Chapter

"Let's Talk"

"Under…wear?" Kami was staring at Chi Chi, looking particularly befuddled. She'd just barged into the bedroom, where he'd been sitting, talking to Gohan. She knew that she was being a little rude, but honestly, she refused to be unhygienic. She needed her undergarments, etiquette be damned.

"Yes. Junior said you could get it back. I need it, but those goons up front wouldn't give them back." Chi Chi planted her hands on her hips, wishing that she wasn't completely engulfed in Juinor's clothes. It was hard to be intimidating with giant swaths of purple fabric threatened to fall off of you.

"Ah… well, perhaps I could give Ukatz a call." Kami slowly stood, body shaking as he pushed himself. Gohan jumped up as well, offering his arm to Kami. The old Namekian blinked in surprise, before gratefully taking the little boy's help.

"I really wanna see the pay phone!" Gohan said, practically vibrating with excitement. Kami looked rather confused.

"Oh, dear… I do have a phone here…"

"Oh…" Gohan deflated, and Kami's wrinkled face softened visibly.

"But, I'm sure these old bones could use some excercise. How about I take this little tyke to the phone with me?" Kami gave Chi Chi a watery gaze, fondly enveloping Gohan's tiny hand with his. It was then that Chi Chi realized just how… big Kami actually was. He was old and stooped, but he was still massive—larger than Junior was even in his prime.

She glanced at Gohan, and nodded.

"Perhaps you should stay here with Junior." Kami's mouth pressed into a thin line. "Being in this place does not do good things to him, and I'm sure being around me and Tambourine is not helping."

Both Gohan and Chi Chi shared startled looks at that, to which Kami quickly waved away their worries, soft smile back in place.

"Do not worry, children. I don't think he will do anything truly harmful. He was just very stir crazy as a child." Kami pressed forward, and Chi Chi watched as Gohan escorted the old man out. She realized she was letting her son go—without her. But she heard rattling noises coming from the bedroom, and she quickly hurried over.

She found Junior on his knees, pushing furniture aside and pressing down hard on the floor. She really hadn't expected Kami's warning to come into play so quickly.

"Um, Junior," Chi Chi spoke up, and she received a grunt as an answer. "All right. Lovely. Want to tell me what the hell you're doing?" She crossed her arms and propped her hip against the door frame.

"I kept an old stash around here of outside stuff," Junior replied, nails scrabbling against hardwood. "I was wondering if the old shit ever found it."

Chi Chi frowned, and stepped into the room. "You hid it in the floorboards?"

"Well, how else was I supposed to keep stuff hidden? The damn badger digs everywhere. He's a leading member of this society—can't have your shitty nephew ruining your good name, now can you?"

"He seems nice," Chi Chi remarked. "He's walking Gohan all the way out to the pay phone."

Junior froze. "What?" He stood abruptly, and stomped towards Chi Chi, teeth set in a jagged row.

"He's out walking with Kami," she said again, rolling her eyes. "Are you deaf now, or—," Junior stormed past her, and she had to rush to keep up. "What the hell are you doing?!"

"Tambourine is out there," Junior hissed, stopping to whirl around on his heel. "If he targets Gohan I'll—," His eyes had a wild gleam in them, and for a moment Chi Chi took a startled step backwards. He looked like—,

"Piccolo." She hadn't meant to say it out loud, but with him breathing down on her, it was all she could think of. Immediate regret rushed through her, as she could see his rage visibly break, revealing something else underneath. It was only visible for a moment, as he took a step bac, calm mask in place. She bit the inside of her cheek, and wished that she could swallow back enough pride to apologize.

"Right." He cleared his throat, and shook his head. "Let's go get them. In case something happens." Junior walked ahead, his back to her as they went. Chi Chi followed like a chastised child, and silently fumed. On the one hand, she shouldn't have to feel guilty. He'd been physically imposing, but… that name was a taboo. She knew how much he disliked it when people used it on accident. But to say it with actual intent behind it…

She was in the wrong, and she didn't like it.

"This place looks weird," she muttered, if just to interrupt the sullen silence. For a moment, it felt like Junior wasn't even going to respond to her anymore. He did, though, turn to look at her, brow arched.

"Milk, you really want to get into a debate about looking weird?" His crooked smile was back, if a little wan. She felt relief, her muscles unknotting. He was often annoyed with her, possibly even angry—but disappointment had been a new one. That one wasn't quite so fun.

"I get it, you hate my appearance, blah, blah," Chi Chi tossed her head, giving him a mischievous wink. "Now pick up the pace. You do know where the phone is, don't you?"

"Unfortunately, grandma, I know the place pretty well." Junior's cape was flowing behind him. Chi Chi felt like she should find the damn thing hilarious for how ridiculous it was, but she actually found her traitorous mind enjoying the silhouette it gave him. "It's right up here." They rounded the corner, and saw Gohan enthusiastically pumping in coins, while Kami tried desperately to tell the boy that one was just enough.

Chi Chi and Junior both laughed, and she motioned for him to join her as they pressed themselves against the closest building. They peeked their heads around the corner, Junior bracing himself as he peered over top Chi Chi.

"Your son is an idiot," Junior smirked, and Chi Chi twisted to flick him in the nose. He yelped, and smacked a hand over his face. "Ugh—and you suck."

"You know, for such a 'great fighter', you sure can be a big baby," Chi Chi quipped, tipping back over to see Gohan. He was saying something that Chi Chi couldn't recognize. Perhaps she was just too far away…?

"What a cute, touching scene!"

Chi Chi whirled around to see Tambourine approaching, and she bristled at the sight of him. Beside her, Junior took a similar stance, as his brother eyed them leisurely. His gait was wide and confident—it pissed Chi Chi off. If only Junior hadn't made that damn promise with Gohan! This would be nothing! The brothers could knock each other's brains out, and they'd all live happily ever after.

"What the hell do you want?" Junior snarled.

"You haven't started looking for the keys yet," Tambourine frowned, and cocked his head to the side. He was looking at Chi Chi. "Playing around? –Just like when you were a kid."

"You weren't even around when I was young," Junior argued, and Chi Chi could practically feel him geared for a fight.

"Semantics. I heard enough." Tambourine slowly drifted closer, his wings stiff and large as they spanned out behind him. His eyes were still on Chi Chi, and she bent at the knees ever so slightly. Tambourine cocked his brows up, cackling. "Oh? Are you a fighter, little minx? How cute!" His gaze slid to Junior, eyes practically glinting. "Has she seen your room at dad's? –is it even still there?"

Junior's face flushed purple, and his fangs were bared. "We agreed to your moronic treasure hunt, so back the hell off!"

"Fine, fine, but I don't have all day, you know?" His jaw jutted out, and he shifted, spotting Gohan and Kami. Junior cocked a fist back, striding forward. Tambourine skittered to the side. His wings popped out. "Don't worry, little brother. Just curious!" He flapped his wings, the membrane quivering as he lifted off the ground.

Chi Chi glared after him, mouth puckered as they watched him ascend. "This flying gimmick is getting old."

"You've only seen it once."

"And it's already a snooze-fest," Chi Chi huffed. "I'm assuming that's how he got in here, though… he by-passed the nonsense we had to go through." Junior shrugged.

"It's not like it matters now. He's here, and he's an ass. I don't know what his end-goal is, but here's hoping it's just this key shit." He glanced around the corner again, where Kami and Gohan were making their way over.

Kami was surprised at Chi Chi and Junior's appearances, and gave them a startled greeting.

"We uh—just wanted to take a nice walk." Chi Chi said, forcing an easy smile onto her face. There was no point worrying Gohan any. He seemed happy, clinging to Kami. "So, any news?" she asked, eagerly switching subjects.

"Well…" Kami appeared sheepish, and his cheeks were dusted with splotchy patches of purple. "The thing is… Apparently Ukatz is unable to release your undergarments."

"Unable, or unwilling?" Chi Chi demanded.

"Probably both," Junior supplied helpfully. "If they appeared 'suspicious', then Ukatz probably sent them on to the Sanitization."

"Sanitization?" Chi Chi squawked. "They're not dirty—well, I mean, I guess no dirtier than anybody's would be—,"

"Pleaes," Junior held up a hand, "stop that sentence right now." He shook his head. "And Sanitization just means they're checking it for foreign entities. Ukatz believes that the woman is using her…" Junior made an obscene gesture at his chest, "as a gun holster."

Chi Chi's face was red, as Kami gave an "oh my!"

"When will I get them back?" Chi Chi asked. Both Junior and Kami shared a look. She felt her stomach drip with icy cold dread.

"Usually, by the next day…" Kami said slowly. "We're hoping, at least."

"Hoping?!"

"Well, if Ukatz is being a jackass," Junior replied, rubbing at the back of his head, "then he might push for them to be held longer for detailed inspection."

"No one needs to detail inspect those!" Chi Chi wailed. "There's no details to check!"

"Good luck explaining that to Ukatz." Junior crossed his arms. "I guess you can wash the bottom part out in the sink."

"What about Gohan?!"

"I'm not wearing any," Gohan replied proudly, and Chi Chi blanched.

"What…?"

"Yeah! I read online and in my books, that there are no undergarments! The Namekian clothing is made out of these really cool microfibers that assist in keeping things clean. It prevents yeast infections, and—,"

"Oh my gosh, enough!" Chi Chi held her hands up in defeat. "I'll just… wash them and… blow… dry… No!" She let out a little scream of defeat. "None of you have hair! No blow dryers!"

"Um…" Kami held up a quivering hand. "Ms…?"

"Mrs. Son."

Junior made a noise in the back of his throat.

"Mrs. Son, we do have technology here. Not only will the Solar Ports be more than adequate to drying your clothing, should you so wish, but we do also own washers and dryers." Kami gave her a tiny smile, and Chi Chi flushed. She'd been picturing the Nameks as Amish people, if she were honest with herself.

"Ah… yeah, cool…"

Chi Chi shared a bed with Gohan, the little boy buried in her chest as she struggled to get comfortable. With the ridiculously huge clothes, they dragged on her at every turn. She had no phone to idly pass the time, and no way to contact Junior. She was curious if he was sleeping or not. After she'd caught him tearing apart his bedroom, she wanted to know whether or not he'd found the stuff he'd been looking for.

She slowly slid out of bed, and padded out into the hall. She paused at Junior's room, and tapped her fingers lightly against the door. A moment passed, where she assumed that he would most certainly be asleep—as should she—but he opened the door.

"What?" his face was neutral, and Chi Chi tilted her head.

"I was curious if you'd found your secrets yet," she said, and he cocked his brow. "Also, I couldn't sleep," she admitted. He chuckled and let her in.

"I could hear the kid snoring from next door," Junior said. Chi Chi sighed as she entered, and saw that Junior's cape had been discarded to a heap on the floor.

"Gohan really wants a cape," Chi Chi remarked, and plopped down on the bed, her own ill-fitting clothes making her purse her lips. "He's also very bitter that you gave me your clothes, and not him."

Junior threw his hands up, dropping to the floor in favor of pressing against planks once more. "My clothes are already too big for you. What the hell does the kid want from me?"

"A cape," Chi Chi grinned. "I thought that was obvious."

"Ha, ha," he muttered, before making a sharp noise. He pressed harder on the wood, and Chi Chi eagerly jumped off the bed. The plank came up, revealing a space underneath the floor that sent dust flying up. They both sneezed, waving their hands through the air.

"Geez… when did you hide this—1922?" She crinkled her nose up, and leaned closer. Inside was an assortment of things; there were strange posters of bands she didn't know, old ratty t-shirts, a scattering of piercings that rolled whenever Junior reached a hand in, and a grungy pair of converse.

He had pulled out a yellowing roll of waxy like paper, with Junior and Nail as teenagers posing with their tongues out. "Scandalous," he chuckled, and tossed it to the side. Chi Chi furrowed her brow. She didn't know what was supposed to be so 'scandalous' about teenagers having fun, but whatever.

She leaned forward, and reached in. She saw a magazine, and picked it up. "Women Fighters—," she briefly saw images of startling women of all species in fighting poses, before it was abruptly jerked out of her hands by a flushed Junior. "Hey!"

His lips were compressed as he hastily rolled up the magazine and stuffed it into his back pocket. "Forgot that was in there," he grumbled to himself, and Chi Chi stared at it, something slowly dawning on her.

"Oh my Gosh!" she squealed, face clamping to her mouth. Junior's ears pressed flat against his skull as his face fought to remain neutral—but betrayed the panic he was obviously feeling. "That was for…" she wiggled her fingers at him, and the purple turned puce.

"Shut up," he hissed, gaze nervously sliding to the door. "Do you want to wake the whole house with your shrieking?"

"I thought Nameks didn't…" Chi Chi bit her lip.

"It's not that they don't it's just… not common," he muttered, face carefully averted. "And, so what? Okay? It doesn't matter."

"It kind of does… I didn't even know you guys could…" She squinted, lips pursing as she very blatantly let her eyes drop. Chi Chi seemed to realize what she was doing, though, and quickly lifted her face, fanning at her cheeks. That had been a bit inappropriate of her.

"Well, we can, okay?" Junior snarled, and stuffed everything back into the hole. He slammed the plank down, and Chi Chi quickly pointed to the magazine sticking out of his pocket. His snarl was rather loud as he tore the magazine out, and threw it against the wall.

"Don't pout," she chastised. "You'd tease me if you got the chance."

"Woman, I could tease you for the sheer amount of romance novels I've seen in your apartment, don't even get me started." Junior glared at her, jaw jutted out. "Anyways, is that even a real depiction of romance?"

Chi Chi frowned. "Of course not! It's fantasy! In real life…" she paused, and shrugged. "I guess… oh, I don't even know anymore!" She balled her hands into fists, and slammed one against her thigh.

Junior watched her, and sighed. He slid back along the floor, pressing his back to the bed. Chi Chi followed suit, both of their heads knocked back against the comforter as they stared at his ceiling.

"So… you obviously, uh—well. How come you've never done anything?" Chi Chi felt awkward, but not seeing his face certainly helped. She focused on the stippled ceiling, tracing the shapeless swirls with her eyes.

"I've never found anybody worth considering." He replied, but she could feel the embarrassment radiating off of him. "Physically, people are fine. It's the emotional part I've never understood. And there's quite a few steps between point A and B."

"Yeah…" Chi Chi rolled her neck, facing Junior. "It's not all it's cracked up to be anyways."

"The romance or the…?"

"Both." She stretched her arms above her head. "With Goku… we just always were, y'know? Up in our small town, me working on the farm with my dad and him there with us…" she chuckled. "Grandpa Gohan always swore that he just found Goku out in the woods, and he stuck to it. I don't know how true that is, though."

"Grandpa Gohan?" Junior blinked.

"That's the man that raised Goku—one of my dad's good friends. We basically shared our farm land. Goku was always at our house."

"Has he always been an insufferable moron?"

"Watch it… but, yeah. Grandpa Gohan used to say it was 'cuz he was dropped on his head." She chuckled. "I guess that's one thing we've always wondered, though. Was where in the hell Goku was from. We know he's Saiyan but…" Her brow crinkled as she thought.

"Couldn't you just look him up or something?"

"With what? Grandpa Gohan named him, and he refused to say anything other than 'I found him in the woods'. So who knows who the hell he actually is?" Chi Chi squinted her eyes up. "I used to, when I was a kid, imagine that he was secretly a prince or something, and that someday he'd marry me and sweep me away."

Junior snorted. "You had princess fantasies?"

"I'll punch you—you know that, right?" Chi Chi huffed, and pulled her knees to her chest. "But yeah, I did. I guess I thought about it so much, I just convinced myself that… we were meant to be." Junior was silent. "I'm beginning to wonder now if… if I did the right thing." Her voice was soft, and she could still hear Junior breathing.

"I had a crush," Junior blurted out suddenly, "when I was younger. There was a, uh—well, I'll be honest, she was an old bag. Her and her husband lived near my father's mansion. I used to run away from home at night, and one time I ended up hiding out behind her dumpster. She saw me, and I expected her to be afraid of me—freaky teenage alien was in her trash. But she just smiled at me…" his face was purple again. "She was the nicest human I'd ever met. She always tried to give me cookies, even though she knew I didn't eat them. I guess it was just to be nice."

"You talk about her in the past tense," Chi Chi said, and she saw Junior's face close in on itself.

"Yeah, well. Some shitty human kids in the neighborhood found out I was visiting her. They started harassing her. Her husband told me to get lost, and the last time I went by there, her house was burning to the ground with her in it." Junior's face was dark. "I found the kids responsible, and beat them til the cops showed up. It was the first time I was ever locked up."

Chi Chi swallowed, and reached a hand out, pressing it to Junior's bicep.

"I know that she was old," he whispered, and she saw his fangs pressed against the inside of his lips, "and that she was married. But I really loved her."

"Are you sure you loved her romantically…?" Chi Chi attempted, and Junior's face crumpled, just the tiniest bit, as he nodded. Then shrugged.

"How would I even know?"

Chi Chi shifted a bit closer, her hip brushing his. He turned to her, he was bent over just enough to where his antennae almost brushed her forehead. "Love feels… warm and comfortable," she muttered. "Even platonic love. You just feel safe. Sometimes, it doesn't feel like anything—but it's always there. Sometimes, in their smile, sometimes in their words, brief flashes of 'god, I do love them, don't I?' But I think, overall, it just feels like they're a part of your life."

"So how do you know when it's romantic?" Junior was so close now, his breath ghosting over her, and she was thankful of the spare toothbrushes Kami had offered them. The last thing she needed was shitty fruit water blowing in her face when he looked kinda handsome.

"I just had this conversation with Gohan regarding you," she grinned, and goodness even his antennae were cold. "You'll want to kiss them, and hold them."

"Interesting," he murmured.

She stared into his eyes, small and black. His nose was incredibly sharp, just like his cheekbones.

A cough sounded by the door. "I'm sorry about interrupting, but we will be headed out early tomorrow to look for those keys." Kami was standing there, his face contorted into what almost looked like an uncomfortable smile as Chi Chi and Junior lurched apart.

"Ah—y-yeah, Mr. Kami," Chi Chi blurted out, rocketing to her feet. "I just couldn't sleep and-and Junior was helping."

"I see…" Kami's tone was mild, but his lips were quirking up at the corner. Chi Chi didn't even have the heart to turn to look at Junior—she knew that he was be spitting with rage and embarrassment about being busted… but they hadn't technically been doing anything, Chi Chi assured herself.

Not yet, a nasty voice sneered. Chi Chi quickly scuttled out, rushing back to her bedroom. She tried to think of Goku as she clambered back into bed, but all she could conjure up was sharp green planes and small dark eyes. Next door, she could hear a hushed argument between Kami and Junior.

Chi Chi sighed, and cuddled closer to Gohan.

Vegeta was being insufferable, and wasn't that saying something? Sure, he was a general pain in the ass, but after Bulma had dropped her little bombshell, he'd been even worse. She could have sworn she saw his nose grow two inches as he began maniacally cackling.

"Woman! I do believe you're proposing to me?"

"To save you!" Bulma spluttered. How could he possibly be an ass in this situation? —the answer was, rather easily.

"Oh-ho! Woman, now, you've had your eye on me for quite a while. But that's all right. I'll forgive you for using Freeza as a tactic. In fact, it's rather evil of you, and I'm proud." Vegeta was grinning widely, and Bulma could feel her blood pressure sky-rocketing.

"Listen, Vegeta—,"

"Now, now. Are you going to do this properly?"

"Excuse me?"

"Well, where's my ring? My proposal? My dowry?" Vegeta was smirking, eyes alight with something wicked.

"Um—I'm rescuing you from literal slavery!" Bulma pointed out, which Vegeta promptly brushed off.

"Yes, yes, aren't you the kind spirit? I bet mommy and daddy will be proud of your charity work. That aside, I demand to be courted properly! I am a prince." He thumped his chest proudly, and Bulma thought of punching him. There was a migraine forming at her temples.

"What the hell do you want from me?!"

"Goats are what's typically offered…" Vegeta thought carefully, before stroking his chin. "That's not entirely practical, though, is it?"

"No shit!" Bulma snarled.

"Fine. I'll accept a worthy diamond, along with…" Vegeta frowned, brow furrowing. "And I suppose I'll take pizza. Whenever I want. Whatever toppings I want." He squinted his eyes up.

"Aren't I supposed to offer the dowry?"

"Well—yes, but you were just standing there like an oaf. I felt like you needed assistance." Vegeta clapped his hands together, and made a shooing motion at Bulma. "Now, I would prefer this to happen at a later date. Right now you look a mess. Try to impress me." He flounced away, cackles bouncing down the halls.

Bulma screamed, and glared at the computer screen. Why, oh why, couldn't he make this easier?!

Chapter

"Panty Shot"

Gohan was half asleep, with his face practically in his oatmeal bowl. Chi Chi chuckled, spooning some of her own serving into her mouth. Junior soon joined them, giving the table a distasteful look.

"Since when do you keep food here, old man?" Junior demanded.

Kami set a glass of water in front of his nephew. "I've had visitors from the outside, and some of our own Namekians have ventured into the outside world and rather enjoyed human food." He took his own seat, sipping at a glass. "I like to accommodate my guests." His smile was warm as he regarded Chi Chi. "Speaking of, Piccolo, if you'd told me, I would have gladly given you and the young miss here your own rooms. I did not realize you two were together."

Chi Chi and Junior launched into protests, while Gohan quickly jerked awake, eyeing the two adults as if they'd sprouted wings. His mouth was wide open, while Kami was subject to a barrage of insults from Junior, and loud protests from Chi Chi.

"I'm sorry, did I misread the scene last night…?" Kami cocked his head to the side, and Chi Chi bit a knuckle to keep from screeching.

"Yes, you stupid ass old man! You obviously did!" Junior snarled, and slammed a fist into the table. Kami gave Junior a passive look, and grasped the edge of the table, attempting to steady it.

"Now, now. Mind your temper. Young Gohan is still eating. You'll upend his food."

"Yeah, mind your temper," Gohan said, beaming at the growling Junior. "But…" he batted his lashes, giving Junior and his mom a shy look, "what were you two doing last night?"

"Nothing!" Chi Chi flailed. Her face was hot. "Kami, you really misunderstand. I'm a married woman!"

Kami blinked. "Oh. Has wedlock become less strict in my years here? I do recall your 'marriages' to be much more monogamous."

Chi Chi burrowed her face in her hands.

"Shut your goddamn mouth, old man!" Junior snapped. He rose from the table with a fierceness, and stormed out. "You two meet me in front of the house when you're done." He shouted over his shoulder before the door slammed.

"Ah, such a hot temper…" Kami sighed. "I'm afraid I antagonized him a bit too much." The old man tilted his head to Gohan, and muttered something in that weird language. The boy readily replied.

"Really… slug speak, but no Mandarin." Chi Chi frowned, and Gohan shrugged.

"Sorry, mom," Gohan giggled. His oatmeal was halfway finished, when he asked to be pardoned. "I wanna go check on Mr. Junior," he said, and Chi Chi released him. The boy eagerly scampered outside, and she could already hear him chattering happily before the door was even closed.

Kami gave a wistful smile.

"Sorry about Junior's outbursts," Chi Chi said with a roll of her eyes. "We're getting his grumpiness down to a minimum. About one percent a week, I do believe." She stood, picking up her and Gohan's bowls, stacking Junior's cup on top. "Here, let me get your cup for you. Refill, or you done?" She flushed, then, realizing she was in restaurant mode.

"Oh, I'm quite all right," Kami assured her, standing with his own glass. "I thank you for your help. With these dishes, and with Pic—Junior." He went with her into the kitchen, running the tap for her as she pushed the dishes in, getting the dried gunk off of them. "He's always been argumentative… but I'm happy to see him with people that aren't us."

Chi Chi gave him a careful look. "How long have you been in Junior's life?"

"Since the day my brother conceived him." Kami dried his hands, staring at the wrinkled things, his mouth twisted into a sad line. "I've tried to watch over him always, but he's a stubborn child. I don't think he appreciates my affections." The old man gave a dry chuckle, a wheeze in his throat. "I know that he needs someone now, with what's happening to his father." Kami suddenly reached out, surprising Chi Chi with the strength of his grip. "Listen—I know he bluffs and blusters, but please, don't leave him alone during this time. He's a master at hiding his emotions—the one's that really count. He won't let me in, so please…"

Chi Chi stared, dumbfounded. She didn't understand why she was being entrusted with this. She was the worst person for Junior. She made him angrier, they tended to get on one another's nerves, and she was completely incapable of being a sympathetic person all around. She didn't know what she could provide that Kami or Dende couldn't.

Her doubt seemed to show on her face, as Kami quickly released her.

"I apologize," he coughed. "I just fear… that if something happens to my brother, that Junior won't be all right. He may say what he wishes, but he loves his father."

"You could have fooled me," Chi Chi replied, shaking her head. "Are you entirely sure about this? I mean, Junior practically told me his father deserved what was coming to him."

Kami's face creased over. "Junior is one of those people that puts on many masks. He's always been good at it. Neutral or surly, but never caring. He would much rather scorn his father than admit that he's hurting about what's happening." He grabbed his cane, slowly churning forward. "We've kept him waiting long enough, let's go. I'm sure right now he's preoccupied enough with Tambourine."

Chi Chi followed the old man, joining Gohan and Junior outside. Junior's aggravated expression had given way to what was a rather decent enough smile, while Gohan hung from his biceps, swinging and talking happily. She smiled at the sight of them, and Junior, though sheepish, didn't shake Gohan off of him.

"All right, let's get to looking."

They spent several hours searching around the city, but to no avail. None of the Namekians had seen any keys other than their own, and no matter where they searched they were unable to find the set. Kami pointed out that they'd only covered roughly twenty-five percent of the area that they needed to, and they weren't even going with a fine tooth comb.

Junior was growing aggravated.

"This is ridiculous," he growled, on his hands and knees behind a dumpster, as Chi Chi was scaling brick walls, checking window sills for any dangling pieces. "We're never finding them this way!"

"Well, what else should we do?" Chi Chi huffed, fingers aching as she released her perch. Her feet tapped lightly against the concrete, and she turned to help Junior. He'd wedged himself behind the dumpster, and she pulled him out.

"I don't know," he grumbled. He looked thoroughly put out, and his mood only worsened when he saw Chi Chi stifling giggles. "What?" he demanded.

"Banana peel," she said, and reached onto her tip-toes, barely managing to grasp the peel and yank it down. Junior finally seemed at his limit, threw his hands up, and stalked out of the alleyway. Chi Chi followed behind him, catching sight of Kami and Gohan down the street, laughing together.

Junior's jaw tightened, and he took off down the sidewalk. "Come on, Gohan, you're going to help me look." The boy turned, giving Junior an odd look.

"Well, I promised Kami that I'd help him." Gohan smiled. "He's got trouble walking!"

"And he'll have trouble breathing if he doesn't back the hell off." Junior retorted, and Chi Chi widened her eyes. Gohan's cheeks turned very red as he balled his hands into fists, glaring up at Junior.

"You promised you wouldn't fight!" he said, eyebrows furrowed. "And you're being a real—a real—,"

"A real what?!"

"A real butt!" Gohan puffed his cheeks out, and Junior reeled back.

"Excuse me?!"

"You're excused," the little boy retorted. Junior visibly convulsed, and looked incredulously to Chi Chi. She shrugged.

"You kind of are."

"Indeed, little brother," Tambourine's voice came from above, and all four of them collectively groaned. "Oh, stuff it. And what was that I heard little man screaming about?" A grin sliced its way across Tambourine's face. "A promise not to fight—not my brother, surely?"

Junior gritted his teeth, his angry glare locking onto Gohan. The boy at least bothered to look sheepish.

"Ah, I do feel the need to mention, I moved the keys overnight." He chuckled at all of their gasps, looking as if he were soaking in their despair. "Yeah, sucks to be you losers." His gaze locked onto Junior.

"So, are you just going to keep making dramatic entrances?" Chi Chi demanded, setting her jaw. Tambourine twisted to look at her, an odd look in his eyes. His lip curled up, and he spat in Chi Chi's direction. Her eyes flared wide. He was damn lucky that the spit glob had fallen short.

Junior had launched forward, bomb-rushing his brother.

Tambourine chuckled and floated upwards, flipping over Junior. He leaned his back against Junior's, much to his chagrin. "Now, now, little brother. Your young one is watching. I mean, he's a filthy half-breed, sure but he's still a kid."

"Don't talk about him you bastard," Junior growled, turning on his heel to face Tambourine. The elder brother seemed bored, however, and was flapping his wings, taking off to the sky. Junior's lips were pressed into a thin line as he scowled at the ground, not even bothering to watch Tambourine's exit.

"You know," Chi Chi said mildly, "I'm beginning to think you're the least annoying member of your family."

Junior managed a strained grin. "I tried to tell you I wasn't that bad."

"I'm sorry Mr. Junior!" Gohan blurted, rushing over. His small arms were soon thrown around Junior's calves. "I shouldn't have shouted that you couldn't fight… now what's he going to do?" The little boy had tears pooling up, and Junior squatted down. He swiped underneath the boy's eyes, albeit a bit roughly.

"Dry it up, boy," Junior muttered, voice soft and low. "You said I could protect you and your mother, if need be, and I intend to hold that. Tambourine just thinks I can't fight in general, but he's got another thing coming if messes with you or Milk." His knuckle butted Gohan's chin lightly, and the little boy gave him a watery smile.

"All right…" he sniffled. "But you were being a total boogerface."

"Last time you called somebody that you ended up with a black eye," Junior chuckled.

"Um, she had one too, so I feel like I deserve some props."

"Major props," Chi Chi giggled and came over to them. She bent down next to Gohan, and he gave her a warm smile. "You're very strong. So are you going to fight Tambourine for us?"

Gohan flushed. "Well, maybe I'm not too strong. Videl did mess me up pretty bad…" Both Chi Chi and Junior dissolved into laughter, while Kami stood to the side, a grin on his face. He was distracted, however, as a young Namekian ran up to him.

"Sir, Ukatz sent me to you. He said the human's…" he glanced at Chi Chi, "things have been cleared."

"Ah, of course," Kami thanked the young Namekian and sent him on his way. "Let's head that way, then miss, and we can get your undergarments." Chi Chi grimaced, but accepted it. He led them along the sidewalk, until they were once again in the cobblestone area, with lush grass all around. A building close to the entrance was where Kami led them. When they entered, it was to mayhem.

Nameks were everywhere, but only one Chi Chi recognized. Ukatz saw them, and quickly approached, clearly distressed.

"What's the matter?" Kami demanded, and Ukatz gritted his teeth.

"Tambourine came in here and caused a mess," he explained, pointing to where a few Namekians were out cold. The bodies had been moved to safety, while others were continuing to gather up loose papers and random items from the floor.

"Great, now he's big an ass overall," Junior groaned, crossing his arms. "Whatever. Can't you just give us Milk's stuff?"

"Milk…?" Ukatz stared, befuddled. "Oh. You mean the woman. Well… I'm afraid that's what Tambourine took."

"Excuse me?" Chi Chi stared.

Ukatz looked at her as if she were particularly stupid. "Tambourine took your stuff," he repeated. "Are you deaf?"

"Listen, you jack—,"

Junior placed his hand on Chi Chi's shoulder, squeezing it tight to pull her back to him. "Ignore him. We've got bigger problems. I don't know why the hell Tambourine wants your underwear, but it can't be for anything good."

Chi Chi was certain her face had to be a shade of green—blending into the Namekian colony. "Gross," she groaned. "I don't want that freak touching anything of mine! I'm going to have to burn all of those now!"

"We can just buy you new ones," Junior replied, looking very unconcerned. "I think we should focus on why he has them."

"Easy for you to say! I'm the one that has to shell out money for it! Underwear isn't cheap!"

"For the love of—woman, I'll give you some money! Could you focus?"

"I'm not some hussy for you to throw money at, sir!"

Junior groaned, and rubbed at his antennae. All eyes in the room were on them now, and they had both just noticed it. Shaking his head sharply, he lowered his voice.

"Milk, listen to me," he barely moved his lips as he spoke to her, "we can buy you more underwear. We need to focus on the task at hand. Which is the creepy green man running around with your panties!"

Chi Chi huffed. "There's no need to take that tone with me," she grumbled, though there was no fire behind it. "Fine. Let's go figure out what the hell he did."

Gohan quickly grabbed at Junior's index finger. "Hey, Mr. Junior—if you called Tambourine a creepy green man, are you insulting yourself?"

Junior sucked in a deep breath, his eyes half-lidded. "Kid… I don't think I care at this point."

Gohan hummed thoughtfully as they exited the building.

They all paused, eyes wide as they stared.

"Milk," Junior's voice was barely a whisper, "how much did you pack."

"Oh," Chi Chi said faintly, "you know… as much as someone would for a week."

They stood directly outside the doors, all staring agape at Tambourine cackling as he held Chi Chi's bag, raining bras and panties down on the town below him. At first she was shocked, then Chi Chi felt a burning hot rage flare deep within her.

"Junior," her voice sounded more guttural then she'd ever heard it.

"Yes?"

"I'm going to fucking kill your brother."

Gohan clapped his hands to his ears, and sang la, la, la as to not hear.

Sinbin, hope y'all recognize bits of this.

And thank-you for all the wonderful feedback you guys, and I can't wait to read more reviews!