*disclaimer: same as usual
*authors note: this is kind of a filler chapter but important nonetheless. thank you to those who have reviewed my story and commented and followed and favourited. it truly made my day waking up to the emails notifying me that i had gotten presents from here from you guys :) also, this story isnt even close to done, however i do have school so that may interrupt how often i post. thank you again for reading, and without further ado, read on for Gohan 3
The next day I woke up and squinted around, feeling Piccolo's warmth behind me still and I felt the edges of my lips quirk in a small smile. I reached to the bedside table and felt around for them, cursing as I heard them fall on the floor. Swearing I leaned over the side of the bed and gasped at the searing pain that spread through me when I stretched my muscles. Piccolo was awake in a flash and pulling me back towards him thinking I was falling out of bed.
"Pic…glasses!" I mumbled frantically, and I saw the blurred form of him reaching over me to get them. I sat up painfully and grimaced as he handed them to me. I hated this, hated having to wear them, hated that I wasn't a typical Saiyan.
I felt like a burden to everyone and I hated it and myself because of it. There had to be something I could do, some way to get out and do something. Now that I didn't have a job, it was like an itch I couldn't get rid of. Piccolo moved to get out of bed and my senses shorted out in fear.
"Wait! Don't go!" I reached for him and he paused, regarding me through curious eyes.
"Water?" he said, and I bit my lip but then nodded, watching him walk into the bathroom and fill the glass that he kept in there. He came out soon after and I couldn't take my eyes off him as he crawled over me and sat down to meditate. With his eyes closed, he said
"There's something I forgot to mention. I'm still the leader of the Noir clan, and we're sizable now. Since I've laid a claim on you and made you my mate, there are some…things we need to discuss."
"Ok, like what?" I felt a knot in my stomach and inched closer to him, waiting for him to speak up again.
"There's no need to be nervous, Gohan. I would never pull you into something that would hurt you, and if anyone tried they'd be dead," one eye lid slid open and I knew he was looking at me sideways. His eyes were red like they always were when he meditated and a shiver ran up my spine at the look.
"So…how big is your clan?" I asked him, and he inhaled deeply before beginning.
"We own fifty percent of global profits. The other fifty is held by Capsule Corporations. It has been through our efforts, and our efforts alone, that no one has tried to attack this planet since Majiin Buu. We've choked out any resistance, and I won't lie about it because you've already figured that out through the memories we've started to share. That's another thing I didn't have time to explain; our souls are tied together now, and with that bond comes an intimacy that no one else will ever understand. Sometimes, you'll have a dream and it'll be one of my memories, and vice versa." He explained, and I leaned forward with interest, my head on my hand.
"Mm…ok, so what are you creeping up at? You're a slow build, Pic." He showed one fang in a half hearted snarl but I grinned evilly knowing that he was going to say something sexual to me back. Sure enough, he didn't disappoint when he opened his eyes and glared at me.
"You don't seem to have a problem when I'm taking you," he said menacingly, and I blushed.
"You don't take forever to get to that," I stated, and I started giggling at the look he gave me before I was being knocked down onto my back, Piccolo deftly straddling my waist so I couldn't get up.
"You have to become a member of the Noir Clan, Gohan. That means taking my last name and devoting yourself entirely to my clan, our cause, our secrets, everything." He leaned in for dramatic effect and I sighed.
"Is this supposed to be a hard decision, Piccolo? I can hardly stand the thought of you leaving the room without me, much less a lifetime. I accept, by the way, if that's what you're asking."
"You're so insolent."
"You love it." I said, smirking as he leaned over me, his fangs bared just the slightest bit. I was a little surprised when he got off me suddenly, pulling me up with him carefully.
"You know me so well." He deadpanned, and I snorted.
"I am concerned about one thing; what does this mean for Goten and Trunks? I will fight for them, Piccolo." I warned, and he hesitated, sitting on my lap and holding my hands. I reached up and caressed his face softly, feeling him lean into my touch and reach up to kiss my palm. He looked down at me, still holding my hand, and my heart fluttered.
"Trunks technically belongs to Capsule Corporation still, whether his dad kicked him out or not, and Goten is unaffiliated. However, Goten mated with Trunks, that makes him part of CC. Normally, we don't really do business with them, however in this case…I may have to consider an alliance. This could potentially benefit us however…there is one last thing…"
"What is it?"
"You'll have to go through an initiation."
"Can't you just screw my brains out and consider it done?" I flopped backwards onto the bed, wincing slightly as the pain shot through my scar again. He chuckled and rolled off me, landing next to me and propping himself up on his arm to look down at me.
"If it were that easy, of course I would. But you have to go on a mission for the clan's betterment, and usually that means killing."
"I'll do it. I don't care, I just…whatever it takes." I told him, my face grim in determination.
"So defiant. I will come up with something in the next few days." I nodded and he moved his hand to the back of my neck, leaning in closer to my face and gazing at my slightly parted lips. I took the hint and moved the rest of the way to meet him, and we lay like that for a long while, lost in each other.
His plan came to fruition sooner than either of us expected in the form of Raditz arriving on our doorstep a few days later. I let him in without even bothering to question it, he was blood and part of the clan, and incredibly loyal to Piccolo which of course meant me as well now. He nodded at Trunks who was sitting on the couch rubbing his belly which was steadily getting bigger and certainly showing by now. I smiled at him and he stretched out on the couch, a beta's way of saying that he or she trusted the alpha in the room.
I couldn't really tell what Raditz was doing since he had his skull mask on, but Piccolo came in and told him he could take it off so he did. I was still getting used to the scarring on his face, but sat down next to Trunks and put his feet in my lap. Piccolo started discussing business with Raditz and I turned so I could view Trunks' face better.
"How are you feeling?" I asked him quietly, and he stretched a little bit, his tail lazily swishing up to touch my face.
"I'm fine, just a little stressed out. Are you ok, 'han?" he asked me shyly, and I exhaled. I looked over at my mate discussing things with Raditz and thought for a moment.
"I don't know," I answered truthfully, and I felt him shiver as I started massaging his feet mindlessly.
"Is Goten treating you alright?" I asked him, turning to him suddenly. He looked startled at the question, but the smile that spread over his face as he nodded told me all I needed to know.
"He's wonderful, 'han. He's…perfect in every way. He feels under pressure to make sure I'm taken care of and I wish he wouldn't worry so much. I know he's doing this for us but I keep telling him that I'll think of something." I nodded at his little blurb. They were cute together.
"He's your alpha, Trunks. It's always in them to protect what's theirs." Trunks nodded and put a hand on his belly thoughtfully. I had to look away, my loss still fresh in my mind and the pain of it hurting my heart. I didn't want Trunks and Goten to feel like I hated them or their child, I was just…hurting. I loved them and would help them however I could, and I was glad that nothing had happened to Trunks whilst pregnant, but anyone who's ever lost their baby knows the feeling.
"Gohan, we need to talk to you. I just found you a mission." The deep baritone voice of my mate washed over me and my eyes flicked over to him as they walked over and sat down on opposite sides of the ottoman. Raditz drew out some papers from inside some pocket and laid them out flat, and I moved closer to see what was on them. They looked like…maps? Beside me, Trunks sat up with some difficulty and watched us, a hand on his stomach.
"I've been scratching my head on how to get back at Vegeta, and I think I may have an in. I need to do some reconnaissance though, and I can't be in the city very much because he could catch my scent, but Piccolo here says you need to officially join the clan so you can help me track his movements."
"Ok, so what all does this entail?" I said, immediately interested. Anything to get back at someone who'd hurt one of our own like that, especially someone that shared blood with me. I felt Trunks stiffen beside me at the mention of his father, and I turned to him and said
"Trunks, you don't have to be here for this. I understand if you want to leave."
"No, I want to help. What he did to Raditz is…unforgivable. I could never treat my Goten like that." He had a look of fierce determination on his face so we let him stay as Raditz briefed me.
"These are places that he frequents within Capsule Corps however I can teach you how to find his signal. If he leaves, follow him, and report to me every night. Or Piccolo," he added solemnly, and I nodded. Trunks was looking at the maps with interest.
"These are really good, you must have someone on the inside helping you, because no one knows the layout this well, unless they live there." Raditz regarded him calculatingly, and then nodded to himself as if reaching some internal argument head.
"We did, until recently. Tell me Trunks, does your Uncle Tarble still live there?" he asked. Trunks shook his head.
"He did until a few months ago, and he and Turles ran off. I don't know where they went, why? Is it important?"
"No," Raditz shook his head and we went back to studying the maps. The doorbell went off suddenly and I stiffened, looking immediately to Piccolo in fear. Raditz simply put his mask on, gathered up the maps, and left out the sliding glass door. Goten was at work, and Bulla and her mate were working right now as well. Trunks wasn't due for a checkup until later that week. In trepidation, I followed Piccolo's instructions to stay where I was while he went to the door to see who it was. I couldn't stand Piccolo being out of my sight so I whipped my head around and watched him as he drew nearer the door.
"Gohan. Are you in the mood for company?" he asked me softly, and I froze again.
"Uh…it depends on who it is, I suppose. Not my father," I spat venomously. Fuck that man. I never wanted to see him again. Piccolo opened the door and there was a quiet serene voice that greeted him. Piccolo growled something in acquiescence and stood aside letting the person in. My eyes widened when I saw that it was Broly, and he looked really worse for the wear, but he was humming with a wild energy and looked…peaceful. I noticed that his headband was back on his head and he had bruises and bite marks all over his body.
"Broly!" I made to stand up but he reached his hands out in a placating gesture, indicating that I didn't have to get up. He came in and sat on one of the loveseats, and Piccolo came and stood behind me and Trunks. He nodded his head respectfully in Trunks direction, who for his part waved his hand at him rapidly dismissing the gesture, before he spoke up.
"You look well, my prince. And Gohan…" he turned his pale features towards me and I felt something in my heart break at the look.
"I am…deeply sorry for your loss. Words cannot express my sadness that I was unable to arrive sooner." I held up my hand as my throat closed up. I forced the emotion down, I would not crumble in front of him. I respected him too much and knew he respected me both as a fighter and as a surrogate son.
"Broly…please. Please, just…I accept your apology, but I can't…I can't talk about it right now. Only with Piccolo or my nurse." He nodded in understanding and also knew that I was forcing myself to be brave.
"I came to tell you that Kakarot is under control. I fucked him into submission, and he's currently tied up at home." He said it so…nonchalantly, and I shared a glance at Trunks that was part hilarity and part horror.
"As much as I don't want to talk about him right now…is he…in one piece?" I asked with hesitation.
"Of course. I wouldn't kill him, however finding him attacking you brought out a side of me that hasn't been around for a very long time. I…I lost control, if it wasn't for Piccolo and his cohort being there just in time, I could have destroyed you as well," he warned, and I looked at the floor. I was feeling a panic attack coming on, my throat constricting and my fight or flight instincts telling me to get the hell out of there.
"B-Broly, not that I want you to go, but I need you to leave for a while. I…I can't…Come see me again in another couple of weeks, ok?" I asked him, my voice rising in octaves as I stumbled to my feet. Broly, who was still a seasoned warrior beneath his calm exterior, nodded at me sadly and left while Piccolo came and attended me. I was muttering nonsense, my voice at a pitch that was raising and lowering rapidly, it was like the ravings of a madman. From a distance, I heard Piccolo say something, but I was retreating within myself. Talking about my father….about that night…I couldn't do it. I couldn't…I couldn't…deal with this.
When I came out of my shell, I was in bed, and it was dark out. I sat bolt upright in bed, immediately sensing out Piccolo's ki and nearly coming to tears when I couldn't feel him beside me.
"Piccolo?" I said into the darkness, my voice scratchy. He appeared beside me, touching my face and crooning sweet nothings into my ear, and I calmed down immeasurably.
"Trunks?" I asked him, not able to be coherent just yet.
"He's in his room with Goten, it's alright." I sighed and relaxed into his embrace, and then tears started flowing.
"Gods, I'm so fucking weak!" I put my face into my hands and sobbed violently.
"You're the strongest person I know, Gohan." Piccolo reassured me, and I shook my head in denial.
"I couldn't fucking save our child, I couldn't save myself, I didn't know when I was in heat, I didn't try to contact you the moment dad showed up, I still somewhat care about him, I haven't had a heart to heart with Goten or Trunks in weeks, I can't…what do you even see in me?" I vented. He fingered my chin and tilted my face up so he could look me in the eye, and I sighed as my gaze went over his ethereal features.
"I see immense inner strength. I see someone who will go to the ends of the earth for those he loves. I see an intelligent, beautiful demi-Saiyan who's just as much of an outsider on this planet as I am. We are so alike Gohan, and when you look at me, I feel warm. I don't know how to explain the feeling better, but I know it's what love feels like because I know when I feel that way that I could never let anything happen to you that's within my power to stop. I see courage, and humility, and a fire rivaling my own that will never be beaten out of you. And besides, if anyone tried, I would hunt them down." He added as an afterthought that last bit, but I was crying silently, the tears running down my cheeks rapidly. He took his thumb and wiped the tears away before kissing me intently, his every motion fluid and perfect. He slowly pulled me onto his lap and I wrapped my arms around his neck and deepened the kiss with him, feeling the connection between us grow wider and bigger and more intimate. He moved his lips down to my jaw and kissed a trail down my neck, leaving little nibbles along the way. Each time I felt his teeth graze my skin I gasped lightly, trying to control my tears as they continued to flow.
"Do you know why I marked you as mine Gohan?" he murmured against the bite mark on my shoulder. I shrugged, wordlessly asking him why.
"It was because I could never handle seeing you with anyone else. Even in the beginning of 'us', when I would run out on you, I always knew I could never forget you. Seeing you hurt at my own actions was like a sucker punch to the gut every single damn time. I was angry at first, but not at you; at myself for not handling it better. It was because you were the first person that ever defiantly stood toe to toe with me and yelled in my face unafraid of me whilst simultaneously excited about what I would do to you." I laughed, the sound wet sounding and lame, but a laugh nonetheless. I felt him graze his teeth against the mark and I moaned when he sank his teeth into my skin.
"Piccolo…" I sighed. Even if the rest of my emotions were uncontrollable and fucked up right now, one thing was a constant: how he and I felt about each other would never end, and thank Kami for that. His tongue lapped up the blood that was trickling down my collarbone, and I my eyes grew lidded and heavy before I passed out in his arms.