Seeing Things Clearly

Discalimer: I own nothing

Chapter 2: Breaking the News

Well, I'm back with chapter 2! Thanks for the reviews, they're especially appreciated when trying something new!

Now without further ado

On With the Fic!

The Z Warriors had arrived quickly within 10 minutes of each other and soon the reunion was in full swing. After much fuss and tears, Bra was dressed and ready, sitting in her baby pen with 2 year old Pan. She wasn't too happy about it though, being a full year older than Pan, she deserved to stay out with the adults, but after a few words from her daddy and promises of ice-cream later from her big brother, she settled down.

Trunks and Goten were sparring in the spacious area and some of the Z Warriors gathered round to watch the 13 & 12 year old duke it out, but for the most part, the atmosphere was calm.

Goku had been watching Vegeta for a while now, who had been sat under his 'usual tree' since before he had even arrived. Goku had ignored it at first, it wasn't unusual for the Prince to keep his distance. Even after spending so much time on Earth, he still wasn't completely comfortable around the Z Warriors, but this time it was different,

It previous reunions Goku had always tried to coax Vegeta into joining the group, but Vegeta's response had been identical every time – automatic really. Goku suspected it was the princely mannerisms drummed into him as a child, for on normal circumstances, Vegeta would never politely decline Goku's offer, yet whenever Goku offered, he returned with the same response.

"No thank you Kakarot, I would rather observe the activities from the sidelines"

Goku smiled at the memory. He had been shocked into silence the frst time the Prince had said that to him in a monotonous voice, but as he continued to watch him he couldn't help but think something was wrong.

Even though Vegeta never tried to join in the games or conversations he would always watch and sometimes even smile at the things going on around him. Sometimes he would catch some ones eyes and they would stare for what seemed like forever, particularly with Goku speak a thousand words with one glance, but today Vegeta was sat under his usual tree with his eyes closed. Not once since Goku had arrived and he was one of the first to, had he seen the Prince even attempt to lift and eyelid. His brow furrowed in thought at what could be wrong until a gentle tap on the shoulder shook him out of his reverie.

"Huh?" Goku asked dumbly, turning around "Oh, hi Bulma!"

"Hi Goku" Bulma greeted "Anything wrong?"

"Actually, that's what I wanted to ask you" Goku stated "Is anything wrong with Vegeta? He seems different today"

"Not different Goku" Bulma replied quietly

Goku cocked his head to the side trying to decipher the look in Bulma's eyes and the cryptic clue she had given him. His voice was hushed as he spoke his next words.

"So something is wrong?"

"I think that you should ask Vegeta" Bulma said quietly with a sad smile "I think he wanted you to find out first anyway"

"Find out what?" Goku asked

"Ask Vegeta"

Bulma turned around and made her way back to the group as Goku's eyes fell back to the lone figure resting under the tree not too far away. He took a deep breath to quell the feeling of dread rising within him and took one step and then another towards the tree.

After what seemed like eternity, Goku finally reached the floor of the tree where his Prince was sat.

"You might want to take a seat Kakarot" Vegeta spoke

Goku nodded even though he knew Vegeta couldn't see it with his eyes closed and sat nearby, but not to close so that he would be disturbing Vegeta's personal space.

"Is there anything wrong Vegeta?"

"I guess you could say that"

"Well are you going to tell me what it is?"

"Only if you promise me something first"

"Okay then"

"Don't agree to promise something if you don't know what it is first idiot!"

"Hehe … sorry … what is it?"

"I want you to promise that if I am ever unable to protect my family, you will do so for me"

"Sure Vegeta, you know-"

"I want you to swear Kakarot … I want you to really mean it"

Goku's mannerisms suddenly turned very serious and though the Prince's eyes were closed he still stared straight at them.

"I promise you Vegeta"

The Prince sighed and allowed a small smile to touch his lips.

"I knew you would"

"Don't you want to look back into my eyes to make sure I mean it Vegeta?"

"I wish I could"

"Vegeta? What's wrong?"

"I really wish I could Kakarot" Vegeta whispered opening his eyes

Goku gasped backing up and falling backwards, which attracted the attention of a few of the Z Warriors.

"V-Vegeta?"

"I know Kakarot"

"But how?"

"I'll explain it soon, just calm down Kakarot, there is nothing you can do, we have already summoned Shenron and as with the life giving wish, the dragon cannot grant me my sight due to the loss of it by natural causes"

"W-What?"

"I am never going to see again Kakarot"

Piccolo stood up from where he had been sat on the ground and turned to the duo who were now being watched by the majority of the Z warriors.

"What!" he shouted "You can't be serious!"

Vegeta turned in the direction that he had heard the proclamation and Piccolo silenced. Goku shook his head in disbelief, still unable to accept the fact that this had happened.

"What's going on?" Tien asked heatedly, suspecting that an enemy was the cause of the tension.

"Relax Tien" Bulma said quietly "There's nothing wrong Vegeta just has something he has to tell you – if you all come in from the garden area into the living room, I'm sure it will be easier"

The Z warriors complied, slowly shuffling inside, every now and then shifting their eyes between Vegeta, Bulma and each other. Whatever they were about to be told, it had to be bad. The tension in the air was so thick you couldn't cut it with a chainsaw.

After all of the Z Warriors were gone, Goku stood up and extended his hand to Vegeta, who was still sitting down, but Vegeta hit the offered hand away, preferring to stand on his own.

"Just because I can't see you Kakarot, doesn't mean anything's different"

"But Vegeta-"

"Do I make myself clear?"

"You can't expect everything to be the same Vegeta!"

"Shut up Kakarot!"

"You have to accept it!"

"Goku!"

Goku spun around only to find Chichi standing before him.

"What's wrong Chichi?" Goku asked "What did I do?"

"You shouldn't be shouting at Vegeta!"

"But you hate Vegeta!"

"Well now it's different – as decent human beings, we are obliged to treat people that are crippled such as Vegeta with respect"

Vegeta growled dangerously trying to control his temper.

"Whether I am crippled as you call it, or not, I should be treated with respect" Vegeta ground out "And for your information, Kakarot is not a human being so can shout at me whenever he wishes"

"But Vegeta-"

"However, if he should feel like doing so, he should be first warned that an action towards myself such as shouting will be taken as highly offensive and I will pummel you into the ground – understood?"

Goku listened to Vegeta's words, processing what he said, why he said it and how he said it before breaking into a smile and slipping a hand behind his head, forming the trademark Son grin.

"Got it Vegeta!" he grinned "Feel up for a spar later?"

"Hmm?" Vegeta replied "Sure, why not … never did use my eyes much in our fights other than to taunt you anyway"

"I think we should go in now" Goku smiled, giving Vegeta a gentle nudge towards the door, subtly giving him a hint in which direction to go. Vegeta spiked his ki slightly in a silent thank you and headed inside. Goku followed, leaving Chichi behind to gape into space.