Thanks to Jami-chan for bringing this to my attention!! For some reason, the chapter didn't load. *tries again* *tries AGAIN because first time didn't work*

Author's Note: Yeah, I know. Really, really, REALLY goddamn late.

Hey. It's here.

I made this chapter longer, and already wrote the next chapter, so next Wednesday, it will be here. I know I've said that before, but hey.

Here it is. Enjoy.

Chapter 32

No Less

Vegeta scribbled something down on a piece of paper, looked it over, then deemed it satisfactory and placed it in a pile. Sighing, he continued his work. So boring.

A figure slammed open his door and his head snapped up, eyes angry at such an intrusion. His eyes immediately then softened, seeing the azure hair of his mate. His head then tilted to the side very slightly as he peered at her, tail curling with inquisitiveness. "What's wrong?" His mate's face was red and blotchy, as if she had been crying, and her eyes were watery. When was the last time he had seen her cry?

"Vegeta…" was the only mournful sound she could make. He hesitantly stood, taking a step forward.

"What is it, woman? Out with it now."

Bulma flung herself to him, sobbing. "Vegeta… oh.. Vegeta," she sniffled through tears.

Vegeta, shocked, looked at her, blinking. What had happened? Whatever it was, he knew that it had hurt her in a way he had never ever seen before. He put a hand around her and pulled her closer, letting her cry upon his shoulder without complaint.

Whoever did this to her…

"Vegeta, what's wrong with him?" Bulma asked after she had calmed her tears, though continued to stay close to him. She needed his comfort right now, even if he didn't want to give it.

"Him? Who?" Vegeta's voice rumbled through his chest, almost like a purr, calming his mate, her shuddering body stilling.

'Trunks. He-… I-…"

"What did the boy do now?" Vegeta growled, though continued to keep his voice low-and surprising continuing to keep his arm around his mate, almost protectively.

"He hates me, Vegeta… he hates me!" she buried her face into his shoulder, muffling her sobs.

Vegeta was about to ask why, but his own thoughts answered his question. Of course the boy would blame his mother for the way he looked. Vegeta, however, wasn't going to let him. "No, he doesn't," Vegeta soothed. "He's just hurting."

"But the doctors said-"

"Not there, Bulma. Here." Vegeta tapped his chest, dark eyes clouded in thought. He lightly pulled Bulma away from him and pushed her into a seat with a gentle touch and left her in his office, striding down the hallways.

Where was that boy of his?

*******

Trunks sat on this throne, a cruel smirk tossed across his face. His fingers drummed on the armrest idly, waiting for something-anything-to happen.

'S-sir?" a voice questioned tentatively.

"What?" Trunks looked down, his ice eyes meeting the ebony gaze of a soldier.

"There's a crowd forming outside, my prince," he answered, tail quivering slightly.

Trunks's fingers stopped their fidgeting. "…Why?"

"They want to see Son Pan, Prince."

"Son Pan?" he repeated. He knew word got around fast, but this was absurd.

"…Yes sir."

Trunks stood, cap wavering out behind him. "Thank you. That will be all." The soldier bowed and scurried off, Trunks's eyes watching him before striding to the double doors.

Walking through the halls, he kept his mind blank-which wasn't too hard. Coming up on the doors, he stared at them for a moment. He realized that he hadn't actually been out of the palace much of his life. He hadn't been places, seen things; the only things he could strongly remember were marble pillars and artificial lighting. Blinking, somewhat surprised, he pushed open the door.

Trunks was stunned to see the amount of people there. Cheering the one they had hated no more then-what was it-two days ago? He blinked, then shook his head to clear his thoughts.

Trunks crossed his hands in front of his chest, demanding silence with the steel of his gaze. The crowd instantly fell silent. "Return to your homes." The saiyans instantly protested. "Go. Now. Son Pan has not yet awakened." Trunks did not notice that guards had moved into a protective line behind him.

One of the saiyans grew bolder. "Because of your torture!" The others agreed with a roar.

Trunks's eyes turned into frosted ice as he sent a deadly, malice filled glare at them. He was in no mood to be kind-or lenient. That look stopped the saiyans in their tracks, their hearts having skipped a beat. Or two. "Just a day or two ago, it was you who wanted her blood to be split.

"I never did.

"Take a second to think about who you accuse-it very well could be yourself." Trunks, with icy, angered eyes, turned and strode away, tail jerking wildly in wrath. Gee, the gods must love him today. Gritting his teeth angrily, he made his way towards the training center. He couldn't take this frustration anymore-it was building up inside him and had nowhere to go.

*******

Vegeta went to the only place he knew where to go-the training room. That's where he went when he was in a bad mood, and from what Bulma had described, Trunks was certainly in a pissed mood. The automatic doors opened for him, giving him entrance to the plane, barren room. He walked across the crimson floors, stopping and turning at the wall farthest from the doors. The saiyans, seeing their king, immediately exited, not wanting to get in his way. Vegeta didn't seem to take notice as he leaned against the wall, muscular forearms crossed in front of his chest, waiting. Trunks would come.

If he was his son, he would come.

*******

Trunks walked into the room, not reacting when he saw his father watching him with raven orbs. "Father." He walked to a bench, shedding his cape and white armor, leaving him in navy blue.

Vegeta watched his son's movements, watching his tail jerk about rapidly. Yep. Defiantly pissed. Trunks slid into a fighting stance smoothly-his own, Vegeta was proud to note-and swiftly began his training, celerity astounding. Vegeta blinked, his way of being shocked. He had never seen that boy of his so… fierce when he trained. "Explain, boy."

"There's nothing to explain."

"Vegeta snorted. "And I'm a blind man."

'Guess so."

Vegeta's eyes suddenly narrowed. "Tell me, boy."

"It's none of your concern."

"When you send my mate crying home to me, it becomes my concern," Vegeta hissed.

Vegeta was appalled at the smirk that spread across the boy's face, and was tempted to punch it off. There was very little that restrained him from doing so.

"Shame."

Vegeta strode forward with an angry snarl. "What the hell is wrong with you? You're letting what Doshen said get to you, aren't you," he accused.

Trunks's lie was horrible. "No."

Vegeta snorted. "You're pathetic."

Trunks faltered in his training, and with a trying last punch, he gave it up. He straightened, glancing down to the floor to avoid his father's gaze, his cruel resolve crumbled.

"Look at me." Trunks did so reluctantly. "Are you my son?"

Trunks blinked at the question, but knew better not to question. "Yes…"

"Is your mother saiyan?"

"Her eyes and–"

"Is-she-saiyan?"

Trunks took a moment before answering. "Yes."

"Are you saiyan?"

"…Yes, but–"

"No buts. We are who we are. We can be no more–" upon hearing this, Trunks's eyes darkened, "–but no less." Vegeta turned and walked off, leaving his son there to think.

Author's Note: Sorry. I know it's late, but the only thing I can say is I've been busy. Lame excuse? Maybe. But I've been working my ass off at indoor track, and it's not for nothing. I'm one of the few freshmen going to the State Relays. ^^ State Relays are this weekend, then Championships, and then one more meet then I'm done indoor. Besides, I've taken up to writing my chapters in class. Teachers are sometimes so stupid. I only had one teacher who knew I wasn't paying attention when I was writing something. Hmph. Idiots.

Well, until next Wednesday!

~Ravi-chan

Oh-and some few things that need to be taken care of:

'Aja': Thank you for the wonderful review!! Just thought I might say something. Thanks!

'eleuthera': Hey, want in on a little secret? I'm a victim of Toonami too! Heh. ^^ And if you'd like to proof read my stuff, I'd appreciate it! ^__^

't/ptears: Thanks for being lenient with me! Heh… heh… *scratches back of head*

Ssjtomara: Yes, there will be a super saiyan! You just dun know who yet… *sly grin*

Oh, I hope I got everyone who wanted to be e-mailed when I updated!

And to everyone else who reviewed:

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

"Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken."

~Unknown