After his talk with his mother, Goten immediately felt better. He felt the weight of the world release from his shoulders and decided to be honest with this therapist and see if he would start progressing instead of beating around the bush.
This was the first time in months, that he felt better and was starting to feel like himself again—something that he dreamt about for months. Telling the truth and time was the best medicine. He needs to thank his mother, she helped me get his head on straight.
Goten called his therapist and asked him to move up his next appointment. He wanted him to know about the discovery he made. In their last session, Dr. Kennedy, Goten's therapist, told him that one day he won't be able to hide from what's bothering him anymore. He was right and the hybrid wanted to talk this out sooner rather than later.
It's hard taking people's advice in the moment, but one day it will click. He's thankful for everyone who helped him out because, without them, the son of Goku would have been lost. Or worse, dead.
Dr. Kennedy cleared his throat and looked at the hybrid. He was surprised that Goten asked to move his appointment up since he canceled his last couple of appointments. It must have been serious.
"So, Goten what bring you in today?" He asked. Goten asked for a short session, but he still wanted to know what was wrong.
"I admitted to my mom that part of me wished I died instead of surviving my injury. It was tough, but I finally felt relief getting it off my chest." Goten began, "It was hard, but I was tired of beating around the bush. I was tired of my bullshit."
"Why were you beating around the bush?" He asked Goten. He knew that he was going to ask him that question. It was a valid question.
"I didn't want my friends or family to worry about me. I didn't want them to think I gave up on myself." He admitted, "And I know now how silly this sounds."
Dr. Kennedy took some notes and then looked back up at Goten, "Why did you wish you died that night?" He asked him.
This was a tough question for the demi-saiyan. He needed to tell the truth only. "Because the one thing I worked so hard for was taken away." He confessed. He didn't tell his mother this because his mother would reason with him.
"Goten, I'm proud of all the progress that you have been making." Dr. Kennedy told him, "Coming clean and telling your mother the truth was powerful."
Goten nodded his head, "I feel relieved since I told her how I felt." He admitted, "I'm proud of myself because I no longer feel like I have to perform for my family and friends."
"Beautiful, we can continue this talk with our next session. I'll see you next week Goten." Dr. Kennedy said as Goten shook his hand and left.
It had been two weeks since Goten cried to his mom. He called Trunks later that night and told him the truth. Both Marron and Trunks wanted to spend the night with him, but he said all he wanted was a cigar, pizza, and some whiskey. He appreciated the kind gesture, but he needed some time. He told Trunks that the two of them could spend time together in a couple of weeks.
Today was Saturday night and Goten was ready to hit the bars again with Trunks. He was on a mission. He was going to talk to the new bartender that left him smitten. All he wanted was her name, but if he could get her phone number, that would be a bonus.
Goten was lucky that Trunks was able to get out of the Capsule Corp Business Trip and spend time with him. Both of them needed another night out, and the son of Goku knew that this would help with his healing process.
He squirted his new cologne just as heard the buzzer. He assumed it was Trunks since the younger hybrid doesn't get much company. "Goten, let me up!" Trunks said just as Goten hit the button to let him up.
Just like last time, Trunks agreed to spend the night since the boys were going to relive their college days. He knew that Trunks would be up shortly, so he checked his appearance one more time just as he heard a soft knock on his door. He walked over and opened the door.
Goten couldn't help but laugh at Trunks, "You brought an overnight bag?" He asked in between laughs. The amount of times Trunks and Goten went out, they never brought an overnight bag.
His best friend rolled his eyes at him, "Yeah yeah, I told Marron that you were going to give me shit for this." He admitted as he entered his friend's apartment and sat the bag down. "It just has some items I may need for the morning."
Goten went into a full-out laugh mode as he closed his front door, "This is hilarious, I know Marron put you up with this." Trunks rolled his eyes again as he flicked him in the head, "Hey!"
"Enough about me, this night is about you." Trunks reminded him, "Did you come up with a plan?" He asked. Goten opened his mouth to say something, but Trunks cut him off, "And don't tell me that you are going to wing it."
The younger hybrid closed his mouth and shrugged her shoulders, "I have a few ideas, but I never decided on a solid concrete plan." He confessed to his best friend. Goten could tell by the look Trunks gave him, that he was mentally slapping him.
Goten took the time to think of a plan, but he honestly felt nervous around the girl. He was afraid that he was going to sound too rehearsed. He couldn't believe that he used to have rizz, and now he can barely speak to the opposite gender. He has to thank his thirteen-year-old niece for teaching him what "rizz" meant.
Trunks placed his hand on his best friend's shoulder, "Well, whatever you came up with will work. I have faith." Trunks said, which caused Goten to smile.
"Come on, let's get to the bar!" Goten cheered as he grabbed his access card and wallet and made their way to the bar.
Goten sighed in defeat because she wasn't here yet, but that gave him some time to relax. The pair usually drink beer on their nights out, but Trunks ordered them shots of tequila so Goten could loosen up. It will allow him to gain his confidence back.
Laney, his last girlfriend, wounded him deeply. Trunks never thought Goten would have another serious girlfriend again. Goten needed all the liquor courage before she arrived, but he was starting to get worried that she hadn't shown up yet. Maybe she wasn't working tonight.
He dragged his best friend out here and it seemed as if Goten wasn't going to accomplish what he wanted. But since he did have more alcohol in his system than he planned, he looked over at his best friend.
"Trunks, I'm a bit tipsy right now, but I need to tell you something." He began which caused his best friend to raise an eyebrow.
"Okay…"He trailed off. Neither saiyan often talked about how much they appreciated each other and Goten was going to change that.
Goten cleared his throat, "Don't ever tell me that you are a bad friend ever again." He said, "You have been an amazing friend. I love you like a brother and I am forever thankful that I get to call you my best friend."
Trunks wasn't one to show his emotions. He was rather stoic similar to his father, but the speech that his best friend gave him caused a tear to shed from his eye. Lately, he felt like a shitty friend and to get the reminder that he isn't one, was just what he needed to hear.
"Goten, I'm touched." He smiled as he went over to hug his best friend. "I'm grateful to call you my best friend every day. Thank you for giving me a safe space."
Just as Goten released his best friend from their hug, he saw her pull up to the bar. Trunks turned around to see what caught Goten's attention and realized the mysterious bartender had finally shown up.
"Goten." Trunks began as he looked at his best friend, "You got this."
The younger hybrid didn't want to seem too eager, so he quickly counted to ten before he made his way over to the bar. He drank a little bit more than he would like, but he wasn't drunk. Thank Kami for being half Saiyan. If he was a full human, he would be wasted.
He was nervous, but not as nervous the first time he saw her. It's mainly because of all the alcohol he consumed. Every step seemed like slow motion to him as he arrived at the bar.
The bartender was making her way over to him. This was his chance, this was his time to make a move. Surprisingly, his palms weren't getting sweaty. Once again, he knew it was from the alcohol that he drank. He will have to thank Trunks for his liquid courage.
She smiled sweetly at him, "Hey, what can I get you?" She asked.
He cleared his throat, "Another pitcher of beer!" He exclaimed, causing her to giggle at him. His response came out louder than he planned, but her giggle gave him the confidence boost that he needed. He was about to make his move.
"I have seen you around a few times, I just wanted to let you know that you are really pretty." He flirted. He noticed she blushed a bit. "I'm Goten."
"Valese." She introduced herself as she finished pouring the pitcher of beer he ordered. "And I wanted you to know you're really cute too."
Blush crept up on Goten's cheek as she handed him the pitcher of beer. Their hands briefly touched again and he felt that spark again. "Thank you." He said before he turned on his heel and went back to Trunks.
He was proud of himself. That was the first time he felt comfortable being around a woman he may have feelings for. He dated casually for the last year and a half, but he always felt uncomfortable. He was never really into them and dated them so he wouldn't feel lonely.
He saw Trunks fold his arms and smiled proudly at his best friend. "Based on your smile I'm assuming it went well?" He asked.
Goten nodded his head as he placed the pitcher down. He needed to thank the alcohol and Valese's giggle for the confidence boost.
"Her name is Valese." He began, "She's super busy so I'll go back and get her number when you close your tab." Goten continued as he poured another glass of beer for the both of them.
"I'm proud of you." Trunks said as he took another sip. Goten smiled at him as he sipped his beer as well. "I'm not just talking about tonight, Goten."
The younger hybrid was alerted by that, "What do you mean?" He asked.
Trunks cleared his throat as he patted his best friend on his back, "Lately your aura is screaming Goten Son, not the fake aura that you had months. I'm glad that you are doing better."
Goten smiled at him, "Thank you Trunks, I appreciate that. Now, let's talk about you."
Trunks raised his eyebrow, "What about me?" He questioned his best friend.
"You brought up the idea of proposing to Marron once and I have heard nothing else." Goten began, "I want details Briefs."
He couldn't help but chuckle at his best friend, "Well, I have been waiting for you to ask me about it!" Trunks confessed, but Goten didn't believe one word he was saying, "I'm playing around, I bought the ring after I left my parents' place."
Goten patted his best friend on the back, "So, when are you planning on asking her?" He asked, "I think it would be nice to do it at the housewarming party. All your friends and family will be there. And then you can take her to dinner another day and have a real private proposal." Goten was a big romantic softy reasons why Trunks always went to Goten for ideas. But this was one of the best ideas the younger saiyan thought of.
Trunks smiled at his best friend, "Well, I think you just gave me a brilliant idea. I will need your help with something." He said as Goten drank more beer.
"What do I need to do?" He asked.
Trunks pulled a ring box out of his jacket pocket and handed it over to Goten. "Please hold onto it for me. I'm afraid she is going to find it, and I know that you will keep the ring safe."
The onyx-haired Saiyan felt honored that his best friend trusted him to hold onto the engagement ring that he bought. He grabbed the ring and placed it into his jacket. "I will hold onto this. Did you need me to do anything else?" He asked.
Trunks shook his head no as he drank his glass of water, "Right now, no, but I will let you know if I need any help. I have to ask Krillin for his blessing."
"He will give it to you." Goten said, "You guys are perfect together."
Trunks smiled at his best friend, "Thank you, and it looks like we have company now." He said as Goten turned around to face Valese.
"Hey, my shift is almost over, and you forgot this," Valese stated as she handed him a piece of paper. "Have a good rest of your night and get home safe." The boys waved goodbye to her as Goten opened up the piece of paper that she handed him.
A smile formed on his face, "This is her number!" He exclaimed as he took his phone out to enter her number. "Well, we can head out now!"
Trunks laughed at him, "You can't be serious, the place closes in another hour, let's dance or do something!"
"Fine, let's go play some pool, I'm not in the mood to dance," Goten admitted as they finished the pitcher and walked over to the pool table. "I'm going to kick your ass Briefs."
He laughed at him again, "Yeah in your dreams Goten!"
After playing three games of pool, Goten triumphs over Trunks much to the older hybrids' surprise. After the last match, Trunks closed his tab and the two began to walk to Goten's apartment.
The two drank more than they expected, so they were officially drunk. Thank Kami for being part of Saiyan; they will be blacked out by now.
The walk back to the younger hybrid's apartment was rather silent as the two were mesmerized by Downtown West City. The City was beautiful with all the buildings lit up. It was a sight to see. The pair rounded the corner to Goten's apartment building.
"Trunks,...I'm thinking of training for the title again." Goten announced breaking the silence as he closed the door.
The purple-haired man looked at his best friend. He wanted to ask him his thoughts about the title in a couple of weeks. He was starting to improve, he didn't want this conversation to be the reason why Goten spiraled down again.
"Wait really?" Trunks questioned him. Goten looked at his best friend as he placed his access card to let him into his apartment.
He nodded his head, "Yeah, it's time."