Keep Me

Standard Disclaimers...

Two weeks flew by without him thinking about it. Today he'd looked up to the calendar on the fridge and blinked when he saw just what day it was. Never in his life had he not known what day it was, or had been so relaxed that it surprised him to see that so many days had passed. Vegeta put it all to finding a comfortable groove they'd settled in without trouble. He'd grabbed his juice, slammed the door shut, and walked over to the breakfast table where Goku had been idly sitting with his hands on his stomach.

There hadn't been arguments. There were no knock down drag out fights that had Vegeta storming off and Goku screaming after him about how useless he was. The first night it had happened, he'd slept like a log and woke to find that his head didn't hurt. He was silently amazed and further pleased when Goku didn't pester him to get up and start the day. They hadn't gotten up until somewhere around ten, and that was only because Goku's stomach had demanded it.

It was nice not arguing, and nicer still to know that he didn't have to be on eggshells. Goku didn't try to placate him or do what he thought would please him. He simply remained as he was, and sometimes that meant giving as good as he got. Vegeta's tongue wasn't without bite. Goku's was more subtle, but it could stab someone if one wasn't careful. Those conversations were entertaining and usually ended when Vegeta shut him up with a sound kiss.

Life was good. He was going to enjoy it before things turned themselves upside down in another month.

Today had been no different with the exception of the weather. The dark clouds were signs of the inevitable storm brewing. The wash had been brought in already and the shutters had been shut. It wasn't going to be a bad storm, but it was better to be safer than sorry. The last thing he wanted to do was spend the next few weeks repairing this place when his time was better spent with their new addition.

He snapped his laptop shut. Everything was in place. All he could do now was to wait and avoid Goku's sudden need to clean like never before. He didn't stop him, knowing that it was all a process. Even as he popped into the living room, he could smell the telltale signs of lemon scented freshener and the marks of the vacuum running over the carpet.

Thankfully Goku was finishing up rather than starting something else. The only thing that hadn't been cleaned was the attic and Vegeta wasn't about to let him do something that absurd right now. He plopped himself down on the couch, staring at the unopened box he'd grabbed from the city two days ago on his way to run errands and hit the store. He hadn't given it much thought to open it until now. No time like the present.

"Oh, you're finally opening it?" Goku walked into the living room and sat down aside him, sighing in relief when the pressure of his back alleviated itself. "It's about time!"

"Curiosity killing you?"

"Yes. What is it?"

Vegeta wasted no time in tearing it open, satisfied that it was what he expected and pleasing Goku in the process. He pulled the items out one by one, once again amazed at the internet and what it could procure.

"…this is…"

"For the brat…now and when they get older."

Goku couldn't quite say anything. He did smile though, which was better than anything he might have said. "This is more than enough for the first two months," he mentioned. "With these…and what's already upstairs, I'll never have to buy clothing for a while! Oh, this didn't cost you a lot, did it?"

"I'll spend my money however I feel…and with the next tournament coming, I can set up one of those college-fund things for the brat. I never knew schooling cost so damn much."

"You're competing?"

"Problem?"

"No! I just…am a little envious is all. How much?"

"Three million zeny. Second is one million. With that kind of money, we can make this a summer home and buy a home somewhere remote," he mused softly. "I want you and the brat safe…and I know we have your funds, but that's emergency money."

"You know one of the others will show."

"I know." It was the one thing he was counting on to be normal. It was also the excuse he would need to drive his fist into any offending person's face with the tournament as a pretense to the madness that would follow once he'd driven his point home. "I truly don't care if they show up or not. One of those prizes will be mine…for us. And you'll be there acting as my cheering section with the brat." He grinned a little at the light scoff coming from Goku. "Are you seriously worried about that?"

"...a bit. I've been here for three months...what's it going to look like when I just pop up again with a brat no less?"

"Like what it is. I've said it before; I'll blast the first person who opens their mouth."

Goku laughed quietly, a little more at ease about everything. Vegeta broke down the box and went to shove it where the others were stashed for the moment. He liked this house. He liked where it was and how secluded it could be, but it was more of a summer home than anything else. He wanted to be somewhere far away enough to live their lives without trouble, and once the initial bomb had gone off and everyone had their say, he was going to hide them and make sure no one ever found them unless they wanted.

The sound of rain pelting on the house pricked his ears as he walked back into the living room. The television was on and cut low, a noise in the background. Goku was the main focus, lain on the sofa and propped up by his favorite pillow, hands residing on his stomach with his eyes shut to the world. The deep even breaths only confirmed the suspicion that someone was giving him a hard time again.

He quickly took purchase on the coffee table, reaching out to lay his hand over Goku's.

"Do you think...I'll be okay?"

"You'll be fine." If he never believed in anything before now, this was it. "I'm going to do everything in my power to help you."

"I know…but, is your friend going to make it?"

"He should. He's been a big help…and it helps that he has a healthy fear of what I'd do if he refused."

"Vegeta…"

"Relax already."

"I wish I could."

The soft rub of the large mound that put them here had Goku relaxing a little more. There was a soft thump against his hand. Vegeta kept a small smile of pride to himself, choosing instead to kiss Goku's forehead and bid him to nap.

He went to prep dinner soon after, noticing that calendar once more. There were only two weeks left. Two more weeks before the madness started.

He was relieved and scared to death.

Three days.

It wasn't uncommon for things like this to happen, but it still rocked him when it started and hadn't let up. Vegeta bit his lip and walked back into the living room, staring helplessly at Goku as he fought not to blow something up in his frustration. Nothing he'd done had helped to make him comfortable, not even the warmth of a heating pad which was the trick he depended on now. He started to head up the stairs, but his back protested the misuse of that activity. He was stuck, standing, rubbing the offending spot that just wouldn't relent, and wishing there was something else he could try before he completely lost it.

"I can't take this...I have to find a spot to sit."

Vegeta remembered something and took the stairs two at a time to grab that item. When he came back and set it down, he thought Goku would plaster himself against him in gratefulness. Instead he wound up helping him sit down in that odd bean bag chair, relieved when Goku groaned in appreciation.

His laptop beeped. He moved to check the screen, noting that his friend was closer than before.

If he listened hard enough, he could hear the sound of a cruiser in the distance.

"It's so hot…"

It was not. It was a little under sixty-five degrees, forcing Vegeta to wear a long sleeved shirt and some warm pants. The last few days he'd been living in an igloo, contending with Goku's intolerance for any type of heat that made him uncomfortable. That included showers, drinks, and the outside. Sleeping in the bed was an experience within itself. Vegeta was huddled under the covers and Goku was snoring softly in the buff.

It was a small sacrifice for the greater good.

"When's he going to get here?"

"Possibly an hour. He's coming as fast as he can."

"...oh god..."

"What? What's wrong?"

"I can't...I can't..."

The power flux was to be expected, but the keening wail turning into a surprised scream startled both of them. Goku stopped, panting, hands gripping the sides of his shirt and staring wildly at Vegeta. The smaller saiyan quickly put his hands over his stomach, peering into the watery safe haven with his mind.

What he saw made it more real. Those three days…were long gone.

"Vegeta!"

"Calm down…" he instructed. "Breathe…and just relax as much as possible. It's happening…for real this time."

Goku fairly and promptly swore and gripped the hand in his own when another wave of pain ripped through him ten minutes later. Vegeta let him, knowing that it was going to be much worse in a little while. He remained at Goku's side, only leaving to get him something to drink when it was necessary.

After the third trip to the kitchen, he heard engines cutting themselves off. He quickly darted outside, relieved when his friend popped out with his bags in hand. And old acquaintance that landed here some time ago, undetected but found by chance, Vegeta was more that glad to know that there were more than just he and Goku left of their race. There were other saiyans out there, hidden but alive, and living their lives peacefully. He'd only run across the face before him because of a temperamental trip to another part of the world, but the trip was one Vegeta would not regret.

Another power spike kept him from saying the obvious. Goku's wail had him ushering his comrade into the house, until three more power spikes pierced his senses.

Of all the fucking rotten luck!

"Son of a bitch!"

"They popped up when I was rushing through the city," his friend mentioned. "Who are they? And do we have to take care of them?"

"Nuisances." He sighed and pointed to the house. "He's in there. Go. He's going to do it soon."

"What about—"

"Never mind that, Daikin! I have to lead them away from him!"

"…I thought I would never see the day."

"What are you babbling about?"

"Nothing. Just inhaling the joy of seeing you give a damn is all."

Daikin wasn't that much taller than him, or stronger, but he did have an understanding for this type of thing. He ran to do as asked, leaving Vegeta muttering about hitting him later and with the task of throwing off those pests looking to investigate what need not be.

He raised his power level high enough to mask Daikin and Goku, and took off in the direction of the threesome now turned four. It took him less than a few minutes to reach their sights, smirk, and turn a hard right that had then baffled, but following. They were screaming for him to stop, to wait…but he couldn't.

He had to lose them. FAST.

He flew lower and split the surface of the seas with his rushing, looking back once to see that they were right on his tail. He allowed them to keep up, waiting until he was sure he was far enough away to safely launch a blinding flash of energy into the air and vanish before their eyes. Blinded by the suddenness of that light, the never saw Vegeta dive into the waters below, going as deep as he could and swimming back the way he came.

He broke the surface when he was out of their senses and put about eight miles between them.

He swam a little ways before flying, and even when he was in the air, he flew slowly as not to draw them back and begin this chase anew. He was not in the mood to cause a world war right now. There would be time for that later on.

It took him about an hour to get back. He cursed, hating that he'd been forced away when he was needed the most. He launched himself off the sands and into the house, skidding into the living room the moment Goku screamed bloody murder and ripped something in two. Daikin was in front of him, sitting back once Goku had stopped screaming and simply slumped against that bean bag chair.

Vegeta was brought to his knees the moment he was close enough. The scent of blood was heavy, as was the pain, but it was washed away with Daikin's knowing smile and his hands presenting the little gift three days from now was supposed to warrant. The soft whimpers became wails, strong and sturdy. Goku wasn't uncomfortable now. He was elated, tired, and sweaty, but he wasn't uncomfortable. There was nothing but joy on his face, an emotion echoed into Vegeta when their eyes met.

"I would have won that bet...huh?"

Half an upturned smile graced Vegeta's lips. "I told you."

"Well…its official. You now have a cheering section for your fight…next time…"

"So I see." He pressed his lips to Goku's, moving his sweat soaked bangs out of his face gently. "My little cheering section had better be there for every fight…I'd expect no less from my mate and my daughter."

And onto the final part! I think...