Seventeen wasn't sure when this feeling started. The earliest signs of his attraction could have started from the very beginning, during the very first time he met the time-traveler. It was probably just curiosity then. Maybe it was during the second time they met, after they had been revived. All he knew was that this feeling was probably called love. How unfortunate.

He woke up feeling lost, not because he didn't recognize his surroundings, but because his sister was nowhere to be seen. She showed up within minutes, pulling him into her arms. That was the first time they had expressed affection ever since they first woke up in the lab. Something changed in both of them that day. They had thought all their humanity had been taken from them, but they had souls. They had regained memories of their past in the afterlife. The hardships and pain they went through together felt like a fresh wound.

Eighteen sighed in relief.

"Lapis."

Seventeen hesitantly placed his arms around her.

"...Lazuli."

They had felt some remnants of care for each before, but it was different now. Their real names didn't feel as dead as they used to. They felt more alive than ever before. Something was missing, though.

"Where's Sixteen?"

Eighteen gasped and pulled away.

"I didn't see him there…"

"See him where?"

"With the others. Goku's friends."

Seventeen frowned; Did Goku even matter at this point? Eighteen seemed to read his mind.

"He's dead, you know... Goku."

Seventeen simply nodded. It would be strange, figuring out what their purpose was now that he was dead.

They decided to retrace their steps to Kame House, only to find out from the others that Sixteen had been killed by Cell. It was a strange feeling, grief. 16 was mellow and had been a relaxing presence for them. When Krillin would later show up, he offered some more information about him. Seventeen's noted his twin's change in demeanor, and the color of her cheeks ever so slightly turning pink despite her steely gaze. Another new emotion since awaking as machines, and one he once doubted they could feel.

"You know," Krillin suggested, "you two should head over to Capsule Corps. I took Sixteen there and the Briefs family helped him. Maybe they could help you guys, too."

Eighteen shook her head.

"What's the point? If a dragon couldn't help us, I doubt they could, either."

Seventeen gave her a questionable glance for failing to mention a dragon, so she explained to him what happened at the scene where she had been revived. Seventeen figured that was one of the reasons she would like this guy. He apparently sympathized with them.

"I'll go to Capsule Corp," he announced. "You stay here. If there's even a chance Sixteen was revived, he'd have to show up, right?"

Eighteen seemed doubtful, but nodded softly. They rarely needed words to communicate. He could tell she was mourning. She could tell he was in denial. She followed Seventeen back outside and watched him fly off into the direction of West City.

"Oh WAIT!" Krillin ran outside, panting.

Eighteen raised an eyebrow at him.

"What is it?"

"It's just- I should've warned him that one of my pals there really doesn't like you guys."

Seventeen recognized the woman who answered the door. She was notable for hanging around Goku most of the time, when she was younger, at least. She seemed to pale a little, instantly recognizing him from the papers stolen from Gero's lab, plus her son's description.

"A-ah, you're Seventeen, aren't you? If you're looking for your sister, she's not here."

"Bulma, right? I know where my sister is. I'm actually here for Sixteen."

Realizing that Seventeen had no intention of hurting anyone, Bulma's composure returned to normal, yet her eyes showed regret.

"Sixteen… I'm sorry, Seventeen. He was so brave, putting his life on the line to save everyone."

Seventeen didn't express disappointment on his face, but subconsciously dug his nails into the palms of his hands.

"What if he was revived? My sister told me that everyone that was killed by Cell came back to life."

Bulma raised a finger to her lips thoughtfully.

"You're right about that. I suppose there could be a chance. Give it a day maybe? You can stay here if you like in the meantime! A pretty face like yours around would lighten things up around here."

Seventeen smiled, but felt something new: bashfulness. He wondered if his face looked like his sister's from earlier. Then, he heard a voice raise up from behind Bulma.

"Mom, get away from him!"

Bulma turned and Seventeen could see a man rushing towards them. Before he could push himself in front of her, Bulma grabbed him by ear, causing him to yelp.

"Trunks, this is our guest. Be nice!"

Seventeen tilted his head. This 'Trunks' was familiar to him. He looked like the same guy that attacked them when they first woke up, but different. He was taller, with broader shoulders and longer hair framing a more matured face. How long had he been dead? Also, as his eyes ran down his body, his body temperature seemed to rise. That was new.

Trunks stared at Bulma incredulously.

"What?! But mom, that's one of the Androids I warned you about!"

"It seems to me that Seventeen has had plenty of opportunities to be a monster, and so far the only person he's killed is Dr. Gero!"

Bulma turned back to Seventeen and grabbed his hands.

"I saw the papers detailing what he did to you. I'm so sorry you had to go through all that."

Hearing those words startled Seventeen. He wasn't sure how to respond to that, so he nodded with his eyes downcast.

Trunks' mouth dropped.

"This can't be happening."

"Oh it's happening!" replied Bulma as she pulled Seventeen into the house.

Seventeen glanced at Trunks with curiosity. He wondered what this guy's deal was.

"Do I know you?"

Trunks tsked.

"Don't play innocent around her. You know you knocked me unconscious."

So it was him.

"Don't mind him," said Bulma. "This is my son, Trunks. He really is a sweetheart, he just has some predispositions towards you and Eighteen."

Seventeen looked between them.

"You're his mother? You look so young."

Bulma beamed at him.

"Wow, a charmer! Now I definitely like yoouuu."

Trunks groaned as he watched his mother pull Seventeen deeper into the house. Ever since he had been revived everyone treated the Androids like they were no big deal. Just because they were no longer a threat to them didn't mean they weren't going to be a threat to civilians. Trunks decided in that moment that he wasn't going to let his eyes off of Seventeen for even a second until he was sure he could be trusted. Which was doubtful.

Trunks didn't know when this feeling started. How wrong he was, to follow Seventeen around. If only he had kept his distance, he never would've come to care for him. He would have never gotten this close to him in the first place. This feeling was love. And he was so screwed.