SanshiLove: Chapter 11 is here and hopefully your all ready! With the weather turning nice it may slow down the releases (at least on my end lol). I hope you are all having a wonderful year so far since I am and I hope you all continue to read, follow, subscribe and comment. Mostly comment since it helps motivate us and sometime give us direction. Anyway on with Chasing Stars!

Chapter Eleven: Coming Back

~Human Refugee Base~

A short feeling of deja vu came over her as it was only hours before that she sat at this same table. Her best friend had taken her son back upstairs to ready for bed, while she sat with Chichi at the table eating some of her meal. She would need another bath after this. She averted her gaze from her friend's concerned one, she hated that look, and hated having to explain her actions. However, it was the least she could do for all the help they have given. "I don't know where I went if that is what you are wondering. I just…needed to go."

"I did the same thing once. I got the chance to really grieve, but you should have let my husband come with you, if nothing else but for safety. We aren't on Earth anymore."

"Safe. What do you even know about safety? It is ironic that it is you that is lecturing me about that while throwing in the fact that you have a husband."

"That isn't fair, Bulma."

The blue haired mother scoffed, "Fair? A lot of things aren't fair Chi. I wonder what your basis of comparison are."

"Look, I get it, you are hurting." Her friend sighed and spoke after a moment of silence.

"I am more than hurting Chi. I have been doing more than hurting these past few years."

"You don't think we don't feel guilty about that?"

"I am going through some shit, Chi. Do you think you could cut me a little bit of slack and get off my back tonight?" Bulma narrowed her cold eyes at her friend gazed at her over her meal. It was not missed on her by her friend shuddering slightly at the look and practically backing up into her seat. What she was seeing was not the life loving heiress of Capsule Corp.

"What the hell happened to you?"

"Something you were not accustomed to. I survived."

"That isn't fair."

"There you go throwing that word around."

She watched Chichi take, yet again, another sigh, "Attacking me for your pain isn't fair."

"Nor is dropping the world at my feet. I bet you just couldn't wait to tell me that they died."

"Okay, stop it right there. I thought you knew-"

"KNEW? Chi, I have been on this planet less than a day and all the hope that I had clung onto was just shattered in seconds."

"You are right..I should have waited. I am sorry you found out this way, but, please, stop attacking me."

"Attacking! You have no idea what being attacked even is! Let me tell you something, you have had it nice and cushy here! No one raped you! No one hurt you! You had Goku; and last time I checked I am pretty sure your father is here too! You have lived here, safe and sound, this entire fucking time! Don't you dare fucking just sit there and tell me that you are the one feeling attacked! You didn't give birth to your sons in secret! You didn't have to worry about every single second that someone would come and kill your baby in front of you, or be raped in front of him! So, don't you even dare complain about being attacked! We are not alike; not even close!" She hadn't realized she had slammed her utensil down on the table or that she was out of her seat standing. She had lost her temper again as she shouted at her familiar friend. Anger pumped through her veins as she felt pure rage begun to fill within her. It was as if a flood gates had opened, and everything that she kept in check all these years, had all all flooded out. Just looking at her friend, at their family, and their beautiful home reminded her of the hell she was forced to endured.

The younger, raven haired woman sat there stunned with her mouth slightly ajar and her mind reeling from what was being shouted at her. All the pain Bulma had gone through, was there so much more than the woman led on? She watched the woman across from her shake and tremble in her fury as it all was aimed towards her. Words died on her lips as she struggled to come up with something, anything, to make Bulma calm down, but also comfort the troubled woman. How could one do that when clearly there was nothing short of apologies? That is when it dawned on her; perhaps there was nothing she could say, but let her get it all out. Before she could close her mouth, she watched as anew, hot tears spilled from the scientist's blue orbs. "Bulma…" She barely managed a whisper.

"Save your fucking pity! I don't want any!" Before Bulma knew what happened, the woman has raced around the table and suddenly wrapped her arms around her dirty friend in a tight embrace. Both women sunk to the floor as Chichi watched her friend desperately cry into her chest. She watched almost stunned once more as the blue haired, young mother lost herself once again. She gently petted her wet locks and whispered comforting things; using the tone she reserved for her children when they suffered nightmares. She comforted Bulma in the same manner only a mother could.

Up the stairs landing, there stood Goku and the flock of boys around his legs. The little lavender haired boy trembling against his left leg as his wide eyes heard the shouting, but could not understand why his mother was crying. What were those things she was screaming about? Who was going to kill him? Was it those bad men she warned about? The little one was brought out of his curiosity by a large hand patting the top of his head as he looked up to see his hero gazing at him with a warm smile. "Say Trunks, how about you have a sleepover with me and my boys? I think your mom might need a night off."

"Sleepover?" He spoke the word so foreign and slowly off his tongue.

"Yeah Dad! That sounds like a really awesome idea."

"Sleep! Sleep!" Chimed in Goten with his brother's enthusiasm.

"I don't think that is okay…I should be with my Momma." The boy sniffled.

"Do you need your medicine again?" The little boy nodded to the question.

"I will get it, but I think you need to have some fun and let the grown ups handle this."

"Dad's right. Don't worry, I have known your mom a long time. She is strong, but I think she needs to let my mom help her out. Seriously, we will have some fun while she gets better. Have you ever had a sleepover before?" Gohan got to his level as he talked to the little boy in the same tone as he would with his own little brother.

"N-no…never. I never met anyone my age either." Trunks shyly spoke as he averted his gaze towards his feet that were lightly scuffing the ground.

"Well you are in for a real treat!"

"That the spirit son! Don't worry. Why don't you boys show Trunks how it is done with the fort, and I will see if I can get the snacks and the movies ready?" The tall Saiyan spoke almost gleefully.

"No eat all Dada!" Spoke up his youngest boy with a frown and crossed arms.

"No promises, son, Dada likes to eat as much as you do." He chuckled as he smiled down at the children.

"Thanks Dad. Come on you two. I can't build this all by myself." The eldest boy led the two younger ones in toe as they headed towards his brother's bedroom to get the blankets to make the fort in his room. However, Goku noticed the little guest look back towards the stairs where he could hear his mother crying softly. He didn't understand her today, why was she so sad? Why did she run away? Why did she get so upset? So many unsettling questions running through his huge mind with no closer to any answer. He would just have to ask her when they were alone, but it didn't look like that would be tonight.

The man of the house made sure to watch over the children in their home. Just as he promised, there were movies, forts, and lots of snacks. Having the children distracted gave plenty of noise to drown out the conversation downstairs. As much as the goofy man wanted to be there for his mate and best friend, this was a matter for them to handle. He wasn't sure exactly what Bulma meant by her sudden outburst, but he couldn't ignore the bad feeling in his gut. He would have to talk with his mate to find out just the depth of injustices she had faced, and see if there was a way to correct the damage she had underwent. He had figured his services were best used up here in his eldest son's room making sure the boys had a good time. He made sure to pay especially close attention to the newest, little guest to their family. He may appear to be silly at some points, but it was not lost on him who the boy's true parentage was. He could instantly tell that this little boy was the son of his ruler. He could smell it on him, not to mention sense that unmistakable ki.

He wasn't that ignorant to the idea of his best friend and his prince together. It made complete sense considering their personalities were eerily similar, and they way they would always butt heads could only confirm their like for each other. He had just wished that they didn't feel the need to hide it. Then again, it was their secret to bear, even if it just so happen produced results. He studied the little boy with his strange colored hair and those deep-set eyes. He couldn't possibly comprehend just how much trauma he had seen, or how much he was denied knowledge. He was sure Bulma would eventually tell him those secrets when he was older, unfortunately, older was coming a lot sooner than she would like. As much as he would like to play it off that this was their business, it still affected those around them. He couldn't help but let out a sigh which gained the child's attention.

"Uncle Goku, are you alright?"

"What? Me? Nah, I am perfectly fine. You should probably watch the movie though. The best part is coming up soon!" He cheerfully spoke. That was one of his best qualities, being able to put those around him at ease with his carefree personality. He watched as the boy studied him for a moment or two while his other sons were oblivious to witnessing the interaction behind them. The father figure raised an eyebrow as he stared back at the studious child. "Something the matter?"

"Momma was right about you." Was all he simply said and turned back to watch the movie being played.

'Well that was odd…' The man thought confused, but decided to ponder on it later. He turned his gaze back towards the monitor where the main characters were engaging in a bit of a comedy. He would check in with the boy's mother tomorrow and find out more about their situation. From what he had gathered there was a lot of things he wasn't privy to know, but that would certainly change after they have had their conversation. Instead, tonight, he would focus on the children and let his mate handle things.

Downstairs, the woman of the house had helped cleaned up her friend and they sat on the couch. She watched as the trembling woman held her tea cup in her shaking hands. She couldn't help but listen as the fellow mother spilled the last few years from her mouth. The trauma she faced, and the sense of loss hung in the air between them. Each story from her trembling lips only grew more intense of what she had endured as a slave. She braved each new tale with a comforting hand and warm embrace. She honestly had no idea how terribly she had been treated, nor how lost she really was until each recount was spoken in the still air. Chichi struggled to comprehend that this was no longer her rich friend who took the world on with a determined look and confident attitude, no, this was someone who was so close to shattering from how broken she truly was. It was admirable seeing her still so fragile, but still able to pick up the pieces and keep moving forward.

"By the gods Bulma … how are you even moving forward?"

"Trunks, Trunks is, and will always be, the only reason."

"He is so lucky to have you as his mother, but you have been through so much…I am sorry that all this had happened to you."

"Sorry? Sorry does not give me back my life, nor my confidence, back. I regret so much helping that bastard. I should have let him live his life in misery. I really do hate him."

"Do you really mean that?"

There was a pregnant pause between them as Chichi watched her friend stare at the slightly shaking cup in her hands. "No." Came the quiet trember of her voice.

"I can't imagine what I would have done, or could have done any different than you already have. I can't give you back your life, or your time, and I certainly don't have the power to help prevent everything that has happened to you, but you are more than welcome to stay here with your son and live here peacefully. You should know, Bulma, that no one blames you for anything. I mean, yes, our home is gone, but it would have been found out eventually considering who my husband is. At least you were able to help us move what we could here. I am alive, my family is alive, all thanks you…have spoken to Vegeta?"

"Briefly. That bastard was more concerned about his image, per usual, and even had the audacity to question if he was really the father or not."

"…I am going to kill him," a death glare appeared on the mother's face.

"No, not before I do. Though, you can hold him down for me to make it easier." The blue haired mother smiled softly at her companion. It was the first real smile, and joke, she had made since she first arrived on the Son's property.

"You can count on it. I'll even give you my best carving knife." She joked back. For just a moment the air around them was clear with a light-hearted atmosphere to it. But just as quickly, it was gone. "So, he denied him?"

"In a manner of speaking. He even went as far as to separate us when Trunks went into cardiac arrest. I couldn't take the shock of it and I fainted. When I came to just a bunch of things happened, but it was Goku that was there to help me get Trunks and get us out of there. Thank Kami he showed up when he did. I think I have lost my mind more than once today."

"I am just glad he brought you back here. However, I must ask, what are you going to do now? Are you going to talk to him? Vegeta, I mean? And what about Trunks?"

"To be perfectly honest Chi, I don't have a fucking clue what to do. This is literally the first time since we were under threat and attack that I have an actual chance to mourn, much less breathe. I have so much freedom now, that I don't know what to do about it. Well, if you could even call it freedom. I don't know what Vegeta is thinking, or much less what he wants to do about this situation."

"This isn't a situation Bulma. This is your lives."

"I will be damned if he even thinks harming a hair on my son's head. I don't care if he wants nothing to do with us. I am used to that thought, and I am not stupid enough to hope for anything else for that matter. But when it comes to the matter of my son and his well being, he best believe that he will obey to my wishes. He, at the very least, owes me that."

"I noticed something too. Trunks is really sick? Is he…contagious?"

"No…this has been affecting him for a few months now. I had to make a trial and error serum to keep the symptoms at bay. I am not entirely sure what he has to be honest. It worries me, but I have a feeling it is Saiyan related. I will need to get ahold of some medical database to find out if his symptoms are common here."

"I am sure Goku would be more than willing to set something up. His father is a doctor. Maybe we can have Bardock and his mate come by in a few days."

"I would appreciate that...wait, Goku has parents!" Bulma took a long sip of the tea, which she almost choked on, setting the empty glass down on the coffee table before them. She sputtered a few times before her friend smiled sheepishly at her.

"Well yeah, but we can talk about them later." Chichi watched as Bulma let out a deep sigh and wrapped the shawl she was given by her around her more. The hostess watched her friend settle back into the couch with still a surprised look on her expression. Bulma had suddenly found herself in her own thoughts. Still trying desperately to sort out all that has happened to her. Until Chichi, she has never once breathed to a soul about her life's story. It was somewhat lifting, but also disheartening. How could Chi really understand how she was feeling?

"You get lost again?" Her friend gently placed a hand on her shoulder which brought her out of inner thoughts once again.

"You could say that." The scientist sniffled.

"Do you want to talk about it some more?"

"Will it even help? It is past and done. What would discussing it accomplish?"

"Closure, maybe? Everyone has a story to be told. I don't think it would be out of the realm of possibilities to tell what else has happened to you just for the sake of getting it off your chest."

"Since when did you become a therapist?"

"Since I helped deal with refugees who were dealing with loss."

"Wait, you help people with trauma?"

"You would be surprised how many of us have disorders from the whole ordeal. I needed something to do besides being a housewife, Bulma. I was going crazy being cooped up here all day long with my boys. Bardock had gotten me some network connections, and I have a degree now in psychology. I may not fix all your issues, but as your friend I would be more than willing to listen to what you have to say. You are not alone anymore. It is going to be a rough transition from the hell you were put under, but with each peaceful day it does get easier to breathe. You can always talk to me, and maybe I can help a little." Chichi offered.

By now, Bulma had fixed her stare on a stain on the wooden floor under them. So many things have changed, not just with her, but with everyone. Here she had thought she was the only one, but life had carried on. Chi's offer was tempting, but could she let her friend in on all that has happened? Even there were some things she wanted to keep buried. She found herself holding her arms with the shawl now wrapped around tight around her small frame.

"W-We don't have to discuss it all in one night-" Her friend was backpedaling now as she saw the panic looked begin to ripple across Bulma's once stoic features. She knew these signs, and she needed to prevent a blow up in the middle of her sitting room. "Bulma, hey, it's me. Feel my hand." She reached out and grab her shaking friend's hand. "Tell me what colors you see in the room. Please, just name three. Bulma?" Chichi continued to speak in a calm, cool voice. It was a few moments before she saw Bulma blink back to this reality, but wildly blink around the room. Her breathing had slowed considerably, and she even appeared to be coherent. "Bulma, hey, tell me three colors you see in this room."

"Brown…orange…red…"

"Very good. Can you tell more about the couch we are sitting on?" Chichi continued to speak in the soothing manner she had been this entire time while holding onto her friend's shaking hand.

"S-soft…comfortable…brown color…cool…"

"Very good. Can you tell me your name?"

"Bulma."

"Do you know who I am?"

"Chichi…."

"Very good. Okay, I want you to breathe with me, just slow and even, mimic mine." The raven-haired therapist begun to take deep, slow, shallow breaths for her panicked friend to follow along. She couldn't stop herself from smiling as she observed her follow her breath for breath. "You are doing really good, Bulma. Nice and easy. Okay, when you are ready, I want you to talk to me about where you just went." Chichi pried gently.

"Where I went…"

"Where you went."

"Before I came here…I was attacked."

"Attacked how?"

Bulma squeezed her eyes in vain attempt to push back the memory that attempted to flood her again. She just wanted to forget, wanted to turn back time. Why did this hurt so much? "T-the guards….and the Saiyans…they…" Tears begun again to fall down her cheeks as she couldn't make her feelings any longer. Why was today so hard? She felt she had cried enough to make a small ocean, but would it be enough for her pain?

"Did they hold you down?"

"In front of Trunks… he had no idea what was happening. He thought they were going to hurt me as they were beating him…the-they were going to m-make him watch…" A wet sob escaped the soft tremor of her voice. She hadn't missed her friend suck in a quick air, or the shocked look on her face. She recovered quickly, but the woman knew that look.

"I am so, so sorry Bulma."

"Sorry fixes nothing it seems."

"I know, but I can feel empathy for you and your situation. I can't imagine going through that."

"I don't recommend it." She sniffled bitterly.

"Nothing like that is going to happen here."

"Isn't it? I think that asshole has another thought on his mind."

"Vegeta is not welcome here if that is what you mean. I made that clear to Goku."

"You think your word is going to hold up against the Prince of all Saiyans."

"If he knows what is good for him, he will." Chichi folded her arms darkly.

"Yeah, you let me know how that goes." Bulma attempted to wipe her eyes from the endless tears that fell from them.

"I mean it Bulma. You don't want him here, I will make that happen."

"Honestly, I don't think I am in the right state of mind to make any sort of decision right now. I just…I feel so damn vulnerable."

"You have every right to be. You have been a slave, you have been violated in the worst of ways."

"Do you think that makes them stop? If a man wants something, he just takes it."

"That is not a man. That is an abuser, a rapist."

"In what sense of whose law? Slaves are like fodder. You just kill one and it is easily replaced."

"Things are not like that here on Vegeta-sei."

"Aren't they? We had slaves back on Earth, human traffickers and long history of races that pillaged and raped for their societies. It is the same evil, only legal out here."

"I know…but you are safe now."

"And how many others are out there worse than I? I had my brain and education to keep me alive."

"I can't answer for that. All I can say is that you are alive right here right now. Trunks is safe and with you. That has to be good enough, and even if it isn't right what is happening around you both, that is all you got."

"If I didn't have him, I wouldn't be alive right now…"

"I know. Thank the gods you had him. I owe him for saving my friend's life when I couldn't be there. Bulma, I know you don't believe this now, but this universe is so much better with you in it. I never thought I would see you again. I am sorry you had to come to us in this condition, but I swear I will use every fiber of my being to never let you be hurt again."

"Why couldn't you be this nice on Earth? You were always crazy, and hell bent on keeping Gohan in school and not letting Goku be who he was."

"Well losing those close to you, and knowing those you have are healthy, changes you. Like you, I took a lot of things for granted. My boys are alive, my husband is alive, and we all are safe. We got lucky like you said and helping the rest of us, and seeing the conditions they have come in, put a lot of things for me in perspective."

"I kinda like this new Chi." Bulma managed a half smile.

"You know what, me too. But that doesn't mean I let my boys slack off in schooling."

"You got room for one more when he gets better?"

"Oh, you are funny."

"I am serious Chi. He is smart and dedicated. You have been homeschooling a lot longer than I have. It would do him good to be in a class with your boys that are close to his age."

"Doesn't hurt that he is half Saiyan." Chichi picked up her tea and sipped, continuing to eye her friend who seemed to be putting herself back together. "I know this is none of my business…but how did you and Mr. Grumpy pants end up together?"

"I rather keep that to myself."

"I will get it out of you sooner or later, Briefs. You seriously can't keep something as juicy as that to yourself." She smirked coyly.

"We will see about that. Although, I have always been interested how you and Goku were able to come up with not just one, but two kids."

"He isn't that dumb, you know."

"And here I thought being the strongest, and always wanting food were the only two things on his mind."

"You don't know Goku then," the women shared a kind smile before Bulma let out a heavy sign and sat fully back on the couch.

"What am I going to do Chi?"

"Same thing you have been doing this whole time. Move forward. Only difference is that you are allowed to feel emotions of what you are going through. Just don't rush things and you will be fine."

"I feel so much guilt."

"That is normal. All of us on some level feel guilt."

"But you didn't trade our race for one who would never repay back."

"What do you call what the Saiyans are doing now? Bulma, they have given us land to live peacefully on."

"But you didn't deny me selling out my race."

"I don't think it would benefit you with my thoughts on the matter right now."

"So, I am to blame."

"You are looking for a fight again. Stop deflecting from your pain, I think you have felt enough for one night, don't you think?"

"I am not deflecting." Again, there was the silence, "I blame myself every day…"

"What good does that do?"

"To go to hell…I sold my race out."

"No, you didn't. You just weren't careful. I mean, granted yes, Goku has been gallivanting all over the cosmos and I am sure there would be some alien on our doorstep, as it always happens, but this time it was the wrong one. I don't blame you…not anymore anyway…but you were trying to help a friend, and I can respect that. How are you going to fix this?"

"I will find a way. I eventually will go to Namek and find the Dragonballs, but right now, I need to focus on taking care of my son and figure out what to do. I need some time to get myself back together. I am so broken Chi, you might have an idea, but you don't know how deep it goes."

"What else happened to you?"

"Are you asking as my friend or my therapist?"

"Why not both?"

"God, you as a shrink, what has this universe come to?" The blue haired scientist could only joke.

"I am actually good at what I do. I have helped a lot of people with the transition here and deal with their survivor's guilt. You are no exception, everyone deserves some peace from their own mind. There is too much suffering to be tormented by our own nightmares."

"It is so strange how much you have changed."

"I was thinking just the same thing about you," her friend teased back. "Are you feeling a little better?"

"Believe it or not, I actually am. I guess I can give this thing with you a try. What is the worst that could happen?"

"I want to assure you that this won't fix everything without you putting the work into this, but if you do, it will help you cope faster and move past this eventually."

"I guess that is good to hear."

As Chichi was about to take their empty cups of tea to refill them, Bulma felt the full force of just how tired she truly as the day began to wash over her. The blanket Chi had given her was making her struggle to keep her eyes open by its warmth. By the time hostess had returned with the fresh tea, she had come to the sight of the troubled woman having passed out on the couch by being swept away to the rest she desperately needed. She helped to make her more comfortable, and turned her attention to the stairs where she could hear the joyous conversation of the children and her husband. She gave a final look at her friend curled up on the couch cuddled up in the blanket before she went to retrieve her mate to help take her back upstairs.

As she reached the boy's room, she could hear the distinct giggling of the children while they watched their favorite hero movie while eating snacks. The image brought a gentle smile to her face as she couldn't help but sympathize with Bulma's struggle. It was little moments like this that she could cherish herself-even if they seemed few and far between. Silently opening the door as not to let them be aware of her presence, she leaned against the doorway and gaze on the welcoming sight before her. With her folded arms and warm smile, she rested her head against the doorframe and watched her little men rest against their goofy father. Reluctantly, she cleared her throat and gained all the attention as little faces and her mate's turned back to her. "Goku could I borrow you for a moment?"

"Sorry boys, duty calls," His bright smile just couldn't help but draw those near him closer, as protesting whines from the trio could be heard. "Don't worry, I'll be back afterwards." He reassured as he followed his mate back downstairs after closing the door behind him. "What's up, Chi?" He spoke quietly as he joined her side.

"I was hoping you could move her to her room without waking her? I am sure the rest will do her some good." Chichi nodded towards her sleeping friend as they got on the ground floor. Her husband's gaze looked onward to his best friend curled up sleeping away.

"No prob Chi, as long as you bring some more snacks to the boys room for when I am done?" He negotiated. The large saiyan could only soften his smile as he picking up the sleeping woman with great care and made his way easily towards her room. He glanced down at his best friend as he gently tucked her in. Just by looking at her it was glaringly obvious that she had gone through some type of hell. To him, the exact details didn't really matter, but it was the moving forward that mattered most. He felt the presence of his mate watching him from the doorway as he leaned down and kissed the sleeping woman's temple.

"I swear to you Bulma, you will be happy again. I promise."