in love is easy, but it's also extremely complicated and scary. You open yourself up in ways you never thought you could, becoming vulnerable to someone else and trusting they won't hurt you. But people who have been in abusive relationships, whether with parents, friends, or lovers, have this part of them that hopes everything will be okay, but we mentally prepare ourselves for the moments they won't be, waiting for the other shoe to drop when there isn't even a shoe in the air hovering. Eventually, through time, that will all pass. But you have to trust it will. Tarble is very understanding, and honestly, I think you should tell him you love him. I believe he loves you too."

Gure knew Tarble loved her. He had declared his love for her when he was defending her from Maron, and she hadn't had the courage to say it back. Bulma was right. She had this irrational fear that his confession may not have been real despite knowing in her mind and heart that it was true. These fears lingered because of her past, but she could feel Bulma's positivity and hope being a bit infectious. Gure was an optimist herself, but it didn't mean days of anxiety and pessimism didn't happen. She knew, being a counselor, that even the pluckiest optimist had down days themselves, and she and Bulma were no exception. She smiled to the woman, her friend, and nodded. "You're right," she replied. "I guess I just need to get over all this."

"Getting over it, no," Bulma told her, shocking her. "Learning to live with it, yes. People always say to just get over abuse, that it's in the past and can't affect you anymore. Just because nothing new happens, doesn't mean you aren't affected. You can't even ignore that it happened, either. It's what I've been telling Mai with her issues. It didn't not happen. It was traumatic and awful and terrifying, and all of those emotions were real. You felt them, and you can't unfeel them. All you can really do is accept that you felt that way and work towards a life where you don't feel that way. Those emotions will always be a part of you, but they don't define you. Trust me. When my father did and said the stuff he did, even if he wasn't a physical abuser, I still felt it all. I had the anxiety. I felt like the smallest person in the world, like a scared little girl that just wanted to curl up in a ball and cry some days even as an adult. As an adult, I felt like I was still a child, clinging to a father who would never treat me the way I should have been. Worst, I felt like it was all my fault and that I was the one who caused his treatment of me, that there was something fundamentally wrong with me, and because of that I had darker thoughts, thoughts that I won't discuss other than saying I thought everyone would be better off without me. I can never get over that. All I can say is I was fairly far gone, but I picked myself back up and turned myself around. After I lost my father, I was able to process everything I ever felt. I loved him, and I know he loved me, but it didn't change that I was hurt.

"So in saying this, Gure, you can't change what happened, and you may never get over what was done to you. You have every right to feel the way you do, and no one can tell you to 'get over it.' They didn't live through what you did, and what you need is to be around people who don't just say 'get over it,' but people who understand that you went through a horrific ordeal and want to build you up. In spite of what happened, no matter how long ago it was, you need to believe you are worth every connection you make because, Gure, you are an amazing woman. You looked out for my son and daughter; you've been an amazing friend to me; and, honestly, I've never seen my brother happier than when he is with you or even talking about you. He cares about you so much, and so do I."

Tears of joy filled Gure's eyes, and she laughed as she wiped them away. Bulma spoke so candidly, and her words were just so warm and honest. She always heard stories from Trunks of different things his mother taught him through life that made him the amazing young man he was, and to hear how understanding she had been to Mai, even going as far to call the teenager her daughter, it just showed her the type of woman Bulma was. Abuse was a vicious cycle, and instead of continuing it, the woman in front of her used her own experiences to try to help others through theirs. Considering the group of people she surrounded herself with, it seemed to be Bulma's lifelong mission to bring everyone the joy she felt they all deserved. It was part of why Gure wanted to be a therapist herself, why she had started the lunch group. Bulma was right. They had control of their lives, of their futures. They were adults who made decisions for others as well as themselves. It's why they got along so well. It was why Gure felt completely at ease and at home around this woman and her family.

"That really means a lot," she told her boyfriend's sister. "Thank you. You all mean a lot to me too."

Bulma beamed at her before she used comedy to cut through the joyful but intense atmosphere that had been created. "Well, I'd hope so. We are family, after all. Now, we still have a whole day ahead of us. I don't know about you, but I think I activated my sweet tooth. So, your choice. Ice cream or chocolate covered strawberries."

Gure's eyes widened. "I haven't had chocolate covered strawberries in forever."

"Then chocolate covered strawberries it is," Bulma declared, holding her pointer finger up in the air. "To the candy store!"

Gure laughed at the woman's antics, feeling lighter than she had over the past couple of weeks. She learned a lot today, things she never thought of about hers and her patients' recoveries. It gave her renewed vigor and energy and faith for her future with Tarble. She would tell him how she felt the next time she saw him. After all, he felt the same she did. They both deserved to live in that joy together.


Later that evening, when Vegeta and the kids returned home, the family decided they weren't ready for the summer fun to end. Bulma suggested a nice family picnic in the park, and the kids jumped on that opportunity. So, they packed a nice meal and drinks and packed a cooler before walking to the local park. They found a nice spot under a shady tree, and Trunks and Mai told Bulma stories about their water park adventures with their friends. The mother listened intently, eating up every word spoken. She could see just how happy her kids were, and she was relieved that after such a chaotic year they were finally getting the break they so desired and deserved.

When they all finished eating, Trunks and Mai decided to go for a walk, hand in hand as they left the newlywed couple alone for a bit. Once alone, Bulma leaned over and pecked Vegeta's cheek with her lips. Her husband looked over to her, brow raised as she pulled away with a knowing smile. "What was that for?" he asked.

His wife stroked his cheek lovingly before kissing his lips tenderly and pulling away seconds later. "Because I'm so lucky to have met you," she reminded him. "Also, it's a thank you for taking the kids out for the day."

Vegeta smirked down at the woman, eyes sparked with playfulness and fire. "I can think of other ways you can thank me," he said seductively sending chills down his wife's spine, "but, truthfully, no thanks are required, woman. I enjoyed the experience, seeing them all having so much fun together. Next time, you should join us."

"I will," Bulma promised, cuddling into him. "Next time we'll plan it so that everyone can go. It'll be like another family trip."

"I like the sound of that," Vegeta hummed before he leaned back against the blanket, taking Bulma with him. She laughed against his chest before Vegeta shifted them so that he could consume her with kisses.

A person cleared their throat, and the two looked up to see the shit-eating grin of Officer Jay. "Now, I don't mean to interrupt, but where PDAs are acceptable in public, you need to keep them a bit more decent and composed."

Vegeta chuckled, cuddling his smiling wife. "Bite me," he jeered with quite a bit of humor before he and Bulma sat up. "Nothing happened, and it's our word against yours."

Jay laughed before taking a seat. "All kidding aside," the officer said, sitting down, "our is everyone doing? The kids all right? Having a good summer?"

"Everything is going well, Jay," Bulma replied, her eyes meeting Vegeta as she smiled shyly at her husband. "Just having a day out with the family."

The officer beamed at them as he was sure he became part of the background as the couple gazed lovingly at each other. He had spoken to Bulma some time after he had given her the test results, and he learned that she had finally told Vegeta about the test. He had felt kind of bad for her that the paper hadn't had the answer she wanted, but she and Vegeta hadn't cared. They were still a family, and that was all that mattered.

Honestly, Jay hadn't been able to attend the wedding, but he had heard from his sister that it had been a lovely ceremony. Bulma and Vegeta were such a great pair, and though he didn't know Bulma as well as his sister, he knew that after all her struggles, she deserved someone who would build her up and help her through any trial. He barely knew Vegeta, but he could say the same thing for him. The two were certainly a sight to behold when together. Jay was happy for them.


It was a day that would change his life, and Broly was growing increasingly nervous as he looked to his spiky-haired companion. So many months had passed since Thanksgiving when Goku had made the suggestion of the man adopting a pet. Back then, Broly hadn't been interested, keeping his life quiet and ordinary. After his recent breakdown, his doctors had told him to live life normally, not withdrawing from life, and to exist in whatever happened around him. He couldn't be afraid of hearing other sounds. Sometimes, it was just normal, completely unrelated to his illness, and he couldn't live trying to avoid everything.

So, there he was, walking with Goku into an animal shelter with the plan to get a pet.

"Okay, so what are you thinking?" Goku asked excitedly. "Big? Small? Cat? Dog? They have just about everything here."

Broly sweat-dropped before grinning awkwardly. "Honestly, I have no idea. I didn't think much further than coming to the shelter."

Goku granted him a nod and then said, "Then I guess we'll just have to wait and see what calls out to you."

Ironically, at that moment, they both heard barking and a couple of growls from around the corner and the scream of a woman, and both ran to see what was the matter. They were met with a sight they didn't expect. The woman looked over to them with saddened eyes as a tiny pug she was trying to take out for a walk backed itself into a corner and stared her down distrustfully. "Good morning, how may I help you both today?"

"You work here?" Broly questioned.

The woman nodded. "Actually, I'm the owner of this shelter." She looked over to the little pug in defeat and walked away, closing the cage door, and the pug left its corner and went over to the little bed they had for her. "Sorry about that. A couple of employees couldn't get this little one to eat or go out and called me over to see if I could make a difference with her."

Goku frowned, looking over at the puppy. "What's wrong with her?"

"She was a rescue," the owner explained. "It was a terrible circumstance, and she's very distrustful to people because of it. She has such severe anxiety and she's only about three years old. She won't respond well to anyone. Anyway, again, what can I help you boys with today?"

Goku forced a smile, feeling terrible for the little pug puppy at the shelter, but he had to keep it together and help Broly find a pet. "My friend here is looking to adopt a pet today. He's not really sure what he's look-"

"Can I try?"

Goku froze in his speech, and he and the woman looked to Broly. "Could you try what, sir?" the woman asked.

"With the pug," Broly elaborated. "Could I go in there and try to get her to eat?"

The shelter owner was surprised by the question, but she nodded. "I don't know what you think you can do, but I'm willing to try anything at this point. If she doesn't eat soon, then it's going to be a problem."

Broly nodded his thanks and allowed her to open the door for him so he could go inside. He was face to face with the little pug, the dog growling at him much like she had with the woman. She was in a defensive position, backed into a corner, and she looked like she was ready to attack the massive man who walked in. So, in response, Broly sat down on the floor next to the food bowl, earning the surprise of Goku, the woman, and even the pug. Broly could still see distrust in the dog's eyes, a feeling he remembered back in the day when he was first diagnosed. With his illness and anxiety, putting his faith in someone else was difficult. It should have gotten even worse now that he was older and the one person he thought he could trust turned out to be a monster. Thankfully, he had met others who showed him patience and understanding.

That's what this puppy needed.

"Hey," Broly spoke quietly, the pug still keeping to her corner but in a more relaxed posture. "I hear you're not eating. We should fix that." He took the dog food bowl and placed it in front of him, getting comfortable on the floor and not making any moves to reach for the puppy. The pug looked to the bowl and then back to Broly, unmoving. Her eyes went back to the food. It was clear she was hungry. "It's okay. Take your time."

Still uncertain, the puppy straightened herself and slowly walked to the food bowl, never taking her eyes off of Broly. She was timid, fearful, and honestly Broly could relate. He watched her as she ate the food, dark eyes still watching him. The dog was ready to defend herself if she had to, waiting for something to hurt her. Broly didn't know what kind of environment she was taken from, but he knew that this dog was a lot like how he used to be before he met Bulma.

After the puppy ate, Goku and the shelter owner still watching quietly in awe, Broly stood up, and the dog was on edge once again. She barked at the gentle giant, and he simply offered the puppy a knowing glance. "Come on," he gently commanded. "Let's go for a walk."

He picked up the leash and knelt down to hook the puppy's collar, but he again made no move to pursue the pug. Eventually, she walked over to him, a little more certain that the man wasn't going to hurt her. Broly led the dog out back, the two onlookers still watching him bond with the rescue. The pug did her business before walking around and enjoying the outside air. Broly let her for a while before he guided her back inside. He walked back into the kennel and released the collar before placing the leash back where he found it.

When he turned away from the dog, Broly heard her bark and looked over his shoulder to see her staring at him expectantly. He moved towards the dog and reached his hand down to her. Cautiously, she walked over to him and sniffed his outstretched appendage before giving his hand a lick with her tiny tongue. Gently, he pat her head before turning back to his stunned friend and a baffled woman. It was then Broly had made a decision. "I'd like to adopt that pug."


It was business as usual at Ouji Corp. meaning Vegeta was as busy as could be. He had been in meetings all day, and Bulma had been working with her team to start construction on the Gravity Room Project. He, Nappa, and Raditz had helped her select the most trustworthy team, and honestly those workers would be the only ones to handle the project. No new hires could even be considered for the position. They had to be careful with Frieza Cold and his underhanded behavior.

Vegeta was about ready to return some phone calls to other businesses when his rang. Calm as ever, he answered it, concerned it could be Frieza who hadn't contacted him or Bulma since the day he threatened the woman in her office. Surprisingly, it was not Frieza, but Valese's father. Walsh had expressed interest in the past to work at Ouji Corp. He and Vegeta had never spoken about Vegeta's offer again since Thanksgiving, but now Walsh was finally ready to discuss the option. His contract with the company for which he worked would come to an end that September. The father explained the talk he had with his daughter about their circumstances with his ex-wife.

"Valese despises going to her mother's," Walsh had told the CEO. "We discussed the possibility of going to court for full custody, but the strike against me is my current job. It takes me out of town or state way too often, and I'm sure my ex would use that to take Valese away from me. I need a job that is more local, and I was hoping that maybe your offer still stood."

"Absolutely," Vegeta answered. Honestly, he had been hoping to hear from the man. There had been a board position for the longest time that had been until led since Paragus's firing. Vegeta had been slow to hire just anyone, desiring someone he trusted for the position, and after offering any position to Walsh, Vegeta believed he'd be a good candidate. He knew the man was still in contract, and he had hoped that when the contract came to an end he would receive this phone call. It looked like both he and Walsh would benefit from this arrangement. So, he admitted, "Actually, there's a position we have yet to be filled on the board. I need someone I can trust, someone who I know will work hard. You can start the day your current contract ends."

Walsh was astonished, but he would not squander the opportunity. "Thank you, Vegeta. I don't know how I can ever repay you."

Vegeta smirked. "Just show up early that day to be briefed for your new position. We can discuss the details when next we meet."

The other man was incredibly thankful.


In the evening, Tarble had surprised Gure, showing up at her apartment with dinner which had become a normal occurrence between them. Still, Gure felt butterflies in her stomach. She had promised herself, hours earlier when out with his sister, that she would confess her feelings the next time she saw him. The second she did see him, the words died before they could even be spoken.

Instead, the two ate dinner and cuddled with each other on the couch while watching movies. The whole time, Gure continued to tell herself to just speak the words. She couldn't understand why it was so hard. Bulma knew her feelings, and Gure knew Tarble's. There was no reason for her to be this anxious over it. She just needed to speak!

"Gure, is everything all right?" Tarble's soft voice reached her ears, shocking her out of her thoughts.

"Huh?" Gure breathed out. "W-What do you mean?"

"You been awfully quiet tonight," her boyfriend observed. "Is something bothering you?"

Gure looked into his concerned eyes, blushing bright red. She was surprised he could read her so easily. He may not have known what was going on inside her head, but he knew there was something going on in her mind. He was giving her the perfect time to tell him everything. In complete honesty, she shook her head. "Nothing is wrong, Tarble. Actually, everything is really good. Just…I have something on my mind, and I want to say it."

Tarble sat up and gave her his complete and undivided attention. "What's up?"

Nerves tried to attack Gure once again, but she managed to swallow them down. Tarble's eyes were so full of love and patience. She almost got lost in them before she remembered what she needed to make sure he knew that day. She couldn't wait any longer. Mustering up all her courage, Gure finally pronounced the three words that would make her boyfriend's heart soar. "I love you."

Tarble was stunned into silence, a tiny bit of shock filling in his gaze. Gure grew a little nervous when he didn't respond to her confession, but then, as the words registered fully, Tarble beamed from them and he quickly moved to kiss her. He broke away only to whisper against her lips that he loved her too, confessing to her once again, adding that he loved her more than anyone else who came before her. She blushed again over his intense declaration, but she smiled and allowed Tarble to hold her close to him as he kissed her again more forcefully. However, she tensed up during their passionate make out after her hands grazed his back and his moved to her lower back, her eyes becoming fearful at the feeling of his hands there.

Completely upset with herself for picturing her past assailant in that moment, Gure attempted to push herself away, but Tarble's grip tightened for just a split second keeping her in place before he removed his hands from her body. He offered her a patient, loving smile, his gaze tender. "I understand," he assured her, his voice kind and confident. His grin merely widened as he clasped his hands together behind his back. He gave her a gentle kiss on her lips soon after.

Gure was taken aback by his gesture, her heart bursting with such adoration. He was an incredibly compassionate soul. She never expected to meet him or to fall in love. Honestly, she had practically written off relationships before meeting Tarble, and she never would have guessed the first time they met in her office that she would end up falling in love with him not even a year later. He was the only one she could ever imagine loving the way she did, and it still sometimes surprised her that he felt the same way about an oddball like her. In response to his chivalrous gesture, she met him halfway, taking one of his hands from behind his back and guiding it to her cheek. Tarble grinned into the kiss, softly stroking her skin, before pulling away for a moment as he rubbed his nose gently against hers. He had never thought he could be so happy.


Summer had gone by in such a blur, and it had been jam packed with activity. Vegeta and Bulma were relaxing on their balcony. Trunks and Mai had turned in early for the first day of school the next day. Bulma couldn't believe her little boy was going to be a junior. He and Mai were already so prepared for the year, both taking AP courses while discussing with Bulma and Vegeta the possibility of visiting a couple of local and distant colleges. They were both so grown up, and it was hard for Bulma not to get emotional. Her loving husband had teased her about that earlier that day.

Now, they were curled up together on a picnic blanket and looking up at the stars. Vegeta had taken to quiet, peaceful moments like this during the course the summer. It was good to slow down, he realized. Keeping the kids busy was nice, but there were some days even they needed to remain still. Cloud watching and stargazing had effectively aided in that.

They had been discussing all the happenings over the season, stating their favorite moments. Of course, there was their wedding, and that would forever be engraved in their minds, but the most memorable parts for Vegeta was finally being able to fill the role of a father. Where Trunks had seen him as a father for a long time and Vegeta had seen him as his son, they hadn't gotten to bond all the time. Between school, work, and all of the drama they all endured, they had definitely bonded, but there had always been something hanging over them. During the summer, Vegeta spent a lot of time with Trunks, making sure he was safe, happy, and having a good time. The two of them were even learning to read constellations, just in case, as a way of navigation. Vegeta had taught Trunks survival skills as well as some street fighting, something they both decided to keep a secret from his mother. Part of it was because Ginyu was out there, but Vegeta hadn't heard from that bastard in a long while. No, for Vegeta, it was more for the sake of imparting wisdom and making sure his son could protect and defend himself on the off-chance that the martial arts he was learning wouldn't be enough.

Bulma sighed in contentment, listen to Vegeta talking about all the time he was spending with their son. Lately, any time Trunks came up in conversation, Vegeta would light up as she normally would. Any tautness of his muscles would be relieved instantly as he recounted any activities the two did together. Trunks reacted the same way. Honestly, it brought Bulma so much joy. Her son was finally experiencing the reality of having a father, and Vegeta had was a natural in parenting. He reaffirmed to Bulma that it was something he never expected to want, but now that he had that bond he never wanted to let it go.

And then, for the first time since Father's Day, he brought up adoption once again.

Bulma was slightly surprised, mainly because she didn't expect him to bring it up so soon since their marriage. From the moment he mentioned it, the possibility had infiltrated Bulma's thoughts on many occasions. She planned to wait for Vegeta to be ready. Truthfully, she was in pure bliss just from being bonded to her soulmate and giving her son and daughter the best possible summer they could ever have.

"I want us to start the process," Vegeta told her. "It could take a while, but I know I want this. I know we both want this. You deserve to have more children like you wanted, and I want to experience parenthood from the beginning. What do you say?"

"You don't have to convince me, Vegeta," Bulma assured him. "Let's start the process. Let's adopt a baby."

The decision was yet another chapter in building their life together, and they were both completely ready for it and all of the challenges that would come.