"Congratulations!"

"Wow, guys! You two didn't waste any time!"

"I'm so happy for you!"

"Congratulations!"

The shouts echoed through the small island abode as the large gathering of people all raised their glasses to Bra and Jacques' good news. The young couple couldn't wait to tell everyone of their engagement, especially when they knew Marron and Trunks would be absorbing most of the attention that day with stories of their exciting honeymoon. Bra giggled happily as she clinked her glass against Jacques', prompting Jacques to meet her blissful gaze with a genuine smile of his own before he sipped from his glass.

"Hey, Vegeta!" The scar-faced man shouted from the couch with a chuckle as everyone drank, "are you really okay with this?" The man raised a dubious brow as he indicatively extended his filled glass towards the celebrated couple in question.

The few hushed conversations that began after the toast suddenly dwindled to nothing as many expectant eyes turned to Vegeta's impassive, silent presence. Jacques went rigid as he anxiously anticipated Vegeta's response. Maybe their problems weren't over, and Vegeta would use this as an opening to start things again. Jacques miserably fretted over why Yamcha had to ask such a question at a time like this as he grimaced fearfully and reluctantly turned his gaze on Vegeta. Vegeta frowned sternly at the silent crowd before finally narrowing his eyes loathingly at Yamcha.

"Does anyone here have a problem with who my daughter's decided to marry?" Vegeta growled menacingly, addressing the entire room as he turned his head to gaze at all the tense, frowning faces. Videl, Chi-Chi, Gohan, Krillin, Roshi, Pan, 18 and Puar all exchanged wary glances as Yamcha fretfully grimaced and sank low into his chair. Marron, Trunks, Bulma, Goku and Bra smiled fondly at Vegeta as the rest of them remained speechless, before the entire crowd seemed to reach a consensus all at once.

"Of course not!" Several people yelled all at once with nervous laughter.

"It's so great that Jacques is going to be joining your family, Vegeta!" Chi-Chi shouted genuinely as Goku smiled in agreement and endearingly wrapped an arm over her shoulder.

"It really is, Vegeta." Krillin agreed heartily before he turned from Vegeta to step forward to pat Jacques on the back. "Congratulations, Man. And good luck." Krillin said before turning away from Jacques and grumbling under his breath, "you're going to need it with that family."

"Krillin! I heard that!" Bulma yelled instantly, causing Krillin to cringe and whimper as he hurriedly slunk through the doorway to escape Bulma's wrath. As Bulma stalked angrily after Krillin, and 18 protectively followed on the heels of the temperamental woman, Jacques was surprised by the gentle touch of Bra leaning against him.

"I'm so proud of you." Bra whispered with her silky lips pressed against his ear. "I don't know how you turned Daddy around, but now I know you're my man." Bra purred seductively before pressing a gentle kiss against Jacques' cheek. Jacques felt himself flush with embarrassment as he noticed all the onlookers witnessing Bra's sweet, personal display. Bra giggled at the sight of Jacques' embarrassment, before her eyes fleetingly followed Pan exiting the front door of Kame House, towards the beach.

"I'm going to spend some time catching up with Pan. Okay?" Bra informed Jacques, not waiting for a response as she instantly pranced towards the door. Jacques sighed with relief after she left. He didn't know if he could take any more of that treatment from Bra with so many other people around.

"Congratulations, Jacques." Jacques turned in surprise to the subdued voice behind him, feeling even more surprised when he recognized Goten extending his hand. Jacques curiously accepted the handshake as Goten smiled genuinely back at him. "You're going to make Bra really happy. I can see it already." Goten said with a charismatic smile and a nod towards the window, through which Jacques could see Bra and Pan talking animatedly. Bra was smiling and laughing, and seemed incredibly happy, just as Goten said.

"I'll do my best." Jacques promised Goten with a nervous smile, as in spite of the engagement, Goten's amazing looks, power and personality still made Jacques feel subpar to Bra's half-Saiyan ex. Jacques fidgeted with the glass in his hand as he frowned sympathetically back at Goten. Maybe he should offer some condolence or something. He really didn't know what to say to your fiancé's ex at a time like this. "Goten…"

"I've gotta run, Jacques." Goten hurriedly interrupted, oblivious to Jacques' sympathy as he looked at his wristwatch before smiling widely at Jacques. "If I don't leave now, I'll be late for my date." Jacques' eyes widened in surprise as Goten winked at him and chuckled through his teeth before turning away from Jacques with a wide wave. "See ya!" Goten shouted loudly to the group as he jovially ran out the front door of Kame House. Jacques gaped speechlessly as he watched Goten fly away, with Trunks and Krillin yelling after him, teasing him about his date, while Chi-Chi pleaded for him to bring the girl home for dinner sometime.

"Hey, Vegeta!" Goku called across the house, drawing Jacques from his stupor. Goku approached the stoic Saiyan sitting and watching the jovial conversations occurring around him. "You want to get out of here for a while?" Goku suggested as he loosened up his shoulders and cracked his neck. "We don't want to let ourselves get rusty." Vegeta's gaze lifted slightly, just enough to meet Goku's knowing smile as Vegeta's lips slowly turned up in a small smile as well.

"I could use some exercise, too." Piccolo piped in with a smirk, surprising Jacques as he stepped forward to join Goku and Vegeta. Piccolo had been so quiet in the house that Jacques hardly realized he was there at first. But when Goku nodded to Piccolo in agreement, Piccolo suddenly became animated at the mention of 'exercise', and Vegeta willingly rose to his feet from his comfortable position, Jacques realized exactly what Goku had planned. Yes. He was definitely beginning to understand this unusual group of people.

"Hey, guys! We'll be back in a little while!" Goku called happily over his shoulder to whoever was listening before he followed Piccolo out the door, with Vegeta trailing right behind him. Jacques watched in awe as the threesome launched into the dusky sky, disappearing towards the sunset at a rapid rate. Maybe he was beginning to understand, but he sure knew it would be a while before he'd be comfortable with all of their oddities.

Jacques decided to pass the time bonding with everyone remaining at Kame House after the others left and Bra was otherwise occupied talking to Pan. Jacques listened in as Trunks and Marron told tales of their honeymoon adventures to the intently-listening residents of Kame House. Marron began speculating about being a mother someday, which drew 18, Bulma and Chi-Chi into the conversation as Roshi, Yamcha, and Oolong lost interest. Gohan and Videl passed through from the kitchen and helpfully jumped into the conversation at that point to give Trunks and Marron marriage advice.

"Hey, Jacques." Oolong whispered conspiratorially as he nudged an elbow into Jacques' side. He was obviously being careful not to draw attention to himself as he rudely interrupted the conversation that the women, Gohan and Krillin were taking very seriously. "It's getting a little crowded in here, but we were getting ready to start a game of cards." Oolong nodded towards the stairs as Master Roshi listened in and smiled invitingly at Jacques. "Want to join us upstairs for a game?"

"Cards?" Jacques questioned pensively as Krillin interestedly quirked his head in Jacques' direction at the mention of the word. "S-sure." Jacques stuttered with a shrug. "I could go for a few rounds."

"Great!" Yamcha clapped his hands together once and smiled. "I'll bring the booze!"

"I'm coming too, guys." Krillin chimed in as he carefully skirted around his frowning wife to leave the marital advice conversation in the living room which was deepening even more as Chi-Chi began animatedly describing her and Goku's early years of marriage to Marron and her disgruntled-looking husband. Jacques smiled at Krillin's beaming face before allowing the older man to go ahead of him up the stairs. He definitely felt like he was part of the group now.

The sparring was good. It was a hell of a lot better than sitting around and conversing at that little island house. This was how Saiyans had a good time-and Namekians, apparently. Vegeta sneered over his shoulder at the sight of the green man meditating again. Piccolo had not a scratch on him, showing no more evidence of their brutal battle after recovering with his senzu bean. Vegeta was the only one still tattered, bruised and bloodied as he sat on the shoreline, pinching his uneaten bean between the pads of his fingers as he rested his elbow on his raised knee and returned his pensive gaze to the reflective, moonlit ocean.

The sound of sputtering water interrupted Vegeta's thoughts as the Namek behind him grunted in surprise at the disturbance. Vegeta didn't bother looking or even budging as Goku burst out of the water in the distance, showering him with the overspray of sea water from his showy emergence.

"Vegeta!" Goku called in surprise as he levitated above the water's surface. "Why haven't you eaten your senzu bean yet? Don't you wanna swim?" Vegeta rolled his eyes at his fellow Saiyan. "The water feels great!" Goku exclaimed happily before diving back into the water, where Vegeta could thankfully ignore him again.

"Goku's right." Piccolo declared in a low voice, just loud enough for Vegeta to hear. "You should eat that senzu bean." Piccolo raised his chin to the sky as Vegeta looked back at the Namek in consideration of what he'd suggested. "It's getting late. We should head back."

"Oh, yeah!" Goku fretted with a grimace as he emerged from the water again, overhearing Piccolo's suggestion. "I didn't realize how late it was getting!" Goku looked up at the sky in alarm before furrowing his brows in concentration. "I can't be late again, or Chi-Chi's going to kill me!" Goku placed two fingers to his forehead as Vegeta placed the senzu bean to his lip with a frown, and Piccolo opened his mouth to retort.

"Goku!" Piccolo yelled as Goku dematerialized from their location. Piccolo growled in annoyance while Vegeta swallowed the senzu bean and sighed as his body fully recovered from its brutal beating. "You could have taken us with you." Piccolo grumbled peevishly as he crossed his arms tightly with disdain. Vegeta rose to his feet, smirking in amusement at Piccolo's irritation. It was nice to see someone else being irritated by Kakarot for a change.

"Sorry, green man." Vegeta said mockingly as he turned to face Piccolo. "Looks like you'll have to fly yourself home."

"Then that's exactly where I'm headed." Piccolo replied stubbornly as he glared at Vegeta. "There's no reason for me to return to that party tonight."

"Gohan will be so disappointed." Vegeta retorted mockingly.

"He'll live." Piccolo huffed before staring down Vegeta's taunting gaze. Vegeta laughed at Piccolo's bravado, or maybe it was the conjured image of Gohan's disappointed reaction to Piccolo's absence that had him laughing. Vegeta continued laughing as Piccolo flew into the sky with a scowl on his face. Vegeta knew Piccolo would be seeing the kid and his family again the next day anyways. It was just fun pulling Piccolo's leg. Vegeta sighed as he was left standing alone on the beach. He finally decided that it was time he headed back. If he didn't return to Kame House, Vegeta knew he'd later get an earful from Bulma, something he would avoid at all costs.

Vegeta flew to Kame House in serene silence, his mind clear for the first time in a long time. He hated to admit it, but maybe accepting the weak, useless human as his daughter's suitor was the right decision. It seemed to be sitting well with him, regardless of how many arguments his mind could still concoct against the boy. It worked because Bra was happy.

Vegeta's thoughts were further cemented when he reached the beach of Kame House, sighting Bra still contently in conversation with Pan, though the young women were obviously becoming weary as the hour was getting late. Vegeta glanced around the side of Kame House, noting his son and new daughter-in-law secluded in a heated makeout session, obviously thinking no one could see them. Vegeta chuckled in amusement at his son's carelessness. He was tempted to land right beside the lip-locked pair and give them a scare, but he didn't. He was more drawn to his daughter, feeling the need to talk with her before the night ended.

Vegeta landed right beside Pan and Bra, who had already stopped conversing as they noted his descent from the sky, being more observant of their surroundings obviously than Trunks and Marron were.

"Hi, Vegeta." Pan greeted wearily with a small smile as Vegeta simply nodded in greeting. Vegeta quickly focused his attention on Bra. Bra smiled knowingly at her father before turning a communicative gaze to Pan. Pan nodded at Bra and gave her a pat on the hand, before she smiled briefly at Vegeta and rose to her feet. "I'll see you two inside." Pan politely excused herself before walking through the door of Kame house.

Now having a moment alone on the beach with Bra, Vegeta took a seat in the lounge chair beside her, where Pan had been sitting. Bra instantly leaned against her father, burying her face into his chest with a sigh. "Have a nice battle?" Bra cooed knowingly, following with a vibrating giggle into her father's chest. Vegeta let out a curt chuckle of amusement, before his pride won out.

"You should have seen the damage I inflicted on those two. It's too bad they took those senzu beans already." Vegeta bragged proudly. Bra hummed in consideration before pulling away from the embrace to meet her father's gaze.

"Really? That doesn't match up with what Goku said when he was here."

"What? What did that lying fool tell you?" Vegeta blasted accusingly as he searched for Goku's ki and felt his face heat with anger. Bra rubbed his arm soothingly as she laughed it off.

"Don't worry about it, Daddy. The Sons left already." Vegeta growled in annoyance as his senses confirmed that Goku had indeed left the area. "I'm sure you really kicked their asses." Bra said with conviction. "No one's tougher than my father." Bra smirked proudly at Vegeta, who couldn't help stroking the back of his daughter's head fondly. Her silky blue hair was so like her mother's, and her personality was so like her father's. Vegeta couldn't be prouder of his daughter, or his horny son either, who really had to find somewhere more private right now.

"Trunks! Take your wife home already!" Vegeta yelled into the air as he grimaced at the uncomfortable image coming into his head with what he was sensing from that nearby location. As scrambling was heard from around the side of the house, followed by Marron's shriek, Vegeta and Bra shook their heads at one another.

"Ew, you two!" Bra yelled. "Ever hear of getting a room?" Bra giggled as she looked into Vegeta's eyes, seeing him much more resigned than she was, though he couldn't hide the twinkle of amusement in his eyes.

"Shut up, Bra!" Trunks yelled angrily before a surge of energy came from that direction, launching Trunks into the air with Marron in his arms and a large blanket wrapped protectively around them. "Sorry, Dad!" Marron called in embarrassment from the sky before the couple disappeared in the distance. Bra laughed at the spectacle as Vegeta snorted in amusement.

"Those two." Bra said with a smile and reprehensive shake of her head. Vegeta fondly stroked the back of Bra's head one last time, before meaningfully meeting her gaze as she smiled fondly back at him. That look went right through him and melted him every time. It meant everything. If Bra continued looking at him with that same devotion and fondness, he could tolerate almost any decision she would make. He could even support her lousy decisions, just like he was doing with Jacques.

"I love you, too, Daddy." Bra finally said after staring intently into her father's eyes, absorbing his gaze as if she was reading his mind just then. Vegeta felt his lips disobediently turn up into a smile before he stubbornly scowled sternly at his daughter.

"You look tired. Have your mother take you home so you can get some sleep." Bra nodded to Vegeta in agreement before releasing a weary yawn.

Vegeta stood with Bra before watching her walk into Kame House. He could see through the window from where he stood that Gohan, Pan, the flying cat and the turtle were disinterestedly watching the television in the living room. Bra passed them to head to the kitchen, where Vegeta could hear Bulma's voice greeting her. He knew the Sons had left and he could hear other women's voices from the kitchen, but Vegeta wondered where the rest of them were. He could sense them in the house, namely Jacques. He honestly couldn't care about the rest of those losers, but they were there, too.

Curiously, Vegeta levitated into the air, deciding to find out just where they had gone. He circled around the first floor of the house, only to confirm that it indeed was a group of women gossiping in the kitchen that he heard. But there was no sign of the others, so Vegeta decided to explore the view through the second floor windows from outside.

He finally found Jacques in a lit room, sitting huddled together with the turtle hermit, the pig, the scar-faced weakling, and Trunks' new midget father-in-law. Seeing cards laid out on the table the group surrounded, Vegeta almost dismissed the situation without a second thought. But as Roshi, who had his back to the window, proudly lifted an open magazine before his eyes, exposing the image to Vegeta, Vegeta's face faltered. Roshi chuckled gleefully at the filthy image spread across that magazine before smacking it on the table for all to see. All the men in the huddle leaned forward, smiling widely as they took a closer look. Vegeta clenched his jaw tightly as he shook his head in disbelief.

"I knew he was a pervert." Vegeta growled angrily to himself before Jacques looked up from the magazine, sighting Vegeta's irritable expression through the window. Jacques chuckled guiltily as the other men continued flipping through the pages of the magazine, unaware of Vegeta's lurking presence out the window.

As Jacques raised his shoulders in a guilty shrug with an apologetic smile, Vegeta slowly shook his head at the boy with a resigned frown. He knew that eventually he'd get used to Jacques' oddities. Bra's fiancé was a human, after all. A human who was now part of the family.

THE END