Disclaimer: Do I own DBZ? magic eight ball of life 'Yes you DO…' REALL? magic eight ball of life 'NO… You NEVER will… So STOP ASKING!'

Part Seven:

Lost In You

Trunks smiled as Gohan got up and started pulling remnants of leftovers out of the fridge and placing them on the table for Trunks and himself. Trunks yawned sleepily as he helped Gohan get out the food. The two of them ate in complete silence without any eye contact whatsoever. They were both lost too deep in their own thoughts of yearning to realize the other felt the same. The two finished what hadn't been eaten at supper, before realizing it was closing in to two o'clock and neither had had any sleep. "Well, I guess this is goodnight. I'll see you in the morning," Trunks said trying to ignore the subject. He smiled sadly as he and Gohan entered their separate rooms. Gohan returned the smile.

Gohan sat on his bed with his head hung. Those dark blue eyes sent an involuntary shiver down his spine. There was nothing more he could do other than be a friend to the one person he adored, as his affection would never be acknowledged. He smiled to himself as he sensed Trunks fall asleep on his bed less than a yard away, despite separation from the wall. Gohan was able to drift to sleep, knowing Trunks was settled calmed him.

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It wasn't even an hour later when Trunks shot up from his bed. Despite having finished off the monsters, they still plagued him. The solitude of night was his torture chamber. He was thankful that the stir of energy hadn't awoken Gohan as he caught his breath shakily. The truth was that Gohan had awaken sensing Trunks distress, but hadn't moved as Trunks started to pace uneasily. After sensing Trunks pace his room for more than half an hour, he decided they needed to talk. Gohan suppressed his ki to not let Trunks know he was heading towards him.

Trunks looked up after hearing his name called softly from the doorway. He looked on teary eyed at the silhouette of the approaching figure. Gohan silently walked to Trunks and embraced him without hesitation trying to comfort the object of his affection. Trunk willingly nuzzled into Gohan's arms, hoping it wasn't just a dream as Gohan led them to the bed. Trunks sat trying not to let the sobs escape his throat, but found it impossible to resist. He wondered if Gohan would scold him for weeping, but he said nothing to condemn him. They only sat in the dark holding each other as Gohan rocked his crying friend softly back and forth. Trunks finally pulled away after regaining control of his unmanageable emotions. He looked away from Gohan in shame of himself. It was a hard feeling to swallow. They sat side by side in silence for what seemed like forever to them both before the stillness was broken.

"I'm sorry." The young lavender haired prince stated quietly. He felt a hot blush stain his cheeks and was thankful that the room was dimly lit only from a light coming down the hallway. Gohan lifted his chin and was appalled at how empty the blue spheres of his best friend seemed.

"Trunks, it's ok to cry. There's no reason to have to hold all your pain in," Gohan replied consolingly.

"It's a sign of weakness." Trunks harshly reprimanded himself.

"If that were true, then neither of us would be alive today for all the tears we've cried. It doesn't make us weaker, Trunk. It makes us stronger and more determined. Some say 'Those who shed tears only live their lives in vain,' but I don't believe that for one second, Trunks, and neither should you." Trunks turned looked into Gohan's sable eyes. He notice Gohan too was teary eyed, and wasn't in the least ashamed of it. "Sometimes, Trunks, it takes a stronger man to cry than that who holds his fears inside and never once takes the risk to show his true feelings." Gohan realized his words after he had said them. He hadn't only been talking to Trunks, he was talking about himself. That revelation hit him like a ton of bricks. Now hw felt like crying, but couldn't just yet. That would only seem foolish, but he had to tell Trunks. Working up his nerves and trying to put it into the right words, had Trunks wondering why Gohan sat there so lost deep in thought.

Trunks smiled at him, his words soft and passionate, "I love you," was whispered in his ear. Gohan still seemed somewhat oblivious.

Gohan gave Trunks a funny look. He couldn't have heard that, right? His mind was playing tricks on him, but Trunks seemed to be want something as to what he had whispered while Gohan was zoned out. Gohan watched as Trunks nervously ran his fingers through his silky hair.

The two sat there in comforting silence, assessing what was to be said and done next. Trunks smiled, he had said it, but knew Gohan wasn't really aware that he meant it as more than what he had said it any time before. He had often told Gohan 'I love you' innocently as a kid. They had been like brothers, but Trunks wanted that to change, for the better.

"Gohan?"

"What…"

"I'm sorry. It just…. Slipped."

"Trunks."

"Yeah?"

"I love you too."

The two stared at each other with eyes shining hopefully as they once again embraced on Trunks' bed. Eyes slid close slowly as they closed the gap that was between them. Their lips brushed across each other's in a phantom light chaste kiss. It was the moment both had longed for.

"Hey Trunks…?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you remember me not wanting to tell you something that would risk our friendship?"

"Yeah…"

"I take it back. I want to tell you."

Trunks looked up slightly saddened hoping that it wasn't something that would break his heart. He nodded hesitantly for Gohan to continue.

"I think this might be a major trial to our friendship." Trunks thought about what was said and nodded slowly.