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He hadn't noticed it at first, last year Gohan had still been able to sense Dende easily. He was like a grounding beacon that Gohan could always feel for when he was overwhelmed with school or just life in general. It had been that way ever since they were kids! The lookout was like a second home that he'd often run off to when everything just got to be too much.
Over the years he'd obviously felt the slight differences, whether that was just Gohan having to spend an extra few seconds looking or having to focus just a little harder. But he never thought that it would feel like it does now.
Dende feels like he's on a whole other planet and it's driving Gohan mad.
He knows his husband isn't, he knows that Dende is most definitely on the lookout and at this hour he's probably watering his gardens or having tea with Mr. Popo. But Gohan can only faintly sense him! Dende's warm, bright ki that could light up the stars feels like it's being smothered with blankets and pillows.
It feels like when Buu had tried to kill everyone, when he had thought his husband was dead because of his own inability to protect him.
It's uncomfortable.
He doesn't like it. It makes him anxious in a way he can't explain, it's the same feeling he gets right before a big fight, the same one he had those ten days leading up to the Cell Games.
So as soon as he finishes his presentation he immediately leaves work for the lookout. Gohan has always been a very logical person, it's a trait he got from mom, he’s aware of that, especially considering it's the same place he got his teary eyes, heavy heart and worry.
Despite that fact and against all logic he's half expecting Dende not to greet him when his shoes touch pure white tile. But of course his husband is right there, holding out his hands to clasp Gohan's own as he allows himself to land.
“Gohan! How did work go-”
He can't hold back the sigh of relief that slips from his lips right before he throws his arms around Dende. He rubs his nose against the crook of his neck before letting his cheek rest against Dende's shoulder.
In return Dende rests his hands on Gohan's hips, “Is something wrong?” he asks softly, concern laced in his voice. “Did something happen? Everyone's ki is still there…”
For some reason Gohan can't bring himself to answer so instead he tightens his hug on Dende and buries his face into his robes. Dende smells of the lookout’s gardens…it's light and floral, almost like a cold spring day after it rains. His breathing is steady and even, so much so he can count every breath.
After a few moments he finally gives a response, “I can't sense you anymore,” He admits softly. “Well I can. Just…just not that well, you know?”
“Oh really? I didn't think I had enough god ki to stop you from sensing me,” Dende laughs softly as Gohan groans. “If it makes you feel better I did scare Piccolo the other day, so I don't think it's because you haven't been training.”
“Do you...think I'll stop being able to sense you completely this year?”
Dende hums in thought before sadly smiling down at Gohan, “It's unlikely. There's a chance…but I'm not dying! Just because you can't sense me doesn't mean I'm not here.”
“Yeah. I know…”
“What's wrong?…don't be sad!” Dende frowns, he uses both his hands to cup Gohan's face so he can bring their foreheads together. “Don't be sad.” The switch to telepathy manages to somewhat startle him and also makes it nearly impossible not to respond. If he didn't do so willingly he would definitely do it accidently.
“I'll try, it's just different and I don't think I like it- it's like I'm losing a connection with you.”
“Thank you for being honest. I'm so sorry we haven't talked about this sooner. Telepathy might help with feeling connected, I can try to talk with you like this more if you'd let me.”
Gohan shuts his eyes and focuses on Dende's voice as it bounces around his mind, after a deep breath he responds, “Okay…I'd like that, only if it doesn't bother you. I’m proud of you Dende and I'm happy for you, don't feel bad for my feelings towards all this god stuff.”
“You could never bother me, Gohan.”
Gohan can never stay worried for long when his husband is like this. Dende has always been good at soothing people, perhaps it comes from the fact that Namekians are a very communal species. Or maybe these types of things just come naturally to him. Either way Gohan is glad for it.
When he holds him it's like his world hasn't fallen apart time and time again.
Dende only pulls his forehead away to plant soft kisses all along Gohan's face, taking extra care when his husband allows him to leave one on his lips.