Part 4

Dear diary

Last night became one of the worst days of my life! Trunk's dad beat the hell out of us, my so called friend forced himself upon me, Trunks found out and made me to tell him where Brody was that night and to top it all off, Trunks has been gone all night and all I have done is sit and cry. I'm so pathetic but he told me to not follow him. I don't want to disobey him but if he's not back soon I will search for him...he has no idea how worried I am.

Goten placed the diary inside his bag as he did every morning. Sitting inside the tent not knowing what to do with himself he thought there was no point waiting around or crying any longer.

Where should I look first? I hope not but maybe he's at the football field or maybe he went home, if he's still mad with me for lying to him.

He decided to check the prince's house first. Sleep deprived and emotional, Goten really didn't care if anything happened to his belongings or himself because all he wanted was to find his beloved and make sure they're okay. Without giving his plan a second thought he crawled out of the tent and ascended into the dawn sky.

I don't care what time it is...I...I need to know if he's okay. I really hope I don't wake Vegeta though.

Goten reached the Briefs residence in almost no time at all and hesitantly knocked on the front door. Immediately a distraught looking Bulma answered. Her eye makeup was streaked down her face and she looked like she had been crying for ages.

"Goten, you're okay!" She screamed.

She hugged him tightly and dragged him inside.

"What's wrong Mrs Briefs?"

"Trunks has been taken to the hospital!"

Goten's heart sank to unfathomable depths after hearing such a bombshell.

"Wh...wh...How...?"

"I don't know hun. I received a call from the hospital a moment ago so I'm going there now. Do you want to come with me?"

"Y...Yes please"

He had to fight back more tears while trying to contemplate what was just said. Bulma grabbed her handbag and rushed Goten to the car.

"Um...where's Vegeta?"

"I wish I knew hun. He didn't take the news very well and flew off somewhere"

Hmph...He's probably feeling guilty. I'm positive his actions helped Trunks end up in the hospital. Trunks...You knew how badly you were hurt...What happened to you?

Goten wished he could fly there, but he knew that it would probably cause hysteria if the public witnessed him flying around. It didn't matter too much though because Bulma was driving over the speed limit all the way there. When they reached the hospital, she parked the car and they both ran inside. The receptionist directed them to where he was receiving treatment. As they entered the correct ward they explained to the nearest nurse that they wanted to see Trunks. The nurse directed them to the room they were keeping him in and warned them before they entered that he was unconscious. Nothing could have prepared Goten for the sight in front of him. Trunks laid there looking almost lifeless; he had more bruises than before. There was dry blood stained under his nose and the corners of his mouth. His chest was wrapped in bandages and his right arm was in a sling. Bulma and Goten both collapsed into tears at the sight of the fallen prince, wondering what had happened to him. Suddenly the nurse asked Bulma to step outside of the room for a minute to explain. She followed the nurse while trying to calm down and they closed the door leaving the couple alone.

"T...Trunks...I...I..."

Goten couldn't find any words, he was utterly drained. This whole situation seemed impossible to him. He never liked hospitals; the continuous beeping of the machines, the smell of bleach and blood, the depressing repetitive decor and now the love of his life was lying in a hospital bed, hooked up to one of those hated machines.

Nothing could do this to my Trunks! But then again he was seriously injured. Brody...If I find out you're responsible then I...I...I feel sorry you.

Goten has never had such a dark thought but whenever someone he cared about was hurt he would develop a personality just like his brother Gohan. He was adamant that whoever was responsible for this injustice would not get away with it. He gently lifted Trunk's limp hand and began rubbing his own cheek with it, wiping away his tears. All Goten wanted to do was to crawl into the bed with him, hug him tightly and fall asleep next to him. But the only relief he received was watching Trunks slowly breathe in and out.

"P...please wake up" he whispered.

His plea was expectedly unanswered.

"Trunks...I love you so much so...please...please open your eyes"

Goten dropped to his knees and cried quietly into Trunk's hand. He was interrupted by Bulma walking back in and she placed her hand on Goten's shoulder.

"Goten..."

"What happened to him?"

"They think he was attacked...they said his injuries were most likely caused by more than one person"

"Wh...What are his injuries?"

"...Six broken ribs, a broken right arm and nose, a fractured collar bone and multiple bruising around his face and torso..." she replied in an almost rehearsed way.

Goten's heart felt like it had been ripped out and stamped on for the hundredth time. That was the last bit of bad news he could take. For the final time that day he broke down and became inconsolable.

"Oh...Goten" She said tearfully.

All Bulma could do was try and be strong for him. She rubbed Goten's back while he was crying hysterically at the bedside in a futile attempt to calm him down.

Trunks...I promise whoever is responsible for this will not get away with it

Eventually his exhaustion got the better of him and he ended up passing out. Bulma leaned over and kissed Trunks on his cheek.

"Goten really cares about you so please wake up for him soon honey"

She gently lifted Goten from his position at the bedside and carried him out of the room.

"Poor boy...you're totally spent aren't you?"

Bulma thanked the nurse and said they'll be back tomorrow. She left the hospital, placed Goten back into the car and secured his seatbelt. As she exited the car park she decided to take him home so he can get some well needed rest.

"Mmmnh...Trunks?"

Goten felt someone run their fingers through his shaggy hair. He slowly opened his eyes and saw a tall figure. It took him a moment to adjust but eventually he realised who it was.

"G...Gohan?"

"Hey Goten, how are you feeling?"

"Gohan!" he squealed.

He jumped out of the bed and threw himself into Gohan's arms, gripping him into a tight hug. He loved his brother so much and because this was the first time they had seen each other for ages he couldn't control himself. Gohan hugged him back, letting his little brother lay his head on his muscular chest.

"Haha, easy Goten"

"Where am I?"

"At home, this is your room silly"

Goten looked around while still clinging to his brother like a limpet.

"Oh yeah, Um...how long have I been asleep?"

"Like twenty two hours!"

"What? Wh...What about Trunks?"

"He's still in the hospital but he hasn't woken up yet"

"R...really?" he replied as tears began to form.

"Hey hey don't cry. The hospital said he's okay, he just needs more time"

"Okay...C...Can I go and visit him?"

"Normally I would say yes but if mom see's you she'll probably make you go to school"

"Yeah I guess your right"

Wait a minute; if I go to school then I'll see Brody.

"A...Actually I want to go to school"

"Are you sure? You've had quite a shock"

"I'm sure...it's what Trunks would want"

"Okay but I suggest you have a shower before you do anything" he said while laughing.

"D...Don't embarrass me Gohan" he replied while blushing.

Goten loosened his grip after realising he hadn't showered for days.

"Make sure you wash behind your ears because you know mom will check"

"Haha, yeah I know. Alright I'll get myself ready"

Gohan ruffled his brother's hair and left the room.

Don't worry Trunks I'll find out if Brody is responsible.

"Have a good day at school Goten!" Chi Chi yelled as he walked out of the house.

He had eaten; he was showered, dressed, re-energised and ready to seek vengeance for Trunks. Not wanting to waste any time, he decided to fly to school. He found a safe spot to land as there were students scattered around the school grounds, all rushing inside so they wouldn't be late. Goten entered the school, walked straight to his locker and placed his bag inside.

"Goten"

He knew it was Brody and had to subdue his anger for the time being.

"What is it?" he replied without turning to face him.

"I...I just wanted to say sorry for how I acted the other night"

"Fine, we have to get to math class"

He slammed his locker shut and walked past him without even making eye contact, straight to their classroom. Class was awkward to say the least because they had to sit next to each other. Brody would normally flick bits of rubber at Goten but he wouldn't retaliate, only blush slightly. That was one thing Goten disliked about himself, the fact that he would blush at the most inappropriate times against his will.

Maybe I've lead Brody on...maybe everything is my fault

Almost immediately he dismissed those irrational thoughts and decided to devise a plan instead.

Brody I will found out if you're responsible. No! I know you are, I just need to get proof.

Most of the lesson went by in a flash. Goten couldn't pay attention because was absorbed in thought, mostly of ways to make Brody confess. It was lunchtime; one Goten wasn't looking forward to without Trunks. He worked his way through the wave of students, aiming straight for his locker to get his lunch that Chi Chi made for him. Brody wasn't far behind him but Goten paid no attention.

"Wait Goten!"

Continuing to ignore him he headed towards the stairs leading to the roof of the school. He slammed the door shut behind him and sat on the edge of the wall, watching the students scurry around like ants on the football field. He was about to take a bite out of his sandwich but was interrupted.

"Goten..."

"What do you want Brody?" he replied, again without turning to face him.

"Can I eat my lunch with you?"

"Do what you want"

Brody sat against the wall and they ate in silence for the majority of their break.

"Sooo Goten...Where's Trunks?"

He actually has the audacity to ask me that?

"He's in the hospital"

"Wh...What? Are you serious?"

"Why are you so surprised?"

"Ummm...I just didn't expect to hear that...Is...Is he okay?"

"Not really, no"

"I'm sorry"

"Why?"

"B...Because I know how much he means to you"

Goten casually stood up and glared down at him.

"You know what? I...I don't think y...you do"

Goten tried to maintain his angry persona but as soon as he thought of Trunks lying in that hospital bed he started to weaken.

"You have...no idea"

Brody stood up and went to wipe away his tears but Goten backed away.

"Listen Goten, it's gonna take longer than we have on our break to explain myself, can I stay at yours tonight?"

What? You seriously have the nerve to ask me that? Actually...this could be the opportunity I've been waiting for.

"Okay then"

"Really?"

"Of course you can" he replied, giving his best fake smile.

The rest of the day went by quickly. Goten was not amused at how excited Brody was to stay over but he knew he had to keep this charade going to get the results he wanted. After gathering their belongings they started walking to Goten's house.

"Actually Brody I promised Trunks I would visit him today"

"Oh...Okay then. Do you want me to come with you?"

"No that's okay you can just wait outside the hospital. I won't be long"

"Okay, I understand"

They turned around and headed towards the hospital. Lucky for them it was in walking distance from the school. As they reached the entrance, Goten halted his advance.

"Right, you wait here"

"Don't be long cutie"

You've got some nerve.

He entered the hospital and walked straight to the ward Trunks was in. The nurse recognised him and gave him a warm smile.

"H...Hello Miss...Can I see Trunks please?"

"Of course you can, he means a lot to you doesn't he?"

Her question was answered by Goten turning a bright shade of red.

"He's stable but he still hasn't woken up"

With a heavy heart he thanked her and walked inside the room where Trunks was recovering. Even though he thought he was prepared, the same sight as yesterday still reduced Goten to tears. He didn't break down but he involuntarily started to cry while walking towards his fallen love.

"Trunks...how are you feeling today?"

Again, as expected he received no answer. Goten gently stroked Trunk's hand and kissed him on the lips.

"Heh...I'm not used to you being so...quiet" he laughed pathetically.

Goten continued to stroke his hand while quietly crying at the sight of him.

Please forgive me for whatever I do tonight...I love you

He didn't want to upset himself any further so he leaned over and kissed him on the lips again and decided to leave. He thanked the nurse again and said he would be back the next day. Brody was sitting on a bench near the entrance as Goten came out with tears in his eyes.

"Hey that was quick! How was he?"

"Still the same as before...he still hasn't woken up"

"I'm sorry to hear that..."

"Yeah well...I'll see him tomorrow; hopefully he'll be awake then"

Goten quickly wiped away his forming tears because he wanted to be strong for Trunks. They walked in silence for a little while from the hospital in the direction of Goten's house. A wave of guilt washed over Brody but he didn't want to hurt Goten any further by telling him the truth. As they reached his house Goten stopped Brody outside the front door.

"Just so you know, my mom may ask you about your life story while we're eating dinner"

"Heh, thanks for the heads up"

They walked in and were hit by the smell of Chi Chi's cooking. Goku was nowhere to be found as usual and neither was Gohan.

"Hey mom I'm home and I've brought a friend"

Chi Chi emerged from the kitchen ran over and gave Goten a crushing hug.

"Welcome home Goten! Who's your friend?"

"Th...This is Brody, were in the same class"

"H...Hello"

"Hello Brody I'm Chi Chi, welcome to our home, come in and sit down, dinner is almost ready"

"O...Okay...thank you"

"Right you two go upstairs put your things away and wash your hands"

"Yes mom"

Goten lead his suspect upstairs and opened his bedroom door.

"You can chuck your bag anywhere"

Brody couldn't believe he was actually entering Goten's room. He had always wondered what it would be like. It was tidier than expected but after meeting Chi Chi he imagined she had something to do with it. He thought it was a pretty standard room; there was a single bed and a plain wooden chair and table with a few books scattered on the surface. To Brody's relief he also saw a medium sized television on a stand with a games console. Goten threw his bag under the table so Brody decided to follow suit.

"Come on, let's go wash our hands"

"Goten..."

Goten ignored him and lead the way to the bathroom. As Goten washed his hands Brody thought he noticed that his friend looked tired and his eyes weren't full of spirit like they normally were. He knew he was probably responsible but didn't know what to do about it.

"Come downstairs when you're done" he muttered while drying his hands and walking out of the room.

Goten went back downstairs and sat at the table, wondering how to extract any information out of his so called friend. Chi Chi looked over at her son and was shocked at the serious look on his face.

"What's wrong hun?"

"Oh! Um...nothing mom" he replied in a surprised tone.

The displeased look she displayed made it obvious that she didn't believe him but he also knew there was no point in explain his situation.

"What's for dinner?" he asked, trying to avoid the subject.

"Beef stew and you will eat it" she replied sternly.

Brody walked down the stairs at that moment and chose to sit in the chair opposite Goten.

"Gohan dinner's ready!" Chi Chi yelled.

"I didn't know Gohan was here..."

"He's been in his room all day studying for a big test, I'm so proud of him!"

Thanks mom I'm here too you know

"Do I finally get to meet your brother Goten?"

"Looks like it"

Gohan opened his door, thundered down the stairs and sat down next to Goten.

"Hey little brother who's your friend?" he asked while ruffling is hair.

"This is Brody, he's staying here tonight"

"H...hello Gohan nice to meet you" he said meekly while extending his hand.

"Hello Brody, nice to meet you too" he replied with a strong handshake.

"So, are you classmates with Goten?"

"Yeah...we've known each other for a while"

"Well you must be good friends if you're staying over. The only other person my bro has brought home is Trunks"

The very mention of the unfortunate saiyan's name changed the atmosphere around the table. The impending awkwardness was prevented by Chi Chi walking towards the table with a large pot of beef stew.

"Gohan can you bring in some bowls and spoons please?"

"Sure no problem"

Chi Chi sat down next to Brody and removed the lid from the pot, filling the room with an aroma that made the boys mouths water.

"Is dad here?"

"No and I don't know where he is! Probably out with Krillin or sparring with Vegeta. That reminds me, did you visit Trunks today Goten?"

Goten looked directly at Brody, their eyes battled for a moment but Goten's resolve made his friend avert his gaze to his feet.

"Yes I did...He is still asleep"

"I still can't believe it, who would do such a thing?"

"Who indeed?" Goten replied while keeping his gaze fixed on Brody.

"Why does everyone look so depressed?" Gohan interrupted while carrying in the requested items.

"W...We were just talking about Trunks" Goten replied.

"Yeah I heard but what's the point of getting upset about it? Trunks isn't dead, he just needs time to recover and before you know it he'll be back to his old boisterous self"

"R...right...you're right!" Brody announced unenthusiastically.

Brody...you have basically written your own confession! You might, just might save yourself some pain if you come clean by the end of tonight.

Gohan handed everyone a bowl and spoon then sat down again. Chi Chi asked everyone to individually give her their bowls so she could serve the stew.

"This is great!"

"Why thank you Brody"

Chi Chi slightly blushed at his comment then turned to her boys and gave them an expectant look.

"Oh...yeah this is great mom!" Gohan replied inbetween mouthfuls.

"It has to be your greatest triumph!" Goten replied giving his rehearsed, cute smile.

He couldn't remember the last time he ate in a civilised manner, even his family was shocked. The thoughts racing through his mind were distracting him too much. He managed to finish the stew, knowing it would cause him grief if he spared any.

"There's plenty more if any of you boys want seconds"

"Okay!" Gohan shouted.

"I'm full thank you" Brody replied

"Me too"

"Are you sure you're okay sweetie? Normally you ask for thirds!"

"Yeah I'm fine, Can I be excused?"

"Yes you may. You and Brody go upstairs and play"

Mom I'm not a kid anymore!

Goten used to retaliate verbally but eventually he knew there was no point as she would retaliate back and win.

"Thank you for the meal, it was the best I've had in ages!"

"Oh I like this one Goten, you can bring him over more often" Chi Chi giggled.

This makes me sick...

When they entered the room the first thing Goten did was retrieve a sleeping bag from under his and rolled it out on the floor, much to Brody's disappointment.

"So what do you wanna do?"

"I dunno, I'm kinda tired"

"Aw come on Goten it's not that late...why don't we play one of your games?"

"Okay fine"

Brody searched through his collection of games, after he had chosen one he handed Goten a control and they sat at the edge of his bed. Goten went with the flow for a while but wasn't concentrating properly because he just wanted to begin his interrogation.

"Aww c'mon you weren't even trying that time"

"Sorry..."

Brody paused the game and placed his control to the side.

"Come on Goten what's wrong?"

"How can you ask me that? You know what's wrong!"

There was an awkward silence for a moment but Goten was on a mission to get the truth.

"Why did you do it Brody?"

"D...do what?"

"Don't...just don't. I'm not a complete idiot"

"Goten...I...I..."

Goten lost his patience and threw his control across the room. It was the second time he caught a glint of fear in Brody's eyes, seeing the fear in his eyes reminded him of the moment when Trunks glared at him in school. Goten gave him an unrelenting stare. He tried to look away but Goten grabbed him by the chin and made him look into his glistening onyx eyes.

"I'm sorry..."

"Sorry for what?"

"W...we didn't mean it I...I swear!"

"If you have any feelings for me whatsoever then you'll tell me the truth"

"It wasn't just me honest!"

"Just tell me what happened" Goten said calmly and let Brody go.

"W...well when I was with my friends at the football field Trunks appeared out of nowhere and tried to come after me..."

"Can you blame him after what you did?"

"Well I guess not...anyway...H...he looked like he was badly hurt and when he tried to punch me...my friends stopped him"

"Stopped him how...?"

"I...I told them to stop but they wouldn't listen!"

"Just tell me what they did!"

"Why? You've seen his condition for yourself!"

Goten grabbed Brody by the throat and threw him to the floor causing him to collide with the table. While Brody was still in shock Goten grabbed him by the shirt, lifting him off of the floor and forcefully sat him down on his chair.

"I won't ask you again"

"Okay okay I'm sorry! Th...They tackled him to the ground and started to kick him...I told them to stop but they were drunk and wouldn't listen"

"So you're telling me you didn't hit Trunks?"

"N...no I swear!"

"Do your degenerate friends go to our school?"

"No, they're older than us..."

"I see...I think you better leave Brody"

"But I didn't do anything!"

"If you hadn't kissed me in the first place then Trunks wouldn't be in the fucking hospital!" Goten screamed.

That was the first time Brody heard his friend swear and they were both shocked by his behaviour tonight. At that point Brody realised he would never have Goten and had to accept that.

"I'm sorry...I'll go...you really love him don't you?"

"...Yes...I...I love him more than anything in the world..."

"Heh I knew it...I know I already told you but I'm sorry"

Goten didn't reply as he let Brody pick up his bag and leave the room, closing the door behind him. When he heard the front door close shut he fell to his knees released all the tears he had been holding back for hours. The whole entire situation was harder than any enemy Goten had fought; now the only thing he wanted and needed was for Trunks to be awake tomorrow. He managed to pull himself up, crawled onto his bed and buried his face in the pillow. Suddenly there was a knock at the door.

"Goten? It's Gohan"

"C...come in"

Gohan came in and closed the door. He walked over knowing what to do when Goten was upset. He clambered onto the bed and laid face to face his little brother. It broke his heart to see him sniffling and crying like this. Gohan wiped away the tears and began to stroke his hair.

"What's wrong Goten?"

"N...nothing" he just managed to mouth.

"Mom wanted to come up when we heard banging and shouting but somehow I don't think she would listen"

"She wouldn't..."

"Brody looked upset and said he had to go back home then left...why were you arguing?"

"...Trunks..."

"Hmm? What about Trunks?"

"Brody's friends p...put him in the hospital"

"What? Are you sure?"

Goten nodded silently and hurled himself into his brother's comforting chest, bringing them into a tight hug.

"Do you know who they are?"

"No...But I'm going to wait until Trunks is awake and if he wants me to find out then I will"

Gohan stayed silent and continued to stroke Goten's hair as this seemed to be calming him down slightly. The scent of his brother always made Goten feel completely safe. He gripped Gohan's shirt tightly as he attempted to move.

"G...Gohan?"

"Mmm?"

"C...can you stay until I fall asleep please?"

"Heh, you're so cute, of course I will"

"Thank you" he whispered.

Trunks I beg you, please...please wake up tomorrow

Gohan was desperate for Trunks to wake up too because he wanted to see Goten's magical smile again.

"Goten?"

He was asleep already but still maintained the tight grip on his shirt.

Goten...you need to stop exhausting yourself like this otherwise you're gonna be ill

Gohan kissed his little brother on the forehead and gently removed his delicate tiny hand from his shirt. He didn't want to risk waking him so instead of trying to move him so he could cover him with the duvet he removed his shirt and used it as a substitute.

Haha it's lucky he's so small

He then tiptoed away as quietly as he could manged and opened the door.

"Good night little brother" he whispered as he silently shut the door.

It was morning and Goten was rudely awoken to the sound of his parents arguing. To his delight when he opened his eyes he noticed Gohan's shirt at the edge of the bed. He sat up, grabbed the shirt and pressed his face up against it.

Hehe it smells so good but I'd rather have one of Trunk's though.

"I suppose I better get ready for school..."

He didn't want to leave the shirt but he couldn't exactly walk downstairs wearing it over his head even though he wanted too.

"Hopefully Trunks will be awake today when I visit"

He ventured downstairs only to witness his parents kissing passionately.

"Looks like you guys made up then..."

"Oh Goten!"

"Hey son! What are you doing up this early?"

"I've got to go to school dad"

"Haha, so know you have to go to school weekends too?"

"Huh?"

"Goten sweetie, you do realise its Saturday don't you?"

"R...really?"

Goku ran over and lifted him onto his shoulders.

"Dad put me down!"

"Why? This means I get to spend some time with you today"

"Oh...well I...I thought that I would go and see Trunks early today if I don't have to go to school"

"Oh I forgot about that...Don't worry I understand"

Goku let his son jump down and then Goten hugged his leg.

"Another time dad, I just need to know Trunks is okay before I can focus on anything else"

"Relax son, it's weird seeing you all serious"

Goten thanked his father for understanding, ran back upstairs to have a shower and change his clothes. Even if Trunks wasn't awake today Goten wanted to stay by his side all day. After he showered, changed into a casual shirt and jeans he said goodbye to his parents flew towards the city. As usual he found a safe place to land and walked the rest of the way. When he reached the hospital he went straight up to Trunk's ward and recognised the same nurse from yesterday.

"H...hello"

"Oh...hi there how are you?"

"Fine thanks...how is Trunks?"

"Well...he's awake..."

"He is?"

Goten squealed with delight but his smile was swiftly removed when he noticed she didn't smile back.

"Wh...What's wrong?"

"Well I'm afraid he has requested that we do not allow anyone to see him..."

"Wh...Wh...Why?"

"I don't know but I'm afraid he was adamant that no one see's him"

He felt sick; this was like a cruel joke. It was at that very moment something snapped inside Goten.

Why...what have I done to deserve this?