Entering Cold's Ridge was like knocking on death's door.

Vegeta couldn't see through the stagecoach windows that were still boarded up, but the way Raditz and Nappa slowed down was indication they were being stopped. Kakarot could tell he was mad as a hornet to be back in this town. Lord Frieza was the one who killed Vegeta, Sr. for a deal gone wrong. It wasn't a wonder why Vegeta never retaliated. Frieza had a lot of gangs working for him behind the scenes since he didn't like to get his hands dirty. If they weren't already being hunted, killing Frieza would be the final nail in the coffin.

Frieza was a bad hoss, but when in a pinch he was worth befriending. Cold's Ridge was lawless and had everything an outlaw needed and more. It was the perfect stop when on the run. Frieza had the finest hotels, brothels, salons, shops, and just about everything else. Money ran big in the family and he received even more by manipulating others.

The Saiyans original members, which included Kakarot's father, got involved with Frieza when they were in a jam. It was all dandy until some cash was unaccounted for. One thing that was never allowed was stealing from Frieza. Vegeta's old man learned that the hard way.

Kakarot kept Chi-Chi safe in his arms when the stagecoach came to a full stop. "Are you going to be alright, Vegeta?"

The leader didn't say anything. He kept his jaw clenched and waited for the door to open. He could already hear the infamous laugh of the devil as he welcomed Raditz and Nappa. Vegeta felt his chest tightened when frigid air and sunlight entered the interior of the stagecoach.

In the doorway stood a man even shorter than Vegeta. He wore a white continental suit that he owned hundreds of. He ran a hand through his already slicked-back purple hair and chuckled at the Saiyan sending daggers in his direction.

"My, my, what do we have here? It's Vegeta, as I live and breathe," he grinned at the flame haired Saiyan but received nothing back. Vegeta got up and brushed past him without a word. The man in white shrugged his shoulders while settling his eyes on Kakarot. "That one has a temper like his father did."

"Please forgive him Lord Frieza it has been a long trip," Kakarot hated the bastard too but never let it show. "We came to you seeking medical attention and supplies."

"Yes that brother of yours mentioned it outside," Frieza squatted down beside Kakarot so he could get a look at the woman in his arms. He poked and prodded her like she was a cattle up for sale. "Sake's alive, she's hanging on by a thread! I insist you take her to the hotel immediately. We'll discuss payment afterward. Come, follow me."

Kakarot and Frieza rose to their feet at the same time. "I surely appreciate the kindness," they exited the stagecoach. Kakarot glanced back at his brother and Frieza's men as he followed the lord's lead. He didn't like the way they were scavenging through the cases. He had an uneasy feeling that they were going to be left with nothing but the clothes on their back after this was all over.

"Tell me Kakarot," Frieza's long white cape was whipping around against the chilling breeze. "Is this woman your betrothed?"

The Saiyan instinctively tightened his grip on Chi-Chi. It was never good when Frieza started asking questions. "No, sir. Just a good friend we're helping along the way."

Frieza's hand twisted the knob of his hotel building but hadn't opened it yet. His eyes had narrowed although his smirk remained. "Along the way to where?"

Panicking, Kakarot said the first thing that popped into his head. "To search for gold."

The short man's smirk widened into a grin and he threw his head back while laughing. Even though he was unsure of what was so funny, Kakarot chuckled nervously back. "My dear boy," Frieza opened the door at last and gestured for the Saiyan to enter first. "You truly enjoy getting your hands dirty, don't you?"

When Kakarot didn't know what to say, he was always told it was best to stay silent. Frieza got their room keys from the concierge and the three traveled down the long corridor. The lord stood in the doorway and watched as Kakarot tucked Chi-Chi into the bed. It didn't go unnoticed that he brushed the girl's hair out of her face and even tucked a strand behind her ear.

Someone clearly so precious to him would make for a fine payment indeed.

"I'll go fetch the doctor."

Chi-Chi opened her eyes slowly when her nose was detecting the scent of potato soup. Instead of dying in the stagecoach, she had awoken in a bedroom more fancier than the one at Aces. She lifted her head up to see Kakarot slumped in a chair snoozing. The bowl of soup was steaming on the stand nearby, and the smell continued to make her stomach grumble.

Her appetite had returned.

She attempted to reach for the spoon, but her arm was too shaky. The clanking sound she was creating startled Kakarot and he nearly fell out of the chair. His face relaxed when he saw her movement.

"Hi, darling. How are you feeling?"

"Hungry," she spoke weakly but smiled. "Where are we?"

"Cold's Ridge. It's safe enough for us to stay awhile as you get your energy back," Kakarot knelt down so he was near her face. He put his hand on her smooth cheek and massaged her skin with his thumb. "There's a lord here who goes by Frieza. He did business with my pops back in the day. He owns the entire town."

It didn't really matter who owned the town. She was just grateful to be alive and warm. "Was everything okay after the blizzard?"

"Lost some horses, but as far as people go we're just fine," he leaned in to kiss her forehead. "Wanna try to eat a little something? The doctor said if you hold it down it's a good sign."

Chi-Chi nodded her head and opened her mouth wide. She didn't remember a doctor inspecting her. She didn't remember a thing after kissing Kakarot on the stagecoach. Kakarot spoon fed her the liquid after blowing on it. She swallowed and the warmth trickled down her aching throat. "Mmm," she moaned slightly and smacked her lips together. "That's the best potato soup I've ever had."

Kakarot was the happiest he had been in weeks while he continued to feed her until the bowl was empty. Seeing her eat meant she was going to be okay. "You want some more?"

"Maybe in a little bit," she went onto her side and closed her eyes after yawning. "I'm so sleepy now."

Kakarot went back into the chair and kicked his feet up on the bed. Three days had passed by and he only left her side to get what she might need. He took the paper with the letters written in her handwriting, prepared to study them once she was resting. "I'll be right here if you need me."

"Hi, Mr. Vegeta! I haven't seen you in years!"

The outlaw handed the youngest rider of the Pony Express his stamped envelope for Bulma. He slipped him some money as well, to which the rider tucked in his pocket. "Be sure to make this your top priority, Cabba."

"Yes, sir!" the kid saluted Vegeta out of the respect he had for him. "Anything else I can do for you?"

"Got any cigarettes?" Cabba handed him the two that were in his pocket and Vegeta patted his back. "Good boy." Shit, he wouldn't mind having a son if they were as obedient as the mail carrier was. He lit up a stick and took a drag while watching the boy ride off on his horse.

He needed a good smoke after being stuck in this hellhole for a week. Raditz and Nappa were treating it like it was some sort of welcome home party while Kakarot was at that woman's beck and call. They were all too moronic to know Frieza's maniacal tendencies don't just disappear over night. Their lives were in danger as the days went on.

Vegeta kicked up the snow that was underneath his boot. As promised, he refused to utter a word to the bastard. The beef they had was hashed the day Frieza killed his father. The draw of the guns was fair and Vegeta was ashamed of his father's slower hand. He took an angry puff on his cigarette. It didn't matter that they promised to stay out of one another's way after that. Vegeta wanted to kill the motherfucker in cold blood.

If only doing so wouldn't cost his life. It was one thing to be on the run from the law. When it came to associates of Frieza, it was difficult to know who or what was coming for you. Vegeta had to think about more than himself now and the risk just wasn't worth taking.

"I see you're as friendly as ever."

Vegeta's nonsmoking hand was on his holster hearing the familiar voice coming from behind. "Fuck off, Zarbon. I'm not in the mood for the bullshit."

Zarbon was what the Saiyans called a high-falutin' sonuvabitch. He claimed to have what it takes to survive on the trail but never once left Cold's Ridge. He bathed every single day and a had a special call girl that braided his hair.

"Still mad as a March hare about the gunfight, eh?" Zarbon bit his lip but then released the laugh he thought he could hold back. "I know you Saiyans have the reputation of being hideous, but that poncho is without a shadow of a doubt an eye sore. Here I thought you could afford something nicer."

Vegeta blew smoke at Zarbon's face, making the green haired 'cowboy' cough. "Once again, fuck off."

Frieza's right hand man waved his hand around to clear the air as Vegeta walked away. "You better watch who you're talking to, Vegeta!" he coughed and called out to him. "You're gonna regret!"

The Saiyan walked in the direction of the saloon that Raditz and Nappa were last seen in. Zarbon's threats didn't scare him. It only made him want to drink. As Vegeta entered through the double doors, the warm atmosphere was much different from the outside. Nappa had just been cleaned out at the poker table and was drowning his sorrows with whiskey. He saw his partner coming and called for another.

"You having as crappy of a night as I am?"

Vegeta downed his glass in one take and slammed it down on the table. "As soon as the girl's above snakes we need to get out of here. I'm going to end up killing one of them."

Nappa knew he was being serious. All the Saiyans hated Frieza and had the same thought constantly, but none were crazy enough to act upon it. "You just need another drink."

"What I need is for everyone to stop being so fucking dimwitted," Vegeta glared at the empty seat beside Nappa. It made him uneasy for them to be separated in a place like this. "Where the hell did Raditz go off too?"

The bald one leaned back in his chair and searched the saloon. He figured Raditz would be getting some pussy but he was heading in their direction holding something else entirely. "Uh... he's coming this way. He has someone's baby."

"What the fuck?"

Raditz sat down and extended the infant towards his cursing leader. "Remember Zucchi? This is her and Quash's baby! Cute, ain't she!? Thought you could try her out for practice before you see your little one."

It wasn't often that Vegeta turned red, but when he did it went all over. Nappa and Raditz stifled their laughter as he began spewing off a mixture of insults and curse words. The baby girl was clapping her chubby hands excitedly thinking he was the funniest thing ever.

"Aw come on," Raditz teased again and continued to hold the baby out to him. "I bet you've never held a baby a day in your life."

"He's right," Nappa chimed in and nudged the shorter Saiyan. "Imagine how surprised your sweetheart's gonna be knowing how hard you've been trying to be a good daddy."

While Vegeta was trying to decide who he was going to shoot first, the baby gripped his nose tightly and yanked on the flared out nostrils. He snarled and snatched the baby from Raditz. The anger he felt almost immediately lessened when he realized how light she was. Little spit bubbles were coming out of her mouth and her legs were bouncing up and down on their own as he put her in his lap.

As she made the coos that most babies do, Vegeta's tension faded. Was this what babies were? Tiny saddlebags of shits and giggles? For a moment, he tried picturing the baby with blue hair and then shook the thought away. He could hear the mother calling for the return of her child. Raditz pinched the bridge of his nose when Vegeta strolled across the saloon holding the baby by its foot.

Unbeknownst to them, a man in white was watching from upstairs. How very peculiar to see Vegeta entertaining these antics. None of the reasons they claimed they were there made sense at all. He took a sip from his wine glass and swirled what remained of the red liquid around.

"Dodoria."

The stout man was absentmindedly admiring his sharp knife when he heard his name. He put it inside his pocket and cleared his throat before joining his boss's side. "Yes, Lord Frieza?"

"I want you to find out where those dirty monkeys are really headed," Frieza had a feeling he already knew and it had something to do with Bardock. "And what they've done. Stab it out of them if you have to."

Chi-Chi's eyes nearly rolled to the back of her head as she ate another bite of the juicy lobster. She should have taken it slow by eating liquids only, but she could smell the crustacean being cooked from the first night she stayed in the extravagant hotel room. It had felt like forever since she had such a delicacy. As she finished off her plate, she rubbed her stomach in satisfaction.

The best part was that she enjoyed the meal in bed.

"I'm taking you liked it?"

Chi-Chi wiped the corners of her mouth while smiling. Kakarot removed the plate from her lap and placed it on top of the drawer. "It was divine! I can't believe they had some way out here that tasted that good."

"Let's just say Frieza wants the best of everything so he'll get it one way or another," Kakarot chuckled and gestured to the lumps that were her legs under the comforter. "Now that I know your stomach is working fine, time to see how your legs work. The doc said you need to get them moving before your bones quit on ya."

Right when he said it, Chi-Chi realized she hadn't walked or bathed in weeks. She wasn't sure which was worse. How horrifying she must look. It didn't help that Kakarot was clean shaven and as handsome as a devil. He moved aside when she began shifting her body towards the edge of the bed. She took a deep breath and stood up on her own. A second later, her legs trembled madly and she fell to her knees. It was as if her legs were made of wet noodles; there was a chance her muscles deteriorated after laying down for weeks.

"I don't think I'm ready..."

"Aw, stop!" Kakarot lifted her up so she could stand with some support. "You just need to keep trying. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Chi-Chi swallowed hard while blinking her long eyelashes at him. There was one thing she really needed but wasn't sure if it was appropriate to ask. Had he proven himself enough of a gentleman to not take a peep? "Well... I would like to take a bath. Its been awhile."

"You can't even tell!" Kakarot lied through his teeth. As beautiful as Chi-Chi was, her scent wasn't. "There's a tub through that other door. I'll just need to get some hot water from downstairs to fill it up with."

"Sounds good," she could feel her face burning at her next thought and shook her head to get it out. "Can you promise to help me in and then help me out after without staring?"

Now that was going to be difficult. He was used to turning his back whenever she cleaned herself in the rivers on the trail, but now he was going to be feeling her bare skin. He bit his lips as a shiver ran down his spine. "You have my word," he cleared his throat when his voice came out in a funny, uneven tone. "I'll be right back." Before he headed out the door, he helped lower her back onto the edge of the bed.

Chi-Chi sighed once the door shut. She hated the feeling of being so co-dependent. She pounded her fists onto her thighs. "Come on, come on, work for me! Stay strong," she grunted as she tried standing up on her own once more. She flailed her arms around while regaining balance. It hurt, but she was doing it. She winced while walking to the washroom. It took about five minutes per each step. Her hands pressed against the wall of the washroom for support when she almost fell down.

Looking over her shoulder at the mirror, Chi-Chi couldn't believe the woman in her reflection. Her long hair was matted and crusty from the vomit bouts, as well as greasy from not being washed. Her jaw line was more prominent after losing weight. She was gaunt and pale, resembling the reaper. A tear ran down her cheek at how much she had changed.

She inhaled and exhaled slowly. There still had to be that tough ol' girl in there somewhere. Chi-Chi pushed herself off the wall and removed the dirty white chemise from her body, shaking all the while. She forced herself to turn around and look at herself full frontal. Her ribs and hip bones were showing more than before, but everything else seemed normal.

Chi-Chi could hear Kakarot whistling to himself as he entered the room again. She grabbed the flour sack towel from the rack nearby and covered herself with it. Kakarot was too busy trying not to spill the two large buckets of steamy water to notice her at first. When he was done filling up the tub, he stood up and clapped his hands.

"That should do it! Let me know if you...ah..." Kakarot dropped the empty bucket to the floor when he turned around to see her standing there. The towel she had on stopped barely above where her thighs began. Her nipples were poking through the fine fabric. Her mouth was moving but he couldn't hear what she was saying. He had to face the tub before she could notice his arousal.

"Kakarot! I said you could go now! I think I can get in on my own."

"Yes ma'am," the washroom was getting too hot for him, anyway. He was side-walking to the exit without looking at her again. "Just let me know if you need more water."

"I actually need some soap to wash my hair-"

Kakarot closed the door and pressed his back against it, trying to control his breathing. That vision he just experienced was making his heart race something awful. He couldn't control the tightening of his pants like he was a teen visiting his first whorehouse. He was trying to picture anything else to get her body out of his mind. Blood and guts, horses and puppies, Nappa in that same towel...

That did it.

He blew air out his mouth that made the few pieces of hair on his forehead go up. He was ready to bring her the soap he had left outside the bedroom door. Holding the items she needed, Kakarot entered the wash room. He froze seeing her head remerge from underneath the water. She smiled coyly at him while extending a dripping arm out.

"I can't do anything with it if it stays in your hands."

Nappa in a towel, Nappa in a towel, Nappa in a towel...

Kakarot was able to close the distance and drop the soap in her hand. He was attempting to make a hasty retreat back to safety, but she threw the soap into the tub and grabbed his fingers to stop him.

"Would you mind helping me clean my hair? The parts I can't see I really want to get all the nastiness out."

She had to know what she was doing to him, but had asked so innocently. Kakarot groaned quietly and went behind her. At least this way, he was only looking at the back of her head. She reached a hand back to give him the soap and he began scrubbing her hair until it was clean. He closed his eyes when she dipped her head back under the water again. He knew her breasts were going to be floating in plain sight if he looked and he was already close enough to having a heart attack.

"Does it look like it's all gone?"

"Yes ma'am. Is that all?" He was desperate to leave.

Chi-Chi twisted herself around so she could look at him. There was enough suds in the tub to cover everything below her neck. "I think that'll be it cowboy," she winked, already feeling better. "I wish there was a way I could pay you back for bringing me back to life."

Oh, he had plenty of ideas of how she could repay him. He shrugged it off and winked back. "Just keeping my promise to ya."

The two's gaze for one another lingered. Chi-Chi was well aware of the kiss she had given him on the stagecoach and the feelings that caused it. There had never been a man giving her this much attention and care. The way his dark eyes were burning into hers was making her feel a sensation she always fought against. The steam surrounding them still wasn't enough to break their contact.

"I..." Chi-Chi was dizzy. "I think it's time to get out."

Kakarot stood at the side of the tub with his back facing her. The mirror he was looking out was fogged up good so he couldn't see her reflection. "I'm right here if you need me."

She took a deep breath and used her arms to push her upward. She grabbed the back of Kakarot's vest to assist her in straightening up. At the same, her foot slipped on the bar of soap. She screamed and brought Kakarot into the soapy water with her as she fell back in. The water splashed out and soaked the floor as Kakarot flopped around in the tub. Once he stopped, he had Chi-Chi pinned under him.

She was mortified. Her legs were wide open with him inside. A lot of the water had gone out of the tiny tub that her chest was now exposed. Thankfully, he was only looking at her face.

"You alright?"

The corners of their lips curled at the same time, and laughter at their embarrassment erupted soon after. The sound echoed throughout the small washroom. Chi-Chi regained her composure after blinking away some tears that had formed. "You're not mad that I ruined your clothes?"

"Why would I ever get mad at you?" Kakarot searched her expression to see if she was serious about that question. Her pupils were dilated and her lips were in a pout as if she wanted something done to them. His voice lowered into a whisper while he hung his head, feeling defeated. "Oh darling... I wish you wouldn't do this to me."

Chi-Chi's wandering eye traveled to his biceps. His white sleeves were drenched and revealing his flexed muscles. "I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about..." she murmured and then gulped when she looked at his face again. Kakarot's usual sweet eyes were replaced with need and hunger. They were putting her in a trance, making her arms drop down.

"You just wait until we're married. I'll be on you like bees to honey."

Her body jolted on its own at his sinful tone. Her thin eyebrows knitted together underneath her wet bangs, and her rosiness was caused by a mixture of anger and unwanted attraction. "You shouldn't speak to a dignified woman that way! What's the matter with you!?"

His lips were hovering near her own. "I didn't realize I said that aloud. I do apologize, Chi-Chi."

They were breathing each other's air as Chi-Chi whispered to him. "You know I'm not staying with you. Please don't think such things when they'll never happen," she didn't mean for the words to come out so harshly, but she didn't want him to be disillusioned. "I already told you."

"I don't believe you."

Chi-Chi's eyes widened at his crass response. He had the nerve to be smirking at her with a raised brow, as if he were daring her to challenge him. "W-Well," she was stuttering and tongue-tied, which only made his smirk grow. "You better! I would never in my life marry a Saiyan!"

"But you sure like kissing one, don't you?"

"That's it, you chuckleheaded cowboy!" Releasing a growl, Chi-Chi's arms shot up from the water and shoved his chest until he was at the other end of the tub. He reached up and held her hands tightly before they could start slapping him around. Against all odds, his gaze remained on her despite what part of her was gloriously exposed above his head.

Kakarot's smile was flirtatious as he lowered her hands. "I dander you up pretty good, don't I? Those blazing eyes of yours..." He let go of her hands and jumped out of the tub before she could grab him. His clothes were stuck to his skin. Water covered the floor where he walked to get the towel she had on earlier. He stood at the edge and spread his arms out like an eagle for her to come into him. "Come on, princess. You're gonna get sick all over again if you stay in there."

Chi-Chi grumbled something incoherent but stood up anyway. Her adrenaline from earlier was allowing her legs to be still. As soon as she stepped out, he wrapped the thick cloth around her body and hugged her from behind. His chin dropped down to rest on her shoulder as he swayed them gently.

"I'm so happy you're alive. You were hanging on by the skin of your teeth."

Chi-Chi took in a deep breath and touched the arms that were protectively around her now covered chest. As much as he drove her crazy, he brought her back to life and she was grateful. "You know how to rile me up, but you sure are someone to be counted on. Thank you."

Kakarot kissed her cheek before she could do anything about it and let her go. He scratched his head while turning in circles. "No extra towel in here. Mind getting one from the closet? I can't go on account of you wetting my boots. Don't wanna scuff up the fancy carpet."

It was the least she could do. Chi-Chi smiled to herself noticing her movements were faster and stronger than before as she headed to the closet. She found the towel he needed and went back to the washroom just as normal as before.

"Here you-...go..."

He had just finished undoing the last button of his shirt when she entered and he tossed in haphazardly on the wet floor. Unlike her, Kakarot kept up with his diet while on the trail and his muscles proved that. She had seen him with his shirt off before, but never paid attention to the defined set of abs or how broad he was in the shoulders and chest. There was droplets of water that highlighted each portion. He was about to pull down his pants and stopped when he noticed her. They were down just enough that she could see a deep 'v' shape muscle running from his hips to his pelvic bone.

"I can't do anything if it stays in your hands."

Chi-Chi shook her head when she heard him repeat the words she told him earlier. He was winking at her. Her red face looked to the side as she walked the towel over to him. "You could have told me you were undressing. I would've left it at the door."

There was the sound of laughter and the rest of his clothing falling off. She could feel him tugging at the towel and she released it. "I didn't take you as the perverted type to take a peep."

Chi-Chi huffed and finally looked at him. The towel was secure just below his waist but still revealing that damn Adonis belt she didn't know he had. "And I didn't know you were a mail-order cowboy."

"A what?" he chuckled again and pinched her chin as he walked by. "You're so silly."

Chi-Chi glanced down at the clothes he ditched while following him out of the washroom. Her chemise had been ruined when Kakarot fell in the tub. The clothes couldn't be air dried, either. Day or night, the temperatures were at or below freezing. She was thankful for the warmth of the hotel room that came from a fireplace. She felt the heat as soon she entered the bedroom once more.

"Do you have a change of clothes?"

"Not with me. When I hear Raditz outside, I'll have him grab some," he stood with his hands in front of the fireplace and smiled down at her when she joined his side. "I'll make sure he gets some for you, too."

She frowned. She really didn't want to be in just a towel any longer. "What happened to the dress I had when we got here?"

"The doc suggested burning it just in case. We should rid of that thin you had on. At the time I just didn't want you all exposed while they worked on ya."

"Oh...thank you," she found herself inching slightly closer to him. Her mouth gaped at the flickering of the flames. "I've never seen a hotel room with a fireplace in all my days. This Frieza person must be the richest man in the states."

"You have no idea. I'll show you around the town tomorrow if you're up for it," Kakarot stretched his arms behind his back and yawned. "Vegeta's been itching to get the hell up on out of here, though. Once he sees you're kickin', he'll wanna head out. Hope you don't mind."

She didn't want to head out of the warmth at all, but had a bad feeling the longer they stayed the worse their situation would be. Kakarot had to be at Devil's Pass in three months and she needed the idea of Sunnybellow and comfort as soon as possible. "I'll go to sleep now so I can rest up for the trip."

Kakarot's eyes followed her as she laid down on the mattress. It was the first night since they got here that she was active. He had been sleeping beside her every night without her knowing. A woman like that might not like the idea of him staying there now. "You go ahead and sleep, princess. I'll see you in the morning." His hand was on the knob but couldn't turn it when he heard her speak softly.

"Why don't you stay?"

He blinked at the door, unsure if he heard that right. Maybe the medication made her delirious. "Are you aware of what you're asking me?"

"Yes," Chi-Chi knew how filthy it sounded, but she didn't have the heart to kick him out after catching him slumped over the other day. "Don't look at me like that. You need to stay above the comforter."

Within seconds, his face was close to hers as he laid beside her. They were both on their sides. "Look how sweet on me you are," he teased and rested the side of his face on his folded hands. "And you said you won't marry me."

"I won't," she scowled. "And I'm not! I just felt sorry for you is all."

"Glad to see you're back," he continued to smile and could see it was making her expression soften up. "Your temper was sorely missed."

Chi-Chi rolled her eyes while he closed his and chuckled. After there was no sound save the cackling of the fire, Chi-Chi figured he had fallen asleep. She studied his features. He had no trace of stubble or cut on him, showing he was good with a razor. She secretly found the beard attractive, but his fresh face was the best. It made her nauseous that there was a growing appreciation of his looks that was peaking tonight. His hands resting under his head were calloused and she had felt them many times before. It was a sign of a hard worker.

"Kakarot?"

He had been feeling her eyes on him. He opened his own slowly. "Yes ma'am?"

"What did you do before joining a gang? For work?"

"Farm work mostly. Sometimes I'd help Pops build houses. Why you ask?"

"Just curious," she really was. "Is that...how you got your body? Uhm, I mean your hands..."

Kakarot's eyes lit up when she struggled to say it. He never thought she'd notice anything about him, or at least admit it. "You could say that. I really like lifting and fighting, too."

"Fighting?" Chi-Chi blinked. "Like bare-knuckled boxing or just being a ruffian?"

"Just for entertainment purposes. I like the way it makes me feel," Kakarot grinned while thinking of a few good memories with old friends. "Not beating someone senseless but losing. I like knowing I can always improve. I loved when I fought someone stronger than me."

"Did that start before or after you joined the Saiyans?"

"Hm...I reckon all my born days I've been enjoying it. Raditz and I use to get into it good," Kakarot laughed and turned to look at the ceiling. "I remember this one time, we left each other so dang bloody that it made Ma madder than a wet hen. She had us out there cutting grass with scissors until there was nothing left."

Chi-Chi found herself smiling as he lost himself in thoughts of his childhood. "You were really close to your mother, weren't you?"

"Yeah. I miss her a lot."

She knew he mentioned once that was buried near the old ranch he lived in. Chi-Chi hesitated to ask her next question, unsure if it would hurt him to say. "Kakarot?"

"Yes ma'am?" he was on his side and facing her again. The only light in the room came from the fireplace. He could see that her hair was beginning to dry and would soon be returning to its usual shine.

"How'd she come to pass?"

Kakarot inhaled and exhaled slowly. He always avoided conversation about her death because the details were still so fresh in his mind. Every time he talked about it, he had to relive it. He knew Chi-Chi had to sense this when she placed a warm hand on his face.

"It's alright, Kakarot. You don't have to tell me."

Looking into those sweet eyes of hers made him feel safe. In this large bed with just the two of them, he was free to open up to her. It was difficult to swallow before he told her his truth. "She was shot and killed by a man Pops robbed a few days prior. He was looking to settle the score," Kakarot winced and brought himself up to sit at the edge. Chi-Chi's hand that slipped from him lingered in the air still, not wanting to have let go. "I...Damnit all..."

Not minding that the towel had fallen off her, Chi-Chi sat up and moved until she was behind him. He was holding his face in his hands and trying to control his breathing. She started rubbing his back in hopes it would make him ease up. She was about to apologize for even bringing it up, but he continued talking into his hands.

"I saw it all. I went into the kitchen for some milk and..." His body began rocking back and forth. His mom was pleading with the man to spare their lives, to take anything else he pleased. The man caught sight of him and pulled the trigger immediately, but she stepped in and took the bullet meant for him. It bought him enough time to grab the gun from the counter and return the sinful deed. "I was only ten years old and...and..."

Chi-Chi hopped to his side as quick as he could and allowed him to clutch onto her. Feeling numb and lightheaded, Kakarot dropped his head into the nape of her neck and she felt his tears and runny nose on her skin. The rest of his body she was holding onto was sweaty. It was hard to understand him, but Chi-Chi could make out a few words.

"...it ruined my life forever..."

She began kissing his head repeatedly. It physically hurt to see him like this. He was letting go of what he had been holding onto for so long. Images of her father's dead body were popping into her own mind while comforting a child of grief. She looked up at the dark ceiling to fight back the tears that were beginning to form. "Shh," she rocked them and sniffed. "You're not alone. You have someone right here that understands."

Kakarot, with his face red and eyes puffy, slowly brought himself up to look at her when her voice cracked. Through all his years of suffering in silence he never thought his misery would find company in such a beautiful person. His face scrunched up all over again knowing she did nothing to deserve such pain. "Chi-Chi..."

They switched places. Now feeling her mixture of saliva, snot, and tears on his chest, Kakarot fell onto the floor with her. In each other's arms, they sat there with their emotions out on display for both to witness. When both had quieted down after awhile, Chi-Chi wiped her eyes with her bare wrist and pulled back from his slightly.

"Can you cuddle me to sleep?"

She didn't need an explanation as to why she wanted it. Kakarot would do it regardless for he needed it, too. He cleared his throat and lifted her up in his arms. "Say less darling," he smiled small while making eye contact just before placing her on the bed. "You know I toss around something awful at night, right?"

"I've seen it. It won't bother me."

They both released a ragged sigh as they got close as possible the minute they were between the sheets. The fire had died out, but they kept each other warm the rest of the night.

"You think she croaked?"

"I don't know. Kakarot never misses breakfast."

With Vegeta and Nappa behind him, Raditz stuck the spare key into the door of the room Chi-Chi was recovering in. It was well past noon and there was no hide or messy hair of the younger brother. As they entered the doorway, it was clear as day the reason why.

Both Kakarot and Chi-Chi were snoring so loudly that they didn't hear the other Saiyans come in. Chi-Chi was on her side with her arms crossed on top of Kakarot's head. His nose and eyes were blocked by her bare breasts. One of his hands was just below his mouth, catching his pool of drool. His other hand was holding onto her ass that was covered by the thick blanket.

Raditz's eyes shifted to the cieling while he shook his head in disbelief. Kakarot finally saw how the cat jumped. "That little shit actually did it..."

Vegeta glanced at the washroom to see clothes thrown all over. He went in to check the water that was left inside the tub. The temperature was nice and cold. Nappa had finally looked away from the tits Kakarot was inhaling to see Vegeta holding the bucket. "Aw, hell. There's a nicer way to wake 'em up, you know."

"He shouldn't have kept me waiting."