This chapter may seem a little different but I hope everybody enjoys it. And I want to let everyone know that if you have any questions, concerns, or even ideas please don't hesitate to PM me. Every writer loves filler material ad also loves the opinions of their readers.

xXKimi2k5Xx- Aww thank you for taking such a great interest in this little fic. And yes I definitely plan on finishing it. I already know how it's going to end so don't worry and I hate when that happens too so now I always look to see if it's completed or the last time it was updated lol

Cheryl- Thank you so much :)

baileeYDG- Oops lol hope this chapter is to your liking.

Mjmusiclover- Thank you very much and yes, poor Goten :(

Shocked Orchid- Thanks for the review and I really hope you do find inspiration for Bond of Brothers.

slaxl- Very happy you like this and I hope you're not disappointed with this chapter. It's all Goten's POV but next chapter I'll have more Trunks.

Suspicious Minds

Goten's POV

The hot rays of sun blasted my eyes on impact. It seemed far brighter than it should have been. I roll over and stare at my clock; quarter to seven am. Why is that I go to sleep totally exhausted from work only to wake up at the ass crack of dawn? I try to open my eyes for longer than ten seconds but the light is still blinding as it forces its way through shades of my window. I'm starting to think completing the wall where the window is, would be a fantastic idea.

Heavy groans escape me as I push myself up, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. I lean on my knees before getting up and taking that shower I promised myself last night.

Crossing my room I listen in with my acute hearing for footsteps beyond my door. I can hear muffled noises from the kitchen and know Trunks is up performing his usual morning routine. I close and (from now on) lock my bathroom door then strip. I turn the water on hot and wrap a red towel about my waist while I wait for the room to fill with steam. I never liked jumping into the shower right away so instead I let the hot air accumulate to set the 'mood', if you will.

While I wait I decide to brush my teeth; my morning breath is kicking. I grab my white and green toothbrush and plop a glob of toothpaste on the bristles. I look into the mirror to monitor myself when I notice it's fogged over. I raise my hand and wipe it away only to see something I never expected.

"AHHH!" I shouted losing my toothbrush in the process.

I land on my behind and stare into what was supposed to be my reflection. There was Trunks on the other side of the mirror gazing back at me, arms crossed with that shit eating grin on his face.

If my eyes weren't attached they would be rolling all over the floor. I stuttered, "What- what the hell?"

Trunks looked confusing for only a second before leaning forward. It seemed no matter how far he leaned forward he wouldn't come through the glass. "Hey, you ok in there?"

I push away sliding on the slippery tiled floor away from the mirror and bumping into the bathroom closet door that housed my towels and toiletries. All I can do is stare; was what I'm seeing real? I can feel noises make way through my throat but no words can be formed, the task is just too difficult right now.

Trunks knocks on the glass still peering down on me, "Hey, Goten! I asked if you were ok."

"Yes?" Was that question?

He leans back to his standing position and questions me again, "You sure? I heard you scream."

I gather the courage to stand and walk forward. My steps toward him are slow and cautious. I reach the edge of the countertop and reach out to the reflective glass. He smiles at me encouraging me to touch. My fingertips slid down his image, "How did you get in here?"

He started laughing, "What did you hit you head? I walked through the door."

I pull my hand away, "What door?"

There's something in his eyes; was it concern? "You're sure you ok? You're kind of weirding me out."

"Me? Weird you out? Look at you!" I don't know why I'm all of a sudden yelling at Trunks but I think it may be because my best friend may or may not have installed a two way mirror in my bathroom.

Trunks looks himself over and it's only now I realize he's shirtless. He touches his chest and stomach trying to find something out of the ordinary. I can't help but watch his hands roam his skin and I feel the urge to do the same. I politely reach out to place my fingertips back on the glass and I seem to have grabbed his attention. "You positive you ok?" he asks yet again but I ignore his question. He leans forward with a mischievous smile about his face like he too had forgotten the last question as well.

To my left I hear a loud pounding on the door accompanied by a voice, "Goten! I asked if you were positive you were ok!" I look to the door confused and quickly back to mirror only to find the face I see everyday in this mirror. I swipe away the condensation as if my reflection with fade into Trunks once more. "What the hell?"

In the next minute the lock on my bathroom door is busted and Trunks makes his way in. He looks at me and I pull my hand away from the mirror. We just silently stare at each other.

I tell him, "I'm fine." And not a legit crazy person.

"Uh huh…"

I turn toward him fully, "Really, I'm ok."

He still doesn't look convinced. He seems to have figured out the cause from what he's witnessed, "You sound like you're sleep walking or something. It was probably that damn percocet you took last night. I told you to lay off them."

"You remember last night?"

"Yea, I remember putting you to bed cause you looked sick and I also remember you taking that pill… which I hate."

I sigh in defeat, "Ok I get it… no more percocets."

He smiled relaxed like he was telling me an apology for yelling at me, "Finish up with your shower; I got breakfast cooking." He closes the door and leaves me to my own devices.

I'm almost afraid to look back into the mirror. I squeeze my eyes shut then face its way. I crack open one eye and see the steam has clouded the glass again. My brave hands wipes it clean and I see my own reflection looking at me with worried eyes. Maybe I should lay off the percocets.

I finally emerge from my room to find Trunks sitting at the table reading the paper; a steaming cup of coffee in his hand. I walk over to the table and sit down; I notice he's poured me a cup as well.

"Took you long enough," he says.

I might as well try and forget that little hallucination ever happened and pretend Trunks isn't ready to commit me. "I just got off the phone with my mom; she said Gohan has some big news. So I gotta' hurry… God forbid I'm late to Gohan latest overachievement."

He stands walking back to the counter where two plates piled with our morning entrée. He picks them up and brings them to the table setting one heaping plate in front of me.

It's moments like this that I notice more than ever, Trunks really does take care of me the best that he can. I've also noticed the way he dots on me or discovers alternative ways to make me talk, even though he thinks I don't notice. And how he lets me talk about whatever whether it's nonsense at work or my secretive feeling toward the members of my family. He's there for me when everybody else turns around and walks away. Maybe this is why I've been thinking about him in a more… intimate way. That and his kiss still haunts me.

"What do you think it is?" he asks me.

"Well, he either got a job promotion, got Videl pregnant again, or hit the lottery. I wouldn't be surprised if it was all three."

Between chews of his food he asks, "So what if he got a job promotion; why be so bitter?"

I should have known he would ask. Occasionally he tries his best to pry into my thoughts and I would respond by lying but with everything that has been going on I know it would be healthy for me to talk about it. Especially after this morning. I don't exactly need anymore 'episodes'.

"Because… for once in my life I was the best. Mom was so proud of me and would talk none stop about me. But now Gohan has some big news that will probably blow me out of the water. Don't get me wrong, I love my brother to death, but sometimes it just feels like he has to be number one all the time and when he's not, he becomes obsessed with being the best. And then does whatever it takes to be number one once again."

"Wonder where he gets that from," he says sarcastically.

"Don't even get me started on him."

He laughs and we continue our meal in silence. I can't help but feel his eyes on me and I know he's watching what I eat and how much of it I take in. This is just one more pet peeve on my list and what sucks is that he knows this but in turn decides to ignore that it bothers me anyway.

In attempt to cut off the stare that was currently screaming at me I ask, "Aren't you late for work?"

"I can be late if I want."

"You're the president; shouldn't you set an example or something goofy like that?"

He puts down his fork and frowns. He's obviously not happy about something.

He pushes the empty plate away, "I don't really think of myself as president considering my mother still loves to babysit me all day long."

"Well why don't you tell her to leave you alone; you a big boy now."

"Why don't you tell Gohan to stop shitting all over your parade?"

"…. Touché."

After throwing on my black aviators and some decent clothes for the hot summer weather I head off for my mother's house. I take it slow in the air to save some time. I need to collect myself before arriving to a bunch of frantic people. The last thing I need to tell them is that for the past few months I've been going crazy with questioning my own sexuality. I still can't even fathom their reaction to such a 'sin'.

Plus I need to try my best to forget this morning for the time being. Seeing things in the mirror is not what happens to normal people and that's the kind of people I'd like to be categorized with. A small part of me is asking for help but why would I go to a therapist when I already know what they would say? I would be lectured that I'm having lucid dreams and hallucinations because my subconscious knows what I'm afraid to admit. Not that I've come to a conclusion or anything.

No matter how hard Trunks and I try, there will always be that little bit of tension from now on. That first night and that last kiss will be burned in our memories forever even if we never speak of it again. But why are we neglecting that night?

As I slow my pace even more, I realize something. This whole time I've been worried about myself and haven't really considered Trunks' side of the story. Why did he initiate this in the first place? Was it really the alcohol controlling him or was it just fuel to the fire that he's been covering up? I wonder if Trunk's is afraid to admit the same thing I am. Maybe he really does have more intimate feeling for me but won't come to light with it. Would he be doing these things if he hadn't?

I laugh quietly to myself shaking my head. Who am I kidding? Trunks is a womanizer and has been since he got his first hard-on. He would have a new girl on his arm every time I turned around; his literal flavor of the weak. By day he was Trunks, President of Capsule Corp. and by night he was Trunks, Male Gigolo Extraordinaire. And even with his reputation of changing his girlfriends like he changes his underwear, woman still wanted him. And honestly, who wouldn't? but then again… no totally straight man kisses his male friend over and over.

But whether all the little kisses, and the big one, were intentional or not, they still had me asking myself some pretty bizarre questions. Like, would I ever initiate a kiss between us? No. Could I see myself with any man besides Trunks if this is how I really feel? No. Could I see myself ever having sex with another man? No. Do I find a little bit of pleasure in the kisses he gives me? Yes.

Dwelling over the same thoughts constantly, won't get me anywhere. It's like a vicious circle. I conceive an idea, come up with a game plan, dismiss it, then start at the beginning yet again. So what do I do?

My time to think things out comes to an end as I land in front of my childhood home. I can sense everybody already inside. I walk quietly up the walkway and feel myself fill with dread then regret for feeling dread. I already know what's coming so why do I keep walking toward the door?

Because Gohan is my brother and instead of being a little spoiled brat, I should be happy for him, whatever it is he's accomplished now.

As I reach for the knob it opens and my fifteen year old niece is wrapped around me in a bear hug before I can even blink. "I've missed you Uncle Goten!"

I return her hug, "I missed you too. Let's head inside." she agrees and lets me go. I push up my sunglasses into my hair while walking forth. I enter the kitchen and see the rest of my family sitting down. They all smile at my presence and greet me. And of course my mother hugs me, asks me what I had for breakfast, then asks why I haven't called earlier; so you know, the usual.

My brother stands up, "Come in, sit down. Videl and I have some really exciting news."

Of course you do. I smile to not show him just how much I envy his success and take a seat next to my mother who is occupying the head of the table. Pan sits down next to me.

Gohan takes his wife's hand as she stands up next to him. They smile at each other then look to the three of us.

Gohan clears his throat, "Well the other day I got a promotion."

My mother clasps her hands together, "Oh that's so great, congratulations."

He lays his arm over Videl's shoulders pulling her in closer, again, smiling at the other. "And it comes with a great pay raise, which is good because… well… Videl is pregnant!"

At this my mother and Pan screech with excitement getting up to hug Videl and Gohan. I stand as well muttering, "Did you hit the lottery too?"

"What?" he asks me.

"Nothing," I smile covering my tracks, "Congratulations. I'm really happy for you guys!"

"Thanks bro," he hugs me and of course I hug him back. I continue to act my way through the rest of my visit here.

The women have settled as we all sit back down. I try to listen to their prattle of gender, baby names, nursery themes, and Pan's hand-me-down clothes but I find the view outside the window more interesting. I can't believe Gohan managed to hit two out of three of my predictions. Either Kami hates me or I'm just a really damn good guesser. I already know my mother will be talking none stop about Videl and Gohan and the newest Son edition until my ears just eventually fall off. But I'm sure even after that she'll learn how to sign to me. I know I should be happy for them but I've always been second best. My brother has an outstanding job at a university, a lovely home in the 439 district, married to a famous crime fighter, and has started his own family.

Me? I'm just an intern doctor that lives in an apartment with his best friend who is also convinced he may or may not be... playing for the other team. Gohan would probably be my favorite too.

"Hey, Goten," he nudges me and I look over to him yanked out of my daze.

He nods toward the girls then asks, "Wanna go for a walk?"

"Sure."

We stand from the table excusing ourselves then proceed to walk out of the house. Gohan walks in front of me and I quickly send a text message to Trunks saying, '1 & 2'. I know he'll get the meaning.

We walk quietly together down a trail through the woods. The summertime breeze blows and sings to us as we press on. To where? I don't know but being out here and away from the stainless steel jungle I live in is a nice change of pace. I've always loved wondering aimlessly through the woods as a child, looking at the lush vegetation, the sweet smell of the flowers, and playing with all of the animals who called this place home.

After a good ten minutes of following him I see we've ended up at the cliff-side that overlooks the south face. We sit and let our long legs dangle and swing. I can feel he has a million questions for me. The only time he wants to talk with me alone is when I'm either acting up or acting differently.

"What's wrong Goten? You can tell me."

I'm a really damn good guesser. "Nothing, why do you ask?"

"Come on now," he nudges me again playfully trying to ease the tension I've apparently built up, "I can tell when something is bothering you."

Well, I'm not about to tell him who I've been swapping spit with for the past few months so I tell him another truth. "I don't know, I guess I'm just… tired of being second to you. You have everything and I've got nothing."

"What do you mean? You a doctor for Kami sake, how can you say that?"

"I guess because all Mom ever wanted was for us to grow up and have our own families. You have that and so much more and here I am, in my late twenties with only a somewhat descent job and still single."

"That's not all she wanted," I look him in the eyes, "She wanted us to be happy. Are you happy?"

I shrug, "I guess. Maybe I'm just tired of hearing about you and everything you've done. You're all she talks about. You, Videl, and Pan. Other than the occasional 'how's work?' I can't get a word in edge wise."

I hear him chuckle and look at him. Was he really laughing in my face at my confession?

"And what the hell is so damn funny?"

"Goten, what do think Mom talks to me about whenever I go to visit her? Me and my boring nine to five job? No, all she talks about is you."

He pauses to laugh some more and I relax. I guess I should've thought of that.

"She constantly goes on about how amazing of a doctor you are and how proud of you she is. And she also likes to rub in my face of how handsome you are."

Ughh, please don't say it…

"I guess cause you look so much like Dad."

Damn you…

He sees my features drop and quickly apologizes, "Oops, sorry. It slipped."

I shake my head, "No its ok…"

Gohan and I have had multiple conversations on the matter in the past year and some change and other than Trunks, he is the only one who knows my true feeling toward my father leaving for the third time in my life. Neither of them argue with me considering my reason are pretty damn good. When he died all those years ago, he knew my mother was pregnant with me and still decided to stay away. Then at seventeen he ditched me and my training for some stranger in East Jabip-nowhere because Uub had 'more potential'. And the final straw was when he left with Shenron. When he first came back after ten years of being M.I.A. I was angry and tried ignoring him but I decided to give him one last chance and tried my best to show him how much I was really worth. But it still wasn't enough and our relationship as father and son has since been forever tarnished.

We're silent for only seconds but he breaks that. "So what else is bothering you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Come on now, I've known you your entire life. I can tell a little jealousy isn't the only thing that's eating at you."

"Nothing's wrong…" Please just shut up and leave it at that…

"Come on… did you get fired?"

"No."

"Are you on drugs?" he laughed a little, probably thinking of me cracked out on my kitchen floor itching myself or something.

"No, stop guessing."

He became serious, "Are you drinking a lot more?"

Maybe. "No."

"Oh come on… what are gay or something."

Suddenly my feet become more interesting as my heart beat quickens to a dangerous rate. I can feel the burn of my blush and his stare. My mind is screaming at me to tell him no but for some reason the words never leave my mouth. A little part of me wants someone else to know. That little part wants help. But unfortunately I never planned for something like this.

"Oh Goten…"

"It's not what you think!" I become defensive.

"It's ok Goten," he scooches closer and places his arm around me in effort to comfort me. "Maybe you're just a little confused right now after your break up with Paris."

"I guess," my tone is almost a whisper.

"Are you sure?"

"No."

"Well, how about you go on a date with another girl and see what happens? You'll probably come to terms with yourself and see that your still straight. Maybe the break up was so hard on that it actually, in turn, made you think low of all women when in reality is was just Paris who did you wrong."

"Maybe."

He let's go and stands up. I follow his lead as he continues, "What could it hurt? And then you'll have your answer, you know?"

I keep my focus on the ground.

He places a hand on my shoulder, "Why don't you ask Trunks to set you up on a date?"

"I guess I could do that."

"And Goten," my eyes meet his, "Don't be afraid to tell me anything. I'm your brother, I love you and I'll always be there for you."

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