Dark Nightmares

A/U -Sequel to GOLDEN DREAMS. Trunks made the first move. Now Vegeta
makes his.

DARK NIGHTMARES

(Continued)


Goku felt rested. And hungry. He bounced downstairs with a gleam in
his eye.

\"Hey, Chi Chi! What\'s to eat?!\"

The tall saiyan bounded into the kitchen. Chi Chi was cooking over
the stove, humming to herself.

\"Wha-??\"

\"Hey! I\'m starved!!\" he spun her like a top.

She laughed nervously. \"Stop startling me like that! I could have
dropped a hot pot or something.\"

Goku pecked her cheek. \"Sorry\" he flopped down at the kitchen table.

Chi Chi smiled. _Well he seems like himself again. For now, anyway._

The dark head tilted at her. \"So, what\'s on the menu?\"

****

The ki reduction chamber was deemed a success. Preliminary tests on
the dampening field showed a reduction factor upwards of seventy
percent.

Bulma was pleased as she checked her instruments. \"Dad, this looks
good. Now we just need to make it more hospitable for them.\"

Professor Briefs nodded. \"True. I must admit, this seems like a true
solution to the problem\" he paused angrily. \"Particularly since you
insist on being involved with Vegeta.\"

\"Dad, don\'t start again.\"

\"You\'re a fool, Bulma. I\'ve said it a hundred times. You were raised
to have a measure of self respect. Or is it exotic to live with an
alien?\"

Bulma snorted. \"If you can call it living. We all but live separate
lives.\"

\"Then what\'s the point!\"

\"I don\'t want to get into this again!\"

\"Fine\" the professor sniffed. He checked the controls once
more. \"Hopefully Trunks can get them to agree to this.\"

****

Vegeta made a rare visit to the Son house. Goten answered the door.

\"Ah...hello, Vegeta\" his tone was neutral. The saiyan prince wasn\'t
one of his favorite people.

\"I need to speak to Kakarot. Where is he?\"

\"Eating breakfast-\"

\"Let him in, Goten\" a voice called from inside.

Goten stood aside as Vegeta stalked in. He immediately headed for the
kitchen.

_Hn, I should\'ve known. Eating again._

The saiyan prince entered the kitchen to an audience. Gohan was
leaning against the cabinets, his arms folded. Goku was stuffing his
face while Chi Chi looked on.

Chi Chi lifted an eyebrow. \"What brings you here, Vegeta?\"

The ouji huffed. \"My discussion is not for public ears. It involves a
possible solution to...a personal problem myself and Kakarot share.\"

\"No need for cloak and dagger, Vegeta\" Gohan told him. \"We know
you\'re talking about the rut.\"

Vegeta paled. Goku threw his son a look.

\"Sorry to be so blunt, dad. But after what happened last week with
Trunks-\"

\"I don\'t wish to be reminded, Gohan!\" Goku snapped. \"I want to hear
what Vegeta has to say.\"

\"What\'s this about Trunks?\" Chi Chi wanted to know.

\"An incident\" Gohan said briefly, earning another look from Goku.

Vegeta coughed, pressing on. \"This is an uncomfortable subject for
me. However, there may be a way to greatly reduce the effects of the
rut, Kakarot. Perhaps even minimize them.\"

Black orbs blazed in anticipation. \"How?!\"

\"Bulma and her father have developed a ki reduction chamber. The plan
is for us to occupy this chamber-\"

Goku exploded suddenly. \"A cage. I won\'t stay in a cage!!\"

Chi Chi stared with concern.\"Goku! Get ahold of yourself!\"

Gohan watched but said nothing.

Vegeta smiled at his reaction. \"I responded much the same way,
Kakarot. However, once I had sufficient time to think it over...it
made sense.\"

Goku tapped his fingers impatiently on the table. \"How long, Vegeta?\"

\"I would surmise a day or two. This has never been done before.\"

Gohan was curious. \"And how will you know when to go in there?\"

Vegeta eyed him. \"When we don\'t want to. I surmise that\'s where you
come in.\"

Dark eyebrows raised. \"Ah, I see. I\'d better go over this with Goten.\"

Goku followed their eyes. \"How do you feel about this, Vegeta?\"

The ouji sat at the kitchen table. \"Compared with the alternative?
Hn, there\'s nothing to think about.\"

Goku sighed. \"You have a point.\"

Chi Chi spoke quietly. \"I think it\'s a good idea, Goku, for everyone
concerned\" her voice was subdued.

Goku nearly cringed. The prospect of attacking her again nearly made
him ill. And he _would_ do it again, with no memory. He shuddered.

\"All right, Chi Chi. I agree, we need to try this.\"

****

The next few days passed relatively smoothly. Vegeta and Goku both
slept a great deal, recovering their strength. Chi Chi remained
apprehensive with waiting, while Goten, Gohan, and Trunks stood
prepared.

Goku and Vegeta even found time to spar, part of their normal
routine. One of their favorite places was a secluded patch of woods
near the park.

Vegeta towelled his hair when they finished. \"Koi, you are avoiding
Trunks.\"

Goku cooled himself in a stream. \"I don\'t know what to say to him,
Vegeta. I hurt him badly, nearly killed him. How do I reconcile that?\"

Vegeta waded out and touched his shoulder. A gentle tail stroked the
broad back in comfort.

\"Listen to me. The boy is strong, and the saiyan in him understands.
I\'ve been around him since that wild night over a week ago. His
emotions and feelings for you are just as strong. No, stronger,
because now he feels the need to protect you.\"

Goku hugged his prince. \"Protect me?!\"

Vegeta pressed his face against the corded neck, snuffing the
delightful scent.

\"Hn. Yes. He wants to protect you from yourself, and your fear of
hurting others.\"

\"You know how I feel about the situation involving Chi Chi.\"

A soft purr. \"Hai, love. And I have no desire to harm Bulma, either.
But as you know, they will bear the brunt of our need when we can\'t
be together.\"

Goku swore. \"Chikuso. Arygani!\"

\"Hai, companions but not mates.\"

Goku thought a moment. \"Did you ever form a link with Bulma? Even a
mild one?\"

Vegeta groaned. \"Iie. At one time I thought to try an emotional
touch, just to insure harmony. I had no real interest in her
otherwise. And despite her scientific ability, she is remarkably
ordinary. You know about the other \'arrangement.\'\"

Goku purred against his mate. \"I never felt jealous for that reason.
She still tries to hit on me, you know.\"

Vegeta gently nipped a thick tail that tickled his jaw. \"The woman is
a walking joke, an emotional tangle with no rhyme or reason. She
wants this, she wants that. Only a complete lunatic would pursue
someone unavailable.\"

Goku suckled the fragrant neck. /I seem to remember a determined ouji
about four years ago!/

Vegeta sighed in bliss. /That was different, I sensed Chi Chi wasn\'t
your mate./

Their lips met in a heated kiss. /I thought you\'d never stop chasing
me./

/You made me a promise in the space pod./

/What promise?/

/Don\'t play. You know./

/Oh, that.../

Vegeta came up for air, nuzzling. \"I knew then I\'d never let you go.\"

Goku growled softly in his ear. \"After...our time together I thought
of nothing else.\"

The saiyan prince smiled, coiling his tail over Goku\'s eyes
playfully. \"Kakarot...I\'m beginning to get that feeling again.\"

Fanged yawn. \"I\'m getting pretty horny myself, prince.\"

****

The two saiyans stood in the lake, their clothing soaked to the skin.
Vegeta gripped the hard body next to his, licking his lips.

\"Methinks a meal of Kakarot is in order.\"

\"Greedy ecchi. Do you think of nothing else?\"

\"Do you?\"

\"When you look at me like that...no!\"

Black diamond eyes roamed over sculpted muscle. \"Hn, I definitely
have the pick of the crop.\"

The tall saiyan nipped his ear. \"\'Geta, there aren\'t any other
saiyans around.\"

Vegeta yelped in pleasure at the bite. \"Ai, but I can compare with
what I knew before.\"

Goku pulled back, glaring. \"What do you mean, \'what you knew
before?!\'\"

The ouji gave a saucy smile. \"Certainly I had my suitors on
Vegetaseii, ne? Many coveted the favors of their prince.\"

\"I don\'t want to hear about Nappa or Radditz again!!\"

Vegeta sniffed. \"Those two? Neither were worthy of me. Many prominent
families paraded their sons and daughters before me, hoping I would
choose.\"

\"And you didn\'t?\"

\"No. Father was quite impatient at my reluctance to pick a potential
mate. Custom required that I meet with them and touch their minds
briefly.\"

Goku dragged his prince to the shoreline. \"What would that do?\"

\"Give indications of compatibility. A mate must \'fit\' mentally.\"

\"And none of them did?\"

Vegeta plopped down in the grass. \"No. Beneath the trappings of
sophistication, most of them were morons or social climbers.\"

Goku settled next to his prince. \"You mean out of so many suitors you
couldn\'t pick anyone? I find that hard to believe!\"

The saiyan prince stared into space, eyes clouded by memory. \"Father
pressured me at times to decide and be done with it. But I felt only
emptiness when I touched their minds. How could I possibly spend my
life with someone I didn\'t want or care about? It was insane.\"

\"Bet all the hotties gave you the eye.\"

Vegeta blushed a little. \"Hai, some were quite comely. On more than
one occasion I was tempted to choose based on looks alone.\"

Goku growled, his tail puffing like a hairbrush. \"Oh?? And what
stopped you?\"

Vegeta purred. \"You\'re getting jumpy, koi. The burn is starting
again, ne?\"

\"What about those suitors?!\" Goku demanded.

A sable tail tip tickled his nose with delightful cinnamon. \"Hn. Your
hair is beautiful in the sunlight, Kakarot.\"

\"Stop changing the subject\" Goku calmed somewhat as Vegeta\'s tail
did a sinuous dance over his face.

\"I ought to...I should...\" his eyes began to close at the wonderful
fragrance.

Vegeta pushed his mate into the grass and straddled him. His thick
tail lashed between shapely thighs, coiling a leg.

Goku sighed, purred. Vegeta smelled too good.

\"Now stop getting angry over shadows. We have more immediate
concerns.\"

Goku looked up at him sleepily. \"Hai? What.\"

\"Lug. Listen to me! How are you feeling?\"

Sloopy grin. \"Come here, ouji. I\'l show you!\"

Goku abruptly grabbed his mate, crushing him in a tight embrace.

Vegeta stroked his face. \"Hai, your skin is hot again.\"

Goku purred even louder. \"You feel kinda warm too, \'Geta. And you
smell nice and spicy!\"

Soft kiss. /Yes, I think we\'d better not wait too late to try the
chamber./

Goku rolled his mate over. \"Forget the stinking chamber!!\"

****

It was nearly nightfall when Vegeta arrived back at Capsule
Corporation. His mood was erratic at best.

_Kami, a curse on the rut! I can never tell how quickly it will come
from cycle to cycle._

He entered the eastern apartment complex, ignoring the technicians as
they worked.

_I need rest. My body feels like lead from Kakarot bouncing me all
day!_

The saiyan nearly made it to his own apartment, when a familiar ki
approached. He turned automatically at soft footsteps.

\"Trunks. You followed me, boy?\"

The purple haired demi-saiyan smiled slightly. \"Not exactly. I just
wanted to check on your progress.\"

Vegeta snorted. \"Hn, I\'ll file a report in the morning! Now leave me
alone. I need sleep badly, and time is of the essence.\"

Trunks eyed him slowly. Vegeta was flushed, his skin damp. His hands
were trembling as he reached for the door key.

\"You don\'t look so hot, father. Maybe the rut is coming on quickly
this time.\"

\"I DIDN\'T ASK, YOU ASSHOLE!!\" the ouji bellowed, clutching his
head. \"Kami! Why\'d I burst out like that...\"

Trunks moved to soothe him. \"Easy, father. I wasn\'t trying to upset
you. Have you had anything to eat?\"

A sable tail twitched in agitation. \"No. I don\'t think I could keep
food down anyway.\"

Trunks took the key from him, opening the door. \"Rest. I\'ll get you
some juice so you don\'t dehydrate.\"

Vegeta staggered inside and nodded wearily, falling on the bed. A
forearm covered his eyes.

\"Kami, it\'s too soon...too soon...\"

Trunks rubbed his shoulders. \"You aren\'t alone, okay? Now relax if
you can.\"

Dark eyes were heavy with apprehension. \"Trunks...thank you.\"

****

Goku felt really good. Exceptionally so. His hips were swishy, his
tail tingled, and he felt _hot._

He could hear Chi Chi upstairs moving around. _Wonder what she\'s up
to? Guess I\'ll check it out!_

The tall saiyan bounded up the stairs, his tail slashing wildly in
excitement. He knocked over a vase, crashing it to the floor.

\"Oops!\"

Goku turned at a sound. Gohan was staring at him incredulously.

\"Dad? Are you alright?\"

Goku reached to pick up glass shards. \"Never better, Gohan. Just glad
to be home, and happy to be with my family!\"

\"What\'s all the noise?\" another voice. Goten came from his room,
curious.

\"Knocked this over with my tail by mistake\" Goku gave a sheepish grin.

Goten stared, glancing briefly at his brother. \"Oh.\"

\"I know that look, Goten. It\'s not a calamity, you know.\"

\"Yeah, dad, but...what\'s with your tail?\"

\"My tail?\"

Gohan pointed. \"Can\'t you control it? It\'s flopping all over the
place!\"

Goku frowned, looked behind himself. It was true. The furry
appendance seemed to have a mind of its own, coiling and swinging
erratically.

\"Wasn\'t even aware of that\" he held it still.

Gohan coughed. \"Um...how are you doing otherwise?\"

\"Feel great\" wide grin. \"Never better. I could probably run a
marathon.\"

\"Did something break out here?\" Chi Chi entered the hallway.

\"Hey, Chi Chi. I knocked over the vase by mistake. Sorry.\"

She looked at the small remaining shards. \"Well at least it wasn\'t
expensive-\"

\"Don\'t worry, babe, I\'ll replace it!!\" Goku shouted, swinging his
arms in jubilation. A fist crashed into the wall, cracking open a
considerable hole.

Chi Chi was mortified. \"Goku! Control yourself!\"

\"SORRY ABOUT THAT\" he yelled once more, spinning to face her. His
tail knocked over a nearby floor lamp.

\"Dad!!\" Gohan braced him. \"Come on, you\'re going a hundred miles an
hour!\"

Goten stared with his mouth open.

The tall saiyan shrugged. \"Why\'s everyone getting so excited? Should
I go back out the door?!\"

Chi Chi nearly covered her ears. \"You don\'t have to shout!
Just...take a breath, okay?\"

\"Gohan, let go of me. I\'m not a mental patient!\"

\"You\'re acting like one. Settle down, will you?\"

Goku rolled his eyes. \"Fine. Nice and quiet. Now if my family will
stop treating me like some kind of maniac-\"

His words fell to heavy silence.

Chi Chi felt his forehead. \"You\'ve got a fever again. I\'ll draw you a
bath. Have you eaten anything today?\"

\"Just this morning. I\'ll get something later, okay? I must admit that
bath sounds like a good idea!\" he grinned oddly.

Goten and Gohan exchanged glances.

Chi Chi pointed downstairs. \"In the living room, Goku. I\'ll let you
know when.\"

\"Now just a minute-\" he was momentarily angry, then paused. _Oh, I
get it. Ai, I\'ll get some more today!_

They watched his various expressions in confusion. Suddenly Goku
smiled again.

\"Great idea, hon! I\'ll gladly wait!\" and with that he bounded
downstairs. His family gawked as he slid down the railing next.

\"Make sure he doesn\'t come up these stairs until I call\" she kept her
voice low.

Goten blinked in amazement. \"He\'s acting like he\'s on speed or
something.\"

\"Adrenaline and hormones\" Gohan murmured. \"A bad mix for a saiyan.\"

****

Another bad mix was brewing at Capsule Corporation. Vegeta paced
across the complex, agitated and breathing heavily. Trunks followed
him like a shadow.

\"Leave me, you fool! I don\'t need a watchdog!\"

\"Answer me this. Can you handle the rut alone?\"

Vegeta snarled, canines bared. \"I have since I was seventeen. And I
don\'t need _you!!\"_

The saiyan prince abruptly headed for the upper levels of the west
wing. Trunks knew where he was going.

\"Stay away from mom!\"

\"I only want to talk to her!!\"

\"Then I\'ll go with you\" Trunks was adamant.

Vegeta snorted as they took an airlift. \"Prick.\"

****

Goten and Gohan kept their father company while he waited for his
bath. Goku kicked back on the sofa and talked nonstop about nothing.

Goten covered his ears. \"I hope mom gets that water good and hot.
Maybe it will knock him out.\"

Gohan watched their father babble. \"Well at least he\'s in such a good
mood he doesn\'t care that we\'re watching him.\"

\"Like I was saying, it was a long time ago you know really, and well,
my memory may not be-\"

\"Dad, what are you talking about now?\" Goten wanted to know.

\"Hmm? I forget. Anyway, like I was saying-\"

\"Dad, would you please calm yourself if you can?\" Gohan
implored. \"You aren\'t making any sense.\"

Goku frowned at him. \"And I suppose that what I said earlier doesn\'t
count for anything?\"

\"It _isn\'t_ anything!\"

A voice chimed from upstairs. \"Goku!\"

The tall saiyan bolted up, tipping over the couch. \"THAT\'S MY CUE.\"

\"Kami take it!\" Gohan bounded after him first. Goten nearly stumbled
across the overturned sofa.

Goku went up to the bathroom at full speed. \"Here I am, Chi Chi!\" he
held his arms out gleefully.

The room was steamy and warm. Chi Chi pointed. \"In with you. Now.\"

Goku purred. His tail did a _twitch twitch._

\"Whatever you say\" he started stripping out in the hallway.

Chi Chi stuttered. \"Take your clothes off in there!\"

Goku shrugged and went inside. Gohan and Goten nearly tumbled into
each other as they burst up the stairs.

Chi Chi glared. \"What in frack was that crash?!\"

\"The sofa\" Gohan panted. \"When you called him, he jumped up and
tipped it over-\"

\"ASOOOEEEOOO!!\" Goku bellowed stupidly inside the bathroom.

\"Wait here\" Chi Chi told her sons.

\"But mom!\" Gohan protested. \"He\'s too unpredictable!\"

\'He\'ll be even less predictable if I can\'t calm him down! Now stay
out here unless I call you!\"

****

Chi Chi stepped into the bathroom. The steam was oppressively thick.

\"Goku?\"

Silence. She approached the tub. Her husband was stretched back in
the water, his shoulders nearly submerged. Black lashes rested
against high cheekbones.

_He looks so cute like this_ Chi Chi smiled gently, sitting at the
edge of the tub. She leaned over to observe his breathing. It was
even.

Unfortuneately she didn\'t see the black tail rising from the water
and coiling her waist, tugging her forward. Before she realized what
was happening she landed on top of him with a loud THUNK! Water
splashed everywhere.

\"Hey!\" Gohan shouted from outside. \"What\'s going on!\"

\"Nothing, everything is fine. I just slipped\" Chi Chi shouted back.
Goku didn\'t move.

She pulled at his tail. It tightened around her even more.

_Well at least he isn\'t all over me. But how to free myself?_

Chi Chi angled herself sideways over him, pulling at his tail harder
this time. At the last second she realized her awkward situation.

_I have to be careful here. If I pull on it too much-_

Goku suddenly turned his head and purred in her ear. Chi Chi tried
wiggling free. No good.

_Maybe I should just lie still. His tail might loosen as he sleeps._

She was resolved to just lie over him quietly. It seemed like a good
plan...

And then powerful arms wrapped around her. Goku purred again, kissing
her in his sleep.

Chi Chi closed her eyes momentarily. That man of hers felt good,
anyway. Chi Chi chided herself silently. _Hentai. You\'re supposed to
be getting loose._

As she was enjoying the merits of his embrace, dark eyes snapped open
on her. Dark eyes full of fire, not gentleness.

\"Goku?\" her voice was quiet.

\"Hai\" he kissed her hard. She rubbed his sides and pulled up.

\"Easy. Is the bath helping?\"

A sly grin.\"Yeah, babe. Now that you\'re here...\"

Chi Chi cursed silently. That look was back. Black eyes slitted in
lust as he licked his lips.

\"I was a good boy and did what you said...now it\'s your turn.\"

Powerful arms tightened around her like steel bands. Chi Chi didn\'t
hesitate.

\"GOHAN, GOTEN!\"

The young men burst into the bathroom.

Goku looked up in surprise. \"Again?\"

\"Take it easy, dad\" Gohan edged up. \"Let mom up. Can\'t you see her
clothes are all wet? She\'ll catch a cold.\"

Goku snorted in irritation. \"I must have raised you both poorly. You
seem to enjoy bursting in on people!\"

\"I don\'t\" Goten answered, moving to pull his mother free.

\"Brat\" Goku hissed, releasing her. \"You interrupted. Don\'t you want a
new brother or sister?\" he gave a sick laugh.

Chi Chi braced against Goten, her clothes heavy with water. \"Hand me
that towel over there.\"

Goku sat up in the tub but didn\'t get out. Gohan blocked any
attempts, arms folded.

\"If I weren\'t so tired, I\'d take you both on\" the dark saiyan
snarled. \"But it isn\'t worth it.\"

\"Glad you think so, dad\" Gohan smiled grimly. \"Believe me, it
wouldn\'t be.\"

Goku flashed a dangerous smile. \"One day you\'ll know out the true
extent of my strength.\"

****

Vegeta had intentions of talking to Bulma, but hormones interfered
with intent. When they arrived at her private lab he went into
overload.

\"Good evening, Bulma\" he said tightly. She turned from her
workstation, apprehensive. She knew that tone.

\"Vegeta\" relief crossed her face when she spied their son close
behind.

\"What can I do for you?\" her tone was even.

The saiyan grinned wickedly. \"Much. I was thinking we should spend
the night together.\"

Trunks coughed. The rut had a way of cutting to the point.

Bulma eyed him closely. \"Only if you can control yourself. Vegeta, I
think it\'s about time you tried the chamber. Dad and I tested it-\"

He moved at her. \"I didn\'t come to talk about a half assed chamber! I
need you woman, and I won\'t leave without an answer!\"

\"HOLD IT\" Trunks jumped between them. \"Back off, father.\"

Vegeta snarled. \"You\'ll need more than that pig sticker to stop me.\"

\"I won\'t need it at all. If you can\'t calm down I\'ll have to escort
you downstairs.\"

\"HA. You and who else, boy?\"

\"Trunks\" Bulma made a quick nod. \"Why don\'t you give your father some
room?\"

\"Ha?\" he didn\'t glean her gesture at first. A quick glance revealed a
syringe in her left hand tucked tightly.

He nodded. \"Sure thing\" the demi-saiyan stood aside.

Vegeta shoved him away. \"Much better. Now come here, Bulma. Don\'t
struggle\" his tail twitched in excitement as he reached for her.

It happened quickly. Vegeta howled as Bulma jabbed his arm with the
syringe.

\"Bitch!! I\'ll kill you for that!!\" with lightning speed he squeezed
her throat.

Trunks was there in an instant, delivering a chop to the base of his
skull. Vegeta staggered away, cursing and falling against a desk.

\"Tricked...again...you whore...\" his eyes rolled madly as the drug
took effect. He toppled seconds later. Trunks caught him as he fell.

Bulma rubbed the welts on her neck, gasping. \"Take him to the
chamber, Trunks. Now!!\"

****

Goku had another psychotic episode himself. He vaguely remembered
being carried somewhere. Too many hands touched him. The wrong hands.

_Not my ouji, they smell wrong._

It was freezing. Was he outside? Why couldn\'t he get dry? Voices.
More talking. An attack? Different scent, not like before...

\"We\'re glad you could make it. We\'ll need all the help we can get.\"

\"Are you certain this will work?\"

\"It should. We can\'t wait any longer, he\'s becoming insane again.\"

\"Let\'s move him, then. Does Bulma have everything ready?\"

\"Yes. They have Vegeta.\"

Goku\'s mind turned. _They have my ouji? What have they done! I\'ll
make them pay..._

\"Hold him down!!\"

\"I\'ve got the sedative!\"

\"Quick! Before he-\"

Noises. Crashes. Screaming. A touch in his mind.

/Kakarot!/

/Vegeta. Where are you?!/

/They hold me, love. I\'m weak./

/Where? Where do they hold you?/

/This accursed chamber. The bitch Bulma shot me up with something and
they dragged me here./

/I can\'t wake up. Body feels dead.../

/You\'re in the final phase again./

/They drugged me, I think./

/Hn, I can\'t move either. But at least I\'m awake./

/They\'re taking me somewhere.../

/Hai, they\'re bringing you to me. Fight them, koi. Make them pay for
doping us like animals./

\"I will!\" Goku shouted hoarsely, startling everyone. More hands held
him. He struck out, hearing his fist impact solid flesh.

_Music!_

He kicked. More stabbing pain in his arm, shouts. Someone slammed him
down. Blinding pain shot across his skull. Another crash. A voice
yelling in pain.

_Chikuso..._

Soon agony dissolved into oblivion.

****

Goku frowned, consciousness intruding on blessed darkness. He
blinked, fighting a strange weakness that assailed both body and
mind. He was warm and held. Spicy heat surrounded him in a cocoon...

A vague smile lit his features as a familiar face came into focus.
Vegeta.

\"Hai, koi...\"

The prince motioned him to silence. /Have a care with your words.
We\'re being watched through the observation panels./

Goku struggled to sit up. /Where?/

Vegeta pointed. /Behind us. See, they watch us like lab rats in a
cage!/

Goku fought down waves of nausea as he strained to stand up. Vegeta
pulled him back down.

\"Wait. You\'ll make yourself sick. Be still a minute.\"

Goku nodded, feeling too weak to argue. He stared at the open panels
in amazement. Nearly everyone was there, watching with concern. Chi
Chi, Goten, Gohan, Piccolo, Tien, Trunks, and Master Roshi, Bulma.

Rage boiled his blood, fueled by the rut. \"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU
LOOKING AT!!\" he bellowed, snarling. The outburst was costly as he
wracked with dry heaves.

/What\'s going on, Vegeta...ghods, feel so sick.../

The ouji placed a blanket over his shoulders. \"Listen to me. Remember
this is a ki reducing chamber. It makes us weak, and the rut only
adds to the problem.\"

Goku stared up once more, heaving. He noted with some satisfaction
their captives were quite bruised. Master Roshi\'s glasses were
cracked, and Piccolo had a black eye. Gohan and Trunks were roughed
up, and Chi Chi was disheveled. Tien\'s third eye was swollen, and
Goten was quite haggard. Bulma\'s lab coat had a sleeve ripped off.

\"Ha\" the tall saiyan grinned smugly. \"They don\'t look so good, ne?\"

Vegeta also smiled at the group coldly. \"Hai, and I joined the fun
when they opened the door.\"

Goku edged alongside his mate. /How are you. Really?/

Vegeta wrapped his arms about himself. /Weak. The chamber takes the
edge off, but I still want to screw you blind./

Goku lowered his eyes, mindful of the audience. /Koibito...I want to
touch you, kiss you so bad./

The saiyan prince gripped his shoulder. /Hopefully we\'ll have some
privacy once they\'re convinced we\'re settled. There are plenty of
blankets, koi./

Goku smiled seductively. /Blankets. Lots of blankets.../

Vegeta gave a catlike grin. /O yes. Like in the park.../

Fanged smirk. /Doing it after dark.../

****

\"What are they smiling about in there?\" Goten wanted to know.

\"They seemed to get a kick out of our appearance\" Piccolo
grunted. \"Perhaps they find it all amusing.\"

\"I\'ll just settle for subdued\" Tien complained. \"Friendship with
saiyans is becoming a lethal proposition.\"

\"What happened to Krillen?\" Gohan wanted to know. \"I would think he
of all people would be here!\"

\"His mom is sick\" Tien explained. \"He\'ll get by when he can.\"

Roshi eyed the women. \"You two are out on your feet. You\'ve been
through a lot.\"

Bulma sighed. \"I hope to develop some sort of serum that might be
more effective than the chamber. It would have the same result
without weakening them.\"

\"I welcome weak, Bulma\" Chi Chi was exhausted. \"But even this
solution is appreciated. You of all people know why.\"

Bulma nodded sympathetically. \"Hormone addled saiyans aren\'t good for
one\'s health, that\'s for sure.\"

\"Will we be needed in the meantime?\" Piccolo wanted to know. \"Or will
the chamber be sufficient treatment?\"

\"It should be, Piccolo\" Bulma told him.

\"But how long are they to stay in there?\" Trunks wanted to know.

\"We\'ll start off with two days, then play it by ear.\"

****

Goku stared as his wife blew him a kiss. Goten and Gohan waved.

He couldn\'t help but smile slightly. \"She really is pretty nice to
me\" he murmured, tail thumping the floor.

\"Stop acting like a dog on a leash, for Kami\'s sake\" Vegeta snarled.

\"Vegeta, look. Bulma\'s saying something to you.\"

\"I don\'t have the strength to walk over and find out. What\'s she
babbling...wait-\"

Goku squinted. \"Something like \'take care\' and \'goodnight\' I believe.\"

Vegeta stared at the blue haired woman. \"Hn\" he waved in dismissal.
The others waved and left in a file. All except Trunks.

\"Now what does _he_ want?\" Vegeta snapped. \"If I don\'t get some soon
I swear I\'ll go crazy!!\"

Goku gave him a sidelong look, purring sweetly. \"Well, don\'t touch me
before he leaves. Unless you want to give your son one hell of a
show!\"

Vegeta sat crosslegged, his tail coiling into a knot from tension. A
low growl rumbled in his chest.

Trunks pressed his face near the glass. /I wish I knew what they were
thinking, although I think father is about to blow from frustration./

Goku peered at him. \"What\'s his story, Vegeta?\" with their ki sapped,
walking was too much effort. \"I haven\'t touched him in days, so the
link\'s pretty useless.\"

Vegeta pouted at his son. \"I sense concern, love, affection. Typical.
He\'s also curious.\"

\"Curious about what?\"

\"I have no idea. But enough of this!\"

Goku agreed, his blood boiling. \"Let\'s give him a not too subtle
message, then.\"

\"Hai!!\"

Both saiyans pointed at the exit angrily.

\"BEAT IT.\"

The echoed voices rang in the hollow chamber. Trunks didn\'t need a
translator to know they wanted to be alone.

He frowned. _All right. But I\'ll be back!_

****

Goku looked about the chamber. It was fairly comfortable, although
sparsely furnished. A table and two chairs were over in the corner. A
bath facility. On the opposite wall were twin beds with partitions
and linen. The floor was lined with reasonably soft carpet.

\"Want to try walking?\"

Vegeta crawled over to him. \"I\'ve a better idea. Those partitions
over there-\"

\"Ai, want to put them by those glass windows?\"

\"My thinking exactly. I don\'t want nosy busybodies walking in on a
show.\"

Goku grinned. \"They\'ll be frustrated as hell not being able to see
us.\"

Vegeta looked up. \"I\'ve already checked for monitors and cameras.
Apparently even Bulma has a sense of decency.\"

Goku nuzzled the fragrant hair. \"And here I thought you didn\'t care
for her.\"

****

The strain of vertical movement was tremendous. Standing was an
effort, and walking was done carefully. The two saiyans pushed the
partitions against the glass panes, cutting off all views.

\"Damn, Vegeta. I feel like I\'m training under heavy g for the first
time.\"

The ouji nodded. \"I\'d estimate our strength at about sixty five
percent.\"

\"Feels more like thirty percent\" Goku held out his hand. Vegeta
clasped it immediately.

\"It seems that way until we get used to it, koi. Now come, enough
talk\" Vegeta pulled him over to the beds.

\"My prince has a one track mind\" Goku purred as he flopped on a bed.
Vegeta stripped him quickly, rasping.

\"Ah, yes. A feast for my eyes. A meal for my senses!\"

Goku growled, eyes hot. \"Your turn!!\" he pulled his prince into a
tight embrace, tossing him onto the mattress.

Dark eyes were lidded with lust. \"Not so weak as he seems, my
Kakarot.\"

Sharp fangs tore away Vegeta\'s shirt. \"Hell no.\"

****

The first round was fierce, fast, and hard. Both saiyans were panting
in a sweaty heap at the foot of the bed. It was only the beginning,
despite the sapping effects of the chamber.

Goku licked Vegeta\'s face slowly. \"Hnnn, badman in the evening tastes
good.\"

The ouji purred softly, eyes closed. \"Hai, a thousand nights are not
enough.\"

They stroked each other rapidly, tails sliding along hot flesh. Goku
moved his attentions downward, sampling the smooth jawline and throat
of his prince. Vegeta arched in bliss, his tail slipping between
their legs.

\"K-kak-a-rot\" he gasped. \"I noticed something.\"

\"Mnth. Masak. Want more...\"

\"Listen to me, hentai. Notice how rational thought remains with us
now?\"

Goku paused in astonishment. \"Hai. We\'ve never talked during the rut
before.\"

Vegeta nodded. \"Our hormone surge is the same, but there isn\'t enough
ki to fuel us to madness this time.\"

Goku nuzzled. \"I wondered how I could still want you so badly and yet
keep some semblance of sanity.\"

Vegeta wrapped his legs around strong hips. \"Sanity for us, maybe.
Not anyone else!\"

Goku thrust into his prince, hard. \"Ai, bang like monkeys!!\"

****

The following morning had them exhausted and sore. They lay on their
backs, legs crossed and propped vertically against the wall. Blankets
covered them at the waist.

Goku yawned widely. \"Ohayo, koshii. Wanna smoke a cigarette?\" he
joked.

Vegeta glanced over at him, snickering. \"Ohayo, koi. No I don\'t, you
fool!\"

Goku stroked the powerful chest, pulling a nipple. \"Vegeta I don\'t
know about you, but I can\'t tell _that_ much difference being caused
by this chamber.\"

The ouji arched at the touch. \"Hai, my waist is killing me, and my
head hurts as usual. And you?\"

Goku winced. \"My legs throb, and agony burns my back. Other than
everything else, I only feel terrible.\"

Vegeta strained to a sitting position. \"I wasn\' t expecting a miracle
cure.\"

\"Me either\" he coiled his tail around his mate\'s neck, pulling him
down.

Vegeta wiggled, feeling a pulsating erection teasing the cleft in his
ass. \"Hn, ready again, are we? Well so am I\" he took a big hand,
placing it on his own throbbing need.

Goku moaned undeneath him. \"Quit teasing, \'Geta\'.\"

Vegeta flipped over, straddling him. The ouji parted muscled thighs
and licked his fingers, thrusting them inside his mate.

Goku swore, hips lifting at the internal massage. Vegeta was
merciless, probing him deeply, twisting his hand rapidly as Goku was
stretched to the limit. The tall saiyan moaned and begged, hips
jerking spasmodically as his head thrashed. Vegeta\'s own body was
stressed with excitement at the sight, his nipples swollen in bold
relief. Sweat popped and dripped over heated skin. Goku howled as the
hand retreated. He grabbed Vegeta by the hair, shoving his head down.
His ouji didn\'t disappoint. The hot mouth swallowed heavy sacs
nestling at the groin, pulling them between his teeth. Hard nips went
up a swollen shaft before settling over a moist cock head, swirling
taste. Goku screamed his name, shuddering as his legs jerked
spasmodically. Vegeta yanked himself hard, knowing wouldn\'t last much
longer either. They were both draining as he kneeled high, bracing
his mate against his hips. Vegeta pulled the hot legs wide before
knifing into tight heat.

\"Chikuso!!\" he swore in pleasure and pain as oversensitve flesh went
into hyperdrive. Goku growled below him, his face a mask of heat and
desire. Lustily he licked his lips as he was hammered into the
carpet. Powerful thighs wrapped around his prince in a vise as they
bucked.

Vegeta leaned forward, thrusting in rapid fire now. Goku crushed him
close as they strained for ecstasy, tails tightly coiled.

Lust boiled to a climax as they watched each other, tongues flicking
wildly for heat and taste. A final surge before sense became
sensation. Goku fell back, shrieking for his ouji as wet thickness
burst between their bellies in a flood. Vegeta jerked and exploded,
filling his mate to the brim in an orgasmic fury that ripped his soul
to the core. They collapsed, consciousness fading as they fell.

****

Goku remembered staring up at the ceiling lights much later. A very
hot bodied prince lay across him. He blinked blindly, trying to
regain his senses as dots swirled across his vision.

\"Ha...ghods, \'Geta...\"

A pointed tongue plunged in his ear. \"Hn...absolutely...fantastic...\"

Goku gasped. \"Can you move?\"

A soft purr. \"Maybe. But it\'s warm in there. I like it.\"

The tall saiyan wiggled, feeling himself still penetrated. \"Oh...\"

\"Someone will no doubt bring us food soon. We\'d better get up.\"

Goku rumbled gently. \"I don\'t want to move. You feel too good.\"

A sable tail stroked his thigh. \"Hn, as do you, love. But if we don\'t
move now we\'ll be too sore to move later. Come.\"

With difficulty Vegeta carefully pulled out of his mate. He flopped
on his side.

\"Ai...hurts worse, koi.\"

Goku wasn\'t doing much better. He cuddled his prince. \"Easy. Let\'s
wrap these blankets around.\"

\"Good idea.\"

They abruptly heard a knocking noise near the door.

Vegeta managed a grin. \"I imagine someone wonders why they can\'t see
us.\"

Goku made a face. \"Isn\'t that a shame.\"

Suddenly an intercom kicked in. :CAN YOU TWO HEAR ME? IT\'S BULMA. I
BROUGHT SOMETHING FOR YOU TO EAT.:

The saiyans panicked momentarily. \"An intercom!\" Goku hissed. \"What
if-\"

Vegeta held up a hand. \"One way, I believe. For messages only.\"

\"You\'d better hope so, Vegeta!\"

The prince looked about glumly. \"Hai. Let\'s ask about the food.\"

\"Are you hungry?\"

\"Only for you. But it may help our depleted energy.\"

****

Food trays were placed on a cart and sent through a locked half door.
Goku took them immediately. The door closed in less than a second.

\"What the hell?!\" the tall saiyan glared. \"You think this is feeding
time at the zoo, Bulma? YOU STUPID BI-\"

:CONTROL YOURSELF, IF YOU CAN: the tinny voice echoed. :I\'LL NEED TO
KNOW HOW YOU\'RE FEELING AS TIME PROGRESSES. HOW IS VEGETA?:

Goku walked over to a wall, adrenaline fueling his movement. His tail
puffed like a ball. \"Want to know how we feel? Come on in! Vegeta\'s
fine, he wants to do a three-way!!\"

The ouji _had_ to laugh at that one.

The intercom clicked again. :I KNOW THAT ISN\'T YOU TALKING, GOKU. TRY
TO EAT SOMETHING. I\'LL CHECK UP ON YOU LATER. CHI CHI IS COMING BY
THIS AFTERNOON:

\"Make it a FOUR way!!\" Goku yelled stupidly.

The intercom clicked and went silent. Vegeta purred,
smirking. \"You\'re ridiculous, Kakarot. But that was hilarious!\"

Goku pushed the tray towards the beds. \"Yeah, I\'m a regular comedian!\"

****

Vegeta was correct. Eating helped to replenish some of their energy
reserve. Goku sniffed along his mate\'s shoulder.

\"Let\'s take a shower, Vegeta.\"

The saiyan prince lifted an eyebrow as he finished his third
plate. \"Don\'t tell me I offend.\"

A tail teased the handsome face. \"No, I just want to do more things
to you. Now finish eating already!\"

Vegeta turned his face towards the fuzzy trail of scent. \"Hn...\" he
put down a piece of fruit as his eyes closed.

Goku dragged his unresisting prince into a steamy kiss. Moments later
the ouji found himself being carried to the shower.

****

\"We\'ll keep the visit brief until he shows some real improvement,
Goten\" Chi Chi told her youngest son as they headed for Capsule
Corporation.

\"You think he\'ll want to talk to us?\"

\"We\'ll have to find out, bro\" Gohan told him. \"This is uncharted
territory for us all.\"

Goten climbed in the car. \"At least we don\'t have to watch him all
the time.\"

\"True\" Chi Chi closed the door. \"Eventually we may find an even
better solution.\"

****

The two saiyans spent the majority of the afternoon exploring the
limits of watersports. They did it upside down and rightside up. In
the tub. On the floor. Over the toilet seat. They took turns on their
backs and bellies.

\"K...ka...kar...ot...\" the ouji heaved, obsidian eyes glazed in
fatigue and pain. His compact, well muscled body draped over the edge
of the tub.

\"Hu...huh...Vg...Ve...get...a?\" Goku rasped, sprawled next to him in
the tub.

\"Think...just...lay here\" a soggy tail flopped across Goku\'s face.

Goku lay quietly, eyes rolling. \"Hai...prince...room...spinning...\"

\"Room...not...spinning...your brain...you baka...\"

\"Tell...me...again...about...this chamber...helping?\"

\"Shut...up.\"

****

They managed to crawl into the living area. Vegeta snapped his tail,
freeing it of water.

\"How are you, Aino-Chan?\" Goku asked quietly. He sat very still
against a bed.

Vegeta growled. \"Stay away from me! Hai, I\'m half dead.\"

Goku handed him a blanket. \"Come here, ouji. We\'ll keep each other
warm.\"

Vegeta crawled to him suspiciously. \"Hn, that\'s all you\'d better do.\"

****

They curled together under a _lot_ of blankets, exhausted but cozy.
Mutually excessive body heat made a snug cocoon. Vegeta dragged slow
kisses across Goku\'s face and shoulders.

\"Ashiteru, my bishounen\" the deep voice was muffled against a thick
neck.

Goku closed his eyes in pleasure, a purr bursting from his chest. He
clutched his mate, nuzzling against the fragrant body.

Vegeta relaxed against him, making his own purr. They lay
contentedly, rumbling in concert.

Goku smiled softly at his ouji. \"You\'re the best, Vegeta.\"

Shining dark eyes sparkled. The prince gave a tiny grin but didn\'t
reply. Instead he wrapped arms and legs even more tightly before
resuming his purr.

Goku dozed off at the soothing sound.

****

Much later that pile of blankets was still making soft rumbling
noises. A gentle knock against the door panels jolted the saiyans
awake.

Vegeta growled. \"I was having such a good dream.\"

Goku grinned. \"What was in it?\"

The ouji licked his mate\'s nose. \"Not what, who.\"

\"Well, it\'s a good thing they can\'t see us now.\"

A click. The intercom system chimed in once more.

:GOKU? CAN YOU HEAR ME, IT\'S CHI CHI. HOW ARE YOU, HONEY?:

Goku poked his head out from the blankets. His mop of raven hair was
disheveled.

\"I\'m fine\" he shouted, sensing other ki. \"Hey, Gohan, Goten!\"

:TOUSAN!: Gohan shouted. :YOU SOUND LIKE YOURSELF.:

\"Goten, you there?\"

:YA, DAD. ARE YOU FEELING BETTER?:

A pause. \"Weak. Kinda sick. But it feels like the worst is over.\"

Vegeta popped up suddenly. Goku smiled. His ouji was delightfully
scruffy.

\"How long are we to be in this infernal box?!\" he demanded.

:THAT YOU, VEGETA?: Chi Chi asked.

\"Of course not. I\'m your pimp!!\"

Another click. Goku looked closely at his prince.

\"I think you ticked her off.\"

\"Who cares. It was a stupid question!\"

\"Maybe-\"

Another click. It was Bulma this time. :WHY DO YOU HAVE THE GLASS
COVERED BY PARTITIONS?:

\"So we can have some privacy, woman!\" Vegeta shouted. It\'s bad enough
we\'re in this cage, we don\'t need to be watched like pets!\"

:HOW ARE YOUR SYMPTOMS? ARE THEY SUBSIDING ANY?:

Vegeta growled to his mate. \"I\'m not sure how to answer that.\"

Goku frowned. \"Ai, I can barely move.\"

:HEY GUYS. EVERYTHING OKAY IN THERE?:

\"Everything\'s fine, Bulma\" Goku responded. \"We\'re so washed out right
now, it\'s hard to tell.\"

:YOU MIGHT BE DEHYDRATED. I\'LL SEND SOME ELECTROLYTE SOLUTION TO YOU
SHORTLY, OKAY?:

\"Then get it and be done, woman!\" Vegeta yelled. His skull was
beginning to throb, along with various other body parts.

Still another click. Chi Chi again. :BYE, HONEY. I\'ll COME BACK
TOMORROW:

\"Bye, Chi Chi.\"

The intercom went silent. Vegeta snuffed indignantly, pulling Goku
over him.

\"Now come here!\"

Goku eyed his prince slowly. \"You look really cute all cranky and
ruffled.\"

Vegeta pouted. \"Who\'s ruffled!!\"

The tall saiyan smiled, stroking the fine face. Vegeta\'s mop of hair
was sticking in every direction. The rut gave a comely blush to his
cheeks.

Goku nipped the smooth throat. \"You are.\"

Vegeta yelped in delight at the bite. \"I am _not.\"_

\"Ruffled...and cranky\" Goku slid under the blankets, voice muffled.

\"What are you aaahhhh!!\" the ouji arched as a delightful tongue
brought him to sensory overload. Strong hands held his hips in place
as he squirmed.

\"My head hurts\" Vegeta moaned as pricks of heat stabbed his skin.

/Ssh, my prince. You\'ll forget that soon enough/ the expert mouth
sucked his saiyan prince to a frenzy. Vegeta jerked wildly as fire
rolled up his spine.

\"Haaii...aiii, K-kaka-rot,....ghods...\" he pulsed and spurted as
fingers jabbed inside him. Goku thrashed underneath the blankets as
well, his own orgasm ripping him senseless. Comets and halos swirled
across their eyes. Vegeta felt a hot flood bathe his leg as he
succumbed to darkness.

****

Hours later they pushed the twin beds together. Vegeta put fresh
linen and blankets on the mattress. He sat on the edge with his legs
crossed, waving his tail contentedly. Goku sprawled alongside, his
own furry appendage flopping lazily over his ouji\'s thighs in
ticklish strokes.

Vegeta purred softly. \"My headache is gone, you know.\"

Goku raised up and squeezed sculpted shoulders. \"I sensed as much.
How are you feeling otherwise?\"

Vegeta looked about absently. \"Strange as it may seem, I actually
feel better. The fever...is abating. I sense the calmness in your
body as well, koi.\"

\"Hai. Tomorrow we leave this box, Vegeta. Saiyans don\'t make good
captives.\"

Vegeta lifted his tail and coiled his mate\'s chest. \"Agreed.\"

****

For the first time in over two days they lasted an hour without sex.
They planned to make their bid for freedom after showering and
dressing.

\"You look strange with clothes on, Vegeta\" Goku smirked.

Vegeta made a face. \"Hn, put a clap on it, baka. Roll your cock
_inside_ your underwear!\" he pointed, suppressing a smile.

Flustered, Goku looked down at his gi pants.

Vegeta laughed. \"One look at that and the woman will run screaming
out of here!\"

\"Shimatta!!\" Goku swore. \"Just going too fast, I guess.\"

Vegeta straightened his black body suit. \"Hai, jackrabbit. It
wouldn\'t be the first time. I\'ve endured enough of your messes.\"

Goku grinned seductively. \"You always enjoy cleaning them up. I seem
to remember a few splatter sessions-\"

Vegeta motioned him to silence. \"We have company again.\"

They both sensed approaching ki.

\"The gang\'s all here\" Goku craned his neck at a wall.

Vegeta moved to the partitions. \"Let\'s move these now. They\'ll never
believe us if they can\'t see us.\"

\"True.\"

A pop and crackle. :HEY GUYS. EVERYONE WANTS TO SAY HI.:

The saiyans looked out at their visitors. Everyone was waving, and
Krillen made it this time. Vegeta pointed at the glass.

\"Baldy is here.\"

Goku tried not to laugh. \"Be nice, Vegeta. Blow Bulma a kiss!\"

Vegeta made a face. \"Blow yourself!\"

The tall saiyan lowered his eyes and purred. \"That\'s your job,
prince.\"

Vegeta blushed. \"Kakarot...do you want to get out of here?\"

****

From the outside the visitors were confused.

\"What in the world are they talking about?\" Trunks wondered.

\"Something must be funny, I just wish I knew what\" Chi Chi peered at
the pair. She tapped the glass.

\"Goku! Come here.\"

The handsome saiyan came to the glass. She puckered a kiss.

\"Mush\" Goten said.

\"Mush is good\" Gohan snickered.

Bulma motioned at Vegeta. He stood back, arms folded.

\"I wish he\'d stop being stubborn\" she grinned at the group.

\"What else is new. Hey, Goku! I finally made it here. How ya doing?\"
Krillen asked.

Goku waved at his friends and family. He rubbed his stomach and
pointed at the door.

\"He\'s back to normal!!\" Chi Chi chimed happily, clapping her hands
together.

\"Is it truly safe?\" the ever cautious Piccolo wondered.

Bulma glanced at the saiyans closely. \"It seems to be. But in case of
accidents I have a heavy duty tranquilizer ready.\"

\"I don\'t think that\'s needed!\" Goten was angry.

Chi Chi hugged him. \"I think it\'ll be okay, Goten.\"

\"Yeah, kid\" Tien reassured him. \"When your dad wants food, it\'s
definitely buisness as usual!\"

****

The group stood away from the door as the saiyans exited. Vegeta
lifted an eyebrow.

\"So. Did you expect us to attack like rabid dogs?\"

Trunks coughed pointedly.

Chi Chi ran into her husband\'s arms. \"Are you really back?\"

Goku smiled. \"Yeah, I\'m me. No more looney!\"

Goten gave him a bear hug. Goku grinned even wider, waved at Gohan.

\"Come here. You aren\'t too old, you know!\"

\"Yeah\" sloopy grin. Gohan embraced his father as well.

Bulma and Trunks approached Vegeta. \"We\'re glad you\'re back.\"

Vegeta looked at her briefly. \"Well...thank you. I\'m grateful for
your concern.\"

\"That wasn\'t so bad, was it?\"

Vegeta turned to Trunks. \"I owe you an apology.\"

Trunks blinked. \"But...why?\"

The prince put a hand on his son\'s shoulder. \"I regret my behavior
the night you were attacked. You were hurt, and my...reaction was
inexcusable.\"

\"I understand, father. I know you couldn\'t help yourself\" he glanced
at a stricken faced Goku. \"Both of you.\"

\"Thanks Trunks\" Goku was subdued.

Krillen squeezed his best friend. \"C\'mon, guy lighten up. We know the
real Goku wouldn\'t harm a fly.\"

Tien agreed. \"Yeah, you just need some down time.\"

Piccolo folded his arms with a smile. \"Well I suppose a few lumps for
friends won\'t kill anything.\"

****

Goku spent a considerable amount of the afternoon apologizing
profusely to his family. Chi Chi finally clamped a slender hand over
his mouth.

\"Enough of this, already. No one hates you, we understand!\"

Goku had his most hung dog expression. \"I\'m not kidding, Chi Chi-\"

His sons reassured him. Gohan pushed his father on the couch. \"Sit
here, okay? Relax.\"

\"But-\"

\"But nothing, dad\" Goten insisted. \"We\'ll fix you something for
lunch.\"

Dark eyes went wide. \"I didn\'t know you could cook!\"

Gohan grinned. \"We\'re just full of surprises.\"

****

Trunks and Vegeta had a quiet meal together in the apartments. Trunks
worried at the silence.

\"Father, it wasn\'t your fault.\"

Vegeta couldn\'t meet his eyes. \"A poor father that would laugh at his
son\'s death.\"

\"No! I sensed the chaos and insanity in your mind. Even the others
could tell when they saw your eyes!\"

Vegeta stared. \"They what?!\"

\"Gohan and Goten obviously knew what was happening right away. But
you had the same manic expression as Goku.\"

\"I...see.\"

Trunks gripped his hand. \"So please don\'t blame yourself. Besides,
the chamber was a success, right?\"

Vegeta looked at his hand and smiled. \"Hn. Well, we didn\'t kill
anybody. Only each other!\"

Trunks made a face and coughed.

Vegeta eyed him. \"So, boy. Have you had chance to speak with Kakarot?\"

\"Not privately. But I will!\" blue eyes blazed in excitement.

His father curled a lip. \"And now we return to this round.\"

Trunks sipped his soup. \"I have no idea what you mean.\"

Vegeta looked at him hard, eyes like coals. \"Don\'t play me, boy. I
know full well you don\'t expect your current arrangement to be
permanent.\"

The demi-saiyan ate innocently. \"Perhaps I\'m satisfied with things
the way they are.\"

\"Perhaps you\'re a liar. I see your blush whenever I mention his name!\"

Trunks frowned. \"You see illusions, father. I know he\'s your mate.\"

Vegeta smiled grimly. \"You know but don\'t accept. That will get you
trouble someday.\"

\"Why should I accept it!\" Trunks snapped impulsively. \"I don\'t have
to-\" he caught himself suddenly.

Vegeta laughed victoriously. \"Let him go?\"

Trunks was redfaced. \"Nani?!\"

\"Transparent fool. You created this tangle, not me. And I know full
well your saiyan blood drives you to hold on!\"

Trunks was silent a moment, gathering his thoughts. \"Goku\'s made his
position quite clear to me, so you have nothing to worry about!\"

\"Yet despite his words you think to weaken him, ne?\"

\"Chikuso!! Mind your own buisness, father!\"

\"My mate\'s buisness _is_ my buisness. Ganbatte yo, boy. Go for it!
After a few years of frustration you\'ll wise up.\"

Blue eyes lit in challenge. \"Can\'t take a little competition?\"

Vegeta drank his juice before clearing the dishes. \"Very little.\"

\"Your arrogance could prove costly.\"

\"Your persistence could prove painful.\"

****

Later that afternoon Trunks decided to pay Goku a visit. He flew
across bright blue skies.

_We\'ll see what the future holds, father. You aren\'t the only one
with the keys to his heart._

As he approached the Son house he noticed a very familiar figure out
back chopping wood.

\"Goku!!\" he shouted as he alighted nearby.

The saiyan turned in surprise. \"T-Trunks? What brings you here?\"

Trunks walked towards him. \"You.\"

Goku struggled with a thought, then paused as he looked up. \"Not
here, okay?\"

Blue eyes were soft. \"Come fly with me.\"

Goku stared, wondering at the double meaning in his words. A slow
smile spread across his handsome features.

\"All right, purple. Let\'s go.\"

The two were off like a shot.

****

They held hands in flight. Trunks delighted at being able to use the
link once more. He turned and smiled at his lover, watching the black
mop of hair fly wildly in the wind. Goku returned the smile.

/Think I look like a wild thing, ne?/

Trunks nodded, grinning back. /Your hair is so thick. I want to touch
it./

Goku pointed at a secluded park. \"There.\"

They alighted atop a grassy knoll full of wildflowers. The view was
panoramic. A rolling valley was in the distance, surrounded by
cultivated cropland.

Goku enjoyed the view. Huge clouds shaded them as they rolled by.

\"It\'s a beautful sight\" he commented. Trunks hooked his arm.

\"So are you.\"

Goku turned to him, pained. \"Trunks, I\'m so sorry for hurting you...\"

The demi-saiyan rubbed thick biceps. \"Ashiteru, Goku. You were
sick...ill. I know you couldn\'t control it. Nothing you could say or
do would make me hate you.\"

\"Ghods\" Goku nearly broke down. He sat abruptly in the grass.

Trunks dropped next to him. \"Are you all right?!\"

\"Yes and no\" cracked whisper. The saiyan suddenly changed expression,
one Trunks couldn\'t read.

\"Come here, pretty purple.\"

Trunks felt his skin tingle as he was grabbed. \"Oh.\"

Goku rolled him on his back. Soft kisses peppered his eyes, face and
throat. Big hands explored his torso gently.

Trunks gasped. \"I...ah...oh...Goku...\" a lavender tail thumped the
ground. He looked up at the fine features. The dark eyes burned with
affectionate warmth.

\"I wanted to make certain you were okay, that there was no permanent
damage.\"

Trunks reached up, stroking the beloved face. \"No, silly. The sensu
beans took care of all that days ago.\"

Goku purred, his sable tail waving gently in the soft breeze. Trunks
found himself relaxing at the sound. He purred in response as the
black tail found his, coiling it gently.

\"Perfect match\" Trunks sighed.

Goku frowned. \"Hmm\" he leaned forward and kissed. Trunks felt his
skin sizzle with pinpricks as Goku plumbed his mouth with hot tongue.

Trunks giggled against silken lips. He felt giddy. /Do you ever kiss
without tongue?/

A low growl. /Never. I\'m saiyan./

Trunks came up for air, rasping. \"Kami!\" he felt himself swelling
rapidly. Hands scrabbled wildly in the raven mop, pulling the tall
saiyan in for another passionate kiss. Hot cinnamon musk filled his
senses, an aphrodesiac for rising lust. Frantic hands pulled at the
gi shirt as Trunks rolled on top. Wild kisses planted on the shapely
chest, suckles on rounded pecs. A pointed tongue laved a trail of
wetness in the cleft.

Goku bucked and groaned, finally grabbing the busy hands that drove
him to distraction.

\"Trunks-\" he gasped, straining for control.

Trunks pulled up, eyes darkening in concern. \"What? Are you still?\"

Goku closed his eyes briefly. \"Kuso!! I\'d be no good to you right
now. My body isn\'t recovered enough yet.\"

The demi-saiyan massaged the shapely chest. \"But I thought you wanted
to make love.\"

Goku purred, eyes lidded. \"You smell so good, and your skin is so
soft. I...reacted before I realized my body couldn\'t follow through.\"

Trunks sighed, grinning. \"Too hot blooded for your own good. Crazy
saiyan!\"

\"What\'s that old saying here? The spirit is willing but the flesh is
weak?\"

Blue eyes sparkled. \"You weren\'t looking at me spiritually\" a finger
traced lazy circles on the sculpted torso. Trunks licked his lips.

\"And as for this flesh...ain\'t nothing weak about it!\"

\"Hentai! Come here. I want to hold you.\"

Trunks cuddled into a firm embrace. \"Oh, that\'s nice. Warm.\"

Goku rubbed cheeks. \"Hmm. Not so bad.\"

They lay quietly awhile, enjoying the contact. Trunks shifted a
little.

\"Goku, I have a confession to make.\"

Sleepy dark eyes opened on him. \"Eh?\"

\"I...I\'m kind of ashamed...\"

Goku eyed him with concern. \"Just say it, Trunks!\"

A warm hand gripped his. /Touch my mind./

Goku sifted through recent memories. He halted at one.

/What\'s this? A prostitute?!/

Trunks nodded, flushed.

\"Chikuso!!\"

\"Gomen. I feel like I cheated on you.\"

Goku sat up, thinking. \"Forget it.\"

Trunks stared in amazement. \"But...why??\"

\"I drove you to it.\"

\"I don\'t follow that.\"

\"The link was responsible. I was in rut, and it spilled over into
your mind.\"

Trunks leaned into him. \"The thought occurred to me. It was strange,
I never wanted sex so much in my life!\"

Goku tilted his chin up. \"Were you in control? Tell me!\"

Crystal blue eyes went wide. \"Of course! Why wouldn\'t I be?\"

\"You didn\'t...want to kill anyone? You could think and remember?\"

\"No...none of that! My mind was clear, I just wanted sex real bad.
That\'s it!\"

Goku breathed a sigh of relief. \"Thank Kami. I didn\'t know if you
could actually experience it that way or not.\"

Trunks pushed him on his back again. \"I promise, if that ever happens
I\'ll tell you.\"

\"You wouldn\'t have to tell me . I would know it, feel it in your body
and mind.\"

\"Oh.\"

\"Back in my arms, enough talk.\"

Trunks nuzzled again. His purple mop flopped across Goku\'s face. The
big saiyan purred at the fragrance, running his fingers through
lavender strands. A sable tail coiled around a denim clad thigh.

\"Hai, my hanna\" he murmured. Soon he was asleep. Trunks smiled,
cradling the dark head in his arms. His own tail lifted, wrapping
Goku\'s waist possessively.

_I will love and protect you. Against all odds._

A spark went off in his head. Off in the distance Trunks stared at a
familiar figure in a blue bodysuit. Vegeta. The powerful prince stood
as a statue, arms folded. His eyes were black pools of fire.

_The link has shown me much about being saiyan, father. I may not
burn, but my blood runs hot as any. And I won\'t let him out of my
life!_

As if in silent challenge, the ouji waved his tail dangerously. A
fanged smile was his only reply as he disappeared.

Trunks settled back with his departure. _Do you mock me, father? It
hardly matters. Goku\'s love is a victory any day._

He closed his eyes, joining his companion in sleep.

THE END