Goten and Trunks had returned late last night from Gohan's birthday party and slept in. There had been no real opportunity to discuss what had been interrupted last night. After eating brunch, the boys went to Trunks' room to gather a few things to head to the special Satan Celebration Festival. There was going to be a lot of festivities leading up to the main balloon event. Giant balloons the size of houses were going to float down Satan city streets. It was similar to the idea of the Macy's parade in the United States. While the theme was not the greatest (Mostly large balloons depicting different poses of Hercule, Cell, the Gold Fighters, Saiyagirl, and some other random things, Goten still really enjoyed going to marvel at the sight of the balloons and enjoy the marches and festivities, so they went every year.
Trunks wasn't really a fan of the Satan Celebration Festival, but it really made Goten happy. He loved that cheery grin and excitement that his secret crush had seeing such large balloons in the streets of Satan City. Even 14 years old, Goten did so many things that reminded him of the innocence of a child. That alone made it worth it for Trunks.
Goten sat on Trunks' bed as he watch the lavender teen get ready. He was always faster at getting ready than his best friend because he wasn't so concerned about his appearance. He would just throw on the first clothes he found, brushed his hair somewhat, and done.
Trunks, on the other hand, was careful at choosing his attire. Before putting it on, he would brush his teeth (which he did multiple times a day), rinse his mouth with mouthwash, and brush his hair. After putting his clothes on, he would brush his hair again, even passing the brush bristles on his eyebrows to make sure his eyebrow hairs were just right.
If that wasn't enough, he would then floss and add a dash of cologne. Goten pretty much knew his routine by heart now.
Trunks was in his last stage of preparation at this point. His last mirror check.
It was at this moment that Goten spoke up about something that had been on his mind since yesterday.
"So… What was it you wanted to say last night, Trunks?"
There it was. He knew Goten was going to ask him that question at some point today. Even so, his heart began to race faster as he watched his friend's reflection in the mirror.
Goten watched him with his full attention. Bright black eyes staring in inquiry. His best friend could tell that whatever it was, it was incredibly important. Sitting quietly and waiting patiently for his reply. 'He worries so much about me sometimes…'
A gentle smile made it's way to the prince's lips. 'He's always worrying about me.' He thought back to their past. All of the times he felt sad, nervous, or lonely, he always had his best friend by his side. Goten would always do everything possible to cheer him up once more. He would initiate play, he would listen attentively, he would make a comment sure to put a smile on his face… just a few of the special things the raven haired boy did that made Goten such an wonderful person.
How could anyone not fall in love with someone so amazing? 'I never even had a chance to resist you, did I?'
He half turned to look at the boy of his affections. "Well, Goten..." He paused and took a deep breath. Was this really the time to tell him?
He stared back at his reflection. He wasn't at all afraid that Goten would reject him for being gay. On the contrary, he knew Goten would be there to support him like he always did. What did make him hesitate, was Goten's reaction to being told that he was in love with him. He was afraid that it would make things awkward between them. But, he knew perfectly well that it was unfair to his best friend to hide such an important detail.
Whatever came from this, he had to believe in the friendship that they built over the years. If Goten did not feel the same, of course things would be awkward for some time. But eventually, their friendship would return to normal. No matter what hardships came between them, it always did.
With that thought in mind, he was determined to tell Goten both his real sexual orientation and that he was in love with him. The only thing stopping him now, was his nervousness.
He straightened with his new resolve. 'Ok. I have to stop acting like a coward and just come out with it. I am the son of a prince for crying out loud! And I simply can't tell someone I like them?'
Of Course, it was more complicated than that. His mental pep talk did nothing to calm his nervousness. It didn't help the way Goten stared at him with his full attention.
Not able to meet those midnight eyes, he glanced elsewhere around his room through the mirror. A small purple crystal on a shelf caught his attention, bringing a smile to his face.
The small crystal was in the shape of a four legged dragon sitting on its haunches, wings spread wide. It was a gift Goten had made for him for his 6th birthday. It was one of his favorite possessions that he always displayed in his room.
It always impressed him the ingenuity of his best friend/secret love. Even with his family being of low means, he always found a way to give him such wonderful gifts. Presents that were hand made especially for him.
Goten always made things special. Something as big as telling someone you are in love with them should be done in a special way too. After all, there could be some miniscule possibility he would be open to the idea, right?
He would tell Goten how he felt. But not now. Later, he will plan a special dinner or something, and make the reveal as romantic as possible.
Turning around to look into those onyx eyes, he answered with resolve. "Give me a little while, ok? I will tell you, just not right now."
Goten frowned a little, staring into those bright blue eyes. He knew that look. Trunks was not going to budge no matter what he said. He stared with as much determination as he could. "You promise you will tell me soon?"
Trunks' gaze softened into a smile. "I promise."
Sighing, Goten got up off of the bed. "Ok." Then said with a serious look. "Remember, you promised." He had every intention of making Trunks keep his promise. There was something important his best friend was keeping from him. Something that was clearly bothering Trunks, and he wanted to know what it was.
Trunks nodded. It always impressed him that regardless of how innocent Goten was and acted, when it had to do with something important he could put on a very serious expression and demeanor. Just one of the many things he loved about the boy.
After the acknowledgement, Goten's expression returned to a cheery one. "Well, then we'd better hurry and go!." He said with a grin and a twinkle in his eye.
Trunks smiled back. How he loved that bright smile. It always made his heart leap seeing his Goten make such an expression.
Yes. He was definitely going to tell him before Satan Celebration Week was over.
….
The two teens drove to the festivities instead of flying. There were going to be many people at the event, so it would be risky to fly and be caught. Also, it gave Trunks another excuse to drive the red convertible hover car his mother got him for his sixteenth birthday.
Once they got to the event, they did not have to look hard for a parking spot because lucky for them, Goten's sister knew Hercule's daughter, and Videl made sure the Son family was on the list to park in the VIP area.
Even before they entered the festival they could see in the distance large wooden statues, hot air balloons, many small helium balloons, colored tents, large arches, and many, many colorful decorations. Even the nearby buildings were painted to match the color scheme of the festivities.
Being the visual person he was, Goten was like a child at a candy store. "Wow! They definitely went all out this year!" He said with a spring in his step as they entered the festival.
Trunks struggled to hide a chuckle at his friend's enthusiasm. "I'm not surprised. After all, it is the 15th anniversary of the Cell games."
Goten grinned widely. "Today is going to be sooo awesome!" He began a slow jog. "Come on Trunks!" Then began to jog faster.
Trunks laughed heartedly as he worked to keep up with his enthusiastic friend.
Goten slowed once they were in the festival grounds and looked around with a huge grin.
There was so much to do at the festival. There was a little bit of everything. Tents that had various types of food, carnival games, activity stations, gifts to purchase... and that was just in the main area. Further on, there were roller coasters, playgrounds, a large stage, and a large screen for the purpose of projection.
There was also many areas for fun activities: Rock climbing areas, tug of war, mud wrestling, volleyball. It was in this area the two demi's found themselves.
"What shall we do first Trunks!" Goten asked enthusiastically as he looked around with wonder.
Trunks smiled. Goten looked like a kid on christmas. Goten, having grown up in the mountains, had no real exposure to these kind of things. The only opportunities being when they were with his family on special occasions. When they did go out on special occasions, like now, Goten made sure to make every moment count.
Even though Trunks would never admit it out loud, Goten's enthusiasm was contagious. Though he worked a hell of a lot to contain it.
"I'll let you have first pick Chibi."
Goten grinned wide. "Then I know just the thing!" He said as he walked to a specific area of the activity area. "Paint ball!"
Trunks grinned evily. "You are soo gonna regret it Chibi." He declared as he followed his friend to the paintball line.
…
Gohan, Vegeta, and Pan were also at the festival and had been there since early in the morning. Vegeta wore his usual casual attire (from DBGT). Gohan wore her usual glasses, a casual white t-shirt (fairly loose as to hide her tail), and blue jeans. Pan wore an adorable lilac shirt with a teddy bear design and a purple skirt.
Gohan and Pan enjoyed the festivities. Vegeta only came because of his wife and daughter.
Truth was, he hated Satan Celebration Week. Not because it was a human tradition, no, he had become much more involved and accepting of human traditions since being mated to Gohan. What irked him to no end was the false idolization of a false hero. They should be groveling and worshiping his wife, the one who actually defeated Cell, not some bastard who happened to be at the right place in the right time and who happened to be what weakling humans called a 'fighter'.
The only reason that he didn't beat-up and straighten the lot of those fools was because of Gohan. Why she wanted to keep her achievement a secret was beyond his comprehension. Who shouldn't be worshiped rightfully for something so grand? Hell, being mated to him made her a princess. It would be only right for her to be treated as royalty. Especially by these weakling humans.
But, though he disagreed fully with his mate's decision, he respected it nonetheless.
Taking a glance at his left, he looked at his wife who walked beside him, holding their daughter's hand. Gohan had a contented smile while Pan had a wide excited grin as she skipped alongside her mother. Both looking quite happy.
He look forward once more. Regardless of his distaste for this holiday because of what it stood for, his family looked pleased. And thus, even with his discomfort, it was well worth it to see their happiness, though he would never admit it out loud.
Gohan slowed her pace as she heard her phone make a sound, indicating she received a text message. Pulling out her phone, she read the text.
From: Videl
-s.o.s. -_-
Gohan smiled sympathetically. This happened every year on the Satan Festival day. This would especially be the time that everyone (reporters, fans, interviewers, historians, photographers...) would pounce on Videl. She would be swarmed with questions, comments, cameras, autographs… Never really getting a moment's peace. Gohan was her escape call, where she would call Videl at some point and she could fake an emergency call and have a short break from it all.
It looked like she needed a break a little bit earlier than usual. She turned to Vegeta, showing him the text. "Gotta go."
Vegeta nodded in understanding. She was so grateful for how understanding her husband was. She knew that he wasn't much of a fan (and that's putting it lightly) of the Satan Celebration Festival, yet every year since Pan was born he went anyway. Just for them.
Why her mother could not see the loving man he was was beyond her.
She kissed him gratefully on the cheek, then crouched down to her daughter. "Pan honey, Daddy's going to take you around the festival for a while. Mommy's got to go help aunti Videl for a bit. Ok?"
Pan nodded "Ok!" She hugged her mother, who squeezed her back.
"Now you have fun with daddy."
Pan gave a huge smile. "I will!" She hopped over to her dad and grabbed his hand happily.
Vegeta looked a bit uncomfortable, but held his daughter's hand nonetheless.
Gohan smiled at the sight. Vegeta was never comfortable with public displays of affection, yet he never rejected them. He'd just be a bit fidgety and not be able to look into someone's eyes when he was embarrassed. She could always tell when he was in that state, like now, and she always found it endearing.
She then waved as she set off in search of her long time friend.
…...
As Goten and Trunks waited in the paintball line, they talked about a multitude of things. Taking the opportunity to catch up from the busy hectic life for the two.
The conversation had moved to his job at Capsule Corp and how stressful it was training to take it over someday.
"... and the hours… Just count yourself lucky that you don't have a job yet." Trunks finished with a heavy sigh, hands in his pockets.
Goten sighed. "Yeah… well, that's not going to last long…"
Trunks raised an eyebrow in inquiry. "Oh?"
Goten crossed his arms in frustration. "Well, mother said that once I turned 15, the legal minimum age to work, she wants me to get a job. Pronto…"
There was a short silence were Trunks regarded his best friend. Goten seemed quite disheartened by the idea of working. Not that he could blame him.
But he knew Goten was a free spirit, and he loved the boy all the more for it. His friend loved doing spontaneous things and always hated the constraint of set schedules.
Not only that, but the jobs for minors were usually entry-level jobs, with crappy schedules, horrible job positions, bad supervisors...
He felt his heart tighten. It seemed cruel to tie such a sweet free spirit down to the daily constraints and stress of the labor force. It would be tragic to see that beautiful bright light dim with the boring daily routine of job life, especially so young.
"You know Goten, if your family needs money, we can help."
Goten shook his head. "No. Were fine. Besides..." Then, Goten's face took a dejected look. "I don't really think it's about the money..."
Trunks heart ached at the sight. He had never really seen Goten look so crushed. He got the incredible urge to hug his love and hold him tight. To do whatever it took to remove the sorrow he saw. One that did not belong on that angelic face.
Resisting the urge, he settled with placing a hand on his friend's shoulder.
Feeling Trunks' hand rest on his shoulder, he snapped out of his desponded state giving a small cover-up smile. At least, outwardly.
Inwardly, he was in low spirits. He remembered clearly the conversation he had with his mother.
It was at night a few days ago, before the start of Satan Celebration week. Goten had returned home from school and was preparing his final project for the next day. She had called him down to the living room to discuss something important. Little did he realize he was going to be told to get a job.
'You are becoming a young man, and young men have to have responsibilities.' She had said. Goten wasn't really too keen on the idea of getting a job, but it would help out around the house. Also, a little extra cash wouldn't be so bad.
It was what his mother said next that really shook him. 'Having a job will increase your chances of meeting a nice girl. Then one day, you can marry a good woman and become a great and responsible husband with a wife and kids.'
He couldn't get the phrase his mother said out of his head: 'Wife and kids'. It struck him there harder than ever his sexual orientation. His mother expected him to like girls, but he didn't. His mother expected him to fall in love with a girl, but he couldn't. Sure, he wanted to have children one day, but considering he had no real intention of marrying a girl, he was perfectly fine with adopting one.
But what would his mother think? What would she say? His mother was always about tradition. Him being gay was not exactly quite traditional…
Let's not even get started about how she would feel if he told her that he was in love with Trunks…
Realizing he had been spacing out while said boy stared at him with those beautiful blue eyes, he gave a forced chuckle and placed his hand behind his head the nervous Son gesture. "Hahaha… Nah… It's nothing. Just not ready to work is all."
Trunks stared at him hard. He could tell perfectly well that Goten was hiding another detail, one that made him make such a miserable expression earlier.
He wanted so badly to press the issue, but today was supposed to be a happy day. So he let it slide. He made a mental note to ask him about it tomorrow when they were at his home.
Silence settled between the two as they waited in line. It was their turn soon after.
They were each given a white plastic paintball suit, small goggles, white gloves, and boots to protect normal clothes from getting paint on. As they put the suit on, the activity assistant explained the rules of the game.
The game would last 15min and consisted of two teams of 6 people each. The paintballs were balloons filled with two different kinds of paint. The goal was to hit the opposing team and color them with as much paint as possible.
Trunks and Goten picked different teams on purpose. They enjoyed playing in a group well enough, but the real challenge would be between each other, though they wouldn't use their superhuman powers.
Then they picked different spots to hide, waiting for the whistle that indicated the start of the game. Once the beginning of the game started, they began running around, tossing balloons at each other and refilling with the different baskets of balloons located in different spots of the designated area.
The game was enough to brighten both demis mood. They both worked to target mostly each other as well as hide from each other for a sneak attack.
At one point Trunks had lost sight of Goten and was navigating obstacles working to stay hidden. He moved slowly at first. Then he made a quick dash towards another obstacle to hide behind, but what he did not realize was that someone else was behind that obstacle and he ran into someone, causing them to fall to the ground.
Trunks landed on top and looked down in surprise to see he had pinned Goten underneath him by accident. Goten seemed to be just as shocked to have been knocked over so suddenly.
Time seemed to stop as they both stared at each other.
Trunks was transfixed as he stared down at his secret crush. Even with traces of blue colored paint in that raven hair, even with paint splatters on that milky white skin, even with those small goggles covering those midnight eyes, his Goten looked beautiful.
He couldn't tear his eyes from those onyx ones that stared back. He could see those soft lips part ever so slightly as breath rushed in and out. The wind caressing that jet-black hair.
His breath began to increase and his heart began to beat slightly faster from the sight before him. Goten's lips looked moist and so inviting. It was calling to him.
Slowly, he began to lower his head, closing the distance between them. He could swear he saw Goten's eyelids begin to close just as slowly, his cheeks beginning to turn a shade darker…
Then he froze. 'What the fuck am I doing!' Last thing he wanted was to get punched in the face by his love for making a move since he didn't even know if Goten was even into guys. Also, this was definitely not the place for this.
Panicking, with lightning speed he lifted the paint filled balloon that was beside his hand and smashed it in Goten's face. Quite promptly getting off his friend and scrambled to hide somewhere far away.
Goten laid there, too shocked at the moment to move. 'What just happened!?' His heart continued pounding a million miles an hour. He could have sworn that Trunks was going to kiss him...
'D-Did I just... Did I just imagine it?' He blinked a few times, still unable to move from the shock. He lifted his hand to his face and touched some of the paint from the balloon Trunks hit him with.
'I must have…' His heart felt heavy. For just one brief moment, one tiny speck of time, he felt as if his secret love also loved him in return. It felt as though they were enjoying their company as more than friends. The most romantic, loving moment he had ever felt.
But it must have been all his imagination. He couldn't have seen what he thought he saw in those eyes. Those beautiful aqua pools covered by goggles. After all, Trunks' back was against the sun, so…
Also, there is the cold hard fact that Trunks dated girls, never guys. Hell, Goten knew well that Trunks wasn't a virgin, so he has also had sex with girls...
He saw what his heart wanted him to see, and reality hurt like hell.
Not really feeling like playing anymore, he made no movement to get up. Quite shortly, he heard the whistle that indicated the end of the paintball game.
With a big sigh and a heavy heart, he made himself get up and walk to the washing area.
Once he arrived at the washbasins where people were getting cleaned, he saw Trunks.
He stared as his long time crush was bent over a basin, washing his face in a attempt to remove all of the paint from his face and hair. Short lavender hair spotted with red paint shook as its owner scrubbed away furiously. He knew well that his friend would complain about residual paint in his hair for days. His lavender prince was so particular about his hygiene and looks. That's how Trunks worked. And that's just one of the things he loved about him.
A smile made it's way to Goten's lips. His heart swelling with happiness.
He loved all his quirks. Having known him for so long he knew almost every one of them.
He'd felt romantic love from the boy who had his heart. It may have been brief. It may not have been real. But for a brief instance, he felt it.
He had felt reciprocal love that mirrored his own from the one he loved the most. Even if he would never feel it again, at least he felt it once. And he will hold on to that till he died, and even far beyond even that.
…
After washing up and getting all of the paint off as possible, the two demis walked together in search of a new activity.
As they walked, something caught Goten's attention in the distance. A wide grin covered his face. "You know what we haven't done in a long time Trunks?"
"Hmm?"
He looked at his best friend, grin still in place. "Face painting!"
Trunks furrowed his brows. "No."
"Awww! Come on Trunks! It will be fun!"
Still walking, Trunks crossed his arms determined to hold his ground. "There is no way I am getting my face painted, Goten. Period."
Goten gave an evil smile. He could always tell when his best friend wasn't going to budge. And he knew it was not one of these times. Slowing his pace, he positioned himself behind his best friend. "Come on! It's been like forever since we've done it."
Trunks froze, mouth falling slightly open and his face reddening at Goten's choice words. 'Oh kami… If only it was like it sounded…'
Images of Goten beneath him flashed through his mind. Hair as black as night disheveled, milky white skin glistening with sweat, onyx eyes half lidded and dazed, parted soft lips emitting the most wonderful sounds…
Goten hadn't noticed his friend's reddened face and flustered demeanor. Thinking instead that Trunks had stopped walking in order to be difficult and resist getting his face painted.
Being in that flustered state from his perverse thoughts, he provided little resistance as Goten pushed him forward, his friends hands on his back, towards the face painting station.
…..
A little distance away from the demis, Vegeta sat at a nearby bench. Pan sitting happily beside him, eating a 4 scoop ice cream cup.
Goten's voice had caught Vegeta's attention, and he watched as Trunks was being pushed by his friend towards a certain destination. Trunks' flustered demeanor easy for the prince to see.
He shook his head. It was overly obvious to anyone that those two had a thing for eachother. Why they didn't just cut the crap and become an item was beyond him.
He especially did not understand his son's behavior. The fact that his son had a perfectly good partner at his side, yet still choosing to be around Earthen women he had no interest in.
"Daddy! Daddy!" His enthusiastic daughter caught his attention. Shifting focus, he looked at Pan.
"Yes?"
"Let's ride the ferris wheel!" She said with a huge smile, pointing to the left.
He followed the direction she was pointing at and frowned. It appeared like an insanely boring machine that did nothing but spin at an excruciatingly slow pace.
"Your mother and I fly you higher and faster than that all the time. Why in bloody hell would you want to ride that boring contraption?"
"Please daddy!" She looked at him with puppy eyes. Little hands clasped together in a pleading motion.
He glared at his daughter in defiance, crossing his arms. He was not going to stand in a long line, for kami knows how long, only to ride in a slow ass machine for a few minutes. Not gonna happen.
Pan held her ground against that stare that would normally strike fear in the hearts of Vegeta's enemies. "Pleasies? With a cherry on top?" She continued staring at him sweetly, sparkles in her eyes.
He felt his resolve begin to crumble. Damn those eyes of her's. Those beautiful onyx eyes that were so much like her mother's.
Having lost the battle, he relented. "Fine. But you better finish your ice cream first, are we clear?"
"Yay!" She hugged him with enthusiasm and happiness. Then with lots of energy grabbed her ice cream cup and, thanks to her saiyan heritage, began inhaling the treat.
…
When Trunks and Goten arrived at the face painting station, there was one seat available. Goten shoved his reluctant friend on the chair. Then proceed to look at a face painting catalog.
A cheerful older woman greeted them. Her face was painted like a cat's. "So, what will it be today?"
With a sigh, Trunks replied. "Something simple. Simple and masculine."
"This would be perfect!" Goten exclaimed excitedly. He showed the picture to the face painted lady and whispered in her ear.
Smiling, she nodded. "That would be just fine on him."
"Goten..." Trunks began to worry. What ever could his mischievous Goten have in mind.
Goten gave him a Son grin. One that lowered your defenses and made it difficult to mistrust. "You'll see. You'll love it!"
Closing his eyes, he leaned back. Resigned to his fate. "Let's just get it over with…"
…
It wasn't too hard for Gohan to find Videl, especially with the crowd swarming her human friend. Once Gohan found a secluded space near Videl's location, she gave her a call. Answering the cell phone, Videl pretended that the call was an emergency while Gohan told her where to meet. Excusing herself from the crowd of fans, journalists, and photographers, Videl quickly made her exit.
After a bit of walking, Videl met up with Gohan and they walked off to an even more secluded area, and flew off to find a quiet, private place to relax and talk.
After flying to the top of the building, out of sight, Gohan and Videl sat down on the edge of the 15 story building. Videl sat with one leg dangling off of the edge, while the other was bent and had her arm resting on her knee. Gohan sat beside her, both legs hanging off the edge, both of her hands behind her for support.
Videl heaved a heavy sigh.
Gohan looked worriedly toward her long-time friend. "That bad, huh?"
She knew Videl was always and honorable person. Her best friend always strived to be just and truthful. It went against her nature to lie, and Satan Celebration Week was the hardest week for her because she had to break one of her most sacred values even more so than normal, truth.
Videl looked down. Towards the crowds below, the many decorations, the colors, the statues… all lies.
Another sigh escaped her lips. "It's hard to pretend.." She glanced at Gohan with a saddened look. "To hear all of the cheers. To see all of the images depicting a flat out lie."
Videl looked back to the festivities. A heavy knot in her stomach. She watch the section in the distance where there was the largest crowd. The spot where her father was, probably giving some half-assed speech about how 'great' he was. "It sickens me. How easily he can spin lies for his own benefit…"
Dropping her gaze, she continued in a low voice. "Sometimes, I am ashamed to be his daughter..."
Gohan was silent as she regarded Videl with her full attention. She knew Videl rarely opened up to anyone about her frustrations or emotions. Instead, her friend tended to keep a large wall. Trying her hardest to never show what she perceived as 'weakness'. Unfortunately, emotions was in her category of weakness. Even having known her strong willed friend for almost 10 years now, Videl still rarely opened up, even to her.
Gohan scooted closer to her long-time friend, and hugged her. Videl placed her head on her shoulders in silence, accepting the friendly embrace and support.
They sat that way for a few moments in silence, until Gohan spoke.
"Regardless of all the lies you father tells, I know that one thing is true. He loves you deeply. You and your son, Denom. I do believe if it came to it, he would sacrifice his life for either of you in a heartbeat."
Gohan meant that wholeheartedly. Having become Videl's friend, she got to know Hercule quite well over the years. Above anything else, he loved Videl and his grandson a lot.
"It's just so unfair!" Videl straightened once more and clenched her fists in aggravation. "You defeated Cell! You should be the one they should celebrate and cheer!"
Gohan regarded her friend. Videl already knew that she disliked the spotlight and was glad that nobody worshipped her. Yet Videl always insisted that it was somehow unfair that nobody did.
Deciding that there was still no way to convince her friend that she was happy with the way things are, she decided to lighten the mood. "Well, look at the bright side." She gestured towards the huge stage. The stage was a large wooden sculpture of Hercule's open mouthed laugh. The platform of the stage was inside the mouth. "Can you really imagine my face on that?"
Videl laughed, her anger subsiding. "Not really."
They shared a hearty laugh that lightened the mood. Old friends enjoying each other's company.
…
"Done!" The woman who painted Trunks' face declared happily. She grabbed a small hand mirror and gave it to him.
Trunks was hesitant to look in his reflection. He lifted the mirror and looked.
His eyes went wide in surprise. His face was painted as a white tiger in nice detail, and it looked quite good on him.
Taking a few moments glancing at himself in the mirror, he smirked.
Hearing a sharp intake of breath, he looked to his left, seeing Goten fidgeting a bit.
Goten had not meant to react so loudly, but damn he looked dashing with his face painted like that. "Y-You, you look cool Trunks."
"Of course I do." He answered smugly as he got up from the chair.
Goten just rolled his eyes and sat in the chair Trunks had been sitting in. Already knowing what he wanted, he looked at the face painter. "I want my face painted like a border collie please."
Trunks smiled. He should have guessed Goten would want his face painted like his favorite animal.
…
It was nearing 5:30 after they had gotten their face painted. They talked as they walked through the carnival games area. In truth, they were making their way to the food area of the festival, but you had to cross the carnival section first.
"...And I swear to kami, even to this day she still doesn't let me near that machine." Trunks finished.
"Hahaha! I really can't blame your mom on that one! Haha!" Goten laughed loudly at his friend's tale.
Trunks smiled, his heart singing from the sound of that beautiful laughter. He enjoyed so much the time he spent with his secret love. It was special times like this that he could pretend that they were on a real date. Even though Goten didn't know it, during their outings he treated him almost as if he was his date. He would buy him snacks that caught his eye, sometimes sit closer than usual, share most any snacks he had even if it meant he got less, let him mostly be the one to pick their activities… Most things except for the affection part of a romantic date. That would be a little too obvious.
It was never an official date like he so desired, but regardless, he he would take what he could get. Though since he started college and responsibilities from Capsule Corp, they had been spending less and less time together.
'It's been way too long…' Trunks thought with a longing look. They used to be so inseparable. Even if they didn't go out to the mall, movies, or something, they would spend hours on end just doing normal things like playing video games, watching movies, or Youtube videos. Everyday things were exciting when they were together. Goten was his other half. He always felt lacking without him.
As they continued onward, they heard the voice of a sad little girl. "Mommy… can't you try again?"
Goten stopped walking and looked in the direction of the girl. A brown haired little girl about five years of age stood clutching her mother's skirt in front of a milk bottle toss game carnival tent. The disappointed mother crouched down to her little girl and responded in a sad voice. "I'm so sorry honey… we can't afford to keep trying."
The little girl looked to the ground. Tears filled her eyes as she nodded dejectedly.
Goten's heart fell at the sight. He knew well what it was like to be a small child with few means. To see all the other kids with cool stuff while you could only watch.
He walked up to the mother and daughter with determination. He crouched in front of the little girl. "Hey, don't cry. Let me give it a go. You can have anything I win. Ok?"
The little girl's eyes sparkled. She looked to her mother for approval. The mother nodded with a smile. "Why that's mighty kind of you young man."
Goten grinned cheerfully and stood up. He grabbed a few of what little money he had in his wallet and paid the booth attendant for a game.
Trunks leaned against a nearby pole as he watched on the sidelines, a soft smile on his face. It was just like his best friend to go out of his way to help others, especially children. He had such a kind giving heart and would give you his last sandwich even if that meant he'd go hungry for a day. He was just that giving. "Chibi, you are certainly one in a million." He whispered. He felt incredibly lucky to be his friend. Even if he did want to be more.
The booth attendant gave Goten given three balls. Goten knew he only needed one. Not because he had superhuman strength, no, the trick to most of these carnival games were about skill and accuracy. Having looked up how to best carnival games in the past as children, he and Trunks knew very well how to win at most of them without using saiyan strength. After all, how in the world would he explain how the ball flew faster than the eye could see? Not to mention how dangerous it would be to toss something so hard and fast in a crowded place, it could hit people on the other side of the tent.
For the milk bottle toss game, the trick was to hit the bottom bottles of the stack, where 80% of the weight lays (They might look like the same bottles, but they are weighed differently). Specifically the one bottle that is slightly forward of the stack, which was done purposely to absorb impact, yet still aiming enough in between the two bottom bottles.
With the accuracy that came from years of ki target practice, Goten tossed the first ball and hit his target perfectly, causing all bottles to fall.
"Wow! Look mommy! He hit them all!" The little girl squealed as she jumped in excitement.
"We have a winner!" Exclaimed the booth attendant joyfully. Happy that someone had finally won the grand prize.
Goten smiled and turned towards the little girl, bending down. "So. Which prize would you like?"
Becoming shy, the little girl placed her hands behind her back and swayed adorably from side to side. "Ummm…" She pointed gingerly toward a giant Hercule plush, that was about her size.
Goten laughed happily and stood up to tell the attendant which prize he wanted.
Then he crouched holding the Hercule plush to the little girl. "Here you go princess!" And he handed the large plush to the little girl, who eagerly grabbed it and hugged it tightly.
The mother was quite taken aback by this stranger's generosity. "T-Thank you so much young man! Lila, what do we say to the kind man?"
Lila looked at Goten with her 5 year old smile full of joy. "Thank you sir!"
Goten gave a Son grin and placed his hand gently on her head giving her a light pat. "No problem!"
"Thanks again for what you did for my daughter." The mother then went for her wallet. "Here, let me at the very least pay you for the game."
Goten shook his head as he stood up. "Nah, it's all good! Consider it a gift." He waved as he walked off to where trunks waited. "Happy Satan Celebration Week!"
"Thank you!" Both the mother and girl greeted back.
Goten wore a large smile as he stood in front of Trunks. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
Trunks shook his head in dismissal. "Don't worry about it." He turned and they began walking towards the food section. "You made that little girl happy."
Goten grinned. "Well, she deserved it. She seemed like a nice little girl."
Trunks nodded. "And you deserve you pick of what we eat. My treat."
Goten's eyes sparkled. "Really?! You sure?
Trunks grinned "Yes."
"Awesome! Goten jumped up in excitement and hugged him.
He so wanted to hug him back. To hold him in his arms for a while basking in his warmth, his smell. To hold on and never let go.
But he had to keep his affections at minimum, lest he do something incredibly stupid. Like what almost happened back at that paintball game…
Instead, he gave Goten's back a light pat. "Okay, okay. Let's go before we run out of time and have to head to the parade."
…
While Trunks placed the order at the icecream stand, Goten heard a voice nearby, one that he would recognize anywhere.
He heard Pan's laugh and turned in the direction of her voice. It was perfect timing because soon they would have to meet up anyway to go to their spot to watch the large balloon parade.
Goten was about to call out when he froze, mouth ajar, at what he saw. Something he thought he would never see.
Vegeta was holding Pan's hand as they walked, but that was not the weird part. The shocking part was that Vegeta's face was actually painted! He had a painted eye patch, a painted scar on the cheek, and painted wrinkles on his forehead.
Goten's eye twitched. He could hardly believe what he was seeing. He must be seeing things, right?
He gingerly reached and tapped Trunks on the shoulder, never removing his eyes from Vegeta.
"Hmm?" Trunks turned holding two icecream cones with 5 scoops. He noticed Goten's shocked expression. "What is it?"
Goten slowly pointed in the direction. Trunks followed the finger and his mouth dropped as well.
Neither reacted as the ice cream scoops fell out of his hand. They were still transfixed by the sight.
Pan, who had her face painted as a cat, noticed the two demis and called out in excitement. "Uncle Goten! Trunks! And ran over to them.
Vegeta looked in their direction. Noticing their expression, he sent them a nasty glare.
The two teens quickly recovered from their shock and fidgeted while looking around for something distracting.
Pan hugged her uncle as he tried to focus all of his attention on his neice. Praying to kami that he wasn't about to be murdered by Vegeta.
Once Vegeta stood in front of the three, Trunks nor Goten could look him in the eye. Pan still completely oblivious to the tension in the air.
"Mommy! Pan exclaimed in excitement, seeing her mother in the distance and running towards her.
With Pan gone for the moment, Vegeta crossed his arms and spoke in a low, dangerous tone. "If either of you say one word. I will break both of your legs and make sure either of you can't speak for a week. Are we clear?"
"Yes, sir!" They both responded immediately, as Pan returned holding Gohan's hand.
Gohan walked up with a smile. "Hey Goten! Trunks! Nice face painting!" She still hadn't noticed Vegeta's since his back was to her. "So, are we ready to head to the-"
She paused, blinking a couple of times. She had looked at her husband's face and noticed that, to her utter surprised, had his face painted too.
Goten began distracting himself with his niece, trying hard to ignore the scene between his sister and Vegeta.
Trunks began eating what was left of the ice cream. Looking elsewhere as if there was something quite interesting in the distance.
Vegeta continued to look forward in the distance, arms crossed, uncomfortable as hell. A deep frown on his face.
Brushing his mind, Gohan could feel her husband's frustration and embarrassment at his situation, as well as his struggle to maintain his composure.
She knew Pan had something to do with this. He was a firm father when it was about discipline, yet he spoiled her constantly.
She smiled kindly. Vegeta would do anything to please their daughter, even if he wouldn't admit it. He was a wonderful father and she was proud to be his mate.
Leaning forward, she kissed him on the cheek, close to his ear. She then whispered seductively. "When we get home, I will have to reward you for taking such good care of Pan…"
She mentally sent him feelings of gratefulness, as well as sensual emotions through their link.
His tail twitched eagerly beneath his shirt at her promise. A smirk crossed his face as he looked at his mate.
Gohan pulled away and gave him a quick, sultry look. Then turned to face the others. "We should get going to the waiting area. The parade will start in about half an hour."
…..
They had the perfect seating to view the balloon parade. Every year Videl always made sure that the Son family had a spot in the exclusive VIP area. Gohan objected at first to the special treatment. Feeling that she would be taking advantage of her friend's position, but since Pan was born, she began to be ok with it for her daughter's sake. It wouldn't be too enjoyable for the little one to have to wait over two hours for the parade in order to get a decent spot. Gohan had even heard of people waiting five hours before the start of the parade.
They also met up with Bulma, Yamcha, and little Bra, who were already at the seating area.
As balloons as big as houses floated by, the joyous exclamations of Pan, Bra, and Goten could be heard. Bulma chuckled at the sight. He was still a little kid at heart. "Goten, you are so much like your father, you know that?"
Goten blushed and laughed, placing his hand behind his neck in the typical nervous gesture his father often made.
Yamcha laughed as well. "You know, you aren't helping yourself."
Trunks watched his friend closely. He could tell that, behind that smile, his friend was probably saddened by the mention of his father.
Goten cared a lot for his father, and he suffered because of his absence. Trunks hated how Goku would spend little to no time with Goten because he was too busy elsewhere. Mostly training. Goku never really came to either of his children's birthdays or family celebrations. Hell, he hadn't really come to any of Pan's birthdays either.
While Gohan seemed used to it by now, Goten still confessed to him that he'd wished his father would come to his birtday parties. Even if it was to just wish him a happy birthday.
Trunks glanced at his own father. He knew exactly how that felt. When he was young, his father never attended his birthday parties, and it hurt like hell. It all changed from his 6th birthday forward. He never got any type of confirmation, but he suspected that Gohan might have had something to do with it.
Looking back at Goten, he noticed that his friends mood had indeed fallen a bit. So he decided to try and cheer him up.
Spotting the balloon that was supposed to represent himself from an alternate dimension, he decided to comment on it. "Well, here comes the worst looking one..." He did his best to sound annoyed.
Goten looked at the balloon he was looking at and laughed. "I don't know Trunks. I think they got that one just right! That big head just about fits your ego." He commented playfully.
"Ha, ha, Goten. Very funny." Trunks replied in a mock tone. Goten just laughed more at that.
Trunks couldn't help the smile that crossed his face. Goten looked happy again. Good.
"Look, look!" Pan exclaimed in excitement. "That one looks exactly like daddy!" She pointed at the huge balloon that was supposed to look like supersaiyan Vegeta.
Vegeta's eye twitched as he glared at the horrid balloon. "That shit looks nothing like me…" He grumbled in annoyance.
Gohan laughed as she hugged her frustrated husband.
….
After watching the parade, they set off to eat dinner together. Enjoying family company. After eating dinner, they all hung out for a bit. The sun was setting by this point.
"Well, Bra is quite tuckered out." Bulma gestured towards the sleeping Bra. "It's late anyway and I have an early day tomorrow."
Gohan laughed. "She's not the only one." Gohan gestured to her own daughter, who had also fallen asleep. "We should get going as well."
Goten and Trunks hugged everyone before they left. Once everyone was gone, Goten looked at Trunks. "So, what should we do now?"
"Hmmm." Trunks glanced around. "Well, it looks like places are starting to pack up. What does it say in the pamphlet?"
Goten pulled the crumpled pamphlet from his pocket and began to straighten it out.
Trunks shook his head. "You know it would be easier if you just folded it like a normal person."
"I know, I know..." He responded while flattening out the paper. "There!" He exclaimed in triumph. "Hmm... It looks like the last thing is a three hour movie on the large projector. It's titled: 'When a Man Becomes a Legend'."
Trunks glanced at his friend in fear. "Oh kami… Please tell me it's not that new one I heard about that depicts the 'real life' achievements of Satan leading up to his supposed defeat of Cell…" He asked in a pleading tone.
"... I think it is…"
They looked at each other in horror. The last thing they wanted to do was sit through a boring Hercule movie, especially one that lasted 3 hours…
There was a few moments of silence till Trunks broke it. "Wanna head home and watch a movie at my place?"
"Please." Goten replied. They both got up and headed to the car to drive back to Capsule Corp.
…..
As the sun finished setting, the moon was soon to rise. Not any ordinary full moon, but one that causes a special, irresistible effect on the saiyan species. Affecting half-saiyans as well.
The violet moon promises to change Trunks and Goten's relationship. For bad, or for good.
…...
I've posted a Trunks x Goten (Truten) lemon one-shot. Its called Reality is Much Sweeter Than Fantasy. Look for it in my stories. Review if you like! ^ ^
Thanks for reading! And thanks especially to those that review/comment! ^ ^