Chapter Twelve

Zarah entered the room to see his mother furiously whispering to Pan and Videl and judging by the twin looks of embarrassed fury . . . things weren't going well. He glanced at Gohan and when the older saiyan seemed more perplexed then anything Zarah sighed. It would be his duty to resolve the problem since his father didn't seem to care.

Zarah quickened his step and put a hand on Pan's shoulder to show his support and a hand on his mother's shoulder to show allegiance.

"What are you talking about?" He pitched his voice low so they would know he was serious.

"Female business," Ava glared at the other two women almost daring them to say something.

"Oh, I love female business," 17's voice was sardonic as his arms circled his wife's waist, "Spill."

Gohan hooked his arm with his wife.

"Videl?"

Videl said nothing though the angry color didn't dissipate. She planted a hand on her hip and glared at Ava.

Zarah moved his hand from his mother's should to his mate's cheek.

"Pan?"

The color in Pan's face deepened though she seemed more mortified then mad.

"Ava," 17 ran a finger along the length of her tail.

She stiffened but her head fell back slightly and her eyelids fluttered.

"17," she tried to move away from him.

He locked his arms in place.

"Why are you upsetting Pan?" 17 demanded.

Ava's eyes darted around eyeing her audience with something skin to panic. She squirmed in his arms and tried to stop his persistent hands.

"17, I will tell you later," she pleaded, "If I say it now, she'll only become more embarrassed."

17 nodded only after Pan sent him a hopeful, pleading look. His hands stopped and his wife relaxed.

"Maybe we should eat now," Gohan's lips twitched with amusement at how 17 handled his wife. He remembered what it was like to have a tail and how . . . sensitive it could be though at the age he had it, touch could only be associated with pain.

Ava smiled at him in appreciation for changing the subject before remembering she didn't trust him. The smile turned upside down and she placed herself between her son and Gohan.

Zarah wasn't the only one who noticed the movement but he was the only one who sighed.

"Never again?" He inquired to his mate.

"Never," Pan confirmed.

17 chuckled as Ava hit his arm.

"Don't you ever touch my tail in public again," her voice was thick with threat.

Videl watched the couple and shook her head.

"And I thought our families were weird."

"They are," Gohan watched the new additions with his family, "We've just added another one."

Bra burst into near hysterical giggles as Gohan related one of his and Trunks' adventures together.

"And then her boyfriend came in and was like 'Hey, that's my girlfriend.' Trunks was like 'So?'" Goten acted out his tale. "Then he said 'I am going to kick your butt.'"

"So why was this a problem?" Bra sipped her wine.

"You didn't see this guy, he was huge!" Goten used his hands to embellish his words, "He was built like my dad when he's powered up to super saiyan three! He had to have been a body builder!"

Bra giggled, "So? What's Trunks doing flirting with this girl anyway?"

"This was before he became the president," Goten frowned before smiling again, "So the guy tried to shove Trunks and Trunks tapped him, knocked the guy completely out!"

"Of course," Bra lifted a lofty brow, displaying her arrogance. "Like he could hurt Trunks."

She was having . . . fun. This was very different from the dinners she had had with her family. It was different but in a good way. She had cut off communication with him for so long that she couldn't predict him. It was refreshing.

"He didn't but his girlfriend did," Goten laughed, "She slapped Trunks and went to try and revive her guy."

"So she was just flirting with Trunks to make him jealous," Bra concluded as she frowned, "But why?"

Goten's brows lifted, "What do you mean why? You're a girl, you should know."

Bra scoffed, "Right."

"Bra Briefs ," Goten leaned back in his chair. "Are you telling me, you've never had two guys fight over you."

Annoyance flashed across her face.

"My dad doesn't count," she sniffed.

"Your dad?" Goten's eyes went wide.

She rolled her eyes.

"Goten, I'm not allowed to date unless my dad approves of him first."

"So no dating at all then," Goten worked out loud. One didn't almost grow up with Trunks and not know how high Vegeta's standards were.

"Wait a minute," Goten's brow creased with concern, "What about me?"

"What about you?" Bra purposely played clueless. She was in a rare mood and more relaxed then she could ever remember being . . . and she had Goten to thank for it.

"Is Vegeta going to kill me?" Goten asked point blank.

"Lucky for you, my dad thinks your Maron at the moment so your perfectly safe," she remarked wryly when she paled suddenly.

"Bra?" Goten leaned forward concerned when he realized she was looking past him.

"Daddy . . ." she voice was pleading as she lifted a hand to reach for him.

Goten stiffened and slowly turned around to meet his death.

"Mr. Vegeta . . ." He blurted in explanation and trailed off as he was met with air.

"Mr. Vegeta?" Goten glanced around the room in confusion.

Bra couldn't contain her laughter and had to use the table for support. His expression was priceless!

Goten spun around, embarrassment and comic fury on his face.

"That's not funny, Bra."

She laughed harder.

"Bra!" Goten barked at her with his face as red as a tomato.

Shocked into silence, she studied him and smiled. All bark and no bite, that's Goten.

"Sure it is," she sobered abruptly, "Though this can't happen again."

Goten cocked his head to the side, not understanding what she meant.

"This dinner," Bra gestured with her hand, "I can't . . . we can't risk meeting like this again."

Goten felt panic lick at the back of his neck, "Why not?"

"Goten," she smiled sadly, "Once in mistake is understandable and more importantly explainable. Again in deceit and subterfuge is another story."

Her smile deepened and became true.

"Though this was one of the best times I have ever had. Thank you Goten."

He ducked his head but couldn't hide the blush.

"It is really too bad we can't repeat it," her sigh was regretful.

"Bra . . ."

Their eyes met, his were filled with an unrecognized longing and hers with resigned thoughtfulness.

"I could go to . . . I could ask-"

"Goten," Bra cut him off gently, "It's ok, don't worry about it."

Goten fell into silence as he realized that he really wouldn't mind facing her father if it meant that he might be able to see her again, on a date that is. She could be fun when she wasn't mad at him.

The room filled with a comfortable silence and they quietly finished their expensive well made food.

The door swung open and to their delight dessert entered in the form of small cakes and elegant pastries.

"Wow, Maron went all out," Bra mumbled as she sunk her teeth into a delectable morsel.

"Yeah, it's too bad they had to miss this," Goten crammed another cake into his mouth.

"Yeah, too bad."

They smiled at each other before finishing everything with gusto.

The meal at the Son house was not going as well.

Zarah was having a hard time staying angry at his parents and not outright laughing at some of their antics. Something told him that Pan would never forgive him if he thought his dad was funny the way he ignored Videl completely or the way his mother was determined to be paranoid.

The meal went something like this:

"17, would you like some salad?" Videl offered the bowl to her guest from across the table.

17 glanced through her before turning to his wife to ask her how she thought the food was.

Puzzled, Ava answered that the food was fairly adequate.

Flustered Videl tried again.

"Um, 17?"

Finally catching on to her mate's behavior Ava glared at 17 for being rude.

"17."

"Yes?" He smiled in seemingly delight.

"Why are you ignoring the mate of Kakarot's son?"

Everyone blinked at that one, though after a moment the male saiyans smiled in amusement.

"He has a mate?" 17 asked quizzically.

A reluctant smirk crawled across Ava's lips.

"Yes, he does."

"Oh? That's odd but I guess that explains Pan." 17 remarked lightly turning his gaze to Gohan, "Unless Pan is a love child?"

"No, I had her legally," Gohan tried to swallow his chuckle. He was happy to escape harsh glare for awhile though his wife wouldn't care to stay unacknowledged.

"Fascinating," 17 quipped, "So where are you hiding her?"

Pan started to fidget uncomfortable with the topic as her mother started to fume.

"I'm right here," Videl tried to keep her tone light.

"Come on, Goten," 17 prodded, "Bring her out."

Gohan was desperately trying not to laugh as his wife screamed in frustration.

"I'M RIGHT HERE!"

Ava giggled out right until Gohan picked up his steak knife. The smile turned into a snarl as she dove across the table or tried to as 17 caught her around the waist.

"Bastard!" She screamed though it was clear if she was speaking to her mate or Gohan.

Once again mortified Zarah leaned ducked his head.

"Why are you trying to tackle Gohan?" 17 adjusted his grip so she could put her feet on the ground.

"He's going to kill Zarah!" Ava twisted to face Gohan, "What are you planning to do with that knife?! Stick it in his heart?"

Everyone turned to Gohan who looked at the forgotten knife in his hand, then down at his plate and the steak that resided there.

"Um," Gohan glanced at his wife then at Pan for help.

"Ava," Pan took the initiative, "He was just going to cut his meat."

"Mom," Zarah pleaded, "Sit down and eat."

Ava didn't take her eyes off Gohan as she resumed her seat in front of him.

"So Dad," Zarah drew everyone's attention, "Why are you ignoring Videl?"

"Who?"

Yeah, that was how the entire meal went and Zarah was jubilant to see it end. Though even that was touch and go.

Gohan and Videl watched said good-bye with varying expressions. Videl was angry and Gohan bemused.

"Gohan, thanks for the invitation. I enjoyed the meal," 17 grinned. "Though next time invite your wife."

Ava sent a sympathetic look to Videl who sputtered angrily, "You have an ally in me."

Ava patted the other woman's shoulder to underline her words before she turned to Gohan.

"You confuse me," her dark eyes were narrowed suspiciously, "You did not attempt to take Zarah's life."

"I'm not after it," Gohan rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

When the female saiyan continued to study him, he returned her stare solidly.

"I see," she nodded conclusively, "You're trying to lure me into a false sense of security. I will keep my senses trained to your ki."

Gohan and Videl watched the odd couple depart a little ways to make room for the kids.

Pan hugged her parents and thanked them for dinner.

Zarah was in acute misery and one again asked for forgiveness for his parents actions.

Gohan smiled and shrugged, already used to such behavior from Vegeta. Videl frowned and asked Zarah to wait.

"Why was your dad ignoring me?"

"I don't know," Zarah went silent until his mate nudged him. "Did you have a confrontation with him in the past?"

Videl's frown deepened and she shook her head.

Gohan tilted his head in thought when he realized the near fight she had almost got in with the android over Sasoli's kidnapping. Maybe that was why 17 refused to acknowledge Videl.

"No idea, then," Zarah shrugged and walked away.

"Bye," Pan waved as she followed her mate.

Gohan and Videl watched their extended family fly away.

"Videl?"

"Hmmm?"

"What did Ava say to you to make you so mad?" Gohan adjusted his glasses curiously.

Her expression became closed and guarded as she found herself repeating Ava's words.

"It's female business."

And no matter how much Gohan bugged he never found out the contents of the conversation.

Goten and Bra waited awkwardly in front of the restaurant for their cars.

Is he going to kiss me? Bra tried not reveal her nerves as she remembered their last kiss. Her heart increase by a beat in anticipation. Will I let him?

Should I kiss her? Goten eyed her discreetly as his thoughts turned to the kiss in the office. They had been swept away in each other and had only found themselves at the last second. He wouldn't mind repeating the experience if she let him. He'd never lost himself like that before or since.

Their eyes met and suddenly the world shrunk until just the two of them existed. The distance was disappearing though none of them seemed to move.

His head lowered and her face tilted up to receive him.

"Bra Briefs?"

They jumped apart, their hearts pounding.

"I here," Bra turned to the attendant who smiled at them knowingly.

Damn, Goten grumbled to himself, So close.

Bra stepped into her car and waved a good-bye before driving off. Breathing deeply to calm herself, she drove home full of regret at the lost opportunity.

17 was more persistent then Gohan. As soon as they the kids parted way he homed in on his wife.

"Ava, what were you discussing with Videl and Pan?"

"I told you already," Ava glared at him, "Female business."

"Ava," 17 eyed her steadily, "I'm not going to stop until you tell me."

She was stubbornly silent.

17 smiled, "I don't need to sleep. You know that, don't you?"

Zarah took after his dad in many things and inquisitiveness was one of them.

"Pan, what did my mom say to you?"

Pan turned red and flew faster.

Patience, unfortunately, was not.

Pan yelped as she was tackled in mid-air and they dropped like a stone to the ground. He turned there bodies so he took the brunt of the fall and rolled them over so he was on top.

"Zarah!" Pan released her death grip on him to smack him, "Don't DO that!"

"Tell me," Zarah made sure her limbs were secured after her swat. "What did she say to you and your mom?"

Pan's mouth snapped shut and she turned her head to the side stubbornly.

"Pan," Zarah drew out her name warningly.

"She wanted to the mating habits of demi-saiyans and how fertile they were," she snapped out.

"What?" Zarah pulled back shocked at the bluntness and complete possibility of his mother's audacity.

"She wanted to know why my parents only had one child," she turned to glare at him, "If there was a special position . . ."

Zarah covered her mouth to stop the words, his cheeks burned red as he got off her.

She stood up and slapped the dirt from her clothes.

"Why . . ." he trailed off as the answer became obvious.

"She wanted to know why we or I, specifically, am not pregnant."

Pan crossed her arms and stomped in the direction of their home.

Zarah followed morosely behind her and tried several times to talk to her but stopped himself before a sound could pass his lips.

"What Zarah?" Pan glanced at him.

"Did you tell her why?" He asked timidly.

"Yes," she nodded sharply, "I told her we agreed that we weren't ready to have a baby."

Zarah bit his lip and decided he needed to ask.

"What did she say?"

"That I was being disloyal and should force you if necessary." Pan stopped and looked him in the eye, "She gave me possible turn on places to use on you, like your tail."

"My tail? She said that?" Zarah's eyes were extremely wide.

"Yes, she told me to play with it," Pan snorted, "As if I don't already."

Zarah turned completely red and glanced around, paranoid that someone was overhearing his mate.

"Pan!"

A smug smirk crossed her face at her husband's embarrassment and preceded to tell the whole forest of his mating habits.

Zarah was horrified.

A wrestling match ensued.

It was a long time before they reached home.

There was an absent smile on Bra's face when she entered her house.

"You look happy."

Bra's smiled disappeared and her brows lowered at the sight of her curious brother.

"What's that supposed to mean?" She snarled harshly at him and poked him in the chest, "Who do you think you're talking to Trunks Briefs?!"

Trunks tried to evade her by stepping back but was followed step for step.

"Bra, relax-"

"I've had it with your domineering attitude Trunks! Leave me ALONE!"

Trunks tripped and landed on his butt.

"Bra-"

"I can't even have dinner with Maron without an interrogation! I'm going to tell Dad-"

"No!" Trunks leaped to his feet and covered her mouth, "I'm sorry okay. Don't tell dad."

Bra huffed and marched down the hall, "Just this once."

Trunks let out a breathe of relief and thanked his lucky stars. Man, his dad would have had his hide if- Wait a minute! He didn't do anything wrong! What was her problem?

Deeply confused, Trucks sought refuge in his room where he would be safe from crazy females.

At the sound of her brother's door closing, Bra sank against the wall in relief. The last thing she needed was for Trunks to say anything incriminating around their dad. Straightening, she hummed to herself and headed for her room. She would have to be more careful about any stray expressions or else Goten's goose would be cooked.

Goten's expression was more thoughtful as he entered his house and was ambushed by his mom.

"So Goten, how did your date go? Did she dress up nice? Was the food good?"

"It was fine. The food was good and B . . ." Goten bit his tongue as he realized he almost spilled the beans.

"I knew it!" Chichi cheered, "Who is she?"

"Um mom," Goten reached desperately for an explanation and settled on the truth. "She isn't really allowed to date so I was hoping to keep this under wraps."

"Oh," Chichi pouted, "So she's like Bra then."

"Um, yeah," Goten laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his head, "You could say that."

"Hmm, well you be careful Goten," Chichi admonished her son, "I don't any angry fathers breaking down the door."

Try blowing up the house, Goten nodded and pressed a kiss to her cheek.

"I'm going to hit the sack, night Mom."

"Night dear."

Midnight that night.

"Ava?"

Silence.

"Are you awake?"

Silence.

"Are you pretending to sleep?"

Silence.

17 poked his wife.

"Ava?"

Poke. Poke.

"Wake up."

Poke. Poke. Poke.

"Ava?"

Poke. Poke. Poke. Poke. Poke.

"Are you dead?"

He pushed her shoulder.

"I know your pretending."

Poke. Push. Poke.

Half an hour later . . .

"WHAT?!?!?!"

17 chuckled to himself as his wife loomed over him ominously and threatened to bask his head in with a rock.

"What did you tell Videl?"

Ava sat down and crossed her arms but remained stubbornly silent.

"Ava?"

"…"

"Answer me."

"…"

"Ava?"

Poke. Poke.

"Did you fall asleep?"

Poke. Poke. Poke.

"Ava, are you having a nightmare? It looks like your vein is about to pop."

"…"

"Ava?"

Poke. Poke. Poke. Poke.

An hour later . . .

"OK! I'LL TALK! JUST STOP IT!"

17 just eyed her coolly and waited.

"I asked how fertile Videl's line was and if she had any problems getting pregnant with Pan." Ava huffed, "She didn't answer me so I told her that my line was perfectly fertile and if, being a human, did she need to be in a special position or need a special ointment."

"You didn't?" 17 was shocked.

Ava glared at him.

"Are you accusing me of being dishonest?"

17 shook his head mutely.

"Pan said she and Zarah agreed that they weren't ready for a baby," Ava pursed her lips, "I accused her of being disloyal to Zarah."

"How is she being disloyal?" 17 tilted his head.

"The bonding ritual is not fully complete until she reproduces," Ava pouted. "It is still within Gohan's right to kill our son, at least until she begets a heir."

"What? Wait, wait, hold on. Are you saying that Vegeta could have killed me at anytime before we had the twins?" 17 demanded.

"Yes," Ava chuckled warmly at the look on his face, "Why do you think I stayed so close to you during that time?"

"I don't know, maybe because you loved me?" 17 was sarcastic.

Ava pouted, "That too."

17's mood lifted as she soothed his pride.

"What else did you talk about?"

"Well, I gave Pan some hints about how to take advantage of Zarah and some helpful hints on saiyan anatomy."

"You what?" 17 was quiet for a moment before he burst into laughter. "No wonder why they were so red!"

Ava lifted a brow before she crawled on top of her husband.

17 immediately quieted and watched her to see what she would do next.

"17 . . ." she kissed the tip of his nose.

"Yes . . ." 17 swallowed as she wiggled on top of him.

"Go to bed."

"What?"

Her laughter filled the cave.

End of Chapter Twelve