Authors’ Notes: OoC is not a major part of the story and it is explained later.

thoughts
.+++. time/scene skip
.xxx. perspective change

*****

Beep. Beep.

His nose was filled with the overly clean and bleach-like smell that was often associated with hospitals.

Beep. Beep.

His head felt heavy, it felt like there was a needle stuck in his arm and something was clamping on his index finger.

Beep. Beep.

Trunks pushed himself up with his right – and free – hand and opened his eyes to glare at the noisy machine. The walls were an off-white and he saw his heart rate being monitored on a machine that was hooked to the clamp on his finger. He was in a hospital alright.

He glanced around to get his bearings. On a table near him there was food and the bottle of pills his mother prescribed him. To his left was another bed – already filled by…

Wait was that – “Chibi!” Trunks yelled out and flung off his covers and ran over to the child, ignoring that he had wires connected to him. He glanced over all of the visible wounds – his head was bandaged, his left arm was in a cast, there were bruises on his face, neck and shoulders, and probably much more under the covers.

How could he have let Chibi go! How could he have just allowed the androids to beat and bruise this child! He was supposed to be the defender!

Beep. Beep. Beep! Beep!

What had he done! This was Gohan’s child! He was supposed to be the boy’s protector! Not the other way around! Trunks fell to his knees and slammed his fists down on the guardrails of Chibi’s bed, denting them in the process. How could he have been so stupid! So careless! So useless!

Beep beep! Beep beep!

People rushed in, and among them was his mother. “Trunks!” She yelled and held him. “Settle down!”

He looked at her with guilty eyes. How could he? How could he just simply calm down after realizing his own incompetence. He was no better than Goku right now – rendered useless by some stupid ailment!

Beep beep! Beep beep!

“It wasn’t your fault baby.” His mother soothingly told him. “Goha– Chibi just wanted to help you, and he’s fine. He just needs rest and food. He’ll be fine in no time.”

Trunks blinked back the tears he never knew were there. Chibi would be fine… nothing serious…

Beep! Beep. Beep.

The sound quietly faded into the background as his pulse stabilized. “Now come along and back to your bed. You, or Chibi, won’t be going anywhere until you two are better.”

Trunks silently let his mother guide him back to the bed and he ate the food he was given. “Mother, what happened?”

“Well you charged out, screaming something about Chibi. A few hours later, he’s at my door, carrying you – unconscious – before he passed out.” Bulma sighed and looked over at Chibi. “I think he was running on pure adrenaline.”

“I see…” He said before looking over at the unconscious boy. He remembered flying towards the village, or town, that the androids had or were attacking, the place that Chibi had collapsed. He remembered thinking about the boy’s childhood and… “Ouch…” Trunks brought a hand to his head and winced.

“Trunks? Are you alright?”

“Yeah Mother, I’m fine.” Trunks said and looked back at Chibi. What did Chibi have to do about his forgotten memories? What was that scene with the child that looked just like Chibi with long hair, that looked like Gohan at the boy’s age…

A yellow ship. His mother smiling at him and waving goodbye. Arriving. Frieza.

Trunks eyes widened, and his head was throbbing – but that didn’t matter. Why was Frieza in his memories? Why did he know who Frieza and his father were? Why could he remember their faces when he clearly never met them before – they died before he was born, his mother never took pictures, Gohan never transferred the images into his head. What was going on here, and what did it have to do with Chibi?

“Mother?”

“Yes Trunks?” Bulma responded with a smile.

“How old was Gohan when Frieza attacked?”

“He was seven, why?” His mother said a bit uneasily.

Something wasn’t right here. His mind was drawing blanks and even though it shouldn’t be… even though he shouldn’t be second guessing things, something had to be up and it had to do with his memories. “What month did Frieza attack?”

“Why are you curious about Frieza Trunks?” Bulma said after hesitating. “He’s dead now…”

Why was his mother trying to dodge around his question? She only did that when she was worried that he would have another seizure…

What did Frieza have to do with his seizure – his…forgotten…memories…

His… trip… No, it couldn’t be! It was impossible! Frieza was dead before he was even a glimmer in his parents’ eyes! Especially since Chibi was supposedly involved with those memories. There couldn’t be any connection! Things just weren’t making any sense and his head was killing him. “Wake me when Chibi wakes up.” Trunks said and pulled up the covers. Blissful oblivion was preferred over a splitting headache.

Gohan could hear murmuring to his right and his eyes twitched. What was going on? Where was he? What happened? He moved his neck, but his whole body felt heavy. He just wanted to sleep… Why did he want to sleep? What happened? How long has he been sleeping? He left out a quiet groan as he tried to lift his eyelids – but even they felt heavy.

“Gohan? Err… Chibi?”

Was that Bulma’s voice? Why was she calling him kid? She was right the first time. “Uhnn?” Gohan grunted out and turned his head as his eyes slowly opened. Bulma’s hair was long? “Since when did you get so old Bulma?” He slurred, not really realizing that he spoke aloud.

“Gohan!” Bulma scolded him. “Uhh… I mean… Chibi!”

“What? You’re noisy and my head hurts. Where am I?” He complained and blinked a few times.

“Um… you’re in West City Hospital G-Chibi. I brought you here after you arrived at my doorstep.”

“Hospital?” Gohan wondered. Why was he in a hospital, sure his head hurt, and his stomach felt like he just ate a bomb or something, but why was he in a hospital? Were there not any more senzu beans left? Why did his stomach hurt anyway? Why was the feeling familiar? Sure, it hurt more than when Seventeen… Oh… right. “Oh.” Gohan said with a bit more composure and tried to sit up. However a flare of pain stopped him in his tracks and he brought his right arm (his left arm felt too heavy right now, and it was connected to something) down to hold his stomach as he curled in. “Ahhh!” He moaned out in pain.

“Gohan! Are you alright?”

“Chibi!”

Gohan glanced up to see both Bulma and Trunks at the side of his bed… why were his bedrails all dented… starting down worriedly at him. With a grin he laughed lightly, trying not to aggravate his stomach. “Heh, heh…. Ya know Bulma, you’ve really got to stop calling me that.” However he glanced at Trunks again before he smiled. “How are you feeling Trunks?” Trunks didn’t look hurt… why did he collapse then? Why did his ki drop?

“I’m fine Chibi, I just overexerted myself, and I thought of things that I shouldn’t have. But I think that question should be directed at you, don’t you think?”

Gohan offered a weak smile. “Well, I feel like I ate a bomb that exploded in my stomach and I’m in a spaceship with five times Earth’s normal gravity, but otherwise I’m fine.”

Gohan wasn’t too sure how to respond to Trunks’ expression. Was it disbelief? Was it worry? When he glanced at Bulma, there was a sort of dread. Uhh… he wasn’t supposed to know about that, was he? Oops…

“Chibi… where did you learn about gravity and spaceships?” Trunks asked him cautiously.

“Uh…. Well my mom kinda taught me about them?” Whoops… It seemed like that wasn’t the best option he could have chosen, because now the look on Trunks’ face was angry. Then again, I suppose it’s alright for him to be angry… since he thinks my mom stole me away from him. Kami that sounded weird! “And, and uh… when I saw Chi-Chi a couple weeks ago…. Well I was told some stories of the past…” This was not going good at all! Soon Gohan would run out of half-truths to tell Trunks! He glanced up at Bulma, silently asking for help. Did she know that Trunks and him… the future him… were in a relationship?

“I… see…” The gears seemed to be turning in Trunks’ head, but thankfully Bulma intervened.

“Trunks, why don’t we leave Chibi alone to rest? He won’t heal as fast as his father since he has more human blood in him.” She said as she pushed Trunks over to the bed on his right.

‘Thank you.’ Gohan mouthed to Bulma. Rest did seem like a good option, and one that wouldn’t incriminate him any further.

Trunks continued to stare at Chibi, even after he fell asleep. Something really wasn’t right with Chibi… what seven year old knew about gravity these days? And spaceships? Especially spaceships with the ability to increase gravity?

And he thought about what else was suspicious about Chibi: He could fly, he had access to Kinto’un, he could meditate, do battle projections, ki blasts, he was an adept fighter, he seemed to have an excellent knowledge – something that only schooling could do (whether at home or public, although the likelihood of the latter was virtually impossible) and the list seemed endless! In fact, Bulma usually insisted upon others calling her by her last name, and it seemed that Chibi had the manners that would agree to, or desire to call strangers by polite names. Yet, Chibi called his mother by her name while he was still groggy, and he even called her old – nothing somebody would call a stranger! There was also the case of his own name – how did Chibi know who he was? Did Chi-Chi tell Chibi that too? Why did Chibi know to look under the rock at the training grounds? How did Chibi know where he was? And… how did Chibi know where the androids were, how did he know to look for Trunks? Did the kid know how to sense ki as well?

Everything about Chibi spoke of formal training, it spoke of a life no child could get in these times anymore.

These times… why did those words draw him in?

“Fuck!” Trunks cursed as another rage surged through his head. His arms held his head tightly and he squeezed his eyes shut. Images were flashing through his mind, they were settling in, solving a puzzle that he’d been trying to figure out with only a few pieces. And everything was starting to make sense with the exception of one single piece but perhaps that was forcefully placed in and didn’t truly belong there in the first place…

Authors’ Notes: Updated slowly, originally intended to be a oneshot but shall be continued because the PwP had too much miniscule plot.

thoughts
.+++. < -Time/scene skip

*****

It took Gohan a week to realize that his dirt on Trunks held no weight against what the lavender-haired brat had against him. What was stopping Trunks from saying “Oh hey guys, guess what, I totally fucked Gohan” to everybody? “Trunks is gay” seemed to pale in comparison, and seemed well… redundant after the fact….

Now, why was Gohan all that concerned with it? Well for starters, he was married, and then there was… no just leave it at that. Infidelity was bad enough, no need to expand. So, Gohan realized that he needed something else, he needed a new piece of dirt to hold over the brat’s head…

It took Gohan another two weeks to find it, and he didn’t really find it, or should he say it was Trunks who found him.

“Shit! Gohan! I’m sorry!” Trunks said as he burst through the door of his office.

“Now, now Trunks, is that any language to be using in front of your professor?” Gohan said but not casually. No he said it almost angrily.

“I promise I won’t do it again! Just… just can you let me do it? Right here? Right now?” He said as he fumbled and dug into his bag. “I’ve got everything right here! Please!”

Gohan leaned back in his chair, half amused, half confused. He was also partially embarrassed, since what Trunks said was stirring up memories that twisted his sense of reality, but he wasn’t admitting that. “You may need to elaborate Trunks.” If they had not… Gohan probably would have mocked his sexual-sounding comment.

The rummaging demi looked up. “Didn’t you notice I wasn’t in class today?”

Gohan’s eyes hardened, for more reasons than one. “I’m not your personal stalker Trunks. I don’t pay attention to who is in my class. I have over a hundred students. Where were you instead of in my lecture? Studying? Sleeping in because you were partying? I don’t give exceptions. You weren’t there on time.”

“Com’on Gohan! You’ve known me since I was in diapers!” Trunks pleaded.

However, something else seemed to shine in Trunks’ eyes as he took in Gohan’s first words. It was a glimpse of something heart wrenching that he saw only once before. Gohan’s gaze softened unintentionally.

“Please? Pops dragged me off to train yesterday and I spent most of the night studying.”

Gohan sighed and he pushed up his glasses. He pulled out a test copy reserved for those taking it at a later date. “You have one hour.”

As Gohan continued making the assignment for the following week, his mind began to wander. He shouldn’t have let Trunks write the exam – if the brat studied before, he wouldn’t have slept in and missed his class. However… that gave him merits, it gave him the dirt that he’d been looking for.

“Time’s up.” Gohan said after glancing at the time and he held out his hand. When the paper was handed to him, he put it into an empty drawer in his desk.

“You never use your desk – hey Gohan!” The brat protested.

“You do realize if you had studied beforehand, you would have gone to sleep on time and arrived to my class on time.”

“Oh com’on Gohan! You’re not doing this to me are you!” Trunks frowned.

“They say two wrongs don’t make a right, but two wrongs prevent one another.” The black-haired hero said, just short of glaring at Trunks.

Gohan saw as confusion changed to understanding, then into malice before it finally settled on danger. It was that dangerous expression which came from a distant past, which haunted the older demi, which allured him.

“Gohan…”

That voice!

“Is it really true? Are you really going to blackmail me? What did I do to deserve this treatment?” Trunks had him, he had him good. Gohan turned his head. He couldn’t fall into the trap! He couldn’t let Trunks secure his hold! He couldn’t release his grasp on reality! “I thought you loved me…”

His hand slipped.

“Gohan…”

The quivering in the voice that repeated his name resounded – multiplied – and it caused the stable ground he was grasping onto to crumble, collapse, and he fell back into the chasm that was illusion.

Guilt filled him, Kami did he feel horrible. Trunks sounded so sad – Gohan turned to look at the prince – he looked so sad! Those features which had always been so serious and fearful were filled with sorrow and a fear of a completely new kind. How could he have done such a thing! How could he blackmail Trunks! The man had been through enough already! “Oh Trunks…. I’m sorry… I wasn’t thinking…” His hand moved out to caress and cup Trunks’ face.

Trunks’ leaning into the hand and his hand supporting Gohan’s snapped the last string. It locked the Son into that comfortable fantasy and wouldn’t let him go. No longer was this man his student, but he was transformed by Gohan’s too-willing mind, he had become the one man that Gohan wanted, that he loved, the one he couldn’t stop loving and the one he missed – yearned – for. He was the Trunks that Gohan could never have.

Cautiously, Trunks leaned in, one of his arms moving to the desk in balance, and he let his lips brush against Gohan’s pair in a very feather-like manner. Then those very same lips moved to whisper in his ear. “You were so mean Gohan… I never thought you would do such a thing.”

A shudder travelled down his body. Trunks… his voice, it sounded so hurt, yet it sounded so beautiful. “I’m really sorry Trunks…” He remembered how that voice lowered once the composure slipped, and he craved to hear it again. Trunks was so close, Gohan could smell his body ripening, feel his heat radiating, hear his breath changing, taste his skin sweating, see his hair prickling.

The arm on the desk flexed as Trunks lifted a knee to join it. His movements were slow and deliberate as he crawled up on all fours before letting one hand tightly grip and pull on Gohan’s tie. His mouth opened and his teeth tugged on the ear he previously teased with his tongue.

“Then I suppose you need to prove it – prove that you love me, prove that you are sorry.” He whispered lowly.

Gohan watched with heavy eyes as the man of his dreams began to seduce him. The test lay forgotten in the half-opened drawer, and once again did Trunks become his world, the center of his universe. He tilted his head and he kissed Trunks’ ear that was by his lips. “Then what do you want?” He asked shakily. He’d do anything for Trunks.

“Mmm…” Trunks groaned into his ear. “You’ll just have to figure that out, won’t you?” Even before he finished speaking did he pull Gohan against him with the tie while he kept his eyes hidden behind lavender lashes.

Gohan couldn’t read Trunks’ expression, he couldn’t tell what the prince was thinking, and it was bothering him, yet exciting him.

Trunks leaned back, the hand that was supporting him had moved so that his entire forearm lay flush against the desk. His hips tilted forward, his shoulders hovered over the edge, his torso lay stretched across the surface. All the while Trunks had pulled Gohan down with him, knees on either side of the Son’s waist before stealing a kiss, moving his lips sensually.

And Gohan obliged, both of his hands settled on either side of the prince. As he moved his lips in response, Trunks’ tongue slipped out to push into Gohan’s mouth almost forcefully. His tie was tugged again and again and left no route to escape.

Trunks really had a thing for his ties…

With a feverous and natural submissiveness, Gohan continued to prompt his love on. For some reason, just having Trunks dominate him was something alluring in itself, something that turned him on, something that he sought after, something that he needed. Perhaps it had to do with the fact that watching – feeling – Trunks lose his normal composure and control was erotic.

Trunks pulled away from Gohan to kiss his neck. “Kami, Gohan, you’re so hot.” His tongue flicked out and glided along his neck.

“You…” Gohan shuddered at the mere notion. “You want me.”

“Mm… who wouldn’t?” Trunks asked with a chuckle and the hand holding his tie moved up to loosen it.

What was running though that brilliant mind right now? What new method would Trunks use to make him submit? The mere prospect made the Son shudder in anticipation.

Unravel for me, show me that side of you again…

“But there’s one other thing I want.” The voice was relatively neutral, but it was that hint of audible lust that made Gohan shudder once again.

“Anything Trunks. I’d do anything for you.”

A smirk appeared on Trunks’ face. “I hoped you’d say that.”

Fuck! That went straight to his dick. He didn’t even notice that Trunks removed his tie until it was twirling in the air around Trunks’ forefinger below him.

“I want you to prove your love to me.” Trunks clenched the strip of fabric with his fist in a very Vegeta-like manner and stopped the twirling dead in its tracks. A dangerous yet sexy gleam was in those blue depths before the prince reversed their positions – flipping Gohan beneath him. Next he unravelled the tie that was around his hand while straddling Gohan’s waist. “I want you to show me your love without the use of your hands.” The Son’s tie dangled from Trunks’ hand in an almost hypnotic manner.

As Trunks knelt above him, as he wore that kind and questioning smile, as he held the potential bondage in his hand, Gohan didn’t know what to think. Yet, he was willing. If Trunks wanted to prove himself by this method he would. It was his fault, he shouldn’t have blackmailed his love. “Then let me…” He whispered and removed the shirt from his chest slowly before placing it on a chair carefully.

Still sitting up, Gohan let Trunks tie his wrists behind his back. The prince’s arms ended up wrapping around his torso and the sensation send shivers of delight through his body. Even though there was hardly anything sexual in the embrace, the action itself was typically depicted as one of affection. Yes, that was what he wanted… not just Trunks’ body but something more than that. He did not only lust after this man from the future, but he was in love with him. He wanted a relationship – all of its peaks and ditches – with Trunks, he wanted to live and love with Trunks… yes he wanted Trunks. It had all started at the tender age of ten – when the lavender-haired time traveller stole his heart and carried it off into the future. Now that the thief was back, Gohan would do anything to prove that he deserved that criminal’s heart.

A final slip of the fabric confirmed the bondage – even though they both knew it was only symbolic in nature – and the arms moved back to Trunks’ side. It was disappointing, yes, but the Son would not give up. He would earn Trunks back, he would gain the heart that he’s pined after for almost two decades, hewould prove his love. With a tilt of his hips, Gohan displayed his semi-hard member. “Nn… Trunks…” He let his carnal desires seep into his whispered voice. “I love you.” The low, husky whispers continued and they surely reached Trunks’ ears, as a Saiyajin’s – demi or not – should.

An almost unnoticeable body twitch was accompanied by a cocky reply. “Are you telling me that this is your idea of proving your love Gohan? If so, it’s a little… disappointing.” A soft smile curved the luscious lips that Gohan yearned to taste.

His voice didn’t help matters much either – it was seductive, teasing, alluring, taunting… yet there was some truth to it as well. That was fine, it wasn’t as if he had any ulterior motives to saying those three words anyway. Gohan smiled before scooting closer to Trunks’ hips. “I do hope my words aren’t disappointing if they stood alone.” The Son mimicked Trunks’ tone and arced his hips forward again. “Because it’s only you who can make me like this with your mere presence. Only you who can make my pulse race just with a whiff of your scent. Only you who can clench my heart with a mere syllable.” Gohan arced further, letting his bare chest come into contact with the cloth of Mirai’s shirt and the muscles beneath it. “It beats for you – it beats because of you.”

Trunks bit his lip – in what Gohan didn’t know – but he wouldn’t let Trunks ruin the temple that was his body so Gohan said in his hushed voice, “mmnn… don’t do that love.” He leaned up to connect their lips together. He’d fix the wound. “It’s not nice to harm your own body.” Gohan could feel an answer in Trunks’ nether regions and a low moan was muffled between their lips. Kami… an aspect was one thing, reality on the other… Did Gohan ever want that hardening organ in him once again. “T-Trunks…” The Son gasped quietly. “Only you who can make me tremble with need.” As if to prove his point, a shudder shook Gohan from head to toe. “Only you who can make me beg. Please, please, Trunks. I want you, I need you, I love you. Will you please forgive me? Only you can satisfy this unending need I have for you.”

I want you hold you, I want to cling to you. Please Trunks; forgive me. Gohan looked up at Trunks with a pleading look in his eyes and kissed him hard.

“Fuck me Trunks.”

Those harshly whispered words seemed to be the catalyst Trunks needed. The lavender-haired prince’s hands grasped at Gohan’s face, his palms crushed his ears and his fingers dug into his scalp. He yanked the other demi desperately while answering the hard kiss with his tongue – thrusting it into the unexpecting but willing mouth.

Yes! This was exactly what he wanted – Trunks unleashed – and Gohan knew that there was still so much more to see! Gohan manoeuvred his body before wrapping his legs around Trunks’ waist and used the leverage to grind their hips together. More! More! His legs clung to the other tightly in need. He wanted Trunks to feel his excitement, he wanted to cause Trunks even more excitement. He still remembered the last time in crystal clarity and he wanted a repeat. “Please!” Gohan begged.

Trunks smirked and paused a moment before he roughly pushed Gohan back on the desk. His hands grappled at Gohan’s belt, releasing the belt and clasp – lessening the tension – before he worked on his own shirt – first loosening his tie and sliding it out of the knot and then pushing each button out of their holes tantalizing slow. Gohan watched with hungry eyes, squirming as his member hardened at the display and his legs slackened around Trunks’ waist, too distracted as Trunks’ shirt and tie were removed. It seemed that even the lavender-haired hero had lost his patience as his own belt and pants were freed as quickly as Gohan’s. His member pressed against the remaining confines before Trunks helped it pop out – hard and proud.

“Do you want this?” Trunks asked huskily and gave a long stroke to the object in question.

Even as Gohan swallowed in anticipation, he could feel his own member twitch in respond to both the words and tone. Damn was Trunks ever unrestrained! The Son nodded – of course he wanted it! Who wouldn’t?

“Then come and get it.” The prince said with a twitch of his fingers, a widening grin, and pulled down Gohan’s pants to reveal the hard member and supple ass. Once observing his work, he stroked himself again – slowly – and closed his eyes in pure pleasure. “Mmnn… Gohan…”

Ah fuck, he was going to blow right now if he didn’t do something! So the demi flexed his abdominals and lifted his ass before he directed it towards Trunks’ hard member. The other demi saw what his lover was trying to do and assisted with the positioning and supported his cock with his hand. The Gohan could feel the head pushing against his opening before he carefully descended – feeling the girth with much more detail than before. He wouldn’t deny that it was painful, but things would get better – so much better – and that kept him going and once Trunks was fully in, Gohan let himself relax.

It was Trunks’ turn to act – and the first thing he did was remove Gohan’s pants completely. He followed with moving his own remaining clothes so that they dangled around his knees. “Now Gohan,” the prince whispered, “I want you to fly.”

Gohan was curious at the request but he obeyed anyway and began to float above the desk.

The Son soon learned the reasoning as Trunks positioned them so that he was kneeling on the desk and he brought Gohan back down to the surface. His pants and shoes had sometime fallen off, and both demis were completely nude.

But Gohan was getting impatient. Having Trunks inside of him but doing nothing was driving him insane, and because of the prince’s arms, Gohan couldn’t urgently pull his lover closer with his legs, having them pinned between them. So he did the only thing he could do – arc his back.

And he gasped at the movement it caused inside of him. Did he really miss it this much? Oh Kami… he wanted even more. “T-Trunks… M-Move!”

Trunks let out a low moan and slowly began to move. Out, in, out, in. It was simple, but it was as much preparation Gohan was going to get today. A hand soon crept onto his inner thigh and rubbed circles on the skin there causing even more waves of pleasure and tension. “Gohan.” Kami, his voice was spoken by an angel. “Are you ready?”

With a nod, Gohan realized that this was going to be the last thing his composed, calm, and cautious Trunks was going to say before all formalities were forgotten within the pleasure and need. But Gohan craved for that – seeing the crack in Trunks’ actions was just so damn hot – and the thought that only he could do that just turned him on even more. Then he felt it, he felt the beginnings of the frantic movements that aimed towards his –––

Oh FUCK yes!

“Tr-mmph!” Right. Quiet, quiet.

His own coherency was lost as well and his body moved and arced in tandem with Trunks’ hips. His own movements were confined and limited, but somehow that was fine – more than fine. The thought of Trunks overpowering and controlling him…. His world was focused on that sole thought, on the pleasure, the lust, Trunks himself, and the movements created between – within – them. How he wanted to voice his pleasure that built up, the wondrous tension, that lustrous drive, but he had to keep quiet. He couldn’t even remember why, except that it was important. Instead, Gohan let his body tell the story, he forced every one of his emotions to the surface of his body and within the depths of his eyes. His body spoke the words that his mouth could not.

His neck craned in pleasure, his head thrown back in ecstasy, his eyes glistened with lust, his mouth gaping in silent moans, his toes curled in anticipation, and his ass clenching in need.

Gohan could both see and feel the tell-tale signs of Trunks’ pleasure as well, and it just drove his lust even further. There was this glint in the blue eyes that held his gaze – so much fire – there was this tremble in the hand that stroked his cock – so much need – and there was this occasional twitch in the cock that penetrated his ass – so much tension. Trunks was almost gone and Gohan knew he would follow close behind.

“A-Ah…” The broken gasp escaped those luscious lips before he could feel a warm essence filling him in one, two, three… Gohan lost count and concentrated on that beautiful face before him – those eyes closed in ecstasy, that parted mouth, that head thrown back and that whisper of his name before he, too, feel over the edge while silencing his exclamation to a gasp.

There were a few moments as they rode down from their high and then Gohan heard the shuffling of fabric before the tie bonding his wrists was removed. He turned towards his saviour with a smile, only to be greeted with a dark smirk and a tie dangling hypnotically.

Oh shit! Oh shit! This was not happening! Confinement, lack of control… Not only was Trunks fucking with his mind and body, he had to fuck with his heart too! The fucking brat just twisted his Trunks, he had just perverted the heroic, calm, and passive saviour! Trunks was never controlling, he was never possessive! He was going to pay!

Gohan glared, snatched the tie and put his clothes on before opening the window. “Get out, get the fuck out before I throw you out!”

Trunks was still wearing his smirk as he casually walked towards the window and flew out of it, having the gall to even give a small wave in farewell.

Gohan slowly ran his hands through his hair with shaking arms. Fuck, fuck, fuck! Trunks was going to bloody pay!

Authors’ Notes: OoC is not a major part of the story and it is explained later.

thoughts
.+++. time/scene skip
.xxx. perspective change

*****

Gohan didn’t know why Trunks said nothing in context to the avoidance he was giving the prince all week. Perhaps the other thought he had scared Gohan off, but that was not the case. No, Gohan didn’t go near Trunks because it was he who felt guilty, he who felt ashamed – and most likely Trunks would not know his reason (nor the reason he apologized), since Trunks didn’t know who Gohan was.

The child now knew why lying was bad – it hurt people – and while he didn’t lie per se, what he was doing wasn’t much better. He was letting Trunks believe that the future Gohan had cheated on him, (Gohan knew the basics of reproduction) he was letting Trunks be pained by that knowledge, and yet if he told the truth it would hurt Trunks – physically.

Bulma had hypothesized that the blood clot was suppressing Trunks’ memory, and once she talked with her son, he had just lent more support to the cause.

But lying was not the real, main reason he couldn’t face Trunks. No, it was because of what he was going to do. He was going to leave his future love alone in this world, and that just wasn’t right. How could he face the man with that knowledge? How could he face the man whom he would hurt?

Was this how Piccolo felt when he sacrificed his body for Gohan’s? No, it couldn’t be… Piccolo knew that Gohan would revive him, Piccolo knew that he was going to live again.

Why did he do that? It was a question that frequented the child’s mind. Was it because Trunks’ life was in danger? Was it because he was protecting his pupil? Did he just run out of luck? Was he too stupid to realize? Or was it for a darker reason?

Gohan shook his head. It couldn’t be that. Although, he didn’t know how this world would change him over the process of ten plus years. Already, he was changing. Fear – something that seemed to be just a trickle before – had exploded into his life, it broke the dam and he flowed with it, he went where it took him. The rapids were raging, and every time he thought of overcoming the hasty, dangerous waters, he was driven back by another wave of fright. Here he didn’t just fear for his life. No, he already knew that he would die, and that was more terrifying than a ki blast aimed for his heart with a possibility to dodge the deadly blast. No, it was because he knew that he would never dodge that blast in the end, that his death was inevitable, that his time really was limited, that he had the knowledge of where the clock stopped.

And that fear was not the only change – no he had become what he never thought he would become: he became a liar, he became a ghost of the past, he became a toy for the enemy.

So… it wasn’t all that inconceivable that he could walk a darker path…

Ki’s beginning to vanish and weaken off in the distance distracted Gohan from his thoughts and he looked up, towards the source. The androids! He thought and shot up.

Next, Trunks’ ki became to rise, and Gohan rushed over to where the still-sick demi was. “You’re not going Trunks.” He said firmly.

“Like hell!” The Saiyajin prince objected.

“Trunks, you’re in no shape to fight them, you still haven’t recovered from the last battle!” Bulma added.

“What about those people Mother? Am I just going to let them die over a stupid blood clot? I think not!”

And if you die, there will be no fighter that is a natural part of this world Trunks. Gohan thought and turned around. “I’ll go. They won’t kill me.”

“Chibi!” Trunks called after him.

“No.” Gohan turned, determination in his eyes as he stood at the door. “You stay here.” It’s the least that I can do. The child took off in flight and towards the disappearance of ki.

“Oh?” Gohan said with a glare. Control it Gohan! Don’t let the rage control you! He forced down the building anger, pushed it down and tried to hone it. Then, he took the key and unlocked his powers, letting it envelope him – but not dominate him. “Disappointed are you?”

“I don’t want to fight blind rage. Directed rage, yes. Now that’s amusing.”

Gohan appeared behind the android and threw a punch. He could do this! Focus! Focus! “I’m not as wild as before.”

He saw Seventeen smirk as he caught the fist. “We’ll see how long that lasts.” He challenged and returned the punch, but Gohan caught it – and almost winced.

The man – cyborg – was still playing with him, but he owed this to Trunks. He hurt the other, he left the other, and now, he would play hero for the man whom he was destined to love.

Feet and arms were aimed, dodged, caught, and connected. They had only damaged one party though – Gohan could not land a single blow on the artificial human. And while two blue-coloured eyes often met, confidence and amusement were only in one pair, while the green-tinted ones began to droop in exhaustion and pain.

Seventeen was just playing, he didn’t put any effort, and here Gohan was, slowing and weakening. How could he be so strong? Gohan was a Super Saiyajin… and yet!

“Sorry to interrupt Seventeen, but I think you’ve played with your dolly long enough. This town is getting boring.”

And yet… he couldn’t even hinder the other sibling while she went on her own personal rampage! He was pathetic! He was weak! He was useless! Then, he heard what she referred to him by and it was the final spark that lit his already-short fuse. “D-Dolly?” His eyes narrowed and he charged at Eighteen.

But she was already ahead of him as she dodged his raging fists.

“Blind rage.” She simply stated before letting her fist connect with Gohan’s stomach – why was it always there – and knocking him out with a new surge of pain.

Sure Chibi said that the androids wouldn’t kill him, but Eighteen was the more logical and persuasive one of the pair. If she got it in her head that Chibi – Gohan’s child – had to die, sooner or later the boy wouldn’t have a chance.

“Trunks?” His mother asked at his lack of movement and exclamation. “Did something happen to G-Chibi?”

Trunks was accustomed to his mother’s slipups. Apparently even Chibi confused his mother with his appearance. The teen nodded though. “Yeah, his ki just plummeted.” He couldn’t stay here! He needed to go and help Chibi! “I’ve got to go! Chibi needs me!”

“Oh no you–” Bulma protested as her son bolted for the door and she shook her head. “You never listen when it comes to those androids…”

Trunks sped toward the place that the androids were. Even while Chibi was busy with one, there still were ki’s vanishing. Chibi didn’t know, he was too weak to battle both and too boring to watch.

The boy just didn’t know what the androids were capable of, what their actions were focused on, what their supposed emotions were. They were cruel, sadistic, bored. Their definition of fun was torture, and a game was somebody who had the strength of a Super Saiyajin. Chibi was just a child, how could he possibly know? How could he…

No, there was no such thing as a child anymore was there? Gohan had lost his childhood just before he turned ten and Trunks couldn’t remember when he was last fearless, carefree, and amused by the simple things. What was Chibi’s experience? Did he still remember when he ran around without a care in the world, when he giggled at a butterfly on his nose, when an android was just a big scary monster that never really mattered to him but it scared those who took care of him?

Trunk’s body halted in mid-flight as another rage surged through his head. What did Chibi’s life have to do with his forgotten memories? The prince glanced down at the desolated rocky plains and the image of the strangers and the Gohan-Chibi-persona flashed again. The pressure and pain in his head only increased as he closed his eyes. It had just made everything worse though since the picture became real. He felt like he was a person watching them, that he was sitting and waving at them and they were waving back. He was smiling at a younger version of his mother before he glanced at the Gohan-Chibi-person – who was approaching him slowly – with a thought: I will save you.

STOP! Trunks demanded, and that’s exactly what his body did.

It was the last thing that had really disheartened Gohan. Twenty years ago, people would not be cowering behind corners but running around frantically for children, siblings, parents, friends… but now life was so valuable one couldn’t risk it for another. This world was just so sad…

How could Trunks bear seeing this each time he was defeated by the androids, how could he continue to do this?

Wait… where was Trunks’ ki? Back at Capsule Corporation Bulma was alone, and he couldn’t find the other’s ki anywhere! Sure, Trunks normally hid it and he had it toned down, but it was never like this! Gohan could always feel the slightest hint! There were only two possible things: Trunks was dead, or he was close to it.

No! No! Not him too! Not again! This couldn’t be! This world needed a warrior! Trunks was the sole carrier of the Saiyajin genes, he was the only who could hope to rival the androids! Gohan wasn’t from here, he couldn’t… he didn’t want to…

Did this mean he had to stay here?

Did this mean that he could never go home?

Did this mean he could never see his mom?

His Dad?

Piccolo?

Gohan’s body trembled with emotion. No! No! Calm down! Calm down! Look for Trunks! Find him! He told himself as he held his head and muted out the sounds of terror that those around him were making. He had to find Trunks! Find Trunks and figure out what to do then.

Gohan stood up and raised his ki. He flew the route that was the shortest, and the most direct to Capsule Corporation and he watched the ground.

Trunks had to have left the building – from what he could tell about the man’s attitude – towards the androids. Especially after he would have felt Gohan’s ki drop… If he had flown towards the city, Gohan had to ensure that he kept an eye on his surroundings. Especially if the other had run into the androids…

A thought occurred to Gohan: what if Trunks had gone else where and he was wasting his time here? What if the time he used dawdling along the route here could have been used in saving Trunks’ life elsewhere? What if he lingered here while Trunks died…

Gohan bit his bottom lip. He still… he still had to go to Bulma and ask her where Trunks went, and if, if he somehow missed Trunks here, Gohan didn’t think he could live with that guilt-free. He already killed Trunks’ heart, he couldn’t kill the man’s body too…

No! He had to check! He had to make sure! He had to hope! He had to hope that if Trunks ran into the androids, they left him hanging to life, that they created enough observable damage. It was perhaps depressing that he wanted that fate for Trunks, yet it would be easier. Even if it was so, Trunks would have significant wounds to for his ki to drop this low. But, in case that wasn’t, Gohan kept his eyes and senses peels for any sign of Trunks and his ki.

The only thing that mattered to Gohan now was that Trunks was alright. Nothing else fazed him. Gohan could barely feel the wind against his face as he flew, nonetheless anything else. Trunks was the only thing in his world. Trunks had to be found, Trunks had to be alive.

If he wasn’t, well Gohan didn’t know – to both scenarios.

He looked for purple, for black, for blue, for yellow. Where was the man who defeated Frieza? Where was the last Saiyajin? Where was their prince – King? Where was Trunks?

“Trunks!” Gohan yelled, praying the man was still conscious out there and could respond in some way. “Trunks!”

Why wasn’t he responding! Didn’t he know that he was Earth’s only hope! Sure he thought Gohan was his own son but wouldn’t that mean he’d need to train Gohan? Stupid Trunks! Just stay at home! Just get better! Just live! “Trunks!”

What was that? Gohan turned his head as he felt a very faint and very low ki off to his left. “Trunks!” Gohan called, but this time out of hope instead of desolation, and flew towards it.

He found the man, lying almost peacefully by a river. Gohan panicked and flew down. He placed his ear against the other’s chest and heard the heart beating, the lungs inhaling.

But both were shallow. He glanced around a gauged the distance towards the Capsule Corporation. Kinto’un would be too slow. He had to fly.

The boy closed his eyes and concentrated on his box before opening it and letting out the power, dying his locks, tinting his eyes.

He picked up Trunks and gently slung the older man over his shoulder. “Hang on Trunks.” He said as he floated up into the air. “I’ll get you home.”

He flew full speed to Capsule Corporation and kept his senses honed in on the other’s ki.

When he got to the door, he let out a sigh and knocked. Gently he moved Trunks into his arms. Bulma, she would take care of – Gohan’s eyes widened as his body finally caught up to him. The pain hit him in another wave, the exhaustion took over, and he was lucky that the door opened because he couldn’t control his body as it collapsed in rebellion against his recent actions.

Authors’ Notes: OoC is not a major part of the story and it is explained later.

thoughts
.+++. time/scene skip
.xxx. perspective change

*****

Gohan yelled as Trunks’ body started convulsing and ran towards the man. What was wrong? What was wrong! “Kinto’un!” Gohan screamed out. What was he supposed to do! Why was Trunks twitching! He shouldn’t be twitching right? Gohan jumped on top of Trunks and moved his hands and legs to hold down the flailing limbs, but the man was too strong. In his panic, he charged up and he transformed into a Super Saiyajin and it worked! He held down Trunks firmly, that was until Trunks’ body had the same idea and his hair turned golden and he threw Gohan off. Then, the prince’s ki began to rapidly flash on and off and his hair had yellow and purple pulsing through it in horizontal streaks.

And Gohan watched with wide, horrified eyes. What was he supposed to do? Was Trunks going to be alright? The single minute that it took for Trunks’ body to calm down seemed to take forever and when the moments of stillness started Gohan finally approached Trunks again. “Trunks? Trunks?” He asked quietly.

And the prince did respond, but nothing coherently. The words were slurred and half formed. Gohan bit his lips. I need to take him to Bulma… she would know what happened to him. “Hold on Trunks, stay awake, I’ll be right back!” He said and ran around, tidying up their camp before he ran back over to Trunks. “Trunks, you still with me?”

“Who? What?”

Gohan sighed in relief. At least he’s forming words again. He moved and picked up Trunks – whose hair had reverted back to its natural lavender colour. “I’m taking you home.” He explained and floated up onto the orange cloud that had come down from the skies. “To Capsule Corp Kinto’un.” Gohan said and held Trunks against him just like when he carried Trunks on the cloud before. Even though he had the strength to fly, he was too small to carry Trunks the entire way – in a way that wouldn’t possibly damage the other anyway.

“Gohan? Why’re yousmall?” Trunks said, but his words were slurring together. Still, it was much better than before. “Why’reyou Super Saiyaji-?”

“You call me Chibi, Trunks.” Gohan reminded him.

“WhydoI call yaChibi? You’re older denme.” The lavender-haired man giggled. “You’re my sensei, why call yaChibi?”

There most definitely was something wrong with Trunks. He was giddy – an emotion that Gohan had never seen in the man before. Then within that pair of blue a look, that look, reappeared and it froze the younger demi. It didn’t seem to matter to Trunks though, as he leaned up, his face approached, and his lips’ target was becoming obvious. Gohan snapped out of his reaction quick enough to avoid the touching of their lips.

Instead, Trunks kissed his cheek, and it seemed that he wouldn’t give up. He leaned up again, tilted his head, but Gohan avoided it again. Then, Trunks’ lower lip stuck out as he pouted. “Oh com’on Gohan! Why wuncha let me kissya?”

Let him kiss me? What…? W-Why? The idea confused Gohan. The man that was half on his lap and half on the cloud was intent on an answer though, and Gohan did not have an answer that he could give. Perhaps he could state a fact and make it seem like an answer? He didn’t want to but… “You’re sick.” He said. “Or I think so. I’m taking you home so Bulma can make sure.”

“Aww…” Trunks whined. “Fine!”

And Gohan’s arms had to secure their grasp on the older demi as Kinto’un suddenly decided it wouldn’t support the son of Vegeta anymore. “Kinto’un!” Gohan whined. This was going to be a long trip.

“Bulma.” Gohan said as he supported Trunks at the door. He knocked again. “Bulma…”

When the woman – complaining at the impatience of kids these days – opened the door Gohan almost had to support another person but she caught herself on the doorframe.

“G-Gohan?” Her voice shook in fear, disbelief, and shock.

“I’ll um… explain later, but something is wrong with Trunks. I think the androids did something bad to him this time.”

Why did the words this time seem so depressing to Gohan?

“Okay, just come on in you two, we’ll run some tests on him.” Bulma said and lit a cigarette.

“But I don’t wanna have tests run Mother!” Trunks whined.

She almost lost her smoke as she gaped with wide eyes at her son and then at a child Gohan.

“He only started acting like this after he started twitching.” Gohan supplied the answer to the question that she was more than likely wondering.

“He had a seizure! Kami!” She exclaimed before pulling Trunks along behind her.

A seizure? I’ve heard of those… was that what that was? Gohan wondered as he followed Bulma into her lab.

When all the tests were run and done, Bulma sighed with a puff of smoke. “He still has signs of a concussion – however that isn’t what directly caused the seizure. Trunks has a blood clot in an artery in the brain. The damage to his head probably caused both the concussion and the blood clot. All I can do is give him some medication to help wear it down. I don’t see anything too serious with it unless it doesn’t wear down but hopefully it will – it shouldn’t take too long. We just need to let his Saiyajin blood kick in and he’ll be fine.” Then, she turned over to Gohan. “Now, could you perhaps explain who you are? You’re a dead-knock for Gohan when he was a kid, and you’ve even got the Saiyajin blood.” She said and touched a golden lock.

“Oops… I guess I forgot about that.” Gohan said before he returned to his powered down. Then he looked over to the unconscious Trunks before back up at Bulma. “I suppose I can tell you. I look like a kid Gohan because I am a kid Gohan.”

“What? That’s impossible! The dragon balls are just rocks unless – did the Namekseijins revive you? No, that can’t be. Did you confuse your words, that would mean that Gohan…”

Gohan slapped his hand to his face. “I know what I said Bulma. I’m a seven year old Gohan. I… I think I got caught in the time portal Trunks made when he came back here.”

Bulma ran a hand through her hair. “That klutz…”

“Is there… is there any way I can go back?” Gohan asked quietly.

“I’m sorry to say, but not at this moment. However, in about five months you will be able to. The time machine requires a lot of energy to charge.”

Gohan’s eyes widened. Five months? Five months! He had to wait another one hundred and fifty days? In this time? In this world? No… He didn’t want to be here any longer! He wanted to go home! He wanted to go back to the time where it was safe, to where his mother yelled at him for getting twelve-times-twelve wrong, to where she forced him to do calligraphy instead of train, to where Piccolo was alive, to where his dad was! Gohan hugged himself as he slid down the wall. Would he live that long?

If he hadn’t met the androids, Gohan may have lasted that long, but now they knew who he was (or so they thought) and he knew who they were. How could he last that long, knowing that they were looking forward to their next meeting, that they wanted to beat him to an inch of his life only to toss him away, just so they could do it all over again?

How did the people of Earth live this way? How did Trunks? Perhaps what had scared him the most though was that in five months and three years, he’d have to meet them again, meet them for the first time, and watch them kill everybody he loved. And then start everything all over again…

Kami, his head was killing him. At least he was on a bed. Wait, a bed? Trunks shot up and glanced around. He was in his room but why? The last thing he could remember was being in the training grounds with Chibi. No… that wasn’t it. Trunks flushed slightly as he remembered that he treated Chibi like Gohan again, that he tried to kiss the child, that he acted like a child. Why did he act like that? He had to apologize.

As the prince got out of bed, he noticed a glass of water, a bottle of pills and a note with instructions and an explanation.

I have a blood clot in my brain? I had a seizure? Kami… no wonder why my head won’t stop hurting. Trunks sighed but took the mediation and downed the water. He then sensed for Chibi, and noticed that he was in the kitchen while his mother was in the workshop. The prince headed towards the kitchen – he was hungry anyway.

“Chibi… I’m uh… sorry…” He said awkwardly at the doorway, not really looking at Gohan’s son. He heard nothing, no shuffling, no grunts. Was the boy asleep? Trunks glanced over to the mini-Gohan to see him staring off into space. Yet, his facial expression seemed torn, lost, sad, and fearful. Trunks understood. “Alright, I’ll leave you alone. I can understand–”

“No.” Chibi said firmly but continued off into a murmur. “It’s not that. You don’t have to go.”

If it wasn’t him, then what exactly had Chibi so down? What made his voice sound so monotonously sad? The lavender-haired man sat down next to the boy who looked at him with those big black Son eyes. They were filled with a lost hope – fear – and Trunks just wanted to hold Chibi close and tell him that everything would be fine.

“The…” The boy hesitated. “The way you phrased things Trunks, were you and Gohan… together?”

The man stared at Chibi. How could he tell the boy that his father was in a relationship with another man, that he had loved another person who was not his mother? “W-Wha? Oh, no, there’s–”

“The truth Trunks.” Why did Chibi sound so much like his father when he found Trunks lying? Why did he seem to have the same grip Gohan had on him?

The prince looked down. “Yes, Chibi, yes we were together. I loved him, I still love him.”

“What about Gohan?”

Here Trunks flinched. “I-I don’t know anymore…” Yet at the look Chibi had on his face, that would not be enough – he wanted facts, not opinions. Well, kid deserved to know… “He told me he loved me.”

The boy looked down at his hands again in what seemed contemplation, although instead of on his lap, they were chest level and palm up. “I’m sorry Trunks.” He said solemnly and walked away.

It all made sense now – why Trunks seemed to hate him, why Trunks looked him at the way he did, why Trunks did the things he did… but Gohan didn’t know what to think of it. Gohan was only seven years old, and yet his life’s story was being laid out right in front of him. He was being told that he would lose his father, his friends, his limb, and his life; he was being told whom he would battle, train and love. And now, Gohan didn’t know who he was. Was he the Gohan who slept beside his father in eternal sleep? If not… then who was he? He was the Gohan who stepped into the future, the Gohan who achieved Super Saiyajin earlier – yet was he also connected to the Gohan here? Did what he do now change the future – the present – the past? Was he going to be the Gohan of this now? Kami, Gohan didn’t even know how to refer to time anymore and this was that but also that over there! What was what? Gohan just didn’t – couldn’t – know anymore…

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

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

*****

While Mirai was shocked, Gohan had already realized that possibility – it had not lessened the shock, just the impact – and it wasn’t his predominant emotion. No, the expression on his face resembled anger and the ki that dancing off of him just further supported that claim.

“We’re engaged…” Mirai repeated in a whisper. He couldn’t believe it – or at least that’s what Gohan hoped from the disbelief in his voice and his slowly shaking head. (Sure, the younger half-Saiyajin wasn’t exactly prepared for engagement, but he didn’t want to believe Mirai was opposed to marrying him.)

“Yeah.” Gohan tried to say calmly, tried not to snap, tried not to lace the anger in his voice and he barely succeeded. Instead of his voice raising or lowering into a dangerous pitch, it quivered with the suppressed emotion. His voice didn’t break with emotion, but there were audible cracks in the tremors that shook it. He would kill the chibis!

“Gohan?” However much Gohan tried to withhold his emotional response, once Mirai got over his initial shock he picked up on it. Then again, it was rolling off of him in waves, so he supposed it was hard not to notice. “Are you alright? I mean I can–” The words were said quietly, as if Mirai didn’t agree with what he was saying but they were also said with the concern the man from the future had for his boyfriend.

“We’ll sort that out later Mirai, first I need to teach some chibis some manners.” His voice danced slightly with the anger that was slipping from his vault. He smirked and glanced at Mirai – who had finally tore his gaze from the four-star ball before continuing. “Of course I wouldn’t deny you that privilege so you can join if you wish.” He said and tossed the ball over to Mirai and held out his hand. “Shall we?”

It wasn’t just Mirai who glanced at Gohan incredulously, for both Namekseijins looked at their friend and student in the same manner. But only Mirai took Gohan’s outstretched hand before both half-Saiyajins left instantly.

“G-Gohan?” Goten stuttered and looked over at Chibi Trunks with worry.

Mirai had a Vegeta-smirk on his face as he tossed the dragon ball in the air. When he made eye contact with his younger counterpart, dread filled the chibis’ faces.

“Oh shit…” Chibi said before the four disappeared.

“You forgot about me Gohan!” Mirai added innocently.

“G-Gohan swore!” Goten accused with a finger before Chibi hit him over the head.

“Nine. Eight.” Gohan began to count down.

“That’ll be the least of our worries if you don’t raise your ki idiot!” Chibi scolded and charged up.

“Seven. Six.”

“R-Right” Goten stuttered as he did the same.

“Five. Four.”

The chibis positioned themselves.

“Three. Two.”

“Fusion…”

“One.”

“Hah!”

Only after Goten’s head was hit by Gohan did the younger half-Saiyajins give in. “Okay! Okay! We’re sorry!” Twin voices rang out as both covered their heads in defence.

Gohan let out a small sigh and glanced up at Mirai who nodded at the eye contact. Then he crossed his arms over his chest and looked sternly at the boys. “And?”

“We won’t do it again?” Goten tried before Chibi Trunks flew over and hit Goten over the head again.

“You dumbie! We can’t do it again!”

“Trunks!” Goten whined.

Mirai raised an eyebrow and looked at Gohan through the corner of his eyes at the nostalgic sound.

Gohan caught the gaze with a smile before the two of them burst out with laughter.

Chibi looked at Goten and was met with a matching, curious gaze.

When both Mirai and Gohan calmed their laughter, their expressions were lighter but were still tinged with firmness.

It was Mirai who spoke next. “So you knew what the ball was for?”

Guiltily, the chibis nodded together.

“And you intentionally did this?” Gohan continued. It seemed that the two adults were taking turns speaking.

Again, twin nods.

“Could you perhaps give us a reason for your actions?” Mirai asked as he took his turn.

This time the two boys had different reactions: Goten looked down with guilt while Chibi looked away with burning cheeks.

“Chibi?” Gohan prompted warningly.

“I-I-um…” The young prince stuttered as his face darkened even more than it originally was.

“TrunkssaidsomethingaboutpantsandthatheandbigTrunkshavethesameonesand–” Goten blurted out before gasping for breath and continuing, “andhesaidsomethingaboutmaybelikingGohanandthatwedidntwantthatandandand–”

Gohan knelt down and put his hands on Goten’s shoulders, breaking both his and Mirai’s pattern at his little brother’s state of duress. “Goten, slow down. What’s this about Chibi liking me and what does it have to do with Mirai’s pants?”

“Idiot!” Chibi shouted. “Genes! Get it right!” His face was still scarlet and he crossed his arms before looking away again.

Goten fiddled his thumbs. “W-Well um… you and Trunks – the big one – are dating right?”

“My dad, Videl, my friends, Piccolo, and now the chibis? Are we that obvious?”

Mirai put a hand on Gohan’s shoulder in mock support. “Look at it this way – with the exception of Goku – they all had help along the way. Videl saw us, I showed you off to our friends, Piccolo saw the dragon ball and Chibi here is essentially me. Although, I always did say that you’re flaming.”

“T-Trunks!” Gohan yelled, his cheeks darkening.

“Gohan… you haven’t answered my question yet.” Goten added in meekly.

The older Son mentally face palmed. Isn’t it obvious, I virtually admitted to it already! “Yes Goten.” He said drolly.

“Well, um… that’s kinda why…. We don’t want Trunks to like you!” Goten stuttered before exclaiming the point that he’d been trying to make for awhile.

Gohan blinked, rather confused by that logic.

Mirai, however, nodded. “I think I know what these two are getting at and, although the approach to the conclusion isn’t exactly correct, it isn’t too far from the truth.”

Both Sons turned toward Mirai in question.

“Seeing that Chibi and myself are essentially the same person we both like guys – that’s what the two of you figured, right Goten?” When the youngest nodded, Mirai continued. “So you thought we might like the same people.” Another nod, and Mirai knelt down. “Well where you two went wrong were focusing on genes – however the fact that Chibi and I are two different versions of Trunks is where you two are correct.”

“So Trunks will like Gohan?” Goten said with worry and dread, his eyes widening.

Mirai laughed and shook his head. “That we don’t know. You see, there never was a Goten in my life, I never really had a father, I just had my mother and Gohan – and sometimes Chi-Chi. Here, things are still unknown, nobody knows the future.” Mirai grinned next. “Is that why you two set us up – so there’d be no competition?”

Goten’s face lit up as did Chibi’s reignite once more.

“H-H-How’d you know?”

Mirai had a turn at hitting Goten over the head now as he laughed. “First of all you told us when you said ‘we don’t want Trunks to like Gohan’. Second – well we saw you two kissing behind the tree.” Still with the grin on his face, Mirai pinched Goten’s cheeks teasingly.

“Trunks! Help me! The big you is being mean!”

“He’s not me! As if I’d go out with Gohan! I’ve got you!” Chibi Trunks protested but ran towards Mirai anyway.

Gohan joined in on the laughter that started as Chibi tackled Mirai with the power of a super Saiyajin. The future looked interesting with these two relationships in tow…

“It’s alright Dad, me and Trunks deserved it.” Goten admitted quietly.

“You did? What’d you do?” Goku asked curiously.

Gohan’s cheeks darkened. “Oh Dad, Bora and Upa say hi!” He interjected. Hopefully that’d distract his father. Goku only knew that Gohan liked Mirai, not that they were dating and now… engaged.

“Bora and Upa…” Goku said as he put his fingers to his chin and glanced up thoughtfully. “Oh Bora and Upa!” A smile appeared on the innocent face as he recalled the father and son. “I should visit them.”

“Well you’re staying right here for now Goku. Supper is ready.” Chi-Chi scolded as she shook a batter-covered spoon. “Goten!” The woman acknowledged the many bruises on her youngest. “What ha-” Before Chi-Chi could even ask, a gust of air blew by her and the clank of dishes filled the kitchen.

Really, Chi-Chi should already know better to say what needed to be said before mentioning food around Saiyajins.

“Videl, have you ever thought of going on your own?” Gohan asked quietly. He wasn’t being selfish either, it was quite the opposite, he was concerned for the future. If Videl couldn’t handle the criminals on her own… he worried for her.

“But I can’t withstand bullets, blow them away with ki, or make ki blasts like you do!” Videl pointed out.

Gohan sighed. Videl’s dependence was deeper than he thought. “Videl how did you become as strong as you are today?”

The daughter of Mr. Satan looked off to the side. “I trained, I practiced…” She listed quietly.

“Then why do you not work on ki instead of martial arts? Why don’t you learn your own style? I can’t teach you everything… I’ve taught you the basics: how to gather your ki in your palm, how to channel it to your feet, how to expand it into a shield to protect you against the wind as you fly. Build on those – strengthen and enlarge that little ball of ki, channel the ki elsewhere, turn the shield against elements into one against bullets… There are endless possibilities you can do with that energy.” Gohan let out another sigh, hopefully Videl would finally realize her own potential. She had surpassed her father long ago and if only she embraced something that she thought was tricks and lightshows her entire life could she become even stronger. “One day, I may not be in or near Satan City to defend it, and you will need to do it alone.”

“Alone…” Videl whispered. “To fight alone again, I never thought about that possibility.” She smiled and gave a soft laugh. “I guess I always thought you’d be here, that you’d help, but I guess things really have changed.”

Gohan smiled softly at her. They had been together for two years after all – he could give her a few months of leeway. “Well, nobody knows what the future will bring, but it’s best to be prepared. I know you have the potential to do it; you just have to unlock it. But enough of this, let’s go save Satan City from its villains.” With that, their smiles widened before they took off.

But he wasn’t supposed to be thinking about marriage right now, he was just supposed to worry about making Mirai happy, how to make them happy, never mind what his mother wanted. Marriage could wait, it should wait. Perhaps Mirai would keep the ball because, in a way they always were engaged. Physical proof of that didn’t change matter… did it?

The Son let out a sigh, he still wanted to know what Mirai felt about this. It seemed that they’d have to have that talk after all.

“We shouldn’t even be doing this.” The other, taller man responded quietly. “I mean, they’ve only just started to accept you…”

“They’ll learn to accept this as well!” He argued. “Since when did you worry what others thought anyway?”

“There was that incident when Buu attacked… even I am not really sure that we should be doing this.” The tall one reasoned, ignoring the latter half of his companion’s statement.

“For fuck sakes! I go as low as to… and yet you still have qualms about it! I put away my damn pride, isn’t that enough for you?” The short man’s already small fuse was at its limits. “Just fucking do it already.”

“But if anyone finds out that we’re doing this…” The quieter man whispered.

“The fucking brats do it all the fucking time! If they can do it then why can’t–”

“That’s because they only have a limited time anyway.” The tall one interrupted. “Us on the other hand… I don’t want anything bad to happen.”

“You already know what I did!” The loud one’s temper snapped. “How can you doubt after that!”

“But don’t you remember what you did before!” The once-seemingly meek man grabbed the crass one by his shirt. “How can I, after that!”

“If only you had honestly accepted my offer, that would have never happened! It was the only way to get you to react dammit!”

A sigh escaped the kinder male as he let the other go. “And that’s why I can’t do this. You’re addicted enough and you’ll abuse what you’ll get. I’m sorry Vegeta, but I can’t.” With two fingers at his forehead, he teleported both of them back to Earth before leaving by transmission himself.

Vegeta clenched his fists and glared at where the other had stood a moment before. “Damn you to Hell Kakkarot! Damn you to Hell!”

Authors’ Notes: OoC is not a major part of the story and it is explained later.

thoughts
.+++. time/scene skip
.xxx. perspective change

*****

Gohan woke up to the sound of somebody vomiting and the fresh stench of stomach acid. Why was it that Gohan always woke up to the scent of blood, bile, or other bodily fluids? The sad thing was that he was accustomed to it. The seven-year old pushed himself up and glanced over at the lavender-haired prince who was puking yet again.

The sun said it was about noon and Gohan noticed that he was on his make-shift bed. His stomach growled and he glanced over to his surely-cold bowl of soup.

Wait a minute! Gohan thought and glanced back at Trunks. “You moved me?” He realized.

The man turned around to look at Gohan apologetically before nausea took over and he turned back to vomit.

Is my cooking that bad? Gohan thought with worry. As Trunks continued to be sick, the younger boy thought back to the reason why he passed out. It was almost as if he had changed into a Super Saiyajin again. But why? Was it because he was angry? That made no sense, it wasn’t even really angry, it was nothing compared to what had unlocked the ability.

“Chibi, I apologize.”

Gohan turned back to Trunks again. He what?

“I’m sorry for treating you like that, it wasn’t fair. I was just taking my anger out on you.”

Gohan smiled. How could he stay mad at that? It was mean, and it wasn’t fair, and Gohan didn’t know why Trunks got mad, but he apologized so it was fine. “It’s alright.” Gohan said and his stomach growled again.

Trunks stood up with a wince and he walked over to his jacket before he pulled out the capsule cases and tossed a capsule over to Gohan. “Catch. Mother gave me about a month’s worth of food. I was supposed to go training after I battled the androids.”

Gohan caught the capsule before activating it, “Why do you continually fight with them even though you know you’re going to lose?” He asked sadly, walking over to a fridge that looked very similar to the one Trunks used in the past for drinks.

The man tossed another capsule over to a nearby rock and walked over to it and opened the fridge that appeared. His head tilted at the contents before he moaned in pain and a hand clenched at his head. Quickly, Trunks closed his eyes, grabbed a drink at what seemed to be random and slammed the door of the fridge shut. He sat down and leaned against the rock before he responded, his voice a bit strained. “If I can distract the androids enough for even a child to run away, if I can amuse them enough to stop them for a few hours, days, or even weeks, it’s worth it. I can buy time.

Gohan had his own reaction to the appearance and contents of the fridge so he did not really notice Trunks’ reaction. He remembered reaching into that same fridge, grabbing one of those cans, and knocking another over accidentally. His eyes zoned in and low-and-behold it was there, on its side like Gohan left it. Yet before he could think on it, the man had responded to his question.

And the words spoken dampened Gohan’s spirits. How could Trunks live like this? How could the world have come to this? One day, Trunks would not be so lucky, one day the androids would become bored of him and they’d kill him. Just as they killed Gohan – his persona in this time. “That’s… That’s just so sad…” Gohan muttered. This world was so sad, so dangerous, so scary.

“But it’s the only thing that I can do.” Trunks said and winced before he clutched his head again. “Hopefully this training will make me stronger, and maybe I’ll be able to destroy them at last.”

Gohan looked at Trunks. How he wanted to help him, but… but… if he could prevent it would it not change Trunks’ time as well? Did it work that way? If so… right now nothing is changing, then I have to get stronger if that is the case, and I have to get back to my own time to change it!

“Chibi, I’ve noticed that you can change – that you have obtained Super Saiyajin. I did not think that was possible, yet you proved me wrong. However, you cannot control it right now.”

As Gohan grabbed a meal kit from the fridge, he sat down and looked at Trunks in curiosity. “I can’t control it?” He asked. Seventeen said something similar – blind rage. Yet that was all he learned from Piccolo, he learned how to use it. Wasn’t that enough? “What do you mean?”

“Once you unlock the ability you must be able to lock it in a box, you must be able to open it at will, use it and direct it. You cannot let the rage control you.” Here, Trunks opened his can and took a sip out of it. “This morning, when you were mad at me, you triggered it. Yet, you were not prepared, you were exhausted, and so you fainted. Master Gohan had told me that once you reached Super Saiyajin you have surpassed your limits. In order to control these limits, in order to make new limits you must train. He also said that even if you train, there still are drawbacks: you become emotional, there is an increased desire to fight, however I think our human blood dilutes that…”

Gohan didn’t even have to hear what Trunks said next, he already knew, The Son could never forget his father’s expression, his blue-green eyes, his voice on Namek. They were harsher, almost angry. It was as if his dad was a completely different person. Even though Goku had worn his heart on his sleeve, even though his father was a happy person, he wasn’t an emotional one. While Vegeta displayed anger and pride, Goku displayed happiness and humour. All other emotions seemed to be nonexistent – fear, sorrow, disappointment…

“So Chibi.” Trunks continued. “You must learn to direct that anger, that rage, you need to channel it. Mediation helps.” Here, the prince smiled. “It is perhaps the only thing I can show you right now in my state. Once my ribs heal I can help some more.”

Gohan shook his head. “I already know, and I also know battle simulations. So tell me, Trunks, what must I do?”

“Trunks?” Chibi asked him. “Are you sure you’re fine? I mean even your ribs healed but you’re still puking.”

The child was still a mystery to him. He knew so many things that he shouldn’t have learned without training and schooling, he knew a lot of terms and knowledge that would be almost impossible for somebody his age to attain now, and it mystified the prince. After another lurch of his stomach, Trunks rinsed his mouth out with water. “My concussion hasn’t healed yet, that’s all. Brain matter probably takes longer to heal.”

For the most part, Chibi was quiet. Often, however, he stared at Trunks, and it was starting to unnerve the man. Did he… did he scare Gohan’s kid when he mistook Chibi for his father? He hoped not!

“My d-” Chibi started but shook his head. “Never mind, I forgot about that.”

Trunks dismissed the child’s slipup. Instead, he sighed and glanced up at the sky. Trunks could feel Gohan’s ki in the child as he mediated. It was unnerving. How could their ki be almost identical? If Trunks didn’t know any better, he would have sworn that ki was Gohan’s.

He knew that he could not push himself too hard with the concussion still unhealed – especially since his symptoms didn’t seem to let up. The androids must have gotten him good. His memory had not returned either – the memory of where he went last month. His partially empty fridge of drinks also seemed to be connected to those memories, because whenever he thought about where those drinks went…

Ouch! Why was his vision swimming? Trunks glanced over at Chibi and an image was superimposed over and around the boy. His hair was longer and looked just like Gohan’s when it wasn’t cut for awhile. There were people whom he didn’t know personally standing around the boy, ones that he knew the names of but only because of the pictures in his living room. There was Goku, Krillin, Tenshihan, Chiaotzu, Piccolo, Yamcha, Puar and even his father – Vegeta. His mother was there too, and her hairstyle was like how his grandmother used to have her hair and she was standing near Yamcha. Oh Kami! It felt like his head was splitting in two, it felt like his body was on fire! Then he felt, and saw nothing.

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

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

*****

Over the next few days, Gohan wondered whether or not he should ask about the previous times when Mirai had shut him out. However, that action seemed a bit too invasive. Perhaps he’d ask if there was any place that Mirai would rather not go to. (He knew that amusement parks were definitely a no-no.) He didn’t want to accidently upset Mirai.

“What’cha thinking about loverboy?” Videl asked him with a knowing smirk as she nudged him.

Gohan rolled his eyes at his ex. “Just about Trunks and my relationship.”

Videl raised her eyebrow at that. “You really like him don’t you?”

“Huh? Well yeah, but where’d that come from?” Gohan replied with some surprise.

“Well you’re really trying to keep it together, you don’t want to let this one fall apart.” She said before taking a sip of her smoothie.

“Why Videl, you sound almost jealous!” Gohan acknowledged.

There was small bit of guilt on her face as she laughed. “Okay, I admit that I kinda still wanted you to come back to me, but now I see that’s never going to happen – you like the boys too much. But enough about me, you never did tell me the full story about Mirai.”

Gohan sighed softly. “Alright, well if it weren’t for Mirai, right now I’d be training Chibi Trunks and rapidly approaching my death. When he came back twelve years ago, he changed fate drastically…”

After his post-Saiyaman-hangout with Videl, Gohan headed over to Capsule Corporation to meet up with Mirai. They were on a sparring date today, although how much of a date it would be Gohan didn’t know since Vegeta and the chibis were there as well. Hopefully the chibis would fuse and keep Vegeta occupied.

When he touched down he was greeted by Goten.

“Hey big brother!” He said with an impish grin on his face.

What are those two up to? He wondered cautiously. Hopefully it wasn’t anything too bad, but then again it was Trunks… “Hey Goten.” Gohan responded with a smile and ruffled his little brother’s hair. “Where’s Mirai?”

Goten giggled. “Oh, he’s with Trunks.”

“He is?” Gohan asked. “I see.”

“Ne, big brother.” Goten said and grabbed on his shirt, stopping him from going to Mirai. “Why’d you break up with big sis Videl?”

“Wh-What’d brung that up?” He stuttered in shock.

“You didn’t answer Gohan.” Goten said with a smirk.

Apparently Goten was learning a lot from Chibi Trunks. It seemed he couldn’t deflect. “Well, uhh… I kinda misread my feelings for her – it wasn’t the love I thought.”

Goten tilted his head. “What do you mean? There are different kinds of love?”

Gohan laughed softly. “Yeah, there’s the love you have for your friends, your family, and for your boyfriend or girlfriend. And, the love I had for Videl was that for a sister.”

“Eww!” Goten said, “I don’t want you to date me!”

Gohan laughed harder. “Neither do I Goten, neither do I, but that’s one of the reasons why I broke up with Videl. When I realized it was the wrong kind of love, I knew I had to stop it. I couldn’t do it to her – or to myself.

“I see, that’s good – I think.” His little brother leaned in next with a smirk. “So what made you realize Gohan?”

Gohan’s cheeked darkened. “Uh…” He looked down. “I just kinda remembered when I had a crush as a kid.” Why was Goten asking these things anyway? He was going to kill Chibi Trunks once he could get the boy alone.

“Oh? Who was it big brother? Do I know them?” Goten’s voice was filled with mischief.

Well two could play that game! “Don’t you have a crush of your own to worry about Goten? Perhaps if you tell me who it is, I’ll tell you about mine.” Gohan recoiled.

Shock filled the young Son face before it was replaced with red. “Eeep!” Goten squealed and ran off coincidentally – no expectantly – in the same direction Mirai came from.

Mirai turned his head to follow the chibi curiously and when he turned back to Gohan there was an amused smile on his face. “Now, what did the evil big brother do this time?”

Gohan laughed. “Goten was prodding into areas that weren’t his concer,n and so I turned the table on him.

Mirai just raised an eyebrow.

“Relationships.” Gohan clarified.

“Ah.” Mirai said with a nod.

“So how about we get going now and talk along the way – before your dad finds us.” Gohan suggested.

Mirai nodded and the two flew off promptly.

“So what exactly did you say to Goten?” The Saiyajin prince asked once they started moving.

“Oh, I just hinted that I knew Goten had a crush on somebody. I don’t think I ever told you, but a few weeks ago he came up and asked me about sexuality – the day after we saw them kissing nonetheless.” Gohan responded.

“Ah, so that hinted at you knowing from the question.” Mirai concluded.

“Yeah, and he probably ran off to tell Chibi.” Gohan chuckled. “Speaking of Chibi, what’d he want with you?”

“Oh to give me a belated birthday gift.” Mirai gave a soft chuckle. “Mother probably gave him the money to buy it.”

“But it’s the thought that counts right?” The younger half-Saiyajin added.

“Yeah, and that’s why I like yours the most.” The lavender-haired time traveler said sweetly before he stopped Gohan with his arm and pulled him in for a close embrace.

Gohan wrapped his arms around the other’s waist as well and stared into those deep blue depths.

“Trunks…” He whispered and met the incoming lips halfway.

Each and every one of Mirai’s kisses were exquisite, they would always make his pulse race, his heart clench, and his stomach queasy. Nothing felt so right and pleasant. He just closed his eyes and lost himself in the feelings.

In the following week, Mirai glanced around in the city as banners were put up and preparations were begun. “What’s going on Gohan?” He asked curiously.

Gohan laughed. “Next week, on the day Cell was killed, the city holds a celebration in honour of Mr. Satan.”

There was a hidden look of disgust on Mriai’s face. “Gohan…”

Gohan gave a soft laugh. “It’s fine. I couldn’t be famous. Too much work I say.”

“Yet, you have quite an interesting pastime Gohan.” The prince said with a knowing grin.

Fearfully and frantically, Gohan glanced around and put a finger to Mirai’s lips. “Shh!” He hushed loudly. “Nobody knows it’s me, and I’d rather keep it that way!” He hissed quietly.

Mirai laughed and slapped his friend on the back. “Oh Gohan. Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.”

Gohan glanced at Mirai slyly. “Well it better be, or it’ll be you whose secret is revealed. Unlike you, I don’t need to change my hair to power up.”

Mirai scoffed. “You never did go Super Saiyajin when we trained, did you?”

“Actually, I did, but it’s a bit different now. It’s called Mystic. Remember the Z-sword? There’s an old Kai stuck in it and he unlocked my powers.”

“What really? Oh shit!” Mirai realized.

“Mirai?”

“I uhh… still have the Z-sword in my room, the one from my time!”

“Oh dear…. Well why don’t we go to the land of the Kais this weekend? We can break the sword and maybe he’ll improve your powers for getting him out.” Gohan suggested.

“Oh no you don’t!” Mirai accused. “The old Kai can wait a week, because you’re not missing your birthday for my sake!”

Gohan laughed the stereotypical Son-laugh. “Alright, alright.”

Then, a Vegeta-smirk appeared on the royal features. “Now, how shall I punish you for your suggestion?”

Gohan took a step back in dread.

“Alrighty.” Mirai said evilly. “You’re going to have to go to Piccolo and ask him for a pink frilly apron and matching kitchen utensils and you need to make me lunch for the next week in those – excluding your birthday of course.”

Gohan turned ‘tomato-red.’ “B-B-B-But… why Piccolo?”

“Well he seems to be adept at creating clothes out of thin air, but I suppose you can use the dragon balls instead and wish for it.” Mirai offered sarcastically.

Still red, Gohan took the latter option. “To Capsule Corp it is…” He mumbled.

“Hey Bulma, Can I have the dragon radar?” Gohan asked, trying to suppress his blush. Thankfully, Mirai had decided to wait for Gohan on Kami’s lookout. If the other was with him, he didn’t know how successful he’d be…

“Huh, why do you need it Gohan?” Bulma asked him.

He couldn’t tell Bulma the exact reason why – it was too embarrassing! He’d tell her that he was looking for the four-star ball, yes that’ll do. “Well, I remembered about the four-star ball.” He said.

“Oh! Right! Grandpa Gohan’s ball! One minute!” After some searching, Bulma exclaimed. “Ahah! Here it is! There you go Gohan and good luck!”

Gohan took the radar with a shaky nod. Why did Mirai get a kick out of teasing him, and why was he obeying him? Perhaps what Master Roshi said was right – the strongest being in the universe was not the person themselves, but their love.

…Did that mean he loved Mirai now, or did it mean he was on his way to loving him? Gohan shook his head. Mirai made him happy – really happy – and that’s all that mattered right? Their relationship was different than Videl and his, it wasn’t just about happiness, it was about all of the feelings. Being with Mirai made him feel, and Gohan wouldn’t trade that for anything in the world. If he had to trade in some dignity, then he would. Besides, even if he would never admit it aloud, he liked Mirai’s relentless teasing.

The first four balls he found were suspiciously easy to find. They seemed rather displaced, but he supposed animals could have done that, so he dismissed it. When he found the sixth ball, he looked at them all. There was something ironic about how his reason that he provided to Bulma was looking for the four-star ball, and it was the last one that he needed. Gohan pressed the button to zoom out and he found the sole light blinking on the screen. Hm, it was in the direction of Kami’s lookout. Interesting, but convenient. He thought and flew over there.

When he reached the tower, he checked the radar again, and it said something funny. It said he was in the exact spot. Tilting his head, he floated down, only to realize there were people living around the pole. Odd that he never realized that before.

“Goku?” A man called from below. “Is that you?”

Gohan blinked. These people knew his dad. Curious, he landed. “No, I’m not Goku. My name is Gohan, I’m his son. How do you know my dad?”

“Goku’s son!” A tall, built man exclaimed. “My name is Bora and this is my Son Upa. Goku saved our lives years ago. Tell me, how does he fair? Last I heard of him was two years ago, when Buu attacked.”

“Hm, it seems the dragon balls trusted you to remember, but Father is fine. By the way, have any of you seen one of these?” Gohan said and pulled out a dragon ball. “Except it would have four stars.”

“A dragon ball huh? I’ll ask around.” Bora said and five minutes later he returned and shook his head. “I’m sorry but nobody has seen it. May I ask why you are collecting them? Did somebody die?”

Gohan shook his head. “No, it’s just the four star ball runs in our family. But that’s odd, it says there’s one right here, unless…” The Son pulled out the radar and zoomed in. He saw the ball moving – almost pacing – and he glanced skyward. “Hmm…” He said thoughtfully. “Thank you for your help and I’ll give Father your regards.” Gohan said before bursting up with a blast of ki. He stopped at Korin’s level and peaked his head in. “Hey, do you two have the four-star ball?” He asked the cat and Yajirobe.

“Uh… no?” Yajirobe said. “How about you Whiskers?”

Korin clubbed Yajirobe over the head with his staff. “No I don’t, maybe check upstairs. Kami and his acquaintances may have it – or even maybe the kid from the future.”

At first, Gohan blinked at the suggestion before it fully hit him. No way! His face flamed up. Mirai better not have the four-star ball! In a panic, he rushed up to the lookout and saw that Mirai had halted in mid-pace. With a blush, he activated the radar and turned around, watching as the ball moved in correspondence to Mirai’s position. “M-Mirai? You wouldn’t happen to have a dragon ball on you, now would you?” He asked nervously.

“Huh? No, I left the searching up to you.” The prince simply stated.

“W-Well, uhh, then can you explain why the radar says differently?”

“What?” Mirai asked in surprise and came closer to see – and the blinking light also approached. When Mirai leaned over to look, a necklace came out from under his shirt.

Gohan glanced back at it. “Hey, where’d you get this?” He asked.

“Oh this?” The time-traveller acknowledged and lifted the necklace in question. “Chibi gave it to me as a belated gift last week. Why?”

Wait a minute… Suddenly the misplaced dragon balls made sense. “Can I see it for a second?”

“Huh? Oh sure.” Mirai said as he handed the necklace to Gohan.

“Hey, Piccolo! Catch!” The black-haired man yelled before tossing the silver jewellery over to his mentor, who caught it promptly. Gohan turned back to the radar before muttering. “I’m going to kill them!”

“Gohan?” Mirai asked warily.

“Piccolo, toss it back.” And as the necklace came flying back, he caught it before inspecting the ornament on the chain. Next he pressed a button and the four-star dragon ball poofed into existence. Gohan’s cheeks immediately darkened.

“G-Gohan?” This time, Mirai’s voice was worried.

And an awkward cough escaped Piccolo as he approached the couple and he placed a hand on Mirai’s shoulder. “Take good care of him, or you’re in for a beating – half-Saiyajin or not.”

Mirai glanced back at the green-skinned man with confusion. “Wait? What? Sure, we’re dating but why are you so serious?”

Piccolo glared at Mirai. “You mean you don’t know?” His voice was dangerous.

“Uhh…”

Finally, Gohan decided to speak up. “The four-star ball is like an engagement ring in my family – no more important than that – and since it was rightfully mine…” He mumbled.

“We’re engaged?!” Mirai exclaimed in surprise.

Authors’ Notes: OoC is not a major part of the story and it is explained later.

thoughts
.+++. time/scene skip
.xxx. perspective change

*****

How could he have forgotten that! Kami… his chest hurt and it wasn’t because his ribs were broken. The wounds that had been opened before but closed by memory were torn anew. So, so this was the kid that the androids encountered! This was the boy formed by his teacher and some… some girl. This was the boy who held Gohan’s genes, this was the sole survivor of the Son line! He wouldn’t go so low as to call the child a bastard though, seeing that he, too, was one. His eyes narrowed as he glared up at the boy he learned to call Chibi and saw as he froze, as the child had withdrawn his hand looked away guiltily. He knew it. Their looks, their mannerisms, their ki, their smell, and even their taste was the same. “How old are you?” He deserved to know, he deserved to find out if Gohan had truly betrayed him.

“Seven…” The boy said meekly. “I just turned seven.”

Trunks winced, he felt tears come but he forced them away. He remembered back then, when he had just turned nine a week prior and Gohan was turning eighteen in a few hours… that was when Trunks had given Gohan an early gift – his first kiss. That was when they passed the line from mentor-and-student, brothers, father-and-son, best friends, to boyfriends. And unless the woman had an unusual carrying time, there was no way that Gohan could have remained loyal to him.

“Trunks… what’s wrong? Did I bind your ribs wrong? Did I knock them out of place? Is it your concussion?” Chibi asked as his eyes wandered Trunks’ body for injuries. He reached out to help.

No! He couldn’t allow it. This kid! This kid was the proof the Gohan wasn’t loyal to him! Was it because Gohan didn’t have enough faith in him? Was it because he thought that Trunks would fail? The Saiyajin prince slapped the small hand away and continued to glare into those big, black eyes. “Don’t touch me!” He yelled, but his ribs wouldn’t let him ignore them anymore as he yelped and fell forward. Fuck they hurt!

And yet, his words were not heeded as the boy lifted him and moved him to lie against the rock again. He glanced at the stone set and realized Gohan must have shown the boy it, and… why was the boy wearing Saiyajin armour? Did Gohan have some stashed away somewhere? Then, those cursed small hands grabbed a pot before collecting some water and placing it over the fire. Next, he used the knives to cut the partially-cooked meat into the pot before he turned around.

“I’m going to get some herbs.”

Chibi’s voice sounded neutral, and if he was hiding anger behind those lips, he was hiding it well, because Trunks couldn’t tell.

What was up with Trunks! Gohan glared at the herbs that he went out to pick. After guessing that he was his own son, Trunks started to treat him like he was the dirtiest piece of trash on an immaculate lawn! Then, when Gohan displayed concern, the man slapped his hand away! How could Trunks be his student and yet direct so much anger towards whom he thought Gohan’s son was! If was as if the prince hated Gohan, and hated him for being his own supposed son! Yet Trunks even admitted to missing him! How? Gohan couldn’t understand it! If Piccolo had a son, Gohan wouldn’t treat the boy like Trunks was treating him, especially of Piccolo was dead. No, Gohan would cherish the child, raise him, and tell him stories of his father…

But as the Son carefully plucked the herbs (they never tasted good if he yanked them from the ground) his anger blinded him from whatever obvious truth there was.

When Gohan returned, the pot was beginning to bubble and his irritation at Trunks was hidden. “It’ll be done in five minutes.” Gohan said but avoided the other’s gaze. He would not look into the anger that was in those blue eyes.

And it seemed that Trunks decided to be silent and ignore him as well. Good, that suited Gohan. The boy sprinkled the herbs into the water and stirred it. He knew that the soup wouldn’t taste great (he was supposed to let the herbs sit in the water, bring it to a boil and add partially cooked meat in last) but he forgot about Trunks’ stomach earlier. He should have made the man eat solid food and let him puke it up – but that was rude and his mother always told him to mind his manners no matter what. Though, he reasoned, it probably didn’t apply to people who were trying to kill him, but since Trunks wasn’t trying to that exception didn’t work. Instead, the man just hated Gohan for being his own child – for being something he was not. It was infuriating but manners must be minded. As long as he remains quiet anyway…. Gohan thought with a glance over to the man.

…Who was simply looking at the pot of food. Oh well, it was better than glaring at him anyway. Gohan glanced over at the food and deemed it ready. He dipped one bowl in before giving it, and a spoon, to Trunks. Next, he grabbed another bowl – Trunks probably made his own since Trunks knew about the stone set, and Gohan only made one in his time – and filled it with more soup.

“Hey, you’ve got my bowl.” Trunks said spitefully.

“And you’ve got Gohan’s.” Gohan said and used the spoon to begin eating, but after a spoonful he continued. “You said you missed him so you can use it.”

“Did I give you permission to use mine?” The blue-eyed man snapped back.

“Then let me use Gohan’s.”

“No, make your own!”

Gohan’s eyebrow twitched. “I–” He started but realized I did would just confuse Trunks. “I own what is Gohan’s.” He said instead. It was the truth, and even to Trunks’ ears it would be sound.

The blue eyes iced over in pure hatred. “You! You think you can waltz in and take things? Oh hell no! Just because you’re his son doesn’t entitle you to everything! You need to earn it brat!” Here, Gohan saw a smirk that Trunks had inherited from his father. “And I know of one thing that was – is – his and you’ll never get it!”

Gohan’s eyes flowered. “I have to earn it? Earn a bowl? Earn his power? Is that what you’re trying to tell me?” He knew he was letting his temper get the better of him but he didn’t care.

Trunks laughed. “Everything Chibi.”

Here, Gohan put down his bowl and stood up. “And your respect is on that list too? I suppose saving your life isn’t enough huh? What is it that you have against me anyway? Or is it that you’ve got something against Gohan? Is it because Gohan died? Is that why you hate me?” However, something felt wrong. He couldn’t control his anger, it was slipping from his grasp. What was wrong! Even his mouth wouldn’t stop! “I don’t understand you! I wouldn’t dishonour my mentor’s memory by treating his son like garbage!” Why was Gohan’s body glowing and his hair standing up? Why was his ki rapidly rising? Why couldn’t he control it?”

“What…”

Why was Trunks surprised? Why was he getting dizzy? Why was he…

Trunks stared at the boy. He had… he had just turned Super Saiyajin. But how? He’s only a quarter Saiyajin! Yet, now I do know that he’s Gohan’s son… a mere human could not do that, and Gohan and I were the only Saiyajins living when the boy was born. Trunks pushed himself up into a standing position – slowly and solemnly. Even so, it still hurt but it was something that he could deal with. He had dealt with worse.

The kid’s words also rung in his head, the ones yelled in anger and confusion, and they made him think. The child was mad, but he had made some sense, and it made Trunks feel bad. Why was he treating Chibi the way he was? Because Trunks didn’t notice it before, he proved that Gohan wasn’t loyal, because he gave Gohan a reason to be disloyal? Those reasons didn’t sit well with him. The child was as much of a chooser of his parents as he was of his black eyes. And even though Trunks was unable to chose his own fate – that was decided because of who his father was – he had to follow it for the fate of the entire world depended on it, this was different because he was judging Chibi and he was treating him horribly solely based on who his father was. Chibi was right… it was Gohan whom he should be mad at, not his son! Chibi deserved an apology – that is if he would accept it. If he didn’t, Trunks would understand because he was being an absolute prick to Chibi.

The lavender-haired warrior sighed and looked at the unconscious child. He just couldn’t… leave him there on the ground could he? Chibi had to have been sleeping somewhere. Trunks glanced around and saw a makeshift bed of leaves and grass and proceeded to pick the child up and carry him over to the bed. Next, he walked over to some bushes nearby and relieved himself before he returned to his spot by the river and against the rock.

Chibi was a very unusual character. For he was reluctant to reveal that he was Gohan’s son, he called Gohan by name and not father or dad or any other familiar terms. It confused Trunks, and he wondered why that was? Was Chibi ashamed at being Gohan’s son, and is only now accepting that fact and abusing it to get back at his old man? Or was the child just estranged from his father and only knew him as Gohan, only could think of him as that and not as a father? There was also the way the child spoke – cryptic, calculated, cautious – almost as if he was hiding something, trying to dance around a series of steps that could uncover his secret if he slipped up. Chibi was awful mysterious as well since Trunks only knew a select few facts that he could number off on one hand while the child seemed to be far more knowledgeable about him.

Could it be when the boy had found him after the android attack? Trunks couldn’t remember anything after falling to his defeat to waking up by the river and puking his guts out, and he’d probably never be able to recollect that time, concussions tended to do that. Did he talk up a storm? Did the child hear rumours? Did the androids tell Gohan’s son, or was it Gohan himself who did the talking?

Yet, there was something that continued to bother him – that he could not remember where he had gone a few weeks ago, and something told him that wasn’t right. Did he get a concussion there too? He didn’t even remember how he left or even what he said when he returned except that he had just simply returned. And now his head was hurting even more so than before, it was throbbing, it felt like it was going to explode. Perhaps he’d just eat some soup and sleep. Sleep sounded like a good idea, because whenever he thought about where he went before, his head acted up, or at least more than usual. Trunks massaged his temples, trying to will the pain away.

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

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

*****

Gossip had spread fast once Krillin let out the news that he and Videl weren’t together, and by the end of the party everybody knew. Goten’s reaction, however, was by far the most memorable. There was a worried expression on his face as he asked. “Is Videl still going to be my big sis?”

Gohan had to tell Goten that it was up to Videl to decide, and the kid just smiled at him before running off to his ex-girlfriend. Gohan, though, hoped that nobody would suspect that he and Mirai were together. (Or at least suspect it audibly.)

Eventually, people began to file out. Gohan had remained behind however, since he had to explain what exactly had happened during their fight with Buu, and they had to talk about Mirai’s habit to tease him and distract him from the older’s problems.

“Gohan?” Chi-Chi asked as they were at the doors.

Gohan shook his head at his mother’s question. “Mirai and I need to talk Mom.” He said. However, at her expression Gohan had mentally face-palmed. That was probably the worst line to say to his mom.

“Alright sweetie!” She said with a knowing grin on her face.

Why does my mother always need to be so interested and involved in my love life? Gohan thought solemnly but turned to his boyfriend (and his supposed fiancée) and a smile came to him almost immediately. “Perhaps shall we go someplace where we can talk?”

Mirai nodded. “Yeah, might as well get it over and done with. You might as well decide the spot, seeing as you have the IT ability and not me.”

Gohan laughed. “Well it’s not exactly that – it’s more like Kibito’s ability.”

Fear flashed in Mirai’s eyes for a second as he remembered what devastation Buu had brought. Gohan responded by taking Mirai’s hand in his own and squeezing it. Then, the two phased out of the Capsule Corporation building and into the cave behind the waterfall.

The place put a smile on Mirai’s face. “Here again huh?”

“Well this place always brings me peace. I found it as a child riding Kinto’un.” Gohan said and sat down in the cave. “But perhaps we should get this over with.” He patted an empty spot next to him and Mirai quickly filled it. “Now where shall I begin..?”

There were many expressions on Mirai’s face by the time Gohan had finished telling the story of Buu. There was fear, there was awe, there was shock, there was horror… Yet whenever Gohan displayed concern for his boyfriend from the future, Mirai prompted him to continue. Get it over with he reasoned. And Gohan had to agree, the sooner it was over and done with, the sooner things would be brought to light.

“So, the Buu that remains is whatever good there was within the Majin and a Kai?” Mirai asked quietly. “That he holds no malicious intentions?”

Gohan nodded and brought Mirai closer with the arm wrapped around his back. “Yeah, I’m certain even the dragon balls would consider him a good guy now.”

“It’ll… take me some time to get used to it. I mean… he looks just like the Buu of my time.”

“And I’m sure everybody will understand. You’ve been through a lot Mirai, too much I think, and yet here you are trying to live life normally. You’re entitled to a few slip ups here and there.” With a subtle bit of amusement, Gohan tried to make it a joke. Thankfully it worked and a smile cracked Mirai’s face.

“Thanks Gohan.” Then, the embrace was turned backwards as Mirai leaned on Gohan’s shoulder instead of the other way around.

“Always Mirai.” The younger half-Saiyajin responded with a smile. “Will this mean that you’ll start confiding in me more often Mirai? More than just the necessities?”

“But Gohan…” Mirai started with hesitation. “I don’t want to worry you.”

It was only because Gohan had expected this answer did he smile. “Look Mirai, I’ll worry regardless. I also want to help you, isn’t that what boyfriends do?” His free hand cupped Mirai’s cheek. “I don’t want to see you in any pain either, so will you let me in on your problems?” He moved in to give Mirai a quick peck before settling back and leaning against Mirai’s head.

“It’d better be reciprocated…” Mirai mumbled. “But I’m still gunna tease ya.”

Gohan couldn’t help but smile. He wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Yeah Trunks?” The younger half-Saiyajin responded.

“Ya know… Mirai has been spending a lot of time with Gohan lately.”

“Yeah? So what? They’re friends, don’t friends spend time together?” Goten asked with a clueless tilt of his head.

“Not this much time together. I think that they are dating.” Chibi said mischievously.

“What! No way!” Goten shouted.

“Think about it Goten.” Chibi prodded Goten with his elbow. “Your brother broke up with Videl and is now spending a lot of time with Mirai so at least they’ve at least got to like each other!”

“But what if he just broke up with her?” Goten had a finger on his bottom lip thoughtfully.

“That would just make it even more possible, but let’s not think on what-ifs. Was there a time when your mom got really mad at Gohan or something, and it was about Videl?” Trunks prompted.

“Well… there was that time when Gohan came home from the first day of school…” The youngest boy began.

“Big bro came back around then too! Maybe Gohan sensed him but didn’t really know about it. That could be why he broke things off with Videl.”

“Yeah!” Goten agreed enthusiastically. “And ya know, there also was this time last week when Gohan was still having his nightmares… Trunks – the big one – came over really early and they went off somewhere. When Gohan came home, Mom was saying something about marriage, and you know what! Gohan’s nightmares went away too!”

“Really?” Chibi said, intrigued. “Although, your mom kinda does that, she did it with Videl too… but there’s the fact that Mirai’s been happier since he went to school with Gohan.”

“Why don’t we ask them then?” Goten suggested.

“No way! They wouldn’t like that, and they’d probably deny it. But, uh… I don’t doubt it.” The young prince objected.

“Huh, why Trunks?”

“Well, uhhh, I’ve heard that who you like – girls, boys, or bother – is about your genes and so if I like boys, so does Mirai.”

Goten looked confused. “But what do your pants have to do with who you like? Does this mean I have the same pants as you Trunks?”

Chibi slapped his hand to his face. “Not jeans Goten, but genes – G-E-N-E-S. The make a person who they are – what colour their hair, skin, and eyes will be how they’ll look, and who they like. Since Mirai and I are the same person, we both have the same genes. So we both like guys.”

“Uhhh….” The black-haired boy stared at his life-long friend cluelessly. “I….kinda….get it, but if you say so, sure.”

“But the thing is, I don’t know if that means I’m gunna like Gohan too.” Chibi said softly as he looked at the ground. “And I don’t wanna. I wanna like you – I do like you.”

There was worry on Goten’s face. “I dun want you to like anybody else Trunks! What’ll we do!” He said desperately. “Maybe we should stop Mirai from liking Gohan?”

Chibi shook his head. “That wouldn’t work, cause I’ll still end up liking Gohan… and then they’ll be no reason to not like him, no reason to stop me from liking him! Wait! I know! Let’s get them married! That way I can’t go after Gohan even if I do like him!”

“You’re so smart Trunks!” Goten exclaimed and pecked his boyfriend on the lips. “But how’ll we do it? Rings are kinda expensive right?”

“Hmm…” Chibi pondered. “Maybe ask your mom about Goku and her marriage and see if they gave each other something, an heirloom I think it’s called.”

“Um… okay!” Goten said as he agreed. “When I learn about it, I’ll tell you! I don’t wanna lose you to Gohan!”

Chibi laughed and pounced on Goten. “Me neither!”

“Yes Goten?” She asked calmly as she put the books away.

“When you and Dad married, erm, well, what happened? Did Dad give you a ring or something?”

While Goten worried about being too obvious, his mother entered a dreamy state. “Oh, it seems so long ago, but as kids your father promised to marry me. Years later, he entered the Martial Arts Tournament. However, he seemed to have forgotten about his promise and I entered to remind him…”

Goten sighed, he heard this all before. “So, he didn’t give you a ring?”

“Oh, that he did with the money he earned. However, I didn’t care for rings, and the gift he gave me on our wedding day was worth more than any ring.”

“Oh?” Goten asked with curiosity. Maybe they could use this to get Big Trunks and Gohan married!

“It was the four-star dragon ball. Grandpa Gohan had it for years, and when Gohan – your brother – was born we gave it to him. Hm…” Chi-Chi pondered. “I wonder if Gohan still has it…”

Oh no! If she tells Gohan then we can’t… “Y-Yeah he does Mom, I saw it in his room the other day.” Goten said in a hurry.

“Oh he does? That’s good…” She said in relief before wondering off.

Goten, however, tensed. Did I just lie to Mom? She’s going to kill me if she finds out! The quicker he told Trunks, the faster he could point fingers at Gohan. “Hey Mom, I’m going over to Trunks’ ‘kay?”

“Alright dear, just call if you won’t be home for supper.”

“Yeah, that’ll do, but how about you give it to me and I give it to him. I never did give Mirai a birthday gift anyway, and what better than to give him Gohan!” Chibi agreed with a impish smile. “Lemmie go get the dragon radar in the workshop and we can start looking!”

Goten nodded enthusiastically and waited for Trunks to return.

“I got it!” The young prince declared with a wide smirk. “Let’s go Goten!”

“So this ball is more important than a ring…” He whispered. “Ne, Trunks, why can’t I just give it to you?”

There was a bit of colour in Chibi’s cheeks. “Uhm, well, we can’t get married for awhile, so this way is quicker, and the ball is Gohan’s. So, if I had it then this whole thing would be pointless since it’d mean I was Gohan’s… and I don’t wanna marry Gohan!”

“Oooh…” Goten realized. “I don’t want you to marry him either, but I have a question: What if Big Trunks knows about the ball’s meaning?”

Chibi bit his thumb. “Tch, I never thought about that.”

“Think we can hide it? Like in a capsule or something?”

“I dunno, he’d prolly wanna look inside it… wait! I’ve got it! I can make something like Gohan’s watch! I saw how Mom made it!” Chibi exclaimed and dug into his pocket before pulling out a capsule. He activated it and a box appeared. “Put the ball in that box and capsulize it. Then we’ll go see Mom and I’ll see if she’ll give me some money. I need a base to build it on.”

“‘Kay!” The Son obeyed before the two flew back to Capsule Corp.

“Mom?” Chibi called out in the workshop as he put the dragon radar back in its original place.

“Yes Trunks?” Bulma called back. “What is it?”

“Um… I kinda forgot to get Mirai a birthday gift….” The lavender-haired boy said guiltily.

“Oh!” Bulma exclaimed as she dug into her pocket and pulled out a wad of bills. Not even bothering to count it, she handed it to her son of this time and shook a wrench at both of them with a scowl on her face. “Now get something good for that boy, and Goten?”

“Y-Yes Ma’am?” The other, black-haired boy responded with the manners that Chi-Chi drilled into him.

“Make sure Trunks doesn’t waste this on video games.”

Goten nodded vigorously. “Yes Bulma!”

Bulma’s expression softened with a smile. “Now you two go run along.”

“I didn’t know you mom could be so scary Trunks!” The younger half-Saiyajin stated once they were out of earshot.

“She’s scarier with Pops. I’d hate to be him!”

They both laughed nervously.

“To the store!”

Authors’ Notes: OoC is not a major part of the story and it is explained later.

thoughts
.+++. time/scene skip
.xxx. perspective change

*****

“Trunks.”

The lavender-haired prince groaned as he was shook. He didn’t want to get up, his head was killing him, and he saw red through his eyelids. At least the air was cool…

“Trunks!”

Why did that voice sound familiar? Trunks didn’t really know. He liked the voice though.

“Wake up Trunks!”

Oh Kami… his stomach was churning and the man sat up and turned to his left – away from the sound of the voice – and threw up. What happened to him? He felt like shit.

“Eww….” The voice was male, but it was young and Trunks rubbed his eyes and opened them to see a boy with Gohan’s hair cut, with Gohan’s eyes, and Gohan’s face… except the latter was filled with disgust – an emotion he hardly saw on Gohan’s face. Who was this kid?

“I think you’ve got a concussion, the androids must have hit your head too hard.”

Well, that much was obvious. Wait… where was the city? Oh Kami… no… did they demolish it? He looked around, taking in the familiar geography. No… this place was where Gohan took him training often.

“Here, drink this.” The miniature Gohan said as he lifted something made of stone to his lips. “It’s just water.”

Trunks swallowed wearily. He was tired… his whole body hurt…

“Oh no you’re not!” The boy exclaimed. “You’re going to eat first, it’s better if you get something in you, even if you’re going to puke it up later.”

Trunks groaned and a stone bowl and spoon was shoved in front of him. At least it smelled good…

He felt eyes on him, and Trunks sighed before leaning back on the rock behind him and bringing the spoon to his mouth. The spoon was small, obviously made for a child’s mouth. Yet, it reminded him of something… but he’d get back to that later. Thinking just hurt his head.

He was a bit worried though, because Trunks didn’t really seem too fazed by it. Hopefully it was just the concussion and not acclimatization. Seeing how his mother acted was hard enough…

As Gohan took the now-finished bowl from Trunks, he heard the man finally speak for the first time since all those years ago.

“Who… are you?”

Yet, before Gohan could answer, he was out like a light.

If the androids could do this to the man who defeated Frieza so easily… Gohan’s stomach clenched… Just obtaining Super Saiyajin still made him so far away from his goal. It was as if he had reached the top and opened the door, only to reach another set of stairs, much steeper than before.

“Nmmn…” He groaned before sliding back onto the rock and looking around with a wince in his eyes. Then those eyes locked with Gohan’s own, searching his black depths with curiosity. “Who are you?” He asked groggily.

“What do you remember? In the last few weeks I mean.” Gohan said quietly as he poked at the dwindling fire with a stick.

“Well…” Trunks said, not looking away from Gohan. “I remember coming home, then the androids were terrorizing people for weeks – but that isn’t new – yet I could never catch up to them… then they attacked Parsley City and I battled them there, but I lost, as usual. Then I’m here and you’re feeding me soup. I remember thinking I felt Gohan’s ki too… hey why do you look like him?”

Gohan stared at Trunks. The best word to describe the man was loopy and perhaps that was complimenting it. When he met Trunks the man was confident, he was composed, he was knowledgeable, mysterious, composed, polite. Yet now, he didn’t seem to be able to concentrate on anything. “Where.” Gohan prompted. “Where did you come back from?”

Trunks tilted his head, his face screwed in contemplation before wincing. “That… I can’t really remember.”

Gohan let out a sigh.

“That’s really weird… I remember leaving, and I remember coming back, but I don’t remember in between… and you still haven’t answered my questions.” Trunks said, regaining most of his consciousness now.

At least Trunks could remember what happened after he passed out… that was always good. But that relief did nothing for his frustration. How could he explain something to Trunks when he knew nothing of it… and even then, it was just a hypothesis, he wasn’t too sure. It seemed that they just might have to go see Bulma.

In response, there was one thing he could say, yet he didn’t want to say it. He didn’t want to lie… but Trunks had enough head trauma lately he didn’t need confusion on top of that. “Why does it matter?” He mumbled and finally managed to get the fire going again. Next, he stuck the two pieces of meat on sticks and let them cook by the fire.

“Well, it’s kind of rude to ask questions but not answer them. Secondly I don’t know who you are. How do I know you aren’t planning on using me or something?”

His logic seemed intact enough… Maybe he didn’t have to lie. “The androids call me Chibi Gohan, and don’t worry, I hate them. Probably not as much as you – yet – but I still hate them. I’m on your side.”

Trunks tried to wrap his mind around the words. “Chibi Gohan hmm? Well you kinda do look like my… late master. What do you mean by yet though? It’s almost as if you expect them to do something.”

Why did it seem ironic that it was he who held all the answers now? That he was the mysterious one? If it weren’t for Trunks, he wouldn’t even be here. Why did Trunks go back in time anyway? All he wanted to do was talk to Goku… But, Gohan gave Trunks a weak smile. “You’re older than me, you’ve known them longer than I have.”

“I suppose you’re right. But Chibi, why won’t you tell me who you are?” He winced after the statement, leaning against the rock behind him.

“Just call me Chibi.” Gohan insisted. He didn’t want to tell a lie.

There was a sad frown on Trunks’ face and he moved to get up. What for, Gohan never found out, for he started coughing and holding his ribs. “Chibi, I have a medical kit in my jacket, Capsule 110 I believe, there should be some bandages to bind my chest. I…” Trunks winced and relaxed back on the rock. “I think some of my ribs are broken.”

Gohan almost slapped his face. How could he have forgotten about the capsules! He scrambled over and pulled out two cases. In one, there was a missing capsule, and the other was completely full. It was in the first that he found the capsule and he pressed down on the compress before rolling it away. A puff of smoke flashed before the medical kit appeared and he went over to grab it, bringing it over to Trunks’ side.

“Can you help me with my shirt Chibi?”

The boy from the past nodded and shuffled over to support Trunks with one arm as he leaned up from the rock. With his other hand, he pulled up the black shirt. It was a little difficult and slow, but he supposed that was better – the less he moved Trunks, the less damage would have to heal.

Gohan felt eyes on him, and as he moved his eyes up, he was met with Trunks’ heated gaze. Gohan squirmed; the look in those blue eyes was making him uncomfortable. He recognised that look though, it was the look his parents had in their eyes when they looked at each other. Gohan didn’t know how to feel though, now that it was aimed at him, did he like it or was it something he didn’t want? Don’t worry about it, it’s probably only his concussion. Gohan reasoned and tore his eyes away. Then, the black-haired demi pulled Trunks towards him, almost in an embrace, so that he leaned against Gohan, and that Gohan had both hands free. He grabbed the bandages from the kit and began to bind Trunks’ ribs.

The warrior’s breath was slow – almost laboured – and hot against Gohan’s neck. “Gohan…”

The name was whispered and made the boy freeze. Did Trunks figure it out?

Then muscled arms wrapped around his body. “I missed you.”

It was the concussion, Gohan concluded. “T-Trunks.” He whimpered, Trunks was making him uneasy. It didn’t feel bad, but it didn’t feel good either. It just felt… weird. He wanted to get out of this position, wanted Trunks to be a good patient and let his ribs be bound, but what could he say? He couldn’t lie. He was Gohan, but at the same time he wasn’t. However, when something warm, wet, and fleshy trailed along his neck, Gohan couldn’t help but react and he shoved Trunks away from his body with his eyes wide from shock. Wh-What was that! What did Trunks just do? The Son mentally screamed and hugged his own body. That just didn’t feel right. He looked up to see Trunks groaning against the rock, his head slumped and Gohan’s eyes widened. “Trunks! Are you alright? Can you hear me? Oh Kami, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to! It’s just–”

It’s just… what?

“It’s alright Chibi, it was my fault.” Trunks said with a grin through his pain. “I thought you were someone else.”

Gohan shuffled over to the man who would be his pupil, who was his pupil. “Did I hurt you? Did you hit your head?”

“Nah, you just rattled my back. It’s nothing I can’t handle.”

Why…. Why did those words sadden him? And to think that I left him here, I left him all alone… The boy turned around and moved over to the dinosaur tail slices cooking by the fire before he realized something, and so he voiced it. “Hey, Trunks… do you think you could eat solid food? I could make the soup I made last night, cause… well you were puking yesterday.”

Yet, Trunks didn’t respond. Instead his eyes wandered over to the stone cutlery that he made as a child. “Those look like… hey Chibi where’d you get those?”

Gohan bit his lip as he turned the meat around. Apparently he showed the other the cutlery, not to mention there was another set that he knew he didn’t make. “Um, hidden under the rock you’re lying on?” He tried.

Trunks was wary and suspicious as he looked at Gohan. “How long have I been out?”

“You passed out yesterday afternoon.” Gohan said neutrally. “I brought you here.”

“You?” The prince said in disbelief. “It’s a day’s walk from Parsley City and you’re telling me you carried me over here before the morning? I remember waking up and it was dark…”

Gohan sighed. “A day’s walk, yes, but thirty minutes by air. And beside you were already out of the city when I found you.” Gohan glanced over towards the forgotten stone utensils. “But enough of that, do you want the soup? It’ll taste better if I cook it now before the meat is finished.”

“Capsule Corporation doesn’t make aircrafts anymore so nobody travels by air anymore. They wouldn’t anyway, with the androids and especially not just after an attack. Who are you? You’ve been avoiding that question all day Chi…bi…” Trunks’ gaze seemed to go blank before his face contorted in pain and he held his head. Then he gasped, apparently oblivious to his broken ribs. “No…” The words were soft, they were in disbelief, but not the disbelief of realization. No, it was as if he didn’t want to believe. His right arm crossed his body as it clutched at his chest and his left wrapped around his waist and he curled over.

Gohan watched this, wide eyes before he scrambled over to Trunks, laying a hand at his back. “Trunks! What’s wrong?”

“You…” The word sounded hateful, accusing. “You’re Gohan’s kid, aren’t you!”