The Nature of Tears

Part 1

Approaching awareness, the man stirred, throwing an arm over the stomach of his mate who lay next to him in their bed. Gradually he began to grow more aware of the coolness of the sheets over his naked skin, the warmth of the sun on the cheek not pressed into the pillow, and the rhythmic rise and fall of his bedmate's abdomen under his arm. As he cracked his eyes open and blinked them slowly to adapt to the light, his fingers began to trace whorls around the other man's stomach muscles. Lazily, he circled his thumb around his lover's belly button, enjoying the feel of silky skin under his teasing fingers.

"'Geta. S'top it." Goku mumbled the words, twitching his stomach under the prince's meandering digits. Vegeta frowned and flattened his palm tight to Goku's stomach. The younger Saiyan swallowed hard and rolled away from his mate's touch.

Vegeta sat up, the sheet puddling around his waist as Goku rose from the bed without speaking. His back turned, Goku padded into the bathroom. Vegeta's frown-lines deepened as he watched the enticing ass disappear into the bathroom and he heard the water begin to run. Usually it was he who rose out of bed first while Goku pleaded with him to stay and snuggle. The Prince of all Saiyans did not plea – none-the-less, he was rather disconcerted with the turn of events.

Scowling, Vegeta shoved back the blankets and stood. As he dug through his closet for a clean pair of underwear and pants, he began to ponder Goku's actions. The older Saiyan had noticed a few peculiarities developing in his mate's habits lately. Goku had seemed rather on the edge for the past week or so.

As Vegeta continued searching for clothes, the object of his thoughts exited the bathroom of the Capsule house they shared. Sensing his mate, Vegeta turned. Goku was staring out the window at some unknown sight. His hair, already back to its customary spikes, still dripped water. The little droplets ran down his neck and trickled onto his muscular back. A too small towel was wrapped around his narrow waist. Vegeta absentmindedly noticed that it was probably past time for them to get some wash done. He snuck up behind his mate, wrapping his arms securely around the other man's waist. Startled, Goku jumped slightly; pressing more against Vegeta's still unclothed body. Chuckling, Vegeta could feel the blood rushing to heat flesh already flush from the shower. His own groin was rapidly growing tight. Goku's heartbeat skipped, then started beating more rapidly. Sharp Saiyan ears detected the small hitch in his breath, as the pattern became more ragged. Vegeta inhaled his lover's unique scent – a woodsy pine tinted with musk. Strong hands resumed their play over Goku's abs.

"Perhaps you need to start training more Kakarot. Feels like you may be picking up some flab." Not true of course, but the younger man's stomach muscles did seem a bit looser and less defined.

Irritated, Goku growled. "That's not funny Vegeta – you know it's a lie!"

"Relax Kakarot!" He placed his hands tight on each side of Goku's waist and forced him around to face him. Releasing his hips, he pulled Goku's head down and caught his lips in a passionate kiss. Goku leaned into the kiss, his arms slipping around Vegeta as it deepened. Low purrs started to emerge from each Saiyan's throat. Purrs changed to moans as Vegeta's forceful hands caressed their way down to remove the flimsy barrier of the towel.

*insert lemon here*


Smirking, Vegeta pulled a dark red shirt over his head. He looked in the mirror, satisfied with how the color of the shirt brought out the red highlights in his hair. Goku had been rather vocal in their lovemaking this morning. Vegeta grew hard just remembering how his name sounded when screamed out loud in ecstasy as he thrust into the taller Saiyan. The way Goku had writhed under him, eyes half-shut, both of their bodies drenched in sweat…

"Damn!" A growl formed deep in his throat. He would have jumped the man right then and there, except Goku had left to "run some errands." Vegeta stalked into the kitchen, slamming doors and utensils in an undirected anger as he searched for breakfast.

It was as he sat down that it hit him. He knew what was wrong with Kakarot! He should have realized it sooner! After all, Raditz had once mentioned that the trait ran in their family… The loosening of the sculpted stomach, the slight shift in his scent… Goku was pregnant!

Vegeta lowered the spoon that had hovered in mid-air with his realization. Something didn't make sense. Did Kakarot know he was carrying a child? Yes. The way he shrank back when Vegeta's fingers had traced over his abdomen. The irritation when he teased him about gaining weight. The uneasy flutter of his heartbeat when they kissed. Yes, Kakarot definitely knew. Why, then, hadn't he said anything to Vegeta?

The spoon clinked into the bowl forgotten. A fading trail in the sky pointed towards the east as Vegeta sped off to Master Roshi's. Krillin was his mate's best friend; if anyone knew what was going on he would. He would get to the bottom of this!

Earlier

Goku climbed out of the shower for the second time that morning. He stretched, his body sore. It was particularly tender there. Vegeta had been even rougher than usual this morning. It wasn't that he minded – not at all – it was just that his back was aching again. And…

He stared down at his stomach, laying his palm flat against it. He had almost noticed… He would start putting on weight soon – Vegeta was sure to detect the lump that would soon begin to grow. Goku clenched his eyes shut to prevent the tears from escaping. One traced a salty trail to his lips. Tasting the bitter drop, he opened his eyes to meet his image in the foggy mirror. Hesitantly, he raised his hand and fingered the unfading mark where his neck joined with his left shoulder. Vegeta had left it there when they had bonded. Goku had been marked forever as his. And now… Now…

The tall leader of the Z fighters collapsed to his knees. The towel he had used to dry himself now muffled sobs that kept breaking free.

After a few minutes, he regained control. He finished dressing quickly, before he could loose it again. Pain lurked in his coal black eyes before being banished as he pasted on one of his false grins.

"Bye Vegeta" he called as he crossed through the bedroom on his way out of the house. "I'm going to pick up some groceries and some other stuff, then swing by Capsule Corp. I'll be home 'fore dark though!"

"Fine" Vegeta mumbled, finishing making the bed. "Pick up some more juice while you're out. It's almost gone."

"Kay!" Goku's heart flip-flopped as he glanced back at the older Saiyan. His prince was preoccupied with tossing the dirty sheets and wet towels in the "to wash" pile. He turned, gritting his teeth against the pain in his heart as he took off. What was he going to do?!