Forgotten Tears of a Warrior

I don


I don’t own the rights to DBZ, so please don’t sue!
A/N: Well, it didn't take me a whole month this time to get
this chapter out, but it's all just the same. I want to thank all the reviewers
and readers that have remained so loyal to me while I try and weave this story
together. You're all so wonderful to me.
I don't think this is my best chapter, I'm not really proud
of it per say. But never the less, here it is.
 
Warnings: None really. Slight lime, some language.
This has not been beta read...sorry.
 


 


Forgotten tears of a warrior –SDPG-SSM
 


 


Time stood still as Goku looked into those dark eyes that
were mere inches from his own. His lips tingled with the phantom kiss that was
brushed across them by Vegeta. Was it just another one of his dreams? Did that
just really happen? Confusion swirled in his mind like a giant hurricane. Vegeta
kissed him?
 


“I think your brat has the right idea. Rest, Kakarot.”
Vegeta slowly stood, adverting his eyes towards the door. The gentle warrior
nodded his head slowly, fingers still sifting through his son’s wild locks.
Goku had momentarily forgotten that his youngest was sleeping with his head in
his lap.
 


Vegeta gave a nod, leaving the room quietly, not giving a
look back. He growled to himself, totally ashamed of his behavior in the
bedroom. What had come over him to do such a thing? He was coddling the younger
warrior and kissed the baka on top of it all. But the look in those eyes,
something deep within those dark eyes told him that small gesture meant the
world to Kakarot. There was shock and surprise in those eyes, but something
else, something that made Vegeta’s stomach flitter. He was seeing the baka in
a whole new light. One that needed to feel loved to feel secure.
 


‘You know Vegeta, I should
have stayed dead and none of it would of happened. I wouldn't have to worry
about pissing people off anymore, and I'd be safe and taken care of in the other
world. This place is too cruel and cold to me now.’


 


Kakarot’s
words rang in his head. He now understood what the younger Saiyan was talking
about when he caught up with him after Goten was poisoned. Kakarot only wanted
to be loved and cared for like every other person on the planet. After living in
fear for so many years with that woman he called a wife, there was no wonder
that he wanted to stay dead. He would show the young Saiyan that this world
isn’t as cruel and cold as he believes it to be. That first kiss had opened
the door. Now to break that door wide open, prove to him that his life here was
worth it. Somewhere in the back of his mind wanted the same thing. He had been
alone far too long, and being with Kakarot would eliminate the lonely thoughts
that crept up on him. That is Kakarot wanted that kind of relationship. Vegeta
snarled to himself, he wouldn’t push the younger Saiyan into something he
didn’t want. He would not turn out to be the replacement of the psycho woman.


 


 


Goku
watched as Vegeta exited the room, a frown gracing his lips. He knew that the
older Saiyan was now regretting what he had just done. Vegeta showed emotion, a
weakness and couldn’t remain in the room with him any longer. Atleast the
prince was showing emotions now, where twenty years ago, he wouldn’t dream of
seeing nothing but anger and pride on the face of Vegeta. But that kiss…was
like none others that he had ever received before. He had felt wanted after all
the wrongs done to him. But there was a part of his mind that argued with just
how wrong it was for that simple kiss to make his stomach flutter the way it
did.


 


“There
was nothing behind that kiss. Just sympathy for the broken warrior…” Goku
sighed, laying back down into the bed with his son curled next to him. He
wouldn’t read much more into it. This was something he wouldn’t get his
heart broken over. It was easier to deal with that way. Heartbreak would only
lead to more depression, more thoughts of being completely useless to everyone.
Who would want him now in that way? He was getting older. He had his two kids
that he loved dearly. But who would want to share the rest of their lives with a
man that let a woman dominate and control his every move for years?


 


 


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


 


After
a dozen or so train bots lay scattered in heaps along the side of the gravity
room, Vegeta had called it a less then satisfying session. Each bot he destroyed
was done in total rage, rage he felt when he found Kakarot so helpless, the rage
he felt as he held onto the younger warrior while Bulma did her tests, the
immense outrage of the whole siton. on. All the rage stemmed from the dark
haired woman with a darker heart then Frieza.


 


The
prince inwardly cringed at the thought. The nightmares of Frieza had been
dredged up, starting anew since he found Kakarot. The years of burying the evil
thoughts, the lies the Ice-jin spewed from his thin lips. The years that he
thought his father didn’t care, giving away his only child, the heir to the
Saiyan Empire to the cold demon, only to be proven wrong. His father, the king
tried with all his might to save the young prince, but was killed before seeing
his cub again.


 


The
years of conditioning as he wiped out whole civilizations, the torture he
endured when things went wrong. He would not forget lying in a pool of his own
blood for disobeying an order. The days of suffering when he wasn’t allowed
the use of a regeneration tank. Radditzu had been the one that cared for the
prince, wrapping wounds, wiping away the royal blood that spilt.


 


‘Ouji-sama, you will be the
one that stops his madness. You are the next Super Saiyan to grace the
universe.’  It was Radditzu that
comforted the young prince through nightmares, predicting that Vegeta would be
the one that would stop the reign of terror of Frieza one day. But Vegeta
wouldn’t be the one to realize that dream. It had been Kakarot, a third class
nobody that stood up to the challenge on Namek. But that proud third class clown
that showed up to slay the monster was now in his bed. Void of the fire that
once burned brilliantly in his eyes. That Saiyan pride that burned in all of
them.


 


“Watch
where you’re going, damn it.” It was Bulma’s voice that snapped Vegeta
back from his memories. Porcelain plates and bowls loaded with food clattered
together that sat on a tray that she was carrying towards the stairs.


 


“You’re
the one that’s not paying attention. Where are you going with all of that?”
Vegeta snapped, wiping away the beads of sweat that still adorned his arms with
a towel.


 


“I
figured that maybe Goten and Goku would be hungry. What’s it to you anyways?
Not like you care or anything.” She growled back just as fiercely. Vegeta’s
face contorted in anger, his feet moving him to stand in front of the woman that
gave him his heirs.


 


“Don’t
ever assume that I do not care.” His voice was low, his words harsh to Bulma.
She gasped, taking a few steps back to put some distance between them. Maybe she
did judge her ex wrong. She was sure he was only helping the Sons because he
would lose a sparring partner and Trunks would lose one of the best things that
had ever happened to him.


                       

“I
didn’t assume, Vegeta. You’ve never cared before, sorry. I was mistaken.”
She made her way passed the angry Saiyan prince and up the stairs. Tension was
running high, too high between the two of them all day. She really didn’t need
to get on his bad side, especially in such an emotional state. It would only
make matters worse.


 


Vegeta
snarled, watching Bulma escape up the stairs and out of sight. She was right. He
never did care before what happened to anyone. But now, now was a different
story. He couldn’t explain it, even to himself why he was acting the way he
was. The kiss was still on his mind.


 


There
was an attraction between them. For years, Vegeta blamed the attraction on
wanting the younger Saiyan dead, but along the way it changed. Vegeta never left
the earth as he planned so many years ago. He stayed, had a family, and
protected his family when evil found it’s way to the blue-green planet on more
then one occasion. Kakarot was no longer his enemy, but a trusted ally. But as
the years went by, he finally admitted to himself that the third class clown was
the better of the two. Always has been, and probably always will. Now after all
those years, the façade that Kakarot had put up was shattered in the matter of
a week’s time. Everything that remained a mystery was now starting to reveal
it’s self. Vegeta wasn’t the only one with demons of the past to haunt him
now.


 


 


Warmth
surround him, his dreams took twisted turns through his head. His happy smile
fade along with the images of his sons and granddaughter quickly. An image of
his wife took their place, laughing at him, telling him that he was such a
disappointment to the family. He shook his head frantically. No it wasn’t
true. Both of his boys and little Pan looked up to him.


 


‘You’re nothing! After all
these years, I would have thought that you would have learned by now that
you’re nothing!’


 


‘You’re lying!’


 


‘Am I? You’re a complete
failure as a father, a miserable stinking monkey that doesn’t have a brain.
Absolutely worthless! Now shut up and eat!’


 


‘No. You can’t make me.’


 


‘What are you going to do?
Go to your friends? They won’t believe you. Either will your sons. Now EAT!’


 


“Goku?
Hey, I have something for you to eat. Do you think you can handle some rice and
tea?” Bulma asked with a huge smile on her face when her oldest friend popped
his eyes open at the mention of food. But there was a look in those dark eyes
that darted back and forth before focusing back on her.


 


“Get
away from me.” Goku’s voice was groggy, sleep laden. Bulma took a step
forward, tray still in hand with a confused look on her face. What was going on
now? Goku move away from her, jostling his youngest son from his sleep.


 


“Goku?
What’s the matter?” The genius’ voice was full of genuine concern as she
watched Goku tremble and try and get away. 

 


“Dad?”
Goten rubbed at one of his eyes, completely confused as to what was going on
after being jolted awake. He had forgotten that he had left Trunks’ room to
come see his Dad.


 


“I
don’t want it! Get it away from me!” An angry arm swung out, catching the
tray of food sending it flying in all directions.


 


“Goku!”
Bulma shouted as the food rained down on the three occupants of the room.


 


“You
can’t control me anymore! Just stay away from me…don’t hurt me anymore.”

 


 


Trunks
came flying into the room when he heard the clatter of dishes breaking and his
mother’s shout. It only took him the matter of seconds to shake away the sleep
and pinpoint where the action was taking place. There was food everywhere; his
Chibi looked astonished, eyes wide at the scene, his mother in almost the same
state.


 


“That’s
not Mom. Look, it’s Bulma, Dad. She would never hurt you.” Goten croaked
out, finally catching on to what was going through his father’s brain.


 


“Bulma?”
Dark eyes turned back to the woman that was now coated in rice and broth. How
could he mistake the blue haired woman for the one that tortured him all these
years?


 


“It’s
ok, Goku. I’ll just have the cleaning bots come up and clear this mess
away.” Bulma gestured with her arms at all the wasted food that now littered
the surrounding bed and floor.


 


“Come
on, Goten. Lets get you cleaned up.” The lavender haired prince frowned,
reaching out for his boyfriend. He just wished things would go back to normal,
or as close to normal could be for them. He felt like he was walking on
eggshells now. Always watching what he said or did around Goten in fear of
upsetting him. It didn’t help when he was woken that Goten was no longer
curled against him in bed. Did he do something to send Goten away from his
comfort?


 


“Yea,
it’s going to take awhile to get all this rice out of my hair.” The dark
haired demi replied, giving his Dad one more glance before leaving the room.


 


“I’m
sorry, Bulma. I didn’t realize…”


 


“It’s
alright, Goku. I understand. Vegeta might not like the fact that you redecorated
his room in food, but it’s ok with me. Give me a few minutes and I’ll get
you some clean clothes and some sheets.” Bulma gave her friend a warm smile
before closing the door behind her.


 


 


The
prince snorted as his ex came back down the stairs covered in food. The last
time he saw an image like that was when Bura had flung her strained peas off the
high chair in disgust.


 


“What
happened to you? Trip and fall before getting there?” Vegeta asked, toweling
his wet hair, fresh from the shower.


 


“No!
Goku just spazzed alittle and knocked the food out of my hand.”


 


“You
probably scared him with that ugly mug of yours. I don’t blame him.” He
smirked, gliding up the stairs to check out the damage. He entered his room, a
frown etched on his lips. Bulma had upset Kakarot, and it didn’t settle right
on his mind.


 


“Kakarot?”
Goku looked up from his position on the bed. He knew Vegeta would be mad at what
he saw.


 


“I’m
sorry, Vegeta. I’ll be leaving soon,don’don’t worry.” Goku threw back the
soiled sheets, blushing when he realize he was still quite naked from the day
before. He willed his body to cooperate with him, getting his legs to lift his
frame.


 


‘I hate being so weak in
front of him.’ Goku screamed in his mind as he grabbed up a sheet to
cover his form.


 


“I
don’t think you’ll be going far, Kakarot.” Vegeta stated, noticing a
slight sway as the younger Saiyan stood.


 


“Don’t
want to burden you like I did everyone else for years. I didn’t mean to scare
Bulma like I did.” Vegeta quelled the need to snort at the comment.


 


‘He thinks he’s a burden?
After all the times he’s save the day for all these damn weaklings and he
thinks he’s a burden? And so what about the onna? She’s always asking to
have the shit scared out of her for some of the things she does.’


 


There
was a light knock on the door before Bulma poked her head in. She quietly
apologized for interrupting before handing Vegeta some clothing for the younger
Saiyan and new bedding. Goku gave a nod to his long time friend before she left
as quickly as she came in.


 


“If
you’ll give me those clothes, I’ll be out of your hair faster.”


 


“I
don’t think so, Kakarot. I think you should bathe first.” Vegeta arched an
eyebrow at the food still clinging to dark locks.


 


“Fine.”
Goku growled out, walking towards the bathroom on the other side of the room.
Why wasn’t Vegeta in a hurry to get rid of him? It didn’t matter now as he
entered the white and blue tiled bathroom and flipped the lights on. The mirror
caught his attention, his reflection staring back at him. He frowned not liking
what he saw at all. Was that really him?


 


‘Why? Why?’


 


“Why?”
His fists slammed into the giant mirror in front of him, sending the broken
pieces of glass raining down on him. He ignored the warm wetness that dribbled
down his arms as he trembled in anger. Anger at himself.


 


“You
won’t get your answers by breaking and bleeding all over my stuff. Here.”
Vegeta turned the shower on, letting it warm up before sticking the younger
warrior under the hot spray. Goku just stood there, letting the water pelt him
in the face, no longer caring. The water turned pink as it swirled around the
bottom of the shower before disappearing down the drain.


 


‘Is he so broken that he
can’t even take care of himself?’ Vegeta mental surveyed,
noticing that Goku hadn’t moved from where he was stuck just moments ago.


 


“Kakarot?
Let me see.” The dazed thoughts were dashed from the younger warrior when
Vegeta entered the shower, taking his arms to look at the small wounds the
broken mirror had caused. He couldn’t suppress the shiver that ran down his
spine as Vegeta’s fingers gently traced each hand, and down his forearms. The
prince had noticed the tremor, but kept his eyes on the now small trickles of
blood. It was nothing serious, just nicks here and there. They would heal by the
end of the day.


 


“Are
you afraid of me, Kakarot?” Dark eyes turned upwards, engaging the younger
Saiyan’s.


 


“No.”
The answer was whispered before Goku turned his face away. Why would the
strongest person in the universe admit he was scared of almost everyone now? Who
would be the next one to abuse him? To use him?


 


“Lie.
Do you think I would treat you the same way that woman has?” Goku remained
motionless, eyes turned, watching the hot water bead on the shower door.


 


“I
don’t think anyone could out do her in that area.” Another whisper drawn
from Goku’s tight throat.


 


“I
made a vow to you, Kakarot. I will not break it. You and your son are free to
stay here. You’ll be safe.” The anger built up once again in the pit of
Vegeta’s stomach. He would kill that woman for destroying the man that stood
before him.


 


“I…I
can’t.”


 


“You
will.” Vegeta turned Goku’s face back, to look into those eyes that held so
much melancholy. Gods, the sadness in those eyes. It just simply didn’t belong
there at all. He would try his hardest to change that look.


 


‘Damn that woman to the pits
of hell.’ The hand traced the curve of Goku’s jaw, fingers
slipping through wet locks.


 


“Don’t
fear the time of change.” The older Saiyan once again brushed his lips across
Goku’s, waiting for any response, but there was none. Goku’s eyes widen,
momentarily shocked that Vegeta, his prince, was kissing him once again. Was
this for real or some sick joke? A tongue glided along his bottom lip, asking
for unspoken entrance to deepen the kiss further. Goku opened his mouth shyly,
not sure what was happening, his own tongue timidly touching Vegeta’s.


 


‘He’s acting like he’s
never been kissed in this manner.’ The prince thought, drawingck ock on the intimate lip lock, watching as a dark red blush run across the
taller man’s cheeks.


 


“I’ve never done that…ChiChi would never touch me
unless she wanted…” The words stumbled out, the dark feeling of being
controlled by that evil woman was creeping back into his thoughts, trying to
cloud out the moment that was just shared between the two fighters.
 


“She won’t touch you again, Kakarot. If you don’t
want this, just say the word. I know the meaning of the word no.”
 


“Vegeta?” The earth raised Saiyan stifled a sob. Was
this all for real? It was almost too overwhelming.
 


“You don’t hate me?” The question was almost lost in
the sound of the spraying water, but Vegeta had heard it. His brows drew inward,
mulling over his words carefully.
 


“I did, a very long time ago. You’ve always had the
power I wanted. But now I realized that power wasn’t everything that I needed
to be happy.”
 


“I want to be happy again, but I don’t think my life
will ever be the same.”
 


“You will some day, Kakarot. You have my word on that.”
A small smile played across Goku’s lips. Maybe things would start looking up
since he wouldn’t have to hide anything again.