"You cannot fly like an eagle with the wings of a wren."

The longest chappie…brace yourselves

Chapter Nine: Noses, Diesel Green and Hollow Shells

A month remained until the Dragonballs were active again.

"What are we going to do with the other two wishes, Vegeta?" asked Goku while they were chowing down breakfast. A towering stack of blueberry chocolate chip pancakes tottered between them, threatening to fall over. Vegeta was putting dollops of cream on his and pouring condensed milk all over it.

"I've been thinking about that. Why don't we wish for our tails back? I really miss mine."

"That's a great idea! Please pass the syrup here." Vegeta chucked it over, and watched as Goku drowned his pancakes in the sticky substance.

"What are we gonna do today, Kakarot?"

"Spar!"

"Good plan. I'm stiff from being practically immobile yesterday. Get your gi on, I'll meet you in the training chamber. Today we go for 950x gravity."

Training was going the way it usually did, accompanied by the usual bangs and explosions, the yells and the witty comebacks.

" You fight like a dairy farmer, Vegeta!"

"Well, you fight like a cow, Kakarot!" retorted Vegeta, charging Goku down and giving him a swing kick to the head. Goku caught his leg and twisted it, forcing Vegeta to the floor, face first. He recovered quickly, rolling over and sending a ki blast towards Goku's face which he barely dodged, his hair singed. Vegeta appeared behind him and blasted him, and so it went on. The battle seemed fairly even, since they were both super saiyan two's. Vegeta was floating near the roof, keeping an eye out for Goku. Then he was caught from behind, Goku wrapping his arms around Vegeta's torso and his legs around his waist, locking him in place. He rested his head on Vegeta's shoulder and whispered into his ear.

"Now what, Prince?" he smiled. Vegeta twisted his head towards him and gave him a smirk.

"Take this!" he jerked his head forward, then quickly whipped it back, hitting Goku damn hard in the face. Goku didn't even get a chance to react, as Vegeta zoomed backwards into the wall, smashing Goku into the wall and forcing him to let go. Goku's grip relaxed and he slid down to the floor, landing unsteadily on his feet, then falling onto all fours, one hand clutched over his bleeding nose. Vegeta flew down quickly and switched off the machine and sped over to Goku.

"Shit man, are you okay?"

"I'm just peachy, Vegeta, its not every day you get slammed in the face by a thick saiyan skull!" retorted Goku sarcastically through the blood dribbling down his face and over his mouth, dropping off his chin to the floor, spattering and leaving interesting little marks.

'Sorry, but it was self-defense. I guess I'd better take you to the sick bay before you bleed to death, you weakling. What is it with you and getting hurt lately?" Vegeta gently helped Goku to his feet, and led him to the extensive sick bay of Capsule Corp. 

Vegeta made Goku sit on the examining bed and told him to pinch the bridge of his nose while he looked for some wads of cotton wool in a drawer. He found them and passed them over to Goku.

"Shove these up your nose so long, it'll stop it from flowing for a bit." While Goku tried to do this without a mirror, Vegeta got a bowl of water and some wash cloths. He sat next to Goku and put the bowl on the table. He dipped the edge of his cloth into the water and turned to Goku.

"Hold still, Kakarot, so I can clean you up a little. I can't have you walking around like that, wouldn't want people to think that you're a vampire or something."

With one hand behind Goku's head to support it, Vegeta started clearing away the blood from his friend's mouth and chin with the cloth. Goku closed his eyes, his lips slightly parted so that he could breathe. It was worth the nosebleed just to get this kind of attention from Vegeta.

Vegeta looked closely at Kakarot as he wiped away the blood that had spread all over his mouth. He dipped the face cloth in the bowl, and watched the water turn pinkish-red. He wrung out the cloth, then leaned closer to Kakarot, feeling his body heat emanating from him. He was forcibly reminded of how much Kakarot liked him. Most people would have a hissy fit over a nosebleed. But Kakarot was so calm. He was even smiling. Those lips… Vegeta was soon done, and dropped the cloth into the basin. He wiped his hands on his pants and looked at Kakarot.

"Finished. You can take those wads out, I guess the bleedings stopped. And I don't think it's broken. Probably. Hopefully, it isn't." Goku reached up and pulled the wads out, blood-soaked. Both Saiyans looked slightly disgusted at this, but they were relieved that the bleeding had stopped. They sat on the bed, shoulders touching, looking at their feet swinging off the edge of the bed.

"I think that's enough sparring. You are a flipping magnet for injuries lately, I think it's best that we don't make any sudden movements."

"Haha, Vegeta, you're so funny." said Goku as sarcastically as possible.

"Cool, you're even starting to sound like me.  I nominate we take a nap, then go out for supper later. My treat."

Goku stretched and yawned.

"Good idea. I'm feeling a little dozy."

"Watch where you stretch, dumbass!" snapped Vegeta, as Goku hit him in the head with his arm. Goku smiled, his hand on the back of his neck.

"Oops, my bad."

Vegeta went to the main lounge and flopped down on a huge overstuffed couch. He stretched all along it, his head in the middle where the cushions joined, his one leg hooked over the back of the couch and the other hanging over the armrest. His one arm was hanging over the edge of the couch, the other rested on his chest.  He closed his eyes and allowed his thoughts to wander. He thought about the island he would find, and about the capsule house he'd put up. He could see it now…his gravitron on the lawn, the smell of a barbecue, a nearby lake to swim in…paradise. A voice broke into his thoughts, but not rudely.

"Hey, Vegeta, mind if I join you?" asked Goku softly from the door. Vegeta opened his eyes and turned his head towards Kakarot, silhouetted in the doorway. The sun was setting, and the room was cast in twilight.

"Kakarot, there's a million other places in this place to nap."

"I guess so. Sorry to disturb you." Vegeta caught the look of hurt on Goku's face as he turned to leave. Vegeta sighed.

"I was just pointing out a simple fact, you runt, its not like I was trying to hurt your feelings. I'm glad you would rather nap here with me, than somewhere where I can't keep an eye on you. This couch is huge, come chill." Goku brightened up, and walked over. He put his head next to Vegeta, and his position mirrored Vegeta's. It was cute really. Two grown Saiyans taking a nap on a dark blue couch like cats. Vegeta felt really comfortable, Goku's steady breathing soothing him. For some reason, Vegeta found it difficult to sleep unless Kakarot was at least within thirty metres of him.

Eventually, after a long doze, Goku woke up. He was about to stretch, then realized he'd smack Vegeta right in the head, and he'd get yelled at again. He turned his head and watched Vegeta, whose face was turned towards his. He seemed to be fast asleep and Goku smiled. Every once in a while his eyebrow twitched, as though he was cocking an eyebrow at some one his dreams. The corner of his mouth also twitched, as though he was smirking at an enemy. Goku could stare for hours. His eyes traveled over the strong jaw, over the soft lips, took a dip in the cupids bow, climbed up his bronzed cheeks, skipped along the sculpted cheekbones and took a quick rest on his eyelids, a quick comb over of the thick eyelashes. Then the final leg of the journey; a leisurely glide up the forehead past his widows peak, getting lost in the perfect flame of black mahogany, finally reaching the pinnacle, after a most enjoyable journey.  Goku shifted onto his side and rested his head on his hand, and enjoyed the view.

"So kami-damn handsome. Bulma is such a fool for letting you go, Geta. You deserve so much more, after all you've done for this planet, for Trunks…for me. I only wish you'd just let me make you happy." said Goku softly, not expecting an answer. Vegeta smiled.

"You do make me happy, Kakarot."

He peeked out through one eyelid, and cracked a smile; not a smirk, not a sarcastic leer, but one that came straight from the heart. Goku's mouth dropped open. Vegeta opened both eyes, smiling with those onyx orbs.

"What are you looking so shocked about? You know what a light sleeper I am, and I heard you, and I really couldn't help butting in. Don't feel bad, I'm not at all upset. I'm quite flattered really. I told you that we'll spend the next three hundred years of our lives together, watching manga and sparring, and eating, of course. I'm not a liar, Kakarot, you know that. Now close your mouth, your breath doesn't smell too great." With one finger Vegeta lifted Goku's lower jaw, ran his hand through his hair once, then got off the couch, stretched, and left the room to go shower.  Goku swung his feet onto the floor, a puzzled look on his face, as he stared at the door.

"What was that all about?! Vegeta admitting that I actually mean something to him? Alright! Now I've got a chance!" Goku smiled and hugged himself tightly. Vegeta was leaning against the wall next to the door on the other side, arms folded. He overheard Kakarot, and smiled. Then he unfolded his arms and strolled off to the shower.

"And what will sir be having for starters?" asked Garth, the headwaiter at Bellgables, the most exclusive restaurant on the planet. Vegeta was taking full advantage of his credit card before Bulma cut it off when she got back.

"Let's skip starters. I'll have one of each on the menu, and the same goes for my friend over here." he said, jabbing his thumb at Goku, who was busy finishing the hot bread off. The waiter gulped, and left to go tell the kitchen, wondering how he would break the news to them.

"Hey, where did the waiter go? We're out of bread rolls!" said Goku, his mouth full. Vegeta clicked his tongue.

"Kakarot! This is a restaurant, not my kitchen! Use your knife and fork, for Kami's sake!" said Vegeta, picking up the one bread roll that Kakarot had been kind enough to leave him, and buttering it, elegant as ever. Goku looked down at his lap.

"Sorry, Geta."  Vegeta smiled.

"Ah, don't sweat it. Just a pointer, not a lecture. I daresay you've had enough of those in your life."

"Yeah, I guess!" Goku rubbed the back of his head, looking down at the table.

"Well, since you've shortened my name, not that I mind, I need to find a nickname for you."

"How about Karot?"

"Sounds too much like a vegetable. And I refuse point blank to call you by your earth name. You are a saiyan, through and through."

"I like being called Kakarot."

"Good. I'll think of something, I always do."

They were working their way through their third breadbasket when Vegeta thought out loud.

"So if we're going to wish back Bulma and Chichi with the first wish, if only for the sake of our kids having mothers, and our tails with the second wish, what are we doing with the third wish?"

"Well, we could wish for a magical cupboard that never runs out of food!"

"I'd feel embarrassed asking Porunga for something like that, but what the hell. A saiyan can never have too much fighting, food, sleep and sex." Vegeta put a slight emphasis on the last word, and watched Goku blush deeply. Vegeta did it solely to make him squirm. "

What's wrong Kakarot? Feeling a little hot under your gi collar?"

Of course, they weren't wearing their training stuff, but that's irrelevant.

"Um, I'm just going to the bathroom, be back in a second." Goku hurried off to the men's, almost knocking over a waiter and a vase in his hurry. Vegeta continued eating the fresh bread on their table, pleased at his ability to make Goku blush. "Hehehe…that guy is so gullible. And so sexy when he blushes." grinned Vegeta, leaning back in his chair.

Goku was in the bathroom splashing his face, and watched the red recede from his cheeks. He looked around the exceedingly extravagant bathroom, done in black marble with a small round table in the middle, bearing all sorts of colognes and creams. Definitely a high-class bathroom. Even the toilet paper was four ply. Goku picked up the different bottles, admiring the different colours and shapes. The one that attracted him most had green glass, and was shaped like a plant spray, an unusual design. He read the writing on the side.

"Hmm, Diesel Green Masculine. I wonder if Vegeta will like it." he mused, spraying a little on his wrists and a touch on his neck. He put very little, knowing that Vegeta would pick it up with his keen saiyan nose. He checked his reflection in the mirror, rolled his eyes up at his hair, shrugged, straightened his light blue v-neck shirt, and walked out.

 "What took you so long?" asked Vegeta, as Goku sat back down. Vegeta's body stiffened, and he sniffed the air. He leaned forward, and took Goku's wrist gently in his hand, sniffed it then put it down on the table.

"What the heck is that smell on you?"

"It's called Diesel Green. They had it in the bathroom, I couldn't resist it, and the bottle was so cool! Don't you like it?"

"Kakarot, that stuff is meant to attract human women! I much prefer your natural scent anyway, which you've gone and masked with that stuff. But why didn't you tell me you wanted to go cruising for a new female? I can always help out in that department. For some reason, women can't keep off me." Vegeta smiled slyly at Kakarot, who began to blush again.

"No-no-no-no! I'm not interested in women, never again! After Chichi, I don't want anything to do with them as long as I live! The fact is, I , er…" he opened his mouth to say something else, but thought better of it. He looked down at the table, biting his lower lip nervously.

"I didn't catch that last part. You were about to say something?" asked Vegeta softly. Goku looked up and their eyes locked together.

"I l-like somebody already, a g-g-guy, I didn't wanna t-t-tell you, because I was s-s-scared you'd laugh at me." stammered Goku, breaking off eye contact and looking at his lap, twisting a napkin in his hands, out of nerves.

"Kakarot, look at me. Please." Goku looked up, Vegeta's voice was surprisingly gentle. The softness in Vegeta's eyes put him a little more at ease. Vegeta leaned over and tugged the napkin away from him gently, before he tore it to shreds.

"I just want you to be happy, Kakarot. It's all you deserve. I would never laugh at you for falling in love, unless it was with an animal. It happens to all of us. You just do what feels right and makes you happy. You can tell me the details when you're ready. Just stop shaking first, you'll never be able to eat like that! Look, here comes the food! Excellent, ostrich flan fillet with Italian fig glaze. My favourite after eggrolls." The waiter put the food in front of them, as they put napkins on their laps and licked their lips. Without any hesitation, they both ploughed right into their meals, and were silent for a while, except for the sounds of swallowing and chewing.

They had finished mains, and were planning deserts. They decided to have one of everything again, and leaned back in their chairs, full of rich food and content. Vegeta was busy picking his teeth with a toothpick, hand covering his mouth. Goku watched him. How weird. He has such perfect table manners. He must have picked it up in his early days as a prince. That's so cute!

"What you smiling at?"

"Oh, nothing. Just admiring the view. Tell me Vegeta, what do you think about love?"

"It's too late at night to discuss such emotional topics Kakarot." Goku gave him a pleading look. Vegeta sighed. There's no one in the universe that can refuse Kakarot anything, especially with that puppy look on his handsome face. "Okay, you want my humble opinion?"

"Yeah, but anything coming from you isn't exactly humble."

"Look, do you want to hear my thoughts on the subject or not?"

"Yes, I do. Go ahead." Vegeta put down his toothpick, and leaned forward, resting his arms on the table, his face thoughtful. He looked down the table, then up at Goku. "You wanna know what I think about love? I think it's the most powerful and destructive thing in the universe. Powerful because it can change people for the better, and destructive because it can drive people insane if they can't get what they desire. I know some one that it's driving mad, someone that it's hurting. Love changed me. It also hurt me. Bulma made me love her, I don't know how, but she did, then she took my pride and mocked it into oblivion when she confirmed the truth about Yamcha. To be honest, maybe it wasn't true love. I think my love for Trunks and Bra is stronger. It's more pure. What I had with Bulma was special. But it obviously wasn't good enough for her. So I've become sceptical about love. That's not to say that I'm going to become the cold hearted bastard I once was. But there's another more worthy of my soul and pride, of my heart. They don't know it yet, but they are the best thing that ever happened to me. What do you think about so-called love, Kakarot?" Goku put his elbows on the table, and fiddled with the salt cellar absent-mindedly.

"Me? Well, considering most people don't think that I have any thought processes in my head, you'd be surprised that I've actually thought so much about it. I don't think I ever really liked Chichi, not the way I should have. It was doomed to fail from the start. Maybe it was for a reason. The whole messy divorce made me realise that there are others to love. I guess love has always been my driving force, my reason to beat the bad guy, that sort of thing. Mostly out of my love for my sons. For my friends. But true love, well, that's a very rare thing. I've found it, I think. I don't really know what it's meant to feel like, I don't really have anything to go by. Perhaps true love is when you accept some one with every single fault, imperfection, each virtue, vice, mannerism, habit and strength. When you would put your life on the line for that person. Sometimes the pain is so bad, Vegeta. The pain of being totally in love and not receiving back the same kind of love tears at me every single day. Imagine a wound that bleeds each day, heals every time that person looks at you, then opens again when they look away. But it's all worth it, just for those moments when they acknowledge you and give you a smile, or a glance. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm in love with someone that will never love me the way I love them. Whew, long speech. Where's the desert?"

"Trust you to say something so personal and meaningful one moment, then change the subject in under a second." grinned Vegeta, picking up his spoon as he saw Garth coming towards them with white chocolate mousse.

After paying a six thousand zenie bill, leaving a thousand zenie tip for the waiter and two thousand for the chef, the two friends decided to walk home, enjoying the summers evening. It was sort of chilly at this time of night, and both put on their leather jackets. They had been walking for a while when Goku cleared his throat.

"Um, Vegeta?"

"Hmm?"

"You know what I was saying back at the eating place?"

"The restaurant, yes, I remember."

"Well, um, how do I put this…er…Vegeta, you're the guy that I like, well, actually, love. You're the one that I haven't stopped thinking about, the one I keep telling myself not to love. When I was talking about love, I was referring to you. But I just couldn't hold it in any more, I couldn't keep telling myself anymore that I should stop loving you and move on with my life. But there you have it. I understand if you want to leave me. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if you gave me your best right hook instead of your heart. I'm not expecting you to love me back. I know you like me as a friend, but nothing more. I mean, heh, you're Vegeta, and, well, I'm just Kakarot. What would you want with me, a third class wannabe?" Goku turned his head away from his friend, having laid his heart out in front of Vegeta, and was waiting to hear it shatter into irreparable shards when Vegeta got angry and yelled at him to go to hell and stay the fuck away from him. But Vegeta didn't yell. He didn't lose his temper, or get angry, or even grip Goku by the throat. Far from it. He stood in front of Kakarot and looked up at him. They were alone in the City Park, and were quite alone, and they couldn't sense anyone about.

" I'm not going to break your heart, Kakarot, if that's what you're thinking. You're my best friend and so much more than that, not a wannabe at all.  When I was sick a while ago, I heard everything you said when I was in a coma. And it made me so happy to know that someone cared so deeply. My feelings are the same, Kakarot, they are. Did you think I was joking when I asked you to live with me? Since you've been living at Capsule Corp with me, I've felt something other than friendship between us. I feel exactly the same way about you as you do about me. I'd never admit it to anyone, Kakarot, but I want you to now that it's there, and I'm there."

Goku looked so relieved, so happy, so overjoyed and so excited at the same time, Vegeta couldn't really tell what was going on in the other Saiyan's head. Goku pulled Vegeta into a tight hug, kissing the top of his head.

 "I'm so happy, Geta!" laughed Goku. Vegeta was laughing too, as he hugged Goku back, also feeling strangely elated.

"I can't breathe, Kakarot!" teased Vegeta, lost in Goku's bear hug, which he loved so much. But happiness, no matter how great, can be ended abruptly. A gun went off, and a single hollow point bullet slammed into Goku's back, the blow pushing him forward onto Vegeta, as the bullet exploded upon impact, it's shards scattering into Goku's torso. He gasped, out of shock, as blood started pouring from his mouth and nose, his lungs ruptured and bleeding, his ribs shattered and his flesh ripped. He fell forward, and Vegeta caught him, his face livid with anger, his eyes showing the fear he felt inside. He looked up, and saw 17 step out of the bushes. Of course, they couldn't sense him, androids have no ki…the depraved android held a smoking desert eagle revolver in the one hand, a smirk plastered across his face.

"How touching. Two monkeys in love. I guess it's a case of monkey see, monkey screw. I expected more of Goku. Falling for a forgotten and weak prince, how pathetic."

"Shut up, you fucking bastard! What did Kakarot do to you!" yelled Vegeta, trying to pick up the saiyan, who had gone limp. 17 twirled the gun in his fingers, then aimed it at Vegeta.

"I was actually aiming for you. I was planning to add your head to my trophy wall. But now I've got two Saiyans, what an unexpected bonus." Vegeta was beyond reason. This little fucker had pushed him past rationality. He put Goku down, and allowed his temper to get the better of him. 17's eyes widened. He tried shooting the raging saiyan but Vegeta's lightening filled aura deflected the bullets. Vegeta let out a yell of anger, and charged down the android. 17 was severely outmatched. Vegeta punched the android's face with enough force to take off the android's head. The look of shock was frozen onto the android's face as his head departed from his body, soaring through the air and landing in a bush. Vegeta blasted the body and head and flew back to Kakarot, whose breath was ragged. Vegeta could hear the air in his throat rattle, the sign of the death rattle. Time was getting short. Vegeta hurriedly picked up the saiyan and blasted off, pushing all his energy into his speed, as he sped to the lookout. He felt all the blood from Kakarot's destroyed body soaking into his clothes and skin, especially on his chest, like a dark omen.  Vegeta could feel Kakarot's life force freefalling, as the blood poured out of his chest and back. Vegeta was praying, something he hadn't done in so many years. And he was hoping that someone was listening.

"Vegeta…" whispered Goku, his voice raspy and cracked. Vegeta looked down at him, putting on another burst of speed.

"Shut up, Kakarot! You have to conserve your energy!"

"If I die, you'll wish me back, right?" he coughed up even more blood. Vegeta couldn't help wondering how much blood Kakarot had.

"What kind of a baka question is that!? I won't let you die! You can't die! Just hold on, we're almost there!" The lookout had never seemed so far away. Vegeta held him even tighter. He had been shot because of Vegeta, this was his fault! Just because he was in the way…this is not fair! Vegeta blamed himself, trying to push himself to go even faster. All of a sudden Kakarot stopped breathing. Vegeta didn't know what else to do, so he did what made the most sense. Vegeta bent his head down and put his mouth over Kakarot's, not caring about the blood, and breathed into his ruined lungs, trying to make the torn bags inflate again. After about ten or twelve breaths, Kakarot started breathing again, and Vegeta felt a little relieved.

"Don't die, Kakarot, do you hear me?! You won't die from this! You wouldn't! This is all my fault! I'll never forgive myself if I can't save you!" Vegeta felt the hot tears spilling down his face and evaporating with the wind. He saw the pole leading up to Kami's Lookout, and zoomed straight up it, landing heavily on the lookout in seconds. He ran towards the palace, his right arm looped around Goku's shoulders, his left under his knees.

"DENDE! PICCOLO! ANYONE! KAKAROT IS DYING! WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU GUYS!?"  Dende came running out, his pyjama robe flapping out behind him. He saw the blood-soaked Vegeta, whose entire chest was covered in blood, and his face was smeared with it, as well as his arms, which held the dying and coughing Goku. "What happened?!"

"JUST HEAL HIM, DAMMIT! IF HE DIES I'LL KILL YOU!" screamed Vegeta, his fear greater than his anger, as his aura flared and his energy level rose. Dende nodded, and stepped closer to Goku, his hands stretched out, a little shocked by Vegeta's anger, very shocked by his tears. But as Dende put his hands on Goku, it was too late. Before Dende could summon his energy, Goku's back arched, he gasped one last time, and went limp in Vegeta's bloody arms.

He was dead.

Vegeta knew that it would be pointless to try healing him now. His ki force had disappeared completely. He brought Kakarot even closer to his body. He held Kakarot's head against his chest, and sobbed, his body shaking with heart wrenching grief, his tears flowing, totally unrestrained, dropping softly onto Kakarot's face. Vegeta dropped to his knees and cradled Goku in his arms. Goku's body began to fade, so that he could have it in the next dimension. In seconds, Vegeta felt only air on his bloody skin, drying the blood to a dark, blackish red. He stood up, coated in Goku's warm blood, as though it were a second skin, on his face, his hands, his chest, his arms, his body. Then he suddenly threw his head back and gave an almighty scream. A scream of pain, for the loss of his closest friend, for the one he loved, the grief palpable in the howl that echoed all over the temple and spilled over the edge down to the earth, like rain from his crushed soul.  He felt the tears run down his face, cutting little paths through the blood around his mouth and jaw. Felt the tears burning his eyes, as he mourned the passing of Kakarot, of Goku, once rival, then ally, forever friend.  He kept seeing the last, painful look on Kakarot's face. No final declarations. No goodbyes. No closure. Just a gasp, a contortion in the face, then the cold hand of death cruelly cut his life force. For the earth's saviour to die, to expire because of something as small as a damn bullet, because of Vegeta, it didn't make sense. It was too much for Vegeta to bear. So close. Another minute, and he could have been saved. He could be standing here with his goofy grin, teasing me over my tears, he should have his arms around me, telling me to stop being silly. Dammit, he shouldn't be fucking dead! He should be here! Why is it that as soon as everything comes together, it always falls apart!?  Vegeta was facing an entire month without Kakarot. It seemed like a black hole. Vegeta just couldn't imagine living without him. He was starting to get angry at everyone; at himself, at 17, at Dende, even at Kakarot, angry that the saiyan would allow himself to be killed by a mere bullet.

If only I'd been faster, gotten here sooner, if I'd noticed 17 earlier, if I had ignored him and flown earlier, if I had been more aware, this would not have happened! Why did I let you die?! I didn't mean for you to!  All these thoughts tormented Vegeta, running through his head over and over in seconds, crowding his mind, driving out all rational thought and mocking his soul, his pride. He blasted away from the Lookout, already knowing where he was going.

He was going to die.

He reached the open desert plains, and landed in the middle. Before he died, he was going to have a damn good rant at whoever was listening. He looked up at the unfeeling, indifferent night sky. The stars didn't care. But that didn't matter to Vegeta. He was too consumed by his grief to think clearly. "How many times must I go through all this?! Why is it that those I love always leave me?! First my father, then Bulma, now Kakarot! What kind of twisted joke are you playing on me now?! The universe has a sick, sick, sick, SICK sense of humour! Do you hear me?! I will not be without Kakarot! You took away the only person to love me so unconditionally, so loyally! I know I've done a lot of bad things, but then punish just me! You just couldn't leave him out of this, could you, you fuckers! You know what, Kai? FUCK YOU! Did I offend you with that word?! Well, you offended me when you allowed 17 to murder Kakarot! You hurt me by taking away Kakarot! You've taken my heart and destroyed what was left of it! You've stolen my friend, my life partner, my love, my everything, dammit! Haven't I atoned enough, for shit's sake?! What the hell do I have to do to make you understand that I'm sorry?! If you can hear me, Kakarot, I want you to know that I love you so much, more than you understand! I'm sorry that I waited until I lost you to tell you, but it's true! I can't and WON'T  be without you! I'm coming to join you! I'll prove it to the universe how much you mean to me, Kakarot! Roll out the red carpet, I'm coming to Snake Way!" Vegeta took a deep breath, and turned super saiyan two, as he built up his power, preparing his suicide attack. Now he would not be dissuaded. A life without Kakarot is just not worth living. It's like a battle with no hope of victory, like a dead rose with no petals.

"Wait, Vegeta!"

"Kakarot? Is it really you?" Vegeta looked up at the sky, letting go of his super saiyan form.

"Yeah, it's me. Listen to me, Vegeta, you can't kill yourself."

"But I can't live without you!"

"But you'll just have to for now. I need you to wish me back, remember? I'm okay here, really. My body is in perfect condition again! I miss you too, Vegeta, and I can't wait until I get back to earth. But you have to look after everyone for me. And you have to realise that it's not your fault that I'm dead!''

"But it is my fault! I should have saved you! I shouldn't have wasted time fighting 17, I should have flown faster, I should have moved in front of the bullet! I'm to blame for you being dead."

"Vegeta, please don't torture yourself. These things happen for a reason. At least you showed 17 the way to Hell!"

"Yeah, I guess I did. But still…"

Goku cut him off.
"I love you too, Vegeta. I wish I was done there with you, and we could finish our unofficial date."

Vegeta smiled.

"It wasn't a date, you baka."

"Yes it was! You took me out to dinner!"

"That doesn't make it a date!"
"Then, oh Prince, tell me what it was." asked Goku.

 "A meal between two best friends."

"Just call a dragonball a dragonball, okay? Not a magical crystal wish granter. Honestly Vegeta, what are you gonna call our relationship?" teased Goku.

"Hmm, a mutual understanding sound good to you?" grinned Vegeta, feeling the hardened blood around his mouth crack with each movement of his mouth.

"I give up!" Vegeta could just imagine the grin on Kakarot's face, his hand on the back of his head.

"Even when you're dead, you still manage to make me laugh Kakarot."

"I try to not disappoint my fans.  Um, when are you going to tell the kids about, well, you know, us? They have a right to know."

"Can't it wait 'til you get back? Its bad enough I have to break the news of your death to them."

"I guess you're right. "

"Of course I am. I'm always right." said Vegeta, putting his hands on his hips, eyes still fixed on the sky.

"You know, I can see you clearly from here. You look a real mess. Did I really bleed that much?"

"I had to give you mouth to mouth to get you to breathe again, after your lungs gave out. Hollow points are damn lethal, they've been banned because of how strong they are."

"You're telling me! I have first hand experience. Why are they so deadly?"

"They explode upon impact. In your case, the bullet destroyed your heart and lungs, as well as smashing a couple of ribs, not to mention the gaping hole in your back. The expanding shards cause the most damage."

"Oh, right."

A meaningful pause.

"Ooo! So you kissed me!"

"No I didn't! I was trying to save your life!"

"You kissed me! You kissed me!" chanted Goku, who was hopping up and down on Snake Way joyously.

"Did not! That was so not a kiss! I'll give you a proper one when you get back." purred Vegeta. Goku felt himself blushing when Vegeta purred the last sentence.

"On the lips?"

"Where else, you runt!"

"I thought you'd be stingy and give me one on the cheek or something."
"No way. I'm going to do things properly this time round. Time can't go fast enough until you get back! I'll find us an island while you're gone."

"Yeah, a month is going to seem like forever. I've gotta go now, my lift to Grand Kai's place is waiting, and I got a seat in first class. Bye Geta, take care."

"Bye, Kakarot, miss you."

"Me too, Geta, me too."

Goten was, understandably, upset at the passing of his father. Vegeta watched him bite his lower lip, the tears waiting on the edge of his lids, Trunks' hand on his friend's shoulder. The poor guy was an orphan now. Vegeta did the unexpected; he walked over and hugged the nineteen year old, which surprised Goten and Trunks no end.

"I'm sorry, Goten, really I am."

The next morning Trunks and Goten walked into the kitchen and found Vegeta packing a giant back pack full of food, as well as a satellite positioning handset, which doubled as a map and global postioner. 

"Hey, dad, where are you going?" asked Trunks, taking an apple from the fruit bowl on the table.

"When your mother gets back [Trunks noticed the distaste in his father's voice when he said mother], I'm leaving this place and I'm going to go live on an island somewhere. You guys wanna come help me look?" Vegeta left out the part about Goku coming with him.

"We might as well. Besides, Goten and I have something to tell you." Trunks glanced at Goten, who smiled.

"Then you'd better pack a good lunch, we could be out for the whole day." said Vegeta, as he put a capsule box and even more chocolate into his already overloaded backpack.   

They were flying over the sea, Vegeta in the middle, his palm top satellite postioner in his hands as they flew towards a likely looking batch of islands.

"So, what was it you guys were going to tell me?" asked Vegeta, looking at his son. Trunks looked at the sea below them.

"Well, dad, you see, it's just that, um…okay, firstly, you promise you won't get mad?"

"I'll try not to. I'm not as unreasonable as you think. Try me."
Vegeta smiled encouragingly at his son, who gulped, and looked awkward. He looked over at Goten, who nodded. Trunks steeled himself.

"You've always wanted me to be happy, right dad?"

"It's all I want in the world, Trunks." Well, that and Kakarot, hehe.

"Then please be happy for me when I tell you that Goten and I, we're…we're…seeing each other. We're a couple, dad." Trunks waited for the barrage of swearwords, for his father's anger and disappointment. But he just stopped in mid air and smiled.

"That's great, Trunks! I'm glad you've found some one that makes you happy! Good for the two of you!" he turned to Goten, who flew a little further back from Vegeta, shocked by Vegeta's response. They were so worried about how he would react! "Welcome to the family, Goten!" Trunks' jaw just dropped.

"You're- you're serious?" stammered Goten.

"Of course I am! This is brilliant! Because guess what? Kakarot and I are a couple too! That's one of the reasons I'm so glad! We were worried you guys would object to us being together, but now that you two know how it feels, then it's all okay!" Vegeta put an arm around each of their necks, and hugged them. Trunks looked into his dad's eyes, feeling quite curious as to his father's behaviour.

"You, and Goku? Since when?"

"Since two days ago. Well, officially. But its been going on for the last two or three months. You're not mad at us, are you?"

"No, I'm glad too. Heh, its ironic. Two male couples. I bet mom is going to flip out when she hears about this." Vegeta heard the undertone of disgust in his voice. He still hadn't forgiven his mother for hurting his father the way she did. But it all worked out for the best anyway.

"So what! Who cares what she thinks. You guys can come live on our island in your own capsule house, if you want."

"Well, congratulations guys!" came Goku's voice from the sky. Vegeta looked up and smiled.

"Hey Kakarot, how's the afterlife?"

"Dad?" Goten looked up, confused.

""Hey, sport! So, you and Trunks are a little saiyan couple! That's wonderful! You guys aren't too miffed about me and Vegeta being in love, are you?"

"Are you kidding? It's excellent! At least you guys understand! We were so scared you'd get pissed off!"

"I'm not surprised, after all, you guys have been friends since you were little saiyan babies."

"What you up to, Kaks?"

"Is Kaks my new nickname? I like it! I'm just training with Pikon, you know how it is. How's the island hunting going?"

"Not too successful, at the moment. But there's a batch about a mile or so ahead. We're gonna land, and have lunch."

"Don't talk to me about food! There's none of the good stuff up here! I'd shave off my hair for a bowl of Vegeta pasta!"

"Leave your hair on! It's fine as it is!"

"Anything for you, Geta." Vegeta smiled up at the sky.

"You runt, you're making me miss you even more."

Goten and Trunks nudged each other and smiled. Vegeta being even remotely romantic is a rare sight.

"Find us a really big island, with lots of space for sparring and fishing!"

" It'll have to be big, since there's gonna be another couple with us." Vegeta glanced at Goten and Trunks, who grinned wickedly back.

An- how many bloody times must I say it!? This story has been on the net before! It's just a new name, that's it! The other one got messed up and I had to remove it. Just a weekend prezzie…enjoy!