Welcome to Boxer & Rice

Oh – thinkin’ about all our younger years
There was only you and me
We were young and wild and free
Now nothin’ can take you away from me
We’ve been down that road before
But that’s over now You keep me comin’ back for more
Baby you’re all that I want
When you’re lyin’ here in my arms
I’m findin’ it hard to believe
We’re in heaven
And love is all that I need
And I found it there in your heart
It isn’t too hard to see
We’re in heaven
Oh – once in your life you find someone
Who will turn your world around
Bring you up when you’re feelin’ down
Ya – nothin’ could change what you mean to me
Oh there’s lots that I could say
But just hold me now Cause our love will light the way
I’ve bin waitin’ for so long
For somethin’ to arrive
For love to come along
Now our dreams are comin’ true
Through the good times and the bad
Ya – I’ll be standin’ there by youHeaven – Bryan Adams

Tora stood in shock not quite sure if the scene before him was real. In front of him was a man he had known a good deal of his life. This man was now currently on one knee and in his hand was a small pouch like the kind that the Z fighters would carry their sensu beans in. He carefully reached for the pouch and opened it. Inside was a ring, as he touched the cooling metal one thought came to his mind: This was not a dream. Gohan was really here in fused form and he was actually PROPOSING TO HIM!!!

“Uh..” Tora stammered. “I…I don’t know what to say.”

“Personally I would prefer a “yes”, but an “I’ll think about it” will do.” Gohan said with a reassuring smile. “I’m not trying to pressure you into anything love, I just wanted you to know well… my intentions I guess. So you didn’t get the crazy idea I only want you for sex or something like that.”

“Believe me all doubts on that line are successfully blown out of the water.” Said Tora looking at the ring in a mix of surprise and pleasure. Gohan loved him and this was his way of trying to prove it to him. He took a look at Gohan. The man did seem nervous as if he was afraid of something. “You okay Gohan?”

“Trying to get over the you laughing in my face scenario I have in my head.” Gohan admitted.

“I’m not going to, trust me.” Tora answered. “I… can I have some time though to think this over?” He went to give the ring back to Gohan, who shook his head.

“It’s yours keep it.” He said firmly putting Tora’s hand over the ring.

His? That was an interesting way of responding to his reply. Most people if they were unsure on how their mate would react kept their three month salary investment. But Gohan was acting like it wasn’t the ring it’s self that had value as what it symbolized if Tora wore it. This was interesting to Tora.

“You aren’t worried I’m going to melt it down or pawn it?”

“It’s yours to do with as you like although I hope you would wear it, it’s suppose to mean more or less that you said yes to the idea of you and me becoming and us and the… You were making a joke weren’t you?”

Tora couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah I was.” He admitted. “But I think you’re response told me all I need to know.”

“Happy to have cleared up any confusions you have.” Said Gohan looking a bit displeased at the laughter at his expense. Tora looked ready to say something when 17 came up to them, Tora slipped the ring in his pocket.

“So you have decided to join the rest of us in the real world.” Said 17.

“Yeah.” said Gohan. “There something you want?” His tone wasn’t exactly hostile but it spoke the words “Try anything he doesn’t want and you will be a crater in the ground.”

“You may have been to distracted by your little reunion to notice.” Said 17 to Tora “But your mother is here.”

“Yeah.” Said Tora, then he felt it. “Mom.” He whispered, “But how?”

“Don’t know.” Said 17 “But she is a little skittish right now so you better go join Goku in reassuring her that everything fine And that she isn’t having some bizzare hallucination or something.”

“Right.” Said Gohan. Tora looked at him apologetically. “All other discussions can wait you should be with your mom now.”

“Come with me?”

“If you want.” Gohan responded and the two went off to see Goku and Mirai Bulma.

*******************************************************************************

When they arrived Goku and Mirai Bulma were talking and laughing and living in the good old days. “Mum?” Asked Tora softly, bringing attention to himself. Gohan figured he should give mother and son time alone and promised Goku he’d return in about ten minutes or so.

‘What is she going to think if she finds out about us?’ Gohan wondered awkwardly. As he walked away.

Meanwhile Mirai Bulma had noticed her son and took him in her arms failing to remember he wasn’t her baby anymore. But he didn’t mind he was happy to see her too. However as they talked Bulma’s motherly instincts picked up a few things

“Oh my Kami! You’re engaged?”

“That’s great! Who’s the lucky girl?” Goku asked happy for Tora but as surprised as Tora was that Bulma knew this.

“Uhm I guess I am.” Said Tora a little sheepishly. “But it’s kinda not exactly..”

“You said yes didn’t you?” Asked Bulma.

“I said I’d think about it.”

“And your answer is?”

“I still need time to think. Mom, he only asked about five minutes ago!”

“You’ve known each other a long time. What are you afraid of?”

“What are you talking about?” Both Goku and Tora asked together.

“He’s not a total stranger Trunks! You know how feel about him right?”

“Yes.”

“And since he actually asked you obviously know he loves you very much right?”

“Right”

“And he’d never do anything to harm you right?”

“Of course not.”

“Then what else is there to think about? You’re saying yes to getting in engaged not yes to walking down the aisle tomorrow morning so what is the problem? You have made the poor man wait long enough don’t ya think?”

“Who are we talking about?” Asked Goku “Because obviously you both know who it is and I don’t.”

“I am a little surprised that she does think she knows who it is.” Tora agreed.

“Don’t be silly.” Mirai Bulma responded “There is only one person it could possibly be, and that’s Gohan.” Both looked at her in surprise. “And before you accuse me of physic abilities He seemed pretty happy about something before he left like he wasn’t completely rejected.”

“He thought I would laugh in his face at the suggestion.” Tora explained.

Mirai Bulma shook her head. “Well I suppose some things never change.” She said. “He’d do and go through anything for you Trunks. You know that right?”

“Yeah, I do.” Tora said. Then part of him seemed to take notice of Goku.

“Are you okay with this?” He said a little nervously.

“You’re happy and he’s happy what is there to not be okay with?” Goku asked

“Some people think that same sex relationships are weird or flat out against nature.” Tora explained.

“Don’t see why.” Said Goku. That earned him a smile from Mirai Bulma. Goku wasn’t sure what he had done to earn it but he knew that he liked seeing that smile and made a note to make sure she smiled a lot more in the future. Of course he wouldn’t mind losing more arguments to her either if she was going to use the same action before all her closing statements…. ‘Okay bad thoughts. she is Vegeta’s mate she is widowed to Vegeta in another time line and Tora’s mother you can NOT think like this about her.

She is rather pretty though…. No Goku! Bad Goku!’

“Are you okay?” Tora asked at the sight of what seemed to be Goku hitting himself on the head muttering “Get out. get out. get out.Scary thoughts. Scary thoughts.” under his breath.

“Oh I’m fine no worries here.” Said Goku to Tora.

“Uh-huh right.”

“Shouldn’t you be finding your wayward mate?” Goku suggested.

“Yeah I’ll go do that.” Said Tora. Goku breathed a sigh of relief that his distraction had worked.

“Goku?” Darn maybe not as much as he had thought.

“Yes Bulma?”

“Is there anything we should be talking about?” She asked. She seemed to be using the he was using the tone Chi-chi did when she was very serious. Like when they were discussing whether or not he should go defend the Earth again. Or the times he was reminded that he was “spending his evening with Mr. Couch”.

“Just some strange thoughts coming from no where.” Goku explained.

“Like what?”

“Nothing…just you know thoughts that have no reasonable explanation…”

‘Smart, nice, willing to deal with all the crap that comes our way… Why does she always belong to some one else Damn it? And not a real enemy either always one of my FRIENDS!’

“Yeah I get those too.” Bulma said again with that smile. Goku found himself drowning more bizarre thoughts and images with thoughts of food.

“Yeah well I am sure you would like to see the others and well you. So why don’t we go to the house now?” Asked Goku.

“I think I can handle that.” Said Bulma and gave him her hand which he took and led her into the house.

*******************************************************************************

“So I really don’t know what to do. I mean I love him, I asked him to marry me for crying out loud but… I wonder if he really wants to or am I just pressuring him you know?”

She didn’t answer, she never did, but speaking to the cat did make Gohan feel a lot better. It was one of those days where she didn’t seem glued to Dr Briefs so Gohan decided to have a talk with her.

“He means the world to me… as long as he’s happy I could care less what happens to me. I just…”Gohan sighed. “I love him more than anything what ever he wants is fine by me.” He pet the cat as he confided in it. Not realizing that Tora stood just in the doorway and had heard every word.

“Gohan.” Tora said. Letting the other man know he was there.

“Hey Tora, I didn’t see you. How was your visit with your mom?”

“Good. what were you doing?”

“Just spending time with the cat.” Said Gohan.

“You both look like you’re enjoying yourselves.” Tora noted. “Mind if I borrow him?” He asked the cat.

Taking it’s silence as an answer he took Gohan by the hand and lead him out of the room.

“What did you do that for?” Asked Gohan with a laugh.

“I didn’t feel like sharing your attention with anyone else.” Tora admitted. “So you were talking with the cat huh?”

“She just happens to be a very good listener and agrees with everything I say.” Gohan replied and stuck out his tongue.

“What does she agree with? Because if you were telling her how hot you are I’d have to agree.” Tora replied taking Gohan into his arms.

“Flattery won’t get you anywhere you know.” Said Gohan

“Maybe not but proper compliments coupled with just the right touch.” With that he kissed Gohan down his neck. “Can get you quite a bit.” Tora said softly. Gohan moaned for a second. “We can’t do this here.”

“Then let’s go where we can.”

“Where are our parents?”

“They sent me to find you.” Said Tora “…Right after I questioned the nature of your dad’s scary thoughts. You don’t think they did that just to get rid of me do you?” They looked at each other.

“Would you say he was uncomfortable after those scary thoughts?”

“A little.”

“I think he may be attracted to your mom.” Gohan explained.

Uncomfortable silence.

“Did you have to tell me that?”

“I’m just saying it’s a possibility she is different from the one here, you sense it, I sense it and so does dad. I think it interests him.”

“What about your mom?”

“They love each other but they aren’t IN love with each other.” Gohan explained “They just stay together because they’re so used to it. Dad knows he’s a good dad for me and Goten but he feels like a lousy husband for mom. Mom feels the same about being a mom that she is good for us but there has to be something she is missing that or else dad wouldn’t always be wandering off. Problem is neither knows what it is that is.”

“Do you feel complete when you are with me?” Tora asked.

“Yes. Like I am missing parts of myself when I am not with you. Oh yeah there are parts I am sure any significant other would try to fill but I feel you fill them the best, I don’t want it to be anyone other than you. HE feels the same.”

There was no question who that was, Gohan-san. So they both felt incomplete without him interesting. “I feel the same way.” Tora caught himself confessing. Then paused a minute. “I think they agree with us.” he said a little disturbed.

“You still channeling Trunks huh? So they feel how we do about each other that’s good. I mean that means you’re happy I’m happy, they are happy, Mom has Mickal so she’s happy that leaves, well Dad that isn’t happy.”

“What is your mom going to say?” Tora asked. “I mean your dad doesn’t seem to mind about us.”

“Nani?” Asked Gohan confused.

“My mom and your dad know we are engaged.”

“Oh.”

‘Wait a second. He didn’t say “You proposed.” He said “WE’RE ENGAGED”.’

Gohan froze for a second in thought part of him hoping he didn’t read the signs of the conversation wrong. Was this Tora’s way of saying yes?

“Gohan?”

“You said engaged. We would only be engaged if you agreed to marry me.” Gohan explained.

“I know.” Said Tora. “I am. I will marry you Gohan.” Gohan gave a shout of happiness and held Tora tight.

“Do I have to propose to you now?” Asked Tora. “Cause otherwise this makes me the girl doesn’t it?”

“You aren’t “the girl”.” Gohan corrected sternly. “We’re partners. That’s how we entered into this whole affair and that is how we are ending it. No one is the “Alpha” and no one is the “Beta” we are equals, in this.”

“Does this mean we are going to flip for it in the bedroom EVERY night?”

“No it just means it’s open for experimentation with no one being the set “Seme” or the set “uke” that’s all. I mean I’m versatile on it if you are.”

“Sure I mean I was just wondering.” Tora answered. Gohan smiled the subject was getting him off guard too. “I guess I am not the only one that can’t believe we are having a conversation about this.”

“Well, it’s good it lets all insecurities in the open and discussed I suppose.” Said Tora

They were still laughing when Piccolo found them. “Piccolo what’s going on?” Asked Gohan sensing there may be something up.”I don’t know.” Piccolo admitted. “I am sensing a strange but not completely unfamiliar or hostile energy. Something is different.”

“Could it be Tora’s mother?” Gohan asked then. “She’s here for a visit of sorts and she’s with dad.”

“That would explain the strange thoughts I’m picking up.” Piccolo admitted.

“What do you mean?” Asked Tora.
“Images of Goku beating Vegeta to a bloody pulp until he submits followed by lots of images of food.” Said Piccolo.

“Okay, it’s official your dad likes my mom. Boy that is strange to think about.” Said Tora “But yet, not that hard to imagine as possible.”

“We do have the genetic proof you are Vegeta’s son don’t get worried.” Said Piccolo.

“Thanks.” Said Tora. “Cause that would just be too weird and wrong not to mention would suck to the extreme.”

“Right.” Said Gohan.

“Gohan…”

“Incest is wrong, you’d still be my half brother, blah blah blah I know. Let’s go stop my dad from killing yours.” Said Gohan quickly.

‘What’s gotten into him?’ Tora thought.

‘Wouldn’t you like to know.’ Piccolo thought and sighed this was going to be one of those days.

“Piccolo?” Gohan asked with concern on his face.

“It’s alright.” Piccolo grumbled. The look on Gohan’s face said he didn’t believe him.

“Kami is having one of those days.” Piccolo explained. “He seems to think we are getting cable. I swear that old man is getting senile as this whole thing goes on.”

“You mean… he’s channeling all our thoughts and everything we are doing?” Asked Gohan surprised.

“Enough of it that I know more than I want to know of what’s going on around here.” Piccolo admitted.

“Oh. You know Roshi would kill to have an ability like that.”

“Not going there Gohan.” Said Piccolo and they left to follow Tora.

*********************************************************************************

Out in the yard

Some where on the grounds Bra and Marron were coming to terms with the new information they had discovered. “Okay Big Brother loves Goten.” Said Bra.

“Check”

“Mommy has very weird videos in her collection.”

“Check”

“Gohan and Tora are in love.”

“Check.”

“Mommy is going to have to have a talk with daddy about his all his sparing sessions with scar face.”

“Check.”

“You don’t have to keep saying that Marron.”

“It’s easy to say.”

“What else do you think we are going to find out today?”

“Your mommy doesn’t mind and they figure something out?”

“Probably. They both are friends and Mommy has known him a long time so who knows?”

“So what does that leave us?”

“Your parents need to learn to close the blinds when they are fighting.”

“Check and check.” Said Marron trying not to think too much about that.

“Why was your dad ripping your mom’s clothes off?”

“I don’t know. She didn’t seem mad about that though only that he wasn’t doing it fast enough.”

“Grownups are weird.”

“You got that right.”

“Think we will be that weird when we grow up?”

“I don’t know, but we will be weird together I guess that’s all that counts.

“True.”

******************************************************************************

“Trunks what is that strange energy?” Asked Goten

“Is it hostile?” Trunks asked

“No.” Goten replied.

“Is your dad fighting it?” Trunks continued

“No.” Goten replied again,

“Is he with it?” Trunks asked again.

“Yes.” Goten answered checking to be sure.

“He’s probably making a new friend then. I think we are alright for now.”

“Good, that means I don’t have to untie you then.”

“About that. How bout no one is tied? It could be more fun that way.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“Oh boy. You thinking?” Trunks asked.

“I can think you know. It wasn’t my ideas that got us in trouble all of those times they were mostly all yours.”

“Which ones were yours again?” Trunks asked. There were so many things they came up with that he wasn’t sure any more.

“Mostly the ones we got as Gotenks I think we both came up with those.”

“Right.” Trunks said smiling. He remembered those days like they were yesterday. Sure the fusing was fun but it was only a substitute for this. This was much better. “Where was I?” Goten asked.

“Ready to drive me insane.” Trunks replied.

“Sorry. Okay what do you want me to do?” Goten asked with mischief in his voice.

“You already know that.” Trunks replied.

“Yeah but would like to hear you say it.”

“You are one of those closet sex fiends aren’t you?” Trunks asked. Not that would be a bad thing.

“I don’t know but I am sure you don’t mind do you?”

“Not at all Goten. Since I am the one that reaps the benefits.” Trunks grinned.

“Trunks.”

“Yeah?”

“Does this mean… we’re a couple now? I mean… We aren’t just best friends with benefits… we love each other and all that?” Goten seemed unsure.

“…..”

“Sorry I won’t ask again.” Said Goten, ready to accept the thought that while they were enjoying this maybe they were in the middle more than friends but less than lovers. He could accept that, it was better than nothing, But it meant that he was also more like Trunks’ concubine than anything else.

“Untie me.”

“Right.” silence. “Trunks?”

“Ssh… let’s get one thing into that head of yours. You’re a Son but I think I can do it. I do love you, and you love me we’re a couple. This isn’t just sex you know.”

“Good, sorry I… I guess they’re rubbing off on me aren’t they?”

“You mean both of them are a little unsure so you are too? I guess I’ll just have to reassure you about that won’t I, Chibi?” Goten smiled. Trunks had called him Chibi, all was right in his world now.

*******************************************************************

“I swear if the girls start I am going to go insane.” Piccolo muttered to himself.

“Piccolo?”

“Your brother was uncertain about how chibi felt about him and now chibi is proving it to him. I am going to blind today I swear.” Gohan patted his old friend’s shoulder consolingly. “You won’t go blind.”

“Would I have to see it if I did?”

“You could still see mental images sorry.”

“Kill me now.”

“No.”

“Fix it?”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thanks Gohan.”

“No problem Piccolo.”

“COME ON YOU TWO LETS GO!”

“Coming Tora!” They both answered.

*************************************************************************

“Goku? Where is everyone?” Asked Mirai Bulma seeing that the living room was completely empty. “I guess they’re all still tired or something we’ll find them.”

“Hi mommy. Why do you smell different?”

Bulma looked down at the small blue haired girl. “Bra.” she said slowly.

“That’s right.” Goku told her.

“Mommy are you okay?” Said the little girl looking worried.

“It’s been a long day.” Bulma answered “But I’m not your mommy.”

“Sure you are, Kakarot what is wrong with her?”

“She isn’t your mommy Bra.” Said Goku with a smile. “This is your mommy’s cousin. Her name is Cami.”

“What is that short for?” Asked Marron who had seen the similarities in the family names.

“Camisole.”

“Oh.” Said Bra. “Nice to meet you. Have you met everybody yet?” Cami shook her head, but she smiled at Goku. This saved her a lot of explanations. There were some who would understand the truth but with a new name there would also be a whole lot less confusion. Goku felt the warmth from the smile again. Yeah he would have to make sure she did that a lot more often. Bra got herself released from “Cami’s” hug and she and Marron proceeded in trying to round everybody up. “Come on you guys. Mommy’s cousin is here do you wanna meet her or not?”

“Mommy daddy can you stop fighting now? Mr. Kakarot has picked up Mrs. Vegeta’s cousin and she is waiting to meet everyone.”

“We need to sound proof that door.” 18 muttered. “Dear dende the curtain is cracked again. KRILLIN!”

“You closed the curtain sweetie. Bulma has a cousin we haven’t met yet?”

“We better go they will be expecting us to meet her.”

“Of course sweetie.”

“Don’t sweetie me.” 18 told him.

‘I’m sleeping on the couch again.’ Krillin realized to himself ‘Damn kids.’

*****************************************************************************

Within in minutes about everyone had been dragged into the living room.

“Kakarot I was busy you better have a damned good explination for….” Vegeta stopped. “Woman has your baka team found out what is going on with the stuff you poisoned all of us with? I am not sure I want to deal with everyone one acting like sex crazed teenagers all day I am trying to train.”

Cami was taken back at this. Goku sensing this and smelling the slight bit of fear that flickered in her surprise stepped protectively in front of her.

“Vegeta” He said in a warning tone “Back off.”

************************************************************************

Vegeta in turn was surprised at how his old rival was responding. The woman could take care of herself. “Kakkarot.” He said then “It’s alright.” The taller saiyan obviously felt he needed to protect this woman. He took the time to sense the baka’s energy and vitals. Yes, he felt the need to protect her but he was also attacted but this only added to his need to keep her safe she wasn’t his. He then sensed the woman more carefully.

‘Bulma’ was the inital thought. It was indeed Bulma but not HIS Bulma. It was another… he sensed more carefully and saw the connections of a mother leading to… this was Tora’s mother. Yet another reason for Kakarot to be concerned for this woman. She was another version of his best friend, she was the mother of the one that came to warn them and she was the one that constructed the time machine that help save their world from a future disaster. Vegeta made a note he owed this woman his rival’s life. She was the mother of his future son as well as in a way his current heir both were men he was proud of. Kakarot was correct in wanting to ensure this woman’s security but that was not needed from him.

“Woman.” He said in a softer tone. “I apologize, I thought you were my mate coming back with more infromation about an incident we had last night. I’m sorry it has us all a little edgy since we are unsure of all the effects of the drug or how it got where it could be accidently consumed or who actually consumed it.”

The other Bulma nodded to him. “Not a problem I know how that can be.” With this conformation and her easing up Kakarot instinctively did as well. The one he protected was no longer insecure everything was okay again.

Piccolo watched what had happened between the three with fascination. Vegeta had done the right thing. He didn’t openly word apologies often but that needed to be done in this case. Goku did care for this woman as much as he did his childhood friend plus a little more because this one attracted him in some way the other didn’t. He liked her but he felt she deserved better. Yes that was it, he probably felt the same way about this Bulma now.

Piccolo shook his head. ‘You deserve who ever you love Goku Son. The question is can that person keep up with all your crazy ways?’

Chi-chi was a good woman, but she had always seemed to like being a domestic wife, raising the children teaching them and cleaning the house. Perhaps she wanted more but wasn’t ready for it yet. However the man she was with now… she was happy and so was he. Piccolo made a mental note to Kami to check in on this once in a while; simulatinously making a note to assist in harming said male if he harmed her.

There was also a note about Sarah see what could be done about the young girl that had helped him get revenge for Gohan and look after Tora and Gohan until they were both ready for what they were experiencing now. Now to just give 17 Crystal’s address. Piccolo gave a smirk to himself the games was about to begin.

Goku was relieved that things were okay with Cami and Vegeta now and eased up. He couldn’t help it she was unhappy, nervous and insecure he didn’t want her feeling that way and instinctively did something about it. She was okay now and was smiling at him again which he was liking more and more each time she did it. ‘I wonder if she is going to kiss me again that would be okay.’ And the strange thoughts were back too. This was going to be a LOONG night.

****************************************************************************

It took a bit but they got their results, Bulma met the cousin she never knew and it went very well. Bulma also found out that both her sons were in love with someone that made them very happy. She was totally ESTATIC about that.

The engagement got drug out too with only certain people around. Said people were very happy and only too happy to start planning the wedding without Tora and Gohan. Who, was forced to calm everybody down before his fiaance ran for the hills. Said Fiance couldn’t believe Gohan thought he was going to do a “Runaway Bride” on him and Gohan got hit several times with a couch pillow. As the tensions, and drugs wore off, Piccolo to his relief found out he was getting less and less telepathic. However he still had a few more things to do before this night was over.
Number one: Sic 17 on Crystal the two deserved each other as far as he was concerned.
Number Two: Figure out why he kept feeling another foreign energy that should by all accounts have nothing to do with Planet Earth.
Number Three: Cami had a secret he was to find it and hopefully neutralize it. It was causing her grief and once Goku sensed that grief… Piccolo was unsure of the consequences but all his past experiences with Sayians told him none of the consequences could be good.
Number Four: Clear up remaining issues with Tora and Gohan so he could stop getting Gohan’s fantasies in his head. It was almost sad really Gohan loved Tora with all of his heart, yet he knew what kind of person Radditz was and could not help but wonder if it was genetic. Could he be capable of doing to his love what Radditz had done to him? This was why he denied himself the solace of Tora or anyone for that matter for so long. Piccolo sighed. So much to do and so little time he may have to divide and conquer here.

He concentrated hard and his kid rose. Moments later two more versions of himself appeared before him but they were different.

“Piccolo, I suppose you have an explanation for this.” Said the first replica.

“Yeah I had too much to do. I figured the least you could do in return for all I had to put up with is give me a hand here.”

“And what makes you think I would help?”

He was only doing it for old times sake and Piccolo knew it.

“It’s not for me it’s for the Z fighters and you know it as much as I do. Plus that foreign energy is Namekian related and being older and wiser you may have an easier time getting answers than me.” Piccolo responded to the Kami aspect.

“Sounds fair.” Said the other “But why am I here?”

“You can help me talk to all these people so I can get things back to normal.” Piccolo answered.

“Fine with me I had nothing better to do. Who do you want to take?”

“You get 17, I’ll talk with Bulma.”

“And Gohan?”

“We’ll see what happens.”

“Got it.” Said Nail aspect and the three parted for their designated tasks.

*******************************************************************************

Piccolo found Camisole rather easily. she was sitting on a cliff thinking.

“Funny finding you all the way out here.” He said to her.

“I was just thinking.” Camisole answered.

“I see, any particular reason?” Piccolo asked.

“Just so much has happened over the last few months.” She answered.

“Tell me.”

“Work, sending Trunks here so he’d be safe… the accident that thankfully he wasn’t around for he would KILL Hastings for bringing that stupid thing to our facilities in the first place.”

“Hastings?” Piccolo inquired.

“One of the leads of our research teams. He has quite the ego but he’s good at what he does. Plus, we have no one good enough to replace him so we put up with him.”

“How is he involved with the accident in accident at your facilities?” Piccolo asked.

“He found something of unknown origin and brought it in with our checking with anyone higher up first.” Bulma answered. “It’s protocol that all unknown objects are brought in to me, Renyolds and dad to make sure the object is safe for us to work with.” This got a look from Piccolo. “You know not radioactive or just plain out and out bad news.”

“This object would go under bad news?” Piccolo asked.

“A prototype of the power cells that Gero used when he made the Androids?” Bulma countered. “Especially since it is also what helps them emit their energy blasts?”

“So basically he brought something unstable in and started tinkering with it.” Piccolo answered. “What happened then?”

“What to you expect?” Bulma responded “An odd ray that hit me straight in the chest. I hit the ground and so I was completely missed by the next couple energy blasts that decimated two of our buildings. Fortunately it was night so we had skeleton crew lots of injuries but only one casualty… Hastings.”

“Serves him right.” Said Piccolo, guessing from what Bulma said this was not a very good person. “I hope you didn’t hire him.”

“No Renyolds did but only because of the trouble it would cause if he didn’t.”

“Tora didn’t like Hastings I take it?”

“Completely loathed him from the first day they met. Instinctively, maybe it was his father’s instincts that warned him I don’t know. Hastings was trouble, but he made a contract with Syphco as their representative from Capsule Corp for three years and Syphco was one of our biggest sponsors. We were unable to fire him.”

“Maybe you should’ve just let Tora kill him. It would be easier.”

“Yeah probably would’ve been. I guess I was afraid he’d become too much like Vegeta was when we met. I didn’t want to lose my son so I always stopped him. I guess I was selfish.”

“You were trying to do the right thing.” Said Piccolo “You just didn’t know any better so you did what you could.”

“I’m his mother I should have been protecting him not the other way around.” Cami answered. “That’s why I sent him back. Hastings was causing trouble. He caused an incident that should’ve hurt Tora when it didn’t Hastings was going to publize as much as he could that something was “wrong” with him. That would’ve been enough to cause rumors suspicions and everything else so I sent him away. When they asked where my son was I told them I didn’t have a son. That he was the son of a friend that came to live with me every once in a while when he wanted a break from his parents. Who had a divorce five years ago.” She looked away in shame. “What kind of a parent does that?”

Piccolo held her then, not something he was used to but she obviously needed it. “You did nothing wrong you were protecting him. You didn’t want him to become the next “monster” they hated and feared.”

“If… if the right things happened he could have you know. I dreamed it several times different situations. I hate to think I have that little faith in my own son but I dreamed about him turning into a monster.”

Piccolo remained silent about that although he knew anyone was capable of becoming a monster with the right motivations. It was clear she was distressed by this whole subject. “You were talking about the accident.” He prompted kindly switching the subject back neutral territory. “Right well, apparently the blast awakened something that was in my body because of the medicine I took when I was pregnant with Trunks.” Cami explained. “What ever it was woke up in almost hyper drive and now… well… I have heightened senses and a ki generated force field.”

“When did this happen before?”

“When I was pregnant.”

“So… the medicine was to help you…”

“Be a better carrier for a saiyan child. The higher classes have lower birth rates because not all the babies are strong enough to live through the virus. Vegeta’s family line is prone to it. Goku’s are one of the few that are practically immune so because Goku couldn’t get it and Vegeta already survived they were able to help my dad develop medicine to help Trunks and I combat it. So it didn’t kill us. First time I learned that Vegeta actually cared about me. You know beyond “I’ve chosen you to be the carrier of my heir.” type way. You know how he is about expressing his emotions.”

“He has emotions other than “I will prove myself stronger than Kakkarot” and “get these annoying brats away from me”?”

Cami smiled at the joke. “Yeah, yeah I know he can be a hard person to read at times can’t he?”

“Now you are saying you permanently have some saiyan senses?”

“So far smell, sight, hearing, metabolism and I age like they do which seems to be slowed down. I don’t know but it came with the antibodies so search me. It should probably be impossible. Unless… Oh I am so bloody STUPID!!! Vegeta’s sample!”

“You had a sample of his blood?”

“He gave me three transfusions, the last one was before he died, to make sure I didn’t have any harmful side affects from the disease. The medicine made my body receive it easier and Vegeta has the Sayian equivalent of type “O” before you ask. I know I still find it strange by all facts it shouldn’t make sense. He said his father helped him I say he’s full of bullshit and used the dragon balls somehow but hey I am a human that has seen magic, monsters and aliens who am I to question bizarre medicines that keep me alive and make moderate changes to my body to adjust to survival?”

“So that is why you seem different. And the change in your scent.” Said Piccolo. “And since Vegeta is fully mated in the Saiyan sense to your other self he is pretty much immune to the difference but Goku can pick it up.”

“What did you say? You made it sound like Goku… isn’t mated. Chi’s his wife remember?”

“Only by human law and they are separated.”

“He and Chi… he didn’t tell me. What has that pan wielding schizophrenic harpy done now?” Bulma asked with almost a growl.

“You don’t sound happy with her.” Piccolo noted.

“She gave Gohan nothing but grief for his decisions after Goku died. They made up and such but he still spent a good three weeks every two months at my house. Unless he was looking for the Androids or training for them.” Cami retorted. “I’m sorry I have nothing against her… I just don’t get her sometimes. She made Gohan miserable sometimes, because he seemed to be acting as “irresponsible as his father”. Irresponsible? Fighting for something he believed in?”

“I see your point. She probably was just worried though.” Said Piccolo.

“She could’ve shown him more support. She even… she compared him to Radditz one day when she was angry. I found him outside looking over a cliff. This one actually. Looking like he wasn’t sure whether to go on fighting and training Trunks or get the androids’ attention and let them kill him right then and there. He… he looked so broken and beaten Piccolo. The light in his eyes were so dim. He asked me… he asked me if he really was a monster. How could he think that?I know his mother was upset, but he seemed completely destroyed by what she had called him Piccolo.”

“That’s when you knew something was wrong.” Piccolo said “He said you probably had a guess.”

“That…Fucking BASTARD hurt Gohan didn’t he?” Cami asked.

“He just told me about it earlier today.”

“Is there anything I can do?” Cami asked softly.

“I think he’s going to be alright.” Said Piccolo. “Once we get it into his head that just because he is related to Radditz doesn’t mean he is anything like him.”

“That’s why he never told Trunks his feelings.”

“Yeah I know. I think it’s up to Trunks to convince him though and then up to Gohan whether he chooses to believe what Trunks tells him.” Piccolo said again

“This is so unfair, Am I doomed to fail everyone I care about?” Cami asked rhetorically.

“You didn’t fail.” Piccolo told her.

“I didn’t come up with a way to stop the men I love from dying.” Cami snapped back. “I couldn’t help their friends and now I can’t even help the boy I’ve loved as a second son when he needs me, tell me what good I am.”

Piccolo looked at her realized the full context of what she had said. Then made his own admission. “We both love him, Bulma but I don’t know what we can do help Gohan either. We just have to be there for him when he needs us and help him when he asks. You can’t force anyone to be happy. As much as you would do anything in your power to make it possible.”

Cami smiled at Piccolo. “I guess I was right. You do think of him as the son you never had.”

Piccolo grinned “Tell anyone and I will deny it and set fire to your research notes.” he said.

“Deal.” Cami answered.

“Can I ask you a question?” Piccolo asked carefully.

“You just did in saying that but okay.” Said Cami.

“You said the “men” you love. Plural. and their friends.”

“No I didn’t.”

“My hearing is as good as a full saiyan if not better. But it was probably one of those Freudian slips right? You were simply referring Vegeta. No one else.”

“Exactly. Okay I probably should have said “the Saiyan” or “the monkey brain” but yeah that is what I meant.”

“Are you certain?”

“Of course. Who else is there? Yamcha and I are better friends than lovers. As far as I am concerned that is. I never thought of anyone else that way really. No offense you aren’t my type either.”

“None taken but you aren’t being completely forward.”

“What?”

“What you said has merit but you aren’t quite telling me everything.” Piccolo explained.

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” Cami answered.

“Yes, you do. I have reasons to believe from your earlier statements that… you are more fond of Goku then you would admit.”

“He’s an old acquaintance. What is there more to say?” Cami asked.

“Bulma.” Piccolo said simply. “I don’t believe you are being truthful with me or yourself.”

“Whatever.”

“I’m trying to help you. The least you can do is be open with me about the feelings that are doing this to you.”

“You want to know about my feelings huh? Okay I’ll tell you, but remember you asked for it.” Then she started to sing.

There was a time when men were kind
When their voices were soft and their words inviting
There was a time when love was blind and the world was a song
And the song was exciting There was a time…. Then it all went wrongI dreamed a dream in time gone by when hope was high And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die I dreamed that God would be forgiving

Then I was young and unafraid And dreams were made and used and wasted
There was no ransom to be paid No song unsung, no wine un tasted

But the tigers come at night With their voices soft as thunder
As they tear your hope apart And they turn your dream to shame

He slept a summer by my side He filled my days with endless wonder
He took my childhood in his stride But he was gone when autumn came

And still I dream he’ll come to me That we will live the years together
But there are dreams that cannot be And there are storms we cannot weather

I had a dream my life would be So different from this hell I’m living
So different now from what it seemed Now life has killed the dream I dreamed.

(I dreamed a dream Les Miserables)
Piccolo stared speechless for just a minute. “You asked how I felt and I sang you a song, what else do you want? Should I use interpretive dance?”

“Who were you singing about?”

“You know… the guy… the guy you sing about that was gone when autumn came weren’t you listening?”

“Care to be more specific about which guy?”

“The lover of the woman that sings the song of course. Haven’t you ever heard the musical before? Okay there’s this woman she has a lover and gets pregnant. The guy isn’t around so she gives the daughter to an inn keeper as she finds jobs to do. Some woman she works with learns about the daughter and she gets fired. So she starts selling her possessions and then gets work as a prostitute and ….”

“I meant the guy you were singing about not the one Fantine was singing about.” Said Piccolo “You wouldn’t have sung the song that way if it didn’t have a special meaning to you.”

“Vegeta probably.” Said Cami.

“Vegeta probably.” Piccolo repeated. “You don’t believe that for a minute and neither do you. Who is it?”

“I don’t really see how it is any of your business.” Cami answered.

“You’re unhappy and when Goku finds out there be heaven knows what for consequences and that MAKES it my business.” Piccolo retorted.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Cami responded. “Me being unhappy is not going to spar Goku on to cause the end of the world as we know it for crying out loud.”

“How do you know?”

“I know. It can’t possibly be that important to other people.” Cami answered.

“You’d be wrong. Your happiness is very important to Goku. Seeing you unhappy would make him unhappy. You are one of his best friends OF COURSE he wants to see you happy!” Cami was silent. “He thinks quite a bit about you. I think he is even considering challenging Vegeta for a chance to court you.”

“What?”

“You heard me you just don’t want to believe it.”

“Are you saying he’s… is attracted to me that way?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“He’s a free man remember?”

“Why would he waste his time on an old maid like me?”

“Unless your time with the androids advanced your aging process I can’t see you as old.”

“It’s still been a while… since Vegeta and the others left.”

“Are you sure you want to continue being alone? You have a good man that will…”

“You’re preaching to the choir here. I know exactly what his good attributes are. As well as some of his so called flaws. I know mostly everything about him. The trouble is he isn’t going to see me the way I see him.” Piccolo grinned. “You know I don’t mean it that way.” Cami grumbled.

Piccolo’s grin grew wider into a smirk. “Right of course.”

“I don’t have a crush on Goku, Piccolo.”

“Nope, it’s a full blown carefully thought out and regulated case of love. You just either

A) Don’t consider yourself worthy.Keep thinking like that and it’ll become a fact you know. B) You don’t think he will consider you that way and C) even if you try it. You will be untrue to Vegeta’s memory or it may go bad and it will damage your friendship with Goku. So itis better to leave things the way they are right?”

Cami glared at him, he knew them. He knew all her arguments and was making them sound ludicrous or like bizarre illusions that weren’t true. “I hate you.” She told him.

“You wouldn’t be the first. But I am also right and that’s why you hate me.”

“Go to Hell.” She snapped back.

“Not interested I’d have to deal with the old bastard and that isn’t on my list of things to do right now. Although I’d be able to keep in shape beating up old enemies and stuff.”

“Okay, why would it matter if I like Goku or not?”

“Because… you aren’t being true to yourself if you don’t admit your feelings for him?” Piccolo attempted. Cami rolled her eyes and looked at him funny.

“That’s the best you got?” She asked.

“Fine what is so bad about saying something. You like him?” She nodded her head. “You want to be around him?” Again Cami nodded her head. “Your Vegeta is dead and this one is attached right?” She nodded. “How long have you had these… feelings for Goku?” Cami looked away not answering. “Bulma talk to me how long?” She muttered a set of words. “Bulma…”

“I told you. Don’t make me say it again.”

“Too long isn’t an answer!”

“Fine! Just Fucking Fine! It’s been Twenty-seven years okay? TWENTY SEVEN!!”

“Trunks is twenty four.”

“I know! I found love with Vegeta okay? It was just a crush back then feelings that didn’t have rhyme or reason they were just there. I was able to pass them to Vegeta and I didn’t have to admit to them. He…He was happy and I was happy so it worked out okay for us. No one had to know right? But I knew… and I made sure not to let anyone else in on the secret. It would’ve been tricky if anyone knew and hard to explain. Heck I barely understood it. Besides… it was pretty much all in my head you know? The whole him and me being together? A fantasy or dream. But it was something to hang on to sometimes when things were rough.”

“‘But there are dreams that cannot be and there are storms we can not weather.'” Piccolo quoted. “The song you were singing was about Goku alright. Plus the whole thing earlier about the Summer and the childhood and the days of endless wonder. That was the past the idea of the two of you together was the dream and the androids and everything after was the storm. Right? The loss and destruction made you realize there were dreams just not for you.”

“Right.” Cami whispered “Absolutely right.”

“You thought you lost your chance. Well, maybe you did, but now you have a new one.”

Cami looked away. “He…”

“He doesn’t care. He will try if you are willing to try. The past doesn’t matter. You have a new life and another chance at things take it. Take him,” Piccolo advised. “Uhm you know what I mean. Accept what he is trying so hard to give you.”

“I know.” Cami answered. “I… this is new to me and it isn’t going to be easy.”

“Of course not. The things of greatest value never are. But they are worth it in the end.”

“If you’re strong enough.” Cami replied.

“I guess that’s the question isn’t it?” Piccolo mused “Are you strong enough to take what you want most? To accept what is offered or will you just settle for less?”

“Falling for Vegeta wasn’t settling for less.” Said Cami defending her feelings for her husband.

“No… that was a compromise of equal value.” Piccolo said soothingly.

“You’re right. He was a good man, deep down and he tried. He didn’t always understand why things were the way they were but he tried anyway to make me happy. And himself too I hope.”

“He did, I am sure he did.” Said Piccolo. Then he felt it. “I’m going to go now.” He told Bulma. “I’ll see you later.”

“Piccolo what is going on?”

“You’ll see in a minute.” Piccolo answered and left.

“What’s gotten into him?” Cami asked out loud. A second later she cursed as she realized why Piccolo had taken off so quickly. The green prick had set her up! She turned to see the man who’s ki she had sensed too late to escape from. “Hey Goku.”

“Hey Cami. Or do you prefer Bulma when we are alone?”

“Either is fine with me.” She answered. “If you can remember to call me Cami around the others so no one gets confused.”

“I don’t know Cami makes you sound like your own person so if you don’t mind I think I ‘ll call you that. Otherwise well, we may spend a lot of time mistaking you for the other you. And stuff.”

“That’s fine with me Goku.” She answered. “You know what I miss about the old days?” She asked.

“The adventures we used to have before everything else got in the way?” Goku asked.

“Yeah. Just you, me, and whoever else felt like tagging along.”

“I miss those days too, Maybe we should do it again.”

“Go off on another wacky adventure? What are we off to do this time?”

“Do we have to know? It’s more fun when we don’t.” Goku answered.

They looked at each other. Both of them had a part that was ready to go that very minute but that wouldn’t be fair to the others and they both knew that.

“Let’s make a deal.” Said Cami.

“Okay.”

“In three or four months we go off on an adventure just the two of us. Maybe somewhere out in space. We can visit New Namek or find some new far off places.”

“Three or four months? Okay. What’s the deal?”

“I say it will take that long. If does you buy me dinner if not I buy you dinner deal?”

“Sounds good to me.” Said Goku. Then thought for a second. “Cami?” he asked hesitantly.

“Yes Goku?”

“Uhm… do you want like Vegeta to come or someone?”

“Who do you think I would ask Goku?”

“I don’t know friends, girl friends boyfriends Tora you know…”

“Nope. Our adventure. We will keep contact with the others in case they need us or we fun smack into a war or something but no one else is coming.” Cami answered sternly. “I missed you and I want ample time to catch up and see what’s happening with you. What you are planning to do next. What new adventures you’re going to have and I want to be there with you when they happen.”

“Are you sure? It could be a long journey.” Goku reminded her “A year maybe a little more.”

“Perfect.” Said Cami. “I could use a nice long vacation and it’s not like I have a job to return to or anything.”

“Isn’t anyone back where you live going to miss you?” Goku asked.

“Can’t see why they would. I wasn’t the same affer I sent Trunks away. My dad knew that and Renyolds can take over if he absolutely has to and well… it’s not the same without you guys. I want some fun in my life again.”

This made sense to Goku. “Alright you can stay with me if you like. I mean we’d love to have you as a guest if you don’t have other arrangements.”

“Actually I was invited to stay at C.C. for a while. But thank you.”

Goku thought for a minute. “Hey uhm have you eaten yet?”

“Goku?”

“I mean would you like something to eat? We could go get some food.”

“Are you asking me out to dinner Goku?”

“Yeah I guess I am. Want to go?”

“Yeah I do.” Said Cami.

“Alright then I suppose I should get you some transportation.” Said Goku. “Flying Nimbus!”

The loyal old cloud appeared momentarilly. “Uhm Goku aren’t you forgetting something?” Asked Cami. Remembering her last attempt all those years ago to ride the flying cloud. Goku sat down on the cloud and got himself comfortable then he took Cami onto his lap. “You can this way.” He told her. “And that was a long time ago. You’ve changed since then.”

“Are you calling me evil?” Cami asked with a smile.

“No but you were a little self centered and vain.” Goku told her. “You were a teenager but you’re not that way anymore.”

“Gee nice to know how you really feel about me.” Cami muttered sourly.

“No I mean…” Said Goku realizing he flubbed a little.

“I know.” Said Cami with a smile. “You didn’t mean any harm.” She gave him a hug.

‘I would prefer a kiss but this isn’t bad.’ Thought Goku as they flew through the sky.