Welcome to DBZ Love Garden

Gohan looked at himself in the mirror as he fixed his tie. He saw the look of apprehension on his face and willed himself to put a smile on instead. He just barely managed to not look like a fake.

It was going to be the first time he’d see anyone from the old crowd since his divorce just a few months ago. He was still reeling from the pain of it all and the unhappiness he felt this entire past year. Being around friends lately wasn’t something he found easy to do.

Part of him toyed with the idea of not going but he knew that his father would only come over to get him. Everyone kept on telling him that he needed to get out again and be the person he used to be.

Videl had left Gohan after 2 years of marriage. She just found that she couldn’t accept his Saiyan ancestry – at first his Saiyan qualities were charming but the differences soon became something she just could no longer live with comfortably. At least that was how she tried to explain things to him. Gohan, though, felt in his heart that she had fallen in love with him back when she wasn’t really sure of herself as a person, and then realized that he was one of those “nice guys,” that some women seemed to grow bored of – she tried to make things work, but in the end, they both knew that she was just going through the motions. Still, it stung him to think of it.

He took a deep breath, readying himself for the first party he would attend, seeing all of his old friends at the Briefs's home for Christmas.

* * *

Trunks stared at the man his mother was hugging and just didn’t know what to do or say. His father came up from behind him and silently without anyone noticing, squeezed his son’s shoulder as he passed, to reassure the young man that this wouldn’t change anything for him. The tender caress was a great comfort to Trunks, especially considering how few and far between such warm displays of affection came from his father but his father knew he needed it at a time like this.

He saw the blue sparkling eyes look over his mom’s shoulder at him and saw the friendly smile – on his own face.

He, his future self, had decided it was time to visit again, after 17 years and from the look of things, Trunks would age as his father did, showing little the traces of time. The older Saiyan, his older self, looked as young as the day he was last seen in this time.

Mirai broke the hug with Bulma and then went up to his baby sister.

Bra squealed with delight as he spun her around in the air. “Boy, are you such a pretty thing!”

Bra’s cute voice chimed, “Thank you Big Brother!” That’s how Bulma explained it to her little one when Mirai first walked through the door – he was just another big brother named “Trunks,” but then Mirai winked at her and told her she could just call him “Big Brother.” The little girl liked that a lot.

After plopping her back on her feet, Mirai gave her little nose a squeeze, then turned to his father.

“Hello Father.”

“Son.” Vegeta gave him a small smile but Mirai was having none of it. In what Trunks believed was a bold move for him, Mirai wrapped his arms around a stunned looking Vegeta.

Trunks had to contain a laugh at the look on his father’s face but still, the stoic Saiyan hugged the young man back, giving him a manly pat to boot.

Finally, Mirai straightened and turned his head to look at his younger self.

He came over and stood in front of Trunks, smiling.

“Hey.”

“Hey.” Trunks felt really weird about staring at an older version of himself and couldn’t help but feel a little jealous of how handsome Mirai seemed in comparison to himself. Mirai had a head full of long hair and he seemed a little taller, plus much more self-assured but the kindness of the smile won Trunks over.

Plus Mirai gave him a similar bear hug as he did to Vegeta, giving him little chance to protest. Trunks couldn’t help but feel in that embrace some of the loneliness that his other self must be feeling, not having the same family or network of friends that he was so fortunate to have. He gave him a strong hug back, and if Mirai wanted to stay for a while, Trunks thought it would be good.

* * *

Guests started to arrive and all just went crazy over Mirai, but he was sure to include his younger self in all the conversation, steering everyone back to Trunks’s accomplishments in school this past semester.

Goten was a little weirded out at first, but then saw that Trunks was ok with it all, plus Mirai charmed him too. The guy was just so damn nice.

It kind of comforted Trunks too. He had been a little bit of a bratty kid, but then really mellowed out when he hit his teens, kind of the opposite to most other kids. He heard Bulma’s friends comment on it, including Chi Chi and had sometimes wondered if he were a little strange. Seeing Mirai, just being so genuinely nice with everyone, and so respectful of his parents, well, he knew that this was how he was supposed to be and that he was destined to grow into the same man. Seeing other people really like Mirai in return was just great because it meant that he too was very likable.

Goten looked around shyly at a few people milling about and then came back towards Trunks to be in the comfort of friends. Trunks smiled at him. Mirai was nearby talking with Krillen, asking him about all that had happened to Krillen since he left. Marron stood next to her father, stealing shy looks at the new Trunks. Whenever he would glance her way and smile, she’d blush in response – Krillen chose to ignore his teen daughter’s obvious new crush.

Goten looked a little jealous and Trunks laughed. Goten elbowed him in the ribs.

“So, I wonder when Bro will show up.”

“He’s coming? Really? I mean, he said he would to Mom but he didn’t show up to the barbecue this summer, so Mom didn’t really hold out any hope.”

“No, he said he was coming to Dad on the phone. Dad’s pretty excited. Mom is almost hysterical, she’s so happy.”

Trunks couldn’t wait to see his old friend. He hadn’t seen him in over a year and really missed him. He would have looked at the door to see if there was any sign of Gohan but Trunks was distracted by his own blue eyes staring at him. He looked back at Mirai and Mirai gave him a small smile.

“Really, Gohan is coming?” Krillen asked eagerly, overhearing Goten and Trunks.

“That’s what he said.” Goten sounded excited. He missed his brother like mad.

Trunks looked at Mirai again shyly. Mirai just gave him the same smile. Trunks had to look away, a small blush spreading across his cheeks.

Suddenly, they could all hear ChiChi squeal in delight. “Gohan!!”

All looked at the door to see him shyly standing there, a blush spreading across his very pale cheeks. His mother hugged him fiercely first. Then, he got a big bear hug from his father.

Trunks could tell that everyone in the room wanted to just tackle him, they all missed him so much, but he was bright crimson now from all the attention, so everyone just let his parents have their moment. Bulma, with a food tray in hand, walking by Gohan just escaping from his father’s strong embrace, said, as if it were a common occurrence to see him, “Oh Gohan, nice to see you. Just put your coat on the bed in the master bedroom upstairs. Hurry because we’ll be opening presents in a few minutes.”

Gohan smiled gratefully at the blue-haired woman.

Gohan then saw Mirai looking at him and then Gohan looked over at Trunks, comprehending that he was not just seeing double.

“Trunks!” He ran over to Mirai, an eager look on his face.

“It’s nice to see you again, Gohan. Wow! You’re huge!!”

Gohan laughed, again blushing. He scratched the back of his head. “Well, you haven’t changed at all.” Then he looked at Trunks and his brother. “But the two of you have!!”

Then it was just a bedlam of hugs all around, everyone feeling that the guy was all right and wouldn’t feel uncomfortable any more by a room full of attention.

* * *

After everyone opened presents, they all sat around reminiscing. Gohan, several books in his lap, wrapping paper bunched up in the corner of the couch he sat in, sat next to Mirai, his brother and Trunks on the floor at his feet. Trunks leaned against Gohan’s shins.

Everyone was quite merry and happy, even Vegeta, who may have had just a smidge too much champagne. Goku kept disappearing to eat more cookies from the dining room trays.

The room was getting very hot from all the bodies, the raging fire in the fireplace, and the plentiful wine.

Mirai leaned in to Gohan but also wanted the young men to hear. “Hey, let's all go for a walk in the snow. I’m boiling here.”

Goten turned around, relief on his face. “Thank Kami!” They all jumped up to get their jackets telling everyone where they were going. Most of the older people just seemed to want to stay put after the big meal. However, Marron jumped up to join them. Goten nearly stumbled over Vegeta’s feet in response.

Marron, making like she didn’t see, secretly smirked.

* * *

Trunks sat on the top step, lacing up his snow boots. Mirai’s and Trunks’s hair were luminescent in the light that shimmered off all the snow around them. Marron couldn’t help but stare at Mirai but then she saw Goten looking at her with a small, hurt look on his face. She turned around, trying not to laugh out loud in giddiness.

Tonight’s the night, she thought nervously. She would find time alone with Goten and maybe he’d ask her out.

She turned around again and said to the men in general. “Hey, isn’t there a really cool hill nearby? Anyone want to go sledding?

She had a feeling that the older two wouldn’t. Trunks seemed to want to hang around Gohan so she didn’t think he would say yes either. She was rewarded with them all saying they’d rather not, although they were all very polite about it.

Then she turned to Goten.

He almost mumbled but then managed to control himself so that he would sound confident.

“I’ll go with you if you want.”

She smiled, then turned to lead the way to the garage to get the sleds. Goten waved to the three men on the porch, ignoring Trunks’s mischievous grin.

* * *

It was cold out, but still comfortable enough to plow through the snow the way the three men did. As they walked, both Gohan and Trunks peppered Mirai with questions about his time and all that he had been through since. He was happy to tell them and they didn’t notice that they were already out for about an hour and half, just happy with the company and the fresh air.

“Hey look!” Trunks ran over to a little hill with a mound of untouched snow on it. Grinning at both Gohan and Mirai, he fell backwards onto the snow and promptly started to create a snow angel. The other two ran over and to the left of him fell on to the untouched snow, doing the same, laughing at their own silliness.

After the angels were done, they continued to lie within their own angels, looking up at the stars in the clear night sky.

Trunks sat up. “I think we can see the sledding hill from just around this hill. I’m going to go see how Goten’s doing.” Trunks smirked. “Wanna come?”

Mirai, still laying flat next to Gohan turned his face toward him, looking peaceful and content. “Nah, you go ahead. Just meet us back here, ok?”

“All right.” Trunks got up laughing as he dusted the snow off of his clothes. He then trotted around their hill, out of sight.

“So Gohan, are you really ok?” Mirai sounded concerned.

Gohan smiled. “Yeah, I guess I’ll be.”

“I’m sorry you had to go through all of that.”

Gohan just shrugged, not really wanting to go into it further but then he said, “You know something?”

“What?”

“It’s funny but I kind of wished for this. To feel like I did so long ago, with everyone here and happy and for you to be here too. It was such a great time, even though we had a lot to face back then. I miss it. I… I almost wish that we could all have that again.”

Mirai propped his head up on one arm, chin resting in the palm of his hand. He looked down at Gohan. Gohan looked up at his old friend, seeing the combination of starlight and luminescent snow cause an almost ethereal effect on Mirai’s long lavender hair. He looked heavenly, and Gohan, shyly, was about to look away, but then felt a gloved hand on his chin gently hold his face in place.

Gohan looked at Mirai in surprise. Mirai smiled. Then he leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Gohan’s lips.

Mirai straightened again, giving him a warm smile. Gohan looked up at him, his eyes wide in wonder. He felt a gloved thumb caress his cheek.

“Videl doesn’t know what she’s missing.”

Gohan looked even more surprised at the remark.

Mirai, smiling warmly, leaned down to give Gohan another kiss. This time his lips lingered, gently pushing Gohan’s lips open. Gohan felt Mirai’s tongue against his own and marveled at the sweetness of the touch and taste of him.

Mirai deepened the kiss a little and Gohan felt his body stir in response. He reached up and felt silken hair slide through his gloved fingers.

The cold was a nice contrast to the warmth of Mirai’s mouth. Both men enjoyed the tender touch terribly, so much that they didn’t hear Trunks coming back until he was already standing over them, shock on his handsome face.

Mirai broke the kiss slowly and looked up at Trunks.

Gohan, suddenly noticing Trunks, looked startled.

Mirai smiled warmly at his younger self. “Hey, did you see Goten?” He asked as if nothing out of the ordinary just happened.

Trunks didn’t say anything, just continued to look at the both of them.

Mirai smiled again, then looked down at the nervous looking Gohan. He took his gloved hand and caressed Gohan’s cheek again, love evident on his face.

“Isn’t Gohan beautiful, Trunks?”

Trunks just stood there, his breath coming fast, steaming in the still and cold air around him.

Gohan looked up at Mirai, hearing the tenderness of those spoken words. Mirai then took the back of one gloved finger and rubbed it against Gohan’s thick eyebrows, sending sparks down Gohan’s spine.

Mirai looked back at Trunks, standing there, not saying anything.

“Come over here, Trunks.”

Trunks looked at Mirai, a frightened, shy look on his face.

“Don’t you want to kiss Gohan?”

Gohan, shyly, looked up at Trunks.

Trunks seeing how shy Gohan looked, felt more comfortable. He came over and sat down on the other side of Gohan, legs crossed.

Mirai grabbed Trunks’s wrist and pulling him, said, “No, not like that, like me.”

Trunks lay on his side next to Gohan, leaning against him as Mirai did. Gohan was almost afraid to move.

Mirai smiled at Trunks encouragingly.

Trunks, looked down at Gohan, and then leaned down, his hand on Gohan’s opposite shoulder, and placed a gentle kiss on Gohan’s lips. Gohan kissed tenderly back, showing his eagerness. Mirai smiled, watching them.

Gohan’s hand came up and clasped Trunks’s hand on his shoulder. Trunks, emboldened, opened his lips against Gohan’s, Gohan doing likewise, giving each other a full deep kiss. While they did this, Mirai watched, his breathing coming faster. He caressed Gohan through his jacket.

When Trunks broke the kiss to come up for air, a small moan coming from both him and Gohan, Mirai eagerly leaned down to capture Gohan’s lips in his own. Gohan started to moan through the kiss, and Trunks, feeling the need in him growing, caressed Gohan through his jacket. Gohan raised his arm and started to do the same to Trunks, his other arm coming around to encircle Mirai. Trunks saw an opening and buried his face against Gohan’s warm neck, teasing him with eager kisses there. Gohan moaned a little louder.

Mirai broke away gently.

“Hey guys, we should head back soon, before Goten and Marron find us.” He looked a little disappointed. “We can’t stay out here all night, although we all want to. He smiled at them both warmly.

“Come on, I’ll race you back.” He laughed. They both looked at him like he was crazy but they laughed too.

Mirai standing, helped Trunks up. Then they both helped Gohan up.

They all smiled at each other, wanting to just kiss each other like mad but knew that Mirai was right.

They walked back, feeling very good about this beautiful night.

Gohan was the happiest he had been since … and then he realized that the last time he was this happy was when he was with both of these two men, one a man he looked up to and admired and the other just a small baby at the time.