Author’s Notes:  Song Used: Extreme – More Than Words

Contest Winner 2003 : Best Songfic.

*****

Saying I love you
Is not the words I want to hear from you
It’s not that I want you
Not to say, but if you only knew
How easy it would be to show me how you feel
More than words is all you have to do to make it real
Then you wouldn’t have to say that you love me
Cos I’d already know

[Flashback]

We fell asleep under the stars. I blink my eyes open and stare up at the sky for a few moments. The ground is so soft, so warm. My eyes start to close again before I realize that I’m not lying on the ground. I’m lying on -him-. I suck in my breath sharply and tilt my head up so I can see his face. Or at least the bottom of his chin. He’s sleeping. He has one arm wrapped around my waist, and my head is lying on his chest. By his stomach my hand is lying, and his hand… his free hand is right over it.

I can’t remember ever being held like this before. It feels so nice. So …. “Hm… Trunks?” His voice is a soft purr as he shifts and opens his eyes. He presses his cheek against the top of my head. His arm tightens around my waist, pulling me closer as his hand grips my hand tightly.

“We fell asleep.” I whisper, closing my eyes tightly. ‘Please don’t let this be a dream.’ I thought
desperately, ‘please, please don’t let this be a dream.’

“Hm..” He rubs his cheek against my hair and sighs contentedly, “I noticed.”

“Gohan?”

“Sshh..” His arm tightens more until his grip is almost painful, “Just… let’s just lay here.”

“Okay.” I don’t mind. So we lay there.

We don’t speak again, except when it’s time to leave and he whispers ever so softly in my ear three little words that make me ache : “I love you.”

[End of flashback]

What would you do if my heart was torn in two
More than words to show you feel
That your love for me is real
What would you say if I took those words away
Then you couldn’t make things new
Just by saying I love you

[Flashback]

“You’re… you’re getting married?” The world stops. For one very brief moment I feel as if someone has grabbed my heart and viciously ripped it out of my chest. No. It’s not real. He’s lying.

He looks at me, his eyes hooded. “Yeah.” His lips tilt in something resembling a smile, “Yeah.” He says again.

Married? To Videl. I can’t think. I can’t feel. I’m numb. He’s looking at me oddly and I shake my head quickly. “You… you…” He’s getting married… to the woman he loves.

My stomach twists painfully. Feeling returns in a rush of agony. Suddenly I’m falling.

And there’s no one to catch me… not anymore.

[End of flashback]

More than words

[Flashback]

A brief twinge of pain.

Purple bubbles past my skin into the air, turning bright red.

The ringing in my ears. Always ringing in my ears. Sometimes the ringing is so bad I can’t hear myself think… like now. I find myself slipping to the floor and am surprised at the weakness in my legs. It shouldn’t matter. I shouldn’t be here watching my life bleed away.

These last few years have been hell. He hasn’t spoken to me since the wedding, at least he hasn’t spoken to me like he used to. I’m nothing now. Just a… a friend. But I don’t want to be his friend…

I want to be more.

I want to be to him, what he is to me.

Everything.

The ringing… so high.

I want to sleep, forever.

I close my eyes, laying my bleeding arm in my lap. As the world slips out of my grasp I can hear singing… Singing? Angels leading me home? I don’t know. It doesn’t matter.

[End of flashback]

Now I’ve tried to talk to you and make you understand
All you have to do is close your eyes
And just reach out your hands and touch me
Hold me close don’t ever let me go
More than words is all I ever needed you to show
Then you wouldn’t have to say that you love me
Cos I’d already know

[Flashback]

“Trunks….”

His voice is choked. He’s staring at me like he did that day when he found me in my room, my wrists bleeding. ‘Don’t speak.’ I urge him silently, ‘Just don’t speak. You always… you always make things worse when you speak.’

“Why? Why did you … do that?” He asks softly.

“…” How do I tell him? I turn my head and gaze out the window. “Why did you marry Videl?”

He’s silent a moment, then he whispers, “Because… I… it was the right thing…”

“Because you love her?”

“.. y-yeah.”

I don’t believe it, and neither does he. I turn, our eyes meet. “I don’t believe you.”

He sighs deeply, “Trunks… it’s just… a guy can’t.. marry a guy.. not,” He rubs his eyes and shakes his head slowly, “Not..”

I walk up to him. I take his hands in mine and pull them away from his face. His eyes meet mine hesitantly. I can see in his eyes what’s in his heart.

“Betray yourself.” I whisper, leaning close until our noses bump, “Betray me.”

Our lips brush together ever so softly, “And you wonder why?” I add softly before kissing him fiercely.

He returns the kiss with so much fervor he nearly sucks the air right out of my lungs. His actions tell me more clearly than his words ever have, just how he -does- feel. We pull away together. I’m surprised to find his arms wrapped around me. When did he hug me? I don’t remember. “I… I love-” I press a finger against his lips and shake my head.

Slowly I step away from him. “Don’t.. don’t tell me how you feel Gohan. Words … words don’t mean much.”

I turn and walk to the door. “Then.. Trunks?… how?”

“Show me.” I glance back at him. He looks so uncertain, so … afraid? “Don’t tell me anymore Gohan. Show me.”

[End of flashback]

What would you do if my heart was torn in two
More than words to show you feel
That your love for me is real
What would you say if I took those words away
Then you couldn’t make things new
Just by saying I love you

[Flashback]

“Did you hear?” Goten is practically bouncing with his excitement. “Gohan divorced her!”

“What?” I turn slowly, my heart beating so fast it almost hurts. “What? What did you say?!”

Goten’s eyes widen as my words snap at him. He swallows nervously, “Erm. Gohan divorced Videl.”

I can’t breathe. Oh my god… I can’t breathe… “He… he divorced her?” I manage to gasp as I sink to my knees.

Goten falls to his knees beside me, “Hey! You all right?!”

“Just..”

He’s … he really does… Oh Gohan. Gohan. I have to be with him. I have to…

[End of flashback]

More than words

His breathe tickles my scalp. I sigh and press my lips to his neck. “Trunks? You’re daydreaming again?” He asks softly, his voice twinge with amusement.

“Just thinking… about…” I sigh again and shake my head slowly, “About how long it took us to realize just how much we needed each other.”

“Hm. I was an idiot.” He murmurs, running a hand through my hair and tugging playfully.

“You still are.” I respond with a little smile.

He laughs and pinches my arm gently. “Hey! Watch it!”

“But you’re my idiot, so it doesn’t matter.” I tilt my head up and he tilts his down.

Our lips meet.

So soft. So sweet. I love him. But love isn’t enough to describe how I feel about him. The way I feel about him is… “More than words.” He whispers against my lips as he breaks the kiss.

“What?” I frown up at him, but his hand is there, smoothing the frown away.

“Love is more than words. You taught me that.” He smiles and nips my lower lip teasingly, “Love is… this,” His hand trails softly down my back, “and this,” his fingers caress my scalp ever so gently, “and this.” His lips press against mine.

I smile against his lips, “You’re starting to understand.” I murmur against his lips.

He chuckles and rolls so that he’s laying on top of me. “Hm. I still have a lot to learn. I just hope you’ll last long enough to teach me.” He kisses my cheek, then licks my nose.

I curl up my nose and move my head away from his teasing tongue, “I’m the younger one, remember? My stamina is-”

He’s kissing me so fiercely that I can’t breathe for a moment.

My stamina is quickly fading.

And it doesn’t matter. I’d happily die now. Here. In his arms. Cradled against him so lovingly.

We don’t speak again until it’s time to get up and he whispers three little words in my ear that make my heart ache; “I love you.”

Author’s Notes:  I’ve switched things around to explain Pan, among other things. Written in first person P.O.V, but changes from Gohan’s P.O.V to Trunks’ P.O.V. It should be obvious who’s thinking what though.
Song Used: Ronan Keating – When You Say Nothing At All”
‘It’s amazing how you can speak right to my heart,’

“Gohan?” As usual he sits by himself, his back to me. Lately he hasn’t been willing to speak to me, or even be in the same room with me for long. I wish I knew what was wrong. I want him to speak to me so desperately. I -need- to know what’s wrong with him. I love him too much to sit back idly while he suffers so obviously.

He turns his head, dark brown eyes resting on me briefly before he focuses on some point beyond me. It hurts that he won’t even look at me anymore. “Our parents will be arriving soon.” He nods minutely, but doesn’t respond.

I give him a few minutes, waiting for him to speak. He says nothing, and with a sigh I turn and walk to the door.

“Trunks.”

His voice, so soft, stops me. I rest my hand on the doorknob, but don’t dare to turn around in case he decides not to speak. “Yes?”

“How much do you love me?”

‘Without saying a word, you can light up the dark.’

He turns and I can tell from the look in his eyes that he’s surprised. I have to know. I need him to show me. I feel bad for asking, and yet I couldn’t go on without asking. //Show me…// I beg him silently, //I need you…//

He nods, as if understanding what only my heart is crying. He closes the distance between us with three easy strides, then kneels in front of me. He takes my hands in his, and his eyes are bright, earnest. He lifts one of my hands to his lips, then presses it firmly to his chest, over his heart. “More than words.”

My heart lurches and I shake my head, “No… -show- me. Show me…”

‘Try as I may I could never explain,’

And he does.

In the only way he knows how.

‘What I hear when you don’t say a thing.’

He’s warm, and soft, for the most part. He’s a bit too bony in places, and there are muscles, but where it counts he’s soft. Like the curve of his hip, his lovely hair, his perfect lips… Does he understand? Did he feel it too? Sex has never been the greatest way to express love, but it was the only way I knew how to show him. I stroke my fingers through his hair, listening to his rhythmic breathing. “Gohan?”

His chest rises and falls on a soft sigh, then he tilts his head and stares at me with those brown eyes that are far too sad. “Is that all?” He whispers.

I cup his face with my hands, “Look at me.”

He meets my gaze.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

His eyes fill with tears, and my stomach falls.

On his face is an expression I never wanted to see. Guilt. Pain. Love. Desperation. All mingled together. And then he opens his mouth and my world falls apart.

‘The lack of smile on your face lets me know that you need me,’

“You have to stop this.” A hand comes down on my own, stopping the cup from rising. I turn to glower at Goten. The irritating little prat. What is he doing here anyway?

“Go away.” I growl sullenly, trying to pull my hand away from his so I can finish my drink.

“Trunks, you’re killing yourself.” Goten snaps as he shakes his head, “You’re killing yourself, /and/ taking Gohan with you.”

“What do I care? It’s not… it’s not like he gives a fuck about me.” I snarl, abandoning the cup and turning so Goten can’t see my face. Or the feelings that are tearing me apart from the inside.

“Trunks! He -loves- you!”

“Right! That’s why he slept with Videl? That’s why he got …” The words won’t come out. I choke on a sob and drop my head onto the cold surface of the bar.

“He was drunk…”

“So am I…”

“He wasn’t thinking straight…”

“Neither am I.”

“He thought she was you.”

I snort with disgust. “An -easy- mistake to make!”

“Kami, Trunks! Don’t do this! It was one time!”

I whirl, grabbing the front of his shirt and leaning towards him. “And what if I slept with ‘you’? And got ‘you’ pregnant? What then!? HUH!?”

Goten smiles a little, “I’m a guy, I can’t get pregnant.” Then his smile fades.

“With ‘her’…” I’m falling apart, and there’s no one to catch the pieces. “With ‘her-, of all people, Goten…”

He lays a hand on my shoulder, “He loves you.”

I push his hand away, “Yeah…” The bitter laugh that escapes my throat hurts my ears, “Loves me so much he fucked that git so he could have the child I couldn’t give him…”

“I’m sorry.”

“You didn’t do anything, Goten.” I feel mildly guilty for yelling at him, but the guilt only compounds on top of all the other miserable emotions choking me alive.

‘How much do you love me?’ his words echo in my brain as I lay my head back onto the bar.

‘Not enough.’

‘There’s a truth in your eyes saying you’ll never leave me,’

“Well, what are you going to name her?”

It should be the happiest day of my life. I take the squalling child from Videl and hold it. I stare down at the red, screaming face, and all I feel is numb. I haven’t spoken to Trunks in eight months, and his absence has drained my life of all joy. As I stare at my baby, all I can think is that I want Trunks to be here. I want him to see this… I want this child to be his.

“Pan.” I whisper, handing the child back.

“Her name is Pan.”

‘The touch of your hand says you’ll catch me,’

“Trunks.” It’s been eight months and a few days, but he’s changed. He’s matured, a lot. But the maturity has made him even more beautiful. He stares at me as if I’m nothing. As if… he doesn’t even see me. I hold my hand out, “Trunks.”

His eyes narrow on my out stretched hand, and then he arches one fine eyebrow, “I didn’t know you were here.” Implying he would have avoided this route if he had known.

“I… needed to see you.”

“I’m sure.” His bitter tone makes me flinch. Does he hate me so much now? “Sorry, I’m booked solid. I don’t have time for you.”

“Trunks.”

He ignores me, and turns to walk away.

“How much do you love me!?”

He stops, his back stiffening.

‘Whenever I fall.’

I turn slowly, fixing my gaze on his sad brown eyes. The years haven’t changed him much. He’s the same Gohan he always was. The Gohan I grew up with. He looks like his world has come to an end. And as I stare at him… I see things I never noticed before.

His hand is still outstretched, a silent plea.

In his eyes shine unshed tears, proof of his grief.

Looking at him I’m reminded of the way he was before he told me about Videl. I remember all the things he tried to ‘show’ me, because he didn’t have the words.

‘How much do you love me?’

‘You say it best,’

“I’m an idiot.”

I looked away after his long silence, certain he would say something cruel, but when he speaks I find myself staring at him with surprise. “What?”

“You must have been completely stoned if you mistook her for me.”

And his lips tilt. The briefest smile, but it’s enough. He holds his arms out and without further hesitation I run over and lean against his chest. His warm arms close around me. I feel protected. I feel loved.

But most importantly, I feel forgiven.

‘When you say nothing at all.’

He sits by himself. He does that alot. I carefully lay Pan in her crib. She spends her weekends with Gohan and I, and then during the week she stays with her mother. She’s three months old, and the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen. Sometimes it hurts to look at her, but I’ve learnt to push that away. He made a mistake, but I know now that he loves me. More than life.

I join him by the window, wrapping my arms around his shoulders and hugging him from behind. He leans into me, reaching up to place his hands over mine. “Why do you sit by yourself so much?” I ask him softly. Words, sometimes, are intrusive, but not now.

He sighs softly, “I can’t believe you forgave me.”

“I never did, but I’m nothing without you…”

I can feel his smile, even if I can’t see his face. His whole body relaxes, “Besides, we’re even now.”

He stiffens, “Even?”

“How much do you love me Gohan?”

He whirls, staring up at me with wide eyes, and I smile softly, brushing his cheek with my fingers, “Because I had a wild orgy with your father and little brother and I think you should know that Goten’s five months pregnant.”

‘Old Mr. Webster could never describe, what’s being said between your heart and mine.’

He’s still.

Just lying there, not moving. His face is so beautiful. Even now. Just looking at him makes me ache. I push myself onto my hands and knees. I’m not sure why, but the ground is red. Everything is coated in a fine sheet of red… It doesn’t matter. I have to get to him. He’s all that matters.

I don’t think I can walk, so I start to crawl. Just as I reach him my arms give out and I collapse.

Laying there, with my face in the dirt, I finally let go.

He’s with me now. I don’t have to fight anymore. It’s going to be okay… everything will be… fine…

***

Earlier : That morning

I love watching him sleep. Sometimes I’ll stay up all night just to stare at him. He’s caught me a few times, and he’s scolded me for it. But I can’t help myself. He’s so beautiful. I can hardly believe he’s mine. Reaching out, my fingers trembling, I lightly touch his cheek.

His eyes flutter open. He sees me and smiles, “Gohan?” He yawns and stretches his arms over his head, “Erm.. time to get up?”

I play with his hair, running a few silky strands through my fingers. “Not if you don’t want to.” I whisper. I don’t want to break the quiet. It’s so nice just lying here. Warm, quiet, close to him.

His smile widens and he cups my face with his hands. “Oh.. I dunno’. I think you’ve just given me a reason to get up.” He presses his lips against mine in a sweet kiss.

He takes my breath away. I love him so much. Sometimes when he’s not within sight it hurts. Does that sound crazy? I suppose it does, but I don’t care. He’s all that matters.

I return the kiss. After a moment he breaks away, a goofy grin on his face. “I can hardly believe.. that I’m here.” He whispers, wrapping his arms around my waist and cuddling up to me. “Sometimes this feels like a dream.”

He feels so nice pressed against my chest as he is. I wrap my arms around him and hold him tightly. “If it’s a dream.. I hope it never ends.” I kiss the top of his head.

He buries his head in my neck, kissing and nipping gently. One of his hands is lightly running up and down my back, the other is pressing against my lower back. He feels so good. I want to lose myself in him. I want to bury myself so deeply within his heart, his soul and his body that he’ll never be able to leave me.

“Gohan?”

“Hm?”

“I love you.” He says the words breathlessly. He always says those words with quiet reverence. He doesn’t say it often, but when he does… I lose all grip on reality.

“I don’t know what I did to be blessed with your love, but I promise I’ll never do anything to hurt you.” I’m holding him so tightly it hurts. But I need him.

He laughs nervously, “Gohan. Squeeze me any tighter and I won’t be able to breathe.”

“Don’t ever leave me.”

“Gohan?” He looks up, eyes worried. He reaches up and gently wipes my tears away, “I’ll never leave you.”

***

Earlier : That afternoon

He’s staring at the packet with a little frown. “What’s this?” He looks up, meeting my gaze.

I just smile, “Open it.”

He takes the packet from me and opens it. His eyes widen, a soft gasp escaping from his lips. “Wh-… it’s beautiful.” He gasps, taking the necklace out and holding it up. He drops the packet.

It’s a simple, heart-shaped locket on a thin gold chain. Inside were two pictures. One of me. One of him. On the back of the locket the words: “You’ll always have my love, whatever comes our way.” were engraved. It wasn’t the most romantic thing ever said, but it was all I could think of when I’d had the locket made.

He turns the locket over in his hands, his eyes brimming with tears. “Why?”

“It’s Valentine’s day… and I didn’t know what else to get you.” I reach up, cupping his cheek in my hand.

He looks at me with huge, luminous eyes. “Gohan..” His voice breaks.

Gripping the locket tightly in his fist he throws his arms around me. “I got something for you too.” He says softly, “But nothing as nice as this.”

I take the locket from his fingers and place it around his neck, securing it with the specially made fastener Bulma had made for me. It was guaranteed not to break when he powered up into a Super Saiyan. He reaches up, touching the locket. He smiles sweetly, “Just a sec.”

He turns and runs across the room. He returns a few moments later, a dozen roses in his one hand, a box of chocolates in the other. He holds them out to me. Our first Valentine’s day together. As I take his gifts a strange fear grips my heart. I don’t ever want to lose him. Not ever.

I just hope… fate decides to be kind. Because it seems every time I love someone.. they get hurt. But not him! Please not him. I’ll do anything to keep him from being hurt. Anything.

***

Earlier : That evening

He’s holding himself stiffly. I glance over at him, then back at the creature attacking us. It appeared out of no where and just starting throwing energy around. We were both powered up to Super Saiyan’s and despite this we still couldn’t defeat the stupid thing.

“Trunks.. get out of here.”

“What?” His eyes widen. He turns to me.

“Go get my father.” I tell him sternly.

“I’m not leaving you alo-”

“GO!” I flinch, just as he does. I don’t like yelling at him, but we need help. And there’s no way I’m leaving -him- behind.

With a little nod he starts to fly off.

A flash of light from the creature.

A scream.

I watch with horror as the energy blasts into Trunks’ back and he falls out of the sky like so much dead weight.

“NOOO!!!”

Something inside me snaps. And then all is bathed in gold as the hidden power within my soul is released.

***

Present

He’s still, not moving. Not even breathing. My ears are buzzing. I blink several times, trying to clear my vision. “Gohan?” I roll onto my side, groaning at the pain in my back. He doesn’t respond to my voice.

“Gohan!”

I grab his shoulder and shake him. He’s… he…

“Trunks! Trunks!” Goku, with Piccolo hot on his heels appears in the sky.

“Goku! Help him!” I scream, shaking Gohan hard, “Gohan, wake up!”

He can’t be dead.

He just can’t.

Goku lands softly and falls to his knees. He presses two fingers against Gohan’s neck. “… Gohan…” he whispers, his voice choked. “What.. what happened?”

“That.. th-that creature attacked us.. Goku! Goku please make him wake up!” I know I’m close to hysteria but it doesn’t matter. Gohan HAS to be all right! He just has to!

Goku shakes his head. He looks so old. So sad. I’ve never seen him look that way before. “I..”

“GOHAN!!!!!”

***

THE END…….

***

From somewhere far away I hear a voice call.

I’m not going to let him go. Nothing is going to take me away from him. Not even death.

My head is buzzing so much I can’t hear anything. As I slit my eyes open and gasp air into my lungs I’m aware only of his hands on me. His tears against my cheeks.

“Trunks…?”

“Gohan?! GOHAN!” He’s leaning close, his lips brushing mine.

“I… I.. not… going.. to give you up… that easily.”

He starts to laugh, “Oh Gohan. I love you! Don’t you ever die on me!”

“Only… only if… you do first…” It hurts to breathe, it hurts even more to talk. But it doesn’t matter. As long as he’s happy… that’s all that counts.

“We’ll die together.” He laughs, pressing his lips against mine in a fevered kiss.

The world fades away.

Want for Nothing

He stared dully out at the horizon. Not really seeing the brilliant sunset. Hugging his legs he placed his chin on his knees. It was funny, somehow he just felt that maybe he should be more upset than he was. He knew Gohan and Goten weren’t too happy, but they had grown up with two ‘loving’ parents. He had grown up with two parents who constantly fought. Their impatience with each other was a physical thing when they were together, and they just got worse with time. In a strange way he felt detached. As if recent events had nothing to do with him.

But they ‘did’ have something to do with him. He was Vegeta’s son and because of this he was very much involved in what was going on. Just a few hours ago Vegeta and Goku had told their children everything. Trunks could remember quite vividly in his mind the moment that the words were out of Goku’s mouth. Goten had started to cry. It was strange, but he just wailed like a baby, crying for his mother. Gohan had clenched his teeth, muttering something that wasn’t quite loud enough for anyone to hear before storming out of the house. Trunks had left moments after, if only just to get away from Goten’s crying.

He could, in a way, understand why the boy was so upset. He probably felt as if he was going to lose his mother, and it didn’t help that he wasn’t too fond of Vegeta. Strike that, it didn’t help that he was just plain scared of Vegeta. A small smile tilted Trunks’ lips. He too was a little intimidated by his father.

He thought of Gohan’s reaction. Obviously Gohan hadn’t been impressed with Goku and Vegeta’s confession either. Trunks wondered where Gohan had gone. Maybe to Piccolo? More than likely that’s exactly where he would go. To talk to his trainer and best friend.

And Trunks had come here, to the cliff over the beach. It was one of his favorite spots. He stared down at the water, ever changing it was never the same every time he came. That’s what he loved about it. Sometimes things were better left unchanged and other times they ‘had’ to be changed or they would become stale.

“Wonder if I should go home?” He wondered aloud.

He was tired. He wasn’t sure why, but he had been very tired lately. He slept good, but when he awoke he always felt as if he hadn’t slept at all. With a soft sigh he lay down on his side and curled up into a ball. He promised himself that he’d just nap for a few minutes, but as soon as his lids shut he was deeply asleep.

***

::The debris was still smoldering. He pushed himself out of his hiding spot and slowly approached the still body lying several feet away.

“Gohan?” He whispered, tears coursing down his cheeks even before he got near the body.

He fell to his knees beside the body, gathering the lifeless form into his arms. “GOHAN!!!”::

***

Trunks woke up screaming. He sat bolt upright, screaming Gohan’s name. His eyes grew wide as dreams melted into conscious thought. “Oh god..” He whispered, rubbing his forehead and wrapping an arm around his stomach. He felt ill. The dream was still fresh in his mind. He could practically smell the burnt flesh, he could feel Gohan’s lifeless body in his arms.

Choking on a sob he shoved his fist against his mouth. Shaking his head violently he got to his feet and took to the air.

***

They tried to calm Goten down but nothing they said or did would console him. So in the end Goku took him to ChiChi’s. ChiChi and Goku had been living apart for several months, but the kids had been sure their parents would get back together. Goten was devastated to know that not only were his parents ‘not’ getting together but his father was in love with Vegeta!

When Goku returned to his home, Gohan was already back. He was considerably calmed down. He spoke to Vegeta and Goku quietly, accepted their decision and went to bed.

Vegeta and Goku had stayed up all night waiting for Trunks to return. Goku had a hard time convincing Vegeta not to go looking for his son when Trunks didn’t show up.

In the morning, a calmed down Goten arrived at the doorstep. “I’m sorry.” He told Goku and Vegeta quietly. He stood before them, his hands clasped behind his back, “I… I overreacted…”

“It’s okay Goten.” Goku smiled at his son warmly, “I realize it was a bit of a shock.”

“A bit! HAH!” Goten snorted, he quickly looked down again, pushing his toe against the floor. “I uh… I kinda’ thought.. that you can Vegeta would … well get married and then… and then ChiChi wouldn’t be my mom anymore.” He blushed deeply, “But.. but mom explained it to me.”

“Oh gosh Goten! ChiChi will always be your mom!” Goku grabbed his son and hugged him with a laugh.

“And Vegeta? Will he be like… my step-mom?” Goten asked, barely managing to hide the sly look on his face.

“WHAT?!” Vegeta sputtered, his face turning red.

Goku started laughing, Goten’s laughter soon joining his own. “That is NOT funny!” Vegeta protested irately, “Stop that!”

“I’m (Ha ha ha) sorry Vegeta!” Goku wailed between his laughter, “But you gotta’ admit (snicker) the thought of ‘you’ as a mother is just hilarious!!”

“Here comes Trunks!” Gohan called, rushing through the kitchen, past his laughing brother and father in the living room and out the front door.

“Wait here Goten.” Goku instructed softly, his laughter cut short. He got to his feet, reaching down.

Vegeta took the proffered hand and together they followed Gohan outside.

Trunks landed before Gohan, his head down. “Hey.” He said softly.

“Hey Trunks … we were just about to have breakfast. You made it just in time.” Gohan said lightly, he patted Trunks’ shoulder and hurried back into the house. He wasn’t sure exactly how Trunks felt about this whole affair but he felt he should leave Goku, Vegeta and Trunks alone to deal with whatever Trunks was feeling.

Trunks watched Gohan walk away, his eyes burning a hole into Gohan’s back. He knew the dream had just been that, a dream, yet it was a huge relief to see Gohan alive and well.

Vegeta eyed his son with worry. Trunks’ eyes were red-rimmed, a result of his nightmare riddled rest, but to Vegeta it looked as if the boy had spent hours crying. There was a strange slump to his son’s shoulders that he had never seen before. In fact his son’s behavior in general was just …. wrong.

“Hey Trunks.” Goku greeted Trunks normally, feeling that keeping things light would probably be best.

“Where were you?” Not one to mince words Vegeta just came out and asked what he wanted to ask.

Trunks shrugged, shoving his hands into his pockets. He was so tired. All he wanted to do was curl up and sleep. He stared fixedly at his father’s shoes. They were nice shoes, he noted idly. Black leather dress shoes, carefully polished. They shone so brightly Trunks was sure he could see his face in them.

“…okay?” Trunks glanced up, noticing that Goku was speaking to him. He had no idea, however, what Goku had just asked him so he muttered, ‘yeah’. “Can I go in?” He asked softly, meeting Goku’s eyes very briefly before staring at his father’s shoes again.

“Sure.” Goku nodded, watching Trunks walk away with a worried frown.

“He doesn’t look well.” Vegeta, strangely enough openly showing concern for his son, said quietly.

“No … Of all the kids I thought he at least would handle this well.” Goku sighed, shaking his head and planting a wide smile on his face, “Ah well. We’ll deal with it.”

“Together.” Eyes intense, Vegeta look at Goku. On impulse he leaned down and kissed his saiyan lover gently on the lips.

Goku’s smile widened, “Right. Together.”

***

Gohan watched Trunks, trying not to be obvious but failing. His young friend, and soon to be step-brother looked awful. He looked worse than Gohan could ever remember him looking. In fact everything about the young half-saiyan ‘felt’ wrong. There was an air about him that seemed abnormally heavy.

Trunks pushed his food around on his plate. He didn’t feel hungry at all. He felt sick just looking at the food. He glanced up for the millionth time, gazing at Gohan’s face for a moment to assure himself that Gohan was indeed alive and well. Ironically enough, just as he looked away Gohan’s eyes strayed to him. And just as Gohan looked away Trunks eyes would raise again to gaze at Gohan. They never realized the strange interaction, but others at the table did.

Goku tried his best to keep the atmosphere light, but with one worried lover and two seemingly upset sons, it wasn’t easy. Finally the uncomfortable meal was over and they all got up to conduct their daily business. “I need to study dad.” Goten said quietly as he stood, “I’ll just go to my room.”

“Uh, okay. Sure you don’t want to do some training with the rest of us?” Goku asked, patting his full stomach and smiling easily.

“Nah… besides … why do we need to train? There’s nobody attacking the earth.” Goten pointed out, walking to his room.

“You never know when someone will show up!” Goku called after his son. “What about you Gohan? Trunks? Are you going to do some training today?”

“Sure.” Gohan shrugged, “It ‘is’ a weekend after all and there isn’t much else to do.”

Three pairs of eyes turned to Trunks. ::I just want to sleep:: Trunks mentally shook his head, but he found himself murmuring a quiet, ‘yeah.’

***

Kick.

Dodge.

Block. Block.

He moved automatically. It was an instinctive dance. One he could do with his eyes closed. He’d been sparring with Gohan so long. He knew Gohan’s every move ‘before’ Gohan moved. He also knew that Gohan never really pushed him. Unlike his father Gohan wasn’t exactly the toughest trainer in the world. But it didn’t matter. Gohan wasn’t the only one he sparred with, so it didn’t matter at all.

A ball of energy gathered in his hands. With a cry he released a blast at Gohan. Gohan dodged easily, making some teasing remark as he did. But Trunks didn’t hear. He wasn’t focused on the battle. He didn’t need to be.

And that was the mistake he made.

Gohan rushed forward and as he did Trunks felt himself falling with a scream. Gohan watched, confused, as Trunks fell to the ground.

“Trunks?!” He called, alarmed, flying to the ground and kneeling beside his fallen friend. “I didn’t.. hit you.”

Suddenly Trunks threw himself at Gohan. Crying angrily, and fearfully. Gohan blocked the first blows half-heartedly and then he caught a look at Trunks’ face. ::He’s serious:: Gohan realized with shock, ::He’s really serious about this::

“You bastard!!!” Trunks wailed, making a triangle with his hands and releasing a powerful burst of energy at Gohan.

Gohan was so surprised by the attack, and the words that accompanied the attack that he didn’t dodge. The energy hit him full in the chest, throwing him several feet into the air. He hit the ground hard, his breath temporarily knocked out of his body.

“Trunks! That’s enough!” Vegeta rushed forward, Goku hot on his heels.

But Trunks didn’t listen. He landed on the fallen Gohan, screaming and attacking with everything he had. It took both Vegeta and Goku to pull Trunks off of the bleeding Gohan. “TRUNKS!” Vegeta bellowed, shaking the arm he held in an iron grip, “Trunks! That’s ENOUGH!”

“No… no… nono..” Trunks panted, fighting against the arms that held him. He stared at Gohan, his eyes unfocused. He didn’t see Gohan, he saw a slim, beautiful young man with raven black hair and ice eyes. “I’ll KILL YOU!” He screamed, his energy building with his anxiety.

Gohan sat up slowly, wiping the blood from his mouth. He stared at Trunks, deeply hurt and confused by the boy’s actions. “He’s serious.” He whispered, “He really wants to kill me.”

It was that quiet, sad voice that snapped Trunks out of whatever had possessed him. With a muffled cry he shook his head. The raven-haired stranger disappeared and he saw for the first time what he had done to Gohan. ::What happened to me? What happened?:: He moaned, slumping in the arms that restrained him. ::OH gawd… what did I do?::

Vegeta stiffened as his son began to quietly sob. He had never seen his son cry. Not like this. Goku let go of Trunks’ left arm and Vegeta quickly pulled his son into a hug. At first it felt awkward, but as his son wrapped trembling arms around his waist his hesitancy left. So this was what it felt like to comfort. He met Goku’s gaze, ::What do I do Kakkorot? You always know how to deal with pain. What do I do with my son? How do I help him?::

Goku seemed to hear his thoughts, he smiled, nodding. ::You’re doing just fine Vegeta.:: Goku looked down at Gohan, “You all right?” He asked quietly.

“Sure.” Gohan got to his feet, “Just a little… surprised.”

“What was all ‘that’ about?” Gohan asked softly, looking at Trunks’ trembling form.

Goku shook his head, meeting Vegeta’s gaze again. “I dunno’.” he said quietly, lowering his voice so Trunks wouldn’t hear him.

Trunks pulled away from Vegeta abruptly, “Leave me alone!” He cried desperately, “Just leave me alone!!”

He pushed his foot against the ground, launching himself into the air. “Trunks!” Vegeta moved to go after his son but Goku stopped him by grabbing his hand.

“No. He needs some time alone I think… and we need time to figure out what’s going on.” Goku pulled Vegeta down, tugging on the now clenched hand he held.

They both looked at Gohan. “I uh… I dunno’.” Gohan shrugged, “He hasn’t said anything to me.”

“I know who might know what’s going on.” Vegeta said, his eyes growing narrow.

“Who?”

***

::What happened to me?:: Tears streaming down his cheeks Trunks flew blindly, just intent on getting away from everyone. His father especially. He was so ashamed. He had never cried in front of his father, certainly he had never cried ‘on’ his father. Crying was a sign of weakness, especially in boys. After all his hard work to prove to his father that he was strong he had to go and do something stupid like that! He could have explained the attack on Gohan as ‘getting too involved’ in their little sparring session, but no! He had to start crying like a baby.

He had just been so upset. Not only by the strange illusions that took over his mind, and the awesome power that he felt building within him, but also by the way he had hurt Gohan. He had been unable to stop the tears, and now he was sure his father was ashamed of him.

All he wanted… all he had ever wanted was for his father to look at him with pride.

But he would never get that.

He would never see that.

Fresh sobs escaping his throat Trunks let himself drop to the ground. He fell immediately to his knees. Sprawling face down on the grassy land he cried his heart out.

***

“It’s always hard for kids to have a new parent.” Bulma, always showing more intelligence than she was given granted for, told Goku and Vegeta. “Especially when that new parent is someone their father has ‘hated’ for years.” She added, unable to resist a jab. She had known of Goku’s and Vegeta’s relationship the moment it started. She loved Vegeta and thus knew everything about him. And she had recognized his love for Goku almost before he recognized it himself.

“But, would that be enough to make him act like he is?” Goku asked, absently rubbing his hand against Vegeta’s knee. It was a worried gesture, one he didn’t give a second thought but one that Bulma watched with a sharp eye.

Bulma shrugged, “Sure. I guess. He’s probably more than a little upset with both of you. He’s angry, so he’s expressing it the only way he knows how… by attacking. It’s just too bad Gohan was the one he decided to vent his frustrations on. Was he hurt? Gohan that is?”

“No. Just a few bruises.” Vegeta said shortly, “How long will this last?”

“Don’t know. However long it takes for him to adjust to this change in his life… Now listen, he can spend the week with you, only because I know he’ll just ‘love’ being with Gohan and Goten all the time. But he spends ‘every’ weekend with me.” She launched easily into their ‘previous’ custody discussion.

“Oh? What made you change your mind woman?” Vegeta asked, cocking an eyebrow. Just the other day she had been insisting that Trunks stay with her during the week and with Vegeta and Goku during the weekend.

“Let’s just say I put my son before myself.” Bulma’s lips tilted in a vicious smirk, “Now. Go! Go, go! I’ve got work to do.”

***

::”We’re exactly the same!” Goku explained in surprise as he stared at the brilliantly glowing blond hair and pupil less blue eyes.

“Let’s find out shall we.” Trunks responded with a cool smile. He drew his sword.::

***

Trunks awoke with a muffled cry. His eyes snapped open, wide and confused. Another strange dream. This one had not been as frightening as the other, but it had certainly been strange. He had been fighting Goku. But why! In the dream he could remember feeling a tremendous burden. Almost as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders.

Shaking his head he slowly got to his knees. ::I’m still tired.:: He rubbed his eyes. ::Why do I feel more tired than I did before I slept?::

He stood, brushing at his pants. With a yawn he ran a hand through his hair. He rubbed his stomach absently, the gesture giving him a little sense of comfort. “I guess I should go home.” He bit his lip. He didn’t want to go home. He didn’t want to face his father. “He’ll never love me now.” He didn’t know where the words came from, but as soon as they were out of his mouth he gave a little gasp.

He had been wrong.

He was upset about Goku and Vegeta. Not for the typical reasons, but for a much deeper set reason. All his life he had strived to make his father love him. All he wanted, all he ever worked for was his father’s love… He loved his father with all his heart, and he ‘knew’ that his father didn’t feel the same way. He remembered his mom saying to a friend once that Vegeta was ‘incapable’ of love. But surely he would love his own son?

But he didn’t.

No matter how hard Trunks tried his father didn’t love him.

And the other day, when Vegeta and Goku had told him …

Trunks pressed his fists against his eyes. ::He loves Goku. I could see it in his eyes. Why doesn’t he love me?! I’m his son! Why doesn’t he care?::

He hated his father for loving Goku. He hated his father for looking at Goku with caring eyes. He hated his father for never ‘seeing’ him, for never accepting him. And he loved his father so much that the hateful thoughts and emotions were tearing him apart from the inside.

::Maybe that’s why I’m having the dreams about Gohan dying and fighting Goku. Maybe secretly that’s what I ‘want’ to happen because.. because my father’s cares about them, but not me.::

“He’ll never love me.” Trunks whispered, dropping his arms to his sides. “He’ll nev.. .never…”

The words died away, the wind whipping them past his head. He stood amongst the fragrant trees, not really smelling the sweet scent that filled the area. He felt cold. He felt tired, and all he wanted to do was die.

The sunset was brilliant, casting a golden hue over the land. He was staring right at it, but he didn’t see a thing.

Want for nothing, lest soon you Yearn for it.

***

Hate nothing

“Well, well, well… isn’t he a pretty little thing?”

Trunks turned his head slowly, watching as the group circled him. Bikers. A group of punks, most not much older than he was himself. Just kids. The one who had spoken, the leader, smiled at him. A sadistic look in his eyes. “Hey sweet thing, wanna’ play?”

“I’m in a really bad mood.” Trunks said softly, looking at the leader with dead eyes, “This ‘isn’t’ the time.”

The leader grinned, pulling out a knife and tapping it against his palm. “Oh yeah? Well tough.” He stalked up to Trunks, pressing a hand against the saiyan’s chest.

Quite suddenly he found himself lying on his back several feet away from the white-haired youth. He scrambled to his feet, confused. “What the hell?!”

“This light just shot from him!” One of the gang members cried, “I’ve never seen anything like it!”

“And you never will again.” Trunks said coldly, lifting his hand.

Energy burst from his palm, smashing through the unlucky punk’s chest. The rest of the gang cried out angrily. Two rushed towards Trunks, knifes held tightly in their hands. Before they could reach Trunks however, he powered up. The force of his new power threw them into the air. They landed, and as soon as they realized what happened they scrambled to their feet and ran.

“So this is it.” Trunks said quietly, staring down at his hands, “This is it…” he snorted with disgust, angrily smacking his hands together. He wanted to hurt something, hurt someone as much as he had been hurt.

He felt strange. He’d never ‘wanted’ to hurt anything or anyone before. Part of him knew that he should fight the emotion, but he ignored that knowledge. Slowly rising into the air he powered up into a super-saiyan.

***

Vegeta accepted the kiss, but he didn’t return it. Goku sighed and pressed his forehead against Vegeta’s. “Worried about Trunks?” he asked softly.

A million sharp retorts were immediately on his tongue, but he fought them back. He didn’t have to defend himself anymore. He looked into Goku’s warm eyes, reminding himself repeatedly that ‘this’ was the man he loved. He didn’t have to protect himself from this man because Goku would never hurt him. Years of trusting no one had taken their toll however and he ‘did’ have a hard time trusting Goku completely.

“I don’t understand why he’s so upset.” Vegeta admitted.

“He probably feels like his whole world is turning upside down… or something like that.” Goku said with a little comforting smile.

“Or something like that?” Vegeta repeated, slowly shaking his head.

“It shouldn’t change his life that much.” Gohan stepped into the room, “Sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear.”

“You seemed upset when you first heard,” Goku pulled himself off Vegeta’s lap and sat, instead, beside him, “Oops… maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned that!”

“No, it’s okay. I wasn’t really upset.” Gohan looked down at his feet, his cheeks flushing, “You see I uh… I was shocked… But not for the reasons you’re thinking! You see… I’m… I’m sorta’ in love… with a guy.” His blush deepened, “And I uh.. I didn’t know how to tell you! So when you came out… and told us about you and Vegeta… well… I… I was shocked, and.. really happy.”

Goku laughed, a highly amused laugh. “I bet! You should have told me before! Who is it?!”

“Goku.” Vegeta growled.

“No. It’s o-okay. Actually…” Gohan bit the inside of his cheek and looked at Vegeta nervously. “I uh… Well… it’s … Trunks.”

Goku started laughing so hard tears started streaming down his cheeks. The expression on Vegeta’s face when Trunks’ name came out of Gohan’s lips had just been too priceless. Goku couldn’t have kept quiet if his very soul depended on it. “oooh!” Goku laughed, wrapping his arms around his waist and falling off the couch, “You should have seen your face!”

“Like father, like son, would be a bit of an understatement right now.” Vegeta blinked hard, trying to get his mind to process what he’d just heard. He glanced down at Goku, “It isn’t ‘that’ funny Kakkorot.”

“From here it is!”

***

Hands clenched so tightly that his knuckles were white Trunks landed before the small hut that was his new home. His eyes were so dark with hatred that they were almost black. He stood, feet apart and braced, hands clenched by his sides, eyes focused on the hut.

***

“Trunks is here.” Gohan said, his eyes darting to the door, “But.. there’s something…”

“Wrong.” Vegeta got to his feet, “He’s powered up.”

Goku’s laughter faded as he too got to his feet. “C’mon then. Let’s check it out.”

***

“Vegeta.” Trunks’ voice was low, unnaturally so. He stared at his father, seeing the man who continually ignored him, and the hate grew.

Vegeta approached warily, something was very wrong with his son. “Trunks.”

Trunks’ lips turned up in a bitter half-smile, “You told me once that all weaknesses within a man should be destroyed or stifled. Remember?”

Vegeta studied his son’s face, “Hm. What about it?”

“I’ve decided that love is a weakness.” The smile grew, becoming something malicious, “And so I’m going to destroy it.”

With a scream he raised his power to it’s limit and released a charge or energy at his father. Vegeta just barely managed to dodge the deadly stream. He rolled, instinctively powering up to a super-saiyan. “Trunks!” Goku cried, shocked. “What are you doing?”

“Becoming strong.” Trunks rushed forward, attacking his father in a flurry of punches and kicks.

Vegeta blocked the blows, not even attempting to fight back. After a few moments of frenzied attack however, Trunks managed to break his father’s defense and hit him in the stomach. As Vegeta grunted in pain and flew rapidly backwards, Trunks started laughing.

“It’s what you’ve always wanted father!” He cried, gathering energy under his fingers, “You’ve always wanted a strong son… well now you’re gonna’ get one! HAAA!”

Vegeta leaped into the air, the blast burning the soles of his shoes. “What’s wrong with you Trunks!?” Goku, having transformed into a super-saiyan just in case Vegeta would need his help, cried.

“Stay out of this Kakkorot!” Vegeta cried, eyes narrowing as he stared at his son.

“Now father, I’m going to destroy the weakness in me.” Trunks declared, “Are you ready?”

***

He awoke with a startled cry, eyes wide and full of terror. After a moment his eyes focused and he looked around the room. Every part of his body was sore, aching. He felt like he’d been run over by a mac-truck, or maybe just Piccolo. Laying back down gingerly he stared at the roof, panting. ::Was it all a dream? Some crazy dream?:: He wondered.

He didn’t know, and he wouldn’t know until he got up and found someone who ‘would’ know. Namely his father… or, maybe Gohan would be a better person to seek out. He didn’t really want to face his father in case it had been real. It certainly felt real, but there might be any number of reasons for the soreness in his body. He rolled off the bed and got to his feet. His legs ached, and right then he didn’t want to do anything other than go back to sleep. But no, he ‘had’ to find out if.. if …

He shook his head, gingerly walking across the room.

***

Gohan looked up, saw Trunks and jumped to his feet with a startled, “Trunks!” He looked wary, worried and relieved all at the same time.

“I… I had the strangest dream.” Trunks began hesitantly, eyes scanning the room. They were alone.

“Oh?” Gohan asked, a puzzled expression on his face, “What was it about?”

“I.. oh, you’ll think I’… I’m crazy.” Trunks looked down shyly, staring fixedly at his stockings.

“No. I won’t. Please tell me Trunks.”

“Well I.. I dreamt that… I tried.. to kill my father.” He finished in a rush, turning red. Gohan was silent. He glanced up quickly, paling as he saw the expression on his friend’s face. “It wasn’t a dream… was it?”

Gohan shook his head. “No, you uh, did.” He paused, “I mean, you did try to kill him. You were acting real strange Trunks.”

Trunks let out his breath, pain gripping his heart. He sunk to the floor, “What did I say Gohan? I can’t remember.” He could see the battle. It was fierce. He had been winning, or at least he ‘thought’ he had been winning. Vegeta hadn’t really fought back. Not until the end. He remembered screaming something at his father, and launching a blast of energy. He wasn’t sure what he said, but whatever it was it made Vegeta so angry the he started to fight back. Trunks didn’t really remember anything beyond that. Just pain.

Gohan shook his head mutely, “I didn’t hear most of it. Just something about.. destroying the weakness within your self… and love being,” he looked down, “A weakness.”

“I said that?” Trunks whispered miserably, “Oh gawd… what was I thinking?”

“Yeah. What were you thinking.”

Trunks met Gohan’s gaze, “There’s more.” He said, seeing that Gohan was ‘not’ telling him something, “I said something else. Tell me Gohan.”

Gohan made a strange snorting sound and shoved his hands deep into his pockets, “I.. I didn’t hear it clearly.” He shook his head, “You uh, you said something.. about my father..”

“Something? Like what?”

Gohan shook his head, “No. I-uh, I can’t.”

“Where is Goku? And my father?” Trunks asked, grabbing a nearby chair and pulling himself to his feet. He couldn’t sense his father’s life force anywhere near.

Gohan shrugged, “I’m not sure really. I guess my dad took Vegeta somewhere to cool him off… he was pretty upset.” ::In more way than one:: Gohan added mentally, looking at Trunks, the worry clear in his eyes.

Trunks saw the worry and mistook for something other than what it was, “He’s angry… with me.” He shook his head, rubbing his cheek with the back of his hand, “Oh man. He probably hates me now.”

“No Trunks. Parents don’t hate their kids.” Gohan protested quickly.

“Yeah. Normal parents. My father doesn’t care about me as it is…” Trunks shut his mouth with a click. Horrified that he’d spoken the thought aloud. He’d never told anyone about that before.

“That’s not true Trunks.” Gohan stepped towards Trunks, wanting to comfort but not knowing how.

“It…” Trunks forced a smile onto his face. “You don’t know where they went?”

Gohan was uncomfortable with the change of subject, but he let it slide. He wasn’t sure how to deal with Trunks’ feelings about his father. In all honesty he wasn’t sure how to deal with anything having to do with Trunks. His emotions always got in the way. “I don’t know.”

“Where’s Goten?” He moved across the room, every step causing his legs to cry out in protest. They didn’t want to move anymore than he did, but he couldn’t stay still either. There was so much pent up energy settling in his system.

“With our mom.” Gohan watched Trunks move, noticing the way he winced every time his foot set on the ground.

“Oh.” Trunks looked out the window, it was late afternoon. In his dream.. no in his memory the fight had started after sunset. He must have slept, but for exactly how long? He would have asked Gohan, but suddenly he felt embarrassed about everything. His actions, his words, but most importantly his feelings.

“Your father almost killed you.” Gohan blurted out, jerking as he heard the words come out of his mouth. He hadn’t meant to say it, not really, but he didn’t know if Trunks remembered. He was still a little amazed by the fact himself. He could remember quite clearly the way Vegeta had attacked Trunks, and the look on his face when his son fell to the ground, unconscious.

“He did?” He felt cold. He wrapped his arms around his waist, ::What did I say about Goku that would make him want to kill me?::

“He was really upset about it.”

“No. He wasn’t upset about almost killing me.” Trunks corrected, “I think I’m going to look for them. I have to apologize.”

“I’ll come with you.”

***

He finally calmed down. Goku laid an arm around his shoulders and bumped their heads together gently. “Feel better?” He asked softly.

“No.” Vegeta grumbled, “My son just tried to kill me. He insulted my lover, and in return I nearly killed ‘him’.”

Goku sighed softly, “Pretty heavy stuff.” He admitted, “You shouldn’t have let his words anger you.”

“I couldn’t let him say things like that about you.” Vegeta growled, “Nobody insults my property.”

“Your property?” Goku chuckled, shaking his head, “Well all right. I guess I can live with that. There are worse things.”

Vegeta’s entire body stiffened suddenly. He got to his feet, dragging Goku with him. Goku sensed the energy just a moment after Vegeta. He looked to the sky. “Okay, now remember, he’s a confused kid in the middle of a huge-”

“Shut up Kakkorot.”

“Uh… okay. Shutting up.” Goku agreed, he grabbed Vegeta’s hand as Trunks and Gohan landed before them. ::Stay calm lover. Stay calm::

Trunks looked at his father searchingly, then he dropped his gaze, unable to look at the disgust in his father’s eyes any more. What he didn’t realize was that the disgust was not aimed at himself. Vegeta looked at his son, seeing the bruises on his face and the stiff, pained way he held his body and he felt a deep disgust with himself. ::How could I hurt my son that way? Even if he did deserve it::

“I..” Trunks swallowed, biting his lower lip, “I’m sorry Goku. I don’t remem… I don’t remember much about yesterday,” He admitted softly, “But Gohan told me a little and I’m very sorry.”

“It’s all right Trunks. I know you didn’t mean it.” Goku said quickly, smiling at the nervous boy.

“I’m sorry father.”

Vegeta gazed at his son’s bent head, unable to form coherent words in his head. He’d never felt such fierce and confused emotions in his entire life. Goku nudged him in the side, and he managed to get some reign on his thoughts. “Sorry isn’t enough.”

Gohan’s jaw dropped. His eyes darted to Trunks. He watched as those shoulders slumped, the eyes becoming dull. “I know.” Trunks shook his head, “I know. It doesn’t matter though, does it?”

“What do you mean?” Vegeta snapped.

“Well, maybe it’s best. You never loved me,” Trunks lifted his eyes, steeling himself to meet his father’s shocked gaze, “And I guess it was just time for me to realize that.”

He was gone before Vegeta could respond. “TRUNKS!” He pushed Goku’s restraining hand away, “I’ve given him ‘enough’ time to be alone!” He shouted irritably, before flying into the air after his son.

***

He didn’t expect his father to follow him, so he was doubly surprised when a hand grabbed his foot. He whirled, staring at his father with huge eyes. ::You came after me:: He thought, coming to a stop in the air, ::Why did you come after me?::

Vegeta floated in the air, keeping his head just a little above Trunks’. “I don’t know what sort of idiocy your mind is full of, but that was the stupidest thing I’ve heard you say in your entire life!” Vegeta, never one to mince words, shouted.

“I’m always saying stupid things though, aren’t I?” Trunks shrugged.

“Not always. You’re capable of intelligent thought, I don’t know why you don’t ever ‘use’ that ability however.” Though the words were delivered in a particularly biting way, they still hit something deep within Trunks. He raised his eyes and stared into his father’s irritated brown eyes. “Don’t mock my feelings. I have too few to let my own son, reject the ones I do have.”

“What?” Trunks gaped at his father.

“You’re my son damn it! You think I’m such a bastard I don’t love my own son?!”

“You love me?” Trunks whispered, something hot stinging the back of his eyes. Suddenly he felt very weak.

“Of course I do! You’re my ‘son’.” He stressed the word, placing his fists on his hips. “What I don’t understand, is how you got the idiotic idea that I don’t give a rat’s ass about you.”

“Oh like you’ve ever shown anything but irritation at my presence!” Trunks snapped, eyes flashing with hurt, “How am I supposed to know you love me when you seem to just barely tolerate me!”

Vegeta’s eyes narrowed, “You should know me well enough to kno-”

“But I don’t know you! You never let me know you!!” Trunks cried, “You never gave me a ‘chance’ to know you!”

Vegeta blinked, accepting the truth of his son’s words but unable to think of a way to respond. “But you had no problem opening up to Goku. Your rival and self-proclaimed enemy for years! How could you trust him when you never once trusted me!?” Trunks shook his head, fighting the tears burning his eyes. “Oh, it doesn’t matter.” He moaned, “I, it doesn’t matter.”

“I’m sorry.”

Trunks winced, eyes becoming huge as he looked at his father. “What?” he gasped.

“I’m sorry. I’ve never known how to be a father.” His eyes were sad as he gazed at his son. ::So, another flaw in my structure makes itself known. I’m a miserable father.::

“Daddy.” Trunks whispered, throwing himself into his father’s arms. He hugged his father’s stiff body tightly, and when the hug was returned he couldn’t stop the tears that rolled down his cheeks.

***

::Two sets of cool, ice eyes smiled at him mockingly. He was so tired. Tired of running. Tired of hiding, and most especially tired of fighting these beasts. But he wouldn’t give up. Soon the time machine would be ready and he ‘had’ to stay alive until then. Gripping his sword with both hands he got to his feet.

“Well, well, you’re just eager for more aren’t you?” The raven-haired boy purred.

“This one is amusing 17. Don’t kill him quickly, it’s more fun to watch him fight for his pitiful life.” The pretty, blond girl warned.

“Oh, don’t worry. I’m not planning on killing him anytime soon.” 17 grinned at the girl.

Trunks steeled himself. They never killed him. Just fought with him until he was beaten down, and then he would run and strangely enough they never came after him. Maybe, because he was the last saiyan, they didn’t want him dead because he was too much fun to fight. He didn’t know, and he didn’t care. All he knew and all he could focus on was the need to stay alive.::

Hate nothing, lest soon you hate everything.

***

Be embarrassed By nothing

“So, you worked it out?” Gohan asked softly as Trunks walked into the house.

“Yeah.” Trunks smiled, feeling happier than he’d felt in days. “Yeah, we did.” He flopped onto the couch beside Trunks.

“You look better.” Gohan stared at Trunks’ face. Still bruised and tired, but not so sad anymore. He felt his cheeks flush as Trunks looked at him with surprise.

“Thanks.” Trunks said, slinging his arms over the back of the couch and stretching his legs out, “I still feel like shit, at least I don’t look it though.”

Gohan laughed, a little nervously. “Even when you came back you weren’t stronger than him.”

“Came back?” Trunks asked, puzzled by the comment.

“Uh… yeah.” Gohan made a face, “I forgot. You don’t know about all that.”

“About all what?”

“Well, I guess your dad never told you about Cell?”

“No. Well, a little. He told me that you were the one who defeated him.” Trunks smiled, “It was the first time I’ve ever heard ‘awe’ in my father’s voice. He still can’t believe how powerful you became when fighting Cell.”

“Yeah. Everyone was surprised, even me.” Gohan smiled at the memory, “It was pretty intense.”

“Why don’t you tell me about it?” Trunks, always eager to hear stories about old battles, asked.

“Hm, I dunno’. Maybe your dad didn’t want you to know.” Gohan mused hesitantly, he glanced at the open door. Just beyond it he could see Vegeta and Goku talking.

“Why shouldn’t I know? C’mon Gohan, tell me about it.”

“Well… all right.”

***

He knew about the androids. He knew about Gohan. He knew about Cell. But he’d never before heard about himself. That his ‘future’ self traveled back in time to save the earth. No one had ever told him. As Gohan finished his story, Trunks looked at him with wide eyes. “What was.. my future self like?” He asked softly.

“Really cool. Man, he was powerful. I remember when we first saw him… we were all in awe of his power. Even Vegeta, a little anyway. He was awesome. A little intense though. He was a lot like Vegeta in that respect. His one primary purpose was to destroy the androids. He didn’t seem to care about much else.” ::It was that version of yourself I first fell in love with:: Gohan added mentally, looking at Trunks and trying to dispel the thoughts from his head, but he couldn’t stop them. Trunks was just about the age he had been when he’d first showed up to them so many years ago. He looked just like Mirai Trunks, however his personality and general attitude towards life was different.

“He? It’s strange to have you talk about… me.. and yet it’s not me.” Trunks laughed uneasily, shaking his head to get his bangs out of his eyes, “So you liked my future self?”

“Yeah.” Gohan croaked, coughing to cover the sudden tightness in his throat. “Yeah. He ‘was’ you. Just a little different.” He added quickly. ::That’s why I fell in love with you twice. First your future self, and then.. you.::

“I don’t know.” Trunks looked at the t.v. Some random sitcom was playing. He’d never seen it before. He watched the characters dance around the screen, heard the voices murmuring softly. ::My future self.. there’s so much fondness in his voice when he talks about.. ‘him’. I’ve never heard anyone talk about ‘me’ like that.::

He forced a smile onto his lips, “I’m a little tired, think I’ll take a nap.”

“Okay.” Gohan watched as Trunks stood and walked to his room.

“Wake me up in an hour, ok?” Trunks asked.

“Sure.”

***

::”You do realize that you’ll die?”

Trunks shook his head, “I don’t care. It doesn’t matter. If ‘they’ can live I just don’t care.”

Her eyes sad she reached up and cupped his cheek, “Such a sweet child. You’d give up everything for them? You didn’t even know some of them.”

“I feel like I’ve always known them.” Trunks grabbed his mother’s hand and kissed her palm, “I have to save them mother.”

“You won’t exist anymore.” She said softly, “Oh, ‘a’ Trunks will be alive, but not you. Not you.”

He kneeled beside her, laying his head against her shoulder. He sighed deeply, “I would die for them mother… I will die for them. But I will still be alive. And so will you.”

“Not like this… although..” She shook her head, smiling sadly and stroking his head, “I suppose living without the pain of seeing all your friends die isn’t too much to die for.”

“Exactly my point.” He wrapped his arms around her waist.

“Then you have to go.”

“Yes. I’m not afraid mother.” He smiled contentedly, “Not only will I finally get to meet my father but I’ll get to make things right.”

“My beautiful boy.” She kissed the top of his head, humming softly. Soon she felt his body grow heavy as he slipped into sleep. “My dear, brave boy.”::

***

Gentle, sweet pressure. Confused he slitted his eyes open. Gohan gasped as those soft blue eyes focused on him. “Trunks.” He jumped back, losing his balance and falling onto his backside.

Trunks sat up, touching his lips lightly and frowning at Gohan, “What were you doing just now? When I woke up?” He asked quietly. ::It almost felt like he was kissing me::

“You were… uh, crying.” Gohan said quickly, trying to think of some excuse. He had walked in to wake Trunks and saw the boy crying in his sleep. In a moment of blind stupidity he had walked over, leaned down and pressed a very light kiss onto Trunks’ lips. “I was… just wiping off the tears.”

“Oh.” Trunks didn’t believe the story. But he didn’t believe Gohan had been kissing him either. What a silly thought that was! Gohan wasn’t into guys and he ‘certainly’ wasn’t into him.

“You uh, asked me to wake you up in an hour. I-it’s been an hour.” Gohan cursed mentally, hating the way his words came out in nervous stutters.

“Thanks.” Yawning Trunks slipped his legs off the side of the bed and stretched his arms over his head. “Man, I still feel tired.”

“Maybe you should rest some more?”

“Nah. Think I’ll get up.” He got to his feet, absently running a hand through his hair.

“Wanna’ play some video games or something?”

“Sure.”

***

Vegeta watched the interplay between Gohan and Trunks. Now that he knew he could see clearly the wanting and love in Gohan’s eyes. On the other hand he also noticed that Trunks was completely unaware of Gohan’s feelings. He watched his son especially close, wondering if maybe Trunks wasn’t just a bit interested in Gohan. “Eavesdropping?” Goku asked teasingly as he sidled up behind Vegeta.

“Shh. They’ll hear you.” Vegeta said softly, pulling Goku into the chair beside his own.

“So you ‘are’ eavesdropping?” Goku laughed, looking over Vegeta’s head at the living area where Trunks and Gohan were playing a video game.

“They think I’m just reading the newspaper… don’t do anything to alert their attention.”

Goku shook his head with another laugh, “Hear anything interesting?”

“Do you think Gohan’s feelings are returned?” Vegeta asked.

“I think Trunks has a lot of shit on his shoulders already. I don’t think he’s had the opportunity to really ‘think’ about his feelings towards Gohan. I also think he’s much too young to be feeling stuff like that.” Goku grabbed a banana sitting on the table and started to munch.

“Hn. So you think love is conscious of age then?” Vegeta said, eyes narrowing.

“Well, maybe no-”

Vegeta pressed two fingers over Goku’s mouth, “Don’t talk with your mouth full Kakorot.”

“What are you? My mother?” Goku responded when Vegeta dropped his hand.

“I may be. You’d be surprised.” Vegeta smiled wickedly, then turned his attention back to his son. “At least I found out why he was acting so strange. He thought that I didn’t care about him, but that I loved you.”

“That would hurt.” Goku propped his chin on his hands, “I mean, if there’s anyone on this world that’s supposed to love you it’s your parents, right?”

“I’ve always loved him. I don’t understand why he thought different.”

“You never told him.” Goku said simply.

“I thought he would know.”

“But how? Love is more than just words, true. But sometimes you ‘need’ to say the words. Especially to your kids. Or they’ll start to doubt and pretty soon they’ll stop believing.”

“I hate it when you’re right.” Vegeta growled.

Goku chuckled, “Yeah. I know.”

***

They lay side by side, shoulders touching. “There’s Orion’s belt.” Trunks said, pointing at the appropriate cluster of stars.

“Yeah.” Gohan agreed lazily. To his left Goten was lying, fast asleep.

“Hey Gohan?”

“Yeah?” Gohan turned his head so he could look at Trunks’ face, but Trunks was still facing the sky, eyes drinking up the beauty of the stars.

“Do you.. ever think what it’s like?”

“What what is like?” Gohan asked softly.

“Oh..” Trunks’ cheeks heated up, “What it’s like to be in love.”

Gohan was silent for a long moment, staring at Trunks’ face. He looked back at the sky just as Trunks turned his head to look at him. “It’s.. really wonderful. But it’s scary too. I mean, it’s frightening to want someone so much you ache. And it’s really, really scary to think of them ever being hurt.”

“You mean… you’re in love with someone?” Trunks asked with surprise.

“Yeah… but… but he doesn’t know.” Gohan admitted reluctantly.

“HE?”

Gohan turned his head, smiling sadly as he met Trunks’ gaze, “Does that surprise you?”

“Well… I sorta’ thought you were into girls.” Trunks shrugged.

“Oh, I like girls. There’s nothing wrong with them. In fact I was in love with a girl when I was younger, but then I met him, and I haven’t been able to look at anyone, or want anything but him ever since.”

“Oh.” Trunks breathed, the passion and longing in Gohan’s eyes making him uneasy. He ‘knew’ it wasn’t directed at him but it still made his stomach churn.

“Do you know how hard it is to love someone and know that they could never love you back?” Gohan whispered, bringing his face closer to Trunks’.

“Yeah.” Trunks said softly, thinking of his father. “It hurts.”

“It really hurts.” Gohan whispered, now so close his breath washed warmly over Trunks’ cheek.

“But you know what?” Trunks said, gulping nervously.

“What?” Gohan followed the movement of Trunks’ lips with some fascination. He wanted so badly to kiss those lips, to thrust his tongue into that pretty little mouth. ::Oh gawd:: he groaned mentally, ::What am I thinking?::

“You should tell this .. guy, how you feel. You never know. He might return the feelings.” Trunks tried to smile, “I found that out this afternoon when I finally told my dad how I feel.”

“Trunks.”

“W-what?”

“I want you.” Unable to resist anymore Gohan leaned forward and pressed his lips against Trunks’.

Trunks jerked, surprised, but he didn’t pull away. Not at first. It felt… good. Very nice. His stomach churning madly he started to close his eyes but then it dawned on him ‘just’ what he was doing. ::Oh my gawd. I’m kissing Gohan.. or rather he’s kissing me!::

He pulled away with a gasp, surging to his feet and taking to the air in one swift move. Gohan sat up, cursing softly. “Ah shit.” He whispered, watching Trunks’ form disappear into the night sky. “Ah shit.” He repeated, pressing a hand over his hurting heart.

***

“Trunks?” Goku lifted his head sleepily off Vegeta’s chest and watched as Trunks’ darted across the room towards his bedroom.

Trunks stiffened, turning slowly to look at Goku and Vegeta who were lying together on the couch and watching some tournament on the television. He knew his face was beet red, and he knew very well they could see this interesting fact. Gohan hadn’t been able to see it because it was so dark, but in here, in the house, his shame was all too clear.

“Why are you blushing boy?” Vegeta demanded, “Are you ill?”

“No. He’s blushing because I kissed him.” Gohan said softly, having just come in the door.

Trunks gasped, glancing at Gohan, his face turning redder. With a muffled cry he turned and ran into his room, locking the door behind him. “You kissed him?” Goku pushed himself up on his elbows to look at Gohan with upraised eyebrows.

“Yeah.” Gohan said softly, “It was probably the stupidest thing I’ve done in my entire life.”

“You can say that again.” Vegeta rolled his eyes, looking back at the television.

“Well, what happened after you kissed him?” Goku asked.

“He ran.” Gohan sighed, shoulders slumping. “I really blew it.”

“Well then you’ll have to apologize, but wait until tomorrow. It’s late, we all need to get some sleep.” Goku’s head plopped back onto Vegeta’s chest and in moments he was snoring.

Gohan shook his head slowly, bemused, “He never ceases to .. baffle me.”

“Hmph.” Vegeta glanced back at Gohan, “Be careful with my son, kid.” He warned, “You better be serious about whatever it is you’re feeling because if he returns those feelings and you screw him over I swear to Dende that you’ll be sorry.”

Gohan’s eyes widened, startled by the threat. “Uh… yeah. I’ll just go to bed now. Night Vegeta.”

“Hn. Night kid.”

***

Somewhere just beyond the edge of time is the gateway, and once you step through is a world like ours, but different. On this world a young man with shoulder length, silky white hair that shone almost purple in the light and light blue eyes swore viciously as his pen broke once again. Throwing the stupid, useless thing away he leaned back in his chair and brushed the paper’s he’d been working on off his desk. “Screw that.” He muttered, “Not like I need a schooling anyway.”

He stretched his arms over his head and was about to get up when suddenly ‘it’ seized him. For weeks now it had been coming upon him. When it took hold of him he could feel his body, he could ‘hear’ his own thoughts but he couldn’t move, couldn’t speak and wasn’t aware of passage of time or who he was. When ‘it’ ended he always found himself lying on the ground/floor, disoriented and tired.

He gasped, trying to fight ‘it’, but it was too strong. He fell to the floor, eyes wide but unseeing. Visions of another time, another place flashed in his mind, too fast for him to process and yet he knew what the visions were. With one last muffled groan he succumbed to the strange seizure, allowing his thoughts to drift.

Be embarrassed by nothing, lest soon you blush.

***

Hesitate Not

It hit him hard in the temple. He groaned in pain and fell to his knees, clutching his head. Somewhere, far away, he could hear voices calling him. Urgent, worried voices. But when the hands touched him he pushed them away, crying out in agony. ::What’s happening to me??:: He screamed, the words never really taking form anywhere but in his mind.

Then, as suddenly as it hit him, it was gone. He dropped his head, laying his forehead on the floor. He was panting, trying to catch his breath. “Trunks?”

He placed his hands palm down on the floor by his head and pushed. He stayed on his hands and knees, head bent, for quite a few moments. Someone was kneeling by his side, no, a few people were kneeling beside him. “Trunks?” The voice queried again.

“I don’t know … what’s happening… to me.” Trunks whispered, fearfully.

“What’s been going on?” Goku placed a hand lightly on Trunks’ back.

“Memories… no, no, visions.” Trunks shook his head slowly, sitting up and with Goku’s help he got to his feet. He looked around at Gohan, Goten, and his father. “They’re not mine, but they’re in my head.” He pressed his forefinger and thumb against his temple.

“What sort of visions?” Vegeta asked, eyes narrow with sharp concern.

“D-death… and.. and pain and sometimes… other things.” Trunks shook his head, “I’m always… I’m always ‘me’ in the visions.. but not me. Because I’m .. I’m not like that…”

He wasn’t making much sense. Goku patted Trunks’ back, “Okay, come over here and sit down.” He urged.

Trunks stumbled to the couch and fell onto it gratefully. He wrung his hands together in his lap and looked around nervously, his eyes darting here and there but never really focusing. “Tell us about the visions. Tell us exactly what happens in these visions.. all right?” Goku sat across from Trunks, motioning for Vegeta to sit beside his son.

Vegeta said beside Trunks. Goten and Gohan, getting a ‘look’ from their father walked out of the house. “Go on. Take it slow.” Goku said gently.

“All right… it started with dreams…”

***

He told them everything. Every last detail of every dream he’d had since the visions started. They listened quietly, never once interrupting him. When it was over, there was a long moment of silence. “Mirai Trunks” Goku said softly, “Some of those.. visions are actual things that happened while Mirai Trunks was here..”

“Why would Trunks be having vis… no. Why would he be experiencing the memories of his future self?” Vegeta wasn’t really addressing the question to anyone but himself.

“So they are memories.” Trunks whispered.

“But some of them aren’t.” Goku shook his head, “Some of the things you mentioned, they didn’t happen at all while Mirai Trunks was here.”

“I don’t care about the others.” Vegeta growled, “How, and why, would Trunks be having memories from his other self?”

“Vegeta,” Goku sighed, “It all wraps together somehow.”

“Is it a new enemy?”

They all turned, surprised to see Gohan and Goten standing just inside the room. “We… we came in some time ago. We heard some of what Trunks was saying.” Goten rubbed his hands against his legs nervously, “Sorry dad, we really wanted to know…”

Goku smiled, “It’s all right. You think it might be a new enemy?”

“It makes sense… sort of.” Goten shrugged, “I mean, Trunks said these visions… dreams… memories…, whatever, have been making him really tired. And he attacked Vegeta. He doesn’t remember why, or what made him do it. The only logical conclusion is that there’s a new enemy around and it’s messing with his head.”

“Woah, wait a minute, something even remotely intelligent coming from you?” Gohan choked, grabbing his throat, “Gads! We’re all going to die for sure! It ‘must’ be the end of the world!!”

Goten punched his brother lightly in the stomach, his cheeks turning red. “Things have been getting intense.” Trunks whispered, “My head…” he pressed two fingers to his temple, “hurts.”

“All right, so here’s what we do, anytime you have visions, or dreams, or anything strange at all happens, you tell us.” Goku said, getting to his feet.

Trunks nodded. “Vegeta and I are going to go visit Dende. He might have some way of finding out what’s going on. Gohan, you watch Trunks just in case there is a new enemy and he decides to show his face.”

Goku rubbed the back of his head, “And Goten, you come with us. I’ll take you to your mother.. you can stay with her for awhile.”

“I don’t wanna’.” Goten said quietly, “I wanna’ stay here and help Trunks.”

“No. Go to your mom’s Goten.” Trunks said softly, “I.. I think it’d be best.”

Goten frowned, “Listen Goten, if Trunks wasn’t under attack he’d be going to his mother’s too, so don’t feel bad.” Goku smiled, grabbing his youngest son’s hand and tugging him towards the door, “We’ll be back as soon as we find something.”

“Ja ne.” Gohan waved, his stomach clenching as he and Trunks were left alone.

***

“I’m sorry.” After a half hour of pretending nothing had happened to change their relationship Gohan finally just blurted it out.

Trunks started, looking at Gohan with wide eyes. “I.. it doesn’t matter.” He looked away quickly, his face flushing.

“It does matter. Look Trunks, I didn’t mean to scare… or upset you.” Gohan sighed, “I just got caught up in the moment I guess.”

“I don’t see how…” Trunks’ question trailed off.

“Don’t see how what?” Gohan urged, leaning forward and placing his elbows on his legs.

“Don’t see how you can love this.. guy and then turn around and kiss me.” Trunks risked a glance at Gohan’s face then looked away.

“But Trunks… you’re the guy I love. You’re the one I was telling you about.” Gohan said softly, deciding the truth was the best policy, “But, I won’t ever kiss you again, not if you don’t want me to. I don’t expect you to return my feelings and I’m praying to Dende that you’ll still be my friend.”

Trunks’ face paled. He looked up slowly, his gaze meeting Gohan’s.

Then everything went white.

***

When his vision cleared he was lying on his side in his room. He blinked several times to clear his vision. He was confused. He slowly sat up, seeing papers laying everywhere on the floor. He touched his head lightly, it hurt so much. He looked around, his brow furrowing. This was his room, but everything was different. Posters depicting scenes of battles plastered the walls. His desk was a mess, not the clean, ordered manner in which he’d left it. His bed was unmade, his clothes were lying all over the floor but .. they weren’t his clothes, were they? Everything was black. He didn’t own so many black clothes.

Slowly his gaze traveled down to the clothes he was wearing. Loose black pants, tight black shirt. He sighed, shuddering. “What’s going on?” he whispered, getting to his feet slowly, his hand reaching up to touch his neck. Something was brushing against it repeatedly.

He froze as he felt his hair. It extended well beyond his shoulders. His hair had never been that long, certainly it hadn’t been that long a few moments ago when he had been talking to Gohan… Gohan! Where was Gohan? Heart racing he bolted out of the room and froze.

In the living room a young man was seated on the couch, another, much older man was beside him. The two were Goten and Vegeta.. and they were kissing? Passionately. Trunks made a small sound of shock and disbelief. The two jerked apart and looked at him. “Trunks?” Vegeta gasped.

“Trunks!” Goten cried, hands flying to his mouth.

“No.. no what are you doing?!” Trunks gasped, “Goten… father…?”

Vegeta surged to his feet, he was so nervous he was trembling visibly, “Shit Trunks… I’m so sorry… you weren’t supposed to see that. Ah shit…”

Tears were gathering in Goten’s eyes, “Please don’t tell my mom.” He whispered.

“I didn’t know you were… shit.” Vegeta ran a hand through his short-

“Dad! Your hair!” Trunks’ hands flew to his head, he pressed his palms against either side of his head. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. His father’s hair was cut in a very smooth crew cut.

“What about my hair?” Vegeta looked puzzled, and there was something else.. something Trunks couldn’t quite place that was wrong with his father.

His attitude was all wrong. His voice too weak. “What’s going on?!” Trunks cried desperately, he backed away, towards the door, “Where’s Gohan? Where’s Goku?”

“Gohan is shopping and.. Goku died many years ago Trunks. You know that.” Vegeta said softly, a hand touching the top of Goten’s head gently.

“NO! You’re lying!” Trunks whirled, running to the door.

He threw it open and ran right into a familiar body that was just entering the house. Gohan grunted and dropped the groceries in his hand. “Trunks?”

Trunks looked up, “Gohan?”

“Trunks, is something wrong?”

***

The world shifted.

“Trunks? Please Trunks, answer me.”

He was lying flat on his back. Gohan was leaning over him, touching his face and calling out worriedly. “Please Trunks. Please, don’t do this. Your father will kill me if he comes back and finds you like this.”

Trunks blinked rapidly, “Goten… my.. my father?”

“They left. Remember?” Gohan sighed with relief as Trunks’ eyes began to focus. “Goku and your father went to talk to Dende and Goten went home.”

Trunks sighed with relief and shut his eyes tightly, “Then it must have been a dream.” He whispered.

“What? What must have been a dream?”

Trunks sat up slowly, his ears were ringing, his head hurt so much. “I was in my room, only it wasn’t my room. I .. I left it to look for you and my father and Goten were on the couch… they.. they were kissing. I ran for the door and then you walked in.” He met Gohan’s worried gaze, “That’s how it ended. With you asking me if I was all right.”

“Must have been another vision.” Gohan wiped Trunks’ bangs out of his eyes, “Just sit still for a moment, you look shooken up.”

“What’s happening to me Gohan?!” Trunks cried, “I just don’t understand… I’m so.. I’m so afraid.”

Gohan cupped Trunks’ chin in his hand and turned Trunks’ face so they were nose to nose. “Don’t be afraid.” he said quietly, “I’m right here and I’m going to do my best to make sure nothing happens to you.”

Trunks sighed, his eyes tearing up. He wrapped his arms around Gohan’s neck impulsively. “Thank you Gohan.”

Gohan shut his eyes tightly, holding Trunks close. “God, this is killing me Trunks.” he turned his head, burying his face in Trunks’ hair.

Trunks stiffened. “I’m sorry… I… I forgot.”

“No.” Gohan wouldn’t let him pull away, “No. I was your friend first Trunks… I still want to be your friend. Friends comfort each other, please let me comfort you.”

Trunks relaxed after a moment, “You ‘are’ my friend.” He said, turning his face into Gohan’s neck, “My best friend.”

Gohan rubbed Trunks’ back, enjoying the feel of this boy whom he loved so much. He probably shouldn’t have revealed his feeling to Trunks but he had said it, and now he couldn’t take it back. Trunks’ warm breath against his neck was comforting as well as arousing but he ignored the lustful thoughts, trying to focus on just comforting his friend. ::Damn it:: He cursed mentally, ::Just let him be. Let him use you for comfort. Don’t ruin things by getting all hot and bothered.::

He could feel the steady breaths coming from Trunks now and he sighed. Trunks had fallen asleep. Carefully he picked Trunks up and laid him on the couch. He crouched down, gently caressing one pale cheek of the face he held so dear. “Sweet dreams.” He whispered.

***

Somewhere just beyond the edge of time is the gateway, just beyond it a young man woke from ‘it’ to find himself standing in the doorway staring up at his best friend and lover. He blinked several times, confused. He could remember everything he had done while ‘it’ controlled him. He whirled, turning angry eyes on his father. No time to worry about what had happened this time while ‘it’ over took him. He had more important things to think about.

“What the hell were you thinking?” He screamed at his father, running across the room and launching himself at his father, “I’ll kill you!”

Vegeta wailed in fear, covering his head with his hands. He could remember the last time his son had gotten angry with him, in fact he bore scars from the experience. Gohan rushed across the room, grabbing his lover’s arms and pulling the long, white haired man-child away.

He hissed and scratched, trying to get his lover to let go, but Gohan was firm. “No. Trunks tell me what’s going on.” Gohan demanded sharply.

Panting, Trunks pointed a finger at Vegeta, “He’s screwing your brother!” He yelled furiously.

There was a short, shocked silence, and then the world exploded as Gohan bellowed and leaped, powering into super saiyan two level. He landed on Vegeta, knocking them both to the ground. Trunks cried happily, jumping into the fray.

***

::”Trunks?”::

He opened his eyes, looking around blearily.

::”Trunks can you hear me? Please respond!::

“Yes.” He whispered, not knowing where the voice was coming from and wondering why it echoed so oddly in his ears.

“You’re awake.” Gohan looked up from the television and smiled, his smile dimmed when he saw the strange, unfocused look in Trunks’ eyes.

::”Listen, please listen. I haven’t much time. Trunks they’ve targeted you. You must remain cl-”:: The voice cut off abruptly.

“Wait! Who!? Who targeted me?!” Trunks sat bolt upright, reaching out and grabbing at the air. “Please don’t go yet!”

::”I’m sorry! I’m so so-”::

The voice was gone. Trunks shuddered, suddenly feeling very cold. He grabbed his head, whimpering. Gohan was by his side now, an arm wrapped around his shoulders. “It’s all right. I’m here.” Gohan said repeatedly, stroking Trunks’ back.

“Gohan… someone’s after me.”

“… Who?” Gohan asked, his voice tight with worry.

“I don’t know. He didn’t tell me.” Trunks moaned, shaking his head.

“Who didn’t tell you?” His eyes darted around the room quickly. They were alone he knew, and yet Trunks’ words made him nervous.

“He didn’t. Just now. He said someone targeted me but.. but then he left.”

“Just now? I didn’t hear anything.”

“It was.. it was in here.” Trunks pointed at his head.

***

He met the cool grey gaze levelly, refusing to flinch away. “So, you found a way to contact him.” The man with the grey eyes looked away first. He gazed out at the horizon, then back down at the man bond and shackled at his feet. “Why bother? He can’t do anything to stop it.”

Ice-blue eyes glinted. Cracked, bleeding lips tilted in a mocking smile. “Let me tell you something,” He began, his voice raw and hoarse from all the screaming he’d done in the last few days while in the grey-eyed man’s custody. “You might have taken over the world. You might have even found some way to take over the world but you made one vital mistake.”

“What’s that?” The grey-eyed man asked, his voice only vaguely amused.

“You chose to use me as your first victim.” And he started to laugh, even though it hurt his cracked ribs.

The grey-eyed man stared at his laughing captive with disbelieving eyes. “Hm.” With a grunt he turned and walked away, “We’ll see, now won’t we?”

Hesitate not, and command thyself.

***

This world is a puzzle

“It’s been getting worse. Every thirty minutes or so he’ll slip into this trancelike state. You can’t do anything to wake him and when he does wake he swears that he was in ‘someone’ else body.” Gohan told Vegeta and Goku softly, glancing past the kitchen to the living room where Trunks sat watching t.v.

Goku sighed deeply, “So now we’re know pretty much for sure that someone ‘is’ after him. But why? And who?”

“When I get my hands on the bastard who’s doing this..” Vegeta growled.

Goku laid a hand on his arm, “Relax Geta. No sense getting yourself all worked up until we run into him.”

“Geta?” Vegeta looked at Goku, his eyebrows raised, “Did you just call me Geta???”

Goku laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck, “So uh, how is he? I mean, er..”

“He’s not doing good. The pain in his head gets worse every time he goes into that.. trance.” Gohan looked from Vegeta to Goku, “You know, you guys make a really cute couple.” He smiled, then walked away to join Trunks.

“Cute?” Vegeta repeated.

“Er, yeah. Okay.” Goku laughed again, then he reached up on impulse and kissed his friend and lover.

Vegeta returned the kiss eagerly, uncaring that his kid sat just a few feet away. Yesterday he might have told Goku to wait, hell even an hour ago he might have pushed Goku away, but right now he didn’t care about the public display of affection. He didn’t care if it might bother his son to see him lip-locking with another man. It just didn’t matter.

And it gave him a chance to nibble on Goku’s lip as a sort of punishment for the ‘Geta’ comment earlier.

Trunks looked up as Gohan jumped over the back of the couch and landed in the seat beside him. He swallowed nervously, unconsciously leaning away. “Gohan I.. I never did .. respond when you.. told me.. how you felt.” He finished in a rush, breaking out in a light sweat.

“It’s all right Trunks. I didn’t expect you to say anything.” Gohan stretched his legs out, laying his arm over the back of the couch so his hand was just beyond Trunks’ shoulder and leaning his head against his arm.

“Yeah.. I know.. but… I just..”

“It really is okay Trunks.”

“Not to me.” Trunks said, looking up shyly, “Thank you.”

“For what?” Gohan asked, puzzled.

“For telling me.” Trunks laughed shortly, looking away, “Just yesterday I thought no one cared about me…” He looked at his hands, “Today I find out that my father.. loves me. That my best friend loves me.” He shrugged, “Thank you.”

“No Trunks. Don’t thank me.” Gohan brushed his fingers over Trunks’ shoulder lightly, “You’re beautiful. Inside, outside. I don’t see how you could have felt no one cared about you.”

“No one ever said anything.” Trunks said softly, “Except my mom and I guess… I guess I just needed to hear it.”

“Everyone does sometimes.” Gohan glanced over his shoulder, turning pink when he saw what his father and Vegeta were doing. “Hey! Get a room!” He cried, turning away quickly.

They didn’t bother to break the kiss to respond. Trunks started to move his head to look back but Gohan stopped him. “Uh.. no. You don’t wanna’ look, trust me.” Gohan said with a little smile.

Trunks blushed, “Oh.”

“What do you think about their relationship?” Gohan asked softly.

“I’m all right with it.” Trunks told him, “Actually, it doesn’t bother me much at all. My father and mother have never really been together.”

“Right. I suppose that would make things easier. I still… have a hard time imagining my dad with anyone but my mom.” Gohan sighed, “But I’m happy that he’s happy you know. I’m just sad that my mom has no one now.”

“You think she’d be interested in my mom?” Trunks asked.

Gohan laughed so hard tears gathered in his eyes, but then he realized Trunks was completely serious. “Oh… uh… Hm. Er, that is I don’t know. Never really thought about it.”

“I don’t want her to be alone.” Trunks whispered.

“Yeah. I can understand wh-”

***

One moment he was sitting with Gohan the next he was lying in bed, something warm between his legs and something wet tickling his stomach. He looked down, confused, only to see a different, younger version of Gohan laying between his legs and licking his stomach.

He screamed.

And then passed out.

***

“Trunks? Oh my god. Trunks please answer me.”

When had he heard that before? Just a few hours ago when the first ‘episode’ happened. He squeezed his eyes tightly shut then slowly opened them. A very naked, very sweaty Gohan was leaning over him. He whimpered and quickly wiggled out from under that gorgeous body.

“Trunks? What’s wrong?”

“Please don’t touch me.” Trunks glanced down, realizing to his horror that he too was naked.

“What?” Gohan gasped, eyes widening. He’d never heard that particular comment from his boy toy before.

“Just… just stay there.” Trunks pleaded, thank god from the waist down Gohan was covered by a sheet. His cheeks were red as it was.

“Trunks, what’s the matter? Please tell me.”

Somehow he found the song: “Like a virgin for the very first time.” running through his head as he stumbled across the room and pulled on the first pair of pants he could find.

“Trunks? Are you going to tell me what this is about?” Gohan asked softly, getting really worried.

Trunks bit his lower lip, unable to speak because of the huge lump in his throat that prevented him from doing so. “Was I too rough? If you just want to sleep I don’t mind.” Gohan said, “I don’t mean to push you into unwanted sex. Especially not when you’re too tired.”

Trunks moaned and covered his ears with his hands. He shook his head, face burning so hotly it almost hurt to touch his cheeks. “I .. I just need… to be alone.” He leaned down, picking up a black turtleneck that lay on the floor and pulling it on.

“You’ve been acting strange since you found about Goten and Vegeta… Vegeta won’t touch him anymore you know. I broke both his hands.” Gohan said, trying to be comforting, “I understand your upset that your father went after your son bu-”

“Son?!” Trunks gaped at Gohan.

“Well, you and I adopted him when we got married Trunks.” Gohan frowned, “You do remember that?”

“Married?” Trunks couldn’t breathe. It was all way too much. He slumped to his knees, staring at Gohan.

“Trunks? What is wrong with you?” Gohan held up his left hand. On the finger beside his pinky a single gold band glinted in the light.

Trunks held out his hands, ears buzzing loudly as he saw the matching band on his finger. “Married.” he whispered, touching the band with the trembling fingers of his right hand.

Gohan pushed the sheet aside and slid off the bed. Trunks glanced up, saw the naked form approaching him and scrambled to his feet. “No! No stay back!” He held out his hands.

“What is it? Please tell me.”

Trunks glanced past Gohan at the door. He could make it. He knew he could. He glanced at Gohan again, bit his lip and then made a mad dash for the door. Gohan was so surprised that he didn’t have time to stop him.

Trunks tripped over a skateboard left lying in the living room and ended up face down on the floor. He hit his head hard enough to send him into momentary shock. He lay there, hearing Gohan calling him. Feeling hands on his back and an anxious voice saying his name and he started mutter, ::Please. Kill me. Just kill me.::

***

Vegeta stared down at his son, brow furrowed. Almost hesitantly he reached out and placed a hand on Trunks’ cheek. “How long has he been like this?”

“Just five minutes. He should be waking up soon. The.. er, trances, don’t last more than five, six minutes.” Gohan said hurriedly, he looked up at his father then back to Vegeta and Trunks.

Vegeta was silent, he didn’t say another words until Trunks’ eyes fluttered open. Trunks blinked several times, disoriented at first as he always seemed to be after the ‘episodes’. Then he focused on his father and breathed a soft sigh of relief. “Did you learn anything?” Vegeta asked.

“No. They don’t know anything over there.” Trunks said, blushing. He hadn’t had a chance to ask any question. He’d been too busy trying to convince Gohan to put some clothes on.

“Same place?” Vegeta looked at the color in his son’s cheeks with a slight frown.

“It hasn’t changed. It’s still the same world.” Trunks glanced down at his hands, but the ring wasn’t there anymore. He hadn’t really expected it to me. “They call me Trunks…”

“It must be an alternate universe.” Goku said, his eyes lighting up, “Somehow you’re being transported into an alternate dimension where you’re the same person but things are different.”

“It frightens me when he suddenly becomes intelligent.” Vegeta murmured softly.

Gohan tried to repress a smile, “I know what you mean.” He agreed, winking at his step-father to be. He was glad to see that Vegeta did indeed have a sense of humor.

“What do you think? Think I’m right?” Goku asked excitedly.

Trunks sat up carefully, leaning into his father and wrapping his arms around his father’s waist. “Please.” He whispered, “Just hold me for a minute.”

Vegeta accepted the hug, holding his son to his chest. “Your head still hurts?” He asked.

“It gets worse with every … episode.” Trunks admitted quietly.

::”Trunks?”::

Trunks jerked, pulling away from his father. His eyes widened and he scanned the room quickly. “I’m here.” He whispered.

“Here? What are you talking about?” Vegeta demanded.

Trunks shook his head, holding a finger to his lips. ::”Good.”:: A soft sigh from the voice, ::”The longer you bounce around the more damage your brain will take. Listen closely, you must stop the transitions.”::

“Transitions?” Trunks repeated aloud.

::”Right. When you jump into your.. well, let’s call it your other self. It’s really a transition. See, you’re not stable in your world anymore. He’s upset the balance. You need to stop the transitions or they will kill you and your other selves.”::

“Selves?”

::”You’re still dreaming of Mirai Trunks memories, aren’t you?”::

“Yeah.” He hadn’t mentioned the continued memories to the others however. Most of the memories were disjointed and.. surreal. So he just kept it to himself. However, along with the ‘episodes’ the memories too had been increasing.

::”Mirai Trunks, you and your other self will all die if the transitions are not stopped.”::

“But how do I stop them?” Trunks asked, oblivious of his surroundings. He was focused completely on the voice in his head.

::”You must come here. It’s the only way. You, Vegeta, Goku, Gohan, you must all come here.”::

“There are others who can fight.”

::”No. Only those with Saiyan blood will make it through.”::

“So… where do we need to go?”

::”Soon. You’ll know soon. Just relax. After the next transition the knowledge will be given to you. Directly after that you ‘must’ travel here. There will be no other time for it.”::

“All right….”

::”I have to go now.”::

“Wait!”

::”….yes?”::

“Who are you?”

::”…. You know me as Mirai Trunks.”:: Was the soft response and then the voice was gone.

***

This world is a lie

He waited tensely for the transition. He didn’t feel like talking to the others. He was so nervous he felt ill. He watched his father pace the room, caught Gohan gazing at him with a deep, worried gaze. Only Goku seemed oblivious to the tension as he filled his stomach with pretty much everything he could get his hands on. Shivering Trunks wrapped his arms around his body and slowly dropped to his side on the couch. He lay stiffly, breath baited in his throat.

“Trunks?” Gohan was by his side in seconds, “You all right?”

Trunks shook his head mutely, staring at Gohan with huge eyes. Gohan touched his shoulder lightly, “What can I do?” He asked softly.

“Gohan… if.. if I fail..” Trunks bit his lower lip, “If I fail, I die…”

“You won’t fail. I know you won’t fail.” Gohan said fiercely.

“But if I do… Gohan?” He placed his hands under his head, clasping them into tight fists.

“Yes?”

“I want… I want you to…” Trunks pushed himself back into a sitting position so he was eye to eye with Gohan, “Kiss me. Please.”

Vegeta looked up sharply, eyes narrowing. Goku paused, chicken hanging half out of his mouth, to look curiously. “Are you sure?” Gohan asked gently, his heart leaping.

“Yes. I don’t want to die without ever really kissing someone.” Trunks wrung his hands together, glancing down at them shyly.

Gohan cupped Trunks’ cheek with his left hand, reaching with his right to grab Trunks’ right hand. He gripped Trunks’ right hand tightly. “Look at me.” He said gently.

Trunks’ raised his eyes, his hand squeezing Gohan’s tightly. He was shivering, this time from nervousness and excitement. “Aren’t I supposed to close my eyes?” He said uncertainly.

“No. I want to see you.” Gohan leaned forward, running his lips lightly over Trunks’ left cheek. His thumb caressed the area he had just kissed as he moved to the right cheek.

Finally he applied the lightest pressure to Trunks’ lips with his own. Trunks jerked at the first contact, then his arms raised and wrapped around Gohan’s neck as he pressed deeper into the kiss. Vegeta raised both eyebrows, watching with a detached curiosity. His eyes moved to ‘his’ Kakkorot. Goku chewed the rest of his food, swallowing and then looking from the two young men to his lover.

Brown clashed with brown hungrily. “I’m starting to get hungry.” Goku murmured, licking his fingers.

“You just ate Kakkorot.” Vegeta said, the slightest hint of teasing in his voice.

“I’m not hungry for that.” Goku purred, getting to his feet.

Gohan made a soft, keening sound in his throat as he felt Trunks suddenly slump in his arms. He drew back from the kiss, gently lowering Trunks to a lying position. “He’s gone.” He said softly, interrupting the interplay between Vegeta and Goku. “Good luck Trunks.” He whispered.

***

::Not again:: Trunks moaned mentally as he found himself in a ‘compromising’ position with the Gohan that was not his own. He rolled off Gohan and fell to the floor with a thud. “Trunks?” Gohan sat up, looking down and frowning.

“I didn’t tell you last time, listen I’m not ‘your’ Trunks. I’ve from a different dimension. I don’t know how, but for the last little while I’ve been switching with ‘your’ Trunks every half hour.” Trunks explained in a rush. He crawled backwards until his back hit the wall then he scurried to his feet.

Gohan blinked several times, trying to come to terms with the strange truth Trunks had just told him. Then he nodded. “That would explain a lot about you… my Trunks’ weird behavior today.” He swung his legs off the bed and stood. “So, have you figured out how to stop it?”

Trunks blushed, covering his face with his hands, “Please put some clothes on.”

“Oops.” Gohan grinned, “Sorry. SO I take it you and ‘your’ Gohan aren’t married eh?” He bent down and pulled on a pair of loose sweat pants.

“We’re friends. That’s all.”

“You can look now. I’m decent.”

Trunks moved a few fingers to peer at Gohan. With a sigh he dropped his hands. “My future self, Mirai Trunks as we call him, has contacted me. He said when I traveled here again I would know how to stop whatever has been going on.”

“You don’t look well.” Gohan said suddenly, “I didn’t notice it before, but in this light. … you’re so pale.” His eyes narrowed, “And you look shaky. Come here, sit down before you fall down.”

“No! There’s no time for that!” Trunks shook his head vehemently, “If I don’t figure things out now, HERE, I will die! So will your Trunks and so will Mirai Trunks!”

Gohan’s face drained of color, “I have to help.” He said sharply, “Tell me how I can help.”

“I don’t… I don’t know if you can.” Trunks shook his head, pressing his palms against the wall and closing his eyes. “Oh..” he breathed, suddenly feeling very dizzy.

“What’s wrong?” Gohan rushed across the room and grabbed his arm.

“Oh.” Trunks gasped again, slumping against Gohan.

Gohan caught him and pulled him close, “Trunks?”

“I think… I know…” Trunks pressed his forehead against Gohan’s firm chest. “Now. I know now.”

“Know what? You’re not making sense.”

Trunks gripped Gohan’s shirt with both hands, “Hold me! Please.” He was suddenly very frightened as he felt the world revolving and changing shape.

“I’m here! I’m he-”

Gohan’s words cut short as, strangely enough, Trunks’ body just disappeared from his arms. He stepped back, looking around with a frown. “Trunks?”

But the boy was gone.

***

“What’s happening?!” Gohan cried sharply as Trunks’ body began to fade. He reached out, grabbing Trunks’ hand and gripping it tightly. “Trunks!”

Vegeta and Goku rushed over. “He’s fading?” Vegeta gasped, “He’s DYING!”

“NOOOO!” Gohan screamed, grabbing Trunks’ fading body and pulling it close to his own.

But there was nothing he could do to stop it. The one he loved so dearly faded to nothing in his arms. He let out a pained, high-pitched cry, falling against the couch. Agony gripped him, tearing him apart from the inside out.

Vegeta fell to his knees, shocked. Goku was by his side in moments, wrapping an arm around his lover and burying his head in Vegeta’s neck.

***

::Am I dead?:: Trunks opened his eyes slowly.

::No.:: He was standing in the middle of a ruined city. Debris lay everywhere. He looked around with wide eyes. He had never been here before but it looked faintly like a city on Earth. It was then he noticed a body, dressed all in black, lying some feet away from him. The long white hair reminded him of-the body stirred and Trunks ran over, falling to his knees beside the body.

“Hello? Are you all right?” He placed a hand hesitantly on the white-haired boy’s shoulder.

The boy groaned and rolled onto his back. Startled blue eyes gazed up into a similar shocked gaze. “You’re me!” They both cried at the same time.

Trunks looked down at his counter-part disbelievingly, “So it must have worked. But.. I was supposed to bring Vegeta, Goku and Gohan. Not myself.” He said softly.

“What’s going on? Who are you!?” Trunks… er, Trunks2 that is, demanded, sitting up.

“I’m you, from an alternate dimension. Listen, around here somewhere is another version of ourselves. I call him Mirai Trunks. He’s the only one who seems to know what’s going on so we have to find him.” Trunks said hurriedly. He got to his feet and held out a hand to help his counterpart to his feet.

Trunks2 grabbed Trunks’ hand and got to his feet. He brushed back his long hair carelessly. “So you’re ‘it’.” He said conversationally, “The seizure that’s been gripping me all day was caused by you.”

“Well, actually it wasn’t caused by me. What it was, was me taking over your body, though not deliberately…” Trunks bit his lower lip, “You don’t like my… your father do you?”

“I hate him! He’s a weak bastard!” Trunks2 shouted passionately.

Trunks nodded, “Okay. Sorry, let’s go find ourself… er, I mean, Mirai Trunks.”

They headed off together, one standing just a bit taller than the other because of the shoes he was wearing. Trunks2 looked down at Trunks, “Well, we’re going to have to decide what we’ll call each other. I mean, I can’t call you Trunks… can I?”

Trunks shrugged, “Well, you can actually. I mean, there’s only two of us. Mirai Trunks will be just that, Mirai Trunks and you are Trunks to me and I am Trunks to yo-”

“Anyone ever tell you, you don’t make much sense?” Trunks2 asked with a nasty smirk.

Trunks shrugged again, “I’m sorry. I’m just… really tired.” But he realized his head wasn’t hurting anymore. He reached up and pressed a finger against his temple. What a relief that was.

“Yeah. I imagine. So you’ve been bouncing from my body back to yours for, what, a day now? With no idea what was going on and no idea how to stop it?”

“Pretty much.” Trunks nodded, glancing at his counterpart. It was strange to look at himself, but at least he knew that he could safely grow his hair long without worrying now.

“That must have been freaky. I mean, it must bad enough on my part, but to actually be bouncing around… say, one time when.. when ‘it’ took me I was with Gohan.” Trunks2 smirked, “You didn-”

“I woke up with him…” Trunks blushed deeply, “Let’s just say he was… in a … uncomfortable position. At least it was uncomfortable to me so I threw him off and ran.”

Trunks2 laughed, loudly, “That’s hilarious! Poor Gohan! Hey! Do you have a Gohan in your dimension?!”

Trunks nodded.

“Maybe we can arrange a foursome!” Trunks2 laughed even harder at this.

Trunks blushed so red he was sure even his toes were crimson.

***

Mirai Trunks let his head drop. He was so exhausted. He hadn’t been able to sleep since the Monk had caught him. He knew, the moment he let sleep take him, the Monk would be in his head. But there was only so long a man could stay awake before he just ‘had’ to sleep. A sound alerted his attention and he jerked his head up, eyes scanning the area before him that he could see. Nothing but mountains of debris. Had Trunks made it here? He wondered.

::Otherwise I’d be dead::

Mirai Trunks sighed softly and shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. It was harder and harder to focus. ::Please hurry Trunks. We haven’t much time before the Monk returns.::

“Mirai Trunks?” A voice whispered from behind him.

He stiffened, “Trunks?”

“Yeah. It’s me. Er.. I mean.. it’s one of me.” Trunks rushed forward, ducking low, though he wasn’t sure why. He settled beside his future self and stared at surprised into his own face. Mirai Trunks was much older than he was, and very battle scarred but despite this he was beautiful. Stunningly so.

Mirai Trunks wiggled his hands, “See if you can get me out of these.” He said softly, “And hurry, the Monk will return soon.”

“The Monk?” Trunks leaned down, working at the ropes that tied Mirai Trunks’ hands together. He wondered how simple rope had kept the saiyan prisoner but he never asked.

“K’somiaso.” Mirai Trunks said softly, “He’s from a race we call the Monks. I didn’t learn his name until .. oh it doesn’t matter. We have to get out of here. He’s the one who caused you to be bounced around.”

“How?” Trunks worked the knot out and released Mirai Trunks’ hands.

“He’s got cosmic mental powers. The likes of which you cannot begin to imagine. Look around you Trunks, what do you see?” Mirai Trunks leaned down and began to work on the bonds that held his feet tied together.

“Nothing… just debris.”

“Exactly. The Monk has been destroying everything, and you know how? Not by the conventional means, by taking over people’s minds. By changing the past and altering the thoughts of the lesser minded.” He released his feet and rubbed his ankles for a moment so the feeling would return.

“But.. why expend so much energy just to destroy us?” Trunks asked hesitantly.

“It didn’t take any energy.” Mirai Trunks said with a snarl, “It was simple, so he did it. He watched for awhile, but he’s obviously not watching now.”

“Ah ah ah, but that’s where you’re wrong.” A man with grey eyes and a stunningly pale, beautiful face appeared several feet in front of them.

Mirai Trunks gasped, scrambling to his feet and dragging his younger self with him. “I’ve been watching it all and enjoying myself. I always did like watching worthless beings struggle to survive.” The Monk laughed, his eyes sparkling with genuine amusement.

“So do I!”

The Monk gasped at the voice, he whirled around just in time to see the energy ball flying towards his chest. He had no time to run. The ball hit his chest and threw him into the air. He landed with a loud, sharp cry several feet behind Mirai Trunks. Trunks2, in super-saiyan form, sauntered over, a smug smile on his lips. “Say, this is me?” He pointed at Mirai Trunks.

Mirai Trunks turned away, looking at the Monk. ::Is he dead?:: He wondered. ::Surely one blast couldn’t kill him.::

“A future version of one of us… I’m not sure which.” Trunks said a little uncertainly.

“Man, I’m hot.” Trunks2 grinned, he wandered up behind Mirai Trunks. “Hey sweetie, can I take you home?” He purred in Mirai Trunks’ ear.

Mirai Trunks stiffened, moving away. “No.” He said sharply, “He’s not dead.” He powered up, transforming into a super-saiyan easily.

Trunks2 shrugged, he crossed his arms over his chest. “So what. Shouldn’t take much to kill him.”

“Not if he doesn’t get in your head.” Mirai Trunks growled, glancing at Trunks, “Power up.”

Trunks nodded and with a burst of energy he felt himself transforming. It almost hurt. It always did. “Watch yourself.” Mirai Trunks warned as the Monk got to his feet.

“You’ll pay for that scamp.” The Monk wiped blood from his mouth, eyes narrowed and angry.

“Scamp?” Trunks2 snorted, “Hey, if you’re going to insult me at least use decent insults!”

::I’m going to die:: Trunks thought a moment before the world tilted.

He landed in a heap. Mirai Trunks cried out angrily, releasing a stream of energy bolts at the Monk. Trunks2 leaped into the air, doing the same. Trunks felt the energy seeping out of him. ::At least… At least I died knowing..::

“Release him!” Mirai Trunks launched himself at the Monk, Trunks2 hot on his heels.

As they fought together Mirai Trunks couldn’t help respecting the little punks fighting ability. He may have other faults, but Trunks2 could fight. He almost reminded Mirai Trunks of Vegeta… actually he reminded Mirai Trunks very much of Vegeta as they fought.

Trunks twitched, fighting the urge to close his eyes. It was too great however.

The last thing he saw was Mirai Trunks punching a hole through the Monk’s chest.

***

Only for a loved one I am waiting

Warm. So warm. He moaned, reluctantly opening his eyes. He was lying in his back in a field of wild flowers. The smell from the flowers was overwhelming and yet.. nice. He sat up carefully, touching his chest. He was sore all over, but he hadn’t fought at all. Had he? He couldn’t really remember anything after he fell to the ground. Mirai Trunks and his other self must have beat the.. Monk? He looked around curiously. ::Which world am I on?:: He wondered.

::Only one way to find out:: He got to his feet and took to the air in one easy leap.

***

Trunks2 dusted off his hands and grinned at Mirai Trunks. “That wasn’t so hard.”

Mirai Trunks snorted, turning. “Where is Trunks?” He said sharply, scanning the area for the boy who had been lying nearby just moments before.

“I dunno’ may-” And just like the worst kind of dream at dawn Trunks2 was gone. Leaving only a memory behind.

Mirai Trunks stared at the empty spot where Trunks2 had been standing. “Gone home?” He wondered aloud. He wiped his hands on his pants and looked at the Monk’s dead body. “I suppose there’s nothing to keep them here anymore.”

“I hope you’re all right little one.” He said, thinking of the less annoying version of himself. The boy he had sought out in the first place. While in battle the Monk had obviously tapped into the boy’s thoughts.

Mirai Trunks reached up and touched his lip lightly, “Well… time to clean up I guess.” he said softly.

***

“GOHAN!” Trunks2 appeared in his living room. He saw ‘his’ Gohan sitting on the couch and threw himself over the back of the couch onto his beloved.

Gohan cried out in surprise as a very excited Trunks landed in his lap. “Trunks? Is it you?”

“Yeah! It’s me!”

“I dunno’.” Gohan said slyly, “I’m not too sure it’s really ‘my’ Trunks.”

“Oh yeah. Well I’ll just have to prove it.” And he did.

***

He landed in front of his house, stomach clenching nervously. Taking a deep breath he walked to the door and with a shaking hand reached up and turned the door knob. The door swung open and he hesitantly walked in. “Hello?” he called.

There was no response.

“Hello?!” He called, louder this time.

Still no response. He searched the house quickly, only to find it was completely empty. “Where could they be?” He wondered aloud.

He ran out of the house and flew straight to his mother’s home. He ran to the door and hesitated briefly. Then he knocked, hurting his knuckles on the wood.

“Just a minute!” A voice from inside yelled. A moment later the door opened to reveal his mother.

“Hi mom!” He called, smiling. “Where is everyone?”

“Mom?” Bulma repeated carefully, “Oh, you must be mistaken. I’m not your mother.” She smiled kindly.

“Wh-what? mom? What kind of joke is this?” Trunks cried.

“Listen son, you look worn out. Why don’t you come in and have something to eat and then I’ll you find your way home.” Bulma said gently.

“Lace!”

Trunks whirled as an excited Goten ran up behind him. Goten stopped as he saw Trunks, “Oh… sorry. From behind you kind of looked like Lacey.” He looked at Bulma and grinned, “Is Lacey around?”

“Oh sure. She’s upstairs.” Bulma nodded with a smile.

Goten nodded at Trunks and rushed into the house. ::I must be in an alternate universe:: Trunks realized, fear gripping him in the chest and making it hard to breath. ::But… But Mirai Trunks defeated the Monk… didn’t he? Shouldn’t I be home?::

“Come in young man. Before you fall down.” Bulma stepped back, opening the door so he could walk in.

::May as well:: Trunks decided with a deep sigh, ::Not much else I can do.::

***

“The dragon can’t resurrect him.” Goku said softly, his shoulders slumping, “I’m so sorry Vegeta.”

Gohan shook his head, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Trunks.” He whispered.

“So he’s dead.. and we don’t know who or what killed him.” Vegeta growled, anger coursing through him so strongly he was shaking.

Gohan placed his hands over his heart. “I… I…” He slumped to the ground.

Goku ran to his son’s side, turning his back just long enough for Vegeta to take off. He looked up, “Vegeta! WAIT!” He cried, but his lover kept going.

Trembling Goku wrapped his arms around his grieving son. “I’m sorry Gohan.”

“I’ll… I’ll never… love anyone… as much… as,” Gohan’s voice choked as his throat filled with tears, “As much as I loved him.”

Author’s Notes:  Sequel to “Fingers”
Song Used: Stabbing Westward – Haunting Me
Everywhere I go I see your face.
And every sound I hear
is the sound of your voice.
Why are you haunting me?
Why can’t I let you go?

Trunks gazed out at the night, his eyes shadowed with grief. ‘Gohan…’ He closed his eyes. He missed Gohan so much. So, terribly much. He would give anything to turn back time… to go back to that time and rather than just lay there trembling… he would participate. At the time he just hadn’t been ready, but now… now that was Gohan was gone he realized just how much he needed Gohan.

Now that Gohan was gone he realized how much he loved him.

He wrapped his arms around his waist.

The tears ran down his cheeks freely.

‘Gohan…. I’m… I miss you…’

Why are you haunting me?

Gohan opened his eyes slowly. The light hurt his eyes. He rubbed his face and gazed at his father. Goku’s jaw was hard, his eyes warm with relief to see his son alive, and yet they were also full of anger. “Why?” He asked softly.

Gohan bit his lip, “Trunks?”

“He’s all right, as far as I know. Vegeta won’t let me near him.”

Gohan closed his eyes. His heart ached. ‘I’m so sorry Trunks.’ He thought, to his father he said, “Why did you bring me back?”

“As ashamed as I am of your actions… I still love you.” Goku said softly, “You’re my son. I couldn’t leave you dead.”

“Yeah…. mom would kill you if you did.” Gohan added with a little smile.

Goku studied his son with sad eyes. “I understand what it’s like to want someone so much you can hardly keep your hands off them but Gohan… Trunks, he’s just a child. He’s not ready for that sort of shit.”

“Is anyone ever ready?” Gohan murmured, he met his father’s gaze with reluctance, “I.. I love Trunks father. I.. didn’t mean to hurt him.”

“I know…” Goku grabbed his son’s shoulder, “But it may not make a difference, and if Vegeta kills you again… I’m NOT traveling all the way to Namek again to bring you back…. at least not for a few months.”

Everything about me is a lie.
At least it feels that way
when I look in your eyes.
The truth scares the shit out of me.
Whoever said love is real,
or love is blind,
has never felt the way that I feel.

Trunks stared at Gohan, he wanted so badly to run to his friend and hug him, but he knew he couldn’t. He would probably never get to spend time with Gohan again, and the idea broke his heart.

Vegeta growled, “I don’t like this.” He murmured. He had reluctantly agreed to let Gohan see Trunks to apologize, it had taken much persuasion from Bulma and a frying pan before he let the meeting happen.

Gohan ignored Vegeta, he met Trunks’ gaze and felt miserable when Trunks flushed and looked away. “Get it over with monkey.” Vegeta growled, his lip curling up in a sneer.

Gohan nodded, “Trunks…”

“Let’s leave them alone Vegeta.” Goku walked to Vegeta’s side and took the smaller saiyan’s arm.

“WHAT?!” Vegeta pulled his arm away with an angry shout.

“We’ll just wait outside, if Gohan tries to molest Trunks again-”

“I have no intention of-” Gohan interrupted quickly.

“-we’ll just be a whimper away.” Goku finished, ignoring Gohan.

“No!” Vegeta snapped.

“Father… please…” Trunks said quietly.

Vegeta looked at his son, saw the entreaty in those gentle blue eyes and nodded. “All right.” He grumbled, “But if he touches you Trunks you tell me so I can rip his fingers off and THEN kill him!”

Trunks squeezed his eyes shut. He knew his father would do just that. Vegeta and Goku left the room, leaving Gohan and Trunks alone.

What does it matter?
What’s done is done
and I should get on with my life.

“Trunks… I am so sorry.” As he spoke, tears filled his eyes. He never let them escape onto his cheeks, but they burned at his eyes.

Trunks met Gohan’s gaze. He bit his lip and nodded. “It’s all right.”

“No! It’s not all right! Gawd Trunks… I didn’t mean to.. hurt you.” Gohan murmured. He ran a hand through his hair.

“It didn’t hurt…” Trunks said, the skin of his lip broke and the taste of blood filled his mouth. “It… felt good… but…”

“You weren’t ready.” Gohan moved closer to Trunks, he moved shyly. He didn’t want to scare Trunks and he certainly didn’t want to be close if Trunks didn’t want him close.

“Yeah….”

“I am sorry.”

“Gohan… will you kiss me?”

Why are you haunting me?

Gohan could hardly believe his ears. He gaped at Trunks with disbelief. “Did… Did I hear that right?” He wondered aloud.

Trunks nodded. He moved so he was directly in front of Gohan. He took Gohan’s hand and pressed it over his heart. Gohan felt the way Trunks’ heart was working overtime. He sucked in his breath on a hiss. “Are you sure?” He whispered.

Trunks nodded.

Gohan leaned down.

Their lips met.

I don’t know what it is
but I can’t seem to make myself forget.
Was it something that you said?
Or is it all the guilt inside my head?

When Gohan touched his pants, Trunks felt himself stiffening. Not because he didn’t want to, but because he was afraid his father would walk in and catch them. Gohan noticed Trunks’ tensing and he stepped back. His face was flushed with shame. “Gawd, I’m sorry Trunks. I’ve done it again haven’t I?”

“NO! That’s… that’s not it…. it’s just… if my father walked in just now… he would have killed you again.” Trunks said, grabbing Gohan’s hands.

Gohan smiled.

“Gohan… Gohan I can’t live without you. I -want- you to touch me but… but not now. Not here.”

Gohan nodded, leaning down he kissed Trunks again.

Why are you haunting me?

Goku shook his head and crossed his arms. Vegeta had his ear pressed against the door. “Vegeta.” Goku growled.

Vegeta waved his hand, “Shh.” He muttered, “I can’t quite make out what they’re saying and if you talk I’ll -really- have a hard tim-”

Goku moved to Vegeta’s side and he placed his hand on Vegeta’s shoulder.

Vegeta looked up just in time to see Goku’s face descending.

He squeaked as Goku kissed him.

He didn’t have time to react.

When Goku pulled back, Vegeta was in shock.

Goku smiled wryly, “Like father, like son, eh?”

“Wh-what?” Vegeta gasped. He tried hard to think coherently again, but it wasn’t working well.

“My son has fallen in love with your son, to the point that he can’t keep his hands to himself and I…”

Goku leaned down and playfully nipped Vegeta’s nose.

“Can’t keep my hands off of you anymore.”

Author’s Notes:  Prequel to “If I Could Turn Back” Time
Me and fingers by the campfire
throwing stones into the lake.
He was like the older brother
that they could never make

Trunks looked at Gohan with a smile. He was so excited, he and Gohan had spent the day together, fishing and sparring. It had been great fun. And now they were relaxing by the campfire and throwing stones into the lake, something Gohan enjoyed to do. Gohan turned his head and returned Trunks’ smile.

Me and fingers by the snack shop,
watching fingers play piano.
Wishing I could play like Fingers
and he says: “Hey man if you practice you never know.”

Trunks laughed, jumping back and narrowly dodging a playful punch from Gohan. “You’re fast!” He said with a huge grin.

“Yeah.” Gohan smiled and laid back, putting his hands behind his head as he did.

“Hey… Gohan… thanks for asking me out here. I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun.” Trunks said, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

Gohan just shrugged, “You’re my best friend. I’m just surprised your mom let you come.”

Trunks laughed. He grabbed a handful of grass and threw it at Gohan’s face. “Your mother isn’t much better, mate.”

Gohan sat up and tackled Trunks. The two rolled on the grass. In the end Gohan pinned Trunks to the ground, much to Trunks chagrin.

Oh, when fingers touched those keys
Oh, he made me weak at the knees.
He could play about anything he pleased,
Like a nice little boy of thirteen.

Trunks watched Gohan shadow box. Gohan hadn’t noticed Trunks yet. Trunks had come over to visit and found him shadow boxing in the back yard. He remained concealed and just watched.

As much as he hated to admit it… Gohan had a nice build. A very nice build. Trunks pressed a fist to his stomach to stem the sudden queasiness he felt.

Me and fingers in his cabin.
Staying up way past curfew.
Listening to Randy Newman for the very first time

They were on another camping trip. Trunks helped Gohan set up the tent and once that was finished they walked to the lake to watch the sunset. They sat close as they watched. Again Trunks found his stomach fluttering. He pressed a fist against it. He wondered at the strange sensation.

Oh, when fingers touched my belt.
I was too scared to say how wrong it felt.
I knew that I was going straight to hell.
He didn’t have to tell me not to tell.

Trunks stiffened as he felt Gohan’s hand touch his stomach. He looked at Gohan with wide eyes. Gohan smiled at him, his hand slipping under the band of Trunks’ pants. Gohan leaned down, pulling Trunks’ pants out of the way and revealing Trunks’ arousal. Trunks was embarrassed at the arousal, and he felt his cheeks warming. He gasped in surprise as Gohan’s lips wrapped around the head of his erection.

‘Wrong.. this is wrong…’ He thought, but he was too scared to ask Gohan to stop.

Oh, fingers don’t you cry
those crocodile tears you cry
to get your way inside me.
Then you won’t have to live
with the guilt and the shame
for the rest of your life.

Trunks rolled to his side. He was sobbing. He was so ashamed. Gohan reached out, hesitantly touching Trunks’ shoulder, but Trunks jerked away.

“I’m… I’m sorry Trunks.” Gohan whispered, “I.. I didn’t mean.” He felt horrible about what he’d done, but he had been unable to repress his lust towards the boy any longer. He had wanted to touch Trunks for so long, he had been lusting after Trunks for as long as he could remember.

Trunks curled into a ball, unable to stop the tears that coursed down his cheeks. Gohan removed his jacket and wrapped it around the boy, not knowing what else to do. He wanted desperately to comfort Trunks, but he had a sick sense that Trunks would never let him touch him again.

Cause it’s coming to an end
with that gun pointed in your face
and one up your ass.

Gohan looked up with surprise and found himself staring at Vegeta. His eyes widened. He got to his feet as quickly as he could. “Vegeta!?” He cried.

Vegeta’s eyes were dark with anger. He lifted his hand.

Trunks lifted his head just in time to see a flash of light.

Gohan didn’t scream…

He didn’t make a sound as he crumbled to the ground.

Now, fingers don’t you cry
you’ll never work in this town again
it’s time for you to say goodbye.

Vegeta kneeled beside his son. He pulled Trunks into a tight embrace. “Papa…. papa you killed him.” Trunks gasped through sobs.

“He’s just lucky I didn’t do more.” Vegeta murmured stonily. He held Trunks close.

Trunks glanced over his father’s shoulder at Gohan’s still form.

“Gohan…” He whispered.

Author’s Notes:  Sequel to : Want For Nothing
“So, what’s your name?” Bulma asked pleasantly as he sat down at the table.

She moved to the counter and started preparing him some soup. “Er… Trunks.” He waited, but there was no response to the name. ::Maybe I don’t exist in this universe?:: He thought as he watched her move around the kitchen.

“Where are you from Trunks? Why is a young man like yourself wandering around by himself?” Bulma asked, smiling at him over her shoulder. “How old are you anyway? You don’t look much older than thirteen.”

Trunks shrugged, “I’m… I’m from far away… I uh… I kind of got lost…”

“Lost? Oh that’s terrible. Well now I’m sure I’ll have to help you find your way home. Can you tell me the name of your hometown?” She grabbed a bowl and filled it with soup.

She turned, just in time to see him grab his head. “You’re all right?” She asked anxiously, rushing to the table and putting the bowl down in front of him.

“Yeah… I’m…” Trunks rubbed his temple, looking up at her shyly, “I’m just really tired.”

“You poor thing. You look worn out.”

“Mom! Goten and I… who’s this?” A young girl, with long blue-white hair and beautiful blue eyes came bounding down the stairs. She noticed Trunks and stopped short.

Trunks stared at her, his eyes wide. She almost looked like a female version of himself. But that was.. silly. “This is Trunks dear. A young traveller who’s lost his way.” Bulma said with a warm smile at the girl.

“Mom?” Trunks whispered, “This is your.. daughter?”

“Yep. Trunks, this is Lacey, my daughter.” Bulma waved at Lacey.

“He’s kinda’ cute.” Lacey said under her breath to Goten.

“Very cute.” Goten corrected with a grin.

::Oh god.:: Trunks stared at Lacey with huge eyes, ::I’ve slipped into the seventh circle of hell.:: He groaned mentally, his eyes devouring that fine face. ::She’s… me?::

“Hi Trunks! Are you staying long?” Lacey wiggled her way across the room, swinging her hips more than Trunks knew was humanly possible.

“Um… I … I..”

“Lacey, why don’t you and Goten take Trunks out? Hm?” Bulma suggested, “I mean, that is if you’re not too tired Trunks?”

Trunks was surprised by the offer, and not just mildly so. He stared at Bulma for a moment then looked at Lacey and Goten. He was curious about this version of Goten and even more curious about this version of himself. “I… I think I would like that.” He said softly.

“Great!” Lacey cried, “C’mon Trunks! I’ll show you around!” She grabbed his arm and pulled him out of his seat.

::Help:: Trunks thought as she dragged him out of the house.

***

“And this is our school, and that’s Capsule Corp where mom used to live and where she works-” There was no end to her prattle. From the moment she dragged him out of the house she had been talking. She didn’t pause once to breathe, or so it seemed to Trunks. He watched her with huge eyes, he could hardly believe this was an AU version of himself.

It was almost embarrassing to think he was part of this air-headed… female. He glanced at Goten, who had been fairly quiet. Goten was staring up at him, almost worshipfully. As their eyes met Goten flushed and quickly looked away. “Are you a fighter?” Lacey paused long enough to ask.

Trunks looked at her, blinking several times a he processed the fact that she was actually ‘waiting’ for him to answer, not like her previous questions where she didn’t give him a ‘chance’ to answer. “Er… sorta’. I’m still training.” He said softly.

“Really?” Lacey’s eyes grew huge with awe, she stopped walking so she could peer up at him. Even with her high heeled shoes she wasn’t as tall as he was. “You’re not joking?”

::Why would I joke?:: He wondered as he nodded. “You’re a little young to be a fighter.” Goten said, frowning as he stared up at Trunks.

“Young?” Trunks repeated, “No. Yo.. I mean, a friend of mine started training when he was just four.”

“FOUR?!” Lacey cried, “Wow! That sounds like what the saiyan’s used to do before the order.”

“Yeah.” Goten nodded, “It does. Of course now it’s illegal to start training a child younger than ten.”

“What?” Trunks frowned, “What are you talking about?”

“After Cell a new law was made. Children under ten cannot be trained. And children under sixteen cannot undergo ‘intensive’ training.” Lacey explained, “Didn’t you know?”

“No. I never heard of it… I’m… I sort of lived away from.. the law and stuff.” Trunks said nervously.

“It’s because of Gohan.” Goten said softly, pushing his hands into his pockets and looking down.

“Gohan?” Trunks’ heart jumped painfully at the name. He looked down at Goten. “What about Gohan?”

“He’s the one who defeated Cell… but in doing so he was… badly damaged.” Lacey said in a hushed tone, she glanced at Goten before continuing, “The people were so upset by the damage he took fighting that they passed the law.”

“He was only eleven.” Goten whispered, “Just … just a kid…”

“But he was the only one strong enough to kill Cell!” Trunks cried, “If he had-” They were looking at him strangely so he stopped abruptly.

“So you know about Cell and Gohan, but you don’t know about the law.” Lacey said, her eyes sparkling, “Just who are you Trunks? Seems to me you know a lot about nothing and nothing about a lot.”

“Lacey! Goten!” An excited voice cried, a little man ran up to them, laughing excitedly.

“Hey Krillan!” Goten laughed, “Whatcha’ up to?”

“Hey Krillan.” Lacey was still staring at Trunks suspiciously.

“I just got the greatest news!” Krillan cried, hopping on his feet. “Guess who’s coming back today!?”

“Who?” Lacey and Goten asked at the same time. They smiled at each other and giggled.

“Goku!”

“Goku!” Lacey cried, her face lighting up with a huge, delighted smile.

“Right!” Krillan laughed, noticing Trunks for the first time. “Who’s this?”

“Oh, sorry. Krillan this is Trunks, Trunks this is Krillan. Trunks is a traveller from afar who got lost.” Lacey made the introduction quickly. She almost looked uncomfortable.

“Lost? How’d you get lost ?” Krillan asked, looking way up at Trunks and placing his hands on his hips.

“Well… I was in a battle and… I got knocked out.” Trunks told them hesitantly, “And well… when I woke up I was here. Only I don’t know where here is or how to get back.”

“In a battle ? Aren’t you a little young to be a fighter ?” Krillan asked.

“He’s from a place that doesn’t know of the laws.” Lacey said, a bit mockingly or so it seemed to Trunks.

“Oh yeah?” Krillan leaned back on his heels, studying Trunks with interest, “So, how old ‘are’ you?”

“When is my dad arriving?” Lacey interrupted, obviously bored with the direction the conversation was taking.

“In just a few hours. Everyone’s gathering to meet him. Even Vegeta’s coming!” Krillan laughed, forgetting completely about Trunks at the mention of his life-long best friend.

“Dad ?” Trunks whispered. ::Isn’t Vegeta your father?::

“Goku is Lacey’s father.” Goten said, looking up at Trunks, “Do you know who Goku is?”

::No way:: Trunks reached up and rubbed his eyes. ::This is too much:: So Lacey ‘wasn’t’ an alternate version of himself. How could she be? ::But then… that means…:: Trunks eyes widened, “Goku is your father?!” He repeated disbelievingly. His eyes wandered up and down her body, shaking his head slowly he backed up. “And Goku is ‘your’ father.” He pointed at Goten.

“We have different mothers.” Lacey said defensively.

“Do you know Goku?” Goten asked again.

“I… I.. I know ‘of’ him.” Trunks shook his head, trying to shake himself physically out of the shock that had gripped him. “Does.. does he have any other children?”

“Goten, Gohan and myself.” Lacey was looking at him strangely.

::Thank god for small miracles. I don’t think I could handle ‘more’ children.:: Trunks rubbed his cheeks furiously, trying to return feeling to his face which was very cold. “You all right?” Goten asked, his voice hushed as he stared up at Trunks.

“I..” Trunks covered his face. ::I want to go home…::

***

“There’s something wrong.” Mirai Trunks stood, tilting his head and listening intently. “Something… very… wrong.”

It was quiet. In the distance he could see people working to rebuild their homes. He could hear children laughing, a sound he hadn’t heard for a long time. They were busy, happy, but they were not what was wrong. Reaching down he grabbed his jacket and pulled it on. It was ripped and the blue color faded, but he refused to throw it away. It settled easily on his shoulders.

He kicked his feet into the ground, looking out to the horizon. He focused inward, using tricks that he’d learnt many years ago from Piccolo and Gohan. Slowly outside distractions faded and all he could see was his mind’s eye. After a moment of searching he found what he was looking for, or rather what he was ‘dreading’ he’d find.

His eyes snapped open.

He gasped in shock.

“So..” He whispered, running a hand through his hair, “It wasn’t the Monk.” He sighed, the new knowledge in his brain weighing heavily on his heart. “Oh Trunks… what are you doing?”

He awoke to the sweet scent of his lover. Smiling and snugly closer to the warm body laying beside his own he cracked his eyes open. “Hmm… you’re cuddly. I tell you that?”

“Every morning luv.” Gohan sighed pulling Trunks even closer, even though it was a bit uncomfortable.

“Well, you are.” Trunks nuzzled against Gohan’s chest for a moment then pushed himself up so he could see Gohan’s face. “You worried?” he asked softly.

“Yeah. A little.” Gohan nodded.

“There’s not much we can do. I mean… not like we know how to find him.” Trunks bit his lower lip and dropped his head back onto Gohan’s chest.

“I think… there is something we can do.” Gohan said thoughtfully.

“Oh?” Trunks stiffened, looking at his lover.

“The dragon.”

“The dragon??”

Gohan smiled, “We can wish to be wherever he is so if he’s in trouble…”

“We can help him! BRILLIANT!” Trunks crawled up Gohan’s body and kissed him.

The kiss turned into more and the two didn’t get out on their little mission until much later in the morning.

***

::Goku::

He turned his head away, whimpering.

::Goku::

Slowly his eyes slitted open. A small, tear streaked face was gazing at him. “Goten?” He mumbled, rubbing his eyes sleepily.

“Daddy… Vegeta is gone.” Goten whispered, “He… Gohan says we should go after him. He didn’t look well.”

Goku jerked into a sitting position, swearing softly as he did. “Did he say anything?!”

“I dunno’.” Goten shrugged, “He saw me crying and he got real upset… did I make him mad daddy?”

“No. No, it’s not your fault Goten.” Goku hugged Goten quickly before getting out of the bed and rushing across the room.

“Daddy!”

“Yeah?” Goku turned at the door, looking back at Goten and blinking rapidly as he tried to wake up.

“Shouldn’t you get dressed before going outside?” Goten lay back in the bed, pulling the warm blankets over his body. He curled up in the foetal position and tucked his fist under his chin.

Goku looked down, blushing. “Heh. Guess I should. Thanks kiddo.”

Goten shrugged, closing his eyes. “I miss Trunks.” He said softly.

“We all do Goten….. we all do.”

***

“Daddy!” Lacey squealed happily as the spiky-haired saiyan appeared in the sky.

He landed in the midst of a large crowd that had gathered to greet him. Trunks knew many of the people but a lot of the faces he didn’t recognize. Goku saw Lacey and Goten. He grinned, “Hey kids!”

They pushed through the crowd and together leaped on Goku. Goku laughed, picking Goten up with one arm and holding Lacey close with the other, “What have you two rascals been up to huh?”

Feeling overwhelmed and crowded Trunks slowly backed out of the crowd. He wandered a short distance away where he could watch Goku’s homecoming from afar.

“Too crowded.” A voice said softly.

He jerked and whirled around, staring with wide eyes at the cloaked figure standing behind him. “Uh… yeah.” He nodded. ::Where did you come from?:: he wondered. He hadn’t seen the man as he walked here.

“Who are you? I feel… I feel as if I know you.” The husky voice inquired.

“I’m Trunks. I don’t think you know me.” Trunks responded, “Who are you?” He asked after a short pause.

“My name is Gohan.”

“Gohan?” Trunks gasped. ::Why didn’t I recognize the voice? Maybe because on this world his voice is huskier..::

The figure seemed to stiffen. “Yes. Gohan.”

“I’ve…” Trunks turned his face away, looking down. “I’ve heard about you.”

“Hm.” Gohan shrugged, “Most people have.”

Trunks sighed, reaching up to rub his temple, “I’m sorry.” He said softly, “Have I made you uncomfortable?”

“How di..” Gohan stopped shortly. ::How did he know he made me uncomfortable? Most people can’t tell what I’m feeli-he’s probably just observant.:: “No. It’s all right. Do you know Goku? Is that why you’re here?”

“No.” Trunks responded quietly, “I don’t know him at all.” ::At least, not on this world I don’t.:: “I’m just here because.. well Lacey and Krillan were showing me around. You see I’m.. I’m lost I guess. They were just trying to make me.. feel more comfortable with-” He was babbling. Like an idiot. He felt his cheeks flushing.

“You’re very pale.” Gohan said abruptly, “Are you ill?”

Trunks shook his head mutely, “I.. I’m just tired I guess.”

“Do you have a place to stay?”

“Not really.”

There was a short silence as Trunks refused to look at the cloaked figure and Gohan refused to look away from that beautiful face.

“You can stay with me.” Gohan said finally.

Trunks sighed, deeply relieved. Gohan he could handle. This version of Gohan seemed relatively normal, and he felt safe with this Gohan. Even now. He nodded eagerly, “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet.” Gohan said softly, “You haven’t seen my place yet.”

***

“Dragon ball 2 acquired!” Trunks held up the dragon ball, a huge grin on his face.

Gohan ran over, “Great job!” He said smiling back.

“Hm… you gonna’ reward me?”

“Er, we don’t really have time Tru-WAH!” Trunks pounced, knocking his lover to the ground.

… once again they weren’t able to get to work until much later.

***

Mirai Trunks sat, cross-legged on the soft grass. He tilted his head back, turning his face to the sun.

::Trunks?::

Mentally he called out. But like this morning he got no answer. After few more moments of futile searching he gave up and slumped. “I can’t contact if I don’t know where he is.” He murmured softly to himself. “So what do I do? He doesn’t know. He won’t go home until he does.”

He pushed his hands into his hair and clenched them into fists. The pressure helped him to think. He felt responsible for the young version of himself. He had to help him.

“No one can help me but myself.” He muttered with a chuckle. “Bah… I need a break. I’m starting to sound like Goku.” He dropped onto his back, legs still crossed.

He gazed up at the cloudy sky, “Ah Trunks… what am I going to do with you?”

***

“Vegeta?”

“I should be the one dead.” Vegeta said quietly, staring up at the stars.

Goku sighed, rubbing his head. He wasn’t sure what to say. So he said nothing. He wrapped his arms around Vegeta’s waist from behind and pressed his face against Vegeta’s back. Vegeta shuddered, but he didn’t push Goku away. “Dammit Kakkorot!… I should be the one dead!”

Goku held on tighter. “I love you.” He said finally.

Vegeta closed his eyes tightly, trying to fight the tears.

And when they came-

Goku cried with him.

***

“This isn’t so bad.” Trunks looked around with a smile. The little hut had only two rooms, and it was sparse. Only the bare minimum of furniture and no tv, but it had a warm feel to it.

Gohan glanced around himself, shrugging. “It suits my needs.” He said, “You can have the bed.”

“Where will you sleep?” Trunks asked quickly.

“On the couch.”

“No. I mean, this is your house. You take the bed, I’ll take the couch.”

Gohan was silent for a long moment, just staring at Trunks. Then he reached up and ripped off his cloak. It fell to the ground, landing softly.

Trunks stared at the revealed face.

He wasn’t horrified, or disgusted, just sad. “So that’s what Cell did.”

Eyes that should have been brown but were more a reddish colour blinked twice, widening with surprise. Most people treated Gohan with kid gloves after seeing his face. The vicious scars and strange discolouring horrified even his own father. But this strange boy, this child he had never seen before just looked at him sadly and stated the obvious. It was strange.

“You’re not… frightened? Disgusted? Horrified?” Gohan said softly. It wasn’t what he had meant to say, but since the words were out there was nothing he could do to take them back.

“It’s sad, but not disgusting.” Trunks stepped close, reaching up and touching Gohan’s cheek lightly, “My friend Yamcha kind of… well, he has just about as many scars.”

“Just about?” Gohan repeated dumbly.

“You don’t have a Yamcha here.” Trunks whispered, absently running his fingers up Gohan’s jaw line.

“Do I know you?” Gohan gasped, the strange tight fist gripping his heart making his brain short circuit.

“Yes.” Trunks leaned up, suddenly finding his lips pressed against Gohan’s.

He didn’t know why, he just wanted to kiss those scars away. After kissing the lips, he began a journey. Lightly pressing a kiss against each scar on that still beautiful face. Gohan stood stiffly during the treatment, shocked and yet wonderfully delighted. He’d never felt anything so wonderful in his life.

As he kissed the last scar some sense of reality returned to Trunks. He dropped back to his heels and blushed deeply. “I’.. I’m sorry.” He stuttered.

“It’s all right.” Gohan whispered, “Don’t apologize.”

“I…”

Gohan pressed a finger against Trunks’ lips. “It’s late. We should both go to bed.” He said gently, “You will have the bed.”

Trunks nodded, looking up at Gohan with huge eyes. “I will see you in the morning.”

Trunks nodded again, stepping back and moving to the bedroom. ::Why?:: he wondered as he stumbled into the room and closed the door behind him, ::Why did I kiss him?::

Gohan watched as the door closed, then lifted his fingers to his lips. ::Why?:: he wondered, moving to the couch and sitting down. He couldn’t hold himself up anymore. His legs felt like rubber. He hadn’t felt so… desirable since Cell had deformed his face with those horrible scars. ::Who is he? Why do I feel like I should know him? Like I should love him?::

He lay down, lightly running his fingers over his scars. ::Trunks::

***

Gohan lay awake, unable to sleep. In his room he could hear the soft sounds that Trunks was making in his sleep. Obviously the boy was having a nightmare. He debated wether or not he should get up to help the boy. He had been alone for so long he couldn’t remember what it was like to have comfort. To be awakened from a nightmare.

Finally the boys cries got to him. Hesitantly he got to his feet and made his way across the living room.

***

So cold.

Gohan crouched beside the bed, staring at the pale boy lying in his blankets. ::Beautiful:: He reached out and gently touched one pale cheek.

Trunks shivered in his sleep, teeth chattering together. “papa?” He whispered in his sleep.

“Shh.” Gohan whispered, leaning close.

So very cold.

Blue eyes shuddered open. Trunks stared with unfocused eyes at Gohan. “Gohan?” he whispered softly, forgetting for a moment where he was and ‘who’ he was looking at.

“It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” Gohan whispered, a little uncertainly.

“I was so afraid.” Trunks whispered, grabbing the hand that touched his cheek and gripping it tightly. “I wanted you to be with me.”

“What?” Gohan whispered, confused by the boy’s words. ::He’s still half asleep:: He told himself… and yet he couldn’t help feeling he should know what the boy was talking about.

“I..” Trunks turned his head away, “I…”

“Shh. Just go back to sleep.” Gohan squeezed the hand that clutched his own.

Trunks closed his eyes, obeying the voice he loved. He was used to obeying Gohan, after all, Gohan had trained him… only, this wasn’t his Gohan. Was it? He drifted back into sleep easily, comforted by the knowledge a friend was near.

Gohan sat on the side of the bed, staring at that now peaceful face. “Who are you?” he whispered.

***

“Dragon ball 5!” Trunks held up the dragon ball. “ooh. Good job lover.” He grinned wickedly, “Shall I reward you?”

Gohan sighed, “If we keep this up, it’ll take us years to find those stupid dragon balls.”

“Looking for dragon balls makes me horny.” Trunks pouted, “I mean… really… Think about it.”

Gohan shook his head, laughing lightly, “Gads Trunks. I dunno’ how I keep up with you.”

“You’re young and virile of course.” Trunks purred, leaning up to kiss Gohan’s cheek. “Well … maybe we should split up and look for these things separately?”

“Sounds good to me.” Gohan nodded, “Maybe then we’ll make more progress.” He looked at the two balls they had already. The first one had taken them so bloody long, but if they split up things would probably go faster.

“All right.” Trunks shrugged, twirling the ball on one finger and grinning.

Gohan just laughed and flew off, in search of the next dragon ball. “Hey wait! There’s only one Dragon ball sensor!” Trunks held up the sensor in his hand.

“It’ll still go faster if I just look alone!” Gohan called down.

“Well…. I guess. Sure you don’t want to help me look for balls Gohan?” The innocent question was put sweetly, which is why Gohan ‘knew’ Trunks wasn’t talking about dragon balls.

“I’m sure you can find them yourself Trunks!”

***

Trunks shifted nervously, glancing to his side where Gohan flew. Those reddish brown eyes darted away quickly but he ‘knew’ they had been watching him. It was unnerving. Since this morning Gohan had been staring at Trunks. Just staring, he didn’t really say much. Just ‘mornin’ and ‘eat this’. It was making Trunks increasingly nervous.

“I want to help you get home.” Gohan said suddenly.

Trunks blinked, staring at the side of Gohan’s face. ::Look at me:: he urged silently, ::Why won’t you meet my eyes?:: “I don’t think you can.” He said softly.

“Let me try.” Gohan said gruffly, looking down at the landscape that passed so rapidly.

“I’m … I’m not from this world.” Trunks found the words coming out of his mouth, though he didn’t necessarily mean to say them, “I’m from ano… another world. The only way to get home is… is through… special portals which I don’t know how to access.”

“You can’t just use a ship?” Gohan knew the answer, but he asked anyway.

“No. No I can’t.” Trunks sighed, shaking his head, “I’ll find a way home Gohan… but.. ”

“Let me help. If only by letting you stay at my place.” Gohan said urgently, he finally raised his eyes to meet Trunks’ gaze.

Trunks smiled, “All right. Thank you.”

***

Trunks landed first, the moment his feet touched the ground he looked up to watch Gohan land beside him. They met each other’s gaze, both smiling. Then Gohan reached back and pulled the hood of his cloak up to cover his face. “I want to thank Bulma for being so kind to me yesterday.” Trunks shoved his hands into his pockets, “But after that I think I should probably look around and try to find my way home.”

Gohan nodded, “Yeah.” He said softly, “I’d like to come with you.”

Trunks smiled widely, “Sure! I’d like that.”

Another shared smile, though Trunks couldn’t see it was shared since Gohan’s face was covered, then they walked to Bulma’s home.

***

Yamcha watched as Gohan tossed back the fifth drink. He looked at Krillan, who was also looking a bit worried. “Uh… Gohan? Don’t you think you’ve had enough?” Yamcha queried gently.

Gohan shrugged, waving the waiter over. “No.” He said sharply.

“Look Gohan, we’re all sad about Trunks-” Krillan started, but Gohan cut him short with a loud, bitter laugh.

“You all didn’t love him for as long as I did!” He snapped, “You all didn’t feel as if you died when he did.” He ordered his drinks and slumped in his seat.

“Y-yeah, what about Vegeta?” Krillan shook his head, “Trunks… Trunks is dead Gohan. You’re not.”

Gohan pushed a clenched fist against his chest, “Then why do I feel like I am?”

***

Trunks laughed as Gohan burst from the water pulling a huge fish behind him. “Dinner?” He called.

“Right.” Gohan responded with a smile. He dropped the fish on shore and floated down to Trunks’ side. “Can you cook?”

“No… can you?” Trunks asked.

“Er… no. Guess I should throw it back.” Gohan chuckled, grabbing the fish by it’s tail and chucking it back into the lake.

“Well… it’s the thought that counts I guess.” Trunks shrugged, leaning back on his elbows and smiling at the sky.

“I’m sorry. I guess I’m distracting you.” Gohan sat down on the grass beside Trunks.

“No.” Trunks shook his head quickly, “I’m enjoying your company.” His smile widened. ::A lot:: This Gohan was a lot like his Gohan, only … a little less confident. ::I can almost forget I’m not home when I’m with you::

They met each other’s gaze. Trunks found himself leaning towards that familiar, and yet strange face. With their faces mere inches apart they both realized what was happening and smiled. “Can I kiss you?” Trunks asked softly.

“I..” No one had been so close to him since the Cell battle. It was strange and it was wonderful. “Yes.” He breathed, leaning forward and pressing his lips against Trunks’.

Trunks leaned into the kiss eagerly, loving the feel of those velvety lips. Gohan moaned softly, closing his eyes and opening his mouth. Shyly their tongues met in an age old duel. Caressing, sharing, ::Why do I feel this way?:: Trunks wondered as he let his own eyes slip shut. ::My Gohan openly admitted to loving me and I was shy.. but you… you I want to touch and.. and love… why?:: He mentally shook his head, ::Don’t think. Just enjoy the moment.::

They parted, Trunks opened his eyes, smiling when he saw Gohan was panting softly with his eyes still shut. He reached up and ran his fingers lightly down Gohan’s jaw. “You’re beautiful.” He whispered.

“How.. how can I be?” Gohan murmured, turning his face towards Trunks’ touch.

“You’re beautiful to me.” Trunks leaned forward, lightly kissing Gohan’s cheek.

“I don’t understand.” Gohan whispered, “I don’t understand why.. I feel like this.”

“Neither do I.”

“I feel like I should know you… like.. like I’ve waited for you.” Gohan’s eyes slitted open. He peered at Trunks’ face, memorizing every line, ::Like I’ve loved you forever.::

Trunks kissed his chin, “All my life… I’ve never felt this… this strange need to .. to touch.” He murmured, his confusion clear in his voice, “I want to touch you everywhere.”

Gohan grabbed Trunks’ hands and shook his head, “This is insane. We don’t know each other.”

::But our hearts do:: Trunks blinked hard, ::Where did that thought come from?::

“I’m s-sorry.” Trunks stuttered, reality thrusting itself upon him. He shook his head, pushing away the strange, confusing emotions. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize.” Gohan kissed Trunks’ fingers, “Please don’t.”

“I just… I don’t understand .. why.” Trunks whispered, “I feel like I… I … love you.”

Gohan’s eyes widened, “I feel the same way.” he gasped.

***

::Trunks::

Mirai Trunks’ eyes opened slowly. ::Found him:: He thought, the smallest smile tilting his lips. Then he closed his eyes again and concentrated. ::Trunks?::

***

::Trunks?::

Trunks jerked, rolling away from Gohan and darting to his feet. He grabbed his head, looking around wildly. ::Not here. Not now.:: He cried mentally. “I… I just thought of something!” He told Gohan quickly, “Listen, I have to go alone. I’ll meet you back at your place later.” He jumped, taking to the air and flying away as fast as he could.

Gohan watched him leave, his heart sinking. “Why do I feel as if I’ll never see you again?” He whispered to the air. He shook his head, falling onto his back and staring at the sky with unseeing eyes.

He lifted two fingers and lightly touched his lips. A little smile curved his lips.

***

“I’m here.” Trunks said as he landed on an island several miles away from where Gohan was.

::Ah. Good.::

“This is Mirai Trunks right? Is the Monk dead? Why am I here?” Trunks asked in a rush.

::The Monk is dead.::

“Then why am I here?!”

::I discovered something little one. The Monk wasn’t the one bouncing you around.::

“He wasn’t?” Trunks frowned, “Then who was?”

::Hm. You.::

“What?!” Trunks gasped.

::Undiscovered power is a dangerous thing little one. Inside you there is the power to bend time, to alter reality. This power is awakening. ‘You’ were unhappy with your life, so the power took you to other lives. Only it wasn’t strong enough to keep you there long, so you ended up at your proper world in the end.::

“That doesn’t make sense.” Trunks whispered.

::No wonder. You are the only one who can take yourself home::

“I don’t know how.” Trunks muttered, “Tell me how.”

::*sigh* I don’t know how either. I am an alternate version of yourself and I don’t possess this power. You have to figure it out yourself.::

“gee… thanks.” Trunks murmured sarcastically.

::If you were here, or I there, I might have a better chance of helping you but as it i-::

***

Mirai Trunks gasped, severing the connection as he felt the strangest tingling in his skin. He looked down just in time to see his hands fade. “What the hell?” He gasped, surging to his feet seconds before his legs disappeared.

***

Trunks watched with huge eyes as Mirai Trunks slowly took form before him. Mirai Trunks blinked as he was firmly inserted in this world. He looked around curiously, then looked at Trunks and raised his eyebrows. “Tell me again how you don’t know ‘how’ to use your power.” He said with a smirk.

“I-I’m sorry.” Trunks gasped, “I don’t know how… I was just thinking that I really wanted.. really wanted you to be here…”

Mirai Trunks shrugged, placing his hands on his hips, “Well, try thinking about how much you want to be home.” He said, “Perhaps that will take you home.”

“Should I click my heels together too?” Trunks muttered under his breath.

Mirai Trunks eyes narrowed, “Tell me Trunks… have you been acting strangely? I mean, have you said and done things that normally ‘you’ wouldn’t do?”

Trunks nodded, “I guess. A couple of days ago I attacked my father… I don’t remember much about it but.. I tried to kill him. And today…” He thought of Gohan. ::Today I find myself loving a man I hardly know… even if he does look and act like ‘my’ Gohan, he still isn’t.::

Mirai Trunks puffed his breath out on a sigh, “Well, I’m thinking you’re adopting the personalities of your alter selves.” He said thoughtfully. “When you were bouncing around at first, you weren’t actually physically entering their world. You were entering their minds, controlling ‘their’ bodies. I think, perhaps, you adopted parts of their personality. That other Trunks, the one you brought to my world, he was rather violent. So when you attacked your father it was probably a reflection of ‘his’ -”

Trunks shook his head, “Please stop. You’re making my head hurt.” He rubbed his temples, “I don’t want to know how or why anymore… I just want to go home.”

“I’m sorry. It’s all very fascinating to me.” Mirai Trunks said quietly, he stared at Trunks, the corner of his lip quirking up. “Makes me wonder how much of what you say and do is actually ‘you’.”

::Is that why I feel the way I do towards this Gohan?:: Trunks wondered with a frown, “That doesn’t make sense. There is no ‘Trunks’ in this world.” He murmured under his breath.

“What?” Mirai Trunks leaned close, trying to hear.

“Oh. Nothing.” Trunks shrugged, “Let’s just… figure out how to get me home.”

***

“I got four.” Trunks landed a few feet away from his lover. Tucked under his arm in a bag were the dragonballs he had acquired.

“I found three.” Gohan gestured to the bag he carried.

“How’d you find three without the sensor?” Trunks arched his eyebrows, smirking.

“I’m gifted that way I guess.” Gohan shrugged, “Shall we summon the dragon?”

“Sounds good to me.”

***

“Concentrate.” Mirai Trunks said softly, watching with avid fascination as Trunks closed his eyes and lowered his head. “Shut down everything. Focus inward. Let yourself go.”

Brow furrowed as he concentrated Trunks felt a strange sensation gripping his feet. Slowly a warmth flooded his legs, travelling up into his chest and arms. He gasped, throwing his head back. “I’m frightened.” He gasped aloud. Still, he kept his eyes closed. He tried to stay focused.

“Just relax.” Mirai Trunks ordered, watching as Trunks’ body began to glow. Purple? he tilted his head, ::Strange. I would have thought he’d glow yellow like the rest of the saiyans::

“I … I can… see…” Trunks gasped.

“You can see what?”

“Everything…” A small smile tilted his lips, “Wow… everything…”

***

“You know, now that he’s here I’m thinking instead of wishing to be taken where Trunks is, we should wish that he be brought here.” Trunks stared up at the dragon, who was waiting impatiently for them to wish.

Gohan peered at Trunks face, eyes narrowed, “You want to bring him here?”

Trunks smirked, “He’s really cute y’know…”

Gohan rolled his eyes with a laugh, “God Trunks… you’re one horny bastard. All right. If that’s what you want.” He shrugged, “Let’s wish him here then.”

***

It was wonderful, it was exciting and it was confusing all at the same time. His eyes snapped open, but he could see nothing but the images being fed to his mind. Everything. Every world, every thought from every version of himself, was flooding his senses. It was awesome.

“Focus on ‘your’ home Trunks.” Mirai Trunks urged. “Focus.”

::Right:: Trunks thought, blinking rapidly as he tried to focus. Just one thought out of millions. He had to find the one world among the many that was ‘his’.

::”I should be the one dead.”::

The thought spoke loudly in his mind. He jerked, recognizing the ‘essence’ of his true father. “I found it.” He whispered.

“Then take us there.”

“daddy…” Trunks whispered, focusing on his father. The world began to revolve.

***

“We wish that you would bring Trunks here.” Trunks yelled up to the dragon.

The dragon paused, making a low rumbling sound. “Very well.”

A puff of smoke appeared around Trunks, but nothing else happened. Trunks glanced at Gohan, who shrugged. “Where is he?” Gohan asked the dragon.

“Standing beside you.”

“Ah crap!” Trunks yelled furiously, “Not ME you idiot! Bring the ‘other’ Trunks here!”

Gohan snickered, “You didn’t tell him that.”

“Shaddup.”

***

Mirai Trunks looked up as the figure appeared in the sky. “Trunks?!” A voice called. The figure floated to the island, landing several feet behind Trunks. “Trunks!”

The figure started to run towards Trunks, but Mirai Trunks jumped into the air and landed in front of him. “He’s fine. Just leave him alone.” He said sharply.

“He doesn’t look fine to me.” Gohan growled, dropping his cloak and adopting a fighting stance. “Get out of my way.”

Mirai Trunks stared at that scarred face for a moment. “Gohan?”

Gohan jerked, “How’d you know my name?!” He snapped.

“Look at me!” Mirai Trunks laughed, “Look at me.”

Gohan stared at Mirai Trunks, the color draining from his face. He glanced over Mirai Trunks’ shoulder at Trunks. “You’re…”

“I’m him. Now calm down. He’ll be fine.” Mirai Trunks stepped out of the way and turned to watch Trunks.

“Trunks?”

***

Deep within the swirl he heard a single voice call out his name. His brow furrowed, his concentration ebbing. He knew that voice. “Gohan?” He whispered.

“Yes. It’s me… what’s.. happening?” Gohan watched as Trunks turned, his eyes glowing as they focused on Gohan’s face.

“I’m going home.” Trunks responded with a smile.

“Oh.” ::You’re leaving me.:: Gohan thought, his heart sinking to his knees. “Oh.”

The smile faded, “Are you sad?”

“You’re… I.. love you.” Gohan said softly, “I.. I’ve never loved anyone before.”

“Trunks!” Mirai Trunks stepped forward, “Stay focused! You can’t stay here! You have to go home.”

“But…”

“There are people waiting for you!”

“But who..”

“Just focus!” Mirai Trunks cried anxiously, “You can’t stay here forever Trunks! Don’t you realize what will happen? You’ll die. You cannot exist in a reality that is not your own!”

“Go home Trunks.” Gohan said softly, not understanding what was happening but sensing the truth behind the urgency in Mirai Trunks’ voice. “And.. and know always that I love you.”

“I love you too.” A single tear rolled down his cheek and then everything faded.

Gohan stood alone. Where Trunks had stood, there was nothing. In a way he was glad. Trunks was home. He was sure it wouldn’t take long at all before the boy forgot about him completely… after all… they hadn’t really known each other. Had they? He knew, in his heart, that he would never forget the strange boy. From the moment he first laid eyes on the white-haired angel he’d known, in his soul, that he would and ‘did’ love him. With every part of his being.

It didn’t make sense.

But love so rarely does.

Sighing he floated into the air, far off on the horizon the sun hit the ocean. Everything was bathed in a golden glow as Gohan flew away.

***

Mirai Trunks awoke to the sweet smell of burning wood. He squeezed his eyes tightly, then opened them and looked around. He sat up slowly, running his hands through his hair. Then he smiled.

He was home.

Stretching his arms over his head he lay back down.

::I’ll worry about whether or not Trunks got home later. Right now … I just feel like sleeping::

***

“Damn dragon.”

“Well if you didn’t make him mad, we wouldn’t be in this mess.”

“Ah shaddup.”

*giggle* “You do kind of look good with purple hair.”

“Yeah well, you look even better bald.”

Gohan glowered, reaching up to touch his newly shaved head. Trunks had made such a scene when the dragon refused to bring them his ‘alternate’ self, that the dragon had become irritated. After cutting off all Gohan’s hair, and making Trunks’ hair a brilliant, neon purple, the dragon had left. “At least we aren’t dead.” Gohan said, making a face, “I’m surprised we aren’t actually.”

“He was having a good day.” Trunks muttered grumpily.

“May as well go home I guess.” Gohan shrugged, shoving his hands deep into his pockets.

“Are you kidding? Goten wouldn’t let me live this down!”

“You? Look at me! I’m the freakin’ Mr. Clean model!” Gohan snapped, “At least YOU can dye your hair a different color!”

Trunks stuck out his tongue and pouted. “Damn.”

Gohan sighed, “Sorry. Didn’t mean to yell… I was just rather attached to my hair.” Gohan grabbed Trunks’ arm and pulled him close. “Forgive me?”

“We’ll see….”

***

He pulled his knee up to his chest and rested his chin on it. He came here every night to watch the sunset. The gentle whoosh of the tide slapping against the beach below relaxed him. It was funny. In a way he supposed he should be more upset about his father’s amazing announcement. After all, it wasn’t every day your father tells you that’s he’s in love with a man… a man who was his mortal enemy just a few years ago.

After Goku and Vegeta revealed their startling news Goten had run out of the house, tears streaming down his cheeks. He had been upset, very much so. Gohan had left too, though less dramatically. Trunks had followed them. He wasn’t really upset, but somehow he felt that he should at least ‘pretend’ to be. He was strangely detached. He almost felt as if it had nothing to with him. But being Vegeta’s son it had ‘everything’ to do with him.

With a sigh he got to his feet. He should head home. He’d fallen asleep after getting here and he wasn’t sure how long he’d been sleeping. He hoped that when he got home Goten wouldn’t be so upset. He dreaded having to see the boy’s tears. Goten was one of his best friends. He hated to see him upset. And Gohan? What about Gohan?

Trunks frowned as a strange pain stabbed his heart. He placed his hand over his heart, pressing, trying to knead the pain away. Gohan?

The pain increased. He gasped. He felt so sad, so terribly sad when he thought of Gohan. And his heart hurt. Why did it hurt? Confused he stumbled forward, intent on getting home. ::I have to see Gohan.:: He thought. He wasn’t sure why, he just needed to lay his eyes on the face he… the face he loved?

The lights were all out, so everyone must be asleep. He opened the door carefully and snuck in. The tv was playing in the living room, it’s volume on mute. He could see, from the light of the television, Goku and Vegeta. They were curled up on the couch together. They lay on their sides, facing each other. They looked… sweet. The sight made Trunks’ heart ache even more. He stepped further into the room, trying not too make too much noise.

He didn’t manage to make it to his room. “Trunks?” Vegeta’s eyes snapped open. He looked around, gaze slightly unfocused. Those eyes settled on Trunks.

“It’s just me… go back to sleep.” Trunks said beneath his breath.

“Trunks!” Vegeta awoke abruptly. He scrambled to his feet and ran to Trunks. He stopped just in front of the boy, just staring at that face. “Trunks….” He gasped.

Trunks returned his father’s gaze, confused by his dad’s behaviour. “I… I’m sorry I stayed out so late… I just… needed time to th-”

Vegeta grabbed his son and pulled him into a tight embrace. Trunks gasped as his father held him so tightly his ribs ached. Vegeta buried his head in his son’s neck and fought the tears that gathered hotly behind his eyes. “You’re alive.” Vegeta whispered. “You’re alive.”

“Vegeta?” Goku woke slowly. He sat up, rubbing his eyes. Then he noticed Vegeta. “Vegeta?” He crawled over the back of the couch and stumbled to Vegeta’s side. “Holy shit!” He cried, eyes widening as he saw Trunks, “TRUNKS!”

Trunks gazed up at Goku with surprise, “I…” He couldn’t speak. It took too much effort to breathe. He pushed against Vegeta’s chest, “Dad…. I… can’t breathe…”

“You’re alive!” Goku started to laugh with relief and joy, “You’re alive!!”

He wrapped his arms around them both, laughing while he kissed his Vegeta’s cheek. “Alive Vegeta.. he’s alive.”

Vegeta squeezed his eyes shut, finding it hard to breathe. “Trunks. Don’t you ‘ever’ die again. A father should ‘not’ out live his son.” He growled harshly.

“What’s all the no-” Gohan gasped, recognizing Trunks immediately. “Trunks?”

Goku waved Gohan over, “He’s alive Gohan! Alive!”

Trunks pushed hard, finally managing to loosen Vegeta’s grip enough so that he could breathe. “What’s going on? What’s wrong with you guys? I was just at the cliff… watching the sunset.”

“You… faded.” Gohan walked over, feeling queasy, dizzy and relieved.

“In Gohan’s arms.” Goku nodded, “So what happened? Did you find out who was bouncing you around?”

“What? What are you talking about?” Trunks asked, frowning in confusion. “I.. You guys aren’t making sense.”

There was a brief, tense, silence.

Trunks couldn’t remember the events of the last few days. Somehow, in returning to his world, the memory of his ‘power’ had been erased.

***

“Why are you looking at me like that?” The next morning, as Trunks and Gohan left the house to do some training, Trunks noticed Gohan staring at him.

Gohan suddenly reached down and grabbed Trunks chin. He kissed the boy passionately, holding nothing back. Trunks gasped, eyes so wide they hurt. Gohan pulled back, breathing heavily, “God Trunks… I love you.”

“Wh-what?” Trunks gasped.

“I . Love . You.” Gohan laughed, smiling, “And I’m never letting you go again. Not in death, not in life, and not in love. I’m never letting you go.”

Trunks just stared, confused and just a little intimidated. Gohan tapped Trunks’ chin and straightened, “C’mon. Let’s train.”

“O-okay

“That I.. would…?” Gohan’s eyes widened with shock, “What? But! You don’t even know me!” He gasped, mouth dropping open.

Trunks stiffened in Gohan’s arms. He pushed against Gohan’s chest hard and scrambled away. /This isn’t Gohan../ He stared at Gohan’s face, seeing features that were familiar, but when he looked into those eyes… He knew. This just wasn’t Gohan, he didn’t understand how or why. /What did the dragon do?/ He wondered, hopelessly confused, /Gohan is supposed to love me, not .. not change into someone else…/

He looked around, his heart clenching painfully. He shook his head, letting out a strangled sob. He buried his face in his hands, biting back the sobs. “Hey, now..” Gohan said with alarm, “Please… calm down.”

“Where… where am I?” Trunks managed to gasp out between tightly clenched teeth.

“Uh.. earth?” Gohan responded reluctantly.

Trunks dropped his hands into his lap, trying hard to contain his tears. /Earth… how can this be earth?/ But he lifted his head and looked around, as he did he realized that this was indeed earth. It ‘felt’ the same. /A different dimension…/ he decided, /but…but which one? The.. Is this Mirai Trunks’ dimension? No.. I don’t think so…/

“What’s your name?” Gohan asked, feeling uncomfortable in the silence.

“Trunks.”

“Well, Trunks… how did you end up here?” Gohan licked his lips, “The dragon, right?”

Trunks nodded, not looking at Gohan. He focused instead on his hands. “And you… you wished for what? Exactly?” Gohan asked.

“To… That… that you… you would love me and… and that… I’d be taken away…” Trunks admitted quietly.

“I see… but, I’ve never met you before. Have I?”

“No. Not you…” Trunks whispered, shaking his head slowly. The tears weren’t burning his eyes so hard anymore. He sighed, straightening his shoulders. Gohan would never love him… he just had to accept it. Life couldn’t end just because Gohan loved… Mirai Trunks.

***

Vegeta leaned back against the wall, staring up at the sky. Beside him, Mirai Trunks was quiet. “I shouldn’t have come.” Mirai Trunks said softly.

“You have just as much right to be here, as Trunks.” Vegeta said sternly, “You’re my son.”

“Yes, but if I hadn’t returned Trunks would have never found out that his lover was using him as a replacement.” Mirai Trunks said sadly.

“It’s best he found out.” Vegeta snorted, “I would kill Goku’s boy…”

Mirai Trunks’ lips twitched, “If it weren’t for the fact that you understand.”

Vegeta’s eyes narrowed. He turned his head to glower at Mirai Trunks. He didn’t speak though.

“Once… you chose a substitute over the one you truly wanted.” Mirai Trunks continued, looking out to the horizon, “Because you felt you had no other choice.”

***

In another dimension, Goku cuddled his lover close. Many years ago, shortly after ChiChi died, Vegeta had finally confessed his love. And they’d been together since. Goku couldn’t imagine what his life would have been like if Vegeta hadn’t come to him. Couldn’t begin to imagine what he’d have missed out on.

He held Goku just a bit tighter. “I love you.” He whispered.

“Sentimental idiot.” Vegeta growled, stretching his arms and legs a little as he woke up.

“I have a right to be… almost missed out on you lover.” Goku said with a smile.

Vegeta snorted, “Ridiculous.”

“I wonder what our lives would have been like… if we had-”

“Don’t start that again.” Vegeta growled, “I’m tired of hearing it…”

“Dad? Pop?”

Goku looked up at Gohan’s voice, eyes narrowing. “Something’s up.”

Vegeta nodded, sitting up, “C’mon. Better get dressed and see what’s going on.”

***

“His name is Trunks. He’s in my room changing right now.” Gohan said quietly as his father’s stared at in incredulously.

“He wished that you would love him?” Goku repeated dumbly, “But you don’t know him?”

“I think.. from what he’s said, that the dragon might have transported him to a different dimension.” Gohan said with a little shrug, “Nothing else seems to make sense.”

“Insanity makes sense.” Vegeta grunted.

“No!” Gohan shook his head quickly, “Dad… He’s not insane. I… I actually believe him.”

Vegeta nodded slowly, they all trusted Gohan’s instincts. Of them all Gohan was the least likely to be fooled by a con-artist, well, the least -after- Vegeta of course. “Wow… but why would the dragon send him here? You don’t know him, so you obviously don’t love him.”

Gohan shrugged, “The dragon can’t make someone love you. Remember? But, he also wished that he’d be sent somewhere other than where he was. Somewhere far away from the Gohan who hurt him. So… I think that’s why he ended up here.”

“You’re probably right.” Trunks said softly. He stood at the bottom of the steps, wearing light blue pants and a black turtleneck. They were older clothes of Gohan’s and fit Trunks a bit loosely. He ran a hand nervously through his silver hair as three pairs of familiar, and yet strange eyes focused on him.

“Ah.. you must be Trunks!” Goku stood and grinned, “Hi, there! Come, sit.”

Vegeta looked at Trunks, his eyes narrowed. /Something about this boy… feels.. familiar?/ He watched closely as Trunks walked hesitantly over to where they were sitting. The moved stiffly, as if he was in pain. Trunks glanced up, his blue eyes clashing with Vegeta’s piercing black gaze. The boy flushed and quickly sat down in the only free chair.

“So uh.. you, how do you know Gohan?” Goku asked, sliding into back into his position beside Vegeta.

“He… he was my best friend’s brother… and that’s sort of how I met him… We trained together…” Trunks added as an after thought. He reached up, rubbing at his eyes. He felt so tired. So very drained.

“I see.” Goku nodded, watching the boy with a compassionate gaze. /Poor kid looks beat…/

“Trunks, uh… I don’t have a brother.” Gohan said softly.

Trunks dropped his hands, looking at Gohan with a wide gaze. “Go… Goten? He… he’s not here?”

Gohan looked over at his father, then back at Trunks. “Uh. No. I don’t have any siblings. Mom died shortly after I was born.”

“What? ChiChi… she… she died?” Trunks gasped, mouth dropping open.

“How did you know her name?” Goku gasped.

Vegeta rolled his eyes with a sigh, “He’s from an alternate universe, Kakkorot, which means same people, different lives.”

“Sort of like… he’s seen what our lives would have been like if we had chosen different paths..” Goku said quickly, eyes widening with excitement, “Trunks, do you know me?”

Trunks nodded slowly, reluctantly. “Yes…”

“Wow…” Goku grinned widely, “What am I like? I have another son?”

Trunks nodded again.

“His name is Goten.” Goku leaned back, reaching out impulsively and grabbing Vegeta’s hand, “Hear that snuggle? Another son.”

/Snuggle…?/ Trunks stared at the point where their hands joined. “Papa…” He whispered, his body tensing. “Papa…” he licked his lips, “Bulma….?” He could barely get the word out with the sudden fear that gripped his body.

“Bulma?” Gohan repeated softly, “What?”

“What are you babbling about boy?” Vegeta snapped, looking at Trunks with narrowed eyes.

“Oh… Bulma! Remember? She was my friend, she left shortly after I met ChiChi though.” Goku said with a smile, “Do you know Bulma, Trunks?”

Trunks bent forward, clutching his stomach and letting out a keen whimper of pain. “No..” He moaned, “It can’t be…” /Mother is gone.. Goten is gone… I have nothing here but people who don’t know me and who I barely know… How could things have gone so horribly wrong??/

Gohan watched Trunks, his gaze dark with worry. And suddenly, as he watched Trunks, he thought of something disturbing, “Trunks,” He said softly, “Who is your mother?”

Trunks didn’t hear at first, Gohan repeated the question a few times before the boy looked up, tears streaking his pale cheeks. “Bu.. Bulma…”

“And your father?” Vegeta asked sharply.

Trunks covered his face with his hands, surging to his feet. “I’m sorry! I shouldn’t have come here… But when Mirai came.. I was so -hurt-… papa loves him more, Gohan loves him more! I didn’t think! I’m sorry..”

Gohan hurried to his feet and rushed to Trunks side. He gently laid an arm around the shaking boy’s shoulders. “Sh. It’s all right. We’re not angry with you.”

Goku bit his lower lip, watching with worry. Vegeta watched also, his eyes narrowed with suspicion. “I’m your father. Aren’t I?” He demanded suddenly.

Trunks stiffened in shock, then slowly nodded. “Y-yes…”

“Really?” Goku gasped, “You’ve got a son?”

Vegeta rolled his eyes, “In an alternate reality.”

“Yeah… but still… and he’s really cute too.” Goku grinned at Trunks.

Trunks stared at them, surprised they seemed to be taking it so well. He brushed at his eyes, trying hard not to cry again. /When did I become so weak? Father would be so.. so ashamed./

“Hey,” Gohan said quietly, “Don’t worry about them.” He smiled down at Trunks, “Are you okay?”

“It’s just… so much has been happening… I … I feel..”

“Overwhelmed.” Gohan finished for him softly.

Trunks nodded. Gohan smiled and gently touched the top of Trunks’ head with his hand. “Listen. Don’t be afraid. Okay? We’ll help you figure things out, and you can stay here until you do. All right?”

Trunks nodded again, licking his lips nervously. “It… are you sure?”

“You are my son after all.” Vegeta said, startling Trunks a great deal.

“Three days he’s been gone.” Goten slumped miserably to the ground.

“I can’t sense his energy…” Krillin ran a hand over his brow, “Anywhere…”

“He’s hiding.” Vegeta stood beside Piccolo. The two were looking out to the horizon.

“Vegeta… we.. we will find him.” Goku, assuming his friend was worried, said in a comforting tone.

Vegeta glanced back, his eyes locked on Gohan. Gohan shifted uneasily under Vegeta’s hard gaze. “Father,” Mirai murmured, touching his father’s hand.

Vegeta turned. The sky to the north was swelling with black clouds. In less time then it took to blink, the clouds had covered the entire sky. The billowing black clouds were rippling with energy. Everyone looked up at them.

“The dragon.” Piccolo’s voice broke the eerie silence that suddenly gripped them all.

***

Trunks gazed up at the dragon, his entire body shaking. He’d faced the dragon before, but never alone. He gripped the dragon ball radar he’d stolen from his mother tightly in his hand. “Dragon… I… I have only one wish…” He felt as if a huge lump was in his throat. He took a deep breath, trying to calm down.

“I…”

The dragon gazed down at him with eyes that were old and wise. Those eyes were almost compassionate.

“I…”

Trunks closed his eyes and looked down.

“I wish…”

“TRUNKS!”

He jerked, whirling around. He recognized the figures flying towards him, even if they were still several miles away.

“I wish Gohan loved me!”

He whirled around again, before the dragon could grant his wish he spoke again, “I wish I was anywhere but here, and I wish I could be anyone but who I am!”

***

“TRUNKS!” Gohan screamed.

A great blue light surrounded Trunks’ form. When the light cleared, Trunks was gone. “Your wishes have been granted.” The dragon’s voice shook Gohan’s soul.

Then the clouds began to disperse as the dragon reverted to it’s magical form. The dragon balls
reappeared and were gone in a flash. /What did he wish for? Oh god… Trunks.. what did you wish for?/

Mirai landed where Trunks had stood just moments before. Vegeta landed beside him, then Goku, Goten, and Gohan landed together several feet away. Piccolo and Krillin remained in the air. Both were waiting for Vegeta’s wrath to erupt.

“What did he wish for?” Gohan whispered, looking to Mirai who stood in almost the exact position Trunks had been standing in.

Mirai dropped to his knees. He placed his hands on the ground. The dragon’s energy could still be felt. Vegeta crouched beside him, sniffing the air.

“Whatever he wished for,” Mirai spoke, his voice soft and sad, “It took him away from here, and you.”

***

[Alternate Universe]

Gohan smiled fondly at his father and step-father, the two were always arguing. “Kakorrot I am no child! I don’t need your cod-“

“Oh c’mon Gita darlin’. You know you want it!”

“KAKORROT!”

Gohan laughed outright as his father launched himself at Vegeta. The two tumbled to the floor where Goku proceeded to cuddle Vegeta. Vegeta cried out a number of protests, trying desperately to squirm away.

“I’ll leave you two alone.” Gohan said with a huge smile and wink at Vegeta.

“Wait boy! Get your father off of me!” Vegeta ordered, pushing at Goku’s shoulders.

Goku just murmured happily and buried his nose in Vegeta’s shirt. “You married him Vegeta. You get him off.” Gohan said with a chuckle, “Have fun you two.” He waved and walked out of the house.

He could hear Vegeta cursing and yelling as he closed the door behind him and started walking. He couldn’t help but smile. Vegeta and Goku had mated many years ago, and still Vegeta hated any public displays of affection. But Vegeta was happy with his father. The happy moans and cries at night, which Gohan could hear clearly through the thin walls, was more than enough proof of that.

He sighed, his smile fading. He just wished he could find someone he could be so happy with. There weren’t many girls that he knew, and the ones he did know he didn’t like. He dropped his head, and the only boys he knew were into girls. Which left him knowing absolutely no one who he could fall in love with.

Sometimes he just felt so lonely. He rubbed his forehead, resisting the urge to sigh again. /Enough with the self pity Son Gohan. It doesn’t suit you at all to mope around like some pathetic … self-pitying…/

Suddenly the night sky lit up. Gohan stopped walking, his eyes widening as a wave of power washed across the land. It was like nothing he’d felt before.

The power resided, but he could see a blue light glowing somewhere in the distance. /What is that?/

He started running towards the light.

***

The minute the dragon’s power was gone, Trunks fell to the ground. He felt so weak, and disoriented. He was cold… and wet? He wrapped his arms around himself and brought his knees towards his chest in an attempt to warm up. /What’s going on… where am I?/

He squeezed his eyes tightly shut. His teeth were chattering together. /Did it work…? Am I… Does Gohan…?/

***

Gohan stopped short at the sight of the naked body that lay curled up on the ground where the blue light had been glowing. He could still feel traces of the awesome power that had washed over him. He walked slowly towards the shivering body, his heart twisting as he got nearer. “Are you all right?” he asked softly when he was closer to the boy.

The boy stiffened, then his head turned and his eyes opened. Gohan gasped as he found himself staring into golden eyes. The face around those eyes was beautiful. Finely chiseled and so beautiful it was hard to tell just by looking at the face whether the boy was male or female.

Gohan moved a little closer, then stopped as that body tensed further. “… Gohan…?” The boy whispered, slowly uncurling and getting to his knees.

Gohan gasped, he could feel the color draining from his face, “How do you know my name?” He demanded.

The boy licked his lips, then attempted to stand. He seemed to be very weak and unsteady. He dropped back to his knees, moaning softly. “Gohan…. Help me, please.”

***

Gohan looked pale, and nervous. He approached cautiously, then dropped to his knees. Immediately Trunks moved, throwing his arms around Gohan and pressing his face into Gohan’s chest. “Gohan.” He breathed, but as he got a whiff of the man he was holding so close he felt as if this wasn’t Gohan.

He wrapped his arms tighter around Gohan. /Of course this is Gohan… who else would it be?/ he told himself.

Gently, and hesitantly Gohan wrapped his arms around the trembling boy. “How do I know you?” Gohan asked softly, but as his hands touched the boys cold skin he forgot all about finding out who the boy was. He pulled back and quickly took off his jacket. He placed the jacket around the boy’s shoulders. “You’re freezing.”

“I am… cold.” Trunks agreed softly.

“Come on, we need to get you inside.” /And get you some clothes./ Gohan added quietly. He found himself looking at the boy’s thin form, and blushed as his thoughts turned down a route they shouldn’t go.

“Gohan… Gohan.. the dragon?” Trunks grabbed Gohan’s arms. He looked up, eyes wide, “Did he grant my wish?”

“Wish?” Gohan frowned. The dragon! That made sense. This boy must have made a wish with the dragon balls. That would explain the power he’d felt a moment ago. “What wish did you make?”

“That you would love me.”

“Trunks…”

“Please, call me Mirai.” Mirai Trunks shifted uneasily, bothered by Gohan’s intense stare. They were alone now. After he explained that he was just lonely and had come to see old friends, the others had left.

Now he was standing before Gohan who was staring at him as if he was a ghost. “Trunks…” Gohan repeated softly, his face pale and drawn, “I never thought I’d see you again.”

Mirai Trunks smiled wryly, thinking of the younger version of himself who had left the house earlier, looking heart broken. “You see me everyday.” He reminded Gohan.

“No. Trunks isn’t you. He’s nothing like you.” Gohan said softly.

Mirai nodded, suddenly feeling sorry for his younger self. “You are lovers.”

Gohan jerked, not expecting to hear that. He flushed, nodding. “Yes…”

“He’s quite young.” Mirai noted.

Gohan nodded again, “He is.”

“Fourteen?”

“That’s right.”

Mirai sighed and looked away. He didn’t know why, but this information bothered him. A lot. He hadn’t been much older when he’d fallen in love with his Gohan… But he had been older in spirit, and his Gohan had never let him act on his love. He had kept insisting he was too young.

“You think he’s too young.” Gohan said, stiffening a little.

“He is.” Mirai responded, voice soft but firm.

Gohan clenched his hands into fists, “I would have waited… but… do you have any what it’s like to love someone so much you die when they’re not around? Do you know what it’s like when you can’t be with that person because they live in another dimension but their exact double is here before you…? Every day I would see him and think of you and I… it just became too muc-“

“My god.” Mirai whispered, eyes wide. “You became his lover because you had a crush on -me-?”

“It wasn’t a crush! It still isn’t!” Gohan snapped angrily, “I love you!”

Mirai could feel the color draining from his face. Could hear his heart breaking, but it wasn’t his own pain to feel. He was feeling the pain his younger self must be feeling. “You told him, didn’t you? You told him that you loved me and th-“

“I could never lie to him. I couldn’t let him-“

“You cruel sadistic bastard!”

This outraged comment startled Gohan into silence, “That boy -loves- you!” Mirai yelled, his anger coming to a rise as he stared at Gohan, “You used him to make yourself happy, not once thinking about his feelings! His emotions! How -dare- you?!”

Gohan gritted his teeth, “What about you? Coming back here to get a glimpse of me?”

“I loved one who looked like you.” Mirai said coldly, “But he was nothing like you. He had more honor. More dignity, and more respect.”

***

“Trunks?”

Trunks bit his lip and looked up, meeting a deep brown, concerned gaze. “You all right?”

Trunks nodded, looking away from Goten’s penetrating gaze. He and Goten were best friends and Goten knew everything about him… well, almost everything. “Is this about Mirai Trunks?” Goten asked softly, reaching out to touch Trunks’ arm.

Trunks shivered and pulled away from that light touch. “I hate him.” Trunks said fiercely.

Goten’s eyes widened with surprise, “What? Hate.. him? Why?”

Trunks lowered his head, sniffing as tears began to fill his eyes, “Because Gohan loves him… not me.”

***

“Did you expect me to lie to him? To tell him it was him I dreamt about, and him I adored? His life I would die for?” Gohan yelled furiously.

Mirai Trunks shook his head sadly, “No.” His eyes were filled with anguish and wisdom as he stepped back, “The honorable thing would have been to leave the boy alone.”

***

“Trunks… Trunks where are you going?” Goten rushed after his friend, brow furrowed with concern.

Trunks ignored Goten, only flying faster since he knew his friend was following. “Leave me alone Goten!”

“Trunks … wait!!”

***

“-no right to-”

“GOHAN!” Goten burst into the room, interrupting whatever Gohan was in the process of saying.

Mirai and Gohan turned to Goten, “What is it?” Gohan asked, alarmed at the look on Goten’s face.

“How could you!?” Goten screamed, he was panting for air. He had used a lot of energy to fly after Trunks and then here.

“How could I what?” Gohan asked softly, “Where is Trunks?”

“Gone! Because of you!!”

“Gone?” Gohan felt as if the ground dropped from beneath him. His hands flew to his heart.

“What do you mean gone Goten?” Mirai asked, though he too was worried he managed to remain calm.

“I don’t know where’s he going, but… the way he looked when he left! Gohan… Gohan if anything happens to Trunks I’ll never forgive you!” And then Goten promptly burst into tears. He fell to his knees, unable to stand any longer.

Mirai rushed to the boy’s side. He knelt, placing an arm around those trembling shoulders. He looked up to Gohan, expression grave. “We have to find him.”

Gohan nodded numbly.

***

“Gone… what do you mean gone?” Vegeta growled, his eyes flashing with anger.

“Gohan, Goten and Goku are out looking for him now. I just contacted Krillin and he has agreed to help.” Mirai said quietly.

“You didn’t answer my question boy.” Vegeta draped a towel around his neck and patted the sweat from his forehead.

“We believe… Trunks has run away.”

“Run away?” Vegeta snorted, “My boy would do no such thing.”

Mirai nodded, “Of course. Regardless, when he last spoke to Goten he was quite upset. You can understand how we might be worried about him.”

“Upset?” Vegeta’s eyes narrowed, “About what?”

Mirai was quiet. His silence spoke more eloquently than his words ever could. “Goku’s brat…” Vegeta’s eyes were dark with hatred, “Damn him.” He grabbed the towel and tossed it aside. “Let’s go.”

***

“Now where is that thing..?” Bulma stood in the centre of the room and sighed. She had searched everywhere and simply couldn’t find the older dragon ball radar she had. She needed it for a science article she was writing.

“Bulma.”

“Oh!” She gasped and whirled around. Her eyes lit up with joy when she saw who was at the door, “Trunks!”

Mirai smiled as she launched herself into his arms. She hugged him tightly, then pulled back to grin up at him, “What’s brings you here?!”

He reached up and gently touched her cheek. “Mother.” He said softly, “I’m afraid I have bad news.”

“Bad news?! What’s going on? Are more androids coming?”

“No.” Mirai shook his head, “Trunks… is gone.”