Bulma took a deep breath and knocked on the door of Trunks' capsule house. She heard a groan from inside and the creaking of the sofa springs, the sound of feet on the wooden floor and then the door opened and she came face to face with her dishevelled son. Trunks' eyes shot open wide when he realised who it was. Bulma smiled and reached out to touch his cheek. Trunks frowned and swatted her hand away.

"Why did you come?"

"I came to make sure you were ok."

"You've seen me. I'm fine. Now leave."

Bulma face fell and tears began to well in her eyes.

"Trunks please…can't we just talk?"

"I've got nothing to say to you."

"Well what if I have something I want to say to you?"

"Then you can save it until I will listen."

"And how long will that be?"

"Who knows?"

"Trunks please. I didn't mean what I said."

"Then why did you say it? Just to make up a reason to dads question? I'm not stupid mum!"

"Sweetie listen to me. Please come home. I'll take care of you. You're upset and angry, and you have reasons to feel that way, but you've been gone so long, I just want to take care of you like I used to."

"Don't tell me how I feel! You've got no idea what this kind of pain feels like! I have tried so hard all my life to fit in with the family. To be the smart guy you want me to be, to be the strong warrior dad wants me to be, to be the best friend Goten wants me to be. Then you come traipsing in with Bra, treating her like a princess. She gets everything. As soon as she cries either you or dad are by her side! Why should I bother! You've gotten the princess you want, you have no need for me now. I'm happier out here, by myself! Without any pressure from you or dad! Get used to not having me around mum, because it's gonna be like that for a long time!"

Bulma brought her hand to her face to wipe her subconsciously falling tears.

"That's one kind of pain Trunks. One that I can help you with if you just let me. But I'm in pain too. It's horrible living without you. No one can help me with this pain but you. No one can fill the empty void in my heart for you. We didn't mean to put that much pressure on you, and push you so far away from us. Vegeta and I are so blessed to have a son like you. If I could dream of the perfect son, he wouldn't even come close to you. I'm lost without you. These last few weeks have been a nightmare. The house is so empty without your laughter and good spirits. Vegeta is becoming restless with no one to train with, I have no one to talk to all day. Bra is such a handful without your help.

I know you don't want to come home right now, but when you do decide to come back, we'll be there waiting for you. Ready to welcome you with open arm. Because, no matter what happens, you're still my son. And I love you, whether you think I do or not."

Trunks' hard expression faultered for a few seconds before turning back to hard and cold.

"That it?"

"Yes."

Bulma hung her head miserably. Trunks turned his back on her and went to shut the door.

"Then you can leave."

Bulma looked up quickly just to see him slam the door on her. She stared at it for a few moments before collapsing on the floor and burying her tear stained face in her hands.

Goku walked over to her from his hiding place in the trees. He curled his arm round her back and pulled her up.

"It's ok Bulma. It's ok. He's just angry. I have to take you home now, before Vegeta senses your ki and figures out what's going on."

He placed two fingers on his forehead and was back in Bulma's bedroom less than a second later. Chichi looked up from the bed in surprise and ran to Bulma's side.

"Oh no. Bulma…come on."

Chichi pulled Bulma's arm round her shoulder and carried her to her bed. She lay her down carefully and brushed her hair from her face. Goku stood by Chichi's side and stared miserably as Bulma cried even harder and clenched handfuls of her duvet in each of her fists. He looked at Chichi when he felt her hand on his arm.

"Didn't go well then?"

"No…Trunks is a lot more angry than I would have thought. I think I'll go and talk to him."

"Are you sure that's a good idea? He didn't listen to Bulma or Vegeta."

"Yeh, but they're his parents. I'm just a family friend. It's different. He might feel more comfortable talking to me than them."

"Ok Goku. Do what you have to. Try and find out what's wrong. Do it for Bulma. I mean, look at her. She needs Trunks. And I can bet any money he needs her just as bad."

"I think you're right there Chi. I could tell from the distressed level of his ki, it was hard for him to tell Bulma he didn't want to go back, also I could tell he was happy to see her. His goal, what ever that might be, is getting in his way. He's set out to prove something, and won't let anything stop him. I just wish I knew what he was trying to achieve."

"Well, see if you can find out. I know it would mean the world to Bulma."

"Right. Be back later Chichi."

"Ok. Good luck Goku."

"Thanks."

3 seconds later

Goku walked confidently up to Trunks's door and knocked loudly.

"Go away!"

Goku sighed sympathetically.

"It's Goku, Trunks. Please let me in."

A few moments later, Trunks swung the door open and stood defiantly in front of him.

"Wow, what a day. Mum and dad couldn't get me to come home so they send the next best thing."

"Trunks, your parents didn't send me here. I came here on my own. In fact, they'd probably kill me if they knew I was here. Especially Vegeta."

"Why?"

"I'll only tell you if you let me come in."

Trunks stood in the doorway hesitantly for a few moments, but opened the door and let him in. Goku sat on the sofa and stared at the house. It was a tip. Just as it had been when Vegeta had visited, but worse. There were now flies swarming around unclean plates and glasses, the whole house smelt like a garbage heap, and Trunks looked a mess. The purple haired Saiyen sat down beside Goku and looked at him.

"So?"

"Oh right. Vegeta would kill me for being here, and kill me again for bringing Bulma here earlier because…"

"You brought my mum here?"

"Trunks, are you going to let me finish?"

"Sorry…"

"Anyway, Vegeta didn't want anyone to come and see you because he thought that you should be let to come home of your own accord. I kind of agreed with him. I didn't know if I should've brought Bulma here or not, but I couldn't stand to see her in the state she was in. I can't stand to see her in the state she is now. She was almost begging me to bring her to see you. Just to check that you were ok. I know Vegeta will kick my arse if he finds out, but I had to do it. And when I heard the things Bulma and you were saying to each other I decided maybe you wanted someone to talk to, other than your parents. Someone you might feel you can open up to easier. I would have sent Goten, but I think he's still on that stupid video game."

"He beat you again huh?"

"32 to 2."

"Wow, new record."

"Trunks, concentrating?"

"Yes! I heard what you said! Mum's upset, I get it! If she was so upset then why did she say it in the first place?"

"You weren't meant to hear it. That was supposed to be secret, confined to only her. But Vegeta somehow got her to confess and you accidentally over heard her. She would do anything to turn back the clocks and make it so you didn't happen. I bet if she had the dragonballs she would."

"Yeah I bet."

"You wouldn't know. You're not the one there with her right now, seeing her writhing on her bed in misery."

"It's her own fault."

"No it's not. You weren't meant to hear it. How was she supposed to know you were there?"

Trunks hung his head and sighed miserably.

"I miss her. A lot."

"I know you do Trunks. So why don't you go back home?"