The Next Morning:
Bulma slept in that morning and woke up at around 8:00 AM instead of 6:30 or 7:00 AM.
She had her morning routine:
· She used the bathroom
· Took a shower
· Got dressed
· Had some coffee and a muffin
· Got the newspaper
· Skimmed through the paper, only reading what interested her
· Sat and stared at the ceiling, planning her day
By the time all that was done and over, it was 8:45 AM, so it was time to wake the kids up.
"I know it's Sunday—and they're not going to want to get up, but it's nearly nine; they can get up a little early. Speaking of getting up early: I wonder when Vegeta woke up." Bulma cheerfully told herself before wondering out loud, walking to Bulla's room.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Bulla, time to get up! Why is your door locked?!" Bulma called through Bulla's door, continuously knocking.
"Mmmm! Mom go away! It's not even nine yet—on a Sunday!" Bulla yelled, throwing a pillow or stuffed animal at her door.
"Come on, Bulla; up and at-um! I'm going to get your brother; you'd be up and moving by the time I come back!" Bulma demanded before walking away.
Knock. Knock.
"Trunks… I know it's early, but it's time to ge-t up." Bulma calmly told Trunks after opening his door, completely forgetting about Miyuki. It all came back to her when she saw Trunks lying on his back with Miyuki diagonally across his stomach—on her stomach.
Trunks had one leg off the bed and one straight down. His right arm was firmly and protectively wrapped around Miyuki with his left above his head.
Miyuki was clutching onto Trunks's shirt with her teddy bear tucked under her. One of her legs was bent up a little on Trunks's hip. Her other leg was hanging off Trunks, her foot just barely touching the bed. Her hair was all over the place, with her ears flat on top of her head.
Bulma couldn't help by smile and cry at the same time.
"Bulma—what's wrong?" Vegeta asked, watching his wife just staring into Trunks's how she was.
Vegeta had been up for a few hours, training in the training room, when he heard Bulma get up to do her normal routine.
"Nothing… I just momentarily forgot that Trunks had a daughter now." Bulma answered, watching as Miyuki's ears perked up and started twitching.
"Oh." Vegeta replied, looking at his wife.
"Didn't you forget about her? I mean—it was a lot to take in. And it's only been a day—and she's two and a half. She should be a new baby." Bulma asked, looking at her husband.
"No; Saiyans don't forget these kinds of things. Plus, the last time I was up to use the bathroom, I could hear her fussing; Trunks had to change diaper. And—for obvious reasons, she was not happy; she didn't like her shorts and diaper off. He needs diaper rash stuff; he says it's not horrid, but she has diaper rash." Vegeta explained, leaning against the wall with his eyes closed.
"When was that?" Bulma asked, looking at her husband.
"Around five. I got her some warm milk and had Trunks give her that; she was out again after ten minutes or so. And then Trunks was asleep again. I couldn't go back to sleep, so I went to train, took a break and ate, and went back to training—until that idiot, Kakarot showed up." Vegeta answered and continued to explain.
"What did he want?" Bulma asked, curious.
"His older boy's woman wanted to stop by later today or something like that. He wanted to stay and train, but his wife wanted him home." Vegeta answered.
"Oh. I wonder what Videl could want. God: that little girl is one of the cutest little girls I've ever seen. As much as I hate how Daisy used him—and how Miyuki was conceived; Trunks made an adorable little girl." Bulma happily stated.
"Who are the other cutest little girls you know?" Vegeta asked, looking at his wife.
"Bulla and me, of course." Bulma answered with a smile.
"Well, you most certainly got one thing right: Bulla and Miyuki are the cutest little girls I've ever seen. You, on the other hand, I've never seen as a little girl. Still, you are certainly the most beautiful woman I've ever met." Vegeta stated, leaning down to kiss Bulma ever so passionately.
"Mmmm… I love you two very much and all that, but could you please make kissy face and all that elsewhere?" Trunks mumbled, sitting up, carefully moving Miyuki to the bed.
"Oh, we're sorry; we didn't mean to wake you." Bulma apologized—even though, technically, she did come to wake him up.
"Speak for yourself." Vegeta mumbled. But in a way, he was joking.
"You didn't wake me—so to speak. I was already slowly waking up when you knocked on my door." Trunks replied, rubbing his eyes.
"Did you sleep ok?" Bulma asked, watching Trunks.
"I slept fine for the most part. I mean, sure: I will admit it was a little strange waking up to use to the bathroom to find a little girl I couldn't remember, sleeping in my bed with me. However, it didn't take me long to remember who she was and all that." Trunks answered and explained, feeling Miyuki roll a little.
"Mmmm… Wahhh!" Miyuki yawned and stretched as she woke up.
"Good morning." Trunks calmly told Miyuki, looking at her as she watched him.
After a few minutes of staring at Trunks, Miyuki turned her head and stared at Bulma and Vegeta for a few minutes.
"Do you remember where you are? Or who we are?" Trunks asked, bringing Miyuki's attention back to him.
"Safe?" Miyuki softly, almost inaudibly, asked, holding her hands in front of her. They could all tell she was desperately hoping she was right. Her hands were in front of her, ready to block being hit. But at the same time, they weren't blocking her face or anywhere she could be hit.
"Come here. Yes, you're safe." Trunks told Miyuki after placing her on his knee.
"I potty?" Miyuki softly asked, squeezing her legs together.
"Did you go—or do you have to go?" Trunks asked, lifting her a little.
"Boof." Miyuki answered.
"Ok. I'll take you to the toilet.
"Oohh! Oohh! Can I help her use the bathroom and change her?" Bulma excitedly asked, almost bouncing.
"I don't care—but you'll have to ask Miyuki; it's up to her." Trunks replied, causing Bulma to slowly walk over to him and Miyuki.
"Hi, Sweetheart. Can I help you use the bathroom this morning?" Bulma gently asked, causing Miyuki to look up at her, very red in the face. She really had to go—and was trying not to use her diaper.
What to do?
What to do?
All sorts of jumbled thoughts were running through Miyuki's head. The questions that kept repeating were:
"What do I do?"
"Is this real—or a trap?"
Miyuki didn't want to be hit anymore, but she really had to go—and it was starting to hurt because she was trying to hold back. She had to prove she could be a big girl and use a toilet—so she wouldn't get hit for not being able to.
"Pe-pease! Pease!" Miyuki couldn't take it anymore and just started begging to use the bathroom.
"Come on, Cutie." Bulma told Miyuki, picking her up to take her to the bathroom.
Knock. Knock.
"Yeah?" Bulma asked, holding Miyuki over the toilet; she had to go—big time.
"How are we doing in here?" Trunks asked, opening the door, looking at Bulma.
"We're doing ok. We made it; she peed. And just as I was about to pull her away, she said "poo." So, here we are. What brings you in?" Bulma answered and then asked, looking at Trunks.
"Diaper—and wipes." Trunks answered, holding up a diaper and wipes.
"Oh. I suppose those would be important. So—her diaper rash isn't horrible, but it is there. We're going shopping later, so we can pick up some diaper rash cream. But for now, you can just kind of clean it really with baby soap and warm water. Then when that's done, you pat it dry. Not rub, pat it. Here, I'll show you when she's done pooing." Bulma replied and then explained. However, she saw the confusion on Trunks's face when she was describing a temporary solution.
Ten Minutes Later:
Knock. Knock.
"Yeah?" Trunks asked, putting Miyuki in a diaper now that she was dry.
"Kakarot and his family are here." Vegeta spoke on the other side of the door.
"Shall we go see if your new outfit Aunty Bulla got you, fits?" Trunks asked, lifting Miyuki into his arms.
"Did you let them in?" Bulma asked, opening the bathroom door.
"They're in the kitchen." Vegeta replied, watching Bulma take the towel and Miyuki's pajamas from Trunks.
"Ok. Let them know I'll be out in a minute or two. Bulla, come on, now; it's time to get up! What did your father and I tell you about locking your door at night?! Oh, and Goten's here!" Bulma told Vegeta, heading to the laundry room. On the way there, she stopped at Bulla's door and demanded she get up—again.
"Go away! I'm trying to sleep here!" Bulla yelled back.
"Come on, Miyuki. This is not going to be pretty." Trunks sighed, taking Miyuki to his room while Vegeta went to Bulla's door.
"Your mother told you to get up, so get your ass out of bed and get up! And open this damn door before I break it down!" Vegeta yelled, standing at Bulla's door.
"God! Fine! I'm up!" Bulla yelled, stomping to her door.
"Lose the attitude. Your mate's here—with his family." Vegeta warned Bulla before sternly letting her know; he then walked to the kitchen.
"Let's see what we have. Don't be moving around too much; we don't want you to fall out of the bed." Trunks told Miyuki, setting her on his bed before getting her the outfit Bulla bought her.
When Trunks turned back to Miyuki, she was lying on her back, bouncing her legs.
"Would you like to do your leg and hip exercises?" Trunks asked, looking at Miyuki—who, in turn, tried rolling onto her side.
"It's ok. Don't get upset; you'll get there. Can you bend your knees by yourself?" Trunks told Miyuki when she looked like she was going to start crying because she couldn't roll.
After he asked her that, Miyuki slowly bent both legs up, so her feet were flat on the bed, wincing a little.
"Good girl. Can you put them flat on the bed again?" Trunks asked after praising her.
"Good girl." Trunks praised her again when she brought her legs back down.
Trunks had her do that four more times before moving onto her hips. Her hips popped a few times: Trunks heard them.
"Ahh!" Miyuki squealed a little, happily kicking her legs and arms around.
"Really, now?" Trunks asked, smiling, setting her clothes next to her. Miyuki just held her hands together over her stomach and stared at Trunks—with a smile.
"You're silly. Let's get your clothes on, and then see what there is for breakfast." Trunks told Miyuki, lifting her into a sitting position so he could start dressing her.
Once she was fully dressed, Trunks took her to the bathroom, wetted her hair a little, and then brushed it out—careful not to pull too much.
"Let's go show Grandma." Trunks told Miyuki after putting her hair in a simple ponytail.
Miyuki responded by happily waving her arms around and clapping her hands.
However, that enthusiasm quickly disappeared, and super shy Miyuki was back once they made it to the kitchen. It wasn't just Bulma and Vegeta: it was them, Bulla, Goku, Chi-Chi, Gohan, Videl, Gohan, and Pan.
"Good morning." Chi-Chi greeted with a smile.
"Still so shy?" Gohan asked, watching Miyuki.
"Well—she was squealing and making other interesting happy noises while we did her therapy. But that was just her and me; now, there's a lot of people. It's going to take some time, isn't it?" Trunks replied before asking Miyuki; she nodded her head in response—even though she didn't understand.
"Hey, at least you're making a connection with her. Right now, that's all that matters." Videl stated with a smile.
"Yes. Now—where's Grandma? There she is." Trunks agreed before looking to the kitchen.
"What's going on? Is everything ok?" Bulma asked, looking at Trunks.
"Everything's fine; we just wanted to show you her new outfit." Trunks told Bulma, turning Miyuki around so she could see.
The outfit Bulla purchased was a matching blue skirt and shirt with a large lily pad with a little frog sitting on them, surrounded by pink lilies. She also had little blue socks.
"She's so adorable! Hold still." Bulma happily declared before demanding as she started taking pictures.
"You're burning whatever it is you're making." Trunks noted, looking behind Bulma.
"What? Ahhh! The bacon!" Bulma freaked out, running back to the stove.
"I'm going to hop in the shower real quick. Miyuki, can you go with Grandpa so I can get cleaned up now?" Trunks told everyone before asking Miyuki.
It took a minute, but she willingly went with Vegeta.
"Trunks, when you get out, Videl and Chi-Chi want to talk with you!" Bulma called once Trunks was down the hall.
"Ok!" Trunks replied.
"What are you doing?" Vegeta asked, watching Bulma as she stood at the stove, listening.
"Shhh." Bulma hissed, listening.
Once they heard the shower running, Bulma set a cupcake on the counter in front of Vegeta and Miyuki.
"Here you go." Bulma happily told Miyuki.
"Again, what are you doing?" Vegeta asked, watching his wife offer Miyuki a chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting with some banana slices on top.
"When you come to Grandma's, you get a cupcake for breakfast." Bulma replied, cutting the cupcake into fourths.
"Except, she lives here. I highly doubt Trunks is going to let you give his daughter sweets all the time." Bulla stated in a bored tone, watching as Bulma had Vegeta feed Miyuki with a fork while she made actual breakfast.
"I think she likes it." Goku noted after Miyuki's eyes lit up after having a piece.
"I know she's his daughter. This won't happen all the time. It's her first breakfast here; she can have something special. But on a different note; you did a great job picking out her outfit." Bulma told Bulla.
"Thank you." Bulla replied with a smile.
"Do you like that cupcake?" Bulma asked, watching Miyuki eat the cupcake; she was slowly eating it—and looked like she was savoring the taste.
"Mmm." Miyuki made a happy noise, nodding her head.
However, she ended up swallowing the cupcake wrong and started choking on it.
"Ok. Arms up. That a girl." Bulma told Miyuki as Vegeta stood her on the counter and patted her back until she coughed up a chunk of cupcake.
"Good girl. You're ok. It's ok." Bulma cooed, trying to get Miyuki to calm down once she started crying.
"Do you have anything she can drink?" Videl asked, digging through a bag.
"Yeah; she has her drink boxes. And we have milk and orange juice." Bulma replied.
"Orange juice?" Bulla asked, confused when Miyuki suddenly stopped crying and looked at Bulma. However, as soon as she said, "orange juice," Miyuki turned to look at her.
"Didn't that letter say it orange juice was one of her favorite drinks?" Goten asked, remembering something, getting Miyuki's attention.
"I think so." Bulma replied, walking to the fridge.
"She's like damnit: someone stop saying it and get me some." Pan stated, watching everything unfold.
"Pan—language." Videl scolded, pulling out a bottle with pink and blue teddy bears on it.
"Thank you." Bulma thanked Videl, taking the bottle from her.
"It's no problem. Pan's not using them anymore." Videl replied, happy to be of help.
"She's lucky we have any. What? It's true. I don't know why you buy orange juice when none of us drinks it." Bulla stated as Bulma poured the juice into the bottle.
"Your brother drinks orange juice." Bulma stated.
"Barely. Once every few days." Bulla argued.
"He still drinks it. And as long as he drinks it; I'll buy it. And now that we have Miyuki, I'll continue to buy it. Here you go, Sweetheart." Bulma firmly told her daughter before handing Miyuki the bottle of orange juice.
"She really does like orange juice." Goku spoke, watching Miyuki drink the juice without taking a break.
"Hey. Slow down before you choke." Vegeta calmly told Miyuki, pulling the bottle away from her. Good thing, too, because she was panting as soon as he did.
"What's going on out here? What happened?" Trunks asked, a little panicked, walking into the kitchen.
"Relax; she's fine. She was just sucking down some orange juice." Vegeta told Trunks
"Dad got it away from her so she wouldn't drown herself." Bulla added.
"Where'd the bottle come from?" Trunks asked, looking at the bottle of orange juice.
"Videl brought it." Bulma answered, flipping pancakes.
"Thanks." Trunks thanked Videl.
"It's no problem. We're happy to help." Videl replied with a smile.
"Did you have a cupcake? We're?" Trunks asked Miyuki with a smile before asking Videl, taking Miyuki from his dad.
"Yep. We're. That's why we're here. Pan's no longer a baby and doesn't need any of her baby things. Although Videl didn't want any more kids, we kept everything because you just never know—as you recently found out. But we are pretty sure we're not having any more kids—so, we wanted to help you out. Like I'm sure your and our parents know; we know it's not easy to raise a child—especially on your own. Actually, I don't think we couldn't imagine doing it on our own. And honestly, I have a lot of respect for you—doing it on your own." Gohan sincerely told Trunks.
"And of course, your mother as well. Sorry." Chi-Chi added before apologizing to Vegeta.
"Don't be sorry; I wasn't a great father to Trunks. I wasn't around, I know. I will say, I wish I were better, but that's in the past, and there's nothing I can do about that now." Vegeta replied, leaning against a wall.
"With that said: he did come around—and he's been a great father ever since. And I'm sure he'll be an even greater grandfather." Bulma happily stated.
"How long until food's done?" Bulla asked, huffing a little.
"When it's done. Trunks?" Bulma answered and then asked, watching as Trunks took some cupcake holders, a glazed doughnut, a plate, and a paper plate.
"What are you doing?" Bulla asked, watching Trunks set Miyuki on the floor.
"We're going to learn to crawl while we wait for food." Trunks answered, kneeling next to Miyuki.
"Aren't you supposed to be teaching her to walk?" Bulla asked, watching Trunks.
"And we'll get there. For now, we're going to work on crawling. Even if it's only for a week or whatever; at least, she'll be able to move around on her own." Trunks explained, cutting the doughnut up into small pieces.
Miyuki closely watched Trunks and what he was doing.
"Do you want to try this?" Trunks asked Miyuki, holding a doughnut piece.
Slowly, she took the doughnut and ate it.
"Is that good?" Trunks asked, watching Miyuki; she nodded her head in response.
"Do you want to earn some more?" Trunks asked, placing pieces of doughnut in the cupcake holders.
"Eh?" Miyuki asked, tilting her head to the side, confused.
"Bend your knees. Good. Now, put your hands flat on the floor." Trunks instructed after setting her on her knees on the floor; he then proceeded to get on his hands and knees.
Miyuki was so confused.
"Watch me and do what I do. Ok?" Trunks told Miyuki before he started crawling around the living room, not realizing she was following him. Although, he figured out it when he saw Bulma recording him; Vegeta was now making sausage.
"Good girl. Here." Trunks told Miyuki, handing her another piece of doughnut—after standing up.
"Can you crawl to this doughnut?" Trunks asked, setting the doughnut on the floor.
Miyuki slowly made her way over and got the doughnut out of the cupcake holder. Then to another and another until she couldn't anymore and was laying on her stomach, wheezing.
"Ok. I think you're done." Trunks sighed, picking Miyuki up after she didn't have the strength to get up independently.
"Here you go, Sweetheart." Bulma told Miyuki, handing her her bottle of orange juice after Trunks sat at the table with her on his lap.
"Slowly." Trunks told Miyuki once she started drinking.
"So…" Chi-Chi started, watching Trunks and Miyuki.
"Hmm?" Trunks hummed, looking at Chi-Chi.
"Everything is still in the cars, but we brought you a crib, a changing table, highchair, mobile for the crib, a little baby tub, and two cradles: a regular and a swing. The crib is a playpen crib: the actual crib fell down some stairs and broke. Sorry." Videl listed everything off before apologizing.
"No need to apologize. Just the fact that you're offering to give us all of what you have: that means a lot. But uh… Just what is a playpen crib?" Trunks replied before asking.
"Never mind that: what's a baby tub?" Bulla asked, watching Videl.
"It's a mesh crib that looks like a playpen. It's light and portable; it can be folded up and taken just about anywhere. The bottom is soft yet firm at the same time. She's so small, Miyuki could probably use it for another year or so. We used it for Pan when we were in the living room, and she refused to stop playing; she'd fall asleep after fifteen minutes or so. And a baby tub is a little tub used for babies so that parents don't have to use a sink. Regular tubs are too big and considered dangerous for babies; they could drown or get hurt. We're not saying Trunks would allow that to happen; it's just something that can happen. The baby tub is just placed inside the regular tub, and you go from there." Videl explained, watching Miyuki.
"Why two cradles?" Bulla asked, confused.
"One's a basic one that lays flat: it's just meant for sleeping. The other one's a swing: it's tilted a little and slowly swings back and forth. Honestly, the basic one might be a little small for Miyuki, but the swing one should work for her." Gohan answered, explaining a little further.
"I appreciate it. Thanks so much. Now, I just have to concentrate on clothes, toys, child locks, gates, etc." Trunks thanked Gohan, Videl, Chi-Chi, and Goku.
"We didn't know what you preferred, so we brought three or four bottles and some sippy cups." Videl spoke up.
"I know that Kurumi woman said Miyuki struggled holding silverware. I just couldn't help but wonder if they're giving her regular silver or kiddy silverware. So, I brought Goten's old kiddy silverware—and sippy cups. I know they're meant for little boys, but I figured for now, they would work." Chi-Chi answered, becoming nervous.
"Thank you. We'll use bottles for a month and then move onto sippy cups. And it's fine: there's no need to apologize; anything can help—whether it's meant for boys or girls. I really don't think Miyuki's going to care. And so long as she can use them, I don't care. And even if we did care, we'd really have no right to complain; you're giving us these things. I really don't know how long we'll use the crib; that really depends on her." Trunks stated, making sure everyone knew just how appreciative he was.
"You're so welcome." Chi-Chi, Videl, Gohan, and Goku replied with a smile.
"Well, we'll go get the stuff; we have to be headed out. We're going to see Dad." Chi-Chi told everyone, standing up.
"Tell him "hi" for us." Bulma happily told Chi-Chi.
"Of course." Chi-Chi replied.
"Ok. I'll be out to help in a minute. For now, you can sit or stand in this until I get back in." Trunks told the others before telling Miyuki, setting her in her bouncer.
"You are two cute." Bulma cooed as Miyuki figured out how to move around—backward.
"I think you're supposed to go forward." Bulla told Miyuki as she kept going backward.
"Let her be. She'll figure it out eventually. Won't you?" Bulma scolded Bulla before asking Miyuki, who just smiled.
"What's wrong, Bulla?" Bulma asked, looking at her daughter.
"Honestly, I don't know. I don't know what's wrong with me; I'm jealous of a baby, and I don't know why. She's cute and all—and I know I do love her. But at the same time—I don't know. I'm glad Trunks has her and she's safe now. But I don't think she should be here; she should be with someone better equipped to take care of someone like her. I mean—Trunks is only nineteen; he shouldn't be throwing his life away to raise a child—especially one who needs so much special care. He still has his life ahead of him; he has plenty of time to date and find someone he loves. And then have kids." Bulla admitted to Bulma.
"Well, Bulla… As it's been stated already: this is your brothers' choice. He made a huge mistake, yes. But this little girl shouldn't have to pay for that mistake. No child should ever pay for their parents' mistakes. Also, Miyuki is not a mistake, and your brother is being responsible by taking responsibility when he didn't have to. And honestly, I am so proud of him. And if it weren't for making mistakes every once and awhile, your brother and quite possibly you wouldn't be here. Yes, I love your father very much, and he turned out to be a great man. Trunks, unfortunately, didn't get that lucky with Daisy—who I strongly believe would've never changed. I never thought she'd ever hurt a child, but what do I know? Any challenges Miyuki faces, we'll be there to love and help her. Disabled or not; we'll be there for her. She is a Briefs. Now, we'll just have to figure out how to get Briefs as her last name. And Bulla: I promise you; we're never going to forget or leave you behind. Your father, brother, and I will always love you. And you're Miyuki's aunt; you'll be like a sister and mother to her. She'll love you just as much as she loves the rest of us." Bulma calmly but firmly told Bulla.
"But I don't want that. Yes, she, like all children, deserve to be safe, but she needs a family who can properly care for her. None of us know anything about any of what she went through; we don't know how to deal with a child who slow like her. Trunks may be a pain in my ass, but he's still my brother, and I love him very much. That's why I think he should contact Kurumi and tell her he wants to put Miyuki up for adoption; he needs to grow up and have a life before having kids." Bulla told her mother, putting her foot down.
"I don't want children." Bulma was going to respond when Trunks and Vegeta finished bringing things in, and Trunks spoke up.
"We'll—see you all later." Gohan and Videl told everyone when things became awkward.
"See you later." Bulma replied with a frustrated sigh; she knew where this was going.
"What do you mean you don't want children? You just said yesterday that you wanted children." Bulla argued.
"No, I said I never wanted kids until I met Daisy at fifteen. Before that I never waned kids at all. I don't know what it was or is, but maybe something was saying this was fate. It was fate that I was meant to have a child with Daisy—and that child is Miyuki. I know I screwed up and made a mistake, but Miyuki is the furthest thing from one. I love that little girl more than anything." "But you don't even know her. She doesn't even know you or any of us! She doesn't talk and hasn't called you "daddy" or anything like that. She doesn't know who we are to her!" Trunks started sternly explaining to Bulla before she interrupted him.
"Stop! I think we all know and have told Trunks he's made a mistake. But we also know he's taking responsibility. Not to mention; your father and I don't think Miyuki's a mistake—and will never will. If anything, she's a little miracle. It's certainly a miracle she's alive. Just as you and Trunks are miracles. I really don't know what your issue with your niece is." Bulma put her foot down and stepped in between her children. Vegeta was standing at the ready just in case.
"I don't have a problem with Miyuki; I have a problem with that idiot. He does some stupid shit like this, and you don't think nothing of it. If I came to you now and said I was pregnant—or at sixteen, you'd kill and disown me, saying I had my whole life ahead of me. He has his whole life ahead of him. Why do you love him more?!" Bulla argued.
"Mom doesn't love me more." Trunks started but stopped to breathe.
"If you were having sex and were to become pregnant now: yes, we'd be mad, but we wouldn't disown you. I mean, for crying out loud Bulla; you're only twelve. You're not old enough to have sex. If at sixteen you were to become pregnant, we'd be upset, but we wouldn't disown you. And your father and I do not love your brother any more than we love you. And your father and I do not love you any more than we love your brother. DON'T you ever say that or something like either of those EVER again. Also, your father and I love Miyuki just as much. We will always love you three more than anything. Miyuki's here to stay whether you like or want her to or not. She is family and Trunks chose to keep her as such. And you have no idea how happy that he did. Do I wish she had a different mother? Yes. Had I hoped Trunks would be older when he had a kid? Yes. However, stuff happens. Much to your grandparents dismay, I didn't have kids until later in life; they wanted me to be a younger mother. People have kids when they're ready or least expect them." Bulma firmly told Bulla.
"And just so you know: if your brother had decided he didn't want his child, your mother and I would've taken her in and raised her as our own. She is part of our bloodline; she stays in the family somehow. And for your attitude towards all this, you're grounded and lost all your privileges for a week. For the most part, your mother will decide what gets taken away, but I'm telling you right now that you don't get to see Goten this entire week." Vegeta strictly told Bulla; he had very little patience right now. Bulla may be his world, but as of late, because she's nearly thirteen, she's been getting into that teenager attitude.
"I want your phone and laptop. And Friday night, we're going to do a family thing." Bulma told Bulla.
"That's not fair!" Bulla complained, stomping her feet.
"No! What's not fair is your attitude and disrespect as of late." Bulma snapped back.
"No—you're both wrong. What's not fair is the fact that she's taking her frustration and anger out on a two-and-a-half-year-old. Miyuki has done nothing wrong. So, Bulla: if you don't want Miyuki here, that's fine; we'll move out. Now, if you'll excuse me; I need some air. Come on, Miyuki." Trunks corrected his mom and sister before strictly warning his sister. After a few seconds, he composed himself and picked Miyuki up, and walked outside.
Meanwhile, Bulla was rolling her eyes.
"Knock that off!" Vegeta snapped while Bulma leaned against the counter, looking down.
"What?! It's not like he's going to do anything. We've both threatened to leave or run away." Bulla stated, watching her parents.
"You threatened that once when you were four because we wouldn't buy you a toy. Trunks has never threatened either of those. Yes, he's talked about moving out one day, but not for at least another year or so. And he only left that one time to protect us and the world." Bulma told Bulla as calmly as she could—despite being severely upset.
"There you go. My point exactly." Bulla stated, thinking she won.
"You're wrong. Bulla, you don't get it. Maybe when you have kids you'll understand, but for now you don't. Trunks loves that little girl more than anything or anyone he's ever loved before. He loves that little girl that he's willing to do whatever he has to for her—including moving out if it's for her safety, wellbeing, and benefit. He will never leave that little girl; he loves her too much. Miyuki is Trunks's world. No. She's the center of his world. When you come to your senses and can properly, sincerely tell them you're sorry, you owe them both an apology. Your dad has charge of Goten, but I'm taking your phone, laptop, music player, and tablet. And you can't see your friends except for at school for two weeks. I don't want to hear it. Anymore arguing, and it'll be a longer grounding. This went too far—way further than it needed to. I'm going to talk to Trunks and then finish brunch—because by now, it's brunch. Then we're going to sit down and have a nice family brunch—ALL of us." Bulma disappointedly told Bulla before walking to the backdoor; she stopped when she saw Trunks lying on his back, in the grass, holding Miyuki in the air, above him.
"We'll talk about Goten at the end of the week.
"Fine. I'm sorry—to you and Dad. If Trunks ever talks to me again, I'll figure something out." Bulla mumbled, walking to her room.
With Trunks & Miyuki:
"Do you want to sit in the grass?" Trunks asked, finding a spot in the middle of the yard.
"Yeah." Miyuki softly replied, looking down.
"*Frustrated sigh…* Your aunt is going to drive me up a wall." Trunks huffed after sitting down.
"Why?" Miyuki innocently asked, shrugging her shoulders.
"Because she's my younger, pain in the butt, sister. Careful: you can't be touching that; it'll make you sick." Trunks answered and then firmly told Miyuki, pulling her away from a dandelion.
"Yummer owie butt sitter?" Miyuki asked, turning to look at Trunks, confused, making him chuckle a little.
"Hahaha. Yes, Bulla is my younger sister. That means I'm her older brother. You know—it's nice to hear you talk. I wish you'd do it more." Trunks explained and then told Miyuki, kissing the top of her head, causing her to tilt back a little.
'Maybe Bulla's right. Maybe Miyuki doesn't know who I or any of the others are. But that's not going to stop me; it's not going to stop me from getting to know her.
"Da." Miyuki softly spoke, turning a little. Well—trying to turn.
"Hmm? What was that?" Trunks asked, lifting Miyuki to turn her so she could face him like she wanted.
"Da." Miyuki softly repeated, this time, pointing to him.
"Da? Dad? Are you calling me "Dad?" Is that what you're saying?" Trunks asked, confused for a second before getting what she was saying.
"Da!" Miyuki happily cried—even if she didn't get loud.
"You do know who I am." 'What a relief…' Trunks stated and then thought to himself, falling backward into the grass.
"Da?" Miyuki asked, confused, crawling up his stomach.
"I'm going to lift you, ok. I'm not going to hurt you. You are the best daughter I could ask for; you know that? Trunks told Miyuki before asking her as he lifted her into the air, right above him.
She was a bit shocked at first, but Miyuki smiled and started giggling.
"Maybe we'll start looking for an apartment or something. Some place for the two of us—even if it's small." Trunks told Miyuki, setting her back on his stomach, not realizing Bulma had just walked out.
"Trunks?" Bulma gently asked, walking over.
"Mom…" Trunks started, sitting up.
"Are you really leaving?" Bulma asked, trying not to show how upset she was.
"*Sigh…* I don't want to leave; I was hoping to stay a while longer to learn what I could before moving out. But—and as much as I love Bulla—and always will. *Sigh…* I don't think I could live with her if that's how she's going to treat Miyuki. I suppose I shouldn't say how she'd treat Miyuki; I should say how she feels and talks about Miyuki. *Sigh…* I just can't have Miyuki around that kind of negativity; she's already suffered so much. However, on a positive note: Miyuki knows who I am." Trunks told Bulma, sighing here and there.
"Well, that's always good—Miyuki knowing who you are, not the other stuff. But I can't blame you for how you feel. I know this may not change your mind, but your father and I've talked to your sister. And I know it's not the same as getting your own apartment, but maybe you and Miyuki could move into the basement. Let me explain: the basement's not horrible; it receives air and heat. If you could just stand to live with Bulla a little while longer, we could have a contractor come in and change the basement around, so it has three or four bedrooms, a bathroom, a living room, and maybe a laundry room. I would say kitchen, but there's no hookup for a stove or oven down there. A fridge, yes; there's already a fridge down there. another issue with a kitchen, is if we were to put a spot for stove/oven, we'd need special permission from the city. I know it may not be ideal…" "You just don't want us to leave—like ever." "Da!" Bulma started explaining to Trunks before he stopped to tease her—only to be interrupted by Miyuki, holding onto his shirt so she could stand on his knee.
"Really, now?" Bulma asked with a smile just before Miyuki fell. Luckily Trunks had a light grasp on her.
"She seems happier today." Bulma noted, watching her granddaughter wiggling around.
"I know. But I don't know if I want to get used to this yet; I have a feeling it's still going to take some time. And—I suppose I can deal with Bulla for a little while longer. However, if she gets too out of hand, I'm taking Miyuki to a hotel or something for a few days to get away. And seeing as we're going to have to come upstairs to eat; we each get to pick breakfast, lunch, and dinner once a week." Trunks told Bulma, earning a hug and cries of happiness from Bulma.
"Oh, Trunks! I'm so glad you decided to agree. I'm also kind of surprised—but so thrilled either way. I promise you won't regret it. And of course; I completely understand and agree. Not Sundays: Sunday is my day." Bulma happily squeezed Trunks; Miyuki was just below her, hugging around Trunks's stomach.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll take Friday unless I'm not home for whatever reason. And once she becomes comfortable enough, Miyuki will get—Saturdays?" Trunks replied and then asked, watching Bulma.
"Sounds fair." Bulma agreed.
"Ok. You have until Friday to call a contractor, or I'm going to start looking." Trunks teased his mother.
"I'll call tomorrow right when the place opens." Bulma declared with a smile.
"Of course, you will; I wouldn't expect any less." Trunks replied with a smile.
"You're out back? I'm kind of surprised." Yamcha spoke, standing on the other side of the fence."
"What brings you by?" Bulma asked, confused.
"Peanut delivery to some cranky old bat. Hmm? Oh, she's real?" Yamcha answered and then asked, shocked, noticing Miyuki.
"Of course, she's real." Bulma replied, becoming defensive.
"No. What I meant was: I thought she was a dream or something." Yamcha defended himself, putting his hands up.
"Mom—you can't get mad at him: you and I forgot she was here. Thinking she was just a dream is probably better than that." Trunks calmly told his mother, standing up.
"Right." Bulma replied, embarrassed as Yamcha walked through the fence.
"She likes peanuts, doesn't she?" Yamcha asked, holding up a bag of peanuts.
"I think so. Those and hazelnuts are the only ones the list said she wasn't allergic to." Trunks replied, holding Miyuki.
"That's not Daisy's little girl, is it?" An elderly lady asked, walking by with a younger girl.
"Grandma?" The older girl asked, watching her grandmother.
"You knew Daisy?" Trunks asked, slowly walking over to the fence.
"Oh, vaguely; she was my neighbor for a long time. I knew her parents before her mother died and her father was sent away. My granddaughter knew Daisy; they were friends." The older woman stated.
"Grandmother! Don't say that; that's just mean. Sorry. I knew Daisy, yes. But we weren't friends. Quite the contrary; we hated each other. Not only was she the school druggie; she was also one of the school's biggest bullies—and blackmailers. She made my life and the lives of a few others either miserable or a living hell. I'm Mika; this is my grandmother, Hina; we used to babysit Miyuki from time to time. I'm so glad she finally had her taken away. Honestly, do you know how many times I called the police or social services and nothing? Eventually, police stopped responding because apparently, I was just trying to get back at Daisy for all the crap she did to me growing up. Or I just wanted attention. Oh, I was so pissed. It finally took my grandmother calling to get them to come over. Why Plum had her that night, I don't know. But uhh… Oh, I wouldn't give Miyuki that or any peanuts." This girl, Mika, went on a rant before telling Yamcha when she saw him trying to give Miyuki a peanut.
"Why not? It's one of the few nuts she's allergic to." Yamcha argued.
"Like hell she's not allergic to that!" "I'm going to sit down, Dear. I'll let you talk to your friends for a little bit." The grandmother, Hina, told Mika, interrupting her screaming at Yamcha.
"I got a list of things Miyuki was allergic to yesterday: it said peanuts and hazelnuts were two types of nuts she wasn't allergic to." Trunks spoke up.
"You're Trunks, right? Miyuki's father? I heard Daisy mention your name a lot. She wanted so badly to get you for child support. But then I told that if she tried that, she would have to explain and prove that you're Miyuki's father. Then she'd have to split custody—which would prove all the abuse. Then she'd also have to be subjected to random drug tests. She went off on a tangent after that. I shut her up real fast when I threatened to tell them she used you and that you didn't even know about Miyuki. And I did too. And still nothing. Miyuki was always a sweet, quiet little girl who didn't deserve what she got. If it weren't so damn illegal, and I knew I could get away with it without getting in trouble, I would've taken her. I would've taken Miyuki away from them and taken her somewhere safe. Personally, I don't want kids, but she didn't deserve that. But anyway: seeing as I got off topic. She is allergic to peanuts, but I'm sure Daisy didn't file that in or whatever. I had to rush her to an ER because Daisy had given her a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and some plain peanuts. Miyuki was throwing the peanuts out for the squirrels because she doesn't like peanuts to begin with. But I noticed her hands becoming blotchy—and she was complaining they were burning. The peanut butter and jelly sandwich clogged her throat. So yes, she's allergic to peanuts. I'd stay away from hazelnuts just in case; I think she's allergic to all nuts—and it's a severe reaction. I have pictures if you want to see." Mika explained, watching Trunks.
"No, thank you. We'll just have to keep her away from nuts. Thanks for the info." Trunks replied.
"It's not a big deal. I have to get going; I have to get Grandma home. But before I leave, can you tell me where Daisy is? Jail? Prison? Rehab?" Mika told Trunks before asking.
"Dead. The social worker said she died of an overdose." Trunks answered.
"Huh. I can't say I'm really surprised. Well, as sad as it is, it's one less druggie/bully/child abuser in the world. So—good riddance. But I guess I'll be going now. Grandma, do you need help?!" Mika kind of mumbled before turning to walk away.
"You're not going to tell her to behave for her father?" Yamcha asked, watching Mika walk away.
"No. Why would I?" Mika asked, confused.
"In my experience, all people say that to a child when they leave them with a parent, grandparent, or guardian." Yamcha stated, proud of himself for knowing something.
"Wow—you're a pretentious prick. In your experience, huh? So—you're saying you were a rotten, misbehaved brat growing up. Not every child needs to be told to behave for someone. Case in point: Miyuki; she doesn't need to be told that because she's a perfectly well-behaved child. And as unfortunate as it is; she's probably only that way because of her prior situation. No matter how comfortable Trunks gets Miyuki; she will never be a normal child. She will most likely suffer PTSD for a good few years. She had a shit life. Speaking from my own experience: children who experience that kind of trauma, NEVER get over it. Sure, we may move past it, but we never truly forget or move on. And because I see the looks—and I stupidly said something: when I was four, I was kidnapped, thrown into a cage barely big enough for me to fit in. I was beaten, tortured, give bread and water twice a day, been pissed and shit on through the cage for six months. Yes, I still have issues—such as I hate the number six. No, Miyuki is not me, but her mind works like mine: I can see it in her eyes. We suffered some different things and some of the same. But no matter how you look at it; she suffered far worse than me—than I ever have. And—she suffered for far more than six months. I don't know when the abuse or anything started, but I know it's been going on for more than a year—at least. I'm not her parent or guardian, so I have no say, but if I were you, I wouldn't send her to therapy. That shit don't help nothing; it makes it worse. It certainly did for me. Because I was four and five when my situation happened, I was old enough to know and understand what happened to me; I understand I have to talk about what I went through. But I don't want to be forced to live through it again with realistic memories or whatever the hell it was. She will always struggle. Even if she forgets the who, what, or why over time; it will always be in the back of her head. If you send her to therapy, set your own rules; don't let the therapist make her go through realistic memories. Those not only make her remember everything; they make her feel every bit of pain she felt before. They make her smell everything as well. Don't put her through that. Any bit of it she's lucky enough to forget, just let her forget. She's too young and didn't deserve any of it. Now, good day." Mika went on a tirade before walking away.
"Why that little…" "Now, Yamcha: don't start. She gave us some important information about Miyuki, and that's all that matters." Bulma interrupted Yamcha before he could start.
"Do you want some flowers? Here you go." Bulma heard Trunks ask Miyuki, lifting her to see some pink flowers in a tree. She then saw him break a few small branches off to make a small bouquet.
Before giving Miyuki any of the flowers, Trunks made sure there weren't any bees or bugs in them.
"Food's ready. Come in and eat!" Vegeta called from the door, getting everyone's attention.
"I'll let myself out. I have to meet up with Daku anyway." Yamcha let Bulma know.
"Ok. Have a good day." Bulma told Yamcha before giving him a quick hug.
"See you 'round." Trunks told Yamcha as Miyuki suddenly hid her face in his shoulder, dropping her flowers.
"See ya. Bye, Miyuki." Yamcha replied and then told Miyuki, going to pat her head.
"No!" Miyuki cried, clinging to Trunks.
"Ok. I'm sorry." Yamcha apologized, backing off.
"It's ok, Miyuki; Yamcha's not going to hurt you. Please don't take offense; she just needs time." Bulma told Miyuki before telling Yamcha.
"No, I understand. Have a nice meal. See you." Yamcha replied before leaving.
"What did that idiot do this time?" Vegeta asked, annoyed as they went to the kitchen.
"Yamcha didn't do anything. Miyuki just needs time; she'll get used to everyone, eventually. Oh, you set up the highchair already? Thank you." Bulma replied and then asked, watching Trunks set Miyuki in the highchair.
"Would you like to try some syrup?" Trunks asked, carefully dripping some syrup onto his finger.
"Yeah." Miyuki softly replied with tears in her eyes.
"She knows who Trunks is; she calls him "Da." She's so adorable." Bulma told Vegeta and Bulla when she walked out.
"Good. So, I was wrong. Sorry." Bulla apologized, watching Trunks stick his finger in Miyuki's mouth to let her taste the syrup.
"Did you get stuff situated with Trunks?" Vegeta asked, watching Trunks and Miyuki.
"Yep. I'll be calling a contractor tomorrow as soon as they open. We're going to have the basement turned into an apartment-like home for Trunks and Miyuki—minus a kitchen; they'll have to come up to eat." Bulma answered with a smile.
"WHAT?! Why do they get the basement?! Why can't I have the basement?!" Bulla demanded, already complaining.
"Because you're twelve; you don't need your own apartment-like home yet. Trunks is a single father, who needs an apartment-like home. He needs a place of his own—to a point." Bulma answered, huffing a little bit.
"Why not let him move out like he wants?!" Bulla demanded, stomping her foot.
"He needs help right now. He's admitted to not wanting to move out just yet because he needs help with Miyuki for a little bit. Knock it off. Maybe if you behave, we'll you have Trunks's old room once he moves to the basement. Keep it up, and we'll move you to the spare room—without a door." Bulma answered, and the warned—after making a good deal; Bulla shut her mouth right away and sat down.
"Did you like that syrup?" Bulma kindly asked Miyuki in a baby tone.
"How much did you give her?" Bulla asked, watching Miyuki; she was licking her lips and the roof of her mouth like a dog eating peanut butter.
"Not a lot. I think she's just trying to savor the taste—or trying to figure out if she likes it or not. Here. Would you like to try a piece of pancake?" Trunks answered before asking Miyuki, holding a small piece of pancake.
"Yeah." Miyuki mumbled, opening her mouth.
She chewed and swallowed that no problem.
"Do you like the syrup and pancake?" Trunks asked, watching Miyuki.
"Yeah. Owie." Miyuki answered and then mumbled.
"Owie? What's owie?" Trunks asked, watching Miyuki.
"Owie…" Miyuki moaned.
"What hurts, Baby?" Trunks asked again. However, this time he was met with shock and confusion: Miyuki's face was deep red with tears pouring down her face, and she was trying not to cry or something.
"Baby, what's wrong?" Trunks asked, concerned, watching her. Then it happened: Miyuki started wailing—uncontrollably.
Something caught Vegeta's eyes at the same time it caught Trunks's: Miyuki was refusing to sit back in her chair.
"Ok, come on." Trunks told Miyuki, lifting her. As soon as he did, a peanut shell fell where she was sitting.
"Where did that come from?" Vegeta asked, watching Trunks.
"From inside her shirt." Bulla answered.
"Inside her shirt? Yamcha… He made a peanut delivery before stopping in when he saw us. He offered her a peanut because list of allergies said she could have them, but someone who knew her said she was severely allergic to them. When he went to pat Miyuki goodbye, a peanut must've falling into her shirt by mistake." Bulma spoke up.
"It had better have been an accident." Trunks angrily stated, lifting Miyuki's shirt to look at her back.
"Why wouldn't it have been?" Bulma and Bulla asked, confused.
"Because he wasn't sure if she was truly allergic because the list said she wasn't allergic to them; he didn't believe the girl we talked to. He may have wanted to test the theory. Well, if that was his goal—to see whether she is or not: we have our answer. Miyuki—is most definitely—allergic to peanuts. And we will NOT be testing anything with peanut butter." Trunks answered, explained, and then stated, carefully pulling Miyuki's shirt up, over her head. Her entire back was red and bumpy; some of those bumps looked like they popped open and were oozing.
"Oh, my God." "Eww!" "He's a dead man!" Bulma, Bulla, and Vegeta exclaimed and declared.
"Don't kill Yamcha; we don't know if this was on purpose or not. Mom, can you wash her outfit; she has peanut dust on them. I'm going to clean the peanut dust or residue off her, change her diaper and put her back in her pajamas. Please tell me you didn't throw them in the laundry yet." Trunks instructed before speaking to Bulma.
"I put them in the washer, but I haven't started it yet. I was waiting for your and Bulla's clothes. You could just let her roam around the house in her diaper; I used to do that with you and Bulla." Bulma told Trunks.
"Yes, I know; I remember. However, I'm going to take her to the hospital to get this looked at—and to see if I can get something for it. Right now, I don't want to risk a Senzu Bean. Maybe later on, but not today." Trunks answered, walking to the bathroom.
"Ok. Smart idea." Bulma replied, walking to the laundry room to fetch Miyuki's pajamas…