Welcome to Boxer & Rice

    Chapter 01 : Shattered ► Chapter 02 : ...hush...     Chapter 03 : touch     Chapter 04 : suicide     Chapter 05 : please...?     Chapter 06 : desire He really wasn't sure it was going to work. True, he had planned it for weeks--months, actually, but there was still doubt in his mind. He pushed the meandering negativity off as if it were a strand of his pale hair in his face that needed to be moved and smiled. He wouldn't worry now, he had a role to play, and wasn't about to let his secret slip...
"Trunks!" he turned from the 150th faceless hand he had to shake at the sound of the familiar voice. Bowing slightly and excusing himself, he walked over to greet the man, smiling.

"Goten! How you been!" he gave his friend a hearty hug and stepped back to stare at the boy. "I can see the job hasn't killed you yet, ne...?"

The boy laughed. "No, Trunks-kun, not yet..." he looked past the lavender hair and Trunks turned to follow the gaze. "Trunks." he turned back, still smiling. "Let's talk later, ne? I got to see somebody." He flashed his trademark smile and gave his companion a playful punch.

"Sure, Goten, no prob." He moved to let the other demi-Saiyan glide by, stopping for a moment. "Goten!" The boy raised a dark brow and turned, lips pursed. "Did Gohan come with you...? I haven't seen him yet. Just wondering."

Goten shook his head. "No, he said he was gonna come by with dad a little later," big smile, "don't worry, Trunks! He'll come! He hasn't missed one of these parties since he was born!" The laugh was muffled by the call to duty, as he snapped towards his mother's voice. He turned back to see the boy had disappeared, and shrugged. They'd talk later. It'd been years since the youngest Son had gone off to teach--volunteering here and there, helping re-build after the last disaster the planet managed to survive. He smiled, taking his post once more. The boy lived to make others happy, and that's what he did. Sure, it didn't pay well, but he was happy, right? Trunks grinned absently at another Capsule Corp trustee, allowing his exterior to go on autopilot while he finished his fond reminiscence of his once best friend. They'd grown apart, but now that he was back-

Trunks stiffened almost imperceptibly at the sudden ki that had entered the room. /He's here.../ As if on cue, Goku walked up to the boy and smiled, engaging the young prince in useless conversation he only half responded to. Trunks couldn't look the man in the eyes, but the absent minded Son didn't seem to notice. Trunks sighed when his attention was caught by the heavy scent of heat and spice that lingered in the air and 'excused' himself to the buffet table. Trunks followed the eldest Saiyan until the light scent of old books and musk permeated the air before him. He turned slowly, a courteous smile gracing his lips as he heartily shook the hand of the one Son he'd been waiting for.

Gohan smiled broadly as he clasped the hand of the man before him. He loved these parties, and had been looking forward to this one since he had received the invitation in the mail weeks ago. Brushing back the lock of hair that feel persistently into his eyes, the demi-Saiyan grinning, following the retreating back of his father. "Well, I see 'tousan wasted no time." He turned his gaze back to the younger man. "Did Vegeta make it this year?"

The prince smiled warmly, looking up into those endless dark eyes grinning back at him. "Actually, he was here earlier..." Trunks scanned the room quickly, not really looking. "He talked to 'kaa-san for a second then walked of towards the men's room." He shrugged, releasing the long-held hand slowly. "He might still be here, he might have left. I really can't say." He moved in as if to tell a secret, "He's perfected masking his ki to the point I didn't actually believe it was him until he crossed his arms."

Gohan's smile lengthened as he took possession of his hand again, running it absently down along his hip. "I've known your father a long time, Trunks, and I still don't know what to make of him sometimes." He shook his head as the other man laughed, moving aside to allow the people behind him to walk by, but not yet desiring to leave the other demi-Saiyan's presence. Work had been all consuming lately and he knew some quality conversation give his weary mind a much-needed chance to finally relax. "Thanks again for inviting me, Trunks-kun...you have no idea how much I need this."

"We'll talk later, Gohan-san!" he called over the sea of heads swallowing the broadly built man whole. Trunks went back to his 'princely duties' of greeting and buttering up old, new and would-be backers, and financial members of the board. He glanced briefly at his watch and sighed subtly, keeping his face bright and welcoming. It was only 9.30. In another two hours most all the old biddies would be gone. An hour after that, only family friends would remain. And an hour or two later...well...he didn't want to jump too far ahead just yet.


Gohan nodded as his little brother's best friend was consumed by the wave of people that had arrived. Sighing softly, he made his way to the buffet table, where his father predictably had already astounded many of the guests with the shear quantity of food that he could pack into his Saiyan stomach. Smiling softly at the sight, Gohan helped himself to the massive selection of aromatic goods. Trust the Briefs to know how to throw one hell of a party, he thought, losing himself in the richness of the food as he stuffed a finger sandwich into his mouth, albeit with more dignity than his father.

He continued until his Saiyan appetite was somewhat sated, his body reminding him of more immediate necessities as he made his way through the mob of smiling faces to the rest room. Pausing in the hallway, Gohan looked more closely down the hall to his right. Was that---?
"Vegeta-san?"

Dark rimmed eyes raised slowly to meet those of his addressor, and he started slightly at the sudden overwhelming scent of Son in the hall. /Kami-sama...he came back to keep his word..../ Blinking slowly, he looked closely at the approaching form, a wave of nausea passing as he realized it was just the boy, not the man.

"Vegeta-san...?" Gohan arched a brow at the strange anxiety he felt surrounding the man. Moving slowly forward, he smiled wide. It had been almost a whole year since he had last seen the man. He'd been too busy with work and life to really see much of anyone the past few months, save his brother, who had moved in with him after their parents split up. He blinked the old memories away as he approached the gradually calming man. Furrowing his brow in curiosity Gohan immediately noticed the size of the prince. He was still short--most people were compared to the Son clan, but he seemed...smaller. Thin? Kami-sama! Vegeta had lost weight! Sure, he was wearing a tux, but it still fit him pretty close, and thinking back, Gohan had never really thought of the man as small--generally his ego and attitude worked wonders to project a large, unyielding figure of raw power and rage. But now, Vegeta just looked...small.

And pale. That olive-toned skin he'd gotten so used to seeing smeared red in victory was now a pale version of itself. A ghost of sorts, he thought.

Vegeta felt the scrutiny of the boy 's eye like a knife cutting him open to see inside. He straightened fully and folded his arms to his chest, turning his head to the side, closing his eyes. "What do you want, baka." Gohan leaned forward instinctively. If it weren't for his sensitive ears, the statement would have fallen unheard. "Vegeta...." The man's voice was hoarse, raw, and incredibly low. It was the voice of a man who had spent a good ten years chain smoking and drinking bourbon straight. Gohan raised a brow in confusion. He smelt cigarettes on the man, true, but that could be chalked up to the party, right? And he certainly didn't smell any liquor in the air. That would have been easy enough to pick up from the other end of the hall... "Gomen nasai, Vegeta-san, but are you alright? You...look a little..." he grimaced at the word, "sick."

The proud prince closed dark, dazed eyes. Kami, what he didn't need right now was the foolish boy's classic Son pity. Growling sharply, the man's eyes snapped open to encompass those of the other man--he choked on the venomous words as he felt his chest constrict. The boy might tell him father what he said...casting his eyes downward and shifting his weight, the once strong man hugged himself tighter across the front.
"Yeah, kid...I'm fine..."

Gohan eyed the Saiyan carefully, fully aware it was a lie, but also smart enough to not go where it's obvious he's not wanted. He stood tall with a slight sigh and looked the man carefully over. "Well, if you say you're alright, Vegeta-san, I guess you must be..." he backed away slowly, and the prince raised his eyes to follow the retreating figure. Gohan paused before the men's room door, turning back to offer up one last comforting thought to his fellow Saiyan....

"If you like, Vegeta-san, we can talk later on." He shrugged. "Goten and Dad are here if you're interested," he smiled, "I know Goten might be excited to see you, and I'm sure as Hell dad would be!" he stepped into the room, smiling broadly, unaware of the reaction he had just elicited from the shaking prince...


When Gohan finished his business and walked out of the bathroom, the Saiyan prince was gone. In fact, a quick scan of the area showed the prince to have left the premises completely. /Unless Trunks is right and he really is getting better at that.../

Resolving to question the younger demi-Saiyan about his sickly father later, Gohan made his way back into the crowd. Sighing gratefully, he sank into a chair, glancing down at his watch. 10:45...He noted thankfully that the throng of humans had tapered off, Bulma seeing them all out the door with the practiced grace of a good hostess. Glancing over, he smiled back at the lavender haired demi-Saiyan that sauntered in his direction. Putting a warm hand on his shoulder, the boy spoke quickly. "Hey, Gohan, I have some things to finish here, but stay for awhile, ne? Haven't seen you in ages..."

He couldn't refuse that damn Saiyan grin and found himself nodding though his head felt like it was going to roll off of his shoulders. /Too much food/ he thought, yawning into the back of his hand and watching the other stride professionally toward a group of executives.

He sat back, stretching slightly at the relaxation that was slowly seeping into his wide shoulders. This was definitely what he needed. One night of no responsibilities, nothing to worry about, no deadlines, no chores...he chuckled lightly as he watched the people in the room mingle before him, ignoring him completely. /It feels good not to be needed once in a while.../ Not that he hated his job, but he had been working much too hard lately and really needed to relinquish some control.
Just relax and let somebody else do the thinking.

Eventually he felt the presence of his father join him, the elder Son pulling out the chair beside him. His dark eyes had partially closed in his lethargic state, and he didn't bother to open them further as he looked at the other man. Wrinkling his brow and sitting up suddenly, he looked at the smiling, cheerful face of his father. "Hey 'tousan...I saw Vegeta a little while ago. He doesn't look well. I know you two spar a lot...has he mentioned that anything's wrong?"

Goku kept the smile in place and simply shook his head with a shrug. Gohan raised a brow, turning to face his father fully. "He hasn't said anything to you?" Another shake of the head. Eyeing his suddenly silent father cautiously. "Have you noticed anything funny about him? I mean, he's lost a lot of weight, and he looks pretty ill..."

Goku's smile slipped slightly to a simple grin.
"You know he'd never say anything to me, Gohan." The boy thought for a moment then nodded, not entirely convinced.
"How long ago did you see him?"

Gohan turned and gesture towards the hall. "He was there maybe 30 minutes ago, but then he just disappeared..." He looked back to his father--shocked by the smirk on his face. "Dad?"

Goku turned to the boy and smiled, tousling his shining black locks. "I'm gonna get going, Gohan," he yawned, "I feel pretty beat." He stood, still smiling. "I'll see you later on in the week." He waved and made his way through the dwindling crowd.

/'Tou-san...? what was that for...?/
Gohan's brow furrowed deeply in thought. What the hell was that about? His father hadn't seemed concerned at all--something that Son Goku made a habit of being toward everyone. Even the arrogant prince that had threatened to kill him on numerous occasions.

"Gohan, you ok?"
Dark eyes snapped up to meet their younger replica. "Hai, Goten..." he forced a smile.

"You seemed kinda out of it just now," His brother affectionately rapped him on the head with a grin. "Anybody home?"

Gohan waved the boy off, smirking. Goten just beamed, sitting on the arm of the chair. "Have you seen Trunks yet?" he asked the older man, brows raised.

"Hai, we'll talk later though, he's pretty busy."

"That he is," the slighter boy sat silent then turned to look at his brother when he heard the sigh. "What's wrong, big brother? Not thinking about work, are you?" There was something playfully threatening in his voice and Gohan smiled.

"I don't think so--oi, did you know Vegeta was here?"
What was wrong with his family tonight? Had they all been taken over by pod people?? The blush that painted his younger brother's cheeks at the sound of the Saiyan prince's name was enough to snap the older demi-Saiyan out of his stupor. "No...I didn't know he was here. I haven't seen him around lately." Gohan slid forward to perch on the edge of his chair, silently regarding his...a scent tickled the inside of his nose...nervous brother?

"Goten, what's the matter with you? And why the hell does everyone suddenly switch personalities whenever I mention Vegeta's name?"

Goten looked down into his lap, hiding his eyes.
"I'm fine, Gohan, nothing's wrong, it's just..." he looked up. Gohan noticed he was scanning the room--for Vegeta? The boy looked back to the floor, his voice a half-step lower. "He and dad...got into a pretty big...argument a while back is all. They sorta just try to avoid each other..."

Gohan saw the flush suddenly deepen as the younger Saiyan's words trailed off. He leaned closer. "If you're so fine, why are you so red...?" Goten looked up into his brother's face to see the scrutiny. "And why do you smell so guilty....?"

Goten's black eyes widened considerably as he met his elder's gaze. "I-I'm not guilty...it's not like I meant for it to happen..." the boy trailed off as he realized his mistake, swallowing hard as his brother's dark eyes suddenly narrowed, almost looking like his father did when he'd found out-

"Didn't mean for what to happen, Goten? I know I've been working a lot lately, but dammit, if someone doesn't fill me in I'm going to wring it out of them!"

Chewing on his lower lip, the younger Son looked downward. "It was about me."

The whisper was conquered by the surrounding voices and Gohan was forced to lean forward to hear, "What?"

The younger demi-Saiyan averted his gaze, looking intently at the floor. "The fight they had...it was about me..." The relaxed feeling had all but let him as Gohan opened his mouth-- "...and Vegeta." It shut with sound snap.

"N-nani...you and...Vegeta...?"

Goten gave his back to the older Son, turning in shame--or fear, he wasn't sure which. Gohan stood slowly, gripping the boys shoulder and virtually dragging him to his feet. "Goten." Before the boy could look up, he was being led to a silent doorway near the rear exit. Pulling the him into the dim light, he turned him forcefully to face him. "Goten. Tell me." The boy looked slowly up to the face before him--the deathly calm face before him and swallowed. He pulled his brow together and bit down on his lower lip again, quiet.

"Goten." The voice was more insistent, the hands on his shoulders shaking him out of his induced silence.

"Gohan, I don't want to tell you." His little brother was quietly pleading with him and he could feel the anxiety barreling off him in waves. He lost his calm exterior at the nervous scent, his fraternal instincts kicking him in the ass and infusing him with worry for his sibling.

"Please, tell me." A dark exhale of defeat and Goten's eyes looked out over the crowd.

"I went over to see Trunks about a month ago and there wasn't anyone there except for Vegeta. He must have been in a good mood that day," The boy blushed. "'Cause he offered to help me train..." Those black eyes saddened slightly. "'Tousan was always so busy..." Goten shook his head. "Anyway, we started to spar...and...well..."

Gohan's eyes widened as he realized the implications to his brother's silence. /Dende-sama.../

Gohan looked down at the boy in shock. "So...you...and Vegeta..." he grasped desperately for words, but could only bob his head in response. Goten blushed, looking down once more.
"Hai, nii-chan."

Gohan released the boy's shoulders and fell back to lean against the wall. "...Dende-sama..." he jerked his head to the boy, suddenly finding himself on one knee before him, hands tight on the youngest Son's arms. "Kami, Goten...did he--was it, I mean how did he-" Goten pulled back from him.

"No, Gohan. It wasn't like that...it was..." he looked over his brother's head to the burgundy colored wall. "Okay..." he risked a nervous glance at his brother and sighed. "It was..." a slight shrug with his final word, "mutual..."

Gohan could have kissed Dende himself--his brother hadn't been...raped by Vegeta, just fallen prone to his maturing adolescent desires. The elder Son felt a stab of envy; Goten had actually gotten to enact one of his fantasies. Shrugging off the slight bitter feeling, Gohan stood, gathering his brother to his embrace.

"Goten...you didn't have to go through this alone." Large, gentle hands cupped his brother's fiery cheeks. "You could have told me..." Goten sighed, though his smile was a bit forced.

"There wasn't much to tell, nii-chan...I came home late after that and 'tousan smelled Vegeta on me..." The boy closed dark eyes, shivering slightly in the demi-Saiyan's grasp. "I've never seen him so mad before..."

Gohan hugged the young demi-Saiyan tightly and sighed. He knew his father could have quite the temper--especially when it came down to his son's well being. A slight ache stubble through his chest as he remembered the passion he'd seen pour from the eldest Son. It was not something one would want to be on the receiving end of...ever.

Goten pulled free of the strangle hold Gohan had on him and looked back into the ballroom. Gohan was suddenly aware of the sadness in the boy's face--he saw it earlier, but was skillfully distracted by his brother's jovial attitude.

"Goten, he-"

"Left, I know. I felt him go about an hour ago." He sighed. "I was just sorta hoping...you know," he looked deep into the elder Saiyan's eyes, not even trying to hide his sadness, "to say I was sorry...." He looked to the floor again, and made a slight gesture with his hand that Gohan interpreted to be a wave.

"Gomen, Goten..."

"It's fine...I'll see you later on, ne?" He walked back into the bright room and Gohan followed him to Trunks, watching as he hid everything that just happened from everyone else.

The smile that graced Goten's elegant features was a perfect carbon copy of their father's. It made him wonder if the elder Son hid his emotions so effectively...Gohan was surprised as he felt Trunks' hand on his shoulder. He had assumed the boy would want to spend time with his brother. While he and the other demi-Saiyan had stayed in touch, he had never had the relationship with him that Goten did. Looking over his shoulder, he watched as Goten walked past the remaining guests and out toward the hotel lobby.

"Hey, I rented a room upstairs for the night. 'Kaasan mentioned bringing guests back to CC so I took the liberty of sparing myself." Gohan looked down into laughing blue eyes and found himself smiling. "Wanna come up for a cup of tea?" The arm around his shoulders tightened, leading him toward the stairs. "We've got some catching up to do..."


The doors slid open with a soft ping and the men stepped into the hall, walking slowly side by side.

"And he said, 'But I asked for a smaller blanket!'" Gohan could no longer contain the laughter, falling against the wall as tears blurred his vision at the punch line of the younger Saiyan's joke. He stood when he heard the beeps of the keycard being accepted, releasing the door with a soft 'ktch'. Chuckling, he followed the other Saiyan into the suit, wiping the tears from his face. He paused, stunned by the sheer size of the room. Deep crimson walls flecked with gold arched up into an impossibly high, flawless domed ceiling. Scanning the huge room, he saw a king-sized canopy bed to his left, a small table with a lumpy duffel at its feet, and glass doors that led to a balcony. Kami, leave it to the Briefs, ne...? He turned slowly, eyes wide, to face a laughing Trunks.

"Kami, Gohan-san! Haven't you ever been in a hotel before?" Gohan shook his head, blinking the shock down and closing his apparently dropped jaw.

"Gomen, Trunks-san...I was just...surprised. That's all..." The pale haired youth chuckled, pulling off his suit coat as he walked towards one of two doors to his right. Gohan followed, mimicking his host's gesture. Trunks glanced over his shoulder, flicking the light on the wall before entering the newly lit room. "This one's the bathroom, that one," he pointed, "kitchen and closet. I need a few minutes, make yourself at home." He closed the door, only to open it again. "Do whatever you like, Gohan-san, just don't fall off, 'kay?" He threw a quick smirk to the amused man and ducked his head back in the room, closing the door firmly.

Gohan walked back out into the main area of the bedroom, spinning in slow circles as his mind began to haltingly comprehend the lavishness of the room. Coming to rest in from the bed, the demi-Saiyan sank down into with a grateful sigh. So much had happened in the last few hours...he fleetingly wondered if being buried in his work, oblivious, was such a bad thing after all. Toeing off his shiny black shoes, the Son boy pushed himself further up on the bed, glancing toward the door the other man had disappeared through. His mother had taught him to be painfully polite, but he had grown up with his father too, and it was that learning that had his feet up on the plush burgundy comforter, arms crossed lazily behind his head as he waited patiently for his host to return.


Trunks stared silently at his reflection. His face had betrayed nothing--just like his Papa taught him.

/Papa.../ he lowered his head and closed his eyes as if in pain. He couldn't stop the image in his head from running on a loop over and over and over again. The blood, the tears, the smell of release...
...of the other Saiyan.

Trunks shook his head furiously, clenching his teeth. He froze and turned on the faucet, cupping his hands beneath to splash the cool liquid on his flushed cheeks. Now was not the time to break the mask he wore so tightly the past weeks. No. He had to keep cool, stay calm, in control. He was going to do this, he was going to see his plan to completion.

He turned off the water, absently grabbing for the towel on the sink. He was doing this. He had kept his resolve for this long, and to go against it now would be to betray his father--betray his title. He was a prince, after all. He had a duty to uphold. He was the keeper of the peace amongst his people...and if one of them broke a law--not BEND, but actually BROKE one of those stone-written rules...well, it was only just that he pay in kind for his insolence.

He smirked, damp hair hanging before his eyes. Yes. He WOULD do this. It was right. It was law. It was NECESSARY. He wrapped the towel around his shoulders and moved towards the door. Frowning at his mirror image, he loosened the tie and undid the to two buttons of his shirt. Tousling his hair, he huffed, satisfied. Grabbing the handle, he slapped on a smile and raised his eyes to the figure flat on the bed. He would do this.
He had to.


Gohan stirred as he heard the doorknob turn and open, announcing the other's arrival. Yawning like a comfy feline, the demi-Saiyan raised weary raven eyes to the man in the doorway. "I see you made yourself comfortable." The Son blushed, but didn't move as he smiled at the other's laughing jest.

"Hai..." He yawned again, pushing himself up on one elbow. "I think I could really go for that tea, now..."

The younger demi-Saiyan grinned, turning toward the hallway. "I had it brought up before we came...stay put, I'll bring it out."


He chuckled at the man lying comfortably on the bed before him, who seemed to blush as though he was caught in the middle of a rather embarrassing situation. /Well, he's good with directions, I see.../ He smirked as the Son yawned.

"I think I could really go for that tea, now..." Trunks smiled.

"I had it brought up before we came--stay put, I'll bring it out." He turned his back on the man, shaking his head. /Just like Goten.../ he paused briefly, the thought striking him in the face as he turned on the light in the kitchen. Goten had been the cause of the whole situation--why wasn't he here instead of his brother...? /Papa would have killed me if I touched him./ He frowned. It wasn't fair in a way: Goten had been his to claim, not his father's...but...he just...He shook his head, setting the cups out on the tray and looking for something to grab the hot handle of the teapot with. He could never bring himself to do it. He cared too much for Goten to bind him in that way.

His father had the right to choose whomever he wanted. He was fine with that...just a little surprised it had been, well, Goten and not Goku--or even Gohan...finding a small dish towel hiding in the far depths of a cupboard, he slowly lowered the steaming pot to the tray, alongside the cups. He was finished regretting his inactivity with the youngest Son. What had past between them had been wholly worth remembering, and that was the end. Goten belonged to his father now...his father was the prince of all Saiyans and deserved respect for his title. The boy should have been honoured that he was the chosen.

So should his father. To have one's child become the mate of a member of the royal house is nothing to scoff at.
But Goku just didn't understand.
And it was time to make him realize his mistake.


Gohan lay back against the luxurious bedspread with a soft, contented sigh. It was so beautiful here...He never once faulted his parents for their lack of wealth, but he was never beyond basking in it when someone else was so ready to give it. Glancing over at the balcony, the demi-Saiyan decided he needed some of the cool air that the evening had promised when he first arrived to the hotel if he was ever going to stay awake.

Shrugging, he threw his long legs over the bed, listening absently to the gentle sounds coming from the kitchen. Sliding off of the bed, Gohan made his way to the doors that opened to the balcony, idly fingering the cream coloured lace curtains that hung in wispy folds down to the carpeted floor. A quick turn to the cool silver handles in his grip and the fresh autumn breeze rushed in to meet him as he advanced.

"It's a nice night." Gohan jumped, spinning from the balcony. He hadn't heard the other man approach. Running a quick hand through his hair, the demi-Saiyan smiled, looking back over the endless expanse of liquid darkness that was held at bay by the soft, yellow glow of the lamps within the room.

"Hai," His whisper was lost in the soothing breeze that smelled of wet earth and rain. Taking a deep breath, he gratefully accepted the warm china cup that was placed in his hands. "Arigato, Trunks-kun...for all of it."


He carried the tray over to the small nightstand by the bed and set it down gently, deciding to have it readily accessible if need be. He watched as the other Saiyan walked towards the glass doors, examining the fine lace curtains before opening the door. He smirked. Lifting the pot, he poured the steaming, pale yellow liquid into the small white cups carefully, making sure not to spill a drop of the precious liquid. Sure, it was easy enough to make again, but he just felt better knowing he had it all there and ready, should his guest become...parched later on. Walking silently towards the man's broad back, he smiled innocently, his secret well hidden.

"It's a nice night." He chuckled lightly as the man before him started at his unannounced presence.

"Hai," he replied, voice low as he accepted the cup from his gracious host. Trunks watched calmly as the older Saiyan curled his fingers around the dwarfed cup, bringing it up to inhale it's heat. "Arigato, Trunks-kun...for all of it," he gestured to the room with his chin, smiling warmly at the young prince. Trunks just laughed.

"Don't thank me, Gohan-san, thank my great grandparents for being so smart!"

Gohan smiled at the light joke and sighed. It was a really nice night out, maybe he should go soon. If he left and started walking, he might be able to catch sunrise...

"...Gohan?" He turned at his named, Trunks just stepped aside.

"I asked if you'd like some cakes with your tea? One of my secretaries is an excellent cook, and made these great cookie-like-things," he shrugged, drawing a laugh from the dark-eyed man. "The tea's a little bitter, that's why I thought I'd offer..." Trunks stepped inside, coaxing the man from the balcony. Gohan smiled and took one last deep breath before following the young man.

The prince sighed a mental sigh of relief as he got the boy to come inside. That had been much too close. He moved forward, closing-and securely locking-the heavy glass doors. He turned back to Gohan smiling.

"I'll be right back, they're in the pantry." He set his cooling cup down, eyeing the man as he brought his own to his lips. Heading for the kitchen, he resolved to concentrate on finding the aforementioned sweets and nothing else.


Gohan brought the tea to his lips as he watched the younger man leave. He wasn't really that hungry, and thought of saying as much as he retreated, but Trunks seemed so eager he didn't have the heart to tell him no. Besides, he was Saiyan. If he couldn't pack a few measly cookies into his stomach he wasn't doing his race justice. Sipping the hot fluid carefully, Gohan paused in his thoughts, almost choking as the bitter liquid hit the back of his tongue. Shaking his head, he forced himself to swallow, eyes watering with the effort.

He smiled apologetically as Trunks re-entered the room, setting the cup against his thigh as he sat back down on the bed. "You weren't kidding when you said it was bitter."

The younger demi-Saiyan laughed, placing the blue patterned china that held the cookies on the table beside the tea.

"Here, have a cookie." He took the morsel gratefully as Trunks joined him on the bed, stuffing the whole thing in his mouth and sighing in quite relief as the sugary sweetness combated the bitterness on his tongue. But the tea *had* helped his sleepy state...Gohan took another cautious sip, blinking in pleased surprise as the warm liquid created less offense on his taste buds.

"It's not that bad, actually," he said as he finished the tea in the cup, licking the last drop from the bottom. And then Trunks was before him filling it back up. Gohan laughed lightly as he ate another cookie. "Ever the good host, ne?"


Trunks arranged the found pastries in an orderly circle on the tray. Eyeing the one extra cookie warily, he sighed and popped it in his mouth. /One won't do anything.../ he munched on the sweet treat and carried the plate out to the other demi-Saiyan who was standing near the bed.

"You weren't kidding when you said it was bitter," he said as he sat. Trunks beamed, ignoring the bugs crawling in droves around his stomach. He offered a cookie to the man, who promptly devoured it in one bite. He set the plate down on the stand and brought the pot over to refill the Saiyan's now empty cup. "It's not that bad, actually," the Son raised his cup as he reached for another cookie, chuckling at the smiling Saiyan weighting on him hand and foot. "Ever the good host, ne?" Trunks laughed and sat down, setting the pot back down.

"I aim to please. I feel like it's my duty to do these things--like the party tonight, and the greeting and the hob-knobbing..." he shrugged, watching the elder warrior quickly gulp down his second cup of tea and reach fro a third biscuit.. "You actually start to enjoy it after a while...how's the tea?" He grabbed the pot, raising a brow, "want more...?"


"...How's the tea? Want more?" Gohan couldn't refuse the younger man, it simply wasn't bred into him to. Nodding, he scarfed down another cookie as Trunks began to refill his cup. Taking a large swallow to clear his mouth of cookie bits, Gohan sat back against the headboard of the bed and watched as the other man placed the teapot back on the tray.

"G--" Gohan coughed, clearing his throat as his voice suddenly reminded him of the wonders of puberty. "Gomen, Trunks-kun. I don't mean to make you run around. I can get it myself, why don't you just relax? You've already had an exhausting day, ne?"

The boy sigh convincingly at the statement ad fell back on the bed, causing it to bob under the motion. He chuckled as he watched a wide-eye Gohan hold the cup of liquid up in order to keep it from being jostled too much. "It's really no problem, Gohan-san. I don't mind. You're my company, my guest," he smiled that undeniably seductive grin, "I don't mind anything I do where friends are concerned." He rolled over on his side, resting his head in his hand. "Besides, from what Goku-san told and Goten-kun confirmed, you've been overworking yourself. You 're the one who needs the break, Gohan-san." He winked as he concluded his speech and the darker Saiyan smiled.

Gohan blushed slightly under the other man's gaze, hastily taking another drink and knowing that it was his weary mind that interpreted the younger demi-Saiyan's look and perhaps, Gohan's wishful nature. Looking down into the cup of golden liquid, the older man chewed softly on his lower lip before his dark eyes flickered up to meet pale, inviting oceans of blue. "Ariga--" Gohan's brow furrowed slightly as a hand went to his throat and he coughed. "Gomen...must be getting a cold..."

Trunks watched silently as the large figure seemed to...fidget? He smiled, the slow scent of embarrassment creeping quietly into his nose. "Yeah. You gotta watch out for that. I wasn't feeling too good earlier this week." He shrugged, sitting up slowly, running his hands over the comforter rather...suggestively. Gohan's eyes were glued to the long slim fingers of that pale, seemingly delicate hand against the dark, endless cover. "Might be a bug going around. You never know..."


"...you gotta watch out for that." Gohan's eyes widened slightly as he watched those soft slender fingers caress the contrasting texture of crushed velvet. He consequently missed the rest of his low spoken statement, dark eyes ripping themselves away from the mind made sex symbol of Trunks' hands and into the now empty cup in his lap. The older demi-Saiyan had no idea what to do...so he did what Gohan does best.

He panicked.

Placing the china on the nightstand with a clatter, rushing to use both hands to steady so that it didn't fall, Gohan went to stand. Turning to bid the man goodnight. It was getting late, after all, he should be heading home. He opened his mouth to speak, to thank the man watching him carefully from the bed.
Only to find that he couldn't speak.


Trunks' mind was a shamble of thoughts, blending and bleeding into each other with such fury he was afraid the look on the man's face was because he had discovered the boy's plan. /K'so!!/ He cursed mentally as he finished his sentence: "...you never know..." The elder of the two stared into his cup and Trunks all but lost his composure /FUCK!/ He watched with a feeling of absolute failure as the man before him shakily placed the cup back on the tray and rose to walk quickly to the door, their eyes never leaving each others. He rose as the Son opened and closed his mouth twice, a little force of breath pushing a strange choking sound from him.
But no words.


Trunks looked concerned, intent to keep the game up for as long as he could before getting the pummeling he knew was imminent. "Gohan...?" The man coughed in an attempt to clear whatever was keeping him silent away. /Must've been a cookie...swallowed it funny.../ he coughed again and looked worriedly into the concerned eyes of his host.

"Gohan? What's wrong...?"

Gohan barely managed to suppress the whine that threatened in that back of his throat, only to realize that it never formed. One large hand massaged into his vocal cords, trying desperately to regain the use of his voice. Dark, panicking eyes were the only outside sign of Gohan's inward frenzy. He couldn't speak, he couldn't speak, hecouldn'tspeak....

"Gohan?" The elder demi-Saiyan coughed, trying in utter desperation to clear whatever obstruction had developed in his throat. Walking with as much calm as he could muster, the older man took the warm handle of the tea pot, pouring himself another shot which he promptly downed. "What's wrong?" Closing his eyes and forcing himself to think rationally, he replaced the cup and kettle. Turning to the other man and blushing furiously at this embarrassing turn of events he carefully caught the other's eye and slowly mouthed the words:
'I can't speak.'


/...Kami-sama.../ his breath caught and nested in his throat as he watched the panicked man gulp down another cup of tea. Gohan turned to face a wide-eyed Trunks and the younger Saiyan's mind was finally put to ease as he saw the oldest demi-Saiyan slowly mouth the words he knew would come weeks ago: 'I. can't. speak.'

Gohan fell embarrassed and defeated to the bed and Trunks moved to sit next to him, his body finally seeing it fit to allow air to flow once more. /Kami.../ he took another mental sigh of relief but his face, as per the training, betrayed none of his thoughts.


Gohan sat down heavily on the bed, head falling to rest in his hands, long fingers running through his ebony mane. /Oh, Kami, I can't speak...what the hell is wrong with me?/ He opened his mouth, brow drawn determinedly to speak, only to find that absolutely no noise greeted his ears, only the exhale of breath he loosed in exasperation. Dark Son eyes turned mournfully to their blue counterpart. 'What am I going to do?' He placed a hand lightly on the desperate man's shoulder.

"Kami, Gohan...I'm sorry. Still think it's a cold? Laryngitis? Dende-sama...this can't be good. Maybe you should try to relax," he pulled the Son back to lie on the bed. "Just stay there and try to think. Rationalize."


Gohan stared at the canopy blinking. What the hell happened? Sure, he hadn't felt great--he was a lot more tired than usual these days, but this he didn't understand. "Gohan?" He turned at the call and started slightly as the paler boy's face was suddenly closer to him than he remembered. "Is there anything else wrong? Headache? Stomachache? I've got some medicines in the bathroom if you want some--"

The man shook his head cutting the boy off.
The older Saiyan went to push himself up; the scent of the other demi-Saiyan was doing nothing for his nerves, placing Gohan in an even more embarrassing situation. His ebony eyes snapped upward as he felt the subtle pressure of Trunks' hand on his chest and he paused, wide expression growing even more confused as he absorbed the look in the boy's normally light, carefree eyes. That sovereign blue that he had always admired was darkened, the smile that usually graced his beautiful lips discarded completely.

"I think you need to relax, Gohan." He found himself thrust forcefully on his back, bed shifting slightly to accommodate his form. Those glittering eyes filled his vision again and the demi-Saiyan promptly forgot to breathe. "Moving will only worsen your...condition."


Gohan made to sit up and Trunks shook his head slightly. /No you don't, baka.../ He pressed a hand to the rising chest, instantly drawing those wandering black orbs to his own cold blue ones. "I think you need to relax, Gohan," he pressed hard, wondering slightly at the total confusion in the elder man's eyes. /Hn. Ignorance is bliss, ne?/ "Moving will only worsen your...condition."

"Here, maybe the tea would help? Or some water?" he stood, moving towards the kitchen.

Water? Gohan raised a brow. If the tea didn't do anything, then why would water help? He sat up--a little too fast, because suddenly, the room was spinning. He put his head in his hands resolving not to stand. /Kami. What's wrong with me tonight?/ He fell back once more, closing his eyes, willing the vertigo to stop. He pulled his feet up on the bed and curled into a ball, sighing heavily as he rested his heated cheek against the cool velvet. He felt the bed drop a little and knew who it was, the natural muskiness of Saiyan mingling with the light spice of clean clothes that was Trunks filled his nose...a lot. He opened his eyes slowly to find those darkened eyes mere inches from his own.

"Feeling better?"

" .....hh.." He frowned. No. No better.     Chapter 01 : Shattered ► Chapter 02 : ...hush...     Chapter 03 : touch     Chapter 04 : suicide     Chapter 05 : please...?     Chapter 06 : desire