Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or the characters

Alright, almost to the end. I think I just need one more chapter to finish it all. This chapter is a little longer, mainly because I didn't want to rush the Raditz X Peppan backstory, but I wanted to include it all. I figured it would be nice to see, especially since everyone really liked reading Tights X Celen. I figured just one more chapter of romance would help, but I needed to fit everything in this one chapter without stretching out the story. As soon as I can, I'll have the next chapter up, and then we get into the final segment of the story. I decided to call the sequel, Camaraderie. That's something I'm looking forward to ;) Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the chapter! Thanks for reading!

Kakarot was right to be as confident as he was. Vegeta learned that underestimating this young fighter was a mistake early on in their spar. He knew how to avoid Vegeta's most powerful blasts while sending his own strong counterattack. At first it was a game of cat and mouse where every five minutes, they switched roles. Eventually, Kakarot broke out of the pattern and took control of the fight which left the prince to feel cornered.

Vegeta did not do well backed into corners. Flashes of Zarbon or Frieza appeared before him, and he snapped and went after his rival in full fury. Kakarot managed to evade all of the attacks, thankfully. He was actually startled by Vegeta's aggressive shift. He couldn't even call out to him like he did whenever his brother got into that sort of mode for Vegeta was very quick and his barrage of punches was unending.

That is, until, Kakarot's stomach growled.

The sound instantly snapped Vegeta back into reality. His attention shifted to Kakarot before he launched himself to the other side of the room to put some distance between him and the boy. His breathing was heavy, and even Kakarot could tell how shaken the prince was. Still, he had other matters to attend to. Cheerily, he suggested, "Hey, Vegeta, let's go get some food. I'm starving!"

Vegeta jumped when he heard Kakarot call his name, but then he was once again puzzled by Kakarot's strange behavior. He was completely different than what Vegeta was used to: innocent and naïve and way too trusting. The prince didn't know what to do with him.

He nodded, agreed to break and get some lunch as his own stomach growled. Vegeta hadn't been eating much, already lectured by his mother how important it was for him to refuel. She lectured him about excessively training also, but Vegeta still trained for hours upon hours—he only reduced the amount of training time slightly. Now, his father demanded he join them for meals. At least lunch he didn't have to suffer with them. He and Kakarot could go to the barracks and eat with the soldiers trained by Zorn. It was the closest place to go.

Vegeta watched in disgust as Kakarot shoveled food into his mouth. His table manners were awful, worse than Raditz's and Nappa's combined, and that was saying quite a bit. The prince wasn't eating much despite putting a whole bunch of food on his plate. Honestly, he didn't know if he could. On Frieza's ship, the bastard made sure to only give the Saiyans enough calories to survive. Anything extra that could fuel their power more, he avoided. Whenever they trained, they managed, but it was difficult to get stronger.

Kakarot noticed that Vegeta was hardly touching his meal and then looked to his own favorites in front of him. He picked up a slab of meat from his tray and daggled it in front of Vegeta while he scarfed down the food. "W-what is this?" Vegeta asked the boy, his voice wrought with astonishment.

"Wan soom?" Kakarot spoke out with his mouth full.

Vegeta shook his head and took the meat. "That's disgusting," he admonished. "Don't talk with your mouth full in my presence."

Kakarot swallowed big and then smiled and rubbed the back of his head shyly. "Sorry, Vegeta. Raditz scolds me about that, too."

The prince rolled his eyes. "Of course he does," he muttered before he glanced at the three-year-old again. "I still don't understand you."

Kakarot chewed and swallowed before he tilted his head. "What do you mean?"

"I nearly killed you," Vegeta growled, his fist clenched. "How are you still this comfortable around me?"

"I don't understand the question."

Vegeta sighed and shook his head. "You're telling me all this personal shit; you barely know me. I nearly killed you in a simple spar. What is your deal? Are you really that stupid?"

Kakarot looked a little dazed before he frowned and rubbed the back of his head. "Wow, I didn't think of it like that," he stated, but then he smiled at the prince. "We're training partners, so I figured it was okay to share private stuff. It's not like you're going to tell anyone, and I wouldn't tell anyone anything about you, really. Raditz hasn't said much about you except that you were very brave and loyal to all of us. I really wanted to meet you."

Vegeta couldn't believe what he was hearing. This boy knew nothing about him except what Raditz said, and that's what prompted him to be his training partner. The prince's expression darkened, and he scoffed and turned away. "And nearly being destroyed by me hasn't changed your opinion," he jeered.

"Well, did you want to kill me?"

The prince immediately sat straight and looked at the boy with troubled eyes. Kakarot didn't seem fazed as he waited for Vegeta's answer. "No," Vegeta admitted. "I…that desire left me when I returned. I still have these moments where I get lost in a memory. I don't do well being backed into a corner."

Kakarot nodded and then smiled warmly. "Like I said, I understand. Raditz doesn't have moments like that often, but he still has them enough for me to know how to handle them. I got a little excited. I didn't mean to back you into a corner. That was my fault. I'm sorry."

Vegeta chuckled. "You're sorry," he spoke to reiterate what had been said. "You don't have to apologize for my sanity being broken."

"It may be broken now, but we have a lot of time to fix it," Kakarot offered. "Nothing is ever truly broken, and it's never too late to change."

Eyes narrowed at the spiky-haired child. "What are you?"

"A Saiyan," Kakarot laughed. "What else?"

"I'm glad you had people to talk to," Trunks stated. He and Vegeta were alone that day as Tarble was with the king. King Vegeta began to actually answer the child's questions and wonderings. Vegeta had been right to inform the king. He felt the beginnings of distrust from his brother. He was thankful that his father was actually doing something about it.

"Kakarot became one of the only ones I spoke to before your mother," Vegeta replied casually. "Raditz had been living his own life…dating a whole bunch of women."

"I thought he dated Aunt Peppan."

"Not until shortly before Kakarot and I left for Earth, maybe the year before. Up until then, he was getting himself into trouble. As for Nappa, I always knew he was friends with my mother, so as he started spending more time with her mourning for his son, I began to trust him less. He never told my mother anything, so our bond was never broken, and when he accompanied me to Earth he made it clear that he was loyal to both me and my parents. He never told them anything personal, and he made sure to explain away my actions, even if it was partly a lie just so that he'd protect what I told him.

"Kakarot, though, he was always there. After we formed a bond, it was easier to tell him things. Knowing that Raditz confided in the boy was enough for me to know that I could as well. There were things I could never tell him, that I hardly was able to tell your mother. I'm surprised I even told you and Tarble the details. I didn't wish to taint anyone that way."

"You didn't taint me, Dad," Trunks assured him. "I wanted to know. It doesn't make me think any differently of you. Well, that's kind of a lie. I respect you a lot more than I already had, and I'm immensely thankful you kept me from living that lifestyle. I can't even imagine it fully."

"You'll never have to," Vegeta responded. "Not if I have anything to say about it."

Trunks smiled. No one said anything for a few moments, so the boy decided to change the subject. "So, how did Uncle Raditz meet Aunt Peppan?"

Through the years, both Vegeta and Kakarot saw less and less of Raditz. For the most part, it was because Kakarot spent a lot of time training with Vegeta. The boy would return, but Raditz was usually out at some bar. There would be times where Raditz would bring a random girl home for a night, caught by his father, and once by Kakarot who found them at least covered up by the sheets after their sessions. Strangely enough, Raditz didn't want Kakarot knowing about this stuff when he was younger and just said he and his lady friend were having a sleepover. The child never thought anything of it.

Kakarot spent more time at the palace away from their childhood home, mainly because their father gave him hell any time the teenager showed any sort of emotion. Raditz always did his best to be there for his brother for emotional support even though it wasn't his strong suit. Raditz had a soft spot for Kakarot, but their father did not and would usually treat the teenager like shit every time even the slightest emotion appeared on his face. Because of this, and the fact that the royals were sending Vegeta off-planet for school, Kakarot would go along for the ride.

Truthfully, his brother didn't need a degree living on the planet. The prince didn't either. The reason they were going to Earth was because the king and queen had barely seen a change in their son over the years. They hoped a trip to an allied world would benefit their son.

Around Kakarot, Vegeta was more laidback. In fact, Raditz heard some soldiers complain about the two teenagers causing a ruckus with juvenile pranks and mischief. Raditz was relieved that his brother helped the prince get to a more stable mindset over the years. His innocence helped Raditz, which was why, when Kakarot expressed his desire to meet Vegeta, his older brother approved it. He knew the prince was struggling the worst out of the three of them. The older Saiyan truly believed his little brother would have a positive effect on Vegeta. He was right.

Now that Vegeta was leaving the planet with Kakarot, Raditz knew that the air around his home would be different. He and his father never really connected in his life. For some strange reason, Bardock had more of an issue with either of his sons leaving his sight. The father didn't care that the king wanted the prince to have a 'multicultural experience'. He didn't care if the king was hoping it would heal his son's mental state. He did everything to convince Kakarot to stay, even threatened to cut his allowance. Kakarot didn't care. He knew Vegeta would look out for him.

But before all that, the year before Kakarot left for Earth with Vegeta, Raditz became involved with a woman. It began one night, when Raditz was on the prowl at a bar and looking for his next one-night stand. There was a large array of women in the bar he frequented, but his eyes were instantly drawn to a girl who was laughing with her group of friends. Even the bartenders were laughing, and one of the female workers said, "Oh, Peppan, you're hilarious."

"Thanks!" the girl chimed before she took a sip of her drink. She looked to the other girls and then started to tell them a story of one of her latest arguments with someone, though Raditz could care less. This girl was loose, an easy target. He knew he looked good, and she would be putty in his presence like all the others. Confidently, he strode right up to her, earning her startled attention. He eyed her thin, muscular form and resisted the urge to lick his lips as his dark orbs shone bright with desire. "Hey," he greeted smoothly.

The girl looked nervous and blushed brightly before she ran her hand through her short, dark hair. "Um, hello," she returned. The Saiyan looked over to her friends who simply shrugged. She mustered up her courage and faced Raditz. "Can I help you?"

A victorious grin was her answer. The fact that she engaged with him prompted Raditz to try and pick her up. "What's a pretty, little lady like you doing in a place like this?"

Peppan tried to act as casually as possible, even when Raditz used one of his hands to glide over her shoulder. Her eyes narrowed. "Clearly, I am spending some time with my friends after a difficult day." She pulled away from him; her eyes and posture highlighted her indignation.

This only seemed to egg Raditz on. Normally, girls came with him right away, save a few. He rather liked the feisty approach this girl took. He couldn't wait to have her. "Why don't you spare some time to spend with me?" he slurred.

"Not interested."

Those words stung Raditz more than he cared to admit. He had been doing this for years and was never flat out refused. It was a blow to his pride, and anger seeped into his heart. It awoke a horrible, familiar feeling in him, something he hadn't felt since he was on Frieza's ship. That humiliation brought his mind back to that time, and he wasn't exactly willing to be nice.

In his rage, he grabbed her which caused the female Saiyan to yelp. Peppan's friends were concerned, but she just smiled, waved them off, and assured them that she would be fine. She allowed Raditz to lead her out of the bar. Once they were in the alleyway, Raditz tossed her against the wall. He never really cared about women save that he could use them to quell that incompleteness he had felt ever since he suffered at the hands of that monster. "You little bitch," he hissed. "How dare you insult me? You're lucky I gave you the time of day."

"I'm lucky?" Peppan questioned sarcastically before her eyes narrowed at the other Saiyan. "Don't think I don't know who you are, Raditz. I've heard of you. You skulk around looking for casual flings to satisfy you. I'm not that kind of Saiyan. I'm not looking for a fling. It was only fair to be honest."

Raditz didn't seem to hear her, though he did growl and trapped her against the wall using his body and stature to intimidate her. "Even if you know who I am, you don't know who you're dealing with."

The female Saiyan sighed, and Raditz became even more infuriated when he saw pity deep within her irises. "Look," she huffed, "I know you've been through hell, and to be honest I feel sorry for you which is why I didn't fight back as you so rudely manhandled me out here. Still, no matter what you've been through, it doesn't excuse your horrid behavior. You are free, but it doesn't give you the right to treat people this way. You can't just expect to take what you want and not give a shit about the other person."

What she said brought Raditz back to reality, and he was in a daze. It gave the girl her chance to defend herself. Peppan elbowed him hard in the gut, and Raditz had to grip the wall to prevent him from falling to his knees. The female managed to slip away from him and fly off leaving Raditz to watch as she escaped. Honestly, he was glad she did. He hadn't expected to react so strongly to her rejection. She wasn't wrong. It was clear she didn't want him, to be one of his affairs. It made sense. She seemed very strong and confident, sure of herself. After the words of wisdom rang out in his head again, he realized that he had pursued a woman who was too good for him, who deserved better than to be sought out for sex by a ruthless man.

It was the first moment that Raditz wanted to be better.

Trunks frowned. He knew his father had actively censored the story thinking Trunks had no idea what he was talking about. The boy had read enough books in the library and a lot of medical textbooks to understand the type of 'date' Raditz was looking for. He sensed his father's discomfort discussing these things. Of course, all his father said was common knowledge to most Saiyans. Raditz used to go to bars to pick up women, one day met Peppan, attempted to force her to 'go on a date', and then she told him off. Raditz said that himself when Trunks asked him. Trunks hoped to get more information from his father, but if his father did know more, like what Peppan said to reform his uncle, he kept quiet. Where it was a little frustrating, Trunks understood. His father was loyal to Raditz with good reason, and it wasn't his right to pry further.

"I'm glad she talked sense into him," Trunks stated, eventually losing his frustration. "He seemed really unhappy."

Vegeta smirked briefly having sensed his son's curiosity despite not getting a more elaborate answer. He knew the boy valued his Saiyan heritage, the value of trust and honesty. The child was used to getting a straight answer when a question was asked, but, as he got older and his curiosity took hold, his questions became more in-depth, and he was learning that not everything could be answered at the risk of alienating a comrade. The older prince didn't even need to explain it to Trunks. He could sense all of his emotions and knew that the boy accepted his very short answer. His son was learning and growing up quickly.

"We all were," he replied. "I still didn't feel like I was a part of the royal family. I continued to distance myself from my parents. I still held onto my title. It was one of the only things that kept me alive on Frieza's ship, to know I was the prince of the greatest warrior race, that I was the Prince of all Saiyans. I held onto it, even when Frieza's lackeys spit all over it and even though I did not feel like it once I returned.

"Nappa struggled as well. He told you quite a bit about his son, I'm sure. With the lack of closure, knowing that one of those ice bastards took him, he struggled all the time. My mother was his only confidant, really. He'd say things to me, and now you, at times, but I don't think he's ever truly recovered from it." Trunks grew sad and nodded in agreement. He didn't think if he were in Nappa's position that he could ever truly get over it.

His father continued. "Raditz—he didn't know what to do with himself. He was restless, but he didn't train as vigorously as I did, and he needed to burn that energy. It's why he pursued women instead of going off somewhere and attacking. We all had our outlets. Once we returned, Raditz was forced to become his baby brother's caretaker because his father was off somewhere grieving and didn't bother to check in. Once Kakarot was able to handle himself, Raditz was able to fully return to that lifestyle he used to distract himself from the real problem. Meeting Peppan was his turning point. Meeting your mother was mine."

Raditz didn't return back to the bar for a few weeks after the exchange. He spent all of that time training himself and reflecting on the words of the female Saiyan. He barely remembered her name, but everything about her made such a profound impression on his life. Because of her words, Raditz was never going to be the same again. He didn't know how to process any of this on his own.

He was alone in the house with Kakarot who was watching some foreign fighting program from one of the other planets. As a result of the alliances, planetary travel changed as did joint communications and technology. It all started with his father creating the central computer. Years before, planets decided to share information through a visual media. Earthlings called it a television, and there was no other translation for the device in any other race. All planets shared channels, and each race in the alliance had their own. It helped inform people of current events on each planet, though there were some planets that had programs for entertainment like sports or fictional stories.

Raditz immediately went to leave the home, but Kakarot's voice stole his attention. "Hey, Raditz, where are ya going?"

"Nowhere," he lied. "I just need some time to myself."

His brother frowned. "Memory?"

Raditz shook his head. It wasn't a lie. Sure, a memory had caused all of this, but now he just needed to find an answer. He needed help figuring out what he needed to do to escape the past. It wasn't something his innocent, little brother could handle, even if he was almost seventeen years old. "I just need to get out."

"Well, okay then," Kakarot replied. He got up and turned off the set. "I'm going to head to the palace and see Vegeta. He's been very upset lately."

"Why?" Raditz questioned neutrally, though he did feel concern for the prince.

Kakarot grunted and shook his head in disbelief. "He and the king got into a fight," Kakarot explained. "I'm surprised you didn't hear about it yet. A lot of the soldiers were talking about it." Raditz didn't tell his brother he hadn't been frequenting the palace for nearly a month. "Anyway, he and I were training when his father interrupted and demanded to speak with him. I hung around and Vegeta told me what happened, but he said everyone knew about the disagreement.

"Vegeta hasn't slowed down in his training for years, and the one day I didn't go this week Vegeta hurt himself during a training exercise and it upset his mother. She tried to talk to him about easing up on the training, but Vegeta got upset and basically told her everyone has become complacent. He thinks Cold and Cooler will attack one day. His mother told his father to talk to him, and it led to a huge fight where the king said Vegeta was being paranoid and then limited his solo training to once a week. He wants Vegeta to study politics and trade agreements and other stuff like that. The only time he can get any training done is when I'm there."

Raditz wasn't surprised by Vegeta's 'paranoia'. The former third-class also believed the conflict with the Arcosians wasn't over. They'd strike when the Saiyans least expected it. It's why he had still been training up until a few weeks ago. It was another reason why he wanted Kakarot to train with Vegeta. Vegeta would make sure his brother knew how to handle himself. Raditz and Bardock had done what they could, but Kakarot needed someone to train with who was at or beyond his level.

It was still a good thing that the king wanted to teach Vegeta about the new way the planet was run but giving him limits was the worst thing he could have done. If anything, Vegeta probably felt a huge sting to his pride having to answer to another leading body, even if his father was not a vicious and cruel tyrant like Frieza. Raditz shook his head. Unfortunately, he couldn't get involved. Vegeta needed to fight his own battle, defeat whatever invisible enemy he was facing. Sadly, Raditz was facing the exact same type of enemy. He only hoped that he and Vegeta would be able to figure it out. "Tell the prince I wish him well," Raditz instructed. "If he needs anything of us, let him know we'll do whatever we can."

"Already done, bro," Kakarot returned before he headed up to his room to get into his training clothes. Raditz released a chuckle and then left for the bar.

He was surprised to see Peppan working the bar, but it made sense considering how friendly she was with the other workers the night he met her. She clearly worked there and was in the middle of mixing drinks for a group of guys that just entered. After handing the Saiyans their drinks, she offered them a smile and waited for them to leave before she wiped her brow. As she moved to handle another task, her eyes landed on Raditz and they both stared at each other before she narrowed her eyes at him and turned away.

Raditz bit back a sigh and confidently strode to the bar. She was the only one working, so eventually she came over to him and angrily huffed, "What?"

He smirked beside himself before his expression grew seriously and he glared at his arms. "Mind getting a drink for the lady?"

Peppan's brow raised before she glanced around the bar which at that precise moment had no other women. She was about to scold him before she realized this. "Which lady?"

Raditz's eyes simply bore into hers and she understood. Peppan shook her head. "Can't. I'm working."

"Just a few minutes," Raditz offered. "At least give me that."

The female Saiyan growled in frustration, but she relented. "Fine. Five minutes. That's all you get."

She mixed herself a drink and made the same for Raditz before she joined him on the other side of the bar. "So, what do you want?"

A wry chuckle escaped the long-haired Saiyan. "To be honest, I'm not sure. For starters, maybe your name would be nice."

The girl eyed him warily and looked at him like he was crazy. Perhaps he was, but if that was what he was requesting, it wasn't the worst thing. "Peppan. And like I said, I already know who you are."

She noticed his expression darken as his grip on the glass increased. What she said struck a nerve. Eventually, after about a minute, he sighed and loosened his grip. "I deserved that," he remarked, his voice full of disgust. "I admit that I do. What I did was uncalled for."

"At least you're aware of that," Peppan responded, her voice much softer than it had been initially. She took in Raditz's tense features. "So why are you here?"

"I told you," he grunted. "I don't even know. I don't know what to do anymore. I thought I had buried my past years ago, and then it comes out in the worst way. You didn't deserve it. It shouldn't have happened."

Raditz gulped a large sip of his drink and slammed the glass down on the table so hard that it nearly shattered and made Peppan jump. "Look, Raditz, I can forgive you for it. Just don't let it happen again."

"I didn't even know it was happening the first time."

Peppan's whole countenance changed. That was a big thing to admit to a stranger, and she instantly realized what Raditz was looking for. He needed a confidant, someone to assure him things were okay. She had no idea why he was coming to her after what happened, but she couldn't find it in her heart to shatter the recovering Saiyan. Nervously, she placed her hand on his shoulder instantly gained Raditz's attention. He looked horrified, panicked. "Don't," he admonished. "Don't look at me like that. Don't touch me like that. I don't need your pity."

"It's not pity," Peppan assured him with a smile. "I told you. I know of you, not just your favorite pastime." She was teasing him, he knew, but it didn't make him feel lighter. "I know of what you did for the royal family and the prince. Going willingly was brave, especially knowing what you were getting into. I can't even imagine what it was like. I went on one purge once when I was younger with my father, and to this day it still makes me feel sick. It's why I decided to be a bartender. Sometimes when my shift is over, I can numb myself from those memories, only if they really bother me, though."

Raditz nodded. "How old were you?" he asked. He didn't expect the female Saiyan to actually engage with him in conversation, but he wanted to keep it going. He tried to ignore the stroke to his ego when she called him brave.

"About five," she stated. "My father didn't want to bring me along. He knew I didn't have the stomach for it. My mother, though, knew it was the only thing that provided money and status. It was all she ever cared about, and she hates that I work in such a 'low-class establishment'. Parents, right?"

The long-haired Saiyan found himself chuckling. He agreed with her statement considering the father he had. "The purging life is not what it was all cracked up to be. Your mother shouldn't have wanted that for you if you couldn't handle it."

"Even when purging was abolished, she still wanted me to join the army," Peppan admitted. "It's not that I don't like to train, and working with other soldiers could be fun, but actual combat…" She drifted off before she shook her head from her thoughts. "Uh, I probably shouldn't have told you all of that," she laughed awkwardly.

Raditz took another sip of his drink. "It's fine. I didn't mind. I said some stuff too that I probably shouldn't have." He placed his glass down and then snarled slightly. "I don't know how to keep control of myself. I thought I was doing a damn good job of it, and then you rejected me, and it all got shot to hell."

"It's okay," she reassured. "I get it. Believe me. After the war with…" She paused and looked around the bar not wanting to call attention to them. No one liked hearing Frieza's name, ever. "You know who…my father struggled. He got into random fights with other Saiyans who were suffering the same traumatic condition. Even if we weren't all on that ship, some of us still saw enough. Only the most veteran soldiers were able to push the feeling aside. My father was one of them, but he still had momentary lapses. It's all it was. I'm sorry I made you feel like shit, but to be honest I really didn't want to be someone's one-night stand."

Raditz nodded, but he didn't want to verbally agree with her. He had come to terms with the fact that this woman didn't deserve to be his fling. It rang true even more so now because of this kindness she graced him. Instead, he changed the subject. "Would your father be pissed you're sharing his personal business?"

"My father died years ago," she replied, growing sad. "He and my mother got into an argument and he left. We got a call from one of the allied planets saying that they had been attacked and my father defended them and defeated the enemy at the cost of his life. They couldn't give us much more detail than that. It' been that woman and me ever since."

Raditz didn't know what to say, but he slipped up some words in response. "I never knew my mother, not really. I know she was there when I was young, but I hardly remember her. I was mostly trained by my father before I decided to move to the palace for training. I remember a woman, but whenever I ask my father about her, he says she was no one. I asked if she was my mother once out of curiosity and he punched me in the face. Whoever she was, I really don't care. Since I returned from that frost demon, it was mainly me and my little brother who was born just before the battle. My father avoids us both for the most part."

"I wish my mother avoided me," Peppan said before she finished off her drink. In that moment, her eyes wandered around the bar. A lot of people left. It was a slow day, she assumed. "Another?"

Raditz seemed surprised. "We passed five minutes a long time ago," he reminded her. "I thought that was all I had."

"That was all Asshole Raditz had," Peppan teased playfully with a wink. Raditz growled in response, but mainly because he was still angry at himself. "Apologetic Raditz is much better company."

Raditz relaxed a bit before he flashed her a lazy smile. "Alright, then," he replied as he accepted another drink. Whatever it was, it was definitely good. He'd have to ask Peppan what it was, especially if he was going to return to the place. He had to admit, Bartender Peppan was definitely better company than One-Night Stand Peppan. He could never see her that way, not after everything they shared that day.

Vegeta and Trunks didn't have much to talk about after his wonderings on Raditz's relationship, so he and the boy found Bulma, and the family spent the day together. They went out into the city; Trunks wanted to explore more and more places. Bulma suggested that when Vegeta could actually take a long break, they'd have to go on a trip together around the planet so that Trunks could see everything he wanted. Vegeta secretly enjoyed the fact that Trunks was so interested in the planet. It reminded him so strikingly of Bulma's blatant interest when he brought her there the first time. Everything was new to her then, and she felt like she was truly home.

After returning home, they did some things around the palace, like reading in the library together and training. Early on in the training session, Bulma bowed out feeling increasingly tired. Vegeta was concerned, but Bulma assured him that she was simply tired and just needed a goodnight's rest. Trunks decided to go with his mother to make sure she got back to their room safely before the child reported back to his father and told him that the woman fell asleep instantly.

Trunks left to hang out with Tarble before bed, and Vegeta went to the communications room. It had been a while since he spoke to Kakarot, and he actually wanted to see how the Saiyan and his family were faring. Kakarot picked up immediately and grinned wide when he saw Vegeta standing there with his arms crossed. "Hey, buddy! What's been going on?"

"Not much," he remarked. "I was looking after things while my parents were away and telling the boys about Planet Vegeta's history."

"That's a good thing," Kakarot beamed. "How's it been going?"

"Talking about Frieza was hard," Vegeta admitted. "Everything else that happened after isn't nearly as infuriating."

His friend smiled sympathetically. "Well, that's to be expected. Sorry I haven't called lately. Things have been crazy on my end. Chi-Chi just found out a week ago that she's pregnant again." Vegeta could feel his friend's pride and excitement. "And then we've been trying to help with the protests. Your dad told you about Earth, right?" Vegeta was stunned, and his friend could see that and frowned. "He didn't tell you, did he?"

"Tell me what?"

Kakarot sighed. "Oh boy…okay. He called me a few nights ago and asked if I could have the Earth's leader talk to him about renegotiating the alliance."

"He did?"

Kakarot nodded. "Yeah, but it didn't go well. The next day, the leader asked the other countries what they wanted to do, and they're honestly not happy about being abandoned for the actions of one Earthling. They don't want to negotiate with your father. When Dr. Briefs got wind of it, he tried to speak to the world leaders, but because of his involvement with Cold, no one would listen to him, either. Then I tried to get involved, but I'm a Saiyan, so like Dr. Briefs, they feel I'm biased. Krillin, though, as well as the other friends we made on Earth are getting petitions and organizing protests to try to get the leaders to reconsider. They're refusing to budge, though."

All of this was news to Vegeta. He never expected this turn of events, especially the fact that his father would ever consider reforming an alliance with Earth. It had been six years, and the man never indicated that desire at all. Vegeta couldn't believe the hostility from the world leaders. He agreed that his father's decision was wrong, but he didn't expect it to cause such backlash in regard to renegotiation. It made sense, though, since Dr. Briefs tried to get involved. No one trusted him anymore. His influence took a huge hit because of Cold. Vegeta still didn't know why Dr. Briefs did what he did, but even he didn't want to see the man fail. Bulma stilled loved and cared about her father.

Vegeta shook his head. "Tell them to pull back if the leaders don't see reason," the prince remarked. "I'd hate for there to be a war on Earth because no one can come to an agreement. Try to find out if they'd be willing to work with Bulma and I when the time comes. She and I will continue to prepare for that day."

"You've got it, Vegeta," Kakarot assured him. Out of nowhere, both men heard the distinct sound of someone retching. "Uh, sorry, Vegeta. Chi-Chi isn't feeling too well. Can we talk another night?"

"Of course," Vegeta agreed. "Take care of yourself, Kakarot."

"You too. Oh, and tell my brother I said 'hi'."

Vegeta nodded and then disconnected the unit and shook his head. Once again, his father was keeping things from him, but Vegeta accepted long ago that he and his father, where they were more open, would continue to keep certain subjects to themselves. Most likely, the king thought he was protecting him, but he didn't need protecting. Everything would eventually work out.

He would definitely tell Bulma that his father did try to work things out with Earth. She would understand the outcome, though he knew she'd be disappointed that they still had a while to go before Earth would accept the alliance back into their hearts.

He would have to discuss matters with Raditz, work on preparing the army. Vegeta had no doubt that if Earth was ever in trouble, they'd want the Saiyans' assistance. With Cooler out there, they still needed to be ready. Vegeta refused to ignore his paranoia. Clearly, he had been right the first time. At least he knew he had Raditz and Nappa on his side.

Everything was working out for Raditz the more time he spent with Peppan. In the few months after his apology, he frequented the bar just to talk to the woman. They bonded and became good friends. The two Saiyans certainly knew enough about each other to consider themselves so. It was simple, peaceful. Raditz found he could confide a lot in her, especially on nights where the bar was crowded and his nerves were high. Peppan would notice and allow him into the back. A few times, she took off work just so that they could get away from the bar. Raditz was grateful that she made that sacrifice for him, but he also felt guilty that he cheated her of a few hours pay which her mother would notice and bitch about it to her later.

Honestly, Peppan seemed to enjoy his company as well. All they ever really did was talk, even if they flew to one of the planet's few lagoons and went for a swim. They trained together which sometimes resulted in Raditz pinning Peppan to the ground as they breathed heavily. She'd smile at him which froze his heart. It was in those minutes he wanted to engage her in different activities. He came close to kissing her a few times. He felt true fear over his feelings of admiration.

He didn't want it, whatever he was feeling. He had grown to care about Peppan, and she didn't need a screw up like him as a mate. Yet, despite his logic, he was drawn to her. Something about her consciousness pulled him in, and he was always left feeling like shit in those moments he almost surrendered to his urges. It wasn't right. She was his comrade, his friend. That's all she could ever be.

Of course, he had no idea what the female Saiyan was thinking. She too felt certain things towards her Saiyan companion. After the first time Raditz came to Peppan at work, she started to see him in a different light. The overly confident and cocky bad boy who was looking for a quick romp was not in his place. He had been vulnerable, and he had trusted her with that vulnerability. She had been so shocked, so she couldn't understand what that meant.

They had a nice evening and she talked with him while she worked. He even stuck around for a meal and left her with a pretty large tip. The Saiyan didn't need to do that, but she was thankful. He started frequenting the place more and more, not looking for dates or to drink himself into oblivion, but to have a nice meal and her company. He would always come to the bar when she was working, never on her days off. She knew because her coworkers would mention he only seemed to be there when she was. Strangely enough, Peppan came to look forward to going to work, not just to get away from her mother, but to see Raditz's cocky smile. They'd engage in light conversation, and then when her shift was over, he'd walk her home and they'd talk about more personal issues, like his transitioning.

Peppan realized when Raditz started to have feelings for her. She felt it through their bond one night when they were off training somewhere. He had been watching her movements so intently, and she could feel his adoration but also his confusion to whatever he was feeling. That feeling of adoration only grew the more time they spent together, but she also felt immense guilt and frustration coming from the other Saiyan. She did her best to let her emotions settle his. They worked only for a moment. When Raditz was alone at his home, it didn't work as well.

Each time he nearly kissed her, she tried to let her encouragement flow through him, but he always pulled back. She wondered what was going through his head, what his reasoning was for not pursuing his feelings for her. It brought her back to the first night they met and she frowned. She had long been over that interaction, but it never occurred to her that Raditz may not be. Just because she had accepted his apology didn't mean he forgave himself, hence the guilt he felt.

Deciding to take things into her own hands, Peppan planned a date for them. It was a strange concept the Saiyans learned from other alien races. She figured it was the best way to show Raditz she wanted him. She waited until Raditz showed up at the bar on a day where she was supposed to be working, however she took off, surprising him, and led him out of the bar. Instead, she planned a picnic using those capsules from Earth to store the food.

It was their first, official date—it happened seven months before Kakarot went off to school. Raditz was so surprised by Peppan's pursuit of a mateship with him. She told him straight out that she wanted to be courted by him, that she understood his feelings. Peppan assured him he didn't need to feel guilty because it was what she wanted too.

Their mateship didn't take off overnight. Raditz was still very wary of himself and her. He was afraid he'd cause her pain, hurt her in one of his lapses. He hadn't had another since that night he met her, but he hadn't had a lapse years before either. He was very complacent taking their mateship slowly.

Peppan was as well. She didn't want to make Raditz uncomfortable. Apparently, the Saiyan had never courted anyone before. The night the two shared their histories, Peppan admitted that she had been courted once before by someone who had a player's reputation. It was a friend of hers from childhood, but he couldn't remain faithful to her. Their bond was shattered, and Peppan lost both a childhood friend and her intended. She was thankful they never made it far in their courtship. They never even had the talk, never had the fight. All she had with him were childhood memories and betrayal.

Raditz was shocked by everything Peppan told him about her past courtship and her mother. He had already known some of it, but to hear that the woman treated her daughter so poorly disgusted him. He knew she looked to her daughter for money, that she berated her for her career choice, but he had no idea the real reasons behind it.

Back when the Saiyans were still purgers, children were sent to other planets. Their families were paid if they completed a mission. Peppan was a sickly baby, the reason she was so thin now despite the development of her toned muscle. She was weak and could not be sent away. A third-class born to a family of elites, a disgrace to the family, she was unwanted by her mother. Her father, on the other hand, protected her from the woman.

When he died, Peppan was inconsolable. She knew she might have to find another place to live. Her mother decided to keep her around, though, so that she could siphon the money Peppan inherited from her father. As long as Peppan gave money, she was free to live there.

It was during the time of the transition where Peppan found the job at the bar. It didn't pay much, but she enjoyed the clientele and made friends with all the usuals. After her shift, she and her coworkers would finish off whatever open bottles there were, and she could usually fly home and then blackout. Her mother's treatment made her feel less of herself, and her childhood friend had brought that spark back to her, but then he, too, crushed it, which made Peppan guarded and cold when it came to men.

Raditz began to understand her more, understood why she didn't want a fling. Had he not gone back to apologize, she wouldn't have even given him the time of day. Because he was appalled by his own actions, Peppan realized that he wasn't like her ex, and she opened up to him more because he wasn't trying to sleep with her.

Spending time together made Peppan feel better about herself. Raditz was a great confidant who never put her down when she complained about her mother, work, or anything else. Instead, he'd counter the things her mother would say. He didn't realize that, as she helped him heal, he was helping her.

Eventually, after they had the night, they had the fight while swimming in their lagoon. At first it had been a race, but when Peppan taunted him, Raditz pursued her. They enjoyed their game of cat and mouse, and eventually Raditz grabbed ahold of Peppan and refused to let her go. Peppan surrendered to him, and they were ready to mate.

However, they could never find a peaceful moment to do so.

Every time they came close, they were always interrupted somehow. The first time was when Kakarot showed up after training with Vegeta. Kakarot called for him. Both Raditz and Peppan were startled. Raditz quickly got dressed and left Peppan in his room so that he could appease his brother. That was the day where Kakarot told Raditz he would be going to school on Earth with Vegeta. The king was apparently sending his son away, and Vegeta was not looking forward to it. Raditz was disappointed that he hadn't mated Peppan that day, but he knew they'd have more time when his brother was gone.

His brother never knew Raditz was in a relationship. He had always been frivolous with women. Now, he realized that the commitment was important, and so he needed some sort of confirmation from Kakarot that he'd be okay with it without having to tell him. He told his younger brother that if he met someone while away that he wanted to mate, even if Raditz didn't meet her, he would support the relationship. Kakarot was stunned, and Raditz felt awkward, so he played it off with, "Especially if she's hot."

Kakarot rolled his eyes at the antics, not fully understanding, but then he sensed his older brother had been serious. "Yeah, well, if you ever met someone, I'd accept her too."

Raditz scoffed, not wanting to admit yet that he had somebody. He pretended to be disgusted by the idea while he internally beamed that Kakarot—truthfully the only opinion that mattered to him—gave him the okay. He grew even more excited at the prospect of having a mate.

The next time Raditz and Peppan were able to be alone, they were at Peppan's place. Her mother was gone for the weekend visiting a friend. Peppan prepared everything, cooked a lot of food that they both enjoyed. They ate their meal and then ended up making out on the large, comfortable couch. Unfortunately, for the two of them, Peppan's mother came home early. When she saw them together, she gave her daughter hell and degraded her. Raditz stepped in to defend her, but the woman didn't want to discuss anything with him. She, like her daughter, knew his reputation as well and warned the girl away from him before she went up to her room and slammed the door.

Their moment had been ruined, though Raditz instantly embraced Peppan as she cried. She tried so hard to remain strong all the time, always resolved never to let her mother see her broken. The two of them did stay in Peppan's room, but they spent the night cuddling as Raditz comforted her and rubbed her back. It made Peppan feel so special.

They almost mated when Kakarot was away at school and Bardock decided to show his face in their home. It had been one of the times his father disappeared, around the celebration of the alliance and the war. Usually, his father disappeared for a couple of weeks, but this time he was only gone for the day of the festival and two days after.

It did not deter the couple, for they cared very deeply for each other. They did mate, finally decided to bypass interruptions by going to the city for a week to actually enjoy themselves and their privacy. After their mating, Peppan's mother didn't take it well and threw her out of the house, but Peppan didn't care. She truly felt complete, as did Raditz, and so she moved in with him. Sometimes it was a good thing that Bardock went off somewhere to brood. It gave them all the privacy in the world.