Hey peeps!

Ok here's chapter 3 and it's long :) really long (well for me it is anyway.) There is a slight lime scene in this story but nothing to major...but the next chapter is the lemon! And trust me I'm working on it :) Ok so enough of my talking on with the fic.

YAOI WARNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! if you don't like it don't read it.

Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or any of the character! Sucks to be me :)





"Goten! there's a letter here for you!" Gohan called from the doorway. I stumbled quickly downstairs, tugging on a pair of pants, hoping to catch him

before he left for work.

"Gohan wait! I need to ask you..." I stopped at the door only to see Gohan blast off before I had a chance to talk to him.

I'll talk to him later, it wasn't that important, at least not as important as a letter from Trunks.

I picked it up and walked to my room, not bothering to close the door, no one was here anyway. Tearing the letter open under the spring sunlight that shimmered through my bedroom window, I urgently began reading his letter:

Dearest Goten,

I have some big news! but first you have to book some time off school in about 2 months ok! Why you ask, well because I'm getting married! Yep that's right, me of all people getting married! Do you remember the girl I told you about at Christmas? You know the one from work that kept asking me out, Ashleigh, well you guessed it that's the one. I know what you're thinking and yes, this is the same one that Kaasan was trying to set me up with, and yes the one that annoyed the hell out of me. So why you ask? Well after I got back from my little vacation there I decided that I'd just swallow my pride and go out with her, I can't stay single forever right? Anyway, as it turns out, she's wonderful! We share so many interests, and she's really my type after all. The date is May 5th and I want you to be my best man! please say you will. Anyone special in your life yet? I know I know, you don't need any one else. I know you've been kinda antisocial since I left but hey! maybe you met someone eh? well you can bring her if you want, any friend of yours is a friend of mine. Anyway sorry this letter is so short, I just had to let you know so I hope to hear from you.

Love ya

Trunks



I let the letter fall from my hands, the weight of his words pulling it to the ground and my chest felt heavy. Disbelief and shock stung my face as I stared at the evil paper laying unwanted on my floor.

What? Trunks was...getting married? I stared at the floor, wishing desperately that this was just a dream. It couldn't be real! not after everything that happened over Christmas, I was so sure then. I know I felt something between us, he was so kind and...and the way he looked at me, I know I didn't imagine it!

I had to recollect my thoughts, I couldn't have been that blind. Trunks always had a strange effect on me and I've been wrong about him before, but there was no way I was completely wrong about him having feelings for me. It was just the way he acted towards me, and I know something had changed between us, especially when we spent all night talking on the roof. He barely mentioned this Ashleigh, and when he did he didn't have anything really nice to say about her. There's no way his tastes would have change this quickly, it didn't make any sense!

But maybe I was wrong, just a dream I wanted so desperately to be true, and I made myself believe he loved me. We were so happy that night, and the magic of the season only made me love him more, so much in fact that I wanted him to want me too, more then anything in the world. Was that it?

I was so confused! I sat on my bed slowly, recollecting every thing of that short time we spent together. When I was happy and dared to believe, for the first time since I realized my desire for him, that he loved me too.

*Flashback*

We all sat at the dinner table, relishing in the large amounts of delicious food that scattered the table. It was enough food to feed a small country and everyone was drooling over the intoxicating aromas. Except me, I was drooling at the beautiful image of my best friend, sitting across from me, smiling like a kid in a candy store.

He would look at me briefly, a mischievous glint shining through his ocean eyes as Bulma passed out everyone's portions with a wink and a smile. She really was the perfect hostess and nothing gave Bulma more joy in the world then making people happy. She delicately placed full dishes of food in front of us, quickly removing her hand before my dad bit it off.

Everyone dove into their plates, little bits of food flying over every inch of the dining room, most of them coming from dad's area of the table. Vegeta looked at him in disgust and held a napkin up as a shield, trying to keep dad's crumbs off his desired food.

Trunks raised his fork and smirked lightly, I knew exactly what he was going to do and I had to suppress a chuckle.

"Chew Attack!" He yelled and dove right into his plate. I watched as Vegeta's face lifted, in a scowl, above his neglected plate and smacked Trunks upside the head, taking the napkin shield with him.

"Shut up brat!" Vegeta grunted before focusing back down on his plate, glaring at the food bits that had maneuvered onto his food during his moment of weakness.

I ate slowly for the first time in my life just watching everyone: I watched Trunks with a smile as he rubbed his abused head and grinned at me. I almost melted at that look in his eyes and had to rip my eyes mercilessly away from him.

Vegeta's gaze kept shifting continuously from Trunks and I to Bulma to Goku. I figured Vegeta was looking at my dad because of his messiness until I saw Goku's hand inch closer towards Vegeta's plate. I laughed as Vegeta smacked his hand roughly, a small smile grazing his tight lips.

My father would giggle every time Vegeta hit him, but he never quite his pursuit of Vegeta's food.

Bulma was watching Vegeta closely, as always, more then a little annoyed at his constant assaults on the members of the table. Only this time, she kept her mouth shut, trying to keep some peace I suppose.

I glanced quickly back at my love who was busy stuffing his face, but stopped long enough to smile at me again.

I looked at Krillin, Juuhachigou and Maron who were talking and laughing between bites, Maron giggling at the gossip between her, Bra and Pan, and I smiled at their innocents.

Gohan and Videl were whispering in each others ear, I couldn't make out what they were saying but every once in a while Videl would blush and Gohan would chuckle quietly.

My father glanced at Gohan and Videl, smirking playfully at their attentions to each other and taking another mouthful of potatoes and rice. Vegeta looked relieved as dad's attention shifted, and he could finally eat.

"hehehe if you keep that up Gohan I'm gonna have a new grandchild by summer!"

Gohan smiled brightly and Videl's cheeks stained bright red as she focused her attentions on her food.

Bulma looked up at Goku and then over towards Trunks who was guzzling back a glass of chocolate milk, oblivious to the look his mother was giving him. He swallowed the last of his drink, neglecting to wipe off the small traces of milk left on his upper lip.

God I want to lick off that damn milk mustache!

"Speaking of Grandkids, are you seeing anyone yet Trunks?" Bulma asked, sipping her tea and crossing her arms over her chest. I gulped and looked at Trunks who shifted in his seat uncomfortably and looked back at me then to Bulma.

"No, not yet."

Bulma's face twisted into a mixture of sadness, anger and annoyance. Her voice echoed throughout the dining room, making it impossible to ignore her.

"Well I don't want to wait forever for Grandchildren Trunks! I'm sure there are some very nice girls over seas..."

"Kaasan, please don't start this again, we go through this every time I talk to you." Trunks looked back at me with a pleading look in his eyes and I shrugged, not knowing what to do.

"I'm sorry Trunks, it just seems like you aren't even trying! Don't you want a family?."

"You know I do Kaasan, it's just I..."

I looked at him, scared of what he might say. But Bulma had a point, he'd been gone so long...why wasn't he seeing anyone? It's not like he never dated when he was here, he's a free man now and he's choosing to be single. He keeps looking at me too, like I could save him from this unwanted interrogation...like only I could save him.

My skin quiver with excitement as I looked at him, warm hope wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. Maybe he feels the same...

"For Kami's sake! are you two sleeping together?" Vegeta butted in suddenly, looking at Trunks and I.

I didn't realize what Vegeta said until I noticed how quiet everyone had become.

Forks dropped and plates forgotten, all eyes were on Trunks and I and a deep crimson washed over my face, much as Videl had a moment before. I coughed and lowered my head, Trunks's eyes jerked from me to Vegeta and back again; I gulped and braced myself.

"What the hell kind of question is that!?! I haven't even been here! why the hell would you say something like that?"

Vegeta smirked evilly and chuckled.

"Well, you two have spent the last 2 hours staring at each other!"

"So?"

"So either you're sleeping together or one of you is hiding something."

My blush deepened and I pray no one noticed.

"Tousan you are so...stupid!"

Vegeta's smirk faded into a scowl and he stood up, towering over his seated audience.

"What did you say!"

Trunks stood as well, both staring daggers at the other, using their best techniques to intimidate the other.

"You heard me Tousan."

Vegeta's eyes widened in anger as his fists clenched and his shoulders shook with tension. Oh Kami this is going to be a doosie!

"You dare disgrace me in front of Kakarott!"

My dad looked up slightly at the mention of his alternate name and gazed questioningly at Vegeta. I almost smiled as dad took advantage of the welcome distraction and snatched one of Vegeta's dinner rolls.

"Me disgrace you? You're the one making a fool out of yourself by opening your mouth!"

"I'll make you eat your words brat!"

It was Trunks's turn to smirk as he picked up a large piece of cake and held it up threateningly.

"Eat this!" Trunks yelled throwing the cake at Vegeta. He was too quick though, and managed to dodge the attack.

I started to giggle nervously as I looked passed Vegeta at Bulma's chocolate coated, angry face. Leave it to Trunks to take the attention off himself.

Bulma silently grabbed a big handful of mashed potatoes and hurled it at Trunks who ducked, non too soon and I was laughing so hard my gut hurt.

Pan was dripping with cold potato and disbelief and stood as well. My dad's bottom lip trembled as he opened his mouth in protest but was silenced by a fistful of rice hurled directly in his mouth and he chewed it down happily.

Suddenly an all out food fight broke out and I stood my ground, happily throwing handfuls of food in any direction I could. I could hear my dad's whimpers about 'wasting food' and 'still hungry', above the laughter and I was having fun. Real fun.

After an hour of destroying Bulma's kitchen and her lovely dinner, we were all covered from head to toe with food.

Vegeta scowled at me from under the chocolate cake that Bulma had smooshed into his face, knowing he would be forced to help with the clean up. I had little, if nothing to do with initiating the fight and he knew I would get off without having to lift a finger. I gave him a smirk of my own and he 'hmphed' before turning his back on me and heading towards the sink for some buckets. Serves him right!

I could see Trunks waving at me to get away from the crowd, beckoning me to follow him quickly, obviously without getting noticed. I slithered out of the dining room, without a sound and followed his quickly retreating form.

I wonder what he was up to.

"Trunks wha..." He stopped at the foot of the stairs and quickly spun sideways pushing me gently against the wall with his arm. His sweet scent tickled my senses and my skin prickled with excitement.

I gasped in curiosity as his shoulders pressed me back and he looked around to see if anyone saw us. His head turned towards me and he placed a finger to his lips.

"shhhh..If we hurry we can get the showers before the others catch on."

The lump in my throat grew and I opened my mouth to speak but I was silenced by his hand pressing gently against my mouth. His hand was cool and inviting, and I wanted to lick his palm as his gaze hardened.

"Shh! if anyone realizes what we're doing we'll never get clean."

I could barely understand anything he said, my hearing was clouded by the sound if my heart beating wildly. He coked his head to the side and I shook off some of my astonishment as I thought about what he was telling me. 'Get clean..' I blinked in confusion, not understanding at all what he was talking about.

"What?"

He smirked before pushing himself off me, punching me playfully in the shoulder and I shivered at the feeling of loss.

"You can take the shower in the hall and I'll use the one in my room, when you're done come in and I'll get you a change of clothes."

"Oh."

I blushed at the thought of walking into his room after he'd showered, warm, wet and completely naked. I shook the thought from my head and looked up to see if Trunks had seen me blush but he was already at the top of the stairs, walking quickly to his room.

I showered fast, getting all traces of food out of my hair and scrubbed off the sticky remnants from my skin. I didn't like being away from Trunks for long, even though it was only a few minutes, but I had been without him for so long that no one could blame me for wanting to be near him.

I stepped out of the shower and grabbed a towel as my thoughts ran back to Vegeta's comment: 'For Kami's sake! are you two sleeping together?'

I almost choked when he said that! did he know how I felt about his son?

He must know, why else would he have said anything? I don't get it, but then again Vegeta never made sense. I wondered how he might react to my feelings, Vegeta that is; He didn't sound angry when he made that comment, just irritated, like he was watching a movie he'd seen a thousand times and hoping the ending would change.

But that's obscured! Vegeta couldn't have known about my feelings for that long, even when Trunks was living here we barely hung out at his house. It was strange really. Then there was the way Bra had looked after Vegeta's outburst; her eyes grew wider than a deer in the headlights and she looked at Trunks with, what looked like, panic all over her face.

I don't get it, why would Bra look panicked? I had talked to her often since Trunks had left but didn't think I made my feelings that obvious. When we would speak of Trunks, I would tell her that I missed him and that I was really bored without him here, but I never once thought she suspected anything.

Did everyone know how I felt?

I walked out of the bathroom and down the hall towards Trunks's room. I opened the door and peaked inside, looking for any signs of his beautiful form, but alas! he was no where to be seen. I didn't hear the shower going so I figured he was still in the bathroom.

"Hey Tru-chan! you finished yet?" I yelled, thoughtfully making my presence known. As much as I would love to see Trunks walk out in his birthday suit, he had been embarrassed enough tonight.

"Yeah, just give me a sec!" He hollered back, voice a little hoarse. Must've been from all that laughing, I haven't laughed that hard since before he left, it felt good to be happy again.

I looked over his room, white and clean like I remember it. Trunks was quite the neat freak and liked to keep his belongings organized. His bookcase was where I remembered it, against the wall next to the window where he would sneak out to meet me at night when we were kids. His bed was along the wall on the right, facing the bathroom door, neatly made with a small teddy bear on the pillow; the one I gave him for his birthday 3 years ago. His dresser stood along the left wall next to his work desk where papers and documents were stacked in a neat pile at the corner next to the lamp. Some things never change.

I crossed to his dresser, leaning against the wall and thinking more about how many people knew about my 'obvious' feelings.

I was jolted from my thoughts by the sound of the bathroom door opening. My breath caught at the sight of him, his hair fell damp in his face grazing his flushed, hot cheeks. His olive skin, adorned with beads of water, shimmered in the dull light of the room as he walked over to me. His towel was wrapped tightly around his waist, exposing his hard, sculptured stomach but hiding what I had been waiting to see since puberty.

He smiled at me and I bit back the urge to jump him right there!

He bent over and rummaged through his dresser, looking for some clothes for himself and I. I was still standing beside the dresser and I had the perfect view of his leaning form. Little beads of water spotted all along his body, leaving thin trails in their wake and I absently licked my lips. As his shoulders would shift, more droplets would run down his back, stopping where the towel sat, blocking my view.

I could picture Trunks on top of me, those same beads of water dripping sensually down his body. I turn my head and lick the water from his arm, salivating at the delicious taste of his skin under my tongue and he would moan gently, shutting his eyes as I traced his skin. He would nibble gently at my neck, licking every crevice while gently sliding his fingers down my shoulders.

'Touch me' I'd say and he would shift above me running his hands down my chest, gently circling my nipples and I would hold him tightly, moaning his name. His hands would continue downward, farther and farther until his fingers would wrap around my...

"Did you say something Chibi?"

My eyes shot up to see Trunks smiling at me, still rummaging through his dresser.

"Umm....No, why" I had to bite the hell out of my cheek to prevent myself from blushing. He looked back down at the drawer, pulling out clothes for the two of us.

"I just thought I heard you say something." He stood upright and walked toward me holding a small pile of clothes. I looked at them a little dazed then back up into his smoldering gaze.

"No I was just thinking"

"What about?"

"No...nothing important." I knew I was blushing then and I turned my gaze back to the clothing in his hands.

"Are these mine?" I could feel his eyes borrowing hotly into my hung head, and I looked back up to him and gasped at the intensity of his stare. He nodded and I reached for them, our fingers brushing gently against each other.

A spark was lit inside me and I could feel the tightness in my groin intensify and I wanted to cry out from it. I stared deeply at him, wanting him, needing him..now. His eyes burned into mine and I swallowed the lump in my throat.

Was the distance between us getting smaller?

I could smell his musky scent and it filled me with a daze I've never known before, more powerful then before. He was absolutely intoxicating! I took a step towards him and his body tightened.

Was he leaning towards me?

"TRUNKS IF YOU THINK YOU'RE GETTING OUT OF CLEANING YOU'D BETTER THINK AGAIN!"

Bulma's voiced boomed from the kitchen.

Trunks's hands fell from the clothing and he turned his eyes away from me down to the dresser.

"Thanks." I squeaked out and walked out of his room quickly. I walked into one of the guest rooms and shut the door, leaning against it and breathing like I'd been holding my breath for a century. What the hell just happened? If he didn't know how I felt before, he sure as hell knows now! he'll never talk to me again.

No! I'm jumping to conclusions again, I needed to think about this.

I threw on the clothes Trunks had given me and I almost cried as his scent wrapped around me doing mean thinks to my senses and teasing my already aching groin. I noticed the window in the corner of the room and walked, slowly towards it. I cracked it open and looked towards the roof, the cold air hitting my skin and cooling off the fire that was burning in me. I smiled slightly and jumped out the window to sit on the roof, looking out at the sky.

I had chewed on the situation for almost and hour, figuring that even if Trunks did know, it wouldn't change any thing, we were too good of friends to end our friendship over something so trivial. It wasn't trivial though, I mean I've loved him since I could remember, why wouldn't I fall in love with him. I knew in my heart I wasn't gay, hell I wasn't straight either, I was...Trunks's, it's that simple. Since I was born I belonged to him and no other, and I would never be with anyone else. The thought of being with anyone disgusted me, whether female or male, all I want is Trunks.

The sky was blacker then I've ever seen it before; clear and littered beautifully with stars, each one telling a story of creation, love and death. The city lights glistened in the horizon lighting the snow with a thousand shades of colour. I could smell the wood burning from the fire place as the white smoke lifted from the chimney into the atmosphere. I smiled at how ironic it was, that smoke does so much damage to the planet and yet it's connected to so many happy memories. I always loved the smell of burning wood.

I could feel his ki behind me and I let out a sigh, here goes nothing.

"Hi Trunks." I said quietly, barely audible enough for any normal person to hear, but we are half Saiyan, so I knew he heard me. He sat next to me, lifting his knees to his chin and wrapping his arms around them tightly.

"So this is where you've been hiding."

I looked at him, but his eyes were glued to the horizon, much as mine had been only moments before.

"I wasn't hiding, and besides you could've just done a ki search if you wanted to find me." I could see a smirk brush over his lips as he chuckled.

"Now where's the fun in that, I like the challenge of finding my pray."

I blinked at that and it was my turn to smirk.

"So I'm your pray now?"

"Maybe." I had to laugh, he turned his eyes from the city lights and looked at me playfully. "And what is so funny?"

"You sounded just like Vegeta when you said that!"

He started to chuckle and before we knew it we were both laughing so hard we had to hold our stomachs to prevent them from bursting. Trunks brushed the tears from his eyes and sobered up a bit.

"Do you really think I'm like Tousan?" I wiped the tears onto my sleeve and smiled up at his now relaxed, cheerful face.

"Oh sure, not many people see it, but when you've known someone as long as I've known you, you defiantly see that you are your fathers son."

"Most people think I'm more like Kaasan," His face fell a bit and he looked back out at the city lights, "she's been bugging me to get married again."

My heart skipped a beat and I had to force myself not to get angry.

"Are you seeing anyone?"

"No."

I sighed in relief and listened as he continued on.

"There's this girl at work my mother wants me to start dating, her name's Ashleigh."

I looked at him confused. He caught the look in my eye and sighed heavily.

"Kaasan's been keeping an eye on me lately, I think it's because she wants me to take over the company here, so she's evaluating my progress. Anyway, Ashleigh is her contact and so she has to follow me around while I work. I don't mind really, but she has this huge crush on me and keeps asking me if I want to go out with her. I would've used the excuse that I was seeing someone but Kaasan already told her I was single. She really wants me to settle down and have children, and I want that too, it's just I don't like..."

He paused then and my eyes widened as he looked at me.

"to date anyone from the work place."

I nodded and he smiled at me. I didn't want to push the issue, I could see that he was pretty stressed out about it, but there was just something I had to know.

"What are you going to do?"

He blinked at me, a little confused that I would push it further, but swallowed hard and looked out at the horizon again.

"I guess I'll do my best to ignore it. I love my mother and I know she wants what's best for me, but maybe she'll lay off it after a while, I dunno."

Trunks shifted uncomfortably and I immediately dropped the subject.

"So how long are you staying for?" He smiled at me appreciatively.

"I have to be back on boxing day, I flew here myself because I couldn't stand being away for Christmas. But I have to be back on boxing day or people will get suspicious."

I raised a sad eyebrow at him, I was upset that he was leaving so soon but I was going to make the most out of the time we had.

"What did you tell Jen?" He laughed and punched me in the shoulder.

"That I was flying home for Christmas."

I stared at him and he laughed good heartedly at my confusion.

"She knows about us Saiyans, Kaasan told her before I came, she was warning her of how much I eat."

I laughed at that, glad that Trunks didn't have to hide who he really was.

"So I thought living with her was only temporary."

"Well it was at first, but I find I really like having someone to talk to, I mean other then you when I write you."

I smiled at that and leaned back against the chimney.

"I'm glad you have someone to talk to."

"Don't you?" He looked at me sadly and I let out a sigh.

"I talk to Gohan, sometimes Videl. I told you before I don't want to meet new people, the ones I have are fine."

"You never used to be this antisocial."

"I always had you to meet people with. It's no fun without you."

"I really have missed you Chibi."

"I missed you too."

We stayed up all night on that roof, talking and laughing about old times, talking about our futures, hopes and dreams (minus my Trunks fantasy). We connected again, like so many other times in the past, but with the spark I felt between us those few hours ago. When he left in the morning I didn't cry; I hugged him tightly, letting him know I would write him soon. As he

flew off I smiled, something was happening between us, I knew it was, and I knew we would be together someday.

But I was wrong then, and I wanted to kick myself for ever letting my hopes up.

*End of Flashback*

The tears flowed freely as I wrote, little drops falling dead on the paper, smudging the ink. I poured my heart onto the paper, writing down everything I'd felt since the day he left.

Dearest Trunks,

I realized something as I read your letter, I should've told you everything when I had the chance. I'm going to tell you now because I can't let you go on with this wedding until you know how I feel.

First off, I don't want you getting married! unless, that is, it's to me. I love you Trunks, I have for a long time now and I was so afraid to tell you. I thought you'd hate me or worse, and I didn't want to ruin our friendship. When you left I was a mess, no! it's worse then what I told you. I couldn't eat, I was barely sleeping and I hardly left my room. I was sick without you, like someone had brutally torn off a Vidal piece of me. I thought I was going to die without you, much as I feel now. I cried everyday for the first 2 months you were gone and when I got your first letter, I read it so much the paper was worn out.

I only told you half the truth as to why I left home. Remember I told you we got into a huge fight about school? Well we got into a huge fight but it wasn't about school, it was about you. She insulted your family, called them all bloodthirsty, and because I love you so I had to leave. How could I stay with someone who hated the family of the only one I love? I couldn't! There

was no way I could listen to it. I stayed in a cave for a month! I didn't want to stay at home with that Hydra! I know I told you that I went with my father to a cabin, I'm sorry I lied, but yes

I am living with Gohan now.

I didn't want to go to your house Bulma's for Christmas, not without you being there. Gohan and Videl all but dragged me there and all the happiness of the house kept me there, that is until you showed up. Never thinking any differently, I stayed because of you.

Do you remember when we were in your room, and you asked me what I was thinking?

I was thinking about you, making love to you. I wanted you then and heaven help me I want you now.

I'm feeling sick again, for I feel like I've lost you. I love you so much I think I'll die without you. Without you I'm nothing, a walking zombie with no purpose. You told me once that we'd always be together and I swore you felt the same way I did after you left again, but I guess I was wrong. Or was I?

I can only think of two reasons why you would marry her.

One, your mother really got under your skin and you felt you had to make her happy, or two you really love her and everything I felt between us was wrong. I find it hard to believe that you truly love her, not after everything you said to me about her, not after you almost kissed me!

Dammit why Trunks! I love you so much, why can't you love me too! We are two halves of one soul, you tell me that often enough, so why Trunks? I swear Trunks, you may not feel the same way about me, but I will always be faithful to you, I could never in good conscience be with anyone else. It would only hurt the other person, and drag them down into my twisted emotional maze.

I will go to your wedding, if only to see with my own eyes that you truly love her, and not me.

Love always and forever

Goten.

I stared down at the letter, shaking with rage and desperation as I picked it up and folded it neatly. I savagely ransacked my desk for an envelop and shoved the letter inside. I was trembling so bad I could barely write the name and address down. My eyes steamed with tears as I gripped the envelop, ready to send it to its destination.

I stood up and walked to the door. I could hear voices downstairs and figured Pan was home for lunch; I didn't want to embarrass her or myself so I stayed in my room, staring at the letter in my cool, shaking hands.

I laid down on my bed and cried, hugging my sides and curled my knees up to my chest. I exhausted myself with my sorrow, I knew, so I didn't struggle when sleep came to claim me.



It was like a painting, clear night sky littered with stars above this garden of wild flowers. The air was warm and smelt of sweet perfume and I felt content and free. The full moon beamed its enchanting glow upon my garden, illuminating the fascinating colours of each petal and I bent down to touch them.

Why did this place feel so familiar?

My fingers brushed over the velvety soft flowers and I smiled as little drops of colour would splash onto my hand. I felt strong arms wrap around my waist and I knew who it was; of course, this is our garden and I was dreaming. I leaned back against him and his sweet lips grazed my flushed cheeks.

"Don't push me away Chibi."

I turned my head to look at Trunks who had a serious look on his handsome face. I turned around so we were face to face and shook my head vigorously.

"I'm not, I just don't understand..."

"You do understand Chibi, you just don't want to believe it."

"How could I? you're going to marry someone else."

He hugged me tightly to him and gently stroked my hair. His fingers played masterfully with every strand, lulling me to calm, and I melted into his embrace. I closed my eyes tightly against his chest, wishing this wasn't a dream.

"You're not going to lose me, I will always be with you, if you can't see that by now then you're more of a baka then I thought."

I smiled at that, and gently cuddled into his warm embrace, like a child in a parents lap.

"It feels like it."

He kissed my forehead and looked into my eyes, his warm hand on my cheek. I turned into his hand, kissing his palm and holding his hand to my face. He leaned forward and I closed my eyes, feeling his warm breath against my lips. My body tingled as he lightly brushed his lips against my waiting mouth.

"I'll always love you Chibi, don't push me away because of this."



My eyes shot open and darkness surrounded me. I panicked and sat up, not remembering where I was. My eyes focused on the clock at my bedside, 8:30pm, and I relaxed as I realized I was in my room.

8:30pm! I must've been really tired, I don't think I'll sleep anymore tonight.

I sighed and shifted to get off my bed when something brushed against my hand; the letter I wrote. I stared at it, remembering every word, every feeling I poured onto that paper and bit my lip as his words flashed through my mind, 'Don't push me away Chibi.' I blinked and stared at the envelop again, wondering what to do.

If I send this am I pushing him away? I don't want that! that's the whole reason why I didn't tell him in the first place. I stood up and walked to my desk again and, turning on the lamp, pulled out some paper and a pen.

I won't push him away from me, he may be getting married but he's still my friend, and he still loves me, he doesn't deserve to be hurt.

Dear Trunks,

I'm so happy for you! you finally decided to take the plunge eh? Well I'm sure your mother is ecstatic, she can finally have grandchildren. You know she's just going to find something else to rag on you about now, haha you just can't win. Anyway you can count on me being there, I wouldn't miss my best friend's wedding! and hey I'll finally be able to meet Jen! I'm kinda looking forward to it, she sounds like fun, so make sure she knows that I'm coming and can eat twice as much as you :)

You know I'll be your best man! why, if you thought you had a choice you must be more in love then I thought.

I'm not seeing anyone at all so it'll just be me, myself and I, but that's ok because then I have more time to spend with you.

Besides it's best to go to one of these things single anyway, you don't go to a buffet after you've eaten right? Haha yeah that's right, I'm always thinking about food, but hey so do you :P I can just see you scowling at me from here so just knock it off :) I assume you're inviting everyone (is Pan gonna be upset) but I think I'll come earlier, avoid the crowd, that was I can help out with the whole set up and stuff. It'll be less stressful that way and you won't end up blasting the catering service! Anyway I gotta run I'm starving.

See ya soon

Goten.

My alarm buzzed painfully through the silence of my room and I growled at the invasion. I slammed down on the snooze button and rolled over, pulling the sheets around my shoulders. I had not slept well last night, my mind kept drifting back to Trunks's letter, about how he was getting ma...mar..I can't even think about it!

I looked out the window and the sun shone brightly, lifting my mood slightly. I knew I wouldn't get anymore sleep so I rolled lazily out of bed and thumped over to my shower for a quick pick-me-up.

I should send it soon, I've already put it off for 3 days. I guess I figured the longer I put it off the less likely it was that this was real, but I couldn't put it off anymore, this is painfully real.

My clock read 8:34am and I was running late for school. I quickly threw on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and, grabbing my books, ran downstairs.

Pan was sitting at the table, entrenched in a bowl of Captain Crunch and reading one of her books. She smiled at me from her book and I grinned through my stuffed cheeks, cramming food into my mouth.

"Morning Uncle Goten! you're running a little late today."

I swallowed my breakfast and grabbed a glass of orange juice, chugging it hastily.

"Yeah I guess I took too long in the shower." I lied, grabbing my back pack and loading it full of books. I couldn't tell her that I've been having problems sleeping again, she worried so much when Trunks left and I wasn't sleeping, I didn't want to worry her again.

Pan gave me an astonished look as her eyes fell on the stack of books inside my bag.

"Is college hard?" I looked up at that and laughed at the panic in her young eyes.

"No Pan, it's not, there's just a lot of work to do. Don't worry, it won't seem so bad when you get there."

She smiled affectionately at me and I winked at her. She so innocent and young, so much like me when I was her age. It's funny, how long ago that seems, and although I'm a Saiyan and live naturally into the 300 mark, I started to feel old. Where did the time go?

Ah yes, I spent it with Trunks and I wouldn't go back and change it if I could.

The clock on the wall reminded me that is was 8:55am and I ran to the door, grabbing my back pack and throwing my shoes on. I opened the door and was about to run when I remembered the letter. I don't have enough time to get it and mail it, damn I wish I'd learn dad's instant transmittion.

"Pan can you do me a favour before you leave?"

"Sure Uncle Goten!" She leapt out of her chair and ran towards me.

"In my room there's a letter on my desk, all you have to do is mail it for me ok."

"Sure think Uncle Goten! I'll go do that right now." She skipped happily towards the stairs and gave me a wink over her shoulder.

"Thank a bunch."

I closed the door behind me and took off for school, praying to Kami that I wasn't too late.



I opened the door slowly, the house drowning in darkness as I blindly ran my hand along the wall and flicked the switch, filling the room with light. I wearily put my back pack on the chair by the door and kicked my shoes off, placing them side by side in front of the wall. The faint smell of food wafted through the house and my stomach growled loudly as I absently walked to the kitchen. I got home late, as I have every day for the past 2 weeks and Gohan and Videl had left me some food from supper. I was so hungry I could barely move.

I didn't like coming home so late, everyone was always in bed and I enjoyed talking to my family, telling how my day was and listening to Pan's little gibblings about her friends and school. I barely get to see them anymore but I had so much work to do and I wanted to get as much done as possible so that I could leave early to see Trunks. I'm sure they understand and I'm sure they know that if I had a choice, I would spend more time with them. I always make sure they know how much I love them.

I opened the microwave and was greeted with the wonderful sight of a mountain of food, just waiting for me to attack it. My mouth watered as I took the plate out of it's confined prison and, walking to the drawer to grab a fork, I put them on the table. I walked back to the refrigerator to grab something to drink and I had to stifled a yawn. I was tired, but it would be worth it in the end.

I explained my situation to my professors and, considering my high grades and the fact that my finals were all conveniently inclass exams, agreed to let me do them early. If I kept working this hard I could have my classes finished in a few weeks, and I could stay with Trunks for a whole month before the dreaded day.

Not that I liked the idea of seeing Trunks swoon over this woman for a whole month before he marries her. In fact, just thinking about it makes me want to hurl! But I want to see him, and I can suffer through this if it means that I get to spend more time with him. As mean as it sounds, I don't really believe that he loves her, and I can't move on until I know for sure and the best way to find out is to see it with my own skeptical eyes.

I finished my dinner in a matter of minutes, nothing new for a hungry Saiyan, and cleared my dishes from the table when I saw a letter on the counter: a letter from Trunks, It was odd to get one so soon after sending him a letter of my own, but I wasn't going to complain.

I hovered slowly up to my room, careful not to wake anyone and turning the lights off behind me. When I got to my room I shut the door quietly and sat on my bed, turning the lamp on as I tore open the thin envelop. I unfolded the letter and frowned sadly at the single page of writing in my hands. His letters are getting shorter.

Dear Goten,

Well we've already started making plans for this shindig of ours! I got a call from Kaasan and boy is she happy. Tousan is unimpressed but I don't suspect he would be. When you come down you're going to stay with Jen and I so I need you to give me a call, you still have my number right? Good! Anyway how are things? Are you over the shock yet? Well don't dwell on it too much Chibi, it was bound to happen, although I always thought you'd be married before me considering how social you are...or used to be. Things have a strange way of turning out differently then what we expect, but in the end, we can always count on our friends :) So you're almost finished school eh? I'm glad to hear that's going well, at least you don't have your mother hounding you and stressing you out anymore. You seem so much happier living with Gohan, and don't tell me you're not cause I can tell! I am your best friend after all. Oh I'm so excited for you to come down! Jen's looking forward to it too, she's already stocking up on food even though we aren't expecting you for at least a month. Although if you could come earlier that would be cool too! No pressure though. Ok well I gotta run, Ashleigh's waiting for me. I'm so sorry my letters are so short, but I'll be seeing you soon anyway so you can wait to hear all the other goods. Call me!

Love ya

Trunks.

I vaguely thought it was strange that he didn't seem to have responded much to my last letter. Must be all the excitement, it's not everyday you decide to marry someone you aren't in love with. No, I shouldn't say that, he probably does love her, I'm just sour about it I guess. It should be me! shouldn't it?

I folded the precious paper, stuffed it back in the envelop and walked towards my desk. I looked down at the clutter of papers and books and saw a closed envelop sitting on the messy surface, the letter I never sent, the other obviously mailed. I traced the corner with my finger, memories of emotions trickling solemnly through my memory as I remembered when I wrote it. A small tear escaped my eyes and tickled my cheek as it slid, mournfully down my crestfallen face. I shook my head and brushed the tear off from my skin and picked up the letter abruptly. I didn't want anyone to read what my heart had poured out, I didn't want to remember at all.

I've had enough of pain!

My feet slapped my bedroom floor with a familiar irritation as I walked to my night table. I knelt down and pulled out a light blue duffle bag and shoved the letter inside, with the rest of Trunks's old letters, and locked it back in my night table, putting the key in its usual spot under my alarm clock. I knew it was safe there, locked away from the world like I had done to my heart.



I spent that last month working as hard as I could, and it paid off. I wrote my exams early, acing almost every one, and spent the week before my departure getting ready for the long trip ahead of me. Gohan insisted that I take a commercial flight, seeing as it would be easier then trying to fly me and my luggage over to a continent I've never been to before. I guess he was right, but I hate planes and I would have rather flown myself.

I had put off packing until the night before I was supposed to leave, thinking it would give me something to do when the inevitable insomnia kept me awake all night. That was one of the stupidest ideas I've ever come up with.

I threw my suit case on the edge of my bed and began frantically rummaging through my dresser, throwing clothes over my shoulder. I had been excited to leave, so much in fact that it had kept me from sleeping almost all week, and my stupid sleep deprived body decided that last night it was going to sleep!

I woke up groggily to sun beaming over the horizon and I realized that I had exactly 2 hours to get ready! And I still haven't packed yet!

I packed up almost everything item of clothing I owned, laying them as neatly as I could into my suit case. I ran quickly to my night stand and, unlocking it, I grabbed my duffle bag and threw it next to my suit case. I zipped up my suit case and took a quick look around my room. I was feeling a little homesick already but I brushed off the uncomfortable feeling and quickly headed for my door, taking my suit case and duffle bag with me.



I had become rather uncomfortable inside airports, I mean after seeing my friend off the first time, and it being the most miserable experience of my life, no one could blame me. This time, though it was a happier occasion and everyone saw me off with a smile, except Bra. She looked horribly unhappy, and when I hugged her, she held me tight and whispered in my ear, 'Don't let him make a mistake he can't fix.' She gave me a soft smile and stood proudly beside Vegeta, much like she always does. I blinked at her, thoroughly confused.

I would've questioned her but the last boarding call came and my father grabbed me in a huge bear hug.

I could see them as the plane took off, waving at me frantically and I smiled at their display of love. The world got smaller and smaller as the plane climbed into the sky and I sighed.

Soon I would see him again and I beamed at the thought. I had asked him not to bring Ashleigh when he picked me up, telling him I would be grouchy and a complete mess, and that I wanted to make a good first impression. I knew I was just putting off the inevitable but I wasn't ready to meet the woman that was about to take my best friend from me. I shouldn't hate her for that, but I will always resent her for it, whether she deserves it or not. I hate being so vengeful! it's so unlike me and it always makes me feel ugly and dark, but love does that to people, I guess.

My stomach growled and I grumbled, annoyed. Lunch wouldn't be served for quite a while yet, my horrendous appetite really sucks sometimes. I picked up my carry-on bad and leafed through it, searching for the snakes through all Trunks's old letters I brought to keep me occupied.

I found the secret compartment I used to keep all my food capsules, and sitting right next to it was an unopened letter addressed to Trunks.

Of course! the letter I didn't send, I had forgotten that I put it in my duffle bad. I picked it up and opened it, feeling like I needed to remember how I felt that day. I tore open the envelop and unfolded it reading it to myself.

'Dear Trunks

'I'm so happy for you! you finally decided to take the plunge eh?...'

I stared down at the paper, swallowing the lump that had made its way to my dry throat. This was the letter that Trunks was supposed to get...But Pan mailed it...she mailed the wrong letter!

My mouth went dry and my body shivered with cold sweat. Trunks got the first letter! He knows everything!