A Selfish Life

A Selfish Life
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Chapter Two

It had been over two weeks since Goku left Capsule Corp. and its kitchen in ruins. Bulma called him soon after he arrived back home, apologizing for Vegeta’s presence. Goku tried to assure her that everything was okay, but Bulma claimed full responsibility and truly felt terrible. Goku continued to declare that he was fine. He did not want Bulma to know the truth. Vegeta’s words had ripped at the fragile stitching that held his feelings back. Now, the resentment and anger consumed him.

Over the past three months, Goku felt a dull sense of resent and irritation compared to the passionate hate he felt now. This rage centered on one person – Vegeta. Goku admitted that the provocation from Vegeta would not have caused such a violent reaction in him if the incident had not preceded by months of envy and disgust towards his fellow Saiyan.

Goku had been sitting on the side of his bed while pondering his feelings for Vegeta and resolved to avoid him as much as he did everyone else. He took his first step towards this decision by exiting his home and headed to the woods for a stroll. He loved the wilderness as a child. After he married Chichi, his freedom to explore the wild was taken. His trip to Namek was the last time that he was able to adventure beyond the reach of his dominating wife. He smiled at the realization. Goku could go wherever he wanted to now.

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He had already chosen his favorite spot. A small parting between the trees held for Goku a haven. The area was covered with leaves, grass, and a few colorful flowers. He beheld this tiny place and was over-whelmed by the peace it exuded. Taking in a deep breath, Goku walked to the center of the clearing, sat with his legs crossed, and levitated off the ground. After meditating with his eyes closed for a few minutes, Goku was so far removed from his surroundings that he lost track of time and did not hear when someone approached him.

“Here you are.”

Goku opened his eyes. Utter shock ran through him at the recognition to owner of those words. In front of him, Vegeta stood with his usual scowl. He spoke again.

“Well? Aren’t you going to thank me? I went out of my way to bring you the supplies you requested.”

Goku had stood by this time. He stared, open-mouthed as Vegeta continued. Vegeta took in his rival. He could not remember the third class ever being so quiet. ‘Could he think that I care for him?’ Vegeta grimaced at the idea. He clarified his actions.

“Don’t think this changes anything, Kakarrot. I only came because Bulma threatened to destroy my gravity room if I didn’t.” He tapped his foot on the ground, waiting for some kind of reply.

Goku had no desire to speak to Vegeta. He had harbored such anger towards him, but when Vegeta showed up with the supplies, feelings of gratitude started to swell inside him. If Vegeta truly resented him for his actions, he would not have come. Even if he still came, he would have come incredibly angry. Vegeta would have pressed his resistance further to provoke another attack which might lead to a full-blown fight, yet here he stood, awaiting a response from his would-be rival. Goku never before beheld Vegeta in such an agreeable light.

Vegeta noted a visible change in the man that stood across from him in the wood. Goku’s face had softened to nearly resemble the happy person he once was. Vegeta could not understand this extreme behavior. ‘One day, he’s trying to kill me, and now, he’s practically smiling at me.’ He composed himself as best he could, but it would difficult for anyone to hide their reaction to such different actions. Vegeta snapped back from his wondering when he heard a whisper.

“I’m sorry, Vegeta. I never wanted to hurt anyone with my selfish behavior. I just don’t know how to do this anymore.” Goku was choking back tears.

Vegeta felt a tremendous amount of uneasiness. He could not make sense of his fellow Saiyan, so he asked. “What is with you, Kakarrot? A couple of weeks ago, you wanted to kill me. A minute ago, you were practically smiling, and this minute, you are crying. Did you release some kind of weird hormones or something? I have never seen this before in a male.”

Goku adjusted his voice before answering. “I don’t mean to act this way, Vegeta. I am sorry for choking you. I am very grateful to you for bringing me the supplies regardless of your motives. I feel ashamed for crying in front of you as well, but I think you are the only person who would understand.”

“Understand what?” Vegeta arched an eyebrow in curiosity.

“How I feel. I have spent my entire life defending others, being what they wanted me to be. After the fight with Cell, I decided that I wanted something for myself. I don’t want to be the hero anymore. I just want to do things my way. I want a selfish life.”

Vegeta was a little surprised by the declaration, but could relate to this profession. Not long after he hooked up with Bulma, she became pregnant. Since that time, it seemed like the Woman would never leave him alone. Trunks was nearly a year old, and over the past year, Vegeta had lost all his amiable feelings towards Bulma. He resented the responsibility of caring for a small child, something that was never left to males on his home planet. In an effort of peace for himself and his son, Vegeta agreed to stay at Capsule Corp. for the time being. He and Bulma reverted to their previous type of nagging relationship. To Vegeta, it was worth the irritation to be granted his freedom.

“Kakarott,” he began. “I have never quite understood why you put up with those humans in the first place. I’m pleased that you finally decided to stand up for yourself. You are a Saiyan for Kami’s sake.”

“I’m glad someone is happy at the change.” He smiled weakly.

“Can we go inside your house, Kakarrot? The Woman packed some tasty looking foods, and I’m starving.” Vegeta said, patting his empty stomach.

Goku could not help but laugh at this. “Sure, Vegeta. I’ve been out here for hours. I can’t remember the last time I ate.” Goku moved his hand to the back of his head and smiled. Vegeta only stared back at him. He cleared his throat and continued. “Follow me.”

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Vegeta followed Goku back to his house in silence. Upon entering the home, Vegeta moved to place the bag on the counter. Goku thanked him again and started sifting through the boxes of capsules. He found one that looked appealing and opened it. He reached pass Vegeta to open a cabinet. With plates in his hands, Goku extended them towards Vegeta. Vegeta took a plate piled food from one of the containers on it and seated himself at the small table. Goku did the same. The sound of their chewing was all that could be heard for several minutes. Astonishingly, Vegeta broke the awkward silence.

“So, what is it you want to speak of?” He said with half a full mouth of food.

“Don’t worry about it anymore, Vegeta. I said what I needed to. I let that stuff build and told no one about how I felt. You know? I didn’t even give Chichi a real reason for leaving her. I just told her that I was tired of her.” He chuckled.

“And, who wouldn’t be of that harpy?” Vegeta smirked after finishing his bite.

“Then, you aren’t upset with me?” Goku asked eagerly.

“Why would I be mad at you? I’m surprised that you didn’t try to kill me sooner.” He replied with a laugh.

The two said no more for the rest of their meal. Though on both sides, an odd feeling began to emerge. The two Saiyans had never in the whole course of their relationship been so cordial to each other. Goku acknowledged the tiniest hints of love growing for his rival. Vegeta, on the other hand, was repulsed by the meager admiration he allowed for the man that he had for so many years despised. Vegeta grew frustrated with himself. He told himself that he hated Kakarrot. To remove the cause of his current torment, Vegeta stood and claimed that he needed to return to check on the status of his gravity room. Goku agreed and stood to show him out.

Vegeta turned back to face Goku once they reached the door. “Thank you for the meal.” He said with his eyes focused on a random object across the room.

“You’re welcome.” Goku looked at Vegeta and turned his body to follow Vegeta’s gaze. “What is it, Vegeta?”

“Nothing, you idiot!” He growled.

As Goku moved to look at Vegeta, he misplaced his foot and fell forward. He landed with loud thud. He propped himself up on his elbows and then realized something. He was not laying on the floor. Beneath him was Vegeta.

Vegeta bewildered eyes met Goku’s. Goku felt terrible. “I’m sorry, Vegeta. I must have still been a little light-headed from earlier.” Goku moved to get up when he felt a bulge underneath Vegeta’s thin training outfit. “Vegeta, are you…” He started to ask when Vegeta jerked away at his discovery.

“Shut up, Clown.” He yelled, trying to get out from underneath Goku’s large body.

Goku pressed his body against the stiff mass. Vegeta quivered from the stimulation to such a sensitive area. It had been over a year since he had been intimate with Bulma, but he didn’t know what to make of this attention. “Kakarrot, what are you doing?” Vegeta said with a shaky voice.

“Do you like it?” Goku breathed.

“What? How could I?” He blushed ever so slightly.

“I know you’re lying, Vegeta. I can tell.” Goku replied as he leaned forward to rub his own enlarged member against Vegeta’s.

“Shut up, Kakarrot. I don’t like this.”

“Are you saying that for me or for yourself?” With his hands on either side of Vegeta’s head, Goku bent down and captured his rival’s lips. The kiss was rougher than Goku was accustomed to giving, but he was excited about exchanging such things with the only person who could handle his power.”

Their kiss did not last long. Goku pulled back first. He smiled down at Vegeta, awaiting his response. Vegeta did not know what to do. An hour ago, Goku was still his rival. An hour ago, he could hate him, but after their lips met, the anger for the man over him cooled. He felt conflicted. Part of his mind screamed at him to run. The other part begged him to stay. He believed his lower regions were favoring the second option. However, the Prince would not lay down his pride so easily. He pushed Goku up and removed himself from underneath him.

“That’s enough.” Vegeta declared as he stood. “I’m going.” With one last uneasy glance at Goku, Vegeta walked to the automatic door and flew away before Goku could reply. This time Goku was the one left to ponder the events that had just taken place.

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To Be Continued.