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"Kids! Dinner!" A resounding thumping and rustling was heard about the house as the three demi-saiyan trudged downstairs towards food. Finding their seats at the table, the meal quickly commenced in silence. The only sound to be heard was the scratch of utensils against dinnerware as the Son family cast occasional uneasy glances at Trunks. Goten seemed to just be making sure his friend was okay, while his parents looks were wary.

Trunks unconsciously glared at his plate as he ate, arousing Goku and Chi-Chi's fears even more. Bulma looked worriedly at her son, and grasped her husbands hand beneath the table. Vegeta watched silently as the eldest demi-saiyan ate with a shaking hand, his eyes burning a hole through his plate, feeling the eyes of almost all present fixed on him.

Vegeta laid a gentle hand on Trunks shoulder and murmured a quiet, "Settle down, Trunks," to him. Hissing an intake of breath he draw back from his fathers hand, upsetting the chair and falling backwards in an effort to move away. He stood quickly and backed up to the wall, now panting softly as he looked warily over those seated at the table. If Bra wasn't paying him much attenton before, she certainly was now. Silence hung thick in the air.

He edged sideways toward the door and slipped outside. Bulma started to stand but Vegeta pushed her down with one hand, instead following Trunks outside himself. Finding him was easy enough, as he hadn't gone farther than a large tree at the edge of the clearing. He sat with his back to the trunk of the massive oak, his knees pulled up to his chest and head resting on his arms. Vegeta approached and sat down before Trunks acknowledged him with an aloof glance. Vegeta's resting energy level was a little high, he was quite unhappy about the Son's treatment of his child. He knew that this wasn't any onset of madness…merely frustration at being taken for a different person than he used to be, when in reality he was only more lonely and sad than before.

He couldn't think of anything to say that could possibly amend the situation, and so he hesitantly laid an arm around Trunks shoulder. The younger man stiffened, but relaxed quickly and leaned against the elder's chest, burying his face into the welcome warmth. Only now did Vegeta notice that Trunks was shaking uncontrollably, one hand spasmodically clenching and unclenching as he fought back tears once again.

Vegeta looked up as Bulma entered his peripheral vision and and knelt on the other side of Trunks and began gently rubbing his back. She whispered quiet comforting words to their son and watched as his quivering slowed and his breathing calmed, interrupted occasionally by a sniffle. Pushing fine strands of lavender hair from the teen's heated forehead, Vegeta closed his eyes and laid his cheek on top of Trunks' head.

Bulma couldn't help the smile that lit her face, and her brain set to memorizing the scene before her even as Trunks was recording the feeling of security and love he felt within his father's embrace. Bra joined them momentarily and curled up on her mother's lap, her eyes carefully taking in the view before her.

Mind fuzzy with warm emotions, Trunks fell into a light slumber within his father's embrace.

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