A/N: anyandrea, I'm thrilled to hear that you are enjoying this story so much, and yes it is never to late to review :p

TP4Life, I had a pretty awesome week, thanks :)

SweetenedSky, wait no longer

Lovey, I'm glad you like the MarronTakashi pairing, I feel bad for her she needs someone lol

Ashley, lmao hope you enjoy this one.

Disclaimer: Takashi is from High School of the Dead, Ryo is from Crimson Hero, and other characters in this chapter are all from DBZ.

:*: Then Came October :*:

Maybe this is how it should be. I didn't miss my chance. The chance was never mine to take. All of my doubts and insecurities were keeping me away from her... for him?

Goten's black orbs lifted back up to meet with Ryo's as he broke the kiss.

"What's wrong?" Bra opened her eyes and followed Ryo's panicked gaze. "G-Goten..." She didn't know why this wave of guilt rushed through her. She had already told herself she wasn't playing his games anymore, so why did she immediately pull away from Ryo's grasp?

"Sorry to interrupt, I was just... looking for... I was looking for you, Bra. But we can talk later-"

"No. Sorry. I'll be inside, you two talk." Ryo brushed by Goten's shoulder, giving him a light, encouraging pat on the back.

This guy continued to throw him off. His intentions seemed very misleading and confusing to Goten, but he would worry about that later. Now it was just him and Bra.

Bra leaned against her forearms on the railing of the porch, trying not to appear nervous as he made his way towards her, leaning his back against the rail inches away from her.

"I saw your tennis match today. I had no idea you played so well."

"Thanks. Did you happen to see my victory shot?"

He hesitated. "No. I don't mean to sound vain but I felt like I was throwing your game off. After you saw me you seemed to freeze up. Then your mom... If looks could kill." He chuckled, remembering how Bulma was motioning for him to walk away.

Bra frowned. "Well you don't exactly make things easy between us, Goten. Maybe it's me, I don't know. I read too much into your flirting, one of the many hardships of being a woman. We analyze too much."

He wanted to stop her right there and tell her what's been keeping him away from her, but he allowed her to finish first. He loved how forward she was.

"But Ryo, he helped me get through that tennis match. And at the end, you weren't there... and he was. Then I was thinking about how easy it should be for two people to be together. If they both liked each other then nothing should stop them. That's when I convinced myself that you don't like me the way I like you. So, I think you'll be glad to know I am letting you go, Goten. I'm sorry for the stupid dramatic scenes and any stress I caused you. We can be friends again." She smiled and held out her left hand as a gesture of truce, waiting for him to shake it.

Goten's eyes fell to her extended hand, then back to her face. "Does he make you happy?" He asked in a solemn tone.

She placed her rejected hand on the rail as she thought about her response. "I've only known him for a few weeks, but when we are together he always makes me laugh. If I'm not happy he tries his best to make me feel like I am. He tries, and that's all anybody should expect from another person. So yes. He does make me happy."

He should have felt content with her response. She was happy. That's all a man should want for the woman he cared for. She was in his hands, but he pushed her away out of fear of not being good enough.

Those unwavering insecurities haunted him. He could reveal his feelings, then they'd be right back where they were before. Him playing his games to avoid getting too close, and her hurting. Ultimately, he decided to suppress the more-than-friendly feelings he had for her and allow her to keep her happiness and take a chance with her new beau.

"I'm always here for you, Bra. We've had our rough times, but you're right, we are friends. If this guy hurts you I'm here for you." He pulled her into an embrace, his nose buried into her hair as her grip around his waist tightened.

Neither of them wanted to let go.

xXxXxXx

"Well, looks like they made up." Pan concluded as her and Ryo peeked through the kitchen window. After returning from outside, he kept Pan company in the silence of the kitchen in addition to subtly spying on the two outside. Pan soon caught on and joined in. She wondered about Ryo. He was growing closer and closer to Bra, but in a friendly manner. She thought for sure he had taken a liking to her, and here he was watching Goten and her in a tight embrace. "Ryo... Do you like Bra?" She figured it would be best just to ask him straight out instead of beating around the bush.

His eyes remained focused through the window. "Yeah. She's a sweet girl. Lots of personality. And there's so much depth to her."

"Well... I mean, do you want to be with her?" She reiterated her question.

His hair fluttered above his eyes as he exhaled through pursed lips. "I want to make her happy."

Pan wasn't sure what his answer really meant, but from the way he talked about her, he really did care about her.

"Um, guys..." Pan and Ryo turned to see Marron standing in the doorway with a half passed out Takashi leaning against her. "I think he's ready to go home..." She readjusted his arm draped over her shoulders to keep him from falling over.

Ryo rushed to his roommate's side to help Marron out. Pan gathered the keys in her hand and led the way to the exit.

"Hey you two." Pan called to her uncle and Bra as she opened the front door. "We're going to head out now. Do you need a ride home, Goten?"

He and Bra had released each other by now. "No thanks. Is he alright?"He nodded toward Takashi.

"He had too much to drink. We'll take care of him." Marron answered, feeling bad for prompting him to take all those shots with her.

"You don't look too great yourself, Marron." Based on her difficulty in maintaining her stance, she looked completely smashed. Goten took her place in holding Takashi upright and helped Ryo in taking him to Trunks' truck.

"Takashi, don't throw up in my brother's truck." Bra chuckled nervously.

After they were able to stabilize Takashi in the truck, Goten backed away and made sure everyone loaded up safely, waving goodbye to Pan as she drove her drunk friends home.

Underneath the defeat, he also felt relief. Ryo was able to confidently enter Bra's life and sweep her off her feet. For now she was out of his reach. Maybe this is what they needed. A distraction. Ryo would buy him time to make something of himself and prove to himself that he deserves a girl like her.

His father, Goku, was a contractor, and his mother was a housewife. They didn't have money or luxurious things. They lived comfortably. Goten promised himself that one day he'll be the best damn architect in the region not only for Bra, but for himself.

xXxXxXx

The remaining weeks of September came and went with pop quizzes, essays, cramming, homework, and sports. Takashi was finally able to confess his feelings to Marron, and she could not be happier. The two were inseparable.

Bra on the other hand laid her head on her pillow every night with the same question in her head: Why hasn't he asked me to be his girlfriend? Their first kiss was definitely a big step for their friendship, and as the weeks passed it led to more kisses and cuddling, but he never popped the question. They sometimes held hands around campus, and other times she felt like they were still just friends.

She hated to admit it, but her envy towards Marron and Takashi's relationship was growing immensely. She wanted a healthy adult relationship. The one thing she wanted and Goten and Ryo refused to give it to her. She began to think it wasn't her choice in men, it was her.

After football practice, Goten came home and threw his keys on the kitchen counter as he usually did upon his return. He looked down to the floor as his shoe slipped on a paper. He bent down to pick it up, then saw a nearby pile of books and papers strewn near the kitchen table with Pan's backpack in close proximity. "Pan?" He called out with concern. He stepped into the living room to see her clutching a pillow against her on the couch, sobbing heavily. "Pan, what's wrong?" He knelt in front of her.

She took a moment to clear her throat and wipe the tears from her eyes. "It's so hard Goten..." She choked out between sobs. "I- I can't do it. My GPA's at a 3.6, I need at least a 3.8 to stay and I'm so tired and I feel so bad for you having to stay up with me and help me study when you have your own homework and life to live and my stomach... My stomach is starting to show, what happens when I go to visit mom and dad? I'm so tired, Goten. I'm so sorry for making you put up with me but-"

"Stop, Pan." He sat next to her and pulled her head into his shoulder. He waited for her sobbing to ease down as he tried to think of what he could possibly say to her. She was in a scary situation. He had tried his hardest to keep her going and help her out, but it was starting to show on him too. His grades weren't bad, but not as good as they could be. Between her and football he struggled to get his own projects done.

He suddenly wondered what his former friend was doing at this very moment in the states. While he was holding his hysterical, sobbing niece, what was Trunks up to? What troubles was he facing? He figured it was almost noon over there since it was about six pm here in Japan. Was he debating on what he was going to have for lunch? Was he out shopping for a new suit, stressing over what tie to wear at his next day of interning?

Goten squeezed his eyelids together as if trying to rid of the bitter thoughts. "Pan, we're family. No matter what happens we'll always be here to help each other out. You need a break, and don't try to fight me on this." He reinforced before she could oppose on the idea of a break. "Let's go get something to eat."

After arguing back and forth, he finally talked her into getting herself cleaned up for a dinner outing. As he changed out of his football jersey to take a quick rinse in the shower, he searched for his phone as he heard his brother's ring tone sounding off.

"Gohan, what's up?" Being as busy as he was, he rarely received calls from him unless it was an emergency or special occasions. He assigned a special ringer to him just for that reason.

"Goten, sorry to call but can you meet me at Gozen as soon as you can get into town?" Just from the sound of his voice Goten could tell his brother was drained and wearing down.

"Yeah, I'll be there within the hour." After hanging up, he dialed another number, hoping she'd pick up. "Bra, I need you to do me a huge favor. Can you come over as soon as possible? I'll explain when you get here."

As he stepped out of the shower he heard a knock at the door. "That was fast."

Bra blushed at the sight in front of her. Goten was bare chested with his lower half wrapped in a blue towel. "Well, you did say as soon as possible, right?" She tried to ignore the nakedness, but damn it was hard.

He hadn't seen much of Bra since they made up after the first football game. He hoped that they were still in good standing. Even she didn't look like her usual peppy self. He led her into his room and explained the situation, hoping she had time to take Pan out of the house for a bit.

"Of course! Poor Pan. What about you? Hot date tonight?" She asked, secretly hoping he'd say no.

"Yeah, with my brother. He needs someone to talk to too. Guess it's good that I have two shoulders for people to cry on." He joked, his smile soon fading.

There was more depth to that joke that Bra caught onto. He comes home from practice to his overwhelmed pregnant niece, then as he's trying to make her feel better his brother calls for his help. "You're a strong man, Goten." Her earnest eyes briefly met his before he looked away.

If I were as strong as you'd think, you'd be mine right now.

"You take care of your brother, I'll take care of Pan."

xXxXxXx

Gozen was a grungy, dimly lit bar on the perimeter of Satan City's business district. It consisted mainly of low to middle class men hobbling in after a long day of hard work for a cold beer, a pool game, and good conversation with their fellow man. Gohan and his father used to frequent the place as he was still climbing his way up the career ladder. After Bulma hired him as an engineer, his salary didn't fit those of the other commoners at the local bar, but it was familiar to him and brought back good memories. The bartenders knew him as if he were family, and Gohan couldn't turn his back on family.

Goten found his brother sitting up at the counter with an empty stool next to him.

"Boo. Hey bro, how are you?" He slid onto the stool, greeting his brother with a pat on the shoulder.

"Hi Goten, good to see you. Thanks for coming. Ron, can I get a beer for my brother, please." Goten was only twenty years old but with familiar faces they didn't bother carding them. Gohan was finishing his second beer when Goten received his. The bartender gladly refilled it before he even had to ask.

It was difficult for Goten to look at his brother's current appearance. He had dark bags underneath his eyes, and his face just looked worn and exhausted.

"How's school going? Junior year, right? You're almost done."

"It's definitely going. We have mid terms coming up in a couple weeks so just trying to stay on board with studying and football."

Gohan cringed his eyes. "Damn, I haven't even been to any of your games. How's the season so far?"

"Undefeated." Goten answered proudly. "And don't feel bad. Everybody's got their own lives to live and I still have senior year of football. There's plenty more for you to see." His brother and his wife used to come to a game every now and then. They loved getting out of the house and cheering him on in the young crowd. Given the current conditions, the last thing Goten wanted was for Gohan to feel bad for missing his games.

"Have you seen Pan around at all? She hasn't come home for a while. I haven't even gotten any word on her water polo games." He ran his palm through his dark hair as he added yet another thing on his list of forgotten events.

Goten reminded him about the kidney injury she received last year and informed him that she was benched after being hurt during practice again. It was the story she had told him to repeat if anybody asked, so here he was, lying to his own brother.

"She was probably too ashamed to tell you. You know how she is..." Goten took a swig of his beer, hating the after taste of every lie he would have to tell on Pan's behalf. "Gohan, you don't look good."

"Thanks, Goten. That's always flattering to hear." He joked.

"Good thing I'm not here to flatter you."

Over the course of the next few beers, Gohan gradually removed his wall, brick by brick, and let his brother hear his growing concerns and hardships. It was a surprise to both of them to see their father show up. He too had a long day at work and hadn't seen either of his sons in a while. He was especially worried about Gohan. All he knew was that Videl was going through her new chemo treatments, other than that he hadn't heard how she was doing or how Gohan was holding up.

Gohan always tried to hide the less fortunate parts of his life from his parents, he guessed it was just in their culture. Since Goku approached them mid conversation, he continued regardless of who was present.

Videl was sick. She had lost her hair by now, but tried to keep her positive outlook when Gohan was around. During the many hours that he was at work, the nurse was home with her, cleaning out her vomit bucket, cooking her light meals, and helping her to bathe when she had the energy. In a way he was glad that Pan hadn't been home in a while. Her physical appearance looked different and would probably scare Pan. He also considered that maybe that was why Pan hadn't been home. Maybe she was already hesitant to see her.

He also spoke about his financial hardships and trying to keep up with his job. He was on the brink of devising a new chip for his capsule corporation project. He spoke with a proud, yet defeated demeanor when he spoke about work. Goten knew that Bulma utilized his brother since he was one of the best in his field. He figured that although Gohan was proud of his nearing accomplishment, he secretly hated his job for keeping him away from his ill wife at home.

He was glad that his father was there. Goku seemed to always know what to say, maybe that was the fatherly side of him. Goten was at a loss for words. All he could do was nod and sip his beer. He wished he could do or say something to make his brother laugh or smile, but right now all his brother wanted was his sanity that seemed to be slowly slipping from his grasp.

xXxXxXx

Bra stirred awake on the couch as she heard the clash of keys against the granite kitchen counter, signaling Goten's return. She looked at the digital time on the cable box. 2:27.

After her and Pan went out for dinner, they sat at the park benches alongside the pond, watching the ducks and little kids antagonizing them. The small children ran when the the dominant ones ruffled their feathers, daring them to come closer. When the sun was nearly set, they headed home to watch a movie were Pan eventually fell asleep. Bra decided to watch the television in the living room until Goten returned, just to make sure things were okay on his side.

"You're still here?" He asked as he stepped into the living room and took a seat on the adjacent couch.

"Yeah, fell asleep on the couch. I didn't want to leave Pan alone so I waited until you got back. How's Gohan?"

Goten leaned forward, resting his forearms on his thighs. He tried to block out the image of his brother's exhausted features, but it was reality. "He's Gohan. He's a fighter, he'll get through it." I hope. "Your dad showed up and had a few drinks with us."

As the boys began a round of pool, Vegeta appeared after being invited by Goku. Being a prison warden, he was still clad in his black jumpsuit, unzipped to where the top hung down, revealing a black tee underneath. Goten found it interesting that Vegeta too had some things to get off his chest regarding things at home.

According to him, Bulma was becoming more and more stressed out due to her business standing. She was waiting on Gohan to finish his project in hopes that it would sweeten the deal with the states. To avoid putting anymore pressure on the guy, Vegeta was sure to mention that part while he was in the restroom.

He personally didn't like that she was putting so much pressure on Gohan when she knew that things weren't well at home. But she was Bulma Briefs, CEO of Capsule Corporation, and even Vegeta, her husband, couldn't get between her and her business.

"It's pretty late, do you want to just crash here for the night?"

Bra thought for a moment, even though she already knew the answer. "Sure."

He grabbed each of them a blanket and pillow as they both nestled onto their separate couches while she put on a movie.

As the movie played, she couldn't stop thinking about his weary expression when he talked about his brother tonight. "Goten?"

"Mhm?" He groaned, sounding as if he were half asleep.

"It seems like you're always the one telling me that I can always talk to you and that you'll be there when I need you... But you know it goes both ways, right?" No response. "It's not healthy to keep problems to yourself. So when you're ready, just let me know."

"Shutup, Bra." He grumbled, turning to his side for sleep.

She chuckled at his response. "Love you too, Goten."

October breezed in with cool winds and a bitter beginning. Underneath the fear and the angst of everyone's situation, Bra hoped to find solace in one week when she would find out if she was expecting a niece or a nephew.