"Hey! How's it going?" A big man with shaggy shoulder-length deep green hair and brown eyes called to Trunks when he walked out.
"Hi, Bud. I'm fine; how are you? This is my dad, Vegeta. These are older four boys: Botan, Taiyo, Katsuki, and Kobe." Trunks replied, introducing his father and sons.
"Oh, I see some resemblance; you must look more like your mother—not that there's anything wrong with that. Umm… But anyway… I'm ok. A little sad to see Miku go. But what can I do? She's not mine and Sora doesn't want her. I'm hoping she'll want kids in the future. You're lucky. You have three more boys, yes?" Bud replied and then asked.
"Thank you. Yes. I also have Phoenix, Ryo, and Tatsu. I'm sure after everything settles, you and Sora will figure things out. It may be a while, but I'm sure she'll come around. Just make sure she knows she has you and your help." Trunks sincerely replied, removing boxes from the trunk of their vehicle to the back of his van.
"Thank you again, Trunks. Bud, I'm too hot; I need to sit down." Sora thanked Trunks before complaining to Bud.
"Oh, sure. Here. Go sit." Bud replied, unlocking the car.
"Thank you." Sora sweetly thanked and kissed Bud on the cheek before going to sit in the car.
"Thanks. That means a lot. I know I don't know you, but I think you're a great man—and an even better father. She's a lucky little girl—to have you and seven great older brothers. But we'd better get going. Oh, and one more thing. On one of our last visits to one of her specialty doctors; they said Miku has super sensitive skin. That's why she only likes wearing her onesies. She will wear other clothes—so long as they're not scratchy or wool; she hates wool and will just lay there, screaming. I have tried telling Sora this—but I know; she just doesn't have the patience. Umm…" Bud explained; he was going to continue but stopped, unsure.
"What is it, Bud? If it has something to do with Miku, I have the right to know." Trunks sternly told Bud.
"Right. I know that Sora said she put Miku's pediatricians' and therapist's information in a bag, so you'd know. But she didn't. Yes, I know; a baby younger than one having a therapist is a little strange, but Sora thought it was a good idea. Also, from what I understand in the past four months, Miku's had four different pediatricians. They'd spend a little time with Miku and then tell Sora their findings and such; Sora would tell them they're wrong, she was going to find someone who could tell her what was wrong with her daughter. Thank God you came around because I think we'd be on Pediatrician Number Five. Although—I suppose that's technically true. But umm… These are all four pediatricians if you're interested. And this is the name and number of the specialist I finally convinced Sora to take Miku to; he's the one who told us Miku has sensitive skin and some other issues. Well, he started to say the other things he thought she may have, but again, Sora wouldn't listen." Bud explained to Trunks as they removed the last of the boxes.
"What do you mean "from what you understand?" You've been with them all of Miku's life, haven't you?" Trunks asked, confused.
"No. I've only been there for the last two and a half months; she was with some other guy before me. I found these buried in a desk after the last appointment we went to for Miku. I don't know anything about the guy before me other than he was an ass. Well, that's what Sora said. I know I was only part of Miku's life for two months, but I did grow to love her like my own. I have an older child with an ex—but I'm not allowed to see her. My child's mother's parents hate me; they took them away from me. From what I understand, she's moved on. Oh, well. Umm… But I think that's everything now." Bud answered and then explained; he then handed Trunks a folder while the door to his trunk was up so that Sora couldn't see.
"Right. Thanks." Trunks thanked, placing the folder in an open box; he then walked over to Sora's door and tapped the window.
"Is everything ok?" Sora asked, concerned, looking at Trunks.
"As far as I know, everything's fine. I just wanted to thank you again for bringing me Miku before things got too out of hand. It was nice to see you again. And I hope you have a good life wherever you may go." Trunks told Sora.
"Oh. Ok." Sora sighed, relief washing over her as Bud got into the car.
After only a second, Sora's demeanor changed when Phoenix, Ryou, and Tatsu came running out with Bulma walking behind them with a screaming Miku.
"Oh, my God! It's awake! Please, Bud! Please get me out of here and away from that thing!" Sora screamed, rolling her window up after Bud shut his door.
"Sorry." Bud mouthed before rolling his window up and leaving; Trunks just waved and watched them go.
"She was just lazy. And just how she talked about being a mother to your daughter; she's a lazy parent." Vegeta stated, annoyed.
"Maybe so. But there's nothing we can do about that now, is there? I have Miku now, and that's all that matters. Speaking of which. What happened?" Trunks asked, walking over to his mother.
"She woke up on her own, I swear. I only picked her up after she started screaming. I think we have a stinky diaper." Bulma swore, handing Trunks his daughter.
"Ok. Thank you. Hi Miku. Do you need to be changed?" Trunks replied and then gently greeted, getting Miku to look at him.
Trunks looked at her for a few seconds before taking her inside to change her.
"Dad! Grandma has that crazy look in her eyes again!" Kobe, Phoenix, Ryo, and Tatsu yelled, running inside with Botan, Taiyo, Katsuki, Vegeta, and Bulma following behind.
"Boys, leave your grandmother alone; she's wanted a granddaughter for a long time. Mom, that does not mean you get to do whatever you want." Trunks told his sons and mom, walking into his old room.
Carefully, he set Miku on a soft towel on the bed and started undressing her to change her.
That was when he noticed something disturbing; he lifted Miku again and walked to the bathroom.
"Mom! Can you meet me in the bathroom please?!" Trunks called, walking to the bathroom.
"Coming!" Bulma happily called, quickly making her way to the bathroom.
"What is that smell?" Bulma asked, stepping into the bathroom.
"That would be Miku. When did Sora say she changed her last?" Trunks answered and then asked, carefully laying Miku in the tub; she just stared up at him with big, curious blue eyes.
"She said an hour or so ago." Bulma answered as Trunks got the showerhead down.
"By the looks of this, Miku hasn't been changed in hours." Trunks stated, looking at a feces-infested child: stomach and back down to almost her knees; some of it looked caked on.
"Do you need any help?" Bulma asked, looking at Trunks.
"You know… Normally, I'd be doing this in a sink or a baby tub, and say no. But with how much there is... I'm going to need you to hold her up once I need to get her back." Trunks replied, looking from Miku to his mother.
"Of course." Bulma replied.
Half an Hour Later:
They finally got Miku cleaned—along with washing her hair and the rest of her; they found she had a nasty diaper rash. But that wasn't the most alarming issue; they also saw a few large bruises that were nearly gone. She had:
-1 large bruise in the center of her back going to just above her butt.
-Several bruises were going up and down her side.
-Her butt was just covered in bruises: some old and some new.
The scar by her navel didn't look terrible: it was just a short, straight, maybe three or four-inch mark that went from her navel to her hip.
"No wonder she doesn't like to sit up." Bulma sighed, watching Trunks put some diaper rash ointment and baby powder on Miku—again.
"Now… Are you done going to the bathroom?" Trunks asked with a slight smile, putting the diaper on.
That was the third diaper Trunks put on Miku:
The first one, she pooped in right away.
Trunks waited a minute to make sure and then put a second one on.
As soon as he picked her up to take her to get dressed, she peed.
Miku just held her tiny hands together and stared back at Trunks, smiling a little.
"Let's see what you got for clothes." Trunks suggested, picking Miku up again.
"I'll take her old outfit; I'll get it cleaned for you." Bulma insisted.
"Ok; it's on my old bed." Trunks replied as Bulma walked to the room; she took the onesie and put it in the tub before putting it in the wash.
Meanwhile, Trunks laid Miku on the couch and started looking through the bag Sora said had her clothes in it. There were three onesies—and they were all dirty.
"Trunks, is everything ok?" Bulma asked when she noticed Trunks placing Miku in her car seat.
"I have to go out and find the box of clothes. She has three onesies in this bag, but none of them are clean.
"Can I hold her while you're out? I'll wash those as well." Bulma asked and then promised, looking from Trunks to Miku.
"Yeah, that's fine. Come on, Miku; let's go see Grandma." Trunks replied, picking Miku up again; he then handed her to Bulma.
"Finally—a little princess." Bulma happily declared, lifting Miku into the air.
"Ha! Yeah right! I know Trunks will do anything make her happy—to a point, but he's still her father—and you know how his personality is. And on top of all that; she has seven older brothers. I highly doubt she's going to be that little girly-girl princess you want her to be. She's either going to be a tomboy or somewhere in between, but she sure as shit isn't going to be a girly-girl princess." Vegeta spat, stating what he thinks Miku will be.
Miku, meanwhile, was just looking between the voices she heard.
Twenty Minutes Later:
"Is everything ok? Couldn't you find anything?" Bulma asked when Trunks walked in, looking annoyed—and empty-handed.
"Two boxes of onesies—and they're all dirty." Trunks sighed.
"That's all she has; there's nothing else?" Bulma asked, looking at Trunks.
"She has few boxes of shirts and pants, but they're all wool; Miku doesn't like wool. Bud said when you put her in something that's wool, Miku just starts screaming her head off—but Sora doesn't listen when the doctors or anyone says she has severely sensitive skin. I'm going to have to go shopping after some time just so she has something other than onesies. But for now—because she's so small—and it's getting colder again, the onesies will be fine. However, I'm going to have to find something for her to wear other than a diaper. I have to buy her a winter jacket because she doesn't have one of those—among other things." Trunks sighed, looking at the ceiling.
"What does she have? There were a lot of boxes, but most weren't all that heavy." Botan asked before noting, looking at Trunks.
"She has:
• 2 boxes of dirty onesies
• 3 boxes of wool shirts and pants
• 1 box of wool socks
• 1 box of three wool blankets
• 1 box of flat pillows
• 2 boxes of baby shampoo, baby soaps, a brush and comb
• 8 boxes of nothing but diapers
• 5 boxes of nothing but baby wipes
• 2 boxes of baby medicines, thermometers, nail clippers, and ointments
• 2 boxes of baby books
• 1 box of hair clips and other hair things
• The heaviest box had a rocking horse (she's too small for)"
Trunks listed off everything he found, looking through all the boxes.
"At least she'll have plenty of diapers, wipes, and all that fun stuff. No toys?" Bulma stated and then asked.
"So, she's like Phoenix and Ryo?" Taiyo asked, speaking up before Trunks could answer Bulma.
"Hmm?" Bulma asked, looking at Taiyo.
"You said she had ultra-sensitive skin; Phoenix and Ryo have ultra-sensitive skin as well." Taiyo answered, looking from Bulma to Trunks.
"This is true, yes. However, I don't know if she'll grow out of that. Some do and some don't. Phoenix is nearly out of that; he only has issues with Velcro now. And Ryo: he's better than he was as well. However, he still has trouble with Velcro, wool, sand, and dirt." "Don't forget woodchips. Oops. Sorry." Trunks answered Taiyo before Ryo added in, interrupting Trunks. Ryo, however, apologized right away.
"It's fine; I did forget to say woodchips. But for Miku—I don't know. Right now, all I know is that she doesn't like wool or scratchy things. She's only five months, so we'll have plenty of time to figure it all out—and I'm sure we will. Depending on much she grows, I probably won't need to worry about diapers for a while. With wipes—I've found you never really know. And no; I didn't see any type of toys except for one, single, lonely plastic ball in any of the boxes. And I looked through them all. There were no boxes left in the care—so, unless Sora forgot any boxes at her old place, there's nothing. However, the only thing Sora said she left behind was Miku's crib. This is where I was hoping to have those extra days—even just a day to figure things out. She has no clean clothes she can wear—and I have to get her everything she needs…" Trunks replied, answered Bulma, and then sighed, frustrated.
"Dad?" Katsuki asked, looking at Trunks.
"Yes? What is it?" Trunks asked in return.
"Where will Miku sleep?" Katsuki asked.
"Yeah? Where will she sleep? Our house is already so small with only four rooms: yours and ours." Kobe stated.
"She'd probably stay with Ryo and Tatsu. Botan, Katsuki, and I share a room. Kobe and Phoenix share a room. And Ryo and Tatsu share a room. Ryo and Tatsu, being the youngest, would make more sense." Taiyo explained, looking at everyone.
"Hold that thought. I have to take this." Trunks told his boys after looking at his phone before stepping outside.
"Can I hold Miku? I do know how to hold babies; I did with Taiyo, Katsuki, Kobe, Phoenix, Ryo, and Tatsu." Botan asked and then stated, looking at Bulma after Trunks left.
Surprisingly enough, all seven boys were excited to be older brothers to a little sister.
They came together and had their own meeting of brothers (as they call it) when Trunks was looking for clothes for Miku to wear. They decided then and there that they'd be the best big brothers and protect Miku from anything that dares threaten to hurt her.
However that may be, none of them were more excited to have a little sister more than Botan, Taiyo, and Katsuki.
At first, when Trunks and Hoshiko told Botan he was going to be an older brother, he was excited and didn't care if he had a brother or sister. It was after Taiyo was born that Botan started praying for a sister. But until Miku, that never happened.
Don't get him wrong, Botan loves his dad, each of his brothers—and now sister, and grandparents more than anyone. It's just; he's wanted a sister for so long, so bad.
Taiyo was the same way as Botan—in a sense. He has an older brother, but when Trunks and Hoshiko told them they were going to be big brothers, all he wanted was a younger brother. It wasn't until after Kobe was born, however, that he started wanted a sister. He had two younger brothers, so now he wanted a sister.
Katsuki, unlike Botan and Taiyo, wanted a sister right away. Yes, he loves all his brothers, but he would rather them be sisters.
When Katsuki found out about Kobe, Phoenix, Ryo, and Tatsu—and that they were boys, he threw a fit until they were born. After they were born, he wouldn't go near them for a few months each. However, around the sixth or seventh month time, he grew used to and fond of them.
Kobe honestly never cared what came home when they were born; he was always more concerned with helping to take care of whoever his new sibling was. Though he lacks ambition, he is very serious, focused, and protective of his siblings.
Like Kobe, Phoenix never cared whether he was getting a brother or sister; he was more concerned with not being the baby anymore. The more children Trunks had and brought home, the further from being the baby of the family Phoenix got. Or—that's how he views it.
Ryo, for one, is conflicted; he's always saying there are too many boys, and they need a girl. However, on the other hand, there are too many boys and don't need a girl because girls can be more sensitive than boys—especially them. Either way, he'd be happy.
Tatsu, on the other hand, didn't want a sister. He even went so far as to tell Trunks that he either didn't want a younger sibling—or if he did have a younger sibling, it had better be a boy—he was four at the time.
Now, all seven of them, even though they don't know her, love Miku—and are happy to have her as their baby sister.
"Yeah, I suppose that'd be ok. Yes, I know; I got pictures of you holding each of them. Just make sure you watch her head." Bulma told Botan, handing him his sister.
"Can I hold her as well?" The others asked, watching as Bulma handed Botan to Miku.
"Let me get a few things first, and then we'll see. For now, Botan gets to hold her. However, if Grandpa wants her, you hand her to him. Ok?" Bulma told the boys.
"Yes, Grandma." The boys answered before she disappeared.
The entire time Botan had Miku, she stared up at him, watching him, smiling.
Miku smiled at each of her brothers when it was their turn to hold her—after she was situated. At each handoff, Miku was confused at first but eventually settled in.
By the time Trunks came back in, Tatsu had just gotten his chance to hold Miku.
Bulma was busy cooing and taking pictures.
Also, Bulma found one of Ryo's old baby outfits she had saved and put it on Miku.
"What's going on in here?" Trunks asked, watching everyone.
"They all wanted to hold Miku. Don't worry; your father and I have been keeping an eye on them. Well, the younger ones anyway. Botan, Taiyo, and Katsuki did fine, carrying her around; we made Kobe, Phoenix, Ryo, and Tatsu sit in a chair or on the couch. Oh, and I found a box of Ryo's baby clothes. I remembered that he, and Botan were small babies—and that I kept some of their baby clothes as mementos. I saved a few of each boys' outfits. Good thing, too. Ryo's box of things were the first box I found, so his shirt and pants are what I found for her. I know Botan was the one who preferred onesies, but as I said, I couldn't find his box. Not to mention, I think Ryo was more her size when he was her age than Botan. I can look again if you'd like." Bulma answered, looking at Trunks, going into panic mode.
"Mom relax. Breathe. Yes, she seems to really like her onesies, but she seems fine in what you put her in. She's not screaming and seems pretty content. I know you saved something from each boy from day one to year one. I'm sure Miku could fit into any of their clothes from three months with how small she is. She's even smaller than Ryo was. I greatly appreciate that you found her something to wear. What is the material? Cotton?" Trunks told Bulma before asking.
"I think so. That or polyester." Bulma replied with a smile.
"Also, I know the boys WILL be VERY careful with their sister; I trust each of them. Ok. Time to have another serious conversation. Hand your sister over." Trunks firmly told Bulma before turning to the boys.
"What's goin on?" Everyone after Trunks took Miku from Tatsu—and before Vegeta held his arms to Trunks; it was his turn to hold Miku.
"Before I get to that. How did Miku do with each boy?" Trunks asked, handing Vegeta Miku.
"She did fantastic. I'm not so sure she enjoyed being passed around every few minutes, but she never fussed and smiled at each of them. She didn't scream—not once." Bulma answered, taking pictures of Vegeta and Miku.
"That's always good. I don't suppose there are any pictures of you holding Miku, are there?" Trunks asked, looking at Bulma.
"Not yet. But I do have one of you and her now. Don't worry; I'll send you a few copies of each picture." Bulma happily replied.
"What's this new important conversation about?" Vegeta asked, looking at Trunks.
"I wasn't worried; I know you well enough. We did all this with Ryo and Tatsu as well. But right. Earlier, you were all asking where Miku would be staying? For now, she'll stay in my room with me so I can hear her at night. If I had to, as she got older, I'd move Botan, Taiyo, and Katsuki, into my room, and Kobe and Phoenix into their old room. Ryo and Tatsu would then move into Kobe and Phoenix's old room, and Miku would get their old room. And she'd get her own room because she's a girl. I'd move to the living room. However, that's not the case. For now, everything will stay the same and Miku will stay with me." Trunks started explaining.
"For now?" Everyone, except for Miku, asked, looking at Trunks.
"Yes, for now—for the next two or three months. By the end of three months at the latest, we will be moving to a new—permanent home. Two months ago, I put an offer on a house and I finally heard back from the current owner. She said the other person who was bidding against me, dropped out. So the house is now mine—ours." Trunks explained.
"Where is this?" Botan asked, looking at Trunks.
"Is it bigger than our current home?" Taiyo asked, looking at Trunks.
"How far away is it?" Bulma asked.
"It's out in the country, fifteen or twenty minutes by car depending on traffic. I'm not moving anyone more than forty-five minutes from anyone. I will not take you boys away from Grandma and Grandpa. And I'm not taking the boys or Miku away from either of you. We just need a change—and I figured country living would be better for the kids. Moving out to the country, you'll all be able to get a pet—or two, depending on what the pet is. You'll still go to the same schools, and still be able to see all your friends. Does it really matter how big it is?" Trunks answered and then asked, looking at Taiyo.
"So, we'll all be sharing a room still?" Taiyo and Kobe mumbled.
"That's enough of that. If it came down to that, we'd work something out. But no, unless you want to, none of you will be sharing a room. Now, listen to me before you get excited. The house is three stories with a basement and an attic. That means there's a basement, attic, and three floors in between. I'm not sure what I'm doing with the basement yet, but there are five or six different areas down there. I'm telling you all right now, the attic is going to be storage and storage alone. With that said, that means none of you will be allowed up there unless I say otherwise. The first floor has, the living room, kitchen, dining room, one full bathroom, two half bathrooms, my bedroom, two more bedrooms, the door to the back, a door to the garage, and a door to the basement. There is also a door that goes from the garage to the basement. The second floor has four bedrooms as well, a full bathroom, a half bathroom, two hall closets. The third and final floor is also the smallest floor with two bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a hall closet—and a door leading to the attic. The house itself is on five acers of land. Like the basement, I haven't decided how to divide the land into whatever just yet. However, I will make myself perfectly clear, until you reach twelve, none of you are allowed to go back the second acer on your own. Botan, because you are thirteen, you may go past the second acer. However, you are not allowed to go past the third on your own. Once I figure it all out, I will show you how far you may each go. If I have to, I will mark the areas somehow. Maybe I'll fence everything in. I don't know yet." Trunks explained, looking at his sons.
"Awesome!" All the boys exclaimed before they started arguing about who got which room.
"That's enough! Don't think I didn't think of this. Except for my room, all the rooms are the same size. Botan. Because you're the oldest—and thirteen, I'm going to allow you to have the third floor to yourself if that's what you want. It'll be up to you. Taiyo, Katsuki, Kobe, and Phoenix; you will four will get the second floor. Ryo, Tatsu, and Miku will be on the first floor with me. Botan, if you want to allow one of your brothers to have that second room on the third floor, you can choose any of your four brothers on the second floor. Think about it and let me know later. Boys, DO NOT hassle Botan to pick you or none of you will get that second room. Do you all understand me?" Trunks told the boys, looking at each of them.
"Yes." They all (except Botan) mumbled.
"Dad? Why can't Botan pick Ryo or me to be up there with him?" Tatsu asked, walking right up to Trunks.
"Because you two are only five—and along with Miku, are the youngest three. For the obvious reason, Miku can't yet climb stairs, and you and Ryo both like to try to stay up past your bedtimes. That's why. In a few years, when you're all older, we'll discuss moving rooms around. For now, this is how it's going to be. Also, again, you two are only five—and I know he doesn't care, but Botan is thirteen. You three are eight years apart in age. I'm sure he would like his privacy." Trunks answered Tatsu.
"Ok. But what about Phoenix? He's only a year older than us." Tatsu understood—until he brought up Phoenix.
"Can I say something?" Botan asked before Trunks could answer Tatsu again.
"What is it?" Trunks asked, looking at his oldest.
"I don't want this to start a fight or anything. And yes, privacy is nice, but if it's ok, I'd like it if Taiyo could have the second room on the third floor. And I'll explain why. Yes, he's younger, but only by three years—and he is now in the double digits. No, he's not yet a teenager, but he will be in a few years year. And with how he acts, he might as well be. So long as we each have our own space, I don't mind him up there. This way, the two oldest can be on the top floor with the three middle in the middle, and the youngest with you." Botan maturely offered, looking at Trunks.
"That's very mature of you, Botan." Botan stated with a smile.
"If that's what you both want; that's fine with me. So the third floor will be Botan and Taiyo. The second floor will be Katsuki, Kobe, Phoenix, and a guest room. And the first floor remains the same. Now, not today, but when I'm able to, I'll take you all to the house to show you around and everything—and you can all pick your rooms. For now, I have to go sign the papers and all that. Then I need to go get Miku a crib, clothes, and some toys. Mom, Dad: could you please watch Kobe, Phoenix, Ryo, and Tatsu for me?" Trunks replied before explaining and then asking his parents.
"What about Botan, Taiyo, Katsuki, and Miku?" Bulma asked, looking at Trunks.
"I need to take Miku with so that we can figure out what she likes for her crib, clothes, blankets, pillows, and some toys. And then I need Botan and Taiyo to watch and entertain Miku while I sign all the papers for the house and land. And I know being one of the oldest three, Katsuki is starting to feel left out; he's pretty mature—and as long as he promises to behave, he can come with." Trunks answered his mom.
"I'll stay back here with Grandma, Grandpa to help them with the others." Katsuki spoke up, looking at Trunks.
"Are you sure?" Trunks asked, somewhat stunned.
"Yes, I'm sure. As much as I'd like to go shopping to help pick Miku's things out; I don't want to go to with for you to sign papers and such. Besides, this will be one of the last times it'll be just us boys—minus Botan and Taiyo." Katsuki replied.
"Ok. Tell you what. If you ALL behave for Grandma and Grandpa—and I will know because I'll call and ask. But after I get done signing everything and making it all official, and you've ALL behaved, I'll come pick you all up, and you can all help pick things out for Miku. And then, if you ALL behave in the store, I'll think about going out for dinner tonight—or rather where we'll go out. After today, I really don't want to cook. How does that sound?" Trunks replied and then made his boys a deal.
"Deal!" They all happily exclaimed.
"Ok. Come on, Pumpkin. We'll be back after a while." Trunks told his parents, taking Miku from Vegeta.
Just then, Bulla walked through the front door with Leriac, smiling ear to ear…