Author’s Notes:  Thanks to Lord Truhan for giving me the basic idea for this fic! Oh, and I cropped the song a bit (okay, I chopped off about a third of the end…) for convenience.

Song Used : Abba – Take A Chance On Me .

*****

“I just think…the passion is gone. I’m sorry.”

If you change your mind, I’m the first in line
Honey I’m still free
Take a chance on me

Videl’s words repeated themselves in Gohan’s head over and over again. It had been six months since the court hearing that had announced the official termination of his and Videl’s marriage. Six months that Gohan had spent wondering what had gone wrong, what had dimmed the spark that had once burned so brightly between them.

Currently, he was lying on his bed in the small apartment he had rented a few months prior to the hearing, reflecting on everything that he and Videl had been through together. When his friends had first heard that she had filed for a divorce, they were there, trying to cheer him up, trying to make him understand that life wasn’t over.

But to him, it was.

Gohan had given everything he had to make his relationship with Videl work, and to stay working. Though, his efforts had not come to fruition. And now, as he lay staring at the cracked ceiling above him, he had come to realize that love was not meant for him. Ever.

If you need me, let me know, gonna be around
If you’ve got no place to go, if you’re feeling down

A tear ran down his cheek as the thought entered his mind. “Never again will I give my heart to anyone,” he vowed quietly.

***

Trunks paced back and forth in his office, wondering how he should break up with his latest girlfriend. His mother, always wanting grandchildren, had been pushing him to settle down with someone and produce an heir to Capsule Corporation. Even so, Trunks had realized long ago that his interests lay with no girl, but instead with a man. A man he had loved since childhood. A man named Gohan.

If you’re all alone when the pretty birds have flown
Honey I’m still free
Take a chance on me

The lavender-haired ouji had been the first one Gohan had come to when Videl had delivered the news that she no longer felt that their marriage was worth it. He had been the shoulder on which Gohan had cried on, the silent ear that had listened as Gohan repeated how much he loved her. He had bitten his tongue then, not voicing how he shared his pain. How he knew what it was like to love someone, but not be loved in return.

“President Briefs?” came the lively voice of his secretary over the small intercom sitting on his desk. “Raika is here to see you.”

“Oh joy,” he muttered under his breath. He pushed his index finger on the button on the intercom and spoke tiredly, “Send her in.”

“Yes, sir.”

Gonna do my very best and it ain’t no lie
If you put me to the test, if you let me try

Raika was a beautiful young woman. Her emerald eyes contrasted well with her shoulder length strawberry blonde hair. A smile was always on her lips, her mood ever cheerful. She walked towards Trunks with her usual grin on her face, her eyes dancing in the light. Her pink sundress fluttered in the self-produced breeze.

“Trunks! Sweetie! I’ve been waiting all day to see you!” She wrapped her arms around him and placed a lingering kiss on his lips. “Where are we going tonight? I was thinking about -”

“Raika,” Trunks interrupted, chewing his bottom lip nervously, “I don’t think we should go out tonight.”

Her perfectly arched eyebrows drew together in confusion. “Why not? Are you busy? If you are, then we could -”

“What I mean to say is,” he continued, again cutting off her sentence, “I don’t think we should go out tonight…or any night. I think maybe we should call it quits with our relationship.”

“What?”

Take a chance on me
(That’s all I ask of you honey)
Take a chance on me

“I’m sorry, Raika. It’s just…I don’t think our relationship can advance any further…”

Raika stood still a moment, her expression hurt, her eyes growing shiny. She brushed the stray strands of her hair behind her ear and tried to blink away the tears. “Why…?” she asked quietly. “What did I do wrong? What did I do…to make you feel this way?”

“You didn’t do anything. It’s…I…”

“It’s someone else? You love someone else, is that it?!” she almost yelled, her anger at his abrupt decision beginning to show through.

“Raika, please… I didn’t want to hurt you…”

“Don’t, Trunks. Just don’t. Your sorry excuses aren’t necessary.” She wiped at her eyes with the back of her arm and turned on her heel, walking out the office door.

Trunks cringed as she slammed the door closed, then sighed heavily. He truly wished he hadn’t had to do that, but he just couldn’tlead her on any longer. She deserved someone better. She was worthy of someone who would care for her, someone who would love her. He could only hope that Gohan would feel the same about him.

We can go dancing, we can go walking, as long as we’re together
Listen to some music, maybe just talking, get to know you better
‘Cos you know I’ve got
So much that I wanna do, when I dream I’m alone with you

The lavender-haired man pressed the button on his intercom, “Teri, hold all my calls for me, will ya?”

“Of course, President Briefs. Are you leaving already?”

“Yeah.”

***

Gohan sat up, drying his tears on the back of his hand. He sighed deeply and rose from his bed, walking to the bathroom. He turned on the shower and, while waiting for the water to heat, stared at himself in the mirror. The stranger that returned his gaze surprised him momentarily. The dark circles under his eyes, the tangled strands of ebony hair, the dull irises…they all seemed foreign to him. He remembered a time when he would look into the mirror and like what he saw, but that seemed so long ago.

When he was still with Videl.

He turned away from the glass and stripped of his clothing, stepping into shower stall. He sighed through his nose, allowing himself to relax a bit under the warm spray. His eyes closed as he washed himself quickly, then he turned off the water and walked out of the stall. He dried himself with a nearby towel and wrapped it around his waist. His gaze wandered back to the mirror, his mind curious to see if the quick bath had returned him to his old self. He stared into the eyes of his reflection and saw the deep anguish hidden in those midnight orbs. Disgusted with the image, Gohan clenched his fists and slammed one into the mirror, the glass shattering and flying across the room. A few shards scraped against his skin, drawing blood. A lonely tear travelled down his cheek to mingle with the red liquid on his face.

Gohan fell to his knees and tightly gripped the cotton towel between his fingers. His heart ached so much; the pain was just too much. He had believed so deeply in his heart that Videl had cared for him as much as he had for her. He had thought that he had finally found the love that his parents shared, the love that he had searched for so long. He had expected to spend all of eternity with Videl, his high school sweetheart.

As reality caught up with him again, he felt his world crash around him. Videl would not come back to him, and there was no one else who would love him the way he needed to be loved right now.Realizing that there was no other option, no other way for his depression to end, he formed a ball of energy in his hand.

It’s magic
You want me to leave it there, afraid of a love affair
But I think you know
That I can’t let go

Trunks parked his car in the lot of the apartment complex where Gohan now resided. He had held in his emotions for the older man too long. It had been six months since Gohan and Videl’s relationship had officially ended, and he could no longer keep silent. He walked to the elevator, and pressed the button for Gohan’s floor. The corny music that played in the background helped soothe his anxiety over finally revealing to Gohan what he had felt for so long.

He vaguely heard a ding that signaled the opening of the doors. Trunks stepped out of the elevator and walked down the hallway to Gohan’s apartment. He breathed in deeply, then knocked on the door. He waited a few moments but received no answer, so he knocked again. Still no answer.

Trunks furrowed his eyebrows. ‘Why won’t he come to the door? I know he’s in there…’ As he was about to knock a third time, he felt Gohan’s energy signal decrease rapidly. Trunks’ eyes widened with worry, and he used his strength to force his way into the small apartment.

If you change your mind, I’m the first in line
Honey I’m still free
Take a chance on me

Gohan clenched his fingers into a fist, compressing the sphere of light into a line that vaguely resembled a dagger. With trembling hands, he brought the makeshift knife to his wrist and sliced deeply into his skin. He grimaced at the pain, but it was nothing, he decided, compared to the pain in his soul.

As he watched the blood flow from his wound, he heard the main door open and rapid footfalls rush toward where he was kneeled on the floor. The footsteps stopped at the bathroom door, and he sensed Trunks’ ki standing there.

“GOHAN!!”

If you need me, let me know, gonna be around
If you’ve got no place to go, if you’re feeling down

The blue-eyed prince’s heart stopped as he stood staring at his beloved on the carpeted floor. He felt numb as dull black eyes were lifted to stare at him. No, not at him, through him. Trunks dropped to Gohan’s side and wrapped his arms tightly around the older man, cradling the shaken form against him.

The dampness Trunks felt on the thigh of his pants shocked him back into reality, and he remembered what Gohan had done to himself. Tears gathered in his eyes as he tore off the hem of his shirt and tightly bandaged Gohan’s wound. The white material was soon stained red, just like his pants and the carpet next to them.

“Gohan…Gohan, why…?” Trunks asked quietly, his voice breaking.

Gohan continued to look at his wrist, ashamed to look Trunks in the eye. He felt Trunks pull him into another embrace and rest his cheek on the top of his head, muttering softly to him. “Gohan, please, don’t ever…don’t ever do that again…”

“Why does it matter?” Gohan said, his voice hardly above a whisper. “Why does it matter what I do to my life anymore? Videl doesn’t care…no one…no one cares…”

“Oh, Gohan… Gohan, I care! I’ve always cared about you! I always will!”

If you’re all alone when the pretty birds have flown
Honey I’m still free
Take a chance on me

Gohan’s eyes widened, disbelievingly. He shook his head fervently, then groaned and sagged against Trunks as his abrupt blood loss caught up with him, dizzying him. Trunks held him tighter, unabashedly letting his tears flow down his cheeks.

“Gohan…I wish I had come here sooner… Maybe I could have… Gohan, why do you think no one cares? Everyone cares about you. And I…I love you, Gohan.”

“…What?”

“I’ve loved you since I was a kid. I didn’t know it then, but I did. I always wished that you would love me back…but you were with Videl all the time… I figured you would never feel the way I felt about you.” Trunks wiped his tears away, and looked Gohan in the eyes. “Gohan…”

The older Saiya-jin stared into the watery cerulean orbs in front of him. He saw the panic on the surface, and the love held underneath. The love that Trunks had just confessed to him.

“Trunks, I don’t…”

“Please, before you reject me, Gohan, could I…I mean…well…um…” Realizing that his thoughts couldn’t be voiced with mere words, he did the first thing tha came to his mind, something he had been longing to do for years. He cupped Gohan’s face in his hand and leaned down, softly brushing his lips with his own.

Gonna do my very best and it ain’t no lie
If you put me to the test, if you let me try

“Trunks–”

“Gohan, please…just take a chance on me…”

Take a chance on me
(Come on, give me a break will you?)
Take a chance on me

“Trunks…I can’t…after everything…Videl, she was…she was everything to me…”

“Please, let me be your everything now. Videl won’t come back, but I’ll always be here for you, Gohan. I love you; I love you more than Videl ever could. Just let me show you that. Please!”

Trunks took Gohan’s injured hand in his own and gingerly kissed the temporary bandage wrapped around his wrist. He returned his glance to dark eyes and hoped that Gohan could see in his eyes at least a fraction of the love he held in his heart. They held each other’s gaze for long moments, Trunks’ eyes desperate, and Gohan’s eyes searching.

After what seemed like an eternity to Trunks, Gohan ended the staring contest and spoke, his voice quiet, “I can’t forget about her, Trunks.”

If you change your mind, I’m the first in line
Honey I’m still free
Take a chance on me

The lavender haired man forced a smile to his lips. “I don’t expect you to do that. I just want you to let me take away some of the pain. I…”

He trailed off, not able to finish his sentence, for he realized that it would be hopeless to go on any further. It was obvious that Gohan loved Videl. More than he would ever love Trunks. Who was he to come into the older demi’s life and ask him to start another relationship just after he had been forced to end the one he thought would last forever? Trunks tried to blink back the tears that had accumulated in his eyes, but to no avail. They escaped and fell down his cheeks, dropping onto the back of his hand.

Gohan skimmed his fingers over the damp spot. “You…what?”

“It…doesn’t matter…”

“Trunks, tell me.”

“It’s just…Gohan, I would do anything to keep the sadness from your eyes. I would take on a world of pain…just to see you smile again…”

If you need me, let me know, gonna be around
If you’ve got no place to go, if you’re feeling down

Gohan watched as the other man toyed with the frayed edge of his shirt. He kept his face expressionless as his thoughts raced throughout his mind. Here was Trunks, his little brother’s best friend, confessing his love for him, trying to save him from the sorrow he was steadily drowning in. Trunks loved him, but he loved Videl…didn’t he? If he loved Videl as much as he thought, thenwhat was this emotion he felt in the pit of his stomach? If he truly loved Videl, then that means that there would be no room for anyone else, right?

Trunks swallowed nervously, uncomfortable with the silence that hung in the air so heavily. “Gohan…I-I’m sorry… I shouldn’t have…”

Gohan’s eyes settled on him as Trunks inhaled deeply and began to rise from the carpet. “I’ll go now…”

“Trunks…”

If you’re all alone when the pretty birds have flown
Honey I’m still free
Take a chance on me

The sapphire-eyed ouji stopped his movement and stared at Gohan expectantly. The ghost of a tired smile tugged at the corners of Gohan’s lips as he spoke. “Please don’t go, Trunks. I…I’d like it if you stayed around for a while.”

“Gohan…” Trunks crouched down in front of him. “I’ll stay with you forever if you want me to.”

“Trunks,” his voice seemed exhausted, “I can’t promise you much, but I’ll try. Just…just be patient with me, I…”

Trunks cut him off, pressing his gently lips to his. He stood again and held out his hand for Gohan to take. Gohan stared blankly at the hand momentarily, then raised his own hand to lock fingers with Trunks, accepting much more than the proffered hand. As he pulled him to his feet, the violet-maned president wrapped his arms around him, touching their foreheads together.

“Don’t worry, itoshii,” he whispered. “I’ll wait until the end of time to be with you. And I’ll do the best I can to make sure nothing ever hurts you again. I love you, Gohan.”

Tears pricked the edges of Gohan’s eyes as he heard Trunks’ heartfelt words. He returned the embrace, hugging Trunks tighter to his own body, the contact reassuring him, comforting him. In his heart Gohan realized a hope that he hadn’t felt in months.

Honey I’m still free
Take a chance on me

Everything would be all right.

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:  There’ll be change in the P.O.V, it will go from Gohan to Trunks and then to me. `’These things here indicate thoughts. Gohan and Videl were married at one point but Pan does not exist.
The drive to the Black Forest was a quiet one. No words were spoken between the three passengers inside, and all there was to do was listen to the soft sounds coming from outside of the vehicle as they drove, watching the scenery pass.

Although Gohan wanted nothing better than to ask and pester Trunks all he could for the answers he craved, he just couldn’t bring himself to wake the sleeping prince from his spot on his lap and ask. He looked so peaceful there, and he didn’t want to disturb that, knowing that he needed his rest. So instead he held him close, still trying to get rid of the giant lump of guilt that had lodged itself in his throat.

Trunks had been so worn out, tired, weak and simply exhausted from everything that had happened that day and everyday over the past three months, that being in Gohan’s warm arms, comfortable and safe for the first time in a long time, caused him to pass out almost instantly after they entered the vehicle and took off for home.

Sleeping in Gohan’s arms was a lot better than sleeping on an uncomfortable damp floor.

The car ride lasted nearly an hour before Goten finally came to a gentle stop outside of his house. They could sense their mother inside but not their father, and the only thing that came to mind to explain his absence was that he must have gone out training somewhere.

Gohan kissed Trunks’ hair, but he didn’t wake him as he opened the car door and slipped out with the teen still in his arms. Trying to be as gentle with him as he could, as if he would shatter like glass if treated too roughly.

“I’ll get the door, Gohan.” Goten offered, seeing that his hands were full and trotting over to the front door to hold it open for him.

“Thanks Goten.” Was all he said as he walked in, heading for his brother’s room where he could put the sleeping teen in his arms in a comfortable bed.

It was then that Chi-Chi walked in from the kitchen where she had been cooking, a frying pan in her hand to defend herself against whoever had broken in, when she caught sight of both her boys. Gohan disappearing in Goten’s room with Trunks while her youngest just closed the front door behind him.

Her eyes couldn’t help but widen at the sight of Trunks, but just before she could go and pester Gohan for some answers, Goten stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. “Mom I’ll tell you what you need to know. Okay?” He asked, leading her back into the kitchen to talk. He knew that his older brother would like some time alone with his boyfriend, and he intended on letting him have that.

***

Several hours had passed since Trunks had finally been brought back home, and the teen still had yet to wake from his deep and peaceful slumber. Snuggling under the covers of the warm bed he was on while clutching at his pillow as if it were a stuffed animal of some sort.

The sun had set long ago, making way for the cool night air by the time Gohan’s father had made it back home. Shocked out of his wits to find that Trunks was actually back, and to also know where he’d been and what had been happening to him.

Their mother had been running around the house all day. Gathering some extra blankets for him to keep warm in, and cooking up a meal fit for two dozen saiyans for when he finally woke up as well as cleaning up to make sure he wouldn’t wake up to a “pig stye”. As she liked to refer to Goten’s room.

He’d been sleeping so deeply for so long, that Gohan took the risk of leaving him for a couple of hours to take a dive in the depths of Black Forest Lake. Stripping down to only his boxers and needing to change into a super saiyan just to be able to see through the dark water as he searched. Coming up for air only when he desperately needed it.

He just had to find those rings.

He pushed a few water plants out of the way to see the area beneath them, and frowned when he found nothing there. He was sure that the ring box had landed somewhere in this area, but he just couldn’t find it. And after nearly an hour of searching, he was starting to get more than just a little frustrated.

He would have cursed at his lack of luck, but instead all he could do was scowl as he decided to head back up for some air. Taking in a deep breath of it once he finally broke through to the surface. Shaking the soaked hair out of his face before letting out some foul curses.

“Looking for this?”

He whipped his head up at the sound of his little brother’s voice, standing just out of reach of the water with a cocky smile on his face as he waved around the ring box in between his fingers.

Gohan blinked at him on complete shock. “W-where did you find that?” He asked, hovering out of the water before approaching him. His super saiyan heat drying him off before he even made it over to take the ring box out of his outstretched hand. Opening it up to confirm that the rings were actually there, and he wanted to cry when he did find them inside.

Goten’s smirk never wavered. “I went in after it shortly after you threw it in that day on the docks.” He explained. “Figured you would still be needing it.” He got out just before being pulled into a grateful hug by his overly happy older brother.

“Thank you so much! Thank you Goten!” He cried out, forcing himself to keep from shaking as he turned his attention back to the rings in his hand with an arm still around his shoulders. Never more grateful than anything in his entire life, aside from the fact that he now had Trunks back that is.

“Gohan, try to calm down.” Goten said, knowing just why the rings were so important. It wasn’t that he couldn’t afford new ones, it was because he threw them in when Trunks was gone. “He will forgive you, y’know.” He said as soothingly as he could, but that was a little difficult since the times when he was needed to provide some types of comfort were few and far in between.

Gohan shook his head. “I don’t care! He can’t know!” He cried out, unable to stop the tears coming into his eyes at the thought of all the pain his poor koi had gone through, and what he could go through again if he ever found out about the things he’d said about him when he was gone. The fact that he’d given up on him, went so far as accused him of running off with someone else and then threw their rings into a lake…

He just didn’t want to put Trunks through anymore pain. Especially that kind. And a part of him was actually deadly terrified that he wouldn’t be forgiven. And he didn’t want to risk that.

Goten patted his back. “Well, if you ever do decide to tell him, then there’s no doubt in my head that he’ll forgive you. He’d understand that you were hurt, Gohan. You didn’t do anything wrong.” He said, pulling away from him and holding him at an arms length so he could get his bearings. An act that Gohan used to do to him when he was just a little chibi and was in some kind of pain.

“Now look,” He started up. “Go get the rest of your clothes, get dressed, and then go back home with your rings and propose, because I know you’re dying to!” He said, earning a grateful snicker from his oniisan. “Now go already.” He said, and Gohan smiled at him before turning around to the branches where he’d left the rest of his clothes. Goten smiling back as he took to the air, heading for home to help his mother with the cake.

***

Gohan didn’t bother knocking on the door before softly pushing it open, poking his head in first to see if Trunks was awake or not in the dark space.

After seeing him still laying on his side, his breathing even which indicated that he was still resting, he had second thoughts about entering the room to disturb him. But tried to force those thoughts out of his head as he opened the door just a crack more to allow his body to get in. Shutting it with a light click before padding over and sitting next to him on the bed. Trunks didn’t even stir.

He didn’t bother to turn the lights on, remembering how the light still hurt his eyes.

Leaning down, he placed a gentle kiss over his shut eyelids. As if that would make the pain go away when he woke up. He promised Trunks he would be with him when he woke up anyway, and he’d been sleeping for so long that he just couldn’t wait any longer to do this now that he finally had the rings.

Goten didn’t get nearly enough credit for getting them, he’d have to make it up to him later.

Laying down next to him, he kissed his lips in his sleep, waking him as he stirred.

When Gohan took his lips away, Trunks blinked his tired eyes up at him, only a little fuzz clouding up his vision but still seeing him rather clearly with how used to the dark he was. He mumbled a bit, and it sounded something like: “Addama doing ere?” Before looking around his surroundings with suspicion in his squinting eyes.

Gohan started to rub his free hand over Trunks’ side, trying to aid him in waking up. “You’re home, koi. Remember?” He asked, scooting closer to hold him, their foreheads touching.

Trunks blinked at him sleepily. “Oh ya.” He mumbled, smiling softly before snuggling into Gohan’s arms for the warmth they provided.

“G’night.” He said, trying to get back to sleep. Though even in his half asleep state he still couldn’t help but wonder why he was so tired. He’d gotten more than enough sleep the night before, but perhaps he was just making up for lost hours.

He would have been back to sleep by now, but Gohan was simply annoying enough to not let him do it. Shaking him awake again. “Trunks, try to stay up for a few minutes. I have something for you.” He said, earning the sleeping prince’s full attention at the idea of presents.

Said prince yawned. Blinking his eyes wide open to try and get some strength in them as he forced them to focus on Gohan’s face. “What is it?” He asked, bringing a hand up to rub the sleep out if his eyes.

Gohan smiled at him, taking the hand Trunks was using on his eyes before slipping one of the gold bands on his wedding finger.

Trunks instantly froze up when he felt it, taking his hand back when Gohan gave it to him to have a look. Shocked to find an actual wedding band on his finger and whipping his head back at his boyfriend as if to ask if it was real.

Gohan was just looking at him, expectantly awaiting his answer. “What do you think?” He asked. Hoping that he would say yes.

Trunks wanted to cry, unable to fully believe that Gohan really did want to marry him after he broke off their bond. “Of course I will!” He all but shouted, wrapping his arms around his delighted Koi’s neck who was more than happy to embrace him back.

Trunks felt him shift a little, a gentle hand grazing over his bite scar and a soft whisper in his ear. Telling him to hold still and that he loved him before the familiar pain of sharp teeth against flesh hit his senses. Biting hard until the flesh tore and blood spilled before being sucked up and licked clean. His scar was now open again.

He was fully aware that Gohan had just had a flash of all the memories he’d had since the bond was broken, and he hoped in the back of his mind that Gohan would know that he wasn’t ready to talk about them just yet.

Gohan must have sensed his distress with the newly opened one way bond, because he didn’t say anything, but the look of slight hurt and shock that covered his features using a simple frown told him that he did in fact see it all.

It was his turn next, and Gohan tilted his head to the side to give him better access to his scarred neck. Trunks wasted no time in baring his fangs before biting down as hard as he could. Gohan made a small wince of pain, but that was about it as he let the younger demi do what he needed to do in order to re-open the last part to their lost bond.

To his delight he could feel the bond as it completed itself and opened back up for them. But to his horror, he’d forgotten that Trunks would be seeing a lot of the things he’d said, done, and felt over the past three months as well, most of which had been either crying himself to sleep, destroying some room or another in his apartment along with every photo he had of them together, and then throwing the rings into the lake.

And judging by how quiet the teen was when he pulled his teeth away, not bothering to clean the wound he’d created with his fangs as he inched away from him, Gohan knew that he’d seen some if not all of it.

Gohan tightened his grip on him before he could get far, wanting to say what he needed to say as fast as he could before he lost him again.

“Trunks,” He started, his throat as dry as desert sand. “Please understand, I thought you left me. “I-I didn’t mean any of it, I swear I didn’t.” He choked, fresh tears in his eyes that he tried to fight off. But the dam behind his eyes must have broken because the tears flowed freely down his face anyway.

There was a silence in the air, which lasted for only a few minutes, but could have been an eternity for all Gohan knew. Shaking in fear and waiting for a response from Trunks who simply stayed dead silent. Until he eventually sighed before speaking.

“When I was back with tousan, and he told me how you wanted nothing to do with me, I was heartbroken too.” He explained softly, much to Gohan’s utter relief. “And if I had the means, I think I would have destroyed a few things too.” He added as an after thought, smiling up at his fiancé before reaching his face up to give him a soft kiss. Reassuring him that he was forgiven.

Gohan had trouble responding to it with how shaken he was. Finding it hard to believe how Goten had been right and how he’d been forgiven so easily. But he didn’t want to push his luck on the issue, so for the moment he let the subject drop and simply held him close.

***

I’m glad I forgave Gohan. Not that I wouldn’t to begin with, but when our bond came back, and the memories flooded my eyes and mind, I was more than just a little shocked to find all the emotions he’d been having about me since I went missing. And in the long run, I couldn’t blame him for having them.

He thought I left him right out of the blue the day he planned on proposing to me. I think that would piss off a lot of people before sending them into a fit of depression too. So it’s not like I can blame him for going nuts on all of our mementoes and every other thing we’ve gotten together.

I can feel his emotions right now, the happiness and relief that I forgave him, the content feeling he has right now by simply laying with me, and the joy he gets at the idea of being with me forever.

I know he loves me. There’s no doubt in my mind about that. So why shouldn’t I forgive him? In fact, now that I think about it, there’s nothing to forgive at all. He only acted the way he did because I was gone from his life, and that should be proof enough of his love for me even if we didn’t have this bond between us to depend upon.

He’s still shaking as I hold him. I don’t think I ever sensed these emotions in him all at once at such s high intensity before. It’s kind of strange knowing that I’m doing it to him, and for a moment I can’t help but feel a twinge of guilt before reminding myself that there’s nothing I can do about it at the moment aside from be supportive and let him know that I don’t blame him.

For thinking I had left him, for killing my father, and for taking so long in getting me away from him (Even though the last two weren’t even his fault. I can sense that he blames himself for them).

And that’s what I continued to do, right up until his eyes dried and he calmed down, chuckling a little at his own show of weakness and trying to hide his embarrassment for it under his hand. But I pull it away from his face, wanting to see his blush in the dark.

He looks good.

Gohan pulls me close again, almost the point of crushing me, but I’m sure I’m not holding back any better.

He sighs in my hair. “I missed you so much.” He breathes, squeezing me extra tight for emphasis.

I nod my head at that. “I missed you too.” I whisper back, feeling him kiss my hair.

I’ll never understand what he finds so great about my hair. He’s always playing in it.

“I have something for you.” He says, gently twisting around a few strands between his fingers.

I can’t help but blink up at him, wondering what else he could do for me all in one night. “Really? What?” I ask, and I can’t help but feel a little excited.

Gohan turns his gaze over towards the door, raising his ki just a little, as if signaling for someone to enter.

Sure enough, the door gently opens, and in walks Chi-Chi-san, Goku-sama and Goten. They all have bright smiles on their faces as Chi-Chi-san holds the cake in both her hands, candles lit on it as she slowly enters to keep any of them from going out.

My breath hitches at the sight of them, shocked when they start singing “Happy Birthday To You”.

***

I can’t help the bright smile on my face as I watch Trunks, the look of awe on his face that were going to be celebrating his birthday even though it passed months ago.

Yamcha, Piccolo, Tien, along with the rest of the fighters are all back in the livingroom waiting for him to get out of bed to join his birthday party.

Kasaan knelt down on the bed next to us, holding the cake out for Trunks to see. “Make a wish and blow out the candles, sweety.” She said, smiling brightly herself.

I looked at his face for the reaction he gave, loving the bright look on his face as the flame of the eighteen candles flicked light over his beautiful features. He took in a deep breath, and blew a small gust of air that swept over the many flickering lights until they all flickered no more.

All save for one.

“Aw, you missed one. That’s too bad.” kasaan said, looking at the lit candle with slight disdain.

/You missed one, koi./ I pointed out through our mental link.

He smiled at me, the dull look in his eyes that had been there earlier today vanishing right before my very eyes.

/I meant to do that./ He replied.

I raised an eyebrow at him playfully. /Really? Why?/

/Leave a candle lit on a cake and it means you have a boyfriend, but if you do it when engaged, it means the marriage will last forever./ He replied happily.

And I kissed him. Hard. Probably not the most respectful thing to do in front of my parents and brother, but I knew they wouldn’t mind too much.

A marriage that will last forever based on one candle staying lit?

Then I’ll make sure our fire never goes out.

Author’s Notes:  There’ll be change in the P.O.V, it will go from Gohan to Trunks and then to me. `’These things here indicate thoughts. Gohan and Videl were married at one point but Pan does not exist.
“You fucking bastard!!” Gohan roared out in a rage, letting go of his koi to change into a super saiyan and charge at the saiyan prince in front of him.

Vegeta simply smirked and let him attack, not caring as Gohan charged him right through the walls of Capsule Corp and into the open sky. He was quick to change into a super saiyan as well before Gohan could get in any punches on him though. Blocking every fist and knee with complete ease since the owner of those knees and fists was in enough of a rage to cloud up his concentration.

Much to Vegeta’s advantage. And he intended on using it to the fullest.

He had to admit, when he came home just to sense Kakkarot’s first brat along with his own in the same area as each other, he was a little worried. But after some careful last second thought and planning, he decided to give his brat back to his third class baka mate if they wanted each other so badly.

However, he wasn’t about to be shamed out of his mind over the issue by simply handing him over after all this time. If the spawn of Kakkarot wanted him so much then he had to fight for him. And when he won the battle he’d send both his brat as well as Kakkarot’s away in disgrace and defeat. Laughing at them when he did.

It was the most dishonorable thing ever for a saiyan to not be able to protect his mate in battle. And he would show that third class idiot, that no matter what he did, he would never be able to beat him. Even for the sake of his mate. Letting him experience the amount of shame that many were known to kill themselves over. And that was far better than having to put up with the little kisama in his house for all those months.

Gohan sent another fist at Vegeta’s face, but the prince managed to move out of the way before taking his outstretched arm and flipping him over with enough force to send him crashing back down to the Earth.

Trunks ran outside with Bra in his arms just in time to see him fall to the Earth with a loud crash and enough of an impact to make the world beneath him shift and rumble under his feet. A cloud of dust rising from the place of impact and surrounding them all quickly as the wind blew it around.

His heart went into his throat at the sight while he tried to keep himself breathing. And with a lot of willpower he managed to keep himself from calling out to him. The last thing Gohan needed when he was in a fight was a distraction.

Vegeta watched from above as the dust settled around the pathetic figure beneath him. And he couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight of his current enemy, on his knees in the crater that he had created, trying to gather his energy for the fight.

The Saiyan prince had to admit that he was a little disappointed with this though, despite how amusing it was. He was hoping for a better challenge than this. And it was obvious to him how little the idiot had been training in his spare time with how weak he appeared to be.

But oh well, he supposed, extending his arms while gathering the energy he needed for the Final Flash attack. The less time he spent on him the more time he could use with trying to get Bra to see reason over the issue since she was the one who no doubt brought him over to Capsule corp to begin with.

Vegeta smirked down at him. One less Baka idiot to put up with after this. “FINAL FL–”

A sudden blast to his side, strong enough to send him flying off target a few feet stopped his attack, and he whipped his head down in the direction it came from to see (to his shock) his son, in super saiyan form with two open palms pointing directly at him. A mixed look of fear and protective anger on his face.

“Don’t touch him!!” He yelled up at where he was still hovering, shaking and breathing heavily from the power he used for the attack before unwillingly melting back into his regular form, but still not dropping his hands. He was far too weak to keep anything up at the stage he was currently in.

Gohan looked at where Trunks stood in complete shock. He didn’t think that Trunks would be so weak that he couldn’t stay in super mode, but even then, proud that he would come to his defense even in such a weakened state and still be able to send off one strong attack to try and save him.

Bra could do nothing but watch the strange scene unfold before her from her hiding spot. Her big brother was quick to put her down before telling her to run and hide, and so the tree she was currently clutching onto was more than enough for her, as long as she was able to see what was going on.

Vegeta snarled down at him in a rage, feeling his blood boil at being caught off guard like that. He must have let his defenses slip when he cornered Kakkarot’s first brat. But it wasn’t going to happen again.

“So you want in on the fight, eh?!” He called down menacingly, causing Trunks’ as well as Gohan’s eyes to widen. Vegeta then charged at him at a lightning speed. “You got it!!”

The saiyan prince came at him at such a speed that Trunks didn’t even have a chance to set up his defenses before being pummeled into the Capsule corp walls, a hand gripping his throat and lifting him from the ground.

Trunks brought up a hand to try and blast him, but Vegeta grabbed it before twisting it around painfully while sneering at him. If it weren’t for the hand on his throat currently choking him, he would have cried out in pain.

Gohan’s eyes widened at the sight. “Trunks!!” He called to him in a panic, charging at the madman holding onto his koi to try and save him.

Vegeta, not even looking behind him, let go of Trunks’s hand before angling his body enough to point his palm behind him, blasting Gohan directly in the face as he came at him and sending him flying away before crashing to the ground face down. And he didn’t get back up.

Trunks’ eyes widened in fear, but that was all he could do as his lungs began to burn and his throat tried to force him to breathe, making choked sounds through Vegeta’s grip as his vision began to blur.

Vegeta leaned in closer to him, knowing that he was about to pass out and wanting to say this before he did. “You need not worry brat, I won’t kill him, just rip off a few of his limbs.” He said before starting to laugh out loud menacingly.

Trunks felt his heart jump into his throat at his father’s words, but just before he could pass out from his lack of air, Vegeta was thrown from him with a violent punch to the side of the face. Dropping him and allowing him to suck in the air he desperately needed in large gasps.

He looked up at the golden aura still in the air, fully expecting to see Gohan, but instead he found Goten!

The younger Son looked down at his best friend as he landed on his feet, offering his hand to help him up. “I sensed a fight going on with Vegeta and Gohan, and when I sensed you here too I knew it was trouble.” He said while Trunks still tried to catch his breath, changing back into his normal form now that he thought the danger had been dealt with.

Goten started to look around, forgetting about Vegeta’s presence. “Where is oniisan anyway?” He asked.

It was then that Trunks remembered the blast his koi received from his father, and his already short breath hitched in fear. “Oh God, he’s over–” He pointed in the direction he last saw Gohan in on the ground, but he was no longer there.

He lowered his hand in confusion, looking over the surrounding area to see if he’d missed anything. But Gohan was nowhere in sight. “I-I don’t know where he is.” He said, only deepening the confusion that the two currently shared.

“SURPRISE!!!” Vegeta cried out, grabbing the both of them by their throats before lifting them from off the ground and swinging the both of them to the grass with one loud crash. He crashed one knee onto each of their chests, pinning the both of them on the grass as he proceeded to strangle them.

He tsk’d at them, shaking his head in disappointment while ignoring their frantic struggles for air. “Well that was a little unfair now wasn’t it?” He asked, not paying any attention to their reddening faces as he spoke.

“Two against one?” He asked, tightening his grip on their necks. “I think I should start teaching the two of you some important less–”

He didn’t get a chance to finish his little statement as Gohan came flying in from his hiding spot in the sky, right in the glare of the sun where he could make his excellent sneak attack, landing a direct punch to the side of his face and throwing him off of his koi and little brother.

He didn’t stop his attack to make sure that they were alright though, instead he charged back at the saiyan prince just as he was trying to get back up, pinning him to the ground. “Fair?! You want to talk about FAIR?!?!” He demanded, the glowing aura from his super saiyan ki glowing just as bright, if not brighter then he’d seen it when he fought Cell as a child. And the idea that he was calling upon his hidden abilities to fight frightened him.

No matter how much he hated to admit it.

Gohan was now powering up so much the earth beneath him was giving out, a crater digging itself out beneath him as he lifted Vegeta’s neck up by the collar of his fighting armor before punching him hard in the face.

Goten and Trunks had somehow made it to their feet, and were now trying to keep from falling back to the ground with the amount of energy flying around them. Bra ran out from her hiding spot to Goten who lifted her up and shielded her from the flying debris. She didn’t want to be alone while the world shook around her. They were even forced to shield their eyes against the bright light being emitted from Gohan as he continued his relentless attack on Vegeta.

Trunks couldn’t help but actually become afraid of what he was seeing, through the bright light. The killer look in Gohan’s eyes was something that he’d only seen once before. And that was when his tousan was in the middle of hitting him. He never knew that Gohan could make that same look, and it unnerved him. Especially since he was doing it while hitting his father.

Even though he knew the bastard deserved it.

“YOU CALL WHAT YOU DID TO TRUNKS FAIR!?!” Gohan demanded, punching him hard in the face again before slamming the back of his head into the ground, grabbing his neck with both hands and trying to choke the life out of him for what he did in his blind rage.

This no good son of a bitch put his koi in a ki band before kicking the shit out of him hundreds of times and he wants to discuss fair fighting?! “I SHOULD KILL YOU RIGHT NOW YOU FUCKING BASTARD!!!” He screamed out in his madness, still gripping onto his neck and sneering down at him in a look that could move mountains.

He could hardly see what he was doing with the intensity of his rage. It was all because of Vegeta! It was all his fault!! Vegeta kidnaped his koi from him! Vegeta told him all those lies! Vegeta manipulated him while he tortured his own son, it was Vegeta who put him on the brink of hating Trunks because he thought he left him! And it was Vegeta who was just stopped from trying to choke and kill Trunks and his little brother! He had to pay for it! He had to!!

He wanted his blood for what he did.

His grip on his neck didn’t loosen, not even when he felt the grip from Vegeta’s hands on his own, trying to pry him off loosen. The weaker he became and the closer he came to death the better. The world was better off without him in it anyway!

Even after Vegeta’s hands dropped lifelessly to the ground, Gohan didn’t let go of his neck, not yet. He could barely see that he had killed the man until his senses finally got the better of him, and he blinked his eyes wide open a few times before he finally realized what he had done.

Shakily, he forced his fingers away from Vegeta’s neck, getting to his feet and taking a step away from the corpse. What had he done? He didn’t really want to kill him, just make him suffer a little for all the things he did.

Goten, Bra and Trunks were all there watching as he murdered a man too. He just killed Vegeta in front of his son and daughter. He didn’t want to do that!

He took a quick look at where the three of them were, all sitting on the ground from ultimately falling due to the energy he was letting off mere seconds ago.

Goten was looking up at him in complete disbelief, never seeing his brother go into such a rage before much less kill anyone for it.

Bra was in tears, clinging onto Gotens shirt while she stared at the dead body of her father. A sight that only made him feel all the more guilty for his actions.

And then there was Trunks. He was the sight that truly made him want to die.

The younger demi was looking up at him in complete horror. Gohan had just killed his father, right in front of him and his little sister. The insane look he had in his eyes when he did it gave him the faint idea that he might have been possessed by a demon when he did it.

The only other time he’d ever seen a look like that was from his father when he was beating mercilessly into the floor. And it scared him knowing that Gohan was capable of doing the same. It down right terrified him.

But, this was Gohan for crying out loud! He couldn’t have meant to kill him! And even then, he only did it to try and protect him!

He killed because of him. It was all his fault his father was dead. He was dead and now Bra was an orphan all because of him!!

Gohan took a shaky step forward, towards his koi. He just looked so small and frightened from where he was, eyeing his father’s body like it was the most terrifying thing in the world.

Not that he blamed him.

“Trunks,” He started. “I’m so sorry–”

“He’s dead.” Trunks cut him off, tears spilling uncontrollably down his face. “He’s dead, he’s dead, he’s dead.” He cried out, but his tears weren’t those of joy at his death. He didn’t want his father to die, he was his father after all, he just wanted to be free of him. But not like this. Not like this.

Gohan felt his heart shatter at the sight of him. Knowing that he was the reason for all his emotional distress. Not to mention the Hell Bra would be going through when she finally came to terms with it. Kami, what did I do?’ He thought in complete shame, turning back to where Vegeta’s body lay. What did I do?’

***

Vegeta felt a bright light shining all around his body, and when he finally managed to open his eyes he found it to be almost blinding.

“What the Hell?” He grumbled in confusion, bringing a hand up to shield his face. If he didn’t know any better, he’d say he was in heaven. But then, how could that be? After all the horrible things he done in his life, how could King Yemma grant him access to heaven?

But he smirked once the realization hit him. It must have been because of his fights against Freeza, Cell and his sacrifice against Majin Buu. King Yemma was such a fool, there was no way he would send him to Hell after all that! No matter what he may have done in his past.

His smirk grew broader as he found himself adjusting to the annoying sparkle of the heavanly light. “Where is Onna?” He asked to himself, looking around his blank surroundings. Finding it to more than a little strange that heaven could be this empty, and coming to the conclusion that few people must be granted access to it.

But then, a shadowy form suddenly appeared a few feet away from him, in the basic shape of a person, unmoving from where they stood in the shadows, and he found this to be a little strange considering all the damn light he was surrounded by.

“Who the Hell are you!?” He called out in annoyance, watching in slight awe as the form slowly turned into the beautiful form of Bulma. The shadows disappearing around her as she opened her deep blue eyes to gaze at where he stood.

He blinked at her in shock and utter disbelief, taking a shaking step forward as his breath hitched. Was it really her he was seeing? After all these years was he finally getting his wife back?

“B-Bulma?” He asked, not using any of the other annoying names she hated so much in his happiness at actually seeing her again. Verbal spars, as fun as they were, could wait. Because right now all he wanted was to hold her.

Flying towards her as fast as he could, stopping just in front of where she stood. Trying to refrain himself from tackling her in what could be a public place. But just before he could take her into his arms, her gaze on him turned into a hard one as she whipped her hand up for a sharp slap to his face, stopping him dead in his tracks.

He just stood there, completely stunned and frozen on the spot. Did that really just happen? The actually slap didn’t hurt, it was just because she had slapped him. What was that for!?

“B-Bulma?” He asked shakily, bringing a hand up to gingerly touch his reddening cheek.

“How could you?!?” She all but screeched at him, slapping him hard again on his other cheek sharply. He did nothing to stop her while she went ballistic on him, shaking like a leaf while tears formed in her eyes and spilled down her face. But he just didn’t understand. What had he done to upset her so much?

She pretty much withdrew into herself at that point, taking a step away from him while turning her face away as well. “My baby, my poor baby.” She sobbed out, shaking her head, and it was then that he understood why she was acting the way she was.

She was talking about Trunks.

“How could you…? How could you do that to my poor baby?” She cried out, shaking like a leaf where she stood before turning an accusing glare towards him.

“B-but you don’t know what he is–”

“I DON’T GIVE A DAMN!! HE’S STILL MY BABY AND YOU HURT HIM!!” She roared out at him in a rage, taking several more steps away from where he stood in disgust. Just being near him made her feel dirty.

She knew what her son’s choice’s in life were, and she was also aware of what her widower husband had been doing to him for it. Blaming her poor baby for her death before cruelly abusing him like that for all those years. She was sickened by the very sight of him.

Vegeta took a shaking step forward in complete fear as she continually backed away from him. No! He couldn’t lose her again! Not after just getting her back. He couldn’t! He didn’t want her to leave him again!

“STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM ME!! I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOUR FACE EVER AGAIN!!” She screeched with a stubborn stamp of her foot. And just before he could open his mouth to spit out any of his pathetic apologies or excuses, she turned on her heal and ran away from him.

“Bulma, come back!” He cried out, instantly giving chase. And with his Super Saiyan speed on his side, he would have caught her, but then something horrible happened.

He woke up.

***

Gohan breathed a sigh of relief when Vegeta coughed only once before turning on his side and breathing on his own. Clutching at his chest while sucking in the air he so desperately needed to survive.

The older Son’s efforts were finally rewarded as he got to his feet and put a shaky hand in his hair. After nearly five whole minutes of CPR the saiyan prince was alive and breathing on his own.

He was no longer a cold blooded killer. And Trunks was no longer afraid of him. The proof of that being when the lavender haired teen ran into his arms, holding him tightly while mumbling his thank you’s that were muffled in his shirt.

Bra let out a squeal of delight when she saw her father breathing again before wiggling out of Goten’s hold on her and running over to where he still lay. Hopping on him before hugging him tight. An act that knocked the wind out of him judging by the sound he made.

Gohan held Trunks tightly to him from where they stood, trying to keep himself from crying all over again. “I’m sorry, Trunks.” He almost choked, kissing his ear before putting his face in the crook of his neck. He didn’t mean to scare his koi like that when he fought his father, and just prayed that he wouldn’t hold it against him.

Trunks sighed against him. “I don’t blame you.” He mumbled pitifully, ashamed that he was the source of Gohan’s discomfort when he was only trying to save him. He knew that Gohan didn’t mean to kill his father, and there was a difference between what he did and what his father did.

His father would hurt him simply for the sick pleasure of making him scream, and Gohan was hurting his father to try and get his revenge for him. There was a big difference now that he actually thought about it.

Vegeta held his daughter to him tightly as the girl stubbornly tried to hold back her tears of relief. Happy that he was still alive and afraid that she had almost lost him. Her tousan was always so big and strong to her, that the idea that he could ever be killed had never even crossed her young mind.

But Vegeta wasn’t looking at her as she sniffled in his hold, he was looking at the spot where Gohan and Trunks were standing. Holding each other in a tight embrace while fighting back tears of their own. Eyes held tightly shut while they mumbled little words of love to each other that he couldn’t make out.

Goten was standing nearby, his body tense as he watched Vegeta carefully to ensure that if he were to attack them he’d be ready to defend his brother and best friend. He wasn’t about to make the same mistake twice.

The saiyan prince then turned his gaze back down to the little girl in his arms. And the hair on her head that was exactly the same as his wife’s. And he was reminded of her hate filled words to him when he met her again in Other World. And as much as he hated to admit it, unless he excepted his son and his mate, there was no chance in hell Bulma would ever speak to him when he saw her again.

Sighing, he got to his feet, still cradling Bra in his arms before he approached them. Goten took a step forward and sneered at him, ready to attack if needed. Trunks saw him coming and tensed up in fear while Gohan tightened his grip on him. If Vegeta still wanted to fight then he would gladly fight him again.

The saiyan prince stopped short of them, looking at his son as he tried to bury himself in Gohan’s arms. But even they couldn’t make him feel completely safe at the moment as he fought to keep from shaking.

Vegeta noticed this, and he kept his voice as calm as possible. “I apologize to you, son. For everything that has happened since your mother’s death.” He forced himself to say sincerely. If he was to ever get Bulma’s forgiveness then this was what he had to do. And he would do it no matter how much it irked him.

Trunks blinked up at him, not sure if he heard that correctly and thinking that his senses were most likely playing odd pranks on him. “What?” He asked, his voice filled with utter disbelief at the thought that his father was finally going to accept him, but his grip on Gohan still didn’t loosen with the fearful idea that it was just a sick prank.

Gohan snarled at him menacingly, not trusting what he said for a second. “What the hell are you trying to pull?” He demanded fiercely. He didn’t know what Vegeta’s knew game was, toying with Trunks’ mind like this, but whatever it was, he didn’t like it at all.

The older saiyan just ignored his question. This was between him and his boy, not him and Kakkarot’s brat. Just because he was about to accept them didn’t mean he had to speak to him.

“I accept you and your mate. You need not worry about me any longer.” He continued. “Capsule corp is yours to run by right, and if you want, you can visit your sister as well.” He finished.

Trunks nearly choked when he heard that. His father was finally going to leave him alone? And he was accepting him and Gohan? “R-really?” He asked shakily, blue eyes becoming teary at the very thought.

Vegeta gave him a simple nod of his head before walking passed them and heading back for the house, snarling at Goten as he went.

“Bye, bye, oniisan!” Bra called happily with a wave before they disappeared. And that was the end of that.

The three demi saiyans all blinked from where they all stood. That had certainly come right out of nowhere. Vegeta accepting Trunks? There was no way in hell that was possible. Not after all the hell he’d put him through. Gohan hoped that this wasn’t some sadistic trick to try and hurt his koi again, because he would make the saiyan prince pay for it if it was.

He looked down at where Trunks was still clutching at him under his arms, and judging by the mixed look of happiness and disbelief on his face, he was probably willing to take that chance just to be able to freely see his sister again.

Gohan sighed at the thought, if he ever did need to come back here to see his sister then he made a mental note to always go with him for protection. Trunks would do anything for his baby sister, even brave his father, so he would make sure to be there with him if and when he did.

He sighed again, kissing the top of Trunks’ lavender head of hair. He just wanted to take him home and get his cuts and bruises properly dressed. That’s all he wanted at the moment. Just to take him away.

“Let’s go home.” He whispered in his ear, Trunks looking up at him with so much relief in his eyes at the very thought.

“We might as well drive,” Goten said, pulling out a car dinocap before opening it up with a poof of smoke. “I don’t feel like flying after that.” He finished with a shake of his head. So much had happened all within the time span of fifteen minutes that he seriously doubted he’d have the energy to fly.

Gohan and Trunks both nodded their heads in agreement. The idea of driving sounding so much more appealing than flying at the moment as they climbed into the backseat of the car and curled up together while Goten started the engine.

Gohan held Trunks closely to him protectively, practically pulling him on his lap as they drove off. He couldn’t bare the thought of being without his koi ever again. Wanting to hold him like he was for the rest of his life and never let him go. It was so comforting, having him there with him at long last, and he knew that when it came time to actually let him go, it would be almost as painful as when they were separated.

Author’s Notes:  There’ll be change in the P.O.V, it will go from Gohan to Trunks and then to me. `’These things here indicate thoughts. Gohan and Videl were married at one point but Pan does not exist.
The summer school class I was teaching had ended not even five minutes ago when Bra walked into my classroom. Her hair tied back into a tight ponytail with a blue ribbon, a little blue sun dress and wearing a pair of plastic sandals. She really was starting to look like a miniature Bulma, though at first I didn’t notice her since my head was down and since she was still so small. The only sound being made as she waited was the scratching of my pencil against some test papers I was grading.

But she had inherited Bulma’s impatient nature along with her looks, so naturally not a full ten seconds had passed before she got tired of my ignoring her (though unintentionally) and stamped her foot down to get my attention.

I blinked at the small booming sound as well as the vibration that went with it, raising my head ever so slightly to see what had made it. But strangely enough, there was nothing there.

I shrugged my shoulders. Must be some construction work going on outside.’ I thought to myself, going back to what I was doing.

I didn’t see her face twist up in anger. She hated being ignored. So the small saiyan started to hover a little so that I’d be able to see her above my desk.

“It’s not nice to do that!”

I jumped a little, startled by the sudden intrusion from my quiet thoughts, but at the sight of the young girl in front of me I calmed down a bit. Trying not to let the sight of her remind me of Trunks so I could deal with whatever reason she was here for.

I gave her a polite smile, and her face softened as well. She’s far too young to be able to stay mad at anything for long. “Oh, sorry about that. What can I help you with, Bra?” I asked. “And where’s your father?”

She let out a sigh before lowering herself back down to the ground, and I found that to be strange. She was obviously upset about something, but why would she come to me about it?

“I wanted to talk to you about him.” She said, coming around to the other side of my desk. I pushed my chair out and she hopped onto my lap, the act instantly melted me. It was no wonder why Vegeta could never say no to her, she was just too cute. If I were to ever have a daughter, she would have to be like her.

But then I blinked at her, remembering that she wanted to speak to me about something. “Talk to me about what?” I asked curiously. What could be bothering her so much that she would come to me and not her father for advice?

She looked up at me innocently. “About otousan… and about onichan.” She said slowly, and my breath hitched in slight pain at the mention of Trunks. So that was it. Now I understood, she just missed Trunks and wanted to talk about him. And Vegeta wouldn’t be the greatest person in the world to be having a chat with on the subject, so she came to me since I was so close to her summer school.

“Oh.” Was all I managed to say, trying to hide the wave of anguished emotion I felt at having to speak about my missing koi. It still hurt, being without him, and a part of me didn’t want to talk about him. I felt the urge to tell her to go and have her talk with her father over her brother, because I wanted nothing better than to just forget that he ever existed.

But the unmistakable feeling of pain in my chest at the mere thought of his gorgeous face and beautiful blue eyes proved that I still wasn’t over him. And I could never stop wishing that I was, it would be easier to forget than to live with the pain.

Bra looked up at me expectantly, and I realized that she was waiting for me to speak, so I continued. “Why did you want to talk about Trunks, Bra?” I asked, trying to remember that she was still so young and probably didn’t mean to hurt me by asking these things.

Hell, even Goten, tousan and kasaan stopped speaking to me about him.

Bra fidgeted a little on my lap. “I saw tousan hurting onichan, and I want to help him.” She said simply, still looking up at me with her big innocent eyes. But I barely saw her at that point. My mind just about blanked out when she said “tousan hurting onichan”. And I think my jaw dropped.

Just what the FUCK did that mean?! She knew where Trunks was?! And he was with Vegeta!?! But that was impossible!! I’ve been there so many times that I can’t even count them! And I didn’t sense him once! How could this be possible?!

Bra continued on, not thinking anything of the odd face I was sure I was making in my stunned shock. “I don’t want onichan to lose his game, but he was hurting.” She said in her small voice, her lips starting to quiver.

“S-so you’re saying that Trunks is at Capsule corp right now?!” I asked, not really hearing what she had said last, and not caring either. The point was that I finally knew where my koi went! And he was at Capsule corp of all places?! How much of a fool could I be!?!

Bra didn’t answer my question, so I quickly picked her up before setting her down on the floor and kneeled to be at her eye level. Trying not to panic and seem as calm as possible to not scare her. If he was there then I needed to know!

“Bra, this is serious, you’re not in trouble or anything but you need to tell me the truth about this.” I said sternly. “Is Trunks really at Capsule corp?” I asked, my voice almost shaking with the fearful idea that he was. Somehow the idea that he had left willingly would have been better than the thought that he was with his father right now. The idea that he was hurting somewhere at that very moment was just unbearable.

Bra gave me a simple nod of her head for a response, and I wanted to be sick. Dear God he was with Vegeta. And that bastard was doing Kami-only-knows what to him for the past three months while I was mopping around and cursing his name for leaving me when he never did. I wanted to shoot myself with how stupid I felt.

But for the moment that had to wait. If he was at Capsule corp than I had to go and get him.

“Bra, w-will you take me to him?” I asked shakily, praying to God that I would find him safe and alright. But the odds of that happening were slim to none since Bra came to me saying that Vegeta was hurting him.

“Okay.” She said with a nod, taking my hand into her much smaller one before leading me out the door, and I didn’t bother to shut it on the way out. She couldn’t take me to him fast enough, and I swear that my heart was pounding like a jackhammer. All that mattered at that point was that I was finally going to see Trunks again and get him away from that awful place.

Kami I had to get him back. And if Vegeta hurt him, even one hair on his head, then I swore he would die a horrible and excruciating death!!

***

Tousan finally left me alone. Bra caught him beating me, so he chased her down and explained to her that I had done something horrible and was being punished for it, and then he sent her to school. As if nothing was wrong with what he had done at all.

The bastard. Manipulating my own little sister against me. And I didn’t even do anything wrong!

It’s kind of funny, now that I think about it though. I actually tried attacking him when he came back to finish me off. Threatening to kill him a thousand times over if he even laid a finger on her. Heh, I guess I’ll never learn.

He really let me have it at that point! Jesus if I didn’t know any better I’d say he broke my face in half with the way he went at it. Eventually I stopped feeling pain, and then Kami had enough mercy to let me pass out in the middle of it all.

He was waiting for me to wake up, but didn’t do anything aside from give me a fast backhand to the face and a warning not to try anything like that ever again before leaving me alone in the dark. Off to train somewhere I guess.

So now I’m back here again. In my closet. Home sweet hell. I sighed. “At least it can’t get any worse than this.” I stupidly said out loud. And just then my stomach rumbled.

“Oh shut up!” I yelled down at it in annoyance, knowing fully well that I wouldn’t be getting fed today. God what a depressing thought. At least I was able to clean out the cuts on my face and arms in the bathroom, so now they don’t hurt as badly as before. And tousan wouldn’t be back for a little bit so I had some time to heal up as well.

Suddenly my closet gets just a little bit darker than what it already is, and I turn my head down the crack at the bottom of the door to see two shadowed feet blocking the light from getting inside.

My eyes widened in sheer horror at the sight of them as my breath became hitched. Oh God, he’s back.’ I thought in terror. He was done with his training so now he wanted to practice on me again for trying to leave. Kami would he never leave me alone?

The handle to the door rattled a little, and I started to shake uncontrollably as I crouched as far as I could into my corner. Choking back a sob of fear from where I sat as I waited for him to get in and get it over with.

The door suddenly slammed wide open with a loud crash. I think he actually broke it off it’s hinges, but I wasn’t really paying any attention to that at the moment. The light from the hallway as well as the sun shining through the many windows attacked my eyes and blinded me again. So I whipped my head away from it and shut them as tightly as I could to keep the painful light away from them.

This only scared me further. I think I would prefer to see him coming at me when he does.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!! I won’t ever do it again, I promise!!! I’ll be good!! I’ll–”

Two arms reached out and grabbed me around the waist before lifting me into the air and pulling me out of the small room and into the blinding light.

“No!! No, please don’t!!”

***

Eventually I just lost all patience with Bra before taking her hand and flying as fast as I could over to Capsule corp. She was a pretty good flyer for someone so young, but still just so slow. And I needed to get there fast. I was too eager to see Trunks again. I didn’t care that I was probably setting myself up for a letdown by doing this, because I just had to check.

We both came to a land in the backyard lawn, and Bra ran over to the door before pulling her house key out of her little dress pocket and trying to unlock the door for us.

While she did that, I checked the place over for any familiar Ki’s, but didn’t get any. Not Vegeta’s or Trunks’.

My heart sank. It was a good thing that Vegeta wasn’t here, and in the long run it was for Trunks as well, but I was just hoping that he would be here for me to find.

Bra was still struggling with the lock. “Are you sure that Trunks is here?” I asked, looking down at her as she finally managed to unlock the door without snapping the key. She opened it up and stepped inside.

“Ya, he’s here. C’mon!” She called from the doorway, holding it open for me to follow. And even with all the doubt running through my head, I followed. If this was my last chance of finding him then I wanted to take it. No matter what.

Bra took my hand again. The door that we had came in through had led to the kitchen, and she led me through it and into the hallway. “I’ll show you where he is.” She said, speeding up a bit as I was pulled up a set of stairs into the second floor hallway.

I think I started hyperventilating at this point. This was really it. If Trunks was here then I was going to see him again! I’d get him back!

We passed many rooms, with their doors either open or closed before Bra started to slow down a little. I think only five whole minutes had passed since I got here, but to me, they felt like an eternity. The air around me was filled with a loud noise that was simply the beating of my heart and fast breathing I gave off.

The little girl pointed at a small door as we closed in on it. “In there.” Was all she said when we stopped, and everything suddenly seemed so much more quiet now then it was not even ten seconds ago. I think the earth stopped spinning.

I looked at the small door in a mixture of awe and disbelief as I stepped up to it. This was it? But it was so small! Bra must have made some kind of mistake because I was sure that this was only a hallway closet.

I tried to sense Trunks’ Ki inside, but once again got nothing. My brow furrowed. Was she really sure about this?

I turned my head to look at her, and she wasn’t looking back. But rather eyeing the door as if she was scared of it. Or for better use of words, afraid of what was inside.

I turned my attention back to the small door and sighed, deciding to just open it up and get it over with. If he was in there, which he most likely wasn’t, I would have him back. But if he wasn’t and this was all just some figment of a little girls imagination then at least I would be comforted with the knowledge that Trunks wasn’t in the care of his father for the past three months.

I turned the door knob, but it didn’t open for me. What the hell?’ I thought, turning it the other way in case I had gotten it wrong. But it still didn’t open for me.

That was strange. Why would a closet be locked?

My saiyan hearing suddenly picked up on something just then, and I almost didn’t hear it, but it did get my attention. And it came from the other side of this door.

It actually sounded like… sobbing.

My eyes widened in both shock and horror as I quickly lost all respect for Vegeta’s property and kicked in the door. I didn’t see it as it smashed off one of its hinges and twisted at an unnatural angle in the small space. My eyes were on the crouched and shaking form on the floor in the corner.

He wasn’t facing me, and he looked so thin and pale with bruises covering everywhere on him that was visible, crouching there and covering his head with his arms against an attack that he was sure he was going to get.

I couldn’t help the hot tears that instantly filled my eyes and spilled down my cheeks at the sight of him. I wanted to be sick. Dear Jesus, he really was here. All this time he was here.

I took a shaking step forward, wanting nothing more than to just grab him and hold him close just so I would know that he was really real. But his cry stopped me in my tracks.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!! I won’t ever do it again, I promise!!! I’ll be good!! I’ll–”

I couldn’t take it at that point as I just reached out and grabbed him, quickly pulling him out of there. I just couldn’t bare the sight of him in there or his crying. But unfortunately he didn’t know it was me, and he panicked.

“No!! No, please don’t!!” He cried out in horror as he thrashed in my grip. Bra became afraid of what she was seeing and started to cry as well, not truly understanding what was going on or why her brother would be so afraid of me.

“Trunks, it’s me! Calm down it’s me!”

I don’t think he heard me, and if he did then he certainly didn’t understand what I had said. And he ended up head butting me with the back of his head in a desperate attempt to get away.

I cried out in pain as he got me right in the nose, and I couldn’t help but drop him on the floor with a thud.

He was too weak to get back up. “Onichan!” Bra cried out as she ran for where he lay. He managed to weakly pull himself into a sitting position at the sound of her voice just to get tackled to his back again by his little sister who still had tears in her eyes.

“Bra?” He asked, sitting up and holding her close, forgetting that I was even there. Which was a pretty big accomplishment since at the moment he thought I was Vegeta. “He-he didn’t hurt you did he?” He asked her shakily.

I blinked down at him. A little shocked that he said that, yet at the same time knowing I should have expected it. He cared so much for his little sister that he would forget about any danger to himself. Was that why he was here? Did Vegeta threaten to hurt her unless he broke off our link together?

I had all the time in the world to find out about that, because right now I just wanted to hold him.

“Trunks, Vegeta isn’t even here.” I said softly, watching him tense up at the sound of my voice as I slowly got to my knees. I wanted to be at his eye level for this, and I couldn’t help but start to shake with the anticipation. “It’s me, it’s Gohan.”

He was still clutching his sister tightly to him, as if he was afraid she would get hurt if he let her go, when he turned his head to face me. God we were so close I could be kissing him at this point, but he still needed to squint his blue eyes at me just to know that it really was me. Kami, what did Vegeta do to him?

His eyes widened in shock once he found that it really was me he was looking at. And he took in a shaking breath as tears of his own flowed down his cheeks. His grip on his sister loosened up as he brought a hand up to lightly touch my face, as if confirming to himself that I really was there.

I sighed in bliss, leaning into the touch as I put my hand over his and kissing the palm of his hand. Taking in a shaky breath as my tears poured onto his hand. Christ, I missed him so much.

“Gohan?” He asked timidly, as if he was afraid that I would disappear if he spoke too loudly.

I didn’t remember to be gentle with him as I just reached out and grabbed him again in a tight and bone crushing hug. Kissing everywhere on his bruised face and tasting his tears as he started to cry while hugging and squeezing me back. If I was hurting him with my embrace then he wasn’t telling me about it, so I just wrapped my arms around him and squeezed him as tightly to me as possible without crushing him.

Bra managed to wiggle out of where she was trapped between us and just watched the scene before her in slight confusion, still sniffling a little but had stopped crying. We weren’t paying any attention to her at the moment though. We were too wrapped up in what we were doing. Mainly crying our eyes out while we clung tightly to each other.

“I-I can’t believe you came for me!” Trunks cried out as his tears soaked my shoulder. He was just shaking like a leaf as he wept on me. And I was doing the same. “I-I missed you s-so much!” He choked out through his tears.

Words could not describe how much I hated myself just then. Kami, he was right here, practically under my very nose this whole time. And for the past three months I did nothing but curse his name out for leaving me when he never did. All this time Vegeta was playing me for the fool that I was before going back home to hurt my koi while I wallowed in self pity.

Oh God, all the horrible things I’ve been saying about him, and all the while he was right here waiting for me to come and save him! I felt so stupid. I should have known he would never leave me. How could I think something like that?

I choked back a sob as I held him. “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.” I said to him hoarsely through my tears. “I love you so much.”

He just started to cry harder at my words, lifting himself up from off my shoulder to get another look at me. And it was then when I was finally able to take in the giant bruise that started on his cheek before running up his face, his split lip and how dull and lifeless his eyes were. Vegeta was going to pay dearly for this, I swore right than and there that he would!

Trunks was able to quickly melt away my thoughts of revenge though as he kissed me deeply, trying to control his crying and sniffling as he did. It was a desperate and almost sloppy kiss, as if I was the air he needed in order to breathe. But I’m sure that I was no better at that point. Because right then he was the air I needed to breathe.

I don’t know how I went so long without him. All these months, it was torture. And I don’t think I fully realized how much it hurt until he kissed me. Being without his lips, his eyes, his hair, his face, was like a rusty knife in my back that only dug deeper into my flesh with every passing day. But this kiss, no matter how sloppy or desperate, was all the healing I needed in the entire world. It was so relieving that pulling away for air was painful.

Trunks held me close again, burying his face in my neck to hide his tears from me as he cried. And I put a hand in his hair, damp with sweat, as I kissed his neck and sighed shakily through my own tears. I had him back, I finally had him back.

“W-where is tousan?” He asked me shakily, his voice filled with fear that I didn’t blame him for having. Not in the very least.

“I don’t know.” Was the simple reply I gave after checking for his Ki again. If he was nearby then he was hiding his energy from me, and I found that to be rather disappointing. I wanted to kill him for this. Make him suffer just as much as he made Trunks suffer.

Actually, now that I had checked, I realized that I still couldn’t sense Trunks. Even though he was in my arms at that very moment I couldn’t sense his Ki.

What the hell was going on?

Just as I looked down at him, ready to ask that very question, I caught sight of the tight glowing gold band on his upper left arm. A Ki band.

My eyes went wide in fury. THAT SON OF A BITCH!!!!’ I thought in a rage as I glared at the thing before ripping it off his arm and melting it into nothingness with my own Ki. No fucking wonder I couldn’t sense him!! That bastard put him in a Ki band!’ Vegeta would die for this! There was no way in hell I was going to let that fucker get away with this!!

Trunks sniffled a little, probably feeling the Ki band being ripped from his arm but not bothering to bring his head up to have a look at its destruction. He was too busy shaking on my shoulder.

“H-how did you find me?” He asked me weakly. And I had to try and calm myself just so that none of the wrath I felt towards his father would make it into my voice.

“Bra came and got me. She said you were here.” I replied as lightly as I could, wrapping my free arm around him again as I comforted him.

I don’t think he knew that he was comforting me as well. Just by being there.

Trunks lifted his head out from the crook of my neck before turning to look at where his little sister still stood. Watching the both of us in innocent confusion, her eyes still a little wet from her crying and sniffling.

From the look on her face at the sight of us, I had to guess that she didn’t even know what she had saved her brother from. She probably came to me thinking that her father was just being a little too rough when sparring with him, and wanted some advice or something. She did say something about a game earlier, and the most I could put together with that was that Vegeta had tricked her into telling us all that Trunks wasn’t here so that he could stay at Capsule corp.

Fucking bastard.

Trunks held an arm out to her that she gladly took before he pulled her into tight hug, holding her close while trying to control his sniffling and tears.

The only thing he was able to say to her in his fragile state was about a million mumbled thank you’s. And I still don’t think she understood what was happening.

I leaning him against me while he held her and kissed his hair. He was still trying to regain his composure on the shock of being found, and in truth, so was I. Everything had happened so fast that I was worried I would be waking up out of a daydream soon just to find myself back in class grading those papers.

But I was really here, holding and rocking my koi while he held his little sister. He was finally with me.

“I’m going to find you a senzu bean, Trunks. Then we’ll go home.” I whispered into his ear. And he was just fighting back his sobs at my words. He must have been looking forward to this for a long time.

I went to help him get to his feet with me, but a voice stopped me before I could even try.

“Well, isn’t this a scene to make you sick?”

We all whipped our heads up to see Vegeta storming on down the hall towards us. Trunks’ breath hitched at the sight of him as he clung to me tighter in fear. Bra simply clung to her brother, still not knowing what was going on and becoming increasingly afraid by it.

Me? I was seeing red as he approached, holding my koi close possessively to reassure him that I would be here for him this time. All the rage and sorrow I had felt over the past three months of being without Trunks coming back at me with a fury, and there was only one person I could take it out on.

Vegeta was going to pay dearly for what he did, starting now!

Author’s Notes:  There’ll be change in the P.O.V, it will go from Gohan to Trunks and then to me. `’These things here indicate thoughts. Gohan and Videl were married at one point but Pan does not exist.
All good things must eventually come to an end.

It was a saying that Trunks had said many times to himself when he was with his father, and had gotten to know very well too. Nothing good could ever last. He knew that from personal experience.

Being free from his father, his relationship with Gohan and his time with the Son’s. He should have known better than to think that those things could ever be permanent. He was a fool to think that about anything good that came his way, no matter how great or insignificant. And the only good thing Trunks had in his closet at Capsule Corp were the few times when he could drift off and get more than four and a half hours of sleep at night.

His father must have gone off training somewhere that morning, because he was late waking him up, and when he got the chance to check a clock he found that he had almost eleven hours in that night before he was so crudely awoken from an actual good dream.
Like mentioned earlier, all good things must eventually come to an end. Even nice dreams.

Enough ice cold water to fill a bucket splashed across his crouched and sleeping form, making him jump awake with a start before whipping his head around in surprise. And his mind didn’t fully register where he was until a familiar voice had to remind him.

“Wake up, brat!”

‘Oh ya, I’m still here.’ Trunks thought glumly, leaning on the wall as he pulled his sore body to its feet, trying to stretch out all the kinks before following his tousan out of the tiny room. A hand over his eyes to block out the offending light as he squinted at everything they passed, not caring that he was dripping water as he went.

It was still early when Vegeta had woken him up, so that meant that today was a Monday. And on every school day he had to get up and prepare Bra’s lunch. Give her a hug and kiss goodbye (for reassurance that he was alright since she started asking Vegeta why she wasn’t seeing him around the house all that often) before doing a little housework, taking his beating and then get thrown back into his closet for the day.

Trunks didn’t mind it too much anymore. His mind was so far gone into its former apathetic state that he was starting to lose track of the days, and would have already if it weren’t for Bra’s little summer art classes.

His father hardly bothered with him anymore, and he was sure that he would have been left forgotten in his closet a long time ago if it weren’t for Bra continually asking to see him. So Vegeta still fed him, would let him out of his closet and then slap him around for good measure once in a while. Just so he wouldn’t forget who was boss. That was pretty much it, he didn’t even bother insulting him or laughing at him anymore.

Hearing him say “Wake up, brat.” was the first thing he said to him in a week.

It started shortly after Trunks found out about Gohan, and the fact that he wasn’t wanted anymore, four weeks ago. He just stopped caring. Stopped trying altogether. So when Vegeta would go to hit him, most of the original fun was taken away when he wouldn’t cry and beg him to stop, and so he started to get bored and ease up a bit. But only just a bit.

They both entered the kitchen, and Vegeta didn’t even need to tell him what to do as he got out the bread and other supplies he would be needing to make Bra’s lunch for later on that day.

Satisfied that his son was working, he turned around and soundlessly left the room to go and wake his daughter.

Trunks hardly noticed it when he left. He just kept his head down while he worked, trying to keep his eyes on what he was doing without letting the bright light distract him. He needed to get this done before his tousan got back, because if he didn’t then the punishment would be far worse than a simple slap in the face or a punch to the stomach.

He just wished that the damned sun wasn’t so bright today. Streaming in through the door window and the windows above the breakfast table made it almost impossible to see…

Trunks’ eyes widened at that last thought. His head slowly turning to the side as he gazed at the kitchen door. Looking at it as if it was some strange little space alien and it was just the first time he’d ever seen it.

A door. Unlocked. Leading outside.

He dropped the butter knife in the middle of spreading the jelly over the bread slice as he walked over to it. As if in a trance as he placed his hand on the knob and turned it until it swung open.

He didn’t even notice the blinding light in his eyes now that he was practically outdoors for the first time since he was knocked out and taken on the sidewalk on his birthday. The thing that got to him the most was the gust of cool wind that blew in his face, and he took in a deep breath of it. It both felt and smelt good, a lot better than the stale air of his closet.

Suddenly, he wasn’t so uncaring of the things around him anymore. Trunks remembered that he didn’t want to be there anymore. He didn’t want to spend his nights locked in a closet or his days getting beaten by his father. It all came back to him, along with the strong need to flee.

His legs twitched, wanting to run out of there and as far away from Capsule Corp as he could get. The wind against his face made the idea seem so tempting. But his heart was pounding in fear of the consequences he would face if he went ahead with such a reckless act.

‘I can’t run. I have nowhere to go.’

The street is better than this. His subconscious replied, the part of his mind that still and craved for his freedom.

‘He’ll kill me if he finds me.’

He won’t find you if you go now.

‘What about Bra?’

Goku would never let anything happen to her. Now GO!!

That was all the incentive he needed before breaking out in a run out into the Capsule Corp yard and into the quiet early morning street. The light of the sun in his face just about blinded him, but he knew where he was going. This was his old neighborhood after all, and he intended on using his knowledge of the surrounding areas to get as far away as he could.

He had to be fast. His father would be coming back down the stairs to check on him soon and once he found him gone he would be out looking. So forced his legs to go, even when they started screaming at him to stop. Unfortunately, he eventually had to listen to them.

He was running so fast that the lack of exercise he’d been getting for the past three months soon took its toll on him. Though he was proud to admit to himself that he did get a fair distance away before needing to stop for some rest. Leaning his aching back against a tall cross wire fence and putting his hands on his knees for more support.

He felt like crying. He felt like laughing. He just wanted to jump up and down for joy laughing and crying at the same time. He just had to catch his breath first before he could go ahead and do those things.

He did it. He finally did it! He escaped from Capsule Corp and was now free from his father! He never had to see that stupid closet or his face ever again!

Trunks opened his eyes before standing up straight against the fence. Letting his eyes get used to the summer brightness they were being exposed to. And what should be the first thing he sees once his eyes clear up?

His father’s face. Snarling down at him as he hovered a few inches off the ground with his arms crossed.

Trunks gasped in horror. The blood draining from his face as his heart just about shattered at the sight of him.

No. This couldn’t be real. He was just hallucinating because he wasn’t used to the light yet. That had to be it! He couldn’t have finally gotten away just to be caught so soon after getting his freedom back! He couldn’t!

The hard fist that slammed into his face at a lightning speed proved that it was no hallucination. And Trunks was thrown to the ground against the fence with a cry of pain as spots clouded up his vision once more, hearing the clanging of the wire fence as he nearly went through it.

Vegeta grabbed him by the hair with one hand before yanking him up to be at his eye level and also taking his feet off the ground since he was still hovering. Trunks cried out and quickly brought his own hands up to try and remove his father’s hand that was currently pulling out his hair. But the weakness brought on by the Ki band on his arm made that impossible.

Vegeta shook him roughly by the hair, just for the purpose of hearing him scream in agony as his neck twisted around painfully. It was early, so he was certain that no one would see this, and if anyone did, he would simply blast them.

“What the fuck did you think you were doing, you little piece of shit?” He snarled when he stopped shaking him. The tears of pain and heartbreak streaming down the teens face did nothing to soften his heart about his actions.

“F-father please–”

“Shut the hell up you useless fucker!!” He instantly roared out, using his free hand to backhand him in mid air. He didn’t want to hear any of his cries for mercy or pleas for understanding. All he understood was that his son had just tried to pull a fast one on him and runaway.

‘Little dumbass.’ He thought to himself bitterly, wiping the back of his hand off on his training pants since the boy’s tears had gotten on it when he hit him. It was easy enough in finding him once he found him to be gone from the kitchen. A quick flight and the boy’s lavender head of hair stuck out better than a purple tree in a green forest. But he had received a bit of a scare at his absence that he didn’t appreciate at all.

And he intended to make him pay for it.

He pulled Trunks closer to him so that he couldn’t struggle. “We’re going back home now.” Was all he had to say before Trunks started to thrash around in a panic.

No! He couldn’t go back there! Not after finally getting away, he couldn’t!!

Throwing all better judgment out the window, and in the far corner of his mind knowing that it would do him no good anyway. He screamed, the cry coming out of his throat scratched. “HELP!!!!”

He instantly regretted doing that. Vegeta simply punched him in the stomach before covering his mouth and taking off with him to go back to Capsule Corp. He saw a few windows opening when Trunks screamed on him like that, and his better judgment came in at the last second and told him that killing people when in plain sight like that would only make things more difficult for him in the long run. So he just shut the boy up and flew away before anyone could see him.

Trunks started to cry again when they were high in the air. And he stopped thrashing around since he didn’t want his father to drop him. But what was actually killing him at that very moment, was the sight of Capsule Corps main domed building. And it wasn’t all that far away, telling him that he was wrong in his predictions about just how far he got when he made a run for it. He didn’t even have a chance for escape.

Vegeta landed swiftly, and Trunks began struggling in his hold again, but he was just ignored as the prince kicked open the door and went inside. Headed for Trunks’ closet.

Trunks thrashed and kicked as hard as he could. But they were nothing to his father who didn’t even feel the pathetic blows being inflicted upon him.

Trunks didn’t want to go back into his closet! He was just going to get beaten and he knew that he couldn’t take that again! He wanted out!

But that didn’t stop Vegeta from unlocking the closet door before throwing him in and against the wall where he banged his head. Trunks yelped out in pain, but that pain was nothing compared to the swift kick in the ribs he got next.

The wind was knocked clear out of him, but he still tasted the blood coming up his throat as he coughed and gagged for air that might as well have been non-existent. He brought his face up just in time to see an angry fist clashing into his eyes that knocked his head back into the wall.

And everything after that was just one big white blur, but he knew that he didn’t pass out because he could still hear his father yelling curses at him and the pain of his fists against his body as he tried to shield himself with his arms. But the sound that got to him the most, was the sound of his sister’s screaming.

His ragged breath hitched. He didn’t need to see to know that Bra had just seen what their father was doing to him. And Vegeta was stunned as well, because he stopped his attack to look back at her in shock for being there. Standing right in the doorway with a horrified expression on her face. She heard her brother’s screams of agony and came to see what was wrong, just to have the unbelievable sight meet her young eyes.

“B-Bra,” Vegeta started up in hopes of explaining himself. But he didn’t get a chance to finish as the little girl made a run for it. Not wanting to believe what she had just seen.

Vegeta gave chase, but not before slamming the closet door shut behind him. For this act, Trunks became terrified. Instantly forgetting about the danger to himself as he got to his feet and blindly went to the door to try and open it up. He couldn’t let his father hurt his baby sister! He had to do something!!

But the door was locked on him. Again. And his heart sank as he slowly dropped to his knees. Sobbing out his fear for his little sister against the door and praying to Kami that his father wouldn’t hurt her. He’d never be able to forgive himself if that were to happen.

::A Few Hours Later::

Bra was confused. Confused and a little afraid. She was hardly paying any attention at all to the teacher as she read her favorite book to the class with the concern she felt towards her brother.

She was young, but she had been watching her daddy’s sparing long enough to know that her tousan and onichan weren’t sparing. Her tousan was hurting her big brother and making him cry.

But why would he do that? He was always nice to her. So why would he do that to her brother?

She thought back to what he had said when he caught her in the hallway back at home. That her brother had done something bad and was being punished for it. But what could he have done to get a punishment that mean? She just didn’t understand.

The little saiyan did remember a lesson she had once received in class though. Explaining what abuse was and what you do when you see it happening to a friend or to yourself. And she was sure that her brother was being abused.

But then… if he was… who should she tell? She was knew that her daddy was big and strong, and she didn’t want anyone else to get hurt if she told and they tried to help.

Bra frowned at the thought. She didn’t want her daddy to get into any trouble, but he didn’t want to listen to her when she asked him to stop what he was doing to her brother. That meant that she had to find someone who he would listen to.

She smiled at the thought. The highschool wasn’t very far away at all. And Gohan was always over there! She could just ask him! Her daddy wasn’t a bad man, he was probably being controlled again or something. And Gohan could surely help with that!

Her smile became brighter. Yes, that was the perfect idea!

Author’s Notes:  There’ll be change in the P.O.V, it will go from Gohan to Trunks and then to me. `’These things here indicate thoughts. Gohan and Videl were married at one point but Pan does not exist.
He’s not coming for me. It’s been almost two months now and no one came for me yet.

Why? Don’t they know I’m here? …Don’t they care? You’d think it would be obvious that I was here. Why else would I cut off my link with Gohan? It’s been so long since we’ve actually spoken to each other through our bond that I don’t think I could re-open it even if I tried.

I’m back in my dark closet (slash room), after another session with my father. There’s no room in here to lay down to rest my aching muscles, so I have to crouch in the corner to try and sleep with no blankets or pillows. It’s freezing, and all I can do is shiver as tiny bumps form over my skin caused by the cold.

The only light I have is seeping in from under the locked door, so it’s pretty dark in here, and it takes a while to get used to the light outside once I’m let out to play with Bra and then take my beating.

Speaking of beatings, my arm really hurts from the last one I got earlier today. Tousan either just sprained it really bad or gave it a hairline fracture. It hurts trying to move it, so I’m betting it’s the hairline fracture.

Does that bastard have to be so damn rough when he throws me around? The jerk isn’t even giving me any senzu beans like he used to. Basically his way of saying that no ones ever going to see me and get suspicious of my bruises, and I’m never getting out of here because of it. So there’s no point to them.

Damn I hardly ever see Bra even! I’m averaging two and a half hours at the most outside of this cramped space! And sometimes even less when tousan feels like beating me in here, just to leave and let me clean up my own cuts and blood inside that tiny bathroom. It doesn’t even have a shower! Just a small toilet and sink with a bath towel that I’ve been stuck re-using for the past seven and a half weeks.

Cruel son of a bitch.

The only reason why this closet thing I’m in even has a small connecting bathroom, is because tousan had it made especially for me.

How nice of him.

Evidently he found out about the necklace I gave Bra the day I gave it to her, and he’s had this room under construction from the day he found out.

It took a month to get it built, what with the plumbing and all, so that’s why he took a so long before coming to kidnap me. Because this closet was in the middle of construction. And he loves it too, keeping me in here. The bastard even decided to tell me happy birthday before beating me the first time. Asshole. Wish I could say it to his face, but I’m too much of a coward.

I can’t help that my breath hitches when I suddenly hear the lock of the door do a click before it’s opened wide. The light from the hallway pouring in brightly, even with my father standing in its way. I’m forced to turn my eyes away into the wall and shut them tightly against it, putting a hand over my face. Its so bright it hurts!

“Here.” Is all I hear him say as there is a small clang on the floor near me before he slams and locks the door again.

I blink my eyes open a few times now that the offending light is gone, but now bright spots are clouding up my vision since I saw it so suddenly. I have to wait a minute or two before I can see properly in the dark again.

I’m more than just a little scared to see that he’s still in the room, standing before me as if waiting for something, and I start to shake. Great, I’m going to get another beating. Three times in one day, that’ll be a new record.

But then the smell of food invades my senses, and I look down at his feet to see a small plate with three egg rolls on it, obviously meant for me.

My fear instantly leaves me at the thought of food as I make a grab for the plate before digging in like some kind of savage. There isn’t much there by saiyan standards, but I won’t complain right now. Especially since he’ll probably take them away if I do, and I haven’t eaten since yesterday, so I’m starving.

They’re a little dry, but I lick my fingers clean when I’m done anyway, I’ll get a drink of water out of the sink tap once he’s gone.

I slowly push the plate out in front of me for him to take now that I’m done with it, kneeling before him and keeping my head down obediently. “Thank you, sir.” I say quietly, not wanting to anger him with anything petty, so I try to be as polite as possible. If I’m anything less then he won’t leave and I get the shit kicked out of me.

He gets down on one knee to take the plate, but doesn’t get back up. Curiously, I bring my face up to see his in confusion. The longer he stays, the more fearful I become. ‘God, please just make him go away!’

“Tell me brat,” He starts up. “Are you grateful for my treatment?” He asks.

Uh oh, I know this drill. And it’s worse than the punches and kicks.

I nod my head before looking back down at the dusty floor. “Yes, sir.” I answer quietly. God, I hate this.

“Why is that?” He asks me simply, and if I get it wrong, it’s a beating for me.

I swallow nervously, sometimes the answers change depending on his mood or how he wants me to feel. So naturally I’m a little tense. “B-because you feed me, give me a place to sleep, keep a roof over my head–”

“And why does that make me generous?”

I can’t stop shaking. “Because I don’t deserve any of these things.” I finish, hoping that there is nothing more for him to say.

He doesn’t move though, and there’s an eery silence for a moment before he speaks again. “Do you miss your mother, brat?” He asks, and I can’t help but whip my head up at him. This was new. We never spoke about her. Might as well be honest.

“Yes sir.” I answer truthfully.

I can see him sneering at me in the dark. The most frightening sight I have ever seen. “And whose fault is it that she is dead?” He snarls.

I feel as if I’ve just been cut with a knife, knowing what he expects me to say as I sniffle a little, trying without much luck to hold back my tears. They start fall freely down my face anyway, even without my consent. “M-mine.” I choke out weakly, unable to control myself as I just break down and start to sob, trying to keep it as quiet as possible in front of him.

Will he ever let me forget about that? Goddamn it! I know it’s my fault! Why can’t he just leave me alone about it?

I wipe at my eyes with my sleeves, trying to get my crying under control while mentally cursing myself for being so damn weak. Sometimes he leaves me alone for crying, but other times he beats me for it. And I don’t feel like risking a beating, so I try to stop.

He’s silent again, and I bite my lower lip hard. A nervous habit I dropped after being taken in by Goku-sama and Chi-Chi-san, but picked up again shortly after getting back here. Why won’t he just leave me alone? Even the isolation of this stupid closet is better than being with him.

“I saw your mate today.” He said after the long silence.

My eyes widen a great deal as I whip my head back up at him another time. He saw Gohan today?

“Y-you did?” I ask stupidly. “W-what did he say?” I risk the beating to ask. I need to know about him! Is he alright? Is he still looking for me? What’s going on?

My father smirks at me again, and I know something’s wrong when he does. I can just feel it in the pit of my stomach.

“He was quite angered at the mention of your name.” He sneered at me, and I feel the blood draining from my face when he said that. And his smirk deepens.

“I decided to do a little training outdoors today, and while flying through the air, who should I see but your idiot mate?” He says, still smirking in amusement while I listen, trying to shrug off the “idiot” comment he made about Gohan. “So I flew in and asked how the search was going, and do you know what he said?” He asked, leaning closer to me for effect. Whispering the last part as if there was someone nearby who could hear him.

I shook my head no, terrified of what he’ll say as my tears continue to flow. Goddamn it, why won’t they stop?

“He said he couldn’t give a shit about you or where you are.” My eyes widened in nothing less than pure shock, and he just chuckled at my expression in amusement. “You sure know how to pick a compassionate mate, boy.” He laughed out joyously, slapping his knee.

I snapped. “You fucking liar!! He would never say that about me, not ever!!” I roared out in a rage. It wasn’t true, it wasn’t!! Gohan was worried about me and he was looking for me!! And any minute now he was going to break down the Capsule Corp doors to kick my father’s ass and save me!

I didn’t even faze him. “I can swear to that on your mother’s grave and on my honor as a saiya–”

“You don’t have any honor!” I spat.

He backhanded me sharply, and my whole body slammed into the wall with the force of it. I was dazed by the hit, and he reached out a hand to grab me by the neck, bringing me forward again to face him but not adding enough pressure to choke me. Strangely enough, he wasn’t sneering at me like I had expected. He was still smirking in amusement.

“You can deny it all you like, boy.” He said. “But you know perfectly well that I wouldn’t degrade your mothers honor to play a simple prank on you. You’re not worth it.” He actually started to laugh at me, and I started to shake. Not in fear but in sorrow. Because I do know that he wouldn’t swear to something like that on my mothers grave if it wasn’t true, and neither would I.

“H-his exact words were,” He laughed out, and I wanted to be sick. “I couldn’t give a shit where he went and wish everyone would just leave me the fuck alone about him!” He laughed harder when he finished, and I think I died on the inside. And all I could do to show it was cry harder.

I felt tousan loosen his grip on my neck before letting go and getting to his feet, still laughing as I dropped to the floor. “Th-they aren’t even looking for you!” He hooted down at me.

No!! I wouldn’t believe that!! I couldn’t believe that!!

I didn’t care if he was going to beat me to death if I did it at that point, because I just had to speak with Gohan. So I tried to re-open the mental link.

/Gohan? Gohan?!? Gohan, please answer, please!!/

I didn’t get an answer or feel a thing, and tousan didn’t seem to notice what I tried to do. If he couldn’t sense the link being re-opened then that meant that it wasn’t re-opened. Too much time had passed, and I couldn’t open the bond back up. It was too late.

/P-please…/

The last thing I heard that night before huddling myself into the corner I grew so accustomed to and just bawling my eyes out in pain, was my fathers laughter echoing down the hall after he locked me in again and turned out all the lights. Leaving me in pitch blackness. Everything I heard after that was my own miserable sobbing.

They really weren’t coming for me, not even Gohan. And now I was going to spend the rest of my life locked up in this dark closet, and no one even cares.

I hugged the corner I was in before burying my face in it, wishing I could disappear in it as my tears continued to stream down my cheeks. And I can’t stop myself from shaking as I cried out my broken heart. Gohan doesn’t love me anymore! He doesn’t want me anymore! He doesn’t care where I am and wants nothing to do with me!

Why? Was it something I did? Did I do something wrong?

God I think if I sob any harder, I’ll choke on the air. I wish I was dead. I wish I had died that day I shot myself in that field. Everything would be so much better if I had.

I stayed that way for the rest of the night.

***

Goten and Gohan were in the middle of a semi heated discussion, both were outside on the wooden dock of the Black Forest lake. Not looking at each other, but at the stars appearing above them in the darkening sky as they talked. Hearing nothing else but the chirping sounds of crickets and other small insects as they lay on their backs.

“I still can’t believe you said that, onisan.” Goten said with a sigh and shake of his head that was currently resting in his hands, laying on his back for a better view of the twinkling lights above him. He was there when Vegeta flew in that day to have a quick chat, and he heard all the things that were said about his best friend.

Gohan scowled up at the sky, also laying on his back as he clenched a fists. “Well, what was I supposed to say? That I’m still a bloody fucking mess without him and am still waiting for him to come back?” He snorted. “Not only would Vegeta not give a shit, he’d probably laugh at me for being so damn weak!” He picked up a small rock nearby before angrily tossing it into the lake. Hearing it lightly splash when it hit the surface before sinking. “It’s not like he’ll ever find out that I said that anyway.” He grumbled.

Goten turned his head towards him. “Then you are still waiting for him.” It was more of a statement then a question.

Gohan didn’t reply, he just turned away, fiddling with his undone metal jacket zipper. It was an unusually chilly night out considering summer had started three weeks ago, and so his kasaan had insisted that they both wear light coats.

The younger Son sighed at the silence he got. “Gohan he might still come back y’know. Just because he’s gone doesn’t mean he left yo–”

“Then what the fuck does it mean?!” He cut him off angrily. Fighting the urge to sneer down at his own little brother. Gohan sat up angrily and folded his legs, and Goten quickly followed suit.

“Goten, he’s a fucking super saiyan! No one on earth can lay a finger on him and get away with it aside from Vegeta and my dad. And tousan would never even think of hurting him in any way! So if Vegeta didn’t force him to cut me off from him then that can only mean that he did it willingly and left.” He bit out. Feeling his eyes sting with strong tears at the thought of his former koi, but he blinked them back stubbornly. Not wanting to show that kind of weakness in front of his brother who used to idolize him for his strength.

Goten didn’t need to see any tears to know that he was crying on the inside though. The same way he’d been crying for the past two months now.

He understood what his brother was saying when he claimed that Trunks had left him. Hell, even he was beginning to loose hope that his friend would ever come back. Because two months was an awful long time for someone of Trunks’ power to disappear without any rational explanation. Eventually they called the police, just to be on the safe side. But they didn’t take it seriously, and only marked Trunks off as a runaway, which only deepened Gohans belief that he had been dumped. He didn’t even come back for his graduation, missed his prom and everything. What was he supposed to believe?

Goten did the only thing he knew he could do at that point. Be supportive. So he placed a hand on his oniisan’s back in comfort while the older demi fought back tears with raspy breathing.

“It’ll be okay, Gohan.” He whispered.

Gohan shook his head. “No it won’t.” He choked back, lifting his jacket and pulling out the velvet box containing the engagement rings he had placed in his pocket. Keeping them with him wherever he went in case Trunks would return.

Gotens eyes widened slightly when he saw the box, knowing what was inside since the rings were shown to him by his excited brother some time before the party. But what was he doing?

Gohan narrowed his eyes down at the box before opening it up to have a look at the simple gold bands, the best ones he could afford on his small salary, his hands shaking at the sight of them as he got to his feet.

“G-Gohan what are you doing?” Goten asked, also getting to his feet as he eyed his brother cautiously.

“He’s gone.” He whispered pitifully, not taking his eyes off of the rings in his one hand as his gaze and tone of voice became as hard as stone with his resurfacing anger. “He’s gone and he’s not coming back!” Gohan whipped the box with the rings into the black lake in a fury. Turning to storm off before they could hit the
surface of the water and sink with the rock he’d previously thrown in, not looking back as he left his little brother still standing there on the docks in shock. Wondering what he could do to try and take away his brothers pain.

He sighed as he stood there, thinking it best for Gohan to have some alone time since he’s been getting very little of that since Trunks took off. What with people trying to offer their support and sympathy and such.

Goten sighed again, scratching the back of his head as he glanced at the water, rippling from the ring box that was thrown in. And his thoughts drifted back to his friend and the affect his disappearance was having on his brother. Damnit Trunks, why did you have to leave?’

Author’s Notes:  There’ll be change in the P.O.V, it will go from Gohan to Trunks and then to me. `’These things here indicate thoughts. Gohan and Videl were married at one point but Pan does not exist.
It was only a fifteen minute flight from the Black Forest all the way to Capsule Corp, but those were still fifteen heart pounding minutes that Gohan could have done without. Vegeta had taken Trunks back he just knew it! It had to of been him! Trunks would never just leave him for no reason like that! He wouldn’t! And the sound of his heartbroken voice inside of his head when he was forced to say goodbye only proved that!

When they finally landed on the front lawn, the sun was setting and making every shadow seen seem larger than normal, the darkness killing off the light, showing how late it was in the day and making Gohan deathly afraid of how long Trunks was actually inside for.

He didn’t bother to knock when he got to the door, instead he found that kicking it in before entering to be a much better idea. “VEGETA!! Get down here now!!” He roared out through the grand house, trying to sense his Ki to pinpoint his location. If he was going to fight then he wanted to know where he was first.

Vegeta snarled at the sound of the door crashing before a booming and rage filled voice demanded that he show himself, and so he got to his feet, took his young daughter by the hand and headed downstairs with her. He would need her to make them leave.

When he entered the room, Gohan would have charged at him in his crazed madness if it weren’t for the fact that Bra was standing right there, and so by some miracle, he controlled himself enough to not try and spill his blood in front of the child. Instead, all he allowed himself to do was snarl at him. “What did you do with Trunks?” He demanded, his eyes small slits as he glared daggers at the former prince.

Vegeta didn’t even flinch at the mention of his sons name. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Was the calm reply.

Once again, Gohan was forced to hold his tongue for Bra’s sake, and instead of the loud and foul threats and names he would have preferred to call him, he simply sneered as he spoke. “You know exactly what I’m talking about.” He snarled. “Where is he? I won’t ask again.”

Vegeta folded his arms. “Do you sense the brat here? Or see him at all? It’s because he isn’t here. And it’s that simple. Now leave.” He snarled, his eyes becoming frightening with the rage that was filling them.

Gohan didn’t move from the spot. He was too busy actually checking for Trunks’ Ki signature, as was everyone else in the room.

He didn’t realize that his face had dropped when he couldn’t sense him, and he hardly saw the smirk that appeared on Vegeta’s face either. He couldn’t sense him at all.

But… if he wasn’t here, then where did he go?

Piccolo frowned in thought, looking down at Bra who was eyeing them all curiously. Wondering what was going on. “Have you seen your brother around here?” He asked, getting everyone’s attention with the question. Especially Gohan’s, who looked down at the girl hopefully. She wouldn’t lie to them, she wouldn’t know how to!

He felt his heart shatter when the young girl shook her head no. “Onichan isn’t here.” She stated innocently, not knowing how much her words were hurting the older demi in the room.

Gohan felt like he was falling into darkness, butterflies coming into his stomach that quickly consumed him. He felt like he was going to be sick. Where was he then? Why did he cut him off?

…Did he leave him? Was that it? Did Trunks just leave him? He tried to shake the ridiculous thought from his head. No, Trunks wouldn’t leave him. He wouldn’t!

Vegeta turned his eyes to where Goten was standing, next to his father with a shocked and fearful expression on his face. Also wondering where his friend had gone. “Good luck finding your boyfriend.” The prince sneered, turning his back on them all to leave.

Goten blinked when he heard that. “But, Trunks and I aren’t together.” He said, confused as to why the older saiyan would say something like that. Where would he get that idea?

Vegeta stopped abruptly, turning around to face him. What the fuck was that supposed to mean? Of course they were together! Who else could it be?!

Quickly looking at the dark teens neck though, he was shocked to find no bite scars on either side of him. Or any kind of scar for that matter. But, if it wasn’t him, then who…?

Vegeta’s eyes widened as he whipped his head in the direction of Kakkarot’s oldest brat, and one quick look at his neck showed the bite scar in plain sight. The scar that marked him as Trunks’ life mate.

It was him!?! He was the one mated with his brat?!? What the fuck was he supposed to do now! If he found out that the fucker was here then there was no way he’d be able to put up a decent fight by himself! At least not with Kakkarot, the second spawn and the Namek around to back him up. Perhaps he could take him in a fight alone, but he wasn’t sure how often the stupid spawn trained. So that little characteristic was an unknown at the moment.

Keeping his usual face of calm, he just made an uncaring snort. “Whatever, just get out.” He said, turning away and leaving the room, the lot of them standing there in confusion and shock. Especially Gohan.

If Trunks wasn’t here, then where did he go? Why would he leave? What had happened?

His mind couldn’t help but race at the many frightening ideas that went through it, the only one making any sense was that Trunks actually had left him. And hot tears forced their way into his eyes at the horrible thought as he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder, leading him out with the others and back home to try and explain what had just happened to the others still waiting back at the party.

***

Vegeta could sense when they had left the building and flown away, a part of him letting out a sigh of relief that he hadn’t been caught with an evil smirk in place on his lips. They wouldn’t be coming back anytime soon, not since they thought that the stupid brat wasn’t here.

He patted his daughters head, telling her that she had done a good job with the game being played before sending her off to bed for the night.

He made sure to have the boy tell her not to let anyone know he was here. The new rules of their game being, no one else could ever find him, or the game would be lost.

So childish things had a purpose after all. How convenient.

He headed back to where the brat was waiting, locked in a small closet like and windowless room, with an even tinier connecting bathroom. There was barely any room to lay down inside since it was about five feet across, but it was more than what he deserved in his opinion. Coming back after being warned not to, as if he was a fool and wouldn’t figure it out! Stupid fucking brat.

No one would ever find him now though, not after what he did to prevent it. And if the boy even tried to re-open that link he would see to it that he suffered. And he told him that too.

It took two people to make a mental link work, and for as long as the boy had his Ki cuffs in place, he wouldn’t be able to sense him, but if he opened the link back up, he would be able to sense it through Kakkarot’s second brat. And he promised the boy a lot of pain if he even dared to disobey him again.

Vegeta unlocked the door to the dark and tiny room before slamming it open, making the shaking Trunks inside jump with fear, instantly getting to his feet before backing up into the corner. Trying to get as far away from his murderous looking father as he could get, which unfortunately wasn’t very far at all.

He wasn’t looking forward to what was going to happen at all. He didn’t want this! Why did his father have to hate him so much?

Vegeta cracked his knuckles mercilessly before entering the tiny room, slamming the door shut behind him to prevent any escape.

***

Three and a half weeks had passed since my Koi had disappeared, and there was still no clue as to where he went or any word from him, and I can’t help but want to strangle something, ANYTHING to try and take my mind off of the pain. Even after all this time had passed I still feel cold without my other half. It was like I was dead inside.

I don’t understand. I thought that he was forced to break our link by his father, and that would be the reason why he did it, but it wasn’t. I barged into Capsule Corp looking for him and demanding his return but he wasn’t there. He wouldn’t hide his energy signature from me to go back and live with Vegeta again, not after what that bastard had put him through, so he couldn’t be there.

I even went back a few times afterwards to try and see if I could sense him. To make sure that there was nothing I had missed, and nothing came up. Everyone once in a while Vegeta’s energy level would fluctuate, suggesting that he was training, but that was it. He wasn’t there.

And if Trunks wasn’t at Capsule Corp, and was hiding his power level from me, that could only mean that he… left me.

Why would my Koi just leave me out of the blue like that? It hurts so much being without him, I can’t stand it. Why did he leave me? Oh God, what did I do wrong?

I’m in my apartment right now, sitting at my desk while looking at one of our most recent framed photos in my clenched and shaking hands, tears streaming down my face, making it hard to see. We were at the park that day, my arms draped around his shoulders while he gives the V sign to the camera, the trees behind us all one big green blur.

We were both smiling that day.

I thought he was happy with me. I thought he forgave me for how I acted when I found out about my feelings for him. How could he just get up and leave me like this?!

Why? Why, why, why, why, WHY?!?

I threw the picture away as hard as I could, listening with no satisfaction as it whipped across the room and smashed into the wall. Glass shattering and scattering across the floor, along with the other broken framed pictures I threw over there to be forgotten.

My breathing is so hard that I might as well have been running a few laps around the earth. My tears still not letting up despite the constant energy I’m putting in to try and stop them.

It isn’t fair. I loved him God dammit, I did! How could he do this to me!?! How?!?

I just knocked the monitor to my computer off the desk. It smashed loudly on the floor, and I don’t care.

That bastard! That selfish little fucking bastard! If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be feeling this way! Claiming to love me so much and wanting to bond with me when it was nothing more than a stupid, worthless teen crush! He probably ran off with someone else. Someone closer to his age who he could be with all the time and not have to hide with just to have a relationship.

/Goodbye, Gohan./

I stood abruptly, making the chair knock over before just blasting my desk, watching as it exploded into splinters and seeing them fall as the many papers that were on it floated to the floor in slow motion. I think I changed into a super saiyan in my rage, but I still don’t care.

I hate him! I fucking hate him!

I hate him so much for making me feel this way! For worrying me so much when he doesn’t even care about me anymore.

What changed? When did he stop loving me? Was it something I did? Did I do something wrong or did he just get bored? Did he think it was stupid trying to be with someone so much older?

Or did his love slowly die away when he realized that he made a mistake, like how I did with Videl?

That has to be it. What else could it be?

I was the next thing to break in that room, falling to my knees in choked sobs while hugging myself for comfort. Shaking like a leaf on the floor of a trashed office room, I must look so pathetic right now.

What did I do? Gods if I was doing something wrong he should have told me and I would have fixed it! Didn’t he know that?

I still have our engagement rings in my pocket, and I’m tempted to pull them out before melting them into nothingness, but I just can’t do it. I really am pathetic. And it’s all his fault!

I hate him. But I still love him and want him back.

Author’s Notes:  There’ll be change in the P.O.V, it will go from Gohan to Trunks and then to me. `’These things here indicate thoughts. Gohan and Videl were married at one point but Pan does not exist.
“So what are we going to do for his birthday?” I ask tousan as we wait at the table for our meal. I just got home from the school about a half an hour ago, and I wanted to see if Trunks was here so I came over to visit. He’s still not back from wherever he went though, so I just decided to wait.

Tousan just shrugs. “I’m not too sure, Gohan. We don’t even really know what he likes.” He explained.

Kasaan is at the stove cooking, and she decides to speak up. “I was talking to Goten about it the other day, and we both thought that a surprise party would be nice.” She said, stirring around the rice before mixing in some spices and chicken pieces.

“Wow, really?” I ask, unable to believe that kasaan would approve of having something like a party for him considering how much she hated them. I was thinking she would make a big meal and a cake for him. Then once his gifts were open, Goten and I would take him out on the town for his birthday. Maybe even have a party of our own at a club or restaurant or something.

“Of course. Why not?” She asks, not removing her eyes from the stove.

“Um…No reason, kasaan.” I reply. I really don’t feel like getting on her bad side before she hands me a plate of food. Cause if I did then I most likely wouldn’t be eating here tonight, and she’s making my favorite, so I’ll just keep my mouth shut.

Suddenly, tousan and I hear the door opening and closing before Goten and Trunks enter the room with small bags in their hands. I guess Trunks decided to go with Goten after all.

“What happened to the study group?” I ask, even though I’m thrilled to see him.

He blinks at me as if he doesn’t know what I’m talking about before replying. “Oh! Um… well only three people, including me showed up, and since there was supposed to be eight we all decided to just do it another day.” He explains, almost nervously actually.

Oh well, he’s coming over here so I guess I’m getting a kiss now. No complaints from me! How is it that he can take my mind off of so many things with just one simple kiss? When he pulls away from my mouth I’m in a daze, and he’s just looking at me as if he’s won some sort of little victory.

“So what movies did you get?” He asks, sitting down at the table as he unloads his bag of things from the mall. Nothing much, just some Nike shirts and a cd.

“There wasn’t much there, so I just got an action flic.” I replied, watching both Trunks and Goten snicker at my remark. They seem to know that when I say “Not much there” at a movie store, that means to them, “Gohan couldn’t find any boring movies to watch”.

I sighed. ‘Teenagers! I can’t believe that I ever was one!’

“Alright everyone, super’s ready.” Kasaan says, laughing as everyone who’s not sitting practically crashes into their seats for a spot at the table. Everyone being tousan and Goten, and Trunks is snickering at them. He’s still getting used to our eating habits. He has the most gorgeous laughter. Another one of many reasons why I love him.

***

Vegeta sweated heavily from his tough training session in the gravity room as he walked down the Capsule corp hallway, a white towel over his shoulders that he was using to dry off the moisture with. ‘Hn, stupid brat,’ He thought having Trunks in mind with a sneer. ‘I no longer need him for sparing practice now!’ He thought, smirking at the memory of all the times he had to drag him in there with him just to get some decent training in. It was good for his attack, but not his defence since the brat had trouble fighting back against him.

But he didn’t need him now since the robots were now strong enough to replace him and actually put up a decent fight when he attacked.

Not at all.

Walking past his daughters room, he couldn’t help but stop to see what other strange little human girl thing she was doing now. Serving an invisible drink to the many stuffed creatures around her small table. He smirked before walking in. Finding it strange how something so foolish could amuse even one so young.

“What are you doing here, Bra?” He asked, crouching down to be at her eye level. She already had her little birthday party at school, and he gave her a few gifts already, so nothing else really special was being done that day.

She looked up at him sweetly. “Having a tea party.” She replied, holding up an empty cup for him to see. “Wanna play too, tousan?” She asked.

He smirked down at her and patted her head affectionately, but before he could decline on the offer to play such a foolish looking game, a small shining object around her neck caught his eye.

He slowly reached his hand down to her neck and took hold of the small golden heart. Looking it over curiously in between his fingers. This could be no cheap trinket that one of her friends could have given her, it was real gold! “Where did you get this?” He asked, looking back down at her.

She had a guilty look on her face. “I’m not supposed to say.” She answered.

Vegeta’s eye twitched at that. “Did a stranger give this to you?” He asked, his voice getting lower at the idea of some freak trying to steal his daughter.

She shook her head no.

“Well then who gave this to you?” He demanded, starting to lose his temper, fast. But she still didn’t answer, so he tore the chain from off her neck to have a better look at it.

“Tousan, no!” Bra cried out, jumping off of her little chair to grab onto her father’s leg. She wanted her necklace back.

“You know better than to take things from people you don’t know.” He growled down at her.

“He’s no stranger!” She pouted with a stamp of her foot.

“You either tell me where you got this or else I’ll destroy it!” He threatened angrily, causing the young girl to wince as tears filled her eyes. She really hated it when her papa yelled at her, so she decided to tell him.

“Onichan did.” She whispered pitifully, looking down at her feet.

Vegeta’s eyes widened in shock. Trunks had been visiting her? How the hell was he supposed to make her forget about him if he was doing that?!

Perhaps it wasn’t too late though. Maybe he could undo the damage. “What? You don’t have an onichan.” He stated calmly, vowing to kick the shit out of the brat for daring to come back to try and see his sister.

“I do too!” She cried out again. “He gave it to me for my birthday.” She said, causing her father’s eye to twitch.

Perhaps he couldn’t undo the damage after all.

“And why didn’t you tell me that he was visiting you?” He asked, watching his young daughter fidget a little.

“He said he would lose the game if I did.”

Vegeta quirked an eye at her. “Game?” He asked.

Bra nodded her head. “Onichan said that you were playing hide and seek with him, and that you’re not supposed ta find him.” She explained, watching nervously as her daddy went back to inspecting the locket in his hands.

Vegeta looked over the golden heart necklace in his hands before discovering tiny hinges in its side. He frowned as he opened it up, discovering a small picture of the brat when he was about fourteen, holding bra as a baby with the onna standing behind them, loosely hugging both of her children as she smiled for the camera. He sighed at the sight of them, knowing that he couldn’t take the locket away from his daughter now, simply because her mother was pictured in it. And he couldn’t make her forget about her brother now either. Especially if he’s been making regular visits to her. Something would have to be done about this.

Bra looked up at him with big eyes as he quietly handed back the necklace, he’d get one of the robots to fix it for her later, but right now he had to think about his plan of action.

“Tousan?”

“What?” He grumbled.

“When is onichan coming home? I miss him.” She asked in a tiny voice.

“Very soon.”

***

Smiling brightly at all the kids who passed him on his way out, Trunks was having a hard time not skipping out of the highschool to do a little happy dance in the front lawn of the building due to his good mood.

It was the end of the day.

It was Friday.

And it was also his birthday.

His eighteenth birthday had finally arrived! And he was more than just a little excited for tonight as he headed for home. He was so excited in fact, that he knew that the grin on his face probably looked like something Goku gave off at the mention of his favorite food. A look that he didn’t know he picked up until Krillin came over for a visit one day and pointed it out.

Gohan wasn’t teaching his class today, and Goten was kept home because he was sick. When he and Gohan were really just setting up decorations for his party. Chi-Chi’s idea of trying to surprise him at home. She just forgot that since he was a saiyan, he could hear most of the conversations that went on around the house, and therefore he knew about the surprise party that he was getting.

Trunks grinned. He didn’t say anything about it, but was still ecstatic and excited for it. And it was still a surprise hearing that he was actually getting a party for his birthday. So it wasn’t a waste either.

The lavender haired teen couldn’t help but wonder if he and Gohan would be spending the night together as well. They were mated, but he and Gohan still had yet to actually sleep together. Cuddling that one night when they both fell asleep on the couch, while watching a movie at Goku’s place doesn’t count.

Gohan had always told him that he wanted to wait, and although he never brought it up, Trunks knew that it was because of his age. But he was eighteen now, and that made him an adult. So maybe they finally going to have sex tonight. The only problem was, how would they do it without it seeming suspicious to the others?

Trunks sighed. He guessed that he wouldn’t be making love to his boyfriend tonight. But maybe some other night. He didn’t want to seem impatient or anything, he was just a little eager to take his love for Gohan to the next step. To prove himself in a way, if that made any sense.

He was so caught up in his thoughts about birthdays and love, that he didn’t feel the low and familiar energy signature sneaking up on him. Or the rough hand on his neck until it was too late. The hand that added just enough pressure in the right place to make his world go black as he passed out and fell to the ground.

Vegeta looked down at where his son lay on the cement sidewalk with disgust. There was no one around anymore, so he didn’t have to worry about being seen while he did this. It shouldn’t be that big of a deal anyway. He brought this upon himself by coming around where he wasn’t welcome anymore anyway.

“This will teach you, brat.” He snarled, leaning down to grab and pick him up before taking off into the air, heading back for Capsule Corp. If he wanted to come back so badly then he would make sure that the boy never left.

‘He deserves this for coming back. I warned him and he ignored me as if I was nothing!’ He thought furiously as he flew, looking down into the face that looked so much like his own aside from Bulma’s hair and eyes. But then a flash of shock crossed his features as he noticed the bite scar on his neck, making him stop in mid flight to look him over, stunned with what he was seeing.

His son had mated with someone? What the fuck was he thinking to do something as stupid as that?! If he was a homosexual then that meant it was with another male whom he was mated with! And if he was mated then there must be a mental bond between himself and whoever he was with. Making his job all the harder.

Vegeta frowned. ‘It’s most likely Kakkarot’s second brat, they’re always together so it has to be him.’ He thought, trying to ease his mind. ‘I can handle him easily if tries to save him, it’s Kakkarot and his first brat that worries me.’ He thought to himself before continuing with his flight home.

Now he just had to make the brat close his link after putting a set of Ki cuffs on him and things would be just fine.

***

‘Where is he? He should’ve been home by now.’ I can’t help but think as I pace around the livingroom with worry. The decorations are up, the engagement rings are in my pocket, the smell of reheated food and cakes is coming from my mother’s kitchen, and everyone is here for Trunks’ surprise party. Including Piccolo and Yamcha, and they’re not easy to get in touch with at all.

The only problem is that school ended well over two hours ago, and even if he somehow got a detention he still should’ve been home by now. But no one can sense him, and this worries me a great deal.

Where the hell is he? And why is he hiding his power level from us? I can’t help but sigh as I quit my pacing and plop myself down on a chair before running a hand through my spiky hair nervously. Perhaps I’m just being paranoid. For all I know he only went out to eat first before coming home. Or maybe a few of his friends offered to take him out for his birthday?

But then why does everyone else in the room look worried too?

Kasaans wringing her hands as she watches the clock while Goten just sits cross-legged on the floor with a frown. Tousan’s got a worried look on his face as he leans against the wall with Piccolo and Dende. Even tousan’s worried! He’s never worried about anything! Something has to be wrong!

I sigh again. I at least know that he’s alive through our link, but he’s not answering me. ‘Goddamn it Trunks, your scaring me half to death! Please just come home already.’

***

‘Oh, my head hurts!’ Was the first real thought that I made as I groggily woke up in a curled position on a cold and uncomfortable wooden floor, my neck all stiff.

Funny, I don’t remember going to sleep. And where the hell am I? Everything looks so blurry, I can hardly see.

Just before I can even roll over to try and get to my feet, a hand suddenly appears from seemingly nowhere as it grabs me by the hair and lifts me completely off the ground. Before I can cry out through the pain I feel, another hand covers my mouth before roughly slamming me into a wall. And for a split second I can only see the stars in front of my face as I try to see who this is. Why can’t I sense his energy?

Dark hair that spikes up like a flame, and he’s a little shorter than me too…

Wait a minute.

‘OH MY GOD!! TOUSAN!!’ I desperately try to struggle out of his tight hold on me, but for some reason I can barely even move through his strong grip. I don’t get it! I should at least be able to put up a decent fight against him after all of Goku-sama’s, Goten’s and Gohans training! But I can’t even move!

I can see a little clearer now, clear enough to see the horrifying snarl he has on his face and the murderous look in his eyes as he leans closer to me. I can feel my heart thundering beneath my chest at this point as my breath quickens too. ‘Oh Kami, what does he want from me?’

“Close the link.” He snarled, the almost insane look in his eyes still present. I can’t help but look at him in confusion. How does he know about my link with Gohan? Unless he… saw my bite scar.

My eyes went wide at the thought. ‘Oh no.’ I think to myself helplessly. He only wants me to sever the connection so that he can beat me or kill me or both.

/Trunks? Is that you? Where are you?/

/Gohan I–/

“I said close the link NOW BRAT!!” Tousan screams at me as lets go of my mouth and quickly smashes the back of my head into the wall. I couldn’t help but cry out in pain at the act, wondering why it would hurt so much as stars cloud up my vision once again. It’s just a wall.

/Trunks, please, tell me where you are. I’ve been so worried./ Gohan tells me through our mental connection, but right now I’m too afraid to answer. Can tousan really sense that I haven’t closed it?

/Gohan–/

A rough hand suddenly squeezing my throat stops me, even in my head, also making it hard to breath. And I can’t help but shake in fear as my father sneers at me again. “If you don’t close the fucking link, right now, then I will slaughter your mate in his sleep without so much as thinking twice! UNDERSTAND!?!?” He roared out loudly while tiny little drops of his disgusting saliva flew in my face, and I know that I’ve just gone deathly pale at the threat.

No! He can’t kill Gohan!

/Kami Trunks, answer me!/

I can feel myself shaking again as I nod my head in agreement to my fathers demands, a few tears clouding my vision as I squeeze my eyes shut. I want to hear his voice again so badly, just one last time, but I know that I can’t.

I’ll probably never see him again. /Goodbye, Gohan./

I then severed our connection.

***

I suddenly get the most horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach, as if a ton of bricks has just smashed into my chest and knocked the wind out of me without warning as my vision goes dark, but for only a split second before my legs give out and I’m forced to quickly sit on the floor or risk falling on my face.

Everyone in the room is looking at me funny and full of worry as I try to even out my raspy breathing as hot tears pour uncontrollably down my face. I’m not too sure about what just happened, but it feels as if half my soul was just brutally ripped out.

“Onisan?” I hear Goten call out to me in worry. I look up at him, but can barely see him through the many tears that are blurring my vision. But from what I can see, everyone’s standing behind him, and they’re all looking at me as if I was having a heart attack.

It feels so cold all of a sudden, and I can’t stop from shaking when I try to call out to Trunks again through our link but feel nothing there. He cut me off from him?

Why?

Vegeta

“What just happened Gohan?” Piccolo asks me patiently.

I swallow shakily. It hurts so much I can hardly bare it. “H-he cut me off. I-I can’t f-feel him anymore.” I stutter out pitifully, my heart pounding beneath my chest.

My tousan looks at me in shock, probably wondering why Trunks would do something like that. But he couldn’t have meant to. It had to be Vegeta’s doing! It had to be! Why else would he say goodbye before doing it?!

“I-I think that Vegeta made him do it.” I say, trying to calm myself as much as possible through the pain in my heart. But it’s just so hard when your second half is missing like that.

Shakily, I get to my feet, a determined glare on my face as I head out the door, not needing to look back to know that a few people are following me out.

“Gohan, where are you going?” Tousan asks me before I take off into the air.

“To Capsule Corp.”

***

Vegeta looked down at his shaking son on the floor, hugging his knees as he sobbed out the searing pain of the disconnection from his mate, and he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of pity for him, remembering the awful feeling of it the day Bulma had died and their connection was shattered.

For this, he decided not to do anything too drastic to him until his mind healed enough for him to take his blows. But right now he still had important things to attend to. He could feel the energy signatures of Kakkarot, his brats, and the Namek approaching him at top speeds, so he needed to work fast.

He grabbed Trunks by the collar of his shirt before roughly picking him up from off of the floor and snarling. “Did you tell them that you were here?” He demanded.

Trunks shook his head no through his tears. It hurt so bad doing what he just did, he felt as if he tore out a piece of his own soul when he severed the connection, and he just felt so cold without the other half, both inside and out.

Vegeta nodded his head. “Good.” Was all he said before he dragged him out of the room. Trunks struggled a little against him, but strangely still found that he could do almost nothing.

“Don’t even think about trying to get away. I’ve placed a Ki cuff on your arm, so you cannot be sensed, sense others, or even focus your own Ki.” Vegeta said as he dragged him, and Trunks instantly whipped his head to the side to look at his upper arm and the tight, glowing gold band that was on it. He didn’t notice it there before, no wonder he couldn’t fight back!

“W-why are you doing this to me?” He choked out fearfully as he was dragged down the hall, wondering where they were going.

Vegeta snarled. “I warned you to never come back and you disobeyed me! That’s why!!” He sneered. Trunks’ breath hitched. How could he know about that?!

“I-I never came back though, I swear!” He pleaded, hoping to get out of this situation before anyone got hurt. Namely himself.

Vegeta whipped around and backhanded him sharply, causing Trunks to get thrown to the ground with a thud and a loud cry of pain. That really hurt!

“Don’t you lie to me you little piece of shit!” He roared at him, making him cringe on the floor. “I know perfectly well that you gave Bra that golden necklace for the anniversary of her birth! Now because of your stupid little visits, I can’t get her to forget about your filthy face!” He snarled, making Trunks gasp in horror. He was trying to make Bra forget about him? He didn’t know that.

“So I’ve decided that if you want to see her so badly then you won’t ever leave. There’s no point now because of the damage you’ve caused!”

“I didn’t cause anything!” Trunks roared out, feeling his blood boil at the thought of his little sister not knowing who he was because of his father’s manipulation. “This is all because of you! If you weren’t such an abusive prick then I wouldn’t of had to leave! It’s all your fault this happened!”

Vegeta knelt down and backhanded him again but roughly grabbed his neck at a lightning speed before he could cry out. “You will keep your mouth shut unless I speak to you first! Understand boy?” He snarled.

Through the tight grip on him, and the fact that he could hardly breath, Trunks still managed to lightly nod his head yes. Vegeta smirked. “Good.” He then dropped his neck and watched as he sucked in some air.

“Now,” He started up in a low voice that scared the shit out of Trunks. “You are going to go into Bra’s room, and explain to her the new rules of your little game.”

Author’s Notes:  There’ll be change in the P.O.V, it will go from Gohan to Trunks and then to me. `’These things here indicate thoughts. Gohan and Videl were married at one point but Pan does not exist.
Hello. I’m Gohan Son. I’m twenty eight years old and I work at the Satan city high school as a science teacher. Hopefully I’ll be able to work at the university as a professor soon, but that’s not the point.

Right now I’m just marking a few papers while the class works on a project I assigned with their partners, and every once in a while I can’t help but look up and admire the current and only object of my undying affections.

He’s sitting in the middle of the classroom working with Goten, as usual, his lavender head would look up from the text book he was reading once in a while to give his science partner a piece of useful information for their work.

A blush soon creeps up on his cheeks while he reads, and a smile soon follows. He knows I’m looking at him. He then turns to Goten again with another piece of information to write down and I get a good look at the bite scar on his neck.

A few days after we got together, we both decided that we wanted to bond with each other. For those of you who don’t know this, it’s when a saiyan picks a life partner or spouse, then makes the declaration official by biting each others neck. This bonded us for life, and the only thing that could break it would be if one of us would die, but we’re not worried about that.

When we first bonded a flood of memories and emotions filled my mind, and I got a good look at all the excruciating beatings he’d taken from his father when he was in his care, as well as the unconditional love he felt for me. Needless to say, I was speechless with how much love was actually there.

After he bit me he told me that the same thing happened to him, and how happy he was with the amount of love that I held for him. I couldn’t help but ask if he also felt the guilt and regret I felt the day I struck his face when I first found out that he loved me.

He just smiled and reassured me that he didn’t care about that with a kiss. I’ll never stop feeling guilty about what I did to him that day, but at least he doesn’t hold it against me. I couldn’t live with myself if my Koi were to hate me.

//Shouldn’t you be working?// He asks me through our mental link, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I blinked before looking up at his smiling face. He just lets out a small chuckle while shaking his head and going back to what he was reading. I can’t help but smirk as I return my own eyes to the unmarked test papers in front of me.

//Normally I have to ask you that, Koi.// I tell him silently. //Perhaps I’m hanging out with you too much.// I say sarcastically.

//Gohan please, if it weren’t for me then you would never have any fun and you know it. So don’t go blaming the fact that you’re having a hard time keeping your eyes off of my hot body on how you just can’t concentrate.// His mental voice just drooled with sarcasm at that last remark, and I can’t help but chuckle at it.

//Little brat.//

//Tight ass.//

It’s hard to hold back our laughter at this point, but thankfully we both still manage. Can you imagine what we would look like to the students if out of nowhere we just started laughing? *That* would be embarrassing!

I look back up at him again just in time to see Goten whisper something in Trunks’ ear, and they both then look up at me expectantly when done. //Goten wants to know if he passed your test, Go-chan.// Trunks asks me.

I can’t help but smirk as I watch my little brother squirm in his seat. Kami I can be mean when I want to be! //Tell him that he failed.// I say simply even though he aced the test with only one mistake. I just like to bug him like this for no particular reason. I guess the power trip I get over being his teacher has just gone to my head.

Trunks simply shrugs his shoulders before turning to Goten and whispering what I said to him in his ear. His eyes immediately bulged almost right out of their sockets and I can’t help but smirk in amusement at the sight. “WHAT!?!” He screams back in Trunks ear causing him to wince in slight pain at the very loud sound next to his eardrum. Everyone in the class looked up at him in shock for having such an outburst from right out of nowhere, but he doesn’t seem to notice as he’s most likely just thinking about the punishment that okasaan will give him for the failing grade.

I chuckled again. //Tell him it was a joke, Koi. He aced it.// I say through our bond.

Trunks just smiled evilly, knowing what it was that I had just done. He then turned back to Goten to whisper the little piece of information I’ve just given and he just sighs in pure relief, sinking back into his seat and either not noticing or not caring about the strange looks the other students are giving him. I know that he’ll give me shit for scaring him later, but that was just too good to pass up.

***

‘Damn, Gohan can be a real prick when he wants to be!’ I think to myself in amusement while looking up at my boyfriends turned down face. I’ve been living with the Sons for about seven months now so I know how badly Chi-Chi-san can take a failing grade. ‘Hn. No wonder Goten freaked out!’

I can’t help the shudder that went up my spine at the thought of what she did the last time I brought home a failed test. I had to study for four *straight* hours to make up for it! And I’m not talking about the fake studying that most kids do when they take their books into their rooms, open them up and then turn on the radio or TV while not doing any actual studying. I had to sit at the kitchen table where she could see me actually reading the stuff.

Of course I was allowed up for bathroom brakes and to eat supper, but still, if I had to sit at that table for another hour trying to work those equations into my brain I swear I would have gone mad! Needless to say I made sure to not fail a test ever again!

Just then Gohan looks up at me and smirks and I can’t help but narrow my eyes at him playfully. //If you even dare to try and tell me that I failed that test then I swear I’ll blast you!// I call out through our link, and with the look on his face it’s almost as if I can hear him inwardly chuckling at me!

//What makes you think you passed?// He asks me teasingly.

//Your mother ensuring that I study an average of two hours a night, *that’s* what!//

He doesn’t bother to respond this time as he simply smiles, shakes his head at me and returns to grading the rest of his papers.

I can’t help but smile up at him even thought he can’t see it. I just feel so happy to have him in my life. Aside from the total lack of getting to see my little sister, things in my life have really seemed to improve when the Sons took me in and away from my father. Just thinking about him sometimes makes me shudder, and that’s actually what I do now at the thought of him. The bastard. I’ll never get his sneering face out of my head….or my nightmares, but I can still be happy knowing that I’m finally free of him and safe with my friends.

Because of my father’s constant beatings my strength went down a great deal, and it took a few weeks of proper training with Goku-sama before I could even put up a good fight against Goten. I’ve only just been able to beat him in a spar for the first time about three weeks ago! We’re still pretty much evenly matched, but I’m still improving so I don’t really worry about my strength too much.

Currently, Gohan and I have to keep our relationship a secret. Only Goten, Chi-Chi-san, Goku-sama and the rest of the Z-fighters know about us. We don’t have to hide anything from them, it’s just that if it got out that one of the teachers was dating a student then Gohan would most likely lose his job, and I don’t want that to happen because of me.

It isn’t too bad though. Whenever we want to go out on a date or something all we have to do is fly fifteen minutes over to the next town and catch a movie or something. We just have to be careful of how we act around the school.

Suddenly the bell rings, indicating that school has finally ended for the weekend. Huh. I guess I was a little more out of it than I thought. Normally I’m on the edge of my seat a whole half-hour before school ends on a Friday, but I suppose that talking with Gohan through our link sped things up a bit. God I love him.

“I’m going to the mall to get a cd. Wanna come?” Goten asks me as we pack up our stuff. As much as I’d really love to, I can’t. Highschool ends about a half hour before preschool, so I only have that much time to get over there to see Bra before otousan goes to pick her up for the day.

No one knows I’m doing this, not even Gohan, but every two weeks or so I’d drop by her school before it ended for a visit. She only just started, so otousan has to drop her off and pick her up. If he knew what I was doing then he’d probably kick the shit out of me, and if Gohan ever found out then he’d probably scream bloody murder at me for being so stupid.

Anyway, it’s her fifth birthday today, so I have to go see her. She knows not to tell tousan about my visits anyway. I’ve simply told her that we were playing a game, and he couldn’t find me or else I’d lose. Sort of like hide and seek, so she never said anything. Thank Kami!

“Sorry Goten, but I’ve..uh…got a study group to go to!” I spit out as fast as I could so that I don’t look too suspicious. ‘Great one genius! A study group on a Friday! Somebody shoot me!’ I can’t help but think to myself sarcastically as Goten raises an eyebrow at me.

Everyone but us left the room by now, and Gohan is still at his desk, scribbling down grades on the test papers, I guess that’s why He decided to whisper the next part.

“You’re not going to try to go to Capsule Corp to see Bra are you?” He asks me while leaning in a little closer, ensuring that I’ll be the only one in the class to hear what he just said.

Out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw Gohans ears twitch, but I just ignore it as I try to laugh off what my best friend has just suggested. “What? No way! I’d never go back to Capsule Corp with tousan always there!” I say lightheartedly and not bothering to whisper to try and show him how serious I am. And it’s true, I never would go back there, but Bra’s preschool is hardly Capsule Corp now is it?

He looks at me skeptically. I’ve always had this suspicion that he might know what I’m up to, but if he did then he’s never said anything until now. “You promise?” He asks me skeptically.

I just roll my eyes at him playfully. “Goten, I swear on my mother’s grave that I’m not going to Capsule Corp.” I say seriously while showing him my hands so that he knows I’m not crossing any fingers. Childish really, but he still believes in how that can be used to break promises without feeling guilty, so I showed him anyway.

It really is a sneaky trick that I’m playing, but I just have to see my sister today! What kind of brother would I be if I didn’t show up for her birthday and giver her, her gift?

Apparently satisfied, but still looking a little skeptic, Goten sighs and lets me go. “Alright, I’ll see you later tonight then.” He says while slinging his bag over his shoulder and heading for the door.

“Later oniisan.” He says casually to Gohan on the way out. He simply waves in return before going back to his papers. He usually stays in school for at least an hour after it ends to work on things, so this is actually quite the perfect time to get away.

***

I watch silently as Trunks packs up his things and gets ready to leave, contemplating whether or not I should speak to him. I heard what he was saying to Goten about not going over to Capsule Corp, and while he was promising to never do it, I can’t help but wonder if he’s ever gone before. The idea of what Vegeta would do to him if he would go and then get caught makes me shudder.

“Hey there Go-chan!” Trunks says happily as he drops his bag in front of my desk and hops on, on his knees, giving me this wicked grin.

In slight fear I immediately look towards to the door, and am thankful to see that it’s shut. It has no window on it either so I don’t have to worry about anyone seeing us, so I grin back at him. “And just what are you up to?” I ask playfully as he crawls across my desk, being careful not to knock anything over as he does. Soon our faces are merely inches apart, and I can feel the heat of his breath on my face.

“Do you have any idea how hard it is to sit in a classroom with you and not be able to kiss you for a full hour and a half straight?” He whispers seductively before capturing my mouth in a heated kiss which I more than happily return as both of our eyes slide shut to enjoy it.

I can’t help but bring my hands up and slide my fingers through his hair as he does this to me. Kami he’s a good kisser!

Much to his disappointment though, I gently break off the kiss to have a little fun of my own. “I don’t know Koi, why don’t you tell me how *hard* it is?” I ask playfully, knowing how his teenage mind is reacting when I ask him that.

He simply smirks at me before crawling off the desk and onto my chair with one leg on each side of me. “Really. Really. *Really* hard!” Was the only reply he would give before kissing me again and thrusting his tongue into my mouth. Did I mention that he was a fantastic kisser? I think that was sometime before I put my arms around his waist to make sure that he doesn’t go anywhere on me.

Huh. Perhaps this is why he didn’t want to go to the mall with Goten. No complaints from me! I guess I won’t have to talk to him about Capsule Corp anyway. He’s smart enough to know not to go back there anyway.

God, this is bliss! And I can’t help the moan that escapes from my throat as he continues to work his magic on me. Soon I find that I can’t take too much more of this, and I quickly fight off his tongue with my own so I can get into his mouth.

Damn, not working. He’s good. Oh well, I’ve still got something that’ll get me in charge of this yet!

Ever so slowly I snake my hands down lower before they land on his firm rear, and I waste no time in squeezing it tightly, causing a shocked gasp to escape from his throat and stalling him enough to allow me to take over while chuckling at my little victory.

He makes this little sound of annoyance as he tries to take control of the kiss again, but now that I have it I’m not giving it up for anything!

Eventually my victory becomes short lived as we both find that we’re in some desperate need of air, and are forced to pull away from each other so we can greedily take in some much needed oxygen.

I’m pretty much speechless at this point as Trunks nuzzles his nose up against mine. “My birthday’s coming up.” He reminds me with a grin that I can’t help but return. Yes, his eighteenth birthday was in another month. I’m going to make sure that it’s the greatest birthday he’s ever had too, considering it hasn’t been celebrated in the last two years courtesy of Vegeta.

He’ll also be a legal adult. We’ll only be able to make our relationship public once he graduates, but the day he turns I’m going to get him to move in with me and then get down on one knee and propose. Maybe I’ll do it at his party. I haven’t really decided yet, but it’s gonna happen.

“You excited?” I ask while running my hand through his silk hair.

He leans into the touch and nods his head. I know how excited he must be for it. The first real one he’ll of had since Bulma passed away and his beatings started. He should enjoy it.

Suddenly he turns towards the clock to check the time, and I do the same. Only fifteen minutes have passed since the class ended. He then sighs before quickly kissing my lips. “I gotta run Go-chan, I’ll see you tonight.” He whispers before getting off of me and walking around the desk to get his bag.

I can’t help but stare at him longingly as I watch him prepare to leave. “Maybe I’ll rent a movie for us to watch tonight.” I suggest as he slings it over his shoulder.

He smiles at my idea. “Sounds great, Gohan.” He says happily before coming back around to give me another quick kiss. “See ya tonight then. Love you.” He whispers before turning around and heading for the door.

“I love you too, Koi.” I call back as he disappears with a smile plastered on his face at what I just said. And I know that I have a big goofy grin on my face too.

***

I quickly check my watch as I fly at top speed through the air. Well, not at top speed, but as fast as I can go without otousan being able to sense me.

Another ten minutes before Bra’s kindergarten class ends, and tousan will make her wait another five or ten minutes before picking her up for the day. He only makes her wait so that none of the kids or parents will be able to see him. He hates when they try to talk to him about how cute of a little girl he has, so this gives me some extra time.

Once the school comes into view, I quickly land in one of the nearby trees to not be seen, before hopping down and making a dash for the front doors. An old friend of mine works here as the secretary, and she knows not to tell tousan about my little visits, so I can come and go without worrying about him too much.

She waves to me on the way in, in a friendly manner, and I wave back before running down the hall to my little sis’s classroom. When I finally get there, I take a quick look through the window to make sure they’re not doing anything too important.

Nope. Just sitting in a circle while the teacher reads to them, and Bra’s got this little paper birthday crown on.

I can’t help but smile as I knock on the door. I have to be quick about this. The teacher sees me through the window and scowls a little. She hates it when I interrupt her class, but she can deal with it, I have important things to attend to.

“Mr. Briefs this is going to have to stop. I can’t have you constantly interrupting my cl–”

“ONICHAN!!”