Once again, if you like it, I have to say all this is possible thanks to the help of my beta-reader/ grammar teacher, The Dagger Dripping in Ink.
And, of course, you, followers-favouriters-reviewers are a great support too. Thank you very much.
Reign of sorrows : Just to say, I never meant to cliffhang anyone when I wrote this, I just thought that things couldn't go too fast. However, I can tell you, you won't have to wait too much. (Since you really want to know, I can confess you what's going on next: Trunks and Goten are going to fond a bridge club and win world championships ^^)
LVR4Trunks-n-Vegeta: I always love your questions. If you want to know what's coming next, read my answer to Reign of Sorrows. ^^
Wingedwriter101 : Again, you make me blush. Glad that you like it.
Chapter 8
Trunks looked up from the papers he was reviewing. In front of his desk, the young girl who had brought them to him was squirming in her tight suit. He could guess she was a trainee. She wasn't much more than twenty years old and was smiling shyly, her hands nervously crossed in the back, obviously impressed to be there. He smiled back and resumed his reading. He had noticed her gleaming eyes and her unconscious way of biting slightly her lips.
He straightened up and signed the papers in different places with a safe and familiar gesture. Then he held them out to her.
- Here you have it, he concluded.
She fidgeted and took the document.
- Thank you, Mr Briefs. I will give them straight back to my boss.
He stared at her sympathetically and nodded. He was wondering how many of this kind of girl he had met in recent years, and how many could still exist, unoticed to him, at the Capsule Corp. Like the one he had found on the couch with Goten the other night. Those girls were so desperately in need of a charming Prince that they were easy to seduce. However, this fool's game was definitely no longer interesting to Trunks. He was done with making use of his easy charm, he found it merely hypocritical and unfair.
When he was younger, his relations with girls were more natural. He was anonymous and he could only count on the personal gifts fate had rather generously granted him. At that time, he sought nothing more than thrills, but they had been fading quicker as time went on. Then, he had begun to manage the Capsule Corp. At first, with Bulma's help and then, on his own.
He had to admit that he had always loved to be a leader, he was born for it. It made him look terribly much like his father; Bulma had always pointed out this similarity. Trunks was a rather quiet and thoughtful personality, but anyone who would try to surpass him or to impose choices to him would ignite his cold, devastating rage. He was the leader, and no one could stand above him.
This experience had made him a bit more mature and he had tried to start more thoughtful relationships. More or less. However, due to the fact he was working so much, he had always met his girlfriends at work, where he was allmighty. In fact, his power had always distorted his relations with them.
He hadn't been aware of that reality right away and, at first, he had blithely taken advantage of the situation with girls like the one who had just come out of his office. It had been so easy though that he should have immediately understood. He had been reluctant to recognize that all his affairs were only fake and his ego had encouraged him to swip greedily everything there was to take. His oversized, dumb ego had blinded him mercilessly. He had had young women or even some a little older than him, with or without a brain and with or without money. The main thing had only been that they suit him physically.
In each experiment, he had vaguely tried to find out the kind of girls he needed and each time, he had failed. Most of the time, he had gotten bored, or had understood that the girl expected him to be someone he wasn't and he would eventually end the affair. Sometimes, his partner had been the one to break up with him, and except for his wounded pride, he had rarely felt real grief. His longest relationship had lasted six months with a woman four years his senior who was a financial shark. She had grown tired of him and had simply moved on.
There had been good times though, and of course, there was sex. He couldn't deny that this was the best part, but as time went on, he had been surprised to find out that it wasn't enough anymore. And about a year ago, his last break up had just left him with the feeling of an incredible mess. A hangover somehow. He had decided to slow down and consider his relationships a bit more. He had been pondering for one year, loosing gradually hope of finding or even understanding what he was looking for and what he truly needed.
The only thing that would still stir him was his job or, so to speak, his reign. He was a humane boss, quite popular, and well respected. He was also addicted to the power and control he had over the Capsule. He loved to win, and even with his trading partners, it was like winning a fight. He craved this inner jubilation, it was so rewarding for his pride like the recognition of his excellence and might. Lately, however, even that could no longer make him forget his personal and emotional life's disaster. Even the sight of the trainee who had sheepishly smiled at him, unconsciously squirming and hoping to get his attention, left him cold. Cold and a little sad.
Now, the only time he had the feeling to be really himself, the only moments when he wouldn't feel any need to wear the mask of might and perfection, was his time with Goten. With Goten, this whole mockery was pointless and senseless. Goten would stand up to him whenever he wouldn't agree with him. He was always completely genuine and truthful, regardless of what would or wouldn't please Trunks. Not only that, Goten could make him laugh, just when he needed someone to pull him out of the gray world he'd began to sink in.
When he had found the girl on the couch, Trunks had felt his blood freezing. First, he hadn't been able to say exactly what had upset him so much. Obviously, the mere thought that he could have surprised Goten in action with a girl had inspired within him a deep aversion. Nevertheless, there was something more. He should have foreseen that Goten would eventually bring a girlfriend or a one-night stand. It could and it had to happen. Trunks himself had predicted it, after all. He realized indeed that he had preferred not to believe it.
The truth was that the incident had annoyed him so much because Trunks had become suddenly aware that, unlike himself, Goten had his own life. Goten wasn't on Earth to distract him from his melancholy or his job. He didn't belong to him, and surely wasn't his pet. Trunks had to accept that, even if it appeared so painful to him. If you were a girl, I think I'll marry you. That was what Goten had said when he was drunk and in all honesty, Trunks wasn't far from thinking the same thing, since he realized that he had become totally addicted to Goten's company and attention.
The intercom interrupted Trunks' meditation. He picked up mechanically.
- Mr. Briefs? May I remind you that there are two people here waiting for you to receive them. Should I tell them to come back later? the secretary's voice crackled.
- No, it's okay. I'm almost done, Trunks sighed, I'll see them in a minute.
He hung up with a sharp gesture and gazed at the panoramic view through the huge window. He leaned back into his soft, leather chair and his eyes watched dreamily the horizon.
When Trunks had proposed to Goten to move from the house, he had been deeply frightened. He had trembled from the very idea that Goten would maybe accept his offer. Goten was so distant lately. He barely spoke, hardly talking about bullshit about the house's supplies, and he seemed to literally run away each rare time Trunks was home. He had even refused to go out to eat with him. It was as if they had suddenly become nothing more than roommates, in the technical and cold sense, and Trunks didn't know why. His ignorance was gradually gnawing his guts. He was losing his best friend and he desperately needed to understand what had happened so that he might try to mend their bond.
He had thought about the last events a thousand times. In the end, a sole possible explanation had emerged in his mind, and it was haunting him. Something had been on that evening when Trunks had fallen asleep on the couch. All he could remember though was that he had woke up after this strange dream that he was unable to piece together again. All he recalled was that Goten was part of this dream that had left Trunks with a feeling of unease.
Trunks was now wondering if maybe he had talked about some meaningless shit in his sleep. It sometimes happened to him, since he was a child. And even if he didn't know exactly what his dream was about, he knew, on that night, he had been still confused by what Goten had told him the day before. What did he really dream of, and maybe talked about, as he fell asleep on the couch? Was it about something that would have offended Goten?
Now, Trunks was seriously considering it could have been something sexual. He had woken up a bit excited and, at the time, he hadn't really paid attention to his arousal since that was a frequent mechanical effect of awakening. However, the more he thought about it and the more the days went on, the more realistic this terrible theory sounded. In fact, Trunks had other awkward and shameful dreams about Goten, since that night. He woke up every time sweaty and uncomfortable, tortured by desire. And each time, these embarrassing dreams strengthened the credibility of his awful theory. He had to face it.
He had hoped that Goten would speak to him the other night after that girl had left, but he had kept quiet. Goten's stubborn silence had left Trunks on his own, chewing on his exhausting doubts. Yet, Goten had always truthfully confide in Trunks, even about very personal matters. He had always shared all his secrets with him, without any second thought. But maybe Goten wasn't willing to talk because the reason for his behavior was too personal.
Trunks was still contemplating the view through the window. The sun was shyly piercing the gray clouds. He suddenly thumped his desk from frustration. Whatever Goten's problem was, it couldn't be so bad after all. It couldn't justify his distant and offending attitude. Trunks found it totally unfair. Goten himself had said dirty things in the mists of alcohol and Trunks had been forgiving him. So, whatever Trunks had talked about in his sleep, Goten wasn't allowed to bear a grudge against him for meaningless words. And nor was he allowed to keep silent as if nothing was going on, leaving Trunks with his grief and doubts. They had always been truthful to one another and now it was time for Goten to speak clearly.
Trunks grabbed his phone and dialed Goten's number. They had to talk seriously because Trunks couldn't stand this crappy position any longer. However, after a few rings, he was directed to the voicemail. He clenched his fingers on his phone's casing and hung up angrily.
He got up in one motion and, losing all composure, left his office with a firm step. He passed his visitors, who were still waiting, squeezed up on the leather couch. He didn't grant them a look and continued on his way along the corridor and to the elevator. He barely heard the friendly greetings of the employees he crossed, and he also ignored the secretary who was calling him with an alarmed voice. He just rushed into the elevator and nervously pressed the button of the floor where he knew he could find Goten. When he arrived at his destination, he strode along the hallways with a self-assured step, knowing exactly where he was heading. On the way, he remained indifferent to the stunned looks of people who recognized him and were amazed at his presence here.
A man who appeared to be the department's manager came to meet him.
- Mr. Briefs, what can I ... he stuttered.
But Trunks merely raised his hand to make him shut up and walked around to step further until a large room where a dozen employees were working in open space. He stood on the doorstep and let his gaze drift over them. Soon, there wasn't a sound. Everyone was staring at him in disbelief. He didn't seem impressed by this reaction, still indifferent, seeking only what he was looking for. Eventually, his eyes fell on Goten who had leaned back on his chair and watched him with unsureness.
- Come on, please, Trunks whispered to him, waving his hand at the same time.
- It isn't time for my break yet, objected Goten pitifully, but in 10 minutes...
Trunks sighed in despair.
- Goten, stop it! Don't be stupid! Come on! Trunks growled in an exasperated tone.
Behind Trunks, the manager was gesturing angrily at Goten to tell him to obey. Goten stood up awkwardly, aware that all eyes were pointing at him like invisible daggers. He walked over to Trunks.
- We have to talk, Trunks whispered.
- Now? Everyone's looking at us! You could have called me, Goten replied with embarrassment.
- And you could have answered my call. Come with me, now.
- What's up? Is it serious?
- Follow me.
They were whispering and it was arousing a little more of the other employees' curiosity around them. Eventually, Trunks grabbed Goten's arm and dragged him out of the room. Goten didn't resist, head down, worrying to avoid the eager eyes they passed on their way. Soon, the elevator doors closed behind them. They were alone in the lift cage that was rising silently.
Goten stepped back cautiously from Trunks. The two friends were watching each other. Trunks' blue eyes were tinged with a kind of anger and Goten shivered. Unconsciously, he was fearing that, somehow, Trunks had discovered his secret. Goten's mouth became suddenly dry and he slammed his back against the wall of the cage to put a little more distance between them. Trunks' silence was impressive, and left Goten clueless about what was going on. Goten felt overwhelmed by an uncontrollable fascination and it added to his apprehension of the coming discussion. At that very instant, Trunks looked a bit like his father. He wore a determined and relentless expression that was freezing Goten's blood.
A little bell rang when the elevator stopped on the top floor. Trunks came out. Instead of heading toward the corridors, he opened a swinging door leading to stairs and up to the roof. Goten followed him up to the top of the building without a word.
When they were outside, Trunks turned to him, regardless of the wind that was blowing on the flat roof. Around them, there were only the white clouded sky and some peaks from the few towers that could compete with the height of the Capsule's building. Goten barely took the time to enjoy the view. Trunks crossed his arms.
- So? What happened the other night? he asked bluntly.
Goten felt his stomach shrink.
- Which other night? he mumbled as he was trying desperately to think about something smart to answer.
This whole crap was two weeks old. Goten could feign ignorance as well. Trunks leaned his head. His piercing eyes seemed determined to prevent any of Goten's attempts to fool him.
- Goten, Goten ... You don't want us to play cat and mouse, uh ? We're a bit too grown up for that, don't you think? he hissed.
Goten looked down and put his hands in his pocket to keep his composure.
- What am I suppose to say, Trunks? You just pick me up, in front of all my coworkers, and you don't want to tell me exactly what you are talking about...
- Okay then... We had an evening with pizza and movies two weeks ago, and I guess you remember it very well, because since that night, you barely talk to me anymore...
- I talk to you! Don't say that! Goten protested with embarrassment.
- That's not the point, Son! Do you remember the fucking party? Trunks creaked, science fiction DVD? Are you with me?
- Yes, I remember, Goten growled, avoiding his gaze.
- All right ... So, what happened while I was sleeping?
Goten bit his lower lip and blushed in a minute. His reaction froze Trunks who understood, without a second thought, that his theory had been right. He'd had a hot dream with Goten, and he'd spoken in his sleep. Trunks ran his hands over his face in despair and breathed deeply.
- I spoke? Is that it? I talked in my sleep? he muttered.
Goten's eyes widened. He didn't expect that at all. What was Trunks believing he had talked about? Goten had no idea but, nevertheless, he felt instantly relieved that Trunks didn't suspect any of his lustful ideas. Goten walked over to his friend and pressed his hand around his shoulder as a comforting gesture.
- Don't worry, Trunks, it happens to us all, he murmured in a reassuring tone.
Trunks stiffened up and stared at Goten with astonishment.
- It happens? Do you ever dream of me? Well ... I mean ...
Goten opened his mouth in amazement and took a step back. Had Trunks been dreaming of him? Was it so? Trunks had actually believed that he had talked in his sleep. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly sticking together in Goten's confused mind. Trunks suddenly frowned and pinched his lips.
- Goten, what did I say?
- Well ... uh ... I don't remember very well, Goten stuttered.
- You don't? It's been two weeks and since then all you do around me is sulk ! Of course you remember! You don't have the right to blame me for a dream! And, to tell you the truth, I don't remember it exactly. I just want to clarify things ...
Clarify things. Exactly what Goten longed to do and exactly what terrified him at the same time. A ray of sun broke through the clouds and fell upon them, adding an eerie light on the picture.
- What did I say, Goten? Trunks repeated relentlessly.
Goten squinted and he looked Trunks straight in the eyes. Goten could see his confusion and felt an urge to kiss him. This feeling had been growing since they were both alone in the elevator, but at first, Trunks' cold attitude had smothered it. Now that Trunks was looking much more vulnerable, Goten's need was becoming overwhelming and barely controllable.
- You said you loved me, that you wanted me … and you said much more hotter stuff but I'll spare you the details, Goten explained in a very self-assured tone.
- Shit! Did I say that? Trunks exclaimed nervously biting a fingernail.
Goten was enjoying his friend's discomfort and panic. He cursed his own sadism, but, in a way, he loved watching Trunks tormenting himself like Goten had been doing secretly for two weeks.
- But in the end, it isn't so serious, after all, is it? Goten finally added with a softened voice.
Trunks stared at him. He was hesitating and considering his friend's words. What Goten didn't know was that this kind of confusing dream had happened again, and more than once, since that night. And Trunks wasn't able to prevent them.
- That's why you've been avoiding me for two weeks ... So I guess it's something serious indeed, Trunks concluded with a sad expression.
Goten thought finally that this was maybe the best moment to confess to Trunks his own problem and his insistent urge to kiss him. He approached him again and grabbed him by the shoulders. But Trunks immediately slipped out his grip.
- Look, I'm sorry Goten, you should have talked to me about that. You know, you said something when you were drunk ... I don't know, I think that's what started it all and ...
- Started it all ? Goten asked with surprise as he tried to approach him again.
However, once more, Trunks took a step back to dodge his touch.
- I don't know what's wrong with me, I think ... I need to see a shrink or something like that ...
Trunks walked past Goten and back to the stairs. Goten grabbed his wrist as he understood that his friend was willing to leave and end their discussion. There was a hint of distress in Trunks' voice and Goten immediately cursed himself for his lies. He shouldn't have had him believe that he had talked in his sleep.
- A shrink? Goten exclaimed, but no... wait, it's just ...
- I shouldn't have come down to pick you up from your department like this. I know I suck at this time.
Trunks was looking away and yanked his wrist out of Goten's hand. Then, he disappeared into the dark stairs without answering his friend's calls.
Standing alone on the roof, Goten was speechless, his stomach strongly knotted. He swore aloud. Fuck! He couldn't possibly run after Trunks in the hushed corridors of the last floor. Their public show was enough for today. Goten lowered his head dejectedly. He had been so stupid and so evil. When Trunks was frightened of a simple hot dream, Goten hadn't hesitated to intrude into this disturbing fantasy. And he'd had Trunks believe he was the pervert one. And Goten had also welcomed Trunks' pitiful apologize whereas, he was truly the guilty one.
Goten was still consumed by the desire, and it was clear now that there would be no other remedy than to talk to Trunks. However, Goten had stepped back like a coward. Today would have been the best time to reveal his secret. It had been an unexpected opportunity that might not occur again. And, because of his cowardice and his stupidity, Goten had preferred to take advantage of Trunks' awkwardness. Instead of speaking to him frankly and comfort him, he had been a foolish kid. He could claim that Trunks was dear to his life, but he didn't deserve him.
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