The two girls stared at each other awkwardly, unable to figure out how or what to say. Susie ran her hand through her hair and cleared her throat. Bulla looked up and then averted her eyes.

Trunks and Pan looked at the two, standing a little away from them. Bulma was there too, but she remained silent as well. All the three watched the two girls cautiously, making them feel even more awkward.

"Uh…" Susie said and then stopped. What would she say anyway?

"Why did you leave?" Bulla asked finally.

"Why did you leave?" Susie asked back.

"You know why!" Bulla replied, trying to be angry but failing at it.

"I know," Susie said and sighed.

"And you?"

"I- uh- I didn't like- I just- I don't know," Susie said, stuttering over her words, looking at her feet, which she suddenly found to be very interesting.

"I didn't know that you could be unconfident too," Bulla said.

Susie's eyes widened at the comment and Pan, unable to restrain herself, burst into laughter. The two girls jumped at her voice, realising that they weren't alone. Susie cleared her throat again.

"I think we should wait outside," Bulma said and Trunks and Pan nodded, following her out. Pan turned around and winked at Susie and then left.

"So, um, I hope things go well for you," Susie said.

"And?"

"I'll return to the orphanage."

There was such a pain in her voice that it made Bulla cringe even. The sadness in Susie's hazel green eyes didn't seem right. The Briefs had adopted her after all. It would be wrong to just send her away.

"No you won't."

"Listen," Susie said, "I'm so- I don't- I am s-s-s-sorry."

The air around them seemed to become heavier and the silence was too loud. Bulla looked at her through wide eyes. Susie?! Apologising?! Susie apologised?!

"You- you said s-sorry!?"

"Yes," the younger girl said as if it were nothing too great or different.

"But why?"

"For being so… mean to you…"

Bulla stared at her for a few seconds and then laughed.

"Oh goodness! I should have brought a camera to take a picture of your face! It was such an amazing scene!"

"…."

Susie didn't say anything to except narrow her eyes.

"I don't like people taking my pictures."

"Well then, a selfie is the first thing we'll have when we go back home."

"Home?"

"Of course home!"

"But-"

"No buts," Bulla said, "I've been mean to you too. We're both mean to each other. The score is settled. No need to forgive. But we can forget all about it, if you're willing."

With that the blue-haired girl stuck out her hand and then smiled lightly. Smiled, not smirked.

Susie stared at her hand as if eyeing a dangerous toy. Gingerly, she took the hand and shook it. Bulla gave her a tug and then hugged her.

"I was so stupid," Bulla said, "And so childish."

"Me too," Susie replied, feeling uncomfortable but she wouldn't move away. Not at all.

"Friends?"

"F-Friends," Susie replied and then grinned whole-heartedly. It felt nice to say that word as if she meant it. Maybe she could get along with Bulla the way she got along with Pan. It would be worth it.

"Yay! And now, let's tell those elder and better and wiser people."

"Just imagine their expressions," Susie said.

"I know right. Adults worry too much."


Now that she was back home, Susie finally appreciated all the love and attention she got. She needed it, and this family was not going to send her back. Not this time.

Things were going very good with Bulla. The two sisters and Pan were often seen having fun and studying together. Susie still liked spending time with Vegeta, staring at the moons and stars but this time it would be with a smile on her pretty face.

She still missed Janet but now realised why her friend had sent her away. All the rage dissipated from her and she had framed a large photograph of her, placing it on the wall right in front of her bed. Even she knew it wasn't needed though. Janet would always be there with her, despite everything.

Bulma was working in the kitchen when Susie entered and looked around. Hesitantly, the girl walked up to the woman.

"Susie! Do you need anything honey?"

"Uh, do you, do you need my help… mum?"

Bulma whirled around and looked at her daughter in wonder. Tears fell from her eyes uncontrollably. Mum… Susie called her mum…

"What did you say? What did you call me?!"

"Mum…" Susie said awkwardly with a shy smile.

Bulma hugged her.

Susi paused for a moment and then hugged her back again.

It felt nice. Very nice to call someone… mum. To have a family. To have friends who loved her.

For the first time in her life, Susie was genuinely happy.

So yes, there will be one epilogue for this, and then it will be over. I did enjoy writing this a lot, but I realise I have dragged it on for too long. I didn't have the motivation to write for it, mainly because I felt all the canon characters were OOC and because I don't recall much from the show. I did enjoy it a lot though, especially writing Susie's character, because she was really complex and it's always fun to write those. Thank you Charismatic Beauty for suggesting such a wonderful idea and for the beautiful character of Susie.

Hope you all have a nice day.