Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Maintaining ❯ Fury ( Chapter 36 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: pixelgoddess 
Bulma stops by. Goku checks out the preparations for the latest threat. And Krillin is there...
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama / Angst / Shounen | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 06.11.2004 | Pages: 5 | Words: 4.3K | Visits: 1.4K | Status: Work In Progress
Bulma stops by. Goku checks out the preparations for the latest threat. And Krillin is there...
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama / Angst / Shounen | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 06.11.2004 | Pages: 5 | Words: 4.3K | Visits: 1.4K | Status: Work In Progress
Maintaining
By Pixelgoddess
Warnings: Yaoi, Yuri. Smut. Violence, rape, angst, sap. A Goku that started out cheerful, but is now as angst-filled as Vegeta. A nice dyke Chichi.
Pairings: Goku/Vegeta, Radditz/Vegeta, Chichi/OC. (Okay, okay, I don't like original characters either, but I think you will forgive me. Besides, she won't mess with your favorite Saiyans at all.) Maybe some other pairs if the mood strikes me.
Summary: Vegeta's life has begun to fall apart, his control slipping away. Will Goku be able to help him hold on, or will he become another victim of Vegeta's past? Yaoi - G/V, R/V, Yuri - CC/OC
Disclaimer: Of course I don't own them. Honestly. How could you think that? I am a goddess, not an extremely wealthy Japanese man.
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Chapter 36 - Fury
Vegeta stood, arms crossed, tail twitching in agitation, watching his companion work through a kata. He had pushed himself away soon after they returned home, embarrassed at how weak he had sounded. Now he didn't want to be touched, didn't want to be spoken to.
He wondered to himself why he couldn't remember getting that mark. He knew the source of almost every scar on his body - memories of beatings and battles. But the one on his shoulder was a mystery to him. He knew he didn't have it when he still lived on Vegeta-sei, but he couldn't remember when it first appeared.
The hint of a memory bothered him. The little bit he recalled told him it was tied to Frieza - how could he forget something like that? What else had the lizard done to him? Why couldn't he remember? Worse yet - what if he didn't want to remember?
"What's she coming here for?"
Vegeta blinked, drawing away from his troubled thoughts at the sound of Kakarott's voice. He looked over to see him watching an air-car land nearby. He sighed and crossed the yard to stand next to his companion. He snorted with amusement as Kakarott's tail coiled around his wrist as he took a step forward, placing himself between Bulma and Vegeta. He wondered if his companion knew how possessive he was behaving - he was surprised he wasn't growling.
"Why are you here, woman?" Vegeta demanded.
"Well hello to you too," Bulma snapped as she stepped out of the vehicle. "Hi Goku." She walked over to the pair and frowned. "Why aren't you guys getting ready for the ship?"
"We-" Goku began.
"The brats and the Namek can take care of it, as long as the ningen stay out of their way. It's not worth our time," Vegeta interrupted. He suspected Kakarott hadn't thought up an excuse - he wondered what the Namek had told the others.
"Okay, okay - you don't have to get bitchy about it." She looked at her watch. "I wish I had known you guys were here - I lost a lot of time flying here when Goku could have just popped over."
"What's wrong Bulma?" Goku asked.
"Oh, Yamcha called - Piccolo's got some bug up his ass about the ship. Wants to know exactly when and where it is going to land."
"Did he say why?" Goku had been keeping an occasional eye on the ship - he hadn't felt any change.
"No. Yamcha said he was in his..." she chuckled, " 'Vegeta-mode'."
Goku laughed, immediately silenced at the glare from his prince.
"What in the hell is that supposed to mean?" Vegeta growled.
"'Do what I tell you and quit asking stupid questions, you damn idiots,'" Goku answered with a grin.
"Kakarott..." Vegeta said threateningly.
"Look, much as would love to stand here and watch you two play tails, I do have work to do. I need to get some things out of the Gravity Room - and no Vegeta, it won't affect anything," she said when it looked like the prince was going to protest.
"Can we help, Bulma?" Goku asked, suddenly realizing how twined his tail was with Vegeta's.
" Well...maybe you could get the food capsules from Chi-chi? That is, if Vegeta will help me get the parts I need. I'd like to get over where they are training as soon as possible to set up."
" Sure," Goku answered, ignoring Vegeta's disgusted scowl. He disentangled his tail before putting two fingers on his forehead and vanishing.
"Alright woman, what are you planning on doing to my Gravity Room?" Vegeta demanded.
"Oh please," she said. "Look, I told you already - it won't interfere with anything. I left in quite a few of the ship components and I need some items so I can track these guys. Is that alright with your highness?"
"Hn," Vegeta answered, annoyed that Kakarott obeyed her so easily. He just glared at her, arms crossed, as she crawled under a console. "Woman, you aren't planning on staying where there might be fighting, are you?"
"Oh Vegeta, I didn't know you cared," she said, voice muffled.
"Whatever gave you that idea? I just don't want you to get killed so I will be stuck with the brat," he answered, smirking.
Bulma crawled out and placed the recovered part in a padded capsule. "I need your help with the next one." She crossed the room. "Can you hold this up while I climb in here? It's too heavy for me - I'd need to rig up some supports."
Vegeta sighed. "Of course woman. This is what I train for."
"Have you guys blown up any more rooms?" she asked, as she climbed down below the floor plate.
He growled at her - damned nosy woman. "None of your business."
"Alright, alright. Don't get hostile. I was just hoping for a good sex story." She climbed out and he let the plate fall with a crash. "If you guys restrain yourselves, maybe I can save the second house."
Vegeta smirked. "Kakarott singed the bedroom."
Bulma froze and stared at him. "Singed?"
"Bedroom. All of it. With ki. During sex." He twitched his tail in amusement, anticipating the sputter of indignation.
"Shit. Why didn't I install cameras?" she said, grinning.
"You wouldn't dare..." Damned woman was supposed to be upset, not amused.
"You've got them in here - why not the house?"
"Woman, have you been spying on me?" he snarled.
"Do you really think I am that stupid?" she snapped, disconnecting the last part.
"I didn't before..." he growled under his breath.
"Idiot. I added cameras so you could review your training. I thought it might help. Didn't I tell you?"
"No, you did not woman."
"Could have sworn I did," she said, placing the third part with the other two and encapsulating them. "Anyway - here. It's self-activated - we're being recorded now - motion sensor. Keeps 500 hours in a memory loop. You can save specific sessions. Otherwise, the oldest is automatically deleted. Does that meet your approval?"
"It will do," he said grudgingly.
"Thought so," she said with a grin. She looked at her watch again. "Why isn't Goku back yet?"
"Kakarott and food. What did you expect?" he said with a grin.
"I wish I could get him to hurry up," she said, following him outside.
"I'll try," Vegeta said, eager to get rid of the annoying woman, and attempted to reach Kakarott through their bond.
Bulma raised her eyebrow, but didn't voice her question.
"He'll be back in a few minutes," he said after a pause.
"You can read each others minds?" Bulma asked in shock.
"Sometimes - usually just a word or two."
Bulma waited a few seconds, trying to decide if there was even a point to the question she wanted to ask. She finally decided to try.
"Vegeta...are you...happy? With Goku?"
Vegeta hesitated, not even sure why he was considering answering the woman. Was he happy? It was such a rare thing for him. This whole issue with the blackouts and the voice filled him with dread. But being bonded to Kakarott? It was... warm... comfortable... safe. Since his home was destroyed, he had given up all hope of being mated. But their bond was so close to what he had imagined that was like...
"Yes."
He was surprised at her radiant smile and the kiss on his cheek.
"Good. I'm glad - for both of you."
Vegeta rubbed the trace of lipstick off and looked at it. "Kakarott is going to growl at you for that."
"No he won't."
Vegeta just smirked - Kakarott chose that moment to reappear. He raised an eyebrow and waited for it. Sniff. Growl. Glare at woman. Realize what he did. Scratch back of head. This possessive streak of Kakarott's was a great source of entertainment.
"Told you," Vegeta said to her.
"Goku?" Bulma said uncertainly.
"Oh...um...sorry about that."
"Goku...could I talk you into IT'ing me? Otherwise it will take me more than an hour to fly there."
Vegeta growled in annoyance. Damned woman had become a pain in the ass. How dare she take up his companion's time?
"Vegeta?"
Damn it - Kakarott wanted to go. Probably wanted to visit with his brats and the Namek - he hadn't seen his oldest for nearly a month... He sighed.
"Go on, Kakarott. I know you want to talk to Green-Bean. Go enjoy yourself for a few hours. Beat the crap out of him for me."
Bulma watched them for a minute then shrugged her shoulders. "Great. I'll be right back. I'm just going to go put the car away."
"Vegeta..." he said hesitantly, "...are you sure? I don't want..."
"I'm sure, Kakorr."
Vegeta looked into chocolate eyes and knew his companion was fighting not to touch him - he had noticed how much it bothered Vegeta to have an audience. He glanced over at the woman, then back at Kakorr with a smirk and purred.
Vegeta ignored her and melted against hot, hard muscles, one hand clutching the front of his shirt, the other buried in black spikes, drawing his companion's lips down to his own. He was immediately rewarded by Kakorr's large hands on his back, pulling him tight against the younger Saiyan's chest, purrs vibrating against him.
He finally broke away, licking his lips, Kakorr's taste in his mouth. He heard his companion - ::I think she is jealous now.:: and saw his lecherous smirk. Vegeta almost ordered him to stay and tell the woman to go to hell, but he didn't - and his companion and the woman vanished.
-------------
"Shit, he never kissed me like that," Bulma said breathlessly when they reappeared.
"You better not," Goku growled before he could stop himself. "You hurt him when you threw him away. He's mine now."
Bulma blinked at her friend in shock. She knew Vegeta was still mad at her - but him? "Um - Goku?"
Goku suddenly realized what he had said and scratched his scar, embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Bulma. I'm not mad at you, really. I'm still having problems adjusting to our bond. I think I start acting really possessive sometimes..."
"This must be some bond..." she said bewildered.
"Yeah," Goku said with a grin, "It's great."
"Goku...I know I hurt him...I'm sorry. But I think you are really good for him - better than I ever was. Vegeta says he is happy to be with you."
"He said that?" Goku asked hopefully.
"Yeah - but I thought you knew."
"I knew - but he's never said-"
Goten and Trunks diving down and screeching to a hovering halt in front of their parents interrupted their conversation. Gohan and Yamcha arrived at a more sedate pace.
"Daddy me and Trunks have been training hard and we've learned all kinds of neat new attacks and we might even get to fight at level three and won't that be cool and Piccolo says we're really good and we even beat Gohan sparring and we've been training at night too and the ki attacks look really cool in the dark and are you going to fight too?" Goten exclaimed breathlessly, bobbing in mid-air.
Goku grinned and caught his floating son, hugging him tightly. "I know - I've felt your kis - I'm proud of how strong you've gotten. But Vegeta and I are taking a vacation because we know you can take care of things for us."
"Hey Dad," Gohan said. "Didn't expect to see you here."
"Just dropping off Bulma - can't stay long. Goten says he and Trunks beat you."
"Yeah..." Gohan answered, blushing, "Sneaky little bastards don't fight fair."
Goku bit back his retort about there being no such thing as fighting fair. Gohan really wasn't meant to be a warrior in the way his younger brother was. And he would have been nastier than he meant to be because of Vegeta's bond influence.
"They are getting tough to beat, aren't they?" Goku said. He noticed Bulma had received a similar greeting from Trunks and a welcoming kiss from Yamcha. His tail twitched as he resisted a resigned sigh when he felt the ki of the others as they landed nearby.
Goku turned around to see Piccolo carefully studying him, Tien and Chaozu nearby, and Krillin...
Krillin scowled at him, before turning to glare at Piccolo. "I thought you said the fag wasn't going to be here," he snapped.
Goku felt sinking dread - was he going to lose more of his friends? Over something he had no control over?
"I-I'm not staying," he stuttered, staring at the ground, tail drooping listlessly.
"What in the hell is wrong with you, Krillin?" Bulma snapped. "You and Goku are supposed to be friends."
"Yeah man," Yamcha added. "So what if he likes guys?"
"So what?!" Krillin shouted. "It's fucking sick, that's what! I refuse to associate with one of those perverts."
Goku just wanted to crawl in a hole, run away, anything. Now his friends were fighting because of him.
"It's okay, Dad." Gohan was standing next to him, arm around his shoulders. "Don't be embarrassed - and don't let him see how much it bothers you. You're in love - it isn't anything to be ashamed of."
Goku turned to his oldest son and gave a relieved smile. "Thanks Gohan."
"No problem Dad. You are allowed to stand up for yourself, you know. You don't have to stand there and take it."
Goku frowned, trying to ignore the shouting and questions going on around him. Something was bothering Vegeta - he was trying to fight it, but he wasn't totally successful. Goku felt Vegeta trying to shield him through their bond - he was starting to recognize when he was being blocked.
"There's no point, is there? It wouldn't change Krillin's mind," he said distractedly, trying to decide if he should go back home now. He wished he could use their bond better - it seemed so much easier for Vegeta. He tried though - ::Vegeta, are you okay?:: He was pleasantly surprised to get a response - ::...okay...train...stay...::
"If he can't accept you for what you are, he isn't your friend," Gohan said.
"That's exactly what Vegeta said."
"I'm agreeing with Prince Ego?" Gohan said with a grin. "The world is going to end."
Goku made a wan smile. It sounded like Krillin was the only one who had a problem - he was sounding angry and defensive now.
"Look Krillin," Yamcha said, "Who he sleeps with isn't hurting anyone. I'll grant you, it is kind of weird to think of Goku with Vegeta-"
"He's WHAT?!" Krillin practically shrieked.
"Yeah," Goten chirped, "My daddy is in love with Trunks' daddy."
"It's cool," Trunks piped in. "I get to see Goten all the time now."
"Krillin," Piccolo said in his slow deep voice, "The only way you would get hurt by those two being together is if you were in the same room when they were having sex."
Goku noticed Piccolo smirking at him and blushed.
"Are you trying to tell me that-," the monk pointed a shaky finger at Goku, "that piece of...trash...is fucking a sick, vicious, evil psychopathic killer?"
Goku felt something twist inside him, hatred and anger raging through him. He growled and leapt at his prey, baring his teeth as the tiny creature squealed in terror. Enough - the asshole would die now. It was one thing insulting him - but he would not tolerate ANYONE insulting his lover! In a heartbeat he had his fingers around the fucking little runt's neck, glowering at him with teal eyes as the bastard twisted and squirmed, feet kicking, as he tried to escape.
"You will not speak ill of my prince, you contemptible hateful little creature! I will show you who is a waste of air," he snarled, coiling his golden tail around the tiny ankles, pissed that one had caught his wrist. He smirked as the annoying little monk's struggles lessened.
"Son!"
"Dad! Stop!"
"Goku! No!"
Someone touched him and he swung his free hand, back-handing whoever it was. Then the damned Namek got in his way, standing in front of him, blocking his view of the little ningen.
"Goku," he said quietly. "Think. Think about what you are doing. This isn't you. Is this what Vegeta would want you to do? You are letting your instincts control you."
"Vegeta?" he breathed. ::Oh GodS! What have I done!:: His hair turned dark as he lowered a gasping Krillin to the ground, not resisting as Piccolo made him move out of the way. He just watched, shaking, as Yamcha helped Gohan to his feet and Bulma moved to the monk's side, feeding him a Senzu.
"I-I'm s-sorry, P-piccolo. I d-don't know wh-what happened..." he stammered.
"I know, Son. That's why I didn't want you here. I was trying to keep you away from this."
"It's just - he said - "
"Son - Go home," Piccolo commanded. "Whatever is going on with Vegeta seems to be affecting you too."
"It's the bond. It's - it's - I couldn't stop myself," Goku said brokenly. When Krillin had spoken he had felt a blinding rage - and just snapped. He glanced over - Krillin was on his feet again, glaring at everyone, cursing and muttering under his breath.
"See? I told you he was sick. He tried to kill me," the monk hissed.
"Shut up Krillin," Piccolo barked, never taking his eyes from Goku, keeping a restraining hand on his chest. "I tried to warn you, but you wouldn't listen. You brought it on yourself. If you weren't such a big-mouthed bigoted asshole, you wouldn't have pushed Goku like that."
"I'm not the pervert-"
"Shut up Krillin," Gohan growled, tail thrashing. "Leave right now. You were the one who started it."
"Fuck you all!" the monk snapped, turning and flying away.
Goku hung his head and crumpled to the ground, unable to stop the tears. His world was falling apart. He had ruined everything. He had tried to kill a friend - former friend - in front of his friends and family. He was crying like a baby and he couldn't stop. His lover was hurting himself and didn't know why. He had fought to maintain control for months - to be strong for both of them - and now he was falling apart himself.
"Shit. Son what's wrong?" Piccolo looked down at his friend with concern. He looked around to see they had an audience. "Bulma, go set up your equipment. Gohan, get everyone fed, and then get back to training. Leave the two of us alone for awhile." He sat down on the ground in front of Goku.
"Alright Goku. Tell me. I've never seen you like this."
Goku took several deep breaths, trying to compose himself. After a few shaky words, everything just started pouring out. It was hopeless - there was no escape. He was upset and it was upsetting Vegeta. Vegeta had become agitated over something and it was coming back through the bond - it was like they were trapped in a huge vicious circle and he couldn't make it stop. He told Piccolo how he had no control over their bond and what it did to him. How parts of Vegeta were washing through him, making him act differently. How he had found Vegeta injured, and how he had been afterwards. Vegeta breaking his tail. Vegeta blacking out. Vegeta's fear of hurting him...
"Piccolo...I love him so much...I just... I don't know what to do anymore. Vegeta needs - we need - help. I'm terrified something is going to happen and I'm going to lose him."
"Son - I don't know much about bonds. Vegeta mentioned them before, but he didn't know either. I guess he never had the chance to learn. Maybe we can figure out a way to stabilize yours - give you a chance to control it. Vegeta's problems may run deeper, but if he cooperates we should be able to do something.
"But Goku - I don't want to, but it will still have to wait. There may be more to this ship than originally expected."
"What? I haven't noticed any change," Goku asked, trying to calm down enough to check.
"It only happened once. There was a huge ki spike, and then it vanished. They might be able to hide their kis. I want to be ready just in case. That's why I want Bulma to figure out exactly when and where they will land - I don't want them to surprise us."
"And because of me you don't have Krillin's - and 18's - help," Goku said dejectedly.
"Don't worry about that Goku - we can deal with it. This had to happen - maybe not as violently - but he wasn't going to change his mind."
"I'm still sorry."
"I know. Now go home. Stay there. Stay with Vegeta - you've been away too long as it is."
TBC ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ
Notes - I know I could have killed Krillin, but think of all the angst and guilt Goku would go through. He has enough problems, trust me. I couldn't cope with that and keep the story focused - so the idiot monk lives.
Twilight-Abyss - I am healthy now and still writing like a mad-woman. We are just about done with the warm fuzzies for now. The next chapter is just about done, and trust me, it isn't warm OR fuzzy.
Webtester01 - I promise to read your story - just been a bit swamped lately. I'm trying to hear how chapter 38 starts - I know what it needs to accomplish, but where to start?
macha - Vegeta has seen how the bond is changing Goku, but he isn't as fast to recognize the difference in himself. He is becoming 'softer'.
jaygoose - Next chapter will have one answer - but no solution in sight...
Sarkywoman - Vegeta will stay put - for now.
suisheu - More about the scar soon...like next chapter. Poor Vegeta - (sob)
Jay - Yeah, no Carrot-kins for Vegeta. (grin) Some secrets will be revealed soon - and Vegeta may not be able to deal with them.
Velvet Curse - Answers to everything are coming - and gee, so is the ship...
Plyric - Ooh - author reviews...very nice. Theories...close on some, off on others. Some answers next chapter. I think they are cute together, and as Vegeta gets more mellow because of the bond they could be more fun.
debbiechan - It is fun to play with their little flashes of telepathy through their bond. I'm not sure if we will see much more of Chichi and Rezu in this story. I know how it is trying to push an author into doing what you want - I became a beta-reader for one and got more input as a result.
Jewel - Yum. Thanks for the chocolate. Hope you are happy with the update. You can tell everyone I did it just for you. (grin)
Elenek - Wouldn't that be a cool toy? I have a big stuffed teddy bear I sleep with. I think Vegeta is a better father than he is given credit for. Answers are coming soon...
By Pixelgoddess
Warnings: Yaoi, Yuri. Smut. Violence, rape, angst, sap. A Goku that started out cheerful, but is now as angst-filled as Vegeta. A nice dyke Chichi.
Pairings: Goku/Vegeta, Radditz/Vegeta, Chichi/OC. (Okay, okay, I don't like original characters either, but I think you will forgive me. Besides, she won't mess with your favorite Saiyans at all.) Maybe some other pairs if the mood strikes me.
Summary: Vegeta's life has begun to fall apart, his control slipping away. Will Goku be able to help him hold on, or will he become another victim of Vegeta's past? Yaoi - G/V, R/V, Yuri - CC/OC
Disclaimer: Of course I don't own them. Honestly. How could you think that? I am a goddess, not an extremely wealthy Japanese man.
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Chapter 36 - Fury
Vegeta stood, arms crossed, tail twitching in agitation, watching his companion work through a kata. He had pushed himself away soon after they returned home, embarrassed at how weak he had sounded. Now he didn't want to be touched, didn't want to be spoken to.
He wondered to himself why he couldn't remember getting that mark. He knew the source of almost every scar on his body - memories of beatings and battles. But the one on his shoulder was a mystery to him. He knew he didn't have it when he still lived on Vegeta-sei, but he couldn't remember when it first appeared.
The hint of a memory bothered him. The little bit he recalled told him it was tied to Frieza - how could he forget something like that? What else had the lizard done to him? Why couldn't he remember? Worse yet - what if he didn't want to remember?
"What's she coming here for?"
Vegeta blinked, drawing away from his troubled thoughts at the sound of Kakarott's voice. He looked over to see him watching an air-car land nearby. He sighed and crossed the yard to stand next to his companion. He snorted with amusement as Kakarott's tail coiled around his wrist as he took a step forward, placing himself between Bulma and Vegeta. He wondered if his companion knew how possessive he was behaving - he was surprised he wasn't growling.
"Why are you here, woman?" Vegeta demanded.
"Well hello to you too," Bulma snapped as she stepped out of the vehicle. "Hi Goku." She walked over to the pair and frowned. "Why aren't you guys getting ready for the ship?"
"We-" Goku began.
"The brats and the Namek can take care of it, as long as the ningen stay out of their way. It's not worth our time," Vegeta interrupted. He suspected Kakarott hadn't thought up an excuse - he wondered what the Namek had told the others.
"Okay, okay - you don't have to get bitchy about it." She looked at her watch. "I wish I had known you guys were here - I lost a lot of time flying here when Goku could have just popped over."
"What's wrong Bulma?" Goku asked.
"Oh, Yamcha called - Piccolo's got some bug up his ass about the ship. Wants to know exactly when and where it is going to land."
"Did he say why?" Goku had been keeping an occasional eye on the ship - he hadn't felt any change.
"No. Yamcha said he was in his..." she chuckled, " 'Vegeta-mode'."
Goku laughed, immediately silenced at the glare from his prince.
"What in the hell is that supposed to mean?" Vegeta growled.
"'Do what I tell you and quit asking stupid questions, you damn idiots,'" Goku answered with a grin.
"Kakarott..." Vegeta said threateningly.
"Look, much as would love to stand here and watch you two play tails, I do have work to do. I need to get some things out of the Gravity Room - and no Vegeta, it won't affect anything," she said when it looked like the prince was going to protest.
"Can we help, Bulma?" Goku asked, suddenly realizing how twined his tail was with Vegeta's.
" Well...maybe you could get the food capsules from Chi-chi? That is, if Vegeta will help me get the parts I need. I'd like to get over where they are training as soon as possible to set up."
" Sure," Goku answered, ignoring Vegeta's disgusted scowl. He disentangled his tail before putting two fingers on his forehead and vanishing.
"Alright woman, what are you planning on doing to my Gravity Room?" Vegeta demanded.
"Oh please," she said. "Look, I told you already - it won't interfere with anything. I left in quite a few of the ship components and I need some items so I can track these guys. Is that alright with your highness?"
"Hn," Vegeta answered, annoyed that Kakarott obeyed her so easily. He just glared at her, arms crossed, as she crawled under a console. "Woman, you aren't planning on staying where there might be fighting, are you?"
"Oh Vegeta, I didn't know you cared," she said, voice muffled.
"Whatever gave you that idea? I just don't want you to get killed so I will be stuck with the brat," he answered, smirking.
Bulma crawled out and placed the recovered part in a padded capsule. "I need your help with the next one." She crossed the room. "Can you hold this up while I climb in here? It's too heavy for me - I'd need to rig up some supports."
Vegeta sighed. "Of course woman. This is what I train for."
"Have you guys blown up any more rooms?" she asked, as she climbed down below the floor plate.
He growled at her - damned nosy woman. "None of your business."
"Alright, alright. Don't get hostile. I was just hoping for a good sex story." She climbed out and he let the plate fall with a crash. "If you guys restrain yourselves, maybe I can save the second house."
Vegeta smirked. "Kakarott singed the bedroom."
Bulma froze and stared at him. "Singed?"
"Bedroom. All of it. With ki. During sex." He twitched his tail in amusement, anticipating the sputter of indignation.
"Shit. Why didn't I install cameras?" she said, grinning.
"You wouldn't dare..." Damned woman was supposed to be upset, not amused.
"You've got them in here - why not the house?"
"Woman, have you been spying on me?" he snarled.
"Do you really think I am that stupid?" she snapped, disconnecting the last part.
"I didn't before..." he growled under his breath.
"Idiot. I added cameras so you could review your training. I thought it might help. Didn't I tell you?"
"No, you did not woman."
"Could have sworn I did," she said, placing the third part with the other two and encapsulating them. "Anyway - here. It's self-activated - we're being recorded now - motion sensor. Keeps 500 hours in a memory loop. You can save specific sessions. Otherwise, the oldest is automatically deleted. Does that meet your approval?"
"It will do," he said grudgingly.
"Thought so," she said with a grin. She looked at her watch again. "Why isn't Goku back yet?"
"Kakarott and food. What did you expect?" he said with a grin.
"I wish I could get him to hurry up," she said, following him outside.
"I'll try," Vegeta said, eager to get rid of the annoying woman, and attempted to reach Kakarott through their bond.
Bulma raised her eyebrow, but didn't voice her question.
"He'll be back in a few minutes," he said after a pause.
"You can read each others minds?" Bulma asked in shock.
"Sometimes - usually just a word or two."
Bulma waited a few seconds, trying to decide if there was even a point to the question she wanted to ask. She finally decided to try.
"Vegeta...are you...happy? With Goku?"
Vegeta hesitated, not even sure why he was considering answering the woman. Was he happy? It was such a rare thing for him. This whole issue with the blackouts and the voice filled him with dread. But being bonded to Kakarott? It was... warm... comfortable... safe. Since his home was destroyed, he had given up all hope of being mated. But their bond was so close to what he had imagined that was like...
"Yes."
He was surprised at her radiant smile and the kiss on his cheek.
"Good. I'm glad - for both of you."
Vegeta rubbed the trace of lipstick off and looked at it. "Kakarott is going to growl at you for that."
"No he won't."
Vegeta just smirked - Kakarott chose that moment to reappear. He raised an eyebrow and waited for it. Sniff. Growl. Glare at woman. Realize what he did. Scratch back of head. This possessive streak of Kakarott's was a great source of entertainment.
"Told you," Vegeta said to her.
"Goku?" Bulma said uncertainly.
"Oh...um...sorry about that."
"Goku...could I talk you into IT'ing me? Otherwise it will take me more than an hour to fly there."
Vegeta growled in annoyance. Damned woman had become a pain in the ass. How dare she take up his companion's time?
"Vegeta?"
Damn it - Kakarott wanted to go. Probably wanted to visit with his brats and the Namek - he hadn't seen his oldest for nearly a month... He sighed.
"Go on, Kakarott. I know you want to talk to Green-Bean. Go enjoy yourself for a few hours. Beat the crap out of him for me."
Bulma watched them for a minute then shrugged her shoulders. "Great. I'll be right back. I'm just going to go put the car away."
"Vegeta..." he said hesitantly, "...are you sure? I don't want..."
"I'm sure, Kakorr."
Vegeta looked into chocolate eyes and knew his companion was fighting not to touch him - he had noticed how much it bothered Vegeta to have an audience. He glanced over at the woman, then back at Kakorr with a smirk and purred.
Vegeta ignored her and melted against hot, hard muscles, one hand clutching the front of his shirt, the other buried in black spikes, drawing his companion's lips down to his own. He was immediately rewarded by Kakorr's large hands on his back, pulling him tight against the younger Saiyan's chest, purrs vibrating against him.
He finally broke away, licking his lips, Kakorr's taste in his mouth. He heard his companion - ::I think she is jealous now.:: and saw his lecherous smirk. Vegeta almost ordered him to stay and tell the woman to go to hell, but he didn't - and his companion and the woman vanished.
-------------
"Shit, he never kissed me like that," Bulma said breathlessly when they reappeared.
"You better not," Goku growled before he could stop himself. "You hurt him when you threw him away. He's mine now."
Bulma blinked at her friend in shock. She knew Vegeta was still mad at her - but him? "Um - Goku?"
Goku suddenly realized what he had said and scratched his scar, embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Bulma. I'm not mad at you, really. I'm still having problems adjusting to our bond. I think I start acting really possessive sometimes..."
"This must be some bond..." she said bewildered.
"Yeah," Goku said with a grin, "It's great."
"Goku...I know I hurt him...I'm sorry. But I think you are really good for him - better than I ever was. Vegeta says he is happy to be with you."
"He said that?" Goku asked hopefully.
"Yeah - but I thought you knew."
"I knew - but he's never said-"
Goten and Trunks diving down and screeching to a hovering halt in front of their parents interrupted their conversation. Gohan and Yamcha arrived at a more sedate pace.
"Daddy me and Trunks have been training hard and we've learned all kinds of neat new attacks and we might even get to fight at level three and won't that be cool and Piccolo says we're really good and we even beat Gohan sparring and we've been training at night too and the ki attacks look really cool in the dark and are you going to fight too?" Goten exclaimed breathlessly, bobbing in mid-air.
Goku grinned and caught his floating son, hugging him tightly. "I know - I've felt your kis - I'm proud of how strong you've gotten. But Vegeta and I are taking a vacation because we know you can take care of things for us."
"Hey Dad," Gohan said. "Didn't expect to see you here."
"Just dropping off Bulma - can't stay long. Goten says he and Trunks beat you."
"Yeah..." Gohan answered, blushing, "Sneaky little bastards don't fight fair."
Goku bit back his retort about there being no such thing as fighting fair. Gohan really wasn't meant to be a warrior in the way his younger brother was. And he would have been nastier than he meant to be because of Vegeta's bond influence.
"They are getting tough to beat, aren't they?" Goku said. He noticed Bulma had received a similar greeting from Trunks and a welcoming kiss from Yamcha. His tail twitched as he resisted a resigned sigh when he felt the ki of the others as they landed nearby.
Goku turned around to see Piccolo carefully studying him, Tien and Chaozu nearby, and Krillin...
Krillin scowled at him, before turning to glare at Piccolo. "I thought you said the fag wasn't going to be here," he snapped.
Goku felt sinking dread - was he going to lose more of his friends? Over something he had no control over?
"I-I'm not staying," he stuttered, staring at the ground, tail drooping listlessly.
"What in the hell is wrong with you, Krillin?" Bulma snapped. "You and Goku are supposed to be friends."
"Yeah man," Yamcha added. "So what if he likes guys?"
"So what?!" Krillin shouted. "It's fucking sick, that's what! I refuse to associate with one of those perverts."
Goku just wanted to crawl in a hole, run away, anything. Now his friends were fighting because of him.
"It's okay, Dad." Gohan was standing next to him, arm around his shoulders. "Don't be embarrassed - and don't let him see how much it bothers you. You're in love - it isn't anything to be ashamed of."
Goku turned to his oldest son and gave a relieved smile. "Thanks Gohan."
"No problem Dad. You are allowed to stand up for yourself, you know. You don't have to stand there and take it."
Goku frowned, trying to ignore the shouting and questions going on around him. Something was bothering Vegeta - he was trying to fight it, but he wasn't totally successful. Goku felt Vegeta trying to shield him through their bond - he was starting to recognize when he was being blocked.
"There's no point, is there? It wouldn't change Krillin's mind," he said distractedly, trying to decide if he should go back home now. He wished he could use their bond better - it seemed so much easier for Vegeta. He tried though - ::Vegeta, are you okay?:: He was pleasantly surprised to get a response - ::...okay...train...stay...::
"If he can't accept you for what you are, he isn't your friend," Gohan said.
"That's exactly what Vegeta said."
"I'm agreeing with Prince Ego?" Gohan said with a grin. "The world is going to end."
Goku made a wan smile. It sounded like Krillin was the only one who had a problem - he was sounding angry and defensive now.
"Look Krillin," Yamcha said, "Who he sleeps with isn't hurting anyone. I'll grant you, it is kind of weird to think of Goku with Vegeta-"
"He's WHAT?!" Krillin practically shrieked.
"Yeah," Goten chirped, "My daddy is in love with Trunks' daddy."
"It's cool," Trunks piped in. "I get to see Goten all the time now."
"Krillin," Piccolo said in his slow deep voice, "The only way you would get hurt by those two being together is if you were in the same room when they were having sex."
Goku noticed Piccolo smirking at him and blushed.
"Are you trying to tell me that-," the monk pointed a shaky finger at Goku, "that piece of...trash...is fucking a sick, vicious, evil psychopathic killer?"
Goku felt something twist inside him, hatred and anger raging through him. He growled and leapt at his prey, baring his teeth as the tiny creature squealed in terror. Enough - the asshole would die now. It was one thing insulting him - but he would not tolerate ANYONE insulting his lover! In a heartbeat he had his fingers around the fucking little runt's neck, glowering at him with teal eyes as the bastard twisted and squirmed, feet kicking, as he tried to escape.
"You will not speak ill of my prince, you contemptible hateful little creature! I will show you who is a waste of air," he snarled, coiling his golden tail around the tiny ankles, pissed that one had caught his wrist. He smirked as the annoying little monk's struggles lessened.
"Son!"
"Dad! Stop!"
"Goku! No!"
Someone touched him and he swung his free hand, back-handing whoever it was. Then the damned Namek got in his way, standing in front of him, blocking his view of the little ningen.
"Goku," he said quietly. "Think. Think about what you are doing. This isn't you. Is this what Vegeta would want you to do? You are letting your instincts control you."
"Vegeta?" he breathed. ::Oh GodS! What have I done!:: His hair turned dark as he lowered a gasping Krillin to the ground, not resisting as Piccolo made him move out of the way. He just watched, shaking, as Yamcha helped Gohan to his feet and Bulma moved to the monk's side, feeding him a Senzu.
"I-I'm s-sorry, P-piccolo. I d-don't know wh-what happened..." he stammered.
"I know, Son. That's why I didn't want you here. I was trying to keep you away from this."
"It's just - he said - "
"Son - Go home," Piccolo commanded. "Whatever is going on with Vegeta seems to be affecting you too."
"It's the bond. It's - it's - I couldn't stop myself," Goku said brokenly. When Krillin had spoken he had felt a blinding rage - and just snapped. He glanced over - Krillin was on his feet again, glaring at everyone, cursing and muttering under his breath.
"See? I told you he was sick. He tried to kill me," the monk hissed.
"Shut up Krillin," Piccolo barked, never taking his eyes from Goku, keeping a restraining hand on his chest. "I tried to warn you, but you wouldn't listen. You brought it on yourself. If you weren't such a big-mouthed bigoted asshole, you wouldn't have pushed Goku like that."
"I'm not the pervert-"
"Shut up Krillin," Gohan growled, tail thrashing. "Leave right now. You were the one who started it."
"Fuck you all!" the monk snapped, turning and flying away.
Goku hung his head and crumpled to the ground, unable to stop the tears. His world was falling apart. He had ruined everything. He had tried to kill a friend - former friend - in front of his friends and family. He was crying like a baby and he couldn't stop. His lover was hurting himself and didn't know why. He had fought to maintain control for months - to be strong for both of them - and now he was falling apart himself.
"Shit. Son what's wrong?" Piccolo looked down at his friend with concern. He looked around to see they had an audience. "Bulma, go set up your equipment. Gohan, get everyone fed, and then get back to training. Leave the two of us alone for awhile." He sat down on the ground in front of Goku.
"Alright Goku. Tell me. I've never seen you like this."
Goku took several deep breaths, trying to compose himself. After a few shaky words, everything just started pouring out. It was hopeless - there was no escape. He was upset and it was upsetting Vegeta. Vegeta had become agitated over something and it was coming back through the bond - it was like they were trapped in a huge vicious circle and he couldn't make it stop. He told Piccolo how he had no control over their bond and what it did to him. How parts of Vegeta were washing through him, making him act differently. How he had found Vegeta injured, and how he had been afterwards. Vegeta breaking his tail. Vegeta blacking out. Vegeta's fear of hurting him...
"Piccolo...I love him so much...I just... I don't know what to do anymore. Vegeta needs - we need - help. I'm terrified something is going to happen and I'm going to lose him."
"Son - I don't know much about bonds. Vegeta mentioned them before, but he didn't know either. I guess he never had the chance to learn. Maybe we can figure out a way to stabilize yours - give you a chance to control it. Vegeta's problems may run deeper, but if he cooperates we should be able to do something.
"But Goku - I don't want to, but it will still have to wait. There may be more to this ship than originally expected."
"What? I haven't noticed any change," Goku asked, trying to calm down enough to check.
"It only happened once. There was a huge ki spike, and then it vanished. They might be able to hide their kis. I want to be ready just in case. That's why I want Bulma to figure out exactly when and where they will land - I don't want them to surprise us."
"And because of me you don't have Krillin's - and 18's - help," Goku said dejectedly.
"Don't worry about that Goku - we can deal with it. This had to happen - maybe not as violently - but he wasn't going to change his mind."
"I'm still sorry."
"I know. Now go home. Stay there. Stay with Vegeta - you've been away too long as it is."
TBC ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ
Notes - I know I could have killed Krillin, but think of all the angst and guilt Goku would go through. He has enough problems, trust me. I couldn't cope with that and keep the story focused - so the idiot monk lives.
Twilight-Abyss - I am healthy now and still writing like a mad-woman. We are just about done with the warm fuzzies for now. The next chapter is just about done, and trust me, it isn't warm OR fuzzy.
Webtester01 - I promise to read your story - just been a bit swamped lately. I'm trying to hear how chapter 38 starts - I know what it needs to accomplish, but where to start?
macha - Vegeta has seen how the bond is changing Goku, but he isn't as fast to recognize the difference in himself. He is becoming 'softer'.
jaygoose - Next chapter will have one answer - but no solution in sight...
Sarkywoman - Vegeta will stay put - for now.
suisheu - More about the scar soon...like next chapter. Poor Vegeta - (sob)
Jay - Yeah, no Carrot-kins for Vegeta. (grin) Some secrets will be revealed soon - and Vegeta may not be able to deal with them.
Velvet Curse - Answers to everything are coming - and gee, so is the ship...
Plyric - Ooh - author reviews...very nice. Theories...close on some, off on others. Some answers next chapter. I think they are cute together, and as Vegeta gets more mellow because of the bond they could be more fun.
debbiechan - It is fun to play with their little flashes of telepathy through their bond. I'm not sure if we will see much more of Chichi and Rezu in this story. I know how it is trying to push an author into doing what you want - I became a beta-reader for one and got more input as a result.
Jewel - Yum. Thanks for the chocolate. Hope you are happy with the update. You can tell everyone I did it just for you. (grin)
Elenek - Wouldn't that be a cool toy? I have a big stuffed teddy bear I sleep with. I think Vegeta is a better father than he is given credit for. Answers are coming soon...