Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Forgotten tears of a Warrior ❯ Chapter 13 ( Chapter 13 )

I don't own the rights to DBZ, so please don't sue!

A/N: Well, it didn't take me a whole month this time to get this chapter out, but it's all just the same. I want to thank all the reviewers and readers that have remained so loyal to me while I try and weave this story together. You're all so wonderful to me.

I don't think this is my best chapter, I'm not really proud of it per say. But never the less, here it is.

Warnings: None really. Slight lime, some language.

Beta version

Forgotten tears of a warrior -SDPG-SSM

Time stood still as Goku looked into those dark eyes that were mere inches from his own. His lips tingled with the phantom kiss that was brushed across them by Vegeta. Was it just another one of his dreams? Did that just really happen? Confusion swirled in his mind like a giant hurricane. Vegeta kissed him?

"I think your brat has the right idea. Rest, Kakarot." Vegeta slowly stood, averting his eyes toward the door. The gentle warrior nodded his head slowly, fingers still sifting through his son's wild locks. Goku had momentarily forgotten that his youngest was sleeping with his head in his lap.

Vegeta gave a nod, leaving the room quietly, without looking back. He growled to himself, totally ashamed of his behavior in the bedroom. What had come over him to do such a thing? He was coddling the younger warrior, and kissed the baka on top of it all. But the look in those eyes, something deep within those dark eyes told him that small gesture meant the world to Kakarot. There was shock and surprise in those eyes, but something else, something that made Vegeta's stomach flitter. He was seeing the baka in a whole new light. One that showed his need to feel loved in order to feel secure.

'You know Vegeta, I should have stayed dead and none of it would have happened. I wouldn't have to worry about pissing people off anymore, and I'd be safe and taken care of in the other world. This place is too cruel and cold to me now.'

Kakarot's words rang in his head. He now understood what the younger Saiyan had been talking about when he caught up with him after Goten was poisoned. Kakarot only wanted to be loved and cared for like every other person on the planet. After living in fear for so many years with that woman he called a wife, there was no wonder that he wanted to stay dead. He would show the young Saiyan that this world isn't as cruel and cold as he believes it to be. That first kiss had opened the door. Now to break that door wide open, prove to him that his life here was worth it. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he wanted the same thing. He had been alone far too long, and being with Kakarot would eliminate the loneliness that crept up on him. That is if Kakarot wanted that kind of relationship. Vegeta snarled to himself, he wouldn't push the younger Saiyan into something he didn't want. He would not turn out to be the replacement of the psycho woman.

Goku watched as Vegeta exited the room, a frown gracing his lips. He knew that the older Saiyan was now regretting what he had just done. Vegeta showed emotion, a weakness, and couldn't remain in the room with him any longer. At least the prince was showing emotions now, where twenty years ago, he wouldn't dream of seeing anything but anger and pride on the face of Vegeta. But that kiss…was like none other that he had ever received before. He had felt wanted after all the wrongs done to him. But there was a part of his mind that argued with just how wrong it was for that simple kiss to make his stomach flutter the way it did.

"There was nothing behind that kiss. Just sympathy for the broken warrior…" Goku sighed, lying back down into the bed with his son curled next to him. He wouldn't read much more into it. This was something he wouldn't get his heart broken over. It was easier to deal with that way. Heartbreak would only lead to more depression, more thoughts of being completely useless to everyone. Who would want him now in that way? He was getting older. He had his two kids that he loved dearly. But who would want to share the rest of their lives with a man that let a woman dominate and control his every move for years?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

After a dozen or so training bots lay scattered in heaps along the side of the gravity room, Vegeta had called it a less than satisfying session. Each bot he destroyed was done in total rage, rage he felt when he found Kakarot so helpless, the rage he felt as he held onto the younger warrior while Bulma did her tests, the immense outrage of the entire situation. All the rage stemmed from the dark haired woman with a darker heart than Frieza.

The prince inwardly cringed at the thought. The nightmares of Frieza had been dredged up, starting anew since he had found Kakarot. The years of burying the evil thoughts, the lies the Ice-jin spewed from his thin lips. The years that he thought his father didn't care, giving away his only child, the heir to the Saiyan Empire to the cold demon, only to be proven wrong. His father, the king, tried with all his might to save the young prince, but was killed before seeing his cub again.

The years of conditioning as he wiped out whole civilizations, the torture he endured when things went wrong. He would not forget lying in a pool of his own blood for disobeying an order; the days of suffering when he wasn't allowed the use of a regeneration tank. Radditzu had been the one that cared for the prince, wrapping wounds, wiping away the royal blood that spilt.

'Ouji-sama, you will be the one that stops his madness. You are the next Super Saiyan to grace the universe.' It was Radditzu that comforted the young prince through nightmares, predicting that Vegeta would be the one that would stop Frieza's reign of terror one day. But Vegeta wouldn't be the one to realize that dream. It had been Kakarot, a third class nobody that stood up to the challenge on Namek. But that proud third class clown that showed up to slay the monster was now in his bed, void of the fire that once burned brilliantly in his eyes. That Saiyan pride that burned in all of them.

"Watch where you're going, damn it." It was Bulma's voice that snapped Vegeta back from his memories. Porcelain plates and bowls loaded with food clattered together on a tray that she was carrying toward the stairs.

"You're the one that's not paying attention. Where are you going with all of that?" Vegeta snapped, wiping away the beads of sweat that still adorned his arms with a towel.

"I figured that maybe Goten and Goku would be hungry. What's it to you anyway? Not like you care or anything." She growled back just as fiercely. Vegeta's face contorted in anger, his feet moving him to stand in front of the woman that gave him his heirs.

"Don't ever assume that I do not care." His voice was low, his words harsh to Bulma. She gasped, taking a few steps back to put some distance between them. Maybe she did judge her ex wrong. She was sure he was only helping the Sons because he would lose a sparring partner, and Trunks would lose one of the best things that had ever happened to him.

"I didn't assume, Vegeta. You've never cared before, sorry. I was mistaken." She made her way passed the angry Saiyan prince and up the stairs. Tension was running high, too high between the two of them all day. She really didn't need to get on his bad side, especially in such an emotional state. It would only make matters worse.

Vegeta snarled, watching Bulma escape up the stairs and out of sight. She was right. He never did care before what happened to anyone, but now…now was a different story. He couldn't explain it, even to himself why he was acting the way he was. The kiss was still on his mind.

There was an attraction between them. For years, Vegeta blamed the attraction on wanting the younger Saiyan dead, but along the way it had changed. Vegeta never left the Earth as he had planned so many years ago. He stayed, had a family, and protected his family when evil found its way to the blue-green planet on more than one occasion. Kakarot was no longer his enemy, but a trusted ally. As the years went by, he finally admitted to himself that the third class clown was the better of the two. Always had been, and probably always would. Now after all those years, the façade that Kakarot had put up was shattered in the matter of a week's time. Everything that remained a mystery was now starting to reveal itself. Vegeta wasn't the only one with demons of the past to haunt him now.

Warmth surrounded him; his dreams took twisted turns through his head. His happy smile faded along with the images of his sons and granddaughter quickly. An image of his wife took their place, laughing at him, telling him that he was such a disappointment to the family. He shook his head frantically. No it wasn't true. Both of his boys and little Pan looked up to him.

'You're nothing! After all these years, I would have thought that you would have learned by now that you're nothing!'

'You're lying!'

'Am I? You're a complete failure as a father, a miserable stinking monkey that doesn't have a brain. Absolutely worthless! Now shut up and eat!'

'No. You can't make me.'

'What are you going to do? Go to your friends? They won't believe you. Neither will your sons. Now EAT!'

"Goku? Hey, I have something for you to eat. Do you think you can handle some rice and tea?" Bulma asked with a huge smile on her face when her oldest friend popped his eyes open at the mention of food. There was a look in those dark eyes that darted back and forth before focusing back on her.

"Get away from me." Goku's voice was groggy, sleep laden. Bulma took a step forward, tray still in hand with a confused look on her face. What was going on now? Goku moved away from her, jostling his youngest son from his sleep.

"Goku? What's the matter?" The genius' voice was full of genuine concern as she watched Goku tremble and try and get away.

"Dad?" Goten rubbed at one of his eyes, completely confused as to what was going on after being jolted awake. He had forgotten that he had left Trunks' room to come see his father.

"I don't want it! Get it away from me!" An angry arm swung out, catching the tray of food sending it flying in all directions.

"Goku!" Bulma shouted as the food rained down on the three occupants of the room.

"You can't control me anymore! Just stay away from me…don't hurt me anymore!"

Trunks came flying into the room when he heard the clatter of dishes breaking and his mother's shout. It only took him the matter of seconds to shake away the sleep, and pinpoint where the action was taking place. There was food everywhere; his Chibi looked astonished, eyes wide at the scene, his mother in almost the same state.

"That's not Mom. Look, it's Bulma, Dad. She would never hurt you." Goten croaked out, finally catching on to what was going through his father's brain.

"Bulma?" Dark eyes turned back to the woman that was now coated in rice and broth. How could he mistake the blue haired woman for the one that tortured him all these years?

"It's ok, Goku. I'll just have the cleaning bots come up and clear this mess away." Bulma gestured with her arms at all the wasted food that now littered the surrounding bed and floor.

"Come on, Goten. Let's get you cleaned up." The lavender haired prince frowned, reaching out for his boyfriend. He just wished things would go back to normal, or as close to normal could be for them. He felt like he was walking on eggshells now. Always watching what he said or did around Goten in fear of upsetting him. It didn't help when he was awakened that Goten was no longer curled against him in bed. Did he do something to send Goten away from his comfort?

"Yea, it's going to take awhile to get all this rice out of my hair." The dark haired demi replied, giving his Dad one more glance before leaving the room.

"I'm sorry, Bulma. I didn't realize…"

"It's alright, Goku. I understand. Vegeta might not like the fact that you redecorated his room in food, but it's ok with me. Give me a few minutes, and I'll get you some clean clothes and some sheets." Bulma gave her friend a warm smile before closing the door behind her.

The prince snorted as his ex came back down the stairs covered in food. The last time he had seen an image like that was when Bura had flung her strained peas off the high chair in disgust.

"What happened to you? Trip and fall before getting there?" Vegeta asked, toweling his wet hair, fresh from the shower.

"No! Goku just spazzed a little, and knocked the food out of my hand."

"You probably scared him with that ugly mug of yours. I don't blame him." He smirked, gliding up the stairs to check out the damage. He entered his room, a frown etched on his lips. Bulma had upset Kakarot, and it didn't settle right on his mind.

"Kakarot?" Goku looked up from his position on the bed. He knew that Vegeta would be mad at what he saw.

"I'm sorry, Vegeta. I'll be leaving soon, so don't worry." Goku threw back the soiled sheets, blushing when he realized he was still quite naked from the day before. He willed his body to cooperate with him, getting his legs to lift his frame.

'I hate being so weak in front of him.' Goku screamed in his mind as he grabbed up a sheet to cover his form.

"I don't think you'll be going far, Kakarot." Vegeta stated, noticing a slight sway as the younger Saiyan stood.

"Don't want to burden you like I did everyone else for so many years. I didn't mean to scare Bulma like I did." Vegeta quelled the need to snort at the comment.

'He thinks he's a burden? After all the times he's save the day for all these damn weaklings, and he thinks he's a burden? And so what about the onna? She's always asking to have the shit scared out of her for some of the things she does.'

There was a light knock on the door before Bulma poked her head in. She quietly apologized for interrupting before handing Vegeta some clothing for the younger Saiyan and new bedding. Goku gave a nod to his long time friend before she left as quickly as she came in.

"If you'll give me those clothes, I'll be out of your hair faster."

"I don't think so, Kakarot. I think you should bathe first." Vegeta arched an eyebrow at the food still clinging to dark locks.

"Fine." Goku growled out, walking towards the bathroom on the other side of the room. Why wasn't Vegeta in a hurry to get rid of him? It didn't matter now as he entered the white and blue tiled bathroom and flipped the lights on. The mirror caught his attention, his reflection staring back at him. He frowned, not liking what he saw at all. Was that really him?

'Why? Why?'

"Why?" His fists slammed into the giant mirror in front of him, sending the broken pieces of glass raining down on himself. He ignored the warm wetness that dribbled down his arms as he trembled in anger. Anger at himself.

"You won't get your answers by breaking and bleeding all over my stuff. Here." Vegeta turned the shower on, letting it warm up before sticking the younger warrior under the hot spray. Goku just stood there, letting the water pelt him in the face, no longer caring. The water turned pink as it swirled around the bottom of the shower before disappearing down the drain.

'Is he so broken that he can't even take care of himself?' Vegeta mentally surveyed, noticing that Goku hadn't moved from where he was stuck just moments ago.

"Kakarot? Let me see." The dazed thoughts were dashed from the younger warrior when Vegeta entered the shower, gently lifting his arms to look at the small wounds the broken mirror had caused. He couldn't suppress the shiver that ran down his spine as Vegeta's fingers gently traced each hand, and down his forearms. The prince had noticed the tremor, but kept his eyes on the now small trickles of blood. It was nothing serious, just nicks here and there. They would heal by the end of the day.

"Are you afraid of me, Kakarot?" Dark eyes turned upwards, engaging the younger Saiyan's.

"No." The answer was whispered before Goku turned his face away. Why would the strongest person in the universe admit he was scared of almost everyone now? Who would be the next one to abuse him? To use him?

"Lie. Do you think I would treat you the same way that woman has?" Goku remained motionless, eyes turned, watching the hot water bead on the shower door.

"I don't think anyone could out do her in that area." Another whisper drawn from Goku's tight throat.

"I made a vow to you, Kakarot. I will not break it. You and your son are free to stay here. You'll be safe." The anger built up once again in the pit of Vegeta's stomach. He would kill that woman for destroying the man that stood before him.

"I…I can't."

"You will." Vegeta turned Goku's face back, to look into those eyes that held so much melancholy. Gods, the sadness in those eyes. It just simply didn't belong there at all. He would try his hardest to change that look.

'Damn that woman to the pits of hell.' The hand traced the curve of Goku's jaw, fingers slipping through wet locks.

"Don't fear the time of change." The older Saiyan once again brushed his lips across Goku's, waiting for any response, but there was none. Goku's eyes widened momentarily, shocked that Vegeta, his prince, was kissing him once again. Was this for real or some sick joke? A tongue glided along his bottom lip, asking for unspoken entrance to deepen the kiss further. Goku opened his mouth shyly, not sure what was happening, his own tongue timidly touching Vegeta's.

'He's acting like he's never been kissed in this manner.' The prince thought, drawing back on the intimate lip lock, watching as a dark red blush ran across the taller man's cheeks.

"I've never done that…ChiChi would never touch me unless she wanted…" The words stumbled out, the dark feeling of being controlled by that evil woman was creeping back into his thoughts, trying to cloud out the moment that was just shared between the two fighters.

"She won't touch you again, Kakarot. If you don't want this, just say the word. I know the meaning of the word no."

"Vegeta?" The Earth raised Saiyan stifled a sob. Was this all for real? It was almost too overwhelming.

"You don't hate me?" The question was almost lost in the sound of the spraying water, but Vegeta had heard it. His brows drew inward, mulling over his words carefully.

"I did, a very long time ago. You've always had the power that I wanted. But now I realize that power wasn't everything that I needed to be happy."

"I want to be happy again, but I don't think my life will ever be the same."

"You will some day, Kakarot. You have my word on that." A small smile played across Goku's lips. Maybe things would start looking up since he wouldn't have to hide anything again.