38 Future[1]

After dealing with the Androids and Dr. Gero's plans, everyone was in a happy mood. Bulma had organized a party to celebrate, this time at Capsule Corp instead of Vegeta's house. Everyone gathered there, including Master Roshi, Launch, and even Android 21.

Goku and Chichi were thrilled to be the winners and grateful to still be alive. Unlike in canon, Goku would now be able to stay and witness Gohan's growth and the birth of Goten. Chichi happily shared the news with everyone, including Goku, who hadn't noticed her growing belly.

Amidst the conversations and laughter, Krillin and Maron stepped forward to make an announcement.

"Ahem... So, I'm here to say that Maron and I are getting married in a few weeks," Krillin said nervously, while Maron clung to his arm, beaming with joy. They stood there as a couple, showcasing their love.

"Kurin-chan was so sweet when he gave me the ring," Maron gushed, overflowing with happiness at the thought of marrying the man she loved.

"Haha, I wanted to deal with these Androids before making the announcement. Honestly, I didn't think I'd still be alive by now. But since things turned out this way, I thought it was a great opportunity to take a step forward," Krillin said with a bright smile.

"Congratulations, Krillin-san!" Gohan was the first to offer his support, followed by everyone else, wishing Krillin and Maron well. It was a joyous occasion indeed.

"What about us, Vegeta? Are we going to get married now?" Bulma hugged Vegeta from behind while he sat and ate.

"Huh? You guys weren't married yet?" Goku asked, his mouth full of meat. He quickly stuffed another piece into his mouth. Even Trunks and Gohan looked at the couple with surprised expressions, assuming they were already married.

"No, not officially anyway," Bulma replied, confirming that they were still not married.

"That's cheating Sis, we said that we would all go together. And it's not like we truly need to marry anyway." Tights was beside them, she let Kail and Trunks with their grandparents this time.

"I mean it's to officialize our love. And a big ring in my hand would be really beautiful"

"Man, what a problem you trowed yourself in, Vegeta," Goku remarked casually, feeling relieved that he wasn't in Vegeta's shoes at the moment.

"....Taking care of 5 or 10 wives is pretty easy for a Saiyan. The only problem is their personalities. It's a curse of our Saiyan genes that we only like strong women," Vegeta remarked.

"Hmm? Is that so? Now that you mention it, Chi-Chi has a bad personality too..." Goku's voice trailed off as Gohan signaled him to speak more quietly. If Chi-Chi heard him, she would toss him into the sea and make him spend a month there.

While 18 preferred to be a bit secluded, she was still within earshot and overheard the conversation about marriage.

"Marriage, huh...? Maybe I'll buy a dress too. A white one sounds good," she mused to herself, imagining her own wedding day.

"Oh, by the way, Trunks-san, when are you going back?" Gohan asked curiously. The two of them had grown closer recently, spending a lot of time talking with each other.

"Probably two days from now. The Androids in my time are still alive, and I need to deal with them before they cause more harm," Trunks replied, wearing a troubled expression. He was concerned about his world and, most importantly, his mother.

"Don't worry too much. If it's you, I'm sure you'll be able to handle it," Vegeta reassured him, offering a bit of comfort to the young boy.

"Yes, Father," Trunks smiled.

"He always smiles when someone mentions that Trunks is strong," Tights whispered, not exactly whispering, to Bulma.

"Yes, he's a proud papa but doesn't know how to express it properly," Bulma joined in on Tights' joke.

Trunks blushed slightly while Vegeta's vein pulsated on his forehead. Yes, he was proud of his son, but showing it openly was a challenge. He couldn't do anything about his merged personality with the "Og" (Original Vegeta) and how it had brought out some of these emotions.

"You two, I'll punish you later..." Vegeta grumbled.

It was difficult for him to be more open in front of the others, so he simply shook his head and made a mental note about the punishment for Tights and Bulma later.

The rest of the party went on as usual. They ate, drank, and engaged in conversations. Only Vegeta knew that the next seven years were supposed to be calm, assuming nothing changed. Yet, they all celebrated as if they knew too.

"How much longer will you stay away from the others?" Vegeta approached 18, who was sitting alone and drinking something.

She turned to look at him and smiled. "Most of the time, I prefer to be alone. Though it's not bad to witness scenes like this."

He observed her, thinking that despite everything, she was still 18. She had changed a bit, but she was still herself.

Vegeta took a seat in the chair beside her and gazed up at the sky. There was no particular reason for it, just a moment to contemplate what to do from now on.

Lost in his thoughts, Vegeta failed to notice 18 looking at him. She pondered to herself why she was attracted to him. Was it his strength? His appearance? Maybe it was his stable life? She had lost two battles and had been brought here without consent. It was difficult for her to figure out exactly what was happening. She looked at an empty spot, and seizing the opportunity, she changed her position and rested her head on his lap, looking up at him.

"Hmm, yeah, it's pretty comfortable. It's getting harder to hate you more and more," she said, closing her eyes and relishing in the sensation. It wasn't cold like the machines she was used to.

She immersed herself even deeper in the feeling when he started to pat her head. "You're as spoiled as the other two... and as stubborn as them too."

"You're the one who's stubborn... Besides, you're the one who said I should be your woman. Take responsibility," she said with a slight smugness. It was indeed his fault, and now his fate was to dote on his partner.

"Yes, I did say that. I've already promised to take care of all of you, and my pride wouldn't allow me to break that promise."

She chuckled a bit at his response, never having seen anyone take their word so seriously. It started as something fun, then became curiosity, but now it was becoming something else.

"Pride, huh..." She turned around and buried her head in his abdomen, hiding her face. "It's good to take pride in who you are... I don't think I have that," she mumbled with a slightly muffled and low voice.

Being kidnapped and modified by Dr. Gero had left lasting scars on the twins. They were unable to remember most of their lives, and it haunted them. They clung to what they believed was their human side, ensuring they didn't lose themselves.

"Hmph, that's something you can rebuild, starting from scratch... If you want a place to start anew, you can choose here," he said with a low but firm voice.

18 didn't answer for a few seconds, still with her face hidden, but after a few moments, she nodded her head. "Yeah... it's a good place to start again."

Vegeta allowed her to rest her head on his lap while he continued to gaze at the sky without focusing on anything in particular. They remained like that for a while until it was time to call it a day.

Most of them went home after a wonderful party, feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Goku mentioned that he would continue his training since he didn't want to fall too far behind Vegeta. Gohan, too, agreed to continue his training while studying. Now that Goku wasn't dead, he could balance both aspects. Besides, his family had won a substantial amount of money, so Goku could take it easy on work for a few years.

Before returning, Piccolo asked Goku to bring Dende to become the new God of Earth. Although Piccolowas merged with the last Kami, he wasn't suited to be a guardian god. He was a warrior.

Dende was brought to Earth the following day, and he readily accepted the role of Guardian. With his newfound knowledge, he upgraded the Dragon Balls. Now, they had three wishes and were more powerful than ever, capable of granting more versatile desires.

After a few days had passed, it was time for Trunks to return to his timeline. He had already bid farewell to everyone and was now saying his goodbyes to his family.

However, he was surprised when Vegeta expressed his desire to accompany him for a while.

"Are you sure, Father? As far as I know, the machine takes some time to refuel. I don't know how long you would have to stay there."

"It's fine. If there's one thing your mother can brag about, it's her brain," Vegeta said, earning an annoyed look from Bulma.

"My beauty too, you jerk... And I analyzed the machine beforehand. My genius self made sure to use a fuel that is easily found. All you have to do is find it there."

"Yes, that's the problem. The place is in ruins, and Mother lost most of her equipment to create the fuel more easily. That's why it took me three years to come back here," Trunks explained, not fully understanding where they were going with this.

"Hmm, a few weeks ago, Vegie brought another time machine. It was quite old, but Bulma took a look at it," Tights added, surprising Trunks. It was the first time he had heard about another machine.

"We'll discuss that later, Trunks. I'm going there to help you fix a few things. You can do it alone, but it will be easier with me," Vegeta stated.

Trunks decided to save his questions for later and nodded his head. They were almost ready to board the machine when 18 joined them.

"Hmm? Are you going already? Don't go around flirting with the future me," she teased Vegeta.

Tights and Bulma looked at Vegeta as if they understood his intentions, although they had misunderstood.

"Ah, so that's why... what a sly guy," Tights said to him.

'It will be a miracle if he doesn't hate you after seeing things there...' Trunks thought to himself.

"The future me is a genius, but she's probably a bit older, right? There's no way he's going to stay there with her. He loves the younger me," Bulma proudly stated.

"You were young because of the Dragon Balls. You asked them to keep you in your 20s," Tights said with a sly smile.

"!!!You asked for it too when we used them together, you b-"

"I asked because I wanted to continue writing about him. Vegie will live a long life, so I must as well."

"Hmph, what a silly reason. Just admit that you're jealous because he still looks 20 even after all this time."

"I'll never admit that." Tights stuck out her tongue at Bulma, who did the same. They had secretly asked Shenron to keep their youthful appearance.

'I didn't notice it. I was going to ask for their youth now that the Dragon Balls had been upgraded. But it seems unnecessary. I'll see that later...'

'Not that they became unattractive with a bit of age. Their selves in their 30s and 40s were pretty hot too... A small dilemma.'

They briefly glanced at 18, and she noticed their gaze, immediately going into defense mode.

"Idiots, I don't age. At least not at a fast pace like normal humans," she replied, earning jealous glances from both Bulma and Tights. Vegeta simply shook his head, considering the discussion pointless.

"Let's go, Trunks."

"Ah, yes. Mother, I'll be surprised to see you there, Father."

Vegeta smiled. Even though she wasn't his true Bulma, she was still his wife. Ensuring her survival was his duty as a husband.

They boarded the time machine and bid their farewells, at least for now. Their next destination: the future.