'Vegan? We didn't expect you back.' Dr. Briefs said.

Mrs. Briefs threw her arms around me and squeezed me tight. Bloomer and Kakarott's heads flew in my direction, as did their mates; they gaped while their mates scowled at me.

'Mom just had a stomach ache.' Trunks said gaily.

'Are you alright?' Asked Mrs. Briefs.

'Fine, now. Famish, actually.'

I hadn't eaten anything solid sick I took ill.

'Let's go sit down.' Trunks pulled me away.

The night was uneventful; it was good to see Bloomer and his father praise their humanitarian work.

But Bloomer looked awful; he was skinny, with sallow skin and sunken eyes.

He probably spends his time working, smoking, and drinking with that woman instead of caring for himself.

Did he neglect Trunks' health as well?

God help him if he's putting her our child!

'Are you well?' I whispered. 'Your father takes good care of you?'

'Yes, why?'

'He doesn't look well.'

'He doesn't?'

'No.'

'He looks fine to me.'

'How often does he work?'

'I don't know.'

'How many vacations does he take?'

'Vacations?'

'How many vacations have the two of you gone on since I left?'

'I don't know, like two maybe 3.'

'When was the last time he took to an amusement park?'

'Grandma or grandpa usually take me.'

'How many packs of cigarettes does he go through a day?'

'Two and a half, maybe three.'

'How many hours does your father work a week?'

'I dunno,' Trunks shrugged, '80 maybe.'

He's smoking, drinking, and working himself to an early grave.

Fool.

'Mom, can you come back to Capsule Corp tonight?' Trunks pleaded. 'Dad and the others are going out for drinks after this; Marron and Goten are staying the night, please?'

'I don't think your father-'

'I'll get him to say yes, please?'

'Trunks...'

'I'll get grandpa and grandma on my side.' He said.

He rushed off to find his grandparents; I felt a hand gently coil around my waist. I jumped as a voice blew into my ear, 'I want to be alone with you.'

I turned to find Kakarotto sitting next to me; he took hold of me and practically dragged me into the restroom.

'Kakarotto!'

'Bloomer has been staring at you all night.'

'Okay...'

'I don't like it.'

'Well, Kakarotto, I can't tell him what to do with his eyes.' I rubbed my temples. 'Besides, he hasn't seen me in two years; maybe I look different to him.'

'You look the same.'

'Of course I look the same to you, but speaking of looks.'

'What do you mean?'

'Bloomer, he doesn't look so good.'

'Is that bad?'

'Yes.'

He narrowed his eyes at me and flared, 'How? Why? Why is it bad?'

'Because Trunks is in his care! How can he take care of Trunks if he can't care for himself?!'

'Are you going to start caring for him now?' Kakarotto turned away from me. 'I knew that he would try something!'

'Try something? Like what?'

'I don't know; he might try to get you back.'

He's with the woman he loves; why would he want me back?

'He's happy with Yamcha,' I lamented, 'why would he want me back?'

'Wasn't he happy the first time?'

'No, he found out she was sleeping with her manager, and they broke up.'

'Oh yeah.'

Why do they forget that?

'Both are happy; if their relationship falls apart now, it's on them.'

'I just want you to be careful.'

'There's nothing to worry about.'

'Vegan-'

'I closed my heart to Bloomer long ago, Kakarott.'

'Vegan?'

Bloomer's ki approached us, and I felt Kakarott tense up; I stole a glimpse at the man who was father to my only child.

A man I would have laid down and died for if he asked me to, it still hurts to know that he thought of a lifetime with me as a prison sentence.

'I've been looking for you.' He looked miserable and smelt of old cigarettes and stale liquor. 'I was wondering if I might have a moment to speak with you.'

'Vegan's still a little sick from before.' Kakarott cut in. 'I was just trying to get her home.'

'We're going out for drinks; I was hoping for you-'

'I don't think that would be a good idea.' I said.

'Why not?' Demanded Bloomer.

'I never liked those nightclubs, and drinking isn't going to help my stomach.'

'We can go somewhere quiet.' He insisted. 'The West City lounge is still-'

'No.'

Bloomer turned red and pouted his full lips; I had to smile at the sight.

'Why?'

'Going to a club with couples is a bore.' I groaned. 'I'd be the only one who can have any real fun. Who wants to watch me dancing with strangers?'

'I always did love the way you moved.'

I glanced at Kakarott to catch his reaction; he was seething.

'She can't move better than Yamcha.' He said sharply.

'How dare you!' Bloomer fumed.

'I didn't do it!'

I glanced at Bloomer; if looks could kill, kakarotto would be a corpse.

'Goku?' We turned to see Chi Chi standing in the doorway. 'I've been looking for you all night.'

'I was-'

'Sticking your nose into our business!' Bloomer flared.

'We have no business.' I said as I turned away.

The words echoed throughout the room; I washed the bitterness of vomit and my comment out of my mouth.

'I need to get back to my son.'