Disclaimer: Don't own DB/Z/GT in any way, shape or form… except for this fan written work

Both Trunks and Goku settled into a steady silence after Trunks remark, an almost unspoken agreement between them to discuss the matter later on, likely during their dinner. Pulling up to the restaurant, each gets out of the car and proceeds to make their way inside.

"Smells great," claims Trunks, "I can't wait to order. Speaking of which, are they fine with large orders here?"

"Uh, actually, I've never ordered any large quantities of food from here, so I'm not sure. Whenever I did eat here it was on a whim with a friend or two I might have met for some drinks." Chuckled Goku , "It's pretty casual as you can tell, so I'm sure they'd be fine making a couple dozen plates."

'Man, thinking about it, I haven't eaten like that since living at h—with Chi-Chi.' Thought Goku, preventing himself from calling Mount Paozu his home.

Placing their orders as a waiter came to greet them, Trunks nervously turned to Goku. "You drink?" questioned a bewildered Trunks. 'Whoa, I feel like I'm some sort of fucked up timeline. Even though I'm pretty calm right now, something feels wrong. Goku has definitely changed, and I can't tell if it's a good or bad thing. So far his personality seems the same as before though…'

"Yeah, well, when you start spending the majority of your time around people who make a night out of it, you catch on quickly. I never knew I liked alcohol till I was drunk out of my mind one night." Chuckled Goku. Seeing Trunks expression turn into greater shock, he decided to limit the information he was ready to share with Trunks, at least for now. 'He's eventually going to back to Capsule Corp anyway to meet with everyone else. If he's going to find out anything about me, it's going to come straight from the horses mouth, even if it ends up putting us on bad terms.'

Not ready to delve into a conversation involving Goku's lack of sobriety, Trunks attempts to change the conversation. "So, uh, Goku, I hope you're not too uncomfortable with me bringing this up, but I can sense the energy of everyone gathered at Capsule Corp. Why aren't you there with them?"

Sighing, Goku takes a few minutes to answer, during which time the first courses of their meals were delivered, providing a welcome distraction for him to decide on which answer to give. 'Might as well tell him now. I wanted to wait because I don't know how he's going to react to all of this, but I don't want us to have a good time now, only to find out he should hate me later.'

Taking a break from his meal, Goku takes a breath before beginning. "Well, today is Trunks' birth—wait, Trunks! Today is your birthday!" he exclaims, almost jumping out of his seat.

"Oh, uh, yeah… " mutters Trunks, a fallen expression suddenly overtaking his features.

"I'm sorry, I—"

"It's okay Goku. My life isn't hasn't been too great lately. The last thought on my mind has been my birthday, and I hadn't thought of it in years up until I had to place in a date for the Time Capsule to send me back to. Can you believe I didn't realize I'd turn 28 till that point?" interrupted Trunks, ending his words with a humorless chuckle.

Watching as Trunks rubbed the palms of his hands over his eyes while he shook his head back and forth to prevent tears from falling, Goku got up and rushed over to his side, pulling a chair over so that he could more easily embrace him.

"Trunks, shh, it's okay. I understand," whispered Goku as he threaded his fingers in Trunks hair, guiding his head to his chest, "You have greater priorities plaguing you right now; no one would fault you for forgetting."

Eventually Trunks' crying subsided; his cheeks flushed red as Goku reached down and wiped the tears from them. Speaking into Goku's chest, Trunks whispered, "I'm sorry. Believe it or not, I'm not really one to cry, despite already having done it twice in the past hour. I don't even know how I'm alive right now Goku. I survived my entire life with those damned androids terrorizing everyone's lives, I kept going even after Gohan was killed, even I myself was killed and brought back! I thought I could handle anything the universe sent my way, but…"

Trunks didn't finish as his breathing started to become haggard, sensing another wave of tears, Goku concluded that they should move to a more remote location as he noticed some of the restaurants staff giving them disapproving looks. Whether they were because of Trunks not being able to hold in his anguish or because of the way in which Goku was embracing them—he was shocked that homophobia was an issue on a planet who's existence is constantly threatened—it didn't matter he wanted to get them out of there soon. Releasing Trunks, Goku rummaged for the amount of money their meal totaled out to, leaving a few hundred zenni's on the table before standing and pulling Trunks by the hand with him. They made their way outside where Goku decided he'd rather not drive. 'Although flying in this condition wouldn't be ideal either' he thought.

Suddenly, he felt two of the ki's that were previously at Capsule Corp were now at the lookout. Feeling a sudden sense of anxiety, Goku debated his options. 'Fuck, Trunks needs to go somewhere he can calm down right now, but I don't want to cause any unnecessary drama for him by showing up and having Piccolo try and kick me out. Trunks doesn't even know why he hates me.' Feeling Trunks looking at him with such sorrow written not only clear across his face, but shadowing his energy, Goku decided it was worth the risk. 'It'll be quiet there, and I know for a fact that Dende and Piccolo will give Trunks all the time he needs to calm down without getting the others involved. Guess that's it then.'

With a tighter grip on Trunks hand, and a quick look to make sure Trunks' condition was still alright, Goku transmitted them both over.

A/N: How do I explain being away for exactly one year? Well, I had a complete change of heart on the path I wanted to take this story. I didn't see the characters in the same light that made me want to write it in the first place. All within a few weeks time of uploading that last chapter too! Coincidentally, today I decided I wanted to re-read what I'd written, and it made me feel like continuing. So to all of you who sent me messages detailing how you enjoy my work so far and wish me to continue, thank you so, so much, I greatly appreciate it, I'll be writing with you all in mind. Till next time!