Epilogue

Three Years Later

A huge glistening chandelier hung in the middle of the room, which was filled with chatter and bow ties and gowns.

'Charity balls', Trunks said to himself grimly, shaking his head. He pulled the restrictive collar of his shirt away from his throat uncomfortably, 'can't I just donate money and be done with it?!'

On top of his shirt trying to choke him and the panic attack he felt he was having, everyone kept trying to speak to him, didn't they know he was trying to think?

Trunks was loitering by the steps in the hall which led up to the podium, trying to gather himself and avoid people who were trying to encroach on his preparation time. He clutched a set of cards nervously, eyes darting back and forth over the speech he'd prepared, when he felt a squeeze on his bum and threw himself forwards comically in shock. Trunks spun around to see Goten bent double laughing.

'Can you not?' He hissed irritably, 'I'm shitting my pants here. I don't want to give a speech. Why must there always be a speech?! I can't deal with this part of being president, that's it, I'm resigning.'

Goten laughed, waving an airy hand before straightening Trunks' tie and lapels. 'Would you relax already? You're going to be wonderful because you are wonderful. Now go forth and charm. I have every faith in you.'

Goten gave him a quick smile which Trunks returned thankfully and a little uncertainly, and shoved him gently but firmly up the steps.

Trunks tried his best to look composed and not sweat too visibly but he wasn't sure he was pulling it off. He looked out to see his mother and father in the crowd smiling up at him (in so much as his father smiles), he glanced over at Goten who gave him a nod and a thumbs-up, he steadied himself.

Trunks took a deep breath and switched to president mode as heads began to turn his way.

'Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you all so much for coming this evening, this charity speaks to me personally, as I'm sure it does many of you. It's a lucky person in the age we're living in that can say their life hasn't been affected by cancer. My beautiful, brave mother is two years cancer free this year, and it's wonderful people like this charity who make miracles like that possible. I urge us all to donate generously, I also urge you to enjoy yourselves and have a magnificent time.

I would like to thank the fantastic people who have helped us to put the evening together, and I would also like to thank my incredible partner,' at this he looked pointedly at Goten, 'who puts up with me, calms me down, and pushes me onto stages to make nerve-wracking speeches.'

Appreciative laughter rang throughout the hall and Goten attempted to shield his face with the side of his hand as what felt like a million heads swivelled in his direction, he looked at the floor with an embarrassed smile. He began to worry he looked ungrateful and gave a small wave to no one in particular.

Trunks spoke again 'So please, eat, drink and be merry.' He raised his glass and the rest of the hall followed suit.

Trunks made his way back down the steps shaking the hands of various business owners and friends he knew, feeling much better able to make time for people now that was out of the way. He was polite in his meeting and greeting, all the time making a slow but sure path towards Goten. When he finally made it he received a playful punch on the arm.

'Did you have to make a scene?' Goten said exasperatedly, but he was smiling.

'Hey if I have to get up and embarrass myself in front of hundreds of people, you're going down with me.'

'You didn't embarrass yourself, don't be mental.'

Goten hesitated before speaking again, this time in a quieter, gentler tone.

'You don't have to make up for it forever, you know. I forgave you a long time ago, I know you're cool with telling people.'

Trunks looked at his feet. 'I know that, I want to.'

Goten smiled, he put his finger under Trunks' chin and lifted his face to look at him, 'Well, thanks, it was very nice of you just the same.'

Trunks smiled and held out his hand, and together they took off across the room to socialise.

Fin!

Hope you've enjoyed this one, let me know what you thought, comments always appreciated. I've got a few one-shots in the pipeline of the guys' just hanging about and stuff. If that's something that interests y'all let me know. Thanks for reading!

Chop x