Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Stealing Time ❯ Minor Altercations ( Chapter 20 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

A/N: My most sincere apologies for the very long update wait, I'll accept all pummelings graciously :o). I truly do appreciate the loyal readers and patient waiters and any reviews thank you very much! I hope you enjoy, sorry for any missed errors in spelling etc and I'm still trying my best to finish the other chapters in a timely manner, hoping life doesn't get too much in the way. You can still contact me for questions, comments or whatever I even do spoilers if you want to know something ahead of time. Just please make sure you leave the story title as an email header so I don't just throw the message out. Reach me at fun_city@hotmail.com

Stealing TimeChpt 20- Minor Alter-cations
Anger Sadness Envy Lust Playful Loving Vegeta

Trunks spent most of his night wandering back and forth between his bedroom and Vegeta's checking up on his dad every few hours. He was too nervous, too restless after the things he'd read, to sleep. So the young half Saiyan was up early the next morning, trying to keep himself busy and occupied until Goten showed up. He was tired of course but had too much pent up anxiety about Vegeta to be able to relax or sit still. All night he'd been back and forth from his room to his father's to check on the man. His mind was unable to grasp the idea that the Saiyan prince might be completely normal and disorder free. No matter what the doctor said. It was obvious to Trunks that even Doctor Kondo had his own doubts about those test results. That, and the simple fact that the doctor and the books say the disorder isn't easy to diagnose or to determine whether a person has it or not on the first exam.

A few times during his checkups through the night Vegeta would yell at him to get lost and leave him alone. Other times he was just unresponsive and ignoring Trunks' offers of food or drink. He'd deny needing the medication the doctor prescribed but Trunks left the bottles with him anyway. Once he was even threatened and had things thrown at him. The last visit Trunks made, he couldn't even get inside the bedroom because Vegeta had the door locked. Even though Trunks could easily get it open by going to the Capsule Corp control panel, that was designed to work all the locks in the house for security reasons, he decided not to. Leaving his father be instead or atleast until later in the night when his dad was asleep and he could freely look in on the man. It was as if the man was going through extreme mood swings and Trunks presence was only aggravating the symptoms.

So the lavender haired teen prepared for Goten's plan to catch those mood swings in the act. He'd wandered around Capsule Corp finding any hand held video camera he could. Then he made sure they worked and had a disk in for recording. A knock came from the front entrance even though Trunks knew the door was already opened. He called out, but not too loudly incase his father was awake, from his place in one of the sitting room.

"I'm in here Goten!" A few seconds later the slightly younger teen entered the room finding his boyfriend sitting on the floor surrounded by camera equipment.

"You already got started?"

"Not too much, just taking inventory. Glad you're here we're gonna have to set these up in the rooms separately to get it done faster and before my dad wakes up." Goten stayed put watching his boyfriend for a minute. It took Trunks a moment to notice that he hadn't budged to help him yet. "What?"

"You just look really worn out. Maybe we should postpone this plan for later."

"I haven't slept much, but how could I, worrying about my dad? The sooner I do this and get some proof of these... alters I can get my dad some professional help."

"But what about your health T'?"

"It's fine, now help me carry these we're running out of time."

Seeing that his boyfriend was still unmoving Trunks gave in and tried to reassure him. "Look, I'll try to sleep once we're done alright?"

"Alright." Sighing Goten went over and grabbed two smaller cameras for himself, while Trunks set up one of the larger ones on a shelf, tucking it away discreetly behind a statue.

"Vegeta sits in here alot so this will be a good place." He murmured more to himself. Once he finished his task and turned the machine on he grabbed the rest and followed Goten out the room. "You find a hidden spot in the kitchen and I'll take care of the livingroom."

"Gotcha,... hey what about the bathrooms?" Goten's statement had the older teen frozen in thought. "I mean its supposed to be the most private place, next to a persons bedroom right? So if he was gonna," The spiky haired male paused searching for the right words. "Well slip up, or show any signs of illness it might happen in the bathroom when he thinks he's completely alone."

"That's true, I guess we should put them in there. I'll wait until my dads awake and find the right time to get a camera in his room. You might have to distract him for that."

"Can do." Goten saluted with a big grin instead of his occupied hands. "Hey once we're done how about breakfast. I didn't get a chance to really eat anything, getting up so early to come help you and all."

It was a small laugh but it came out anyway. "Sure 'Ten." It was one of Goten's most endearing qualities, he could always brighten up Trunks's bad mood. The two separated after that with a goal in mind and the mood a little lighter.

____________________________

"102... 103... 104.." Goku moved up and down, back barely hitting the floor of his bedroom before coming back up again, chest meeting his knees and he repeated the action at a medium pace. Counting aloud while having a completely different conversation in his head.

'Tell Vegeta how I feel, yeah right. What was Goten thinking, what was I thinking agreeing to it? He's already upset with me as it is. He'll probably try to kill me if I spring that on him.'

"120, 121, 122..."

'Then again if I don't say something I'll die a lonely death and in Saiyan years it'll be a long slow one.' His counting was interrupted by laughter at how ridiculous his thoughts were. Goku stopped his sit ups, lying on his back and staring up at the ceiling.

"Get it together Goku this is serious for me and Vegeta. He can be mad all he wants but I'm gonna do something to help him damnit!"

"Announcing your convictions out loud again Goku?"

The Saiyan turned in the direction of his window where an all too familiar baritone namek stood. "Oh hey Piccolo." He spoke not hiding the slight embarrassment he'd felt just then. "Not exactly but,"

"Its alright Goku, I know what you were doing." In an instant the green alien went from outside the window to inside the bedroom. "Gohan was upset about Vegeta, I'm assuming you're worse off."

"Yeah, no worse than Trunks though that kids suffering the most from all this. Man I just wish Vegeta would admit to being sick and let us help him."

"You think confessing your feelings is going to do that?"

Goku flushed a faint red and laughed manically for a second before sobering up. "Not really but its worth a shot." Goku let out a shorter more bitter laugh. "I mean what harm could it do at this point."

Crossing his arms Piccolo nodded. "Hn. Then what are you waiting for? Don't tell me the savior of the world is afraid of his feelings, or maybe its the rejection you can't handle."

"What do you mean rejection? Vegeta might actually, well he could.... if I say it just right. Who am I kidding, you're right Piccolo. I am afraid of the outcome and not just telling Vegeta how I feel but this random illness thats got him." Goku turned serious eyes on his friend. "I mean this isn't like fighting, I can't just beat the guy up and win. And even if by some other worldly powers Vegeta accepts the idea of us being together, he's sick and I barely understand what's wrong with him how am I supposed to deal with that?!"

"Hmhmhm."

Goku stared confused as to why the namek was suddenly laughing at him. "What the hell's so funny?"

"You Goku." The young Saiyan frowned. "Listen to yourself, you took on some of the strongest fighters in the universe and managed to come out on top, alive,even after you've been dead several times and you're worried about Vegeta. Its pathetic if not laughable."

"Don't tell me you came here just to make me feel like an ass."

"No, you're my friend Goku so listen to me. Whatever is going on with Vegeta personally and what you want for the two of you is like a battle. Be confident about winning but fear losing. Its the fighters balance. So you push harder if you fail the first time or second and so on. You want to help Vegeta, you want to be with him than make it happen. Now that you've admitted your fears out loud there's nothing else standing in your way."

It was the nameks turn to stare confused as Goku started laughing himself.

"Hn?"

"You really are full of surprises Piccolo." His laughter slowly subsided. "Being with Gohan made you soft. No offense..."

Straightening out Goku returned serious again. "And you're right. I get what you're saying and thanks. This is like any other battle only less physical. If I want a good outcome I have to fight for it and win."

"That's right."

Feeling more energized and ready Goku left the room, Piccolo in tow. "Hey Piccolo, this is kinda awkward to ask but... was it easy with Gohan?"

"Was what easy?"

"Ya know telling him how you felt, getting that whole thing started." Walking a few steps in front, Goku missed the smirk on the nameks lips.

"I didn't have to do much work there. It was pretty mutual from the beginning but your son made it official. I just went along."

"Oh. I figured if anyone were closer to Vegeta's personality it'd be you but I guess it differs where relationships are concerned." The two made their way into the kitchen, Goku getting ready for his breakfast.

"Don't worry about it Goku, you'll do fine and the worse that can happen is he turns you down."

"Yeah, or he laughs."

"True, either way you keep trying."

"I know I know. Want some breakfast," He was answered by a raised green hand. "Oh right I forgot nameks don't really eat. More for me then. I'm gonna need my strength tackling Vegeta today."

"Where's Goten?"

"Oh he actually got up early said he had to help Trunks with something important."

"Hn."

"It has to be something to do with Vegeta, I just hope they know what they're doing." Goku pulled a few things out of the fridge cradling them in both arms. "Hey you don't have to eat but help me with this will ya?"

Piccolo gave a throaty laugh before going over to help his friend make breakfast. "Sure." Just because he didn't eat really need to eat didn't mean he couldn't cook for others.

__________

"Last one is up and running T', now how about that breakfast?"

Goten and Trunks met up in the hallway after completing their task of rigging capsule corp with camera's to catch Vegeta's odd behavior on film. "As promised, and maybe the smell will wake dad up. Those pills must have been stronger than I thought to keep him down for so long."

"He actually took 'em?"

"Yeah it surprised me too. I just hope they actually do something for him.... Come on." They both headed for the kitchen.

....................

Vegeta was awake in the sense that his body was unrested and constantly tossing and turning in the bed. The medication managed to knock him out on the outside, eyes closed and body relaxed but his mind was still racing inside. It was a jumble of personalities bickering while Vegeta himself felt frozen in blackness listening and watching the bizarre scene unfold.

He was almost convinced I was his Vegeta
That boy is determined to stop us, he's not completely sure we even exist
Hn. Just like his stubborn father
That will be good to our advantage if we play Vegeta just right no one will know the difference we'll have free reign of this body this mind
And what you want to do with it is wrong
Shut it

The conversation went on like that minutes longer. Vegeta was never aware of how long he'd even been there or when he'd arrived in that mind made room of darkness. He could only stand there outside of the door, watching blurred images of himself and listen to their strange babble until the mental strain or medication forced Vegeta to black out completely, not before hearing one of the alters anounce that it was his turn.....

Vegeta shot up from his semi sleep state with a jolt of pain coursing through him from toes to head. "Rrgh." His hand firmly grasped his bowed head. "Damnit that does hurt." Giving it a small shake to clear the haze he slowly raised his head surveying the area. The digital clock beside him read 9 A.M. and the curtains were drawn casting the room in the same blackness he'd just come from.

"Hm the bedroom, good. I'll have time to work on my "Vegeta" before dealing with his.... family." The last word was hesitated to spoken and spat out with distaste.

Grunting as he moved to get out of the bed, Vegeta stretched his medication relaxed muscles but immediately dropped his arms as if they were heavy weights. "I see this earth poison has a lasting affect." He spoke picking up and glaring at one of the bottles of pills left on the bed-side dresser. With a smirk he crushed the bottle in his hand burning it with a small burst of his ki until there was nothing left. "Can't take the risk of these actually working." He laughed his way into the bathroom stripping naked as he went. After taking a piss he turned on the shower water stepping inside.

The alter stood still quietly a moment listening for something waiting to feel anything. 'So far no signs of Vegeta.' He chuckeld softly. 'Good.'

Downstairs Trunks and Goten had finished eating and were cleaning up. Trunks paused slowly dropping his arm from putting one of the plates on a shelf. "He's awake." He anounced.

"Huh? Vegeta," The younger teen raised a brow. "How do you know?" Goten took the dangling plate from the distracted Trunks and put it away himself.

"Its faint but I can hear the shower water running from upstairs." The year older teen explained.

"Hn." Goten laughed. "What do you have namek ears?"

"I wish, come on lets get the cameras running before he's finished and comes down."

"Gotcha."

.............................

A lter Vegeta toweled himself down dripping on the bathroom floor and humming contently to himself. Mind racing with ideas and ways to "help" Vegeta and himself. Wrapping the towel around his naked waist he walked over to the mirror and stared himself down, smirking at the image before him. "Handsome." His face frowned a bit noticing the incoming whiskers on his lip. "Time for a shave, huh." He opened the medicine cabinet and fished around for the razor and shaving cream, his other hand turning the water on. He proceeded his humming while lathering up and running the razor over his skin.

Outside of his bedroom door Trunks and Goten crept down the hall, Trunks putting a finger to his lip signaling Goten to stay quiet, the other nodded in response. Trunks put an ear to the door carefully waiting a minute before deciding it was quiet enough and Vegeta wasn't inside. He cracked the door peering into the dark room and heard the sink water running.

"He's still in the bathroom but already out of the shower." Backing out and closing the door he ushered his boyfriend, while holding the last of the cameras, to his bedroom. "It'd be too risky to set up the camera now we'll stick with the original plan."

"Right. I distract him when he comes out and you sneak in and set up." Enjoying the thrill of their scheme Goten flops down on Trunks's bed folding his arms behind his head. He stared at Trunks, who was leaning against the wall opposite the bed. His head was down, arms crossed, looking contemplative. "Hey 'T what's up?"

Trunks looked up trying to relax his posture. "I don't know, something just feels wrong."

Goten sat up. "What? No way. This is a fool-proof plan what could go wrong."

"It's not so much Vegeta finding out about the cameras I'm worried about..." He pauses thinking quietly. "I've just got a bad feeling... Maybe its just nerves or the lack of sleep getting to me."

Goten frowned but before he could respond they heard Vegeta calling out for Trunks and whipped their heads in the direction of the door.

"Where are you boy?!" Vegeta continued to mumble something to himself as his voice slowly faded down the hall.

"Its time, come on."

Goten went out first and followed after the saiyan prince. "Mornin' Vegeta." He said with a chipper tone throwing his arm around the slight man. Vegeta glared and plucked the teens arm from off his shoulders. "Uhh, right, no touching."

"Why are you here and where's my good for nothing son. He should have been making me breakfast by now."

"Well we were... working on a project, yeah and its kinda big so-" Vegeta growled letting Goten know he wasn't interested.

"Okaaay, so Trunks is in the bathroom and will be down shortly but in the meantime, I'm a great cook I can whip something up for ya."

Vegeta thought about it figuring any service is good service for a prince. "Fine."

"Great." Risking it again, Goten gently pushed Vegeta's back rushing him downstairs. He turned halfway around giving Trunks the thumbs up to move out. The lavender haired teen hesitated a moment watching the two round the corner to the stairs.

'Something does feel wrong but what? Shake it off Trunks this is important.' Taking a breath he rushes through the hall into his dad's bedroom. "Always so dark in here." He grumbles to himself flicking on the light. Glancing around he searches for the perfect spot to hide the mini cam'. "This should work." He tucked the camera away in one of the large standing plants in the corner, knowing Vegeta wanted nothing to do with the green decorations. Trunks could still hear the complaining he did when Goku offered the man the plant in the first place. Pushing the record button he stood back away from the plant making sure the camera was indeed hidden. "Perfect, hope this works." Shutting off the light he left the room to join the others downstairs.

He could faintly hear Goten telling one of his many stories to an unattentive audience of one. The annoyance peeled off of Vegeta in waves as Trunks approached.

"Say one more thing and I'll end you." The Saiyan prince warned the young teen. Goten laughed nervously before his eyes caught sight of his savior boyfriend in the doorway. Trunks gave Goten the silent thumbs up that their mission was accomplished.

"Hey look who's here, Trunks."

Vegeta's eyes turned to where Goten was looking. "Hn. Look who could finally grace us with their presence." He gave his son a suspicious look as he spoke.

"Sorry. What'd I miss?" Trunks took a seat at the table next to Goten.

"You know boy," Vegeta began staring hard at the teen. "if I were you I'd be up at the crack of dawn training to get stronger and still have time to shower afterwards and have breakfast on the table for my father."

Trunks and Goten exchanged looks of 'is he for real?' before Trunks cleared his throat. "Uuh right I'll try to remember that."

"Sooo Vegeta, how ya feelin?" Goten asked trying to change the subject.

Vegeta paused looking thoughtful in a not so thoughtful way before answering. "Sluggish." An impish smirk appeared slowly on his face making the boys nervous. "And I think I know just what to do for it."

"Yeah.. and what's that?" Trunks asked.

Purposefully taking his time to answer Vegeta downed the rest of drink first before heavily setting the empty glass down on the table hard enough to rattle the fork dangling from the plate. "Spar with me boys." A wicked smirk appeared as he got up to leave through the back door.

"Uuhh..." Both boys sounded in unison. Goten shot Trunks a nervous look. The idea of sparring with an unstable Vegeta didn't sound like the best idea right now but what choice did they have. Trunks sighed getting up with the answer Goten silently asked and they followed after.

..........................

Goku was taking his time flying to Capsule Corp going over and over in his head what he'd say once he met up with Vegeta. Telling Piccolo he'd confess his feelings to the Saiyan prince was one thing but actually doing it, well he was pretty sure he would rather face all of his greatest enemies at once.... again. He sighed heavily before pausing mid-air, expression contorted in thought. "I can't just dumb into this thing, I need to really think it out first." He let his body drift down to ground level slowly and looked for a nice spot to contemplate what he'd been thinking about all morning. A large tree blowing its branches at him in a beckoning way had Goku walking over to sit beneath it. "Just prepare yourself Goku, you can do this."

.........................

Trunks' body was slammed hard into a nearby large rock, "Ah!" before it fell down to the grass below as bits of crumbling debris landed on top of him. Goten's body joined him seconds later. They were both badly bruised and cut from Vegeta's "sparring" session.

"Ow!" They slowly sat up wincing from the pain and head rush. "Man is this the real Vegeta?" Goten asked through gritted teeth, rubbing his back absently.

"Thats the problem, I'm not sure." Trunks leans back against the rock sitting beside Goten. They both hear Vegeta's haughty laughter in the distance and can just see his form floating around in the air a few feet away from them. The crazed man was shooting off blast of ki in random directions hoping to hit them. One of the blast hit the ground destroying the grass a few feet away from where they sat.

"Kinda sad right? I mean we've survived worse than this but we're hiding out like cowards. Does that mean Vegeta was right about our needing more training?" Goten asked light heartedly but Trunks glared at him in response. "Heh too soon for jokes huh?" Before Trunks could say anything another blast just barely missed them again

"What's the matter boys!?" Vegeta called to them. "That your best... pathetic!" He laughed again.

"Rrr.. So far all sides of Vegeta are just like him in some way." Trunks grit. "Damnit this sounds so stupid." He stood fist balled tightly. "And that's exactly what he'll say to use against us as an excuse to make us believe nothings wrong."

Goten rose slowly beside him. "We'll just have to hope the camera's catch something convincing then."

A distance away up in the air Vegeta had stopped moving. He knew where the boys were, kind of and didn't really care whether they showed themsleves to fight back or not. He was purposefully extra brutal with them, enough to leave severe pain and bruises, enough to keep them away for a little while. Arms crossed he was glaring down on the earth below him and scoffed at it.

"What a miserable little place, with its family sentiment and love for a baffoon that lucked his way into winning a few mediocre tournaments. Its not fit for a Saiyan let alone a prince. I should have conquered this pathetic planet years ago."

He started flying again heading towards the city staring down at the terrain. "Infact, thats exactly what I'll do. Starting with the capital city first. Once that is under my rule the rest will follow easily.

Stop being ridiculous, there's nothing left to conquer, here or anywhere else

Vegeta heard the other voice clearly and chose to ignore it. This was his time in the spotlight and he planned to use it properly and for as long as he could.

"I'll need to recruit a good army as well. That won't be easy with the no talents around here. Maybe I'll go scouting on some other planets."

Now that sounds like fun we should do it

"Who said anything about we, I'll find a way to take over this body and delete you useless emotions from the picture permanently. Then I'll do with it as I see fit."

......................

Goku had finally worked up enough to nerve to get to C.C. and saw something out of place on the way. "Hey is that..." He squinted down below. "the boys?" Picking up flight speed he landed in front of the two that were slowly walking towards home and looking like they'd just been attacked. "Goten, Trunks what happened to you?!"

The boys paused in step. "Vegeta happened." Goten answered first.

"He said he wanted to spar cause our training was lacking so we did." Trunks added.

"Yeah and he beat the crap out of us and took off."

Goku put a hand on his chin in thought. "That sounds like Vegeta but considering the circumstances and what the doctor said it could be bad."

"Thats what I thought." Trunks said sharing a concerned look with the older saiyan.

"So you don't know where he is now?"

"We were hoping he went home, that's where we're headed now."

"Yeah to clean up and maybe find a sensu bean." Goten added.

"Okay you two do that I'll go out and see if I can find Vegeta incase he's not there."

"I don't know Goku if he's not himself that could be a bad idea."

"Don't worry Trunks I can handle it." Trunks furrowed his brow in question. "Besides there's something important I need to say to him." Goku went on half talking to himself but directing it at the teens. Goten smiled a bit, unseen by the others, having a hunch as to what that something was his dad needed to tell Vegeta.

"Well thats settled then, come on T' my dad will take it from here." Goten pushed at Trunks a bit but the lavender haired teen remained where he stood. Part of him was still wary of Goku's presence around his dad. He was still getting past the bitterness he felt that Goku hadn't told him sooner how his dad had been acting strange and the small possability that he could have been treated earlier and they wouldn't be in this position now. It wasn't fair to blame Goku, he knew but being a little cautious wasn't wrong considering the circumstances.

"Fine, just becareful what you say to him. Anything could trigger an episode and I think he's only getting worse."

"I will Trunks and I'll bring him back if he's out there, promise." Goku took off again after seeing which way Goten pointed of Vegeta's last location.

"I know you're worried T' but my dad can help your dad I know it, just trust me on this one."

Trunks was still frowning but nodded anyway letting Goten lead them back towards the house as they leaned on one another for support.

.............................

When we find the recruits lets fight them ourselves to determine which ones are worthy and kill the ones that aren't, won't that be fun

"That's actually a good idea." Both Vegeta's laughed, one out loud one mentally. "We should start with those miserable teenagers. They hardly put up a good fight."

You really have lost your mind if you think that will benefit us in any way

The dominant Vegeta scoffed.

They were only trying to help us, you shouldn't have hurt them like that on purpose

"Shut up all of you. If those boys can't handle a simple spar its not my problem."

Goku was following Vegeta's energy and finally caught up to the saiyan prince. From that distance it looked as if he was arguing with himself, rambling things off that Goku wasn't close enough to hear. He had a brief dejavu of earlier in the month when Vegeta had done something similar. If only he'd taken him to the hospital then or mentioned it to someone else. Shaking that guilt off he took a deep breath and headed over to the other. Vegeta hadn't noticed his presence yet, too engrossed in his "self" conversation.

"Maybe this is a bad time." Goku tried to back himself out of it but getting closer he heard Vegeta tell someone "Stay out of it." and he immediately regained his resolve.

"Who are you talking to?" He asked cautiously, remembering what Trunks said before about being careful around Vegeta.

Vegeta turned with an almost crazed look at his intruder and surprise that someone had snuck up on him.

Why don't you tell him who you're talking to since you're so convinced you can prove to everyone we're fine and you are the real Vegeta in a sense

The angry alter ignored the comment in his head. "Rrr... No one. Mind your business Kakarot." He started drifting down to the ground and Goku followed. Once Vegeta's feet hit the grass below he kept walking as if he had a goal in mind. Goku could practically feel the aggravation peeling off of the prince and pushing him away.

'I've come too far to back down now. I won't let you scare me off anymore.'

"Vegeta, wait a sec." His rival kept walking until his body suddenly jerked and he stopped abruptly almost as if he hadn't meant to on his own.

You want to play games of control then fine

"What is it Kakarot?" Vegeta didn't turn around to face him when he spoke but Goku noticed a difference in his posture and the way he spoke. The shorter man didn't seem as annoyed as he was a moment ago either. It had Goku momentarily thrown.

"I...uh.." Still watching him Goku saw Vegeta stiffen and his hands began flexing as if he were fighting off an urge or something. "I need to tell you something important, or ask you anyway."

We don't have time for this nonsense give me the body back I'll put an end to it

You've done enough its my turn now

"This is ridiculous why can't you all just shut up and go away." The true Vegeta mumbled quietly to himself in his little corner of darkness.

Inside this phantom room in his mind Vegeta was sitting idly by after having regained consciousness some undetermined time ago. All he knew was one minute he'd been in his room at Capsule Corp, the next he was waking up here again. Hearing it all going on around him, the conversation between alters and the conversation he had with his son and Goten on the outside. The boys he couldn't see but he knew what had happened from the breakfast to the battle and now with Kakarot. He was doing his best to remain calm and in control, though it was obvious he was anything but in control of the situation or himself right now.

So you finally speak up then maybe you should handle this

And just like that Vegeta was thrust back into his own self, able to move and think to see outside of his mind again. He wasn't ready for that at all but he also knew Goku was still waiting behind him. He couldn't face his long time rival especially not now. He couldn't let him see the look of terror on his face from what had just happened or the pain he was in physically because of it. 'Damn them,' He grit mentally. 'Damn them and their mind games.'

Vegeta was in control now but to what extent he didn't know. His body still felt off, unstable and kind of awkward. Gritting his teeth he tried to calm his nerves and forced himself to speak so he wouldn't seem anymore suspicious acting than he probably already was. "Well Kakarot spit it out then."

Goku hadn't noticed anything change about Vegeta this time. He was too busy in his own head being nervous and wondering just how to tell his friend that he had feelings for him.

"Its kind of awkward to say," He rubbed the back of his head letting out a nervous laugh wishing Vegeta would face him but at the same time being glad he wasn't. "Well we've known each other for a long time now and have been through alot..."

Vegeta's eyes went wide as he listened. Inside, the alters were all reacting differently, emotionally speaking. He could feel them all washing over his every nerve  reacting with the realization of just what it was Goku was working himself up to say. They focused again as Goku rambled on.

"I mean I think we know each other pretty well by now and will probably still be around each other long after the boys are gone. Uh.. geez this wasn't supposed to be so hard."

"Don't." Vegeta whispered barely audible to his own ears so Goku had no idea he'd spoken at all. He raised a hand to his head applying pressure to try and supress the feelings rushing through him. He could feel himself slipping away again and he did.

"What are you trying to say Kakarot? I'm listening." Vegeta finally turned around looking Goku dead in the eyes.

Goku froze momentarily staring back feeling something off about the man. "Well... I..." He took a breath before continuing. "Ithinkweshouldbetogether." He rushed the last part out and braced himself for an attack that didn't happen. Instead for the briefest second Goku thought he saw an honest smile on the prince's lips before he erupted into laughter.

"You what?!" Vegeta laughed out.

Goku's eyes went squirrelly before he pouted. "I don't think its so funny." He turned his eyes away from the other.

Vegeta's laugh subsided abruptly and he shook his head slowly looking somber. "No, you're right its not funny at all." Goku immediately looked back at Vegeta noticing the sudden change of tone. "Its sad actually. After all I've done to you, the way I treat you."

"...That's alright it kind of goes both ways." Goku spoke uncertainly. "And we've already moved past that haven't we?"

"No. I don't deserve you."

"That's not true Vegeta."

The Saiyan prince was quiet for a minute. Goku made a move to walk over to him but hesitated. "You're right Kakarot... its you who doesn't deserve me."

"W-what?" Goku's brow rose. 'Somethings not right here.' He knew this wasn't his mind playing tricks on him. 'Its got to be the disease, that or Vegeta's having fun at my expense in which case I'll take the latter.'

"What makes you think I'd want anything to do with you. You earth raised traitor to your Saiyan heritage."

"Hey!" There was some hurt feelings festering in the back of Goku's mind but he ignored it for now. "Forget it, are you feeling... like yourself?"

"Like myself...What are you insinuating Kakarot? That I'm not normal? By who's standards, yours? Just beacause I want no-" Vegeta stopped mid rant feeling as if he were just kicked in the skull.

"V...egeta?"

What the hell are you interrupting me for now
Stop trying to ruin us you ungrateful bastard
Yeah we could have Kakarot as our willing play thing. Don't act like you aren't as starved for real satisfaction as I am. The kind only another true saiyan could provide
We don't need trivial bullshit like that what we need is power and respect to have the world fear the name Vegeta as they did once before
That's what you think

"I can't believe this" Vegeta spoke in mild panic but mostly irritation that he was being so freely yanked around by his own mental counterparts.

What is it that you want Vegeta

"I want you all to go the hell away forever, stop making me look and act crazy in front of everyone, stop trying to control my life!"

...Never
Alright until he calms down a quick vote. How many of us want to accept Kakarot's offer, say I.... I especially do
I
Saiyans live a long life it would be better not to suffer in it alone
And I want what the boys have. I deserve attention and praise, affection just as much as any other
Thats four against two
I really don't care either way
Fine the I's have it. Vegeta, The alter adressed him directly and Vegeta glared back. You can have control and we'll leave you alone for now
I can't believe this
Under the condition that you say yes to Kakarot for your own sake

Vegeta remained still in his dark corner on the floor gazing in disbelief at each face, his face, waiting expectantly in different places around the room. Which he just noticed had gone from a single table, as it was the first time he'd been there, to now having a black sofa against what he assumed was a wall but could have easily just been more darkness.

"....Alright fine. Just go away." A few smirking satisfied faces was the last thing he saw before blackness, which was due to his eyes being tightly shut.

"Vegeta! Vegeta?" In the short minute the prince had been silent Goku had moved closer. Vegeta had dropped to his knees in the grass, one hand supporting his head as he closed his eyes. Goku was shaking his shoulder rapidly calling out.

Vegeta slowly pushed at Goku's hand to get him away. "Stop it Kakarot, you're making my headache worse." Goku stopped instantly, smiling that his friend was ok.

"Sorry. One minute you're talking the next you look sick." He leaned back to give the man some room. "I was just worried."

Vegeta frowned. "Well don't. I'm tired of everyone and their concern."

"Can't help you there," Goku replied lowering his voice. "We all care about you Vegeta." He braced his self again for the explosion that once again didn't come. Instead Vegeta shook his head slowly staring down at the ground.

"Why that is I'll never understand." He spoke softly. He stood up and Goku watched his movement and had the rare moment of having to look up at the smaller man. "Alright Kakarot," He began while looking out into the distance. "You win."

"What?" Their eyes met when Vegeta turned slightly to look down at his long time companion. "Hn.." He crossed his arms and looked away again as Goku finally stood up, taking away the height advantage. "You want me, thats fine.... we'll.... try."

"Really?" Goku spoke with a mix of disbelief and elation.

"Don't sound so shocked."

"Its just a moment ago you-" Vegeta quickly turned a sharp eye on him and Goku didn't finish his thought. "I mean... alright," He had a small laugh. "We'll try. Thats good." His laugh got bigger as Vegeta just stood there frowning at him. "No actually its great!" He threw his muscular arms around equally muscular shoulders and slightly lifted Vegeta off the ground to the prince's dismay.

"Alright clown enough of that." He squirmed a little in the embrace.

Goku's laughs subsided a bit as he lowered Vegeta down. "Better get used to it." He ribbed his new partner. Grabbing Vegeta's arm he got himself ready for instant transmitting. "Come on the boys are waiting for us."

"Hold on Kakarot."

"Huh?"

"I'd rather walk back if you don't mind."

"Uuhh sure I guess." He dropped the mans arm. "Its probably better that way, we can talk about how to deliver the news and we should probably sort this thing out better between us first."

"Hm." Vegeta was only half listening as Goku rambled on about how long he'd been wanting to tell Vegeta how he felt and that he wanted to be with him. His attention was divided between his rivals, now lovers words and in his head that was surprisingly and disturbingly calm and quiet.

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