Light Of Willpower [Future Trunks x OC]

35: Lingering Feelings

(January, 783)

"Can I come in?"

After no answer, Trunks still stepped inside Niya's room. She was lying down, facing up at the ceiling. It was the numbness in her eyes that angered him but it also greatly pained him.

Trunks went over and kneeled before the bed. He laid his head on the edge of the bed, staring at her.

After a while, Niya shifted towards him and slipped her fingers into his hair, gently playing with it. She met his eyes and lightly smiled. "What are you doing?"

He blushed at how nice her caresses felt. He swallowed and replied, "I'm checking in on you. I was worried... And I missed you."

Her eyes were softening. "You're too good to me, Trunks. All I do is worry you."

"I have to worry about you," Trunks replied quickly, making his blush again. "I have to, and I want to, because..." He wanted to say that it was because he loved her. "...because I care about you."

He mentally scolded himself, but he also knew that it wasn't the moment to confess his undying love for her.

"I care about you, too, Trunks," Niya smiled. "You're very precious to me," she placed a hand over her heart.

Trunks smiled back. "Can I lay down with you?"

She nodded and scooted.

He tried to lay on the bed, but Niya had to scoot more and the handle of his sword jabbed her.

Niya giggled and Trunks insistently apologized. Her giggles stopped once she saw the handle of the sword. "Trunks, what's that?"

Trunks felt up at the handle. "Oh. I found this sword when I was training the other day. Wanna see?"

She stared curiously. "Sure!" she smiled.

Excited, he stood and pulled out his cherished sword.

Niya's eyes widened as she sat up. "Wow. It looks new. Did you really just find it?"

"Well, honestly," Trunks started, a softness going over his eyes, "I think it was Gohan's. I found it at that spot where we all used to train."

She smiled wearily. "Even if it's not his, I still think Gohan is watching over you and guiding you. Do you feel him near?"

He also smiled and looked at his reflection in the sword. "Yeah."

"I'm happy for you, Trunks," Niya smiled brighter. "Now," she gripped her Red Jewel, "we both have people watching over us."

Trunks turned to her just in time to see the pain flash before her eyes. She had lost her parents, her brother, her sister-in-law, her lover, and her son was...

His grip tightened on the sword.

The sword would make him stronger. He had a piece of Gohan, and Gohan was the strongest hero. Trunks knew that if he ever wanted to free Niya from her pain, he would have to become stronger than the strongest. Only then, could he have a chance at saving the world.

Trunks then sheathed his sword. He went over and held Niya in his arms. He closed his eyes and just held her, breathed her in, felt her heart beat. "Don't be sad, Niya," he felt his resolve. "Your family is with you, and Gohan is with me. Together, we can do anything."

Niya held onto him tight. "Thank you, Trunks," she whispered. "You always know what to say to me."

Trunks lightly smiled. "I do my best."

Although tired, she smiled as well and remained in his arms. He was warm and safe. She soon began to feel sleepy, and she even more so with Trunks' gentle strokes on her head. Since when did he grow so tall?