Ch 35

Goten had woken up the next morning to trays of breakfast and a note from Trunks telling him he would see him tonight because of some business obligations. After breakfast he decided to see the city and as he stepped out of the hotel, he had a feeling that today was going to be a good day.

The shops were amazing as Goten picked up some things he knew his family would appreciate when he got back home. After he spent some time enjoying the views of Central Park, his stomach was begging him to feed it.

"All right you win," Goten smiled as he saw a pizza place right in his eye sight. "Bingo!" he said as he crossed the street and walked in.

Sitting down with his bags beside him in a booth, he smiled at the delicious cheese pizza with black olives, green peppers, and bacon. Before he could dig in, he sensed someone familiar and as he looked out the window, he smiled. "Dad!"

"Hey Goten! I see you're—

"I'll order you a pizza dad," he said as he got back in line.

After they both finished their pizzas, they both sat back in their booth with satisfied smiles on their faces.

"Thanks son the trip here was a long one that's for sure."

"So what brings you here dad?"

"Well your mom was concerned. You know how she is, but there's something I'm concerned about as well."

"Of course she was. I'm fine. I'm here with Trunks. He has some business to take care of here. We'll be back on Friday."

"You know you'll have to do this every time Goten. What about your bakery?"

"I'll figure it out when I get back. Besides I don't think these kinds of trips will be that frequent."

"Have you talked to Trunks about this? Goten—

"I know you're all worried about the bond. I am to, but I intend to talk to Trunks about it."

"Did you really think this through son? Do you know it took Bulma and Vegeta years before they decided to take this step? There's a reason it's called saiyan bonding Goten. I'm afraid you'll get hurt and yes some of it is your mother talking."

"I knew it. Why can't she just trust me? Do you think me so weak in emotion and strength that I can't make my own decisions. You know Trunks didn't pressure me into this right? Vegetal gave us the saiyan talk when we were teenagers. I know what can happen."

"Then you're a fool but I still love you son. I still support you. I'm on your side."

"Well you could have fooled me!" yelled Goten as he got up, paid the bill, and left with his bags.

"Goten, wait! I'm sorry. Can we talk somewhere less public?"

Back in Goten's hotel room, he turned to his father. "So talk."

It's not just me and your mother who are concerned. Gohan had the talk with Vegeta to, and I know what's involved."

"What do you want me to do? I can't change it. I'm not sure I would."

"We're just concerned that you'll lose a part of yourself."

"No, I would never let that happen. Trunks would never let it happen. He loves me."

"Will that be enough weeks, months, or years from now? You think you'll be able to look back and see yourself the same way?"

"Why are you talking like this? This isn't you. Mom has poisoned your mind or something. She's trying to break Trunks and I up, but she won't get away with it," he sighed, "I guess I have no choice now."

"What are you talking about Goten?"

"I have to tell you what mom did to me before you came back."

By the end he closed his eyes. Reliving the pain was the hardest for Goten. What was especially hard for the young demi-saiyan was to hear his father leave without a word. 'I can't begin to imagine what he's feeling right now. Does he even believe me? What will happen when I have to face the consequences?'

It was times like this where he could feel himself wanting to attempt again, but he had to keep reminding himself of those who would be affected. 'It's Trunks' life to. It's not just my own anymore. How selfish can I be?'

Not wanting to dwell on these thoughts any longer, he decided a warm shower would relax him but as he entered the bathroom, he saw the huge jacuzzi tub and smiled from ear to ear as he saw the bubble bath bottle.

He sighed in great content as lied his head back against the tub, the bubbles covering every part of his body and the hot water relaxing his body. "This is just what I needed," he said as he sunk his body beneath the bubbles and closed his eyes for a while until he realized what could happen if he fell asleep. 'Whoops, don't want that to happen.'

Resting his head against the tub, he felt his destructive thoughts coming back to him, and he was angry and hurt as he cried, holding his own body the best he could to console himself but he seemed he couldn't even do that. He was exhausted by the end as he was catching his breath. Hearing the front door open, he knew it was Trunks as he dunked himself under the bubbles and water and coming up from air.

"Goten?"

Just his name uttered softly by his mate made Goten want to curl up and die. He was so kind to him, and he was a total wreck. He couldn't look at Trunks. "I'm not fine. I'm not ok. The only thing I know for sure is that I love you, and I want to be with you forever," he said as he risked a look at Trunks to see him smiling at him and Goten couldn't help but pull Trunks into the tub with him, wet suit and all.

Trunks held him close and tight as his mate poured his heart out about what happened today and everything he was feeling. While it overwhelmed Trunks some, he listened to every word and kissed him when he needed it and squeezed him tighter if it was possible.

They didn't know how long they were in the tub in silence, but Trunks would gladly stay as long as his mate needed.