As Goten traveled to the river he felt pain all of the sudden, he froze in his tracks and became alarmed.
It didn't stop. It traveled all the way to his arm and Goten clutched it.
Goten breathes out with efforts, it's his heart and felt saddened that his time might come soon.
He went home and reached for a drawer shakily unscrewing the lid and when he took a heart pill the pain ceased a bit but it didn't go away,
Goten was saddened that this could be the result of his previous lifestyle, Gohan tried so hard to make sure he makes the right decisions in life and Goten took it for granted, it's one of the things he regrets the most.
-
150 years ago..
Gohan was at his office, Reading the digital paper, they made an article about Goten again,
The title was called the black sheep,
'Son Gohan.. the youngest self made millionaire with the IQ close to Einstein, son of the Legendary saviour of the world named Goku got their hands full with the juvenile case son Goten who have been caught stealing' 'Because the youngest of the son family is still a minor he will have to do community service until the end of this summer'
Frustrated he tossed it inside a drawer and slammed it shut.
Gohan has kept contact with Goten lukewarm when it comes to his personal life, He used money he could spend on lovely dinners with his wife to bail Goten out jail or pay for his fines but after several times Gohan decided to stop taking his calls or go anywhere Goten is,
Gine needs a good role Model in her Life and Goten isn't one of those.
Gohan thought about ending contact but his mother asked him not to do so, assuming Goten will change but if he really wanted to change he could have done that right now.
He's no longer bothered with people who can't be helped. He has a family, career, and needs to train to keep this world safe for them.
When Gohan leaned back against the office chair he took a moment to shift his thoughts to anything but Goten despite feeling his frustration towards him throb. "Why did he turn in such an embarrassment ?," Gohan wondered. "He always though he did well raising him.
But at least Trunks turned out great, at a young age he came living at mount Paozu part time. He remained in the forest while Goten want to live in the city, Gohan thought it will be fine since he grew with discipline but he became a huge mess.
A huge mess Gohan doesn't want to clean up,
Gohan got back into his seat again when the phone rang, it his mother.. Gohan sighed frustrated she never calls to his work if it doesn't revolve around Goten.
"Hello mother" Gohan said tired hit tried not to express any annoyance when he picks up.
"Gohan.. how are you?" Chi-Chi.
"Fine mother, I'll clock off from work very soon" Gohan said.
"Well I wanted to ask if you could come at our place for dinner, you can bring Erasa and Gine too" Chi-Chi offered.
"What's wrong mother? I know you don't call at my work place for no reason" Gohan said.
"I.." Chi-Chi stuttered.
"I'm sorry Gohan.. I shouldn't have called" Chi-Chi said guilty.
"No mother it's all right, just tell me" Gohan said and glanced over to his employee who placed a pile of paper on his desk and left the room.
It's about Goten.." Chi-Chi said, and Gohan stopped looking through the pages of the pile.
"Yeah what about him?" Gohan asked.
"Well he got in trouble with the law again" Chi-Chi claimed.
Chi-Chi heard a tired sigh coming from Gohan and her gut clenched.
" What do you expect me to do mother?" Gohan asked.
"Maybe talk to him," I don't know what else to do" Chi-Chi mentioned.
"It's like talking to a brick wall" Gohan said.
" his community service will start tomorrow but he just flied off," Chi-chi said.
"Just won't take any of my calls and your Dad is at work so he won't be able to speak some sense into him" Chi-Chi claimed.
"Mother what makes you think I can make a difference?" Gohan asked leaning back against the chair.
"Maybe you can find him, please just give it a try.. nobody else is willing to help me." Chi-Chi said and her voice broke a little.
"Mother, don't.. there is no need to cry" Gohan said regretting speaking in a dismissive matter.
"Okay fine, I'll go see him right now" Gohan said and left the office, He pulled out his smartphone from his pocket and send a text to his wife that he'll meet up with her later due to an urgent business.
Urgent business was a code word for family trouble and he got a text back when Gohan went up into the air.
"I understand honey, See you soon" Erasa texted back.
Gohan read it and felt uneasy, they had a classy dinner in Tokyo planned and chances are high that he won't even make it in time before the restaurant closes, all because he couldn't stand having his mother saddened.
Goten sensed Gohan's ki coming closer to where he is and knows he isn't here for a friendly chat, Gohan has been out of his life for almost a year now and despite lowkey understanding why he did such a thing it was clouded with a feeling of betrayal.
"Sorry big bro" I'm not in the mood to talk" Goten simply said and moved away to catch up with his mates, He just want to drink in peace.
Gohan knew he was keeping his Ki to zero but he could still force his way into his thought stream.
Gohan found his location and landed close to a bar, Gohan walked in breathing out and walked over to a table with a group of people slurping beer and try to sing along with a Karaoke track very jolly.
Goten asked the waiter for more drinks with a slur but his eyes grew a little when Gohan walked over to him not very pleased.
Goten was glossy eyed but managed to get up leaving the scene,
"Goten, Get the hell back.. we are going to talk right now" Gohan snapped.
"I ain't going nowhere! I already told mother I'm not doing community service.
Gohan scowled grabbing Goten by the collar and dragged him out of the bar,
"Hey Get off!" Goten protested and his mates watched on as Goten was dragged.
"Go easy on him" Palace slurred as she fell on the ground with the can spilled all over to the floor. Gohan ignored the protests from Goten and shoved him out of the exist.
Goten friends looked outside the Window as Gohan dragged him further away from the bar, Gohan seemed calm at first but then agitated movements was visible and then minutes later they yelled at each other.
"You have no right to treat me like this!, "in front of my girl!" Goten yelled.
"You could have avoided that by not breaking the law!" Gohan snapped back.
"We are going to have a talk wether if you like it or not" Gohan said strict.
"About what?" You stopped giving a crap about me ever since you became CEO" Goten said.
"So why the hell should I hear you out?"
Gohan didn't bother to respond to that, Goten tried to make him feel guilty but it's not going to work, he kept his distance because he didn't want Gine to be around a drunk, he only want good examples in her life.
"Mother was was hurt, She ringed my office in tears.
you cause her nothing but grief" Gohan said and Goten's gut stirred a little when Gohan mentioned that.
"All I'm asking you is just do the community service and try to change your life" Gohan mentioned calm.
"Take care " Gohan said with a quick glance over his shoulder and walked away.
Goten watched him leave, shrugged his shoulders and went back into the bar, glad there was no scrap since he's too drunk to put up a fight against Gohan.
As Gohan flied through the starry sky he thought back about Goten, part of him was happy to see him again and just wished he could be that great little warrior he was before the city ruined him.
Gohan was certain that he'll be a great godfather but he changed even when Gohan walked into that bar he almost didn't recognise Goten if it weren't for his ki,
He pretty much lost his muscles, looks like a slob but Gohan knows he has no blame in this, he tried to raise Goten Well with discipline and never introduced him to anything that could ruin his future.
Gohan arrived at the restaurant in Tokyo, the table they reserved was empty as plates were taken away by the staff.
And Gohan didn't go inside he just walked away towards a safe spot, it started to rain in a drizzle as he walked on the street.
"Gosh Erasa is probably angry with me" Gohan said out loud.
"I suppose it's too late to make it right" Gohan said as more restaurants are closing.
Gohan prepared himself to get scolded and flied home as he walk around the corner of an empty ally.
Gohan arrived home at Mount Paozu,
he walked on the grass field and noticed tables and chairs were placed outside.
and saw a lot of old friends from the Z gang close at the table where Erasa and Gine were sitting.
"Honey" Gohan said and walked over to her apologetic.
"I'm sorry.. I" Gohan stuttered.
"I invited your friends over, I thought maybe you would like that" Erasa mentioned.
"I do.." Gohan said. Gohan glanced over to them they hardly notice Gohan coming in because they focused on splurging merrily.
"How about well spend the upcoming weekend in Tokyo, We'll do whatever you like " Gohan offered.
"I promise I won't let anyone get between that" Gohan said.
"Deal" Erasa said taking a sip.
"Erasa are you upset with me?" Gohan said, he felt uneasy that her answers are so short.
"If that's so I'll make things right" Gohan held on to her wrist.
"It's not that, I didn't know when you'll be back so I decided to have a feast here at home, I wanted to invite everyone to have a nice reunion"
"But cooking for heaps of people is harder than I thought, especially when they are bottomless pits" Erasa said.
"I must say I'm exhausted" Erasa mentioned.
"Well after this you can rest, I'll do the dishes and clean up everything" Gohan said making amends and there were heaps of food left but he has to hurry or they'll splurge his table soon.
Erasa glanced over to Gohan, happy to hear that and sat a little closer,
He wished he could have dinner with his wife alone but because Erasa thought she might end up having dinner by herself like last time he just have to accept things.
he kind of deserved it for breaking his word to avoid dealing with Goten ever again.
"Papa!" Gine said when she took a break from reading all the fortune cookies.
"Hey" Gohan said trying to seem in high spirits.
Gine came sitting on his lap, and kept her head against his chest. Gohan held his arms around her in response.
despite being little she knows when mom and dad are talking she needs to remain silent.
"How did to go?" Erasa said as her Iris moved with empathy. She knows that Gohan is having a poker-face on.
"I tried to keep it as brief as possible, but then we got in a heated argument" Gohan said.
"Goten has been breaking the law again and refuse to do community service" Gohan said.
"I truly am sorry honey, this dinner was supposed to be just the two of us" Gohan said.
"There is always next time, besides maybe you should do some activities together.. like training let him know you'll be there for him.. maybe he'll tell you what's wrong" Erasa mentioned.
"I'm not bothered, I do not wish to talk about this anymore" Gohan said looking away.
"I won't bring this up again, but people don't get drunk all the time for no reason.. most people drink because they want to forget" Erasa mentioned.
Gohan placed Gine on the ground when she wanted to sit with her grandfather.
And turned his attention back to their conversation.
" But I don't want to spend more time away from my family, I have my training, my career I don't need him around to clean up his mess" Gohan mentioned.
"You don't have to do that.. but if you want to keep your distance still, give him a call, to let him know you have faith that he'll turn his life around" Erasa mentioned.
"I'll think about it" Gohan said, he misses the Goten he trained so much, at times it feels like Its a complete stranger..
Erasa rubs a hand against his shoulder he looked up at her and managed to smile lightly when Erasa comforted him without saying a word.
"Its going to be all right" Erasa said pressing his head against her shoulder, he felt her kiss his head and held on to her arms around him in response.
Her country bumpkin is troubled but she'll always be his rock.
-/-
It was almost weekend, spending time at mount Paozu catching up with all the others was great, Erasa helped him enjoy his evening.
Gohan just came back from gravity training, it was still semi dark outside while dawn is around the corner.
"No, he's not here with us" Gohan could hear his wife say over the phone, his smile faded when he realised Erasa is talking to his mother over the phone.
Gohan came beside her looking at her questioning and Erasa glanced over to him cupping his cheek briefly in acknowledgment and then focused her attention Chi-Chi's rant.
"what's wrong?" Gohan carefully asked.
"It's Goten" Erasa mouthed.
"Can I speak to Gohan please?" Chi-Chi asked as she wiped her eye.
"I'll see if he's there" Erasa mentioned.
"She wants to speak to you" Erasa said putting the phone on hold.
"Okay, I'll take it from here" Gohan said gently taking the device out of her hands.
Erasa moved away to let Gohan speak to his mother in peace but from a distance Erasa could tell it turned into a heated conversation.
"Mother I mentioned many times before that I don't want anything to do with him unless he change" Gohan said.
"It's not my problem that he didn't show up for community service" Gohan responded.
"Well I don't want to be his guardian anymore as far as I know I don't have a younger brother!" Gohan said when Chi-Chi mentioned that he signed up for it years ago.
"Okay fine I'll have a word with him when I get back from my trip, please I ask you not to burden me with this again.. It takes a toll on my mood and I want to be the best husband I can be for my family.. "
"No, I won't deal with Goten until I spend time with my wife.. " Gohan mentioned on the verge of losing his patience.
"He's your son, " Gohan said.
"I know Goten doesn't listen to dad!" Gohan becomes annoyed again.
"he won't hear me out either, "
He never listens to me,I can't change Goten he needs to find that motivation himself... I can't help the ones who keep screwing their life over" Gohan mentioned.
"I'll see if I can find him.. yeah love you too mom" Gohan said placing the phone back.
Erasa brought tea from the kitchen with calming herbs in Gohan's mug.
When Gohan went to the dining table where Erasa sat he could smell the aroma.
He calmed down with her thoughtfulness alone and took a seat beside her,
"I'll be back soon honey" Gohan said.
"I'm going to have a word with Goten, If I don't get through to him I'm done.. I'm snapping all ties with him and mother will do the same" Gohan mentioned.
Erasa said nothing and pushed the calming herbal tea towards him.
"I'll leave this up to you.. If nothing else works then you just need to love him from a distance" Erasa mentioned.
"At least tell him that you'll always love him but being apart is for the best.. please don't part ways on bad terms" Erasa mentioned.
"I'll try" Gohan mentioned.
-/-
Gohan took a flight up in the air he told his mother that this is the last time that he's going to have a word with Goten, he fears that if he allows himself to be part of his mess his marriage will suffer from it, Erasa never signed up for this she has a right to have him at his best. Gohan is happy that She's very supportive of his training and made it possible for him to do 3 hour gravity training session so that he can maintain his position as his fathers successor.
But he doesn't want to spend less time at home because of Goten, his parents really need to get a grip.
Goten was packing booze in a duffel bag, while talking to Palace on the phone discussing the plan.
"So We'll pay for a drink and when the waiter isn't watching well just pour some of our own booze and just get drunk without spending a fortune" Goten said.
"No we won't get caught.. I promise " Goten said and sensed something in the air, Goten scowled and walked away further into the forest.
"Babe I'm heading to your place see you soon" Goten.
"Love you more" Goten said and kept quiet until Gohan leaves.
Goten lowered his ki to zero and hind behind the mountains, ignoring Gohan call out to him.
"Goten I know you are here, come out" Gohan said and Goten just ignored him.
"Why are you like this?" Mother wants you to be all right" Gohan said, becoming fed up with this.
"Where are you Goten? Please just stop doing this" Gohan said, Gohan always feared Trunks would end up on the wrong path but he never would have thought Goten would turn out to be this way.
"Answer me!" Gohan yelled when Goten refused to come out of hiding.
Goten flinched, this was the first time in ages Gohan raised his voice at him.
"Fine, I'm done with you, if you want to end up like the riffraff you hang out with then be my guest.. I have better things to do with my time" Gohan said.
That angered Goten hearing his elder brother speak disrespectful about his friends. He's just as judgemental as his own mother.
"And I'm done with you!" Goten said back and rised his Ki to fly up confronting Gohan.
"You pretty much moved on with your life and I don't fit in your circle of the affluent society.
" besides Why does Mother care? we all know you are moms favourite" Goten snapped.
"You don't speak about mother that way! You know damn well that is not true" Gohan roared.
"It is true, now fuck off im going to meet my girlfriend.
Gohan was clenching in annoyance, he wanted to knock him out and just drag him to community service but kept his composure.
"I'm giving you an ultimatum" Gohan said as Goten walked passed him.
"You'll find a job and keep it or go to university, no drinking no partying"
"If you screw this up, You are no longer welcome in my home and I'm snapping ties with you.. forgood" Gohan said.
"My daughter deserves good role models in her life" Gohan said rubbing it in unintentionally.
Goten remained quiet for a few seconds he didn't like the idea of not seeing his niece again but covered it with arrogance.
"Yeah well good riddance, at least I can live with mom" Goten said.
"mother is on my side on this, we had enough" Gohan said.
" I knew it! I told you she favours you, she would never snap ties with you if you turned into a rebel like me!" Goten said his voice broke a little feeling hurt.
"And if you gave a damn about us you wouldn't deliberately burden us with your behaviour" Gohan argued back.
"I'm not going to stop you from doing what you want" Gohan said remaining strict.
"But remember we won't be there to clean up your mess any longer" Gohan said.
"I'm going to see Dad, he accepts me for who I am" Goten.
"Maybe.. but he's not proud of what you have become, when ppl ask for you I can see the disappointment over his face" Gohan said.
"Shut up!" Goten said getting into Gohans face,
"You don't even know what it's like to live in your shadow!" Have high expectations from everybody because of Father,the strongest man in the world and a highly intelligent brother who's smarter than the heiress of Capsule Corp" Goten said hurt.
Goten looked at Gohan but his eyes didn't shimmer with guilt, the * Im not going to pity you * glance Gohan had got on Goten's nerves even more.
"Bye" Goten said not looking back, he couldn't stand being around anyone who just can't leave him be.
-
Goten found his father he was having a stroll around the forest after training, he thought about Goten wishing he could have a word about community service without blowing up on him.
When Goku sensed Goten's Ki approaching he froze in his tracks.
"Hey dad" Goten greeted.
"Wanna hang out?" Goten asked
"Y..yes sure" Goku said wondering when it will be the right time to speak out it.
As they flied to a different location Goten spoke the silence, "You know I had a dispute with Gohan.. He wants to cut me out of his life for not wanting to do community service" Goten said.
"It's his loss, If he can't be there for me in good times and in bed then I'm done with him too" Goten shrugged.
"Goten, whats stopping you from taking your responsibilities?" Goku asked.
"I didn't raise you to end up like this" Goku said and could tell that Goten's chipper demeanour faded it made Goku's gut clench but this has been going on long enough.
"Please, at least try boarding school to turn your life around" Goku mentioned.
"Not you too!" Goten got angry swatting his hand away. "Out of all people I thought I could trust you the most!"
"Wait.. please Goten.. I want to see you do well in life
"Gohan and Chi-Chi are ready snap ties with you but I can't do it.." Goku said.
"But I don't want to stand here and watch you become what they wanted to prevent! I never wanted you to turn out like this!" Goku said.
"What happened to you Goten? Please talk to me" Goku said clutching his shoulders.
"If I did something that offended you I'll do whatever to make it right with you again" Goku said.
Goten started to feel sorry for his father, despite staying on good terms with him and always happy to see him he knew deep down he let his father down too.
"You haven't done anything, you're a cool dad and I could always talk to you about anything.. but I'm tired of the high expectations.. mother wants me to be like Gohan and everyone else is shocked that I'm not a miniature version of you but my own person" Goten said disheartened.
"I'm not as great as you, and I'm no where near Gohan on an academic level" Goten said.
"And its okay Goten.. I always wanted you to choose for yourself.. If you're nothing like Gohan or me It wouldn't matter as long you always do what's right" Goku mentioned but became a little saddened..
"Dad.. I'm sorry for yelling.. you're the last person I want to see disheartened" Goten said.
"I'd be a lot happier if you made better choices, I want you to achieve something after all there is no dragonballs so you only live once" Goku said.
"And.. try not to drink too much.. one beer a week might do" Goku mentioned.
Goten nodded and seemed less annoyed now.
"I still believe in you Goten, I'll never stop doing that. so can just finish community service? After that I'll help you reestablish discipline in your life" Goku said hoping Goten will be a Z fighter again.
"I will dad, for you" Goten said.
"But dad.. are you embarrassed of me?" Goten asked sincere.
" Not anymore" Goku said nonchalant.
Goten scowled like his mother and Goku flinched when Goten expressed annoyance hoping he didn't set him off.
..Well I deserved that.." Goten said.
"Thanks dad.. for listening and helping me understand it's for the best" Goten said thankful.
"A father wants nothing more than see his children thrive, I wanted to have this chat with you for so long but I feared I might push you further away from us" Goku said.
Goku's calm reactions was what won him over. unlike Gohan.
-/-
Goten wanted to change his life on his terms, he doesn't want to do community service. He got enough motivation to stay out of trouble with the law so he wanted to gather the dragonballs and wish for a clean record.
With that he can try give university a shot.
He knows Trunks has the radars for safe keeping but maybe if he can tell him about his plan Trunks might budge.
There is a chance that Trunks hangs out with Gohan so he'll keep his ki at a low pitch and when the coast is clear he'll ask Trunks right away.
After sparring Gohan and Trunks had a break, they took a refreshing swim at the river despite having their own lives they always get together a few times a week to train together.
Both got out of the water, Trunks dug his hand in the ice jug and threw a Can towards Gohan.
Gohan caught it and it was his favourite Orange drink,
"Thanks" Gohan said
"Gohan, I'll graduate for my masters next week" Trunks said opening a can.
And gohan glanced at him he eyed Trunks so proud. His little brother did it.
"Come here" Gohan said and Trunks walked over to him.
Trunks nestled against Gohan's shoulder as they hugged.
"Gosh Im so proud of you" Gohan said holding his shoulders.
"I couldn't have done it without you.. you've been there for me a lot" Trunks said.
"But Gohan.. should I invite Goten for the graduation day?" Trunks said.
"It's up to you Trunks-kun, I'll still come to the graduation party but I prefer not to see him" Gohan admitted.
"I understand, I want to do it for the sake of former friendship.. we were so close like brothers and now I hardly recognise him" Trunks said.
" It's hard for me too, but Goten made his decision, he chose partying over you, me and his niece "
"you don't owe him anything" Gohan said.
"Because Goten and I grew apart I hardly feel like his elder brother"
Trunks felt his gut clench when he felt Goten's ki spark up.
Gohan sensed it too and Goten looked both at them like they were covered in excrement.
"Well that makes two of us!" You're nothing but an asshole!" Goten snapped at Gohan.
"You can go screw yourself" Goten snapped at Trunks who just flinched in response.
Trunks watched on nervous seeing Gohan speed after Goten knowing that the long awaited dispute will start.
Goten flied away using SSJ to get away but Gohan transformed into Super saiyan spirit catching up within seconds.
"Goten wait where are you going?" Gohan looked at him wide eyed oozed with regret.
"None of your damn business" Goten said without eye contact.
"I didn't mean it like that...it felt I lost you.."Gohan wanted to prevent to make anything worse.
"You did!"
"You said you never wanted me as a Brother!" Goten snapped.
"No! I loved you Goten! I just hate what you have become, you're nothing like the brother I raised."
" you're the laziest piece of work I ever had to deal with!"
"You get drunk all the time " You screw up your grades, " You never kept a job" all you do smoke a bong"
"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't be ashamed of you??" Gohan yelled.
"Why won't you be a big brother to Trunks then! ?" Goten snapped.
"Do not act like a victim" Gohan warned.
"You know very well I tried everything to save you from becoming a juvenile case, I payed for your education, I even arranged jobs for you but you but even with that you've let me down!" Gohan said.
Goten eyed him with anger and hurt, he remembered that day where Gohan did a good word for him, but he decided to sleep in longer instead of being on time for the interview. Goten felt a bit bad about that but it's obscured with hostility.
" Yeah Well Im done with you especially" Goten said looking away.
"I honestly don't care if I don't see you again" as far as I know you're good as dead"
Gohan's mouth was slightly parted when Goten said that but pressed them together and came to the conclusion it's for the best to let go.
" I hope you'll find peace in your life.. I forgive you for wishing me dead but that's the only thing you'll get from me" Gohan explained.
"Goodbye forgood" Gohan said.
Goten just gave him a Death glare he breathed out wishing he could punch him but decided to leave.
Gohan watched him fly back, this time Gohan felt no regret or wishing that he worded things in a different way.
he said what he had to say, he's sick and tired of talking to a brick wall.
he will no longer hold himself responsible for Goten's dumb decisions.
If he wants to make a mess out of his life then he can clean it up alone.
Gohan came back to where Trunks was and he waited until he took his seat back.
Trunks brought a Towel around Gohan's shoulders and he held it in place with one hand.
"It didn't go very well" Gohan said.
"We officially snapped ties and I'm not even sad" Gohan mentioned.
Trunks nodded and continues listening.
"I don't know what I could have done to prevent him from becoming this way" but he's no longer my responsibility" Gohan mentioned.
Well Im not saying this is your fault but you have mellowed out over the years"
"Sorry?" Gohan asked puzzled.
"I mean back in the day you were a lot more hands on and You instilled fear through discipline and rewarded excellent behaviour like a father should" Trunks said.
"When I roared to get my way you roared back even louder, you stood strong but now you give in and let Goten have his way to avoid arguments" Trunks mentioned.
"All Im saying is be strict again and not let Goku try to raise him because he can't even put Bura in place"
"And she's a toddler" Trunks said.
"I guess you're right, Goten needed someone with a backbone but he's not my son so mother and dad should deal with him."
"Im happy that I've made a stand, I hope he'll find success so that he won't try to come back with his tail between his legs,
"I don't want to see him anytime soon, if he at least cared about me then he wouldn't give me so much grief " Gohan said.
Trunks could tell that he's hurt and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Gohan tears up a little at the gentle gesture and Trunks hugged him from behind,
Gohan grabbed on Trunkses arm that laid around him distraught.
"I don't know what else to do" Gohan said letting tears fall into the grass in frustration.
"Hush now," Trunks said tightening his hold in comfort.
"Letting go is for the best, that was the best you can do" Trunks mentioned.
-
Goten flied away in tears, he didn't want to cry but he started to produce more tears, the things Gohan said hurt more than he wanted to admit.
Being disowned kept throbbing in his head, he hated Gohan's gut for saying such a thing and doesn't want to admit that it's his own fault that his life has been ruined.
After spending days alone he tried to move on and just have a scotch bottle in peace.
At Goten's place he had a look around, the sink was leaking, the living room is cluttered. He's late with the rent because he used a lot of money to drink, he has a job he doesn't like to keep a roof over his head.. and now his family is cutting ties with him. Palace and a few friends are the only one he has left..
He could lose them too.. Palace could decide to stop drinking and cut every enabler out of her life including him.
He couldn't imagine a life without her and only wants to be with her forever.
Goten then realised he needs to be a man for her at least. She always believed in him.. they are together for a handful of years and after he got his feet on the ground he'll ask her to marry him.
Instead of wasting money on drinking he could save up for a ring.
-/-
The next morning Goten wanted to see Trunks, Trunks is still on speaking terms with him but his behaviour has put strains on things, He let the friendship grow apart because he wanted to blow a bong and drink all the time while Trunks wants to keep a clean reputation since he'll be the future heir of capsule Corp.
He knows that if he took Trunkses example he wouldn't have ruined his own life.
Goten noticed Trunks walk around in thoughts, he really wanted to ask that Saiyan girl out dinner but every time she visits their universe he just can't find the right words to tell her how he feels.
Trunks looked up seeing Goten appear in front of him, Goten is looking a lot more presentable but his large puppy dog eyes looked distraught.
"Hey Goten" Trunks greeted but not as high spirited like back in the day.
Goten took some steps closer, "Trunks Im sorry for putting strains on our friendship.. I chose alcoholism and partying over you.."
"What I said to you the other day was uncalled for.."
"I understand you're not in the mood to see me but don't want to go anywhere until I told you I'm regretful" Goten said. He wanted to speak about his future plans but felt like the damage is already done.
"Well that's all I have to say, I won't disturb you anymore take care" Goten said.
"Wait, " Trunks said, Goten stopped in his tracks and faced Trunks again hoping that they can at least talk to each other without butting heads.
When Goten is drunk he creates arguments all the time and Trunks kept his distance more until they hardly spoke.
"Falling on your own sword is the most mature thing I've seen you do" Trunks said and Goten didn't mind the backhanded compliment.
"Hehe yeah I agree, but I didn't come here to apologise.. I've decided to change my life.. I got accepted to University and I'll look for employment to pay for that" Goten mentioned.
"You have.." Trunks said.
"Yes, I know It's hard to believe that.. I did fail a lot of tests but I made it this time " Goten said.
"It's going to be hard.. so I was wondering if you can be there.. for emotional support" Goten mentioned.
".. I'm preparing for my own exam to take over my mothers Company this year" Trunks said.
"Oh.. well maybe I shouldn't have asked" Goten said looking up a bit disheartened.
"Could you let me finish at least?" Trunks mentioned asking for silence.
"Sorry" Goten flinched.
"You could join me and we'll support each other. If you are up for it you can join for a spar too" Trunks mentioned. He didn't want to offer Goten an internship at capsule Corp Goten has to earn his trust back first.
"I'm a little rusty, I haven't trained in years" Goten said "Right now I rather focus on getting good grades"
Trunks nodded agreeing with Goten. " All right I'll see you tomorrow morning.."
"But If you arrive late then don't bother coming back.. this is the last time I'm going to help you" Trunks said serious.
"I won't arrive late.. I'll talk to you later" Goten said.
"Where are you heading off to now?" Trunks wondered when Goten felt the urge to leave.
"To see my brother, I want to make things right with him too..
after that I'll meet up with Palace.. kick off our drinking addiction together" Goten ended his sentence.
"Well count me in" Trunks said.
" I'll make an appointment with a psychologist for the help you need and you can you talk to me as well" Trunks added, he felt so proud of Goten a few days ago it's just talk and no action.
Now he's ready to be a better person.
"Trunks-kun I don't deserve you, I shouldn't have let you down.. but from now on I'll hold the friendship we used to have sacred" Goten mentioned.
"We can become friends again in the future but only If you do what you have promised" Trunks said.
"Deal"
Trunks watched him leave into the air, If everything goes well maybe they can be friends like back in the day.
-
Goten arrived at Gohan's place.. his heart pounded, the things he said during their last argument might have strained things permanently but if a fraction of their brotherhood will be saved then Goten would be fine with it.
It's better than nothing and the least he deserves.
he tried to sense Gohan's ki, he walked towards the gravity chamber and abruptly the door opened.
Gohan must have sensed him and he didn't look very pleased to have his training routine disturbed by unannounced guests.
Goten was dressed neatly for once, didn't smell like Alcohol but Gohan's demeanour remained stoic the words " Go away" oozed from his eyes making Goten feel on his guard.
It felt so painful that Gohan rather wants him gone, but still confronted him.
"Gohan I came here to.." Goten began.
"I don't want to hear it" Gohan snapped.
"I'm not in the mood to deal with you, please leave" Gohan said dismissive.
"Wait I'm not here to argue with you, I want to say I'm sorry" Goten said.
"Get out" Gohan said,
"Do not ever come back here unless you are ready to fight" Gohan said becoming angry.
Gohan thinks that Goten just want forgiveness probably because he wants financial aid.
"I mean it" Goten pushed him back to hear what he had to say.
"For everything, I ruined our brotherhood I disrespect you all the time..
"I understand why you don't want Gine to get to know her Uncle Im a disgrace" Goten said.
"I'm not asking for forgiveness, I just want to let you know that I'm taking steps to get my life back on track"
"I'm accepted to University and Trunks have paid for a psychologist I can talk to everyday" Goten said.
"So Uh.. that's all I have to say for now" Goten said. But Gohan wasn't letting Goten get off the hook right away.
"Goten, saying sorry is not enough.. "
"You got on my nerves so many times that is became mentally exhausting.. Every time mother called I had to deal with you,"
"If my wife wasn't supportive this would have put strains on my marriage as well" Gohan said.
Goten nodded and continued listening without interrupting Gohan.
"I know that when you would hit puberty you would be a bit hard to work with, so I could imagine us butting heads and bicker"
"but I never expected you to fall off the wagon, Disregard your training completely, disrespecting your elders including me"
"And for what?" To show everyone how cool you are?" Gohan said disappointed.
"No it's not that, I wanted to find my own path in life, a path you or my parents didn't mark for me.. I wanted to be a world traveler instead of studying and training all the time" Goten said.
"The high expectations took a toll on my mental well being , I couldn't live up to that and I felt depressed every single day"
"Mainly because I'll never be good as you" Goten said.
"But when I did that It became harder to be disciplined again, and having all this high expectations because your brother is a genius and your father is the strongest man alive"
"I could never be as great as you, I just left lost with no one to talk to" Goten said.
"I'm Sorry Onii-san, for wishing you dead."
" I can't blame you for favouring Trunks more.. he's not an embarrassment like I am" Goten said.
Gohan shrugged a little, but watched him without showing emotion, years ago he would have told Goten not to feel bad and that he'll always be proud but Goten is a man and he can't just make him feel better, he needs to be held accountable.
"I don't favour trunks over you, I cared about you on equal ground but I didn't see you as brother because you really let me down" Gohan speaks up.
"I understand" Goten said quiet.
"If you did struggle with your mental condition Why didn't you just tell me?" Gohan added.
"I always thought we trusted each other"
"I do trust you,.. I just lost my way, once again I'm sorry, I want to make things right.. so will you help me one last time" Goten asked.
Gohan scowled eying him dismissive.
"I mean with my training.. I'm not here to ask anything off you.. just emotional support" Goten said.
"Only if you promise me you will do what we expect from you,"
"After community service I'll pay for University one last time," Gohan said.
And Goten was a little surprised to hear that.
"You'd do that?" Goten asked to be sure.
"Yes, but you better not make me regret this" Gohan said
"I expect excellent grades in return," Gohan added.
Arrive on time for class and meet up with dad for training everyday"
"No more drinking or late night parties, no drugs" Gohan said serious.
"If you slip up we are done, and nothing you will say or do will make me believe you ever again" Gohan said,
deep in his heart it has hard saying that to Goten, but it's the truth, Gohan will snap ties with him if he ruins this last chance.
" I promise Onii-san, can I.. come home?" Goten said as his eyes became watery.
"Yes," Gohan smiled and his eyes showed signs of tears too. Gohan held up his arms slightly and Goten accepted the invite.
They held each other tight.
Their broken bond will be good as new as long Goten keeps his promise.