The battle with Cell had left Gohan fatherless. It wasn't the first time in his life. He was taken by Piccolo, Goku didn't return from Namek after fighting Freeza and now he was gone again. Gohan had his mother sure, but there was a connection missing. Gohan loved his mother. She nurtured his human traits while Goku nurtured his saiyan traits. Chi Chi just didn't understand a lot of things which made it difficult, and Gohan would rather fight Cell again than talk to Vegeta about his saiyan problems.
Sitting alone on a random plateau, he sighed. The breeze rustled his hair and his white cape batted. No clouds, today was a clear day. A good day to fly, a good day to train. But, his father was dead. Gohan didn't bother Piccolo, he had other matters to attend to. Matters regarding Kami. Krillin was out of commission. Tien Shinhan was not even in the country anymore, he had gone to the mountains with Chiaotzu.
Idly picking at the grass, he looked up. Was Goku watching from King Kai's? Gohan wished he could communicate as King Kai did. A familiar ki presence approached. Gohan sighed. Vegeta, and he was approaching rapidly. Gohan could never read Vegeta. Not like anyone could but Gohan found him incredibly..., stoic. The sounds of feet landing on the grass rustled behind him. Gohan didn't turn or stand up.
"Gohan" Vegeta's flat voice called. His footsteps approached. Gohan closed his eyes and exhaled. Gohan hummed in response. Vegeta swallowed and sat beside him. Vegeta could barely socialise with Goku, never mind socialising with a teenager who lost his father for a second time.
"I just want to say, you did great," Vegeta said. Gohan's eyes widened in surprise. A compliment?! Kindness from Vegeta?! Gohan shrugged slightly and pulled more grass from the dry soil.
"You are an excellent fighter, a strong warrior and you make the saiyan race proud" Vegeta spoke. Gohan's chest tightened. The prince of saiyans is proud of only a half saiyan? Gohan turned to Vegeta. His face relaxed, not scrunched up and bitter like Gohan always saw Vegeta. Instead, his expression softened.
"Thank you," Gohan said in a small voice.
"My son Trunks, I hope he will be a strong fighter like yourself" he continued. Gohan pressed his lips together and faced the horizon. Gohan shuffled slightly and faced the prince. He did wonder what kind of father Vegeta would be. Would he be strict with high expectations or would he be equally absent like his own father?
"Just don't leave him," Gohan said, in a flat but firm voice. Vegeta looked at Gohan, studying his face. Gohan tried not to show feelings, especially in front of Vegeta. But his chest tightened. Exhaling heavily, he felt tears well in his eyes. Gohan cursed himself. He wanted Vegeta to leave, but he bit his tongue.
Vegeta didn't answer. He watched the tidal wave of emotions wash over Gohan. With a single nod, Vegeta rose to his feet. He placed a gloved hand on Gohan's messy hair. A trait he definitely inherited from Goku. Turning to leave, Vegeta spoke one last time.
"If you wish, let's train sometime. Saiyan to saiyan"
As Gohan turned his body to answer, Vegeta had already taken off. Slowly fading into the sky. Gohan smiled slightly, he saw a side of Vegeta he never imagined he would see. He half expected Vegeta to ask about his new super saiyan form. Standing up, Gohan took one last look at the horizon before him. Slowly, he took off into the air and made his way home.