Summary: Cell hurts Trunks and Vegeta reacts.

Note: Some pieces taken from canon but I do not own them, just so everyone is clear. Also, it's short and to the point.

Unbidden Emotions

Vegeta couldn't explain it. There were simply no words, or at least no words that he could find in that moment. His eyes were glued to the young teen's prone form and there was nothing he could do to have prevented Cell's attack.

How could I let this happen to my son? He has sacrificed everything for me.

Years spent ignoring the outsider since his arrival and criticizing his very existence (even when this boy is his son, but not his son) and then, the Saiyan prince flies off the handle at the sight of the boy lying on the ground dying.

This Trunks came from a future where he didn't have a Father. A future where his father died shortly before his birth and wasn't there to see him grow. Wasn't there to try and fail numerous times at this strange notion earthlings had called a Family.

I won't give up on him.

That thought was sudden but seemed right even with his doubts.

This Trunks had only Bulma and a world of destruction, death and some small sliver of perpetual hope to see them through the days.

There is still a chance to change things.

Though Vegeta won't admit it, the Saiyan prince has often pitied the boy's life but not known how to make a difference…After all, he barely knew how to love and look after his 'true' son, how was he supposed to bond with the grown, from-an-alternate-world version?

Cell has crossed me for the last time…

Vegeta could put up with the insults to himself, the insults to his race and home…but this slight on his own flesh and blood was not something he could look past and ignore.

No one messed with a Saiyan's family even if said Saiyan was still learning the ropes along with that term.

In those few seconds of inner reflection, rage, despair and guilt, Vegeta concluded one simple thing. Cell would pay even if it cost Vegeta dearly. He didn't think beyond that, didn't know anything but this new goal before taking action.

…Later once the fighting had ended and peace returned, when he had a chance to think upon these events again, Vegeta would discover that despite his lack of acknowledgement, he had unbidden emotions that defied all logic and reason.

Bulma would tease him affectionately and pat his head while saying.

"Of course stupid…it's called love."

A/N: Please review. Maybe 2 more to go and then I can work on my multi chapter AU for DBZ. I will be editing these pieces once I have a chance.