“So, what’s your name?” Bulma asked pleasantly as he sat down at the table.
She moved to the counter and started preparing him some soup. “Er… Trunks.” He waited but there was no response to the name. ::Maybe I don’t exist in this universe?:: He thought as he watched her move around the kitchen.
“Where are you from Trunks? Why is a young man like yourself wandering around by himself?” Bulma asked, smiling at him over her shoulder. “How old are you anyway? You don’t look much older than thirteen.”
Trunks shrugged, “I’m… I’m from far away… I uh… I kind of got lost…”
“Lost? Oh, that’s terrible. Well, now I’m sure I’ll have to help you find your way home. Can you tell me the name of your hometown?” She grabbed a bowl and filled it with soup.
She turned, just in time to see him grab his head. “You’re all right?” She asked anxiously, rushing to the table and putting the bowl down in front of him.
“Yeah… I’m…” Trunks rubbed his temple, looking up at her shyly, “I’m just really tired.”
“You poor thing. You look worn out.”
“Mom! Goten and I… who is this?” A young girl, with long blue-white hair and beautiful blue eyes came bounding down the stairs. She noticed Trunks and stopped short.
Trunks stared at her, his eyes wide. She almost looked like a female version of himself. But that was.. silly. “This is Trunks dear. A young traveler who has lost his way.” Bulma said with a warm smile at the girl.
“Mom?” Trunks whispered, “This is your.. daughter?”
“Yep. Trunks, this is Lacey, my daughter.” Bulma waved at Lacey.
“He’s kinda’ cute.” Lacey said under her breath to Goten.
“Very cute.” Goten corrected with a grin.
::Oh god.:: Trunks stared at Lacey with huge eyes, ::I've slipped into the seventh circle of hell.:: He groaned mentally, his eyes devouring that fine face. ::She’s… me?::
“Hi, Trunks! Are you staying long?” Lacey wiggled her way across the room, swinging her hips more than Trunks knew was humanly possible.
“Um… I … I..”
“Lacey, why don’t you and Goten take Trunks out? Hm?” Bulma suggested, “I mean, that is if you’re not too tired Trunks?”
Trunks was surprised by the offer and not just mildly so. He stared at Bulma for a moment then looked at Lacey and Goten. He was curious about this version of Goten and even more curious about this version of himself. “I… I think I would like that.” He said softly.
“Great!” Lacey cried, “C’mon Trunks! I’ll show you around!” She grabbed his arm and pulled him out of his seat.
::Help:: Trunks thought as she dragged him out of the house.
***
“And this is our school, and that’s Capsule Corp where mom used to live and where she works-” There was no end to her prattle. From the moment she dragged him out of the house she had been talking. She didn’t pause once to breathe or so it seemed to Trunks. He watched her with huge eyes, he could hardly believe this was an AU version of himself.
It was almost embarrassing to think he was part of this air-headed… female. He glanced at Goten, who had been fairly quiet. Goten was staring up at him, almost worshipfully. As their eyes met Goten flushed and quickly looked away. “Are you a fighter?” Lacey paused long enough to ask.
Trunks looked at her, blinking several times a he processed the fact that she was actually ‘waiting’ for him to answer, not like her previous questions where she didn’t give him a ‘chance’ to answer. “Er… sorta’. I’m still training.” He said softly.
“Really?” Lacey’s eyes grew huge with awe, she stopped walking so she could peer up at him. Even with her high heeled shoes she wasn't as tall as he was. “You’re not joking?”
::Why would I joke?:: He wondered as he nodded. “You’re a little young to be a fighter.” Goten said, frowning as he stared up at Trunks.
“Young?” Trunks repeated, “No, Yo.. I mean, a friend of mine started training when he was just four.”
“FOUR?!” Lacey cried, “Wow! That sounds like what the saiyan’s used to do before the order.”
“Yeah.” Goten nodded, “It does, of course, now it’s illegal to start training a child younger than ten.”
“What?” Trunks frowned, “What are you talking about?”
“After Cell, a new law was made. Children under ten cannot be trained. And children under sixteen cannot undergo ‘intensive’ training.” Lacey explained, “Didn't you know?”
“No, I never heard of it… I’m… I sort of lived away from.. the law and stuff.” Trunks said nervously.
“It’s because of Gohan.” Goten said softly, pushing his hands into his pockets and looking down.
“Gohan?” Trunks’s heart jumped painfully at the name. He looked down at Goten. “What about Gohan?”
“He’s the one who defeated Cell… but in doing so he was… badly damaged.” Lacey said in a hushed tone, she glanced at Goten before continuing, “The people were so upset by the damage he took fighting that they passed the law.”
“He was only eleven.” Goten whispered, “Just … just a kid…”
“But he was the only one strong enough to kill Cell!” Trunks cried, “If he had-” They were looking at him strangely so he stopped abruptly.
“So you know about Cell and Gohan but you don’t know about the law.” Lacey said, her eyes sparkling, “Just who are you Trunks? Seems to me you know a lot about nothing and nothing about a lot.”
“Lacey! Goten!” An excited voice cried, a little man ran up to them, laughing excitedly.
“Hey, Krillan!” Goten laughed, “Whatcha’ up to?”
“Hey, Krillan.” Lacey was still staring at Trunks suspiciously.
“I just got the greatest news!” Krillan cried, hopping on his feet. “Guess who is coming back today!?”
“Who?” Lacey and Goten asked at the same time. They smiled at each other and giggled.
“Goku!”
“Goku!” Lacey cried, her face lighting up with a huge, delighted smile.
“Right!” Krillan laughed, noticing Trunks for the first time. “Who’s this?”
“Oh, sorry. Krillan this is Trunks, Trunks this is Krillan. Trunks is a traveler from afar who got lost.” Lacey made the introduction quickly. She almost looked uncomfortable.
“Lost? How’d you get lost ?” Krillan asked, looking way up at Trunks and placing his hands on his hips.
“Well… I was in a battle and… I got knocked out.” Trunks told them hesitantly, “And well… when I woke up I was here. Only I don’t know where here is or how to get back.”
“In a battle ? Aren't you a little young to be a fighter ?” Krillan asked.
“He’s from a place that doesn't know of the laws.” Lacey said, a bit mockingly or so it seemed to Trunks.
“Oh yeah?” Krillan leaned back on his heels, studying Trunks with interest, “So, how old ‘are’ you?”
“When is my Dad arriving?” Lacey interrupted, obviously bored with the direction the conversation was taking.
“In just a few hours. Everyone’s gathering to meet him. Even Vegeta’s coming!” Krillan laughed, forgetting completely about Trunks at the mention of his life-long best friend.
“Dad?” Trunks whispered. ::Isn't Vegeta your father?::
“Goku is Lacey’s father.” Goten said, looking up at Trunks, “Do you know who Goku is?”
::No way:: Trunks reached up and rubbed his eyes. ::This is too much:: So Lacey ‘wasn't’ an alternate version of himself. How could she be? ::But then… that means…:: Trunks eyes widened, “Goku is your father?!” He repeated disbelievingly. His eyes wandered up and down her body, shaking his head slowly he backed up. “And Goku is ‘your’ father.” He pointed at Goten.
“We have different mothers.” Lacey said defensively.
“Do you know Goku?” Goten asked again.
“I… I.. I know ‘of’ him.” Trunks shook his head, trying to shake himself physically out of the shock that had gripped him. “Does.. does he have any other children?”
“Goten, Gohan, and myself.” Lacey was looking at him strangely.
::Thank God for small miracles. I don’t think I could handle ‘more’ children.:: Trunks rubbed his cheeks furiously, trying to return feeling to his face which was very cold. “You all right?” Goten asked, his voice hushed as he stared up at Trunks.
“I..” Trunks covered his face. ::I want to go home…::
***
“There’s something wrong.” Mirai Trunks stood, tilting his head and listening intently. “Something… very… wrong.”
It was quiet. In the distance he could see people working to rebuild their homes. He could hear children laughing, a sound he hadn't heard for a long time. They were busy, happy, but they were not what was wrong. Reaching down he grabbed his jacket and pulled it on. It was ripped and the blue color faded, but he refused to throw it away. It settled easily on his shoulders.
He kicked his feet into the ground, looking out to the horizon. He focused inward, using tricks that he’d learnt many years ago from Piccolo and Gohan. Slowly outside distractions faded and all he could see was his mind’s eye. After a moment of searching he found what he was looking for, or rather what he was ‘dreading’ he’d find.
His eyes snapped open.
He gasped in shock.
“So..” He whispered, running a hand through his hair, “It wasn't the Monk.” He sighed, the new knowledge in his brain weighing heavily on his heart. “Oh, Trunks… what are you doing?”
He awoke to the sweet scent of his lover. Smiling and snugly closer to the warm body laying beside his own he cracked his eyes open. “Hmm… you’re cuddly. I tell you that?”
“Every morning, luv.” Gohan sighed pulling Trunks even closer, even though it was a bit uncomfortable.
“Well, you are.” Trunks nuzzled against Gohan’s chest for a moment then pushed himself up so he could see Gohan’s face. “You worried?” he asked softly.
“Yeah, a little.” Gohan nodded.
“There’s not much we can do. I mean… not like we know how to find him.” Trunks bit his lower lip and dropped his head back onto Gohan’s chest.
“I think… there is something we can do.” Gohan said thoughtfully.
“Oh?” Trunks stiffened, looking at his lover.
“The dragon.”
“The dragon??”
Gohan smiled, “We can wish to be wherever he is so if he’s in trouble…”
“We can help him! BRILLIANT!” Trunks crawled up Gohan’s body and kissed him.
The kiss turned into more and the two didn’t get out on their little mission until much later in the morning.
***
::Goku::
He turned his head away, whimpering.
::Goku::
Slowly, his eyes slitted open. A small, tear streaked face was gazing at him. “Goten?” He mumbled, rubbing his eyes sleepily.
“Daddy… Vegeta is gone.” Goten whispered, “He… Gohan says we should go after him. He didn’t look well.”
Goku jerked into a sitting position, swearing softly as he did. “Did he say anything?!”
“I dunno’.” Goten shrugged, “He saw me crying and he got real upset… did I make him mad, Daddy?”
“No, no, it’s not your fault Goten.” Goku hugged Goten quickly before getting out of the bed and rushing across the room.
“Daddy!”
“Yeah?” Goku turned at the door, looking back at Goten and blinking rapidly as he tried to wake up.
“Shouldn't you get dressed before going outside?” Goten lay back in the bed, pulling the warm blankets over his body. He curled up in the fetal position and tucked his fist under his chin.
Goku looked down, blushing. “Heh. Guess I should. Thanks, kiddo.”
Goten shrugged, closing his eyes. “I miss Trunks.” He said softly.
“We all do Goten….. we all do.”
***
“Daddy!” Lacey squealed happily as the spiky-haired saiyan appeared in the sky.
He landed in the midst of a large crowd that had gathered to greet him. Trunks knew many of the people but a lot of the faces he didn’t recognize. Goku saw Lacey and Goten. He grinned, “Hey kids!”
They pushed through the crowd and together leaped on Goku. Goku laughed, picking Goten up with one arm and holding Lacey close with the other, “What have you two rascals been up to huh?”
Feeling overwhelmed and crowded Trunks slowly backed out of the crowd. He wandered a short distance away where he could watch Goku’s homecoming from afar.
“Too crowded.” A voice said softly.
He jerked and whirled around, staring with wide eyes at the cloaked figure standing behind him. “Uh… yeah.” He nodded. ::Where did you come from?:: he wondered. He hadn't seen the man as he walked here.
“Who are you? I feel… I feel as if I know you.” The husky voice inquired.
“I’m Trunks. I don’t think you know me.” Trunks responded, “Who are you?” He asked after a short pause.
“My name is Gohan.”
“Gohan?” Trunks gasped. ::Why didn’t I recognize the voice? Maybe because on this world his voice is huskier..::
The figure seemed to stiffen. “Yes, Gohan.”
“I've…” Trunks turned his face away, looking down. “I've heard about you.”
“Hm.” Gohan shrugged, “Most people have.”
Trunks sighed, reaching up to rub his temple, “I’m sorry.” He said softly, “Have I made you uncomfortable?”
“How di..” Gohan stopped shortly. ::How did he know he made me uncomfortable? Most people can’t tell what I’m feeli-he’s probably just observant.:: “No, It’s all right. Do you know Goku? Is that why you’re here?”
“No.” Trunks responded quietly, “I don’t know him at all.” ::At least, not on this world I don’t.:: “I’m just here because.. well, Lacey and Krillan were showing me around. You see I’m.. I’m lost I guess. They were just trying to make me.. feel more comfortable with-” He was babbling, like an idiot. He felt his cheeks flushing.
“You’re very pale.” Gohan said abruptly, “Are you ill?”
Trunks shook his head mutely, “I.. I’m just tired I guess.”
“Do you have a place to stay?”
“Not really.”
There was a short silence as Trunks refused to look at the cloaked figure and Gohan refused to look away from that beautiful face.
“You can stay with me.” Gohan said finally.
Trunks sighed, deeply relieved. Gohan he could handle. This version of Gohan seemed relatively normal and he felt safe with this Gohan, even now. He nodded eagerly, “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet.” Gohan said softly, “You haven’t seen my place yet.”
***
“Dragon ball 2 acquired!” Trunks held up the dragon ball, a huge grin on his face.
Gohan ran over, “Great job!” He said smiling back.
“Hm… you gonna’ reward me?”
“Er, we don’t really have time Tru-WAH!” Trunks pounced, knocking his lover to the ground.
… once again they weren't able to get to work until much later.
***
Mirai Trunks sat, cross-legged on the soft grass. He tilted his head back, turning his face to the sun.
::Trunks?::
Mentally he called out but like this morning he got no answer. After few more moments of futile searching he gave up and slumped. “I can’t contact if I don’t know where he is.” He murmured softly to himself. “So, what do I do? He doesn't know. He won’t go home until he does.”
He pushed his hands into his hair and clenched them into fists. The pressure helped him to think. He felt responsible for the young version of himself. He had to help him.
“No one can help me but myself.” He muttered with a chuckle. “Bah… I need a break. I’m starting to sound like Goku.” He dropped onto his back, legs still crossed.
He gazed up at the cloudy sky, “Ah, Trunks… what am I going to do with you?”
***
“Vegeta?”
“I should be the one dead.” Vegeta said quietly, staring up at the stars.
Goku sighed, rubbing his head. He wasn't sure what to say. So, he said nothing. He wrapped his arms around Vegeta’s waist from behind and pressed his face against Vegeta’s back. Vegeta shuddered but he didn’t push Goku away. “Dammit Kakkorot!… I should be the one dead!”
Goku held on tighter. “I love you.” He said finally.
Vegeta closed his eyes tightly, trying to fight the tears.
And when they came-
Goku cried with him.
***
“This isn't so bad.” Trunks looked around with a smile. The little hut had only two rooms and it was sparse only the bare minimum of furniture and no tv but it had a warm feel to it.
Gohan glanced around himself, shrugging. “It suits my needs.” He said, “You can have the bed.”
“Where will you sleep?” Trunks asked quickly.
“On the couch.”
“No, I mean, this is your house. You take the bed, I’ll take the couch.”
Gohan was silent for a long moment, just staring at Trunks. Then, he reached up and ripped off his cloak. It fell to the ground, landing softly.
Trunks stared at the revealed face.
He wasn't horrified or disgusted, just sad. “So, that’s what Cell did.”
Eyes that should have been brown but were more a reddish color blinked twice, widened with surprise. Most people treated Gohan with kid gloves after seeing his face. The vicious scars and strange discoloring horrified even his own father but this strange boy, this child he had never seen before just looked at him sadly and stated the obvious. It was strange.
“You’re not… frightened? Disgusted? Horrified?” Gohan said softly. It wasn't what he had meant to say but since the words were out there was nothing he could do to take them back.
“It’s sad, but not disgusting.” Trunks stepped close, reaching up and touching Gohan’s cheek lightly, “My friend Yamcha kind of… well, he has just about as many scars.”
“Just about?” Gohan repeated dumbly.
“You don’t have a Yamcha here.” Trunks whispered, absently running his fingers up Gohan’s jaw line.
“Do I know you?” Gohan gasped, the strange tight fist gripping his heart making his brain short circuit.
“Yes.” Trunks leaned up, suddenly finding his lips pressed against Gohan’s.
He didn’t know why, he just wanted to kiss those scars away. After kissing the lips, he began a journey. Lightly pressing a kiss against each scar on that still beautiful face. Gohan stood stiffly during the treatment, shocked and yet wonderfully delighted. He’d never felt anything so wonderful in his life.
As he kissed the last scar some sense of reality returned to Trunks. He dropped back to his heels and blushed deeply. “I’.. I’m sorry.” He stuttered.
“It’s all right.” Gohan whispered, “Don’t apologize.”
“I…”
Gohan pressed a finger against Trunks’s lips. “It’s late. We should both go to bed.” He said gently, “You will have the bed.”
Trunks nodded, looking up at Gohan with huge eyes. “I will see you in the morning.”
Trunks nodded again, stepping back and moving to the bedroom. ::Why?:: he wondered as he stumbled into the room and closed the door behind him, ::Why did I kiss him?::
Gohan watched as the door closed, then lifted his fingers to his lips. ::Why?:: he wondered, moving to the couch and sitting down. He couldn't hold himself up anymore. His legs felt like rubber. He hadn't felt so… desirable since Cell had deformed his face with those horrible scars. ::Who is he? Why do I feel like I should know him? Like I should love him?::
He lay down, lightly running his fingers over his scars. ::Trunks::
***
Gohan lay awake, unable to sleep, in his room he could hear the soft sounds that Trunks was making in his sleep. Obviously, the boy was having a nightmare. He debated whether or not he should get up to help the boy. He had been alone for so long he couldn't remember what it was like to have comfort, to be awakened from a nightmare.
Finally, the boys cries got to him. Hesitantly, he got to his feet and made his way across the living room.
***
So cold.
Gohan crouched beside the bed, staring at the pale boy lying in his blankets. ::Beautiful:: He reached out and gently touched one pale cheek.
Trunks shivered in his sleep, teeth chattering together. “Papa?” He whispered in his sleep.
“Shh.” Gohan whispered, leaning close.
So very cold.
Blue eyes shuddered open. Trunks stared with unfocused eyes at Gohan. “Gohan?” he whispered softly, forgetting for a moment where he was and ‘who’ he was looking at.
“It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” Gohan whispered, a little uncertainly.
“I was so afraid.” Trunks whispered, grabbing the hand that touched his cheek and gripping it tightly. “I wanted you to be with me.”
“What?” Gohan whispered, confused by the boy’s words. ::He’s still half asleep:: He told himself… and yet he couldn’t help feeling he should know what the boy was talking about.
“I..” Trunks turned his head away, “I…”
“Shh. Just go back to sleep.” Gohan squeezed the hand that clutched his own.
Trunks closed his eyes, obeying the voice he loved. He was used to obeying Gohan, after all, Gohan had trained him… only, this wasn’t his Gohan. Was it? He drifted back into sleep easily, comforted by the knowledge a friend was near.
Gohan sat on the side of the bed, staring at that now peaceful face. “Who are you?” he whispered.
***
“Dragon ball 5!” Trunks held up the dragon ball. “Ooh. Good job lover.” He grinned wickedly, “Shall I reward you?”
Gohan sighed, “If we keep this up, it’ll take us years to find those stupid dragon balls.”
“Looking for dragon balls makes me horny.” Trunks pouted, “I mean… really… Think about it.”
Gohan shook his head, laughing lightly, “Gads, Trunks. I dunno’ how I keep up with you.”
“You’re young and virile of course.” Trunks purred, leaning up to kiss Gohan’s cheek. “Well … maybe we should split up and look for these things separately?”
“Sounds good to me.” Gohan nodded, “Maybe then we’ll make more progress.” He looked at the two balls they had already. The first one had taken them so bloody long but if they split up things would probably go faster.
“All right.” Trunks shrugged, twirling the ball on one finger and grinning.
Gohan just laughed and flew off, in search of the next dragon ball. “Hey, wait! There’s only one Dragon ball sensor!” Trunks held up the sensor in his hand.
“It’ll still go faster if I just look alone!” Gohan called down.
“Well…. I guess. Sure you don’t want to help me look for balls, Gohan?” The innocent question was put sweetly, which is why Gohan ‘knew’ Trunks wasn’t talking about dragon balls.
“I’m sure you can find them yourself Trunks!”
***
Trunks shifted nervously, glancing to his side where Gohan flew. Those reddish brown eyes darted away quickly but he ‘knew’ they had been watching him. It was unnerving. Since this morning Gohan had been staring at Trunks. Just staring, he didn’t really say much. Just ‘mornin’ and ‘eat this’. It was making Trunks increasingly nervous.
“I want to help you get home.” Gohan said suddenly.
Trunks blinked, staring at the side of Gohan’s face. ::Look at me:: he urged silently, ::Why won’t you meet my eyes?:: “I don’t think you can.” He said softly.
“Let me try.” Gohan said gruffly, looking down at the landscape that passed so rapidly.
“I’m … I’m not from this world.” Trunks found the words coming out of his mouth, though he didn’t necessarily mean to say them, “I’m from ano… another world. The only way to get home is… is through… special portals which I don’t know how to access.”
“You can’t just use a ship?” Gohan knew the answer but he asked anyway.
“No, no I can’t.” Trunks sighed, shaking his head, “I’ll find a way home Gohan… but.. ”
“Let me help. If only by letting you stay at my place.” Gohan said urgently, he finally raised his eyes to meet Trunks’ gaze.
Trunks smiled, “All right, thank you.”
***
Trunks landed first, the moment his feet touched the ground he looked up to watch Gohan land beside him. They met each other’s gaze, both smiling. Then, Gohan reached back and pulled the hood of his cloak up to cover his face. “I want to thank Bulma for being so kind to me yesterday.” Trunks shoved his hands into his pockets, “But after that I think I should probably look around and try to find my way home.”
Gohan nodded, “Yeah.” He said softly, “I’d like to come with you.”
Trunks smiled widely, “Sure! I’d like that.”
Another shared smile, though Trunks couldn’t see it was shared since Gohan’s face was covered, then they walked to Bulma’s home.
***
Yamcha watched as Gohan tossed back the fifth drink. He looked at Krillan, who was also looking a bit worried. “Uh… Gohan? Don’t you think you’ve had enough?” Yamcha queried gently.
Gohan shrugged, waving the waiter over. “No.” He said sharply.
“Look Gohan, we’re all sad about Trunks-” Krillan started but Gohan cut him short with a loud, bitter laugh.
“You all didn’t love him for as long as I did!” He snapped, “You all didn’t feel as if you died when he did.” He ordered his drinks and slumped in his seat.
“Y-yeah, what about Vegeta?” Krillan shook his head, “Trunks… Trunks is dead Gohan. You’re not.”
Gohan pushed a clenched fist against his chest, “Then why do I feel like I am?”
***
Trunks laughed as Gohan burst from the water pulling a huge fish behind him. “Dinner?” He called.
“Right.” Gohan responded with a smile. He dropped the fish on shore and floated down to Trunks’ side. “Can you cook?”
“No… can you?” Trunks asked.
“Er… no. Guess I should throw it back.” Gohan chuckled, grabbing the fish by its tail and chucking it back into the lake.
“Well… it’s the thought that counts I guess.” Trunks shrugged, leaning back on his elbows and smiling at the sky.
“I’m sorry. I guess I’m distracting you.” Gohan sat down on the grass beside Trunks.
“No.” Trunks shook his head quickly, “I’m enjoying your company.” His smile widened. ::A lot:: This Gohan was a lot like his Gohan, only … a little less confident. ::I can almost forget I’m not home when I’m with you::
They met each other’s gaze. Trunks found himself leaning towards that familiar and yet strange face. With their faces mere inches apart they both realized what was happening and smiled. “Can I kiss you?” Trunks asked softly.
“I..” No one had been so close to him since the Cell battle. It was strange and it was wonderful. “Yes.” He breathed, leaning forward and pressing his lips against Trunks’s.
Trunks leaned into the kiss eagerly, loving the feel of those velvety lips. Gohan moaned softly, closing his eyes and opening his mouth. Shyly their tongues met in an age old duel. Caressing, sharing, ::Why do I feel this way?:: Trunks wondered as he let his own eyes slip shut. ::My Gohan openly admitted to loving me and I was shy.. but you… you I want to touch and.. and love… why?:: He mentally shook his head, ::Don’t think. Just enjoy the moment.::
They parted, Trunks opened his eyes, smiling when he saw Gohan was panting softly with his eyes still shut. He reached up and ran his fingers lightly down Gohan’s jaw. “You’re beautiful.” He whispered.
“How.. how can I be?” Gohan murmured, turning his face towards Trunks’ touch.
“You’re beautiful to me.” Trunks leaned forward, lightly kissing Gohan’s cheek.
“I don’t understand.” Gohan whispered, “I don’t understand why.. I feel like this.”
“Neither do I.”
“I feel like I should know you… like.. like I’ve waited for you.” Gohan’s eyes slitted open. He peered at Trunks’ face, memorizing every line, ::Like I’ve loved you forever.::
Trunks kissed his chin, “All my life… I’ve never felt this… this strange need to .. to touch.” He murmured, his confusion clear in his voice, “I want to touch you everywhere.”
Gohan grabbed Trunks’s hands and shook his head, “This is insane. We don’t know each other.”
::But our hearts do:: Trunks blinked hard, ::Where did that thought come from?::
“I’m s-sorry.” Trunks stuttered, reality thrusting itself upon him. He shook his head, pushing away the strange, confusing emotions. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize.” Gohan kissed Trunks’s fingers, “Please don’t.”
“I just… I don’t understand .. why.” Trunks whispered, “I feel like I… I … love you.”
Gohan’s eyes widened, “I feel the same way.” he gasped.
***
::Trunks::
Mirai Trunks’s eyes opened slowly. ::Found him:: He thought, the smallest smile tilting his lips. Then he closed his eyes again and concentrated. ::Trunks?::
***
::Trunks?::
Trunks jerked, rolling away from Gohan and darting to his feet. He grabbed his head, looking around wildly. ::Not here. Not now.:: He cried mentally. “I… I just thought of something!” He told Gohan quickly, “Listen, I have to go alone. I’ll meet you back at your place later.” He jumped, taking to the air and flying away as fast as he could.
Gohan watched him leave, his heart sinking. “Why do I feel as if I’ll never see you again?” He whispered to the air. He shook his head, falling onto his back and staring at the sky with unseeing eyes.
He lifted two fingers and lightly touched his lips. A little smile curved his lips.
***
“I’m here.” Trunks said as he landed on an island several miles away from where Gohan was.
::Ah. Good.::
“This is Mirai Trunks right? Is the Monk dead? Why am I here?” Trunks asked in a rush.
::The Monk is dead.::
“Then why am I here?!”
::I discovered something little one. The Monk wasn’t the one bouncing you around.::
“He wasn’t?” Trunks frowned, “Then who was?”
::Hm. You.::
“What?!” Trunks gasped.
::Undiscovered power is a dangerous thing little one. Inside you there is the power to bend time, to alter reality. This power is awakening. ‘You’ were unhappy with your life, so the power took you to other lives. Only it wasn’t strong enough to keep you there long, so you ended up at your proper world in the end.::
“That doesn’t make sense.” Trunks whispered.
::No wonder. You are the only one who can take yourself home::
“I don’t know how.” Trunks muttered, “Tell me how.”
::*sigh* I don’t know how either. I am an alternate version of yourself and I don’t possess this power. You have to figure it out yourself.::
“Gee… thanks.” Trunks murmured sarcastically.
::If you were here or I there, I might have a better chance of helping you but as it i-::
***
Mirai Trunks gasped, severing the connection as he felt the strangest tingling in his skin. He looked down just in time to see his hands fade. “What the hell?” He gasped, surging to his feet seconds before his legs disappeared.
***
Trunks watched with huge eyes as Mirai Trunks slowly took form before him. Mirai Trunks blinked as he was firmly inserted in this world. He looked around curiously, then looked at Trunks and raised his eyebrows. “Tell me again how you don’t know ‘how’ to use your power.” He said with a smirk.
“I-I’m sorry.” Trunks gasped, “I don’t know how… I was just thinking that I really wanted.. really wanted you to be here…”
Mirai Trunks shrugged, placing his hands on his hips, “Well, try thinking about how much you want to be home.” He said, “Perhaps that will take you home.”
“Should I click my heels together too?” Trunks muttered under his breath.
Mirai Trunks eyes narrowed, “Tell me Trunks… have you been acting strangely? I mean, have you said and done things that normally ‘you’ wouldn’t do?”
Trunks nodded, “I guess, a couple of days ago I attacked my father… I don’t remember much about it but.. I tried to kill him and today…” He thought of Gohan. ::Today I find myself loving a man I hardly know… even if he does look and act like ‘my’ Gohan, he still isn't.::
Mirai Trunks puffed his breath out on a sigh, “Well, I’m thinking you’re adopting the personalities of your alter selves.” He said thoughtfully. “When you were bouncing around at first, you weren't actually physically entering their world. You were entering their minds, controlling ‘their’ bodies. I think, perhaps, you adopted parts of their personality. That other Trunks, the one you brought to my world, he was rather violent. So, when you attacked your father it was probably a reflection of ‘his’ -”
Trunks shook his head, “Please, stop. You’re making my head hurt.” He rubbed his temples, “I don’t want to know how or why anymore… I just want to go home.”
“I’m sorry, It’s all very fascinating to me.” Mirai Trunks said quietly, he stared at Trunks, the corner of his lip quirking up. “Makes me wonder how much of what you say and do is actually ‘you’.”
::Is that why I feel the way I do towards this Gohan?:: Trunks wondered with a frown, “That doesn't make sense. There is no ‘Trunks’ in this world.” He murmured under his breath.
“What?” Mirai Trunks leaned close, trying to hear.
“Oh, nothing.” Trunks shrugged, “Let’s just… figure out how to get me home.”
***
“I got four.” Trunks landed a few feet away from his lover. Tucked under his arm in a bag were the dragon balls he had acquired.
“I found three.” Gohan gestured to the bag he carried.
“How’d you find three without the sensor?” Trunks arched his eyebrows, smirking.
“I’m gifted that way I guess.” Gohan shrugged, “Shall we summon the dragon?”
“Sounds good to me.”
***
“Concentrate.” Mirai Trunks said softly, watching with avid fascination as Trunks closed his eyes and lowered his head. “Shut down everything. Focus inward. Let yourself go.”
Brow furrowed as he concentrated Trunks felt a strange sensation gripping his feet. Slowly a warmth flooded his legs, travelling up into his chest and arms. He gasped, throwing his head back. “I’m frightened.” He gasped aloud. Still, he kept his eyes closed. He tried to stay focused.
“Just relax.” Mirai Trunks ordered, watching as Trunks’s body began to glow. Purple? he tilted his head, ::Strange. I would have thought he’d glow yellow like the rest of the saiyans::
“I … I can… see…” Trunks gasped.
“You can see what?”
“Everything…” A small smile tilted his lips, “Wow… everything…”
***
“You know, now that he’s here I’m thinking instead of wishing to be taken where Trunks is, we should wish that he be brought here.” Trunks stared up at the dragon, who was waiting impatiently for them to wish.
Gohan peered at Trunks's face, eyes narrowed, “You want to bring him here?”
Trunks smirked, “He’s really cute y’know…”
Gohan rolled his eyes with a laugh, “God Trunks… you’re one horny bastard. All right, if that’s what you want.” He shrugged, “Let’s wish him here then.”
***
It was wonderful, it was exciting and it was confusing all at the same time. His eyes snapped open but he could see nothing but the images being fed to his mind. Everything. Every world, every thought from every version of himself, was flooding his senses. It was awesome.
“Focus on ‘your’ home Trunks.” Mirai Trunks urged. “Focus.”
::Right:: Trunks thought, blinking rapidly as he tried to focus. Just one thought out of millions. He had to find the one world among the many that was ‘his’.
::”I should be the one dead.”::
The thought spoke loudly in his mind. He jerked, recognizing the ‘essence’ of his true father. “I found it.” He whispered.
“Then take us there.”
“Daddy…” Trunks whispered, focusing on his father. The world began to revolve.
***
“We wish that you would bring Trunks here.” Trunks yelled up to the dragon.
The dragon paused, making a low rumbling sound. “Very well.”
A puff of smoke appeared around Trunks, but nothing else happened. Trunks glanced at Gohan, who shrugged. “Where is he?” Gohan asked the dragon.
“Standing beside you.”
“Ah, crap!” Trunks yelled furiously, “Not ME you idiot! Bring the ‘other’ Trunks here!”
Gohan snickered, “You didn’t tell him that.”
“Shaddup.”
***
Mirai Trunks looked up as the figure appeared in the sky. “Trunks?!” A voice called. The figure floated to the island, landing several feet behind Trunks. “Trunks!”
The figure started to run towards Trunks, but Mirai Trunks jumped into the air and landed in front of him. “He’s fine. Just leave him alone.” He said sharply.
“He doesn’t look fine to me.” Gohan growled, dropping his cloak and adopting a fighting stance. “Get out of my way.”
Mirai Trunks stared at that scarred face for a moment. “Gohan?”
Gohan jerked, “How’d you know my name?!” He snapped.
“Look at me!” Mirai Trunks laughed, “Look at me.”
Gohan stared at Mirai Trunks, the color draining from his face. He glanced over Mirai Trunks’ shoulder at Trunks. “You’re…”
“I’m him, now calm down. He’ll be fine.” Mirai Trunks stepped out of the way and turned to watch Trunks.
“Trunks?”
***
Deep within the swirl he heard a single voice call out his name. His brow furrowed, his concentration ebbing. He knew that voice. “Gohan?” He whispered.
“Yes, it’s me… what’s.. happening?” Gohan watched as Trunks turned, his eyes glowing as they focused on Gohan’s face.
“I’m going home.” Trunks responded with a smile.
“Oh.” ::You’re leaving me.:: Gohan thought, his heart sinking to his knees. “Oh.”
The smile faded, “Are you sad?”
“You’re… I.. love you.” Gohan said softly, “I.. I’ve never loved anyone before.”
“Trunks!” Mirai Trunks stepped forward, “Stay focused! You can’t stay here! You have to go home.”
“But…”
“There are people waiting for you!”
“But who..”
“Just focus!” Mirai Trunks cried anxiously, “You can’t stay here forever Trunks! Don’t you realize what will happen? You’ll die. You cannot exist in a reality that is not your own!”
“Go home, Trunks.” Gohan said softly, not understanding what was happening but sensing the truth behind the urgency in Mirai Trunks’ voice. “And.. and know always that I love you.”
“I love you too.” A single tear rolled down his cheek and then everything faded.
Gohan stood alone. Where Trunks had stood, there was nothing, in a way he was glad. Trunks was home. He was sure it wouldn’t take long at all before the boy forgot about him completely… after all… they hadn’t really known each other. Had they? He knew, in his heart, that he would never forget the strange boy. From the moment he first laid eyes on the white-haired angel he’d known, in his soul, that he would and ‘did’ love him with every part of his being.
It didn’t make sense.
But love so rarely does.
Sighing he floated into the air, far off on the horizon the sun hit the ocean. Everything was bathed in a golden glow as Gohan flew away.
***
Mirai Trunks awoke to the sweet smell of burning wood. He squeezed his eyes tightly, then opened them and looked around. He sat up slowly, running his hands through his hair. Then he smiled.
He was home.
Stretching his arms over his head he lay back down.
::I’ll worry about whether or not Trunks got home later. Right now … I just feel like sleeping::
***
“Damn dragon.”
“Well if you didn’t make him mad, we wouldn’t be in this mess.”
“Ah shaddup.”
*giggle* “You do kind of look good with purple hair.”
“Yeah well, you look even better bald.”
Gohan glowered, reaching up to touch his newly shaved head. Trunks had made such a scene when the dragon refused to bring them his ‘alternate’ self, that the dragon had become irritated. After cutting off all Gohan’s hair, and making Trunks’s hair a brilliant, neon purple, the dragon had left. “At least we aren’t dead.” Gohan said, making a face, “I’m surprised we aren’t actually.”
“He was having a good day.” Trunks muttered grumpily.
“May as well go home I guess.” Gohan shrugged, shoving his hands deep into his pockets.
“Are you kidding? Goten wouldn’t let me live this down!”
“You? Look at me! I’m the freakin’ Mr. Clean model!” Gohan snapped, “At least YOU can dye your hair a different color!”
Trunks stuck out his tongue and pouted. “Damn.”
Gohan sighed, “Sorry, didn’t mean to yell… I was just rather attached to my hair.” Gohan grabbed Trunks’ arm and pulled him close. “Forgive me?”
“We’ll see….”
***
He pulled his knee up to his chest and rested his chin on it. He came here every night to watch the sunset. The gentle whoosh of the tide slapping against the beach below relaxed him. It was funny. In a way he supposed he should be more upset about his father’s amazing announcement. After all, it wasn’t every day your father tells you that’s he’s in love with a man… a man who was his mortal enemy just a few years ago.
After Goku and Vegeta revealed their startling news Goten had run out of the house, tears streaming down his cheeks. He had been upset, very much so. Gohan had left too, though less dramatically. Trunks had followed them. He wasn’t really upset, but somehow he felt that he should at least ‘pretend’ to be. He was strangely detached. He almost felt as if it had nothing to with him. But being Vegeta’s son it had ‘everything’ to do with him.
With a sigh he got to his feet. He should head home. He’d fallen asleep after getting here and he wasn’t sure how long he’d been sleeping. He hoped that when he got home Goten wouldn’t be so upset. He dreaded having to see the boy’s tears. Goten was one of his best friends. He hated to see him upset. And Gohan? What about Gohan?
Trunks frowned as a strange pain stabbed his heart. He placed his hand over his heart, pressing, trying to knead the pain away. Gohan?
The pain increased. He gasped. He felt so sad, so terribly sad when he thought of Gohan. And his heart hurt. Why did it hurt? Confused he stumbled forward, intent on getting home. ::I have to see Gohan.:: He thought. He wasn’t sure why, he just needed to lay his eyes on the face he… the face he loved?
The lights were all out, so everyone must be asleep. He opened the door carefully and snuck in. The tv was playing in the living room, its volume on mute. He could see, from the light of the television, Goku and Vegeta. They were curled up on the couch together. They lay on their sides, facing each other. They looked… sweet. The sight made Trunks’s heart ache even more. He stepped further into the room, trying not too make too much noise.
He didn’t manage to make it to his room. “Trunks?” Vegeta’s eyes snapped open. He looked around, gaze slightly unfocused. Those eyes settled on Trunks.
“It’s just me… go back to sleep.” Trunks said beneath his breath.
“Trunks!” Vegeta awoke abruptly. He scrambled to his feet and ran to Trunks. He stopped just in front of the boy, just staring at that face. “Trunks….” He gasped.
Trunks returned his father’s gaze, confused by his dad’s behaviour. “I… I’m sorry I stayed out so late… I just… needed time to th-”
Vegeta grabbed his son and pulled him into a tight embrace. Trunks gasped as his father held him so tightly his ribs ached. Vegeta buried his head in his son’s neck and fought the tears that gathered hotly behind his eyes. “You’re alive.” Vegeta whispered. “You’re alive.”
“Vegeta?” Goku woke slowly. He sat up, rubbing his eyes. Then he noticed Vegeta. “Vegeta?” He crawled over the back of the couch and stumbled to Vegeta’s side. “Holy shit!” He cried, eyes widening as he saw Trunks, “TRUNKS!”
Trunks gazed up at Goku with surprise, “I…” He couldn’t speak. It took too much effort to breathe. He pushed against Vegeta’s chest, “Dad…. I… can’t breathe…”
“You’re alive!” Goku started to laugh with relief and joy, “You’re alive!!”
He wrapped his arms around them both, laughing while he kissed his Vegeta’s cheek. “Alive Vegeta.. he’s alive.”
Vegeta squeezed his eyes shut, finding it hard to breathe. “Trunks, don’t you ‘ever’ die again. A father should ‘not’ out live his son.” He growled harshly.
“What’s all the no-” Gohan gasped, recognizing Trunks immediately. “Trunks?”
Goku waved Gohan over, “He’s alive Gohan! Alive!”
Trunks pushed hard, finally managing to loosen Vegeta’s grip enough so that he could breathe. “What’s going on? What’s wrong with you guys? I was just at the cliff… watching the sunset.”
“You… faded.” Gohan walked over, feeling queasy, dizzy, and relieved.
“In Gohan’s arms.” Goku nodded, “So, what happened? Did you find out who was bouncing you around?”
“What? What are you talking about?” Trunks asked, frowning in confusion. “I.. You guys aren’t making sense.”
There was a brief, tense, silence.
Trunks couldn’t remember the events of the last few days. Somehow, in returning to his world, the memory of his ‘power’ had been erased.
***
“Why are you looking at me like that?” The next morning, as Trunks and Gohan left the house to do some training, Trunks noticed Gohan staring at him.
Gohan suddenly reached down and grabbed Trunks chin. He kissed the boy passionately, holding nothing back. Trunks gasped, eyes so wide they hurt. Gohan pulled back, breathing heavily, “God, Trunks… I love you.”
“Wh-what?” Trunks gasped.
“I . Love . You.” Gohan laughed, smiling, “And I’m never letting you go again. Not in death, not in life, and not in love. I’m never letting you go.”
Trunks just stared, confused and just a little intimidated. Gohan tapped Trunks’s chin and straightened, “C’mon. Let’s train.”
“O-okay
