Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Could it Be ❯ Could it be ( One-Shot )

Could It Be

~By Ryou-chan~

"Oi Goten, wake up!" He mumbled something in his sleep and turned over again, sprawled out on the futon which lay beside my bed. I gently shook my best friend's shoulder, and frowned slightly as the only response I got was for him to bury his head deeper into the pillow. He was always like this when he slept over, although actually I suppose he's like this the rest of the time too. Definitely not a morning person. "Come on, baka! We're gonna be late for school!" He sighed and blinked sleepily, squinting up at me in confusion.

"Trunks-kun...?" Glad that he'd finally shown some sign of life, I grabbed his arm and attempted to tug him off the futon. No such luck; even in that state he was strong enough to resist my feeble hold on him.

"Um..." I thought fast; how to get a Son out of bed... "Hey Goten-kun! Mom's made us breakfast downstairs!" I said brightly, watching in amusement as he immediately leapt out of bed and raced towards the stairs. I swear he's such a kid - most of the time he acts like he's five, not fifteen. I followed him down, but stopped at the foot of the stairs with a stupid grin on my face - Goten had just reached the kitchen. He turned around slowly, and glared at me.

"Trunks-kun you liar! You said there was food! You are so dead!"

But I was one step ahead of him, and had already started bolting up the stairs in an attempt to escape the wrath of a very angry (not to mention hungry) Son Goten. Unfortunately, my feet had automatically taken me to my bedroom, a room from which there was only one way in and out.

I stopped in the middle of the room, breathless, contemplating what I could do next. Next thing I knew, though, was I was lying flat out on the floor, with a triumphant looking Goten sitting on my stomach.

"HaHA Trunks-kun! Betcha didn't see that one coming, huh?" His expression faded as I failed to respond. "What, so you finally decided to accept that I'm better than you? About time too!" He grinned and relaxed his hold on me a little, and that's when I saw my chance and shoved him off - soon reversing our positions so that I was the one pinning him down. I sat on his looking very smug, and I could tell that he wasn't pleased.

"You cheater Trunks-kun! That wasn't fair!" He frowned and struggled beneath me, but I had him held tight.

"Serves you right!" I commented, my voice superior. Suddenly his eyes widened.

"Kuso! Trunks-kun, what about school! We are gonna be in so much trouble..."

Damn, I'd forgotten about that.

"Eh, well, we might as well not go now Goten-kun...let's stay here! Although you do realise that this is all your fault...I mean if you hadn't overslept and then *attacked* me we might have made it on time!" He glared at me and his voice took on a worried note.

"But you know what happened last time when we got caught skipping school...and I really don't want to have to face my Mom like that again!" I understood his worries...I certainly wouldn't want Chi-Chi for my Mom, but I shrugged it off anyway.

"Oh come on, Go-kun! Do you really wanna go to school that bad? Fine then - you go, but I'm gonna stay here, and with all the food, too..." His eyes immediately lit up.

"Yeah! Food! I'm starving! Okay then, we stay!" With a sudden new burst of energy he wriggled out from under me and headed for the stairs again. I walked down behind him, and we made our way for the kitchen.

"So…what do you want to eat?" I leaned on the side counter as Goten rummaged through the large fridge searching for something to eat. I thought for a moment, and then shrugged diffidently.

"Whatever, I've already eaten this morning you know, while you were still sleeping, so I'm not that hungry."

"Oh. Okay then! More for me…" He grinned and carried on looking. "Hey, what bout pancakes?"

I immediately perked up; Mom hadn't had time to make them for me in a long time.

"Sure! But…do you even know how to make them?" He waved away my concerns.

"Oh come on, it can't be that hard!" He reached for the cupboard and then stopped and looked thoughtful. "They…uh, they do have flour in them right?" I groaned and went over to help him look.

Fifteen minutes later we were covered in some kind of sticky goo, which Goten proclaimed to be his own 'special' mixture. I eyed what was left in the bowl somewhat dubiously,

"Go-kun…I don't think this is gonna work…besides, there's not very much left." He glanced up at me, a pale smear of the goo on his nose.

"And whose fault is that then? You were the one who used the electric mixer and got it everywhere…"

Suddenly he got a wicked gleam in his eyes, and he scooped up a blob of the batter in his fingers, and slowly advanced towards me. I backed away, my expression pleading him not to do it.

"Look, Goten-chan, don't do it! Please…put it down!" Of course my useless reasoning had no effect on him whatsoever, and he continued to follow me around the kitchen looking smug.

I suddenly saw Goten lunge towards me grinning manically, and I was thrust to the floor and held down with one arm while he smeared the sticky stuff all over my face gleefully.

I spluttered and pushed him off me, wiping the mixture out of my eyes with the side of my sleeve.

"That…was disgusting." I glared at him. "That's the last time you make any food near me!"

"Aw, come on, you know you like it really!" He sniggered at the expression on my face while I just sat on the floor glowering at him. Goten got up and went back to the stove and actually decided to do something useful; namely, making some pancakes. He looked kind of sweet when he was that focused - he bit his bottom lip and his brow was furrowed in concentration.

I decided to stop being so childish, and got up to go and help him. Well, I was going to stop being childish…until I remembered there was some ice in the freezer.

I casually sauntered over to the freezer, making sure that Goten didn't notice (not that he would have anyway - he was far too busy trying to make sure that the pancakes didn't burn) and I surreptitiously managed to get some ice out of the freezer without being caught.

"Hey, Go-kun, they nearly ready yet?" I came over to stand behind him, and put my hand on his shoulder.

"No...maybe they would be if you helped a bit more." he grumbled at me, and raised an eyebrow curiously when he noticed something dripping out of my hand. Kuso! I'd forgotten I was holding the ice...and now it was melting.

"Whatcha got there Trunks-kun?" I sidled slightly away from him, then quickly shoving what was left of the ice down the back of his t-shirt before leaping away from his instinctive retaliation.

"Eep!" He yelped and clawed at the back of his shirt to try and get out the offending ice. I laughed so hard watching him it made my eyes water.

"I'll KILL you for that!" I suddenly stopped laughing only to realise he was charging at me in a not too friendly manner. It was too late to try and get away, so I could do nothing else but steel myself for the forthcoming attack.

Thump!

Ow...I lay on my back struggling to breathe as Goten once more sat victoriously on my stomach. I tried to regain the air that had been knocked out of me, but I wasn't really having much success.

There was silence for a moment, as Goten considered his superior position, and thought about what else he could do to me to make me regret the ice stunt. He leaned down over me, his hands resting on the floor either side of my shoulders, and gazed into my face. I felt slightly uncomfortable, and suddenly the tension in the air between us increased dramatically. He seemed...almost expectant. But for what?

I sat there on Trunks, leaning over him, and I could tell that he felt something was different between us. And it was. Well for me, anyway. I...I had liked him for a while now, but I never knew to what extent. Until recently I wasn't even sure if I ever liked him beyond as a friend...but now I know for sure. He looked so good, just lying there beneath me, but...I couldn't help but wish that it was *him* sitting on *me*. I wanted him to kiss me so badly...to take control, but I know I can't really expect anything like that out of him. And I...I don't want to be the one to make the first move. It sounds stupid, but it's true. I'm so scared that he'd just laugh in my face and tell me to piss off, or that he'd be so disgusted he'd never want to see me again. I couldn't risk that - I couldn't risk losing his friendship. He's everything to me! We've always been together, and always needed each other. And that's the reason I can't put what we have at risk. I quietly get off him, numbly saying,

"The pancakes should be done now"

Goten got off me and headed back over to the cooker. But why? He had kind of a funny expression on his face, I wonder what's up with him? I followed him over, and the unusual quietness made me feel uneasy. What had changed? I didn't understand.

He served up the pancakes onto two plates, and took them over to the table. We sat down, and I looked at him silently as he ate. For some reason he refused to meet my eyes, gazing obstinately down at his plate.

"These aren't bad..." I finished them off, the vague compliment eliciting no response from my still quiet friend.

"Hey Go-kun, what's the matter with you?" He looked up, as though startled by my question.

"Huh? Nothing! Why would anything be the matter?" I rolled my eyes and pointed at his plate.

"Okay, one you're not eating...and two, you've hardly said a word in the last fifteen minutes! So come one, what gives?" He looked at me in surprise, as though he hadn't expected me to notice, and then his expression turned half sad, half sullen. It was strange; I've never seen him look at me like that before.

Why did he want to know what was wrong? I didn't want to tell him....I couldn't tell him. And to be honest, if he knew what he was asking, he wouldn't want to know anyway.

I still received no response from Goten, and started to get vaguely annoyed.

"Come *on*! You were fine a minute ago, what's the matter with you?!"

"Nothing!" He wrenched the words out and stood up from the table, knocking his chair back in his hurry to get away. "Just...just leave me alone..." And then he was gone. I got up to follow him, and noticed a few clear shining drops on his plate. Tears.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The only problem was, I had no idea where he'd gone to. Maybe...I stood still in the kitchen and tried to relax, focusing all my attention on trying to locate Goten's ki. Where would he be? My heart slowed down until it was beating steadily and calmly and I stretched out my awareness, feeling around the surrounding area for anything familiar. But no such luck.

"He must be suppressing it..." I grumbled, dismayed that he'd actually thought to do such a thing - he wasn't usually so careful. That put me rather at a loss. What with us both being able to fly, there were so many places he could be by now. He could be miles away for all I knew! I sighed and headed for the front door - I still had to *try* and find him, even if I knew I wouldn't be successful.

While I flew, my mind was occupied with trying to figure out *why* Goten had left as suddenly as he did. It didn't make sense. None of it did! Why had he started acting so weird? He had been fine all morning, but then suddenly...I frowned as I realised that it *hadn't* just been today; there had been other times when he's been acting out of character too, just never this much. Is it my fault? I wondered, is it something to do with me? Come to think of it...it *did* only seem to be around me that he acted like this. What's up with that?

I shook my head to try and clear it of all the confusing thoughts I was having. I was about to give up and go back, when I suddenly felt a flicker of something - Goten! It was gone almost as soon as it had appeared; but it was enough. Hah, I bet he didn't count on me being this persistent. Too bad for him that he let his guard down for a bit! I had managed to zero in on his position from the little signal he'd given away, and I found him sitting dejectedly by a lake.

He didn't even look up as I came over and sat next to him, just screwed his eyes shut and pretended I wasn't there.

"Hey Goten-kun," I mumbled, not exactly sure what to say to him, "What's the matter with you? Why'd you leave like that?"

No answer. I gazed over at him and he still refused to meet my eyes. He looked really sad; I'd never seen him like this before. Sure, I'd seen him upset like when his Mom yelled at him a lot, but...not like this.

I fell silent - there was nothing to say, really. I felt like we were drifting apart...like we'd lost something. We'd always been close, but...things had just become too different recently, and I didn't know why. Maybe he doesn't like me anymore, I don't know.

I suddenly felt like I wanted to cry, and got up to leave. It was only then that he turned and looked at me for the first time since I had arrived. And he smiled at me. I would have been happy to get such a response from him, except that it wasn't his usual smile.

Usually, when he smiles it's like a ray of sunshine, which makes everyone near him want to smile as well. But...this was an expression I'd never seen on his face; his smile was bitter and almost mocking as he looked at me.

"W-what?" I paused and then suddenly scowled at him. I'm not exactly sure why, he just made me really mad. "Look, Goten, are you going to tell me what's wrong or not?! I don't...I don't like you like this. Why are you acting so weird? I bent down and grabbed him by the shoulders, not prepared for the vicious way in which he flung me from him.

"Don't touch me, damn you Trunks!" He glared at me and started to back away. I was speechless once more, but then narrowed my eyes and glared right back at him.

"Fine." I spat out angrily, and turned abruptly and launched myself into the air. I'd tried, and I certainly didn't want to get into a fight about it with him.

Damn you Goten...I sat moodily on the end of my bed, swinging my legs back and forth underneath it - I was so bored when I was by myself. The sun shone annoyingly brightly in through my window, and the curtains fluttered in the breeze. I frowned even more. Why did the weather have to be so goddamn nice when I was in such a bad mood?

I still couldn't believe that me and Goten weren't talking. We'd had arguments before, but never this bad. The worst thing was, I didn't even know why we were even arguing in the first place! It was ridiculous; he had just started pushing me away from him without even a reason why. I smiled bitterly. And I'd thought I'd understood him...so much for that.

I can't believe what I'm doing! Why did I do that...? Why did I push him away? He came after me...he wanted to help. I know he cares, but that's just the problem - he cares about me as a friend - not the way I want him to. And that's why it hurts. By accepting his help and friendship once more...I'd feel as though I were betraying him. By not telling him how I really feel. And I couldn't do that to Trunks. He means too much to me.

How can I fix this? I wish everything would just go away! I don't think I could face him again...I just want him too much. And then to find out he doesn't feel the same way...I couldn't.

Nothing. Still nothing. I paced around my room, desperately seeking solutions to problems which just couldn't be solved. Why hadn't he called? Come to see me?...anything...

Goten...I need you...why did you have to leave me? I had never realised before then just how much he meant to me - I guess we had always taken each other for granted.

That was it. I had to do something - I couldn't take the waiting anymore! What I was waiting for I really had no idea, but there was *something*.

I flew out my window and headed for the Son house. I figured that Goten must be there, even though I couldn't sense his ki anywhere near - I mean he'd been hiding from me before, so he almost certainly was now, as well.

I couldn't have realised then how wrong I was.

I hovered outside of his window and peered in, but it was dark and I could only make out the vague outline of Goten lying on his bed. Sleeping...I mused. Well, might as well go and wake him up!

I grasped onto the rough wood of the window frame and jerked upwards, wrenching the window open. I floated inside, and froze as I recognised the scent in the air. I got a cold feeling in the pit of my stomach, and I felt vaguely sick. I sniffed again - the unmistakable tangy scent of blood hung in the air. I whirled around to face the bed, and nearly threw up when I saw him lying there. He was so totally still and quiet...and uninjured except for the deep cut which ran all the way up from his left wrist to the elbow. The covers around him were soaked in the crimson flood which had come from his veins, and I crept closer, watching his face. It was so perfect. Perfect and serene - it was a total contrast to the violently shocking scene which unfolded before my eyes.

I couldn't even think, my mind was so numb with shock. All that came to me was, How Could He? *Why*?!

WHY HAD HE DONE THIS TO HIMSELF?! Tears spilled from my eyes as I collapsed onto my knees and buried my face in his side. He was still warm. I drew in choking breaths, breathing in his scent which I knew so well, as familiar as if he had been my brother. In a sense, he had been my brother.

My grip tightened convulsively on the fabric of his clothes, and I never wanted to let go. I lifted my red rimmed eyes, sore from crying, and looked as his gentle face lying lifelessly on the pillow. It seemed surreal - like a nightmare come true.

"Goten-chan? Is there someone in there with you?" Chi-Chi's voice pierced through my waking dream, and it shattered as she entered the room and screamed.

I don't remember much after that, others had come, and I had allowed myself to be numbly led away.

It was the worst day of my life.

Later, my mother came to me while I was lying silently on the bed in my room, just thinking about everything that had happened. I couldn't help but keep remembering the last things I'd said to him....I'd been so angry, I hadn't meant to be so short with him. If I'd had known... The tears came freely again, I didn't even bother to try and blink them away.

My Mom approached me, and just held out a note.

"We found it next to his bed." Was all she said quietly, and left. I picked it up wordlessly, and saw that on the outside my name had been scrawled in Goten's unmistakable handwriting.

My hands shaking, I carefully opened it, almost dreading what I would read inside.

Trunks,

I don't really know what to write. All I can say is, I'm sorry for the way things have turned out.

But, I want you to know that you were always my best friend, and,

There was a large splotch of ink there, as though he had rested the pen nib while deciding what to say.

and, I will always love you.

Fresh tears welled up in my eyes, and I stared in disbelief at the bit of paper in my hand. He...he had *loved* me?!

I know you don't, and never did feel the same way, and that's why I did this. But don't blame yourself Trunks-chan, it's for the best. We couldn't have gone on like it was before, I would have felt like I was betraying you if I didn't tell you, and you wouldn't have wanted to stay around me if you had known. And that's what I wouldn't have been able to stand. So don't blame yourself. Be happy, Trunks...

Love,

Goten

And that was it. I stared at it in rage for a moment before screaming in sheer anger at his stupidity and selflessness.

"DAMN YOU GOTEN!!! If you really loved me, you wouldn't have gone and killed yourself!" My voice broke off as my body was wracked with sobs once more. "You selfish bastard..." I whispered, "Now I have to keep on living without you, and you tell me to 'be happy'?! It's true I never loved you in that sense...but we could've worked something out...anything would be better than losing you like *this*!!"

I collapsed once more on my bed, the events of the past few days suddenly coming in to focus as though I hadn't been looking at them properly before.

"Oh Goten..." was all I could whisper helplessly. "If only you knew how much I miss you..."

~Owari~