Chapter Seven

Breaking the Dam

Vegeta POV

I didn't dream that night. Hell, before I slipped off to sleep, I don't think I had a particular thought. It was strange to me, but I wasn't bothered. It felt nice to just be numb for a little bit. Gohan had completely thrown me off track. I just wanted to be left alone to rot; just for a little bit. But he didn't leave me, and that's when I became numb. I wasn't even sure why, though there was a feeling like something was nudging my brain. But I wasn't bothered to find out what it was. I didn't want to do anything.

Despite the fact that I didn't dream, I felt like I had slept for a long time. As though I had been watching the black behind my eyelids seeing as I had nothing else to think about. I blinked the sleep out of my eyes, squinting slightly as they adjusted to the bright light of the room. The wooden floors were lightly lit and everything white shone dully. I suppose that meant it was still morning. I glanced about to see the room. A dresser with an empty vase, a chest of drawers with a couple of hoi-poi capsules on top and a walk-in cupboard. Still the same as yesterday. Well, except maybe for the capsules.

I sighed. Part of me wanted to get up and do something, like look what was inside those capsules. But most of me just didn't want to move. I felt so numb to my body that it should have been scary, but I wasn't really cared. I could feel my arms and legs, but despite my thoughts for them to move, they just lay where they were; lazy like I was. Not that I tried my best to move. I suppose they weren't moving because I had no ambition to get up. Not it mattered, anyways. All I wanted to do right then was to lie on the bed, stare unblinkingly up at the stark ceiling and vegetate into the mattress.

As I stared, I noticed that the ceiling was as stark as it first appeared to be. Well, at least now I had little things to focus on. The more I stared, the louder a certain high pitched humming noise droned on in my ears. A little fleck of grey here. A spot of something yellow there…yellow?

I was so caught up in staring at the bits and pieces on the ceiling (was that…gum? It may have been grey, but there seemed to be a pinkish hue to it…) that I didn't hear the door opening.

"Hey, Vegeta?"

My eyes moved down. Kakarotto stood in the small opening of the door. He looked rather skittish, but I didn't think too hard on that.

"Kakarotto."

"Umm…hey. Are you hungry?"

I shook my head.

"No."

He stared at me for a bit with that strange look in his eyes. I knew it well. It was that same look he wore when I gave him hypothetical questions on situations that called for him to either do the right thing or do what he was supposed to do. His nose wrinkled a bit and his fingers started drumming against the door.

"I…I think you should eat. You haven't had anything since the soup last night and that was a good ten hours ago."

I failed to see his point on this one, but I just tilted my head across the pillow, my eyes never leaving him.

"If you say so." I actually didn't give a damn.

He blinked, as though he was expecting me to throw a tantrum and curse him with all the languages I knew. I would have, but I didn't feel like it. I didn't feel like doing anything. But if he insisted that I eat and fed me himself, then I would have to.

"Oh…um…okay. I just made some runny oatmeal and scrambled eggs. You like orange juice, right?" I gave a shrug. "Okay…well, I'll be back in a second."

I kept staring at the door, listening to his sounds as he did things in the kitchen. A couple of minutes later he returned with a tray with a big bowl of oatmeal and a small plate of eggs. He didn't bring the juice, but I didn't care. At first, he looked like he was going to place it in front of me, but had second thoughts about it. He set it down on the dresser and propped me up against the pillow, just like Gohan had done. Some part inside my chest twinged at being treated like an invalid, but I had made no movements myself to sit up properly so I had no reason to feel angry at being treated like a baby. Especially since I was so limp I could be compared to a ragdoll. After this little display, I guess Kakarotto realized that placing the food in front of me wasn't going to make it go down my throat and, like Gohan, he took it upon himself to feed me.

The first spoonful of oatmeal was hot, and I flinched as it scalded my tongue.

"Oh! I'm sorry, 'Geta!" he apologized. I just shook my head and lay back.

As Kakarotto fed me, I found myself comparing the two. Kakarotto looked very nervous and skittish and I knew it wasn't because he was worried about feeding me too hot food again. He looked like at the first movement I made he'd go running for the hills. Gohan, on the other hand, looked more than eager to help me. He fussed over me like his mother did to him and I suppose that was where he got it from. It was still odd, though, seeing as I used to be the most likely to go psycho again on his little list. But he looked like he enjoyed it terribly, and not in a sadistic way, either. Like he liked helping…me. Kakarotto had a painful look etched into his face like he would rather be fighting Coola, Brolly and Super Thirteen all over again rather than feed me.

But as spoon after spoon touched my lips, he seemed to relax a little bit more. He didn't look so fearful. I supposed the only reason he looked so anxious before was because he didn't know what to expect of me. Suddenly, I noticed that even though the oats had cooled down to a nice warm temperature, he still gently blew on it to make sure. For some reason that made something else stir in my chest and my heart gave a funny thump. As I swallowed the next spoonful, I found myself tasting it for a change. It was milky and runny; he wasn't joking about that. But it was creamy, too, like he added a dollop of cream just to add to the richness. I could also taste…cinnamon? Or was it nutmeg? A few more spoons and I could define that it was definitely cinnamon. I began to then think about the fact that it was Kakarotto who made this meal for me. At least, it had to have been. Using my senses I searched out and sniffed for the others. Goten's scent was faint as was Gohan's, but that was just remnants from when they were last in the room. And they definitely didn't have a helper; I couldn't smell the presence of any other non-Saiya-jin. The thought of Kakarotto making breakfast for me made my gut squirm and squiggle, but not in a nauseating way. It bothered me slightly, seeing as I could swear my face was heating up a bit. But I was still relatively numb, so all this felt weak and strained; like the emotions and its implications were desperately trying to reach through to me. That made me all the more uncomfortable.

But as the eggs came (with basil and some grated cheddar on top), I pushed the thoughts to the side. I still wanted to feel numb. I knew it wasn't a good thing, but I wanted it anyways.

As soon as the last bit of egg had been swallowed, Kakarotto gave a sigh. I guess that meant he was happy that it was all over.

"That's great, Vegeta!" I blinked. "You've finished everything. I was so worried you wouldn't even make it to the eggs, but looks like everything's okay."

I wanted to give a sardonic snort, but I didn't feel like it. Instead, I just shrugged. He looked a little put off by this and I guess he was expecting a sarcastic remark or action as much as I felt like I should give it to him.

"Ah…do you want your juice now?"

"No." I didn't want it. The oatmeal had been runny enough for me to drink it, rather than eat it.

"Okay." He moved the tray from me and then stared.

I lay still for a bit, but after a while and his eyes still hadn't moved from my chest I started to feel a tad uncomfortable.

"What?"

"Do you want a wash?"

"Hmm?"

"Your jersey has got stains on it."

I didn't particularly care if I even had vomit down the front of my jersey, but for some reason I looked anyways. I saw some red splotches that had become dry and flaky; must have been the tomato soup. Also a few flecks of white which had to have been the oatmeal.

"Hmm." I hummed again. I was still pretty nonplussed, but I was moving a little more. Did I care? I don't think so.

"I don't think you've had a wash since you got here," he commented and that struck a chord within me. It was faint, but I could already feel my nose wrinkle in disgust. I suppose it was because I knew it wasn't fresh sweat that had been seeping through my pores from rough and thorough training, but rather bed sweat. The kind of sweat that collected in by the joints and more private areas and fermented into a foul, stagnant stench. Eew…

"I guess…" but I stopped. What did it matter? I was going to just lie here, anyways. I don't think I had the strength to move, despite the meal I just ate.

"I could run you a bath." He offered. "And you could have a nice soak?"

I just nodded. I had no idea what else to do. I knew that Kakarotto knew why I was here, and I knew that he wouldn't turn me away or rub it in my face. But to just know that he wasn't pressing matters or asking prying questions made me feel all more guilty of wanting to just mold into the bed.

Maybe…just maybe I'd let myself feel a little more today.

* * * *

Kakarotto disappeared for a while and I was left to my own thoughts. I decided not to think about anything serious seeing as I decided to lighten up for a while, so I instead turned my thoughts to the previous meal. I knew for a fact Kakarotto couldn't prepare a decent meal; or, at least, one that had to be thoroughly prepared in some way. I may have not been a gourmet chef myself, but at least I could make sauce for pasta. But, then again, oatmeal and scrambled eggs weren't exactly culinary demanding foods to make. They both tasted bland enough and the cinnamon and cheese were simple things to use to spice it up. Rather clever, actually…

He returned a little while later, grinning and smelling like the grass outside. Carefully, he helped me out of bed and onto my feet. I flushed with embarrassment as my knees just buckled as soon as my feet touched the floor. I wasn't so numb anymore…was that I that weak? But Kakarotto didn't snigger or anything. Rather, he put one arm around my shoulder and swung his other under my legs, effectively scooping me up into his arms. A squeak escaped before I could stop it and I flushed a bright red. My legs lay limp and my one arm also hung limply. It appeared the only things that were functioning normally were from the neck up. As he carried me, I suddenly became very aware of our difference in size. Kakarotto had always been bigger than I, but I never thought much about it. I was still as powerful and because of that I felt so much more proud of myself. A short guy kicking the hell out of a big tough guy; a sure ego-stoker, that's for certain.

But now…now I was like a child in his arms! Not only had I shrunken in mass (and therefore, in size) but Kakarotto had buffed up immensely. He looked as though if he went Super Saiya-jin he'd be reminiscent of Brolly in his Densetsu form. The only other occasion I could compare this to, was when Nappa carried me to the medical bay to have my leg mended. I was twenty five at the time, but thanks to Frieza's cellular freezing technology my body was only fourteen years old! That was the last time I let anyone calculate my age; my body couldn't be trusted. If I thought about it, when I met Kakarotto my body was only that of a sixteen year old Saiya-jin. By now I'd only be nearing my thirties! Just the mere thought made me cringe.

I was so deep in thought about the comparison of age and size that I failed to notice that he wasn't leading me to the bathroom. It was only when the bright sting of the sun hit my eyes that I realized we weren't anywhere near the bathroom. He walked around the house, away from the lake and more to the forest. Around the corner was a wooden bath filled with water.

He stopped and I looked up at him.

"I thought that maybe you could enjoy the warm weather." He explained, crooking his neck to the side. I guess this is where his hand would have been scratching his neck, but seeing as it was full, all he could do was go through the motions as far as he could without it. Such a strange habit. "I mean, when you're done you're going to get back into bed, anyways, so I thought bathing outside in the fresh air and sunlight would you some good."

I looked back and saw that the bath was in the shade of house. So much for the sunlight. But I didn't verbally complain. I just nodded and let him get on with it.

Seeing as my body was still somewhat offline (it moved now, albeit very shakily), Kakarotto had to help me undress. I didn't want him to, but I couldn't very well wash myself in a dirty jersey and sweaty pants, now could I? All the same; to have my sweatpants and top so carefully removed made me a little jittery. Each little touch made me want to flinch, but I held back. He had made a move to remove my gloves, but I quickly pushed him away.

"But, how will you wash your hands?"

"I wash them in the water. I…think I have spare gloves somewhere."

He frowned.

"But…"

"Please…" I begged. Don't make me take it off. I can't. Please, don't.

My tone must have been as desperate as I felt; he just blinked and sighed before leaving them. I let the breath I was holding go. I didn't want him to see my hands. No one shoulder. Ever.

Kakarotto picked me up again and gently slipped me into the water. It wasn't hot, but it was certainly warmer than the cool breeze that wafted across the land. I shuddered a bit, shifting about to adjust my body. I could now feel my arms and legs, and the rest of my body, but it felt terribly weak. A burning shame lit up my cheeks as I remembered that I was being weak in front of my rival, but for some reason even though I felt mortified it didn't hurt as badly as before.

"Hey, are you okay, Vegeta?"

I nodded, feeling a little embarrassed to be naked in front of him, even though I was bathing.

"I'm fine."

"Okay. Do you want me to wash you?"

My cheeks flushed even more, but I could do nothing but nod. I sincerely hoped he didn't decide to join me!

Thankfully, my little prayer was answered and Kakarotto just took off his blue undershirt and got a sponge and soap. He started with my chest and neck, slowly and carefully washing each and every bit of flesh. My cheeks were now burning even more! It's not that I liked Kakarotto like that…because I didn't. It was really the feel of foreign hands gently rubbing over my chest that made me feel weird and skittish. He frowned as his hands skimmed over my ribs; I suppose even he hated what happened to me.

Oddly enough, I started wondering if he blamed Bulma or myself? Gohan didn't seem to have much of a care for her anymore; not after his presence at the Big Bang. But Kakarotto wasn't there and he has no idea what went on aside from what Gohan had told him. Maybe he thought the whole thing was some kind of misunderstanding that has escalating into what it did? But it really didn't matter. I had finally had enough and left her, so she was technically out of my life.

But still, as Kakarotto washed me, I could help but remember the good times we had. I had often wondered if she had been cheating on me during those times as well, but I try not to. I'd never know, so why bother going all the way back to nitpick when everything was going so well? I remember when I first saw her; I thought she was a slut. In truth, I thought that failed bandit could have done a lot better. I preferred people with personality and all she had was a damn attitude. But, over time, she had grown on me. I didn't know what it was that drew me to her in the first place, but I remember very clearly that it was her brand of wisdom that caught my attention. She had been caring and understanding to those in need; always ready and willing to run and just be there when the person needed her. Hardly anything terrified her except the destruction of her creations, and I admired that immensely.

But that was all over and done with! As a wonderful person as she was, and is still somewhat, I can never forgive her for doing what she did. She wasn't an airhead like all those other women Yamcha had brought to Capsule Corp, so she knew perfectly well what she was doing. And she had kept at it for two whole years! It wasn't just once. It was many, many times with many, many different men. So she was out of my life! I took in a deep breath and let it out, feeling a nauseating bubbling feeling welling up in the pit of my stomach, and I knew it wasn't the eggs.

As much as I knew that I had to be strong and firm with what I thought, I found that I was still in regret. Bulma did a very bad thing and I didn't deserve to be with her, no doubt about that. But once you've shared many years with a person and raised a child together, it becomes so difficult to just accept that it's…over.

It was no good staying with her; the stress and the emotional blockage was literally killing me, and I could feel it as Kakarotto's fingers counted the humps in my spine. But leaving her still made me feel sick; made me feel like it had all been a waste, like I had been living a God awful lie and this was my wakeup to the real world. I hated her and I wished she would die the most awful death imaginable. But at the same time, the thought depressed me.

"Vegeta? Are…a-are you okay?"

I snapped my head up and blinked rapidly. Kakarotto was looking at me with concern in his eyes; why? I felt something hot trail down my warm cheeks; ah, tears. I was crying…again.

"I-I'm ok-ay," I croaked. It wasn't exactly convincing.

"Vegeta, what's wrong?"

"Nothing. N-nothing's wrong."

"Please, Vegeta, something's bothering you," I turned my head away and stared intently at the soapy water. I didn't want to look at him. I couldn't look at him; not like this! But his fingers cupped around my chin and held my face gently, turning my face towards him. I still didn't look up, focusing instead on the edge of the wooden bathtub. "Vegeta? Please, tell me."

I was silent, but the feel was building up inside my chest. I couldn't tell if I was going to cry or laugh!

"H-how could she do that?" I hissed. "Why? What went wrong? I know I'm not perfect husband material to a human, but that's because I don't know how! I'm a Saiya-jin! I've spent my whole life being oppressed and ruled by a merciless reptile who used me and those close to me as tools to do his dirty work so the blood was on our hands, not his! I wasn't brought up as a human! She knew that! I trusted her and I loved her and she…s-she…that bitch! I hate her so much I just wished she would fall over and die! Both her and that bastard she's carrying! I wished I had killed her on Namek! She knew what she was doing and she did it anyways! What about Trunks? What about me…"

With every sentence and every breath the tears started to flow harder. I wasn't in a fitful state as I was when this all happened and Gohan had to comfort me, but I still felt so weak and sick; it was like every bit of despair within me had been welling up just for this moment and now it was wracking my body and leaking out of eyes. My mind was pulled into the back of my skull and the high pitched noise was back. I vaguely felt Kakarotto climb into the tub with me, but I wasn't particularly cared. I launched myself at him and sat in his lap, clutching his shoulders and burying my face into his orange gi.

For the next ten minutes or so I cried out everything. I just let it all go! Bulma was bad and now gone, and that was that. But it didn't hurt to grieve over the loss. Nappa had told me that after Raditz passed on and I suppose the only reason I've turn out okay after losing two of my closest companions was because I took the advice. Killing Nappa hadn't been easy, but he would have died slowly and painfully otherwise and he knew this. I had hated myself for a long time after that, but I knew that they were much better off in the Other World than here. They had found peace and I was happy for them. Lonely, but happy. Bulma was a different matter, and I supposed that's why it made it all the more harder. But I would grieve over the loss and move on; Raditz wouldn't have wanted me to wallow in misery like I had for the past two years.

My sobs had quietened down to sniffles and soon I stopped crying completely. It had actually felt…good. There was still a sickening feeling lingering at the bottom of my belly and my tongue tasted salty like tears, but I felt a lot better. I suspect it also had something to do with the fact that Kakarotto had been comforting me the whole time. Even though I had stopped crying, he was still rocking me gently in his lap, his hands rubbing up and down my back in a soothing manner. It really helped and I didn't feel any resentment towards him for doing it.

But reality came crashing back to me once I realized that I was very naked and seated in Kakarotto's lap. Granted, he was still wearing his gi, but that didn't make the situation any less…compromising. Let's just it had been a very long time since I had been intimate and now my mind was currently flinging itself in the gutter!

The soothing, rubbing hands suddenly became ticklish and with every touch sent a wave of heat through my skin. I was suddenly aware of his mouth just by my ear, his lips grazing my lobe and hot puffs of his breath wafting enticingly over the shell. I shifted, feeling a little hot and bothered but it just made things worse for me! Moving made me realized that I was sitting in his lap. I was wet and naked and my ass was wiggling in his lap!

Oh.

God…

I coughed and wiggled away.

"Umm…I-I'm f-fine now," I stuttered.

"You sure?"

"Yes. I just…felt so conflicted."

"It's okay. I know that you had to let it out." He paused and shifted closer. "You…want to talk about it?"

I scooted back quickly before I was tempted to jump back into his lap! Oh, Kami…it had been far too long…

"N-no. Not yet."

"Well, when you do you know that Gohan and I are here for you."

I nodded.
"I know." I paused. "Ahm…may I sit out here for bit? While you go change?"

"Huh?"

What? Did the idiot not realize that he had jumped into the tub; gi, sash and…boots! I quickly pulled back my feet. Betraying bastards! Playing footsy without my consent!

"You're all wet."

Mmm…NO! Stoppit!

"Oh…right. Sorry about that."

"I just want to relax a little." Kakarotto looked rather unsure. "I won't drown. Promise."

He still looked skeptical, but gave in, nodding and grinning.

"Okay. You relax out here and soak up as much sun and fresh air as you can. I'm gonna go change." He said as he hauled himself out the tub. "I forgot the towel, anyways…I'll go get that, too!" With that, he ambled back around the corner and into the house.

As soon as he was out of sight, I started thrashing about. What the hell was wrong with me? Just this morning I wanted to become one the mattress, then I was bawling over my ex-wife and now I wanted him to do unspeakable, yet pleasurable, things to me? What. The .Hell! I wasn't just conflicted; I was fucked up! I had made it my own personal law that I would not have sex with anyone or be intimate with anyone unless we were in a committed relationship. My first love had died, so that couldn't be helped. My second one became a cheating whore, so that was that. I could wait until a third one came along. Maybe this one would stay.

But I was not, absolutely not, allowed to rub and wiggle against the person taking care of me just because my body is screaming 'love me, love me'! I was horny, yes I'll admit that. But I didn't want to get horny with Kakarotto! No doubt it'd have also been a long time for him and we would have ended up fucking regardless of the fact that I just had a breakdown and am, more than likely, still emotionally fragile. I could already see where that would have led us.

I shook my head and dunked it under the water for good measure. No, what I did was good; I pushed him away before I let myself get carried away. Neither of us needed more baggage added to this pile and Kakarotto pounding into me would have done just that! Regardless if my body needed it or not, I still had a long way to go before I was okay with it.

But on the other hand, just the thought of rubbing my hands across his broad shoulders and down to his nipples made me shudder with want. They were peaked and up as he got out; I remembered that. I stifled a groan as my imagination started to do its work. I could see myself wrapping my arms around his neck, shifting my hips so that my groin was pressed up against his. He would gasp and call my name and I'd slowly move my hips back and forth. Kakarotto would get the idea and large, calloused hands would rub up and down my back before trailing tantalizingly down to my buttocks, where he'd give them a rough squeeze. I'd moan and rock a little harder in his lap, feeling our awakened cocks rubbing through the material of the coarse gi. He'd lean down and start nibbling and licking my chin before moving up and plunging into my mouth, his one hand coming up to hold my neck as he devoured me; the other hand gripping possessively on my hip as he helped me move as we rutted against each other…

Oh…God no…

I had to stop! I had to stop now! My own cock was aching terribly and it trembled and twitched with every thought. I wanted to reach down and touch myself; stroke my hot cock a couple of times before moving down and cupping my balls and playing with them. But more than that, I wanted to be filled. My hole twitched and ached just as badly as my dick and I knew that if I kept up with my lusty thoughts I would lose complete control over my body and I'd have to orgasm. And who knew how long Kakarotto would be gone for?

I reached over and gripped the edge of the tub, taking in deep breaths; both concentrating and willing my erection away. My body felt so unbearably hot and with each breath both the heat and my erection faded away.

By the time Kakarotto had returned, dressed and with a towel, I was in complete control of my body again.

* * * *

Kakarotto had thoughtfully brought a capsule with my other gloves in them. He seemed confused as I asked him to put me in the bathroom as I put them on, but he didn't argue. I was wrapped up in a fluffy towel and sat upon the toilet seat. He left me to change my gloves and I called him back when I was done. After that, he dressed me in a pair of Goten's sweatpants and a plain white t-shirt. I suspected it was Gohan's, as it had his signature scent on it. Then he tucked me back into the bed. I knew, years ago, I would have been humiliated to have this done by my rival, but now I felt content and rather pleased to be spoilt. He even opened the hoi-poi capsules with all my books in it and brought in a couple of shelves that were unused in the living room.

Nothing else happened. I decided to read while I waited for Gohan. He didn't come home during his break, but I didn't blame him. At least I knew he was working. Kakarotto brought lunch for me, but I was a little more disappointing. I could only manage half of the sandwiches he brought in, but he said it was okay.

It felt…weird and bizarre that I was so at ease with him all of a sudden. When I had admitted to him being the strongest between us, I was still bitter about it. Now it was like it didn't matter anymore. I suppose in the light of all that had happened, being physically strong seemed much less important than being emotionally strong. It was even cruel of me to think this, but I think if Kakarotto had been in my shoes, he'd have been a lot worse.

I was, once again, immersed in a book. I knew I had taken to drowning myself again, but this time is was because I had nothing else to do. My legs were still very weak and Kakarotto had insisted that I stay in bed. He even threatened to tie me down if I became difficult! The nerve! I was really in no mood to fight with anyone, least of all the people who were helping me. I had assured him I wouldn't, but he gave me a skeptical look anyways. I suppose it because he was so used to me fighting that he expected me to throw my usual tantrum of how he was a third-class clown and if he thought he could keep me, the Saiya-jin no Ouji, in bed against my will then he had better think again. To be honest, it must have been a usual thing because even though I assured him I'd be fine and I had every intention of staying in bed, the words formed in my head without prompt. I couldn't blame him, either, for checking in on me every five minutes after I said that.

"Hey, Vegeta!"

I perked my head up at that voice. The smell of crushed leaves invaded my senses again. Gohan was home. He was standing the doorway, dressed quite immaculately in a casual dress pants and a brown shirt. He actually looked…handsome. Very handsome. Why hadn't I noticed it before?

He strode over to my bed and grinned. It was something like Kakarotto's, only much more relaxed; a flash of pearly white teeth and a bit of gum, exposing Saiya-jin canines.

"How have you been? Are you feeling better?"

I nodded. I really was.

"Yes. Very much."

"Did dad feed you?" he suddenly blanched at the words that came out of his mouth; looking horrified. I knew what it sounded like; like I was some sort of invalid or pet that needed constant attention, which was highly insulting. But I knew what he meant and that he was only looking out for my wellbeing. As much as this was an opening to get back to the snippy and stubborn Saiya-jin that I was, I was scared that it would lead back into a decline. I was already as skinny as a rake; I didn't want to die looking like one!

"Yes. Kakarotto came in with breakfast this morning. He fed me lunch when you didn't come home."

"I'm sorry about that," he said, looking genuinely guilty. "But I had to go to Capsule Corp to see Goten."

My heart stopped beating for a moment. Relax, Vegeta, relax. Didn't you say that it was now over between you and her and that you needed to move on?

"O-oh."

"He's been there for a while with Trunks. I just wanted to make sure that everything was fine."

"Goten's a capable young Saiya-jin; he'll be perfectly fine!" I snapped. But as I looked up and saw the guilty look on his face, I quickly lost my anger. It would do no good getting upset just because I was feeling antsy at hearing the name 'Capsule Corp' that implied her and Trunks. Speaking of which… "How…how is Trunks? Is he okay?" I didn't forget the fact that my son had been there when I blew up. I must have looked like a total asshole to him!

"Umm…well," he looked at me for a minute, before sighing and taking a seat on the chair Kakarotto had sat on to feed me. "To be honest, he's not doing that well."

A large lump form in my throat.

"Oh…"

"He's been acting…I don't know how to put this…" he mumbled. "Aggressively towards Bulma."

I blinked.
"Aggressively?"

He nodded.

"I don't think the idea of another sibling by another man went down very well with him. I don't think, in fact, that he's very happy, either, that his own mother did such a thing."

The lump started getting hard and my eyes started to prickle.

"W-wha…"

"Trunks misses you, Vegeta." He said softly. "He wants to come down and talk to you. He asked me to ask you."

"B-but…what about…doesn't he…Bulma…"

"As far as I've seen and what Goten told me in private, he's gone out of his way to make Bulma's life as miserable as possible. He really hates her for what she's done and he's showing no mercy."

I nodded, the lump slowly softening and the tears gently trickling down from the corner of my eyes. I suppose if I were in his position, I would, too. I already felt betrayed by the one I trusted and loved, only to be accused of crimes that she was committing. How would it feel to have been lied to and find out that your own mother is regular whore that makes prostitutes look decent?

"Vegeta," he whispered, wiping the tears with his thumbs. "Please, don't cry. You know Trunks doesn't blame you for any of this." There was a paused as his hands cupped my face, his thumbs gently rubbing over my cheeks. "Do you want to see Trunks?"

I shuddered.

"Yes." I croaked. I wanted to see him; I needed to see my son. I didn't doubt what Gohan had told me, but I wanted to see for myself. We were in the same boat, weren't we? Bulma hurt both of us in such a way that neither of us felt capable of being comfortable in her presence. I wouldn't want to be within 10 meters of her and Trunks was aiming to make her life a living hell. Besides, I knew he needed me more I needed anyone else right now. I don't think he feels like he could trust anyone else; not even Goten.

Gohan gave a small smile. His hands were still cupping my face and his thumbs were still rubbing over my cheeks. I shivered slightly at the sensation as little tingles wiggled down my spine. I opened my eyes to find myself staring straight into his dark ones.

I had always known how different Gohan and Kakarotto were, seeing as I was a Saiya-jin and the small details were much more noticeable to me. But I never knew just how different. Kakarotto's eyes, though being in numerous battles of life and death, were still incredibly soft. Gohan's, though filled with youth, had a certain hardened edge. I suppose this was because Gohan had been fighting in life and death battles since he was young as opposed to Kakarotto who had been merely on adventures with battles. Kakarotto had a square jaw and low cheekbones while Gohan's jaw was a little softer and his cheekbone a little higher. Not as high as mine…

I was brought back to his eyes when I heard a small rumble. It sounded awfully…familiar. Hunger? I looked up and found myself swimming in a myriad of emotions. There was concern, worry, a certain amount of admiration and…was that…lust?

It was then that I realized that rumbling was emanating from Gohan himself. Nappa had told me that it was like a growl that one Saiya-jin used to do in order to capture their interest's attention. It was the same thing he had done countless times when I had tried to put him off. I shuddered under the hungry gaze of Gohan; he looked very much like he was going to eat me, and not in the cannibalistic way. Just the mere thought of someone actually looking at me with such interest in his eyes made a warmth spread through my belly and my legs started to tingle. The scent of musk and crushed leaves started to mingle with another scent that was making it rather intoxicating. I gave a whimper as I felt his breath getting hotter and hotter with every puff that he exhaled.

"Okay, I'll tell him."

I snapped out of my daze as Gohan pulled back and grinned at me. I stared blankly for a second before he just gave me another one of his grins and left. My mind was blank for a moment or two, but I soon recalled all the sensations and flushed a bright red.

Did Gohan…does he…

Does he have an interest in me? Does he…like me? Or a better question yet…did I like him the same way that I did him? Was it too soon? I knew I couldn't brush it off as the brat messing with me. I knew he wouldn't do that. And that growl; it was instinctive. A dominate Saiya-jin would do that in the presence of the one he was after as a sort of lure. When Nappa had explained it to me I didn't understand what the big fuss was. And then he used it; numerous times! It was rather like a call that a submissive cannot deny, no matter how they try. At least, if they're interested. If they're not, then the dominant can growl all he likes, the sub won't turn his head in his direction even if he were naked and drenched in chocolate sauce.

And there it was before me. Gohan, the dominant and the one who had an interest in me, was trying to lure me, the submissive, into a courtship.

And damned if I wasn't interested!