"Halley, are you alright?" Bulma asked after a few minutes, concerned.
Halley was just standing there, looking around, a little confused.
"How are you feeling?" Trunks asked, standing up.
'A little uncomfortable. I don't understand what I'm feeling; it's not normal. And he keeps staring at me.' Halley answered, rubbing her arms, motioning to Goten without looking at him.
"Mom, did you by any chance happen to pick up at least a pair of pants? Halley's cold." 'Goten, stop staring at her; you're making her uncomfortable.' Trunks asked his mom before telepathically telling Goten, as to not cause a scene.
"Yeah, I found three pairs that may fit her. Follow me—both of you." Bulma answered, leading Trunks and Halley to their room.
'I told you he'd notice. You just got back on good terms with him; don't screw it up. She's his mate; they've already connected. You know this.' Gohan thought to Goten once Trunks was out of the room.
'I know that. But it doesn't help that she's so good-looking. The ears are a little weird, but at the same time, kind of cute.' Goten thought back to Gohan.
'Damnit, Goten! Get those thoughts out of your head! What the hell is going on with you and Trunks?! You two used to be best friends. What was it about Cora? Seriously, she was a slut. And don't you dare tell it was because you were drunk. You and I both know neither of you were drunk that night. What is your issue?' Gohan demanded, watching his cards.
'He stole Nani from me! I saw her first!' Goten snapped.
'Nani? Trunks's first girlfriend who only lasted a month?' Gohan asked, looking over his cards.
'Exactly.' Goten replied.
'Did you tell Trunks you liked her? If I'm not mistaken; she asked him out first.' Gohan stated, causing Goten to just stare at him like a dear in headlights.
'No, I did not tell him I liked her! But he should've known; he was my best friend!' Goten yelled at Gohan.
'Just because we can communicate like this, doesn't mean we're psychic; we can't read other people's minds. If you really want to be that petty, fine. That's your business. But if you are going to be that way, you got him back with Cora. Leave Halley alone; she's already stressed and scared being on a new planet, losing her aunt and uncle, and having to learn new traditions and all that. Her entire life and world has been turned upside down and around. Trunks is the only comfort she has. Let them be. You'll find who you're meant to be with when the time is right. I do not care how cute you think she is; she loves Trunks. A blind monkey could see she loves him—and he loves her. Don't even think about her in that way because it's never going to happen.' Gohan firmly told Goten.
'You just don't get it because you've only ever been with Videl—which is great. You've never cheated on her, and she's never cheated on you, but you also never stole her from anyone! Despite what that jackass—whatever his name was said. She's a cute girl—and I know she's Trunks; I know damn well that she chose him as well. But…' 'Goten STOP! You're going to ruin and throw away your friendship for what? Stupid pettiness? Despite what you think, Trunks has never done anything to intentionally hurt you! I've known him for a long time—just as you have; I used to train the both of you! If you truly liked that Nani girl, you should've talked to her. Honestly, Goten—what are you accomplishing with all this—with sleeping with Trunks's girlfriends?' Goten stated before Gohan went off on him—getting Videl's, Chi-Chi's, and Pan's attention.
"Boys—is everything ok?" Chi-Chi asked, concerned.
'What do you know? Nothing. What do I accomplish? I accomplish my revenge. I tried with Mai, but she turned me down every time. Cora was just too easy: she didn't love him; she loved his money. Of course, when Trunks found that out, he didn't care that they broke up. He truly loves Halley—and her him. She will be the perfect revenge. I won't rape her because that's against what we stand for, but one way or another, I will sleep with her.' Goten shot back, not realizing he was sending telepathic anger to Halley as well.
With Trunks, Halley, & Bulma:
"Ok… Last I remember, I placed the bag of clothes on the small dresser in the corner. Yep. Right here. Clean panties, bra, pants, and a shirt. Now, this shirt is great for days like this: if you're cold, you leave it as is. If you become too warm, you can unzip at the elbows, pull the sleeves off and they can either hang down—or you can pin them up. You look so much better today. You're not warm or coughing. Your throat's no longer swollen, and you're moving around just fine. You must be feeling better." Bulma told Halley with a smile, setting an outfit on the bed before feeling Halley's forehead and throat.
Poor Halley was so confused.
"I do feel better. Thank you for the clothes." Halley softly spoke, utterly confused.
"We're so happy you're feeling better. Are you hungry? Do you want some breakfast? Chi-Chi, Videl, and I made all sorts of things: sausage, bacon, porridge, scrambled eggs, and omelets filled with cheese, sausage, hash-browns, and tomatoes. And if none of that sounds interesting, Trunks, I believe has cereal as well." Bulma happily told Halley, confusing and slightly overwhelming her.
"Mom, calm down a little. First: Halley hasn't officially met Chi-Chi or Videl—or Pan. Secondly: Mars may or may not have had what we have here. Halley, do you know what any of the foods Mom mentioned are?" Trunks reminded his mother before asking Halley.
"I don't like porridge all that much. I know what eggs are, but I didn't know they could be scrambled; I know baby birds, or something hatches from them. We don't have very many birds on Mars." Halley softly answered, looking at her feet.
"Ok… Go to the bathroom, get changed, and bring out your dirty clothes when you come out. While you're changing, why don't you think of something you liked to eat for breakfast back on Mars? If something comes to mind, you can explain it to us, and we can see if we have something like that here. Ok?" Trunks suggested, watching Halley.
"Ok." Halley softly replied before taking the clothes to the bathroom.
"That poor girl. I can't blame her; I can't stand porridge." Bulma stated, agreeing with Halley.
"Yeah. Chi-Chi's the one making porridge, isn't she?" Trunks sighed and then asked.
"Yep; they all like that. Is something bothering you?" Bulma replied before asking, watching Trunks.
"I don't know; the atmosphere feels a little tense or something. It's not coming from Halley, but I can feel it. Halley—she's just confused. That's actually kind of fun. Not like that, Mom. I mean it means I get to teach someone about Earth and its cultures. And in return, because it seems to ease her a little, I get to learn about Mars and its cultures. And yes, Mom; I'll make sure we learn about each other as well." Trunks answered and then explained.
"I'm so proud of you. And she's such a sweet girl; I really like her. Maybe we should have her talk to your father and/or Piccolo. Now, listen for a second before you have a conniption. Both your father and Piccolo are aliens from a different planet: Piccolo from Planet Namek and your father from Planet Vegeta. They are probably the best for her to talk to about adjusting and everything. The rest of us were born here and learned the customs from birth. Well—except for Goku. But he's a special case." Bulma firmly told Trunks.
"Fine. But I wanna be there when or if they talk to her." Trunks agreed, putting in his own stipulation.
"I wouldn't have it any other way. With those two—who knows what will come out of their mouths?" Bulma asked, causing droplets of sweet to fall down Trunks's forehead.
"You really just had to ask that, didn't you?" Trunks asked, staring blankly at his mother.
Before Bulma could say anything, Halley walked back out with her dirty clothes.
"Look at you!" Bulma excitedly exclaimed, not holding back; she tackled Halley in a massive hug, stunning her.
"Mom…" Trunks huffed, shaking his head.
"Sorry. I'm sorry. You're just so darn adorable." Bulma apologized and then stated, fiddling with Halley's hair a little.
"Did you think of something you might want to eat?" Trunks asked, watching Halley; she just looked down.
'I did… But—I don't want to burden them; they're already making so much.' Halley thought to herself. Or she meant it to be to herself; she forgot that Trunks could hear her as she doesn't know how to stop telepathically speaking to him. Halley can get the others from not hearing her, but not Trunks.
"It wouldn't be a burden; you don't have to worry about that. Mom loves to cook. And even if she didn't, I do know how to cook as well; I could make whatever you wanted if we have something like it here. And trust me: the food would get eaten. Saiyans have large appetites. Not like full Saiyans, but us half Saiyans also have somewhat bigger appetites. So, what is it you want?" Trunks told Halley right away, making her blush when she realized he heard her thoughts.
"It's Earth foods. Uncle Venus—he and Mom went to Earth for something when I was really little. Three—maybe four. I don't know what they went for, but they came back with more than they went for. Uncle Venus said Mom liked shopping too much—and it was a mistake taking her that time. But he did bring back some foods for Aunt Raye and me to try. I don't remember what they were called, but there were only three main breakfast foods: one was round, flat, and kind of dark brown. One was round with square holes and was golden-yellow with a little brown. And the other one was crispy bread with something called bananas. All three were then covered with brown, sticky liquid. And they came with what Uncle Venus called a side of—something patty. It was brown, yellow, and the inside was white. Sorry I can't be of more help." Halley explained as best as she could before apologizing.
"No need to apologize. I think we know what you mean. Pancakes, Waffles, French Toast with syrup, and a side of hash-brown patties. Sound about right?" Trunks replied.
"The hash-brown patties, yes. But they never said what the other things were." Halley answered.
"I'm pretty sure those are what you had. They're easy enough to make. I'll get right on it." Bulma assured Halley, turning to walk away.
"Umm…" Halley nervously started, getting Bulma's attention right away.
"Yes?" Bulma asked, turning to face Halley.
"Umm… Do you know anyone who knows any spells or something to fix the bottom of my hair? I think it got burnt on something; it's shorter in some places." Halley asked and explained, running her fingers through her hair.
"Oh, I thought you'd never ask! No, I don't know anyone who knows magic, but I do know how to fix your hair. If you'll allow me to; after we're done eating, I can cut your hair to make it even again. It may be shorter, but it'll grow back." Bulma excitedly told Halley with stars in her eyes, grabbing Halley's shoulders.
"O—k." Halley agreed, unsure.
"Yes!" Bulma triumphantly stood there, holding her hands at her hips, looking up at the ceiling like she defeated someone or something.
'What did I just do? Did I ignite a witch or demon or something?' Halley asked herself, watching Bulma, making Trunks laugh; he just couldn't hold that in.
"What's so funny?" Bulma asked, watching her son.
"Nothing. Nothing at all. Just thinking about something. Halley? Halley, what's wrong?" Trunks lied before asking, concerned when Halley fell sideways, holding her head. However, instead of falling to the ground, Halley caught herself on the bed.
"Arguing—loudly in their heads." Halley vaguely answered.
"Who?" Bulma asked, confused as Trunks helped Halley onto the bed.
"The brothers." Halley answered, not remembering names.
"The brothers? Oh. You mean Gohan and Goten. What are they arguing about now?" Trunks asked, amused. However, the amusement went away when Halley shook her head, "no."
"Halley—what are they arguing about?" Bulma asked, rubbing her back.
"MmmMmm… If I say, he'll be very mad." Halley replied.
"I don't care if either Gohan or Goten get mad. Even if they don't mean it, they're sending their argument to you. Halley!" Trunks stated and then exclaimed, concerned when Halley fell to the bed, dizziness taking over.
Halley was so disoriented; she didn't know who she was talking to anymore.
"Not them. Trunks—he'll be very mad. Please—make them stop." Halley mumbled and then cried, begging them.
"Ok. We'll stop them. But first, you need to tell me why Trunks will be angry." Bulma calmly spoke, knowing she could get an answer out of her because she knew Halley didn't realize who she was talking to.
It may have been an underhanded trick, but they needed to know. It had to do with Trunks; Bulma figured he had the right to know.
"Some-something about someone named Nani: he liked her, but she asked Trunks first. Some-something about him sleeping with me… It hurts…" Halley managed to get out before crying as she held her head.
"Damn him…" Trunks growled, walking to his door.
"Take it outside. And make sure you're fully calmed down before you talk to Halley again!" Bulma called to Trunks, who just waved his hand in response.
"Hey!" Trunks exclaimed, getting everyone's attention.
"Hey, Trunks; what's goi— OW! What the hell?!" Goten started but exclaimed, holding his face after Trunks punched him in the face.
"I think he knows." Gohan sighed, holding his face in his hand.
"Knows what? What's going on?" Chi-Chi asked, confused—and annoyed that Trunks just came and punched her son.
"What's going on?" Goten asked, watching Trunks.
"Stay away from her!" Trunks angrily exclaimed.
"What are you talking about?" Goten asked, playing dumb.
"Halley! You and Gohan were telepathically yelling at each other so loud she could hear you!" Trunks yelled.
"Of course. And she just had to go and tell you…" Goten grumbled.
"She didn't want to, but your arguing was causing her head great pain. And she didn't directly tell me; she told Mom. You will not touch or sleep with her…" Trunks told Goten through gritted teeth.
"Says you." Goten shot back, shocking Chi-Chi.
"What is your issue?!" Trunks yelled, ready to punch Trunks.
"You stole her from me!" Goten yelled.
"What? Stole who? Halley? I didn't steal Halley from anyone!" Trunks yelled back.
"He's talking about Nani." Gohan huffed, rubbing his head.
"Nani? Seriously? She asked me out." Trunks stated, confused.
"That doesn't matter! You knew I liked her!" Goten continued to yell.
"Dude, I didn't know you liked her; you never said anything. How the hell am I supposed to know you like someone if you don't tell me?" Trunks asked, annoyed.
"You're my best friend; you're supposed to know these things!" Goten furiously yelled.
"I'm not fucking psychic, Goten!" Trunks yelled.
"Well, it doesn't matter anymore, now, does it? She's gone. And until I get my revenge, it'll never be over! I will get Cat-girl at least once!" Goten yelled.
"That was how long ago? And I think you got your revenge or whatever with Cora. You will not touch Halley!" Trunks yelled; he had been trying to calm down—until Goten started mentioning Halley again.
"Boys, please; let's calm down." Chi-Chi spoke up, watching Goten and Trunks; she didn't want Trunks to punch Goten again, but she also couldn't blame him if he did.
They were stuck together until the rain slowed down—and nobody knew when that was going to happen.
For some reason or another, none of them could accurately teleport, and Piccolo couldn't be reached.
"Jesus, boys; that is enough! Trunks, I do not care if this is your house: I just spent days organizing and rearranging it; there's no reason to go destroying it! It's time to grow up, move on, and stop living in the damn past when you were twelve and thirteen! This is not good for any of us—including Halley! Just stop!" Bulma exclaimed, smacking both boys over the head.
"Did she just smack me over my head? I'm twenty-four!" Goten exclaimed, holding his head, shocked.
"Then act like it." Bulma told Goten, annoyed.
"Don't bother arguing with her; she still does it with Dad as well. And be thankful she just used her hand; she'll whack Dad upside the head with rolled-up newspaper, cardboard, or whatever else she can roll up." Trunks added in.
"What makes you so damn special?! Why do you get all the girls?!" Goten questioned, watching Trunks.
"I don't know. I know I didn't want all of their attentions. At any given time, the only girl's attention I wanted, was the girl I was dating's attention. And if I were single at the time, I'd find the girl I liked and wanted to get to know. That's how it's been these past ten months since I broke up with Cora. I just never found a girl I liked until I met Halley." Trunks told Goten as calmly as he could.
"But it's not fair! I lost my best friend when you started dating and all that!" Goten yelled.
"You didn't lose me when I started dating. When I was dating Mai, I still hung out with you more than her. Not by much, but I did. No, you lost me because you can't get over the past and slept with Cora at the time we were dating. You begged me for forgiveness, swearing how sorry you were. But you weren't really sorry, were you? Clearly not, because you're trying to go after Halley. Trust me when I say, if you do anything to her, yes, it'll make me angry, but it won't hurt me. No, she's not property—and I will never treat her as such, but it won't hurt me because I know she's mine. I know, as small and confused as they may be right now, she only has feelings for me. The only person you'll be hurting if you go after Halley, is her. And by the way, you started dating as well. So no, you didn't lose me because I started dating; you lost me because you're tying to hurt me." Trunks very seriously told Goten.
"Why'd you have to connect with a girl like her?" Goten asked, causing Trunks's eyes to twitch.
"A girl like her? What the hell does that mean?" Trunks asked, glaring at Goten.
"She's cute, yes. But she's far from normal; she has freaking cat ears for crying out loud! And from what your dad and Piccolo have said, she's the only one of her kind left—on both halves. She's the last Venarian and the last Nekodian left alive! She is the only one on Earth who has cat ears. And you want to have kids with her? What if they have cat ears? Don't you think they'll be picked on when they get to school or wherever they go?" Goten told Trunks, making several of what he thought were valid.
"Yes, Halley's the last of her kind. That just makes her all the more special—and not just to me. Yes, that probably means dangers will come for her, but I'll be there every step of the way. Yes, she has cat ears—and yes, she's the only one. So, yes; she's different. However, I do not care; I love her ears. And if she had a cat's tail, I'd love that as well. I love everything about her. And whenever we decide we want kids, if they have cat ears, we'll both love them no matter what. Yes, there may be kids out there who pick on them, but there will also be kids who don't. Those will be the only kids who matter because the others won't be worth their time. Bullies aren't worth anyone's time. And hey, if we have children born with cat ears, they won't be the only ones, now, will they?" "Oh, hey there, Cutie. You've been a naughty girl—telling Trunks what my brother and I were arguing about. That was a private argument. But I guess, we were being pretty loud—so I forgive you." Trunks replied to what Goten was asking him. He was then interrupted by Goten speaking to Halley—who had finally walked out of the room, not feeling dizzy. However, she did have tears in her eyes.
"Halley?" Trunks asked, concerned.
"Please don't fight anymore—not because of me. There's already too much of that. For why? I'm not anything special—not that special. You're supposed to be very good friends, yes? I don't want to be the reasons you're no longer very good friends. And Mr. Goten, you've been very nice, but I do only really like Trunks. While I understand there are some cultures out there where a guy or a girl sleeps with a few different guys or girls, Venarians and Nekodians aren't one of them; we only have one mate. So, please. Please don't fight anymore. I don't want anyone else to get hurt or die because of me." Halley softly spoke, pleading with them.
"Halley…" "You are too such a special girl. Trust me when I say, you're not the main reason they're arguing; this goes way back—way before you. And you're not the reason your mom, aunt, or uncle are gone; that's because of some guy who thinks he's all that and a bag of chips." Trunks started, only to be interrupted by Bulma—who once again hugged Halley, shocking her—again.
"Trust me when I say, you're not the reason we're not friends anymore. Mom's right: this goes back to before we were younger than you. It's just petty stuff. And again, Mom is completely right when she says you are special; you're certainly special to me." Trunks told Halley. She did fine until he told her she was special to him; she turned as red as a tomato, and she quickly looked down.
"You're part cat though: from what I understand, cats mate indiscriminately." Goten noted, making a point.
"Nekodians don't. It's Katze-Os that do." Halley softly answered.
"Katze-Os?" Everyone asked, confused.
"They're another cat race—far different from me." Halley answered.
"How so?" Gohan asked, interested.
"Nekodians are—were a peaceful cat race. Katze-Os are the opposite; they are a warrior cat race who fight whenever they get the chance. Nekodians and Katze-Os didn't mix very well. They've never crossbred, but now and then, a Katze-O and Nekodian became friends. Usually girls with girls and guys with guys. But that's just what I was told." Halley softly answered, looking at her feet.
"That's interesting. And Katze-Os are extinct?" Bulma asked, interested.
"No; they're still prospering well enough. All the men and some women are warriors who protect their kind. And in order for them to keep their race alive, they mate and breed a lot. Unlike me, they're not fully immortal; they can be killed in one try—I think." Halley softly answered, looking at Bulma.
Trunks smiled a little to himself when he noticed Halley: when she answers Goten, Gohan, and the others, she looks at her feet. But when she talks to him and his mother, she looks at them. He wasn't sure about his father yet, but Trunks knew she trusted him and his mother. Scratch that: he knew Halley trusted his father; he wasn't sure if she was afraid of him or not.
"Special? Obviously, she's special; she received the blood of Aries. She's also wanted by that Mr. Zizzlo guy. So, she and her mother was desperately wanted by this guy… Maybe they're the reason their races died. Well—the Venarians anyway; I don't know nothing about Nekodians or that, but maybe she is the reason. Hey. Valid points. I mean, they all died out shortly after Cat-girl, here was born." Goten suggested, causing Halley to sink to her knees, once again looking defeated.
"Outside. Not inside!" Chi-Chi told the boys after Bulma sighed and opened the sliding doors just as Trunks and Goten changed into Super Saiyans.
"What has gotten into your brother?" Chi-Chi asked, watching Gohan.
"Honestly, I'm not sure. The only thing I can tell you; he's not possessed." Gohan answered, watching Trunks and Goten go at it.
"Maybe he's jealous." Pan suggested.
"Why would he be jealous? He's had just as many—if not more girlfriends than Trunks." Videl stated, watching everyone.
"Halley, I'm sorry. I don't know what's gotten into him. He's not normally like this. So, I apologize for him. And please don't listen to him; there's no reason you being born is the reason your races died." Chi-Chi apologized to Halley.
"She's not the reason either Venarians or Nekodians were wiped out. As Vegeta stated before: Nekodians were mostly wiped out years before he was born. Doing more research, except for two, the few that escaped were all killed off as well—by the ones who destroyed Nekodians' home planet. The last two had two children: one died shortly after birth. The other one was Halley's father, who was murdered. Venarians were killed off by Halley's step grandmother. That's correct: step grandmother. The step grandmother wanted to be queen so badly she had Halley's biological grandmother killed, framed some innocent person, who was executed for "their" crimes. The step grandmother thought that being queen of Venarians would protect her from the Juptarians. I don't know what she did to them, but the Juptarians weren't originally after Venarians until Halley's grandfather refused to give up his wife. Juptarians attacked Venus after Halley was born because the leader met with Halley's mother and uncle. Veah and Venus let them in because their stepmother and over half of the Venarians living there killed their mother and framed an innocent outsider who needed help. Something landed on Venus and started corrupting its people. That's why Halley's father took Veah and Venus to Earth until she was born: there would've been a chance for her being born corrupted. Because he was the reason Halley was born on Earth instead of Venus, her grandparents had her father executed. They came back, only to leave after two days. They go from there. Innocent, non-corrupted Venarians were spared and sent elsewhere. There weren't many—and they were all hunted down and killed by Mr. Zizzlo." "That's enough. Halley doesn't need to hear anymore. And Halley, as we've said: you're not the reason Venarians and Nekodians are gone; it's not your fault. Far from it. Ok?" Piccolo stoically explained before Bulma put a stop to it after seeing Halley turn pale and scrunch up even more, desperately trying not to cry.
"Come on, Dear; take a seat. Then I'll make you some pancakes, waffles, and French toast. I can't promise hash-brown patties, but I can make hash-browns." Bulma told Halley, helping her to stand before helping her to a chair.
Outside:
"You bastard! Why would you say that—to her of all people?!" Trunks yelled, punching Goten so hard he went flying a few feet.
"Why would you steal the girl you knew I wanted?!" Goten yelled, going after Trunks, but missed when Trunks dodged.
"Dude! I didn't know you liked Nani; you never said anything! And when I told her about you—my best friend, she didn't even know you; she never heard of you! For fucks sakes, Goten!" Trunks yelled, kicking Goten in the stomach, sending him flying—into Goku.
Vegeta and Goku were just walking back after finally finishing training, hoping breakfast would be ready—soaking wet.
"What the hell?" Vegeta asked, watching Trunks fly over.
"That one hurt… Ok—you've made your point." Goten groaned, sitting up.
"What's going on?" Vegeta asked as Goku helped Goten up.
"Did you two come out to train as well? Is breakfast not ready yet?" Goku asked, confused.
"No…" Goten started but stopped when he saw a particular look on Trunks's face they rarely ever see.
"What's going on is Goten is an ass. I gave you another chance; I trusted you—again. Both of those were mistakes I made. If you wanted to get revenge on me that badly; fine, get your revenge—which clearly you did with Cora, right? Were you really drunk that night?" Trunks vaguely answered before asking Goten.
"No, I wasn't drunk—and neither did she. And she made it so easy; she was so willing. It was way too easy; she really was a slut. So, I don't consider it as a proper revenge." Goten replied, smirking a little.
"Again what's going on? Somebody better start talking!" Vegeta snapped, going from annoyed to pissed off.
"Again, you want revenge so badly and don't consider Cora being enough; fine. But do not take it out on Halley! Do not blame her for something that was so far out of her control and making her feel like she's lower than dirt. You really went and asked if it's her fault that Venarians and Nekodains were wiped out? Do not touch her! Because of weather and none of us can seem to teleport properly, I won't kick you out. But when the weather clears up, I want you out. And I mean it: stay away from Halley; you've already hurt her enough as is." Trunks firmly told Goten before turning back to go home.
"Did you really ask that?" Goku asked, watching Goten.
"Yes." Goten simply and honestly answered, walking away.
"Goten; that's not right." Goku stated, trying to catch up with his son.
"I get it; I shouldn't have said that, but I'm not going to apologize." Goten replied, walking back to the house.
"Here they come." Videl stated, watching Trunks followed by Goten, Vegeta, and Goku.
"Before any of you even think about sitting down, you all take a quick shower, and put dry clothes. No one needs to become sick." Bulma sternly instructed.
"Where's the girl?" Vegeta asked, looking around.
"She said she had to pee." Pan spoked.
"Pan; don't be rude. She said she had to use the bathroom." Videl scolded and then corrected Pan.
"Do you want to go home? Piccolo offered to take any of us home." Chi-Chi informed Goten with a frustrated sigh; she was incredibly disappointed.
"That'd be great." Goten answered.
"Do you want a plate of food?" Bulma calmly asked.
"You don't hate me?" Goten asked, somewhat shocked.
"No, I do not hate you. I think you're incredibly wrong and shouldn't haven't said what you said—and you owe Halley an honest apology. But I do not hate you. Whatever it is that's going on between you and Trunks, is between you and Trunks. Not you and me. Not you and your mom. Not you and your brother or Videl. Certainly not you and Pan. It's between you and Trunks—and that's where it'll stay until it works out—or not. Now, Trunks is my son, and I will always be on his side, just as your mother and father will be on your side. If you want something to eat, I'll send you something." Bulma sincerely told Goten.
"Thanks. Yes, something to eat would be nice." Goten accepted Bulma's offer while Trunks walked to his room.
With Trunks & Halley:
Trunks had just picked a clean, dry pair of clothes and was headed to the bathroom when Halley walked out.
"Sorry." Halley softly apologized after nearly hitting him with the bathroom door.
"No, it's fine; you have absolutely nothing to be sorry for." Trunks told Halley, watching her.
"You're all wet. Why?" Halley asked, confused, watching Trunks.
"This is because of the pouring rain. It's precisely why I didn't want you out in it because of how sick you were; you would've gotten even sicker." Trunks answered.
"Won't you get sick?" Halley asked, becoming concerned.
"I'm about to take a quick shower, dry off, and change my clothes so that I don't become sick." Trunks answered with a smile.
"Oh. Ok. Is your friend still here?" Halley nervously asked. Trunks could hear the fear in her voice and see the hurt in her eyes; it broke his heart.
"I'm not sure if he's still here or not, but I know he's leaving. You're welcome to stay in the room if you'd like. Or—if you want, you can take a shower with me." Trunks answered, causing Halley to blush.
"I don't think I have much underwear left." Halley softly spoke.
Reading her eyes, Trunks could see the shyness in Halley's eyes; he could also see wanting.
"Hmm. Hold on." Trunks instructed, walking over to his dresser; he came back with an old shirt of his.
"You can change out of your clothes—and underwear and change into this. That way, you can wear your clothes again." Trunks told Halley, handing her a shirt.
"Ok." Halley softly replied with a small smile.
"I'll be in the shower; come in when you're ready." Trunks told Halley before going to the bathroom.
Slowly, Halley removed her clothes and put the shirt on, and took a deep breath.
Trunks was already in the shower when she walked into the bathroom—and she immediately became nervous; Trunks could hear her heart pick up.
"Do you still want to come in?" Trunks asked, peeking his head out.
"Yes." Halley softly answered, holding one hand at her chest with the other clutching the hem of the shirt. However, she was looking in the eyes.
"Come on." Trunks calmly instructed, holding his hand out to her; Halley didn't hesitate and took his hand. She closed the door, and in she went, standing behind Trunks; she was barely getting hit by water.
"Don't listen to Goten; he's an idiot. And I do not care what anyone else thinks; I love your ears. I love you for you and who you are, not what you are—or what you look like. And your people—either side weren't killed because of you." Trunks sincerely but seriously told Halley.
"I know. The green man—Mr. Piccolo?" Halley started before asking, wanting to make sure she got his name right.
"Yes. Piccolo. What about him?" Trunks asked, watching Halley.
"He said he did research—and explained how everything happened. Uh!" "Don't. You don't have to tell me what he told you. Don't do that to yourself; don't upset yourself. I don't like seeing you upset or hurting. I hate seeing you cry." Trunks interrupted Halley, gently placing his hand on her cheek, causing her to make a little noise that Trunks thought was adorable.
First, Trunks kissed the top of her Halley's head, then her forehead and then nose; he hovered over her lips, waiting for her permission.
Remembering seeing her aunt and uncle—and others, Halley slowly and nervously moved her clutched hands onto the front of Trunks's shoulders—with tears in her eyes.
"Please don't cry. If you're not ready, we don't have to." Trunks sincerely told Halley, noticing the tears.
"Please… I'm ok. Just trying to remember what to do—what I remember seeing Aunt Raye and Uncle Venus do." Halley softly told Trunks, looking him in the eyes.
"Still, don't cry. Just take a breath, place your hands here, and hold still." Trunks told Halley, rubbing her tears away before instructing as he placed her hands on top of his shoulders.
Halley did what she was told, took, and released a breath, and held still.
First, Trunks's top lip met Halley's, followed quickly by his bottom lip, taking her first kiss.
After a little bit, something came over Trunks; he lost control of his senses, became possessive, and quickly pulled Halley's body directly against his. He firmly held her against him, listening to the soft noises she made when his lips pulled away from hers—and just before he connected them again.
Halley, as scared as she was, couldn't stop either; she wrapped her arms around his neck and slowly tangled her fingers into his hair. She felt safe with and trusted Trunks with her entire being.
After a few seconds, Trunks's hands connected with Halley's hips; she could feel the shirt rising as his hands started moving up when…