Ch 73

"Hey Trunks, where are we going?" asked Bulla.

"I've been thinking long and hard about this, and I really want to do this."

"Do what—OH MY GOD!" exclaimed Bulla as they stopped at a jewelry store. "You—you're going to—

"Propose to Goten."

"I'm so happy!" screamed Bulla as she hugged her brother tight.

"Thanks Bulla but do you think you could calm down before we go into the store?"

"Ok all right I'm cool," said Bulla as Trunks shook his head and smiled.

They walked into the store and started looking around at the jewelry in the glass cases. Before they could talk about anything, they were approached by an employee.

"Is there anything I can help you with today?" asked the associate.

"Yes! We're trying to find an engagement ring for my brother's boyfriend. He's going to propose," said Bulla.

"And your name is—?"

"I'm Bulla Briefs, and this is my brother Trunks Briefs."

"Well congratulations Mr. Briefs," said the associate. "What is the price range you'd like to stay in?"

"No price range necessary. I'm going all out for him because he's worth it," said Trunks.

"Very good. What is your boyfriend like?"

"He's fun and carefree, and he's emotional and in touch with his feelings. He's a good person that has a big heart," said Trunks.

"And you are somewhat opposite of him, am I correct?" asked the associate.

"Yes, in some ways."

"Well I believe you are in luck Mr. Briefs," said the associate as they led him to a particular jewelry case.

"So, what did you decide on?" asked Bulla as they left the store.

"A golden ring with Goten's name in it for me and a sliver ring with my name in it for him."

Walking back to the hotel, the Briefs children ran into their parents coming back from their time together.

"So, what were you two up to today?" asked Bulma as they followed their parents into the lobby of the hotel.

"It's kind of a secret mom," said Trunks. "I'll let everyone know when the time's right."

"Come on sweetie you can tell me. I promise I'll keep it to myself," she said as Vegeta laughed. "What Vegeta?"

"It's amusing that you think you can keep a secret Bulma."

"I—I can keep a secret Vegeta."

"If it's important you can, you can't if the secret is juicy enough."

"Name one time," challenged Bulma.

"Oh I know!" exclaimed Bulla. "You knew that Pan was going to be a girl, and you told Videl even though she wanted to wait until she was born to know the gender."

Vegeta laughed. "Looks like your own daughter outed you woman."

"Fine, whatever!" said Bulma.

"Mom, I can assure you it's good news. I know you will approve," said Trunks smiled.

"Well you do look especially happy today," Bulma smiled. "I assume your sister knows why."

"Yeah. Sorry mom."

"I understand Trunks."

"So, what did you and dad do today?" asked Bulla.

"Your father took me to the beach. The water was great, and I got him to join me. We just held each other, and it was so—

"They don't need to know the whole story Bulma," said Vegeta.

"I agree with dad," said Trunks. "I've been traumatized enough by you two."

"Just how do you think you got here Trunks?" asked Bulma.

"I think I was created because two single beings gave into their carnal urges one night and accidentally made a baby," Trunks said an realized his mistake. "Why did I say that?"

"I don't know Trunks, but I think your hurt mom's feelings. Her and dad went to their room."

"I'm a monster," said Trunks as he sat with his sister in the lobby.

"Were you kidding or what Trunks?" asked Bulla.

"It's the truth. That's how I was conceived."

"Is it possible you still hold some resentment about how you were brought into the world?"

"When I was eight, I did. There were a lot of differences about how you were born as opposed to my birth. I went through a jealous phase when I was a teenager."

"Oh? So, that's why you were so angry and moody?" said Bulla.

"Yeah and teenage hormones combined with saiyan ones. I just, I thought I resolved these issues."

"Yes, you thought you resolved those issues. Thought being the keyword here."

"I need to apologize to mom and dad."

"Maybe you should wait a little bit until mom calms down. I think you made her cry."

"Oh man," said Trunks as he felt his resolve trying to break. He breathed in and then out as he felt his sister's hand on his shoulder.

"Have you ever talked to mom and dad about how you feel?"

"No. Time went by, and it faded into the background. It's like it never existed until now."

"You need to talk to them about this Trunks."

"I guess, but it doesn't feel like a problem anymore."

"Then why did you really say what you said to mom and dad?" Bulla demanded. "You're not over it Trunks, just admit it!"

"Admit what? I was a mistake. My dad could care less about me and spent no time with me. His passion to become stronger was more important then anything. He never showed me love, and he didn't say he loved me until recently. I was kid, and I saw other fathers with their sons, saying nice things to their children. The only way he knew how to communicate with me was through training. I just wanted to make him love me, and I believed through training hard and becoming strong, I could show him what I was made of. Maybe he would be proud of me. He never was. When I was old enough, mom told me about why dad is the way he is. I understood. Eventually I just learned how to accept my father the way he was."

"I guess when I was born under better circumstances. Dad was in a better place in his life."

"I'm so sorry Bulla. I just want you to know that I am happy to have you as my sister," he smiled as she hugged him.

Trunks walked into his hotel room and knew he was alone. He knew Goten was out with his family today, enjoying what Rome had to offer. He was glad to be honest. He needed this time alone to think about what he was going to say to his mother. 'If dad will even let me talk to her. He looked pretty pissed,' he sighed. 'I'm not even sure sorry is going to be enough.'

Removing his shoes and socks, he lied down in the middle of his bed. While he could feel his body relax, his mind couldn't shut off. He needed to make things right with his parents, especially his mom. Getting up, he made his way into the hall and walked a few doors down to his parent's room.

Trunks knocked on the door."Mom, dad we need to talk," he said as he heard the door open and stood back.

"Your mother is resting right now," said Vegeta.

"Dad look I didn't mean what I said I—

"You meant it Trunks. Your mother doesn't appreciate having that thrown in her face. She had tough time as it is during her pregnancy with you."

"I'm sorry, and I know that's not enough. Bulla made me see that there's one last problem I haven't exactly resolved."

"Oh, and what is that Trunks?"

"Feeling like I was a mistake and carrying that throughout my life. I think I took it out on Bulla to because her conception and life was different from mine. You and mom are in a better place in your relationship. You're more vocal and more emotive then you use to be."

"You have to understand something Trunks. Yes, I was not the saiyan I am today when you came along. Your mother never thought of you as a mistake, but I did at the time. Nothing mattered more then getting stronger and defeating Kakarott. I believed you and your mother were just distractions. I was wrong, and it took me some time to realize my mistakes. Your mother helped me a great deal but don't tell her that. You know she'll just hold it over my head," he smirked. "Anyway I came to admire and respect the man you were becoming. You are far from a mistake my son. You have made your mother and I very proud."

"I—I don't know what to say accept thanks dad. I know none of that was easy for you to say."

"It's time you let the past go Trunks and the pain that came with it. I hope I have been able to give you some kind of closure on your life."

"You have, and I hope I can talk to mom later."

"I will let her know," said Vegeta as he opened the door and went back inside his room.

"You feel better now?" asked Bulla as she came down the hall with Uub.

"I'm halfway there Bulla," he smiled.

Trunks made his way back to his room and in a hopeful mood as his mate came out of the bathroom with a smile on his face.

"Well it looks like you had a good time. Where did you go today? asked Trunks.

"We went to an amusement park. Oh Trunks it was so fun, the rides and the food. I love Rome!"

Trunks laughed. "Of course you would fit right in at an amusement park."

"Hey, what's that suppose to mean?" Goten pouted.

"You know very well that it's hard to take your pouting seriously when you look so cute chibi."

"I well—whatever," blushed Goten. "You can't ruin my good time," he said as he sat on the bed. "Anyway I heard from Bulla what happened."

"Of course she would tell you. I all ready talked with my dad. I just need to talk to mom. I hurt her badly Goten."

"True but it doesn't mean she still doesn't love you. I'm sure you two can work this out together. Believe me you don't want to leave any unresolved issues with your parents. You think you have all the time in the world, but you don't."

"I know. Thanks chibi," he smiled. "So, do you hate me to then?"

"No, you know I could never hate you Trunks. I'm just surprised by what you said to your mom."

"I was surprised to, and I feel very regretful."

"That's normal, and I know you'll work things out. So, what did you and Bulla do before you got back here?"

"Oh you know brother and sister bonding," Trunks smiled.

"Uh huh," Goten said with suspicion. "What were you two really doing?"

"Would you believe me if I told it was a surprise?"

"I like surprises Trunks. Why can't you tell me? I won't tell anyone."

"Believe me it will be worth the wait chibi I promise. Can you be patient?"

Goten smiled. "I'll do my best."

"That's all I ask," said Trunks as he sat beside his mate, caressed his face, and kissed him softly on the lips. "I love you."

"I love you to, but we're not having sex right now," Goten said as Trunks groaned while he got up and shut the bathroom door behind him.