Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Stealing Time ❯ Reflections ( Chapter 6 )

Chapter notes: // flashbacks // Italics- head talk

The personalities: (Crazy, outgoing, charismatic Vegeta that wants to have fun) (Envy and self doubt) (Anger and hatred) (sadness and confusion) (his loving fatherly side)

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Steal ing Time

Chapter six

'Not again.' The Saiyan prince was surrounded by darkness and silence. He turned a full circle looking in every direction. 'I'm dreaming again aren't I? Of course.' Not wanting to stand around waiting for god knows what, he began to walk. Slowly, though, not wanting a repeat of previous nightmares where he'd been falling into oblivion. "Is anybody in here?" There was no reply. "Of course not you idiot." He scolded himself for being so... Kakarot like. Suddenly a spot light appeared a few feet ahead of him. Getting closer a metal door is revealed. When Vegeta got close enough to it the door slid aside automatically. He froze a moment, hesitant to go in. 'Is this some kind of mind trap, nothing on the other side but more darkness or maybe another pitiless drop.' He mocked his own mind for being so repetitive with is dreams.

Knowing there was only one way to find out he stepped in the entrance, shock registered on his features once he realized what kind of room it was. "What the hell is this?" He spoke to no one. The room was as white as a cloud from every corner to the walls and floor all covered in soft cushion, even the ceiling. He stepped further in to the pillowy room and the door slid shut behind him. 'This is- is one of those places for whack jobs in hospitals.'

Almost but not exactly. Hearing that voice he spun around quickly but found no one there. Vegeta recognized his own voice immediately of course and he regretted the sound of it for the first time in his life. The past thirty-eight hours have been hell for him due solely to the fact that he heard nothing but his own mental talk off and on. Hearing the voices so clearly and not understanding their words was bad enough. But never willing these intrusive thoughts on his own is what really had him unnerved. It just didn't seem normal to him that his mind could speak so freely and his dreams could feel so real.

Knowing he was just in a dream Vegeta stood his ground this time now not wanting to run from the mental instigator. Deciding to play his game might be the only way he could wake himself up. "Then tell me what kind of place is this?" He crossed his arms waiting impatiently for his own reply.

Don't you recognize it Vegeta, you built the place after all. He heard the echoed reply of his own throaty voice.

"No I don't, enlighten me." He stared around the empty room feeling like an absolute fool. 'This is so stupid, just let it end already.'

You shouldn't be so quick to leave your little sanctuary. Its a harsh world out there your highness.

"What are you talking about?" The Saiyan demanded glaring around at nothing but space.

Vegeta, prince of Saiyans, mighty warrior... and coward!

"Rrr." Vegeta stormed back to the sliding metal door not wanting to listen to anymore of this dribble but it didn't open automatically as before. He turned back facing into the room looking towards the ceiling where he assumed his voice would be coming from, had it been real. "Let me out of here!"

You created this place to protect yourself from the outside world, from your own pathetic fears and embarrassment. From a past you don't want to remember. Vegeta began banging hard on the door and attempted pushing it open or knocking it down whichever came first. You can't handle things on you're own anymore, that's why we're here.

"No, this is crazy. Its just a dream a stupid nightmare." He pounded on the door more and more getting angry with every word the voice spoke.

Mentally locking yourself away from the pain and humiliation putting out a fake demeanor for everyone. Telling yourself you're tough and unbreakable. When the truth is Vegeta, you're just as fragile and weak as a little flower.

He tried to block the ramblings out by concentrating on the door. 'Open... open... damnit just open!' As if his thoughts willed the door it instantly slid aside freeing him from his prison. He staggered back out into the blackness landing on hands and knees. The door slid back shut and Vegeta was left in silence. He breathed heavily and raised his head when more lights began appearing around him. Each one revealing a different door. Wooden ones, plain or painted, one that seemed welcoming another not so much. Vegeta sat himself up looking at each one and they all started to swirl around him.

"No! No more of this nightmare. Just let me out!" He closed his eyes tightly to avoid looking at the merry-go-round of doors around him. His head lowered to the floor beneath him. As they whirled about him laughter could be heard from within one door. Another door, the sounds of soft sobbing broke through and another contained harsh screams and yelling, the sounds of frustration and anger.

Vegeta opened his eyes slowly, cautiously as the blackness around him was taken over by light. He blinked a few times, hard, to clear his vision. His head was turned towards the source of light, his window had been opened, curtains drawn back and glass slid up to let the fresh air in. He was immediately confused. 'I don't remember doing that before I left.' He felt the comfort of his blankets and sheets above and beneath himself. Instead of the cold hard floor in his nightmare. 'I'm in my bed but how?'

Hearing running water coming from his bathroom the confused prince turned his head slowly in that direction. "Ah!" Not having noticed until now there was a dull sting in his face, almost as if he'd just been cut and the cold air that just blew in didn't help to ease the pain. A moment later the source of the bathroom noise, his window being opened and apparently the one that brought him here, emerged. 'Kakarot.' A scowl immediately replaced the prince's confusion.

"Oh hey! You're finally awake. I was starting to worry." Goku came over to the bed with a small bowl filled with water and a damp cloth. Vegeta followed him with his eyes as he moved about, brows still connected in a scowl. Goku ignored the look he knew the other was giving him and took his seat in the small desk chair he'd previously pulled over to the bed. Wetting the cloth again he rung the excess water in the bowl and leaned over to place it on the prince's head but Vegeta's hand stopped him short.

"What do you think you're doing?" He snapped his voice coming out cracked from not haven spoken in awhile.

Goku sighed and drew back a bit. "I was just cleaning the cuts on your face."

'Cuts?' He pulled a hand from beneath the blanket and touched his face wincing a little at the dull sting. "And just how did this happen?"

Now it was Goku's turn to be confused. "What do you mean how?"

"Don't play coy. What did you do to me Kakarot?"

"Me?! I didn't do anything." Goku became offended. "You flew right into a building a while ago... I caught you and brought you back- you really don't remember?"

Vegeta's scowl only increased and he turned away not wanting to see the expression on the other mans face. 'What is this fool talking about? Buildings and flying. None of what he says is making any sense.' The Saiyan wracked his brain a moment trying to remember the last couple of hours but he couldn't recall anything other than that disturbing dream. 'Damnit!'

"Iiis anything wrong. I mean you hit your head pretty hard but nothing serious." Goku softened his voice. "What were you doing out there anyway?" Vegeta turned his attention back to the other Saiyan, who stared in return with question.

'I can't tell him I don't know anything he'll think something’s wrong with me and then I'll never hear the end of it. Or worse, he'll hang around all day getting on my last nerve with his questions and concerns.' Not having been the first time Vegeta quickly thought up a lie. "The impact must've made me forget for a moment. I remember now and as for what I was doing... its none of your business. Why were you following me anyway?"

Goku gave Vegeta a look of disbelief. "I wasn't following you Vegeta. I found you near the woods, screaming and ranting something I couldn't understand. I thought you might have been possessed." It looked as if Vegeta was processing what he was hearing so Goku went on. "You took off so suddenly I was worried and went after you, I guess you were trying to lose me but in the process you ran into a building," he paused to scratch his head. "Well flew into it anyway. I caught you and brought you back here. You've been out ever since." He waited again but the Saiyan prince remained expressionless and quiet. "You really don't know what happened?"

"Rrr, It doesn't matter. Its over now and I can assure you it won't happen again. You don't have to babysit me." Vegeta spat out. "So go home." The prince turned over on his side facing away from the other and pulled the blanket up a little further.

"Oh no not this time. I'm staying right here until Trunks comes home. Now turn over so I can finish cleaning you up."

At that Vegeta sat himself up and turned, what should have been, an intimidating face towards the younger Saiyan. "Who do you think you are Kakarot? You can't order me around, I'm not one of your obedient sons. I don't need your help and I don't want your company."

Goku sighed heavily. "If I knew you'd be this much trouble I would have fixed you up while you slept."

"Funny." Vegeta mocked. He sat up against the headboard looking forwards to avoid Goku.

"Look Vegeta I'm not ordering you around, I just wanna help and I'm.. I'm not leaving until you let me fix you up." Goku stood making his point, he held the rag waiting for Vegeta's reply. He wouldn't be bullied this time.

There was a silent wait for minutes. Goku stood patiently while Vegeta brooded over the whole situation and finally he gave in. "Alright! Get it over with," the next part he mumbled under his breath. "Just like your persistent son."

Goku smiled and knelt down carefully placing the rag on Vegeta's cuts. Like a good little patient he turned his face towards Goku for easier access. Once Goku was satisfied he put the rag in the water and picked up a box pulling out a small Q-tip and some clear substance. Dipping the Q-tip in the substance he held it near Vegeta's face but the man pulled back.

"What the hell is that?"

"Oh this," Goku held the box out to him to see. "Liquid bandages. Gohan told me about 'em. I found them in Trunks' bathroom. It won't hurt or anything."

"This is ridiculous." Vegeta mumbled but let the man finish his treatment. The liquid was cold and sticky, making his face feel a bit uncomfortable but he kept quiet.

"There, all done." A satisfied Goku smiled at his work and went to throw out the used Q-tip and return the little bowl and rag to the bathroom. In Goku's absence Vegeta touched the gunk on his face and frowned. Goku returned still smiling and stood in front of the bed. "Are you hungry or anything? I could get you something. I know I could sure use a bite t-"

"Why are you still here?" The prince cut him off.

"Well I was just gonna keep you company until after school."

"I told you before I don't want any company. You did what you needed there's no reason to stay."

"But, you never minded when we hung out before," Goku replied hurt coming out clearly through his tone. "Why's it any different now?" 'Could I have been wrong all this time about our friendship? Maybe Vegeta really is just putting up with me because of the Saiyan thing. If he can barely stand being in a room with me for a few hours how am I supposed to convince him to try being with me?'

Vegeta watched the expressions change on Goku's face while he pondered whatever it was that man thought about. 'Of all the times Kakarot has to feel needy. I can't have him here with this- this persistent problem of mine. He still appears oblivious of anything and I'd like to keep it that way.'

After a minute of waiting Goku figured Vegeta wasn't going to respond so he turned to leave. Looking defeated like a sad puppy that lost a struggle for his bone to a bigger and more vicious dog. Before he was completely out of the door he was stopped by the short males raspy voice.

"Don't take it the wrong way Kakarot, it's... not," Vegeta paused to take in some air. "it's not that I don't want you here." Goku listened. "I just wouldn't make very good company right now." Vegeta wasn't sure but seeing that look on Goku's face he felt he had to say something. Goku gave an unseen smile and replied without turning around.

"You were never really good company before either but I don't care Vegeta. I just like spending time with you anyway. I hope you're alright and, take it easy will ya." Then he left leaving the prude man alone at a loss for words or thoughts on what had just happened.

On his way out of Capsule Corp Goku paused in the stairway to release the built up tension in his body. 'Maybe I might have a chance after all.'

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Goten tossed his now empty soda container into a nearby wastebasket as they walked into Ueno Park on their way home from school. The two went to sit on a large blue painted wooden bench a few feet from the entrance. They quietly watched little kids playing, laughing and screaming. While their mothers talked to each other still keeping one eye on the children. A little ways down from the park's playground, picnic tables and water fountains, was an open field. It looked like a baseball game was going on, nothing serious, though, just a bunch of older boys and their fathers. A few viewers stood on the side to watch.

Trunks couldn't see much from where the two of them sat but just hearing the laughter and shouts of fathers to their sons was enough to send him into a minor depression. His mind briefly wandered to Vegeta and a scene began to unfold as he closed his eyes.

//A young Trunks about 3 years old was determined as he chased after a baseball that had just been thrown to him by his father. "How do you expect to carry the title of Saiyan prince when you can't even hit a little ball?" Vegeta called to him with a hint of teasing. He stood, arms crossed on the open field of green grass watching after his boy.

The two had been outside training together working on the boys targeting skills and aim. Vegeta had been throwing objects in Trunks' direction and Trunks was supposed to use his ki blast to hit the object but so far he'd done nothing but miss.

The young boy laughed running back to his father, ball in hand. "Don't worry about that. I'll get it and then I'll become a better prince than you." Vegeta placed a hand on top of his sons head once he reached him.

"Such a mouth on you but you're probably right," Vegeta smiled down at the boasting child with pride in his eyes. "you'll be a fine prince someday and put Kakarot's boys in their place."

"Ha ha yeah!" Both began to laugh, Vegeta stopping first as he took the ball from little Trunks.

"Alright let's try again."

"Right, I'll get it good this time." Trunks flew the usual distance from his father. That same look of determination on his face to please his dad. He was still young but old enough to know he wanted to become just as strong as his father.//

Trunks sighed heavily as his fantasy came to an end. He opened his eyes and looked down at his lap, where he'd been slowly crushing his soda can which still held a small amount of liquid. Goten noticed the action and his shoulders slumped. He'd thought coming to the park after a stuffy day in school would make Trunks feel better. Once again his attempts at helping were only reminding Trunks of the problem he'd been trying to forget in the first place.

"Hey, we could leave now if you want." Goten offered not looking at the other. Trunks looked up at Goten having forgotten for a minute that he wasn't alone.

"No, it's alright. I was just thinking." A small smile appeared on the teens solemn face as he stared back down at the crumpled can in his hands. Goten waited patiently for Trunks to continue. "I was thinking about me and my dad training when I was younger. We were both joking and laughing. Even though it wasn't real it was still nice ya know but I can't keep living off of dreams and fantasies. I have to accept who my dad really is and deal with it, right?" He looked back at Goten who had never taken his eyes from the lavender haired boy.

"Yeah I guess." He replied slowly. "Like I said he can't change over night but keep giving him time." They both stood up and walked towards the park exit, disposing of Trunks' crushed can. "I mean there was a time when I thought I'd never get to know my dad. He was always gone or.. dead and when he was around he was so distant. Kinda like he was afraid to be near me," Goten paused looking straight ahead blankly as he remembered his own painful feelings from back then. "..I thought he didn't love me, not as much as he cared for Gohan anyway. Like somehow I disappointed him. But I was wrong." He looked over meeting Trunks' eyes. "I gave him some time and once we started hanging out more and talking, I realized he loved me just as much. He was just as reserved about me as I was about him. Now we're closer than ever."

Trunks kicked a small rock from his walking path. "That's Goku. He's a- a nice guy. He cares about others and isn't selfish like Vegeta. I can't just ask if he wants to hang out and I know he'll never offer. There's a big difference."

"Well yeah but- ah hell I don't know." Goten spoke in defeat. "I'm just making things worse aren't I?" He shoved his hands into his pants pockets.

"No 'ten, I am. I shouldn't be putting all this on you, its not fair. I get what you're saying though, don't give up on him. But how long can hope keep you sane?" Trunks made a sound of frustration. "Sometimes I really think I'm gonna lose it being around him the way he is."

"You're not the only one, I think my dad's said that same thing a couple of times and not always nicely ha ha ha." Both boys laughed briefly, Goten stopped when an idea came to him. "Alright then you should take a break, have dinner with us tonight. You can get away from Vegeta for awhile and won't have to cook. Besides you promised before and no more rain checks." Goten made sure Trunks couldn't say "no" or "another time" by flashing him his most pleading look.

"Alright I'll stay."

"Great." Goten pulled a hand from his pocket and threw it around Trunks' shoulder. Trunks smiled and returned the gesture.

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Vegeta lied in bed staring blankly up at the planks spinning at medium pace on the ceiling fan in the center of the room. The spinning absently reminded the Saiyan of his current situation. His mind spinning out of control causing him to do strange unexplainable things and barely remembering them, if at all. Constant nightmares with weird messages behind them that he just couldn't figure out.

Continuing to stare the spinning fan took him back to his most recent dream where doors spun rapidly about him. He could still hear the words in his mind trying to explain something to him. 'A world I created...' Shaking his head he dissolved the horrid image. Turning his head in the direction of the window, which remained open since he had yet to get out of bed since Goku left, he watched the curtains blow gently.

'Kakarot.' Vegeta thought hard about what the other man had said to him, crashing into a building, rambling on to himself about Kami knows what. The rambling he understood, as far as he knew, Goku never could understand most of what he said to him but crashing? Vegeta never crashed into anything unless an opponent had caused him to go soaring into the nearest mountain or rock formation. "What was I doing that would cause me to fly face first into a building?" He pulled the blanket from over himself and got out of bed going to the open window. "More importantly how the hell did I get outside?" He placed his hands on the bottom of the windowsill and leaned forwards staring out at the scenery surrounding capsule corp.

There were a few scattered trees lush with green leaves that blew gently in the late afternoon breeze. Shadows of the mighty grayish brown trunks and their branches cast over the ground from the sun set back in the sky. "I was in the woods Kakarot said..." Glaring hard at the trees he tried hard with everything he had to recall the days events. From his unwanted check up to arguing with Trunks that morning, all he really remembered after that was taking his shower, not washing or dressing, not leaving his room. "Aagh!" Slamming his fist down on the windowsill he backed away from it pulling at his hair. "Why can't I remember?" He closed the window and pulled the curtains back over letting darkness fall over his bedroom again.

"If I don't know what's happening to me and when its going to happen how can I protect myself. And that damn Kakarot always following me around getting into my business. I'll never know what he's heard or seen." He stormed out of the room and headed downstairs. "No one can know about this until I understand it myself. I'll be damned if I'm mocked or labeled insane because of it. Worse, it could be used against me in battle."

Getting downstairs Vegeta paused at the bottom glaring around into the living room then he went into the kitchen doing the same. His eyes caught the clock ticking loudly above the doorway. It was after four now and school should have been out.

"Where is that damn boy anyway?" He referred to Trunks. "Never here when I need him. If having others around prevents these.." The fighter searched for a word. "..mental spells from coming, then so be it. Maybe I should have kept Kakarot around after all."

Leaving the kitchen Vegeta headed down a different corridor that took him into another room. Bookshelves lined one wall. A computer desk fully loaded sat against another. Something only Trunks ever used. There was one two seater couch and an arm chair, both a plush material and brown color matching the desk and shelves. A small coffee table sat between both chairs. An old brick fireplace was placed in the center of the back wall, filthy with soot and unused for months. A large grandfather clock stood proudly in one corner of the room but had given its last tick over a year ago. Trunks meant to get it going again but never got around to it. The room used to be an office for Dr. Briefs but once he'd passed, the two turned it into a den. To use for whatever purpose it might serve them.

"No, I won't succumb to needing anyone for anything. I can handle this myself."

Vegeta walked in to the den and pulled a large rich red hard cover book from the shelf. Pages filling its inside that seemed to go up past one thousand. It was one he'd picked up times before consisting of different stories all with their own individual plots. Some long, some short. He wasn't too familiar with the author but had taken a liking to the few stories he'd read and decided to continue with them all. Taking the book he walked over and sat in the armchair opening to the marked page. The prince briefly remembered the first time he'd done this some years ago. Trunks was still a baby then, maybe two years old, it was a night the scientist and his, too young to be married to the man, wife stepped out leaving him with the child.

//"Are you sure you're going to be alright alone with young Trunks?" Dr. Briefs asked. Vegeta was hardly in the mood for this old mans games but he knew he had to answer to get rid of him.

"Yes of course!" He snapped back. "You said the boy was asleep didn't you. He'll stay that way if he knows what's good for him."

The doctor made a face of disapproval but kept quiet none the less. "Alright then, we'll be back soon. Our house is yours until then."

"Come on dear or we'll be late." A pretty young blonde called from the front door. Her voice was very high and feminine almost to the point of being irritating. She wore a short blue mini skirt with a strapless blue and pink striped top. Leaving almost nothing to ones imagination. High heals, big round earrings, bracelets and lips smeared with bright pink gloss finished her look off.

"Coming, coming." The old inventor gave the disgruntled Saiyan one last look before joining his wife outside. "Please Vegeta mind the child. He is your son after all." He pleaded one last time before closing the door behind himself. Not wanting to feel Vegeta's wrath for having said that. Since Trunks was born, Vegeta had denied all connection to the child. Letting anyone who offered to take care of the boy do so.

"Hm." Vegeta left the living room and headed upstairs to the bedroom he'd been given after having moved in with the Brief family. "My son." On his way to his room he passed the baby room and heard small sounds coming from inside. He paused outside the door frowning and just as he took another step the shrill cries of a baby were heard. "Great." Vegeta wondered if he could still catch the old man and woman but there was a good chance they were already long gone. He stood in front of the door for some time wondering what to do because he really didn't want to deal with the child himself.

The crying only continued getting louder by the minute. "Rrr, fine you litle brat you win." He pushed the door open roughly marching over to the crib and looked down inside. Having noticed someone there, baby Trunks stopped crying and opened his eyes seeing who was there and cried again. "What do you want kid?" Of course he got no answer so Vegeta sniffed around a bit. "Well you don't need a change, thank god." He thought back to things he'd seen others do and checked if he was wet, no, so he let go of all his reserves and picked the child up holding him against his chest, so the boys head rested on his shoulder.

"Waaaa!:"

"What, you little brat, I picked you u- hm." Vegeta took Trunks out of the room and down into the kitchen. Looking around for some kind of baby food or bottle he growled in frustration. "This is too much trouble for one night, why anyone would want to put up with it for years I don't know." He found the food and bottle in the refrigerator and sat with the boy at the table. "Here." He pushed the bottle into the crying mouth but Trunks just pulled it back out and continued to cry. "Alright then learn to speak and tell me what you want or shut up."

Trunks continued to cry harder. "Hmm." Vegeta stood back up returning the bottle and left the kitchen. "If this doesn't work I quit." He took the baby into the professors study, not knowing any other place they'd keep books. He found the large shelf full of reading material, although none of them seemed like a book for babies. He didn't care though and grabbed whatever his hand landed on. He took the book and child out into the living room and sat down. He mumbled out the title to himself having looked it over. "The classic works of- huh not fairytales but it'll have to do." Vegeta opened to the first page and frowned at the small words crowding it and no sign of pictures. "Guess you'll just have to listen." After adjusting the boy in his arms and the book he began to read and sure enough Trunks quieted down some minutes later.//

Vegeta's expression soured at the memory having felt foolish then but thinking it over now he actually enjoyed that moment. About a full chapter later Trunks had fallen asleep and Vegeta returned him to his crib and went back to reading himself in his own room. So with that same book he sat there and read in hopes that his mind would be engulfed enough to keep the voices at bay.

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"Hey boys, you're getting back kinda late." Goku said as the two walked through the door.

"Yeah we made a stop to the park after school." Goten explained. "Its alright if Trunks stays for dinner right?"

Goku looked to Trunks a little unsure since he thought the boy should be home with Vegeta, especially after what had happened but the teen didn't know that. "If Trunks wants to, of course." Goku didn't want to alarm him again like the other day so he kept quiet about Vegeta.

"Thanks Goku." Both boys dropped their things off beside the front door and made their way into the living room. "I'll be right back." Trunks told Goten and headed down the hall for his destination, the bathroom.

"Goten," Hearing his dad's whisper Goten looked in his direction. "I don't wanna cause any alarm or anything but has Trunks mentioned Vegeta acting strange lately?"

"Strange.." Goten thought it over. "No not unless his being mean and inconsiderate is strange. That's why I asked Trunks over here. Vegeta's been really driving him up the wall lately and he needs a break from the guy. Why what's wrong?"

"Hopefully nothing to worry about, I just don't think Vegeta should be alone right now."

"Oh, should I tell Trunks to leave then?"

"Oh no don't do that," Goku waved his hands in front of himself. "Lets not bring it up. If things are as bad as you say we don't wanna spoil the night for him. Besides I'm sure Vegeta's fine and can handle himself till he gets home."

"If you're sure." Goten replied uneasily. He knew Trunks needed to be away from home for awhile but he also knew the other wouldn't like it if something was wrong with Vegeta, no matter how annoying the man was, and no one told him about it. Goten couldn't argue the matter though because Trunks was already heading back out to them.

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AN: To Marai Trunks I appreciate the reviews very much, thank you I’m glad you like it and take the time to say so, unlike others (you know who you are). Keep reading and I’m sorry for the slow update my computer was offline.