"Ehh, he. I meant he."

Trunks was a terrible liar, Gohan didn't need to check on his panicked ki nor his wide pupils to realize that.

"Trunks." Gohan was stern, and his former pupil bit down a yelp. They stopped and hovered over the ruins of the suburbs of West City.

'Shit shit shit shit I fucked up,' Trunks closed his eyes, frowning and trying to fix it. He trusted Gohan, but Tora would absolutely destroy him if she found out. But this was Gohan, the same Gohan that raised her too. And he was dead and couldn't affect any other world.

"Trunks," Gohan needed answers and seeing his pupil hesitate in such turmoil worried him. "That person isn't 'Trunks', is it?"

"She is!" Oh fuck me!

Trunks gave up. He couldn't lie to Gohan, he had to explain it, so he opened his eyes and faced his former mentor, who looked expectant and sort of confused.

"You absolutely cannot tell anyone, not even in Otherworld, not even kid-you, not even her," he had to beg, and Gohan saw nothing but sincere care and genuine worry for having said something he shouldn't have.

"I promise," Gohan easily agreed to the request.

Trunks took a deep breath in, then out. "She.. ran off when you held her because you touched her binder," he gestured to his own chest so Gohan would understand what item he was referencing. Gohan, being bright, understood that it was something that hid Tora's breasts.

"So she wants to be a guy?"

"No- Oh gods this is complex. She is a girl. She, you and Mother- well, her version of you and Mother, decided it was best for her survival to present as male. Because of the Cyborgs."

'Right.' Gohan knew exactly how cruel the Cyborgs had been, so it made sense. They were, after all, from a very similar world.

"We had the same childhood, the same relationship to you. Well, her version of you knew she was a girl, of course," Trunks sighed. He didn't want to admit how much he talked about it with her when they were alone together. "And when she traveled to the past like me, she had to be extra cautious. You know Father, if a super Saiyan that's not him showed up out of nowhere... and if it happened to be a girl…"

Gohan frowned, he somehow doubted that statement, but he couldn't be sure. The Vegeta he knew in life, and the one he had slowly begun to understand in death was vitriolic towards everyone, would it have been somewhat worse?

And everything else Trunks had told him about Tora's experiences, about the stressful time with Vegeta and about her mental strength, what she told him during their fight about not being 'seen', all made even more sense. He mentally slapped himself, it must have been such a painful experience seeing him, but not being the person whom knew Tora through and through...

"And baby-me born in the 767 she traveled to is a boy, like me, like the baby I met. She's the only girl-Trunks."

"Ok, I understand. Must be quite jarring to meet yourself as a girl though," Gohan questioned. "So she punched you when you were wished back?"

"Yeah, uh, 'stupid Saiyan genes'.. Made me feel alive for sure," Trunks was a little dry about it, but he was good sports.

"I have to agree, she made me feel alive," Gohan chuckled. "She's a good kid, like you, I am certain she'll pull through like you did."

"I sure hope she will, she has been through worse than me and she hasn't had peace yet. I wish I could see her be her best, happiest self, once she gets there." Trunks got beet red admitting those wishes, which was easy for Gohan to understand and state the obvious with little filter for such things.

"Oh! You like her!"

"Gohan-san!" He panicked more and Gohan chuckled.

"I won't tell a soul, living or dead," he promised, knowing full well that Tora would leave soon and this Trunks wouldn't meet her again.

Trusting his mentor's ability to keep such a vital secret to himself, his liking of his alternate self and her peculiar circumstances, Trunks was serene, and eventually asked Gohan to spar with him before they got back to Capsule Corp. Gohan gladly accepted; it had been long overdue.

By the time Gohan and Trunks finally reached Capsule Corp, the younger Gohan was outside taking care of the greenhouse with Bulma and Krillin. Bulma told the pair to shower instead of thinking about goofing around, they looked disgusting, and that Tora was taking a nap.

While Gohan showered after Trunks, who obviously needed it more considering his battered state, Trunks went to check on Tora, feeling she was already awake. He knocked on the door and made sure his ki was easy to feel. He heard movement, light steps, and after a brief pause, the door unlocked and opened, Tora grabbed his arm and brought him in, locking the door again. With just underwear and a tank top on, clearly she wasn't ready to be in public, but both Trunkses were at ease with each other to see the other straight out of bed like that.

Tora looked more comfortable, whatever was clouding her had somehow dissipated and she was happy to give him a warm smile as a proper welcome back, and Trunks didn't hesitate to hug her close, reassured and thankful to see her be better.

"I'm sorry I snapped," she hugged back, appreciating a closer contact, eager to touch the warmer body like she couldn't when surrounded by others.

"Don't be," Trunks touched her forehead with his a moment, then let her go with a sincere smile, holding her hands still. "You're almost there. We'll be going back to 767, and from there you'll go home and bring peace to your world," he repeated the plan, and she nodded, agreeing to it. ".. And to yourself. You'll find peace, Trunks."

Dinner was uneventful, giving a sense of a full table that Bulma had missed dearly, and so was dessert with coffee in the living room. While Tora and the younger Gohan did the dishes, she had to tease whether 'Devil' kept calling for the Golden Warrior off the odd chance of a kid popping out of nowhere.

"Mom!" Trunks was mortified on his mentor's behalf.

Gohan laughed it off with a certain embarrassment, which Bulma saw as confirmation that her statement was an actual possibility. Krillin nudged the older version of his best friend's child with a knowing smile.

"Goodness it wasn't the case," Gohan was red at the prospect of being a dad without knowing about it.

Trunks was about to throw his hands up and leave those adults with their disgusting adult talks, completely pushing aside the uncomfortable truth that he was also an adult, but the Brief brain kicked in.

"Oh, no that is not possible actually," Trunks said out loud, earning him a look full of questions from his mother, his former mentor and Krillin.

Bulma was about to make a salacious comment about her son's intimate life, but she decided it was best to keep it for when they were alone so she could roast him, and she recognized the 'Brief moment' as it happened. Trunks hid his face behind his cup of coffee and tried, vainly, to think of a way out of the mess he just got himself into. So he spit it out.

"I mean, possibly, because.. Well according to the Vegeta other-me met, Saiyans can't have kids by accident, and they have to go through… something prior for it to happen."

And so he explained mating-by-sharing-blood, as Tora had told him and shown him in the notebook where she had written everything Vegeta had told her, as well as the corrections they did concerning half-breeds' heat cycles (at least according to how Trunks' temperature rose earlier than 'expected'). He didn't mention anything about the heat cycle, because no other Saiyan was present in his world to be concerned by it, and Krillin knowing for the younger Gohan's benefit wasn't his call; Tora had told him she intended to leave the book to the past version of Bulma for his (and the babies') benefit after explaining it to her thoroughly, even if Trunks believed she wanted Vegeta to come around and be fatherly.

Bulma knew when and how it happened with her and Vegeta (who of course had told her absolutely nothing about it all, that bastard), but she kept it to herself. She did confirm the 'event' happening, however she questioned whether Son-kun of all people actually managed to meet the right conditions. Trunks had no answer, perhaps he did mate by accident and only Gohan, once he returned to Otherworld, would have the chance to ask his parents about it. That was not a conversation he really wanted to have with Chichi and Goku, but perhaps his scientific curiosity would get the best of him.

Krillin took good note of how Vegeta only talked about it to Tora in the Room of Spirit and Time, and wondered out loud whether 767's Gohan, Trunks, and Chichi's baby would be informed of such things.

"Trunks actually took exhaustive notes to leave to your version of Bulma, so she could take charge of such things," Trunks reassured Krillin it was all planned.

The brief exposition was interrupted when Tora and Gohan came back from the kitchen after everything had been cleaned and put away. Tora squinted her eyes in suspicion, but let it slide when Trunks moved aside on the couch to invite her to sit with him, which she did. Gohan followed suit, happy to snuggle against his friend who had opened inviting arms for him and was far past his bedtime but didn't care.

"So yes, I had the chance to spar with little-me," the older Gohan explained. "A year with my father really did change how we each fight, but when he used the Masenko, boy was that a.. blast from the past," he added, trying to remain serious, but a smile slowly formed on his face. Too much time spent training with Kaio-sama on his planet had started to permeate him and his sense of humor.

"Gohan-kun, no!" Bulma threw one of her slippers at him, realizing the absolute horror of the worst pun she's heard in ages, and Gohan only giggled with meaningless apologies, and gave her back the slipper he had caught effortlessly.

Krillin chuckled quietly, the younger Gohan giggled and covered his mouth, and both Trunkses laughed sincerely.

"Jokes aside, I'm sure 767 is in good hands, and so will 784," Gohan was confident and trusting of his younger self and the different Trunks.

"Speaking of which, the Time Machine should be ready tomorrow! It seems it had a little fuel leftover," Bulma redirected, and the others took note of the information. Tora in particular was ready to leave, she still had lots to do, Gohan was seriously missing his mom who was left pregnant and widowed, and Krillin also had plans.

Before they could plan who would sleep where, considering Gohan's presence was unexpected, quite late at night after talking about everything and anything, Uranai Baba came back for the dead soul.

It was explained that because Gohan transformed and used a lot of energy against the other three half-breeds, his time had been reduced by over a third. Baba waited outside while they said their farewells.

"Oh well, it can't be helped, I guess," Gohan was looking forward to the sleepover, but he was at the mercy of Baba and Otherworld's rules.

Bulma was the first to hug her friend's son in the corridor, asking him to give all of her love to the gang and to her parents in a whisper. Then he shook hands with Krillin and the younger Gohan, wishing them a safe trip back home and for Gohan specifically to carry on with his dreams, whatever they were. Tora side-eyed Trunks, who gestured she could go next, but she was a little reluctant. Bulma saw right through her son(s) and asked for Gohan and Krillin's help to take care of the living room and the dirty cups.

The three half-breed adults hesitated a moment, but eventually Gohan had to yet again take charge of his former pupil(s). He first went to Tora and brought her close in a hug before she could protest. He put both arms around her shoulders, ignoring the tension and the panic he could almost taste from her ki.

"It's ok, Trunks," he whispered. It might have not been her Gohan, but Tora relaxed a little, a long ingrained reflex from having been so often similarly held by such a similar man. "I don't see you as your Gohan sees you, but I am still very proud of you, and I'm certain he is, too. Thank you for saving Trunks, for bringing back life to Earth, for everything. Be happy and be safe."

Tora stayed still in the hold, not hugging back, but she nodded a little, understanding of the message and hoping her restraint didn't hinder his reading of her acknowledgment of his kindness. When he let her go and held her by the shoulders, Gohan paid closer attention to her features, seeing how few differences there were between this young woman and the young man he had seen grow. She stared back with an intensity he knew very well, heavier eyes and the same turmoil Trunks had as a teenager, and gave her a gentle hair ruffle that had her protest exactly as he expected, before letting her go for good.

Tora turned to leave after fixing her hair, but she exchanged a glance with Trunks. She took an instant to put her hand on his arm when walking by him in the narrow corridor, conveying a silent support, and he touched her hand to convey his own gratitude and understanding of her message. 'I will be here,' 'Thank you, I know'. It took them barely an instant before Tora disappeared to steal one of Bulma's cigarettes and go smoke on a balcony.

The day had been long and despite having run out of cigarettes long before Trunks was wished back, Tora hadn't really felt the need to smoke until everyone was back; too many people, too much anticipation, a Bulma that was nearly the same as her mother but whom she had to remain distant from, and Gohan returning from the dead had been just a little too much. This long day had her in such turmoil that she needed the relief nicotine could give her, even if deep down she knew it was a psychological effect.

Once Trunks and Gohan were alone, saying goodbye was hard. Saying goodbye a few hours earlier than anticipated was even harder. Gohan hugged his former pupil close, who melted in his arms and hugged back with all he had and cried all of the tears he had held back for so long; all day he had held back, but also for over seven years. He thought he had mourned, he had healed from Gohan's death, but seeing him and then having to say goodbye again was just too painful an experience. Gohan whispered how Trunks should be proud of himself, that he fulfilled his expectations and even more. He was right in entrusting their world not just to the son of Vegeta and Bulma, not just to the true Golden Warrior, but to Trunks, his own self, and he wished him a long life of happiness.

"We'll see each other in many, many years, Trunks," Gohan added once the younger one had stopped crying his sorrow and doubts out.

Trunks got the closure he needed and could eventually let go, whispering his gratitude for his training, his tutelage, his care, and his sacrifices. Gohan departed, and looked back at Trunks seeing him off on the porch of the compound.

Tora laid still all night, holding little Gohan's hand as he slept through the night without a hitch. She didn't find sleep, her mind wandering to painful places only to be brought back to reality when Gohan's fingers squeezed hers, grounding her in a way she couldn't be more thankful for. She didn't doubt her existence anymore, she was right where she needed to be, and postponing her return, despite all of the pain, had been the right thing to do.

Trunks only slept a few hours with his mother after spending most of the night confiding in her how much he had actually missed Gohan, but how now he could truly move forward in life.

The next morning, after a trip to the Lookout to say proper farewells to Dende, it was time for Bulma to give her farewells to Krillin, Tora and Gohan. Trunks was to go with them, as they at least needed someone to bring back the Time Machine and Bulma mentioned she wouldn't be able to go; too many emotions would be painful.

Before Krillin could even mention the size issue as there was now an extra passenger, Bulma pulled the Microband she had kept since the original trip she wanted to make with her son. Tora and Trunks glanced at each other. Krillin would wear the one Tora had lent him, Gohan was small enough to be on either of their knees, but the other would need to wear that Microband. But Trunks took it and put it on himself without letting Tora question his choice.

"I'll be driving on the way back anyway," he smiled. A brief glance towards Gohan made Tora realize exactly why Trunks decided for her; Gohan wasn't as close to him as he was to her, and sitting on his lap was something neither the child nor himself were really that comfortable with.

Bulma was hugged by her travel companions closely and reassured by her son who promised he'd stay out of trouble and would be back in a blink of an eye. Tora was more awkward with this foreign version of her mother. She offered to shake hands, but Bulma was having none of it and she hugged her alternate stiff son without hesitation, through the jacket and sword and everything. She whispered her thanks for allowing her another shot at happiness, and Tora ended up hugging her back with restraint and breathing in the familiar scent she had missed for so long.

And so the Time Machine was brought out to the open.

With Bulma, Trunks prepared the coordinates to mid June 767, to make sure they didn't arrive prior to their departure, Tora sat down in the cockpit and put her sword against her leg, then triple checked she had not forgotten anything; most importantly her Time Machine, her mother's computer, the capsulized version of the 'spare hardware' she stole from Gero's lab in this world, the documentation and workshop, her wardrobe and her sword. She checked for her dog tags, but Gohan was wearing those. Trunks checked he had a workshop as well and some documentation, before he shrank down with the Microband and flew in the Time Machine to sit on Tora's shoulder. Krillin did the same and Gohan picked him up in his pocket before hovering by the open cockpit, waiting for Tora's ok, which she gave once everything was ready and confirmed. One last goodbye to Bulma later, and the four of them were gone.

There were only a few things left to do back in June 767 before Tora could go back to her world.

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Trunks' goodbye to Gohan was inspired by an awesome request that Crimerhyme drew of Future Gohan hugging a crying adult Future Trunks; You can find it in her future trunks tag on her tumblr! :)

I hope you liked the 787 section of the story!