To say Bulma had been busy was quite an understatement.

She had been working virtually non-stop ever since the incident with Super 17, not only in repairing the devastation that'd been wrought, but also in studying Lazuli's Hell duplicate to understand her creation and functions better and piecing 16's face back together so she could reactivate him.

All had been delicate, time-consuming work and two months had flown her by without her fully realising it. It was only when she finished her work on 16 that she discovered how long it been and she buried her guilt in taking so long for him under the reasoning that the civilians who'd suffered in the battle needed her help more. That was her rational as she disconnected the wires and prepared to wake the giant Android up, pleased with her handiwork.

His eyes fluttered open like he was coming out a deep sleep and they flashed red once, indicating his activation. Slowly, 16 sat up and took his surroundings, until he laid eyes on Bulma and a small smile came to his face. She always did like it when he smiled; it made him look less robotic and more human.

"Bulma," he greeted fondly and then his smile faltered as his recent memory activated. "I failed. You should not have restored me. I am a liability."

"Chin up, 16," Bulma said. "Just because you got killed doesn't mean I should leave you as scrap metal. You are my friend and I help my friends."

"Regardless, I am not viable for a fight. I am not strong enough, especially now that I have lost the Big Gete Star's chip."

"Helloooo. Did you forget that you're in the presence of a genius?" Bulma pointed out. "I did some tweaking when I was putting you back together, so now, your power is greater than before."

"Will it be enough to allow me to keep protecting the planet?" 16 asked.

"I can't answer that for you. Only time will tell, but I hope it's far, far away. I'm tired of Earth getting attacked."

The Android nodded in agreement. "Very well. I thank you for your help, Bulma. It is greatly appreciated."

"You're welcome, ya big lug," the scientist replied with a friendly jab to his shoulder. One of her computers beeped and she immediately went to it. "Huh. Just as I thought."

"What is it?" 16 asked.

"Based on what Trunks told me about Lazuli's duplicate, she is meant to bond with her on a molecular level to increase her power. Some of her components aren't even from this world. She's an interesting combination, that's for sure."

That was when 16 finally noticed the Machine Mutant being kept in stasis nearby. "What do you intend to do with her?"

"Well, I had to completely deactivate her to prevent any chance of her waking up and going on a rampage," Bulma explained. "But I intended to find a way to fuse her cells to Lazuli and give her a sort of transformation. So she could be regular, normal Lazuli and if needed, she could transform into her super state because that power will be imbedded in her body."

"That would mean you have to completely destroy this duplicate in order to fuse her to Lazuli. What if the remnants of the duplicate attempt to overtake Lazuli's mind? It could potentially make her a dangerous risk."

"Completely deactivated, remember? It's basically dead, so there's no chance of that. Lazuli will remain one hundred per cent in control and the transformation is at her will. If she wants it, that is. I have yet to ask her."

"I do not know if she would accept," 16 said. "This is a creation of Doctor Gero and you know how much she hates him. It would be a permanent reminder of him."

"To be fair, her existence and abilities are permanent reminders of him."

"I concede your point."

"Great. All there's left now is to see what she says."

"And if she says no?"

Bulma glanced at the static Machine Mutant. "Then I'll destroy it. Come on, let's go and meet the others. Some of them, like my son, probably aren't even awake yet."

She left her lab with 16 trailing behind her and she made her way towards the bedrooms, although the giant Android decided to wait in the kitchen. Even though her son was used to waking up early and sleeping sporadically due to training and the Android threat, ever since peace was first brought to the world, he had been taking advantage of sleeping in whenever he could. Not that Bulma had any problem with it: her son deserved it after everything he had done for the world, the life he'd been forced to live through, and she too enjoyed the luxury of sleeping in if she could.

"Trunks, time to wake up," Bulma called out, knocking on his bedroom door. "It's nearly nine thirty: you can't sleep the entire day away."

No answer. She waited a full minute and knocked again. Another minute passed and Trunks still didn't answer. She wondered briefly if he was even in the room and decided to check. Fingers crossed she didn't see something she shouldn't, Bulma opened the door and sure enough, her son wasn't anywhere to be seen in the room. Just as she figured he would be in the gravity room, the en suite door opened and Lazuli stepped out, wearing one of Trunks' Capsule Corps shirts as she brushed her teeth. She spotted Bulma and simply raised a questioning eyebrow.

"Uh…have you seen Trunks?" the scientist asked.

Lazuli raised her finger to signal 'wait', wandered back into the en suite to wash her mouth out and returned to the bedroom. "Training. I'm surprised he got up early. He was so worn out after last night."

Bulma frowned at that comment, especially when the corner of Lazuli's mouth twitched mischievously. "Uh…is there…something going on that I don't know about?"

"What, he hasn't told you, even after all this time?"

"Told me what?"

"And here I thought you were a genius. Is it not obvious?"

Bulma processed everything and her mouth dropped open as her eyes widened in surprise, her mind coming to a shocking conclusion. "You…and Trunks? What? How long? WHAT?"

Lazuli winced at the volume. "No need to shout. Yes, your son and I, ever since the Chamber."

Bulma felt light-headed. As much as she tolerated and actually didn't mind the female Android, it was still mind-boggling to know that her son…really? "What about…what's her name…Mai?"

The Android's eyes narrowed. "Actually, that was just a ruse so Trunks could tell you he was going out on a date, except that it was me he was taking out. He didn't want you to freak if he told the truth. I don't know what he was so worried about."

"Lazuli, I like you and all, but YOU AND MY SON? IN MY HOUSE?"

She rolled her eyes. "Are you done? Whatever I ate last night didn't agree with me and I am definitely not in the most pleasant mood to deal with any misplaced anger. Okay?"

Bulma calmed down, although she still had the appearance of a raging bull. "He's in the gravity room, you say?"

"Bulma, he's a grown man capable of making his own decisions, no matter how hopeless he is at it. If you want to yell at him, you go right ahead. I'm not going to be your punching bag in the process."

"You think I'm mad about the fact that he chose you?" Bulma asked and Lazuli tilted her head, as if to say 'aren't you?'. "I'm mad that he lied to me about seeing a different girl. I'm mad that he didn't tell me about this in the first place and resorted to sneaking around in my house and I'm…just shocked by the whole thing."

"Well…surprise. And honestly, Bulma, how would you have reacted if Trunks told you about us when it first began? It's not like we've had the greatest relationship, so I can see why he kept it a secret."

The Android had a point. Bulma figured she probably would've blown a greater fuse if she had known earlier. Even though she was on friendly terms with the Android, the scientist still harboured ill thoughts towards her; scars that would always remain, even though Bulma tried to move past it. At times it was difficult, but she knew that brooding wouldn't bring her friends or Vegeta back; she simply had to make do with what she had. So while she didn't hate Lazuli anymore and was quite willing to forgive her, it was still confronting to learn her son was…sleeping with the Android.

But Lazuli was also right: Trunks was an adult and capable of making his own decisions, even if they were poor. She never would've thought that her son would choose the Android, but perhaps the whole 'falling for former genocidal maniacs' thing ran in the family. Regardless, Bulma knew she had to let him make his own choices and the anger evaporated.

"Very well. All I ask is that you look after my son and that you treat him well. That said, I hope that he's treating you well also." Lazuli grinned widely and Bulma definitely didn't want to know the meaning behind that smile. "Anyhow, I have something I wanted to ask you."

Lazuli's eyebrows drew together. "Oh, really? What?"

"Come with me and I'll show you."

Pausing only to throw on a pair of pants, Lazuli followed the scientist down to the kitchen, where she was ecstatic to see the repaired 16 and even though she felt guilty at his death, her joy at seeing him shoved that all aside.

"16," Lazuli greeted with a smile. "It's so good to see you again. Bulma did a fantastic job."

"She is quite phenomenal," 16 agreed.

"Thank you guys, but enough with the sweet talk," Bulma said. "That's not what I wanted to show you. Well, it was one of the things, so now that's out of the way, let's keep moving."

Lazuli was curious to know what the older woman had in mind. As they descended towards the laboratory, her thoughts touched upon her Machine Mutant duplicate, wondering if Bulma had something planned for her clone.

"Based on what I've been told and the research I've gathered, this is meant to assimilate with you and transform you into a more powerful being," Bulma started as she rounded the stasis chamber, Lazuli on the other side as she stared at her clone. "I would like to assimilate your duplicate into your very being and make it a part of you, therefore giving you the ability to take that form at your will."

"What?" Lazuli questioned in surprise. "Is that even possible? What if she tries to control me?"

Bulma waved her hand. "Not going to happen. You will be completely in control. She won't even exist; you'll still remain the same, you are using her body and power for your own. Trust me, it's possible. I've ran the calculations multiple times and I am convinced I can make this happen. Biology may not be my area of expertise, but with Gero's old notes and everything else I've learnt, I can do it."

Lazuli hovered a hand over the Machine Mutant. She wouldn't remember her time as Super 18, only certain feelings that her subconscious tried to exert over the Android, but she was aware of the power of the transformation. Power that could match and exceed a Super Saiyan 3. That said, Lazuli couldn't help but wonder about the ethics of the offer, which she acknowledged was quite ironic. But as she gave it some thought, she concluded that Gero had helped create Hell 18 as a means to regain his control over her and nearly succeeded; if she basically absorbed Hell 18 and controlled that power, then it would be shoving the middle finger in Gero's face and there was nothing she loved more than sticking it to her creator.

Not only that, but it would put her on par with Trunks and give her an advantage against him next time he thought it would be funny to turn into a Super Saiyan 3 during a sparring session.

"Yes, I'll do it," Lazuli consented. "When can we start?"

"Oh, well, I haven't gotten that part ready yet; I just had the test finalised," Bulma said. "But give me the rest of the day to set it up and we can do it tonight, if that's okay with you."

The Android reaffirmed her decision with a nod. Gero tried to control her and now she was taking that power for herself, to use it as she saw fit, none of which lined up with Gero's intentions.

Excited about the prospect of immense power, Lazuli left Bulma to her work and headed up to the kitchen, where she dug around in the fridge until she found what she was looking for: a jar of pickles and the mayonnaise bottle. 16 watched her with curiosity as she slathered the pickles and devoured them.

"That is a strange combination," he commented.

She shrugged lightly. "Just a craving I've got. It's strange though; I don't normally eat so I don't know why I'm eating now. Might have something to do with the dinner dates I've been on."

"Oh. Have you and Trunks worked something out?"

"We've been working on something. It's nothing really official just yet because I'm petty and dragging it out. He's quite patient about it, surprisingly. That means he is genuine about me."

"Then perhaps it is time to make it official," 16 suggested. "It appears there is nothing stopping it, unless you are holding back for a reason."

"It's what I've wanted," Lazuli said. "We've been going on dates and they've been really nice; they make me feel almost human and it adds something that was missing from my life. I'm not exactly big on the whole romance side of things, but it's nice knowing I belong, that I have something I can cling to. My future doesn't have to be as ugly as my past."

"And he definitely feels the same way?"

"That's what is the most surprisingly to me, after everything I've done to him. His thoughts of hatred appear to be non-existent and he seems to have move past all that. He was the one to initiate it after the ordeal with my brother, wanting to give it a shot. It still puzzles me as to why."

"And that is what is holding you back?" 16 concluded.

Again, she shrugged lightly. "We've hated each other for so long, I didn't think this would be possible. The Chamber changed us, 16…and I am enjoying our time together. It's nice, but I…I do want it to be official, to actually explore whatever this is completely."

"Ask him. You have the time today to do it. Ask him. What do you have to lose?"

Lazuli thought about Pan. They had been slowly repairing their relationship since the Android resumed her activities with Trunks; the pair intended to put the past behind them and move forward and Lazuli could admit she was fond of the child. She still felt the guilt of killing Gohan, but she tried to push that aside and focus instead on making it up to the young girl.

"It's worth a shot," Lazuli agreed. "I'll talk to him."

-X-

"You're right," Trunks said. "Today is too beautiful to be spent inside training."

He paid the admittance fee and they stepped into the fairground. After her talk with 16, Lazuli had dragged Trunks out of the gravity chamber, intent on getting to the bottom of their relationship, although she covered it up by suggesting they get out of the house. Trunks agreed and offered the fairground as something to do. Now that they were here, Lazuli felt uncharacteristically nervous and her stomach threateningly roiled; she needed something to keep her occupied.

"Hey, cotton candy," Trunks cried. "Want some?"

"Sure."

She waited while he went to the kiosk, wringing her hands together and in the end, she crossed her arms over her chest. Trunks soon returned with a stick each; she truly liked the confectionary, since she enjoyed the way it tasted on her tongue and the loss of it actually made her resent killing too humans…only for a while and then 17 convinced her to continue.

Lazuli sighed.

"Is something wrong?" Trunks asked.

"It's…nothing."

"Something is bothering you, Laz. You can tell me."

Every time he used that nickname, she couldn't help but smile. It made her feel validated. "I have to ask you, Trunks: this thing with me; is it really what you want?"

He frowned. "I wouldn't keep taking you out on dates if I didn't."

"Even after everything I've done to you, you still want this with me? Even though there are better choices out there for you, ones that haven't caused you so much misery and pain?"

"I thought we agreed to put the past behind us. I know you are not the same anymore. You've changed and there is something between us that is more than physical. I really do want to give us a shot."

To further his point, he took her hand in his, stepping into her personal space and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. Lazuli smiled fondly at the touching gesture and felt her worries drift away.

"Where is this coming from?" Trunks wondered. "I thought I made it clear that I wanted to be with you."

"Well, it's not exactly official because we've never really spoken about it," Lazuli said. "Also, your mom knows about us."

"Oh," the half-Saiyan blanched. "How'd she take it?"

"Well, she was quite upset at first, probably because she thought I'm not right for you, but she calmed down in the end. Maybe that's where it came from, the whole feeling inadequate for you."

"Not to mention that I did kill you," Trunks added. "Not exactly the best foundation for a relationship. Then again, my dad came to Earth, threatening to destroy it and was responsible for the death of my mom's ex and yet, they still got together."

"Yes, but didn't you say it was only a short-lived affair?"

"Yeah, but they were still together when I left the past, so I imagine it has worked out for them."

"That's nice. So, uh, back to before: you think we can make this work?" Lazuli asked. "Because I want it to. I can't explain why, because by all rights, this shouldn't even be happening and yet it is and I want it."

Trunks nodded. "I understand because we've hated each other for so long, but I know it doesn't have to stay that way. How does that help us if we constantly hate? I like that it has changed; it's not something I would've expected to happen, ever, but I'm willing to make it official if you are."

"Are you absolutely sure?" Lazuli questioned again. "This is me, remember?"

"I know and I'm still willing. I have realised I do care about you, Lazuli, and I want this."

In response, she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. Trunks wasn't prepared for the sudden burst of emotion, but he responded quickly by kissing her just as deeply, completely oblivious to the people around them. Not that he cared, not when he had Lazuli in his arms.

"Thank you," Lazuli said when they broke apart, her voice quivering with emotion. "It means a lot."

"So, I guess it's official then," Trunks said, revelling in the feel of her in his arms. "You and me, together. It's not what I ever thought would happen, but I'm actually kinda glad it did."

"Me too," she admitted and it gave her a warm, fuzzy feel inside that she happily welcomed. She was no longer the cold, sadistic death machine. She was an Android with feelings, experiencing them for the first time and where the old her would've rejected them due to relating them to humans, the new her embraced them. "So, this is what it feels like? I like it."

"Now that we've gotten that out of the way," Trunks said, still holding her hand. "You wanna go on one of the rides? I know it's pointless since we can fly, but let's have some fun."

Despite the confirmation, her stomach still felt queasy and Lazuli shook her head. "Actually, I'm just content to walking around and savouring what we have, if that's okay with you?"

Trunks tilted his head as he studied her. There was still a sign of uneasiness in her body language, but he decided to forgo another round of questioning and humour her. "Sure. We can do that."

"Thank you," Lazuli said. "So, Maze of Mirrors?"

-X-

"Are you ready to do this?" Bulma asked.

Lazuli nodded and the scientist directed her to the gurney. A second gurney held the Machine Mutant and above both resided Bulma's newest invention to carry out the procedure. Trunks and 16 were to the side, observing the process, the former worried about something going wrong, even though he was confident in his mother's aptitude: after all, she had created a time machine from scrap, so this should be easy for her to perform.

When Trunks and Lazuli arrived together in the laboratory, Bulma had observed how the pair interacted with each other; close to the other with light, affectionate touches when they thought no-one was watching, along with small pleasant smiles and the scientist decided that as long as her son was happy, she could be happy for him.

"Is there anything I should be concerned about?" Lazuli asked.

"Nothing," Bulma said as she adjusted her machine to make sure everything was set up properly. "You might feel a slight tingle when the bonding takes place, but nothing to be worried about. Alright, let's get this show started."

She headed to her computer and started the procedure. The machine scanned both Androids to make sure everything was in order, beginning with a skeletal scan and then a muscle scan. Something flashed on Lazuli's side of the screen and Bulma frowned. To make sure, she ran the scan again; the flash appeared again, signalling something on Lazuli.

"That's…strange," Bulma thought. "What is happening here? Nothing should be coming up. Wait…that is not what I'm thinking it is, is it?"

She repeated the scan three more times and the flash was still there, confirming its existence. The scientist glanced between Lazuli and the computer several times, wondering if her mind was playing tricks on her, but the computer wasn't lying to her. Wanting to confirm it in every way possible, Bulma zoomed in and performed the final intended scan, switching between the two and when nothing changed, her mouth slowly dropped in shock.

"Is there something wrong?" Lazuli called out. "Is it meant to take this long?"

"Hm? Oh…uh, no, not at all," Bulma said, her mind distracted by what she was seeing on the computer screen. "If anything, we should've started by now, but…uh…something's come up."

"What's the matter?" Trunks asked and his mother didn't reply. "Mom, is there something wrong?"

"Uh…nothing's wrong, but…we're going to have to cancel the procedure," Bulma answered and she began shutting everything down, doing her best to avoid Lazuli's, and to a lesser extent, Trunks' eyes.

"Mom, can you please tell us what the matter is?"

"Have you experienced any morning sickness?" Bulma asked Lazuli suddenly when she went to slide off the gurney, confused by the older woman's actions.

The Android blinked, caught off-guard by the question. "Uh, yeah, the last few mornings, but I think it's because my body isn't used to eating all of a sudden."

"You've been throwing up?" Trunks asked in confusion. "I didn't think Androids could get sick. Why didn't you tell me?"

"I have had a cold a few times, but it's rare and I didn't think it was a big deal, so I never mentioned it, but apparently, it is."

"When was the last time you had your period?" Bulma asked.

"Uh…what?" Lazuli said, embarrassed by the question and a quick glance told her that Trunks felt the exact same way. "Honestly, I don't pay much attention to it. It happens when it happens. What are you getting at, Bulma?"

The scientist bit her lower lip. "Well…I guess I'll be the first to say this, but uh, congratulations…you're pregnant."

A full minute passed before Lazuli finally responded. "Excuse me?"

A/N: So, uh, what do you think so far on the progress of Trunks and Lazuli's relationship? Does it seem right?