Trapped in the Past, Chapter 10

Summary : Realizations are good… but when the person shows up a week later well… things get awkward. M!TxGh

Authors’ Notes: The Mpreg label is an optional point to the story, I shall warn beforehand if it is not your thing.

Thoughts
//Flashback//
.+++. <-Time/scene skip
.xxx. <-Perspective/Time(Backwards or forwards) change

*****

As Mirai told his story, Gohan had ended up reciprocating the embrace – too horrified to take note of his own body. So he glanced at Mirai’s face from the prince’s shoulder as his hand held the other’s face. “Dende Trunks… I can’t believe – I’m sorry.”

“You’re not him.” Mirai said and he cupped Gohan’s face with the hand that had been caressing his shoulder. “And for that, I’m glad. Although I can never bring myself to hate him, although my love took a long time to fade, he is not the one whom I love now.”

Gohan bit his lip. “Because he hurt you?” Shit… his guilt resurfaced as his voice quivered. Even though Mirai’s story had been meant to reassure Gohan, a new guilt rose. If he had never killed Mirai, Mirai would never have known, he would have never experienced the heartbreak his future self gave Mirai.

“No, it was because he lied to me. He let me believe he died to protect me, and it was the only lie he was able to keep without causing suspicion. It was because he didn’t take – no it was because he did take my feelings into consideration and used them against me. He died thinking that it would be for the best, he died thinking that I would accept his death as a gift – a gift to my own life. Yet, even though he knew all of this, he still did not think of what would happen afterwards, he did not think that I would not move on, he thought that being lonely wasn’t as important than power. He deliberately caused me harm Gohan! I cannot forgive him for that. Yet…” Mirai looked at Gohan with a sad but a knowing glint in his eyes, “something tells me you were not asking about him, but yourself.”

As Gohan watched the brilliant mind work, tension filled him. Did Mirai know yet? Did he have anything to distract the time traveller with? Could he stop the gears before they clicked into place?

“You think you hurt me somehow?” The voice was soft, and it was almost filled with pain. “You do, don’t you?”

Gohan tensed and tried to squirm out of the embrace he let himself get tangled into but he could not. Mirai’s arms were wrapped firmly around him, held him close to the warm, clothed body.

“Let me tell you something Gohan. When I was with you, every moment that you were by my side, I never felt pain, I never felt hurt. No, I was filled with happiness, relief, humour… love. Whatever you think you did, whatever it is… I. Forgive. You.”

Gohan’s body forgot how to breath, beat, think, move, work. The guilt felt lighter, his heart felt lighter, it was like everything would be fine again, that he was forgiven and all of his sins were erased, all of his dreams accomplished. Yet… Yet Gohan couldn’t let his heart or guilt fly away. No, because those meaningful, sought after, heartfelt words could not mean anything. How could Mirai forgive him, love him after what he had done? He had killed Mirai, he had caused him all that pain, he let the future version of himself shatter all that Mirai thought was true, destroy his heart for a second time. He was too weak. Mirai had only said those words because Mirai didn’t know, couldn’t know the pain that he had inflicted on the other.

Mirai’s loving expression was lost on the hero, for those beautiful features were replaced with something more sinister: the pain, the shock, the horror at having his heart disintegrated, at the feeling of having Cell’s death ray penetrate his chest. It was a living nightmare that clenched at Gohan’s chest, that tore at his heart. He could not accept Mirai’s forgiveness, he did not deserve it. He tore himself from the other’s embrace violently and curled in on himself. He promised he wouldn’t run away, yet he still couldn’t let Mirai embrace his killer anymore. Gohan had killed Trunks, he killed Mirai and there was no fixing that! There was no reset button, nothing to erase time and memories, nothing to destroy the pain that he had inflicted! His whole body was shaking with tremors, how he wanted Trunks! Yet he couldn’t, he couldn’t! “N-No you can’t – you don’t know. I-I-I… it’s all my fault, I’m sorry Trunks! I can’t fix it! I-I-”

“Oh Gohan…” Gohan heard Mirai breathe against his ear, he felt arms securing his quivering form, he smelt that strong scent that was but a scant whisper on the gifted jacket. And yet, all that Gohan could do was scream into that muscled chest, cry into it, mutter and blubber that he was guilty and undeserving into it. He didn’t deserve forgiveness, love, Mirai. Nine years of withheld guilt, of repressed self-hatred came out at once. And Mirai had let him release the emotions, soothed him as he screamed and yelled, as he pointed out that he wasn’t supposed to support the man who had killed him.

“Trunks! Can’t you see? It’s my fault, not his! It was me who let him! If… if I didn’t, if I just…and yet…” Gohan uttered nonsensically as he sobbed and looked into Mirai’s eyes. He looked weak, vulnerable, very much like his preteen self that he had first known Mirai as. “How can you hold me like this, hold your killer like this?”

The blue eyes widened as everything clicked into place. “Of course…” He whispered. “Goku and myself…” Then, he stared straight into Gohan’s eyes, both of his hands holding the younger man’s face steady. “Gohan… it isn’t your fault – you didn’t know, you couldn’t have. Don’t blame yourself.”

Those words, they seemed familiar, and they knocked Gohan out of his guilt. Those words, they were his own, they were the exact one he spoke to Mirai two weeks ago, Even though Mirai was too close (perhaps that was what he needed) he understood. Even though their situations were different, they still let their power get to their heads, there still were what-ifs, there still were only-if-Is, there still were people who died. Yet, Mirai was in as much control as Gohan was. Fate often dealt unfair cards, but they all had to play with the cards they were given and hope it turned out alright. “Trunks…” Gohan whispered and reached out to hold the other’s face. “Thank you…”

The prince smiled softly before his lips twisted into that royal-smirk that Gohan now associated with embarrassment. “So now that that’s all out of the way, can we kiss now?”

Gohan flushed. “Trunks!” He exclaimed, but did nothing to stop the other as his crush leaned down to brush their lips together.

 

.+++.

 

They had watched the sunrise together in each other’s arms before Gohan returned home. It was decided that Mirai would head home (who knew what Chi-Chi would say if he came home with his supposed fiancée) and they would meet up later.

“Gohan!” His mother exclaimed as he entered the front door – still only clad in just his pyjama pants. She was shaking a batter-covered spoon at him. “What have I told you about going out like that! At least put on a shirt!” Chi-Chi said and sighed exasperatedly before she pulled the boy in by his ear. “Now you go get dressed young man! I will not have you running about like that when you already have a fiancée!”

Gohan’s face coloured as he muttered, “Yes Mother.” What would she say if she knew he was with his supposed fiancée? Dende! Wait… His face darkened. Once his mother knew that they were together, he’d never hear the end of it…

Quickly, he rushed up the stairs, not desiring his mom to see his tomato-like-face. After dressing, cleaning up his room, and going downstairs, both Goku and Goten gave him concerned looked. However, Goten’s was more confused than concerned.

“Big brother, why was big Trunks over this morning?” The boy asked innocently.

Before Gohan could stop himself, he flushed and turned his face to his plate. Goten’s that attuned to Trunks’ ki and he already can tell the difference? He hadn’t started on his meal yet, but his father and brother didn’t seem all too fazed, even as they began a conversation with their mouths full.

“Trunks? Well I knew once of them was over, but I wasn’t too sure. How did you know it was the older one Goten?” Goku asked, amazed.

“Well I couldn’t tell the difference at first, but as soon as I knew there were two Trunkses, it was easy. I know Trunks’ ki anywhere, and the big Trunks’ ki is different… softer, kinder.” Goten said around a mouthful of omelette.

“Really?” Goku said, still amazed. “Hm… I never really noticed that. It’s probably because you fused with him. Gohan, did you know this?”

Gohan, who had been listening to his father and brother’s conversation quietly and very carefully, nodded nervously. “Yeah, it’s not all that hard Dad. Mirai and Chibi have differences, probably because of who raised them and their environments they grew up in.

“So Gohan’s noticed it too huh? Maybe it’s not the fuse thing after all…” The full-blooded Saiyajin said and took up a thinking pose. “Well if Gohan… Goten! You-”

However, Gohan was already ahead of his dad and yelled out, “Dad! You promised!” His face had ended up tinged with red again.

And there went the stereotypical Son gesture again – rubbing the back of his head – and Goku gave a soft chuckle. “Whoops! Sorry Son!”

Chi-Chi, fairly quiet until now, slammed a plate down on the table. “Gohan! You snuck off with Mirai didn’t you? Is that what you’ve been doing these past two weeks? I told you to wait until marriage!”

Goku went over to his wife. “Chi-Chi, Gohan’s just been going to Kami’s lookout… mediating with Piccolo.”

“Piccolo! Him too! My baby’s lost all morals!”

“Mom!” Gohan whined. “I’m still a virgin!” His face burned as he sunk into his chair. His face couldn’t get any worse… well it could but Mirai was well on his way home so there was no chance of that happening.

And thankfully, his little brother’s attention was focused solely on the food that he was rapidly devouring.

 

.+++.

 

“And then she thought I was with Piccolo! Me and Piccolo! The guy doesn’t know a thing about romance, and I don’t even thing he has the proper parts!” Gohan exclaimed as he and Mirai were sitting in a park in West City.

“Actually, you and Piccolo don’t seem all that inconceivable.” Mirai said with a smile.

“Mirai!” Gohan uttered. “Not you too!”

“Buut.” Mirai continued and wrapped and arm around Gohan’s waist to bring him closer so he could lean on Gohan’s shoulder. “It is very much so now because you’re with me.”

Gohan gave a soft smile and leaned his head atop Mirai’s.

“Sooo.” A feminine voice sounded behind them, startling both men. “That’s why you were so passive Gohan, you’re a man’s man.” The tone was almost icy but it sent shivers down Gohan’s spine nonetheless.

“H-Hello Videl.” Gohan said nervously and glanced behind him to see the daughter of Hercule Satan glaring at him.

She moved to sit on the arm of the bench with a wicked smile on his face which was very intimidating. However, her sinister expression vanished and a wide smile took its place before she punched Gohan’s shoulder. “Man Gohan! You should have seen your face!” Videl said with a laugh. “You looked scared stiff! Are we women really that scary? However,” here she smirked again, yet not as evil as before and she glanced towards Mirai, “why do you seem almost proud Mirai?”

Gohan turned to see that Vegeta-smirk on Mirai’s face again and felt a different sense of dread. “It took you this long to notice?”

Videl huffed. “Well excuse me! He was dating me so what reason did I have to doubt?”

Gohan watched with worry. Although he knew Videl wasn’t angry, he hoped Mirai wouldn’t push it. The Son just sunk back and let his ex and his… boyfriend argue over his sexuality.

“I suppose, I mean I’ve known him longer than you. Time really can’t change certain things.” Mirai said thoughtfully.

“Speaking of that… Sharpener did say something about that. Did you know Gohan around the time when Cell attacked?” Videl asked as she leaned in to inspect Mirai.

“Uh…” Mirai rubbed the back of his head in that Son-gesture. “Yes?”

Videl giggled. “Don’t worry, I already know my dad didn’t kill Cell.” However, she still continued to observe Mirai. “Were you at the tournament? I don’t remember any other kids except Gohan.” The woman tilted her head before exclaiming. “Hey! I know! Gohan, doesn’t he look like Trunks?”

Mirai flinched and repeated the Son-gesture while Gohan followed suit. “Eheh…” The black-haired half-Saiyajin laughed lightly.

“So he’s a Briefs? I bet your mother will be all over this once she catches on.” Videl said as she raised her eyebrows. “Although…” Now she put her hand to her chin as she thought. “I never remember hearing about an older heir, are you a distant relative?”

Mirai had glanced at Gohan – for assistance or reassurance the Son didn’t know. “Um… actually…” Gohan started. “Mirai’s name really isn’t Mirai. We just call him that so we don’t confuse him with his younger counterpart.”

“Younger counterpart? Huh?” Videl asked.

“I look like Trunks because I am Trunks.” Mirai added.

“Wait! Wait! You are Trunks? How is that – Mirai – No way!” Videl realized as she pointed accusingly at Mirai. “You’re telling me he’s from the future and time travel is possible? Kami… you guys never cease to amaze me.”

The two men laughed nervously.

“One of these days, you need to explain it fully to me, However we don’t have time for that right now.” Videl’s fingers now pinched Gohan’s ear. “Now, you’re coming with me Gohan. Society is wondering where its green-clothed hero is.”

Gohan’s eyes widened before he pouted. “B-But Videl!” He whined. No way! This was not happening!

“If you have time to go on dates, you have time to help the world.”

Mirai stepped in. “You just can’t–”

Gohan looked sympathetically at Mirai. “I’m sorry Mirai, but I kinda promised her…”

What the black-haired man did not expect was for the time traveller to laugh. “Well go get ‘em tiger – or should I say ape?”

Gohan groaned. Mirai just said that, didn’t he?

 

.+++.

 

As Gohan returned home, he felt at ease. It felt good to play hero again. It originally started because he felt guilty for putting Earth in danger and now, it felt good to help people without an ulterior motive. Talking with Mirai, a person whom he ki– no whom he thought he killed, made him truly realize that it was not his fault. There were things outside his control and he just had to accept it. A smile graced his face as he entered the house.

“I’m home.” Gohan said as he walked up the stairs and into his room. (After he removed his shoes of course) He let out a soft sigh – not one of negatively but one of happiness. He glanced around his room with a small smile. If he hadn’t woken up, if the box hadn’t have fallen… would things have turned out the way they did? The black-haired man shook his head. No good in worrying about that. He placed the notes that Videl had copied for him (from the class that he had missed yesterday) on his desk before he realized that Goten’s ki wasn’t present. Must be at Chibi’s. He concluded.

“Gohan?” Chi-Chi called from downstairs.

The half-Saiyajin perked up. “Yeah Mom?” He answered and proceeded to walk down into the kitchen. Apparently she was making lunch. “Do you think you can go over to where your dad is? He always forgets about lunch. I made enough for Vegeta and you too, so you can invite him as well.”

Gohan nodded, “Alright Mom.” He said before sensing where the two full-blooded Saiyajins were. It really wasn’t too hard, seeing that it was enormous and concentrated. Gohan then put on his shoes and flew over to where they were.

They were in a clearing that the two clans had designated, and one that society had avoided. He watched them from a distance with a smile. Ever since Buu had attacked, Vegeta had strived to be more of a family man, and now the man had two sons to deal with… one who was his boyfriend. Gohan hoped that Bulma and Vegeta did have another child though, since Trunks liked men and there was no changing that – not even separate timelines. Otherwise… there went the royal line of the Saiyajins. Mirai had… him and Chibi had Goten. He just hoped the Chibi wouldn’t have any infatuations for him, that would be embarrassing. Gohan laughed nervously before spiking his ki and calling out to the full-blooded Saiyajins. “Dad! It’s lunch time! You’re invited too Vegeta!”

They both froze and glanced at Gohan with hunger in their eyes. The one weakness of a Saiyajin, mention food and his mind goes to another land all together.

Gohan smiled, life was finally starting to seem like something to look forward to again. Yes, they had to tell their parents eventually (although it was Mirai’s that they had to worry about – specifically Vegeta) and yes, they had just started their relationship, but life never seemed simpler.

However, Gohan never realized how wrong he was…

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