Hearts Entwined
Confessions and First Touches
The kiss lingered, long enough for Gohan to feel the warmth of Piccolo's lips, the surprising softness of his touch, despite the firmness of his grip. It left Gohan breathless, his mind reeling, unable to process what was happening.
When Piccolo finally pulled back, his thumbs brushed against Gohan's tear-streaked cheeks, his intense gaze meeting Gohan's wide, startled eyes.
Piccolo's voice was a low rumble as he spoke next. "I've wanted to tell you for so long," Piccolo admitted, continuing to brush his thumb against one cheek, and petting Gohan's jaw with his skillful fingers on his other hand. "But I didn't know how—or if I should. You were young, and I didn't want to confuse you. But now… I don't want to hide it anymore."
Gohan's heart pounded in his chest as piccolo's words sank in. He reached up hesitantly, his trembling finders brushing against piccolo's wrists. "You mean… you love me too?"
Piccolo nodded, his lips curving into the faintest of smiles. "You've always been my heart, Gohan. I just didn't realize it until I thought I lost you… too many times."
Another stroke to Gohan's jaw as Piccolo placed a tender kiss on his brow, followed by an eskimo kiss.
Fresh tears welled in Gohan's eyes, but these were tears of relief, of overwhelming joy. He surged forward, wrapping his arms around Piccolo's waist and burying his face in his chest. "I've waited so long to hear you say that," he murmured, his voice muffled by Piccolo's gi.
Piccolo's arms came around him, holding him tightly, protectively. For a moment, they simply stayed like that, two souls finding solace in each other after years of unspoken longing.
Piccolo gently pulled back, the curve of his index finger tilting Gohan's chin up so their eyes met. "Let's go somewhere quieter," he said softly. "Somewhere we can talk… without distractions."
Gohan nodded, his face flushing as Piccolo's hand, again, lingered on his cheek.