N/A I'm not entirely sure where I'm going with this one. I wanted to write a longer story this time so I guess we'll see where it ends up. Sorry it took me so long. I write these on my school computer and we just go back from a long weekend. Hope you enjoy peace out :3

It was another beautiful day in Mount Paozu. The sun shined through the green leaves as Goku walked along the path. The path was an old ATV trail. The road was wore in on the sides and thick lush grass filled the center. The various woodland animals roamed. Squirrels chased each other about. Birds sang, and small bugs swarmed around Goku's head. The rabbits chased each other around a tree then sprinted across the path. Nature truly is beautiful. Goku thought. A gentle breeze swept through the forest floor. He was close to his destination. The trees parted into a large open area. The field was bare except for a large pond towards the back. He walked the rest of the short distance to the pond. Quickly, he removed his clothing and jumped it. The water was cool to the touch and engulfed him. He opened his eyes and watched schools of fish swim past him in a haste. He swam deeper into the water. Without much strength, he reached the bottom. Letting all of his air out, he sunk to the bottom and laid flat on the floor.

He watched the bubbles of air float to surface. His lungs started to spasm from the lack of oxygen. He closed his eyes and let the water fill him. Just as he was about to reach tranquility, he felt something disturb the water. Within seconds, a hand wrapped around his left bicep, pulling him up. He wanted to fight. To let himself become a victim of the watery abyss. Whoever was pulling him up, sure had difficulty pulling all of his weight. He tried to find his arms to stop this mystery rescuer. He felt himself break the surface of the water along with mystery man.

He was thrown on the ground, hard. He felt the overwhelming heat of the sun beat on his face and limbs. A pair of hands wrapped around his shoulders and shook him violently.

"Wake the fuck up Kakarott!" The voice sounded like Vegeta's. He was the only one who called him Kakarott.

He was unable to locate his eyes. Or his lips. Or anything for that matter. He was numb. He felt the hands fold up on the center of his chest and press down rapidly. He heard who sounded like Vegeta count to thirty. Then, he felt Vegeta's lips meet his and air was pushed into his lungs.

Goku sat up and coughed. The water drained from his mouth and out his nose. He breathed heavily as his vision came back. There, was Vegeta, sitting indian style in front of him.

"Vegeta?" He asked. In case his eyes were playing tricks on him.

"Just what the hell did you think you were doing?" His voice was sharp.

He sat and stared. "I was swimming." He said finally.

He grunted. "If you call that swimming." He stood and brushed himself off.

"What are you doing here anyway?" Goku plucked the grass from the ground as he spoke.

"I felt your ki dying off. What exactly were you thinking?" Vegeta folded his arms over his chest.

"I don't know..." He scratched the back of his head. "I was swimming because it was so hot out and I just let the air out." He confided.

"The only way you're allowed to die Kakarott, is if it's by my hands. Understand that?" He regarded him from the corner of his eye.

"I wasn't trying to die Vegeta."

"Sure." Vegeta turned so his back was to Goku. "I want to spar. Let me know when you're well enough." He turned to walk away.

"Yanno, Vegeta, you could've just held me under. Then you would've killed me." Goku stared at Vegeta.

Vegeta hesitated, then turned back around. "I want to kill you by beating you to a pulp. Showing my strength. Not holding you under water." He turned on his heal and blasted off into the clear blue sky.

Goku fell back into the grass and sighed. Honestly, he didn't know what he was doing. At first he did just want to swim. It was hot out and he wanted to be cool. Then he just wanted to lay down and let the air out. In that moment he wanted to melt away.

But now he was wide awake. The thought that had crossed his mind in the water scared him. What was he thinking? He held his head in his hands. The whole thing just confused him. Vegeta, of all people, came to save him. He was almost certain that one of his sons would've saved him. But no. Vegeta, the man who hated him more than anything, saved him. A member of his own race, but not family. Vegeta wasn't even anywhere near him. He kept tabs on Vegeta's ki. Vegeta had been clear in west capital. It would've taken him nearly two hours to reach him. That morning, he hadn't bothered to check Vegeta's ki. Perhaps Vegeta was close. That was the only rational explanation.

He sat up brushed the torn grass from his lap. It was peaceful. Birds chirped in the distance. Fish jumped from the pond and landed with a splash. He envied the fish. So blissful and free. Swimming and not worrying about sentimental things. Only worried about survival. He wasn't sure exactly when he started to think that way. Once he started he couldn't stop. It wasn't like his life was miserable. He had a wife and children. Great friends and a strong as hell sparring partner. He lived in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Anyone else would kill for the plot of land he owned. However, lately, the things he once took pride in, no longer mattered. Of course his family still meant everything to him, but everything else just seemed like background noise. Once prideful accomplishments were now just essentials for life. Land, a house, food, working, and money just seemed pointless.

What exactly was he to do? He'd never really thought deeply about anything. He never really thought. He just did what felt was right. Now, it seemed like everything had to have a meaning. If it didn't, it was considered malarkey in his mind. What was so different? Even Chichi asked him if he was okay every day. He honestly didn't see what was different except for the fact that he didn't always have a smile plastered on his face. Maybe he was going through a mid-life-crisis. Yeah, maybe that's it. What other explanation was there?

Mid-life-crisis couldn't be it either. He wasn't old enough to have one. Any other human would be, but he wasn't human. His life span was different. He wouldn't reach his age peak for another 20 years or more. At least, that's what Vegeta had told him. He's outlive most of his friends and family. Maybe 20 wasn't right… more like 50 or more… He couldn't remember correctly.

According to Vegeta, saiyans had a longer life span because they needed to stick around to defend their homes. Also to make sure their children grow up correctly and learn the proper ways of fighting. Saiyan children didn't have 'school'. They learned from their family. Passed down from generation to generation. Language and fighting styles. They didn't need to learn to read or write. They didn't need to learn math or science. The only thing their lives revolved around was fighting and defending their honor. Of course when Vegeta decided to stay, he learned to read and write. Particularly for the purpose of being able to walk around a town and not look like an illiterate dolt. After he'd gotten the hang of it, he seemed to be talented in it. The second Goku had said anything about it, he stopped and trained more.

Originally, Goku had thought that after Buu, Vegeta and he had become some sort of friends. An uneasy friendship in the least, but Goku wasn't one to complain. Ever since Vegeta had stayed, Goku wanted to know of his heritage. To learn more about his bludgeoned race. He knew there were a lot more things he didn't know. Vegeta had never gone into detail. He claimed that Goku didn't need to know any more. It wasn't imperative to his survival. Goku felt it was and when he said that, Vegeta snapped and said he couldn't stand to be around Goku any longer. He'd walked away angrily mumbling insults to himself.

The only sign that Vegeta had begun to mellow over the years, was that he didn't insult Goku as often. However, his vendetta against Goku was still fully intact. Each year it seemed like he'd get angrier. Each sparing session was stronger and driven by anger. Vegeta was fueled by his rage. Just like all the other sessions, he'd lose and go home butt hurt, only to return a week later and do the same dance again.

Then it hit him, Goku was the last remaining saiyan. Perhaps it was in The Prince's DNA to protect the last of his race. Even if Goku wasn't the perfect saiyan that Vegeta wanted. His blood was still full saiyan. He was still part of the dying race.

Although Vegeta would never admit, he and Goku were friends. Goku knew that Vegeta wouldn't kill him. By Vegeta not letting him drown, he had proved that. So what was the next step? Should Goku try and make better friends with him? Attempt to make amends with the last remaining full blooded saiyan who knew everything about their home?

As Goku got older and older, the yearning to know about his race's history only nagged at him more. He wanted to know everything and anything. He wanted everything Vegeta had to offer. Every gruesome detail. Whatever those may be. The idea of picking Vegeta's brain bothered him a little. He knew that if he even brought up the topic to The Prince, Vegeta would chew his head off. Insult him beyond what was needed. He wished there was someone else he could ask. Even King Ki didn't know everything about they're way of living. There was nobody except Vegeta. Goku knew what had to be done but he was apprehensive. He really wasn't in the mood for numerous insults.

Goku stood and brushed the remained of grass and dirt from his gi. He followed the same path he took upon arriving in the small clearing. The walk home was just a beautiful. Goku was way too distracted by his thoughts to admire the beauty again. He walked through the front door of his home and plopped down at the table. Chichi was cleaning off the table and putting away leftovers. As always.

"Hello Goku. Did you enjoy your walk?" Chichi asked as she removed a plate from him.

"It was nice. It's a beautiful day today." He kept his gaze on the table.

"Mh, so it is. Perhaps we could have a picnic today. Gohan and Videl were planning on visiting today. It would be nice to have the family sit down for a nice meal." She slipped the plates into the dirty dish water.

"Good luck getting Goten over here."

"He'll listen to his mother." She sounded certain.

"I don't know. He'll probably ask to bring Trunks." Goku ran his hands over the smooth table top.

"That'll be fine. He's over so much he might as well be a part of the family." She finished cleaning a dish and walked to the phone. "I'll call Videl and see what they think."

Goku loved his family, but he really didn't feel like being surrounded. Chichi was always trying to get Goku to participate in family gatherings. Honestly, he felt like training them brought them closer rather than sitting and bullshitting over stupid stuff. The children seemed to need both. The physical training and the random talking. Perhaps it was because they were half-breeds.

He sat up from his chair. "You go and enjoy the picnic. I'm going to spar with Vegeta."

She slammed the phone back into its holder. She nearly broke the wall. "Goddamit Goku!" she screamed. "Why can't you spend time with your family?! You never want to sit down with us all and enjoy talking!" She stomped up to him and planted her fists firmly on her hips.

"Chichi, I'm just not feeling well enough to be around a bunch of people." He pleaded.

"A bunch of people? For Christ's sake Goku, they're you family!" Her face was turning red.

"I'll make up for it. I promise. I already made plans with Vegeta to spar today."

She folded her arms over her chest and regarded his from the corner of her eye. "Whatever. Go. Have your spar. Abandon your family for that monkey mongrel."

"Hey! Watch your mouth! That wasn't very nice. Vegeta has done nothing wrong to you!" Goku's anger was rising.

"Why? You always leave me for him! Leave your family! He's not even related to you and you choose him over me?!" Her eyes were welling up.

Goku's eyes widened. She was jealous of Vegeta. It wasn't about his family or his sons. It was about his sparring with Vegeta all the time. She was jealous of the time he and Vegeta spent together. "You're jealous!" He spoke in astonishment.

"That's utter hogwash! I am not." Her face burnt bright with anger.

He couldn't help but laugh. His wife was jealous of another man hanging out with her husband. She should be happy. At least Vegeta wasn't trying to kill them all again.

"I'll slap that grin right off your face Goku!" She was so cute when she was angry.

He pulled her into an embrace. Still giggling he kissed her lips gently as she tried to fight her way out. "You're so cute when you're upset!" He smiled shyly.

She fell lip in his arms and blushed lightly. "Fine. Go. But you're making it up to me tonight." She looked at him with a devious smile.

"Fine by me, babe." With that he pressed his fingers to his head and disappeared.

Goku left himself into Capsule Corp. He was always welcome. Every little cubical was occupied by one person. Phones rang off the hook. Goku strode past them. Upstairs was where he'd find Bulma and Vegeta. In their 'home'. Chichi had tried to tell Bulma that living in the building wasn't a home. Of course Bulma didn't listen. Goku smiled. She had always been stubborn.

He rode the elevator up the second floor. When he arrived, Bulma was sitting at the kitchen table thumbing through a newspaper. She turned her head to look at Goku. Her face lit up as she stood and ran up to him, wrapping him in her arms.

"Goku! To what do I own this pleasure?" She gazed up at him.

"lookin' for Vegeta. You wouldn't happen to know where he is would you?"

She seemed to think for a second. "I think he's in the Gravity Room. Not sure though." She walked back to the table. "You two sure do spend a lot of time together now a days." She seemed like she was implying something.

"We're just sparring. He's pretty demanding." Goku said as he scratched the back of his head.

"True." She agreed.

Goku nodded and continued to look for Vegeta. He walked back the familiar hallway. He should've known that Vegeta would be in the Gravity Room. That's where he always was.

Goku knocked lightly on the door and it immediately opened. Vegeta stood in front of him with a towel wrapped around his neck.

"You… ahhh… Still want to spar?" Goku slurred his words a little. He'd never really seen Vegeta like this. He was dripping sweat. His body was the definition of perfection. Other than the scars that covered it. On the other hand, those scars actually compliment his body.. Goku was mesmerised. It wasn't often he had the chance to look at Vegeta with only shorts on. The Prince always wore his usual fighting spandex. Nothing else.

"I thought I sensed your ki. Feeling better from this morning?" Vegeta walked passed him and up the hall.

"I was fine to start with. Not like you care." Goku shrugged.

"You almost drowned and I had to knock the water out of your lungs. You weren't breathing." He frowned. "You're right. I don't care." He wiped his face off with his towel. "I was just trying to fill the silence." He looked at Goku strangely.

"Oh well, are you up for a spar? You asked earlier."

Vegeta turned off into a room. "Whatever. Let me get changed and I'll meet you out front."

They flew side by side in silence. Vegeta liked to spar in their first battle spot. It must've brought back memories. It was a little weird. He never pegged Vegeta for a reminiscing man. They landed at the same time. Vegeta stood still and looked around. Goku did the same. Week after week it always looked the same. Yet Vegeta always took a minuet to take in the surroundings.

Vegeta turned and looked at Goku with a strange look again. Goku just gazed back at him, dumbfounded.

"Something's off with you." Vegeta's voice hoarse.

Goku swallowed hard. "I'm fine Vegeta. I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't act stupid Kakarott. I know you're smarter than that." Vegeta crossed his arms.

Wow, a compliment. "I really don't know what you're talking about, Vegeta. I'm sorry."

"Perhaps you just haven't realized it yet." He walked closer. "We've sparred three times this week. Every time you have to sit down with your family, you come for a spar. What'd you skip out on this time?" He looked slightly pleased.

"Ahhh…" He scratched the back of his head. "A picnic."

Vegeta laughed loudly. "Oh that's rich!" Vegeta howled loudly.

"Can we please just get on with the sparring?" Goku frowned and crossed his arms in disgust.

"No." Vegeta was still laughing. "You're going to tell me what your problem is."

"I don't have a problem. Since when do you care?" Goku was getting greatly annoyed by the conversation.

"I don't, Kakarott. Bulma won't get off my hide about you and I just need something pliable to tell her. Once your explanation is good enough then we can get on with the spar." Vegeta crossed his arms and the smile he once held was nothing but a frown now.

Was there a problem? He never really gave it thought. Could there be an explanation for why he always skipped out on his family? It wasn't that he didn't want to spend time with them. He was certain of that. He blurted out the first thing that came to mind. "Chichi is always smothering me! I feel like she isn't ever happy with anything I do unless it's for her! She is constantly on me about cleaning and doing things. I'm tired of it. She acts like she hates me all the time. The only time she's gentle with me is if we're having sex. Other than that she's a bitch."

Vegeta stood in astonishment. His mouth was open slightly.

"What? You asked." Goku kept his face emotionless. Even he was surprised his words came out the way they did. But he wasn't about to let Vegeta know that.

"I suppose I just didn't expect you to be so blunt about it." Vegeta confessed. "I can't go telling Bulma that can I? I'll just tell her you like to spar like the saiyan you are. Bulma's the same way. Always trying to get me to do things. You know what I told her?" He leaned in slightly and smiled.

Goku was afraid to ask. "What…"

"I told her to fuck off and that I just live there. I have no ties to her except our son. If she'd like, I'd move out. We are not a couple, we aren't mates. Sure I care for her, but that's the extent of my feelings for her." He looked into the sky smugly.

"I couldn't tell Chichi that! She'd kill me!" Goku was slightly panicked at the thought of speaking to Chichi that way.

"Ha! There isn't a thing in this world she could use to kill you. No chance. If you're sick of her, then tell her to leave you alone and you are nothing but strangers or friends. Whatever you fancy." He walked closer.

"We've been together for so long… and divorces are expansive. I don't know if I want to put my family through that." Goku's mind was spinning at the possibilities.

"I'll pay for it." Vegeta's face was strangely calm.

Why is he trying to get me to divorce Chichi? "Vegeta, I don't know…"

"Imagine being able to do whatever the hell you want and not have to answer to anyone! Nobody to tell you what to do!" Vegeta was getting a little too excited. "We could spar everyday if you wanted. No questions asked."

Vegeta's intention was clear. He just wanted Goku miserable. That's all he ever wanted. This little outburst only confirmed it. "I don't appreciate how you confuse my kindness with stupidity." Goku's voice was hollow and emotionless.

Vegeta raised one eyebrow. His eyes pierced through Goku and it made him feel insecure in his accusing.

"I was only trying to help you. Nobody would be surprised that you got a divorce. They would assume that the harpy was the one who filed it. The only thing they would be surprised about would be the fact that you wanted it." He folded his arms over his chest. "If I really wanted to make your life a living hell, I'd just kill all of your weak friends." He smirked.

"What's the end game here? Why are we even talking about this?" Goku sat on the dirt and held his head in his hands.

Vegeta walked over and sat across from him Indian style. "I can tell that you've been pondering it for a while now. I could sense it. You're miserable. That's why you take every chance you get to get away from her. Weather that means abandoning your sons for an hour. Who am I to tell you how to live? I've noticed over the years with Bulma that Human to Saiyan relationships don't last long. They can't. Not unless they mate and humans are incapable of going through the process." He fell back into the dirt and looked at the sky. "Perhaps I've mellowed a bit. Never thought I'd be giving the likes of you relationship advice. Yanno, because I hate you and all."

"The truth is, I have been thinking about a life without Chichi. I'm so sick of her nagging. All she does is bitch at me and nag about everything. I don't want her to die, I just want her to be out of my life."

It was the first real conversation he had about Chichi with anyone. Why he trusted Vegeta with that was beyond him. He'd never trusted The Prince before. Turns out he's a good listener, when he wants to be. Wise as well. Something that was totally unexpected. The rest of the day the pair spent sparring and trying new techniques.

N/A: I decided to chance the ending because I was a little morbid lol Something similar may happen later or something I haven't decided