Chapter 3: Training Partners
After everyone was reviled, Tien and Chiaotzu choose to stay and train with us. It was fun to get a new challenge. Most of the time, it was that Tien was my sparring partner. Which wasn't so bad since he was actually fun.
One day we took a break, and Bulma decided now was an excellent chance to recut my hair. While she did, she was telling me about her time in the city. She even talked about what she was doing in college. She's so lucky to even be able to go to a college. I haven't been to school since I was disowned and had to take care of myself. It's also how I met Puar.
At least I'm able to read and write. I even went to libraries since I had nowhere to live. It's where I learned about martial arts, Master Roshi, and so much more. I became a bandit because if no one is going to care for me, I'll do it myself. But I am grateful for my friends.
After the haircut, Bulma wanted to makeout. She always does this. Doing things to make me guilty if I don't do something for her, she got on my lap and wrapped her arms behind my neck. Everything in me screamed to get up and run.
I felt trapped as she leans into me for a kiss. I had to fight down the urge to push her away. I tried desperately to stay calm and place my hands on her hips. I have to remind myself how she likes to be held. Have to relax and just let it happen. After all, this is the only way I'll ever be able to marry. I have to like girls and do all these things.
After we stopped kissing, she slapped me. "What is wrong with you! Why can't you ever do it right! You're so pathetic!" With that, she got off and went inside. I tried hard to not start crying.
I had claimed onto the roof. I needed to get away from everyone. Bulma is right. What is wrong with me? I felt an ache in my chest and intense pressure on my shoulders. I tried my best to not let my pain be heard.
By night time, I was still on the roof, watching the stars. I had long calmed down but wasn't ready to face anyone yet. I soon heard Bulma calling, and fear shot through me. Eventually, everyone was shouting my name. It was Puar who found me, and I begged her to not say anything. "He's not up here either!"
Thankful, everyone gave up and went inside. Or so I thought. A little bit after everyone was inside, Tien found me on the roof. I automatically started to beg for him to leave me alone. Instead, he just sat next to me. We just sat there in silence, and I was grateful. Eventually, I felt a heavy hand rubbing my back, and I looked to Tien. He was looking away. "When you're ready, come inside."
He was about to leave until I grabbed his hand. I didn't understand, but I just… "Can you stay a little longer?" He nodded and sat back down. He even rubbed my back again. After a while, we finally went inside. I was so happy that Bulma was already asleep.
…
While Bulma was giving Yamcha a haircut, I was inside with the others. Everyone was talking while I listen. That was until Launch spoke to me. "So, Tien, do you have a girlfriend?" I spilled my tea as I started coughing.
"What kind of question is that?" She smiled and said it was just a question. She then asked again. I felt my face burning as everyone looked at me.
"Come one boy. You got some game. Don't ya?" I was just speechless. That was until an angry Bulma came inside. "What did the boy do now?" Uh? Why did Roshi automatically think it's Yamcha's fault?
"He can't do anything right. At that, I bet he was thinking about that nurse. Such a pig." What is she talking about? It soon got dark, and everyone went outside to get Yamcha. But they came back empty-handed. "The jerk probably left without telling me again." One look at Puar told me he was still on the island.
Once everyone had gone to sleep, I went outside. One look around the house told me to check the roof. The moment he saw me, he had a look of pure fear. I silently sat next to him. What happened between them? Is there anything I could do to make him feel better?
I timidly rubbed his back in hopes it'll make him feel better. I think it worked because he seemed more relaxed and had a smile. "Mm." Oh, Kami! What was that? My face was on fire, and I quickly looked away. Maybe I should leave him alone now. I didn't get a chance to go when he grabbed my hand. When I looked at him, he was giving me these cute puppy eyes and was pouting. He's super cute. "Stay."
I couldn't resist and sat back down. I even continued to rub his back. It was a nice moment until he finally wanted to go inside. When inside, he seemed happy to see everyone was asleep. He then suddenly pulled me outside again. "Is something the matter?"
He then hugged me. "Thank you, Tien." My face was on fire, and I felt dizzy. I can't believe he's hugging me! Oh gosh! What do I do? Before I could do anything, he had let me go and went back inside. When he did, I felt cold to the touch. I want more chances to hug him.
The next day we all decided to follow Goku's footsteps and travel for the remaining 2 and a half years. For the most part, we choose to travel as a group. Our first few days were uneventful until we stumble upon a village by a volcano. Thank goodness too. We were able to help them, and they gave us a place for the night.
While Krillin and Chiaotzu stood with one family, Yamcha and I was with another. At that, this family gave us directions to a nearby hot spring. "Wanna go take a dip with me?" Not only was he smiling, as he asked, but my face was also on fire. I stupidly nodded, and we went.
I was not ready for this! Seeing Yamcha in nothing but a towel was too much to bear. Yet I tried to seem casual about this whole event. His almost naked form was just heavenly eye candy. I was glad to be in the water, so he couldn't witness the painful erection I was experiencing.
What made things even worse was when he got up, his towel had fallen, and I had a full view of his front. When he realized his towel was missing and then saw me, he quickly went under. His face was beyond red. "St… Stop staring… at me!"
CRAP! I waved my hands in front of me before turning around. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it." At this moment, I didn't know what was more embarrassing. Seeing Yamcha's dick or him catching me looking. The next day was very awkward between us. It got me thinking that we should go our own way for now.
…
Tien had long gotten into the water while I casually sat at the edge. I was taking my time before going in. This was an exciting turn of events. Who knew helping these people would give me a chance to enjoy a hot spring. Unexpected surprises were pleasant.
I had gotten up when I suddenly felt cold. I looked down and realized my towel had fallen. Oh no! My whole body went in flames when I spotted Tien starring at me. I quickly tried to hide. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it." So he did see my junk. For how long? Now I couldn't tell if the water was hot or just me.
On the way back, Tien wouldn't even look at me. Was it that bad? Did seeing me made him not want to be my friend anymore? That night I tried not to cry in my sleep. I hope Tien is still my friend.
I can't believe this! He wants to part for the rest of the training! It's all my fault! He wants to leave because of me! I tried my best to not let it show that I was upset. It's all my fault, just like everything else. It's always my fault. I even push away good friends with my stupid mistakes.
As we were saying our farewell, I tried to suppress the urge to beg him to stay. I wanted so badly to say sorry, but I kept it to myself. There was no point. I had already messed everything up. We decided to all meet up at the tournament after the remaining year and a half.
I can't believe I scared my face. Now I'm not that cute anymore, and Bulma is going to be extremely angry with me. Now she'll definitely be the only female who'll want me because no one else will. This truly sucks, but it won't stop me from my training. Maybe as long as I'm strong, it won't matter about my scars.
2 months to go, and I'm getting excited. I get to show the guys how strong I've gotten. Maybe I'll be top 8 again and get past my first match. After all, I worked super hard to not let it go to waste. Perhaps Tien had forgiven me, as well.
…
After we parted, I felt guilty, but it was a must. We were going to eventually separate to continue our training. I just don't like what happened. I didn't even talk to Yamcha. I pretty much avoided him, and it didn't feel right. I hope he could ever forgive me.
The training was hard, mostly as my thoughts were full of him. Not to mention, I had to try not to think of that night while Chiaotzu was close. But the moment I was alone, I couldn't help recall every inch I saw. Thoughts of how he'll feel against me. What would he taste like? Those eyes I wanted to get lost in. Not to mention how it'll be like to kiss him.
When the day was about here, I felt my nerves going crazy. Will he forgive me? Will we still be friends? I looked to the turtle charm and calm down. I'll just have to get a chance to talk to him. I'll clear things, and hopefully, we'll still be friends.
It was great to see everyone again. But a few things worried me. For starters, Yamcha had scars on his face. I hope they'll heal properly and didn't hurt that much. Also, it surprised me how Bulma was practically ignoring him. She was all over Goku, and Yamcha looks sad. So, I started asking him about his training. That got him to smile a bit.
That night we ended up sharing a room, and I started feeling nervous again. We were on our own bed, facing each other. I couldn't look at his face, but I tried not to think about certain things. I needed to apologize to him, but how. "I'm sorry." What!
In my shock and confusion, I looked up at him. He was biting his lip and looked scared. What the hell? "Why are you even sorry?"
Tears started to slide down his face. I felt a sharp pain in my chest. "It's all my fault!" I asked what was. "It's my fault you wanted to split. Everything is all my fault." At that moment, I realize my colossal mistake. I should have spoken to him right away.
I quickly went to his side and pulled him into a hug. "You did nothing wrong. It could never be your fault. I should have spoken to you. I'm a huge idiot." I let him go and looked to his face. He asked if I meant it. "Yeah."
He then had a big smile before hugging me. "Thank you." We stood in each other's embrace for some time, and I wish to never let go. But he eventually pushed away and looked sad. I asked what was wrong. "My face is all scared up. I'm not cute anymore."
Was he actually worried about that? Silly boy. I brush a thumb over his scar cheek. "You're still a pretty boy. Just got a touch of badass."
He chuckled before punching my shoulder. "I can't with you." I asked him why, and he started to laugh.
"Did I say something wrong?"
He shook his head. "It's nothing, Tien." He then started to try to push me off his bed. "I appreciate it, bro. But we should get some sleep." Before I got up, I gave him one more hug. And was surprised that he snuggled into me for a moment before trying to get away. When I let him go, and he had a look of panic. Uh? "Sorry!" That was confusing.
I not only fell asleep confused with Yamcha's reaction but also extremely happy. I got to apologize, we hugged, and I also got him to smile and laugh. He even snuggled into me. I think we had a moment, and it felt incredible. Maybe there really is hope yet.