DISCLAIMER:

Rath: I do own N-NOT DBZ! Huh? That didn't come out right. I meant to say I DOOOO own N-N-N-NOT DBZ! Nooooooo! I can't say it! (Sees lawyer scribbling something down on a notepad) FINE! I admit it! I DON'T OWN DBZ or any of its characters. There! I said it. Oi... Now onto the story!

[Chapter edited 5Jan2014]

AT CAPSULE CORPORATION:

Trunks nervously entered his house. He could only imagine what his father would say once he told him about his big school project.

"Oh boy," Trunks thought to himself. "Am I going to hear an earful... But maybe he'll actually agree to go along with it!" He set his books down on the table.

"Trunks? Is that you?" his mom called.

"Yeah, it's me, Mom," Trunks answered as he entered the kitchen.

"How was your day at school?" Bulma asked.

"Oh, uh, good..." Trunks replied after looking around to make certain they were alone. "Hey, can I ask you something.?"

"Of course, Trunks," Bulma replied. "What is it? Is something wrong?"

"No, no!" Trunks replied quickly, his hands waving back and forth. "It's just that I, uh, have this project that I have to do for school, but I need help."

"With what?" Bulma asked.

Trunks took a deep breath and blurted out, "I have to write a report that explains in detail the life of one of my parents when they were young. It's supposed to be about how they grew up. I have to explain how I believe their childhood made them what they are today and how I think it affects me as an individual now. Also, I have to bring in some item that symbolizes my impressions. Lame, huh?"

"Oh, I'd love to help you with your project, Trunks!" Bulma could barely contain her enthusiasm.

"Actually, Mom," Trunks looked down to the floor. "I was sorta hoping I could do mines about Dad. No offense or anything, but I've always wanted Dad to tell me about his life before he came to Earth. Every time I even mention it around him, he gets really agitated. I mean more than usual... He always tells me to stop pestering him. I don't understand why he never wants to share his life with me. It's like he never wants me to be close to him. Why can't we be as close as Goku and Goten are?!"

Bulma sighed. "Listen, Trunks," she said slowly. "Your father does not even share that with me, but from what I gather, he had had a pretty difficult childhood. He's just not ready to open up to us yet. It's hard for him."

"What's so hard about it?" Trunks asked. "He's a prince, right? I mean, he probably got everything he ever wanted. What's so bad about that? I mean, I already know how he used to destroy planets and kill millions of people and stuff, so what can it possibly be that he won't tell us? Sure, maybe he wasn't the nicest person back then, but that doesn't matter to me."

"Trunks," Bulma started, but Trunks interrupted her.

"Come on, Mom," Trunks pleaded. "Can't you just talk him into it for me?"

"Alright, alright," Bulma gave in. "I'll try..."

"Yay! Thanks, Mom!" Trunks exclaimed as he jumped up into the air with pure happiness.

"Mind you I said I will try," Bulma reminded. "That doesn't guarantee he'll agree to it. No promises, but I give you my word that I'll try my best, 'kay?"

"Sure sure, thanks, Mom!" Trunks hugged her. "Hey, I'm gonna to go over to Goten's house now to give you two a chance to discuss this alone. See ya!"

Bulma shook her head as her teenage son fled the house not even a second later. As if on cue, she heard another door open and slam shut. She turned around in annoyance as Vegeta stormed in.

"You know, one of these days you are going to end up breaking the door!" Bulma shouted at him.

"And?" Vegeta quirked an eyebrow at her.

"And then I'll end up being the one who has to fix it!" Bulma continued.

"So...?" Vegeta prodded.

"So open the door like a normal person for once!" Bulma shouted.

"Well, I never have been what you'd call 'normal'," Vegeta smirked. "So I guess it doesn't apply to me."

"Ugh! Forget it!" Bulma exasperated. Luckily, she wasn't holding anything or else she'd have thrown something at him due to her annoyance. She practically was fuming as her husband walked away calmly as if she had never said a word.

'Why does he always have to be so difficult!?' she thought to herself. Suddenly, she remembered what she was supposed to do for Trunks.

"I'll wait until dinner," she declared. Perhaps he'd be much more willing to help their son with his project if she made him his favorite meal? There was only one way to find out...