Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Stealing Time ❯ Saiyan Sized Denial ( Chapter 17 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Linkin Fantasy 
The truth about Vegeta is about to come out in the most in their face way but no one is ready to believe it.
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Hentai / Drama | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 12.02.2009 | Pages: 5 | Words: 6.4K | Visits: 644 | Status: Completed
The truth about Vegeta is about to come out in the most in their face way but no one is ready to believe it.
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Hentai / Drama | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 12.02.2009 | Pages: 5 | Words: 6.4K | Visits: 644 | Status: Completed
Warnings: Language, mild sexual content overall. And whatever I might have missed to warn you about I say if you still need a warning by now it serves you right if you read something you don't like or can't handle. Cause its pretty obvious how this story is going and how its going to continue to go. This chapter is pretty clean though.
Summary: Vegeta's losing his mind or gaining more of it? While his family and friends try to figure it out, Trunks to gain his father's love and Goku to gain Vegeta's love. (I know thats so lame but its what you get)
The Alters: Envy/self loathing Playful/crazy Anger Sad/confused Loving/fatherly lust/need
Stealing Time
Chpt 17- Saiyan Sized Denial
Trunks could only stare in awe watching his dad, at least that's who the man claimed to be, helping Goku with the dishes. The weirdest part was that it was Vegeta's idea for the two to clean up since he and Goten had made breakfast. He'd even pinched himself a few times to make sure it wasn't a dream but he was wide awake. Since he'd heard them, Gohan's words continuously ran through his head about Vegeta's condition. 'Multiple personalities, Vegeta? It just doesn't add up or make much sense but at the same time it would explain a lot. Hell, it'd explain everything if its true.' So caught up in his thoughts trying to sort out the events of the morning Trunks didn't notice Goten walking up beside him until the boy spoke.
"I know its freaky right? But hey I wouldn't complain." The younger said.
"I'm not complaining 'ten. I just... don't get it."
"Maybe its just Vegeta in a good mood. He seems happier or something close to it at least. Isn't that what you wanted?" They both continued staring at the two men with their hands busy washing and drying the breakfast mess. While they quietly conversed about what Trunks couldn't fathom. Vegeta looking content in his own way and Goku looking content but understandably nervous and worried.
"Yeah it's what I wanted but not like this. Something's wrong with him Goten. Something that's making him act this way. That's not my dad."
Goten gave his distraught boyfriend a confused look. "What do you mean?"
Taking the other teens arm Trunks walked him out into the living room and began whispering to keep the others from hearing. "Remember when the phone rang earlier?"
"Uhhh I guess." He rubbed the back of his head. "I kinda wasn't paying attention, eating and all."
"Well it was your brother calling from the hospital."
"Oh yeah, Gohan?"
"He's not sure but he thinks my dad has some mental disorder or a disease." Goten's eyes went wide. "We have to get Vegeta to the hospital, though, so they can give him a real diagnosis before we can know anything for sure."
"So the disease is making him act... nice?"
"I- I don't know, I guess. If its true this thing is probably responsible for everything he's been doing lately. The strange behaviors, mood swings, why he can't remember anything."
"Wow that's- crazy." Both boys turned to look into the kitchen at the man of the hour. Goku and Vegeta had finished the dishes and were drying their hands on the small towel. Turning his head Goku met Trunks gaze and frowned. What Gohan said had obviously disturbed and alarmed them both. There was one problem though, believing it. Getting Vegeta to the hospital to confirm anything wouldn't be easy unless they beat him up and tied him down. The man was being so cooperative at the moment, so... un-Vegeta like. Goku couldn't seem to wrap his mind around the fact that this new Vegeta was caused by some brain disease. No matter how much sense it made it was just too weird actually witnessing the transformation and putting words to what it was.
"Better get this over with." Trunks said quietly going in to join the men after Goku looked away, Goten followed suit. Before Trunks could open his mouth Vegeta spoke first upon their arrival.
"There you two are. So what do you want to do now?" They all looked at each other quizzically. "No ideas huh. What about the tv you boys are so in to, or those ...video...games. Let our food digest or maybe burn it off with some training hm?" He wasn't smiling but as he spoke there was a lightness to his usually sarcastic and bitter voice that none of the three had ever heard before.
They all exchanged looks. "Uhh... that sounds great Vegeta but actually.."
"We need to get to the hospital." Trunks cut the hesitating Goku off.
Vegeta made an expression of concern. "Hospital?" He snorted a quick laugh. "Why, is someone sick? You all look fine to me."
"Its not us that's sick dad... its you."
"Me? Nonsense. There's nothing wrong with me I've never felt better. Now let's go enjoy the day. I don't like wasting time." He headed for the living room to get to the front door. Standing dumb-founded in place for a moment the others took a second, feeling helpless as to what to do, before running after the man.
"Wait a sec Vegeta," Goten said standing in the man's way. "If you're really fine then going to the hospital for a quick check up shouldn't be a problem right?" The Saiyan prince narrowed his eyes at the teen.
"Goten makes a good point. You'd be in and out in no time I bet. Then we could do whatever you want." Goku backed his son up. Vegeta crossed his arms eyeing them all before he sighed in defeat. If he wanted to keep convincing them that this was the new improved Vegeta and bring his host closer to the people in his life that actually care about him he'd do whatever it took. That was his only purpose.
"Alright if that's what you want since you're all so concerned." He spoke resignedly.
"Really?" Trunks lit up in disbelief.
"Let's just get it over with." He walked out of the door the others following as he went to the small garage that stood a few feet away from the dome shaped home. Built by Goku's own hands after his former wife harped on him day after day to get his license and a car and find a place for the car so the rain wouldn't ruin it. Some of Goku's worst but most fond memories, competing with Piccolo to get a license and having his boys help him with the task of building the garage.
"We're driving?" Trunks asked. "Wouldn't the instant transmission be faster? or flying?"
"What's wrong boy, you don't want to take a ride with us? We have time."
'No we really don't.' The lavender hair teen thought in aggravation.
"I'll go get the keys. Its fine Trunks," Goku placed a reassuring hand on the boys shoulder. "and Vegeta's right. It is a nice day for a drive." He leaned in quickly whispering to the teen. "Its alright, we shouldn't upset him right now remember? Who knows what'll happen and we need to keep him cooperative until we get to the hospital." Trunks nodded and Goku patted him on the back before going back inside to snatch the, unused for years, car keys and came back. "So who's driving?" He held the dangling metal out to the three.
"Don't look at me." Goten chimed in. "I don't even have my license yet."
"I haven't driven since I learned," Goku gave his excuse. "Its kinda not my thing either."
Trunks groaned inwardly snatching the keys. "I'll do it then." He knew it'd be too risky to let Vegeta drive anyway and not just because of the man's condition. Vegeta was a menace on the road from the few times he'd ridden with him in their own car. An excellent driver, surprisingly, but also dangerous to others on the road.
Everyone climbed in: Vegeta taking the passenger side and Goku and Goten in the back. Once they were all belted and settled in Trunks started up the futuristic hover car and took off for the city.
...............
The drive was quiet but not very peaceful. The atmosphere was tight and strained, no one knew what to say or do but sit and stare out the windows. Trunks was nervous at the wheel constantly sneaking looks at Vegeta, who'd attempted a smile in return, at first, but the more Trunks looked the more Vegeta became suspicious and aggravated.
"Keep your eyes on the road boy."
"Sorry its just..." Not knowing how to explain his behavior he shut his mouth and tried to focus on the road. Speeding up to get them where they needed to go a little faster.
In back Goku was trying to stay calm about the situation, first of all having to actually go to the hospital and secondly going for Vegeta- the headstrong prince of Saiyans- who may or may not have some kind of mental disorder. That alone was freaking the savior of earth out. Goku wasn't even clear on what it meant to have multiple personalities or how it was affecting the other Saiyan. Having never been one for books or tv and especially not for doctors. Which is why he had to be there, to figure it all out and support Vegeta and Trunks. After all he's kept from the teen the last thing he would do is leave the boy to deal with his father's troubles alone. Goku hoped against everything on the good earth that his knowing of Vegeta's problem and keeping it to himself hadn't worsened the prince's problem. What if this thing was curable and not confronting the man earlier on only caused him to miss his chance at recovery? How could Trunks forgive him for that, how could he forgive himself?
'This is no time for panicking Goku,' He told himself. 'I'll just have to wait and see what happens but no matter what, whether Vegeta will get better or not I'll be there to help him and Trunks.'
"So... how about some tunes?" Goten Suggested after glancing at the other passengers and seeing how wound up they all seemed. The silence was deafening and he couldn't take it anymore.
"Yes, that's a good idea Goten." Vegeta affirmed. He reached over to where the radio panel was and pressed a button to turn it on. Loud music immediately began blaring shocking everyone's ears to life.
"Ah! Turn it down!" Trunks shouted over the noise, Goten reached to the front seat and quickly lowered the volume before their eardrums burst.
Goku laughed from the back seat. "Sorry about that. We haven't really used the car in awhile so who knows how long its been up like that."
Everyone settled back in their seats calming themselves. "Well that was exciting." Vegeta added with a smirk.
"We're almost there." Trunks updated them in a nothing but serious manner. He sighed heavily wishing they would have just taken the instant transmission and it would all be nearly over with and done. He'd know what was causing his dad to act strangely and hopefully the doctor would tell them it was curable so everything could go back to normal. Which when he thought about it, normal wasn't all that great with Vegeta either. They had a history of being dysfunctional at times and absent in each others lives for the rest of the time. Maybe a different Vegeta wouldn't be so bad. 'No, I shouldn't think like that. He's my dad no matter what but I'd rather have him as himself than an imposter.'
Staring out the window at the city, the tall buildings, the signs, and other cars they passed, Vegeta began spacing out listening to the song that played, much quieter than before, on the radio. It was familiar somehow. Where had he heard it before? His eyes widened a bit at the realization or more, a memory of the true Vegeta. It was one of the songs that had been playing that day Vegeta first began hearing their voices. When he'd locked himself in his room and tried to drown them out. Something inside of him began to stir.
'Damnit'
Trying to stay calm and concentrate on something else Vegeta shifted in his seat ready to make conversation but it was too late. His head began throbbing, the real Vegeta, owner of this body, was awake and so were the other alters. Angry and wanting to take over.
Trunks, being as attentive as he had been watching his dad, didn't miss the movement going on next to him.
"Hey, dad are you alright?"
"I- I'm fine son." He grit his teeth as a sharp pain stabbed a part of his brain.
You're a dirty prick is what you are. Hogging the spotlight for yourself. Acting like a complete tool for these simpletons. Makes me sick the way you've embarrassed us
'No its too soon for this.'
I'm bored, when's it my turn to come out
"Vegeta?" Goku called from the backseat, everyone saw the other man leaning over in his seat as if he were ready to vomit but his hands gripped feircely at his head instead.
"What's going on?" Goten asked.
"It must be the disease Gohan told us about." Goku answered.
"Well what do we do?" Trunks began panicking. "The hospitals only another street away but what if he takes off when we get there- before we get there!"
"Calm down Trunks, we won't let that happen." Goku tried to assure the teen. "Vegeta can you hear me? Vegeta!"
The other man continued to grit his teeth in agony. Inside his head the real Vegeta could hear Goku's voice in a distant echo over the bickering of his alters. He was in the same room as before when he'd heard or rather saw them all for the first time. They still wore their colored tanks and black slacks, different expressions and different emotions radiating off them. They were all standing this time and fighting about something he couldn't quite piece together but had an idea of what it might be, while he lied on the floor.
"I have to get out of this.. this whatever it is- wherever I am.... but how." Figuring he could just make his way to the door and figure out how to wake up from this nightmare once he was alone, he began to slip away hoping to go unnoticed.
Uh uh not time for you yet
"Ugh!" One of the alters managed to hit him over the head forcing him back to the floor momentarily dazed.
In the car Vegeta was coming to. He slowly sat up in his seat shaking his head as if clearing it out. "Dad are you ok now, does it hu-" Trunks asked not sure what else to say. He froze seeing the sinister expression on his fathers face. "Dad?"
"Almost." The alter Vegeta said and grabbed the wheel of the car unexpectedly sending it into a turn that almost hit the vehicle beside it.
"Whoa!" Goten grabbed on to the back of the seat being knocked around from the sudden change in direction.
"Dad what are you-" Trunks gripped the wheel himself wrestling with Vegeta for control.
"This is alot more fun right? Like those videogames you boys play." He laughed in a way they'd never heard before. Not Vegeta's typical "you're all idiots" laugh or the haughty "I'm the prince of all Saiyans" laugh. This wasn't even his "I'm going to destroy the Earth" sinister laugh. It was undescribable.
The car careened out of control back and forth swivelling on the road threatening to bang into the passing drivers beside them. Trunks fumbled to switch it into hover mode raising them up to avoid the other cars on the road. Annoyed by the action Vegeta took it upon himself to yank the wheel from its hold. "Hahaha."
"What the hell Vegeta." Goku leaned into the front seat now grabbing the other Saiyan by the arms and pinning him to the chair. The now detatched wheel falling at his feet.
"What do I do now?" Trunks asked frantically snatching it up and trying to put the wheel back in place knowing it wasn't possible.
"Uhh the cruise control button!" Goten suggested.
"Right."
In the passenger seat Vegeta was kicking at the window at an akward angle. While Goku held him as best he could from his own awkward angle in the back seat. "What are you doing Vegeta? What happend to going to the hospital?" Goten asked.
"I changed my mind, that doesn't sound like any fun." The Saiyan prince grunted adding force to each kick until the window broke through. He tugged his arms trying to get out of Goku's and now Goten's hold and Trunks grabbed on to his father as well.
"Dad you have to calm down." Trunks tried but it was a futile effort. He already knew what was going on and that this man wasn't his father now anymore than he'd been a moment ago.
"Let go of me this instant." The prince ordered. He shot out a small blast of ki knocking the others off and he took the opportuntiy to fly out the window. Laughing hysterically as he went.
"Damnit!" Trunks straightened up in time to watch the man leaving, Vegeta turned back pausing in mid-air to pull his eye down and stick his tongue out at the group. Then he flew off in between air traffic upsetting the drivers and causing accidents as they tried to avoid this insane man. "Rrr, Goku did Gohan tell you anyway we could stop this, or get him back to normal?"
Goku thought momentarily but came up blank. After the past night and morning, and now this it all had his brain a bit frazzled and he couldn't remember much of anything himself. "I- I don't know. Don't worry we're getting to the hospital right now." Following after Goku they all got out of the car and went after Vegeta. Catching him during one of his swirves of an oncoming vehicle. "Grab him quick and don't let go." He ordered the two.
"Hm." His son nodded doing as he was told. Trunks obeying as well.
"What is this?" A curious Vegeta asked feeling the hands grip his arms and leg.
"Alright." In a rush Goku performed the I.T. technique and in less than a minute they were inside the hospitals main entrance. Landing roughly on the clean and shiny linoleum floor, all still holding onto Vegeta trying to pin the flailing man down.
"Get off me you idiots." He thrashed about shooting off bits of energy that the others had to swat away making small cracks in the walls near them as they hit.
"Can..., rr, someone get us a doctor!" Trunks yelled as loud as he could drawing attention from anyone nearby.
"Calm down Vegeta its gonna be alright, they'll help you here." Goku tried to soothe the man as a few nurses and a doctor came to their aid.
"What's wrong?" The man in dark blue scrubs asked.
"Its my dad," Trunks started "He's got- I don't know a mental disorder or something; just help him!"
"Alright alright, everyone stay calm. Nurse get me a sedative, a strong one. I can't treat this guy if he's out of control." He ordered one of the nurses while assessing the situation.
"Yes doctor." She rushed to a cart waiting nearby and pulled out what she needed. Goku froze where he kneeled at the word needle and stared the nurse down as she prepared it. A cold sweat was forming and in his panic he nearly forgot about Vegeta and the man broke free of his hold.
"Hey dad snap out of it!" Goten called the mans attention while he struggled to keep Vegeta from running off.
"Right, sorry." In his own fear Goku's voice came out a pitch higher than normal but he reacted like a fighter and pinned Vegeta back down with his full body covering the smaller mans. The nurses and doctor worked quickly getting on the floor near the rowdy group.
"Hold him still now." The man said. That of course only made the Saiyan more aggressive.
"No, let me go!" Vegeta arched as the large needle went into his arm roughly. "Ah!" Goku made sure not to watch until the thing was abstracted.
"That should do it. Bring the restraints and a gurney quickly."
"Already on the way doctor." His other nurse informed. Everyone watched as Vegeta slowly stopped moving after a few minutes, breathing heavily in a sweat on the floor. Goten, Trunks and Goku still holding onto his arms and legs. The man had his jaw clenched. Short bursts of laughter continued to come from him before he passed out completely.
"Dad?"
"Is he ok?" Goten asked.
"He should be its just the drugs relaxing his system. Get him on the stretcher." The three stood up as Goku lifted Vegeta's still form onto the moving bed and the hospital attending strapped the man in. Goku was horrified and upset as they pulled the leather straps tightly around those muscled arms, now limp and strapped him down. There was nothing he could do though, it was all in the doctors hands now.
'I'm sorry Vegeta.'
"Dad!" The group looked up at the familiar voice seeing Gohan running towards them looking just as nervous and worried as they had been. "What," He paused momentarily catching his breath. "happened?"
"We're not sure, one minute things were fine then he.... I don't know he went nuts!" Trunks threw up his arms in exasperation. Goten nodded to confirm his boyfriends words. They all followed after the doctors as Vegeta was being wheeled into an elevator on his way to an examining room.
"I'm sorry but we can't let you all in, some of you have to stay in the waiting room." A nurse with mint green scrubs told them while they waited for the elevator doors to open. "Immediate family only."
"Go, Trunks, we'll be here."
"But I don't know how to explain any of this." The teen spoke with a tone of exhaustion and frustration.
"Don't worry Trunks, I can try and sort it out since I've been reading up on his condition. I might be able to help." Gohan offered, his heart going out to the boy. He could only imagine how the teen felt about all this. Sighing Trunks stepped into the elevator with the doctors and nurses. Staring at Goku as the doors closed.
"Come on son, we might as well wait." Goku grabbed his sons shoulder and they headed towards the waiting room to sit down.
On the elevator Trunks was watching his father's slow breathing as the drugs from the shot flowed through his body. He was calm now and on his way to sleep. Which could be a good or bad thing in Vegeta's case. Trunks wondered what was going on his dad's head right now and if the doctors would be able to make it stop. He could hear Gohan and the man that gave Vegeta the sedative talking quietly at the back of the elevator. He thought he should probably be in on the conversation but his mind was too hazy to really focus right now.
'How could this have happened to you dad? You always seemed so.. put together, so in control.'
"Don't worry son, he should be resting peacefully now." The nurse spoke bringing Trunks out of his momentary thoughts.
"Huh, oh... yeah I.. guess that's good."
"We were worried a minute, your dad put on quite a show out there." The other woman spoke. Both nurses wore standard white uniforms, pants instead of a skirt. Their hair was pinned up into neat buns, one blonde the other a brunette. The blonde woman briefly reminded Trunks of Mrs. Briefs, the woman his grandfather had been seeing before he passed away. She was always good to him especially when his own mother had gotten sick but after grandpa Briefs passed on she stayed to help the family as long as she could. The blonde bubbling woman held onto our well known care-free happy personality as long as she could. Until deciding to move away and start her life again, leaving him with Vegeta alone. Things were so much simpler then. He was good at looking after himself and his father. Even if the man denied him the pleasure any chance he got. Still, as his only son Trunks took care of the ungrateful man anyway and now...
'I should have been paying more attention to you dad. I should have tried harder to get you to open up to me or anything.'
"Trunks," Gohan called the boys attention. "Vegeta's going to need a cranial x-ray before the doctors can determine anything. After that we'll have to wait for him to wake up before anything more can be done."
Trunks could only nod.
"This isn't exactly my field son, I was just in the right place at the right time but I've already had the Neurology attending paged. He should be there as soon as we get your father to his room." The doctor added. "I hope it all works for you." Just then the elevator stopped and Trunks helped the doctor and Gohan wheel his father to a private room on that floor. The lights had to be turned on upon entering and they unstrapped him from the bindings lifting the man with ease onto the bed.
"We'll be by later with a change of clothes for him once he wakes up." The blonde nurse said, her voice very high and pleasant. She smiled at Trunks making the boy feel almost at ease with the memory of his grandmother she eluded. He glanced at her name tag- Mol.
"Ok." He said trying to return the smile wondering if her name were shortened or simply was what it was.
The other nurse had finished rebinding Vegeta's arms and legs and looked up at the teen. "For precaution. Most of them come out of sedation a little bitter." She had traditional japanese looks, light tan skin and dark hair cut short around her plump face. Once their work was done both women took their leave.
"Your doctor should be on his way any minute now, wait here with Gohan until he arrives and they'll take it from there."
"Thank you." As the medical group left the room, leaving the door open, Trunks let out a long held in sigh. Gohan immediately went over to wrap an arm around the boy for comfort.
"Its bizarre isn't it." Gohan stated. "I never would have thought anything serious like this would ever happen to any of us, Vegeta least of all."
Leaning up from resting his head on Gohan's shoulders Trunks pulled away from the hold. "Tell me, is there any way to help him, to stop whatever's happening to him?"
Unable to hide a frown Gohan answered grimly. "I don't know much about this but from what I've read there's really no cure. There's a long time treatment ordeal ahead of Vegeta." Seeing the sullen look on the boys face he felt the need to say something or do anything to at least give his friend hope. "But those were old books and maybe someone's discovered a cure or way to speed up the treatment process. Look Trunks for all we know Vegeta's fine and its not DID at all."
"What's that?"
"Oh its the same as multiple personalities, they just changed the name to Dissociative Identity Disorder."
"Oh."
"Bottom line is, we shouldn't completely worry ourselves without any hardcore diagnosis ok?"
"I guess... yeah you're right. My dad's strong mentally and physically. Maybe we're just blowing things out of proportion."
"We'll see if that's true or not in time." Both boys turned their heads to the unknown voice at the door. It was a tall man, about Goku's height, tan skin and jet black hair that sat around his head just above the ears. His eyes were small and sharp sitting above a thin and long nose. He was wearing doctor attire and holding a large gray binder in hand.
"Doctor Kondo." Gohan greeted as the man entered.
"Gohan," He spoke while glancing around. "Now tell me about the patients recent behavior."
Trunks swallowed heavily having been dreading this part most of all.
....................
Goten watched his father pace back and forth on the dark red carpet of the West City General Hospital's waiting room. The Saiyan would often sit down and stand back up less than a minute later to pace some more.
"Relax dad. I bet Vegeta's gonna be just fine." He tried to assure his restless father even though he didn't even know what was going on himself. Seemingly coming out of his own world Goku stopped and put on a smile for his son.
"I hope so," He stared ahead absently. "I should have said something sooner then maybe..."
"What? You could have prevented this?"
"Yeah. I should have convinced Vegeta earlier on to get checked out as soon as I noticed something wrong. I should have told Trunks what's been going on."
"How could you have known though. Vegeta's kinda hard to figure out as it is."
Goku sighs and sits back down seemingly for good this time. "I just wish I knew what was going on."
Goten stared hard at his dad, a small smile of recognition hid on his unseen face. Both he and Trunks used to joke about their dads getting together but never thought it'd happen because both men were so different and so stubborn. Seeing the way his father looked now and from his behavior, Goten was fairly sure it wasn't all just worry that Vegeta's condition was his fault.
The two silently watched the doctors, nurses, patients and roaming friends and family walk back and forth. Goku shuddered a bit. "Man this place gives me the creeps."
"Ha ha." Goten pats his dads back for comfort. "Hey you know what would calm you down a bit, some food."
Goku gave a sad smile. "Actually Goten for once my stomachs in too many knots to eat."
'Wow this must be serious if he's too worried to eat.' Goten thought and that gave him even more suspicion that his dad might have a thing for Vegeta after all. 'I'll have to ask him about this later, once everything calms down.'
"You should go and get yourself something though."
"Sure thing, I mean if you'll be ok alone."
"Yeah I'll be al-" The P.A. system cut on just then asking for Goku which stopped their conversation.
If there is a Goku in the hospital please report to room 202. Repeat, if there is a Goku in the hospital please report to room 202 as soon as possible.
"Wonder what that's about?" Goten asked.
"It must be Trunks or Gohan asking for me." Both men stood up, Goku looking more nervous than he had a minute ago if that were possible.
"Better go then. I'll be in the cafeteria waiting."
"Alright." They both headed their separate ways.
Up in Vegeta's room Trunks was sitting in a chair across from his fathers bed, head down and his fingers giving the death grip to the hem of his shirt.
"He should be here soon." Gohan told the doctor, now that the anouncement was made. He glanced at Trunks who looked near tears or at least near tearing out his hair from stress. The teen had been forced to share the details of his dads recent behavior over the past month. Including the awkward, uncomfortable moment where the man sexual assaulted him. From the expressions on his face, as he spoke, Gohan and the doctor could tell it was hard for him and even embarrassing at moments. Doctor Kondo listened intently writing down notes on what the teen said making no comments until Trunks was done. It was then Trunks said that Goku would be able to fill in the blanks, having spent more time with Vegeta than any of them. The doctor then made a call for someone to get the man for him. Now they were waiting.
.........
Goku had been wandering the halls for a few minutes checking door numbers and attempting to ride the elevator but never managed to get off on the right floor. He assumed the number two would take him to the second floor but the hospital was built differently. After so many attempts and so many times being startled by screams from other patients and nearly running into passersby he decided to screw it all, "I'll never get anywhere like this." and used for the umpteenth time that day his instant transmission. He honed in on Trunks' whereabouts and with the blink of an eye disappeared from sight, leaving a few frightened on lookers behind.
"I'm here." He announced getting the others attention.
.........
Goku gave his story of Vegeta's strange behavior around him the same way Trunks had. Avoiding peoples eyes, Trunks most of all. He felt as if he were under police lights in interrogation.
"And that's about it." He finished.
Dr. Kondo clicked his pen shut. "Well alot of that behavior could be associated with D.I.D. Unfortunately there are alot of other diseases also associated with that kind of 'out of whack' behavior as well."
"So how do we determine which one Vegeta might have?" Goku asked.
"Test, and lots of them. Mostly psychological, some physical. Therapy sessions etcetera."
"Dads never gonna go for that." Trunks pouted. Goku agreed silently.
"That's unfortunate because without the patients consent we won't be able to do anything.
"Great." Trunks mumbled.
"I'll have him taken for an M.R.I. so we can at least see what's going on up there. He should wake up soon the sedative we gave him was strong but it should be wearing off by now. So page me Gohan when he does."
"Yes sir." Gohan walked the doctor out of the door leaving Goku and Trunks alone momentarily. The air between them was strained, Goku could tell. From the moment he began telling them about what he went through with Vegeta over the month, Trunks began to withdrawl. It was hard for the teen to hear those things about his father knowing he had no idea what was going on and all because Goku was afraid to fill him in. And now here they were with the man completely oblivious himself to what was going on while they waited for what could be the worst news of Trunks' life.
"Trunks I'm so sorry."
"No Goku, its not... its not your fault." Trunks clenched his hands into fist barely believing his own words. "If what the doctor said before is true then there was no preventing it."
Goku felt no comfort in those words at all, knowing Trunks didn't either. Both looked over at the sleeping Saiyan prince, who appeared anything but relaxed. "Hope he wakes up soon."
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A/N: Apologies again for the looooong wait. Still with computer problems and honestly it takes alot of thinking and some research for writing this and I get distracted easily unfortunately and I'm kinda slow. I do absolutely appreciate all your awsome reviews though and the fact that you guys are enjoying this enough to stick with it. I swear on my love of Vegeta this story will be completed in time, I know because I already have the ending prepared its just a matter of writing the middle out and I'm already working on the next chapter. Thanks again for reading I'm no review whore but I do appreciate seeing them and you guys write some of the best. -Linkin
Summary: Vegeta's losing his mind or gaining more of it? While his family and friends try to figure it out, Trunks to gain his father's love and Goku to gain Vegeta's love. (I know thats so lame but its what you get)
The Alters: Envy/self loathing Playful/crazy Anger Sad/confused Loving/fatherly lust/need
Stealing Time
Chpt 17- Saiyan Sized Denial
Trunks could only stare in awe watching his dad, at least that's who the man claimed to be, helping Goku with the dishes. The weirdest part was that it was Vegeta's idea for the two to clean up since he and Goten had made breakfast. He'd even pinched himself a few times to make sure it wasn't a dream but he was wide awake. Since he'd heard them, Gohan's words continuously ran through his head about Vegeta's condition. 'Multiple personalities, Vegeta? It just doesn't add up or make much sense but at the same time it would explain a lot. Hell, it'd explain everything if its true.' So caught up in his thoughts trying to sort out the events of the morning Trunks didn't notice Goten walking up beside him until the boy spoke.
"I know its freaky right? But hey I wouldn't complain." The younger said.
"I'm not complaining 'ten. I just... don't get it."
"Maybe its just Vegeta in a good mood. He seems happier or something close to it at least. Isn't that what you wanted?" They both continued staring at the two men with their hands busy washing and drying the breakfast mess. While they quietly conversed about what Trunks couldn't fathom. Vegeta looking content in his own way and Goku looking content but understandably nervous and worried.
"Yeah it's what I wanted but not like this. Something's wrong with him Goten. Something that's making him act this way. That's not my dad."
Goten gave his distraught boyfriend a confused look. "What do you mean?"
Taking the other teens arm Trunks walked him out into the living room and began whispering to keep the others from hearing. "Remember when the phone rang earlier?"
"Uhhh I guess." He rubbed the back of his head. "I kinda wasn't paying attention, eating and all."
"Well it was your brother calling from the hospital."
"Oh yeah, Gohan?"
"He's not sure but he thinks my dad has some mental disorder or a disease." Goten's eyes went wide. "We have to get Vegeta to the hospital, though, so they can give him a real diagnosis before we can know anything for sure."
"So the disease is making him act... nice?"
"I- I don't know, I guess. If its true this thing is probably responsible for everything he's been doing lately. The strange behaviors, mood swings, why he can't remember anything."
"Wow that's- crazy." Both boys turned to look into the kitchen at the man of the hour. Goku and Vegeta had finished the dishes and were drying their hands on the small towel. Turning his head Goku met Trunks gaze and frowned. What Gohan said had obviously disturbed and alarmed them both. There was one problem though, believing it. Getting Vegeta to the hospital to confirm anything wouldn't be easy unless they beat him up and tied him down. The man was being so cooperative at the moment, so... un-Vegeta like. Goku couldn't seem to wrap his mind around the fact that this new Vegeta was caused by some brain disease. No matter how much sense it made it was just too weird actually witnessing the transformation and putting words to what it was.
"Better get this over with." Trunks said quietly going in to join the men after Goku looked away, Goten followed suit. Before Trunks could open his mouth Vegeta spoke first upon their arrival.
"There you two are. So what do you want to do now?" They all looked at each other quizzically. "No ideas huh. What about the tv you boys are so in to, or those ...video...games. Let our food digest or maybe burn it off with some training hm?" He wasn't smiling but as he spoke there was a lightness to his usually sarcastic and bitter voice that none of the three had ever heard before.
They all exchanged looks. "Uhh... that sounds great Vegeta but actually.."
"We need to get to the hospital." Trunks cut the hesitating Goku off.
Vegeta made an expression of concern. "Hospital?" He snorted a quick laugh. "Why, is someone sick? You all look fine to me."
"Its not us that's sick dad... its you."
"Me? Nonsense. There's nothing wrong with me I've never felt better. Now let's go enjoy the day. I don't like wasting time." He headed for the living room to get to the front door. Standing dumb-founded in place for a moment the others took a second, feeling helpless as to what to do, before running after the man.
"Wait a sec Vegeta," Goten said standing in the man's way. "If you're really fine then going to the hospital for a quick check up shouldn't be a problem right?" The Saiyan prince narrowed his eyes at the teen.
"Goten makes a good point. You'd be in and out in no time I bet. Then we could do whatever you want." Goku backed his son up. Vegeta crossed his arms eyeing them all before he sighed in defeat. If he wanted to keep convincing them that this was the new improved Vegeta and bring his host closer to the people in his life that actually care about him he'd do whatever it took. That was his only purpose.
"Alright if that's what you want since you're all so concerned." He spoke resignedly.
"Really?" Trunks lit up in disbelief.
"Let's just get it over with." He walked out of the door the others following as he went to the small garage that stood a few feet away from the dome shaped home. Built by Goku's own hands after his former wife harped on him day after day to get his license and a car and find a place for the car so the rain wouldn't ruin it. Some of Goku's worst but most fond memories, competing with Piccolo to get a license and having his boys help him with the task of building the garage.
"We're driving?" Trunks asked. "Wouldn't the instant transmission be faster? or flying?"
"What's wrong boy, you don't want to take a ride with us? We have time."
'No we really don't.' The lavender hair teen thought in aggravation.
"I'll go get the keys. Its fine Trunks," Goku placed a reassuring hand on the boys shoulder. "and Vegeta's right. It is a nice day for a drive." He leaned in quickly whispering to the teen. "Its alright, we shouldn't upset him right now remember? Who knows what'll happen and we need to keep him cooperative until we get to the hospital." Trunks nodded and Goku patted him on the back before going back inside to snatch the, unused for years, car keys and came back. "So who's driving?" He held the dangling metal out to the three.
"Don't look at me." Goten chimed in. "I don't even have my license yet."
"I haven't driven since I learned," Goku gave his excuse. "Its kinda not my thing either."
Trunks groaned inwardly snatching the keys. "I'll do it then." He knew it'd be too risky to let Vegeta drive anyway and not just because of the man's condition. Vegeta was a menace on the road from the few times he'd ridden with him in their own car. An excellent driver, surprisingly, but also dangerous to others on the road.
Everyone climbed in: Vegeta taking the passenger side and Goku and Goten in the back. Once they were all belted and settled in Trunks started up the futuristic hover car and took off for the city.
...............
The drive was quiet but not very peaceful. The atmosphere was tight and strained, no one knew what to say or do but sit and stare out the windows. Trunks was nervous at the wheel constantly sneaking looks at Vegeta, who'd attempted a smile in return, at first, but the more Trunks looked the more Vegeta became suspicious and aggravated.
"Keep your eyes on the road boy."
"Sorry its just..." Not knowing how to explain his behavior he shut his mouth and tried to focus on the road. Speeding up to get them where they needed to go a little faster.
In back Goku was trying to stay calm about the situation, first of all having to actually go to the hospital and secondly going for Vegeta- the headstrong prince of Saiyans- who may or may not have some kind of mental disorder. That alone was freaking the savior of earth out. Goku wasn't even clear on what it meant to have multiple personalities or how it was affecting the other Saiyan. Having never been one for books or tv and especially not for doctors. Which is why he had to be there, to figure it all out and support Vegeta and Trunks. After all he's kept from the teen the last thing he would do is leave the boy to deal with his father's troubles alone. Goku hoped against everything on the good earth that his knowing of Vegeta's problem and keeping it to himself hadn't worsened the prince's problem. What if this thing was curable and not confronting the man earlier on only caused him to miss his chance at recovery? How could Trunks forgive him for that, how could he forgive himself?
'This is no time for panicking Goku,' He told himself. 'I'll just have to wait and see what happens but no matter what, whether Vegeta will get better or not I'll be there to help him and Trunks.'
"So... how about some tunes?" Goten Suggested after glancing at the other passengers and seeing how wound up they all seemed. The silence was deafening and he couldn't take it anymore.
"Yes, that's a good idea Goten." Vegeta affirmed. He reached over to where the radio panel was and pressed a button to turn it on. Loud music immediately began blaring shocking everyone's ears to life.
"Ah! Turn it down!" Trunks shouted over the noise, Goten reached to the front seat and quickly lowered the volume before their eardrums burst.
Goku laughed from the back seat. "Sorry about that. We haven't really used the car in awhile so who knows how long its been up like that."
Everyone settled back in their seats calming themselves. "Well that was exciting." Vegeta added with a smirk.
"We're almost there." Trunks updated them in a nothing but serious manner. He sighed heavily wishing they would have just taken the instant transmission and it would all be nearly over with and done. He'd know what was causing his dad to act strangely and hopefully the doctor would tell them it was curable so everything could go back to normal. Which when he thought about it, normal wasn't all that great with Vegeta either. They had a history of being dysfunctional at times and absent in each others lives for the rest of the time. Maybe a different Vegeta wouldn't be so bad. 'No, I shouldn't think like that. He's my dad no matter what but I'd rather have him as himself than an imposter.'
Staring out the window at the city, the tall buildings, the signs, and other cars they passed, Vegeta began spacing out listening to the song that played, much quieter than before, on the radio. It was familiar somehow. Where had he heard it before? His eyes widened a bit at the realization or more, a memory of the true Vegeta. It was one of the songs that had been playing that day Vegeta first began hearing their voices. When he'd locked himself in his room and tried to drown them out. Something inside of him began to stir.
'Damnit'
Trying to stay calm and concentrate on something else Vegeta shifted in his seat ready to make conversation but it was too late. His head began throbbing, the real Vegeta, owner of this body, was awake and so were the other alters. Angry and wanting to take over.
Trunks, being as attentive as he had been watching his dad, didn't miss the movement going on next to him.
"Hey, dad are you alright?"
"I- I'm fine son." He grit his teeth as a sharp pain stabbed a part of his brain.
You're a dirty prick is what you are. Hogging the spotlight for yourself. Acting like a complete tool for these simpletons. Makes me sick the way you've embarrassed us
'No its too soon for this.'
I'm bored, when's it my turn to come out
"Vegeta?" Goku called from the backseat, everyone saw the other man leaning over in his seat as if he were ready to vomit but his hands gripped feircely at his head instead.
"What's going on?" Goten asked.
"It must be the disease Gohan told us about." Goku answered.
"Well what do we do?" Trunks began panicking. "The hospitals only another street away but what if he takes off when we get there- before we get there!"
"Calm down Trunks, we won't let that happen." Goku tried to assure the teen. "Vegeta can you hear me? Vegeta!"
The other man continued to grit his teeth in agony. Inside his head the real Vegeta could hear Goku's voice in a distant echo over the bickering of his alters. He was in the same room as before when he'd heard or rather saw them all for the first time. They still wore their colored tanks and black slacks, different expressions and different emotions radiating off them. They were all standing this time and fighting about something he couldn't quite piece together but had an idea of what it might be, while he lied on the floor.
"I have to get out of this.. this whatever it is- wherever I am.... but how." Figuring he could just make his way to the door and figure out how to wake up from this nightmare once he was alone, he began to slip away hoping to go unnoticed.
Uh uh not time for you yet
"Ugh!" One of the alters managed to hit him over the head forcing him back to the floor momentarily dazed.
In the car Vegeta was coming to. He slowly sat up in his seat shaking his head as if clearing it out. "Dad are you ok now, does it hu-" Trunks asked not sure what else to say. He froze seeing the sinister expression on his fathers face. "Dad?"
"Almost." The alter Vegeta said and grabbed the wheel of the car unexpectedly sending it into a turn that almost hit the vehicle beside it.
"Whoa!" Goten grabbed on to the back of the seat being knocked around from the sudden change in direction.
"Dad what are you-" Trunks gripped the wheel himself wrestling with Vegeta for control.
"This is alot more fun right? Like those videogames you boys play." He laughed in a way they'd never heard before. Not Vegeta's typical "you're all idiots" laugh or the haughty "I'm the prince of all Saiyans" laugh. This wasn't even his "I'm going to destroy the Earth" sinister laugh. It was undescribable.
The car careened out of control back and forth swivelling on the road threatening to bang into the passing drivers beside them. Trunks fumbled to switch it into hover mode raising them up to avoid the other cars on the road. Annoyed by the action Vegeta took it upon himself to yank the wheel from its hold. "Hahaha."
"What the hell Vegeta." Goku leaned into the front seat now grabbing the other Saiyan by the arms and pinning him to the chair. The now detatched wheel falling at his feet.
"What do I do now?" Trunks asked frantically snatching it up and trying to put the wheel back in place knowing it wasn't possible.
"Uhh the cruise control button!" Goten suggested.
"Right."
In the passenger seat Vegeta was kicking at the window at an akward angle. While Goku held him as best he could from his own awkward angle in the back seat. "What are you doing Vegeta? What happend to going to the hospital?" Goten asked.
"I changed my mind, that doesn't sound like any fun." The Saiyan prince grunted adding force to each kick until the window broke through. He tugged his arms trying to get out of Goku's and now Goten's hold and Trunks grabbed on to his father as well.
"Dad you have to calm down." Trunks tried but it was a futile effort. He already knew what was going on and that this man wasn't his father now anymore than he'd been a moment ago.
"Let go of me this instant." The prince ordered. He shot out a small blast of ki knocking the others off and he took the opportuntiy to fly out the window. Laughing hysterically as he went.
"Damnit!" Trunks straightened up in time to watch the man leaving, Vegeta turned back pausing in mid-air to pull his eye down and stick his tongue out at the group. Then he flew off in between air traffic upsetting the drivers and causing accidents as they tried to avoid this insane man. "Rrr, Goku did Gohan tell you anyway we could stop this, or get him back to normal?"
Goku thought momentarily but came up blank. After the past night and morning, and now this it all had his brain a bit frazzled and he couldn't remember much of anything himself. "I- I don't know. Don't worry we're getting to the hospital right now." Following after Goku they all got out of the car and went after Vegeta. Catching him during one of his swirves of an oncoming vehicle. "Grab him quick and don't let go." He ordered the two.
"Hm." His son nodded doing as he was told. Trunks obeying as well.
"What is this?" A curious Vegeta asked feeling the hands grip his arms and leg.
"Alright." In a rush Goku performed the I.T. technique and in less than a minute they were inside the hospitals main entrance. Landing roughly on the clean and shiny linoleum floor, all still holding onto Vegeta trying to pin the flailing man down.
"Get off me you idiots." He thrashed about shooting off bits of energy that the others had to swat away making small cracks in the walls near them as they hit.
"Can..., rr, someone get us a doctor!" Trunks yelled as loud as he could drawing attention from anyone nearby.
"Calm down Vegeta its gonna be alright, they'll help you here." Goku tried to soothe the man as a few nurses and a doctor came to their aid.
"What's wrong?" The man in dark blue scrubs asked.
"Its my dad," Trunks started "He's got- I don't know a mental disorder or something; just help him!"
"Alright alright, everyone stay calm. Nurse get me a sedative, a strong one. I can't treat this guy if he's out of control." He ordered one of the nurses while assessing the situation.
"Yes doctor." She rushed to a cart waiting nearby and pulled out what she needed. Goku froze where he kneeled at the word needle and stared the nurse down as she prepared it. A cold sweat was forming and in his panic he nearly forgot about Vegeta and the man broke free of his hold.
"Hey dad snap out of it!" Goten called the mans attention while he struggled to keep Vegeta from running off.
"Right, sorry." In his own fear Goku's voice came out a pitch higher than normal but he reacted like a fighter and pinned Vegeta back down with his full body covering the smaller mans. The nurses and doctor worked quickly getting on the floor near the rowdy group.
"Hold him still now." The man said. That of course only made the Saiyan more aggressive.
"No, let me go!" Vegeta arched as the large needle went into his arm roughly. "Ah!" Goku made sure not to watch until the thing was abstracted.
"That should do it. Bring the restraints and a gurney quickly."
"Already on the way doctor." His other nurse informed. Everyone watched as Vegeta slowly stopped moving after a few minutes, breathing heavily in a sweat on the floor. Goten, Trunks and Goku still holding onto his arms and legs. The man had his jaw clenched. Short bursts of laughter continued to come from him before he passed out completely.
"Dad?"
"Is he ok?" Goten asked.
"He should be its just the drugs relaxing his system. Get him on the stretcher." The three stood up as Goku lifted Vegeta's still form onto the moving bed and the hospital attending strapped the man in. Goku was horrified and upset as they pulled the leather straps tightly around those muscled arms, now limp and strapped him down. There was nothing he could do though, it was all in the doctors hands now.
'I'm sorry Vegeta.'
"Dad!" The group looked up at the familiar voice seeing Gohan running towards them looking just as nervous and worried as they had been. "What," He paused momentarily catching his breath. "happened?"
"We're not sure, one minute things were fine then he.... I don't know he went nuts!" Trunks threw up his arms in exasperation. Goten nodded to confirm his boyfriends words. They all followed after the doctors as Vegeta was being wheeled into an elevator on his way to an examining room.
"I'm sorry but we can't let you all in, some of you have to stay in the waiting room." A nurse with mint green scrubs told them while they waited for the elevator doors to open. "Immediate family only."
"Go, Trunks, we'll be here."
"But I don't know how to explain any of this." The teen spoke with a tone of exhaustion and frustration.
"Don't worry Trunks, I can try and sort it out since I've been reading up on his condition. I might be able to help." Gohan offered, his heart going out to the boy. He could only imagine how the teen felt about all this. Sighing Trunks stepped into the elevator with the doctors and nurses. Staring at Goku as the doors closed.
"Come on son, we might as well wait." Goku grabbed his sons shoulder and they headed towards the waiting room to sit down.
On the elevator Trunks was watching his father's slow breathing as the drugs from the shot flowed through his body. He was calm now and on his way to sleep. Which could be a good or bad thing in Vegeta's case. Trunks wondered what was going on his dad's head right now and if the doctors would be able to make it stop. He could hear Gohan and the man that gave Vegeta the sedative talking quietly at the back of the elevator. He thought he should probably be in on the conversation but his mind was too hazy to really focus right now.
'How could this have happened to you dad? You always seemed so.. put together, so in control.'
"Don't worry son, he should be resting peacefully now." The nurse spoke bringing Trunks out of his momentary thoughts.
"Huh, oh... yeah I.. guess that's good."
"We were worried a minute, your dad put on quite a show out there." The other woman spoke. Both nurses wore standard white uniforms, pants instead of a skirt. Their hair was pinned up into neat buns, one blonde the other a brunette. The blonde woman briefly reminded Trunks of Mrs. Briefs, the woman his grandfather had been seeing before he passed away. She was always good to him especially when his own mother had gotten sick but after grandpa Briefs passed on she stayed to help the family as long as she could. The blonde bubbling woman held onto our well known care-free happy personality as long as she could. Until deciding to move away and start her life again, leaving him with Vegeta alone. Things were so much simpler then. He was good at looking after himself and his father. Even if the man denied him the pleasure any chance he got. Still, as his only son Trunks took care of the ungrateful man anyway and now...
'I should have been paying more attention to you dad. I should have tried harder to get you to open up to me or anything.'
"Trunks," Gohan called the boys attention. "Vegeta's going to need a cranial x-ray before the doctors can determine anything. After that we'll have to wait for him to wake up before anything more can be done."
Trunks could only nod.
"This isn't exactly my field son, I was just in the right place at the right time but I've already had the Neurology attending paged. He should be there as soon as we get your father to his room." The doctor added. "I hope it all works for you." Just then the elevator stopped and Trunks helped the doctor and Gohan wheel his father to a private room on that floor. The lights had to be turned on upon entering and they unstrapped him from the bindings lifting the man with ease onto the bed.
"We'll be by later with a change of clothes for him once he wakes up." The blonde nurse said, her voice very high and pleasant. She smiled at Trunks making the boy feel almost at ease with the memory of his grandmother she eluded. He glanced at her name tag- Mol.
"Ok." He said trying to return the smile wondering if her name were shortened or simply was what it was.
The other nurse had finished rebinding Vegeta's arms and legs and looked up at the teen. "For precaution. Most of them come out of sedation a little bitter." She had traditional japanese looks, light tan skin and dark hair cut short around her plump face. Once their work was done both women took their leave.
"Your doctor should be on his way any minute now, wait here with Gohan until he arrives and they'll take it from there."
"Thank you." As the medical group left the room, leaving the door open, Trunks let out a long held in sigh. Gohan immediately went over to wrap an arm around the boy for comfort.
"Its bizarre isn't it." Gohan stated. "I never would have thought anything serious like this would ever happen to any of us, Vegeta least of all."
Leaning up from resting his head on Gohan's shoulders Trunks pulled away from the hold. "Tell me, is there any way to help him, to stop whatever's happening to him?"
Unable to hide a frown Gohan answered grimly. "I don't know much about this but from what I've read there's really no cure. There's a long time treatment ordeal ahead of Vegeta." Seeing the sullen look on the boys face he felt the need to say something or do anything to at least give his friend hope. "But those were old books and maybe someone's discovered a cure or way to speed up the treatment process. Look Trunks for all we know Vegeta's fine and its not DID at all."
"What's that?"
"Oh its the same as multiple personalities, they just changed the name to Dissociative Identity Disorder."
"Oh."
"Bottom line is, we shouldn't completely worry ourselves without any hardcore diagnosis ok?"
"I guess... yeah you're right. My dad's strong mentally and physically. Maybe we're just blowing things out of proportion."
"We'll see if that's true or not in time." Both boys turned their heads to the unknown voice at the door. It was a tall man, about Goku's height, tan skin and jet black hair that sat around his head just above the ears. His eyes were small and sharp sitting above a thin and long nose. He was wearing doctor attire and holding a large gray binder in hand.
"Doctor Kondo." Gohan greeted as the man entered.
"Gohan," He spoke while glancing around. "Now tell me about the patients recent behavior."
Trunks swallowed heavily having been dreading this part most of all.
....................
Goten watched his father pace back and forth on the dark red carpet of the West City General Hospital's waiting room. The Saiyan would often sit down and stand back up less than a minute later to pace some more.
"Relax dad. I bet Vegeta's gonna be just fine." He tried to assure his restless father even though he didn't even know what was going on himself. Seemingly coming out of his own world Goku stopped and put on a smile for his son.
"I hope so," He stared ahead absently. "I should have said something sooner then maybe..."
"What? You could have prevented this?"
"Yeah. I should have convinced Vegeta earlier on to get checked out as soon as I noticed something wrong. I should have told Trunks what's been going on."
"How could you have known though. Vegeta's kinda hard to figure out as it is."
Goku sighs and sits back down seemingly for good this time. "I just wish I knew what was going on."
Goten stared hard at his dad, a small smile of recognition hid on his unseen face. Both he and Trunks used to joke about their dads getting together but never thought it'd happen because both men were so different and so stubborn. Seeing the way his father looked now and from his behavior, Goten was fairly sure it wasn't all just worry that Vegeta's condition was his fault.
The two silently watched the doctors, nurses, patients and roaming friends and family walk back and forth. Goku shuddered a bit. "Man this place gives me the creeps."
"Ha ha." Goten pats his dads back for comfort. "Hey you know what would calm you down a bit, some food."
Goku gave a sad smile. "Actually Goten for once my stomachs in too many knots to eat."
'Wow this must be serious if he's too worried to eat.' Goten thought and that gave him even more suspicion that his dad might have a thing for Vegeta after all. 'I'll have to ask him about this later, once everything calms down.'
"You should go and get yourself something though."
"Sure thing, I mean if you'll be ok alone."
"Yeah I'll be al-" The P.A. system cut on just then asking for Goku which stopped their conversation.
If there is a Goku in the hospital please report to room 202. Repeat, if there is a Goku in the hospital please report to room 202 as soon as possible.
"Wonder what that's about?" Goten asked.
"It must be Trunks or Gohan asking for me." Both men stood up, Goku looking more nervous than he had a minute ago if that were possible.
"Better go then. I'll be in the cafeteria waiting."
"Alright." They both headed their separate ways.
Up in Vegeta's room Trunks was sitting in a chair across from his fathers bed, head down and his fingers giving the death grip to the hem of his shirt.
"He should be here soon." Gohan told the doctor, now that the anouncement was made. He glanced at Trunks who looked near tears or at least near tearing out his hair from stress. The teen had been forced to share the details of his dads recent behavior over the past month. Including the awkward, uncomfortable moment where the man sexual assaulted him. From the expressions on his face, as he spoke, Gohan and the doctor could tell it was hard for him and even embarrassing at moments. Doctor Kondo listened intently writing down notes on what the teen said making no comments until Trunks was done. It was then Trunks said that Goku would be able to fill in the blanks, having spent more time with Vegeta than any of them. The doctor then made a call for someone to get the man for him. Now they were waiting.
.........
Goku had been wandering the halls for a few minutes checking door numbers and attempting to ride the elevator but never managed to get off on the right floor. He assumed the number two would take him to the second floor but the hospital was built differently. After so many attempts and so many times being startled by screams from other patients and nearly running into passersby he decided to screw it all, "I'll never get anywhere like this." and used for the umpteenth time that day his instant transmission. He honed in on Trunks' whereabouts and with the blink of an eye disappeared from sight, leaving a few frightened on lookers behind.
"I'm here." He announced getting the others attention.
.........
Goku gave his story of Vegeta's strange behavior around him the same way Trunks had. Avoiding peoples eyes, Trunks most of all. He felt as if he were under police lights in interrogation.
"And that's about it." He finished.
Dr. Kondo clicked his pen shut. "Well alot of that behavior could be associated with D.I.D. Unfortunately there are alot of other diseases also associated with that kind of 'out of whack' behavior as well."
"So how do we determine which one Vegeta might have?" Goku asked.
"Test, and lots of them. Mostly psychological, some physical. Therapy sessions etcetera."
"Dads never gonna go for that." Trunks pouted. Goku agreed silently.
"That's unfortunate because without the patients consent we won't be able to do anything.
"Great." Trunks mumbled.
"I'll have him taken for an M.R.I. so we can at least see what's going on up there. He should wake up soon the sedative we gave him was strong but it should be wearing off by now. So page me Gohan when he does."
"Yes sir." Gohan walked the doctor out of the door leaving Goku and Trunks alone momentarily. The air between them was strained, Goku could tell. From the moment he began telling them about what he went through with Vegeta over the month, Trunks began to withdrawl. It was hard for the teen to hear those things about his father knowing he had no idea what was going on and all because Goku was afraid to fill him in. And now here they were with the man completely oblivious himself to what was going on while they waited for what could be the worst news of Trunks' life.
"Trunks I'm so sorry."
"No Goku, its not... its not your fault." Trunks clenched his hands into fist barely believing his own words. "If what the doctor said before is true then there was no preventing it."
Goku felt no comfort in those words at all, knowing Trunks didn't either. Both looked over at the sleeping Saiyan prince, who appeared anything but relaxed. "Hope he wakes up soon."
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A/N: Apologies again for the looooong wait. Still with computer problems and honestly it takes alot of thinking and some research for writing this and I get distracted easily unfortunately and I'm kinda slow. I do absolutely appreciate all your awsome reviews though and the fact that you guys are enjoying this enough to stick with it. I swear on my love of Vegeta this story will be completed in time, I know because I already have the ending prepared its just a matter of writing the middle out and I'm already working on the next chapter. Thanks again for reading I'm no review whore but I do appreciate seeing them and you guys write some of the best. -Linkin