Ch 81

Trunks landed a few minutes from his and his mother's home the next day. He decided to walk the rest of the way. Once he saw his home on site, he started to get nervous. He wondered what the future really held for him and Goten. When he got to his mother's house, he was surprised to see Goten sitting in the very spot he had as a 13 year old boy, wondering why his best friend had abandoned him.

"I saw you, you know, sitting here. What you didn't know was that I was coming to see you. I had given my mom and grandpa the slip and flew here as fast as I could. I didn't care about the consequences. Before I could ever tell you I was here, I heard you and your dad talking. I heard everything. I flew back home that day as fast as I could. I was scared and hurt, so I decided it was best not to see you anymore."

"You saw I was hurting, and you knew my feelings for you at 12 years old. You could've of made yourself known, and we could have talked about it."

"No," Goten stood up, "I don't think we could have Trunks because while I could have understood that you felt abandoned, I couldn't return your feelings at the time. I would have hurt you further, and I didn't want to do that. I was only 12 years old and trying to figure myself out. Besides I realize looking back that my mom and grandpa were trying to keep our relationship from happening. I didn't abandoned you on purpose, and I'm so sorry for hurting you that way. It was never my intention."

"So you abandoned me because you were scared of my confession? It wasn't only because I said I hated you."

"I did, and it wasn't right. I never thought you hated me Trunks. You were just hurt because you felt I had left you when you needed me the most. You should know I always tried to get to you, to get away from my mother and grandfather's eyes. Even though I was shocked by your love confession, I still felt this pull towards you. You were still my best friend, and I had decided that relationship was too important to give up. I'm sad to say all those times I tried, I had failed to get to you."

"I should have known better that you wouldn't abandon me by choice. You were trapped by your mother and grandfather. That must have been very hard for you."

"It was and nothing they could say about you would ever change how I felt about you. Gohan was on my side which helped somewhat. When I saw you for the first time in like forever, you were 18 and I was 17 years old. You had flown all the way from home to the mountain area."

"Yeah I remember. Some years had passed after the battle with Buu. I had decided one day that I would just fly over there and see how you were doing. Time had passed, and I was feeling more open to have you back in my life as my best friend again. It didn't matter how I felt. I just wanted to be Trunks and Goten again, you know?"

"I felt the same way when I saw you. I was so glad to see you, and I just wanted to hug you so bad but your parents and my dad were there. I didn't want to embarrass you at the same time, but I was hopeful our friendship could get back on track."

"What were your feelings for me at that point? I know your dad said you had a date, but you had to cancel because of the tournament."

"At that point I knew I had feelings for you but I was in denial. It made so much sense to me that I really liked you because we had this close, intense connection, but I was scared how strongly I felt. That date my dad forced me to cancel was someone my mom had fixed me up with. I didn't really care if I went on the date."

"Why did you sound so disappointed that you had to cancel the date?"

"I knew my mom would be pissed at my dad but especially at me because she knew I didn't want to go on the date. I knew what drama awaited me when I got home. What about you? You were telling me about this date you had after the tournament in the ring."

"I don't know if I'd call it a date. I was still sleeping around at that age. I slept with her and then we parted ways. It meant nothing to me."

"That's something I never understood you know. How can you be so intimate with someone and not feel anything at all?"

"It was easy. I reasoned in my mind that it was just for pleasure, and I was able to remain disconnected from any sexual partner. I didn't catch feeling because I all ready knew for certain that I loved you. I couldn't give someone feelings that I didn't have for them. They were always for you chibi."

"I understand."

"So, how have you been?" asked Trunks.

"I'm ok. I moved into the apartment over the bakery, so I'm close by the store. My relationship with Gohan is rocky. He said some things I didn't agree with. I did something stupid and got drunk because my brother made me upset, and I missed you. On top of all that Devin's been coming around to the bakery. I'm sure you can guess why. I think I took care of him for good though. What about you?"

"It was nice staying with Baba. She really helped me through some things. I did chores inside and outside the house. When I went to pick up some groceries, I ran into Marron. She still thinks she's in love with me and still thinks I should leave you, and I just remember being angry when I left the store. Who is she to tell me what I need? She followed me back to Baba's. She was relentless. I had a hard night filled with nightmares, and I could only remember one. I dreamed I killed you, and it made me upset. It didn't help that 18 and Krillin came over to the house. 18 tried to convince me to give Marron a chance. I refused, and that was it. I spent some time with Baba before I came back here. She helped me realize I wasn't going to get better without you Goten. I needed you all along to help me heal myself."

"Do you feel better?" asked Goten.

"I feel better now that we've talked this out, but I feel off about what happened in Rome. I wish I could take back all the times I ever hurt you in that way."

"I forgive you."

"Why?"

"It's because I know you understand why it was wrong. You feel so badly that it breaks my heart. I know you truly love me and that you're devoted to me in every way."

"I know if I was in your place, I would not be very forgiving."

"Well we're different people Trunks. It's true that I forgive you, but I can't forget."

"I understand that so where do we go from here?"

"I came over to have dinner with your family. Your mom invited me," Goten smiled. "I'm sure she'll be happy to know you've come back."

Bulma opened the door to see Goten as expect but when she saw her son, she hugged him instantly. This action caused a pang in Goten's heart. but he let go and smiled.

"Goten, did you bring my son home?"

"He did," Trunks said as he looked back at his mate and smiled as Goten blushed.

"Well I'm so happy you're both here. I'm sure Bulla will be happy about this. Oh where are my manners come in," said Bulma as she closed the door behind them.

Uub and Bulla were coming down the stairs when Bulla spotted her brother and smiled. "Trunks, you're home!" exclaimed Bulla as she ran up and hugged her brother.

"Yep, it's good to see you to but I haven't been gone for that long," said Trunks.

"Oh sweetie you should know by now that time together wth your family is precious," said Bulma.

"Very true dear," said Dr. Briefs as he came into the room with Bunny.

"Well I ordered takeout," said Bulma. "Vegeta should be done in the GR at any minute," she said as the Prince of saiyans came through the door.

"Hello father," said Trunks. "How was training?"

"Fine. Are we going to eat now or what?"

"Sure Vegeta it's not like your son just came home from being away," said Bulma.

"Mom, it's fine. Lets just sit down, eat, and enjoy each other's company," said Trunks.

Dinner was enjoyed by all the members of the Briefs family, including Goten and Uub. Trunks felt good being around his family again. Their support and love meant everything to him.

Dinner was done, dishes were washed, and it was late as everyone headed to their rooms to relax, unwind, or sleep accept Trunks and Goten, who spent some time on the couch. The silence was uncomfortable, but Trunks had something on his mind.

"If it makes you more comfortable, I can sleep at our house. You can sleep in one of the rooms for the night. I know you have an apartment, but your home is always here."

"I guess that's fine for tonight. I just don't know if I'm ready to move back into our home right now."

"You're afraid of what happened in Rome will happen if we're together in our bedroom."

"I don't want to be, but I think we should work are way to being comfortable together in that way."

"Sounds good to me chibi," Trunks smiled. "Whatever you want and need is important to me."

Goten smiled as he leaned in and kissed Trunks on the cheek, but he felt like more as he surprised Trunks with a passionate kiss to the lips. When he felt Trunks respond, he felt so good to be close to him again, even it had just been for a few days that they had been away.

"I—I thought we were going to take it slow," smirked Trunks with his arms around Goten's waist.

"Sorry, I didn't know what came over me. I missed you so much I guess," Goten laughed nervously.

"I missed you to chibi. Maybe we need to discuss boundaries again."

"Ok. We can make out but no sex right now."

"I can accept that," said Trunks as he let go of Goten and got up from the couch. "Well as much as I went to spend all night talking with you, I'm feeling tired. So—

"We can both sleep in the house. There are plenty of rooms," said Goten.

"All right," said Trunks as they headed upstairs. They stopped at Trunks' room. Trunks looked to see his mate looking from the room across the way from his and then back to Trunks' room. Trunks could see his mate's struggle and came up with a compromise. "I'm sure I have a sleeping bag somewhere in my closet. You can sleep on the floor beside my bed if you want."

"Ok," said Goten as he followed Trunks into his room.

Laying out the sleeping bag on the floor, Trunks got a pillow for Goten to rest his head. Then he shed his clothes accept for his boxers and got into bed. He watched as Goten just took off his shoes, socks, and jacket and lied down inside the sleeping bag.

Trunks laughed. "I swear you're allergic to being naked or something," he said as Goten rolled his eyes but smiled at him before Trunks turned off the light.