Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or the characters

Vegeta never felt so nervous in his life. When he was growing up, he didn't much care about grade. When he graduated, he just wanted to get the hell away from his family. Ella's death made him feel all sorts of emotions until he became numb. Dealing with Ginyu and his gang, Vegeta did not fear anything for his life seemed meaningless.

Dating Bulma was easy. The only thing that made Vegeta nervous was Trunks's admiration of him, more so because he didn't feel he deserved it, and also he didn't know if he'd be able to separate himself from his own upbringing. He proved to himself that he could truly be a father.

And now, he was going to be one from the very start. Even that part didn't make him feel nervous.

As Vegeta and Bulma sat in a restaurant awaiting his mother's and Nappa's arrival, the man felt a certain edginess. It was an excited nervousness, and Vegeta could hardly contain himself. When he called his mother, he knew he surprised the woman when he told her to bring Nappa to "our place" for lunch. Kalina breathed out in awe that she would. His mother had to know something big was about to happen.

His wife's light laugh reached his ears. He turned to see her smiling face; his stomach stirred with a combination of surprise, joy, and love. It had been a long time since Bulma smiled more hours of the day than her battle with sadness, hurt, and disappointment.

"I don't think I've ever seen you this way before," Bulma teased as she took Vegeta's hand in hers and laced their fingers together. She squeezed his hand reassuringly. "You look like you're about to explode. Are you worried or excited to tell your mother?"

"The latter," Vegeta replied instantly. He impatiently tapped his fingers on his leg. "I just wish they'd get here already."

Bulma couldn't keep the smile off her face. Vegeta was so over the moon. The home visit was just a formality at this point. Maron was adamant about who would adopt her child, and the agency would do little to interfere with that. Once the couple set up the appointment for the visit, Bulma and Vegeta decided they wanted their mothers to know right away. They really wanted them to be there when Furry came to meet with them and Trunks and Mai.

It was so surreal to see Vegeta behave this way. Bulma always wanted children her entire life. She was blessed to have Trunks, and because of her illness and the surgery, she never expected to be a parent to another little one. Vegeta never expected to fall in love again in his life let alone become a parent. He did so well with Trunks, but that relationship was completely different. Vegeta would get to be a parent from the very beginning with their adopted child, and Bulma already knew that fatherhood looked very good on him.

Still, Bulma never expected that Maron would be the one to choose them. As angry as Bulma was with the woman for how she treated her brother and degraded her future sister-in-law, Maron was still a person. Bulma didn't know Maron's situation, and it was clear that despite how selfish the woman could be, she really did want what was best for her child. She was even willing to suck up their mutual dislike for the baby's benefit. For that, Bulma was thankful.

The bell above the door to the deli rang, and both Vegeta's and Bulma's attention shift. They both grinned when Kalina arrived with Nappa.

"Well, hello you two," Kalina greet warmly. Bulma stood up to give her mother-in-law a hug. Vegeta merely flashed his mother a smile and a nod, and he awarded Nappa, who had already sat down, the same greeting. "It feels like it's been ages."

"A lot has been happening," Bulma replied, a little bittersweetly. "But we have some news."

"Ah, straight to the point," Nappa chuckled. "The two of you were a match made in heaven."

Vegeta actually snickered at that, so unlike him to respond to a joke like that. "Can it, Nappa," he chided. "This is a big deal."

Bulma and Kalina took their seats, and the mother looked to her son. Her eyes revealed confusion, but patience as she asked, "What news? What's this about?"

The couple looked to one another, smiled, and nodded. Vegeta then regarded his mother and his father's best friend, the grin never leaving his face. The two sitting across from him seemed puzzled, but they remained silent to hear what had Vegeta in such a good mood. "Mother," he began, "do you remember what we talked about last visit?"

Kalina's eyes widened, and soon her expression matched Bulma's and Vegeta's. Nappa was still clueless. "Huh, what's he talking about, Kal?"

Vegeta's eyes met Nappa's. "Bulma and I discussed the possibility of adopting," he filled in the blanks. "We submitted out paperwork and heard back from the agency very quickly. The mother of the child, she picked us."

"Oh my God," Kalina nearly shouted. "Wait, so does that mean in nine months you'll have a child?"

"Well, we don't have all the details yet of how far along she is," Bulma replied, "but theoretically, yes. Before anything is set in stone, we're having a home visit. Furry wants to schedule it for the end of the week to get everything moving. We'd like it if you two would be there."

"Us?" Nappa questioned.

"Of course," Vegeta replied. "Really, the purpose of the home visit is for the agency to meet the family and get a feel for our daily life. But we wanted you two and Bunny to be there as you will all be integral parts of the baby's life."

The two were shocked, but Kalina quickly recovered. "Oh, I'm so happy for you two! This calls for a celebration. Lunch is on me." This time, Vegeta didn't try to contest it.

The four enjoyed a meal, and then said their goodbyes at the restaurant with a promise from Bulma that she would let the two of them know when the meeting would take place. Nappa was still surprised to be included, but was thankful nonetheless. They couldn't believe that this was happening, and more shocking that they were included in such joy.

After Goku overheard the news about Bulma and the adoption, he took to avoiding Gine. The man was certain that his mother would tell him and probably try to encourage him to reach out to Bulma. As much as Goku wanted to, he feared his friend's reaction. He wondered if Bulma even wanted him to know.

One evening, Goku went out to grab dinner alone. He had started doing that the night after his mother received word from Bunny about the baby. Whenever he returned home, Goku quickly would go to his old room and lie down on the bed and think of all the ways he failed everyone. The new medication had yet to work, and talking everything out in therapy wasn't helping. Goku was trying to get his head on straight, but nothing seemed to help.

"What are you doing here?" The familiar voice of Goku's brother cut through his thoughts. "Bars aren't normally your scene."

Goku mentally cursed his luck. He didn't expect anyone he knew to go this bar. Of course, he forgot Raditz now lived on this side of the city. He must have come to pick up dinner after work. Work…where he saw Bulma every day and probably talked to her when Goku could not. It left a sour taste in his mouth when he thought of the possibility that Bulma could turn to Raditz for friendship and not him. He shook his head. No, that wasn't fair. She was already friendly with Raditz because the man was Vegeta's best friend and Goku's brother, but they would never be as close as Bulma and himself were. There was no reason for that flare of jealousy to come up, and yet it had and it was strong.

This was another reason Goku couldn't face Bulma or his family. His ability to control his emotions was absent. It seemed like only the anger, depression, and any negative emotion were all that were amplified. Goku knew no matter what medication, he'd have to get a handle on them. He knew he'd need more time in therapy before he was more himself. His loved ones were already hurt by his rage once. He needed to get the control back if he ever wanted to try to talk to them again…if it wasn't too late already.

"They are tonight," Goku shot back, not even sparing his brother a passing glance. "What do you want, Raditz?"

Raditz laughed awkwardly. "Hey, come on, can't a guy chat with his brother? I haven't seen you in a while."

They both knew why, but neither said it. "I've been busy."

They both knew that was a lie, but Raditz attempted to keep the conversation going. "Yeah, I've heard. How's it going at mom's? How's she been?"

"She's fine," Goku replied. Better than I am… "Raditz, you don't have to sit here and made small talk. What is it you really want?" Finally, Goku looked at Raditz and glared at him. "I know you want to say something, so you should just get it over with."

Raditz didn't falter, but his eyes did widen in surprise. He and his brother weren't very close growing up, and Goku was the one who dealt with their father on a regular basis when Raditz was away at school. The elder brother didn't see all of this up close, not until recently. Despite knowing this problem existed, Raditz never thought his brother would have a nervous breakdown.

Very calmly and without anger or judgement, Raditz asked, "What are you doing?" Goku's eyes widened slightly before they narrowed again. "You know you're only hurting yourself, your wife and kids, Bulma too. Don't you realize what's happening?"

"I do," Goku replied. He turned back to his drink and said, "I know more than you think. I know Bulma and Vegeta are adopting." Goku wasn't looking at his brother, but if he were he would have seen the shock. Bulma and Vegeta were still working on telling people. "I know the boys are struggling and that Chi Chi feels so alone right now. But Raditz, I'm not good for anyone right now."

"That's not true," Raditz assured. "They love you, and they just want to help you."

Goku shook his head. "I would never do what dad did to himself," he started darkly, "but I can't shake the feeling that I just don't want to be here, and I can't burden the others like this."

Raditz got a little angry at that. "What 'others?' Your wife and your best friend? They're your support system, and you're pushing them away!"

"They can't be my support system while I'm going through this!" Goku countered. His volume attracted attention from other bargoers, so he breathed out and then quietly continued. "I hurt them too much for that."

"That's ridiculous," Raditz said as he shook his head in disbelief. "They love you, and they won't turn you away."

"You don't know what I said to them," Goku argued. "You don't know what I did. They deserve better."

Goku's head fell in defeat. He voiced the worst thought he'd been afraid to admit this entire time. The damage he'd done over the years was finally in front of him, and there was no going back.

Raditz didn't know what his brother was thinking, but complete despair hung over him. The older brother had never seen such misery before, especially not in his brother. Goku's loved ones brought out the positive side in him that Goku himself didn't know he possessed. Raditz feared if he let his brother wallow in this pit, no one would be able to drag him out of it.

"They want you."

There was a heavy silence between them. Raditz's words didn't seem to penetrate the younger Son. "I need to head back to mom's now."

Goku stood up and placed a few bulls on the bar before he turned to leave. "Wait," Raditz called out, effectively stopping his brother. "Let me give you a ride."

The younger brother smiled weakly and nodded. "Thanks."

Raditz finally managed a sincere grin. "No problem, little brother. I just want to make sure you get home safely."

The entire ride back to Gine's was silent, but neither brother minded it so much. The fact that Goku allowed Raditz to take him to their mother's home was already a step in the right direction. Right now, Goku didn't want to turn to anyone. He wanted to solve all his problems himself. In truth, no one could solve all the issues for him, but that didn't mean he didn't deserve support. Raditz made a mental promise that he'd be there for his brother any way he could. Maybe if he bonded with Goku a little bit more, his brother would tell him what all of this was really about.

Meanwhile, Bulma and Vegeta were in the process of telling Trunks and Mai about the adoption. Both were stunned, but at the same time they grew as ecstatic as Bunny had been when the couple told her she'd be a grandmother again.

"That's so awesome!" Trunks cheered. "Why didn't you guys tell us you were planning to adopt?"

Bulma ruffled her son's hair and grinned. "Well, it wasn't a sure thing to start," she explained. "We didn't want to get anyone's hopes up just yet. But as it turns out, the birth mother picked us."

Mai beamed brightly, excited for the family she had become a part of. "What's the birth mother like?" Bulma hesitated at that, as did Vegeta. "W-What did I say?"

"Nothing," Vegeta assured her. "It's just the birth mother is someone Bulma and Trunks know."

"Really?" Trunks questioned. He looked to his mother. "Who?"

A sigh escaped Bulma, but she smiled regardless still thankful to the woman. "It's Maron, Trunks."

"Maron?!"

Bulma winced at the volume and Trunks quickly apologized. Mai seemed bewildered. "Who's Maron?"

"She was my brother's fiancé," Bulma explained. "Last year, when Tarble was living with us, they had a falling out and the engagement was called off."

"I thought she hated us," Trunks grumbled.

"Hate is a strong word, Trunks," Vegeta remarked. "And it doesn't matter. Maron and your mother came to an understanding, and she feels we are the best suited family for her child. We'll get to prove that when the agency comes for the home visit at the end of the week."

"Yes, sir," Trunks saluted. Then he looked to his mother alarmed. "Are you going to tell Uncle Tarble?"

His answer was a shake of the head. "Not just yet," Bulma admitted. "I'm going to wait until all the paperwork and everything is finalized. Maron still has time to change her mind, but for all intents and purposes, this is happening. Besides, I want my brother to enjoy his engagement a little long before I tell him everything."

"Well, alright then," Trunks replied uncertain. Then, he smiled genuinely. "Even if it's a little weird that it's Maron, I'm really happy for you guys. I can't wait to be a big brother."

Bulma beamed at that. She had a feeling Trunks would be excited and supportive, and she knew he would be the most amazing big brother ever. "Thank you, son," she murmured warmly. "Now, why don't you and Mai go wash up for dinner. We're going out."

The two teenagers hopped to it, and left Vegeta and Bulma alone. Bulma could see that Vegeta wanted to ask her something, and she had a feeling she knew what it would be about. For right now, she just wanted to focus on the joy a little bit longer before having a serious discussion. To distract him, she stood up and moved to kiss him. Vegeta's question died on his lips.

Later, when the family returned home and went to the respective bedrooms, Vegeta finally asked what had been on his mind earlier.

"Are you sure you're up for even temporarily keeping something like this from your brother?" He sounded more concerned than judgmental. "After keeping all that stuff about your father secret from him, and now the stuff with his mother?"

Bulma kind of figured this question would come up. Honestly, she did want to tell her brother about the baby, but she didn't know how he'd react to Maron being the birth mother. She knew he'd be supportive as anything, but she didn't want him to worry about her dealing with his ex when he already knew something was up between her and his mother. Not only that, but if she told Tarble now, Launch would find out right away, and she really didn't want to hear from the woman right now. Maybe a few more weeks in trauma therapy before that happened. Actually, maybe if Bulma discussed it with her therapist, she would get new insight and techniques to handle her stress and actually be able to tell both of them without feelings of bitterness towards Launch taking over. She could only hope.

"I do plan to tell him," Bulma explained, "just not right now. I don't want him to be bothered, especially because he probably already knows something happened between me and Launch. Right now, he should be happy and not worried about his family falling apart. But I will tell him as soon as Furry tells us it's a done deal. I'll even go down to his job the day we're told if that's when we find out. Our mothers were different."

"I agree," Vegeta replied with a nod. "Just as long as not telling him something doesn't trigger you to times in the past. I know how hard it was for you when he found out that night with Trunks. Your brother is an adult and can make his own judgments."

"You see right through me, don't you," Bulma mused. "Okay, yes, this is also about Launch. I just don't want to deal with her right now. Is that so wrong?"

"No, as long as it doesn't affect your recovery," Vegeta reiterated. "It's normal to wait until it's a done deal. We were just excited, plus my mother already knew it was something on our minds, and if we were going to tell her things were happening so quickly, and you tell your mother everything. Everyone can find out later."

At that moment, Bulma's phone went off, indicative of a text message. She took out her phone and saw a text from the last person she expected. Chi Chi messaged her and said that Gine told her about the adoption and she was so happy for her and Vegeta both. Bulma smiled. Well, it seemed like a few more people knew, courtesy of Bunny no doubt. She showed Vegeta the text message, and he laughed over the fact that his last statement was moot. Vegeta then left Bulma in the room alone to use the bathroom and get ready for bed.

Bulma was happy her mother told Gine, but then her expression fell flat. If Gine and Chi Chi knew, there was probably a chance that Goku knew too. The woman wondered what her friend would think, if he was still angry with her, and if he knew would he even care… She tried to shake off the negative thoughts, took a few deep breaths. Logically she knew, it was Goku. He was her best friend. He'd be happy for her. But doubt took root in her heart. Still, maybe he was waiting for her to bridge the gap, to tell him her news.

She opened their text window; her fingers moved to type a message. Even if he heard it from Gine, Bulma felt Goku should hear it from her. After the message was typed, she went to press send, but then she froze. Her mind went on overdrive. What if hearing from her would set Goku off and make things worse? What if he was recovering and seeing a message from her triggered him back to an enraged state? Bulma didn't want to be the cause of anymore problems for her friend. She honestly had no idea if he was even doing okay or not.

Bulma sighed, feeling defeated. She set the phone down. Maybe now wasn't the right time, as much as she wanted to tell her friend. Vegeta returned to the room and could see the conflicted expression on his wife's face. "What's wrong?"

Vegeta's voice cut through Bulma's mental tirade. She snapped out of it and smiled at her love. "Nothing," she assured him. "I just had a moment. It's nothing to worry about."

Although Vegeta let it go, he was not fully convinced that it was nothing. Still, he was certain Bulma would tell him if something was truly wrong by this point. He got into bed and slid his hand up her spine. Bulma gasped at the sudden contact and arched into him. Their eyes met, and Vegeta's gaze held a hunger she hadn't seen for a while. Bulma smiled, and they said nothing more. Her husband crashed their lips together, sealing hers in a passionate kiss.

All thought left Bulma as she gave into the physical comfort Vegeta provided. His strong arms protected her; his love filled her; his presence brought her peace. No matter what, they were in this all together.

On the other side of the city, Kuriza returned home from his community service. It had been a long day for the teenager. Recently, he took on projects helping out at the homeless shelter. It was his secret, considering his father hated what the boy was doing. To the career criminal, this service was pathetic. The fact that Kuriza was the one choosing his work, the specific positions he was, bothered Frieza. He always knew his disappointment of a son could never live up to his expectations.

Kuriza basically sneaked into his own house each night in fear that he'd run into his father. He knew his father was less than thrilled that Kuriza turned to the right side of the law, but Kuriza had no desire to go back to prison. Trunks really did him a favor, and used his own experience of being wrongfully accused as a reason to get Kuriza, who was rightfully accused, free.

"So, is it set?" Kuriza heard his father's voice from his office and froze. "There better be no mistakes or there will be hell to pay."

Kuriza's stomach dropped when he heard the threat. Where the teen worked to change his ways, he was still terrified of his father, and as such he needed to ignore the man. He continued to head towards the stairs.

"I knew I could count on you, Ginyu. Make sure you hit him where it hurts."

Kuriza shook his head and practically sprinted up the stairs as quickly and quietly as possible. He closed the door to his room and threw his bag on his bed, then he sunk down to the floor and gripped his head. The teenager had no idea what poor sucker crossed his father, but he knew he couldn't get involved.

No matter what he heard, he didn't really know anything, everything was hearsay, and if he went to the police like he knew he should do, it was likely they'd just write him off. Perhaps they wouldn't, but if it got back to his father that he ratted him out, Kuriza was certain being the man's son wouldn't save him. For probably the hundredth time since Trunks bailed Kuriza out, the teenager was thankful for the chance to be different from the man. Still, he could already tell he was already blowing it.

A/N: That's a wrap for this chapter, and now I have a little surprise for you. I've decided to respond to review responses again in my A/N's. I used to do this at the start of chapters back in 2014 and before, but after the loss of my father I didn't really know what to say. I finally feel up to in-chapter review responses ^^ So, here's the start :D

Guest: Yup, finally moving it along. ^^

maxridelover: Glad you liked it!

annegoddamn: It's great that you got all caught up! Good to see you again! ^^ Let me see how I can summarize a response. Lol! Yeah, pretty much. Everything always seems to go wrong at the exact moment. Goku is going through a lot as are everyone connected to him. It's also difficult to want to help, but not knowing what to do, or what can make it worse. Chi Chi and Bulma needed some time to come to an understanding. Lol, well, Bulma's already on that road. Plus, as you said, she has Vegeta. And yes, I had to put Lemo and Cheelai in ^^ After seeing that movie, I can't see Broly any other way :D And yay, now there's a baby! :3 I think I got it all!