Tales of Parenthood

Author's Note

Sequel to Coming of Age. Everyone except Goku and Doctor Briefs are alive, but Goku visits. Grand Tour happened and the dragon balls are gone. Ignores Dragon Ball Super.

Pan is 20/21

Bra is 23

Goten is 33/34

Trunks is 35

Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ or any characters or variations of DBZ. I only own my OCs.

Chapter Fourteen: Wedding Bells and Reception Fires

"Goten, where is Rini? She knows I want to start the wedding planning," reminded Chi-Chi looking around. Both her sons were there as well as Videl, but Rini was still missing.

"Mom, I actually wanted to talk to you about that," Goten started, but was quickly cut off.

"I know you already have the date, location, and invitations sent out, but there is still lots to plan"

"Mom I wanted to make sure you don't"

"There she is. I figured we would do some planning especially since your maid of honor is in town. Do you know how long she'll be here?" Chi-Chi asked pulling Rini to sit with her and Videl at the table.

"Not really, Havana isn't the most predictable person," Rini answered honestly.

"No worries. How long before the wedding will your parents be showing up? I know your mother must be excited!" Chi-Chi questioned going on a bit.

Rini happy demeanor vanished. Her eyes down cast. "My parents won't be attending," she said quietly. She slowly got up and went outside.

"What was that about?" demanded Chi-Chi now staring down her son.

"That's what I was trying to warn you about. Rini's mom died eight years ago of a massive stroke," Goten explained before heading off to find his future wife.

"Rini's always so happy. I would never have guess she lost a parent," commented Videl. She knew it was painful. She had lost her mother over thirty years ago, and it still was hard to think about.

Rini and Goten returned shortly. She still looked a little pale and out of it, but a smile had returned to her face at the very least.

"Rini, I don't mean to be pushy, but why is your father not coming?" asked Videl.

"You know how some parents divide the parenting, like if Trunks was in charge on Henry and Pan was in charge of Cora. My parents did that. My dad took care of all parenting for my sister, and my mom took care of me. So when my mom died, it was as though the only parent I had died. My dad also pushes me away because I look and act too much like my mother. He'll be working instead of attending the wedding," explained Rini.

"I have seen some parents to that. It never seems to work out that well," commented Gohan. Rini nodded her agreement.

"Okay, well is there any other family you want to include in the planning?" asked Chi-Chi trying to be more careful with her words now.

"No, but my sister may push her way in. She will either try to control everything or not care at all. It's hard to know which way she'll go," said Rini with a slight laugh.

"Who else are your bride's maids?" Chi-Chi asked as she started on the long list of questions she had prepared.

"Havana, Pan, and Bra. Marron is going to help with wedding planning. She's the one that helped us pick the venue," Rini answered Goten nodded about the statement about Marron.

"Marron is a great planner! I'll make sure to call her," commented Chi-Chi writing down notes.

"How many people?"

"We invited 425," answered Rini with a sheepish smile.

"425!" yelled the three people besides the couple.

"Rini has a large family," explained Goten.

"I doubt they will come, but in my family you have to invite. RSVPs are due next week, so we'll have a more solid number after that," assured Rini.

Chi-Chi took a deep breath before continuing. "Any thing else I should know?"

"Well the most of my dad's side only speaks English, so there may be some issues there. My little cousins who hate me and love to start drama are coming. Oh and Henry and Cora are going to be my ring barer and flower girl," Rini rambled out quickly hoping not to upset her soon to be mother in law.

"Most of us know English pretty well, and Trunks and I know multiple languages. So we can handle that," chimed in Gohan hoping to relieve any worries his mother or Rini had on that subject.

"If I handled Hercule at Videl and Gohan's wedding, I'm sure I can handle your cousins," said Chi-Chi brushing it off.

"Pres will also be here, so he can act as a buffer," informed Rini with a smile.

"Pres?" asked Videl raising an eyebrow at the odd name.

"Presgrove, he's Havana older brother, and the oldest of the Keegan cousins. He's actually who taught me how to fight and use weapons," she explained.

"You two sound close," commented Videl with a smile.

"We were or are. His wife isn't a fan of me. Allyson is a girlie girl who hates fighting, so she doesn't like that Pres and I spar"

"One last concern, what if Cora isn't walking by your wedding? It's a few weeks before she turns one, so it's possible she won't be walking quite yet," asked Chi-Chi.

"We put her in a wagon and have Henry pull it down the aisle," grinned Rini.

"That's adorable!" both Videl and Chi-Chi gushed at the idea.

xxXXxx

"It's the night before the rehearsal dinner, and no one has seen Havana!" exclaimed Bra looking extremely irritated.

"Bra, Rini isn't freaking out, so why are you?" asked Pan trying to get Bra to mellow.

"She missed the bridal shower, didn't help pick out Rini's dress or the bridesmaid dress, and now she doesn't show. I'm not freaked out. I'm mad. How could you do that to your cousin? She gave her a special job!" exclaimed Bra fuming with anger.

Marron shook her head and pushed Bra on to the couch. "Listen, we'll make sure Rini's taken care of, that's what matters," explained Marron as Rini came back into the living room.

"What are you guys talking about?" asked Rini.

"Nothing," the three said at the same time.

"If you're worried that everything will be a wreck, don't worry about it. I'm already sure it will be," Rini told them before downing the rest of her glass of wine.

"Rini, it won't be a wreck!" assured Marron.

"All of my big moments are disastrous. No matter how hard I try, so this time, I'm not even going to try to head it off. Whatever happens happens," Rini explained refilling her glass.

There was a knock at the door. Rini went to answer it.

"That had better be Havana," growled Bra.

Rini screamed with delight as she was put into a headlock. All the girls jumped to their feet to see a man who look kind of like Rini. He was shortish 5'6" and had red hair like Rini. Finally he released her from the hold. "Everybody this is my cousin Presgrove," Rini introduced him.

"You're Havana's big brother?" demanded Bra. He nodded. "Well where the hell is she?"

Pres rolled his eyes. "Is she seriously not here?" he asked turning to Rini.

"No I haven't seen her since her surprise visit"

"She's been in Japan for about a month. She even got mom and dad to give her money for it since it was for your wedding… Don't worry I'll track her down," states Pres giving his little cousin a side hug.

"With our luck she won't have her dress. How are you even going to find her?" asked Bra.

"Same way I always do. I call her cell phone company and pretend to be my dad and demand her location… As far as the dress you don't have to worry about that one," he bragged with a big grin.

"Why don't I have to worry?" Rini asked looking up at the older man.

"Cause I brought it myself. It's back at the hotel with Ally, which reminds me I need to be getting back. See you all tomorrow!" announced Pres waving to everyone as he left.

"He's nice," commented Pan.

"He wasn't bothered by Bra's pushiness," observed Marron.

"He wouldn't be. Keegan women are very pushy, so to him it's normal," giggled Rini

xxXXxx

"Bra quit it you look crazy," her mother told her after she investigated every inch of the venue for Havana.

"If that bitch doesn't show up," growled Bra. "I'm going to go find Pan and Marron," Bra said as she darted through the room. They weren't hard to find since Pan and Marron were together. Uub was near by talking to Trunks who was holding a sleeping Cora. "Havana isn't here!" Bra announced interrupting the women's conversation.

"Bra just breath. Lets go ask Rini if she's seen her," Marron suggested. The three searched having trouble finding a certain red head. Finally they found a short red head. "Rini," greeted Marron tapping her on the shoulder.

The woman turned revealing she wasn't Rini, but a nearly identical woman. Her hair was cut shorter. She smiled, "Sorry, I'm Raina. My little sister should be around here somewhere though. Just look for the gym teacher with spikey hair," she giggled leaving the three.

"That was kind of creepy," commented Pan once she was gone.

Rini ran up to them making a face. "Why are you guys talking to Raina… She's not known for being the nicest," explained Rini looking panicked.

"Are you two twins?" asked Marron.

Rini sighed looking slightly annoyed. "She's four years older, taller, and has brown eyes," responded Rini.

"I guess we didn't get a good look," shrugged Bra. "Have you heard where Havana is? This is the rehearsal dinner, she's supposed to be here"

"No, but I haven't seen Pres either. According to Ally, he went out to find his sister and save my shambley wedding," groaned Rini.

"I'm sure he'll find her," assured Pan.

"Where are the cousins you don't like?" asked Marron looking around.

"Not here. The are getting here tomorrow morning, so expect them to be awful. They always are," sighed Rini.

The night was almost over when Presgrove wandered in. He had stiches in his eyebrow but acted as though he was fine.

"Pressy what happened?" yelled a chubby blonde woman who rushed to him.

"I'm fine Ally," he assured. He flashed Rini a smile.

Havana stumbled in moments later a metal knee brace on her leg. "Made it," she told Rini with a smile. Rini shook her head at her younger cousin.

xxXXxx

The girls were at Capsule Corp with Bulma and Bunny while the boys stayed with Chi-Chi for the night. "Why didn't Havana come over?" asked Videl watching the girls get ready for tomorrow.

"She's staying at the hotel with Pres, so he can make sure she doesn't disappear again," answered Rini.

"What happened to them? They looked a little banged up," asked Pan as she handed Cora to Bunny.

"Not sure on Pres's eye, but Havana's injury is old. She was in a car crash about six years ago, and it pinned her knee and broke her ankle. Now if she is too active or trips, she has to wear the brace she was wearing tonight," explained Rini.

"I hope her dress fits over it," muttered Bra. Rini snickered.

xxXXxx

Rini was pacing back in forth in her wedding dress. "I can't walk down the aisle by myself. What if my knees lock and I pass out!" Rini announced looking terrified.

"Maybe my dad can do it," suggested Havana who was chugging another glass of wine.

"No, I don't want him too. I should be able to do it by myself. I'm a big girl," she announced to her bridesmaids and Marron.

"Daddy could do it," offered Bra. Rini shook her head again. She appreciated the offers, but it just didn't seem right. Pan slipped from the room when no one was watching. She had an idea that just might work.

Gohan slipped in to check on the bride. Rini didn't look too good. "Rini you okay?" he asked.

"I am going to slip and fall or pass out when I walk down the aisle. My dad isn't here, so I'm walking alone. My family's right. Why would I ever think a guy like Goten wanted me," Rini started to cry.

Gohan pulled her to the side away from the rest of the girls. "Rini, I have never seen Goten as happy as I've seen him with you. He's dated lots of girls, Paris, Vanessa, Amber. One bimbo after another then he met you and he shoved his foot in his mouth and had to actually earn your attention… Rini, he worked harder to impress you than I've ever seen him work… Not marrying the first person you date is a good thing," he told her with a soft smile.

"Really because you and Videl were each others first relationship," commented Rini giving Gohan a questioning look.

"Yes we were, but since we were it can cause doubt because neither of us ever saw what else was out there… I've had mine, and I'm sure Videl's had hers, but when we're near each other there are absolutely no doubts. We love each. If that's how you and Goten feel when you're together, you know that the doubts don't mater," explained Gohan hoping he made sense.

"Thank you Gohan. That actually makes me feel a lot better… I never would have guessed you'd be the one to give me a pep talk," she said with a giggle.

"If you want, I can walk you down the aisle too," offered Gohan giving her a hug.

"No, you're the best man. You have to drag the metal menace down the aisle," answered Rini gesturing to her cousin who had cut her gray bridesmaid dress so her large metal brace could fit on top of it.

"I can handle that," chuckled Gohan.

Pres slipped in. "Whoa Rini you okay?" he asked.

"I am now," she answered giving Gohan a smile.

"Good, just make sure they fix your make up unless your going for streaks," smirked Pres. Pan returned as Rini bopped Pres on the head.

"Papa what are you going here?" Pan asked Gohan.

"So you're the man I looking for," Pres said cutting Gohan off before he could answer. "The groom is having a panic attack, and they need you," Pres continued.

"What happened?" asked Gohan hoping this news wouldn't upset Rini again.

"The guy with the purple hair sung that old nursery rhyme about sitting in a tree, and when he hit the line about babies Goten got all nervous talking about how Rini might want to start a family immediately. Then the purple haired guy and the Mohawk guy calmed him down, then an older woman, I'm guess you two's mother, told him he should have babies immediately. Now he's breathing into a bag," explained Pres.

"Mom," groaned Gohan as he hurried from the room followed by Pres.

"Remind me to get on to Trunks later," commented Pan shaking her head. Rini snickered and wiped off her face trying to remove the smeared makeup that Pres had mentioned. "Rini I found someone that you might let walk you down the aisle," Pan said a grin starting to spread on her face.

Rini smiled, "Pan I don't think there is anyone that." Rini stopped talking when Pan opened the door revealing the Ox King. Rini started to cry again and hugged the large man.

"I thought since he set you and Goten up, you might be okay with this," Pan explained.

"I'd be happy to walk you down the aisle Rini," the Ox King assured the young woman he was still holding in a tight hug.

"Thank you," Rini said through the tears.

xxXXxx

Gohan had managed to calm Goten down, and they were getting ready for the ceremony. "Do you think Dad will show up?" asked Goten already looking around for their deceased father.

"I'm not sure. He didn't have much time the last time he visited, but I'm sure he'll be there whenever you and Rini have kids," assured Goten. He knew his little brother wanted his father there, but there wasn't anything he could do to make it happen.

xxXXxx

Goten walked to the alter trying his best to not be nervous. He was followed by Bra and Uub then Pan and Trunks. Havana and Gohan were the last of the adults before the bride. Havana had over done the wine and gotten her dress tangled even more in her brace. Gohan didn't falter as he walked himself and the maid of honor down the aisle.

Henry carried his little pillow while pulling Cora in her pretty dress in a flower filled wagon. Cora giggled as she threw the petal into the air above her. The petals then would return to their place in the wagon. The aisle was not getting any flowers, so Henry decided to help. "Cora throw them like this," Henry stopped pulling to show her. The guest laughed. Pan and Trunks looked a mixture of horrified and amused by their children. Henry had moved the pillow to under his arm, luckily the rings were tied on, so he could help his sister with the petals as he pulled her down the aisle.

Rini and the Ox King were last. Once they were at the alter, Goten stepped down to meet them, but Rini had already dashed up to meet him. Goten awkwardly turned back around to step by up to be beside Rini. The guests were snickering again.

xxXXxx

The reception had started without any other trouble. Cora was playing with Maddox and Henry. Pan watched as they played.

"Are those two yours?" asked an older woman. Pan nodded smiling the whole time. "You must have had him pretty young," commented the woman. Pan awkwardly looked away. "I not judging sweetheart. I had my first child at sixteen," the woman assured patting Pan on the arm as she got up from her seat. Pan couldn't help but notice the large amount of diamonds that adorned her hand.

Goten came by a grin plastered on his face. "Goten, who is that?" Pan asked pointing to the older woman who had talked to her.

"That's Rini's Granny, Ri. Why?" he asked raising an eyebrow.

"We were just talking. She seems really nice. So she's a Keegan," explained Pan watching as the woman joined a few other older woman who had been going around the party.

"No, that's Rini's dad's mom. I think her last name is Shotcove at the moment," commented Goten.

"Oh I just saw her hand full of diamond ring and assumed she was from the wealthy side of Rini's family," admitted Pan.

"Oh, I was confused by the rings the first time I saw them too. You see Ri's been married four times, and she still wears all the rings," chuckled Goten. Pan stared at him as though he had grown a second head.

Rini came running wrapping her arms around her new husband. "Rini why does Ri wear so many rings?" Pan asked sure Rini wouldn't give her the same ridiculous story.

"Oh she wears all the rings from her past marriages and I think a few from old engagements that fell through," answered Rini after giving Goten a kiss. Pan sighed, so Goten wasn't joking.

xxXXxx

Maddox was playing with Krillin as a ridiculously skinny blonde in a skintight cocktail dress came up to them. "What her name?" she asked pinching Maddox's cheek.

"His name is Maddox," snipped 18 from behind Krillin.

"It's a boy… He needs a haircut then," scoffed the woman. Maddox's fine black hair reached the tops his shoulders. He looked up at the woman confused.

"Our daughter likes her son's hair long," commented Krillin as he started to play with Maddox again. Marron and Uub came walking over at that moment.

"Well he looks like a girl," the woman retorted.

Marron was immediately bothered. She knew what conversation was about. A few people had already commented about Maddox's long hair. She couldn't help, but let a low growl escape her lips. Uub wrapped his arms around her to remind her to stay in control. Marron wasn't a fighter, but as a half android, she could easily kill the human woman.

The noise gained the couple the attention of the blonde. "Is he your son?" she asked making a face. Marron and Uub nodded. "Then I shouldn't be surprised. I mean look at how you let your husband wear his hair," the woman moved to get right in Marron's face.

Marron raised her hand to slap the woman but was too slow. The blonde had been tossed over Presgrove's shoulder. She squawked demanding to be put down. "Sorry about that. Lanfen has trouble with people, and children, and she's pretty much a bitch," he explained chuckling slightly as his little cousin yelled over his shoulder. "I'll put you down when you promise to be nice to people," he said shaking his head and walking off the blonde over his shoulder.

"That's one of Rini's drama starting cousins," sighed Marron. She felt a little calmer after realizing who the woman was.

xxXXxx

Goten and Rini were walking around greeting and thanking their guests. The two were talking to Gohan and Videl when three older women approached the couple. Rini smiled awkwardly as the women seemed to circle Goten. "Granny what are you three doing?" Rini asked as Ri pulled her granddaughter from Goten's side so the other two women could get a better look at him.

"Bonnie and Faye haven't gotten to meet your man yet," explained Ri as she joined the two women in poking and prodding at Goten.

Videl leaned closer to Rini and asked, "Who are they?"

"That's my granny and her two sisters"

"He's handsome isn't he!" boosted Ri proud of her granddaughter's choice in men.

"Definitely," agreed one of the women.

"Rini will have fun making babies with him," snickered the other. Rini's face was crimson as the three women moved on.

"For women in the seventies they sure weren't shy," commented Gohan.

"Actually their in their eighties. Everyone in my family looks young for their age," corrected Rini returning to Goten's side.

"That will come in handy since you married a saiyan," remarked Videl in a hushed voice. Rini nodded.

Goten and Rini continued their rounds coming across someone Rini had been hoping to avoid.

"Hi Linqin," Rini said with a soft smile. She gave Goten's arm a slight squeeze to make sure he knew she was anxious.

"Rini, long time no see. My date was just grabbing us some drinks you must meet him. He's one of the top jewelers in China," she smirked. A plain looking man returned handing Linqin a drink. "This is my date Shing. Shing this is my cousin Rini and her new PE coach husband Gotton," she introduced.

"His name is Goten Son," snapped Rini already becoming annoyed with her shallow little cousin.

The man nearly dropped his drink. "The Goten Son, the new World Champion?" he asked. Goten nodded with a sheepish smile. "My father and I watched the tournament. You're amazing!" Shing exclaimed.

Rini gave Linqin a smug smirk. "Your father? Are you two close?" Rini asked her voice drenching fake sweetness.

"Oh yeah, we are! My dad's the top jeweler in China. I work low level in the company. You know, it's a son job," he smiled.

"Oh I'm sure you're qualified," Rini said in the same tone as before.

"I barely finished high school," laughed Shing. Rini seemed to grow smugger as Linqin became uneasy since her lie had been uncovered so quickly.

"It was nice meeting you two," Goten said respectfully as he and Rini moved on. Rini was now in a great mood. Linqin wasn't though. She was mad. She pulled something out of her purse and walked over to another table where she wouldn't be seen.

xxXXxx

Rini and Goten were cutting the cake when someone screamed.

"Fire!"

One of the centerpieces had burst into flames. Goten and Rini rushed over to put out the fire. Right as Rini was about to use the fire extinguisher she had found, the centerpiece and Rini were doused in cold water from the opposite side. Her wedding dress was soaked and sticking to her body. Everyone looked to see who threw the water.

Presgrove sat down the ice bucket he had used. "Rini, I'm so sorry," he told her talking off his jacket to offer her.

"I'm fine," she refused his jack and took Goten's instead.

Everyone was gathering around. "How did the fire start?" asked Chi-Chi looking at the flowers.

"Oh I have an idea," Havana, Pres, and Raina said looking at Linqin.

"Why would I do it?" Linqin demanded.

"Oh I don't know, cause your our family's resident fire bug," snapped Raina as she went into protective big sister mode.

"You have no proof," she spat crossing her arms dramatically causing something to fall from her purse. It was a lighter. Ri picked it up and handed it to Chi-Chi.

"This looks like proof to me," growled Chi-Chi. Now Chi-Chi, Ri, Bonnie, and Faye were all handling Linqin while Rini got changed into some different clothes and the party resumed.

Author's Note- If I skip something you would have liked to see, please PM or mention it in a review, and I will do my best to add a chapter to include it.

Please Review, it means a lot to me.