Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Stealing Time ❯ Voices ( Chapter 1 )

A/N: A quick thanks to my friends for the idea and title. And a thanks to the writers of OLTL for the inspiration. This is my second shot at a DB story but my first chapter fic. Its partially AU, yaoi of course, takes place between Z/GT (I'm not even sure) The colors are there to help identify the voices in Vegeta’s head I hope they’re not a problem for anyone. (Crazy, outgoing, charismatic Vegeta that wants to have fun) (Envy and self doubt) (Anger and hatred) (sadness and confusion) (his loving fatherly side)

Warnings: Language, violence, male/male relations (every character)

pairings: Goku/Vegeta, Trunks/Goten, Gohan/Piccolo

Summary: Nightmares, voices, strange feelings, sickness all the things needed to drive Vegeta out of his mind. Feeling like there’s no one to turn to he keeps to himself but that could be what’s truly driving him over the edge.

______________  

Stealing Time

Chapter 1  

'I hear voices, three maybe four of them all speaking at once. I can't make out what they're saying. The tones are low and gruff familiar somehow... wait that’s- its my own voice!. All of them, mocking me! Me the prince of all Saiyans. But why...?'

You're nothing... A washed up nothing... ahahahaha.. Pathetic. How do you live with yourself? You don't belong here... You make us sick! 'What do they mean... I don't... understand. This this isn't real!'

The voices continue rambling in harsh whispers, unheard inaudible words as if they were having a conversation with each other, rather than speaking directly to the Saiyan anymore. Vegeta runs down a narrow passageway. Everything is dark around him, as black as his own irises. He doesn't know where he is or why he is there but he runs faster and harder hoping to reach an end...a light, anything! He runs from the voices echoing through the hollow of his mind. It proves useless as their words begin to grow louder. Going from muffled chit chat to obnoxious laughter.

hahahaha.. 'Stop it.. leave me alone....' hahahaha aahahaha.. 'Shut uuup!!'

He continues running faster and faster into the endless darkness of his nightmare. His foot suddenly comes down onto nothing but air space as the ground beneath him moves away. He stumbles forwards. With no ground to catch him he falls further and further down, "Aah!" shutting his eyes tightly he waits for an impact-

"Huuuh!" The prince is suddenly jerked out of the strange dream, breathing hard and eyes wide. He looks around frantically searching the area for any bit of light and signs as to where he might be. Still in the dream or in the safe confines of his bedroom. The digital clock on the bedside table glows bright green reading, 5:22 a.m. Loud shallow gasp breaking the silence of night eventually calm down to light even breaths realizing he's safe. Vegeta runs an arm across his newly adjusted eyes in an attempt to wipe the sleep from them. Dropping his head into his hands he feels sweat touch his gloveless skin and pulls them away. "Rrr." Flinging the blanket away he stumbles off the bed and makes his way to the bathroom. He was glad to have the bathroom inside the bedroom, not wanting to risk waking the other occupant that shared this domain.

Thanks to the latest home technology of Capsule Corporation, the light flicks on automatically when he steps into the room, causing him to squint at the sudden brightness. Strolling in a bit off balance, still slightly rattled by the dream, Vegeta gets to the sink that sits in the center of a well sized counter top that’s made of black faux marble. The cabinet structure holding the marble top is a wood painted white that's been placed in the center of the back wall. A mirror sits directly above the sink nestled between wooden cabinets, one on either side.

The bathroom in its self is rather high-class with its black painted walls and black and white tiled floor. The sink was a simple polished white color with its large silver faucets. The bathtub (which is separate from the shower) the shower walls and toilet are also white. While scattered black rugs lay on the floor by the sink, bath, shower and lids of the toilet. It was a washroom fit for a prince.

Turning the water on the Saiyin dipped his hands underneath the cool flow cupping them to fill and he splashed the water on his face. He repeated the action twice before drying his hands on the hand towel resting folded on the counter. The raven haired man stared up into the mirror. It was evident that he'd had a rough night from the restless look in his eyes. "Perfect." He grumbled to the unpleasant image of himself. Reaching up he pulled the medicine cabinet open and searched the contents. Finding the bottle he wanted, Vegeta pulled the aspirin down and easily popped the top, dumping two little oval shaped white pills into his palm. He then opened his mouth and dropped them to the back of his throat tilting his head back slightly and swallowed. "Ugh." He shook his head shaking out the nasty taste left over in his mouth. He still hadn't gotten used to the medicines of Earth. The prince then grabbed a small plastic cup from off the counter top placing it beneath the still running water. Filling it to overspill he drank the liquid down causing a loud gulp to sound from his dry throat.

When he'd finished he turned the water off and threw the cup away on his way out, the light going off automatically once he left, Vegeta returned to bed climbing in and lying down waiting for the drug to kick in. He closed his eyes hoping it would help the sleep along but his mind was already being cluttered with distraction. What that nightmare meant and would it return? Why would his own mind mock him in his dreams? These questions and others slowly started fading, however as his own physical need for sleep returned before the pills even began to work. Twenty or so minutes later and the Saiyan prince was out like a light. However, the Saiyan remained restless through the night tossing and turning as the whispers continued to play through his mind. They were just the same as before, harsh mocking laughter and hurtful comments

You're nothing... A washed up nothing... hahahahaha.. Pathetic. How do you live with yourself? You don't belong...

____________  

Beep beep beep.. beep beep beep. A strong hand came down on the high-tech alarm clock pressing the button to silence the noise pollution. "Uugh." Groaning as he turned over on his side blue eyes met red digital numbers. "Almost time for school. Huuuh." A yawn tried to escape the boys mouth but was covered by a hand as he sat up in bed. He slid from the covers revealing a well toned body that flexed when he stretched his sleep weary bones. After doing the usual morning rituals: a quick ten minute workout, showering, getting dressed and making the bed, Trunks left his bedroom.

Descending the stairs leading down into the living room he went straight for the coffee table that held the remote. Picking up the device he turned the television on to one of the local news stations, turning it up loud enough to be heard from the kitchen. Which was where he headed next making his way across the fluffy ash blue carpet that went unfelt by his feet since he was already in sneakers dressed for school. Their kitchen, unlike other parts of the dome shaped capsule, was simple in size. Just enough space for a small group to stand in. A round maple wood table sat center of it all only four chairs circling it. Plastic fruit sitting on synthetic leaves was displayed in a wooden bowl as the center piece.

Going past that to the window behind the sink, Trunks looked out at the new morning sky with a satisfied smile at the outlook of weather. Sunny and cloudy. As he marveled at the scene of flowers blowing from the light breeze and sunlight cascading off one of the training capsules not too far from the house he realized something was missing. He hadn't seen or heard signs of his father anywhere since getting up and it was unlike him to be asleep this long. Turning away from the window the teen looked to the kitchen entrance and right above it was an old fashioned hand clock shaped like a cat. Courtesy of Mr. Briefs who owned Capsule Corp once before. Its the one thing Trunks didn't let Vegeta throw out because he admired and respected the old man. It was because of the Briefs that the boy had so much knowledge of technology and had a new found love of inventing.

It was thirty-six minutes past seven. 'Maybe he's awake and taking his time in the bedroom or bathroom. Or he's been up and left the house already. Goku did mention something about training today. Yeah that's probably it.' With those reassuring thoughts answering his question the lavender haired boy started gathering things for breakfast.

He pulled open the refrigerator and pulled out a carton of eggs, a pack of bacon, pack of cheese and a few random vegetables for topping. Since he was alone with just himself and Vegeta somebody had to feed them and it goes without saying that the Saiyan prince wouldn't waste his time learning such a thing as cooking. So like most of the other basic survival skills, cleaning, maintenance and even decorating Trunks had to learn to cook as well. He didn't necessarily mind, sometimes he even enjoyed doing it, though he was no great chef. And although the man would never say it out loud, Trunks knew Vegeta liked his food and that was enough for him.

Dropping the items onto the counter by the stove he crouched down opening a cabinet taking out the frying pans he'd need. Then pulled open a draw pulling out utensils. Glancing at the clock again he realized he was running out of time and decided to turn that omelet into a bacon-egg sandwich instead. "Maybe I should make two just incase." With that in mind he turned on the burner and went to work, listening to the TV in the other room as he did so.

__________  

Upstairs in the prince's room; Vegeta struggled with the bed sheets untangling himself from the mess he'd gotten into last night. Once free he stood and tossed the bundled mess to the end of the bed most of it sliding down to the floor. He sat on the bed heavily sighing with annoyance. "What a wasteful night." Memories of that stupid nightmare kept playing through his head. Running the dark halls constantly bumping in to walls at dead ends or falling as the floor removed itself from beneath him. Worst of all were- "Those damned voices, my voice!" He stood again in frustration. He didn't know why his subconscious would play mind games with him, although with his past nightmares like this shouldn't be anything too surprising. In those nightmares, however, it was usually someone else doing the antagonizing. That made sense to him, this didn't.

He walked towards the window where thin streams of sunlight ached to get into the room. Yanking the dark blue drapes over and pushing the window open he let the full glory of sunlight glare down on his bare chest. Staring out a moment in thought he figured it'd be better to just let the silly dream go. It was just a dream after all and a new day meant for letting go of the night before. Walking away from the window Vegeta left the room needing a drink, something other than tap water and made his way to the kitchen.

The minute he stepped into the hall the smell of food caught his nose. "Trunks." He stalked his way down the stairs narrowing his eyes at the loudness of the TV that made his minute headache pound a bit. Snatching up the remote that was left on the sofa he turned it off completely. Going into the kitchen he saw his son at the stove finishing up whatever it was he'd been leaning over. "You're still here?" Vegeta's gruff voice emerged startling the boy to turn around. "Don't you have school or something?" He asked casually going to the fridge to look for something to drink.

"Geez dad you scared me, what are you still doing here?" Calming himself Trunks took his two sandwiches and headed for the table.

"Why wouldn't I be here, I live here don't I?" Taking out the orange juice Vegeta twisted the little green cap off and was about to drink when a glass was shoved under his nose. Growling slightly he took the thing from his son and poured the liquid instead.

"I know, that's not what I meant," sighing with frustration Trunks took the carton from Vegeta and poured himself a glass. "It doesn't matter. Are you hungry, I've got a-"

"No, I'm fine." The full blood Saiyan downed his drink leaving the room in an awkward silence. Luckily for him a more friendly face emerged to shatter the unwanted quiet.

"Knock knock." Turning to the all too familiar sound of Goten's voice by the kitchen window a smile replaced the disappointed look on Trunks' face.

"Hey Goten." Smiling back with a quick wave the younger boy went over to the door that lead into the kitchen. The first thing he spotted or sought out was the breakfast sandwiches he'd smelled as he got closer to the house.

"You haven't even eaten breakfast yet, it's almost time to go." He said trying to sound as uncaring as possible.

"Don't worry," Trunks replied with a hint of laughter. "I thought you'd be here so I made an extra." He gladly handed his boyfriend the other sandwich.

"Thanks. So you ready to go." He asked taking a mouthful of the sandwich. He himself was already suited for school. As far as he figured he had all he needed, himself and the clothes on his back. Most of his school books were left where he figured they belonged.... at school. Unless Trunks convinced him to bring his things home, Goten would just wait for the next morning to do his homework. Where there were other kids to help give him answers and his system usually worked out perfectly, having certain classes on certain days and at different times. He'd do half the work during free periods, if he wasn't busy messing around and the rest he'd finish the next day. Goku wasn't too familiar with the ways of school himself, so he never tried breaking his sons bad habit. (So long as he gets the work done why mess with a good thing.) He'd say.

"Yeah, just let me get my bag." When Trunks moved away Goten finally noticed Vegeta brooding in the corner holding an empty glass.

"Oh hey Vegeta! Didn't see ya there."

"Hn." Was all he got out of him before the Saiyan royalty placed his glass down and left the room just as Trunks returned.

"See ya later dad and don't forget that appointment you have." He called as they passed by one another. Vegeta just waved a casual hand to the other.

"What's with him." Goten asked finishing off the last of his, second, breakfast that morning.

Trunks glanced back at his fathers retreating back. "Who knows, bad night I guess." Looking away Goten noticed the sadness lingering in those blue eyes. The same look that had been showing up for months now due to Vegeta's lack of fatherly affection. It made him sad seeing his lover this way and also reminded him of the times he'd been fatherless as a child. Having no one but his older brother to look after him. Thinking about it now, what Trunks is going through must be a lot worse than having no dad at all.

"Don't worry, he'll come around someday." He patted the boys lavender head getting a weak smile out of him. Not wanting to be in this solemn surrounding anymore he grabbed his boyfriends arm and yanked him towards the door. "Come on, don't wanna be late or I won't have time to finish that math assignment." Trunks laughed as he snatched his own breakfast from the table before being pulled outside.

Vegeta sat in the single person arm chair staring blankly at the black television screen. Try as he might he couldn't stop thinking about that dream. He could almost see himself in the dark screen running, running. Shaking his head to break the thoughts, he turned his attention elsewhere. A side table sat beside the chair he was in. There was a framed picture of Trunks and Goku and his boys on it, his mind wandered briefly to the scene in the kitchen and the look he noticed in his sons eyes, the defeated tone of voice he'd often heard. "Rr what does he want from me anyway? We can't all be perfect." Not like Kakarot right.His mind added for reasons unknown. It was almost as if he hadn't actually thought it at all. Ignoring the feeling he stared at the picture again, this time looking to said person.

"Hhm... That's right." Realising what Trunks had meant minutes ago about an appointment, he stood. "I'm supposed to be training with that bafoon today." He headed back upstairs to clean up and get dressed.

____________  

"Yeah looks like it's gonna be a beautiful day." Goku stood up from the leg stretches he'd been previously doing in the grass. The wind blew through the strangely placed locks of his hair as he admired the sky. Taking a deep breath of the fresh air he raised his arms overhead to stretch the muscles one last time before putting them to use. He had been up with the rising sun that morning meditating on the roof of their little cabin home. Then he joined Goten for a bowl or two of cereal before the boy left for school. After that he flew quickly to the training spot he and Vegeta were scheduled to meet at. Only to find the other Saiyan not present at the moment.

"I wonder what's keeping him?" He asked himself realising just how much time had passed since he'd been there. "Not like Vegeta to be late or keep anyone waiting. Maybe I should go look for him."

"Don't bother, I'm here." Goku's head shot in the direction of the unexpected voice and smiled broadly.

"Heh 'bout time you got here."

"Don't tell me you were worried Kakarot. I'm flattered."

"Well you shouldn't be," Goku returned a sarcastic remark with humor in his tone. He was all too used to Vegeta's ways by now and knew what was what. Something seemed different about the other Saiyan though. He spoke in the same "I'm the prince of all Saiyans" manner but his voice was a bit weaker, less confident, and his body didn't seem to be fully awake yet by the way he was standing. Not in his usual straight at attention soldiers posture but more tilted and relaxed.

"What is it Kakarot? Quit your staring and lets get started." The bitter man ordered.

'Guess it's nothing.' Goku shrugged it off not wanting to ruin this morning by angering his companion.

______________  

Both boys saw the school in the distance with its large Waseda High sign in large green capital letters above the white stone building. Large, perfectly planted trees towered around both sides of the building. The lush green grass around the school was always perfectly cut and a bright green. Bushes of flowers sprang out from the ground near the large stone stairs to the front entrance. Flags hung from poles around the parking lot where instructors and student drivers were pulling in. Trunks and Goten's feet hit the ground at the same time as they neared the High School building. They found it faster to just fly there than walk or take a bus. They still didn't want to alarm anyone though, so they made sure to start walking a good distance from school so things wouldn't be suspicious.

"So you wanna come over tonight and have dinner with me?" Trunks asked quietly trying to mask the desperation in his voice. Usually, dealing with Vegeta and his moods was nothing for the boy but a shrug off. Today though, he seemed to be more distant and bitter and Trunks didn't want to face that alone or worse he'd be having dinner completely alone again for the umpteenth time.

"Ah sorry buddy but I promised my dad I'd help him fish out dinner tonight, but hey! We can still catch that movie later right?"

"Sure." Trunks looked up from the ground when Goten placed his arm around his shoulders.

"Cheer up will ya. It's not right to be so down on a day like this." He raised his free arm into the air for emphasis then lowered it.

"Yeah you're right, forget about Vegeta. Let him be cranky all he wants."

"That's the spirit." Goten placed a kiss on his boyfriends cheek hugging him a little closer with the arm he had draped around Trunks neck. They both separated a bit once they made it fully onto school grounds and other kids began appearing. They waved to the ones that greeted them first and made small talk on their way into the building.

______________

Their training had started off as always, quick and hard, Vegeta throwing the first punch and Goku easily avoiding it. It was simple hand to hand combat something Goku didn't expect. 'What is this?' He dodged another cheap shot by the Saiyan. 'I was expecting an all out fight, something a little more intense.' Thinking Vegeta needed some motivation Goku surprised the other with a small energy blast. Vegeta turned to him sharply.

"Rrr. Is that how you want it? Well then.." Vegeta returned the gesture with his own blast a bit more powerful than the playful one Goku shot. The two continued their fight with a little more vigor than they'd had earlier. Their punches and kicks similar in power as they made their moves almost simultaneously. The fighters jumped away from each other each panting hard.

"That's more like it."

Goku smirked gearing himself up for more. Getting in battle stance he pulled his arms back gathering energy for a kamehameha to test Vegeta. A short distance away Vegeta took notice of the movement and was about to ready himself for the all too familiar attack, "Same old tricks Kakarot." When a sharp pain suddenly jolted through his head. "Ah!" Just as Goku fired Vegeta dropped his guard to grab at the pained spot and was hit. "Uugh!"

"Vegeta?" With concern Goku flew to the falling man but didn't make it in time to catch him before the small form hit the hard ground below. "Vegeta what happened?"

Sitting up slowly a hand still placed on the pained spot of his head, Vegeta opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by thought. (Why waste your time fighting without a purpose) Vegeta stared out blankly as he listened to his mental words. (He's just messing with you anyway, using weak attacks so you can keep up. You'll never be as good as he is no matter how much you train) The prince of Saiyans turned his eyes towards Kakarot who was watching him with concern. 'That's true and I know it already so why do I keep doing this?'

"Vegeta.. are you o.k?" He asked slowly.

(Don't give him anymore satisfaction) Once the voice stopped the far away look vanished from the black irises. Standing, Vegeta swaggered a bit from the throb of his newly formed headache.

"Hey wait a minute." Goku tried to reach out and help his companion but Vegeta shoved him away.

"I'm fine Kakarot your blast wasn't that strong," he answered with a bit of malice in his tone. "but this little game of yours is over." In one swift motion the Saiyan prince took off leaving nothing behind but a trail of yellow light.

"Waaait! What game?... Vegetaaaa!"

Slowing his pace once he felt far enough away from the training spot, Vegeta paused midair. 'What's wrong with me today. I can't seem to function properly at all, and these damn headaches.' Once again he was reminded of how the day all began, "That stupid nightmare and the voices." He glanced back once to make sure Goku hadn't followed him. He didn't want to deal with the other Saiyan and his concerns. Not now, not after their little inciddent, he didn't even understand himself why he'd left. "I just need sleep thats all, and it'll all go away." With quickness Vegeta headed back to Capsule Corp.

____________________________________

A/N: I’m not big on fight scenes, reading or writing them. So you’ll have to expand your mind if you want to see more in-depth battles or sparring. This story isn’t primarily action based although there’s action in it. Just letting you know. Hope you enjoyed. -Link