Hello, Thank you very much for the nice reviews. As always this chapter was beta read by The Dagger Dripping in Ink.

Chapter 25

Trunks didn't say anything.

He couldn't forget the picture of Goten's heartbroken face. His sorry eyes, his bewilderment, he had really looked like a lost kid while standing alone in the huge, marbled hallway.

Back at that time, Trunks had truly believed his friend was about to jump on him, to hug him in search of comfort and forgiveness. That would have been exactly the worst thing for him to do, though. Trunks had deeply feared that Goten would try to step in during his arrest and start explaining crap, right in front of the police officers that were already under great pressure at that moment. This prospect had frozen the young CEO as much as it had cheered him up. Yet, Goten's name couldn't be mentioned in that matter with Alice. It was basically out of question for Trunks.

That was why Trunks had remained completely still from the very first minute of the very first questioning. The Capsule had immediately sent him a lawyer who had informed him that Alice had lodged a complaint for molestation. She had a sprained wrist and Trunks was indeed secretly surprised and relieved that he hadn't hurt her more seriously.

However, he hadn't explained anything to the lawyer, either. He had carefully listened to everything she had to tell while recording every detail about his own situation, so that he could understand what was coming next, but he'd firmly refused to confess anything to her, despite her questions.

Finally, the attorney had sighed softly and gave up the idea of learning anything more from him. He suspected that she would make a new attempt to get information from him later. However, for now, she satisified herself by staying faithfullly by his side during the questioning upon scribbling occasionally on her pad. As they both expected it, the cops decided that Trunks would have to spend the night under arrest.

Despite the exhaustion, he was unable to fall asleep in the darkness of his stinking cell. He was thinking back about Goten and mulling over the fact that he would very likely never hold him in his arms again, that he would indeed very likely have to live a life without him.

This idea was aching in the pit of Trunks' stomach, and he was unsuccessfully trying to tame the pain. What was all the more painful for him, was to be well aware that Goten would have been wholeheartedly willing to keep going on the way they always did. Trunks had read it in his eyes when the police had taken him, he had undoubtedly understood that Goten still deeply cared for him.

At that moment, meeting those unrivalled, shiny, black eyes and deciphering Goten's distress in them, Trunks had felt his determination seriously faltering. They could keep going on. Together. Not exactly the way Trunks wanted things to be, but in a way that would be at least the half of what he was seeking. This secret relationship, it could still be a relationship. And hopefully, as time would go by, maybe ... Maybe Goten would bow to the evidence and would accept to step further ...

Yet, it was weak to dream about such crap. It was comforting to imagine that he could live further with Goten, seeing him and touching him every day, but it was a superficial comfort nonetheless, and Trunks knew it. He would be lying to himself to believe it could be enough for him : it would just be a painful path, riddled with a thousand thorns. Thorns that would look like the incident in the bar, or the one in the Capsule's security office. Their affair would remain a sneaky and messy rumor, instead of being a proud proclamation of the greatest joy of his life.

Trunks did not want their relationship to become a treacherous hypocrisy, he refused the constant awkwardness, the grueling caution which repressed and tainted the least of his impulses toward Goten. Trunks could no longer stand all those things, even though he understood Goten's terror to confess everything to his parents, and even though Trunks himself had experienced this fear upon trying to speak to his own father.

He still remembered Bulma's feedback when he had disclosed his affair with Goten to her. He had been disappointed and saddened by her words, though he didn't blame her. What did she say? You could have any girl. Whatever girl he would have chosen, Bulma would never have dared to compare her openly to his previous or potential other girlfriends. Nevertheless, she didn't hesitate a split second to consider that, in a way, Goten wasn't, and would never be, up to any girl, especially to the ones that Trunks had met before. It had been hurtful. In Trunks' mind, Goten was far better than all these girls altogether. None of them had ever given him what Goten did. What Trunks found by his side was so much greater, but, unfortunately, Goten was exactly the only one Trunks couldn't have.

In the silence of the dark cell, as he was unable to sleep and exhausted, Trunks could finally feel his tears flowing down his cheek quietly. As he was out of everyone's sight, those tears which he had held inside had finally found their way out.

He didn't say anything.

The second day, he remained as silent as the first one. The cops took turns to try to make him speak. Some got upset, others had a collusive speech. They would bring him coffee, trying to gain his trust upon considering his matter as a petty, trite one.

They read Alice's testimony a thousand times to Trunks. She was in a bar with a boy, they kissed, Trunks showed up all of a sudden to separate them. Then, there had been an argument and he had violently seized Alice's wrist and pushed her back in the crowd until the guards stepped in. A bunch of witnesses had seen the incident. So, why not just confess the whole thing and go back home?

Yet, Trunks remained still. Even to his lawyer, he had nothing more to say.

Eventually, the cops decided unexpectedly to free him.

Bulma came to pick him up discreetly with her car at the police station's back door. He sat in the passenger seat without a word and tossed his head back on the headrest. Bulma stared at him for a moment and ran lovingly her hand on his cheek.

- Are you okay? she asked shyly.

He nodded slightly and gave her a reassuring glance in reply. She smiled weakly and lit a cigarette before starting the car. She was nervous.

- I can't bring you back home. The reporters are everywhere and it's pretty terrible, she announced, I got you a room in a quiet hotel.

She drove silently for a while.

- The lawyer told us you said nothing to the cops, she finally resumed.

- I had nothing to say, he mumbled.

Bulma clenched her lips. She looked disappointed that her own son didn't want to confess anything to her. However, Trunks didn't feel strong enough, right now. He just felt drained of energy and only urged for some real sleep.

- Whatever. All that shit drives the journalists totally insane. They're chasing Alice now, Bulma explained further.

Trunks was barely listening. He turned his head and watched the town outside the window. Bulma perceived his exhaustion and stopped talking about the matter. She eventually parked in the courtyard of an old, little manor outside the city and turned to him.

- It's a little old-fashionned, here, but there's only old, rich people attending such place… People who have no clue of who you are. Besides, it's quiet and far from downtown, she clarified.

The hotel Bulma had chosen was pretty luxurious nevertheless and Trunks couldn't help but to note that his mother had cared once more for his comfort. She'd picked up the room's key already so he didn't have to register at the reception desk and talk to anyone.

The room was cozy and decorated in a flowery outdated fashion. Trunks no longer cared for petty details like these, anyway. He just sat down heavily on the bed, while Bulma was checking the room she'd already fitted with everything he could need.

- The lawyer said that the trial is scheduled in three days, Bulma said.

- Seems so, Trunks sighed upon removing his shoes.

He laid on the bed wearily. His body welcomed gratefully the softness of the mattress. Bulma came back to him and sat quietly next to him. She lowered her loving eyes on his face and stroked his hair tenderly.

- What happened, Trunks? Won't you tell me? You told me you were no longer interested in Alice ... You told me ...

Trunks rolled over on the bed all of a sudden and curled up, turning his back to his mother, as he was seemingly ready to fall asleep. His gesture was clearly a way to let her know he had no desire to speak. An expression of sadness appeared on Bulma's features as she understood that he wouldn't entrust anything to her. She sighed again and let a last strand of his hair slip between her fingers.

- You've changed, she whispered.

She stood up and quietly left the room to leave him alone.

He slept in one go until the next morning. He hadn't suspected to be so exhausted and was surprised to wake up in the exact position in which he had fallen asleep, as the day was just beginning. He had been wearing the same suit for over two days. So, the first thing he wanted to do was to undress and to take a hot shower.

He realized that Bulma had ensured to provide some fresh clothes to him. They were brand new and Trunks became aware that he was traveling a lot in recent days, so that his wardrobe was scattered to the four winds, just like his life.

He thought about his mother. He knew she was sad that he didn't tell her what had happened. He also knew that she was burning to ask him if he really hurt Alice. He remembered the rage that had seized him in the bar as he was looking for Goten. Even if he'd had the feeling that he'd managed to keep his cool, he realized that it hadn't been enough because his power was so disproportionate in comparison with Alice's weakness. Alice was so frail. So frail and so sneaky.

In the end, Trunks was angrier at her for having tried to seduce Goten than for having filed a complaint. Above all, he was relieved that she didn't mention Goten's name in her testimony. She hadn't said anything about him to the cops. She hadn't even given his name. She'd explained to the police that her date had been too drunk to remember anything, but she had been able to provide a bunch of witnesses, and although all of them were her brother's employees, the cops hadn't really tried to know anything further about Goten. Trunks was grateful to Alice for that. He felt so relieved to know his friend wouldn't be involved in the matter.

After his shower, Trunks intended to call Bulma but he gave up on this idea. He was sorry because he knew she would be hurt by his silence once again but he felt unable to talk about his problems, even with her. He had the strong feeling that if he opened his mouth, all his suffering would soon be poured into an incontrolable stream, which would carry away all the energy and all the strength he still needed to face the situation. So, instead of calling Bulma, he went down to breakfast on the sunny terrace.

It was hot already, although it was only eight thirty. The back of the hotel overlooked great grounds that were perfectly maintained and gave the feeling of traveling some centuries back in time. Apart from an elderly couple who was having a strange talk with their poodle on the other side of the terrace, there were no customers at that time. Too soon. Or too late. Anyway, the surroundings suited Trunks. As Bulma had pointed it out, there was little chance that anyone would recognize him here, or even give a damn to who he was.

He unfolded the morning paper that was resting on the table in front of him and started to browse the news. Obviously, his mishaps didn't hit the headlines, but when he finally spotted an article about Alice and him, he took great care not to read it.

- Mr. Briefs?

He looked up warily. The waiter handed him the phone. Trunks hesitated, but took the device after a second thought.

- Mr. Briefs? How are you doing today? A voice crackled at the other end of the line.

He recognized the lawyer straigt away. It was the same one who had been with him the whole time at the police station. He relaxed and casually folded his newspaper.

- I'm fine, he merely replied.

- I got a call from Alice's lawyer.

- Huh. Some good news? Trunks couldn't help but to ask eagerly.

- I don't know. Maybe. She'd like to see you. Alone.

Trunks closed his eyes wearily. He knew Alice. Alice had always something to sell. Goten. Did she intend to blackmail Trunks after having lodged a complaint against him? It was very likely.

- I don't like it at all. I don't think it's a good idea, the lawyer resumed without worrying about his silence.

- Neither do I, Trunks mumbled.

- However ... It doesn't appear that we have very much of a choice, what do you think?

- I don't know.

- It would be in a public place, of course but without lawyers, the attorney summed up, and you would have to hold your tongue the best as you can, but I think you've proven that you can do that, Mr. Briefs. The best thing to do is to let her speak and make no firm offer. Would you agree?

Trunks thought about the offer for a moment. Alice was probably the last person he wanted to talk to, right now. Yet, she still had a weapon up her sleeve. Goten. Their secret. What could she still be wanting when she had already destroyed Trunks' life, once again? Money for sure. She had never enough of it. So, maybe she wanted money. In fact, he was desperately hoping that it was what she wanted, because money was a thing he could give to her. As much money as she would long to get, as long as she would disappear from his world.

To understand her expectations he had to meet her, though. This matter was far too personal to be negotiated between two lawyers or even in their presence. It was just between her and him.

- I don't like to leave you alone with her, Mr. Briefs, the lawyer added, you can refuse the offer. But, this may be an opportunity to overcome your troubles.

- Tell her I'll wait for her at my hotel in the afternoon. Any time she wants, Trunks sighed.

There was a silence at the other end of the line. Trunks didn't pay attention. He was suddenly very hot.

- In the afternoon. I'll call you back to let you know at what time, the lawyer eventually concluded before hanging up.

Trunks rested the phone on the table with a trembling hand. He wasn't sure of being able to face Alice. She had ravaged his life in only a few days. She'd already done it before. And now she was about to show up here with her triumphant face and her sarcastic tongue, to pour some more salt on his burning wounds.

She will obviously talk to him about Goten. The mere idea of hearing his name uttered by her poisonous lips made Trunks nervous and he knew already that he would have a hard time keeping his self-control. He couldn't say what he would be able to do… Would he throw the table to her face? Or maybe burst into tears like a child? ... Whatever, the lawyer was right, it wasn't a good idea to meet her. He hated her deeply but he was surprised to realize that he also feared her now. He feared her skill to harm him, he feared her threat on Goten. It had never happened to him to fear someone that way.

However, when she arrived on the burning and deserted terrace in the afternoon, Alice wasn't smiling at all. Her features were unusually severe, and Trunks couldn't remember having ever seen her like that. Even back in time, when he shared her life, he didn't recall himself a single minute when her expression had seemed so dark.

She was wearing sunglasses and he couldn't see her eyes, but her mouth was pinched in a way that left no doubt about her mood. Trunks was immediately puzzled. He watched her as she stepped toward his shaded table. She had a simple black dress that looked unusually plain on her. She was still walking in a confident gaite but Trunks felt something was bothering her.

She sat opposite from him and rested casually her bag on the table, without a hello. She immediately turned to the waiter without waiting for him to come closer and ordered a drink on a demanding tone. Trunks merely stirred his coffee upon glancing at her without a word. Let her speak. Anyway, he had nothing to say. It was better not to think about what he could possibly have to tell her.

She lit a cigarette and nervously lifted her sunglasses to rest them on her head. Her hazel eyes betrayed her weariness and her anxiety. Trunks tried for a moment to remember the time when he fell in love with her. He tried hard to remember what about her had so incredibly overwhelmed him. His mind remained blank though.

- The trial is in two days, she announced coolly.

- I know, he mumbled.

- I never thought ...

She paused awkwardly and seemed to search how to word her thoughts upon looking away from him.

- I never thought the media would be so fierce, she resumed, why didn't you speak to the cops?

- To say what?

Alice sighed in annoyance and wiped her ashes in the ashtray. She was still carefully avoiding Trunks' gaze.

- I can withdraw my complaint, she said with a nervous voice.

- In exchange for what? Money?

- Among other things, but that's just about numbers... We both don't really care, do we?

She was now looking Trunks straight in the eyes to accentuate her answer. Trunks clenched his teeth. He had expected things to be more complicated than a business talk and he was grieved to see that his instincts had been right.

- Isn't Goten there with you? she asked suddenly.

Trunks stiffened. Hearing his name. In her mouth. In that question that was anything but innocent, this question that pointed out Goten's absence by Trunks' side in such a painful moment of his life. Trunks considered it was better not to answer.

- You broke up, didn't you? she insisted.

- I don't think this is any of your concern, Trunks muttered.

She smiled weakly. Almost sadly.

- Sure. Trunks Briefs only ever cares for his own concern, of course. Whatever happens, you're only able to care for yourself, Trunks, she replied.

She was speaking softly with blank eyes, and he felt some distress in her voice.

- You know, I haven't spoken about him to the police. I never gave his name and I never explained who he was, she added.

- I know that. It's a good thing, Trunks admitted, after all, all that shit, it's just between me and you.

She nodded and looked down. She seemed exhausted and she was slightly trembling. He believed she was about to cry. She was staring at her hands that were quietly resting on the table and he could only see the top of her head.

- If I withdraw my complaint, do you think Goten would come back to you?

Trunks raised his eyebrows. He didn't expect her question. Neither did he understand her aim with these personal questions about him and Goten. Moreover, he had absolutely no desire to talk to her about Goten. She was the first reason for their breakup.

- I don't know, Alice, he hissed, once again, it's none of your business.

She looked up suddenly. Her eyes were clear and determined again, and she stared at him without a second thought.

- I want Goten. I do. Like I never wanted anyone before, she explained in a threatening voice.

Trunks cringed. Amazement overcame anger.

- Goten is not a toy, Alice, he spat.

- Of course, he's not! she exclaimed.

She'd almost screamed. She regained her composure immediately and glanced around them to check that there was no one else on the terrace.

- You never get anything as long as it isn't centered on you! As usual, you believed that all this had to do with you. You believed I wanted him just as a one-night stand, and obviously, you believed I tried to hold him back in the bar, only because of you! To piss you off!

She was speaking quickly, angrily, almost breathlessly. Trunks recorded painfully her words.

- What are you trying to tell me? he growled.

She stubbed out her cigarette and immediately lit a new one.

- Why do you think I didn't mention him in my complaint? Why do you think I haven't given his name? Tell me honestly, Trunks, why do you think I did it? she whispered.

- To grant yourself a chance to fuck him later? Trunks replied bitterly.

She raised her hand to slap him instantly but refrained at the last minute. Her eyes flashed with anger. It was the same anger Trunks had seen at the bar, when he had taken Goten away from her. And suddenly, obviousness struck him. It was incredible, unlikely, and even unbearable for him. Alice was truly in love with Goten. That was why she refused to mention the real reason of their argument at the bar. She could have ruined Trunks' fame but she wanted mostly to protect Goten's life. What a cruel joke.

- I have to admit it. You seem to have a real crush on him, he noted slyly.

She pressed her face in her hands for a moment in a gesture of weary despair, as she was trying to regain her composure once more. When she raised her head back up, her features were calm and unruffled again. She took a drag on her cigarette and leaned closer to Trunks.

- Trunks, I can withdraw my complaint, she said, all that shit, those journalists who dug into our lives the way dogs dig through garbage, all this can be over. Write me a check and just promise me you'll stay away from Goten, that will do.

Trunks looked at her and stayed silently thoughtful. He was no longer afraid of her. He wasn't even downright angry anymore. He just felt a slight contempt for her and most of all, a kind of strange and unexpected glee. So, that was what she wanted? Goten? And she believed she had to keep Trunks away from him to ensure the slightest chance of success for herself. She was always so self-confident, she was the most amazing hunter, she always felt so irresistible, but she was forced to buy her chance because she became aware that her skill wouldn't be enough. She'd also understood by now that hurting Trunks too much was a bad move because Goten wouldn't forgive it. Most of all, she knew that, as long as Trunks would stay in Goten's life, she would never exist in his eyes.

This realization comforted Trunks in a way she'd never suspected. Had she considered it for a split second, she would never have offered her deal to Trunks. In a way, it was like she had just given him the unquestionable guarantee that she would never have Goten.

He stood up quietly and leaned toward her. She looked at him with puzzled eyes as his lips came closer to her cheek. She frowned slightly and held her breath. Yet, he stopped his movement a few centimeters from her skin.

- Fuck off, he whispered sweetly.

She cringed and scowled. He didn't pay attention though and left the table.

- Trunks! she barked in a stern, threatening voice.

He merely walked further, turning his back to her and stepped inside the hotel.

- Drop dead, Alice! You'll never have him! he replied without even looking back.

He heard her call him again, but he was already heading to his room with a smile gleaming on his lips.

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