Chapter four: invitations

 Goku put Vegeta down on the spare bed in his guestroom, took off his backpack, pulled off his boots gently and made him comfortable. He left, and returned with a big bowl of warm water, a bottle of disinfectant and cotton wool. He put all the stuff down on a side table, and sat down carefully next to Vegeta, making sure to not disturb him. Without taking his eyes off Vegeta, he dipped a cotton ball into the water, and started wiping away the blood coming from a large gash across Vegeta's forehead, above his eyes. When all the dirt and blood was off Vegeta's face, and all the cuts washed with disinfectant, Goku ran his fingers along Vegeta's scalp, checking for any more lacerations and bruises. There weren't any, and Goku sat and watched Vegeta sleeping for a while.

Just when I was thinking about him, the next day he literally plummets into my world. I'll bet my nimbus cloud that he was doing that freefall thing again. He used to do that a lot after Majin Buu. We'd all go up to the Lookout, and dive off the edge, and the one who stopped last would win. Vegeta always won. His best record was stopping two metres away from the ground. I've always wondered why he does it.  I think the fear and the adrenaline keeps him sane. A reminder of the constant risk of death that permeated his early life, inevitably affecting his psyche permanently. His entire youth was spent living on a sword's edge, the abyss always waiting for him to slip. Adrenaline and blood were his drugs, strength his goal and pride his foundation. Sometimes running on anger alone.

This peace must be driving him insane. A man like him needs a challenge; his huge intellect needs a battle to dissect and conquer. Poor guy. In any case, I'm glad he's here.

Goku smiled, then got up and went to the kitchen to get something for Vegeta to eat when he woke up. Vegeta, meanwhile, was floating somewhere between waking and sleeping, that grey place we all inhabit when we don't quite want to get out of bed. Vegeta's mind was awake and pacing, but his body was demanding rest. So, his mind allowed his body to rest up a little bit while it pondered.

Hmm…so this must be Kakarot's home. I remember seeing his face before I passed out. Geez, I made a real ass out of myself! I know I shouldn't have free fallen like that, but I usually stop in time. He must be thinking what a massive prat I am. How embarrassing.  I should go speak to him, that's what I came here to do, wasn't it? Come on, body of mine. Up! No, I don't want to hear any whining! You've been through far worse than this. Humph. I must be getting soft.

Vegeta's eyes opened slowly, and he orientated himself. His head stopped spinning, and he tried to prop himself up on his elbows, but his head shrieked at him to lie back down.

So, he did.

After the spots stopped dancing in front of his eyes and faded away, he waited a bit, then tried again. He ignored the shrill protests of his brain and sat up slowly, one arm propping him up, one hand pressed against his forehead, his eyes shut tight.

"Ooow…" he muttered. 

"I suggest you relax, Vegeta."

Vegeta eased a dark eye open, and saw Kakarot standing in the doorway carrying a tray with a huge bowl of something on it, which was smelling very, very good to Vegeta. Goku smiled as he walked over to the bed, making sure he didn't spill as he sat next to Vegeta, who budged up a little bit. Vegeta rested up against the wall, a pillow cushioning his lower back, and Goku passed him the tray. He nodded to Goku, who accepted the silent thank you.

"How are you feeling? "

"Sore."

Goku watched Vegeta eat, and smiled when he saw that Vegeta was enjoying his meal.

"What's this stuff? It's really good." asked Vegeta, blowing on a spoonful to cool it.

"It's an old recipe, but I tweaked it a little. It's oxtail, herbs and vegetables, with some painkillers thrown in."

Vegeta looked grateful for this thoughtful touch.

Goku waited for Vegeta to finish, then took the tray and put it on a side table. Vegeta looked much better.

"Thanks, Kakarot."

Goku felt so glad to hear that name again. For some reason, he'd missed it. He smiled and crossed his arms.

"Hey, it's no problem. So, tell me, were you skydiving without a parachute again?"

Vegeta smiled sheepishly, looking at his knees.

"Er, yes, sort of. Usually I put the ki brake on in time, but I wasn't really concentrating."

Goku chuckled, resisting the temptation to ruffle Vegeta's hair. He can be so cute sometimes!

"Sorry I snapped at you back there. You gave me a really big fright, and I was worried about you. You really smacked the snot out of yourself this time. That reminds me, I have to bandage up that cut on your forehead, it's a little too open for my liking. It'll get infected if it's exposed. By the way, how is the rest of you feeling?"

Vegeta checked his ribs, then his spine.

"I'm just bruised. I've been slammed into the ground so many times, I think my body has built up a resistance to it."

Goku scratched his head.

"Let me think…I'm sure Kid Buu had fun imprinting your body into the Planet of The Kai's."

"Let's not forget Frieza."

Goku grinned.

"And what about Recoome?"

Vegeta smirked.
"And that green haired punk Zarbon. But I got my own back on him."

"Who else have we left out?"

"You, Kakarot. You smacked me about quite badly, didn't you?"

Goku looked at Vegeta, but he didn't see any anger on the Prince's face. He spoke of it as though it were merely a fond memory. Goku's eyebrows went up an inch.

"You don't sound too pissed about it."

Vegeta laughed, and Goku found himself smiling. Vegeta's laugh never changes, but at least there was no ill-will behind it.

"Kakarot, that was over thirty years ago. We were both young little punks and it was ages ago. I've moved on. Yeah, it was my first defeat ever, but it was just one of many to follow. It still smarts a bit, no loss is ever easy to erase, but I ignore the constant urge to challenge you to a ki duel at ten paces."

Goku stood up.

"I'm just gonna go fetch some stuff, and patch you up a bit. Be right back."

Vegeta's eyes watched him leave, then they closed in thought.

Goku rummaged around in his bathroom for his first aid kit, trying to remember where he put it last. Meanwhile, Vegeta occupied his thoughts.

How am I going to get him to stay? I really want him to. Not just to train Uub, but to keep me company. And I'd really like to get to know him. He brought a backpack, maybe he was planning on staying for a few days! That gives me some time to convince him.

Goku opened another cupboard, and poked his head into it.

"Nope, not there either. Where did I put that kit?"

He stood up straight, and looked in the mirror.

It would be the best thing ever if he were to stay with me. Although, I can't imagine why he would. He's got a family. Well, I've got one too, but he's got a young daughter. My goddaughter. Still, there's no harm in trying, is there?

He shoved aside a pile of towels, and finally found what he was looking for.

"Gotcha!'

Goku went back into the guestroom, and sat on the bed, and balanced a little blue box on his knees. Vegeta watched him with mild interest as he took out some bandages and a plaster.

"I can do it myself."

Goku smirked.

"You haven't changed much, have you, Vegeta? It'll be easier and quicker if you just let me do it. Now sit still so I can clean the last bit of dirt out of this cut. I think you must have caught your skin on the edge of a rock or something, it's quite a gash."

Vegeta grinned on the inside. Typical, Kakarot, just typical.

Goku shifted a bit closer and emptied some disinfectant into the fluffy ball in his hand.

"This might sting a bit."

"This is nothing to me. I've had worse."

"I don't doubt that. But sometimes paper cuts hurt more than headaches."

Goku put his hand on the back of Vegeta's head to steady it, his fingers gently gliding through the strands of black silk, while his other hand reached up and started cleaning the cut. Vegeta gave the slightest wince when the disinfectant went into the cut, and their eyes met for a moment. Goku held the gaze, but Vegeta looked down at his lap. Goku took his time cleaning the cut, not quite willing to take his hands off Vegeta. He wasn't entirely sure why, but he liked taking care of Vegeta. He put it down to not having much contact with any one for too long.

"There, it's finished." Goku said, as he smoothed out the plaster on Vegeta's left cheekbone.

"Thanks, nurse Kakarot."

"It was a pleasure, patient Vegeta. Has your headache gone away yet?"

Vegeta thought for a second.

"Yep. Those painkillers did the job."

"I should think so. I used six of them."

Goku grinned.

 "If you want, I'll show you around."

Vegeta quite liked Kakarot's capsule home. He'd definitely left his mark on it. His CD collection surprised Vegeta. It seemed that they had the same taste in music. Vegeta was glad to note the lack of pop music. Everything was comfortable and practical, and a perfect reflection of the younger Saiyans warm personality. Two things struck Vegeta. Firstly, the lack of photographs of his family, and secondly, the colour scheme.

"What is with you and the colours orange and blue, Kakarot?" asked Vegeta, picking up a blue candle, and looking at Goku.

Goku laughed.

"Those are my favourite colours, that's why!" Vegeta put the candle back down on its orange stand.
"I understand that, but I think you went a little overboard. This entire room is orange!"

"And how would you have done it?" asked Goku, suddenly getting a brilliant idea.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Vegeta stopped walking and stared at Goku. Goku turned around and grinned at him, hands on hips.

"If you were living here, what would you do with the décor?"
Vegeta started panicking. Here was his chance and he couldn't screw it up. The way he saw it, Kakarot was inviting him to stay here! He was wondering if there was going to be even the smallest chance that he could stay with the other saiyan. Vegeta recovered quickly.

Better not act too eager, it might put him off.

"Well, it would depend how long I was staying for."

"What if I said permanently?"
Goku was shaking inside. He'd basically asked Vegeta to live with him, even though it was designed as a challenge, which he was hoping Vegeta would seize.

"Hypothetically?"

Goku shook his head, and took his chance.

"No. Literally."

Vegeta swallowed. They both looked at each other nervously for a second.

"But, only if you want to, I mean, I wouldn't want you to feel uncomfortable or anything, it's just that…" Goku babbled, trying to cover up his nerves.

Vegeta rolled his eyes, then walked up to Goku, and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Of course I'll stay. First of all, this neon orange has got to go, and then –"

Goku grinned, and threw his arms around Vegeta, lifting him off the ground a bit.

"Awesome! This is so great! Then I'd better set up the guest room for you, and get out the curtains coz that room gets cold at night, and I wouldn't want that! You're really gonna love it here, and just wait 'til you meet Uub, and we'll go out for dinner in the city and there's a great little restaurant here in the village too, and –"

Vegeta laughed to himself, as Goku put him down and bounced along in front of him talking excitedly.

Typical Kakarot. Glad I could make you happy.

An- good news! I'm not a high school drop out after all! I got great marks! 61% for geo, and up to 81% for English! Bio was bad, 50%, but

I could feel the best wishes coming from you, my reviewers! And since I'm on such a happy cloud, I just have to update and share my euphoria with you all! And I'm so glad you all enjoyed the freefalling thing.

Blulily 19 – Vegeta tends to switch off when he daydreams.

Queen Phoenix – Vegeta can multi-task! That's our boy!

Gutterball – I love Whose Line Is It Anyway! It's a fictional system. And just keep laughing.

Katchan – Randomness is the salvation of the masses, they just don't know it yet!

Lenora – I was also worried about his pretty face…but Goku can fix it all up.

Clarobell – everyone finds it quite funny that Geta got hurt…but whatever pleases you!

Purple-Moonlight – we all like guys with big…shoes….

Any male reviewers out there? Heh. Of course Saiyans are well hung…

Review of the Chap!

Zogeta,

The following review has been submitted to: Not just because we're saiyans Chapter: 3

From: ramen-eki-no-tame-ni-KatChan ?userid=373332)

YESH! ME OF THE LONG NAME! O i should change that...gets out Japanese to English dictionary...looks up, puts it away ...reads part where Vegeta temporarily loses his common sense(he hits the ground) again O! ahahhahahahahha! falls out of chair climbs back in embarassed...O THAT WAS SO FUNNY I FELL OUT OF MY CHAIR!...i don't think your humor is too forced or bad...I THINK IT'S FUNNY! O anyways, glad to help an author out by making her feel good about his/her self! it's the reviewers to the rescue! reviewing sotries! giving creative critisism! protecting the authors from accursed flamers! puts towel on like a cape 'flies' around the room pauses i apologize for my randomness! update soon! O 'flies' away

(Also wins the Deliciously Random Award)