The next chapter is up! Enjoy :)

Aimee was awoken when she heard the door to her pod open. She was momentarily blinded by sunlight when she felt hands firmly wrap around her arms and carefully haul her out of the small space pod. When her vision adjusted, she was met with surprised yet concerned coal colored eyes.

"How did you manage to use one of these pods?" Was the first thing out of Vegeta's mouth.

"Hello to you too, Vegeta." Aimee said.

He was shoved out of the way before he could say anything else and someone wrapped their arms around her and pulled her in for a tight hug.

"Aimee! Thank god your alive and safe!" Bulma exclaimed.

The petite brunette slowly wrapped her arms around the taller older woman and returned the hug. She squeezed her eyes shut as tears threatened to spill down her cheeks. After all this time, she was finally home. It felt odd and surreal. But welcoming all the same.

"It's certainly great to be home again. I missed you guys." Aimee replied.

Eventually, Bulma pulled back and looked her over. The young woman appeared to be physically fine. Yet, there were so many questions that needed answering. Before they get to that though, Bulma wants to get Aimee situated and give her some new clothes. One the way into the house, Bulma was practically chewing her ear off. She was also met halfway by Trunks who was happy to see she was back and ok.

Bulma still had Aimee's things from before she was taken. All of her clothes were still kept in drawers in a guestroom and clean. So she left Aimee to change and then she mentioned something about making her something to eat. The young woman slipped on some cotton capris and a t-shirt, before meeting up with everyone downstairs.

All eyes were on her when she walked out onto the large balcony. She noticed that the pod had landed in the backyard, leaving a decent size crater. Aimee was relieved it didn't land in the house and damaged it. The house was fine and was not affected from the pods landing in the large backyard. Bulma's parents were happy to see their young friend was ok. Everyone was, though it didn't stop Vegeta from shooting her questioning looks on how she was able to manage to come back.

Somehow, Aimee found that this all maybe going to be hard to explain. Not just how she manage to find her way back either, but the whole story from the very beginning to the end. She also felt it will take a long while to explain everything. Bulma told her she really didn't have to talk about it right now if she wasn't up for it. The Capsule Corp. Heiress knew her young friend went through a lot.

Apparently though, one individual in particular wasn't keen on waiting for answers. Vegeta wanted to know what went down. By now, Goku was here and he too wanted to know what happened. Bulma tried to tell the two saiyans to give Aimee some time and space. But the younger woman said she was fine with answering some of the questions.

She started out with when she was kidnapped by two alien men who turned out to be part of the Frieza Force. Apparently, they were sent there to retrieve Bulma's Super Dragon Ball Radar. But the attempt was botched and when she caught them, they took her for collateral damage. Surprisingly, that was the least hardest part to talk about.

The story started getting harder to get out once she had to go into detail about her time spent aboard the Main Ship with the tyrant. Of course, she didn't tell them about the times Frieza and her were intimate. Aimee also didn't want to divulge into the fact that he initially kept her as his 'plaything.' Instead, she just told them he kept her as a captive. Something she was rather brief about afterwards and didn't want to delve too much into.

Not only would it make everyone even more pissed at the tyrant but in a way, Aimee also wanted to protect him, and not paint him out as the bad guy so much. She was later able to incorporate that into her story when she had to bring up what she considers the most painful time up in space. When she was kidnapped yet again by someone Frieza had connections with.

Aimee had to choke back tears and the lump in her throat when she talked about her horrific time spent on Planet Tyrek. Even then, she felt like she had been vague. mainly for the fact that it was not only appropriate to delve more into because there were kids present during her explanation. But because it in fact really was painful for her.

She was also a little unsure of at first how to explain to them all that Frieza had in fact found her and saved her. Something she knew they may have a hard time believing. Because, when did the Universe's Evil Emperor ever saved anyone? They all seemed rather surprised when she did eventually tell them that part. But no one was the bigger skeptic and had a harder time believing that bit of information then the Saiyan Prince himself.

He just couldn't begin to comprehend why his former Master would go through such great lengths to save a human captive of his. It made him believe there had to be more to it than Aimee led on. Vegeta would've called her out on it too and demand she tell them more. Except he couldn't, because he knew Bulma would be on his case if he made the young woman spill her guts even more than she already has to them.

By the end, Aimee was having a very difficult time explaining how she managed to make it back to Earth. She felt like they wouldn't have believed her if she told them that he let her go. If anything, they already thought she had just managed to escape him somehow. This was something she actually didn't want to have to explain to everyone all at once.

If anything, she really rather explain it to one person. At least at fist. Aimee knew Bulma and her parents the longest out of everyone else there. So she feels this is a part of her story she may want to confide in Bulma with in private. Because, Aimee knew it would just leave everyone baffled and in complete disbelief. That plus, she knew it would lead to her being bombarded with even more questions. Especially, the one she would dread answering the most. And that is; Why?

By the time Aimee explained everything she could, she held off on explaining the ending, and claimed she was too tired to explain anymore.

"The important thing is; I'm back. I know you all want to know how that is. But right now, my head is spinning from telling this whole story, and answering all the questions that come with it. It's also emotionally draining, especially when there are parts I just want to forget and not talk about again. So please, can we just be done for the day with this story? I swear one of these days I'll be able to tell you the rest. Just not at this moment." Aimee said.

Luckily, they all seemed quite understanding and said they didn't need to know anymore at the current time. They were all just glad that she was back. Aimee was actually a little sore and bruised from the bear hugs she got from Goku, Goten, and Trunks. At least Gohan, ChiChi, and Videl were way more gentle in that aspect. In the end, it was just nice to sit down with everyone that afternoon for lunch. In which, there was tons of food like always.

Yet, even with all the excitement a few of them could see that Aimee didn't look extremely thrilled. Which was odd for them, because they thought someone in her situation would be completely elated to have been back home. It wasn't hard to notice at times that her smile didn't reach her eyes. The ones who seemed to notice this was Bulma, Vegeta, and Gohan.

While Goku and the others seemed a bit oblivious to her out of place behavior. And for good reason, Aimee was doing pretty well at concealing how she really feels. Bulma knew her for a very long time and knows her well enough to know when something is bothering her. Gohan noticed because he's just always been very aware when it came to these things. And Vegeta...well, it was more like he was just suspicious if anything.

But Aimee's biggest challenge yet, was getting ahold of her Grandparents to let them know she was fine. They seemed quite frantic when she got them on the phone and stated that they were coming to South City right away. By the time they get off the phone with each other, she had a fresh batch of tears rolling down her cheeks. Talking with them made her realize just how much she missed them. They practically raised her after all and were her closest family.

She just felt like she'd been on the biggest emotional rollercoaster all day. Bulma told her to just take it easy and try to relax. Aimee was home now and no one was going to hurt her. It still bothers her too, that by the end of her story everyone still believed majority of her nightmare had to do with time spent with Frieza. When in truth, that wasn't the case at all. At least not towards the middle and the end of her time in space with him.

By the end of the evening is when everyone started heading home. For some reason, Aimee couldn't help but feel relieved when they did. It's not that she didn't miss them or wanted to spend time with all of them. It was just overwhelming with all the eyes and attention on her plus having to tell her story and answer multiple questions from them all.

She let out a sigh of relief when the last of the group finally left. It didn't pass Bulma's attention either. Perhaps she did jump the gun a bit with informing everyone right away and then having all of them rush over to her house to see Aimee. She could also see it overwhelmed her friend quite a bit too. The blue haired scientist was just so happy to have her friend back that she didn't stop to think how Aimee was really doing emotionally. For all she knew, the young woman could've been traumatized from the whole ordeal.

If this is truly the case for Aimee, then Bulma feels they should start taking things more slowly with her. She just hopes Vegeta won't keep nagging the poor girl for more answers. He was clearly disappointed when Aimee didn't go too in depth with what happened between her and the tyrant. Nor disclose her mysterious arrival back to Earth in one of the ship's single manned space pods.

Once Bulma and her Mom finished off the remainder of the dishes, she found herself in the living room. She saw Aimee sitting on the couch holding a pillow to her front, and appeared deep in thought. In fact, she was so transfixed in her thoughts that she didn't realize when Bulma came to sit beside her on the couch. She jumped slightly with a gasp when Bulma put a hand on her upper arm.

"Sorry, Sweetie. I know I've already asked you this if you were ok about a thousand times today. But I can't help but notice you really don't seem to be. Like there is a battle raging in your mind or something. Either way, you just don't seem as excited you would be about being back home." The older woman said.

Aimee closes her eyes with a sigh.

"There is a lot going on with me. But I'm not sure I'm really ready to explain anymore right now. All I can say is, when I am ready, you will be the first to know. I just...feel like I need more time at the moment." Aimee replied.

"I understand completely. You talk when your ready. Don't make yourself talk if it seems like you will just be reliving that nightmare all over again. It was clear as day earlier when you were discussing certain parts to your story that you barely made it through it before you'd break down and cry. Probably should of just told you then that it was ok to stop talking about it." Bulma said.

The young woman just shrugs, "It's fine, figured everyone wanted answers. Which is only natural given the circumstances and the fact that I was gone for a long time. I wouldn't be too surprised if everyone thought I was dead during the time."

Bulma flinches when she says that. Though it sadly wasn't all that far from the truth. Aimee had been gone for around a year and no one knew nor could imagine what had happened within all that time. They all just believed that she endured hell the entire time. Which turned out to be quite true when Aimee did explain most of the story. They could only hope that she can heal after the whole ordeal.

"It still didn't stop us from trying to look for you. I know Goku felt really guilty because he couldn't get a lock on Frieza's energy because he was moving around so much within that time. Still, it didn't stop him from continuing to try." She explained.

Aimee gave her a soft smile, "I really appreciate that you all did try. And despite my rollercoaster of emotions, I am happy to be back." She paused on what she was going to say next.

"Though, I'm not sure I'll be going home for a while. I think I may find a place here to rent out. Because here, I at least have family friends close by. In Hawaii, it was just me by myself. And as much as I love it there, I kind of felt isolated and alone from everyone too. I guess at this time what I'm trying to say is; I don't want to be alone." Aimee confessed.

Her confession was true, but there was another reason for staying her in South City too. Though she's not willing to divulge any of that info to Bulma or any of the others. Deep down, Aimee truly hopes Frieza will come back to her. Seeing as she was taken from here and he seems to know this area, it's why she wants to stay for when and if he hopefully returns. She worries if she were to go back home to Hawaii he wouldn't be able to find her again. Or if he does somehow manage to track her down that his appearance will cause for public panic there.

It's no secret that here in this city, people are not as perturbed to alien beings walking about. Otherwise people like Piccolo and Majin Buu would've been carted off to some place like Area 51 a long time ago. The saiyans and their families too, if people knew they weren't human as well.

Bulma smiles back, "Who says anything about renting? I can give you a capsule home and you can set up wherever you want. Including by the water or woods. Since I know your not exactly a big city girl. And you still wouldn't be all that far from any of us."

The young woman was touched by the offer. Though she didn't want to take anything from Bulma, especially something as big as a capsule home. Aimee would've gladly just rented out a place somewhere nearby. But she knew the blue haired scientist for so long that she knew she wouldn't take 'No' for answer. If Bulma Briefs offers you something, your better off accepting it.

"Thanks, Bulma. I think I will take you up on that offer." She says.

"No problem, Hun. You don't have to move in right away though. You can stay here for as long as you need. Take everything one step at a time." Bulma replied.

They continued chatting for a little while longer until they decided to retire for the night.

Aimee entered one of the guestrooms and closed the door behind her. Her things were still set up in the bureau and she pulled out some comfy clothes to sleep in. Around five minutes later she was turning off the lights and crawling under the covers. Hopefully she can sleep. She may have been physically exhausted but her mind was still somewhat running amok.

She couldn't tear her gaze away from the bright full moon taking up residence in the darkened sky. Yes, she was happy to be finally home. But her heart was aching, and still longing for the one she left behind. Aimee hopes that Frieza will keep his word and find a way to see her. Things may have not started out great between them. But later on, she could feel herself developing a special bond with the pint size tyrant.

Aimee had relationships in the past. But they never lasted and she felt like none of her past boyfriends ever really understood her or saw her for who she really was. Not like Frieza did. There were times she felt like she could be herself around him. And she noticed how different he was behind closed doors when it was just them. It seems as they grew close, she saw a whole other side to him. Not a tyrant or monster. But a man who just had his emotions buried deep under layers of ice. Ice she has managed to chip away little by little during her time aboard with him.

At the time, she didn't know how much she had chipped away. Until he went through great lengths to rescue her and save her life. Aimee closes her eyes and thinks back to the very last image she has of him. His emotions were clear as day as she saw his face one last time through the tinted window of the pod. The very same emotions she was feeling at the time, anguish and heartache. But what stood out to her most of all was the emotion she saw in his eyes as they shared one last kiss.

Aimee didn't have to dig too deep to see that it was; Love. And that is what made her departure even more painful. Tears rolled down her cheeks for what had to be the hundredth time that day and didn't stop until she managed to fall asleep.

Until Next Time ;)