Disclaimer: DBZ is not mine.
Pairings: Not listed yet but eventual Goku x Vegeta, and maybe Trunks x Goten
Warnings: If this is even considered one but watch out for strange behavior from Vegeta,... ^_^




Kindly Despised
by: Silverblue



Goku sank down to his knees and wrapped his arms around his waist, clutching at the slightly singed flesh. Part of his orange gi was missing.

Kami,...it hurt.

He hadn't expected his son to put that much force into his last attack but Goten had and he had took it head on.

"Dad?" asked Goten, his face slightly ashened, "Are you alright?" Cautiously, he padded over to his father, whom was currently bent over on the grassy Earth, clutching at his stomach and maybe a bit lower.

Goten hissed and hoped he didn't hit there; near his otousan's groin. Even for a great warrior like his otousan, that would be a rather hard area to shake off.

Feeling guilty, Goten hung his head and as he did, a thought came to his mind. He stopped, keeping his distance from his otousan. Goten knew what to do. He was sure his otousan would be very thankful later, when he catch on. He knew he over did it and although he wanted to blame it on his overactive hormones of his youthfulness, he thought he might of did it, to rouse his dad from his polar state of mind.

His otousan was usually happy but lately, even his dad hasn't been himself.

Goten felt even worse, because his dad had lowered his power level to equal his own to give him a fare chance.

It's not like he really meant to release his anger and pent up frustrations onto his father, especially since his dad took the time to teach him some tricks in case of an upcoming war or battle, its just Goten didn't know how to behave around his dad, since he was a missing figure of his childhood.

Goten thought, at least in this way, he could abate what he had done.

"Let's take a rest, dad," suggested Goten, hoping his dad won't shake off his offer.

Goku smiled at his youngest son and nodded his approval at the idea, even if his nod seemed a bit shaky. It would give him time to recollect himself so they could continue with their spar, "Sure son, just give me a few minutes."

Goten sighed, somewhat relieved by his otousan's warm smile but secretly, he was glad that his dad took up his offer. He bet his dad didn't suspect what he really meant when he offered that they should both take a break but he will, soon.

He thought it best to end their match now and what better way to get his message across, than to leave. He was sure then, his father would take the hint that he didn't want to spar anymore for what he had done. He had thought it over and decided he was going to go over Trunk's place and spend some time with his lavender-haired best friend. He was sure his father wouldn't mind, much.

Besides, Vegeta was here.

Even if his dad didn't quite pick his ki signature up yet.

He had no problem with Vegeta looking after his otousan. He was the second strongest warrior in the Universe, after his father and since Vegeta was back, he should allow them to have their reunion.

Satisfied he made the right choice, Goten shot up into the air with a clean conscience. Maybe, Trunks and him could shoot some hoops or play video games to abide their time, before he would have to return to home by nightfall.



Goku listened as his youngest son padded away. He was sure his son was deep in thought from the vibes he was unknowingly giving off. Well, up until he couldn't sense Goten's ki anymore.

He left out a thankful sigh, glad to be alone.

He had a feeling Goten had ended their spar match prematurely for the day, for his benefit. Which was fine with him. He'll have to find someway to thank his son for this consideration.

Maybe, make his son's favorite meal or invite Trunks over to stay for the night. That sounded like a good idea. Or better yet, on a Friday, so Trunks could stay for the whole weekend, before they would have to go back for school to attend classes.

Goku brightened at the thought that his son would be happy, even for a short while.

He noticed his youngest had been gloomy these past days, ever since Chi Chi had decided that she rather live with someone normal rather than the boys and himself, since they were considered high-maintenance and she was tired of it, already.

It angered him that she thought of them as that. . .her family but what was he too do? He had been an estranged father and husband for many years,...before the Buu incident and he was granted life for his reward of saving the universe.

Still, Chi Chi could of took her frustrations out on him, instead of involving their children.

Gohan seemed to be adjusting well. He stayed diligent with his studies and school work, allowing himself with enough time to date steadily with Videl but also participating in sports. It was only Goten, whom was suffering without his mother. He was too young, still, to be on his own and to keep things bottled up inside. It was hard for him to take his son aside and talk. Instead, he did so with sparring. Allowing Goten to get his frustrations out but getting a good work out as well.

Today was the first day his son shown improvement of what he was teaching him.

Goku startled when he felt a warm hand tap him on his back. He whipped his body around to see whom was able to sneak up on him, while he had been lost in his thoughts. He was shocked when he found himself staring into a pair of amused inky depths that held affection. He was sure it wasn't for him, since Vegeta made a point to show how much he didn't like him.

Maybe Vegeta had Bulma and Trunks on his mind. He had been gone for a long time,. . .

"No need to worry Kakarrotto, it's only me," replied the saiyan prince, briskly yet softly.

"Vegeta?" asked Goku, astonished. It's been a year, since he last seen Vegeta and a hard year.

"That was an interesting match you had with your son," commented Vegeta, flatly.

Goku nodded in agreement, staring off to where he was sure his son took flight. Turning back to his prince, Goku watched as Vegeta refocused his attention on him, "It appears you're losing your touch," remarked Vegeta, a wicked grin on his lips, "What happened? Did me leaving, cause you to lose your fighting edge?"

Goku wanted to frown at Vegeta for his observation but than that's when he caught the playful tone in his prince's voice and he relaxed, rather than take offense.

'That's something new...' thought Goku, silently, "Na, I haven't lost my edge," he chuckled embarrassed, tucking his thumbs into his orange gi pants, while shyly looking up at his prince. He shrugged a shoulder, disagreeing, "It's just been one of those days, ya know," he hung that out as an excuse and hoped his prince wouldn't press the matter.

Putting all shyness aside, Goku patted his chest with his fist to indicate he was fine, before standing up. He dusted his pants off to distract himself from looking at Vegeta, whom was intently watching him.

He couldn't help but smile a true smile when Vegeta rested a hand on his shoulder in an understanding gesture. A rare form of comradeship that his prince offered only a few times in his life.

"I know what you mean," Vegeta whispered, gently. No ridicule in his tone. His gloved hand lingered a bit on Kakarroto's shoulder, before he dropped it back to his side and began looking around the training field,  "So."

"Yeah, Vegeta?"

"Are you glad I'm back?" he asked, chuckling darkly.

Goku thought his princes chuckle was off. Like he was uneasy or something, which was odd for Vegeta, since he dripped of self-confidence whenever around him. It was like Vegeta was uncertain whether he should of brought it up or not.

In answer, Goku went over to Vegeta and wrapped him in his arms, in a hug.

Vegeta gave an indignant cry but didn't resist the contact. Instead, he began to laugh, patting him on his back, as Goku looked on in surprise.

Wow, Vegeta sure has changed! he thought, excitedly. He knew if this kind of contact came from his prince any other day, he was sure Vegeta wouldn't allow this intimate display or be a participant, for that matter.

"Okay Kakarrotto. I think I'd like to breathe again," wheezed out Vegeta, still chortling softly, his face red.

"Oops." laughed Goku, finding himself in an awkward position. Releasing Vegeta, he ran his hand through his unruly hair, nervously, "I guess, I got carried away. Sorry, Vegeta," he apologized quickly, ducking his head in shyness. His cheeks and ears began to get hot.

"No need to worry Kakarrotto. It's all right. I...kind of liked it actually," admitted Vegeta, a puzzled look in his eyes.

"Really!?" Goku swore his mouth hit the ground and maybe it had, because he was glad Vegeta was back. He'd missed his prince.

"Yes, I do," he decided.  Vegeta smiled than became serious, "but there's something I need to inform you about."