Bulma was laying in bed with her body wrapped around her husband. His head was carefully tucked under her chin. Something about her heartbeat being the only sound that could rock him to sleep made that their go-to position in bed. It made her smile. She was honored that she alone was able to see how quickly Vegeta had learned to express himself. Even if it was just around her. That love and devotion that Vegeta hid from all others made her wonder if Chi-Chi experienced it as well. It was no secret that Goku lacked most of his saiyan instincts, and he was no Shakespeare either. Did she feel as loved as Bulma did?

She thought back to an argument they had a long time ago, where she demanded a "real" explanation behind Vegeta's insane desire to one-up Goku. That had brought about a lesson on "claims". Vegeta mentioned that, since the saiyans were a warrior race, there were a few things they evolved in order to keep the saiyan race prosperous.

First was the need to better themselves. Since they were constantly in battle, the saiyans had to constantly keep up their training and ensure that they never get overpowered. That was what led to them being enslaved by Frieza and his family. Their bodies changed to fix this by allowing them to grow stronger after being healing, as well as allowing them to claim a soulmate. Unlike the human term, saiyan soulmates were polar opposites to each other and held no romantic influences. These were just two beings that felt a drive to best each other. Keeping them hungry for battle and ensuring that they continued to train and keep themselves in top shape.

The enslaved prince had never needed anything like that while he worked under Frieza. His determination to exact revenge on the tyrant was enough to keep him in a pursuit for power. After Vegeta believed Frieza had perished in the Namek incidents, his reason to keep fighting disappeared. Goku was also absent during that time and Vegeta was a little shaken at having to relocate on Earth. However, as soon as Goku returned, and Vegeta was sure that Frieza had died, he made sure to claim Goku as his soulmate. Ensuring that he never again fell into such a lethargic spell.

Well, so long as Goku stayed alive. When Goku decided to remain dead after the Cell Games, Vegeta had once again lost himself. That was where the second claim helped.

Again, because saiyans were a warrior race, it was no surprise when a soulmate died without the other. It was actually a very common experience and, just as Vegeta learned first-hand, could be a real problem. Saiyans then developed the ability to claim a life mate.

That was what Bulma had become, Vegeta's life mate. Simply put, Vegeta had devoted his life to her. While he trained to dominate over Goku, he trained just as much to ensure that Bulma would be safe. He had then developed the impulse to jump in and give his life for her. Something he would never do for Goku, though he would ensure to keep Goku safe so that he still had his reason to keep bettering himself. No, Bulma held a special importance to him. That much was clear the moment Beerus hit her. His power spiking as his baser instincts to protect her kicked in.

She was sure Goku never felt anything like that. He could switch sparring partners without care, and Vegeta had never driven him to try harder once Goku surpassed him after their first encounter. It had Bulma wondering if that meant the claims were exclusively for saiyan royalty, but Vegeta had explained them as though every saiyan went through them. Perhaps it was that rewiring of his system that Goku suffered as a child that had deleted his capability to claim mates.

She glanced down at her husband's serene expression and smiled. Her hand combing through his hair. Despite how it looked, saiyans hair always had such a silky texture. "You gonna tell Trunks about the claims?"

Vegeta grunted. Half asleep already and annoyed he was being asked to wake up for conversation. "Why?"

"Well, because he's in love with Goten?"

"And?"

Bulma huffed. "And Goten might be both mates to him?" She felt Vegeta tense.

Vegeta had only ever heard myths and rumors of partners being both mates to each other. It was so rare to hold any romantic inclination to your opposite, but Vegeta knew that Bulma had a point. The soul bond he created with Goku should have passed on to their first borns. However, as Gohan had already been born before the bond was made, the connection would have instead transferred over to Goten. While being both mates was not an issue by itself, the fact remained that Vegeta had no idea what would happen if one of them perished. When Goku died, Vegeta had lost any will to continue fighting, but he remained in shape and continued training due to his life mate. He still had another reason to keep going, but if Goten and Trunks were both mates to each other…

"Fuck." He grumbled as he gently untangled himself from his wife. He sat up against the headboard and grasped at his head. "I'd rather not."

"Why? Cause you have to—"

"Not another word," he hissed at his wife.

She simply shrugged and gave him a knowing smirk.

He hated when she won. Even something as trivial as having him admit to something they both knew embarrassed him. "Sometimes I wonder if maybe you're my opposite instead."

Bulma chuckled as she moved to crawl over her husband. Straddling him in bed. "We're too alike." She purred as she tilted her head to nip at his neck. "That's why I'm the only one who understands you."

Vegeta smirked at his wife. Already feeling the affects of her ministrations. "Watch yourself. Last time you got pissed because you couldn't move the next day."

Bulma shivered at the memory. "Gods, it was worth it, though."

They met in a languid kiss. Both teasing the other. Trying to get the other to lose it first and initiate more intimate activities.

Vegeta managed to pull a sigh out of Bulma as his hand slid down her back. Stopping to grip her hip tightly. His thumb pressing into the sensitive spot he loved to exploit there. Her sigh slid into a hum as she bit her lip. Her husband's mouth already lowering to taste more of her. "You can't avoid it forever. You'll have to tell them soon."

"Don't think about our children while I'm trying to put more in you."

She giggled at his wording. Leave it to Vegeta to have a breeding kink. "Not sure I can do that," she smirked. "Maybe you'll need to distract me."

Not one to back down from a challenge, Vegeta pulled her down for another kiss. This one heated with slight desperation. Her eyes widened as she felt his hand lower. His calloused fingers doing wonders as they entered her. "I can do that."

That he could.

Chi-Chi remained in the kitchen long after her son had gone to bed. Her mind swirling with concern and self-hatred. She was always aware of how stern she could be with her children. Even Goku would shrink away from her outbursts. She never meant to hurt or scare her family, and yet she had. She had not always been so strict, though. Back when she and Goku met, Chi-Chi had a much more demure nature. A fighter, sure, but a shy one that scared easily. She had tried to maintain that personality as the years went on, but it caved so easily after her reunion with Goku. Irked further when he had been unable to recognize her

She should have expected as much. The man really only ever thought about fighting. Their first date as children had been a sparring match, after all. If you could call it that, she thought bitterly. After Goku had admitted he had no idea what marriage was, and that he had only agreed to it since he thought it was some sort of food, Chi-Chi knew that the date was a memory only she cherished.

The princess looked down at the only image she had of their wedding day. Goku looked rather confused and bothered by her kiss. It had made her laugh in the past. A man who had no idea what lip contact meant or what its purpose was. Now, however, it hurt.

Thankfully, neither of her children had inherited that from their father. Gohan had met Videl and, despite having tried to keep a platonic friendship, was able to eventually acknowledge his feelings for her. They had married and now he was devoted to and utterly captivated by his wife and daughter. Chi-Chi had noticed as much during their teen years and had tried to put a wall between the two of them. Fearing that Videl would corrupt her son and introduce him to acts even she would never experiment with her own husband. Still, Gohan had fallen for her hard. Damn those saiyan genes!

Goten, on the other hand, had found a much sweeter girl. Chi-Chi was excited for him as Valese was a gorgeous young lady who only had eyes for Goten. Even when she tried to show off her wealth and keep Goten's attention on her alone, Goten had cherished her any chance he could. Regardless, Chi-Chi understood why Valese felt inferior to Trunks. Her conversation with Bulma from so many years ago flooded back into her mind.

Their sons had rushed up to Trunks' room. Eager to try a new video game Bulma had bought her son. The heiress smiled as she watched the two boys disappear and gave a soft sigh. "Who do you think will wear the white tux?"

"What?" Chi-Chi glanced over at her friend. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, come on Chi-Chi. Don't tell me you don't notice how inseparable those two are."

"They're practically brothers, Bulma. That's disgusting."

The blue-haired woman rolled her eyes. "You just wait. I bet we'll be hearing about their engagement as soon as they find out what marriage is."

"They're not even ten yet!"

"Which is why they haven't said anything," Bulma laughed. "Trunks is highly possessive of Goten, and Goten will do anything if it makes Trunks happy. If anything, I say they were made for each other. Maybe that's why you and I got pregnant so close together."

Chi-Chi rolled her eyes at her friend. Sure, it was a coincidence that she had gotten pregnant a second time. After all, Goku never seemed too fond of sexual activity. His stamina instead used for training and fighting. Still, to think that fate was involved was really out there. "Whatever you say. My son would never agree to marry a delinquent like your son."

"Are you really still doubting his natural hair color?! Haven't you met my dad already?"

"Of course, I have! I meant all those pranks he pulls."

"They pull, Chi-Chi. Goten helps him with those." Bulma deadpanned. She found it really annoying whenever Chi-Chi tried to pin all the troublemaking on her son. Goten was just as guilty, and Bulma knew it. She had overheard him fixing a plan Trunks proposed on how to get 18 to dye her hair black. Something about Krillin never knowing the difference.

"My Goten only does as he's told because he's a good boy. He still has a hard time knowing the difference between right and wrong."

"Sure." Bulma rolled her eyes again and took a sip from her coffee. "You aren't denying there's something there just because they're both boys, right?" Noticing the way Chi-Chi tensed and refused to answer had Bulma heaving a frustrated sigh. "Of course. Look, Chi-Chi. I hope you know there's nothing wrong in liking who you want. They're best friends. Their lives literally revolve around each other and nothing else. If, and when, they decide to come out, you better be smiling with them! I can ruin your life, and you know it!"

Chi Chi growled. While she certainly hated the fact that Bulma had been able to see through her so easily, she had been much more annoyed by her own reaction. Just why did it bother her so much?

Goku would never see anything wrong in a relationship between Trunks and Goten. The man held no prejudices and had a ridiculous amount of skin ship with other men himself. Not in the same way he did with her, but his dense nature around romantic probably meant he treated her just the same as anyone else. Even with a few benefits as his "wife". No, Goku would have no issues in congratulating the two boys. Which was exactly why Chi-Chi felt it necessary to highlight the fact that Goten already had a girlfriend.

That failed miserably. Even before Goten had cleared up the misunderstanding, Chi-Chi noticed how Goku regretted their approach. While not a fan of cheating, which she had learned about when Bulma first broke up with Yamcha with that accusation, Goku was even less of a fan of forcing people into something they never wanted. Goku probably saw Goten cheating as his final straw. Their son's inability to hide his real self any longer. A direct hit to Goku's heart. So, when Goten did clear up the misunderstanding, Goku made sure his son understood how supportive he would be.

Chi-Chi could only lie. Forcing a smile that told her son all would be fine when, in fact, she wished he had stayed with the nice girl. She knew how selfish that was, of course. Which was why she now sat alone in the kitchen. Hating herself.

"Chi?"

She jumped at her husband's voice. Not noticing the sunlight that was already filtering in through the kitchen window. "Oh, Goku. I didn't hear you come in."

His brows furrowed. "You never came to bed."

For the second time after she sat down, Chi-Chi cursed those saiyan genes. "I've had a lot on my mind."

"Is it about Goten? I don't think he lied to us. He must've really broken up with his girlfriend before he and Trunks got together."

"Right. Of course." She forced another smile that never reached her eyes, and Goku noticed.

"What is it?"

"Hm? It's nothing."

He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the counter. "I may not always notice things, but you can't lie to me, Chi."

Oh, how she hoped that held a special meaning. She shook that thought out of her head and smiled.

"I'm sorry, Goku. I'm just tired."

"You didn't go to bed because you were thinking. What about?"

Chi-Chi huffed at his tone. Sometimes, her husband was just a bit too perceptive. "Nothing, alright? I was just thinking."

"Chi." Goku continued to insist. He could be just as stubborn as her. Especially whenever he was worried.

Finally, frustrated with the unexpected interrogation, Chi-Chi stood up and faced her husband. "I'm not okay! I'm not okay with what happened! I'm not okay with Goten being with Trunks! I'm not okay with two men dating, alright?!"

Goku froze. It was obvious by his expression that her sudden outburst had him flustered. He tried to pull words together but was only able to form, "what? But you said it was fine."

"Well, I lied," Chi-Chi grumbled. "It should be fine. I know that, but it's not. Not with me." Tears finally came to her eyes, and she whipped her face around. Trying to hide her shame. "I grew up believing that it was always a man and a woman. Always. There were no exceptions. Now, my son is an exception, and I can't even feel happy for him!"

Goku pursed his lips as he watched his wife shudder. Broken sobs wracking her body despite her efforts to contain herself. He looked away, unsure if he even knew how to comfort her. Especially not now when their views seemed to completely oppose each other. He scratched the back of his neck and carefully pieced together his next sentences. "He's not an exception, Chi. There are no rules in love." His eyes slide back over to her. Noticing the hesitation in her. He caught her attention. "If there were, then I don't think we fit those rules. Do we?"

She froze. All her insecurities in their marriage knocking the wind out of her at once.

Noticing her fear, Goku tried to amend his mistake with a small smile. "We didn't get married the way other people do. I never proposed because I liked you or because I wanted to start a family. I just kept a promise."

No.

"I didn't even recognize you at the tournament. Though, you gotta give me some credit, you were dressed completely different from when we last saw each other." He let out a small chuckle. Clearing his throat when he noticed that his amusement was not shared. "Um, and I was annoyed when you started to get all clingy. It was a bit hard to walk with you hanging off my arm all the time."

Stop.

"But you still stuck around. Then we went on all those adventures together, and I liked that. I liked it a lot, really."

Chi-Chi finally found the courage to turn and face her husband.

He shrugged with a hand behind his neck. "I don't think we saiyans know how to love the way humans do. Even with head trauma." He laughed. Offering his hand out to her. Glad to see she took it, even while hesitating a bit. "But that doesn't mean we don't know how to love at all."

She gaped at the hand. Not knowing what to do with it.

Goku chuckled at her reaction and gently moved to hold her other hand. "We don't have rules. It isn't just one or the other. We don't care if it's a guy or a girl because there can only be one." Swiftly, he pulled her into a hug. "At least, that's what Vegeta says. Saiyans like strong people, and I don't think that girl was strong enough for Goten."

Chi-Chi managed to giggle at that thought. "No. She did look really fragile."

Goku beamed and pulled away to look at her face. "Exactly! I doubt she could handle a date like ours."

Red blossomed on Chi-Chi's face. "Date?"

It was Goku's turn to burn at his words. "Uh, yeah. Goten told me you said our outing was a date. When we were kids?"

She gaped at her husband. "You remember?"

"Well, yeah. I had a lot of fun that day! I'd never been able to spar with a girl before. Especially not one my age. It was great!"

Chi-Chi smiled at her husband. "It was." She then turned to where she knew her son was sleeping. "I want him to be happy, Goku. I really do. I don't want him to know I don't approve. I," she sighed, "I want to accept him, and Trunks."

"You mean it?" Goten peeked around a corner. His face once again cautious as he knew how his mom really felt now.

A fresh wave of shame crashed into her as she caught sight of her son. "Goten. I—"

"Do you mean it?" He said a bit more firmly.

Chi-Chi opened her mouth to say that it was nothing, but she closed it. She hung her head. "I'm sorry."

"Sorry?" Goten bit his lip. "I'm not happy that you can't accept me but," he smiled at his mom, "I'm happy that you're trying—oof!" He was suddenly crushed in his mom's arms.

"I hope you know I love you," she sobbed. "I want you to be happy."

"I am happy, mom," Goten chuckled. "What made you think I wasn't?"

"I-I don't know."

Both Goku and Goten laughed at her answer. "Gods, mom. I don't think I'm happier with anyone who isn't Trunks. He's my best friend. We do everything together."

"I don't want you becoming a delinquent!"

This had Goten rolling his eyes. "He's not a delinquent mom. Trunks is the smartest guy I know, and he's going to run Capsule Corp. one day. You know how Bulma is. I doubt she would've let Trunks run the company if she thought he wasn't able to handle it."

Goten had a point. Bulma and Vegeta both had their faults. Their stubborn characters and quick tempers made it hard to see them as good people at times. Especially with the long list of Vegeta's past crimes. That bias had Chi-Chi unfairly placing Trunks in the same light. Bred from the same awful genes that had threatened the man she loved time and time again. Even Gohan had been forced to face the wicked prince from time to time. It bothered to see her youngest get so close to that man while her husband was absent. It bothered her more to know her son held romantic feelings for that man's child.

Still, she would be a liar if she said that the boy's future-self fell short of what she considered to be good husband material. Future Trunks was courteous, respectful, and kind. A family man just like her husband. One who fought for those who were unable to and did so by giving more than his all. The one that grew up with Goten, however, had turned out more like his father. A cunning little trickster with a pride rivaled only by that of his parents'.

"I still don't like him."

Goten sighed. "Give him a chance, mom. He's really an amazing guy. He's, well, everything to me." He gave his mom a sheepish smile.

Chi-Chi recognized that smile. It was the same one Gohan had when he first noticed his feelings for Videl. A lazy, crooked grin that appeared every time she was reminded of how much she loved Goku. It was a smile that proved her son had not made this decision on a whim. She sighed. "I promise to work on accepting him.

"Thanks mom." Goten gave her a soft squeeze before heading for the door. "You promised him lunch, remember?"

"Yes, yes." She rolled her eyes but smiled. "Go get him. I'll make lunch."

"Yes ma'am!" Goten giggled before heading off to find his best friend.

"If I didn't know any better, Chi, I'd think you just don't like Goten being with Trunks. You sure you mind him being with guys?"

"I," she blinked and looked up at her husband. "Just when did you get so perceptive?"

Goku laughed and came up from behind her. Surprising her with a hug that had him resting his chin on her shoulder. "I'm not blind, Chi. I just have a hard time understanding subtle things."

"I see." She turned in his arms and placed a small peck on his cheek. "I'll cook you some breakfast."

"No way. You didn't sleep last night. Go rest. I'll go hunt something and get it ready for you, instead."

Chi-Chi thanked her husband and walked him to the door before heading to their room. It was times like these when she wondered if Bulma would ever feel quite as cared for as she did. It was no secret that neither of the two saiyan men were romantic, but Goku at least took care of her and tried to be gentle with her despite his unfathomable strength. From what she knew of the saiyan prince, Vegeta could be quite irritable and had a harsh exterior. Still, there had to be another reason as to why the corporate queen took in such a prickly husband besides Yamcha's affairs. I wonder what that is.

"Hello, brat." Vegeta eyed Goten as he opened the door.

Despite having grown up with the man, Goten suddenly felt highly intimidated. More so than usual. "H-Hey Vegeta. Is Trunks here?"

"Aren't you a Saiyan? Can't you sense his ki?"

"Oh, uh, yeah. Um, I guess I meant, can I see him?"

"You have eyes."

Goten forced his smile. "Yes. I do."

"Alright! Stop teasing him!" He could hear Bulma's voice from inside. She suddenly appeared from behind her husband. She smiled brightly at the boy she partially helped raise. "Hey, Goten. Come on in!" When Vegeta still refused to move, she rolled her eyes and moved to whisper something in his ear. Whatever it was, Bulma had managed to get Vegeta to move away from the door. Allowing Goten entrance.

"Thanks." He glanced around the house. HE had grown up there. Saw it practically every day of his life, but it still felt so new. With his newfound feelings for Trunks, Goten had noticed that everything in his life had a different lighting to it. Almost like it was all shifted slightly. Not a new scene, but not exactly familiar either. "Um, I guess I should just—"

"Sit down." Bulma called out over her shoulder casually as she poured herself coffee. "You can wait to see Trunks. You're a bit early, anyways. Not sure he's awake yet."

Goten tensed. He recognized that tone of hers. Bulma wanted to talk. "Y-Yes ma'am." He took his seat at the dining table.

"Good choice." She smirked at him before taking the seat across the table. After a few sips, she set down her mug and glanced up at him. Her smile now gone. "So, you and Trunks decided to try and date. Is it serious?"

Shocked, Goten found his mind blank. He had expected Bulma to jump with joy, or congratulate them, or joke about how they should still wear a condom, but not interrogate him. He had never even considered that possibility. If anything, he would have expected it from Vegeta. "U-Um, yes?"

Wrong answer. She quirked a brow up at him. "Are you questioning or answering?"

Her cold eyes had Goten frozen in place. "Y-Yes. I mean, yes. It's serious."

"Really? Even if you're not sure how you feel yet?" Bulma noticed the guilt that spread on Goten's face and sighed. At least he's thinking about it. "Goten, you've been a part of my life since you were born. You're like a second son to me and, if the roles were reversed, you can rest assured I'd be beating Trunks half to death for not setting the record straight ahead of time, but they're not. You're the one who's confused and, while I can definitely find a way to beat you to high hell and back, I won't." She swished her coffee around for a pause. "Trunks told me that you're not sure of what you feel for him, and as his mom I can't let you go in knowing he can come out hurt. So, I'm asking you to be honest with me: are you sincerely going to give him a chance?"

Had he been asked that a day before, Goten may have never found an answer. However, the more he thought about it after how things went down with his parents, the more confident Goten had become in his answer. One that should have been blatantly obvious to him from the start. "I'm not just going to give him a chance, Bulma. He's my best friend. I," he bit his lip in thought, "I don't think either of us are coming out of this okay if it fails." He shrugged as he felt his cheeks burn. "I don't think anyone has this effect on me. At least, not anyone other than Trunks."

Bulma was pleased and gave him a knowing smile. "Well, good! Trunks is locked in his room, by the way." She pulled out a key. Making Goten blush from the area she pulled it out of. "Go save your boyfriend."

Goten's face burned a deeper crimson at the title. Boyfriend. A giddy smile appeared on his face that made his voice tremble. "T-Thanks, Bulma." He took the key and turned to get Trunks.

"Oh, one other thing." Bulma took another sip of her coffee before continuing. "You both need to come back. You only heard me talk. He has two parents, you know."

Goten swallowed thickly. Great.