After a tour of the city with her daughter, appreciating the night city lights that she had forgotten about, Tights felt more confident to fully separate her world from this one, and establish herself as a visitor. She was strong, she had seen Vegeta, and it was fine.

Tights was fine with sharing a bedroom with her daughter, but since the guest room across from the 'tiger' room was available, it was the one she was given, and she for once was happy to have a little space for herself. The first night, however, Tora, the petulant child she was, decided to sleep with her mother instead of in her own bed, and Tights wasn't really able to refuse. She needed comfort too, seeing Vegeta again after seventeen years, seeing a happy (and troublesome) boy version of her daughter who was to grow up in safety and comfort.

The little time she spent with Trunks proved to Tights how similar the two of them were. Stubborn, bright, a little rowdy (actually very rowdy), eager to please their moms and make them proud, in their own pig headed way. They also had key differences. Trunks was more confident than Tora was at his age, and of course, less spoiled. But it was fine, it was one of the things she had hoped would come by with the invention of the Time Machine. They were different in their cautiousness, too, Tora far more attentive of others and their comfort, and Tights appreciated how she wasn't asked about seeing Vegeta again; the Saiyan grip said it all, and deep down, she knew Tora came to sleep with her to comfort her and anchor her.

"I can't believe you enrolled me in school with Gohan-san, Mother," Tora complained during their pillowtalk, snuggled together under the covers.

"Believe me or not, that was young-me's secret plan, she tricked us both. I take it that you're liking it?"

".. I'm not hating it, yet. That's only because I trust you. Blindly. Even if Devil out of all people is in that same cohort."

"Talk about fate."

All was well in her mother's arms, Tora had to let go of her worries and let things happen, despite her fears and unrest. Tights had been right, meeting those in the past and getting to fight Vegeta and spar with the kids had felt rewarding.

Finding a way to get this feeling to anchor and remain for when they were back in their world, with the skills necessary to integrate society once more.. That was another problem.

".. You won't die on me…?"

"Trunksie, of course I won't die. Been taking appointments all day today. I won't let any rock unturned, alright? I'll be well taken care of."

"They better." Tora growled an undirected threat and gripped firmly on her mother.

"Oh and you're coming with me at the end of the week. You need a check up too."

Tora disliked the idea of going to the doctor, but she was a good and obedient child to her mother, especially when she could indulge in her scent and contact in peace.

Sports was dreaded by Gohan and Tora for a variety of reasons. Some of them were shared by the two of them, but one peculiar reason was different, and that was the idea of 'changing'. Which Tora had absolutely not anticipated until her mother told her to not 'forget to bring a change of clothes', as she knew her schedule in and out. Tora had to arrive early to talk to Syowa, as she clearly didn't want to change in front of the boys. Or the girls. Or anyone. Syowa simply offered for her to use her office, so that panic was promptly averted, thank Kami.

It was also then that Tora found out Syowa had been one of the advocates to end the use of uniforms in that very school she attended when they first met. The badge had been in use for a couple of years already and was a successful experiment, and was to be worn wherever deemed appropriate. Gohan and a few others wore it on their chest, while some wore it on their belt. Tora chose to wear it on her chest as well, on the right side.

Syowa also used the opportunity to tell Tora to swing by her father's at any time to get fitted and say hi, which Tora promised she would.

"Haven't heard about Lapis in a few years, but Laz says he's out there with another 'Artificial Human' working for a nature reserve of sorts."

"With Sixteen? That.. suits them both. You're in regular contact with Eighteen?"

"Semi-regular. She's.. been a bit busy as of late."

There was something a little deceptive, cunning even, about Syowa's words, which prompted Tora to want to ask more, but class was about to start so she had to postpone that conversation. She gave her ok to let them know she was back for a limited time, and Syowa just gave Tora their phone numbers and said it was better for Tora to surprise them.

Since nobody mentioned the Cyborgs nor Sixteen since their arrival, Tora was somewhat confident they were safe and hadn't done anything wrong. Sixteen was mentioned in passing by Dr Brief the night prior, he had come by a few months prior for 'maintenance'.

Baseball was something Tora knew absolutely nothing about, so she was just told to 'try and hit the ball with the bat', and if she did, she needed to reach each base before the opposing team got it. It was all a little too abstract, and Gohan also admitted to never playing (although he knew the rules). So as they were picked in opposing teams, Tora could sit and observe her teammate Sharpner as a batter and Videl as a pitcher, knowing now all other positions were to catch the ball or throw the caught ball to one of the bases. Gohan was in such a position. Before Sharpner, two other students had hit the ball after failing to do so a certain number of times. Once they did hit, though, they ran. The ball never reached Gohan, who was too far back in the left field to intervene in the 'catch' moments.

She was attentive so she could reproduce what the 'most fit student of the whole year' would do. Videl's throw was powerful and fast, but Sharpner hit the ball, and it flew far, high and fast. Someone called 'home run', which was the best type of hit a batter could do.

"That's feasible," Tora concluded on the bench.

Inx wasn't that convinced seeing her total newbie of a teammate be confident like that with just observation, but considering how fit Tora looked, perhaps…

All was well and dandy, Sharpner and the two previous students began to run, until Gohan jumped to catch the ball. And threw it to third base (with enough strength to force his teammate on his butt), making three outs in one move, and the wide-eyed coach announced team switching.

"Oh well, that solves it," Tora laughed. She didn't need to bat this once, which was fine by her.

"What the hell was that, how did you jump that high?!" Gohan was called out. He went from pretty proud to shy and ashamed. He overdid it, and didn't know.

"I was just lucky, that's it!"

As they switched, Tora was given a glove to catch the ball. She found out the batter was out if the ball was caught before it touched the ground, and stood where Gohan was as classmates from the opposite team batted.

Sharpner was brooding over his home run being rendered null and void, so he was to pitch, and his throws were just as impressive as Videl's. Strong and accurate.

Videl batted just as well as Sharpner did, she didn't miss a ball unlike most other students (including two who had been 'out' because they missed three), but she chose strategy and instead of going for a home run, she batted low and sped to first base.

When it was Gohan's turn to bat, he stood as if he were left-handed. Sharpner wasn't going to let it slide and wanted to teach the kid a lesson, but Gohan didn't move out of the way and just asked, after being hit at a full speed ball, if this was a 'dead ball', and went to first base as if nothing happened, pretty proud to not have had to bat and hence not attracting attention, but it was quite the opposite. Tora signaled it to him as such when he clearly hadn't noticed that soaking such a hit without flinching was inhumane.

.

"Gohan-san, don't hold back!" Tora shouted with a smile. She waved when Gohan looked at her, hoping to convey that it was alright for her to show a little more. After all, she didn't belong to this world, but he needed to blend in.

"Tora, you're supposed to be on my team!" Sharpner groaned as he was prepared to throw. He had wanted to punish the kid further for outclassing his home run, but now his own teammate was encouraging him?

"Don't worry." Tora was confident, and Sharpner decided to grant his trust, at least when it came to a friendly match of baseball.

The previous day, after their altercation, the best athlete in school finally managed to understand where he had seen a similar look. Military men. Tora had noticed Sharpner's own dog tags, he was sure of it. And now in a light tee and sweatpants, the Brief guy looked fit, in a lean way. Tora wasn't a bodybuilder or a show-off, the surprise factor hadn't been all, that guy was far from an amateur in close combat. A little like Videl, albeit proportionally taller. Those uncovered arms showed muscle. And Tora hadn't even broken a sweat when they ran around the field when they were warming up. Neither did Gohan, actually, which was odd.

So Gohan prepared to bat once more, agreeing to do as Tora asked. All despite holding said bat wrong. Sharpner decided to give it his best throw. Gohan didn't miss, and aimed for a homerun.

Tora could've easily jumped to just catch the ball, like Gohan did, but she knew she needed to make it seem harder than it actually was. And learning from Vegeta, Tora used the terrain to her advantage. So she ran, following the ball, used her speed to jump on a goalpost, and used that momentum to jump higher and catch the ball. And like Gohan did before her, she caught the third base(wo)man, called for her attention, and threw the ball softly (for her) her way. Inx planted her feet on the ground to catch the ball, and with that, like Gohan had done prior, three outs and a team switch was announced once more.

.

Tora waved it all off as being part of 'space / gravity training' when asked about her prowess. However, when she finally got to bat, she positioned herself like Gohan: as a left-handed person. And like Gohan, she didn't hold her bat right. Instead of switching right and left hand, however, she held it with just her left hand.

And Gohan recognized it: Tora held the bat like a sword, and by using the non-dominant hand, the time traveler got a handicap. Videl looked at Tora, then at Gohan suspiciously. If these two were friends, what were they capable of? She'd not seen the lavender-haired teen bat… Until now.

"You do you," the coach said with a shrug. The kid didn't know baseball, he was just told 'be center field, catch the ball' and did so non conventionally.

"Thanks."

Erasa was the one who pitched. The Earthling wasn't as strong as Videl, but she had decent accuracy and was fit enough to actually throw a proper ball. Gohan was right field and waved, encouraging his friend.

Sharpner wasn't impressed with how Tora held the bat, breaking all baseball conventions. And despite oozing confidence, Tora played like Videl. Instead of hitting as hard as she could, the moment Erasa threw, Tora just turned enough so the ball touched the bat, and she took off as it rolled less than a meter away from her. Barely a hit, but a hit nonetheless.

.

The match continued with a few different strategies and feats by Videl and Sharpner, with the occasional 'fluke' by Gohan and Tora, making it overall even. Thankfully, neither Gohan nor Tora were asked to pitch.

"Alright, class is dismissed, go shower and change, enjoy lunch and see you next week!"

Tora had to be cautious about everyone going to the showers, and excused herself to talk to the coach about actual baseball rules while waving at Gohan to go and that she'd catch up later. She asked a few questions she didn't really care the answers for, and answered some of her own, mostly explaining that she was fit because she was 'in space', without going into details, and wasted enough time to be able to go to Syowa and change there without being noticed as missing from the showers. She hadn't broken a sweat at all so it went unnoticed that she hadn't actually showered.

.

Gohan had been coerced into eating with everyone else in the picnic area, though, and when Tora found him by following his ki, he gestured widely.

"Tora-san, you didn't forget my mother cooked for both of us, right ?" Gohan was nervous, he hoped his friend would get the hint and save him. Especially as he was a terrible liar, and he knew as such.

The amount of food he had put on the table was ridiculous and he had been trying to play it off as not that much food since it was for two growing boys. Tora must have caught on as he sat near him, and whatever meal had been planned was kept in its capsule.

"I didn't forget. Chichi-san's cooking is such a treat."

With Erasa, Sharpner and a growingly suspicious Videl, which Tora kept staring at as she recognized the teenage version of Devil, they spent their lunch break talking about everything and anything, from Mr Satan's visit the next day, to the new gym they'll get to try out later, to Sharpner's upcoming boxing matches (and his subsequent invitation for Gohan and Tora to join the club, as they didn't have after school activities yet).

Videl's bipper went off just as they finished, and she excused herself, asked Erasa to tell the teacher about her absence, and went to decapsulize a helicopter and run off.

"So you'll drive me home today, Tora?" Erasa wasn't fazed by Videl leaving and carried on conversation as usual.

"Fine I'll allow it, but no funny business." Sharpner cut in, and Tora accepted with a fairly indifferent shrug, more attentive at Gohan's worried expression.

"She does that often? Fight crime?" Gohan turned back to the twins.

"Well she's Mr Satan's daughter, she's super strong! Police rely on her. She's the best."

"You should see her in a ring, she can best more guys out there. Not me of course, but.."

"Bullshit, she made you cry the other day."

"That's because she caught me by surprise."

The twins bickered a little while Gohan filled in Tora quietly on a couple of other things; everyone was doing well, Goten being so hyped to meet someone whom his big brother knew and could keep up with Trunks and himself at the same time. Even Piccolo wasn't that willing (or brave) to humor the kids.

"Oh yes, I showed them the picture you gave me. I was happy to see Chichi-san again, please tell her this was delicious," she indicated the meal they had just shared.

.

Before it was time to head back to class, however, a hover bike landed in the park of the campus, and Tora, recognizing it, stood to run to her mother and hug her tight. Sharpner, Erasa and Gohan followed, curious.

"Oh my, are these your friends my little tiger? Oh Gohan-kun, you've.. you're so different."

Tora didn't miss the hint of sadness and pride and squeezed her hand, but also grumbled a little at the pet name clearly made just to embarrass her.

"Mother, these are classmates Erasa and Sharpner. This is my mother, Tights Brief."

"Hi Mrs Brief," the three said, more or less amused at the light embarrassment the older woman in a casual tee and slacks, and a long pale blue braid was causing to her child. Parents.

"Please, just Tights."

"Tights-san," Gohan smiled and bowed, keeping a little distant and cautious. She was so similar to the one he met, seven years prior… Thankfully Chichi had given him the heads up the previous night, especially with their 'identities', but he hadn't had time nor permission to meet this version of his father's childhood friend. So he was happy to meet here, albeit unable to properly express his feelings on the matter due to witnesses.

"Did you need me for something, Mother?"

"No, I just came to give you this before an appointment," Tights took something out of her pocket and gave it to her child. "It uses the same system as your watch, but it's functionally a telephone that does not need to be wired."

Tora took a look at the item, which looked like a miniature version of her computer screen with some features she knew from her watch. She nodded, understanding how similar it was and put the mobile phone in her jean's pocket, while Erasa got all impressed by the whole 'wireless telephone' thing.

"Ok, I'll test it. Thank you."

"So you had sports this morning? How was it?"

The bell rang before the teens had a chance to answer. Tora quickly hugged her mother, taking a moment to breathe in the scent, just to hang in there for the afternoon classes.

"Be safe," she whispered.

After acknowledgements and 'goodbye Mrs Tights!', the students ran back inside to not miss the next period. Tights waved them off and promptly went about her marathon of an afternoon.

.

The afternoon was uneventful, as Tora used her computer to take her notes instead of doing the traditional way, she had a little hard time with history and Inx always seating near her had been somewhat good to establish a routine. She didn't care that much about actually studying though, just taking notes of what she could and read along on the books she got that morning with Syowa. She also refused to answer questions or to volunteer her ignorance, due to the temporary status of her presence she didn't care to be that integrated.

Videl came back in the middle of the first afternoon class and was easily welcomed, her tardiness excused because of her 'extracurriculars'.

During free period, Tora took a moment to see how the phone worked, alongside the computer and the watch. The phone already had a few contacts and was set up for her to use easily. It didn't take long for her to pick an old picture of her and her mother to set up as her background, where she still had the shorthair, ready to go at any moment, arms around her mother trying to drink a cup of coffee. 'Tights' looked exhausted, oil-stained, greasy hair, but she had earned herself a break and a good dose of caffeine, and that's when Tora had demanded attention.

With Gohan by her side, she allowed him to see, but Erasa leaned over his shoulder to have a look of her own.

"Oh that's a cute picture! You look great with short hair too, Tora."

"Mhm," she accepted the compliment, blushing a little, but she promptly put the phone away.

"Capsule Corp always makes such good inventions, you think it'll hit the market soon? Care to hook us up?"

"Erasa-san, that's not something Tora-san has any control over, don't pressure him like that," Gohan intervened with a little frown.

Erasa shrugged it off, she was just asking. Tora appreciated Gohan jumping in to redirect.

"Mother's inventions aren't Capsule Corp," she added, perhaps a little harshly. Her patience with these kids was running thin, and it was only because Gohan was there that she didn't ditch school altogether.

"Anyway you guys joining Boxing or what?"

"I'll pass, I live very far away," Gohan used the excuse he could think of, the excuse Erasa had mentioned prior when it came to his involvement in school.

"I believe my hands are better used for something else, but I might come and observe," Tora appreciated the offer and couldn't really refuse outright.

"Training's tomorrow one hour before school starts."

By the end of the day, Tora was socially exhausted and just wanted to lock herself up, but she had agreed to drive Erasa home and the girl didn't deserve to be on the receiving end of her ire. Gohan told her he'd come pay a visit to Bulma before they went on their way.

"Tora?"

"Mh?"

"You're a quiet driver."

"Mh."

"Are you single?"

".. Single?"

"I like taciturn ones like you, especially when they love their moms." Erasa took her arm to get closer, but carefully so as to not impede driving.

"... Erasa-san, you do not know who I am."

"Turn left here, my building is the yellow one over there. And I know that, that's why I want to know you a little better."

Tora still followed the directions and as she landed.

"My situation isn't one you should get involved in."

"Blah, we're almost adults, we can have fun. And with a bro like mine it's hard to score dates and since you kicked his ass, he respects you now."

"Not interested," she glanced at the other teen with cold eyes, and saw Erasa release her arm, visibly hurt by the blunt rejection. She tried her best to soften up and touched her shoulder to have her look back up.

"I am not interested in relations, because saying goodbye is painful. You're pretty and bright, and deserve a normal person."

"Geez, what do they make you do in space, that's unfair.." Erasa sighed, got closer and gave a hug to her driver.

"It's my choice." Tora stiffened a little but eventually allowed herself to hug back, even if a little awkwardly.

"I get it. I knew you'd be safe, you never once looked at my boobs," the blonde giggled and released for good, stepping out of the car. "If you want a peek, though.."

"I might take you up on your word," she took the offer at face value but still cracked a smile. Why not?

"What about Gohan-kun, is he single?"

"Last I saw him, he was ten years old, so I can't say. We haven't had time to properly catch up."

"Well, he's a little of a dork and clearly sheltered, but…"

"... I do think he is a little young for dating."

Although with him clearly in heat, that talk had to happen, and..

".. Mother actually planned this?" she groaned in embarrassment.

"Planned what?"

"Oh, nothing. My apologies. See you tomorrow, Erasa-san."

On her way back to Capsule Corp, Tora turned on the radio and idly listened in to the news, flying over the formerly named Orange neighborhood and slowly opening up her senses as she left Central City towards West City, appreciating a moment of solitude and not being overwhelmed by so many people's life energy.

.

Gohan had already arrived at Capsule Corp and had asked Bulma about a way to hide his identity, a better one than going super Saiyan for his crime-fighting hobby. Clearly the boy couldn't let injustice happen and would always intervene, but with Videl being incredibly suspicious of him, it had been a problem. Tights wasn't back yet, but she sent a message to let the household know she would be back a little before diner time.

.

When Tora arrived, Gohan was playing with Trunks and Vegeta was still training in the Gravity Room. Tora took a moment to check in with Bulma, but she was busy coming out with 'what Gohan asked her to do'. Panchy and Dr Brief were out for the night.

To keep her mind and body busy, she walked back to the music room, finding it slightly changed, but the piano was still there. She took some time to play, having practiced almost every day since the Cyborgs were defeated. It had been a bandaid over her problem, but a bandaid that relieved her turmoils. The piano this version of Bulma had given her was the same model as this one, but something felt different with the one from the music room of Capsule Corp. The acoustics, probably.

.

Gohan and Trunks came to see when they realized Tora was back and Trunks wanted to see if the other teen wanted to play with them, but instead they stayed and listened to the soft loops that were nostalgic, but also felt somewhat melancholic.

"This sounds.. familiar."

"Does it?" Gohan was curious, whispering back to Trunks as the boy tried putting his finger on yet again another déjà-vu and trying to place it.

"I heard this before, yes, and.. I smell strawberries."

"Mhhh…perhaps he played with you when you were a baby. Tora-san came to visit us, back then…"

Trunks' gears began turning, Gohan confirmed that the picture was true. This Tora-guy was older than he looked, by far, there was no doubt about it.

He'd have to find out what his parents were hiding on his own, clearly all of this was strange. The familiarity he felt near him, the special bedroom, the picture with Gohan, his father's acceptance and cautiousness… Especially as, on that day, Vegeta finally decided to properly train the boy instead of letting him exercise on his own. The timing felt.. suspicious, to say the least, to a Brief brain wired to see patterns and connect elements. He'd see this through and get to the bottom of this mystery. A plan started forming in his head.

.

Bulma was done just before sunset, and presented the invention to Gohan, who promptly tested it. With the press of a button, the teenager could now transform into a corny super hero, with a green gi with a black undergarment, white boots and gloves similar to Vegeta's, a helmet to hide his identity, a red cape, and a belt to complete the look.

Trunks, who initially wanted a similar toy for himself, promptly changed his mind, and said it looked childish and uncool, while Tora quietly agreed, although seeing it as a good thing precisely so. Gohan remained a pure-hearted happy kid, and that was a precious thing to preserve, regardless of him being in heat, or him being almost (biologically) seventeen years old. It also meant there was no way Gohan would get in any sort of situation in which having had the Talk would be necessary for the time being. Tora wondered if Bulma remembered the notebook she left for this precise situation, but a quick shared glance confirmed Tora's thoughts: 'this kid isn't getting laid any time soon, so we're postponing that conversation to when it'll be relevant.'

Gohan thanked Bulma and went on his way, since he was running late and was more than eager to practice super hero poses and entrances. That same evening, he realized he could use his new costume to fly without being noticed, and later transferred ownership of the Flying Nimbus to his little brother, who, as all other members of his family, could ride it just fine.

.

Vegeta came out of the Gravity Room in time to share dinner with his family and his.. other family? Alternative family? 'Tights' had come back by that time, and whatever thing caught in his senses promptly vanished when reality hit him. Something tore in his blood when it came to seeing two versions of his mate, two versions of the woman whose comfort he had learnt to seek and whom he trusted in ways he couldn't have fathomed before Freeza was killed for good. His instincts and their bond couldn't really comprehend or differentiate the situation. Thankfully that 'older Bulma' wasn't fazed by his glances, and did her best not to make it strange.

'This is why royals only take one mate,' he brooded quietly over his meal.

The two Trunkses? That was easy to deal with. One had proven worthy of being his heir, all through and through, and something moved him when he saw 'Tora' still wear the pendant he had given seven years prior. The other was promising, hard-working, and grew more confident. Both were assertive and everyone around that table was stubborn in different ways.

.

Despite not complaining as much as her younger counterpart did, there was a certain reluctance from Tora to eat cream soup, and like her younger counterpart, to make it 'bearable', she threw cheese at the vegetable mix.

"Damn am I having a weird sense of déjà-vu."

"Right, right?" the younger mother confirmed, which had Trunks question her with a raised eyebrow. "Oh, it's nothing sweetie. There's mousse for dessert, so finish it."

And Tora had to perk up. She hadn't had mousse in forever and her soup promptly disappeared, losing its battle at the face of promised dessert. Her mother couldn't help but confirm once again how similar the two Trunkses were, despite their different circumstances. Tora generously gave part of her dessert to her younger counterpart since clearly one portion wasn't enough, and didn't really care to get Bulma's (let alone Vegeta's) permission to do so.

Bulma took Trunks to bed and he decided he was fine with going to school the following day, after all, he and his grandmother had bought many things for classes, and the schedule didn't look half as boring. Tora, her mother and Vegeta stayed in the living room, somewhat enjoying each other's silent company with coffee. Vegeta was reading the newspapers on the living room table, while Tora and Tights sat on the sofa. Tora wasn't shy to snuggle against her mother, demanding her attention and care, making sure she was alright after her afternoon with medical appointments and seeing the world she helped create, and melting to the skull scratches that always had her purring.

When Bulma returned, both 'sisters' smoked and drank their coffee, bouncing projects off each other and appreciating their mutual presence. It was a scientific prowess to be able to speak to each other. Tora more or less zoned out of the conversation and focused on her mother's scent and comfort. Vegeta being around felt natural for Bulma, even if Tights wasn't used to it, he surely had mellowed out compared to the Vegeta she once knew.

.

The next morning, after seeing what the boxing and fitness club was all about (Tora wasn't impressed), Videl and Gohan were both late for their first period. Gohan said he overslept, but Videl arriving just afterwards made Tora think that perhaps getting him through the Talk was going to be necessary after all. And Videl was eyeing Gohan with suspicion, and Gohan was trying to hide behind a book. Something was going on, most certainly.

.

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I promise the pace is going to pick up soon, I just need to.. plant more seeds. And harvest some other grown plants :p

Thank you for reading and giving me your opinions! Please don't hesitate to say if you like or don't like certain elements ^^