Ch 88

It was early morning as Future Trunks woke up from his sleep. Looking to his bed side, he saw the presence was still with him. It brought him great comfort, and he didn't even know who or what it was. His hand made its' way to the presence and grabbed it for dear life, causing the presence to awaken.

"Th—thank you for staying," Future Trunks smiled tiredly. "You know I'm starting to think you're here to take me to heaven when it's time." He felt the presence's hand squeeze his. "You know I'm right."

"Trunks?" said Chichi as she entered the room with Bulma, Vegeta, Trunks, and Goten. "Who's your guest?"

"You—you mean you can see it to?" asked Future Trunks.

"Yes, but what is it?" asked Vegeta.

Goten looked at the presence and his eyes widened, realizing what he felt from it was too familiar. "I—I think you mean who Vegeta," said Goten. "It's Future Goten. His energy is similar to mine, but there's are darker edge to his."

The presence revealed himself to everyone to be Future Goten, and he looked at Goten. "At least I know there's a future where happiness exists."

"Wh—what happened to you?" asked Goten. "You look like death."

"I'm not a ghost if that's what you're thinking, but I am dying," he said as he looked to Chichi. "Hello mother," he smiled sadly. "It's nice to see after all these years."

"You're mom didn't raise you?" asked Goten.

"She couldn't be bothered with me when the androids came. She gave me away to people who abused me for years. When I was able to escape as a teenager, I saw Gohan training Trunks to help defeat the androids. It was then on that followed Trunks' life closely. I promised myself that I would keep an eye on him, and I always have. I never had the courage to intervene and help fight because I didn't have the will, and I was never taught to fight."

"The—the past is gone," said Future Trunks. "I—I'm sorry about your life."

"Maybe in another time I would have known what it was like to be happy," said Future Goten as Future Trunks took his hand. "I—I tried my best for you Trunks."

"You've done so much for me," Future Trunks smiled.

Future Goten walked up to the past version of himself and Trunks, seeing their hands intertwined and the rings on their fingers. "You'll both make it," Future Goten smiled. "You're certainly strong enough. I can tell so live and be happy," he said as the couple smiled on the outside but felt the pain Future Goten carried within him.

Trunks, Goten, and Chichi left the room to give Vegeta and Bulma some time with Future Trunks. Chichi went to the kitchen to whip up some breakfast for her guests and Future Trunks while Trunks and Goten settled in the living room.

"Future Goten was quite a surprise," said Trunks.

"Yeah. This timeline really makes you think about how things could have turned out for us."

"They're both dying, and we can only hope they can find some happiness in death."

"That's just depressing Trunks."

"I know, and I'm sure my parents' appearance will help somewhat with Future Trunks' passing. I just wonder what kind of comfort Future Goten has. "I mean if I had to guess, I think it would be Future Trunks," Trunks smiled.

"Trunks, you know that just because we're together in their timeline, it doesn't mean that they have any kind of romantic feelings for each other. You've told me so many times that every timeline isn't necessarily the same when it comes to relationships."

Trunks smiled sadly. "I can hope, right?"

"You know we could ask them if we wanted to, but it just doesn't seem appropriate."

"You're right Goten."

"Trunks, Goten," said Future Chichi. "Breakfast is ready. Do you mind getting your parents Trunks?"

"Oh of course," Trunks said as he disappeared down the hall.

Goten looked to Future Chichi as she went back into the kitchen. He followed her and came to her side. "Um is there anything I can help you with?"

"You're a lot kinder then my Future Son," she smiled, tiredly.

"I can't imagine how hard it's been for you to lose your husband, oldest son, and to take care of Future Trunks."

"Don't forget my youngest son. I'll regret it for the rest of my life. He could have been a better son if only I had decided to raise him, love him, and help him learn to fight the androids. He's resentful and dying. There's nothing left to do then wait."

She was a shadow of what his mother use to be, and it killed him to her this way. He couldn't let it end this way between mother and son. "Don't give up on him. Do what you can while he's breathing. You need to talk to him, try and make him understand. Maybe if you can end things on good terms, his passing will be more peaceful. You'll both have no regrets. I know from experience. Before my mother passed away from cancer, we were able to mend or relationship."

Breakfast was over as Future Trunks had requested to see Trunks and Goten. The couple came into the room and sat by his bedside while Future Goten lingered on the other side of Future Trunks' bed.

"So, how are you feeling?" asked Goten to Future Trunks.

"It's strange. I can feel it coming soon," said Future Trunks.

"Why did you want to see us?" asked Trunks.

"He gets right to the point, doesn't he?" asked Future Goten.

"Yeah, he's not one for patience," said Goten.

"I just want to thank you for coming. I know it must seem weird, looking at someone who looks like you in this state. It has to make you think about you're own mortality," said Future Trunks. "I—It's nice to see what could have been for me in another timeline, and I'm happy," he smiled. "I can rest in peace."

Goten smiled sadly, feeling it wasn't fair for Future Trunks' life to end so soon. When he felt Trunks' hand on his shoulder, he looked at Trunks. "It's all right to be sad chibi."

"You—you really care about him, don't you?" asked Future Goten.

"I wouldn't be marrying him if I didn't," smiled Trunks. "What about you? Have you ever—

"Loved someone. I guess from a far I did. I saw my older brother die at the hands of the androids, and I could do nothing. I wasn't raised with him but the day he died, I knew I loved him as the brother I wish I had. I never told him about me, and I wish I could have been there with him at his end. I was too damaged. When I saw Trunks had found him, I felt my heartbreak for him. He had lost his brother to, and I wanted to be there for him as well. That day I had decided i would be there for him from afar. If he ever met his end from the androids, I would show myself to him and be there during his final moments."

"What about romantic love?" asked Goten. "Did you ever feel that?"

"I've never dated, and I've never been with anyone," said Future Goten. "I—I don't want to talk about this anymore," he said.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to pry," said Goten.

"You were curious though, weren't you Goten?" asked Future Trunks.

"I—I guess I just wanted to see you have some happiness and peace in the end," said Goten.

"Is that why you talked to my mother about me?" asked Future Goten. "Well no one asked you to you know. Here's a reality check, life doesn't always turn out the way you want and death is the only reward for suffering," he said as he got up and left the room without another word to anyone.

"I didn't mean to anger him," said Goten.

"I've heard his whole story, and he's in a lot of pain. He just doesn't want to drudge up the past," said Future Trunks.

"Well I need to apologize. I overstepped my boundaries," said Goten as he got up to find Future Goten.

"I don't know how much good it will do your fiancée to apologize."

"You won't be able to stop him," Trunks smiled.

"You have a good soulmate Trunks. His heart is the biggest I've ever seen."

"Believe me I know how lucky I am."

"I wish I had been that lucky to find someone special," Future Trunks laughed, "maybe in another lifetime."

"So, you've never been in love?"

"You and Goten are very curious about Future Goten and I's relationship."

"We tried not to be too obvious about it."

"Well I—I don't know where his feelings lie but I love him in a romantic way. Before I knew who he was, he was this presence that made me feel secure, safe, and cared for. I couldn't explain it to my master Gohan and my mother, so I kept it a secret. The connection was strong for me, and his comfort made me keep fighting when I couldn't."

"You don't think he feels the same?"

"I don't know. I'm not sure I would want to know. My time on earth is ending and so is his, so it doesn't matter."

"Maybe it's the one thing that could bring him some happiness before he passes," said Trunks.

"It could mean his hatred towards me, and I don't want him to hate me."

"I don't think he could ever hate you."

"How would you know that for sure Trunks? I want to keep my relationship with him civil, so we can both pass peacefully."

"You know he won't pass peacefully. You too me his mom left him to abuse, and he never got to know his brother or father."

"I'm sorry Trunks, but he's not the Goten that you know and love. He may be too damaged for even me to get through."

Goten found Future Goten outside in the backyard. He couldn't believe how different it looked from the Briefs home in his timeline. It was lacking the life it would have had if the lawn was taken care of.

"You can't force people to be happy Goten. It doesn't work that way," said Future Goten as he turned to face him. "We're not the same."

"I'm sorry. I just—no one deserves what you've been through. I can see it in your eyes that your life has been far from easy, and I just—

"Wanted to make my last moments happy. It's not your concern. Your focus should be on the guy lying in bed. He deserves your attention. I'm not the only one who's been through a lot, but he's a good man. He's done a lot of good things for your timeline and this one as well. I never asked for any of this. I just promised to be by his side when he passed."

"Why do you think he asked you to?" asked Goten.

"He's in pain and needed someone to distract him from it but something tells me you think it's something more then that. What do you know?"

"I don't know anything. You're a good friend to him. For someone who went through hell in their life you've managed to make that guy lying in his bed happy. I just wonder how that is?"

"You're too curious for your own good Goten. I suggest you get out of my face right now."

"I promise I'll keep out of your business. I'm sorry again that I've overstepped my boundaries."

"Are you really sorry? There's nothing that can be done."

"I promise I'll leave you alone forever, but I want you to meet someone first."

"Who?" asked Future Goten.

"I need you to trust me."

"I don't even know you. You may look like me, but I don't see any of myself in you."

"Things could have been different for you. You could have been happy. I just want you to meet someone that would have meant the world to you to have in your life."

"All right fine I'll agree to this but you will leave me alone afterwards."

"Agreed," said Goten as he rushed inside the house to Future Trunks' room to see Trunks walking out of it, closing the door behind him.

"Hey chibi, I can see the wheels turning in your head. What are you planning?"

"I need you to do something important for me Trunks," he said and Trunks agreed to what was asked of him.

Future Goten waited outside in the backyard with Goten as the time machine dropped back down to the earth. The hatch opened and out came Trunks with Gohan.

"Gohan?" said Future Goten.

"Trunks has brought me up to speed on what's going on. It's nice to meet you Goten," said Gohan as he walked up to Future Goten. "I'm sorry about your circumstances and Trunks'."

"You—you're so different from my brother."

"I know you never got to meet him up close. I'm sure he'd be glad to know you looked after Trunks all these years. He probably would have loved to know you existed. Although we may be different, I think he would have wanted you to be happy and loved."

"N—no! This can't be happening," said Future Goten as he felt himself breaking down. "I—I don't want to feel."

"It's ok," said Gohan as he got closer to the demi-saiyan.

"No—no don't!" screamed Future Goten as he backed away from Gohan, but he couldn't fight him as he found himself in his embrace.

"You don't have to hold it inside anymore Goten. You're safe. This is a safe place."

Future Goten broke down in Gohan's arms, holding tightly to the brother he would never know. "I—I hate her she left me to the wolves. I—I was just a baby. Why? Why did she leave me?" he cried. "I didn't deserve the beatings and the rapes to my body and soul. I—I just want to die. I can't take life anymore," he said as he and Gohan sunk to the ground with Gohan holding him tight.

"I—I'm so sorry Goten. I couldn't be there to protect you."

"It's not—not your fault. You didn't know about me. It's—

"Go—Gohan?"

Gohan looked from Future Goten to Future Chichi. "I'm not—

"I know. You look happy," she said as she looked to her broken second son in Gohan's arms. Kneeling down to his level, she felt the tears running down he face. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help you son. Anything you name it. I—i love you, and I'm sorry doesn't mean anything," she said as her hand rested on his arm. "Please, I can't let you leave this world without peace in your heart."

Future Goten's tear stained face looked back at his broken mother and he saw himself in her. He looked from her to Goten. "Thank you Goten," he smiled and it was genuine.

"I just want you to find happiness before you leave this world," Goten smiled as he felt Trunks' hand in his.