Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Unforgivable ❯ Lover ( Chapter 22 )

His whole body shook, but he managed to keep his hands from trembling as he tended to his master. He didn't want any more beatings. He'd thought, coming here, that the beatings were over, the threat of needles. He'd been wrong, on both counts. His palms glided over Vegeta's back, working the knots out of the muscles.

I will eat. No needles. I will stay here, no beatings. I can't run, he can find me… he knows my signature, he'll track me down, and the beating then would be severe, not like the punishment, worse, because I ran away. Everything he asks, I have to do then, right then. He will not kill me, and I…I can't take any more pain. No more….

Goten… I have to think of him too. He knows. He was so worried. I don't dare let it happen again. He would tell. Or if not, he might face Vegeta, and he would… no! I must obey. I must be perfect.

A single tear escaped. Ruthlessly, he forced the memories aside. His body stilled, except for the necessary motions of the massage. His face blanked, eyes losing the last of the sparkle they'd so slowly gained. Vegeta was his master, and his master must be served. Nothing else mattered.

Vegeta noticed the difference immediately, but said nothing of it. If anything, he was pleased that he was not having to force meals down the man's throat. He ate everything he was given, not leaving the table until Vegeta gave him permission. His service was perfection itself. So why is it that something seems so wrong?

He sighed, stroking the silky skin marred by ribbons of scars, his fingers gliding lightly to dance over limp flesh that quickly swelled, denying the other man's attempt to pretend he had been sleeping. And that is part of it. He has never pretended to sleep while with me, he has always slept. Ah, Kuroichi, even here you are scarred. He traced that scar, a narrow ribbon from base to tip.

Kuroichi quivered, his breathing becoming quicker. Vegeta moved slightly, a silent command Kuroichi obeyed instantly, moving so that Vegeta could reach him easier. Vegeta shifted, lapping gently at the hollow of Kuroichi's throat, dropping gentle, soft kisses along his jaw. Lush, full lips parted, Vegeta took full advantage of them.

He savored the taste of the other's skin, threading his way slowly back down his jaw, along the broad expanse of his chest. The ring in his left nipple, Vegeta took between his teeth, tugging lightly even as he increased the speed of his stroking. Kuroichi trembled against him, a soft gasp escaping from his throat. Vegeta smiled, nipping and kissing his way to the base of the treat he had in mind for himself. His tongue traced the route of the scar, curling around the tip when he reached it, lapping up the salty sweetness of the man.

Kuroichi moaned, his hips arcing up to meet Vegeta's mouth, his hands tangling in Vegeta's hair to hold him in place. His master had never done this. Always, he had done it, pleasing his master with hard-won skill. "'Geta," he breathed, whimpering beneath the prince's tongue.

A low, husky chuckle breathed against his skin. "Do you like this, then?" the prince asked softly, and set with deliberate nips and kisses to send Kuroichi mindless with pleasure. One or two of the bites were deep enough to draw blood, the rich coppery taste mingling with salty sweetness. He plundered Kuroichi mercilessly, waiting until he was shuddering with the aftermath of the first assault to plunge deeply into him.

"VEGETA!!!"

I believe he enjoyed that. At least now he's sleeping. He hasn't slept well since he was beaten. Does he think if he falls asleep, I will do that to him? And even sleeping so soundly, he cries. Vegeta wiped the tears from Kuroichi's face gently, propping himself on the other man's chest to do so. I don't understand. Why hasn't he dealt with it? Why doesn't he take it out on something - anything - other than himself? Can he truly feel that worthless?

No. No, he has to know better. Doesn't he understand how much I care for him? Doesn't he know I love him? Doesn't… wait a minute. Vegeta pulled back further to examine the face of the man beneath him. "Maybe you don't. I never told myself before now. Maybe… maybe it's time to tell you."

To Vegeta's dismay, the damp lashes fluttered. Kuroichi blinked, looking a bit lost before all emotion drained from his expression. Empty eyes looked up. "Master?"

"Shh… go back to sleep. You need the rest."

Kuroichi closed his eyes obediently. Vegeta collapsed back against him, listening to the steady beat of the other's heart, falling asleep himself to the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest.

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Vegeta: *doing excellent imitation of landed fish*

Goku: O.O

Jewel: Heh. I warned you, Vegeta!