Pairing: ZarbonxRaditz, SauzaxZarbon, ZarbonxYamcha, AngilaxZarbon

Word Count: 571

Notes: AU

Disclaimer: I own nothing in connection with Dragonball Z, nor do I make any money writing this fanfiction.

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Rebound

When Sauza was around it seemed obvious because they were so very alike. Both took pride in their appearance, both had a very high power level and kept it through intense training which sometimes seemed to also be an effort to catch each other's eye. What was so laughably coincidental was both of them holding similar positions by the sides of Frieza and Cooler. They never made it evident but just looking at the two of them made it so easy to guess.

When Cooler left, so did Sauza. But his smell stayed on Zarbon for a long time.

xxx

When Frieza wanted some information on a planet gathered, the strongest were sent. Unknown places had lost him many soldiers before. Zarbon was sent to gather the information on a planet in the northern galaxies. Earth, it was called. There had been a man there. A man with heavy scarring to his face and a power level much higher than that of many of the planet's inhabitants. He couldn't bring himself to care remembering how it had ended with that planet's excuse for alcohol and some very ill-advised touches. The data gathered on Earth showed it was a very boring planet which wasn't worthy of any notice, nor were any of those living there.

Unlike Sauza, nobody would have ever known or ever been able to guess. But there had been an odd taste on Zarbon for a while. One of dirt and sweat which wouldn't have been his.

xxx

Frieza had some very quick dealings with a man who called himself Lord Slug. He had his four best soldiers by his side at all times when business was being conducted. One of them noticeably took great care over his personal appearance while being able to keep a high power level. It almost looked like it might be Sauza all over again but things between Frieza and Slug were completed quickly.

Even so, he noticed the small and very temporary changes in Zarbon's body. How his shoulders were carried a little higher, his lips were pulled thinner and how the look in his eyes suggested he was zoning out somewhere else much faster.

xxx

Raditz supposed, when he thought about the technical definition, he might be jealous that he was never the one to catch Zarbon's eye. On the other hand, he at least had a role within things. He, for whatever reason, was the one Zarbon went to when it finished. When Zarbon came he brought those frustrations with him which left Raditz with bruises and a pain when he walked, but he was able to hide it very well.

All Raditz ever knew of each time before Zarbon came to him was what he happened to hear about it through rumours which were whispered and became twisted into many different versions at once. Then he would know things others didn't. He would be able to smell those strange scents on Zarbon which weren't there before. Sometimes there were odd tastes which would only come from close contact with someone else. Always there were changes in his behaviour which were so slight they could only be seen when that close up.

He was a venting source for Zarbon's frustrations and that was all he would ever be. It went round and round in a vicious cycle. Raditz didn't complain. Because he was the one who smelt, tasted and saw what nobody else would.

END