A/N: I've still got computer problems, but I can update on occasion. I was feeling down when I wrote this. Hope you like it.

Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or any of the characters, or anything else. Akira Toriyama does.

…

"I'm sorry, Daddy," five-year-old Vegeta whispered.

His response was a hard smack to the side of his small, already bruised face.

"Brat, I'm done with you," King Vegeta snarled, his onyx eyes filled with immense fury and cold hatred as he glared at his son and only child.

Vegeta fell to his knees, but did not cry out. He didn't make a sound.

"I wasted my time with you," King Vegeta growled.

"But, Daddy…" Vegeta began to cry. "I've done everything you asked. I tried to make you happy. Daddy…I love you…"

King Vegeta growled, grabbed young Vegeta by his collar and flung him against the wall.

"ENOUGH!" he roared before turning and storming out.

Vegeta curled into a ball and began to cry. What had he done wrong? Why did his father, the person he completely loved and adored, hate him so much? Had he displeased him? Had he done something that angered his father?

"Daddy…" little Vegeta whispered. "I wish that you would love me again."

Sadly, the small boy's injuries were too great and he succumbed to them.

…

King Vegeta sighed sadly as he looked around what had been his son's room. His son had been gone for almost a week, the longest week of the Saiyan king's life.

"You broke my heart, Daddy," a small voice whispered. "You hurt me, Daddy. And I tried. I tried so hard…"

King Vegeta turned to his dead son's bed. The small prince sat at the foot of the bed, tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Vegeta…" he whispered, walking over to him. Vegeta flinched slightly, but looked at him.

"Daddy, even though you hurt me…I still love you…"

These words tugged on King Vegeta's heartstrings. How could he treat his son so cruelly? And yet, even after everything that the child had suffered through from his father, he still loved him.

The little prince scooted over and hugged his father's arm.

"I'll miss you, but I'll still be here," he said, nuzzling his father.

"I'll miss you too," King Vegeta said, hugging the boy back. "Vegeta, I'm-"

"I'm sorry too," Vegeta said, wiping away his tears. "I should have been a better son. I should have tried harder."

Without another word, the small prince disappeared.

King Vegeta sighed. This could have been avoided, but he hadn't tried.

He made a decision that if he ever had another child, he would not mistreat them.

He promised himself and his dear, departed son.

…

…

What'd ya think? Lemme know.