Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Russian Roulette ❯ Aftermath ( Chapter 4 )

This is the third chapter of my fic, Russian Roulette, set in the Birth of a Prince universe. Sage is used with Talon's permission, and may Kami have mercy on his soul. This chapter is one of my favorites, mostly because I love any interaction between Sage and Vegeta. I was possessed the entire time I was writing this, and I pray that the characters were kept as much in character as humanly (or Saiyjinly) possible. Please let me know what you think…thanks as always go to my sisterful muse, Talon, who lets me play with her chibi, and whom I love and love.

Warnings: A/U, references to the molestation of a child, Sage being adorably angsty, and as always, cursing.

Disclaimer: Don't own DBZ. Don't own Sage. Do own Russian Roulette.

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Russian Roulette

Aftermath

Goku couldn't hear anything over the thunderous ringing in his head. He sat up painfully, holding his nose. It was bleeding profusely, and Goku could tell that it was broken. "Dammit. Kami-fucking-dammit, Vegeta."

"Fuck you, Kakarrot! I'm only sorry that I didn't push your goddamn nose into your brain. Probably wouldn't have hurt a fucking thing…" Vegeta hissed. Goku rose painfully, holding his ribs. Vegeta shoved his mate against the wall with his forearm, pulling back his other arm for another blow.

Goku stared at him blankly, not even attempting to block the punch. Vegeta said, "Feh. Weak bastard. You'll protect that whore, but not yourself?"

"I wasn't protecting her, koi. I was protecting YOU," Goku said.

"I don't need you to fucking protect me, Kakarrot!! I only asked for one thing from you, that you help me defend our children. You couldn't even do that! You always have to give people a chance, a second chance…well, fuck that, Kakarrot! You should have let me kill that bastard, eight years ago! You should have let me Final Flash his ass, then we wouldn't even be having this goddamn conversation! And as for that fucking whore, she's not an innocent in all of this! She knew what he was, and she did nothing to stop it!" Vegeta's screaming was so loud, the windows were vibrating.

Goku replied, softly, "She is a human woman, you could easily have killed her…I couldn't allow that. Not for her sake, but for yours and the children's. I believe that everyone should be given a chance to redeem themselves, Vegeta. Kami knows you've been given a few in your lifetime."

"You son-of-a-bitch!" Vegeta cried, launching his fist toward Goku's head. Goku moved so fast, that even the demi-Saiyjins couldn't see it . Vegeta's hand crashed through the paneling where his mate's head had been resting. Goku powered up slightly, twisting out of Vegeta's hold.

Goku ignored the ravings of his mate, and asked Gohan if Sage was alright. Gohan nodded, and pointed toward the stairs which led to Sage's room. As he stepped away from the group that had formed in the living room, he felt a tiny change in the air, a slight swoosh. It was the only warning he received. The Ouji landed his clasped hands in a harsh blow to Goku's shoulders. The taller man didn't even flinch. His hair blazed golden, as he turned to his enraged lover.

Turquoise eyes stared into onyx, as Goku grasped his koi's arm. "Enough, Vegeta. You want to take your frustration out on me, then we'll go to the gravity room and have it out…later. You're not going to hit me again though. Not here, not now."

Vegeta no Ouji smiled, all innocence, "No?"

"No. You're angry. Hell, so am I. But beating the fuck out of me isn't the answer. You'd be better served trying to talk to your son."

Vegeta's swearing was deafening, but Goku wasn't intimidated. He motioned for Gohan to come over to him. "Gohan, take Videl and Pan upstairs. Pan's upset, I need for you to talk to her as best you can, and explain to her what's happening."

Gohan answered, "Dad, I don't even KNOW what's happening."

"Everything's fine, Gohan. There's nothing for the girls to worry about. Just get them calmed down, and when you can, I need for you to help me with Goten and Trunks. Also, get Videl to call her father. He's got pull…if we need it."

"Hai." Goten said. He brushed past the hysterical Ouji, who had apparently not taken a breath. Goku put a hand out to calm his mate, but it was quickly knocked away. Goku sighed, "Fine. If that's how you want it." He stepped away, careful to keep an eye on Vegeta.

"Bulma. Come here, please." Goku requested, and Bulma did readily. She immediately began to bombard the Saiyjin with questions, which he refused to answer. "Please, stop, B. I'm more concerned with getting Vegeta and the boys settled down. All you need to know is that the school had nothing to do with today's little meeting, and that the bitch got us on tape, admitting to brutalizing Stan Burns."

"What the fuck? Oh my Kami, what are we…" Bulma began to screech.

Goku put his hand to his friend's mouth. "Bulma. Shut up, please. I don't need you having a fit. I busted the recorder, tape and all. But the woman may not be finished. I think I convinced her to keep her mouth shut, but you never know. I want you to get on the phone to anyone who may be able to help us. If some shit goes down, Bulma, we need to be ready to deal with it."

Bulma nodded, saying, "I'll get Dad to help. Goku…what can she do?"

"I don't know. Not much, but we don't really want a lot of questioning going on, now do we? Best to head her off. Go on, Bulma. I'll look after Vegeta and the boys." Bulma laid a chaste kiss on the cheek of her best friend, and flew off to start her calls.

Because of his Capsule Corporation, Mr. Briefs was acquainted with just about everyone worth knowing. Videl's father, Mr. Sataan, was a lesser-known celebrity, but he was familiar with practically every dirty lawyer and judge in the system. He was a fraud, but he was a well-protected fraud.

Goten and Trunks were sitting on the couch, eyes widened at the filth that was spewing out of their father's mouth. Vegeta had not moved an inch. His hands were fisted at his sides, and his head was thrown back. The rage that poured off of him was incredibly disturbing, although the boys and even Goku knew that it wasn't aimed at them. Vegeta had reverted to Saiyjino, but he had taught all of them the language. His vocabulary was astounding, and a few of his epithets were enough to send the teenagers hiding underneath the couch pillows from the embarrassment. Goku heaved a sigh as he took a seat beside his son and bond-son.

"You guys alright?" he questioned, ruffling their hair in turn.

Trunks, blunt as always, asked, "What the fuck's going on?"

"Watch your mouth," Goku said mechanically. Both boys protested at the unfairness, pointing at their father. "But he…"

"He's grown. And he pays bills around here, you don't. Don't curse. It's fucking vulgar," Goku said. The boys giggled hesitantly, then laughter erupted. The duo looked somewhat better after the outburst, some of their tension having bled away.

"Goku-san," Trunks finally asked, "Is Sage okay? He wouldn't talk to us. He just kept telling us to leave him alone."

Goten whispered softly, in awe of the Ouji, who was still going strong in the background. "What's going to happen, Dad?"

"Everything will be fine, including Sage. We'll take care of it. I need you two to be strong for me now. No one is going to take you kids from us, I don't even want you guys to worry about that, okay? As for the rest of it, we've handled it all this time, and we'll continue to." Goku said reassuringly. He patted their hands, and motioned for them to run upstairs. "I want you guys to go find something to do. Go spar, or watch T.V., or play video games, I don't care. I'll be with you shortly, and I'll let you know what's going on."

The boys nodded at the same time, then each bent to hug Goku. He stood up, and held them close to him for a moment. "I love you" he whispered, and they returned the sentiment. Goten and Trunks sidled carefully by the raging Ouji, and then pounded up the stairs to their room.

Goku came to stand directly behind his koi, placing a hand on his arm. "Vegeta. Stop. Stop right now."

Vegeta didn't skip a beat. Goku took him by the shoulders, and leaned into his ear, "Koi. This is not doing any good. I need you to force down your rage, please, so that you can talk to Sage. I can take care of the rest, but only you can get through to Sage right now."

Vegeta stopped his tirade, lungs heaving from exhaustion. "I..I…what the fuck do I say? Tell me that Kakarrot."

"You tell him the truth. That the bitch was crazy, and that he shouldn't believe a word that came out of her mouth. That he didn't deserve what happened to him, and that his fathers will do everything in their power to ensure that it never happens again." Goku said.

"You do it. Please. I can't. I just can't look at him. I want to kill that fucker Burns, and I want to kill that bitch Aycock. I don't…I don't know how to comfort him, to reassure him. I'm not…I'm just not built like that." Vegeta whispered.

"No, koi. You're not naturally given to affection, but then again neither is Sage. Vegeta, I'm just Baka. Fine and good most of the time, but right now he needs something only you can give him."

"What? I have nothing. Nothing that he didn't give me, " Vegeta said.

"Not true. You understand Sage better than any of us possibly could. You know what he's going through. You know how he deals with situations. Vegeta, more than half the time I don't understand you, but Sage always does. Who do you think I go to for Ouji advice? You and he are so much alike, it scares me sometimes." Goku laid Vegeta back against his chest, and his koi didn't fight it. "Baby, this is a fucked situation, I know. I realize that you're pissed at me, but we can hash all of that out later. Someone's got to get through to Sage, and the only person who has ever had any authority over him has been you. You have to make him believe that nothing has changed, that bitch hasn't changed our feelings towards him. He's just like you, aloof and reserved, but on the inside, your feelings are just as vulnerable as anyone's else's."

"Bite me, Kakarrot, "

"Oh Vegeta…you only say it `cause you know I'm right. I'm begging you to do this. Not for me, or for you, but for our baby. For Sage. Please go to him. Or stay here, and I'll send him down to you."

"Do that. I'll…dammit…I'll try…I can't promise miracles." Vegeta said.

"I know, koi, but I've never known you to fail at something once you put your mind to it. I know you can help Sage right now. I'll go up and send him down. And you and I will talk…later…" Goku ended abruptly, quickly dropping a kiss on his mate's cheek.

Goku ran up the stairs, grinding to a halt outside of his sons' room. The boys never slept in their own rooms, just piled together in one large bed. The door was locked, and this was a bad sign, especially in this household. Goku knocked softly, "Sage? Sage, it's Baka. Honey, please let me in."

Sage's voice rang out, "No! I'm fine, Baka. Go away!!"

"Just for a minute, Sage. I won't bother you for long, I promise." Goku added.

"GO AWAY!! I don't need to be babied. I just want to be left alone!!" Sage cried.

"Sage, I don't want to break the door down. I really, really don't. Please don't make me. It'll be messy, and your mother will yell at me. I'd rather you just unlocked it, so I could talk to you." Goku said reasonably.

"DON'T YOU DARE!" Sage yelled at his bond-father, his ki surging. "If you do it, I'll never speak to you again! Dammit, what is there to talk about, huh?"

Goku sighed, long association with both Sage and Vegeta having inured him to their obstinance. "Sage, chukra, a lot has gone on today, none of it pretty. You'd feel much better if you talked about it. You don't have tell me anything if you don't want to. Your father is downstairs, waiting to talk to you."

"How the fuck do you know what would make me feel better? And I'm not talking to anyone. If that lazy bastard wants to talk to me, he can bring his ass up those stairs, same as you did!" Sage exclaimed.

Oh hell, Goku thought, Sage is pissed at his father. It was such a rare occurrence that Goku almost didn't know what to say. Finally, he ventured, "Sage, your father and I aren't fighting, we're okay. And Vegeta didn't come upstairs because he was…well, he didn't want to upset you."

"Goten said he knocked you out!"

"Goten knocked me out?" Goku asked stupidly. He would often break tense situations by saying something incredibly silly. This rarely worked with Sage, though.

"NO, BAKA. Tousan knocked you out!"

"He didn't, Sage. He might have broken my nose a little bit, though. It's not the first time it's been broken, sure as hell won't be the last."

"Well, quit bleeding on the carpet then, why don't ya? I'm not gonna let you in, so you might as well just go fuck…"

On that note, the hinges were wrested from the door frame, and Goku pitched the door into the hallway. "That's quite enough. Can't imagine where you got that sewer mouth from."

Sage was sitting in the window seat, but he jumped to his feet when Goku entered the room, "DAMN YOU!! All I want is for you to leave me…"

His diatribe was cut off by Goku's sturdy embrace. He was wrapped up in those great arms, and nearly pulled off the ground, "BAKA! Cut it out!!!"

"No. I love you, Sage, and I can't stand to see you hurting. And don't start arguing that you aren't. I can feel it in my soul. I can't make the pain go away, baby, but I wish you'd let us help."

Sage started fussing, sounding for all the world like the spitting, growling chibi he had been. "Let me down. Let me go right now, baka. You're really starting to piss me off…"

An imperious voice interjected, from where the door used to be. "Kakarrot, let him be."

Sage jerked out of his bond-father's bear hug, and began trading glares with his Tousan. "What do YOU want?" he asked spitefully.

"For this miserable fucking day to be over with. Seeing as you aren't the Eternal Dragon, though, why do you want to know?"

"I'm gonna throw something, " Goku said, "I really am. You two…quit acting like this."

"Like what?" Nearly-identical arrogant voices sneered.

Goku threw his hands up. "Okay. I give. You come get me when you're finished tearing at each other. I'll see what I can do to pick up the pieces."

"I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP!" both Vegetas screamed. Goku shook his head, laughing. He wasn't hurt by their rejection at all, he knew how extremely proud they both were. The tall man exited, on his way to see after Goten and Trunks.

Father and son eyed each other for a long moment, Sage finally looking away. He sat down in the window seat, pulling his knees up to his chin. "You gonna hit me, too?"

Vegeta no Ouji looked stricken. "Of course not…" he began.

"Why did you hit Baka?" Sage mumbled.

"I was angry. I don't like being forced to do things, and I don't like having control wrested from me. I especially despise having my authority questioned." Vegeta answered truthfully, "I was already consumed with rage at that bitch, and I took it out on Kakarrot. That has nothing to do with you. I would never hit you."

"Why not? You're angry with me…" Sage whispered. He buried his face in his arms.

Vegeta's heart constricted. The child thought that his anger was directed at him. "I am NOT angry with you. You've done nothing wrong, Vegeta. I'm more pissed at myself than anyone else. I let it go on far too long, I allowed that whore to spew her filthy lies."

"What if they weren't lies, then what? What if I really did do something…to make him…to make him…" Sage didn't finish, his question cut off by a sob.

Gracefully, Vegeta slid into the window seat, facing Sage. He placed strong hands on his son's arms, and spoke gently, "You did nothing, Sage. He's a sick bastard, a monster that preys on children. That bitch wants to justify his behavior. You are not at fault. You mustn't blame yourself, son."

"Why me, then? Why did he choose me? There must have been something…" Sage cried out.

"Vegeta. Look at me, " his father commanded. When Sage didn't obey, the elder Vegeta pulled his chin up. "Look at me, please. This is important."

Sage's eyes were unfocused. Vegeta was concerned, and it made his voice harsh. "Sage. You didn't deserve to be hurt. You didn't do anything to bring that upon yourself."

"HOW DO YOU KNOW?!" Sage yelled at his father, "YOU WEREN'T THERE!!"

Vegeta sat completely still, back rigid. One single tear slid down his cheek. Finally, he choked out, "No…no, I wasn't…I should have been…"

Sage's dark eyes widened, and he stammered out, "No! Tousan, that's not what I meant! Please don't cry, oh Kami, don't cry!"

His father's smile was bittersweet, as he touched a hand to his son's face, "Poor Sage. Your world's been turned upside down today, hasn't it? I know what you meant. Son, you have every right to be angry, especially with me. I failed you miserably…I had hoped that you would never go through…what I went through."

"Tousan, I don't blame you! I kept it a secret…you couldn't have known."

"That's bullshit. I should have known. I was a fool, blinded by my own power. I was so sure that I could protect you from everything. That I could do what my father had been unable to. I know that some part of you does blame me, Sage, just as a small part of me still blames my father. I understand, " Vegeta said.

"I…I love you, Tousan…I just…why did it happen? I mean, is something wrong with me? Did I really make him crazy, like she said? Maybe something I said or something I did? What if it really was my fault?" Sage asked.

Vegeta answered gently, "I want to ask you a question, and I hope that you'll answer me honestly. Do you think that I was to blame for what Frieza did to me? Did I deserve to be raped, to be beaten, to be humiliated?"

Sage's response was immediate, "NO! Of course not! You were just a chibi!"

"You just answered your own question, chukra."

The younger Vegeta whispered, "I was so scared…so scared that you wouldn't love me anymore. I kept thinking maybe he was right, that you wouldn't want me as your son. That you'd be ashamed of me if you found out."

"I have never been anything but proud of you, son."

Sage continued, not acknowledging his father's statement, "I let him do it. I didn't even put up a fight. I could have broken him in two, I'm a Saiyjin for Kami's sake. But I just couldn't…"

"Son, the bastard knew exactly what to say to ensure your silence. And when he found out that your tail was a weakness, he used pain to control you. I was impressed that you bore the pain as stolidly as you did, especially after your tail was broken. Shit, I doubt that I would be able to walk after such an injury." Vegeta paused.

He continued, "It took me many years to realize it, but I know that I could not have stopped what happened to me. Nor could anyone else, including my father. It doesn't keep me from being angry. You have every right to be angry, but you shouldn't blame yourself. Sage, I could never stop loving you, no matter what."

"Tousan, do you still have nightmares?" Sage said, attempting to change the subject.

"I do. I imagine I always will. They have lessened with time, as I'm sure yours will. Vegeta, you do know that I love you, don't you?" Vegeta no Ouji was not easily put off.

"I guess. I mean…yes…but, I just don't see why…"

"I know exactly how you feel, Sage. I've felt that way much of my life. Until the day that you were born. I had finally done something right. A beautiful, perfect child. I brought you into this world with my own hands, watched you take your first breath. In you, I finally saw what there was to love about myself."

"Don't lie to me. You had Trunks, and Kassan." Sage spat.

"I'm going to tell you something that I hope you'll keep to yourself, Sage. I love your brother, and your mother, don't ever believe that I don't. But I would not have bonded fully with Trunks, if you had not been born. The immediate connection that I felt to you…I've never had that feeling before or since. You taught me to love…to feel…everything that I have is because of you."

Sage didn't answer, his eyes shining with tears as he turned his face away. Vegeta no Ouji continued, "Never hide your eyes, Sage…you are a prince. And you are my pride. I know that you feel alone. I've been where you are right now…"

"Everyone has somebody…except me. You have Baka…Kassan has Yamcha…Trunks has Goten…Gohan has Videl…but I'm all alone."

"Sage, that isn't true. You aren't alone. You have all of us. You've had us all wrapped around your little finger since your first breath. You feel like that, because you were hurt so badly. Also because you're a teenager. And because you are my son. Before you came, I didn't know what family was. You're fortunate to have so many people that love you, that want to help you." Vegeta said.

"I don't need help," came the predictable answer.

Vegeta chuckled, "You don't, huh? Why am I not surprised?"

"You don't need help…I don't either, " Sage said.

"Who says I don't need help? I was overwhelmed by you and your brothers, hell, I still am! I'm not affectionate, I'm not patient, I don't always know what's best. If it weren't for your mother and Kakarrot, I have a strong feeling that you boys wouldn't have made it through childhood."

Sage giggled through his tears. "Oh, shut up, Tousan. You're all talk."

Vegeta no Ouji smiled, a rare sight indeed. "I am, am I? Hn…you may be right. I seem to have mellowed a bit in my old age. Sage, what I'm trying to tell you is that it isn't a weakness to be helped. I really think that you should talk to someone about what happened to you."

"Why? How will it help to keep bringing that shit back up?"

"It helps more than you know. You don't have to shoulder this burden alone. I want to help you, and your mother and Kakarrot do as well."

"I don't want to bother anyone."

"It's NOT a bother. I didn't realize until today, just how fresh your pain still was. I suppose that we just wanted to believe that everything was alright. You used to write in your journal…why did you stop?" Vegeta questioned.

"Nobody else does, why should I?"

"No one else has been through what you have."

"You have. And you don't have to write it down or talk to anybody." Sage pulled back from his father, resting his head tiredly against the paneling.

"I don't have to, but I do. Years ago, I would not have dreamed of exposing myself to anyone that way. Kakarrot has a way of listening…I've told him things that were so humiliating, I thought he'd never look at me again. He's never once turned away from me. You needn't be embarrassed, you can talk to us."

"I'm not! I just don't want to talk about it."

"I can't make you. That's your decision, Sage. You're so much like me, you hold onto your pain like it's a prize, " Vegeta said.

"It's MINE, and I'll deal with it," Sage growled, "I'd rather go hunting with you and Baka."

"Hunting?" Vegeta said, "We have no intention…"

"Don't lie to me! You're going out after him tonight, aren't you? I want to go with you, it isn't fair for you to leave me behind!" his son exclaimed.

The Saiyjin no Ouji stared at his youngest son for a long moment, then closed his eyes. He exhaled slowly, then said, "Perhaps not, son. You are a Saiyjin, after all. Hell, all this time…we assumed that you would deal with your pain in the human way…it's in your blood, your thirst for vengeance."

"I want to hurt him, Tousan. I want to see him suffer, I want him to fear ME, " Sage hissed.

Vegeta nodded slowly. "No one understands that better than I. And the frustration of not being allowed your revenge. However, you are still too young, you don't have enough control over your emotions. You would kill him, Sage. Believe me, I can barely keep myself from murdering the bastard."

"Why would you want to? Why not just kill him? He doesn't deserve to live, " Sage said.

"No, he doesn't, but I have plans for Mr. Burns. His torment is only just beginning. He lives on my sufferance. He will be allowed to die only when I feel he has paid his debt to you."

"Don't forget me, " Goku's large frame filled the doorway. "As far as I'm concerned, that debt will never be paid." He moved to a place behind Vegeta, leaning heavily against the wall. He continued, "I've been dead, Sage. I've seen Heaven and Hell. That fucker deserves every misery, every agony that can be visited on him. In this life, and the next."

"I want to help you, Baka, " Sage said forcefully, "Let me help you…please?"

Goku laid a hand on Vegeta's shoulder, causing his mate to glance up at him. "Kakarrot…he IS a Saiyjin."

"I know. I would feel the same way if I were in your position. But revenge is a dish best served cold. Give it time…then decide. Nothing comes without a price, Sage, and you may find that it's not one you're willing to pay."

"You and Tousan…." Sage began.

"Have a duty, to protect you and other innocent children like you. You think that you can handle it, that you can cause pain to another being and feel nothing. I'm not so sure. Your Tousan and I are fighters, hardened by battle. Besides, we can harness our rage, use it as fuel, without letting it destroy us. I don't think you're capable of that, yet." Goku said.

"I'll control it, I swear! I'll do whatever you want me to. I just want…dammit, why do you two get to decide? And why do you never ask me what I want? You just assume that you know what's best for me!"

The pair exchanged small smiles. Vegeta spoke, "I could take the easy route, and say simply that I'm your father, and you'll do as I say. I could also point out that I am the Saiyan no Ouji, and as such, your sovereign. However, you're too much like me to buy that bullshit."

The prince took his son's hands and continued, "Kakarrot and I get to decide because you're our child. No, we don't always know what's best. We just have more experience than you do, seen things that you can't even imagine. I hope you never have to make the mistakes that I did, so I've tried to direct you as best I can. And no, I don't ask you what you want, but you're hardly the only one. I don't ask opinions, Sage, of anyone. I was raised to command and old habits die hard."

"You promised…" Sage said, "You promised that you would let me watch. You're going back on your word. You're supposed to have so much honor, but you lied to me."

"I know what I promised." Vegeta said quietly. He didn't say anything more, just looked at the floor. Goku brushed soft fingers soothingly through his mate's hair, saying, "Sage, you aren't ready. This isn't a game. We're talking about torturing a man…it goes beyond a mere beating. You've never witnessed anything like it."

"I KNOW IT'S NOT A GAME!" Sage yelled, "I don't care how bad it is, it can't be worse than what he did to me!"

Vegeta's voice, barely a whisper, "You aren't going. Not this time. I will allow it …in time…if you still want to…but not now."

"When? You said that eight years ago…" Sage said accusingly.

"Sage…I gave my word…but I want you to be sure. Let Kakarrot and I continue watching out for you, for just a while longer. When you're old enough, when you're capable of dealing with it, then you can have your pound of flesh. And I will be more than happy to help you get it."

Sage stared at his father, then said, "Fine. But I want to know what you do to him. From now on, I want to know everything that happens to that bastard. I deserve that much."

Vegeta no Ouji inclined his head and said simply, "Hai." There was a long silence, broken finally by Goku. "Damn, I forgot why I came up here. Bulma has some good news, and I figured you guys would want to know." He took his mate's hand, helping the Ouji to his feet, then did the same for his bond-son.

Sage gasped when he got close to his Baka's face. His nose was swelling, and bruising darkened the bridge of it. "Oh, Baka, your nose!" he cried. He shot a glare at his father.

Rubbing the back of his head with one hand, Goku grinned self-consciously, saying, "It's okay, it looks worse than it is."

The Ouji grasped his mate's chin and surveyed the damage he had wrought. "Hn. I think I straightened it out."

Sage slapped his father's muscular bicep, and pushed him out of the way. "You could have hurt him, Tousan ! Baka, is your head okay?"

Goku was grinning foolishly at his mate, who was smirking widely, "Hai. It's okay, Sage. Might have knocked a few screws loose…"

"Knocked some sense into you, more like. Ever pull a stunt like that again, and you'll find yourself with worse than a broken nose, " Vegeta said arrogantly.

Sage rolled his eyes, "No he won't. Like I said, you're all talk."

Goku started chuckling, then winced as Sage touched a gentle hand to his nose. "Hey, don't touch it!" he yelped.

Vegeta snorted, "Oh, please. You're milking this for all it's worth, aren't you?" A slight smile graced his lips as he motioned for them to follow him. "Really, Kakarrot, I've done far worse to that pretty face of yours."

Both Sage and Goku gasped at that, with Goku rushing to pull his lover into a kiss. "You think my face is pretty?" he asked. To which Vegeta answered, "Well, it was…"

Sage just shook his head, laughing, until Goku grabbed him and began to hug both father and son. "Ahh, come on….stop it, Baka…Tousan, make him stop."

Tousan had trouble complying, all of the air having been knocked out of his lungs. Goku whispered into twin flames of raven hair, "My two Vegetas."

The trio held tightly to one another for some time, with the elder Vegeta being the first to step back. Tears glittered in his eyes, but he turned his face away before the others could see. He looked back a moment later, saying only, "Dammit, Sage. You'll be as tall as I am soon."

Sage grinned at his father, "What are you talking about, soon? I'm already an inch taller than you!"

Vegeta looked insulted, "The hell you are!"

Goku could barely hold back his laughter, choking out, "Leave your Tousan alone, Sage, he's sensitive. You've still got some growing to do, chukra, before you're as tall as your father. Come on, guys, let's go downstairs. I think Mrs. Briefs is cooking dinner, and I'm starving."

Father and son snorted in tandem, which broke Goku's resolve. He burst out laughing, but was stopped by a sharp pain in his skull. He put a hand to the back of his head and whined, "Damn, Vegeta. What didja hit me with, a ton of bricks?"

"I could have Final Flashed you. Ever think about that?" Vegeta said, then kissed his mate's forehead. "Come along. We'll put some ice on that nose, maybe then you won't look like you've gone through a meat-grinder."

Goku started giggling, which sent Sage to chuckling. The trio made their way downstairs, laughing the entire time. The family was gathered in the living room, sprawled across couches and chairs. Bulma stood in the middle, gesturing widely as she talked to Gohan and Videl. She stopped mid-sentence when she saw Sage, and flew over to him.

She nearly knocked her son to the ground with the force of her hug. "Not you, too! Kassan, please, I don't want to be hugged! Oh, shit!" He yelled that last as he was glomped by his three brothers, his bond-niece, and his sister-in-law.

"I'm asking very nicely for you to stop, " he said reasonably. No one responded. A low growl echoed through the room, followed by, "I SAID THAT'S ENOUGH!! GET OFF OF ME RIGHT NOW!" The group obeyed, but all had a look of intense longing in their eyes. The urge to protect Sage from the world was nearly overwhelming.

Bulma smiled at her obstinant offspring, and told everyone to grab a seat. "Okay, here's the deal. I talked with the school superintendent, who confirmed that bitch was NOT acting in any capacity for the school. He assured me that he had no concerns about our family, and he apologized profusely for what happened. That whore is out of a job come Monday morning. Anyway, that's neither here nor there. Dad talked to the police chief, who put out an APB. She was hauling shit out of her apartment, throwing it in her car. She's leaving. However, if she decides to press charges against Goku and Vegeta on her way out, she's gonna hit a dead-end. The chief said that her statement would be taken by him personally, and promptly dropped in the nearest wastebasket. Videl, tell them what your father said."

Videl's clear voice rang out from her place by Gohan, "Dad's got some friends in the police department…dirty guys…anyway, they'll be "escorting" Ms. Aycock from the city. They've got friends in nearby cities, who'll keep an eye on her. Also, just in case, Dad's got his lawyer sitting on ready. If we need him, he's the best."

Goten, Trunks, and Sage were all seated on the large couch, with Sage in the middle of his two brothers. As the adults mapped out their plan of action, the boys were unnaturally quiet. Goten and Trunks kept shooting glances at one another, looking away quickly when Sage turned his dark gaze on them. "What? Why do you guys keep looking at me like that?"

"Nothing. It's just…are you okay?" Trunks queried.

"I'm FINE. You're all starting to piss me off. I'm not made of glass. It was bad, but I'll be alright." Sage said, folding his arms and glaring at his brother.

"Vegeta-san was MAD, " Goten said, quickly changing the subject. This seemed to be the Son method of peacekeeping, "He was making up cuss words. He knocked the shit out of Daddy."

"I know. They made up, though. Sort of. You know Tousan." Sage looked pointedly at his father, who was trying to pretend he wasn't feeling guilty. Vegeta stood up quickly, ignoring Bulma's questioning, and went into the kitchen.

The boys nearly busted a gut when he returned with an ice pack. He fairly launched it at his lover's head. Mrs. Briefs followed close in on his heels. The call to dinner was met with a resounding, "YES!" The family filed into the dining room, sitting in their usual places. Vegeta at the head of the table, Goku at his right hand, Sage at his left. Goten and Trunks sat by their younger brother, Gohan, Videl, and Pan across from them. Bulma sat at the foot of the table, with Mr. and Mrs. Briefs at her left and right hand.

Mrs. Briefs had made double the amount of food, an impressive feat considering just how much the family ate. Roast beef, ham, mashed potatoes, macaroni-and-cheese, string beans…the list went on and on. The older woman had a clueless wisdom, never knowing exactly what was going on, but always knowing the best way to handle it. The adults bantered back and forth, Goku's blackening eyes being the main object of humor. Pan surprised everyone by jumping out of her seat, and throwing her arms around her bond-grandfather, Vegeta. The bridge of his nose turned red, as Pan said, "Leave Grandpa ALONE!! I bet Poppi pissed him off."

"Poppi" nearly fell out of his chair, and made a grab at his traitorous granddaughter. "Hey!! I'm the one who's in pain!!"

"Whine, whine, whine, Kakarrot! Keep on, I'll give you something to whine about!" Vegeta said, smirking at Pan.

She smirked back, saying, "Yeah, Poppi. Quit being such a pussy!"

The whole family facevaulted, excluding the imperious Vegeta and son. The laughter that echoed through the room was healing, and Videl was almost convinced not to punish her daughter. Almost. "Young lady!" she said, tears running down her cheeks, "I'm gonna wash your mouth out with soap! You're grounded, miss!" Pan wasn't upset, the family's smiles were worth it. Besides, she worshipped Vegeta, and loved to pick on her Poppi.

The feeling of closeness lasted for the rest of the evening, but finally, exhaustion overtook the family. Gohan and family decided to spend the night, and they went up to bed at the same time as the teenagers. Goku, Vegeta, and Bulma went upstairs a short while later to tuck in their boys.

Bulma stopped in the middle of the hallway and yelped, "What the FUCK happened to this door?!" Goku put on his best innocent look and pointed at Vegeta. Vegeta said nothing, just looked witheringly at his mate.

The boys were all piled in the bed, Sage off to one side. Bulma kissed each of the boys, who groaned and tried to escape. She ruffled their hair, and tried to tickle them, setting off a spate of giggling. She left the room, wishing everyone good night, and Goku began his nightly ritual of hugs and kisses. "Aren't we getting too old for this?" Trunks ventured, which Goku answered by ruffling his lavender hair.

"No. Never. I'd still be tucking Gohan into bed, if I had my way." Goku said. He sat on the edge of the bed, and told the boys to come sit by him. They did so, questions in their eyes. "Look, guys. Everything's gonna be alright, Vegeta and I have everything under control. Don't want you worrying or losing sleep. Trust that we'll protect you."

"Daddy, what if you go to jail or something? What happens then?" Goten asked. Goku draped an arm around his son's shoulder, and Goten snuggled close to his father. "Goten, there isn't a jail that can hold us. Besides, that woman is not going to do anything. She was scared shitless last time I saw her."

Trunks punched his bond-father's arm playfully, "She was frightened of Tousan, maybe. You're about as scary as a puppy!"

"Oh yeah?" Goku said, tickling Trunks' ribs, "Thought you said that you weren't afraid of Tousan?"

Trunks' eyes widened as he glanced at his father. Vegeta was leaning against the wall, and he raised one eyebrow at his oldest son. "Um, no! That's not what I said!" he yelped, "Turn off the death glare!!" Sage handed him a pillow wordlessly, and Trunks hid behind it, making faces and giggling.

The kids and Goku horsed around for a while longer, even Sage getting into it. Vegeta finally broke in, "Koi. We have to go." Goku acquiesced, kissing the boys one last time. As they moved to leave, Vegeta threw over his shoulder, "Sleep well. You'll be cleaning out the basement tomorrow afternoon."

"WHAT?!?"

Vegeta turned around and said, "What, do you think I forgot about your little "bet"? I expect the three of you to clean the basement from top to bottom, and anything else your mother can find for you to do."

Trunks was the first to find his voice, "No way!! We weren't the ones who said it!!"

Sage snorted and mouthed the word, "Traitor".

With a look of total innocence, Goten said, "Do we really?", then hid behind Trunks' shoulder, giggling, when Vegeta gave him the "death glare".

"Hn. Don't even try it, Goten. Trunks, I don't give a damn who said it, you're all involved, so you're all in trouble. Sage, at least, had the guts to say it," Vegeta said, causing Sage to smirk imperiously. Vegeta continued, "Which is why he'll be helping his mother afterwards…in the kitchen."

Sage's smirk turned to outrage, "In the kitchen? With Kassan? Tousan, she couldn't cook if her life depended on it. That's cruel and unusual punishment."

"Well, you should have thought about that, " Vegeta said, then shocked them all by kissing each boy on his forehead. "Go to sleep, monsters. See you in the morning."

The giggling started again as they heard Vegeta mumbling, "Damned chibi hentais." Goku was heard whispering back, "They must have gotten it from your side of the family."

The laughter died down, and as his brothers fell asleep, Sage rolled away, facing the wall. Tousan and Baka were going after Stanley Burns, that was obvious. He closed his eyes, imagining the beating that his fathers would be handing out tonight. In his mind, he was there, helping them, feeling that bastard's bones shattering, hearing his moans of pain mingle with his screams of terror. The smell of blood, its thin, coppery taste in his mouth. And above all, the power, the complete supremacy over the man who had taken his innocence and his childhood.

To be continued