Lavender Time

Part Seven

Goten waited as long as possible in bed; until his stomach and the sunlight peeping through the curtain made it clear that it was time to get up. He knew it was long past breakfast time and his stomach grumbled from hunger since he'd only eaten half his sandwich. No one had come to wake him up, it still wasn't clear if that was a good sign or not. Throwing on a loose blue Capsule Corp shirt, he pulled himself out of bed.

When he peeked into the kitchen, there was no one there. Only a plate of high stacked fruits waited for him. A relieved sigh escaped Goten as he hungrily reached out for the nearest red apple.

"Good morning Goten," Bulma's voice called behind him, causing him to pause. She laughed and moved past him, dressed in faded overalls that were covered in grease and oil with the Capsule Corp logo visible on the sleeve. No doubt she'd just come out of the workshop.

"So, lazy morning?" Bulma asked as she made a cup of steaming tea and took a seat across from him. The saiyan frowned and looked at her, Bulma's beautiful blue eyes looked solemn. She knew something was up, she was a smart woman, and of course Mirai must have told her something when Goten didn't get up.

Slowly he swallowed the last of his apple and looked around the room for any sign of the older man, "What did he tell you?"

"Enough," Bulma said with a slight tilt of her head, "Don't worry, Trunks isn't here, he went out to train."

"Oh…" Goten lowered his eyes and picked another piece of fruit.

"Goten," Bulma huffed, in the way she did when she was tired of beating around the bush. It immediatly called the teen's attention to her. Her mouth was pursed in consideration, "He told me about what happened. I knew something was up when you came back, and then this morning… well, he spilled... about the argument."

"Oh yeah that," Goten licked his lips, so Mirai hadn't told her everything.

"I know this world must be very different from the where you came from. It will take some getting use to," Bulma sipped her tea, blue eyes still focused on the boy in front of her, "but I wanted to tell you that I'm working hard day and night to get the time machine working. You'll get home, this isn't your future."

"Thank you," he said, touched and speechless. The words made his stomach twist painfully.

"I promised you didn't I?" Mirai's mother gave him a playful wink, "Now, I'm sure you boys will work everything out in time so don't worry about that." her small hand patted his own as Bulma stood up, "but if you're still looking for a reason to avoid Trunks. Chichi called while you were asleep, she sounded worried." Bulma gave him one last smile before she yawned and headed towards the door.

As soon as she disappeared, Goten let out an exhausted sigh. He knew what was coming, if Bulma had been worried then his mother must be pacing circles into the ground. But still, considering his options he'd much rather face her wrath then endure the awkwardness that was bound to be waiting for him the next time he talked to Miari.

Picking up a few fruits for the road he followed Bulma out of the room. He was even willing to to brave one of her airships if it would buy him a little extra time.


Tear's sprung up in his mother's eyes when she opened the door. Goten gave a weak smile, he couldn't help but still feel like a stranger in his own home. But when Chichi wrapped her arms around his waist in a tight hug the tension melted away.

"I told you I would come to visit," he said into her soft black hair.

Chichi released her grip and smiled at him, "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hoping you'd come. I know it's only been a few days but I can't help but worry. Especially after the attack yesterday." She lead him into the small cottage. The aroma of cooked stew spilled over from the kitchen and filled the home.

Goten rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed, "So you heard about that huh?"

"The whole world has heard about it Goten, it's become a small place." Chichi said as she rushed back to the kitchen. "I was so worried about you and Trunks last night. I couldn't help but wonder if the two of you had gotten yourselves mixed up in the fight." She took a deep breath, the shakiness of it was almost hidden from Goten's notice.

Even in his own time he hated worrying his mother, hated the way she'd nearly have a panic attack whenever his father mentioned leaving for a fight. He never wanted to be the cause of that kind of stress to her. And yesterday he hadn't even stopped to consider how his mother would have felt.

"I swear my heart hasn't raced that fast since… well, it's been a long time." Chichi continued as she concentrated on the stew.

"I'm sorry mom," he said, feeling the sinking feeling of shame settle in his stomach.

"Don't be," Chichi sighed, "I'm just happy you're alright."

Goten bit his lip feeling awkward and lost. He watched as his mother poured two bowls and handed him the stew. When he looked up to thank her, Chichi's dark eyes were glazed with concern. "Goten, sweetie," she murmured, her voice dipped in a familiar soothing tone he remembered well, "What's the matter?"

Goten tried to force a smile, even though he knew it would be a pointless mask against his mother, "It's nothing. I just…" his voice trailed off to nothing. He wasn't sure what was safe to tell her and what should be kept in its own shadow.

Chichi took the chair next to him, her hands reaching out to cup his own as her thumb brushed against his skin, "I know I'm not your real mother," she started, lips thinned together into a skinny pink line across her mother. The disappointment was clear in her voice, "but you can tell me anything. You know that right?"

For the first time in years, Goten feels the burning sting of tears edging his eyes. He could remember the last time he cried. The first time his father left to return to the other world, leaving him and Trunks- only children- alone against Buu. The moment he found out his brother had died fighting the pink monster. When Vegeta had hurt his best friend, and destroyed then rebuilt everything Goten had ever thought a father should be.

He'd been a child back then, now it was different. Goten blinked to keep the tears at bay and squeezed his mother's hand, "Don't be silly, of course you're my mom." He told her, "Which is why I hate this. You deserve better, I hate seeing you live here all alone. I hate that all our family and friends are dead. Mirai and Bulma… and you, you all deserve peace."

"Oh Goten," Chichi sighed, her smile was watery as she moved to cup his cheek, "You have such a big heart, just like Goku, and that's great son. But this isn't your world. Your family and friends are still alive, there is peace there, and everyone is living the lives they were meant to have." She pulled her bottom lip into her mouth, struggling to find her next words. "And I know for a fact that they are all worried sick about you. You need to stop worrying so much about us and concentrate on them. They are the ones who really need you."

Her hand fell away, moving to swipe at the lonely tear that had started trailing down her cheek. "Your real mother must be worried sick over there. "

But what about you? Goten's heart ached at the thought, the woman in front of him needed him just as much as his family back home. Even more so. I can't just leave you…

He then realized why Bulma's words had bothered him so much.

The future had become his home. In both worlds he had family who needed him, people who loved him and who he loved in return. A image of Mirai appeared at the thought and with it a single sentence.

I can't leave them.

The rest of the afternoon passed quickly as his mother pried stories out of him. Goten was pleased to oblige, especially with his bowl of stew being refilled constantly. Half through his explanation of Bulma's 40th birthday party he felt a prickle at the back of his neck. The familiar feeling of someone's ki being close by. Goten instantly recognized who it belonged to.

"Mirai is close," he told his mother.

Chichi's expression fell at the news, "I'm sure he's looking for you Goten."

The demi-saiyan sighed, running a frustrated hand through his hair. He knew he couldn't avoid Mirai forever, and he didn't like things being awkward between them. Not now, not after he had realized how much the other man meant to him. "I have to go," he gave his mother look of apology which she shook her head at.

Standing up, Chichi disappeared into the kitchen and retrieving two water bottles. "I'm sure the two of you will need this," she said handing them off, "Train hard son."

Goten smiled, his mother encouraging him to train was a different experience. He leaned forward and pecked her lovingly on the cheek, "I'll be back soon." he promised.

"Don't keep me waiting."


He wasn't surprised that Mirai's energy so close by. Even though much of the wildlife on the mountain was dead, the area provided good cover to train in and the risk of casualties was low. The steady pulse of the other man's energy led Goten near the top of the mountain where a trail of broken rocks and sharp indents lead straight to the purple haired saiyan.

Mirai didn't even turn around when Goten landed behind him. The older saiyan threw another blast of energy at his imaginary target and watched as the rubble crumbled. Finally, Mirai asked, "How was Chichi?"

"Good," the teen tried for a casual shrug while kicking the ground near his boots, "It's hard to leave her there. I don't really like her being all alone"

Quick fists paused as Mirai took a break. He wasn't breathing hard, working up a sweat was hard to do training alone, but the sun was high and the heat definitely was getting to him if the redness across his nose was anything to go by. With a sly smile Goten offered up the water bottle his mother gave him. Mirai took it with a look of appreciation.

"She says hi by the way," Goten continued as he tried not to stare at the fascinating movement of Mirai's adams apple as the older man drank.

The bottle of water pulled away and Mirai let out a satisfied sigh. "Tell her thank you," he said throwing the bottle back towards Goten without warning, "now did you come up here to train or to be my water boy?"

"I could ask you the same question," Goten smiled, "Did you come here to train or to hover nearby like a worried mother hen while I visit with my mother?"

Surprise flashed across the older man's features like a shadow before it disappeared. But there was no mistaking it, proving to Goten that he had hit the nail on the head. After their disagreement the other day he could understand the fact that Mirai wanted to be close by in case something happened, and being subtle was definitely not the other man's strong suit.

"It's alright," Goten shrugged his shoulders and tried his best to look nonchalant as he walked towards Mirai, "I'm not mad I just wish you wouldn't worry so much. You'll get wrinkles."

Mirai threw his head back and laughed, "Wrinkles?" he said in disbelief, "You can be such a brat!"

Goten beamed, "There! Right there! You were just the mirror image of Vegeta." It was a relief to see the other man laugh. The fear that the awkwardness of the other night would be hanging between disappeared. Talking to Mirai proved as easy as ever, their friendship was almost second nature.

"No, if I was my father I would have been scowling when I said that." Mirai pointed out, "Look at me! Not a scowl in sight? And no wrinkles either."

"For now…" Goten rolled his eyes.

"Your right, by the time you leave I'm bound to have at least one worry line." Mirai tsked under his breath, his guard completely down.

He was beautiful like that, at ease and smiling. He was a rock cut from the most severe circumstances that rarely had the chance to shine, but when it did… Goten licked his lips and felt the same ache he'd been nursing all day return. Only now he recognized the feeling for what it truly was.

Longing.

He cared for Mirai. He loved being the one to make the saiyan laugh. The only one who could match him in a fight, the only one left alive who could understand the feeling of becoming a super saiyan.

He wrestled with the idea for a fleeting moment before pushing forward. He knew what he wanted, knew the consequences and rewards. Still, he chose.

Leaning up on his toes Goten pushed his lips against Mirai's smile. He felt the other tense at the contact. Felt strong hands reach up to grab his arms, but they didn't pull him away. Goten allowed himself to relive the other night's kiss. He tilted his head for a better angle and Mirai was more than compliant as he opened his mouth with a low guttural moan.

After that he couldn't stop, Goten pushed for more, moving his body closer to Mirai's much bigger one. He made what he hoped to be an inviting noise, but it had the opposite effect when the mouth he was kissing quickly tugged away. Large black eyes opened in confusion, "Wha-What?"

"Goten," Mirai breathed, "Stop you don't have to feel sorry for me."

"I don't." Goten said softly, the words sounded weak, even to his own ears. He tried again, "I don't feel sorry for you. I just… want you to not worry about me or anyone else for a change. I want you to be taken care of for once."

He leaned forward again before Mirai could say anything else. Their lips crashed against each other and this time strong arms wrapped around Goten's waist dragging him closer. The smaller man let out a happy hum, surprised by how much he was enjoying the kiss. Mirai's tongue was skilled as it creased and explored.

Something hard nudged against his thigh making Goten let out a surprise squeak. His knees buckled as he realized Mirai was getting hard. Only the arms around his waist kept him standing. Mirai pulled back slightly, still keeping their lips within reach of each other but with enough room that he could speak. His hot breath tickled Goten's ear.

"I've wanted to do that for a long time," Mirai said, "and I hate to ruin this moment but I have to ask why you did that?" His words were gentle and understanding.

Goten knew the question would be coming, it couldn't be ignored. He pulled his bottom lip between his teeth as he considered the best way to explain. "Circumstances forced me away from my world, and maybe someday circumstances will bring me back, but I would never willing leave my family. Not then and not now."

He waited for the understanding to cross Mirai's face. Slowly the old man's face began to change and Goten couldn't help but smile, "I haven't been here for very long but I have to admit that I feel like a completely different person. You've taught me so much, and I feel this… need to help everyone here. You, my mom, everyone…" he took a deep breath, "I want to protect you. Then I realized, no matter where I am I will always want to be with those closest to me. Trunks Brief included. You guys are my family too. I think I want to stay here."

"Goten," Mirai looked shocked, "You don't really mean that."

"I do," Goten urged, "I've been thinking about it all day. I don't know… If I can just go home anymore, not after what we've been through. I can't just leave you and my mother."

"But what about your family?" Mirai asked, "What about your Trunks?"

"Didn't I already tell you?" Goten said pressing their bodies closer together, "You are my family."

Love wasn't a word that would get his meaning across. It was too sappy, something a true warrior would never say. He could only recall a few sparse moments when his father had ever used the L-word. And there was doubt in his mind that Vegeta had ever uttered the words. Even when he and Trunks had first admitted their feelings for each other, it had been awkward and clumsy as they tried to dance around that fluff word.

It could be said that avoiding the word "love" was a special trait unique to all saiyans and their kin. Mirai seemed to understand and he didn't push. Something Goten would be eternally grateful for. Raw emotion that looked like relief marked his handsome features, while a weight he hadn't been aware of carrying lifted off Goten's back.

He would probably always think about his home. The past. Goten would always hold his memories close to his heart and cherish the few years he had with his father. The months he spent as Trunks' boyfriend. They would miss him, but they didn't need him.

The future needed him.

Mirai needed him.


Author's Notes: Dang! Three weeks in a row of updates! Let's see if I can keep it up! As always, I'm sorry about the spelling errors. This chapter gave me a lot of trouble because it marks the turning point for Goten and Mirai's relationship. I hope it came across well.

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