Disclaimer: I own nothing so stop asking already. Except for the Doc, that all me baby! ;D

CB: *huggle everyone* Yay! Thankies for the reviews you guys, you're too awesome. I'm sure you can guess it's not like any other T/V fic out there huh? Well at any rate, you all get your cookies *hands out cookies* and one reviewer got the answer right! Yes, Trunks has... Ebola! ^^ Just kidding! He really has... malaria! No no kidding again... It just reminded me of a book my big sis told me about. Some Jamaican guy was all like "I got the Malaja! I got the feva'!" Heehee...

Any way, some time ago I got a review to make the chappies even longer. ^^ I'll try, really, but I'm not making any promises because I only write enough in each chapter to keep it good but not give to much away at once.

Now, read on all of you lovely people!

~*~*~

I winced from my sleep as the sunlight warmly danced its way over my face. The cold air rushed over and blew some of my hair across the pillow, but most of it was plastered down with sweat. I reached up and moved the cool towel that rested on my forehead, sitting up on my elbows. Goten was kneeling beside the bed, staring at me calmly and patiently. He was wearing a thick sweater as I noticed that I was still only wearing the short sleeve tee.

I sighed out a laugh and threw my legs over the side of the bed. "You know, if you're cold, you can close the window."

"I know." He stated simply and moved as I stood to stretch. "Sleep well?"

"As good as I could have." I said with a playful tone to try and relieve the tension I knew he was feeling. I don't think it worked. "So... where are your mom and dad?"

"In town, to pick up some things."

"Oh... Hey, am I the only one who found it weird that no one heard use last night?"

He smiled a bit. "Nope. With all of my dad's snoring, I don't think anyone in a ten mile radius did."

I laughed and reached to pick up my phone. "Hey, where did my cell go? I could have sworn I left it here..."

"You did. I was just charging up it for you..."

I felt my expression go blank as I reached over and grabbed Goten's shoulders gently, standing in front of him. "Goten, I know what you're trying to do, and thanks, but it's not necessary. I'm not completely helpless."

His shoulders sagged with a sigh. "Sorry..."

"Don't worry about it." I gave a warm look and opened the bedroom door. "Come on, I'm sure your mom left some breakfast, right?"

"Yeah!" He nodded with a somewhat renewed spirit and followed me down the short hall and around the corner.

Good old Goten; I couldn't have asked for a better friend. But I can't help but feel guilty that I had placed some kind of burden on him. I know he's going to ask about me now that the ball has been dropped, and I don't want to lie to him anymore... but what if I come back from the doctor with something bad today. Then what? I don't know. It's still too damn early to think about, even thought it's nearly eleven.

I sat down at the table and ate some food silently, except for the occasional smacking from my friend over there. I zoned out until Goten asked me, "What time did you plan on leaving?"

"Oh... uh... in an hour or so maybe...?" I wasn't really sure. Then I started to think about home all of a sudden. Maybe I should call now... "I'll be back in minute."

I got up from the table and rounded the corner, going through the swinging door, before I picked the phone off the wall. I hesitated for a moment before I finally dialed the number. I waited a while for someone to answer, drumming my fingers along the wall then leaning up against it. On the fourth ring, the line picked up, and thankfully it was Bra; I hadn't even noticed that I was holding my breath until I sighed out relieved. I wasn't exactly jumping for joy thought, but it was better than dad jumping down my throat.

"Hello."

"Yeah, it's me."

"Trunks, I hope you know you're in big trouble, right?"

I frowned and crossed my arms, resting the phone on my shoulder and under my chin. "Just shut up and listen okay? I was just calling to say I'll be home a little later so you don't have to worry..."

"Who said we were worried? It was a relief to have a day without your sulking." I could hear her smirking.

"Whatever."

"Hm, it won't be 'whatever' when you get here. I think daddy was really pissed, but he didn't say anything."

Just great. "Yeah, but I bet you just added to it, didn't you?"

"Like I would do such a thing." She tried to sound sweet. Note tried.

"Oh cut the act, Bra. Its not like you haven't done it before, and I wouldn't put it past you to do it again."

"Well I just might with that attitude." I could hear her frowning now. "As a matter of fact, I will. I see daddy coming now."

"You wouldn't?"

"Watch me. Daddy!"

"Bra! Shut up! I'm already in enough trouble!"

"You should have thought of that before."

"You know what? I don't even care. I might as well get yelled at now then later anyway."

"Oh Trunks, just stop the drama already. I don't even see what your problem with daddy is. He doesn't even treat you as bad as you claim."

"Ha! Like you would know! I had to work for everything that I had with dad while you were given everything in a silver platter. You have no ideal what's going on!"

"Bra, who are you talking to?" I heard a deep voice in the background of Bra's side. I paused and listened closer. It was definitely my dad and he didn't sound too happy; he and Bra were talking back and forth until I heard him say, "Give me the phone."

Before I knew it, I slammed the phone on the hook with my own self-confusion. Oh God, I did not just hang up on him. Damn. Oh well, I said I didn't care and I don't. So there.

"Everything okay?" Goten asked when I came back to the dining room, but I didn't sit down.

"Yeah. I think I'm going to get ready now." I gave a small shrug before I went to get ready in the bathroom, trying to push the grim future out of the way, searching to find something else more pleasant to fill it with.

~*~*~

"Are you sure you want to go in by yourself?" Goten asked me with clearly nervous air, locking the breaks of the car as it continued to run.

"Yeah." I gave a hesitant nod and opened the car door. "Hey, everything's going to be alright. Probably working too hard like I said." I gave a smile, waiting for him to return one, which he did after some obvious contemplation. "Okay then."

I got out and bent down to look in the car once more. "I'll call you later for the heads up. Promise."

He nodded; small puffs of breath were visible now as all the cold air rushed in. I closed the car door and watched him turn back onto the main street before I headed to the hospital's entrance. Its familiar smells of bandages and... just... I don't know... clean, hit my nose intensely as the double glass doors slid apart and re-closed.

A few steps in, I spotted the elevator, and much to my luck, it was out of order. Dammit. The next way up to my floor was the stairs, so I trekked up them with displeasure. By the time I hit the seventh level, my long sleeve shirt clung to me like a second skin, despite the front of my coat opened and my untied scarf hung limply around my shoulders. I caught my breath a moment before entering the waiting room.

Only a few people were there, reading magazines that were stacked in a lazy pile on the small tables, the children playing in the little kids' area, a TV running with no one watching and its volume down low... Yeah, just like the usual hospital scene. The 'usual' is my general guess from watching TV and a few of my own experiences. I was never really here much as a kid, only a few times; like the time I ate some Play Dough when I was little, and when Bra was born. I was born here too but I can't remember that far back... Each time, it was the same doctor, a kindly old man by the name of Dr. Raku. I guess you could say he was our family physician whenever something couldn't be handled at Capsule Corp's medical wing; I think he knows more about my "special" gene traits then the ones back home anyway.

"Hello. I'm here to see Doctor Raku; I made an appointment this morning." I said to the receptionist.

"Name?"

"Oh... Trunks Briefs."

"Hm, I thought you looked familiar." The middle-aged brunette smiled and looked over the rim of her glasses. "It's been a while since you stopped through kiddo. You've grown up a lot. I bet you're beating the girls off with a stick, am I right?"

I couldn't help but blush as she popped her gum and smiled again. "Okay hun, the doctor will be here in a while, so, you can go make yourself comfortable right over there."

"Alright. Thank you." I gave a quick nod and swiftly found a seat in the corner near a large tinted window.

As I settled in, I busied myself with the scene outside the window. The sun was out but I knew from being outside, it was cold. Judging from the darker grey clouds in the distance, it might rain, or finally snow as a matter of fact. But hopefully, it wouldn't be freezing rain. I hate driving in that, even thought I didn't necessarily have to since Goten said I could call him for a ride home, but he's done enough for me already. Thinking of him, I sighed despondently as I was hit with a sudden feeling of loneliness. Maybe I should have asked him to stay...

Nah...

I turned my attention to the stack of magazines beside me. Hey, maybe I'll find something interesting. Or not, as I realized the stack was full of nothing but maternity guides and sexually transmitted disease editorials that had way too many nauseating pictures. Glad I didn't eat much this morning after all...

But one thing in particular did catch my eye. It was a small, orange, slightly tattered from over use book with writing on the cover that read, "Icha Icha Paradise". I shrugged and opened it; bringing the book down from sight when I saw its inner content. My Kami, why in the world would this book be in a hospital?! I silently gaped with shock, my cheeks flooded with a bright red color as my eyes continued to scan the pages. I had to admit, I was absorbed in its... erm... "Articles".

"Trunks Briefs. Calling Trunks Briefs." The announcement called over the intercom, causing me to instinctively cast the book aside and moved myself away as innocently as possible.

"Go on back. Third door to the right." The second receptionist said emotionlessly and pointed with her pen. Well, she's obviously not a people person. I mused silently.

I went past the front desk and entered with wooden swing door to the side. A little kid was wailing uncontrollably as I walked past the first room, his mother trying hopelessly to calm him.

I entered the smaller white room at the third door, a cold hand squeezing and pulling my insides with anxiety all the while. I searched the windowless room with my eyes before finding a seat on the examination table, the tissue paper crinkling quite loudly in the stillness. While waiting, I took off my coat and things, and slung them in a chair in the corner. I smiled gratefully that I had spent so much time over Goten's house; I had enough clothes left over there to change into so I wouldn't have had to wear my suit from yesterday.

I sat there patiently as the clock chimed on the wall, fifteen minutes I've been here already. Well, I did remember mom saying something about the good doctor always being a bit behind schedule; I really didn't care because I was busy fooling around with stuff, quickly followed by a rough grip on the ear, mom's special death move. Yeah, just like old times...

"Hello Trunks, sorry for the wait." The doctor greeted me cheerfully with a small bow of an apology.

I smiled and said, "No. No problem."

"Alright. Let see what we have here."

He walked over to the many drawers and cabinets that lined the walls, and began prying for a few things in particular. The short man walked over with a stethoscope around his neck and clipboard in hand. It caught me off guard when he suddenly placed the board beside me and grabbed my face, pulling at it, while seemingly looking for something.

After a moment or two of silent prodding, he said with dry tone, "Well one thing is clear already. You are apparently anemic."

"What?"

"I said you are anemic." He stated simply and jotted it down on the clipboard he'd picked up again. "Haven't you noticed how pale your skin is? Even under your eyelids are white... they are supposed to be pink."

I couldn't help but take a quick glance at my hands while the doctor wasn't looking. Indeed my skin was a faint cream color, greatly contrasting off my sapphire sleeve that came halfway over my palm. Dr. Raku then nodded with thought and pushed his glass up on his nose.

"Alright now, let's see what else is going on, and I want you to start from the beginning and don't leave anything out."

I nodded grimly, hiding the fear that grew on the inside; I finally realized that I wasn't just working too hard after all, thinking that it could be anything wrong with me now.

Mom, be with me okay...?...

~*~*~

"Now then. I've just gotten a call from the lab techs' and your blood work results won't be back until tomorrow morning, tomorrow afternoon at the latest."

I nodded in silence while standing from the table. "So are you saying I'm free to go?"

"Yes. Though, I would suggest, you get a ride home. I wouldn't recommend you drive yourself."

"I already have it covered, doc. Thanks."

"Alright then. Oh, and remember to get plenty of rest until I have your full diagnosis tomorrow."

I gave a short wave of compliance as I let myself out of the examination room, slipping my coat on with one swift swoop while going down the hall. I sighed out greatly and let my shoulders fall when I reached outside, the air brisk as it is dark now. A limo I called earlier pulled around when they spotted me. I climbed in, exhausted from the stress of the long day not nearly over; it was only around six, already past sunset.

During the silent ride home, my mind was racing with a million thoughts and concerns at once. What would the test results say? I didn't even know, or imagine. It feels like a heavy weight had been lifted, but only to have an even heavier burden placed upon my shoulders; the toughest part beckoned at me now. I can't help but fear the worst.

The doctor did find a lot of stuff wrong with me. I did tell him about the headaches, and the fevers, and the 'nosebleed', the severe lack of appetite, the body aches I get sometimes, and, when I blacked out yesterday... Hell, while he drew some blood today, it wouldn't stop bleeding for a while after the small prick. Needless to say, it give both of us quite a scare, mainly me thought. He gave me a concerned look but didn't say anything while he continued to examine. He did ask me if I was depressed thought, since these symptoms did start a few weeks after my mom's death. I'm quite sure depression isn't the cause of all of this. Besides, all I need is more pills to take for dad to find...

Great, I'd almost forget about that. Man, am I in for it. I closed my eyes, not even aware that I had dozed off until my driven woke me up.

"Sir... your house...?"

"Oh yes, thank you."

I got out of limo, with the chauffeur opening my door. I tipped a nice amount of yen to him, who bow gratefully and speedily pulled off. It was the same as always when I got a ride home, but it wasn't very often. I turned and looked up to the pinkish-grey cloud sky as I walked up to my house. So it looks like its going to storm after all. With that thought, I subconsciously quickened my pace to the door. The light was low when I entered the large living room; I turned it up brighter as I the closed the door behind me.

"Well, look who finally decided to show up, and only a day and a half late at that."

That's when I noticed my father posted up against the wall, his arms were crossed and face set with a strange yet frowning expression; he must have sensed me a mile away. "So are you going to tell where you've been, or do we have to go about this the hard way?"

I'm not sure what possessed me to just pretend I didn't see or hear him, and to continue to hang my coat as if no one was there, but I did. Maybe deep down somewhere I thought, 'Maybe if I don't do any, he'll go away.' Right. That's pretty hard to do once you've stop, look directly at them, and then keep moving.

I heard a partly restrained growl floated across the room. "I asked you a question, kid. Where have you been?"

"Out." I said simply but truthfully, much to my father's irritation.

"You still had not answered my question?"

I was getting annoyed now. All I wanted to do was come home and lay down; I was really tried by the way. "Does it matter? You know I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself!"

"I don't know what the hell is going on anymore! But I do know as long as you live in my house, you will do as I say!" He spat fiercely and stood up straight from the wall. "Now get your ass upstairs and get ready for dinner. Now!"

I bit my tongue and did what I was told, sticking my hands in my pockets and frowning sourly. I didn't even make it up the first few stairs before he added, "And don't think this conversation is over boy. I mean to find out what the hell's your problem, whether you like or not."

I grumbled something under my breath, and then smirked at my own brilliance. Too bad I did say that out loud. I went to my room's personal bathroom and splashed some cold water on my face. It felt great after baking for most of the day in this shirt. On that thought, I went to change it into a black and white jersey shirt. A little better. The sleeves were just long enough to cover the band aid where I had blood taken from. No one needed to see that anyway.

I stuck my hands into my low slung jeans again and walked back down stairs and to the dining room. I could feel both my dad and Bra's eyes on me as I strode to my seat. I closed my own eyes so I wouldn't be obligated to look there way. I sat next to Bra, the opposite side of the table where my father sat, an empty seat next to his where mom used to. Man, I wish she was here now; she would more than likely cut the tension in the room with a simple conversation. But that wasn't happening tonight.

As the meal began, I just sat back, arms crossed and frowning. I found myself burning a hole at my father but I didn't stop. I was partly startled when his dark gaze met mine, but then I scowled back darkly which began in an all out glaring match. Smug bastard…

"If there's something you want to say to me, boy, then say." He words were challenging as he paused from eating.

"Oh don't mind me, its not like you ever have before." I said with a matter of fact tone.

He snarled. "And what is that supposed to mean?"

"You don't know? You really don't know!? Well I'll tell you!" I spat and sat forward. "Since when did you start caring where the hell I am during the day!? Are you honestly, finally, staring to care since mom died? Is that it?! Well, if you're trying to be the 'caring father figure' now, you can just save it!"

His face twisted into a deadly look, his eye blazed with anger as he stood. "Don't you ever take that tone with me, boy!"

"Or what? You'll smack me around? It's solved everything else before, right?" I was standing up now, adrenaline and anger replacing all fear I had before to speak up.

"Trunks, sit down…" Bra whispered a plea beside me and grabbed my arm; I totally forgot she was there.

But something had snapped and I couldn't stop myself. Maybe the feeling of now or never took over as I flashed back to where I spent most of the day. The results could say anything and it could mean something serious, even fatal.

I pulled my arm way from her grasp and backed up from her. "No! This needs to be said! I have to know!..." I turned towards my father and growled with contempt.

"I have to know why you're doing this to me! Why am I such a problem for you?! You couldn't even at least be a good father for me. You never once hugged me! But when we did train, you didn't even care what I did or even better you would badger me about how it still wasn't good enough! What the hell kind of thing is that to say to a little kid? Huh?! It makes me wonder if mom was the only one who loved me in this damn family! So go ahead and blow us away with a fabulous excuse from the almighty saiyan prince! I want to hear it! Why do you hate me so much?! I SAID WHY DAMMIT?!"

My eyes were roaring with an over boiling hatred, my teeth gritted to the point of breaking themselves. Before I knew it, I threw my arms over the table, bringing him up to my level since he was shorter than I, and grabbed his collar in a death grip. Wrong move.

I heard the wind whistle in my ear before a hard swing sent me into the wall behind me. Bra let out a short scream of surprise as the wall cracked before I fell to the floor. I place my hand over my nose as the scarlet liquid rapidly painted my fingers the same color, it now staining the white part of my shirt and dripping to the ground as well.

"As you wish. I'll tell you the truth, since your dying to know." His voice was bitterly cold as pulled myself to one knee weakly. "The truth is you were nothing but a tool since the day you were conceived. Your supposedly loving mother only kept you around to spite me. And since then, she used you to try and cripple me. She knew I didn't have time for a child during my training and set up the whole thing."

It can't be true! Mom would never…! I mean…! I don't know…! Would she…?!

"All she wanted was revenge, for me supposedly ruining her relationship with weakling human Yamcha. She was not even aware of his cheating ways until some time after."

"Y-you're lying…!" I nearly pleaded as my mind race eagerly.

"Am I? Why else do you think she mothered you the way she did? She felt guilty that she kept you all for the wrong reasons."

"No…no…no…"

I felt my eyes water rapidly and shook my head in disbelief. Dear Kami, it all made sense. That's probably why they love Bra more, because they actually wanted her. I couldn't take it anymore. I needed to leave. Now.

I jumped from the floor, Bra calling after me, but I didn't stop. I couldn't. I snatched my car keys and I bolted through the door, out to my car. I was too stressed out to fly, so I drove. I needed to get away where no one would sense where I was going. I took off in a flash down the road and to the freeway. It was raining heavily; my vision was pretty poor from both the rain and my tears.

I felt like a complete idiot, and so used. Wasting so many years. All of that time, I hated my father for what he did but what I should have been doing is hating my mother instead.

With all of the feelings racing through me, I finally felt my body beginning to give out. I panicked as my ki was plummeting quite hastily. My grip loosened from the steering wheel, the road fading into darkness. I fought to stay awake but I couldn't. I finally collapsed just as my car swerved into an on coming truck…

~*~*~

CB: Yeah, evil cliffy! I might be just that evil to let Trunks die! MWAHAHAHA! I'm still deciding. ^^

So, comes to find out that Trunks is a revenge tool to get back at Vegeta. Yeah, I wouldn't put it past Bulma to do something like that. And how about a non-cliché! I bet you weren't expecting that!

Oh and if you hadn't noticed, the porn book "Icha Icha Paradise" is from the anime Naruto for those who don't know. My new poison btw so I had to add it! Now leave you're thoughts people. If you send flames, I'll send Gaara to come destroy you! MWAHAHA!