Chapter 3 - Opening Up
A week has passed, Goku and Vegeta had been training and exploring their new lives together. It has been amazing. Lunch dates, doing things they enjoyed, just living in the moment with each other, learning new things with each other, becoming more connected.
They both decided it was the right time to tell the others the truth, no more hiding. They asked everyone to meet up, and Bulma set up a little gathering that consisted of lots of food, some drinks etc in order to help out and give a reason for them all to gather.
Now that everyone had arrived, even Whis and Beerus, and small talk was over, it was time to reveal the truth.
Vegeta was taking the lead on the conversation as Goku didn't know how to say what he wanted to say, but Vegeta was always able to be more up front about things.
"So, uh, there's something Kakarot and I want to tell you all." Vegeta says "It's the main reason why you're all here."
"Oh?" Krillin says "What is it?"
"You could say we've kept a bit of a secret." Vegeta says
Goku felt his face heat up, and stared to go red in the face a little. He felt a comforting hand placed upon his own under the table by Vegeta.
"So, Kakarot and I wanted to see how things went before telling anyone, we didn't really know how it would pan out." Vegeta continues "It was something neither of us expected, and it's as new to us as it will be to you."
"Is something wrong?2 Piccolo asks
"No, nothing's wrong." Vegeta replies "It's just that...uhh.."
Vegeta seemed to lose his words for a moment, seemingly nervous to say it himself. Goku realised this may be where he needed to step in to help out.
Goku took a deep breath, calming his nerves as best as he could. "Vegeta and I...are together."
"I mean yeah, we can see you both." Krillin laughs
"You really didn't get it?" Goku looks at Krillin "I don't mean together as in, in the same room Krillin...we are, well, dating."
"The fuck?!" Piccolo says unable to contain his own shock "Since when?!"
"It's coming up 2 weeks now." Vegeta says
"This is a joke right?" 18 asks "Right?"
"No." Goku says "We are being deadly serious."
"I didn't know you were gay?" Krillin looks at Goku
"Well, apparently it took me a little while to realise it myself." Goku replies scratching the back of his head and laughing nervously
"I thought you 2 disliked Goku" Piccolo says to Vegeta
"No, I never have." Vegeta admits "I think I knew how I felt for longer than Kakarot, I just wasn't sure how to deal with it because it was all so new to me. I guess I just had a way of trying to deal with it that wasn't exactly the best. You could say I was in denial about it."
"As long as you're both happy." 18 says "That's what matters right?"
"I feel so much better not having to hide it anymore." Goku admits looking at Vegeta
"Me too." Vegeta says giving Goku a smile
"Thank god I don't have to pretend anymore!" Bulma sighs in relief.
"You knew?!" Krillin asks in surprise
"Yes." Bulma says "I may have helped Vegeta get the ball rolling."
Now that the truth was out, Goku and Vegeta could relax a little more knowing they didn't have to hide the truth anymore. They could be more open. But They did have bigger things to worry about. Frieza. Knowing what he does now, Frieza was surely going to get stronger, he was going to find a way to beat them.
Another week goes by, Goku and Vegeta are training extensively, even continuing their training with Beerus and Whis. The rest of the Z Fighters also trained, knowing that Frieza's return was expected.
Frieza had already planned his return. He had indeed found a way to train, to get stronger.
Frieza returned to Earth, he knew what he was going to do, he was going to destroy the Earth, and the Saiyan's with it.
The Saiyan's noticed quickly that Frieza had returned, they sensed him, and this new power he has.
"Frieza.." Vegeta says suddenly.
"His power...It's Much stronger." Goku says
"We need to get to him, fast." Vegeta says
"I can lock on to his Ki." Goku says "If you'll let me, I can bring us to him with Instant Transmission."
"Fine." Vegeta says "You know I don't like such a thing, but time is of the essence."
Goku focuses on Frieza and soon enough uses Instant Transmission to bring them to Frieza.
Upon arrival, it was noticed how Frieza had already been destroying things, for the fun of it, Goku guessed, but it had to end, now.
Frieza had a new form, he called it Black Frieza, and it explained the massive increase in power.
"Frieza, enough." Goku says trying to take in this new form that Frieza had. Goku could feel how much stronger Frieza had gotten.
"You like my new form?" Frieza taunts "It seems you're not the only one with access to a Time Chamber."
Goku growled. He knew if Frieza did indeed find another, there was no telling how strong he had actually gotten! Goku knew he could not hold back, Frieza was too strong for that. Goku had to put everything into this fight.
Shit. Goku thought. Frieza is strong, I can feel it. We need to stop him, he will destroy this planet if we don't.
Vegeta did not waste time, but it was clear he thought the same as Goku...no holding back. Vegeta took his Ultra Ego form and attacked Frieza, but Frieza made quick work of him, showing Vegeta that he was stronger than him by far.
"Vegeta!" Goku shouted as he watched the Saiyan fall to the ground and drop back to his base form.
Goku couldn't believe it. He took out Vegeta in one shot!
The other Z Fighters, Beerus and Whis were nearby, watching in shock as Frieza effortlessly took out the Saiyan
Goku transformed into Ultra Instinct, hoping it would be enough, but seeing what Frieza did to Vegeta and how quickly, Goku for once didn't feel all that confident.
Vegeta pulled himself onto his knees with effort, looking up at Goku and Frieza, floating across from each other. He couldn't quite make out what was being said, but it was clear that whatever Frieza was saying was truly pissing off Goku. so much so, that Goku went from his silver haired Ultra Instinct, to True Ultra Instinct. He watched Goku's expression harden as Frieza taunted him.
"I'm going to make sure that the last one to die is you." Frieza smirks "I want you to see everything around you die before I finish you off."
"Like fuck will you do that." Goku snaps "I won't let you!"
Goku attempts to punch Frieza, who dodges him effortlessly. Goku continues trying, but Frieza is much faster than before.
Eventually, Goku manages to punch Frieza and he hits the ground with a thud.
"Enough of this." Frieza says suddenly.
Goku looks down at Frieza from up in the air. Somewhat confused as to what Frieza meant.
Frieza places one hand on the ground, and a small shockwave rumbled along the Earth's crust.
What the fuck was that? Goku wondered to himself.
Frieza looked up and smiled at Goku as the Earth began to shake and crack.
Goku stared in horror as he realised what Frieza had done. It became all too clear.
The Earth's core began to spill from the crack forming. The cracks spreading across the whole planet, explosions and crashes could heard from a distance. One last explosion, the biggest of them all erupted, Goku's eyes clocked Vegeta reaching for him before a bright light took over Goku's vision.
After a little while, Goku opened his eyes. Whis had put up a barrier around himself, Goku and the other Z Fighters. Goku looked ahead of him. He was in space, the remnants of Earth slowly flying through space.
Goku stared in horror, then turned to see the other Z Fighters, Whis and Beerus, but, someone was missing.
Goku's eyes widened, he felt like his heart had just stopped. He felt as though he couldn't breathe. He had just found something, someone so great. For the first time in so long, Goku had felt happy, content even. Now it was gone. Vegeta was gone. There was no time to grab him, no time to help him, Goku felt he had failed. He felt lost. Vegeta was dead, his son Goten, dead, the whole planet, gone. Goku was broken, but angry. His rage building to the point he began to shake. He knew, somehow, Frieza will have survived, he always does.
"VEGETA!" Goku shouted as he turned toward the rubble that used to be Earth. Goku felt the sting of tears threatening to fall. He hung his head, realising Vegeta was caught in the explosion. "No...FUCK!"
The Z Fighters stared at Goku silently. They could see Goku's pain. He had just found something great, and now it was gone. They all felt for him. They watched the Saiyan shake in anger while trying to fight back tears, but Goku couldn't hold back any longer, the tears fell, and he fell to his knees.
"Frieza is alive, isn't he?" Goku says eventually, his voice sad but angry
"Yes." Whis answers
"I'm going to find him, and I'm going to kill him." Goku says coldly.
"I know how." Whis says
Goku looks at Whis, wiping away the tears that escaped his eyes. "How?"
The thought of being able to fix things brought hope to Goku's heart. He knew he had to do it, he couldn't fail, he had to do this. He was no prepared to lose his home, his son and Vegeta forever. HE had to fix this, and he refused to stop until the Earth was safe.
"If I reverse time to before Frieza did this, you can, and must stop Frieza before he destroys Earth." Whis says
"Do it." Goku says coldly
Whis nods, and with a simple tap of his staff, time was rewound.
Goku looks around him. He's on Earth again, exactly where he was before Frieza blew up Earth. He looked down at Frieza who began pulling himself up from the floor.
"Enough of this." Frieza says
Goku charged a Kamehameha.
"Goku, what are you-" Frieza begins
"No, Goku isn't here." Goku says "I can tell you who is though...Kakarot. Die, bastard."
Goku fires his Kamehameha with a scream.
Vegeta stares at Goku. The Saiyan didn't know all that much about his Saiyan pride, but in that very moment, Vegeta felt it. Vegeta felt Goku accept it for a moment, the way he stood tall, the way he said his Saiyan name, it all led to Goku showing his truth as a Saiyan, and Vegeta was proud of him. That's it Kakarot, show him what a Saiyan is. Show him who Kakarot is. I can't begin to tell you how much I admire you for this. Hearing you say your Saiyan name, accepting it, leaning into it...Gods...it's perfect.
Frieza stares up, knowing he cant avoid the attack. He takes it head on, unable to fight it. After a little while, Goku stops the attack and Frieza is gone. There was no telling if Frieza was dead or somehow escaped, but Goku didn't care, Earth was safe, and so was Vegeta.
Goku landed on the ground, still angry at what Frieza had done, but relieved he had a second chance to stop it. His eyes clocked Vegeta, who had just pulled himself to his feet. Goku felt an overwhelming relief as the Saiyan looked at him.
What's up with Kakarot? Vegeta thought to himself noticing how Goku had looked as though he had been crying. Is he okay? What happened?
"Vegeta!" Goku exclaims in relief and running over to the Saiyan to hug him tightly "I'm so glad you're okay!"
"Uh, why wouldn't I be?" Vegeta wonders, not remembering anything that happened due to the rewind in time, and returning the hug.
"Frieza destroyed the Earth." Goku says pulling away to look at Vegeta. "He'd killed you in the process, but Whis reversed time so I could stop him before it happened. If it weren't for Whis, I'd have lost you forever."
"Well, I'm here now." Vegeta says with a smile.
"I know, and I'm ever so happy about it!" Goku says happily before his face falls with anger "There's no doubt Frieza survived that attack. He's going to pay for what he did. I swear it. I will find that asshole, and I will end him. How dare he..."
"Kakarot, everything is fine." Vegeta says "I'm here, the Earth is here."
"You were gone though." Goku says "I got stuck with the others in space, watching bits of the Earth fly by and at the time there was NOTHING I could do. I couldn't save the Earth, I couldn't even save you. I have never felt like that, and I refuse to give Frieza the chance to do it again. If it were not for Whis, if he were not here, if he couldn't turn back time, I'd be without you."
"Kakarot..." Vegeta looks at Goku, who is clearly bothered and very upset by the whole situation. It was clear it affected him. Even if things were okay now, it was still a whole process his mind went through. Vegeta hugs Goku again. "It's going to be fine, I promise."
"I know." Goku says with a look of determination. "I'm going to end him."
Gods, I have never seen Kakarot so serious before. I've seen him be serious, but nothing like this. It's really done a number on him. Vegeta thought. He's never been one for revenge, he's never fought to kill, but he's wanting revenge, he's going to fight to kill. I'm not sure whether to be worried or not...
Vegeta doesn't reply, but instead kisses Goku. Goku reciprocates, taking in the moment that almost never was.
"I need to train." Goku says suddenly. "I have to get stronger, I have to work out this fucking Ultra Instinct. I have no choice. Then, I will got to that stupid planet of his, Planet Frieza 79 right? I'm going to give him what he tried to give to me. I'm going to fucking blow that shit up, him along with it."
"Kakarot..." Vegeta looks at the Saiyan stunned. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "The last thing you need to do is stoop to his level. Think about this! You're not a killer, Kakarot! That's never been you!"
"You're right, it has never been me." Goku replies "But no one's ever disrespected my planet this way, no ones ever disrespected who I love this way either. I will get my revenge, I will make him suffer. He thought feared Saiyan's before? Well, he's going to find out what real fear feels like."
Gods, Kakarot is going to do something stupid...He will get himself killed if he isn't careful! Vegeta thought. Wait, did he just say he loves me?
"Wait, so how do you plan to destroy his planet?" Beerus wonders
"That's where you come in." Goku smirks
"Wait, what?!" Beerus stares at Goku "You want me to destroy it?"
"I mean you could." Goku shrugs "I know you like a reason to destroy a planet, and even then, you'd destroy a planet over their food not being good enough! But, that said, if you don't want to do it, teach me the Hakai. I know if I master enough of it, I can blow up a planet."
"How are you going to do that?" Beerus asks "You can't breathe in space!"
"Space suit?" Goku laughs, but the laugh wasn't his usual laugh, it was more malicious, as if he were imagining what he was going to do in his head.
"Goku, I don't think that would work!" Bulma says "There's a chance you'd tear the space suit apart! You'd die!"
"Oh well, I'd die knowing Frieza was gone at least." Goku says carelessly
"Kakarot, NO!" Vegeta says firmly, almost shouting as he grabs Goku by the wrist, turning the Saiyan to face him. "I will not let you kill yourself trying to get revenge on that prick. If you want to learn the Hakai, I won't stop you, but I will stop you from going to his planet. Learn the Hakai and wait for him to return, you know he will."
"I can't wait for him to try again!" Goku says angrily
"He won't succeed next time, and you fucking know it!" Vegeta exclaims "You know how it felt to lose me. Do you really want me to have to go through that too?"
"I..." Goku stops. The realisation hit him. Vegeta was right, he couldn't do that to him, but he couldn't wait either. Goku had to find a way around it. I know, I'll learn the Hakai, and I'll find him. I'll kill him myself. I'll hunt the bastard down, I swear it.
"Please, Kakarot." Vegeta pleads "Don't let your anger blind you and lead you to do something stupid."
"You're right..." Goku admits "I'm sorry."
Goku headed straight for Beerus' planet to train. He vowed not to leave until he learned what he needed to, until he was strong enough to put an end to Frieza for good.
2 weeks after Frieza's last appearance, and Goku was still on Beerus' planet, he had not left once. He trained as much as he could. When Beerus slept, Goku still attempted to train himself on the Hakai ability, pushing himself beyond what he believed possible. Whis told Goku he should take a break. He had no idea if the Saiyan had even been eating anything. But he had concern that Goku would collapse under the stress of what he was doing. He was pushing his body far beyond what it was already capable of.
Goku had made amazing progress. He had still trained with Whis, now able to use Ultra Instinct in his base form, and had done well learning the Hakai, but it was obvious Goku was worn and exhausted. The Saiyan slept very little. He just kept training.
Vegeta grew worried. He had not heard from Goku in 2 weeks. He missed him, he wanted to make sure Goku was okay.
"Goku, you need to take some time away from training." Whis pleads. "Even if it's just a day."
"I can't" Goku says
"You can, and you have to." Whis says "In your current state, you are not well enough to face Frieza. Plus, I'm sure Vegeta misses you, as do your friends. They're worried about you. You need proper sleep. As I said, even if for one day, go home, rest, eat, build yourself back up before you collapse."
Goku sighs "Fine."
Whis decides to take Goku back to Earth, dropping him off at Capsule Corp.
"Whis is here.." Bulma says noticing from a window, but she didn't notice Goku was there "Why?"
"Kakarot.." Vegeta suddenly says
"He's here!" Bulma says with a smile "I see him."
Vegeta and Bulma rush outside.
"Thanks, Whis." Goku says
"Please look after yourself, Goku." Whis says "If you want to take on Frieza, you must remember you need to be at your best."
Goku gives Whis a small smile before he leaves.
"Kakarot!" Vegeta exclaims as Goku turns to face him.
"Hey, Geta." Goku smiles
"Gods, Kakarot, you look exhausted!" Vegeta says looking surprised "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, just tons of training." Goku says "Not much time for sleep or much else."
"Have you eaten?" Bulma asks
"Uhh...honestly, I can't remember when I last ate." Goku laughs awkwardly "I haven't been all that hungry the last few days. Been so focused on training."
"You haven't eaten in several days?!" Vegeta exclaims
"I...I'm not sure." Goku shrugs
"I'm going to fix that. I think a nice big meal is on the cards for you! You need to keep your strength up!" Bulma says before heading back inside to whip something together.
"Kakarot, I've been so fucking worried about you!" Vegeta says thumping Goku in the arm before hugging him. "I had no idea how you've been or how you're dealing with this!"
"I...I'm sorry." Goku says returning the hug "I guess I just got so caught up with everything. I didn't fully realise how long I'd been gone. When you don't sleep, you tend to lose track of days."
"How long has it been since you've had sleep?" Vegeta asks looking up at Goku.
"I'm not sure, a few days I think?" Goku admits "I've slept some, but not a whole lot. When Beerus slept, I kept on training."
"you're staying here tonight." Vegeta decides "That way I can make sure you actually do sleep."
"Vegeta..." Goku begins
"No." Vegeta says "I'm not taking excuses, this is what's happening, got it?"
"Okay, okay" Goku relents
"I just want what's best for you, you know that, right?" Vegeta asks
"I do." Goku says "Thank you, Geta."
"Come on, let's get you fed." Vegeta says
Upon getting inside, it was clear Bulma went all out. She put together a ton of Goku's favourite food. All spread across the dining table, it was a sight to behold, that was for sure!
"Oh Bulma!" Goku exclaims "You didn't have to go to this extent!"
"It's fine!" Bulma smiles "Got to make sure my best friend is well fed!"
"Thank you, Bulma." Goku says giving her a hug.
"You're very welcome" Bulma smiles
Goku must not have realised how hungry he actually was, because he ate, A LOT.
After Goku ate, he took a shower while Vegeta handled some other things. Vegeta put his Gi in the washing machine, and luckily Goku had some clothes to change into.
He then sat on the end of Vegeta's bed after the shower and felt the exhaustion kick in. He was wearing grey sweat pants, and after a few minutes, pulled on a black vest. Goku eventually lay down, looking at the ceiling, thinking of recent events. Thinking of how things would go when he came across Frieza again. Goku felt he was more than capable of taking of Frieza now. He even learned to use Ultra Instinct in conjunction with Super Saiyan Blue! Goku had busted his ass getting to where he is now.
Goku fell asleep finally, unable to keep his eyes open.
When Goku woke up finally, it was nearing noon. He usually woke quite early in the morning, but he was obviously very tired. He still felt tired when he woke up, but he couldn't spend all day in bed. He hadn't heard Vegeta get into bed, or get up, so he assumed he must have slept heavily, or Vegeta left him with the bed to himself as to not disturb him.
Goku walked downstairs, trying to rub the tiredness from his eyes.
"Hey, sleepy head!" Bulma greets Goku as she walks into the room.
"Hey, Bulma." Goku says groggily
"Sleep well?" Bulma asks
"I did." Goku answers "I will admit, I'm still pretty tired, but I can't spend all day in bed!"
"We wouldn't blame you if you did!" Bulma says
"have you seen my Gi?" Goku asks
"It's drying at the moment." Bulma replies "I think Vegeta says there's a few things of yours in the chest of drawers upstairs."
"Thanks" Goku replies.
Goku has something to eat before getting changed.
He found a pair of black jeans, and a white vest. Goku found his orange and black jacket which he didn't remember leaving behind, but he didn't question it, he had been so tired lately, he told himself he likely forgot.
Goku walked outside, letting the calm breeze wash over him, waking him up from his sleepiness.
Goku sat in the grass, closed his eyes and began to meditate, allowing himself to tap into Ultra Instinct. Goku had Bardock's scouter on his lap. He wanted to see if he could use it indefinitely. He knew he could use it whenever he wanted in his base form, but could he use it forever? who knows.
After a while, Goku heard footsteps coming toward him, grass rustling underneath the soles of feet.
"Hey, Vegeta." Goku says without having to turn in his direction or open his eyes.
"How'd you know it was me?" Vegeta says sitting beside Goku, looking at the Saiyan.
"Your Ki." Goku says finally opening his eyes and looking at Vegeta.
"Ah, I see, Ultra Instinct." Vegeta says noticing Goku's eyes now being silver
"That too." Goku says with a laugh
"Sleep well?" Vegeta asks
"I'm still quite tired, but I did sleep okay." Goku says "I did have a dream though."
"What was it about?" Vegeta asks
I'm honestly not sure how I feel about it." Goku admits "It was about my father. I was in a space pod I think? I saw my father, I heard him telling me to stay alive. I know I heard him say that before, from the recording in the scouter..." Goku picks up the scouter and looks at it. "But it's like every time I hear his voice, it's like the first time. I truly have lost sight of who I am, haven't I?"
"No, Kakarot..." Vegeta starts
"Vegeta, I'm not really Kakarot..." Goku says "I'm not really the Saiyan I should be...the word part? I can't remember fuck all of who I'm supposed to be!"
"Take it from me, it's probably best you don't remember." Vegeta admits "Truthfully, Saiyan's weren't the best."
"I want to remember!" Goku complains "You always held this pride, Saiyan pride. I never understood it. I wish I could, and I do in a way, but not as I should. I want to know who I was supposed to become. I'm just an idiot with a head injury."
"Kakarot, don't say that." Vegeta says taking Goku's hand. "Look at me. You are not as insignificant as you think you are, and honestly, it doesn't matter who the Saiyan's were, it matters who you are and what you do."
"But I don't get it." Goku sighs
"truth is, you were expected to conquer Earth, ready for Saiyan takeover." Vegeta says "Do you honestly want to remember that? You have become far greater than the Saiyan race. You became the first Super Saiyan in over 1,000 years. You showed the Saiyan race in a different light. You even showed me mercy and got me to turn away from that shitty life. Bardock was one of the few who truly were better people, but even he committed wrongdoings."
"I get that, but I feel like remembering would help me." Goku sighs
"I can't really help you with that, but it doesn't matter as much as you think it does." Vegeta admits "WE are what's left of the Saiyan's, we've changed what Saiyan's are. Have pride in that. Be proud of who YOU are, what you've become, the fact you never back down, you refuse to lose, you keep going because you want to get stronger, that's what Saiyan pride is."
"I guess." Goku says "I just know so little and I don't feel all that much of a Saiyan a lot of the time. It's why I never really go by Kakarot, even when I did find out that was my name."
"You will always be a Saiyan." Vegeta says "Maybe try going by Kakarot more, when people ask you your name, tell them it's Kakarot instead. Maybe you can feel more connected through being a Saiyan by your name."
"Yeah, maybe." Goku says
"I'll help you, however I can." Vegeta says
"Thanks, Geta." Goku sighs laying his head on his shoulder.
Goku suddenly feels his phone buzzing in his pocket. He pulls it out to see Chi0Chi's name on screen.
"Fuck sake" Goku rolls his eyes "Really can't be bothered for this."
"Let me answer it then." Vegeta offers
"You'd do that?" Goku asks
"Yeah, why not?" Vegeta replies "I'll put her in her place!"
Goku laughs as he hands his phone over, and Vegeta answers
"Hello?" Vegeta says
"Vegeta? Um, where's Goku?" Chi0Chi asks
"He's busy." Vegeta replies
"Busy?! Again?!" Chi0Chi snaps "This is ridiculous! What the fuck is he doing that's so important?!"
"Preparing to save the world is what." Vegeta says coldly
"Why do you have his phone anyway?" Chi-Chi asks "It seems odd for you to have it."
"Why wouldn't I have my boyfriends phone? He trusts me." Vegeta replies, a smirk appearing on his face.
Goku blushes. I've never heard him say that...boyfriend...has a nice ring to it.
"Your what?!" Chi-Chi exclaims
"What?" Vegeta asks "Is that a problem too?"
Goku couldn't help but giggle.
"Put Goku on the phone!" Chi-Chi demands "I heard him! Plus, I think he and I need to talk."
"No." Vegeta says "Unless you're arranging him seeing Goten, You don't need to talk about anything. He doesn't have to explain himself to you."
"You don't think I deserve to know any of this?!" Chi-Chi exclaims
"Fuck no!" Vegeta laughs "Why do you? Are you arranging Kakarot seeing Goten?"
"Well, yes." Chi-Chi says
"Good. when?" Vegeta asks
"Tomorrow." Chi-Chi says "9am. I'll just ask him about it then!"
"Great, I'll pick him up 9am sharp." Vegeta says
"Wait, what?!" Chi-Chi exclaims
"You heard me, woman." Vegeta says "Until you realise that Kakarot's life is his own and you don't need to know all about it, I'll be stepping in. See you tomorrow!" Vegeta says before hanging up.
Gods, he was not messing around! Goku thought "You're really going to pick up Goten tomorrow?"
"Yeah, unless you want a game of 20 questions when you get there." Vegeta says "She's rather...baffled. Plus, I'll do anything to make things easier for you."
"Aw, thanks, Geta" Goku says laying his head on Vegeta's shoulder "You didn't have to decide to do that, but I do appreciate you for doing it."
"You're welcome" Vegeta says laying his head on Goku's.
Goku did notice how Vegeta was much more gentle with him than in the past. Vegeta had shown a side to Goku that he'd never seen before, he liked it. He felt privileged in a way. Vegeta could be very cold and reserved most of the time, but he was nothing like that with Goku anymore. He allowed himself to be Vulnerable, something he never saw him ever do with Bulma, but that could have been done behind closed doors for all Goku knew; but Vegeta didn't seem to want to hide that vulnerability. He was far more open now than he'd ever been. Goku was fine with it, Goku liked this gentle side of Vegeta. He seemed much more down to Earth, calmer even. though, Goku had to admit, he did like the tough, firm Vegeta. It's part of what drew him to Vegeta in the first place. Whenever Goku was falling off the tracks, Vegeta was the one to put him back on them. Vegeta grounded Goku in a way others could not. Goku loved all of Vegeta, the firm, straightforward guy, as well as the gentle, calm man. Getting to see Vegeta smile in a way he's never seen? A way no one else (with the possible exception of Bulma)has before? Now that felt special. Goku would do anything to keep such a smile on his face. Goku was going to protect Vegeta, he knew Vegeta didn't need protecting, but he vowed to do it because he wanted to, because he was sure Vegeta would do the same.
Vegeta had spent time reflecting on his relationship too. The things he hated at first, Goku's cheerful attitude, his sometimes childish behaviour, he grew to love. He too would protect Goku no matter what, even though Goku didn't need the protection either. Vegeta loved seeing Goku smile. He loved seeing the Saiyan feel comfortable around him, content, happy. He would do anything to protect that smile. He'd make sure Goku doesn't do anything stupid, he'd help him make good choices, be there for him. he promised himself to be the person Goku always needed, the person he deserves. He didn't care what anyone thought of how he acted around Goku. He didn't care if anyone judged his vulnerability, he didn't care at all. he just wanted to be happy, and Goku was giving him that. For the first time in so long, Vegeta felt content, happy, and he'd do anything to retain that, while making sure Goku was the happiest he could be.
