Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Reach Out and Touch Someone ❯ Chapter 7
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: dharmaserenity 
Confessions hurt, but they can be freeing as well...
Will Gohan finally confess his true feelings to Videl? to Trunks? To himself?
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Angst / Romance | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 02.02.2005 | Pages: 8 | Words: 4.7K | Visits: 672 | Status: Completed
Confessions hurt, but they can be freeing as well...
Will Gohan finally confess his true feelings to Videl? to Trunks? To himself?
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Angst / Romance | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 02.02.2005 | Pages: 8 | Words: 4.7K | Visits: 672 | Status: Completed
[FIC] REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE, part 7
REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE, PART 7
Title: REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE, part 7.
AUTHOR: DHARMASERENITY (Jana)
Archive : yes
Category : Yaoi/Shonen ai, angst, Lemon/Lime,
Pairing(s): Gh x Tr(yaoi = sex) Trunks dominant
Disclaimers : the characters of DBZ are copyrighted to
someone else, used without permission and no money is being made from
the following fanfic
Rating: NC-17
Warnings : , angst, m/m sex, graphic sex
Spoilers : This takes place some time after DBZ.
Notes : I am in way too deep when it comes to Truhan, hee hee.
Feedback : Please let me know what you think.
Goten stared at what remained of the front of the car and almost flipped out himself, but calmed himself because someone
had to take control of this situation.
"Gohan! Stay calm!"
"I heard him, what he said he was going to do!"
"Gohan, he's not going to call her, ok? We are going over there right now. The two of you need to talk - calmly."
Gohan turned an angry face to him, looking as if he were about to spew invectives, but Goten cut him off before he could
start, "You owe him that, Gohan! Like it or not, he is your lover. He was your friend. You owe him some honesty as he
does you. Then you need to make a decision. And you are going to act on it today, understand?!"
Goten reached for the car door. "Now, let's go." Goten climbed out of the car.
Gohan climbed out too.
"Give me your capsule."
Gohan fished in his pocket and handed it to Goten. Goten activated it and the car disappeared into the capsule. Goten
then handed it back to his brother.
Goten then rose into the air, staring down at his brother, making it clear that he expected Gohan to follow.
Gohan, still very angry, but knowing he needed his brother right now, flew up behind him.
* * *
Trunks dialed the number for Gohan's home but he only got the answering machine. He tried to tell himself that if she had
picked up, he would not have just hung up. He looked at the time and knew that she was probably getting Pan from school
or something. If he tried later, then Gohan would be home and as angry as he was, he didn't know if he had the guts to
call if Gohan was there, especially since he'd most likely pick up. He heard his own excuse in his head, and was so
disgusted with himself and the whole situation that he nearly threw the phone, but calmed himself.
Trunks felt so agitated and didn't know how he would find release. He paced like a caged animal. He was so angry at the
way that ... that...
Trunks roared like a beast, angry beyond reason.
But at the end of that roar, his voice broke and his face streamed with angry, impotent tears. He sat down heavily on his
couch, burying his face in his hands and wept.
I lost him! He thought. I can't live without him, not now. Not ever again. But I have. I lost him.
Trunks' despair was so strong that he didn't hear the doorbell ring at first, his crying so strong that he convulsed and
hiccupped.
The bell rang again and he got up, still sobbing. He didn't think that he could compose himself enough to answer in time,
so called out, angrily, through heavy sobs, "GO AWAY!!"
But his guest was his best friend and knew where he kept the key outside on the landing.
In the midst of Trunks' sobs, again sitting on the couch, he looked up and saw that Goten had walked all the way in, with
Trunks' lover behind him.
Trunks went silent, but little hiccups still escaped, his eyes still seeped tears.
Gohan stared at Trunks in stunned silence.
Goten felt uncomfortable, but Goten had to stay. He had to do this. He had to make sure they talked it all through.
Gohan stuttered, "You... you're crying?"
Trunks' tear streaked face contorted in rage. "OF COURSE I'M FUCKING CRYING!! AND YOU KNOW WHY!"
Goten held his tongue. He'd only step in if Gohan escalated things.
Gohan asked, quietly, "Did you call my wife?" He waited, hoping the answer was "no."
Trunks sneered, his eyes angry, no longer running in tears. "No, your precious wife doesn't know what a fucking adulterer
she's married to. What a fucking queer she's married to."
Gohan, looking angry, to his credit, said nothing.
Goten turned to Trunks. "Trunks, you need to just calm down right now. That's the only way the two of you will settle
things."
"Settle?" Trunks turned bitterly towards Gohan. "Is that what we are going to do? Settle things?"
"Yes. It has to end."
Trunks stood up, looking dangerous and laughing mirthlessly. He looked at his best friend. "You know, Goten, if you
weren't here what would happen? It would be the same as it has been EVERY TIME. We'd end up screwing each other. I'm
beginning to think that's the way he likes to start it off. He's into the whole rape fantasy, the sick fuck!"
"FUCK YOU!" Gohan yelled.
"Yes, you have, remember? In my office twice, on your living room couch, and in the bar." Trunks put his hands on his
hips.
Goten felt his ears going red, but wasn't going to leave. "Guys, please? Let's sit down."
"No, Goten." Trunks wiped the tears off his cheeks with his hands in almost a violent movement. "You think we are going
to sit down and talk something through. But you don't know him the way I do. He can't face reality. He thinks he can
deny that all of this has happened. He thinks he can deny his feelings." Trunks, laughing bitterly, held out his palm
towards Gohan, pointing him out to Goten, "For Kami Sake he's said it again! 'It has to end!' 'It has to end!' 'IT HAS
TO FUCKING END!'"
Trunks sat down heavily, shaking his head. "Well, Gohan, if it has to end, then end it. Fine. Do that!" Trunks eyes
stung with tears and he couldn't speak any more. He sat there, brooding, not looking at either of them, tears running
down his face once more.
Gohan stood there silently. Goten turned to look at him.
"Gohan, don't you have something to say to Trunks?"
"I already did."
A bitter laugh was heard from the couch.
"All right, Gohan. So you want to end things with Trunks. Are you? Are you going to end it? It seems there's a bit of
a pattern here. And it is isn't fair to Trunks."
"Fair?!" Gohan turned on his brother angrily. "He's the one that started this whole thing. Fair?! Was it fair for him
to go after a married man?! He should have known he'd get hurt." Gohan turned angrily towards Trunks, who just glared
at him with red-rimmed eyes. "In fact, he deserves to get hurt!" Gohan flung this last at Trunks, almost daring him to
fight.
Goten couldn't believe how volatile they were. He felt their ki blazing to life all around him so much that it almost
made him dizzy. He was surprised there weren't actual sparks or sizzling sounds in the air. He even suspected that
there was a certain chemistry at play here, even though they were fighting, it was as if they were feeding off each
other. He was beginning to see how right Trunks was. Gohan just wasn't admitting the truth.
"Gohan, is that what you truly believe? That Trunks deserves to be hurt by you?"
Gohan, angrily, bit back, "It's either that or hurt Videl!! She hasn't done anything wrong. Why should she get hurt?!"
Gohan's eyes filled with tears this time.
That was it. The guilt. He had to get past it. Goten knew in his heart that say it all he wanted, nothing was ending
here. It would only intensify. He had to get it over and done with. Gohan had to see that.
Gohan stood there, crying, not looking at either of them.
Goten spoke, so that he would not have to think about the crying he heard coming from both of these men that he looked up
to and loved. "Gohan, I don't think things can be so easily erased here. You obviously can't find a way to end this."
Gohan's crying intensified. "You need to admit your feelings."
Gohan just stood there crying, managing only to shake his head "no."
Goten would not give up. "Gohan, you have to do this!"
Gohan cried, hiccupping a little with the force of his pain.
Goten continued, "Gohan, I know it will hurt. I know you don't want to cause anyone pain. But you cannot repress this.
You've tried and failed. Don't do this to yourself anymore."
Gohan, wiped at the tears on his face. "I don't know what to say." He tried lamely.
Goten was beginning to feel some of the same frustration Trunks had been feeling for some time now. "What do you feel
for Trunks?" Goten asked emphatically.
Gohan, fresh tears running down his face, looking away bitterly, "What does it matter what I feel for him? It's wrong!"
Goten felt a sudden surge in Trunks ki and didn't know if it was because it was the closest they've come yet to an
admission from Gohan or anger because of this relentless denial.
Goten kept at him. "I'm not asking you if it is right or wrong. I'm asking you what you feel for him?"
"FINE!! I LOVE HIM!!!. So what?!" Gohan asked, knowing the answer himself, and hating himself for it. He cried deeply,
his face buried in his hands.
Goten snuck a look at Trunks and didn't see the anger that had been there before. Instead, there was a glimmer of hope.
"Trunks, what do you want from Gohan?"
The bitterness on his face returned. "The fact that it is you that's doing the asking..." Trunks made a visible effort
to calm himself. Trunks knew he didn't really want to risk anything, feeling the first hints of something coming into
play here that hinted at permanency. He looked up at Gohan, who couldn't face either of them, and decided to put it all
out there. "I want Gohan. That's what I want from him. Body, mind and soul. I want him to stay with me, to live with
me, to love me. To treat me with love. And to admit to himself and to me that he wants it too." His voice had started
out just slightly hesitant, but took on a strength and even a tenderness, that both Gohan and Goten could not deny the
intensity of the feelings expressed. And feeling that he had to put this out there as well, "this is not a game to me.
It never has been, even though I think Gohan has thought it was for me. I want this Gohan. I want you. Forever."
He finally ended with, "I love you, Gohan."
Goten wouldn't say a word at this point even if someone offered him a fat wad of cash. The next words had to come from
Gohan, who had stopped crying. His body trembled slightly, but the tears were gone, except for what had remained on his
face.
Gohan looked at Trunks, and it was clear to both Goten and Trunks that the words he just heard were everything he wanted
to hear. But there was still remorse and fear.
"I want it too." And two tears fell down either side of his face, Gohan knowing that he had made his decision -- perhaps
a long time ago.
Trunks didn't dare breathe.
Goten looked at his older brother, knowing that he had to say it because he saw the fear on Trunks' face, and honestly,
couldn't blame him. "Gohan, you know what you have to do. And you have to do it today."
Gohan closed his eyes, tears rolling helplessly down his face.
He looked at his brother. "What am I going to say to her? How do I say it? She didn't do anything to deserve this
Goten." Gohan's crying intensified. "And Pan. She's going to be so hurt by this. Please Goten, I don't know how
I'm going to do this." He cried helplessly.
"You have to be honest and get it over with Gohan. Dragging it out is not going to help anyone here. I know them,
Gohan. They are strong girls. It will hurt, but they will be fine in the end."
He cried, his hand pressed to his eyes, sobbing sounds wrenching from him. As afraid as Trunks was over those tears,
knowing how easily things could change against him, his heart did go out to Gohan, seeing the pain he was enduring.
Gohan turned, still sobbing, and headed for the front door. He didn't even look back at Trunks.
Goten gave his friend a wan smile. "No matter what happens, I'll come back. Ok?"
Trunks nodded miserably.
Goten turned to follow his brother out the door.
* * *
Goten watched his brother from behind, as he stood just looking at his living room in tears. The house was empty.
Gohan walked towards the staircase without looking at Goten, but Goten felt compelled to follow.
Gohan entered the bedroom and opened the closet. He reached for an empty duffle bag. He threw it on the bed, and went
to the dresser, beginning to pack away his things.
"Want any help?"
Gohan shook his head "no."
Goten sat on the bed, and saw Gohan's wedding picture on the night table. Gohan looked so young in the photo. He glanced
at his older brother who blindly grabbed pairs of underwear and threw them into the duffle bag.
He still was young.
Gohan wiped at the tears on his face with the back of his hand as he worked, and feeling something glanced at his wedding
ring in despair. He grabbed at it and pulled it off.
Goten felt sad. He knew all of this would just be miserable. But there was nothing for it. He knew the kind of feelings
they were talking about here. Choice hardly was a factor. He felt the air between Trunks and Gohan. It was charged.
It was something that would undo this marriage, either now, or later. It would have happened whether Gohan had acted
on his urges or not. Eventually, something that strong would have made itself known.
He only hoped that the guilt wouldn't destroy his brother.
He knew Gohan well. Gohan ALWAYS tried to please others, to help, to be good. It was a testament to his character that
he managed to be both things that his two opposing parents wanted him to be. Goten guessed that his will just finally
gave out. Maybe Trunks' tears were the best move his lilac headed friend had made because those tears showed Gohan the
pain he would cause the one he truly wanted to be with if he stuck to his marriage vows.
The duffle bag was nearly full, Gohan, emptying practically all of his clothes in it. Gohan stared around the room
blindly, his eyes overflowing with tears.
Gohan reached into a jewelry box and grabbed some of his documents such as passport, birth certificate, etc. He then
placed his wedding ring in it.
Gohan and Goten both heard the front door open downstairs. Gohan looked as if he would be sick. Goten made his way
to the door and glanced back at his brother. They could hear Pan's voice saying something to her mother.
Goten said, "I'm going to tell Videl that you need to talk with her. Then I'm going take Pan out for some burgers.
Ok?" Gohan nodded.
* * *
Goten came down the stairs, Pan jumping up from the couch excitedly at seeing him. He forced a smile. Upon hearing him
talk to Pan, Videl walked in from the kitchen, a packet of noodles in her hand.
"Goten? Have you been here long? Is Gohan here?" She smiled weakly, pain from the night before still evident.
Goten looked at her over Pan's head and she could clearly see that something was wrong.
"I was thinking I'd take this little girl out for a burger and fries." Pan squeeled in delight, already turning to ask
her mother if she could. The look Goten gave her was unmistakable, that he needed to get her out of the house.
Videl fought the urge to tremble all over in fear, controlling her voice to reply sweetly to her daughter. "Sure, go
ahead."
Goten told Pan to wait outside for him. Once she left, he turned to his sister-in-law who looked at him with worry.
"He's upstairs."
Videl wanted to ask him what was wrong, but it was evident that Goten wanted to get out of there.
Once he was out the door, Videl made her way upstairs, fear clutching at her heart.
* * *
At the first sight she had of Gohan, she could tell her marriage was over, as inexplicable and unexpected as it was.
He was a hollow shell, standing in front of a full duffle bag packed with his things.
Tears filling her eyes, she saw the red mark on his hand where he had yanked off his wedding ring.
And then she knew.
It wasn't Goten.
It was Gohan. He was the one with Trunks.
The feeling of realization was like a punch in her gut. He had lied to her. He had been unfaithful.
Videl, walked up to her husband who was a foot and a half taller than her and slapped him across his face. She then put
her hand to her own face in shock at what she had done. She openly wept now.
"How could you?" She asked quietly.
He didn't say anything, tears running from his eyes in rivers. His face white except for a shocking red mark on his cheek
from where she slapped him.
"I'm sorry."
She put her hands up to her ears, and rage contorting her pretty face, screamed at him. "GET OUT! I DON'T WANT TO HEAR
YOUR FILTH!!"
He turned blindly, and grabbed his bag. He looked at her helplessly, but she had turned her back to him, clutching the
dresser for support.
"Will you be all right?"
She barely managed to control herself from flinging every thing in sight at him. "NO, Gohan. I won't be. Get out.
Please." She cried.
He was worried about her, and touched her shoulder. She flinched away as if she were scalded.
"Get out, Gohan."
Gohan couldn't leave yet. "What about Pan?" She turned to him with a hate filled glare.
"Unlike you, I don't plan to hurt her. I'll tell her you had to go to your parents for something and wouldn't be home
for a week. I'll think of something else then."
And then the anger getting to her, her voice breaking in hurt filled tears, "I know! Maybe I'll try the truth with her.
I'll tell her that her Daddy has left us. To be with his ..." And then she broke down, crying so hard her body jerked.
"Videl!" He tried to grab her arm, but she screamed.
"Don't touch me! Please, what ever you do, don't ever touch me again!" She said, wiping at her face.
When he wouldn't move. "PLEASE GOHAN, GET OUT!"
Empty, he turned to go. For the second time in 24 hours, he felt a door slam behind him.
* * *
Gohan walked aimlessly in the rain. He had been doing so for over 2 hours. He had not headed towards Trunks' apartment,
not knowing how to start this new life.
What would he say to Trunks? How would he just walk in with a bag on his shoulder? Gohan remembered what Trunks said,
but he felt so horrible for the pain he caused Videl that he was having a hard time believing anyone would want him.
He walked through a deserted block and only stirred when he felt a strong ki presence upon him.
Goten landed in the puddle in front of him.
Gohan looked at him with despondent eyes.
"Don't you think you've walked around long enough in all of this?"
Gohan shrugged. It was clear he wanted to punish himself.
Goten looked down. "Gohan, it's done. Time to move on. You need to go to Trunks now."
Gohan didn't say anything.
"That's it? Are you going to throw that away too? You didn't just break up with Videl to only take things out on Trunks
and ruin what you have with him, did you?"
Gohan started to cry again. "I can't help but feel if he had only left me alone..."
"GOHAN! Stop this! Don't you dare take it out on Trunks. You chose this. He didn't make you do anything."
"HE COULD HAVE LEFT ME ALONE!!!"
"Did he twist your arm? You said it all started with a phone call - did you hang up on him? Well, did you?"
"No." The rain pelted down on him. It was raining so hard that a steady stream dripped off his chin.
"Well, then, I guess you are equally to blame as much as Trunks. But Gohan, you need to stop punishing yourself -- it
will be hard enough as it is. You have to go through a divorce and then deal with custody of Pan. Don't add to it."
Gohan looked down at his feet, sopping wet in all the rain. Drops of water dripped off his thick eyelashes.
"Go to Trunks. AND DON'T PUNISH HIM! He loves you. You love him. Find comfort in that and move forward."
Gohan looked up at him, feeling it was too good to believe. He deserved the worst kind of pain for what he had done.
"Gohan, PLEASE. Don't do this to yourself. Go to Trunks. Now." Goten was beginning to feel desperate, truly afraid of
the look on his brother's face. The encounter with Videl seemed to have robbed him of all desire for life. Goten felt
if he could just get him to Trunks, and if Trunks acted with the love he had expressed earlier, then there was hope.
Gohan cried, and ran towards his brother, throwing his arms around him. Goten held him feeling what seemed like all the
pain in the world seep out of every pore of Gohan's body.
Goten felt fear grip his heart. He wasn't sure Gohan was going to make it out of all of this.
* * *
Goten had managed to get Gohan to fly after him. Goten now stood in front of Trunks' door, ringing the bell and feeling
like something the cat dragged in. He was soaked from head to toe from all the rain.
Gohan just stood silently behind him.
The door was wrenched open, a worried look on his friend's face. Trunks' eyes lighted on Goten's face only briefly, but
then noticing Gohan, Trunks had only eyes for Gohan.
Trunks walked out to Gohan, and grabbed him by his wet shirt, pulling him inside. Goten followed, dumping Gohan's duffle
bag on the floor by the door.
Trunks pulled Gohan, despondent, over to the couch and made him sit down. He started to remove Gohan's wet clothes, then
turned around, looking at Goten, making it clear that he should leave.
Goten, angry, turned around and left.
He had had enough.
Trunks turned back to his weeping lover, and continued to remove his clothes.
_____
There is at least one more chapter, so don't worry. Hee hee.
REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE, PART 7
Title: REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE, part 7.
AUTHOR: DHARMASERENITY (Jana)
Archive : yes
Category : Yaoi/Shonen ai, angst, Lemon/Lime,
Pairing(s): Gh x Tr(yaoi = sex) Trunks dominant
Disclaimers : the characters of DBZ are copyrighted to
someone else, used without permission and no money is being made from
the following fanfic
Rating: NC-17
Warnings : , angst, m/m sex, graphic sex
Spoilers : This takes place some time after DBZ.
Notes : I am in way too deep when it comes to Truhan, hee hee.
Feedback : Please let me know what you think.
Goten stared at what remained of the front of the car and almost flipped out himself, but calmed himself because someone
had to take control of this situation.
"Gohan! Stay calm!"
"I heard him, what he said he was going to do!"
"Gohan, he's not going to call her, ok? We are going over there right now. The two of you need to talk - calmly."
Gohan turned an angry face to him, looking as if he were about to spew invectives, but Goten cut him off before he could
start, "You owe him that, Gohan! Like it or not, he is your lover. He was your friend. You owe him some honesty as he
does you. Then you need to make a decision. And you are going to act on it today, understand?!"
Goten reached for the car door. "Now, let's go." Goten climbed out of the car.
Gohan climbed out too.
"Give me your capsule."
Gohan fished in his pocket and handed it to Goten. Goten activated it and the car disappeared into the capsule. Goten
then handed it back to his brother.
Goten then rose into the air, staring down at his brother, making it clear that he expected Gohan to follow.
Gohan, still very angry, but knowing he needed his brother right now, flew up behind him.
* * *
Trunks dialed the number for Gohan's home but he only got the answering machine. He tried to tell himself that if she had
picked up, he would not have just hung up. He looked at the time and knew that she was probably getting Pan from school
or something. If he tried later, then Gohan would be home and as angry as he was, he didn't know if he had the guts to
call if Gohan was there, especially since he'd most likely pick up. He heard his own excuse in his head, and was so
disgusted with himself and the whole situation that he nearly threw the phone, but calmed himself.
Trunks felt so agitated and didn't know how he would find release. He paced like a caged animal. He was so angry at the
way that ... that...
Trunks roared like a beast, angry beyond reason.
But at the end of that roar, his voice broke and his face streamed with angry, impotent tears. He sat down heavily on his
couch, burying his face in his hands and wept.
I lost him! He thought. I can't live without him, not now. Not ever again. But I have. I lost him.
Trunks' despair was so strong that he didn't hear the doorbell ring at first, his crying so strong that he convulsed and
hiccupped.
The bell rang again and he got up, still sobbing. He didn't think that he could compose himself enough to answer in time,
so called out, angrily, through heavy sobs, "GO AWAY!!"
But his guest was his best friend and knew where he kept the key outside on the landing.
In the midst of Trunks' sobs, again sitting on the couch, he looked up and saw that Goten had walked all the way in, with
Trunks' lover behind him.
Trunks went silent, but little hiccups still escaped, his eyes still seeped tears.
Gohan stared at Trunks in stunned silence.
Goten felt uncomfortable, but Goten had to stay. He had to do this. He had to make sure they talked it all through.
Gohan stuttered, "You... you're crying?"
Trunks' tear streaked face contorted in rage. "OF COURSE I'M FUCKING CRYING!! AND YOU KNOW WHY!"
Goten held his tongue. He'd only step in if Gohan escalated things.
Gohan asked, quietly, "Did you call my wife?" He waited, hoping the answer was "no."
Trunks sneered, his eyes angry, no longer running in tears. "No, your precious wife doesn't know what a fucking adulterer
she's married to. What a fucking queer she's married to."
Gohan, looking angry, to his credit, said nothing.
Goten turned to Trunks. "Trunks, you need to just calm down right now. That's the only way the two of you will settle
things."
"Settle?" Trunks turned bitterly towards Gohan. "Is that what we are going to do? Settle things?"
"Yes. It has to end."
Trunks stood up, looking dangerous and laughing mirthlessly. He looked at his best friend. "You know, Goten, if you
weren't here what would happen? It would be the same as it has been EVERY TIME. We'd end up screwing each other. I'm
beginning to think that's the way he likes to start it off. He's into the whole rape fantasy, the sick fuck!"
"FUCK YOU!" Gohan yelled.
"Yes, you have, remember? In my office twice, on your living room couch, and in the bar." Trunks put his hands on his
hips.
Goten felt his ears going red, but wasn't going to leave. "Guys, please? Let's sit down."
"No, Goten." Trunks wiped the tears off his cheeks with his hands in almost a violent movement. "You think we are going
to sit down and talk something through. But you don't know him the way I do. He can't face reality. He thinks he can
deny that all of this has happened. He thinks he can deny his feelings." Trunks, laughing bitterly, held out his palm
towards Gohan, pointing him out to Goten, "For Kami Sake he's said it again! 'It has to end!' 'It has to end!' 'IT HAS
TO FUCKING END!'"
Trunks sat down heavily, shaking his head. "Well, Gohan, if it has to end, then end it. Fine. Do that!" Trunks eyes
stung with tears and he couldn't speak any more. He sat there, brooding, not looking at either of them, tears running
down his face once more.
Gohan stood there silently. Goten turned to look at him.
"Gohan, don't you have something to say to Trunks?"
"I already did."
A bitter laugh was heard from the couch.
"All right, Gohan. So you want to end things with Trunks. Are you? Are you going to end it? It seems there's a bit of
a pattern here. And it is isn't fair to Trunks."
"Fair?!" Gohan turned on his brother angrily. "He's the one that started this whole thing. Fair?! Was it fair for him
to go after a married man?! He should have known he'd get hurt." Gohan turned angrily towards Trunks, who just glared
at him with red-rimmed eyes. "In fact, he deserves to get hurt!" Gohan flung this last at Trunks, almost daring him to
fight.
Goten couldn't believe how volatile they were. He felt their ki blazing to life all around him so much that it almost
made him dizzy. He was surprised there weren't actual sparks or sizzling sounds in the air. He even suspected that
there was a certain chemistry at play here, even though they were fighting, it was as if they were feeding off each
other. He was beginning to see how right Trunks was. Gohan just wasn't admitting the truth.
"Gohan, is that what you truly believe? That Trunks deserves to be hurt by you?"
Gohan, angrily, bit back, "It's either that or hurt Videl!! She hasn't done anything wrong. Why should she get hurt?!"
Gohan's eyes filled with tears this time.
That was it. The guilt. He had to get past it. Goten knew in his heart that say it all he wanted, nothing was ending
here. It would only intensify. He had to get it over and done with. Gohan had to see that.
Gohan stood there, crying, not looking at either of them.
Goten spoke, so that he would not have to think about the crying he heard coming from both of these men that he looked up
to and loved. "Gohan, I don't think things can be so easily erased here. You obviously can't find a way to end this."
Gohan's crying intensified. "You need to admit your feelings."
Gohan just stood there crying, managing only to shake his head "no."
Goten would not give up. "Gohan, you have to do this!"
Gohan cried, hiccupping a little with the force of his pain.
Goten continued, "Gohan, I know it will hurt. I know you don't want to cause anyone pain. But you cannot repress this.
You've tried and failed. Don't do this to yourself anymore."
Gohan, wiped at the tears on his face. "I don't know what to say." He tried lamely.
Goten was beginning to feel some of the same frustration Trunks had been feeling for some time now. "What do you feel
for Trunks?" Goten asked emphatically.
Gohan, fresh tears running down his face, looking away bitterly, "What does it matter what I feel for him? It's wrong!"
Goten felt a sudden surge in Trunks ki and didn't know if it was because it was the closest they've come yet to an
admission from Gohan or anger because of this relentless denial.
Goten kept at him. "I'm not asking you if it is right or wrong. I'm asking you what you feel for him?"
"FINE!! I LOVE HIM!!!. So what?!" Gohan asked, knowing the answer himself, and hating himself for it. He cried deeply,
his face buried in his hands.
Goten snuck a look at Trunks and didn't see the anger that had been there before. Instead, there was a glimmer of hope.
"Trunks, what do you want from Gohan?"
The bitterness on his face returned. "The fact that it is you that's doing the asking..." Trunks made a visible effort
to calm himself. Trunks knew he didn't really want to risk anything, feeling the first hints of something coming into
play here that hinted at permanency. He looked up at Gohan, who couldn't face either of them, and decided to put it all
out there. "I want Gohan. That's what I want from him. Body, mind and soul. I want him to stay with me, to live with
me, to love me. To treat me with love. And to admit to himself and to me that he wants it too." His voice had started
out just slightly hesitant, but took on a strength and even a tenderness, that both Gohan and Goten could not deny the
intensity of the feelings expressed. And feeling that he had to put this out there as well, "this is not a game to me.
It never has been, even though I think Gohan has thought it was for me. I want this Gohan. I want you. Forever."
He finally ended with, "I love you, Gohan."
Goten wouldn't say a word at this point even if someone offered him a fat wad of cash. The next words had to come from
Gohan, who had stopped crying. His body trembled slightly, but the tears were gone, except for what had remained on his
face.
Gohan looked at Trunks, and it was clear to both Goten and Trunks that the words he just heard were everything he wanted
to hear. But there was still remorse and fear.
"I want it too." And two tears fell down either side of his face, Gohan knowing that he had made his decision -- perhaps
a long time ago.
Trunks didn't dare breathe.
Goten looked at his older brother, knowing that he had to say it because he saw the fear on Trunks' face, and honestly,
couldn't blame him. "Gohan, you know what you have to do. And you have to do it today."
Gohan closed his eyes, tears rolling helplessly down his face.
He looked at his brother. "What am I going to say to her? How do I say it? She didn't do anything to deserve this
Goten." Gohan's crying intensified. "And Pan. She's going to be so hurt by this. Please Goten, I don't know how
I'm going to do this." He cried helplessly.
"You have to be honest and get it over with Gohan. Dragging it out is not going to help anyone here. I know them,
Gohan. They are strong girls. It will hurt, but they will be fine in the end."
He cried, his hand pressed to his eyes, sobbing sounds wrenching from him. As afraid as Trunks was over those tears,
knowing how easily things could change against him, his heart did go out to Gohan, seeing the pain he was enduring.
Gohan turned, still sobbing, and headed for the front door. He didn't even look back at Trunks.
Goten gave his friend a wan smile. "No matter what happens, I'll come back. Ok?"
Trunks nodded miserably.
Goten turned to follow his brother out the door.
* * *
Goten watched his brother from behind, as he stood just looking at his living room in tears. The house was empty.
Gohan walked towards the staircase without looking at Goten, but Goten felt compelled to follow.
Gohan entered the bedroom and opened the closet. He reached for an empty duffle bag. He threw it on the bed, and went
to the dresser, beginning to pack away his things.
"Want any help?"
Gohan shook his head "no."
Goten sat on the bed, and saw Gohan's wedding picture on the night table. Gohan looked so young in the photo. He glanced
at his older brother who blindly grabbed pairs of underwear and threw them into the duffle bag.
He still was young.
Gohan wiped at the tears on his face with the back of his hand as he worked, and feeling something glanced at his wedding
ring in despair. He grabbed at it and pulled it off.
Goten felt sad. He knew all of this would just be miserable. But there was nothing for it. He knew the kind of feelings
they were talking about here. Choice hardly was a factor. He felt the air between Trunks and Gohan. It was charged.
It was something that would undo this marriage, either now, or later. It would have happened whether Gohan had acted
on his urges or not. Eventually, something that strong would have made itself known.
He only hoped that the guilt wouldn't destroy his brother.
He knew Gohan well. Gohan ALWAYS tried to please others, to help, to be good. It was a testament to his character that
he managed to be both things that his two opposing parents wanted him to be. Goten guessed that his will just finally
gave out. Maybe Trunks' tears were the best move his lilac headed friend had made because those tears showed Gohan the
pain he would cause the one he truly wanted to be with if he stuck to his marriage vows.
The duffle bag was nearly full, Gohan, emptying practically all of his clothes in it. Gohan stared around the room
blindly, his eyes overflowing with tears.
Gohan reached into a jewelry box and grabbed some of his documents such as passport, birth certificate, etc. He then
placed his wedding ring in it.
Gohan and Goten both heard the front door open downstairs. Gohan looked as if he would be sick. Goten made his way
to the door and glanced back at his brother. They could hear Pan's voice saying something to her mother.
Goten said, "I'm going to tell Videl that you need to talk with her. Then I'm going take Pan out for some burgers.
Ok?" Gohan nodded.
* * *
Goten came down the stairs, Pan jumping up from the couch excitedly at seeing him. He forced a smile. Upon hearing him
talk to Pan, Videl walked in from the kitchen, a packet of noodles in her hand.
"Goten? Have you been here long? Is Gohan here?" She smiled weakly, pain from the night before still evident.
Goten looked at her over Pan's head and she could clearly see that something was wrong.
"I was thinking I'd take this little girl out for a burger and fries." Pan squeeled in delight, already turning to ask
her mother if she could. The look Goten gave her was unmistakable, that he needed to get her out of the house.
Videl fought the urge to tremble all over in fear, controlling her voice to reply sweetly to her daughter. "Sure, go
ahead."
Goten told Pan to wait outside for him. Once she left, he turned to his sister-in-law who looked at him with worry.
"He's upstairs."
Videl wanted to ask him what was wrong, but it was evident that Goten wanted to get out of there.
Once he was out the door, Videl made her way upstairs, fear clutching at her heart.
* * *
At the first sight she had of Gohan, she could tell her marriage was over, as inexplicable and unexpected as it was.
He was a hollow shell, standing in front of a full duffle bag packed with his things.
Tears filling her eyes, she saw the red mark on his hand where he had yanked off his wedding ring.
And then she knew.
It wasn't Goten.
It was Gohan. He was the one with Trunks.
The feeling of realization was like a punch in her gut. He had lied to her. He had been unfaithful.
Videl, walked up to her husband who was a foot and a half taller than her and slapped him across his face. She then put
her hand to her own face in shock at what she had done. She openly wept now.
"How could you?" She asked quietly.
He didn't say anything, tears running from his eyes in rivers. His face white except for a shocking red mark on his cheek
from where she slapped him.
"I'm sorry."
She put her hands up to her ears, and rage contorting her pretty face, screamed at him. "GET OUT! I DON'T WANT TO HEAR
YOUR FILTH!!"
He turned blindly, and grabbed his bag. He looked at her helplessly, but she had turned her back to him, clutching the
dresser for support.
"Will you be all right?"
She barely managed to control herself from flinging every thing in sight at him. "NO, Gohan. I won't be. Get out.
Please." She cried.
He was worried about her, and touched her shoulder. She flinched away as if she were scalded.
"Get out, Gohan."
Gohan couldn't leave yet. "What about Pan?" She turned to him with a hate filled glare.
"Unlike you, I don't plan to hurt her. I'll tell her you had to go to your parents for something and wouldn't be home
for a week. I'll think of something else then."
And then the anger getting to her, her voice breaking in hurt filled tears, "I know! Maybe I'll try the truth with her.
I'll tell her that her Daddy has left us. To be with his ..." And then she broke down, crying so hard her body jerked.
"Videl!" He tried to grab her arm, but she screamed.
"Don't touch me! Please, what ever you do, don't ever touch me again!" She said, wiping at her face.
When he wouldn't move. "PLEASE GOHAN, GET OUT!"
Empty, he turned to go. For the second time in 24 hours, he felt a door slam behind him.
* * *
Gohan walked aimlessly in the rain. He had been doing so for over 2 hours. He had not headed towards Trunks' apartment,
not knowing how to start this new life.
What would he say to Trunks? How would he just walk in with a bag on his shoulder? Gohan remembered what Trunks said,
but he felt so horrible for the pain he caused Videl that he was having a hard time believing anyone would want him.
He walked through a deserted block and only stirred when he felt a strong ki presence upon him.
Goten landed in the puddle in front of him.
Gohan looked at him with despondent eyes.
"Don't you think you've walked around long enough in all of this?"
Gohan shrugged. It was clear he wanted to punish himself.
Goten looked down. "Gohan, it's done. Time to move on. You need to go to Trunks now."
Gohan didn't say anything.
"That's it? Are you going to throw that away too? You didn't just break up with Videl to only take things out on Trunks
and ruin what you have with him, did you?"
Gohan started to cry again. "I can't help but feel if he had only left me alone..."
"GOHAN! Stop this! Don't you dare take it out on Trunks. You chose this. He didn't make you do anything."
"HE COULD HAVE LEFT ME ALONE!!!"
"Did he twist your arm? You said it all started with a phone call - did you hang up on him? Well, did you?"
"No." The rain pelted down on him. It was raining so hard that a steady stream dripped off his chin.
"Well, then, I guess you are equally to blame as much as Trunks. But Gohan, you need to stop punishing yourself -- it
will be hard enough as it is. You have to go through a divorce and then deal with custody of Pan. Don't add to it."
Gohan looked down at his feet, sopping wet in all the rain. Drops of water dripped off his thick eyelashes.
"Go to Trunks. AND DON'T PUNISH HIM! He loves you. You love him. Find comfort in that and move forward."
Gohan looked up at him, feeling it was too good to believe. He deserved the worst kind of pain for what he had done.
"Gohan, PLEASE. Don't do this to yourself. Go to Trunks. Now." Goten was beginning to feel desperate, truly afraid of
the look on his brother's face. The encounter with Videl seemed to have robbed him of all desire for life. Goten felt
if he could just get him to Trunks, and if Trunks acted with the love he had expressed earlier, then there was hope.
Gohan cried, and ran towards his brother, throwing his arms around him. Goten held him feeling what seemed like all the
pain in the world seep out of every pore of Gohan's body.
Goten felt fear grip his heart. He wasn't sure Gohan was going to make it out of all of this.
* * *
Goten had managed to get Gohan to fly after him. Goten now stood in front of Trunks' door, ringing the bell and feeling
like something the cat dragged in. He was soaked from head to toe from all the rain.
Gohan just stood silently behind him.
The door was wrenched open, a worried look on his friend's face. Trunks' eyes lighted on Goten's face only briefly, but
then noticing Gohan, Trunks had only eyes for Gohan.
Trunks walked out to Gohan, and grabbed him by his wet shirt, pulling him inside. Goten followed, dumping Gohan's duffle
bag on the floor by the door.
Trunks pulled Gohan, despondent, over to the couch and made him sit down. He started to remove Gohan's wet clothes, then
turned around, looking at Goten, making it clear that he should leave.
Goten, angry, turned around and left.
He had had enough.
Trunks turned back to his weeping lover, and continued to remove his clothes.
_____
There is at least one more chapter, so don't worry. Hee hee.