Chapter 9

iTrunks was huddled into an oversized hooded sweatshirt and a pair of distressed jeans. He was lounging on his living room couch, his arm draped over the side and the radio remote in his hand. One arm was over his eyes and his bare feet jigged along with the droning voice of Brian Molko. The song was somewhat sombre but just happened to be a personal favourite of Trunks'.

"Trunks?" His father's deep voice could barely be heard over the music, "Trunks?"

The young saiyan sighed, switched off the stereo and went to open the door. His father was stood, along with Gohan, in the dim hallway. Vegeta stood out of Gohan's way.

"Can I come in Trunks?" He asked.

Trunks cocked an eyebrow but slowly nodded his head. He closed the door gently behind the older man. Gohan glanced around as he made his way to the living room. There he sat in a single arm chair. Trunks perched on the couch and watched him.

"Trunks. You're probably wondering why I'm here." Trunks shrugged, Gohan continued, "I'm going to be working with you for the next while. Your father and mother feel that it would be appropriate for you to speak with someone you know, and has been there, rather than a stranger."

Trunks didn't seem amused. He stood up and shook his head.

"What? You want to continue on like this?"

The young man stopped. He lowered his head, paced towards the window and looked out across the lawn. Gohan sat back and crossed one long leg over the other. He watched as the younger saiyan mused over his proposal.

"We can try it. For a while. If you feel it doesn't help we can stop and you can go to a regular doctor."

Trunks turned back to Gohan and shook his head again. He reached for a note pad sitting on the coffee table, scribbled something on it and gave it to Gohan.

'I don't want to go to a doctor.'

"Okay. Well I'm not a doctor, but I have experience and I don't judge. You can tell me anything, and you don't have to talk right away."

Trunks took the pad, scribbled and passed it back.

'I don't think I can talk about it. I am beyond help.'

"You're not you know." Gohan sighed, "Trunks, I'll make you a deal. Whatever we talk about in this room is confidential. Anything. I'll talk too." The younger saiyan slowly approached and sat down, Gohan continued, "I saw a doctor for a while, and then I took a class in it. The guy helped, but I still have bad days. If I'm honest I could do with more help. So, that's why I propose that, I will help you and you will help me. We can get better together."

Trunks looked down at the floor, his hand unconsciously scratching at his arm. Gohan glanced down at the vicious lines appearing on the skin.

"I won't keep anything from you as long as you don't hold back on me. And I certainly won't make any promises I can't keep." He reached out his hand, "So, do we have a deal?"

Trunks hesitated before reaching out and shaking Gohan's outstretched hand.

"Good. That's excellent." Gohan beamed, "Shall we begin?"

10 Nov.

So, they sent in the one person who I consider to be just as screwed up as me. Shit. Dad couldn't take my 'oath of silence' any more and Mom was just sick of me walking around like a freakin zombie. Or so I think.

To be honest, I would rather talk to Gohan than some stranger. We didn't start straight away. Gohan just talked and explained how things would work. I signed a few hand written documents; you know, the usual stuff. I still am not overly happy with the idea though. Gohan wants me to start speaking again, in my own time, but I would rather not. I don't think I even can!

And the cutting myself and eating problems? Well he doesn't have a clue about that yet. But I have a feeling it will come up in the next session. Whenever the fuck that will be.

Jesus. The guy even admits that he is still screwed up himself, so, why the fuck is he trying to help me? It doesn't make sense. It's like the blind leading the blind. He also mentioned something about my lack of speech. Elective mutism or something. He is going to talk more about it next time. Maybe I should record this stuff, it could be useful.

Goten has been asking question too. He never used to but since his brother came back and since Dad started hanging out with Goku outside sparring, he has changed. Pushing me and questioning me. Fuck. Now I have no one to trust or just hang out with. No one who is content with my silence.

Fuck them anyway.