Ch 37

It had seemed lately that Trunks was spending his days in and out of airports to meet with important people. He was exhausted as he got his luggage from the carousel, sat down, and waited for his car to arrive. He was early and too tired to fly home.

All of a sudden he felt a ringing from his suit pocket. Looking at the screen of his phone, his eyes widened. The caller ID read Trunks Briefs. 'How is this possible?' he thought. His curiosity got the best of him, and he answered the call. "Hello, this is Trunks Briefs."

"Don't hang up it's Trunks from the past. We met when you came to the past a few years ago. You brought future Goten to meet his brother and father."

"How is this possible? How can you be calling me right now?"

"Well I haven't gotten the name right. For now lets call the time machine phone."

"Now that just sounds ridiculous."

"Think whatever you want but I need to talk to you. I couldn't think of another way. The time machine in my time is having some difficulties."

"What is so urgent you couldn't talk to anyone else?"

"Goten. I always wondered that day when you left with him. How is he?"

"He's going through a hard time, but he's strong. He'll persevere."

"You're helping him, right?"

"Yes Trunks but I think you should concentrate on your own timeline."

"It's not easy Trunks. I think about him all the time to the point that it hurts. My bond with him is strong, and I hide it well. I don't think the world will understand."

"The world doesn't matter Trunks," said Mirai Trunks as he stretched his legs in the chair he was sitting in. "The Goten in your timeline is happy. Maybe someday you'll know when to tell him. I can't do it for you. You're just going to have to trust your heart."

"Thanks Trunks," he said. "You know it isn't easy being a 16 year old teenager, but it's nice to have myself to talk to."

Trunks smiled. "It will be all right Trunks. You'll be ok."

"Are you trying to convince me or yourself Mirai?"

"I don't know. I haven't had a moment to reflect. I've been on so many business trips that my feet haven't touched the ground yet," he said as he leaned back in his seat, not noticing his father hiding in the darkness.

"My mother talks about you every once and a while. From what she's told me you're a hero."

"Hero?" said Mirai.

"You've done so much for my family and for my timeline. I hope I can measure up."

"Trust me Trunks you don't want to be me. My life is far from heroic. I'm just trying to find my place in the world."

"Mom tells me about the sadness to Mirai. I know you're not perfect, neither am I. I just hope you can be happy."

"You to Trunks."

"Just to let you know this call will be the last time we speak Mirai."

"Why?"

"Like you said it's time to get back to our own timelines. Just promise me one thing."

"What is it Trunks?"

"Take care of your Goten."

"I promise. So what was it like growing up with your Goten?"

"It's like feeling complete. You know like mom always says about dad. I couldn't imagine my life without him. He makes me a better person. There's this light inside him that just spreads to everyone he comes into contact with."

Trunks laughed. "Yep you're definitely in love Trunks."

"Do you love him to Mirai?"

"I do. We're—well I don't know what we are. He loves me to, but I'm worried."

"You think he only love you because you saved him."

"Lets say I do help him get better. He may realize he doesn't need me anymore. He may just see me as the friend that saved him."

"If this does happen Mirai, it's something you'll have to accept. Being his friend is better than nothing at all and I should know."

"I think I've said that to myself. I know you're right."

"It will be painful, but his happiness is the most important thing. Mirai? Hey are you—?"

"Goodbye Trunks," he said as he hung up the phone.

Walking outside of the airport, Trunks saw his car coming. Before it pulled up to the side of the curb, Trunks sensed a familiar presence. "Father, what are you—?"

"Mr. Briefs, may I take your luggage?" asked the driver.

"Sure, thank you," said Trunks.

The driver opened the door as Trunks looked back at his father. "Do you want a ride?" asked Trunks.

"Why not?" said Vegeta as he entered the car with Trunks.

The driver shut the door and took off from the curb. The drive was silent until Trunks decided to speak up. "What are you doing here? Not that I'm not happy to see you."

"Sometimes I fly to clear my mind. You happened to be on my route. I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. Your mother's kept me up to speed on your adventures in the past."

"Well thanks for invading my privacy father."

"You're pathetic!"

"I don't think I asked for your opinion."

"Do you like to suffer? After everything you've been through, why don't you believe that you deserve happiness. Your mother would be very displeased."

"It's my life, and I never said I was unhappy."

"No. I don't think it's something you would admit. You want to believe that your help and your love for Goten will be enough. He may love you now, but you wonder what will happen once he's healed. Will he still feel the same?"

"I don't want to talk about this again. I know what could happen, but I don't want to think about it."

"You know that's not going to solve your problems."

Trunks sighed. "I can't exactly talk to him about it. His recovery is more important right now."

"It seems your life suffers in the process."

Trunks smiled. "You know I think this is the most you've spoken to me."

"You're wearing yourself thin Trunks. You're not taking care of yourself."

"It's been a busy couple of weeks, but it's nothing I can't handle."

"Boy, you're stubborn," smirked Vegeta.