While she had planned to spend time with Gohan before leaving, and offered pastries as a way to get away from everyone and hang out in the park as they've done before already, she didn't expect him to have gone to Vegeta just after their talk (and after her own fight with him).

Trunks felt that confrontation, but because they had both kept their kis and emotions in check, and most importantly because she had faith in them both, she didn't intervene and did her best to dull her senses and not feel any of it while she was with Seventeen.

When she came back, she took a minute to call Kame-House to tell its inhabitants, and then Bulma, her parents, Gohan, Chichi and Sixteen, that she would be gone that same evening just after dinner. Bulma insisted she stay longer, but Trunks had to refuse, she felt she was overstaying her welcome, she had stayed about a year and a half away from her mother and missed her, and wanted to bring peace to her world. Bulma was quite upset about it, that she was short on time, but she'd make it work, because she was 'Bulma fucking Brief'. The genius refused to elaborate when Trunks asked what she was talking about, and disappeared. Everyone else was quite surprised, even if they knew it had to happen, it felt sudden. Gohan kept the sudden shock to himself. They had only returned from 787 the day prior.

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Before going for pastries, Gohan and Trunks went to the Lookout, so she could give proper farewells to Piccolo and Dende. They, like those living at Kame-House, were free to come see her off at Capsule Corp if they wanted. They both refused, but appreciated Trunks going coming to see them one last time. Dende still had lots to do to properly fulfill his new role as Guardian, but warmly wished her a good trip. Capsule Corp was far too crowded for Piccolo's liking, so Trunks shook his hand and gave him proper thanks. Piccolo told her to give her gratitude to someone who cared, ruffled her hair, and told her to 'not get cocky and finish the three of them fissa' . Trunks fixed her hair with a childish whine, shook his hand and promised she would destroy both Cyborgs as soon as she found them, and Cell in the lab before he hatched. Gohan observed the exchanges with a certain pride and fondness, and smiled back at Piccolo when the Namekian glanced his way.

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Ordering some pastries to be delivered for that evening's dessert had been a non-event, but like the previous times, Trunks also bought pastries for Gohan and herself to eat in the park and spend some time together, and alone. Gohan said nothing about his fight against Vegeta, and Trunks didn't ask. When she saw them both after lunch, they both looked fine, beyond some tape and a couple of bandaids; most importantly they both felt fine, at peace even.

For a reason she couldn't quite guess, however, Gohan seemed nervous or hesitant after they'd finished their chocolate heavenly creations. As the time traveler had done prior, she invited Gohan into her space by lifting her left arm, and he quickly snuggled in against the shoulder. He had grown so much over the past year (and change) that now, when they were sitting, Gohan's head could easily rest above Trunks' shoulder.

.

The smell of tobacco didn't bother Gohan, Tora still occasionally smoked. But it was fainter, lighter, and compared to the few times Gohan had been in Tora's presence, the older half-breed was more relaxed, more at peace. Less clouded, less troubled. It felt like peace and serenity, a little closer to how the older Trunks felt, and Gohan couldn't be happier for Tora, who was finally going to be content, to find peace. And take off the armor he was still wearing, he could feel the thick fabric underneath the button shirt.

And yet, he was nervous, and something in his heart ached at the possibility of Tora leaving for good. He didn't want to say goodbye. He hadn't wanted to say goodbye the first time Tora left, almost three years (or four, from his perspective) prior.

"Is everything ok, Gohan-san?" Tora had felt his confusion, his doubts and it had interrupted his trail of thoughts.

Gohan couldn't really answer, he just snuggled closer, breathing in the scent he loved so much. Loved. That was it, wasn't it? Tora's hand on his shoulder tightened and soon Gohan felt both arms around him and melted in the close embrace he was given. His friend had asked, but didn't insist, and just offered comfort without reserve.

The few minutes Gohan needed to put his feelings in order and be able to find the words he wanted to say to Tora felt like an eternity. He relaxed, and that made Tora loosen the hold. He hadn't cried, and he trusted his friend, so he just decided to be honest and open.

Two hours prior.

"Yeah you messed up, you betrayed Tora-san, and because of that, Cell became what he became!"

Gohan attacked Vegeta relentlessly. Tora had explained to him what this 'Saiyan apology' was, basically venting out everything. But he, too, had regrets, lingering guilt, and Vegeta's reaction when Tora died was something he was responsible for.

"What about it, runt? You didn't die because of it," the older Saiyan snarled. He blocked, and growled. Gohan was skilled, and strong, and it hadn't been the first time the two fought.

"Dad did! And Tora-san too. And that's on me, not you!"

Vegeta retaliated harder, punching Gohan in the gut and sending him off, then rushing after him to pin him down.

"My heir and your clown of a father chose their fates," he growled, pulling his arm back, ready to punch him down.

Gohan was quick to react, moving his head enough so the upcoming fist hit the floor and not his face, and he hit the arm strongly enough to throw Vegeta off balance and roll away.

"They didn't have a choice, because I got stupid with my power," Gohan panted, angry. Guilt. Perhaps they both had to apologize. It was painful to go over their mistakes, but it felt right.

"You're, what, six?" Vegeta half inquired with disdain, standing up and lightly touching the place where he'd probably get a bruise.

"I'm ten! And I'm going to grow much taller than you!" Gohan even pulled his tongue at the Saiyan. After all, he met a future version of himself who was taller than his own father, who was quite taller than Vegeta. Na!

"What poor excuse of a Saiyan I am, entrusting my revenge to your sorry lineage," he spat blood, his words flat, the hostility not as present in his words. "Twice," he whispered in disappointment, then found resolve to go back on the offensive.

They went back and forth for a little while, their discussions going from the wrongs they both felt towards each other and themselves, right from the moment Vegeta landed on Earth almost five years prior. Vegeta even admitted the teamwork on Namek had been fruitful, and they both thanked each other for watching over each other's back, against the Ginyu force. The Prince worded it as 'looking out for the few that still carried Saiyan blood', but Gohan knew better. He knew he had earned his respect, in a twisted way. As 'reluctant' an ally Vegeta had been, he had been a true ally, through it all, which is why Gohan had put on his Saiyan armor when Freeza came to Earth, three years prior.

Vegeta could have left, but he didn't. He stayed, knowing Goku would be back. And instead of fleeing the most dangerous being they had encountered until then, with the certainty that they were all outmatched, the Prince had still chosen to come to Earth's defense. Gohan thanked him for stopping Krillin from rushing towards the mothership that warm day of August, and potentially being noticed and killed on sight. Yes he had been insulting, but he had looked out for Krillin, and the rest of them, in his own way. Vegeta refused the gratitude.

It was all venting about the mess that had been the Cell Games, from Goku giving Cell a senzu bean, to Sixteen's death and the new power Gohan acquired, but decided to toy with Cell instead, which caused Goku's intervention and death.. and how Cell came back and killed Trunks.

"You got reckless!" Gohan accused, kicking towards Vegeta's head, which Vegeta dodged by ducking.

"You should have let me die a warrior's death, avenging my progeniture!"

"That's not what he wanted! You said it yourself, he chose his death, right?"

"And I had chosen mine," he growled. "You deprived me of it, you got wounded and you almost lost against that son of a bitch because of it!"

Gohan understood Vegeta had resented him for saving him, and that his apology on the battlefield was for failing to do anything to Cell, rather than for his 'interference'. And it was clear from Vegeta's savage attacks, that it was what had pained him the most, when it came to what guilt lingered in relation to Gohan.

The child endured and fought back, he didn't try to justify his choices in the matter. By saving him, Gohan had endangered the planet, it was true.. But Vegeta was worth saving, and Tora's wish to not let anyone die was worth respecting.

"Tora-san wants Trunks to have a dad, you can't die! I'm the one at fault, he died because of me !" Gohan might have accepted it hadn't been the case, but the intrusive thoughts were still present. And deep down, he knew Tora didn't want him to doubt and second-guess again. So he unleashed on Vegeta, apologizing to him as the closest person to Tora.

.

The hits were senseless and driven by instinct. They traded painful blows until Vegeta shouted back that it was 'Cell's doing, not Kakarot's and certainly not yours'.

It was what Trunks had told him, had taught him. To put the blame on the right target.

When they stood apart after breaking away from each other's guards, they both more or less decided it was enough.

"Kakarot was a clown, but he was a good warrior, runt. You better honor his legacy and control that power, because I will catch up. And when I do, you better fight me seriously." Admitting Gohan was stronger was like pulling teeth, but they were both painfully aware of it.

"I'll do my best, Vegeta-san." Gohan agreed. He had trained alone, and then with Tora and Trunks, to understand Ascended super Saiyan and make sure it would never take a hold of him ever again.

"And you better keep your hands and dick to yourself and find some other mate. You might be more powerful right now, but my heir is royalty and above your league," he huffed in disapproval.

".. But I'm ten…?" Gohan was confused, then mortified.

He knew because of his time at Roshi's what sex was (even if Chichi shieleded him from the details and how it actually worked), and he was very certain it wasn't for him (at least not for a long while), and he understood that Vegeta was talking about it, and the implications confused him.

It didn't matter to Vegeta, the eyebrow raised questioning communicated as clearly as if he had spoken: 'and, what's your point?' . Gohan got beet red, he'd been found out. Well, not exactly, but he had been realizing his strong feelings for Tora...

"Are you satisfied with our fight, or do we have more grievances to go through?" the older Saiyan eventually asked, since Gohan looked like a deer caught in headlines.

Gohan snapped out of it, shook his head no, whispered his thanks, bowed and left promptly. Shower and lunch with a lighter heart. He could let go of past rancors, start anew in this newly safe world.. but he needed to deal with Tora's imminent departure.

"I.."

Trunks looked at the boy who had moved away from her arms, sitting near her, looking down, nervous, playing with the white silk of his shirt. Whatever it was, it felt important, so she was attentive, patient and kind.

"I love you," he finally managed to say, a little fast, a little blunt. "I know you have to leave, and it's.. I'm in love with you, Tora-san."

Out of everything that Gohan could have told her, a confession was not something she expected. She had to think quick and slap her own mind when it made her hear Vegeta's voice saying 'fucking told you so, brat' with a sinister laugh. She had discussed with the older Trunks the need to break bonds when leaving, as she didn't want to impact her alternate family any more than necessary and didn't want Bulma of all people to miss her.. And that smug disaster 'Trunks' had hinted that perhaps Gohan, too, due to everything they went through together, might have grown especially attached to her. 'Told you so, princess,' she heard his voice in her mind, and she mentally slapped the image she had of him. Gohan's feelings deserved to be given a proper answer, to be treated maturely, but she needed to be sure of something first. Those emotions, and his heart were precious.

"Close your eyes," she whispered.

.

Gohan did as asked, head down, fingers gripping on the bottom hem of his silk shirt. He didn't move when he felt Tora's hands on his shoulders, even appreciated the contact that meant he wasn't rejected. He heard Tora let out a breath, and felt his hands slide on his arms. A moment later, Tora had lifted his face, put a hand in his hair and the other on his chest, and he felt something on his forehead; Tora's own, cold forehead.

When Gohan had first been physically close to Tora, after his first spar with Piccolo after killing Freeza, then under his arm when they were transporting his father to Kame-House, he noticed he had a warm temperature, a little like his mother, but now he was more like him or his father. Then, when they shared a bedroom on Mount Paozu and later at Capsule Corp, Tora's temperature had become colder. He had noticed the change when they were in 787, that Trunks was warmer, like Tora was before. When he asked Tora about it, he said it was a sort of biological cycle and that neither of them were sick, and that Bulma would explain it to him when he became a little older. Like Gohan, their usual body temperatures were lower than Earthlings, but seemingly, Tora and Trunks' temperatures rose and then fell back to normal at some point.

Gohan felt calm and trusting, even if he was intrigued by what the other was doing. He was finally brought back into a close embrace.

"You aren't in love with me," he heard him say with a hint of relief.

"Eh?"

"Open your eyes, look at me," the hold loosened.

Gohan did as asked, and while between Tora's legs, he faced the teenager, curious about what he meant. Like Vegeta, Tora had a certain commanding aura, even if his voice was softer, kinder. Those blue eyes had seen far too much and felt lonely, but they also looked at peace. Gohan didn't flinch, even if the stare was naturally intimidating. Tora was trying to say something, and his hand was on the side of his face, the soft but cold touch was a little eerie, the thumb touching his cheekbone. But he liked it, he liked being so close, he liked holding hands, he liked being in his personal space, feeling his ki, feeling his slow heartbeat, sleeping in his arms, doing homework with him, drawing all of the sciency-stuff.

"Think of your mother, or your father, or your little brother to be."

Gohan did as asked and thought about the people Tora mentioned. He felt fondly about them all, individually. Thinking about his father hurt a little, even if he had mourned properly, had accepted what had happened, and had forgiven himself for it all thanks to Vegeta.

"Now think of Piccolo-san." Tora requested after a little moment, his hands never letting go of the contact.

Gohan did as asked, and thought fondly of the Namekian who had become his mentor, close friend and confidant. Was Tora focusing on his ki? Why was he asking him to think of other people, when he had just confessed his love?

"Do your feelings towards them and towards me feel the same?" Tora asked, gently.

That was when he realized what Tora was trying to say, by asking him to compare his feelings.

".. They do..." he said, all red with embarrassment.

Tora gave him a warm smile, then brought him back in his arms, holding him close in a tight hug that didn't want to let go. Gohan couldn't help but hug back, relaxed, as if the sky was clear and he was free.

"I am honored you consider me family. I couldn't be happier. I love you too, Gohan-san."

Vegeta was wrong.

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Thank you all for your support for the previous chapter and for answering my selfish plea for validation! ^^'

I just have a hard time judging whether people here also read/enjoy it, especially when I get comments like "ew" sometimes lol

I'm trying to fix the format too, as I usually had double spacing when a different PoV happened, so here I had to use lines, but lines don't always work out... Especially as the pronouns change around a lot!

As I've said, it takes a lot of effort to crosspost here (the interface isn't super friendly :/) but I want my story to be read and enjoyed, especially by those who enjoy the little identity and gender feels situation poor Trunks is thrown into. I do promise the whole story is already redlined (altho instead of the five initial arcs, I will need a sixth one, to reach the final scene I have planned out).

Please do check my twitter or tumblr for art \o/

Btw I've participated in two days of the VegeBulocracy event (Briefs Family Matters), and both stories have been posted in here (you should get Day 2 notification soon). Don't hesitate to check them out, and the other entries as well! They're super cool.