a/n: HEY! A chapter out in time for my birthday (25th), and for the sake of the last chapter that I didn't really much care for, this one I like much better. A little saiyajin snuggling, and some nice hidden innuendo for later...lol Not to mention just a little Goku innocence.

Please enjoy! ---------

They had been running straight out for nearly twelve hours. Taking a very short break in the noon heat and continuing on well into dusk until they made camp for the night. Gimli, for all his strength and determination was not a natural at covering large areas of ground, but even though he struggled to maintain their speed would not let his stature get his spirits down. Goku had offered the dwarf a lift and Gimli had stolidly refused, claiming that no man need carry a dwarf.

Vegeta and Goku had kept pace well with each other, Goku talking into the wind that whistled by their ears, Vegeta grunting and nodding now and then; and when he thought Goku wasn't looking he would smile offhandedly at the tall saiyajin and lightly shake his head.

Goku had noticed however, but wouldn't make a deal to catch the prince in his gazes, instead he would smile to himself happily, glad to see Vegeta relaxed. He never liked it when Vegeta was always irate, but it seemed to him that the Ouji was slowly breaking away from the self-absorbed person he was...Goku couldn't be more happy.

As much as Goku wanted to ignore the others around them and run until they fell exhausted and light headed, he was growing more and more worried for Piccolo. The longer time slipped away without them gaining much ground on the Orcs that had taken the Hobbits, the more angry and withdrawn Piccolo seemed to get. Goku watched him now, running and keeping pace with the pack, but Goku could feel his ki ripple now and then like he was ready to burst apart and leave them all behind. In all honesty, Goku didn't think that it would be a really bad idea to do just that, but a voice in his mind cautioned him to remember that the land was new to them, and they had only seen some of the small wonders it held.

Goku was about to pick up pace to catch his friend and see if he couldn't wring out some of the worry that was creasing the Namek's forehead, but before he set his next foot down he saw the lithe elf move like fluid, angled to intercept Piccolo. Goku grinned to himself and remained where he was, Legolas may actually be a better person for Piccolo to talk to...Goku knew that he could sometimes be too chipper when he tried to cheer the Namek up in the past and only served to make his friend even angrier. Hopefully the Elf would have better luck, they did seem to entertain each other's presence often enough since the trip had begun.

Goku continued to run, looking over his shoulder to see Gimli hoofing through the brush and panting so hard Goku was worried he would pass out, and looked again to Piccolo and Legolas. The elf was acknowledged with a small snarl and curl of lip, and even though Goku couldn't quite hear what was being said, Legolas suddenly looked livid and began talking animatedly moving his hands in the air before clenching them into fists and bringing them back to his sides before moving off toward Aragorn. Goku watched with wide eyes, Piccolo scowled as the elf ran off and frowned before facing forward and Goku resisted the urge to scratch the back of his neck in wonderment.

When they had finally settled, Gimli plopped onto his bed and after inhaling half a piece of Lambas bread, soon began snoring soundly into his pillow. Goku sat next to Vegeta, eating his own food. The larger saiyajin had decided against hunting tonight, and even though their appetites were huge, found with some amazement that after three pieces of Lambas they were satiated if not full. Vegeta hadn't said much, which surprised Goku when they had finally settled, he was waiting for the Ouji to begin complaining about how they could have gotten the small ones back and returned to Rivendell by now to bother Bulma.

"You okay, Geta?" Goku looked worriedly down at the prince until Vegeta shot him a confused and irrirtated look.

"I'm fine, baka." Vegeta frowned as he rolled out his bed and flopped down upon it, crossing his arms under his head. Goku lay beside him, mimicking his position.

"I'm worried about Piccolo." Goku spoke quietly, though he doubted very much if Piccolo would hear him, the Namek had been even more of a recluse this night and was sitting atop a far hill facing them but still a dozen yards away and seemed far to absorbed into his head to notice.

Goku heard Vegeta snort and knew without looking that a small scowl graced his royal features. "The Namek will survive." Vegeta looked over as he heard Goku sigh. "He is only angry over reasons he cannot control."

Goku nodded and sat up. He unfurled his own bedroll and sat down upon it, he smiled down at Vegeta as the Ouji examined the back of his eyelids trying to sleep. Gingerly, Goku pushed a spike into place and out of Vegeta's face before turning and lying down to sleep. Vegeta's eyes snapped open and he looked at Goku's back for a moment before smirking and nuzzling into his bed, the smallest of warm sparks tickling his heart.

Piccolo sat stone still on the hillside, gazing down at the sleeping figures before his eyes hardened into flint and his uncurious gaze turned to a steady glare. He hated the rage that burned in him. It was almost as though he could feel the anger and hate he had long ago given up with the help of a small boy rekindle and flame. He could feel his mind in turmoil, reacting violently to the churning of emotion in his stomach. Nail and Kami fought to regain control, now and then winning the upper hand for a moment in time as Piccolo would relax, only to lose it to Diahmao a moment later.

It had been such a long time that the pull of hate held an exhilaration to it that made Piccolo grin in sadistic glee only to turn inward moments later, scared nearly to death that he was slowly letting it get the better of him. He didn't want to turn into what he once was. King Piccolo had been a totally separate being, he wanted no part in what the demon had attempted during his life, had prayed his son would be...

Settling again, Piccolo blinked slowly and looked down on the people around the small fire. He hadn't spoken to any of them since they had left to track the Orcs, but no, that wasn't true was it. He had spoken to the elf. Piccolo grimaced as he remembered the anger that had fogged Legolas' sharp eyes. What he had said to him, he couldn't quite recall, and what pieces he remembered were all in elvish. Now he saw the fair head disappear into a tree, it seemed the elf had first watch. Piccolo could feel the glower that stretched across the plane from behind those leaves. _'Fuck off, elf. I am in no mood for you incompetence'._ :Ahh, yes. That was it.:

Oh, how those words must have stung. Piccolo sighed deeply, feeling a small bubble of rage build in his stomach, but he pushed it down and away. He hadn't meant to be so ignorant, but he had been torn between those halves (if they would be halves) that he didn't have time to register that Legolas had come to settle him. Instead, Diamhoa had snapped into place and spat out the hateful words and watched in disgust as the elf hissed back his own reply. Legolas had already run off when Piccolo finally repressed the demon inside him and frowned deeply, too late to explain his actions. He may be able to apologize to Legolas for his rude behavior, and the elf may forgive him but it would always haunt the back of his mind and he could never have the calm, serene relationship with him again.

Piccolo hadn't started this course to make friends, but he wasn't sure if he could finish this quest with the only being that didn't seem to be fixated on his appearance alone in bad humor with him for however long this trial would last. "Legolas..."

Nearly ten minutes had passed and Piccolo wasn't sure if the elf had heard him, but he was too stubborn to call out again. Another five passed before he heard Legolas leap down from the tree and pad softly up the hill. The closer the elf got, the more apprehension replaced the anger that had once pooled in Piccolo's gut. Now what was he going to do? Apologize? He didn't remember apologizing to anyone for anything in his life.

Legolas sat down quietly several feet away, folding his legs under him but poised and tense in case he decided he was going to leave. It remained quiet for some time, Legolas waiting patiently for Piccolo to tell him what he wanted; Piccolo staring forward, still pensive.

"I am on watch. If you do not speak soon I will have to leave." Legolas' voice was chilly, and Piccolo frowned.

When another minute passed without a sound Legolas stood up to leave but was caught by the wrist and pulled back to the ground. "Wait." Startled and a little fearful, Legolas crouched on the balls of his feet so that Piccolo would release him. Half a minute later, the Namek let his arm free and sighed so softly Legolas wasn't sure he had heard it. "I didn't mean what I said earlier."

Legolas' placid face, hardened. "Of course."

"I'm serious. I never meant to offend you." Piccolo finally looked sideways, Legolas could see an internal conflict warring behind the pools of ink. "I feel helpless; I hate it."

Nodding once, flaxen hair fell into Legolas' face. "I understand." The voice that came out was still crisp. Silence stretched again and a mixture of apprehension and agitation pitted in Legolas' stomach. "Is that all?"

Piccolo had said nothing, turning his head back to face the group below them. Legolas resisted the urge to roll his eyes and scream at the Namek and walked stiffly down the hill. "I'm going after them."

Legolas paused. "That is what we are doing."

"No," Piccolo's voice was eerily calm and nearly monotone. "I'm leaving now. I can catch them if I don't have to pace myself with the group."

When Legolas turned, the Namek was already standing, the full moon behind him highlighting his outline so that he seemed to glow. When Legolas spoke it was a harsh whisper. "You will be far outnumbered."

Piccolo snorted and Legolas struggled to see the look in his face in the darkness. When his focus returned, all thought of the earlier anger disappeared. Piccolo was serious, and the look that was etched across his face told Legolas that he didn't care how many orcs and other demons may be lurking in wait, he was leaving.

"Please, listen to me. I know you mean well but you will only get yourself killed if you leave now. Wait and leave with us at dawns light." Legolas' voice strained to keep from increasing in volume. Piccolo narrowed his eyes, lightly picking up on the nervous tension in Legolas' tone.

"I have to." Piccolo turned and looked across the wilderness that was waiting for him. A cool hand settled onto his shoulder.

The voice that came to him was a soft whisper, "You cannot." Piccolo turned, surprised at the change in attitude. The elf stood there, chilly palm still resting on his shoulder. Legolas' face looked nearly transparent in the moonlight and his vibrant eyes were clouded with thought.

The same images kept running through Legolas' mind in a loop. A growling Namek stood fighting furiously, a throng of orcs closing in around him, the glint of a blade before it sank deep into emerald flesh, an arching spurt of violet... "...so much blood..." Piccolo's eyes widened. He didn't think Legolas knew he had spoken aloud.

"What blood? Are you hurt?" Piccolo's attention tightened and he breathed in deeply but could smell nothing metallic. He grabbed a hold of the elf and turned his head in his hands, looking across his face and neck and still seeing nothing, moving on to twist the poor elf like a doll and looking at his limbs, back and chest for any wounds.

Legolas blinked from his reverie. Piccolo looked a little panicked and had him by the shoulders, shaking him lightly chanting over and over 'Legolas, what blood?' Finally, the elf realized he must have said something a loud and pushed the Namek's hands from his shoulders.

"Nothing." Legolas' eyes darted across the landscape and would only fleetingly rest on the Namek. Piccolo didn't look convinced. "Really, 'tis nothing." Legolas tried to smile in reassurance. Piccolo narrowed his eyes and turned to face the wilds again. Panic gripped Legolas chest. "You are leaving?"

It took a moment for Piccolo to fully register the undertone of the question as alarm. He sighed deeply, "No." He saw Legolas relax from the corner of his eye. "I'll join the others in a moment."

Legolas nodded and trotted down the hill, looking over his shoulder only once to see Piccolo with his thick arms crossed over his chest, watching him as he moved. Legolas faced forward again and shivered as he felt the gaze linger. He chose to ignore it and scanned the sleeping faces around the fire before leaping up into his tree again.

'_Fuck off, elf. I am in no mood for your incompetence._' The memory was so loud Legolas widened his eyes and peered at Piccolo for a moment, thinking he had yelled it across the way. But Piccolo was still standing on the hillside, Legolas could see him frowning softly down at his feet and felt a swelling in his chest.

Grunting and feeling the old anger spark in his heart, Legolas quickly squelched it as he envisioned the Namek being hacked to ribbons by a troop of orc. The echoes of the harsh words still stung and Legolas remembered vaguely of ranting like a scorned lover before running off. He laughed to himself at the comparison and gazed through the tree limbs at the dark figure on the hill, finding that the thought didn't bother him as much as he assumed it should. Legolas tugged unconsciously at a braid and unwound it, :What is it with this creature that has me vexed so?: Legolas watched as Piccolo trundled soundlessly to the bottom of the hill and sat lotus style, rubbing the base of one antenna with the tips of his fingers.

Shifting in the tree, Legolas straddled the limb and faced into the east. He couldn't continue to look at the Namek or he would be too distracted to do his job, it would be rather embarrassing to explain to the Lady Galadriel and Lord Elrond how he had been too busy thinking to hear the wargs that killed the rest of the Fellowship. For now he would do his duty, and when Aragorn took the next watch he could attempt to rid himself of the dreams, else what good would having such a strong warrior as the Namek, if Legolas continued to coddle him for fear he would be hurt? :Warriors get hurt, and some killed...would you force his hand to stop him from what was his purpose in life?: Legolas shook his head, frowning at the pale hair that fell into his face and re-braided the lock and secured it behind his ear. He dared a glance again and noticed Piccolo had set his chin to his chest. He smiled lightly, clear eyes softening. :I do not think I would have the strength of heart to stop him if I wanted.:

Aragorn stretched and stood from the hilltop. He had the dawn watch and now as the sun began to tint the sky it was time to make ready, if they were lucky the Orcs had also rested in the night and hadn't pulled farther ahead. Scratching at his stubbly chin, he grinned as Gimli snorted violently in his sleep and woke up coughing.

"Rise Master Dwarf, it is nigh time to be moving." Aragorn called. Gimli groaned as he stood from his bed, digging at his own beard and hastily stuffing his pipe with tobacco.

"Aye, I'm awake. Though I cannot say the same for the saylens." Gimli pulled greedily on the pipe and sighed happily as smoke curled around his head.

Aragorn grinned as he bit into a piece of Lambas bread. "You mean saiyajins." Gimli shrugged, content with his smoke. Shaking his head, Aragorn strode around the fire and paused mid-step as he saw the two dark haired warriors curled into each other. Vegeta had one fist curled into the front of Goku's tunic, Goku's own hand settled on the prince's hip. This had not been the first time Aragorn had seen the two in such embraces during the night, whether the two had planned to do so or not they always awoke much closer than when they had gone to sleep.

"Master Saiyjins, it is time to rise." Aragorn cleared his throat as the two began to stir and glanced away as Vegeta came too quicker than his counterpart and blushed lightly at their proximity. Aragorn choked on a laugh and walked away, watching from the corner of his eye as Vegeta attempted to pull away before the other awoke, only to have the larger man's hand tighten and pull him forward with a sleepy grumble.

Piccolo was rising from his seated position as Aragorn turned to rouse him. Piccolo nodded in greeting, Aragorn noticed that the previous agitation seemed to have been eased during the night and thanked the Valar that it had. Not only had the Namek's mood seemed to draw down the other's, but Aragorn was actually afraid of the beast when he had fallen into his solemn mood—not that he would have admitted it.

Aragorn studied Piccolo's face further as the Namek plucked a full bladder from the ground and rinsed his mouth before spitting it to the earth. Though Aragorn would never admit readily that there was something interesting happening between the members of their group, it was growing harder to deny. He had not been sleeping when the Prince of Mirkwood and Namek were speaking softly to each other. Nor could he deny the lingering touches. He would do nothing to squelch whatever it was that was brewing unless it would only lead to their ruin. Just yesterday afternoon he had thought of doing just that.

flash~~~

Legolas had been in a well enough mood considering they were chasing down a pack of orc to rescue their friends, but Aragorn noticed that the elf continually looked to their resident giant time and time again. Before Aragorn could finally tell Legolas to just go speak to the Namek, the elf turned to him and stated his intentions of doing just that. Aragorn had nodded, taking deep breaths of air as his thigh muscles groaned in fatigue. He had thought nothing of it until Legolas came running back to him only moments later. Aragorn motioned to Piccolo, curious as to what was happening and nearly stumbled in shock as the elf's striking face snarled and he ran off ahead several paces.

It took much of his will power not to stop their running and demand to know exactly what was going on of all the members. He had watched them sharply for what had remained of the day and when night had fallen he was too tense to sleep even though his exhausted body demanded he do just that. Legolas immediately offered to take first watch, leaping into a nearby tree and Aragorn studied him as the elf glared out of the foliage. When Aragorn turned his head to see what was the cause of Legolas' rage he wasn't surprised to see Piccolo in his line of sight.

Gimli had patted his leg. "Let it be, heir of Isildur. It will work out in time, you'll see." Before he could pose a question, the dwarf tamped out his pipe and rolled over, snoring mightily into his bed.

End flash~~~

Aragorn blinked several times, coming out of his reverie and noticed he was still staring at the tall Namek. Piccolo scowled at him for a moment before looking around at the waking others.

"nn...five more minutes..." Goku whined. Piccolo snorted as he saw Vegeta's stricken expression, still clutched tightly to Goku's chest.

"Shall I help him?" Aragorn asked, chuckling lightly. Piccolo grinned down at him and shrugged.

"Leave him. It'll give us something to irk him with later." Aragorn smiled and nodded, knowing of the Namek's love for torturing his companion, and began to gather his things.

Aragorn paused and searched around himself. "Where is Legolas?" Piccolo's ears perked and he looked around him, adrenaline beginning to race until he felt the elf's ki in a nearby tree. Piccolo pointed up at it and Aragorn nodded. "Would you mind waking him? I would like to leave soon."

Piccolo blinked and sighed as he turned, hoping that Legolas would be in a forgiving mood this morning.

Gimli snorted beside Aragorn and the ranger glanced over at him. "That was an evil thing to do." Gimli grinned, pipe clenched in his teeth.

Aragorn smiled, "Whatever do you mean, Gimli?" His eyes glinted.

"You know full well, laddie. You may have just sent that poor creature to his death." Gimli took one last drag on his pipe and breathed slowly out through his nose.

Laughing, Aragorn winked at his friend. "I doubt that will be the outcome."

Piccolo frowned as he looked up into the tangle of tree limbs. Of course Legolas couldn't be sleeping on the lower branches, he could just see a dangling foot through the leaves and with a grunt hauled his bulk up into the tree. The great oak shuddered lightly as it took on his weight before settling with a little groan.

Climbing carefully, stepping on each limb gingerly and trying to think 'light' thoughts, Piccolo finally hauled himself up beside the elf and waited patiently for Legolas to acknowledge him. Legolas sat there, still as stone, eyes open and peering out into the distance, his long fingers twined together and resting in his lap. Piccolo admired his profile for a moments time—then waited longer still— feeling ignored, he felt a tendril of anger at how childish the elf was being.

Remembering that Aragorn meant to leave very soon, Piccolo cleared his voice of all emotion as he spoke. "Legolas..."

The elf jerked lightly and turned his head, blinking several times. Legolas smiled lightly and flexed his fingers. "Time to leave?"

Piccolo nodded and leapt down from the tree, landing lightly on his feet and waited at the base for the elf to come down from the heights. After some rustling, Legolas landed soundlessly next to Piccolo and looked oddly up at him as the Namek glowered at his feet.

"What is it?" Legolas ran his fingers through his hair, leaves and twigs flittering from its length to the ground.

Piccolo crossed his arms over his chest and Legolas inwardly groaned, knowing from only the few days' travel that the Namek was being defensive of something. Piccolo's voice was low so that the others would not hear. "Are you still angry with me?"

Legolas paused with his hair and frowned before pushing the locks over his shoulders and tugging his tunic on straight. "It is not anger. You have been pardoned your misgivings."

Piccolo looked away and watched as Vegeta had finally successfully pulled himself from Goku's reach and thumped the younger saiyajin in the chest to get him roused. Goku groaned as he sat up, grinning happily at Vegeta as though he didn't see the embarrassed growl and flush of color on the Ouji's face. "Then why were you ignoring me?"

Legolas started and gave him a funny look. "I have not ignored you."

Piccolo turned and looked down his nose to the elf prince. He noticed the genuine confusion on his features and furrowed his brows. "And just now?"

A great, exasperated sigh spilled from Legolas' lips, "Do you usually expect to hold intelligent conversation from others when they are sleeping?

"You were sleeping?" Piccolo's eyes clouded in thought and Legolas laughed heartily.

"What else would one do when they are exhausted?"

"But your eyes..."

Grinning, Legolas playfully punched Piccolo in the shoulder and winced—it was like beating at stone. "Elves sleep with their eyes open, Master Namek." Pulling his pack from the ground and shouldering it, Legolas looked up at his friend. Piccolo was thinking but eventually he nodded and they moved from the tree to where Aragorn and Gimli stood watching them with interest.

Piccolo growled, "What?"

Gimli frowned and passed his tobacco pouch to Aragorn who stood grinning like the Cheshire cat as he dumped the contents into his own small bag. He tossed the empty bag back to the dwarf who stuffed it into his tunic, mumbling something about his favorite blend of tobacco and silly elves.

Ignoring them, Piccolo looked beyond the dwarf to Goku who was grinning happily while packing his things, now and then briefly touching Vegeta for no known reason, the Ouji looked like he was going to stay a light shade of pink. He smirked, it looked like things were finally starting to happen between them and all he could think was it was about damned time.

Meanwhile, Goku watched as his Namekian friend grinned at Legolas as the elf passed him a bladder of water and had giddy thoughts. Piccolo felt the eyes on him and turned.

"You guys would make some interesting looking kids." Goku laughed. The others all came to with a start. Piccolo's jaw dropped open and clacked shut, he turned away, crossing his arms over his chest as a light purple blush colored his cheeks. The others coughed, turning away as well.

Goku scratched the back of his head. "What did I say?"