Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or the characters

Bulma could hardly concentrate on her article. She kept typing up sentences and deleting things. Her mind was just not on her job. No, instead her thoughts and concern were with her son. A couple months passed since she heard from Trunks, and since then it had been radio silence. Bulma didn't even hear from Mai, which the mother could only hope was a 'no news is good news' situation.

At least Bulma didn't have to worry about her distraction being noticed by a bunch of coworkers or superiors. The one thing she liked about this magazine company was that the interview committee and HR understood her need for privacy. Instead of working onsite, Bulma was permitted to work from home. Her communications and published works were made under an alias. It was the best way to keep her location and identity hidden. Bulma Brief barely left a footprint in the past decades other than her appearance at her son's school and her face in town. Other than that, she avoided social gatherings and media. Her face fell out of most people's orbit when her father publicly denounced her after she left the company. It hurt Bulma's heart that while she was hidden and safe, her son was out there in the open and risking his life.

A knock on her bedroom door alerted her, and Bulma turned away from her desk. Tarble entered the room and stared directly into her eyes as he remained in the doorway. Bulma cocked her head in confusion. "Something wrong?"

Tarble shook his head. "I…" He cleared his throat and swallowed, and he shifted on his feet. Ever since his dinner with Vegeta, Tarble felt guilty for keeping Bulma in the dark about Trunks and his assignment. The publicist agreed with his brother that Bulma didn't need anything more to worry about than her usual nerves for Trunks's safety. He kept quiet for weeks, but he figured he should at least tell Bulma that he saw his brother.

"I just thought you might want to hear how Vegeta is doing."

Bulma's eyes widened. "You met with him?" Tarble nodded. "I-is everything okay?"

"We were just going over promotions for his gym," he assured the woman. "That's our cover for when we want to meet up."

When Bulma heard this, her heart thumped in her chest. She immediately understood the only reason Vegeta would risk meeting with his brother. "He told you about Trunks. What did he say?"

Tarble planned to keep his promise and not tell Bulma any of the specifics. He worried it would send her spiraling into a pit of nerves. Where she'd come out of her grief-ridden depression shortly after Trunks was born, there was still much Tarble worried would set her back, especially where his brother and her son were involved.

"Just that you did a good job with him and that he's proud of the man he's become."

Bulma relaxed and smiled, her hand held against her heart. "Of course he'd say that." Then her brow furrowed with worry. "But is everything okay?"

Tarble sighed. He at least needed to tell her a little of what was happening in the city. "Not exactly. Someone from the Cold family shot Zorn. He didn't make it."

Bulma's expression deflated. "Tarble, I'm so sorry."

Her housemate shrugged and shook his head. "Don't be. I barely knew anyone from either side of my family. You and Vegeta are my family. It's just the whole situation has him stressed, especially because his men expect him to retaliate."

A sardonic laugh escaped Bulma. "Well, that's probably not going to happen, even if it is the Cold family. Vegeta never cared much for Zorn. He always said the man was too much like his father."

"Yeah," Tarble whispered in agreement.

"Do you think Vegeta will be okay?" Bulma asked.

Tarble nodded. "Oh yeah, we meet again in about a week or so to discuss sales. I'll reassess then."

With a smile, Bulma said, "I'm glad he has you looking out for him."

Tarble grinned and responded, "You know, he has you too."

Bulma faltered at that, her expression bewildered as she opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She wanted to tell Tarble that wasn't the case, but she knew it was a lie. After she and Vegeta talked over the phone, Bulma knew she'd never be able to move on from him. Things were dicey right now, and both she and Vegeta knew she couldn't become a target in his war against Frieza. Still, there was hope in her heart that everything would work out. Her intuition told her it would soon be over.

Soon, Vegeta would be able to end this conflict with Frieza, and then they could find their way back to each other. Despite what she told him all those years ago—pregnant, emotional, depressed, and afraid—she never gave up on the thought of them. Although presently, as she went back to her article, her focus was elsewhere now. Maybe when she was done with work, she'd chance another conversation with Vegeta. She missed the sound of his voice.

Vegeta sneered as he faced the window of his gym. Behind him, Nappa stood. Nappa was one of the few people from his father's organization who Vegeta felt he could trust. Through all the years, the man looked after Vegeta like a kind and patient uncle. Even now, as he brought Vegeta unwarranted advice, he still did not act to pressure the reluctant mafia head.

"What message do you think it sends? Letting Kuriza go free," the man warned. "It will be seen as cowardice."

Vegeta scoffed and pushed off of the windowpane. He faced Nappa and crossed his arms. "It will be seen as I don't really give a shit," he countered. "Hell, I'll even call Frieza and tell him to come directly for me next time instead of my underlings if I ever need to show backbone."

Nappa paled and cleared his throat in his apprehension. "Vegeta, you can't do that. Frieza will kill you dead. He'll probably torture you first. I'm sure you can imagine what he does to his own men."

A flash of Trunks entered Vegeta's mind, and his expression darkened considerably with hatred. "Of course I do."

"Then play this smart, kid," Nappa advised as he approached his charge. "I know you hated Zorn. Hell, I hated that sniveling bastard, too. He was a suck-up to your father. That's the only reason he was still here. But Vegeta…you need to make a move. You have to do it soon or else Frieza will think the organization is weak and strike again."

Even though Vegeta already made a decision, he did consider Nappa's words. He knew Nappa was right, but it was never his plan to kill anyone unless he absolutely had to. After his bout of murder as a teenager, the revenge he took for his mother, and the actions he took for his father, like in the alley where he met Bulma again, Vegeta wanted to keep his record clean. Any kill was in self-defense. Nappa knew this and he agreed, which is why Vegeta planned to tell him a partial version of the truth, omitting the part about Trunks being his son.

"Raditz witnessed the 'murder'." Nappa's facial expressions betrayed his shock. "It was self-defense, Nappa. Frieza's kid, he's not cold-blooded like his father. There was a new guy. It seemed like they were friends. Kuriza shot Zorn to protect his friend, not to kill."

At that explanation, Nappa softened and became less harsh and rigid. "Sounds like someone else I know," he said meaningfully. "Probably forced, just like you." Vegeta didn't give the affirmative, but it remained an unspoken confirmation. "Okay, so you don't want to off him. How about kidnap him?"

Surprise flickered over dark eyes. "Kidnap him?"

"Yeah. We can take Kuriza and keep him held up in a safe house until Frieza gets the message," Nappa explained.

Vegeta truly considered it as an option. There was one issue with that kind of move. If Frieza cared about his son, it could work, but Vegeta knew for a fact that Frieza had issues with his boy. Still, the idea appealed very much to Vegeta. He could 'kidnap' both Trunks and Kuriza, get them away from Frieza for a time. He could get in touch with Officer Mai and have her pass a message to Trunks to get somewhere open. At least he would know where they were and that they were safe.

"Make the arrangements at the mountain house," Vegeta ordered. "None of the men are to know yet."

Nappa answered with a curt nod. "Understood." And with that plan set in motion, Vegeta's mentor left him alone to his thoughts. This was the best option.

Out of nowhere, his office phone rang and startled him out of his reverie. With a sigh, he picked up the phone to answer it. "Gravity Gym." There was silence for a moment. "Hello?"

"Hey there."

Vegeta's jaw slackened and his heart raced the moment he heard Bulma's melodious voice. His hands even got clammy. He tried to wipe his palm on his sweats as he turned to sit on the edge of his desk. "Bulma?"

"Yeah."

"Is everything all right?" Vegeta asked immediately. He could think of no other reason for Bulma to call him unless she was in trouble or it was about Trunks.

"Yes," Bulma answered, relieving Vegeta. "I just…wanted to hear your voice."

She would never know just how much her words affected Vegeta and brought him so much warmth. He was certain he looked like a pathetic fool, desperate to hear her say more. When Bulma said nothing else, Vegeta expressed his surprise.

"You usually don't call me," he pointed out. "Last time, I know you were worried about Trunks. I just…never expected."

Vegeta could hear the woman shuffle around nervously on the other end. "Um, if you don't want to talk with me after everything, I understand."

"No!" Vegeta shouted a bit to hurriedly as alarm flooded him. He covered his mouth and looked around his office, embarrassed by his outburst. "It's not that. Just…" He stopped. He didn't want to tell her that he was certain she'd never want to talk to him again unless it pertained to Trunks. Honestly, he was just so jarred by this rare chance.

"I wanted to see if you were okay," Bulma admitted. "Tarble told me he saw you and what happened to your father's cousin. I know you could never stand him, but it's still a lot to deal with. Are you okay?"

Vegeta laughed with a bittersweet lilt to the sound. "I guess. You know how it is. Expectations and all that, but I won't cave. I'm not looking to start a war right now."

Bulma giggled at how laid back Vegeta sounded, but she knew it was a front. "You're so full of shit," she said amused. "You know I know what that cocky tone means. You're covering something."

Vegeta sobered and froze as soon as she said it, eyes the size of saucers, but he knew from Bulma's first musings that Tarble said nothing else of the other issues they discussed. If his brother had, Bulma would be panicked and not flirting with him. Bulma's voice sounded again, this time more serious and full of concern. "The stress is really getting to you, isn't it?"

Vegeta shook his head, though the woman couldn't see. Of course, it was a lie. "We shouldn't talk about this," he forced out. He swallowed thickly and it felt like molasses was going down his throat. "The less you know, the better."

"Vegeta…" Bulma knew she had this coming, but she didn't really want Vegeta to deal with this alone. "I know what I said, and I know we agreed this is best, but I at least want to help you emotionally if I can't be there. I…I love you, Vegeta."

Vegeta sucked in a gasp of air, and his hand shook on the phone. Those were words Vegeta was familiar with, yet he hadn't heard them in so long from anyone, let alone Bulma. It felt like he was paralyzed except for his heart. It seemed to be the only functioning organ as Vegeta seemed to forget to breathe. "Bulma, I…I love you, too," he confessed. "That's…it's why I can't tell you anything. It's for your own safety and well-being. Can you trust that I'm doing what's best?"

"Of course, Vegeta," the woman assured. "I do trust you, always. Just know…you can trust me too. I won't say anything."

"If it ever gets bad, you'll be my first call."

Bulma's angelic laugh calmed Vegeta. "I better be. I'll call more often, when I can."

Vegeta smiled. "I would like that. Goodbye, Bulma."

When Vegeta hung up the phone, he leaned back in his chair. He was in awe of what just transpired. He used to be a man of faith, but that belief left him long ago. Still, he wondered if karma was a thing. Not even twenty minutes ago, he and Nappa were discussing Kuriza's kidnapping and how to keep him protected from both families, and then he was blessed with that phone call and the knowledge that Bulma still loved him despite all that transpired. To be honest, as much as he didn't want to let her go in the past, he was glad he did for Frieza started targeting him hard when Vegeta took over his father's business. If Vegeta continued to be selfish, it was highly likely that Bulma and Trunks wouldn't be alive now.

Even though they weren't physically with him, they were with him in his fight against Frieza, against this vile world his father left behind for him. Now, he just needed to get Trunks and Kuriza away from the bastard and keep them safe. His son and his son's friend were his main priority. Of course, Vegeta didn't know Trunks's cover was already blown. There was no way he could know someone was plotting against his son and that their time was limited.

Officer Mai was stunned when Vegeta Ouji called her and asked if he could come into the station to meet with her. She accepted, but she wondered what this was all about. When Vegeta entered the precinct, he marched up to Mai. She knew there was something he needed to discuss that was private, but in the public of the office he asked, "Have you found anymore evidence on who offed my cousin?"

Mai was surprised by the question, but she played along. "I'm sorry, but we've made little headway, I'm afraid. Why don't we go into interrogation C and go over what we do have?"

Vegeta answered with a nod and followed the officer through the halls. Many eyes of the police officers watched him warily. He snorted. He could hardly blame them; after all, he was the unpredictable head of a mafia family. They were probably all worried for the safety of their officer. It told Vegeta that Mai took Trunks's trust very seriously. She wouldn't clue them all in to the fact that Vegeta was Trunks's father, not unless the undercover officer wanted them to know.

The pair reached the interrogation room. Mai stopped by the door and motioned for Vegeta to enter. She closed the door and sat down across from Trunks's father. He looked completely serious and grave, and Mai couldn't help but worry. Vegeta noticed that the officer appeared nervous and apprehensive, probably because she assumed he was there with bad news.

"Did something happen?" Mai asked.

Vegeta shook his head 'no'. "Pressures are high for me to take out Kuriza, so my former guardian and I came up with a solution. With the precinct's permission, I'd like to 'kidnap' Trunks and Kuriza, just for a time until this all blows over. I'd keep them at a safe house until my men are satisfied they're 'dealt with'."

Mai's fearful gaze gave way to warmth and relief. "That's a very kind offer and all, but impossible," she responded. "Trunks has already started the next phase of an operation we planned a couple of weeks ago. He's been garnering Frieza's favor with small jobs, and Frieza requested he meet with him for a bigger assignment. He's got a wire. We're going to be listening in during the meeting. We're certain he's going to incriminate himself. We've got him."

Vegeta was amazed that things were happening so swiftly. He expected Frieza to keep Trunks at arm's length for at least another month, provided there were no more setbacks. Something didn't sit right with this, and Vegeta always knew to trust his gut feeling.

"Can I…" he hesitated to ask. Then, he cleared his throat and spoke up again. "I know this is completely out of the ordinary, but would it be possible for me to listen in?"

Mai shifted uncomfortably. It was highly unethical and illegal to let a civilian, especially one involved with organized crime, to listen in on an operation like this. There was no way anyone would allow it. Even if she marched out of the office and told Chief Piccolo about Trunks's relation to Vegeta Ouji, he would not let that go.

"Trust me; I understand why you want to, but…I can't allow it," she rejected. "This is official business, and you're…well." Vegeta nodded grimly. "But…I promise, I'll keep you updated on everything that happens. What I can tell you is Frieza asked to meet with Trunks tonight at nine, when everyone in his employ retires home."

"Nine o'clock," Vegeta repeated. Mai nodded to confirm. "Alright, I'll be awake. Let me know what happens."

"Will do," Mai assured him. "And Mr. Ouji…thank you."

Vegeta chuckled at the formality. "Officer, you can call me Vegeta."

Surprised flickered in her eyes, but Mai quickly quelled that. Vegeta grinned. She seemed to be able to keep her cool in any situation. Seems like Trunks found his match. "Right, Vegeta. Thank you…for trying to look out for Trunks and Kuriza. You're nothing like I ever imagined."

The man snickered as he stood up. "Hope that's a good thing."

"It is. When you see the worst of the worst all the time, it's refreshing to know that not everyone is like that."

"Believe me, I know," Vegeta agreed. "Take care, officer."

Vegeta was about to leave but was stopped by Mai's voice. "You know, if I get to call you Vegeta, you can call me Mai."

The man smirked. "Alright…Mai."

He left, and shortly after, another entered interrogation. When Mai saw the figure, she stood strait and greeted the man respectfully. "Special Agent Gowasu. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"At ease, Mai," the old man replied. "It's good to see you. I merely came to check on the progression of Trunks's latest assignment.

Mai could understand. Before this assignment, Special Agent Gowasu took a special interest in Trunks and recruited him for a huge undercover case. Ever since then, Gowasu would come to check up on Trunks. Mai figured he might want to have Trunks return to some federal cases, but Mai knew Trunks planned to leave the undercover gig and focus on office work for a while.

"He seems to be doing well," Mai reported. "We're actually about to set up for the evening. He has a meeting with Frieza tonight."

Outside the station, not everyone was at ease or optimistic about the case. Vegeta took out his phone and dialed Raditz.

"What's up?" his second asked.

"Tonight, nine o'clock. Stake out Frieza's place. Trunks is meeting with him, and something just doesn't sit right about this. Something is off."

"Can do, Vegeta," Raditz agreed. "Whatever you need."

Vegeta ended the call and made his way to the gym. He needed to get his head on straight, but he felt so disoriented. He wondered if this is how Bulma felt every time their son was on assignment, but quickly shook himself free of thoughts. He needed to get his wits about him.

He was surprised to find Goten in his office when he got to the gym. The youth sat across from Vegeta's desk deep in thought. "I didn't expect to see you," Vegeta declared, startling the boy. Goten turned his body in the chair to face Vegeta. "When you asked me for more time off, I assumed I wouldn't see you for at least another month."

Goten's expression shifted, and he looked completely torn up. "We need to talk."

Frieza was absolutely livid. Across from him sat Zarbon. His second was nervous, as he should be for keeping information from his leader. Frieza wanted to know why Zarbon didn't disclose this information earlier. "Why didn't you tell me we had a rat?" Frieza snapped. "Were you in on it?"

Zarbon laughed sardonically and rolled his eyes as he crossed his arms. "No, sir. My loyalty has always been to you. When I found out Trunks was an officer and an Ouji, you were still giving him his 'special training'. Honestly, I believed he deserved the full month before we offed him. Traitors like him need to suffer."

Anger gave way to amusement. Frieza simpered and said, "And that's why you're my second. I like how you think, although now I wish I went all out during the latest sessions."

"We should confront him," Zarbon declared. "Now that it's all out in the open."

"No."

"No?"

"No," Frieza repeated. "I'll handle Trunks my own way. Tonight's meeting. I'll take care of him then, but I need it to appear that everyone has gone for the day, you included. Be ready on standby to clean up the mess."

"Of course, Mr. Cold. Anything you say."

A/N: Welp…now Frieza knows the truth, and you can bet this meeting isn't going to go as smoothly as everyone thinks. Tune in to experience the confrontation. I can promise it's going to be intense.

Efri14: That was the reaction I was hoping for. You should be scared…

daughterofrisingsun: Yeah, Tights decided not to make things worse, but ended up making things worse anyway, by accident. I guess that whole exchange and even Vegeta's with Tarble, was to joke about the stereotypical soap opera ploy of 'let's just discuss everything out in the open where literally anyone could be there to hear'. Which happened in both cases. They should take a page from Trunks and Mai who at least seemingly act casual XD I didn't want to completely rush Zarbon telling Frieza. It adds another level of discord, and we all know that Trunks mission is doomed while everyone else on the side of good is none the wiser. Kakarot would definitely be crushed, but he is a forgiving soul and understands Vegeta better than anyone. Besides, I alluded to a little cushion to the blow. Just in time for the chaos. Nope, Trunks has no idea he's screwed. If he did, I bet he'd be taking more of those pills. Hm, wonder what they are…o.o