Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or the characters

Hey, everyone! Sorry it took me so long to update! I had a big project going on, in addition to finishing up school. I edited the majority of my stories and added them to AO3 also. It took quite a long time, but now I am back and ready to write.

Trunks couldn't wait to get out of the hospital. Although only a couple days passed, the officer felt like he was already going stir crazy. He was sure part of it was because he needed to know what was going on in the outside world, especially where Frieza was concerned. The officer spoke with Kuriza and Mai daily, but there was little to no update on Frieza or when he'd be tried. Until then, Kuriza needed to stay in hiding, and Mai would remain with him just in case. However, all three of them felt more comfortable regarding Raditz and Nappa. From what Trunks could tell from his father's stories, the two truly had Vegeta's interests at heart, and that extended to Trunks and his loved ones.

After a bit more recovery, and a true, solemn promise that Trunks wouldn't race back to work, the doctors finally discharged the officer. Now that Frieza was in custody, everything with Trunks's family was up in the air. Bulma planned to return to Trunks's hometown to handle a few things and pack some clothes. She promised both Trunks and Vegeta that she would join them at Vegeta's apartment in a couple of days.

It was so surreal for Trunks to see his parents together, watch them interact like no time passed between them. A part of Trunks had always longed for this, even when he didn't realize it. Seeing one's estranged parents together, getting along, and making plans for a future was a childish dream. Trunks never thought it would happen. The joy it brought him, that they could finally be together, was a blessing and unexpected reward for finally defeating Frieza.

Trunks heaved a heavy breath as he pushed past the door to his father's place. This would be his home for the duration of his recovery—three weeks. As much as Trunks wanted to get back to work and handle the Frieza case and trial, this extra time with his father was something he would cherish. Besides, before Trunks was discharged from the hospital, Chief Piccolo came to see him and get his statement. That discussion was a difficult one, as Trunks expected it would be. He asked his father, who was waiting with him, for privacy.

At that point, Trunks had nothing to hide. He was always honest with his superior officer about his background. In the beginning, Trunks had no idea who his father was, which family he headed. Now that he knew, the chief needed to be aware, especially because his statement regarding his meeting with Frieza would encompass that.

"I'm not surprised," the overseeing officer declared. "You confided in me years ago that your father was in the mob. We're not planning to take him in. Actually, while you were out of it, Ouji already contacted me. Said he's willing to give me all the dirt on every Ouji member in the organization."

Although it shouldn't have surprised Trunks, he was once again in awe of his father. He talked to the man about it, and Vegeta expressed a desire to dismantle that hellish life once and for all. Because of his willingness to turn to the law, both Trunks and Piccolo respected the man. Thankfully, Piccolo planned to look the other way for whatever crimes Vegeta, Raditz, and Nappa were allegedly forced to commit back in the day. It meant a lot to Trunks that his boss was willing to grant his father leniency. After all, knowing what Trunks knew, his father truly deserved freedom.

The time Trunks spent with his father was great. He got to learn more about Vegeta's childhood, how he met his mother, and their juvenile antics of trying to one-up each other in school. Vegeta always admired Bulma's intelligence and bravery. The man admitted to his son that he was a moth drawn to a bright flame. They were young, and Vegeta didn't fully understand the true dangers his father was involved in, so he never thought anything about spending time with the girl. When his father found out about Vegeta's friendship with the Capsule Corp. heiress, his anger skyrocketed. From then on, Vegeta and his father were at odds.

"So, you and Mom were kids when you met," Trunks pondered with a nod. "Makes sense why she didn't leave when the two of you were aware."

Vegeta nodded solemnly. "Yes, and as she said, we made a promise that my father's life wouldn't be ours. I let my fear get the better of me. I wouldn't have cared if I was arrested for the murder of the cretin who killed your grandmother. When Father threatened Bulma's life… That's when I knew I couldn't escape. But I wanted to." Guilt filled his eyes as he met the gaze of his adult son. "I wish so much I could have watched you grow up instead of reading about it."

Trunks smiled empathetically. "Listen, I get it. I was never upset with you for not being there. Mom had no idea that I overheard her and Uncle Tarble talk about it when I was young. I knew before I met Kuriza that my father was forced into the mob by his own father. When Kuriza admitted his situation, we bonded over that. It's the reason I wanted to help him in the first place, to make sure he didn't have to suffer the same way you did."

"Heh," Vegeta laughed softly. "You are just as brave as your mother, if not more so. You helped take down two of the biggest rivaling families in this city."

Trunks grinned, but then his expression grew grim and frightened. "I just realized… Doesn't that mean the other families will be at war over the territory?"

"What territory?" Vegeta asked. "You mean the dock where I bring in my shipments? Sold legally to the shipping industry. The parts of the city where Father's men frequented? Well, we had no clients there. Like I said, Raditz and I kept it as clean as possible with Nappa's help. We didn't want to poison this city with Frieza's ilk. The precinct will most likely have to secure his territory. With whatever contacts I have left, I'll help keep watch. If someone makes a move, we'll know."

"Thanks, Dad," Trunks breathed. "You never cease to amaze me."

Later on in the day, Trunks turned on the television to catch up on the news. Of course, there was talk of Frieza's trial, when it was scheduled. It was the same information as the days prior, and Trunks was starting to get bored with the repetitiveness. He figured if there was any new information, he'd be alerted. This was his case, after all, and it was his friend who was affected by it all.

Boredom mixed with anxiety over the standstill was a terrible combination, so Trunks slowly made his way to the kitchen. His father was cooking dinner, so Trunks sat down at the table. Once again, Trunks found a new admiration for the man as Vegeta speedily chopped the vegetables, tossed them into the frying pan, and then flipped the vegetables by waving the pan in the air. His reflexes were amazing, and Trunks was amazed Vegeta knew how to cook like a pro.

"Where'd you learn to do that?"

Vegeta snickered and morbidly offered, "What do you think I do to my enemies?" Trunks was dead silent at that, and Vegeta assured him, "It's a joke, Trunks. I had to learn to cook when Tarble was a child. Our father wasn't really around much, nor did he really care about us. If not for your mother and me, Tarble probably would have been left to starve."

Trunks shook his head. "I don't get it. How could someone treat their kids that way? And how did you and Kuriza overcome it? Neither of you are like your fathers."

Vegeta paused for a moment as he considered the question. He began to cut raw meat into slices. "To be honest, on my end, I had my mother for a long time. She acted like a buffer, honestly. She didn't know what my father was involved in until after they were married and she was pregnant with me. That bastard hid it well, and Mother did her best to keep him from fucking me up too much. Then, I also had your mother and our friend, Kakarot. Kuriza, he had you."

"I'm glad you and Mom have each other," Trunks sincerely stated, his shoulders relaxed and eyes more at ease.

Vegeta smiled unabashedly. "I am too."

As part of Trunks's at home healing, his wounds needed to be redressed every day. Vegeta helped Trunks with it; the youth did not want his mother to fuss over him. Trunks even tried to discourage Vegeta, from helping with the bandages to assisting with other things. Of course, Trunks secretly enjoyed his father's attention. It was nice to know that Vegeta would have been a very active parent if he'd been able.

"Suck it up, boy," Vegeta teased, seemingly knowing how Trunks felt. "You literally put yourself in the line of fire, and now you have to suffer the consequences, and that means two overbearing parents."

Trunks snickered, amused. He had to admit his dad had a point. "I know, but just remember I'm not an invalid, okay? At least let me get stuff for myself."

"That is for your mother to determine once she arrives tonight," Vegeta reprimanded.

Trunks sighed, but nodded. He knew he put his mother through hell, not even with just this mission, but with all of them. If he could offer his mother some peace of mind by letting her dote on him, he would have to—as his father put it—suck it up.

There was a knock on the door by the time Vegeta finished bandaging up Trunks. He went to answer his door eagerly; he had an inkling of who it was.

As expected, Bulma waited on the other side. The woman arrived with more of her belongings, a lot more than Vegeta or Trunks expected. They both gawped at her, awaiting an explanation.

"I work from home mostly," Bulma reminded her son. "Given everything that's happened…" She met Vegeta's hopeful yet disbelieving gaze, a look of awe and wonder that made her smile. "I'm needed here."

Vegeta wasted no time as he approached Bulma to take her luggage from her. He gazed into her eyes, his smoldering, and leaned in to whisper, "I'll take this to our room."

Trunks side-eyed his parents, watching their interactions, and smiled lovingly. The way the two looked at each other, like they were the only ones in the room, was awe-inspiring. So much time had passed since the two were together, but they still seemed so very much in love. There was both a childlike giddiness and a serious admiration that consumed Trunks's heart.

After several moments of silence, Trunks cleared his throat and brought his parents back to the present. "So, what do you think we should do for dinner? I think we need to celebrate."

"Our son is right," Vegeta agreed. "You two choose. I'm buying." He gave Bulma a stern glance which left no room for argument.

Bulma blushed, but grinned and kissed Vegeta's cheek. He took her suitcase to his room, and Bulma joined Trunks on the couch. Trunks picked up his button up shirt, slowly put it back on, and made work of the buttons. Bulma noticed that it was a little challenging for her son and sighed. She brushed his hands away and completed the job more quickly.

"How are you doing?" the concerned mother asked.

Trunks offered her a patient and understanding grin. "I'm doing okay, Mom. The pain's lessened, but it's still a little difficult to move around. Dad's been really great. He actually just finished changing my bandages."

Bulma's eyes were alight with thankfulness and love. "I'm glad the two of you have been able to spend time together. I'm so sorry I kept all this from you."

Trunks shook his head. "Don't be. Mom, I'm a cop remember. I know this life, and I know you were both trying to protect me. I'm sorry I made you worry. But I meant what I said. I won't do another undercover assignment."

The mother didn't react much to it. Her aura felt warm and inviting, and she seemed so much more at ease. Trunks never felt this serenity from his mother. She was always calm to an extent, but a part of her was kept hidden away, a part that felt deeply and feared for her lover and their child's future. Now, she didn't have those worries. It was ironic that her demeanor shifted in a similar manner to Vegeta's. Freedom looked good on them.

"Like I said, I will hold you to that," Bulma teased, "but that's the future. I'd like to know more about the past."

Trunks blinked a few times, eyes wide. "Um, what do you mean?"

Bulma leaned back against the couch and relaxed. "I accepted that you wanted to be a cop, and an undercover one at that, but that meant there was a whole side of your life that I didn't know about. That's okay, but I wouldn't be a mother if I wasn't concerned."

Trunks hesitated. "You're talking about why I made this decision, my friendship to Kuriza."

"Not that," Bulma replied. "Well, sort of, but not for the reasons you think. Kuriza is a good man, son, but you've both been through a lot. You kept all your fear and worry for your friend bottled up, and the trauma he went through must have been awful. I know enough about Frieza to know how evil he is. Emotionally, are you both okay?"

Trunks's rigid form slackened. Given what he learned about his mother and father over the last few days, their childhood days and teenage years, Trunks knew his mom would never judge his friend. Still, there was that lingering moment of doubt. Trunks protected Kuriza from that distrust, judgement, and hatred the majority of their lives. No one ever saw him as anything except Frieza Cold's son the first time they met him. It wasn't until Trunks vouched for Kuriza that others would let their guard down around him. His mother, though, was just concerned about the two boys she'd taken care of during their playdates, visits, and sleepovers. Trunks adored that about her, that accepting part of her.

"It was rough, all those years," Trunks admitted. "Kuriza lived in hell every time he was with Frieza, and his mother actually didn't know Frieza all that well. She just assumed he was wealthy and didn't believe he was in the mafia. Kuriza doesn't speak to his mother anymore, and she's never once tried to check in with him since he went to Frieza."

Bulma frowned, and the room grew a few degrees colder. "What an awful woman," she murmured, eyes closed and fists clenched on her lap. She took a deep breath before she regarded Trunks again, her countenance saddened. "I feel so awful for him."

"Don't," Trunks told her with a smile. "He spent more time with us and experienced joy, freedom, and fun with us. I already told him he's a part of this family."

"And he always will be," Bulma agreed. She shook her head and got this dreamy look on her face. "You boys," she murmured fondly. "I'm just so glad you both are safe."

Trunks nodded, eyes serious. "Once Frieza is put away, these nightmares will all be a thing of the past."

Peaceful afternoons were becoming commonplace in the lives of the small family. Bulma continued to work from home, and Vegeta left a lot of the gym business to Goten for the time being. Having both of his parents around provided Trunks with a stability he didn't know he needed. It was nice, not waiting for the other shoe to drop. It made the waiting for Frieza's trial a little more bearable.

One afternoon, while Bulma was out grocery shopping, Trunks and Vegeta played chess in the middle of the living room. Both men were deep in thought as they stared at the board. Sinatra played in the background. Vegeta was very surprised when he learned Trunks was a fan of older music and jazz. He was happy to have something in common with his son.

Back when Vegeta learned of Trunks's music preferences, the two talked about the possibility of catching a live jazz performance at Vegeta's favorite restaurant. Vegeta told his son that he and Bulma used to go back in high school. Trunks seemed even more enthused when he learned this and asked if Mai could join them. His father answered with a nod and said he would be happy to include her.

Ever since Trunks got in touch with his friend and girlfriend, Vegeta noticed how he contacted them every day. Vegeta also noticed something else that Trunks had yet to confide in him and Bulma. It wasn't hard to see the signs of anxiety. Usually, those anxieties were quelled once he spoke with Kuriza and Mai. Other times, family time with his parents eased Trunks. Sometimes, though, Trunks was still shaky afterwards and excused himself to 'go rest'. If that wasn't telling enough, Vegeta accidentally came across anti-anxiety medication when he went to search for Trunks's painkillers. He kept this knowledge to himself. Trunks would come to him or Bulma with this when he was ready.

Until that day, Vegeta planned to offer his son whatever silent support he could. He carefully chose times to ask whether Trunks was feeling okay without making it obvious he knew something was off or seeming like he was hovering over the boy…man. It amazed Vegeta the more he got to know his son, that even as a full-grown man, he retained a childish charm. Trunks was steadfast and brave, but he was also jovial and caring. Vegeta was certain he inherited much of those traits from Bulma.

Distracted, Vegeta made a move. He clacked his queen down on the board while he stared into space. Trunks looked at his father skeptically. "Are you sure you want to make that move?"

Vegeta nodded without looking at the board. He didn't see what was wrong with it until Trunks took his queen with a sneaky knight. "Checkmate." Vegeta looked at the board and realized that Trunks had his pieces cornered. "You okay, Dad? You usually don't make that kind of mistake."

"Just lost in thought," Vegeta replied without elaborating. He met Trunks's gaze and kept the conversation going. "How are you feeling today?"

Trunks leaned back against the couch slowly to be mindful of his injuries. "I can't wait until the trial is over so Kuriza and Mai can come out of hiding."

Vegeta could understand that. Although the situations were different, and Kuriza and Mai had only been at the safe house for a little over a week, Vegeta knew what it was like to be kept from the people he cared about due to this vile lifestyle. Soon enough, Frieza would be put away. It didn't mean he'd be completely neutralized. Vegeta knew more than anyone how people could have men on the inside to pass along their messages and follow their orders. The good news, though, was that the police would be watching Frieza very closely, and all of Frieza's major players were either dead or arrested alongside him. Maybe this was the benefit of going undercover, learning all the major players, and having the inside track.

"I never asked you, but what were your plans for after this case?" Trunks stared at his father and blinked. Vegeta could venture to guess that Trunks never thought beyond this goal. "What do you want for yourself?"

Vegeta learned very quickly just how well-adjusted and on top of his life Trunks was.

"Well, as far as work is concerned, I'm going to keep out of the line of fire for a while. I promised Mom. As far as living arrangements, Kuriza doesn't have a place to go besides the mansion. We kind of anticipated that he'd never be able to set foot there again, so he put his valuables and desired possessions in a storage unit under Mai's name."

Trunks looked away from his father and rested his chin on his hand, a deep worry reflected in his blue eyes. "I figured he and I would get a place together for a while until things start to blow over. He'd be safer that way. I usually stay at Mai's place between assignments, or I would stay with Mom, so I'm kind of all over the place."

In response, Vegeta offered, "Well, you're welcome to stay here as long as you need or want. Besides, I got this place to act as a getaway from my father's mansion. It's small, and if your mother is going to stay with me, I would need to get a bigger place anyway."

Trunks jolted out of his cacophony of thoughts. He looked thrilled at the idea of his parents getting back together after all the years of separation. "Are you?"

Vegeta anticipated some level of enthusiasm from his son, but not this childlike glee. The father smirked and said, "We've been talking about it. Obviously, there's a lot that needs to happen. I want to make damn well sure all the rats from the Ouji organization are in jail before we move forward. Frieza's men, too. But it's a possibility now."

Trunks rested against the couch and let himself get comfortable as he snuggled into the dark fabric. "I'm happy for you guys," Trunks expressed. "For all of us. We get to be a real family."

The officer started to drift off, his painkillers kicking in. Vegeta watched Trunks for a while, reassured when he saw a peaceful smile on his kid's face. Trunks deserved this rest. He succeeded in helping his friend, and thanks to his sacrifices, his own family could be complete.

Vegeta stood up and left the room to retrieve a dark blue throw blanket. He covered Trunks carefully so as not to disturb him and then placed his hand on his head.

"It's all thanks to you," Vegeta murmured fondly. "You did all this. You should be proud."

Bulma looked up at a tall, familiar building. She clutched her purse and gritted her teeth. After all these years, she was nervous to face what was behind those doors, but she swallowed down those anxieties and entered the building. There were lots of people littering the main floor. The crowd was a bit much, but it kept attention off of Bulma as she moved through the busy sea. The blue-headed woman made it to the elevator; she hit the button for the tenth floor.

When the doors opened, Bulma timidly walked out. Her head turned to the left, and she was met with the sight of her sister's newspaper company, The West City Times. Bulma carefully dodged the frenzied people with papers and ended up in the far back of the floor, right outside her sister's office.

Tights was at her computer, typing away. The blonde chewed on her pencil, a habit Bulma adopted as her own, a nervous habit that helped them concentrate. Then, Tights leaned back in her chair and sighed. She immediately noticed Bulma, was stunned, and went stark silent.

Bulma awkwardly approached her sister. Her body trembled as she took a seat across from her older sister. "Hey, Tights," she greeted.

Tights looked devastated. "Oh my God…no. Did something happen to him?"

"Him?" Bulma repeated questioningly.

"Your son," Tights elaborated.

Bulma relaxed and let out a laugh that sounded more like a sigh of relief. "Trunks is fine. Surprised you didn't hear it on the news. Frieza is in custody. It's over."

"Oh, thank God," Tights replied, her hand clutching her chest, her eyes averted. She looked back at Bulma as if she were looking at a ghost. "I thought… I was afraid you'd…"

"I'm…" Bulma began, but then looked away. "A lot of stuff happened back in the day. I… Tights, I didn't handle anything well. I'm sorry I made you worry. I just… I couldn't face you. I felt like a failure."

Tights stood up and moved around her desk. When she reached Bulma, she knelt down, stroked Bulma's hair, and placed a loose strand behind her ear. "Bulma, you're my baby sister. You could never be a failure in my eyes, no matter what. We all 'fail' sometimes, but I don't think you did. I'm sure there's a lot we need to talk about, but I'm not going anywhere. I'm hoping you won't be either."

Bulma shook her head and sniffled. She flashed her sister a watery smile. "I won't be. I'm here to stay. And boy, do I have a story to tell you."

A/N: Yay! Lots of family bonding in this chapter, and Bulma and Tights finally reunited. I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Until next time!

daughterofrisingsun: I'm glad you enjoyed last chapter. Thank you so much for your continued support and enthusiastic reviews :) They make me happy ^_^