Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ The Odd Couple ❯ Aspirations and Regrets ( Chapter 14 )

The Odd Couple, Chapter 14 by DharmaSerenity

Email: lilith8@adelphia.net

 

 

NC17 rating. - be warned - extremely graphic content. Warning: this is a YAOI FIC (male x male), my first Gk x V fic!.

 

Spoilers: everything up to the last episode of DBZ. This takes place before, and thus, negates DBGT.

 

I don't own DBZ or make any money from this story.

 

The story over all contains sexual situations between men, violence, and psychological melodrama

 

Hope you like it, and please, let me know what you think! Thanks for all the nice reviews, guys!!

 

 

 

Chapter 14 - Aspirations and Regrets

 

 

 

The beginning sounds of celebration could be heard around their tent.

 

Vegeta sipped from a mug of wine. He grimaced. Celebration? He wasn't so sure. At least he knew that he wasn't in the mood for a party.

 

Vegeta looked down at Goku's sleeping form, marveling at how the strongest warrior in the universe could look like a young boy in his sleep, legs and arms thrown out wide, mouth gaping open to emit the soft rustle of a snore.

 

Vegeta smirked, realizing that he had, for several years now, stopped wincing at the mere thought that it was Kakarot and not himself that was the strongest warrior in the universe.

 

Vegeta had come a long way.

 

Or had he?

 

Vegeta heard several Saiyans going by, laughing and enjoying themselves. Vegeta tensed in response, feeling dread in his stomach, knowing that those sounds of celebration could very well change to something else before the night was through. Vegeta fought to change that pit of worry into something else, thinking instead of how fate had robbed him of his destiny and of his people.

 

Vegeta nodded to himself.

 

Vegeta had said to Goku that he was going to find out about both sides in the Saiyan conflict, and once he had enough answers then he would act. Well, Vegeta had his answers. He now knew that the reason Goku's people had eventually made up the lower classes of his father's Kingdom was because his own people had suppressed them. Sure, Vegit would make a half hearted attempt at bringing the two sides together, but when it became apparent that he had Raddoon under his control, and how could he not with both Goku and Vegeta there, then he would forget his promises. Or maybe Vegit would give it a bit more effort than that, but those that came after him would forget any promise to unite the two groups. Whatever, the result would be the same, and his family would use that lower class of Saiyans as the minions they would send out to pirate planets under Frieza.

 

Yes, Vegeta had his loyalties to his own family line, making what he was about to do all the more difficult for him. But Vegeta would be damned before he would let history repeat itself, the Saiyan race ending up extinct once more.

 

Vegeta had to make his move. And tonight was as good a night as any.

 

Vegeta looked down at Goku once more and smiled at his lover's sleeping face. That face used to conjure up such hatred, well, a mixture of hatred and jealousy of Goku and hatred and self-loathing for himself.

 

But now, it filled him with...

 

Vegeta wrenched his head to look away, almost as if the sight of Goku burned him. The feeling reminded him so much of feelings he had had before -- feelings for Bulma, and for Trunks. Feelings he had for Bra had been much easier to accept.

 

But this?

 

Vegeta recognized the hollow agony of vulnerability, and hated it. He wouldn't let his mind linger over the strength of this feeling, burying it quickly, because part of him had sensed, before he had shut the feeling deep away, the strength of this feeling was like none he had ever felt before. Vegeta was finding happiness, here, with Goku. If anything, he had been the happiest he's possibly ever been in just these last few days.

 

Vegeta, dreading it, returned his gaze back to Goku, and felt a hint of the old bitterness twinge at his heart.

 

Again, he's besting me, Vegeta thought. Now, my own happiness depends on him -- the bastard.

 

Vegeta needed to get out of the tent and away from Goku, just to get some air. He was about to leave, then noticed what he still held in his hand. It would be stupid to just chuck it way. Resigned, Vegeta bent over, and placed the small offering next to Goku's sleeping head.

 

 

* * *

 

Goku stirred, loud laughter and raucous yelling nearby finally making it through his deep fog of sleep. He opened his eyes and was met with the blurry sight of something that resembled a shiny rock. His eyesight cleared a bit after a few blinks and he was thrilled to see that what lay on a plate just in front of his face was in fact a large cinnamon pastry.

 

Goku sat up and started munching away on the sweet treat, ending by joyfully licking sticky fingers. He looked around the tent but was not surprised to see that Vegeta was gone. Goku was learning that Vegeta little lingered in bed, his body too coiled to rest for too long.

 

Goku stood up, looking for his clothes. He had to find Vegeta and thank him for the little gift.

 

* * *

 

Goku walked through the throngs of carousing Saiyans, openly smiling at them as they smiled back at him. It seemed that word of earlier events had made it around the camp and finally Vegitsen were being nice to Goku. Several had gone so far as to thrust mugs of ale and food at him as he passed. Goku gulped down the food, and left the ale at any table he happened near. He did need some water, though, and hoped he could find some. All Goku could seem to find was ale.

 

The main camp area was where most of the celebration seemed to be taking place. Goku wondered if Vegeta was there. He was a little nervous not knowing where Vegeta was, knowing that the slighter warrior wouldn't be too happy with how Goku had been openly groped a couple of times on his way through the camp.

 

Goku didn't understand it but a lot of the women really seemed taken by him. He scratched his head, looking at another group of females openly gawking at him as he passed. If anything, Goku had always thought women found Vegeta to be the more interesting of the two of them.

 

Goku couldn't take his thirst anymore and went through a nearby food tent in hopes of finding something refreshing to drink. He wasn't having any luck when he felt a pair of eyes on him yet again. Goku looked up cautiously only to find Alanna smiling at him.

 

“Hello there, Kakarot. It is nice to see you mingling finally. I know you find your tent rather comfortable, but it is a celebration after all.” Alanna winked at him. Goku just laughed sheepishly at her, his cheeks turning a hint of pink.

 

“Are you looking for your angry partner?”

 

“Is he angry?” Goku asked, a hint of worry in his voice.

 

Alanna laughed, “No more than usual. But I haven't seen him for awhile now.”

 

“Oh,” Goku sounded disappointed. “Alanna? Is there something to drink around here besides ale?”

 

Alanna smirked at him. “You two are rather different, aren't you? He doesn't like it either. No, I'm afraid not, but the river is not too far from here, and there is a small waterfall that throws off very clear water. In that direction,” and she pointed out the way to him.

 

Goku thanked her and took to the air.

 

* * *

 

Goku spotted the falls and flew over, giddy with anticipation. He floated near the cascading water and dipped his face towards it, mouth opened. Goku greedily drank up to his fill then made his way back to the water's edge to sit down. He wanted to gather his thoughts and bask in the fresh air. Goku, relaxed, leaned back and looked up at the sky, the deep blue of evening clear and sparkling with stars.

 

Goku felt a familiar presence behind him and turned around.

 

Goku found Vegeta leaning on a tree, arms folded, regarding Goku with an unreadable look.

 

“Hey Vegeta!” Goku stood up, grinning broadly.

 

Vegeta smirked at him. “Why aren't you are the party?”

 

Goku shrugged. “I guess because I wanted to find you. And something besides ale to drink.”

 

Vegeta looked angry and bitter suddenly, but replaced the bitterness with a look of determination.

 

“They disgust me.”

 

Goku looked surprised. Vegeta's sudden shift in attitude seemed to spring up out of no where in response to harmless words.

 

“Is there something wrong, Vegeta?”

 

“What isn't wrong? They are headed for the same fall. Look at them all. Slovenly, drunk, they are just waiting for someone to come and take over, someone to lead them. And unfortunately for them, if something isn't done now, it could be another freak like Frieza. They'd only be too stupid and not realize they were being used.” Vegeta scowled.

 

Goku sensed where this was going and wanted to stall it.

 

“Hey, look. It's just a party. Let them have their evening...”

 

“They behave like this every evening. Except tonight it's just turned up a notch. No. I'm not going to let this continue. I'm giving Vegit a choice. Serve, under me. Or face the consequences. And I'm doing it tonight.”

 

“Vegeta! Please, don't do this. We are visitors here. Vegit has a legitimate right to lead. I know you are the Prince, but not of this Saiyan race. Not yet. Please...”

 

“Shut up! Don't tell me what to do, Kakarot!”

 

Vegeta stared down Goku, angry eyes warning Goku to back off or there would be trouble.

 

Goku squared his shoulders, and spoke, “Vegeta, I'm sorry. I hoped you would change your mind, but if you're not, I've got to tell you that I won't be a part of it.”

 

Vegeta's stare hardened. “Fine! Who needs you?”

 

Goku felt the same hollow pain he always felt during confrontations like this with Vegeta. Only, this time, it hurt like it never had before.

 

In desperation, Goku said, “Vegeta. Please. I beg you. You've come so far. Let all that former anger go. You know this is wrong. Please Vegeta, don't go back to all of that. Vegeta, you've changed...”

 

“Have I?” The Saiyan Prince arched a brow at Goku. “Or, is it just that you wish it so badly you've convinced yourself that I have?”

 

Goku gasped, the possibility frightening him.

 

Vegeta grinned evilly. “You fool. You are so deluded. Do you really think that I could become like you? I'm no do-gooder, Kakarot. No. I'll do whatever I can to see to it that I do not lose my race. And anyone, including you, that gets in my way, will pay for it with their lives.”

 

Vegeta breathed raggedly. The obvious emotional toll this argument was having on his body gave Goku hope.

 

“Vegeta, you HAVE done good, risking so much to stop Buu, remember? Why would you have done all of that if doing what's right didn't matter to you? Vegeta, look, we can talk to Vegit. We can tell him everything. We can tell him your concerns and perhaps we can do something to change all of it. But we should at least give it a try. Please Vegeta. I beg you. I'm asking you to do this, just once.”

 

Goku braved saying something that he knew was putting a lot of his feelings out for Vegeta to see. “Do it for me, Vegeta. Please.”

 

The way Goku said it left little doubt as to his implication. Goku wanted Vegeta to give his idea a try, for what was now between them.

 

Vegeta huffed, the words striking a chord of fear deep within him, and his old reflexive response of antagonism spoke out, “You really are an idiot. Do it for you?! For what? A roll in some fur? You really do have an ego, don't you? It was just sex, Kakarot. Nothing else. It was never anything more than that.” Seeing his words hit their mark, Vegeta grinned at Goku, evil delight sparkling in his eyes.

 

At hearing the harsh, cruel words, on something so personal, Goku felt like he was being punched in the gut. Vegeta had spoken to him numerous times like this in the past, but now, his words were aimed to hurt Goku emotionally instead of just a way of taunting him to action. Goku found that his former defenses against Vegeta failed him, as he felt anger flood his senses.

 

Angry and not knowing what else to say, between gritted teeth, Goku spat out, “Fine. I'm sorry you feel that way. I guess you don't care, then.” Goku glared at Vegeta, anger in his eyes making him look very much like the Saiyans camped all around them.

 

Vegeta laughed mirthlessly, the irony of seeing Goku finally look like a true Saiyan not escaping him. Vegeta smirked at Goku once more, rubbing it in further, then turned, leaving him.

 

 

* * *

 

Goku had thought about following Vegeta, but knew that the smaller Saiyan would only turn on him if he did. Vegeta needed some space and Goku needed to collect his thoughts. Goku, not wanting to be around anyone at the moment, and hating the river for reminding him of the argument, went back to their tent.

 

Goku paced for awhile, his thoughts raging at him. He tried not to let his eyes linger over the thick furs and of what they reminded him. But, it was a losing battle, Goku feeling helpless impotent anger course through him, as he raked his eyes over those furs that had been used just a few hours ago. As Goku remembered what it felt like to lie against Vegeta's body, his eyes landed on the plate that had held the cake Vegeta had left for him as a gift.

 

Goku winced inwardly, feeling rage flare all over him again. It was all such a waste, this anger, this cruelty. Goku decided that no matter what happened he had to be there when it did. He couldn't just let Vegeta fly off the handle. Goku had to put a stop to it, for the Saiyans' and Vegeta's sake as well.

 

* * *

 

Vegeta stood in the main party tent, the one where Vegit and all of his close friends and family celebrated. Vegeta watched as Vegit hugged numerous friends and talked with everyone, laughing and raising mugs of ale to the future.

 

Nardon passed and on his way by finally noticed Vegeta. He stopped in his tracks, grinning down at the older warrior.

 

“Cousin! Where have you been? We had been looking for you and Kakarot. Vegit wanted you both here hours ago.” Nardon smiled, his eyes sparking.

 

Vegeta looked up at the dark features on a face so like his own son's.

 

And for a second, Vegeta thought he would change his mind. Nardon saw the look of some strong emotion playing on the smaller Saiyan's face and looked at him in concern.

 

“Is there something wrong, Cousin?”

 

At that moment, Goku walked into the tent, Nardon noticing him. Nardon smiled at Goku over Vegeta's shoulder. Vegeta turned around to regard Goku.

 

Goku and Vegeta glared at each other.

 

Nardon realized what had caused the look on his cousin's face and stepped back. The last thing he wanted to do was get involved in any lover's quarrel between these two.

 

Vegeta spun his head and faced Nardon once more. “I need to speak with Vegit in private. Can you arrange it?”

 

Nardon was surprised by the request, but didn't see anything wrong with it. “Sure. I'll just let him know that you want to speak to him once some of the party dies down...”

 

“No, it cannot wait. I need to speak with him now.”

 

The command in Vegeta's voice carried through, and even though they were the guests and Nardon was in high regard here, Nardon acted without hesitation to the stern request.

 

“All right.” Nardon looked at the grim face of Goku over Vegeta's shoulder. “Fine. I'll tell him you want to speak to him now. I'll come for you in a few moments.”

 

Nardon nodded at Vegeta and swiftly walked away.

 

Vegeta stood for a moment, his back to Goku, feeling the heat of Goku's eyes on him. He turned and gave Goku an angry stare. “I thought you weren't going to be a part of this.”

 

Goku's eyes narrowed. “Not in aiding it. No.”

 

Vegeta turned around, glaring openly at Goku, causing several Saiyans' nearby to take notice. “I told you, Kakarot. You oppose me and you will pay for it.”

 

“I'll take my chances.”

 

Vegeta snarled at him, ready to get in a fighter's stance.

 

But suddenly a commotion was heard to Goku's right, startling the pair along with the rest of the Saiyans in the tent. In the entranceway of the tent, a group of Radditsen warriors stood, staring down the hostility they were met with in the Vegitsen camp.

 

Vegit rushed over to these new and unexpected visitors, Nardon following him. The head Radditsen walked up to Vegit and nodded in deference.

 

“Hello Vegit. We are glad to finally meet you. We wish to join your camp.”

 

The tent was silenced. Everyone stared, mouths agape at the twenty or more Radditsen that faced Vegit, grim faced, yet determined.

 

Vegit stared at them for a moment in silence. And although Vegit let out a small chuckle, his hard eyes regarded them with barely contained suspicion. “You wish to join the Vegitsen? I don't understand. What has made you decide to join with us?”

 

“We've heard about what happened earlier today. We have hope now, that our people can move forward. There is hope that Kakarotto has been disabled by the Radditsen warrior already staying in your camp. It is the first sign of change for us, to be out from under his menacing rule. Our small group has decided to make the move. There are others. And we are here to tell you that Raddoon is assured to make a move against you. We want no part of that.”

 

There was a hint of desperation in the Radditsen warriors. They looked like men that had longed for better times for most of their lives. Goku and Vegeta watched the exchange in silence with the rest of the tent.

 

Vegit stared at the warrior that spoke for a second more, then held out a hand to him. “All right. You may stay. And I will open my hospitality to those that come after. Now, there's a lot of work to be done.” Vegit turned and pointed at a large table at the back of the tent.

 

“There is a full table of roasted meat, bread and ales of all kinds. My men are already full and it will all go to waste. Do you think you can handle it?”

 

The Radditsen warriors smiled openly at Vegit, several looking a little like Goku. The relief in the voice of the warrior that spoke was evident as he said, “Yes. I think we can.” They all nodded to Vegit in respect and made their way through the tent, as the Saiyans around them parted to let them through.

 

Goku faced Vegeta once more, a sad, resigned look on his face.

 

Vegeta turned to look back at him in silence.

 

“So Cousin, I hear you want a word with me?” They both turned to face a grinning Vegit. A nervous looking Nardon stood behind him.