Rose sat at the kitchen bar in her white suit, the evidence of a new case spread out across the countertop. The police reports, the photos taken by the officers, the statements obtained by her coworkers. Just that afternoon, Rose had been sitting at her desk, writing up her first report on the Son case, when her supervisor dropped a huge file on her desk. Rose stared in horror as she thumbed through the evidence and had to leave work early, taking the file with her. She now sat at the bar, where she'd been sitting for hours. Three little girls, sisters, who had been terribly neglected and abused. The mother blamed the father, the father blamed the brother-in-law, who blamed the babysitter. Same old crap she'd heard over and over before.

Tears welled in Rose's eyes as she stared at the photos. She ran her finger along the edge of one as a tear spilled down her cheek. The photo showed a little girl's back that had several small, round scars as though someone had extinguished a cigarette on her skin. Rose lowered her head to her arms, crying freely. How long had they endured such torment? She knew the outcome of this one already. These girls would be adopted out. Statements from neighbors claimed a constant coming and going from the house, claimed alcohol abuse, drug abuse. Both parents had criminal records that confirmed these accusations. The house had been in disgusting condition, the girls left to sleep on nothing but a bare mattress in the basement. Yes, adoption was the only answer for them. But finding a home that would take three children was nearly impossible. Rose was going to have to break the sisters up. The thought brought fresh tears to her eyes. A knock at the door made her jump and she quickly wiped her eyes and answered the door.

"Dende!" she gasped when she saw the tall Namek standing there.

Dende smiled at her, looking down at her, he rubbed the back of his head. He held a grocery bag full of vegetables, enough to make his usual stirfry. "I hope you don't mind I dropped by without a phone call? I might have looked near your neck of the woods and saw, maybe you could use some company? You do still owe me a game night." He held up the bag, "I'll even cook. My cooking isn't that bad. Everyone at the Lookout is still alive." He chuckled, "Is it alright if I come in?"

Rose sniffled, trying to regain her composure. "Yes, of course," she answered, stepping aside. "Please, come in." She closed the door behind him and ran her fingers quickly through her hair. "I'm sorry, I probably look like a mess right now," she said, gesturing into the small kitchen.

Dende smiled at her, walking into the kitchen and setting the bag on the counter and taking out the vegetables, pausing to look around for knives and a skillet, "Ah. Where are your utensils?" He looked back at her, "And don't worry, all things considered, you look rather good." He cast a glance over at the bar where she had the case spread out. He had been keeping an eye on her from time to time since that first day she had come to the Lookout. There had been something about her that raised too many questions in his mind. He wanted to find out why the dragon had spoken to her. "Need to talk?"

Rose pressed her lips together and shook her head. "Sorry, let me just clear this away," she said and grabbed at the photos and papers, stacking them quickly and putting them in the file. She turned from Dende and hugged the file to her chest, trying not to cry again. She stashed the file in her big purse and turned around.

"A skillet?" she asked and began to dig in the cabinet. "I think I have one of those." She finally found it and handed it to him. "I don't know why Mom bought that for me. I guess she was convinced I'd learn to cook some day."

Dende took the skillet from her and placed it on her stove, turning it on and moving to start slicing up zucchini, carrots and onions, tossing them into the hot skillet with a sizzle. He reached over and picked up the olive oil in a glass container by the stove, glancing over at her, "Your mom must really have tried." He drizzled a measure into the pan and went to slicing up some peppers and corn on the cob. He tossed those in after a moment and picked up the bean sprouts. He looked around and added some salt and pepper. He took out a clove of garlic and crushed it with the flat of the knife before he took off the husk around it. He looked up to her as he diced it up and put it in the pan, the fragrant aroma wafting up, "You are pained, thinking that if you split up a family they will also feel that pain."

Rose watched him as he worked, impressed that he knew how to do that. It didn't look complicated, but then again, Rose set marshmallows on fire. She gave a nod. "Three sisters. The only thing they've ever had is each other. How can I separate them?" she asked in a quiet voice.

Dende looked up at her as he stirred the skillet, "Why can they not be adopted together? Families only able to take on one child instead of three? And the ones who can take more children are harder to come across?" He added the bean sprouts and gave it a stir before he looked around, "Bowls?" He smiled as she passed him two, "It has always been my experience that siblings are still siblings even when they are apart."

Rose nodded, thinking about her brother. "But if I split them up, there's a good chance they'll never see each other again." She accepted the bowl from him and sat at the counter. "This smells wonderful. Thank you, Dende."

Dende smiled at her and sat down with his own bowl, "I hope it tastes as good as it smells." He picked up a pair of chopsticks and picked up a sliced carrot, blowing on it before he gave her another look, "And I don't mean to sound, like I know it all, but this is the age of cell phones with video and texts and face to face calls. Surely you can find a home for each of them that encourages them to stay in touch, at the very least writing each other letters and sending photographs if nothing else."

"I suppose you're right," Ros sighed and took a bite. She smiled as she chewed. "This is really good." She tucked in and tried to push the case from her mind. She had company once again and she didn't want to ruin it. Dende had enough to worry about with his own work. He didn't need to be bothered with hers as well. But the images in those photos kept pressing to the front of her mind. "Your friends at the Lookout are lucky they have you to cook for them."

Dende smiled at her, "Thanks for that. I'm glad you like it." He had a thoughtful look on his face, "Not many really eat up there. The girls don't need much, Piccolo and I can survive on water. Jenny and Mr. Popo are the only ones who eat like they need to, and Jenny's usually at Capsule Corp hanging out with her dad." He laughed at her expression, "Don't worry about it. It takes a while to keep everything and everyone straight. You'll get used to it."

"Are there a lot of your friends who have these powers? How many people know Goku? Do they know Goten? Mrs. Son?" Rose's mind was ablaze with work again, wanting so desperately to be able to find the evidence she needed to protect Goten from his mother.

Dende gave her a look, "Just how many cases do you have going on in that head of yours?" He took another bite, "All of the people in the 'group' know Chichi. I know a few of them who have some rather angry thoughts about her and vats of acid. Most of the group are skilled martial arts fighters. I'd tell you more, but I think your brain might explode from information overload. "

"I think it already is," Rose muttered. "How do you handle it, Dende? I've done well so far, managing my emotions, reminding myself why I do what I do. But it's starting to hurt." She paused and looked away from him for a moment. When she spoke again, her voice was quiet, doubtful, "I think I let myself get too close this time."

Dende set his chopsticks down, looking at her carefully, "With Goten you mean?" He pressed his lips together thinking. "There is something about Goku and his sons that make you just want to make sure they are well taken care of. Goku himself has done so much for this planet. Tricked into a marriage with only his two wonderful kids to show for it. We are all wondering how she is the only person who couldn't appreciate her family." He thought for a moment, "It's not easy. Like I said at the Lookout, its good to have an anchor to help you keep a grip on reality. Someone other than yourself. Me, I talk to Mr. Popo. Alice. The dragon. None of them really have anything else to say to me. Just let me talk out what I need to. It helps. To get that poison out of your system. To remind yourself that not only do you do it for your charges, but for that person who holds you to reality."

Rose bowed her head. "I wish I had someone like that," she whispered. She closed her eyes, fighting her tears, willing Dende to hear her thoughts. Her brother had been that for her all her life. She always worried about others, ever since she was little, wanted to care for them and protect them. Everyone from the little kids getting bullied on the playground to a simple caterpillar in danger of being squashed on the sidewalk. She felt for them. When she was worried or scared or upset, she could talk to him. He always listened quietly, waiting for her to finish before he reminded her how wonderful it was that she helped others at every given chance. But he had left three years ago to go do his own great work and aside from a visit at Christmas, she rarely heard anything out of him. 'I don't have someone like that anymore,' she thought.

Dende looked at her, reaching out and covering her hand with his own, stroking his thumb across the back of her hand. "You don't have to think so loudly, I hear you just fine," he said softly. He smiled at her, "I may not be your brother, but my ears work just fine for listening. It is good to be reminded by others that what you do is important. Few people look for those people behind the scenes that make small miracles happen. A calm in the storm, hot meals, a loving family that doesn't hurt you." Something pulled at the back of his mind. There was a piece of the puzzle here. He was close. But what was it? "You picked a good friend to have in Goku. If you really wanted, he could take you to see your brother or your parents. But of course, not always an option. I know. Would the pain of having to leave them again to come back here be worth the trip?"

"My parents live over in East City, I just usually don't have time to go visit them." Rose shrugged. "I feel so selfish," she muttered. "I wish I had someone. Someone of my own who understands me. Seeing my brother would be nice, but I can't convince him to come back. He's needed where he is. Being around Goku, around you, I don't know. It's like I've had a taste of what it's like to be around people who care and now I want more. Like I can't get enough."

Dende felt twinge in his soul at her words. He tilted his head until he caught her eye, "That's not being selfish. That's being normal. It's not right for a lonely soul to think it selfish to wish the company of others. You let us help you. You will have plenty of friends who will not shy away from you when you need to have your burdens listened to. You are very empathetic to these children that you help. This one tugs at you more because maybe you did get too close, but would you really want to distance yourself now?"

A small smile pulled at Rose's lips. "I don't think I could, even if I wanted to." But she certainly didn't want to. She wondered what would happen after Goten's case was closed. What if she was unable to keep him with Goku? What if the judge sent Goten back to Chichi? Would they still be her friends? Goku would be heartbroken and disappointed. And why couldn't Rose turn her brain off for five minutes?! She offered Dende a weak smile, "Sorry. It's probably wearing on you to hear my thoughts when I'm this upset. I don't know how to stop."

Dende smiled and sat back, "Stop ignoring your thoughts, you can talk to me. Ramble. Let your thoughts just run wild for a second. I can tell you they will still be your friends even if that does happen. Goku knows you will do the right thing now. It's the judge they will be angry with. And if that should come to pass, Chichi will not have Goten for every long. The only reason Goku wanted to do this the legal way, was so that he could finally wash his hands of his ex-wife and enjoy what he has with his new family." He pinched the bridge of his nose, "Goku needed a friend, too. He and everyone in our big family has gone through so much in the past few months, it's a wonder we are all still sane." He remembered it seemed like Goku and Tien had just rescued Sabriena from Tao and now he could lose his son. It would not be good for Goku. Not at all. But Dende agreed with Rose's thoughts. Goten would be right at home with Gohan. It would most likely be the best outcome they could hope for. He picked up another thought coming from her, "You are worried about finding enough proof against Chichi? Do you need something other than the marks on Goten's body and a confession from him?"

Rose threw her hands up in the air. "If I could get him to tell me it was her!" she said in exasperation. She turned to Dende, "That little boy will talk your ear off until you try to get him to say who hurt him. I mean, it's like someone just flips a light switch. Happy and talking one minute and the next... NOTHING." She turned back to her food and took another bite. "They aren't learning anything in therapy, either. They've tried all sorts of things. Letting him draw and paint, using play therapy. He hasn't done anything to even suggest that he was being abused. I've never seen a kid like him before."

Dende nodded, it hurt him. He could feel the pain, the frustration from her, it was like a torrent of emotions just waiting to consume her, "He is more like his father than most realize. It is hard to betray someone whom you love. A mother even more so. If I may make a suggestion, I would suggest taking Goten to see his brother. Tell Gohan your findings and then, let him talk with his baby brother. Hearing from his older brother might be just what he needs to before he will be able to open up to you. He has to know that it is alright to tell the truth."

"That might work," Rose said, staring straight ahead for a moment. She turned to Dende. "That's actually a good idea. I'll see if I can take him there this week." She paused, "Thank you, Dende. That was so obvious. I can't even think straight anymore," she giggled.

He chuckled, "Like you said, you were too close. It's good to take a step back now and then. I just hope it helps. Goku and his sons have been through too much. I hope that when this is over, they will have the stretch of peace they've been looking for." He looked at the dishes on the table and he smiled over at her, "So, shall we clean up and start a movie and a game of chess?"

Rose nodded happily, a little bit of light coming back into her eyes. She took the empty bowl from Dende and set them in the sink. "You can pick out a movie if you want, I'll go grab the chess set," she smiled and hurried down the short hall to her bedroom. Rose dug under her bed until she found the heavy box and pulled it out. "This thing weighs a ton," she groaned as she set it on the coffee table.

The Namek looked up from his crouched position on the floor in front of her DVD shelves, "Yikes! That looks really nice though." He picked through her movies, "Um, which horror movie would you suggest? And will you think any less of me if I shrieked at a few parts in it?" He laughed, "I like to be scared now and then, in the good way of course."

Rose grinned. "I won't tease you." She sat on the floor and started setting out the chess set. It was a beautiful set with a stone-like board and detailed pewter playing pieces. "Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a good one," she suggested as she set up the little pewter chess pieces on the stone checkerboard.

The movie was on, but as soon as it was, Dende could only focus on one thing. The game of chess and the remarkable woman playing across from him. Perhaps it was a bit fast, but he seemed to recall Lindsey saying something about, 'Seizing the moment.' He wasn't sure if Rose was that kind of woman, or if he even felt that way about her. He did know a few things though. The dragon spoke when she was around, she had this look in her eyes and he couldn't put his finger on it, but if he didn't know any better, he would have said that they had met before, but that was impossible.

He became less focused on the movie and on the game as he listened to her talk, about anything, nothing in particular. He listened to the calm of her mind that she had found here. The normal hectic life had been held at bay for the moment and that was good. She had a long hard choice to make, nothing should be taken lightly. It's important to remind oneself of all the good that could be in the world that make helping others worthwhile. " It is funny, is it not?" He glanced out the window, in the direction he felt Goku, far north, "He and you, all of his friends, me. We do so much to aide the world but we as a group were never ones for the spotlight. When the Cell games were over and our losses were counted, more than could be saved. Goku selflessly allowed Mr. Satan to take the credit for defeating Cell." He held up a hand at Rose's apparent question, "Yes, Gohan, Goku's son, was the one who beat Cell, but would the world really be ready to believe that? A young boy defeated one of the greatests threats this earth has ever seen? Not to mention all the publicity and spotlight. No, If there is one thing I can say about our group, it's that we like our privacy. Hercule is a great fighter in his own right. Stronger than most humans, by far. And his heart is in the right place. There are just so many layers to that man, it is exhausting trying to figure it all out."

While Rose wasn't necessarily a fan of Mr. Satan, she'd always had an appreciative respect for the man for putting his life on the line to save the world. Hearing that he'd wrongfully taken the credit for beating Cell left her a little disappointed. She did remember how after the Cell Games were over that everyone kept talking about the little boy who had fought with Cell before the broadcast ended. That was Goku's son?

Rose suddenly jumped up and rushed to the kitchen to grab a notebook out of her purse. She scribbled in it as she walked back to the living room and sat down opposite of Dende with the coffee table between them. She had to make a note of that; it was important somehow, she was sure. Another piece of the puzzle. If his oldest son was strong enough to fight Cell when he would've been, what? Ten? Eleven? Then perhaps seven-year-old Goten really was strong enough to practice fighting with his father. She felt rather stupid now for rushing Goten away from the cabin that day. Her writing slowed as she felt Dende's gaze on her and she looked up at him and slowly set the notebook aside. "Sorry," she whispered, feeling a bit embarrassed. "That notebook is like my brain. I sort of write everything in it. That way I don't forget anything and when I go to write my reports I can remember any impressions or details I might otherwise forget."

Dende chuckled, "Just like always," he said, almost as if it were a reflex and he blinked at her as soon as the word passed his lips, "I mean, I don't know your habits, but that's fine. Everyone has their own way of remembering details." He felt himself blush and he rubbed the back of his head, looking down at the chess board trying to figure out why he said what he did. He had just met her, and yet this was familiar to him. Like a case of déjà vu.

Rose tipped her head curiously towards him, but said nothing. He said he didn't know her habits, but it certainly seemed that he did. She'd always done that, made herself little notes to keep track of the million thoughts that always seemed to run through her mind so fast she could barely grasp onto them. There was something familiar about him that just seemed to put her at ease. She studied the pieces on the chessboard for a moment, just as he was doing, and a smirk pulled at her lips. "Aha! Check," she grinned, moving one of her pieces. She looked up at him, a playful expression on her face, "Whatcha gonna do now?" she teased.

Dende smiled at her, a fang gleaming in the warm light of the room, Ah, I do so hate to point out flaws, but," he said and moved his knight into the striking position on the board, "Checkmate." He looked a little sheepish, "Next time I visit, you will have to scold me more and perhaps guard your thoughts." He tapped the side of his head, "It is too easy for me to cheat when you are shouting your strategy at me." He winked at her.

"Ohhh! Not fair!" she mock-pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. She fought the shiver that tried to run down her back at the sight of his long canine tooth. She didn't know what to think about that, but for some reason it made her whole body tingle. She couldn't hold the scowl for long and she fell into a fit of giggles. She leaned her elbow on the coffee table to prop her head on her hand as she gazed at him. "You're so much fun to be around, Dende," she said dreamily. She blinked widely and sat up a little straighter. "Sorry," she muttered, looking down at her lap. "That was kind of forward of me, huh?"

Dende felt a warmth spread in his chest at the way she had looked at him and he, who had never been the center of someone's attention quite like that before, wanted more of it, "That's quite alright. I think you would be the first person to ever say that too me. I am sure someone else would tell you to spend a day with me on the Lookout and then see how much fun that is." He busied his hands and reset the game board, "You are fun to be around as well, Miss Rose."

She brightened at that. "Really?" she asked, her voice a bit higher than normal with an excitement in it. She paused and cleared her throat. "Cherie always says I'm boring," she mused, reaching to help set up the pieces again. She felt a flutter in her stomach as her hand brushed his. A sudden urge to grab his hand hit her and she retracted, not understanding why he did this to her. Never before had she ever felt so comfortable and yet so jittery around a person she'd just met. "Maybe we're the only people who are interesting to each other," she laughed.

Dende laughed, "Then we should form a club for just us interesting people." He said, smiling at her. A realization hit him that he could probably just sit here for hours, talking or not talking, just sitting with her and trying to figure out the complex puzzle she was, "Well, we will have to do this again sometime. Soon, I hope? I am afraid my job will need tending to before long and I should try to get some form of sleep, if I can."

"I'd like to see you again," she said warmly. "I always-" She stopped herself from finishing the sentence. I always miss you when you're gone. Where on earth had that come from? She cleared her throat again, her mind rushing to try to cover for her near-slip. "I'm always thinking about my job, too. I understand not being able to get away from work much." 'Lame,' her mind screamed at her. She blushed and ducked her head again a moment later when she realized that Dende could hear her thoughts. Oh gods, couldn't her brain or her mouth ever just shut up?

Dende gave her an amused look, "It is very strange, is it not? How we seem to know each other even though we have just met? Perhaps we are just both so longing for a friend who understands, our minds seem to be filling our voices with the wants. Perhaps it is a good sign. A sign of a friendship that will last." He stood up and bowed slightly to her, "Thank you again for allowing me into your home this evening, we will do this again soon, yes? You may stop by the lookout any time you wish, I will not think it forward of you to just swing by. It does have a calming effect on the mind when you are stressed from the day."

Rose's heart warmed at the thought of having him for a friend. She enjoyed his company immensely and it was nice to talk to someone who seemed to understand her in a way other people didn't. She stood and nodded with a smile. "We will do this again soon," she answered and walked with him towards the door. "Thanks for coming to visit me. I really had fun with you tonight."

Dende smiled at her and nodded, "And I with you." He stood and pushed his chair in, turning once more to her before he opened the door, "I'll see you around." He had to stop himself, a million different phrases coming to his mind, none of which had seemed appropriate for someone he had just met, all pertaining to something suggesting he had a long term relationship with her. It was very odd, first the dragon, now this? He was going to have to take a page from his brother's book and meditate on it.

"Bye," she said softly and watched as he left, feeling a bit sad as she closed the door behind him. She leaned back against it and covered her face with her hands as she shook her head. A whirlwind of emotions rushed through her, none of which made any sense. She'd almost had the impulse to kiss him goodnight. She sighed and pushed herself away from the door. "Go to bed, Rose," she muttered to herself. Maybe it would all make more sense in the morning.