~*~* A LOVE THAT HEALS *~*~

Son Goku hummed softly to himself as he carefully placed the thin layer of ham over the sliced tomatoes that lay on a pile of lettuce that was placed on a pile of cheese that was all piled on top of the mayonnaise-laden slice of white bread that sat balanced, rather precariously, on the small plate.

With his tongue sticking out the side of his mouth in concentration, he put the finishing touch to his masterpiece. The final slice of white bread.

“Easy does it…just a little bit more…and…”

“KAKKARROT!! WHERE IN KAMI’S NAME DID YOU LEAVE MY GLOVES?!”

Goku watched his delicious lunch, that he had spent a gut-wrenching five minutes preparing, fall to the floor as if in slow motion. Bits of lettuce, tomatoes, ham, turkey and only Kami knew what that green glob was, littered the sparkling kitchen which a certain Saiyan prince had just spent hours cleaning up earlier.

The silence and tension that fell in the small room was thick enough to have the furry appendages of both warriors bristling in growing agitation.

“Look at the mess you have made, Kakkarrot,” said the deceptively calm voice that was laced with ice.

Goku was in no mood for fun and games either it seemed. “If you hadn’t screamed as usual, Vegeta, the mess would never have happened.”

“Are you trying to blame me for your clumsiness, Kakkarrot?”

“I am not blaming you, Vegeta, I am saying that you caused it! I am hungry!!”

“So what?! It’s not as if you do any damn thing around this ship, Kakkarrot! I knew asking you to join me was a great mistake on my part! I should have left you back on that mud ball of a planet!”

“Then why didn’t you?! I didn’t want to come on this stupid trip anyways!”

Both Saiyans stood heaving and growling at each other as flashes of gold seemed to spark in the air. Any minute now, one was sure to erupt into his super Saiyan state and do something disastrous. But they were currently hurtling through space, at roughly the speed of sound, in another of Professor Brief’s spaceships on a training expedition of sorts.

It had all been Vegeta’s idea from the get-go. Tired of training in the same gravity room for hours on end and getting sick of destroying the same landscape over and over, he had put forth the idea of going to another planet. Besides, he needed the break. But the question that still boggled him to no end was his reason for inviting the one person that seemed to get on his nerves in more ways than one. Kakkarrot had always proven to be the stronger of the two, so why would he, the prince of the lost Saiyan race, want to put himself through the agony of watching his rival get the better of him yet again?

~ Because only he understands…only he can understand the lust for battle and blood, the way I do. Only he can feel the rush of heat and power that flows through my veins at the very thought of hitting flesh. The heady scent of blood that fills the nostrils, signifying the opponent’s defeat. The fire that burns in my eyes as I watch him fight. The need to be by his side, watching, protecting… to always be with him… ~

His thoughts were cut off as he watched the larger Saiyan stoop to his haunches and begin to pick up the pieces of food that had dropped. Dark eyes clouded with an unreadable emotion as he watched the tight curve of the firm rear become more pronounced with each movement. A reluctant wave of heat rushed to his groin and Vegeta had to bite his lower lip to stop himself from moaning at the sight of Goku’s tail swinging back and forth slowly.

~ Kami! This is hell! ~

And it had, indeed, been a hellish two weeks so far for both of them. From the moment of Goku’s enthusiastic response to the trip until this point, each Saiyan had tried not to get on the other’s nerves. Goku had tried his best to be jovial and funny during the first few days, but thanks to Vegeta’s non-committal comments or dry sarcastic remarks, the larger Saiyan had given up on trying to cheer his prince. Vegeta had laid out a set of rules on the first day, and it had all boiled down to one thing. Kakkarrot was basically to stay away from him throughout the journey. For Goku, the rule had hurt, but he had tried to hide it behind a nod and a smile. It was hard being on your own, but even worse was being with someone whom you would have loved to share everything with and yet were unable to do so.

~ To admire you from afar…that is what I was born to do, I guess. ~

Goku rose to his feet and dropped the food into the trashcan with a small wince. He would have to remake his sandwich again, and he doubted he had any mayo left. Sighing softly, he spun around only to suck in a harsh breath at the look on Vegeta’s face. Thinking he might have imagined the look of vulnerability and longing on the smaller Saiyan’s countenance, Goku blinked and ended up sighing in defeat at the familiar look of contempt.

“We should be landing on the Planet Jafar soon.” Vegeta growled roughly. “It is a small planet without a lot of inhabitants. They have about a thousand times earth’s gravity. It should be perfect for our training.”

Goku nodded mutely before managing to mutter out a resigned. “Sounds good.”

Vegeta faltered in his step at the desolate tone and he gripped the edge of the steel door tightly. “What’s the matter now, Kakkarrot?”

Goku winced at the irritated tone, and shook his head. “It’s nothing, Vegeta. I can’t wait to get there either. It should really be…exciting…”

The sudden urge to engulf the burly Saiyan in a hug was overwhelming, and snarling to himself, Vegeta forced his legs to move out of the room. “Whatever you say, Kakkarrot. Prepare for landing in an hour.”

And without a backward glance, he left the miserable Saiyan to his thoughts.

~*~*~*~*~

“Wow, Vegeta! This place is beautiful! It’s almost like Earth…without the normal animals and people!”

The prince dropped the knapsack he had been carrying and snorted in derision as he watched the larger Saiyan run around in circles, ‘oohing’ and ‘aahing’ at every little thing he saw.

The planet did look like Earth, but unlike its polluted air and crowded streets, Jafar’s air seemed to be much richer and easier to breathe. The plants and waters looked brighter and fresher than that of Earth’s and their wildlife was quite…exotic, to say the least.

Vegeta quickly began a few warm up exercises. Thoughts of finally getting to feel Kakkarrot’s skin beneath his hands again were now a slow burn in his brain. His tail swished back and forth in eagerness and he stretched languidly. “Come on, Kakkarrot! Stop goofing off and try not to eat or touch anything that does not look familiar to you, got it?!”

Silence.

“Kakkarrot?” Vegeta spun around and blinked. The burly Saiyan seemed to have disappeared from sight. “Kakkarrot?! Where the hell are yo…?”

“Right behind you, Vegeta.”

“Aaaahh!!” The startled prince spun around so quickly that he fell flat on the ground, which in turn earned a round of laughter from Goku. His face reddening with embarrassment, Vegeta jumped to his feet and tried to punch the chuckling Saiyan, only to gasp as something white was stuck within inches of his face.

“Isn’t it cute, Vegeta? I found a whole bunch of them by some rocks over there. They taste pretty good too,” he added with a nod as he stuck a few of the white marshmallow-like things into his mouth.

Vegeta stared at Goku as if he had grown an extra head, and with an angry curse, he swiped the food away from Goku’s hands. “What did I tell you about this place, Kakkarrot?! You are not to touch anything that you do not know!!”

Goku watched as his food, for the second time that day, fell to the floor all thanks to Vegeta. It did sound a bit petty to get upset about, but the burly Saiyan had had it. “I am hungry and I am tired and I am sick of dealing with you and your attitude, Vegeta!”

The prince smirked and cracked his knuckles, dark eyes gleaming with a predatory glint. “So…what are you going to do about it, Kakkarrot? Just stand there and whine like a pathetic crybaby?”

“AAAAHH!!” Goku exploded into his super Saiyan state, and without giving the prince any warning, he flew headlong into the smaller Saiyan, sending him flying across the plains and finally hitting a cluster of rocks that stood in the distance, causing them to crumble to the ground.

Vegeta spat out some blood and smirked again as he rose from the rubble. He flew into the air and placed his hands on his hips. Not failing to recognize the familiar heat that had now overtaken his being. “Come now, Kakkarrot. You cannot tell me that that is all you have got? Come on and show me what you can really do.”

Goku needed no second bidding. With another loud cry, he flew after Vegeta. This time, his intended blow was dodged and he got a painful kick to his stomach from Vegeta for his efforts. Doubling over in pain, he was given a series of blows to his back and head which sent him back to the ground rather quickly. Goku tried to rise to his feet, but it suddenly felt as if he were being bogged down by a ton of metal bricks. His vision blurred and his hands seemed to go numb.

Vegeta was getting rather impatient and seeing that Kakkarrot had no plans to come back to him any time soon, he decided to go for the burly Saiyan instead. Changing into his super Saiyan state, he spied the familiar spiky blond locks and with a satisfied smirk, he gave a loud yell just as he sent a good roundhouse kick across the other’s chest. He watched Goku crash into another mountain, almost laughing at how easy it was to beat his rival today.

~ But he was upset with me…and if I know Kakkarrot, he would not allow me to do this to him. The Kakkarrot I know would have given me more of a fight. ~

He waited again for the other to show his face, but Vegeta’s agitation grew as Kakkarrot failed to make his presence known. The prince was about to lose it when he finally realized that Kakkarrot’s ki was not as high as it should have been. Granted, he had been pummeled and his energy was, naturally, expected, to be low at this point, but this was quite different. Kakkarrot’s ki level was vanishing quite rapidly, and if Vegeta didn’t know any better, he would have sworn that the other Saiyan was…dying.

“Kuso! Kakkarrot! Get up and fight, damn it!!”

Nothing.

~ I am not worried. I am not worried…why should I be worried? He is not a baby. He can take care of himself. I should just go train on my own and leave him to… ~

And even as the thoughts kept coming, Vegeta found himself flying slowly towards the crash site, his heart thumping faster in growing trepidation. Hovering over the debris, he eyed the area carefully. At first he couldn’t make out anything, but then a low moan was heard, sending Vegeta diving like a maniac towards it. He landed and began to throw the rocks to the side, all the while cursing the taller Saiyan in every language he knew.

As soon as Goku’s head came into view, Vegeta slapped it hard and bellowed out. “Snap out of it, Kakkarrot! We came here to train! What the hell is wrong with you?!”

“He is probably suffering from wittle.”

Vegeta blinked and spun around quickly, noticing the short (extremely short, for Vegeta was quite taller) being. It looked human, but its shaven head was much larger than that of an earthling. It had tiny dots for eyes, no nose and an extremely wide mouth. The torso seemed a bit too small for a head that large and its only item of clothing was a long brown grass skirt. It had very large feet and Vegeta figured the hands would be the same, for the being had hidden them behind its back.

“Yes…it is wittle. He ate the white things, did he not?”

Vegeta tried to make a coherent sentence. “White…things…”

The being looked offended and its face turned red. “Are you strangers that stupid?! These things!” It held up the marshmallow plants and Vegeta flushed, but not just from his forgetfulness, but at the way he had been spoken to. He was about to make a sharp retort when he yelped as he felt his tail being stroked. Cradling Goku protectively, he glared at the newcomers with angry eyes. There seemed to be more of the natives now, and they all looked alike.

The leader of the pack (the one that had spoken first) walked closer to Vegeta and sniffed him, which was odd since he had no nose. “You are not from the planet Earth.” He summarized with a curt nod.

“I am a Saiyan…”

“You lie! The Saiyan race was destroyed by Lord Frieza!!”

And another thing…it seemed like the beings didn’t like people arguing with them. Their voices were incredibly loud.

Vegeta bristled and grit his teeth, trying very hard not to yell at them himself. “Could you tell me a cure for this…whittle…?”

“No.”

The prince closed his eyes and fought the urge to blast them all to bits. “My…He is dying…isn’t there anything you can show me?”

“He will die.”

This caused the twenty or so natives to nod their head enthusiastically, as if the notion of death was something to be celebrated. Vegeta felt his skin crawl and he unconsciously tightened his hold around Goku’s body.

The leader spoke out again, his wide mouth seeming to smirk in satisfaction. “You came to our land and began to destroy it without permission. For his and your stupidity, you will both die. He first, then you afterwards for touching him. We will come back when the light fades to collect your bodies. Enjoy the few hours you have left.”

Vegeta had never felt so helpless in his life. How could he have forgotten that Jafar was such a barbaric place. So, they weren’t as obvious as the Saiyans, but the natives had always been known for their seeming innocence with evil intentions underneath. They were cannibals and no one was spared from the wrath of their vengeance.

“Don’t you worry, Kakkarrot.” Vegeta whispered fervently. “I will get us out of here. I promise.”

He got to his feet slowly, having to lift Goku along with him. The natives had disappeared from sight, but Vegeta knew that they were probably watching their every move. He walked up to the nearby lake and lay Goku next to it. With hands that trembled slightly, he scooped up some of the water in his palms and placed them close to the cold pale lips. Vegeta felt something tug in his chest as Goku’s ki level dropped even lower. The burly Saiyan seemed to look even whiter than before, and his usual spiky locks looked as if they were…drooping.

“Come on, Kakkarrot,” Vegeta whispered as he forced some of the cold liquid between the closed lips. “You cannot do this to me now. How can you allow some stupid plant to do this to you? You are supposed to be the strongest warrior, goddammit!!”

He let go of Goku and covered his face with his hands, body trembling as the overwhelming hopelessness and sorrow washed over him. He couldn’t lose Goku. He didn’t want to be alone. He hated to admit that Goku was his only reason for existing. Without the burly Saiyan, he was nothing. He rubbed his eyes and lifted them to stare at the impossibly blue sky.

~ You will die…then I will follow. Seems fitting, doesn’t it, Kakkarrot? To witness the death of the last of my race. Fate can be quite cruel. ~

“Unfortunately, Kakkarrot, I cannot allow that to happen. Not when I haven’t had the chance to…to…”

~ Tell you how I really feel. ~

Vegeta stretched out on the ground beside Goku, pressing himself as close as possible to the other Saiyan. He could still feel the warmth from Goku, and that gave him some hope. He closed his eyes and found himself slowly drifting off to sleep. He would stay by Goku’s side and protect him from the clutches of the waiting natives.

~*~*~*~*~

Vegeta mumbled and groaned. Bulma was shrieking at him again and Kakkarrot had been dancing in some strange outfit. His hand reached out to feel the familiar body of the Saiyan, only to come in contact with nothing. He snapped his eyes open and sat up quickly, his heart pounding a mile-a-minute as he searched around him for the familiar Saiyan.

“Kakkarrot…Kakkarrot!!”

He got to his feet and ran towards the stumbling figure in the distance. Wrapping his arms tightly around the lean waist from behind, Vegeta couldn’t stop the slow trickle of tears that fell down his cheeks as he pressed his face against the orange material of his gi.

“Kakkarrot…” He hitched his breath. “I thought you were going to die. You don’t know how glad I am to see you…”

He stopped as he realized he was gushing and trying hard to compose himself, he dared to gaze into the other’s face, hoping Goku would not laugh at him for showing such weakness. But he need not have worried, for Goku’s eyes were not even open at all. Vegeta blinked and hissed in a breath as he noticed how hot Goku’s body had become.

“Kuso! You are boiling! We need to cool you off.”

He lifted Goku gently and led him back to the lake. Laying him back on the floor again, the prince removed the familiar orange and blue outfit. Fighting the dull blush that had risen to his cheeks at the sight of the perfect physique, Vegeta peeled out of his own clothes and carefully led them into the water. Holding Goku’s body tightly against his with his tail, Vegeta washed them from head to foot with the soothing waters. As his hand brushed against Goku’s limp organ, Vegeta couldn’t help thinking of what it would look like completely aroused and cursing himself for thinking of such a thing, he continued to wash Goku as fast as possible.

Satisfied with the decrease in his body heat, Vegeta took Goku back to shore and left him undressed. He had to be perfectly sure that Goku maintained his present body temperature. Sitting down next to him, he raised his knees, placing his chin on them and staring at the dying sunset in the horizon.

“I could just take us back to earth…but what’s the use of dying on the way there.” He sighed. “I refuse to think about death, Kakkarrot. Especially with you around. I have long given up the idea of killing myself. Hai, I would have done that if I hadn’t met you, I think. You have given me a new reason for living, Kakkarrot. Your infectious and yet annoying smile, that no-quit attitude of yours…your strength…just you, Kakkarrot. I just hope you know that you have stolen my heart, something Freiza tried to do and failed.” He laid his head on his knees and eyed the still figure with a beautiful smile that would have surprised anyone who knew him. “I have given my heart to you, Kakkarrot. I only hope that you won’t crush it like so many others have done.”

He closed his eyes and winced as his stomach grumbled in protest. He hadn’t had anything to eat in a while, but Vegeta did not want to eat anything from the plants here. And he couldn’t very well fly to the spaceship; it was miles away from here. Still weighing his options, he did not hear the low moan or feel the initial drops of rain that had begun to fall. It was only as a hand slapped itself on his shoulder, did he swivel around to blink in surprise at the pale face that stared back at him. For a moment, Vegeta forgot how to speak or think as he drank in the features of the Saiyan he had thought lost forever.

“Kak…Kakkarrot?”

That familiar lopsided grin broke out on Goku’s face and that did it for Vegeta. With a small cry, the prince wrapped his arms around the strong neck, burying his face against it and sobbing helplessly in relief. Goku’s eyes widened in surprise even as his arms wrapped themselves around the lean waist. The rain was beginning to fall harder now and he shivered. Not wanting to break the mood, Goku got to his feet, albeit, shakily and led them beneath a large tree that provided enough shelter from the rain. Collapsing to the ground again, he caressed Vegeta’s back gently. What had happened to him? The last thing he remembered was getting angry with Vegeta for throwing his food away and after that…

“It’s the rain, Kakkarrot.” Vegeta mumbled against his neck.

“The…the rain?”

Vegeta pulled back and stared into the black, puzzled depths with a tremulous smile. “The rains of Jafar are healing rains. They are usually called upon after someone takes ill or after a war.”

“Oh…so…I guess I was sick, huh?”

Vegeta’s tail wound around to tickle beneath his nose, causing him to sneeze and the prince to chuckle. Goku blushed and scratched his head lightly, wondering why the usually scowling Saiyan was in such a good mood. Vegeta reached out a hand to caress the handsome face, eyes darkening with an emotion that Goku could not decipher. He could feel his tail weave in anticipation and his body seemed a bit too hot, despite the rain.

“I almost lost you, Kakkarrot.” The hoarse whisper came with warmth. “And I don’t want to…don’t want to…” His words faltered as he fought to say the words out loud. But as usual, they remained stubbornly locked in his throat, and try as he might, they wouldn’t come out.

He gasped as he felt Goku’s hand on his face and he found himself helplessly drowning within the molten dark depths. “I understand, Vegeta,” Goku said quietly, his heart leaping in his chest as he realized what the Saiyan prince was trying to say. “You don’t have to say a word. I understand completely. I have…I mean…I have always…lo…liked you too.” He finished weakly, his face reddening with embarrassment at the confession.

Vegeta’s tail curled and sought Goku’s, a small smile on his features as he watched them curl around each other. “I have always lo…liked you too, Kakkarrot. Just don’t tell anyone, or I will kill you.”

Goku couldn’t help laughing, but it was soon silenced as he felt Vegeta’s lips seal his in a slow kiss. His body flared to life, a weak groan escaping his lips as he tightened his grip around Vegeta’s waist. He didn’t protest much as Vegeta began to push him back to the now slightly muddy ground. Tongues danced wildly, each trying to establish its dominance as bodies writhed sensuously together. Aching arousals caused both Saiyans to gasp, a shot of pleasure flaring through them.

Vegeta pulled away, licking his swollen lips. His darkened gaze eyed Goku’s rain-slicked body with a hunger that had the Saiyan shivering in desire. He straddled the larger body and leaned down to trail kisses along the strong jaw to his neck. The taste of the rain combined with Goku made Vegeta moan wantonly. His hands roamed over the flesh he had longed to possess with a thoroughness that had Goku twisting and arching off the ground into his body.

Vegeta trailed his lips down the strong neck to the slick torso, sucking, nipping and teasing every inch of skin he could reach with his tongue. He suckled like a babe on the hardened nipples, lowering his hands to grip the turgid flesh of Goku’s erection and stroking it gently. This little act caused Goku to squeeze his eyes shut and howl in pleasure. Blindly, he reached for the base of Vegeta’s tail and scratched slowly, almost smirking as he watched Vegeta pull back to give his own lusty cry.

“Kakk…Kakka…ooooooooo….”

Grinding above Goku’s erection wildly, Vegeta arched his neck and continued his mindless speech, unable to do much with the intense emotion coursing through him. He could feel his erection swell with an impending orgasm and not wanting to climax in this fashion, Vegeta began to shake his head. He tried to tell Kakkarrot to stop but that was proving rather difficult to do. Finally giving up on even making an attempt, Vegeta growled and lifted Goku’s legs.

“I…I…am sorry about this, Kakkarrot…but you leave me with no choice…” He leaned forward to whisper against Goku’s swollen lips. “This is going to hurt…a little.”

And sealing Goku’s lips with his, Vegeta thrust his swollen flesh into the tight and unprepared heat, sucking Goku’s cry within his mouth. For a brief moment, the fingers on his tail relaxed, as each stilled to get accustomed to the sensation. Goku returned Vegeta’s kiss as he began to feel his inner muscles adjust to the hard invasion. With a light nudge, he urged Vegeta to continue and soon enough, both Saiyans began to establish a slow but steady rhythm.

Goku groaned weakly. This was all well and good, but he needed more, and reaching for Vegeta’s tail again, he began to scratch that sensitive spot even harder than last time, causing the Saiyan prince to cry out and thrust even deeper within the tight heat. Vegeta knew he had hit the right spot this time, for Goku’s loud howl matched his in volume. Panting harshly, both Saiyans set out to give each other as much pleasure as possible. Vegeta’s thrusts deepened and became much faster, as he pounded the taller Saiyan into the muddy earth. With a low grunt, Goku spun them around quickly, causing Vegeta’s erection to brush even further against his prostate. He slammed himself upon the lying prince, crying out again as he felt Vegeta grip his stiff organ to stroke just as quickly.

“AAAAAAAHHH!! Can’t…Can’t hold it in…Vegeeeetaaa!!”

“Kakkaaaarrot!!”

Bodies arched and tightened as intense orgasms ripped through them. So intense, that for a brief moment both changed into their super Saiyan states before collapsing limply against the other in exhaustion. Lips sought each other blindly, as pounding and racing hearts tried to calm down. Goku tried to climb off Vegeta, but the prince refused to allow the movement, wrapping his tail possessively around the him. Chuckling softly, Goku decided not to budge. He could still feel Vegeta throbbing within him and the sticky evidence of his explosion slowly being washed away by the rain.

He laid his head upon the prince’s chest and played idly with a hardened nipple. With a happy sigh, Goku closed his eyes and muttered softly. “Thank you, Vegeta…”

~ Thank you for taking a chance on me and for giving me your heart. ~

The Saiyan prince smiled warmly and tightened his hold around Goku’s waist, a feeling of contentment and peace washing over him.

~ Thank you, Kakkarrot. For showing me the true meaning of love and for giving me yet another reason to live… ~

~*~*~*~*~

Among a cluster of bushes, the lone native watched the Saiyans with a small smile on his face and spinning on his heels, he ran back to tell the good news to his waiting leader.

It seemed like the plan to get the stubborn prince to admit his true feelings, had worked out after all.

THE END