The next morning, the bright sunlight from the sun, rising from the East, shone through a gap in heavily curtained windows. The beam, not aimed for anything or anyone in particular, shone in the eyes of a tall, spiky haired Saiyan, lying fast asleep in his futon and the woolly rug. He scrunched his eyes up as he tried to move out of the beam's way and back into Dreamland, but it was already too late. He was awake now, and now that he was awake, he might as well do something.
Goku sat up and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.
Man! I slept so well last night! He thought as he stretched, popping some his vertebrae. I wonder how come…? Then he remembered. Vegeta… Goku's head jerked up to check if the ouji was still on the couch. Sure enough, sleeping under the indigo futon, was the man in his dreams. Yup, Goku was having dreams about Vegeta…naughty one's too [AN: hehehehehe…well, who wouldn't?;3]. He blushed as he recalled bits and pieces from his dreams, looking away from Vegeta.
"Hnn…" he looked up to see Vegeta creep up a little bit, revealing a little more of his face before burying his face into his pillow.
Goku, for the life of him, didn't know why he was doing what he was, but he crept up until he was sitting right next to Vegeta, their faces on the same level and merely centimeters apart. Of its own accord, his hand drifted up and lay on Vegeta's hair. Goku was amazed at the softness of the lithe Saiyan's hair, even though it stood up, defying all laws of gravity. He leaned a bit closer to take a sniff of his hair.
He smells like…mint and tea-tree? Goku pulled back to continue with his study. Was this how Vegeta looked when he slept? Goku never knew, but he often thought that Vegeta had to have a cute side to him. He couldn't always be serious…could he? Well, now he had found out. Vegeta was definitely cute when he was fast asleep. He looked much younger too. Slowly, Goku's fingers began to run through Vegeta's hair. At first, this was done slowly, as though he was scared of waking the ouji. And he almost jerked his hand away when he heard something soft coming from Vegeta's chest. At first, he thought he was growling, but then he recognised the sound. It was the same noise as when Vegeta was eating the ice cream. He's…purring… Gently, he drew his hand back and ran his fingers through Vegeta's hair again. The purr deepened and was accompanied by a light blush splashed across the ouji's fine features. Goku found the purr so alluring and the faint crimson running over Vegeta's cheeks so cute that he had to do it again. And again. And again.
But all too soon, his common sense reminded him that should Vegeta wake up, he'd never be able to do this again. Besides, he didn't want to anger his ouji first thing in the morning.
Very reluctantly, he removed his hand away from Vegeta's head, but he remained by his side, listening to the resonating purr from the small chest of the demonic angel.
Hmm…maybe I should get breakfast going. He thought as he stood up. I mean, I may not be able to cook dinner, but I can at least pour museli into a bowl. He took one last glance at Vegeta before he made his way to the kitchen. Ouji-sama…what is it you're doing to me that's making me so nervous and happy at the same time?
Vegeta lay deep in his futon; body buried deep in soothing warmth. He lay still, not quite asleep but not awake either. In his dreams, he thought about Goku. The beauty that one Saiyan could hold, the innocence and charm all rolled into one, hiding the intellect behind huge, puppy dog eyes. He could not help but wish that it were all his. He didn't even mind if he was all the others, just so long as they were together. A mate. The Saiyan equivalent to a husband or a wife. But should they ever get the chance, he knew very well that he would have to play the role of the mother.
Just then, something slender, a bunch of something's actually, slid into his silky hair. They felt like fingers. Were they real? He didn't know, the mists of sleep still kept him from fully seeing what was going on. But quite frankly, even if they weren't, he was quite happy to dream that they were Goku's. Suddenly, he found himself purring. The digits stopped for a moment, but seconds later, they resumed their massaging on his scalp. His purring got louder as they continued to stroke his head, and he could feel his cheeks get hot as certain thoughts clouded his mind [AN: hehehe…trust me to put that in there!]. But then, the warm digits left his head. Yet, he was still purring. He couldn't help it, he just felt so happy and at ease, for some strange reason or the other. But after a few more minutes, he just went back to sleep.
Half an hour later, Vegeta slowly slid his eyes open. At first, he thought he was back in Capsule Corp, as he felt so comfortable it was like he was in his own room. But as soon as his eyes adjusted, he found he was in the den of Goku's house.
Hmm…nani? He frowned as he sat up. What am I doing on Kakarot's couch? The last thing I remember was falling asleep on that woolly mat over there. Vegeta pondered on that thought for a few moments before dismissing it. He yawned, baring his extra long canines, before he stretched up, knuckled the sleep out of his eyes and got off the couch. I wonder where Kakarot is? He thought as he padded in his socks to the living room. He was about to check Goku's room when he heard the clatter of bowls coming from the kitchen. Curiously, he walked into the kitchen to find Goku making a fruity breakfast.
Goku may not have heard Vegeta enter, but he sure as hell could smell that rich, cinnamony scent that belonged to Vegeta alone. He turned his head to look at the Saiyan over his shoulder.
"Oh, ohayo gozaimasu, 'Geta!" he greeted cheerfully.
"Ohayo, Kakarot." He replied. "What are you making?"
"Cho
sho ku." He said as he poured fruity yogurt in with the nutty museli. "Are you
not hungry?"
"Eh? Oh! Iie, I am!" he said quickly. Goku smiled warmly at him.
"It's not much really. Just nutty museli, fruit yogurt and mango juice." He said as he turned around with a tray. "Do you want to eat outside? I mean, it's a beautiful morning and the air is really nice at this time." Vegeta regarded him with wide eyes. Goku was asking him to sit outside with him? It was absurd! It wasn't like him! Yet, he wanted to spend more time in the presence of the gentle Saiyan. He had already dropped a little bit of his stone mask, revealing a bit of what was hiding under the cold, heartless face of the Saiyan no Ouji, so what was the point on trying to suddenly recollect those pieces?
"Ahh…okay." He said as he glanced the other way. Goku understood why Vegeta did that, and just let it be. He walked out the backdoor, tray in hands, glancing behind him to check if his ouji was following him. Sure enough, he was, but at a distance. Goku could understand why. After all, Vegeta had bared more of his soul to him than to anyone else, so obviously it was hard for him to comprehend why he did what he did. In a way, it made Goku feel rather special that he had seen what Vegeta was really like, even though he was supposed to be his rival.
Goku walked a little near the lake, the spot he had always sat in when he came to sit and think about Vegeta. Slowly, still balancing the tray, he sat down on then soft grass. Vegeta walked up next to him and sat down on the other side of the tray. Goku watched as he looked down, refusing to meet his eyes. Silently, he handed him his bowl and Vegeta took it, eyes still not meeting those of Goku. He let out a silent sigh as he watched Vegeta slowly dig in, almost thoughtfully.
Poor 'Geta, he thought. I'm sure he's not sure of what he's doing. Hell, even I'm surprised by his friendly act! But I guess he's just being nice because I still haven't got over the divorce… Goku stopped all his actions, spoon poised in hand. Matte! I…I am over the divorce! I don't feel so bad without Chichi here. Jitsu wa, I feel much better without her! I feel more at ease with… Goku put a hold on his thoughts as he looked over to man on his right. It…it can't be! He thought as he tried to sort his feelings out. Why was he like this? Was this a side effect of the divorce? Goku didn't know, but he knew that if he was to be sure, he was going to have to think about things before he made planned any actions.
Vegeta sat silently on the grass, gazing out over the lush green landscape and the aqua blue water. He let out a long sigh.
This place reminds me so much of Vegeta-sei. He thought as he spooned the museli into his mouth. The whole serenity of it all, the lush vegetation, the calmness…Vegeta paused. I wonder if this is why I've become so cold-hearted and emotionless. Not only because I spent most of my life around Frieza, but also because I missed the places on my planet that kept me calm and happy. I remember when I used to go to places like this to calm myself.
Vegeta thought back to the day before Frieza had taken him aboard his ship and destroyed Vegeta-sei. His father had told him that he had to go and stay on Frieza's ship, as it was Frieza's orders. Vegeta, at first, threw a major tantrum and screamed on how he was not going to go anywhere with that pink, scaly reptile. But because it was Frieza's orders, nothing could be done about it. So, in order to calm himself before he did something he knew he would regret, he flew away to his favorite secluded spot. Many Saiyan koibito went there because of the wide-open spaces as well as thick bushes, but today, there was no one around for miles. Vegeta flew on to his favorite spot, near the opal blue lake with the one large tree. He remembered how he just lay down and looked up at the sky, and how suddenly all his anger disappeared. It was so calm and peaceful, so quiet. He lay there for hours, even slept there, listening to the lapping of the waves on the banks of the lake.
Who would have thought that that would have been the last time I would ever get to do that on Vegeta-sei? He thought, suddenly feeling very depressed. Kami-sama, if only he had known! He would have poisoned that hideous lizard before it dared try to aim that ki blast for his home. Despite the fact that he hardly lived on his planet, as he was always purging with his father, it was his birthplace. The place where he belonged. A faint sniffle escaped him before he could capture it, and he quickly glanced the other way should tears decide to follow. Kuso! What the fuck is wrong with me?! He berated himself.
Goku watched as Vegeta suddenly seemed to forget about his breakfast and instead just stare over the huge lake. He didn't know exactly what was going through his mind, but he could see in his eyes that it was some sort of sad thought. He wasn't too sure of what Vegeta was thinking about at first, but when he remembered what Vegeta mumbled to him before drifting off to sleep, he felt very sympathetic towards the small ouji.
"Hey, Vegeta."
"Hmm?"
"Do you ever miss Vegeta-sei?"
"…hai."
"Was it a nice place?"
"Not during the war, but there were some places like looked like your home."
"You mean, like the lake and all that?"
"So desu." He said, eyes getting heavier with every word that passed his mouth. He knew he was falling asleep, but he could not help it. He was so nice and warm, full from the evening's dinner and so very relaxed in the company of Goku. But he wanted to say what he had to. "I miss those fleeting moments when I would just sit in silence and look around me. Where there was no war, no skeletons in armor, and no bombs going off. Just quiet. The grass on Vegeta-sei was really soft, ya know?"
"Honto ni?"
"So desu." He said, eyes sliding shut. "And the scent of flowers of was always hanging in the air, water was always running…*sigh*…it was such a beautiful place…" Vegeta's words became softer and softer until they were just a breathy murmur. He knew he was falling asleep, but he just couldn't help it. Goku could see the huge eyes of Vegeta slowly drift close, dark lashes settling on lower eyelids. He smiled as he watched Vegeta's breathing become steady, his chest moving up and down as he slept. Goku watched the ouji sleep, admiring the 'Kawaii-koneko' face of Vegeta.
Suddenly, Goku felt a huge amount of appreciation for Vegeta. Vegeta had never told him anything about his past, living with Frieza and all that. But after he saw the poor ouji cry just before he died, he erased all curiosity of Vegeta's life being ruled under Frieza.
Poor 'Geta, he thought. He told me he was taken from his father when he was a boy and made to do things he didn't want. He was a prince, the Saiyan no Ouji. He should've gotten respect for that mere title, signifying his royalty. But he didn't. Instead, he was ruled upon by another. He quickly glanced up at Vegeta. Vegeta probably went to hell and back in his young life. That's probably why he never showed any hints of emotion. He was…surviving. Goku knew all too well what Frieza was like. He was a cold-blooded murderer who killed billions of innocent people for pleasure and fun. Maybe, Vegeta was better than himself. Goku knew that all his friends depended on him when evil once again threatened the Earth, but that didn't necessarily mean that he could handle what Vegeta did, especially at that young age.
Goku placed his spoon back in his bowl as he studied Vegeta. The volatile ouji may be stubborn, proud and arrogant, but that wasn't him. It was just his natural defense mechanism against potential threats. Under that hard mask was…he didn't know. But the mask was, without a doubt; the most beautiful person he had ever seen. Even though he was wondering at the back of his mind how he could possibly think of another man as 'beautiful', another part knew it was true. Vegeta had many female aspects to him, such as his very small waist and petit figure. His lips were also full and pouting and he had such beautiful eyes, they rivaled Chichi's. But, somehow, the endless black that was Vegeta's was far more comforting.
He was brought back to Earth when he heard a faint sniffle. Blinking his eyes rapidly, he focused on the source of the sound, that being Vegeta. He was very surprised when he found that Vegeta was turned the other way, obviously trying to suppress his tears. He felt a sad pang hit his heart as he watched the usually fiery Saiyan try and hold his tears back. He didn't like to see anybody cry, but Vegeta wasn't anybody. Unlike Chichi, Vegeta never cried for stupid things. He never cried when his son turned Super Saiyan, he never cried when Bulma did something against his wish. He never, ever cried!
Well, maybe only twice in his entire lifetime. At least, twice that Goku saw him cry. The first time was on Namek-sei, when Vegeta told him of his horrid past. The tears he shed there were ones that had been held back for many, many years, and after what Frieza did to him, Goku thought that it was much needed. The only other time was when they were fighting in the other world against some creature. If he could put a name to it, it would be 'The Devil himself', but the creature, in its first stages, seemed to chant Janemba over and over again, so he called it 'Janemba'. There, Vegeta was upset because even in death, he wasn't as strong as the third class baka. Even there, Goku could understand his remorse. In his Majin form, Vegeta explained to him why he hated him so much and why he just had to kill him. Because he was the Saiyan no Ouji and he was a mere third class baka. Because it was his birthright to be the first ascended Saiyan. Because that third class baka always went ahead and beat him to it before he could even grasp it.
But now, Vegeta was crying because he missed home. Because he had a heart.
Poor 'Geta. Goku thought. He really likes it here. I suppose this is the reason why he never, ever came to visit me. Because he knew where I lived and he knew what his reaction would be like. Goku watched Vegeta as he calmed his shaking shoulders and turned back to face the lake, resuming his eating. Suddenly, an idea hit Goku so hard, he almost yelled out aloud.
"Hey, Vegeta," he asked. Vegeta slowly turned his big eyes on him and Goku felt his skin suddenly get hot. "Umm…I was wondering…do you like it here?" The tip of a spoon remained stationary on the luscious lips of the ouji as he blinked his obsidian eyes at Goku.
Vegeta didn't know what to answer. Should he say 'yes', or should he say 'no'? His pride keep nagging at him to say 'no', that he despised everything that surrounded him, but he knew that was a downright lie. Besides, he had already told Goku about the little place he went to when Vegeta-sei was still around, and the soft tone he said it in should have been more than enough evidence to prove that he liked it.
"Hai, I do." He replied. "Doushite?"
"Umm…" Goku's face suddenly flushed and he found himself stuttering for no reason. "W…well…would you like to…umm…ahh…"
"Hai?" Goku wasn't sure of what he was saying, or even why he was saying it. He wanted to know if he'd like to stay with him, seeing as both of them were alone and needed company, but he didn't know to say it. "Nan desu ka, Kakarot?" Goku was so preoccupied by staring at the ground that when he lifted his head, he found Vegeta's face hovering about ten centimeters away from his own. The blush on his face deepened and he had to turn his head away from doing something he was sure Vegeta wouldn't like.
Come on!! He yelled at himself. How do you know that Vegeta wouldn't agree to it? I mean, if you explain it nicely…without making an ass of yourself…he should understand. "Well…that is…if you want…" Vegeta didn't say anything, but judging by the rapidly blinking eyes and the cocking of the head to one side, he was confused and not sure of where Goku was going with this. Goku could not help but think of him as cute. Just spit it out!! He screamed. "Wouldyouliketostaywithme?" he asked, all in one word. Vegeta's brows furrowed in a confused way.
"Nani? Nan de sute, Kakarot?" he asked. Goku gulped as he realized he'd have to say it again.
"Would…would you…" he swallowed again. "Would you like to stay with me?" Vegeta's eyes widened and Goku quickly stuttered his futile explanation. "I mean, we're both alone, aren't we? And…and we're both Saiyan's, so we can spar whenever you want? And…"
"Okay."
"…And we can…we can…I dunno what else we can do…but we can always train! I mean, I know how you always wanted to be stronger than me and how you were one day gonna kick my ass, so you'll get as many chances to now. And…and you don't have to bother with the noise of the city…"
"I said, 'okay', Kakarot."
"And…and…" Goku stopped speaking and stared at Vegeta, who now had a grin on his face. On hearing those words, he could not help but grin as well. "Honto ni? You will?" he asked, as though he hadn't heard right.
"Hai." He said, turning to look over the lake as he spoke. "I mean, what you say is true. We are both alone; being the last two pureblooded Super Saiyan in the universe. And…hai…we can spar whenever we want." Goku only saw a little bit of Vegeta's face, but from what he could see, Vegeta was blushing. He then felt that his own face was rather warm.
Yess!! Vegeta said he'd stay with me! He thought happily, his inside squirming about in a joyful kind of way [AN: you know, it's that funny feeling inside your gut when you get excited…NOT LIKE THAT!!!]. He smiled at Vegeta. Suddenly, Vegeta turned and smiled at him.
In that moment, Goku's whole world came to a standstill. He had never seen Vegeta smile before…at least, not like this. It wasn't a grin, or one of those sexy smirks he gave out when he was about to beat you to a pulp. It was a smile. A true, blossoming smile. For what reason, Goku didn't know, but his heart suddenly decided to whack against his ribcage. He thought it was probably joy that Vegeta was finally letting the real 'him' out, but his heart knew better. His heart was racing a million miles a minute because Vegeta was smiling for him. The smile made him look so much younger, sweeter and…innocent? For the first time in his life, Goku realized who was really hiding under that scowling mask. It was a young child, trying to protect himself from the horrors that reality and life seemed to hand out to him.
This is Vegeta. He thought, but then mentally shook his head. Iie, this is part of who Vegeta is.
"When do you want me to move in?" Goku blinked his eyes, realizing that he had been spaced out for a while, studying Vegeta's face intently.
"Oh, whenever you want to move in." he said. The pink on Vegeta's cheeks went rosier than before.
"I…I can move in anytime…" Goku stared at the kawaii sight as his heart pounded against his chest even harder.
Fuck it…STOP IT!! He tried to command himself, but gained nothing. "Well, you wanna move in today?" he asked. Vegeta looked up at him with wide eyes.
"Hai so desu." He said softly, as though he was shy. "I'd…I'd like that." It a bit of Goku's willpower to stop himself from yelling out 'oh my god!! You look so cute!!' but it took even more to prevent himself from leaping over and planting a firm kiss on his lips. Goku didn't know why he felt like doing that…but he just did.
"Okay." He said, getting to his feet. "Let's go."
Vegeta was about to get to his feet, when a large, strong hand caught his own. He lifted his eyes to meet the ink black ones of the object of his desire. Goku stared back in his own eyes, the essence of Saiyan glinting in his dark orbs. Vegeta's eyes widened at first, highly surprised by this action. But once the surprise passed, he found that the contact between the two of them, Goku's hand over his own, it made him feel so…so…happy. He smiled at Goku as the smile was returned.
Goku helped him up to his feet and stood next to the smaller Saiyan. Placing on hand on his shoulder, he brought two fingers to his forehead and prepared to IT to Capsule Corp. All the while, he was singing in his head:
Vegeta's gonna live with me! Vegeta's gonna live with me!
Translations
Ouji-sama:
Cho sho ku:
Jitsu wa:
Koibito:
Namek-sei: