Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Ball Z. This is a nonprofit story.
*Little early this week. This chapter was a nightmare for me. I can't count how many times I wrote, deleted, then rewrote. Then I had a writers block issue that almost resulted in another angsty story. Some things need to happen earlier than cannon for what I have either planned or written for future chapters. What happens at the end of this chapter was actually written and planned for later, but it just fit in here. Doesn't change much of my plans and I just had to tweak a few things. There isn't as much Gohan and Vegeta interaction as I wanted this chapter.*
*Warning, there is some innuendo there at the end. I am not a romance writer, but plot devices need plotted.*
'word' = thoughts
"word" = Saiyago
Chapter 7: Overcome
The sound of movement outside the door woke Vegeta. He opened his eyes to see Mrs Briefs open the door and peer in. Seeing the Prince was awake and holding her grandson, she gave him a questioning look before stepping inside the room. Vegeta gave her a shrug and sat up, the movement jostling Gohan awake.
Pulling himself from a wonderful sleep, Gohan became aware that his bed seemed to be firm and breathing. Fully waking up, he flushed in embarrassment at finding himself cuddled up to Vegeta. The boy scooted off the Saiyan's lap and looked down. "Um...sorry Vegeta."
The Prince put a hand on the child's head for a moment before standing up. "Your grandmother is here. I'm sure she is wishing to know you're ok."
Gohan turned and looked at his grandmother who was now beaming in joy. She rushed forward and scooped the boy into a hug. "Oh, Gohan! We were so worried about you!"
Vegeta walked out of the room, pausing at the door and cleared his throat. "Boy. Go wake Bulma. She wished to know when you awoke."
"Ok." Gohan gave his grandmother another quick hug and rushed to the room next door.
Smiling, Mrs Briefs walked up next to the Saiyan. "You're very good with him. You will make a good father to your own children someday."
Vegeta glanced at her then turned away. "He will most likely be the last Saiyan ever born. I will make every effort to ensure he doesn't become a monster like me."
The older woman reached out and gave his arm a squeeze, ignoring how he stiffened at the contact. "Oh nonsense. You'll find someone who will make you happy."
The Saiyan leveled a glare at her and shrugged off her hand. "There is so much blood on my hands, I'll never leave the depths of hell. One such as me doesn't deserve happiness."
Turning, Vegeta stormed off down the hall.
He made it to the stairs before a small body slammed into his leg. He looked down to find Gohan clutching him tight.
Tears streaming down his face, the boy looked up at the Saiyan. "Y-you were leaving. Please don't go. What if she comes back?"
The Prince resisted the urge to slap the boy off him. Instead he put a hand on his shoulder. "Your family needs to see that you're alright. If your mother comes back, I want you to run away. I'm just going down to the kitchen."
The boy buried his face against the Saiyan. "I'm afraid."
Vegeta looked up towards Mrs Briefs for help. She just waved him away. "You both go on down there. I'll be right down after you."
Trying to take a few steps, Vegeta found his movements hampered by the child who was still gripping him. His eyes narrowed in irritation. "Let go."
Gohan shook his head back and forth.
Vegeta let out a growl of frustration and rubbed his forehead. Reaching down, he grabbed the boy and pulled him up against his chest. Small arms and legs wrapped around the Prince as the child buried his face in the Saiyan's chest, tears soaking into his shirt.
With a frown, Vegeta slipped an arm under the boy, supporting his weight. With the other he awkwardly rubbed the child's back.
Gohan's tail wrapped around his arm. Vegeta furrowed his brows. 'How can he trust me this completely?'
Quietly, the Saiyan made his way down stairs, not seeing how Mrs Briefs smiled happily at him.
o-o-o-o-o
Vegeta made his way past the groups of Namekians, ignoring the curious glances they were giving him.
He's barely been able to get Gohan off of him to sit and eat breakfast. No sooner had he made to stand than the child had reattached himself like a leech. This time he had the boy on his shoulders, freeing his hands.
He stalked up to where Piccolo floated cross legged under a tree.
The Namekian warrior raised an eyebrow as the Saiyan came to stand in front of him. "Well this is a sight I never expected to see."
Vegeta scowled. "Can it. I didn't ask for this."
Piccolo gave him a smirk causing the Prince to look away.
Taking a deep breath, the Saiyan looked back at the Namekian. "You're good with the mental things, right? Meditation and that other crap."
Piccolo nodded his head and waited for Vegeta to continue.
Pulling the child off him, the Prince stood him in front of him. He kept a hand on the boy's shoulder to stop him from turning around. "I need you to train Gohan. I'm sure you heard about yesterday. This needs fixed."
Giving another nod, Piccolo turned to the boy. "Gohan. I want you to sit here in front of me. We're going to learn some new techniques."
Gohan turned to look fearfully at Vegeta, causing the Saiyan to roll his eyes. "I'm not going anywhere, boy. I'll sit over here while you learn."
Pushing the child to the ground. The Saiyan took a few steps and sat leaning against the tree. Silently he watched as Piccolo worked.
o-o-o-o-o
Vegeta stomped down the halls of Capsule Corp, Gohan close on his heals. He turned in irritation to the boy. "Knock it off, brat! It's been over three weeks. Stop clinging to me all the time!"
Gohan looked up at the Saiyan with wide eyes that started to glisten.
Vegeta pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'm an evil, sadistic bastard and you're surprised when I yell at you? You're a warrior, not some baby that needs coddled. Now act like it."
Shoulders slumped forward and head down, Gohan turned to walk back down the hall. "Ok."
A heavy sigh filled the air as the Prince grabbed the boy by the shoulder. "I'm not mad at you, but I need time to myself. My back is hurting like hell and I can't tolerate anything else right now. Go visit with the Namek and have him train you today. He's more than willing to protect you if needed."
Still facing away from him, Gohan nodded his head and started on his way.
"Find your aunt or grandmother first and have them bring me something for pain." Vegeta called down the hall.
Stepping into the living room, the Saiyan sprawled out face down on the couch.
o-o-o-o-o
After a short search, Bulma found the Saiyan laying across the couch. Kneeling beside his head, she nudged him. "Hey, I brought you some painkillers."
With a groan, he sat up. Bulma handed him a glass of water and pulled a bottle of pills from her pocket, handing him two of them. Swallowing the medicine, he shoved the glass back at her and laid back down.
Bulma set the container on the end table. "So what's wrong?"
Vegeta's voice was muffled by the cushions. "Go away."
Bulma rolled her eyes. "Such a drama queen."
Sitting on the edge of the couch beside him, she started rubbing her hand down the Princes spine.
Vegeta stiffed up instantly. "What the hell are you doing? I'm not some child."
Giving a small laugh the blue haired woman twisted and began to kneed along his spine, causing the Saiyan to relax. "You're acting like a child. Your back hurts. I figured this would help. I guess if you want I can stop."
When she quit moving her hands, a grunt was heard. "That's helping. Keep doing that."
With a wicked grin, Bulma resumed the massage. On her third slow pass from top to bottom, Vegeta let out a pain filled groan. Bulma jerked back for a second thinking she'd hurt him when something furry brushed against her arm. Startled, she bit back a scream.
Seeing what had touched her she shook her head and let out a sigh. She began stroking down his spine again, this time no protest came. When her hand reached the tail and she stroked down it, a sigh of relief was heard. She continued petting the Saiyan for a while.
Noticing his breathing had evened out, Bulma gave a small smile and stood up. Grabbing the throw from the back of the couch, she draped it over Vegeta.
o-o-o-o-o
Coming down to breakfast, Bulma heard voices in an argument well before she entered the kitchen. Walking inside she found her father calmly speaking to a very irritated Vegeta.
"I'm sorry. I just cannot upgrade it right now. I have several client meetings I must attend this week." The scientist stood firm in his words to the Prince. Quietly he sipped at his coffee.
Vegeta gave him the best glare he could muster. "I need that upgrade. I've been able to handle the max for a while now. I even waited to ask for the upgrade until the boy was no longer benefiting."
Dr Briefs just shook his head. "I'm really sorry. I can get to it sometime next week."
Curiosity got the best of Bulma. "What upgrade are you talking about?"
Her father turned and gave her a small nod. "Good morning dear."
He waved a hand over toward the irate Saiyan. "Vegeta here wants the gravitron upgraded in the ship. I'd been working on it, but I just don't have the time to install it right now."
Bulma smiled and gave the Saiyan a wink, causing him to look away. "Oh, that's no problem. I can install it! I'm not your genius daughter for nothing."
Now she had Vegeta's attention. He gave her a skeptical look. "You are capable of fixing it?"
She gave him a frown. "Of course I am. Who do you think keeps doing the repairs when you break something in there?"
Bulma looked back to her father. "So what are we upgrading it to? I know Goku's was at 100g. Are we taking this up to 200g?"
A snort came from the Prince. "This one already goes to that. We need at least 400 gravity now."
Bulma looked at him with wide eyes? "You're already at 200? It's only been about three months. That's amazing."
Vegeta raised an eyebrow at her. "It's nothing. I had to wait for Gohan to catch up. Now we're ready for more."
Now Bulma looked at the boy. "You can handle 200 times? Wow, you're really something kid."
Bulma moved to grab some coffee and a piece of toast from her mother. "I'll get started on it right away. That is just so amazing."
As she walked out the door towards the spaceship, dark eyes followed her.
Gohan looked between the Saiyan and where Bulma had gone. "Why do you always stare at her?"
Vegeta spun to the child with a snarl grabbing his arm. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Mrs Briefs set plates on the table, then gave Vegeta a look. "Don't take it out on him. He's not the only one who's noticed."
Dr Briefs raised an eyebrow. "Noticed what dear?"
His wife gave him a pat on the arm. "Oh Vegeta here is just embarrassed at being caught watching our daughter."
The scientist gave a chuckle. "Bulma stares at him as well. I think they are the only two who haven't noticed."
Vegeta blushed lightly. With a growl he stood up and stormed out the door.
The elder Briefs gave each other a knowing look.
Taking a bite of his food, Dr Briefs turned towards his wife. "So when did you learn their language?"
She grabbed more plates and set them in front of her grandson. "Oh, I just pick up a bit here and there when Vegeta was teaching it to our Gohan here. It's nice to know what's going on."
o-o-o-o-o
Stepping out of Gohan's room, Vegeta quietly closed the door.
"You seem extra quiet lately." Bulma's voice came from his right.
He turned to see her leaning against her door frame watching him. "I've had a lot on my mind."
Bulma beckoned him closer with a wave. "Come and talk with me for a bit."
The Prince reluctantly made his way to her. When he got to her she pulled him into the room and shut the door. "There. It can be nice and private."
She led him over to the bed and pushed him to make him sit. He jerked away from her hands. "Don't touch me."
Bulma gave him an exasperated look. "What is this issue you have with being touched?"
Vegeta returned her look. "Why do you keep touching me?"
Rolling her eyes, Bulma sat in the chair near her bed. "Normal people touch each other."
"I'm not a normal earthling." The Saiyan crossed his arms and glared at her. "I'm an evil ass who destroys stuff."
"You've been here over three months. What have you done that's evil during that time." Bulma stared the Saiyan in the eyes.
Vegeta was the first to look away. "What have I done that is good? Nothing."
Bulma leaned forward and grabbed his arm to get him to look back at her. "You've done a lot. You help my Dad out in his lab."
Pulling away and crossing his arms, Vegeta refused to look back at her. "That is a business transaction to pay for my stay here. I believe he only agreed to it out of pity."
Now Bulma laughed. "Dad loves having you in there. He's talked about how much faster your help has made some of the project go. He's way ahead of where he'd normally be. I think he really respects you."
She looked off into the distance. "Mom loves you and sees you as part of the family now. That's why she's been trying to get you to move out of the guest wing and on to the family floor."
"Gohan." She looked back at him, trying to catch his eyes again. "Gohan I think has a some sort of hero worship going on for you. I see how he's always trying to gain your approval on everything he does. And you've been good to him. Every time you acknowledge something he's done he has the biggest smile."
Bulma smiled at the Saiyan, though she knew he wasn't looking. "What you've done for Gohan is definitely good. None of us could have taken him and kept him away from the horror that his mother was inflicting on him. You stopped it the first time you saw it, even though you'd been enemies and only had an uneasy truce with the boy. You've been teaching him. Yes, most of it is fighting, but he loves it. I'm not sure how much freeing one little boy's soul counts as good, but I think it's a lot."
She paused for a moment, feeling nervous. "I've seen how you look at him. I know you've come to actually care for him. I think being around him makes you happy."
Now Vegeta turned to glare at her. "I cannot be happy. I'm a blood thirsty killer who conquers planets. Or are you conveniently forgetting the city that was destroyed and your friends who died when I came here."
Bulma rubbed her hands. "I know. I've thought about that. But tell me. Who...no...how many did you actually kill? I thought it was all your buddy."
Vegeta didn't ease his stare. "Nappa wasn't my buddy. I was just stuck with him. I didn't stop his attacks."
Finally he looked away again. "I almost killed Kakarot. I'm still not sure how he beat me."
A hint of something filled his voice. "I almost killed Gohan. He transformed into Oozaru and attacked me."
"But you didn't." Bulma attempted to sooth him with her voice. "You didn't kill anyone on Earth. Yes, you killed that village on Namek, but I've already worked out a plan using Shenron and Porunga to fix that as soon as the other wishes are taken care of."
Bulma moved from her chair and sat next to the Saiyan on the bed. She rested a hand on his leg. "You should look at your resurrection on Namek as a second chance. Try and do things right this time. Start with forgiving yourself. It's much easier to do good things, if you're happy with where you currently are in your own life."
She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. "I can help you. I want to help you. Will you let me?"
Vegeta shifted to look at her. "I'm a monster. I think you're forgetting that."
She smiled softly and reached up to cup his cheek. He closed his eyes at the touch. "That's what you were. That isn't what you have to be any more. We can go on new from here. Please let me help you."
Finally, Vegeta uncrossed his arms and pulled her into an embrace. His voice was rough when he spoke. "I don't know what I'm doing in this life."
Bulma smiled against him. "I'll show you."
o-o-o-o-o
Early in the morning, Panchy Briefs walked down the stairs and towards the kitchen to start the very large breakfast she knew she'd be making.
'Those boys sure do have good appetites,' she thought.
The sound of light snoring from the direction of the living room caught her attention. 'Hmm, I wonder who fell asleep in there.'
Knowing that the sounds of her cooking would likely wake whomever it was, she stepped into the dark room and peered over the back of the couch. There, with one arm and leg draped off the edge, half under a blanket, lay her grandson.
Curious as to why he was here and not in his bed, she walked around the couch and gently shook him awake. "Gohan, Gohan. Wake up. I'm sure your bed is much more comfortable than the couch."
Gohan groaned and slowly opened his eyes. "Grandma? Urgh... I need a new room."
Worried she looked him over. "Why is that dear? Is there something wrong with your room?"
Gohan groaned again. "Yes. It's next to Bulma's and she's to damn loud. She woke me up and then I couldn't get back to sleep with her yelling."
Panchy patted the boys thigh. "That daughter of mine, so rude. We'll see about getting you another room then. We'll talk to your grandfather when he comes down. Now why don't you come in the kitchen with me and I'll find you something sweet to eat while I make breakfast."
At the promise of food, Gohan was off the couch in a flash. "Alright, food!"
His grandmother giggled at his reaction and went to make breakfast. "You're just like your father."
Gohan was playing with his spoon when Bulma came down for breakfast. Yawning wide she got a cup of coffee and sat at the table. "So when's it going to be done, Mom?"
Mrs Briefs turned and smiled at her daughter. "Just a few more moments dear."
"It sure smells good this morning," Dr Briefs spoke from the doorway then made his way to his chair as his wife brought him his coffee. "Good morning, honey."
Panchy gave a searching look at her daughter, then spoke to her husband. "We have a problem, dear. Poor Gohan needs a new room."
The older man looked over at his grandson. "Oh? What's the problem with it?"
Panchy gave a huge smile. "The poor boy was woken up. It seems Bulma was very loud last night. How inconsiderate."
Bulma froze for a moment. "Um...it must have been the TV."
Bulma began taking several small sips of her drink to calm her nerves.
Dr Briefs looked over at Gohan. "So where would you like your room to be?"
The boy brightened. "Can I just trade with Vegeta? His is nice and far away. And he wouldn't have to walk as far at night."
Bulma began choking on her drink and blushed deep red. "Gah (cough)...Gohan! (cough) How can you even suggest that?"
A deep voice rumbled from the doorway. "Well you weren't complaining last night."
Bulma whirled in her chair and pointed at where Vegeta was leaning on the door frame. "You! You're not helping!"
He gave her a wicked grin. "Was I supposed to be?"
Bulma turned back around, blushing even deeper. Seeing the looks of amusement on her parents' faces, she groaned in embarrassment and covered her own face with her hands.
Clasping her hands together, Mrs Briefs gave Vegeta a huge smile. "Come get seated. Breakfast is ready!"
The Prince complied and took his customary seat. As she put dishes on the table, the older woman let out the occasional giggle. Finally taking her seat she watched Gohan and Vegeta eat before turning towards her daughter. "Now we can start talking about baby names! I've been waiting impatiently for you to give me grand kids."
It was Vegeta's turn to choke. Dr Briefs reached over and thumped him on the back. "Chew son. She's only going to get worse on this topic. Watch out or she'll have you two married by the end of the week."
Vegeta turned cautious eyes towards the blonde woman. Panchy gave him a giddy smile. "Oh that is a wonderful idea! It can be a small affair in the garden. I'll call Judge Shoe in a bit and arrange it."
Bulma was almost ready to explode. "No! Don't we get a say in this? I mean he's cute and all, but I highly doubt Vegeta wants to marry some earthling."
Panchy smiled. "Well dear, that sure sounded like you want to."
Bulma felt her blush come back and looked towards Vegeta for support.
He gave her an evil smirk. "I think it's a great idea. It will ensure repeat performances of last night."
Throwing her hands in the air, Bulma retreated to the living room.
Gohan looked between all the adults. "I definitely need a new bedroom."
