CHAPTER FOURTEEN:

Kakkarrot paced around the tiny room, his thoughts racing. In a few minutes, he would be summoned into the next room, where a group of ten senior officers were to question him and probably pass their final judgment on the spot.

~ Court-martialed. I don’t believe it. ~

Stopping beside the glass window, he stared out at the bustling Home grounds beneath him. The sun was out and it did little to reflect his mood at the moment. There was no doubt that he was going to be stripped of his ranking. Vegeta’s trial date had been earlier that week and according to several sources, he hadn’t reported the incident as rape, which was a good thing, for if he had, the repercussions would have been far worse.

Juggling his memory, he tried to remember the last sentence given to an officer that had violated such a code. His name had been Miko. The boy had been stripped of his title as Captain and had been expelled, for he had been caught taking a shower in the same stall with another officer. Extreme, yes, but that was the way of the Home.

Kakkarrot spun around sharply as the door creaked open.

“Lieutenant.” The senior officer called out, sticking his head in. “You may go into the room now.”

“Thank you, sir.” Kakkarrot replied quietly, his heart pounding painfully in his chest as he stepped towards his impending Fate.

~*~*~*~*~

Vegeta walked towards the administrative offices as quickly as he could. Today was supposed to be Kakkarrot’s meeting with the board of officers and to be honest; Vegeta was now officially a nervous wreck. For the past week, he had been denied access to anywhere Kakkarrot was. He had not been allowed to speak or even look at the Lieutenant and his conscience had screamed that it had all been somehow his fault.

~ If only I had kept my big fat mouth shut. None of this would have happened. ~

Kakkarrot was in deep shit that much was certain. He wasn’t sure as to what extent his punishment would be, but Vegeta was sure that the Lieutenant stood to loose his ranking and might even end up getting suspended. But, goddamit! He hadn’t been raped. This was a consensual thing between the two of them. How could he make them see that? He had dutifully filed a report on the incident, and gone on trial himself, stating the case as it were, but he wasn’t sure if that was going to make a dent in the final verdict or not.

Walking into the cool building, he walked up the imposing winding staircase, idly staring at the numerous trophies and pictures that graced the stony gray walls. He strode down the long hallway towards the ‘Trial’ room, but his pace began to slow down as he noticed the two officers that stood against the walls next to the solid oak doors. They both spun around as they heard his approach, staring at him in a mixture of distrust and hate (from Trunks’ angle).

Saluting smartly in greeting, Vegeta stuck his hands into his fatigues and rocked back on his heels, feeling a tad bit uncomfortable in the others’ presence. The door to the room was locked and a sign with the words ‘In Session’ was plastered on it. Smiling wanly at the stern-faced officers, he sat himself down on the conveniently placed bench against the cold wall.

“What are you doing here?” Trunks asked eventually, his voice cold enough to freeze steam.

“I came to see Kakk…the Lieutenant.” Vegeta answered evenly, staring into the icy blue eyes.

“Weren’t you forbidden to see the Lieutenant? Or do you need your ears washed out as well?”

“That will do, Trunks.” Gohan said quietly, placing a strong hand on the tense shoulders. “He has been through enough himself.”

“Like hell he has!” Trunks yelled angrily, shrugging the hand off. In one quick stride, he leaned towards Vegeta, stopping within inches of the blank features, and then spitting out in anger, he said, “Thanks to you, Kakkarrot is no longer going to be a First class Lieutenant. Hell! He isn’t even going to be a Second class Lieutenant. He will become a ‘nobody’. All his life, he had worked hard to reach this position. Fuck!! He was due to be promoted to Captain in a month’s time! And now what? You come along and you screw everything up for him! You and your stupid little….”

He stopped short as he noticed the door to the room opening up. In a flash, all three boys straightened up and saluted in greeting as the group of high-ranking officers filed out of the room. Finally, a pale looking Kakkarrot stepped out, smiling softly at the worried looks that were etched on his friends’ faces.

Immediately, Gohan and Trunks began bombarding him with questions, while Vegeta stood off silently in the corner watching the three boys. Not a very good time to feel jealous, but he couldn’t help the acid that had risen to his throat as he watched Trunks practically drape himself over the taller boy’s arm. Wrapping his arms around his torso, he began to walk slowly after them, noticing with a heavy heart that Kakkarrot had barely given him a nod of acknowledgement.

“So what happened?” Gohan asked, as they headed towards the staircase. “You were in there for hours.”

“What did they say? What’s gonna happen to you?” Trunks asked in fevered tones.

“One at a time.” Kakkarrot said softly. “All right. They said that since Vegeta hadn’t reported the incident as rape, my sentence was to be light…well as light as they could make it.”

“Yeah…go on…” Gohan said.

“And since I officially have one more school year here, I would be allowed to take the exams and then if I pass, I would be sent on my way out.”

"And what if you don't pass?"

"If I don't pass….I might be transferred to another Home."

"Damn…"

“But what about your…ranking?” Trunks asked quizzically.

“Oh, I have been stripped of that.” Kakkarrot said tightly, trying hard to swallow the lump that was forming in his throat.

Gohan and Trunks winced and looked at each other. They knew how much it had meant to the now ex-Lieutenant. And it killed them to see that what he had worked so hard for had been taken away from him, for something so seamlessly trivial. With a hiss, Trunks spun around and glared at Vegeta, who had silently still been following them.

“I hope you are happy now, Vegeta!!” Trunks spat out, wanting so much to punch the blank look on the smaller boy’s face.

“That will do, Trunks.” Kakkarrot said sharply. “I am as much as fault as he is.”

“What?” Trunks gasped out in disbelief, spinning around to face the grim looking boy.

“You heard me. This was consensual. We both wanted it.”

Trunks blinked for several seconds, before blurting out dazedly, “I..I…don’t…understand…I thought you said…”

“I lied to you, Trunks.” Kakkarrot said softly, noticing the look on his best friend’s face. “I am sorry. Vegeta and I …”

“Shut up, Kakkarrot.” Trunks said quietly. “Just shut up.”

“Trunks…”

“I don’t fucking believe you! You would throw away everything you worked for, for this…that…person?!”

“His name is Vegeta. And yes I would.” Kakkarrot replied curtly, as they stared at each other in strained silence.

Vegeta would have jumped for joy, if not for the seriousness of the situation. Kakkarrot wasn’t denying him. He was openly admitting his feelings to his friends and that in itself was a bold but dangerous step. Kakkarrot had lost his ranking and was only allowed to remain in school until his examinations were over. All in all the boy’s life was heading towards ruin but Vegeta didn’t care… at the moment. He was too happy. That little prick, Trunks, had finally been put in his place.

“I don’t know if I can ever understand you, Kakkarrot.” Trunks finally said, turning his head away. “I guess I am going to have to…eventually. I hope you are happy with him….although he will be leaving in what…two days? Good luck, friend.” And nodding to Gohan, he walked out of the building without another glance.

“He will come around… hopefully.” Gohan said, staring after the disappearing boy.

“So…when do you plan on telling him?” Kakkarrot asked suddenly, earning himself a quick blush and a startled gasp from the Captain.

“What…what…are you talking about? You don’t think…I have…”

“Come on, Gohan. I have seen the way you look at him from time to time. For chrissakes, tell him already.”

“I can’t! He might never want to be friends with me again!” Gohan blurted out in a hushed whisper.

“Gohan.” Kakkarrot said softly, resting his hands on his best friend’s shoulder. “He is going to need you when I am gone. So do yourself a favor and tell him. Okay? Trust me, after the initial shock wears off, everything will work out just fine.”

“But…but…you know the way he feels about you and I don’t think…”

“Have you really spoken to him about it? Trunks and I had something…but it is not the same as…” At this point Kakkarrot stopped, his face flushing lightly as he nodded towards Vegeta. “It is not the same as…what I have with Vegeta. You do understand, don’t you?”

Gohan took a quick glance at the now blushing Vegeta, who was trying very hard to ignore the conversation as best as he could, and turning back to his red-faced friend he replied, a small smile crossing his face.

“I don’t believe it, Kakkarrot. You and Vegeta?” He shook his head in amazement for a moment, before continuing again. “I…fine, I will tell him. But you will burn in hell for this, you know that don’t you, Ka-Chan?”

“You and me both.” Kakkarrot replied laughing, and turning around to give Vegeta a small smile, he followed the grinning Captain out into the warm sunshine.

~*~*~*~*~

“Gosh. You are so lucky. I wish I were going back home tomorrow.” Mizuno said, stuffing another forkful of mashed potatoes into his mouth.

“Yeah. I envy you. I have about two more months in this place.” Yazuha added, drinking his milk in record time and tossing the empty carton onto his tray.

“It sucks!” Akira muttered, giving a mock glare to the smug-looking Vegeta.

“Oh, shut up, all of you.” Vegeta said lightly, pushing his own food around his plate. “And finish your blasted meals.”

“Your last dinner here…”

“Your last night here…”

“Your last sleeping on cold lumpy beds and having to wake up at ungodly hours and scrub toilets and listen to crap and…”

“Alright already!” Vegeta snapped, glaring at the snickering boys in irritation. “You don’t have to draw it out. Thank God, I am leaving! I have had it with you bakas!”

“And we love you too, Vegeta.” Akira said, sniggering.

“We will miss you, you know.” Yazuha said solemnly. “Come back and visit us sometime.”

~ Not if I can help it. ~

“Sure, why not?” Vegeta replied. Getting up from his chair, he announced sharply. “I am done here.”

“But you hardly touched your food.” Akira spoke out.

“Can I have it?” Mizuno begged.

“Whatever.” Vegeta pushed the tray towards the hungry boy and trying hard not to show the reason for his distress, he shoved his shaking hands into his pockets and walked nonchalantly towards the exit doors. Kakkarrot and his friends had just walked into the cafeteria and Vegeta had been unable to sit still any longer. Stealing a peek at the ex-Lieutenant with an anguish that filled his heart, he let out a small sigh, hoping that the he would be recognized and smiled at or something. Nothing. Kakkarrot made no attempts to even glance his way. Feeling stupid and ridiculous, Vegeta grit his teeth in bitterness and with a snarl, he stalked out of the room, never looking back.

~*~*~*~*~

Kakkarrot carried his tray to his table, trying very hard to ignore the boy that seemed to make him want to loose his inhibitions in a flash. He had caught sight of Vegeta immediately he had walked into the room and to his annoyance and slight embarrassment; he had felt a light giddy happiness flow through him. Painful as it was, he couldn’t look at Vegeta. He did not want to draw more attention to the already swirling news about their escapades together.

Pushing his food around his plate, he tried to keep his mind focused on the conversation being held in front of him. Gohan was acting on his advice and was beginning to show Trunks his feelings, not so obvious of course, but the hints were there. Trunks wasn’t quite sure on what to make of Gohan’s extra attention, but he was grateful…he had had a pretty rough day. Kakkarrot stole a glance at Vegeta’s table, noticing that he was about to leave the room. Gripping his fork tightly, he quickly turned his face away, when he saw that Vegeta had glanced his way.

Gritting his teeth, he glared at his plate in false concentration. ~ Do not look. Do not look. ~ Stabbing his steak with extra roughness and shoving it into his mouth. He turned towards his friends again, pretending to be interested, but seeing and hearing nothing.

Eventually, raising his head again, he saw that Vegeta had left the room and slowly releasing tensed up muscles, he sighed in pain. The next twenty-fours was going to be a bitch.

~*~*~*~*~

Vegeta tossed restlessly on his bed. He was to leave in approximately twelve hours. He would have to head down to the main lobby to pick up his regular clothes and then meet his father at the front gates. He should have been happy, elated, ecstatic, overwhelmed, but all he seemed to feel was a dull emptiness that threatened to make him scream in frustration. He needed to see Kakkarrot. He had to!

Sitting up abruptly, he reached beneath his pillow for his flashlight. Flicking it on, he looked around the room, noticing that his roommates were still fast asleep. ~ Good. ~ According to the clock, it was almost one in the morning. He figured he could make it to the senior quarters and then make it back before the rising bell. Getting off the bed, he tiptoed on his bare-feet out to the door and opening it gingerly, he stuck his head out and looked around, making sure that no one was about. Satisfied that he was alone, he shut the door behind him and began to tiptoe as fast as he could down the stairs and out of the building before he could be caught.

He froze against the brick walls as he noticed the sounds of two senior officers laughing float towards him. Holding his breath, for what seemed like eons, he let it out only when the officers had finally gone by. Thankfully, there would be no Major Flint to block his way or anything. The pesky Major had been ‘released’ and only God knew where the hell he had been sent. Vegeta braced himself and with a quick bolt, he raced across the lawns towards the senior quarters, hoping and praying that no one would be awake.

As luck would have it, some officers were still awake. Cursing underneath his breath, Vegeta bit his lip as he thought of a way to get to the room. ~ The window! ~ Running around the building, he stopped beneath the darkened windows and craning his neck, he noticed that the walls were relatively smooth and had nothing to really lean on. Growling in frustration, he eventually noticed the large oak tree that graced the side of the building. ~ Hmm…the branches seem to be leaning towards Kakkarrot’s room….If I could just… ~ With determination, he began climbing the tree as quickly as he could. Reaching the semi-sturdy branches, he began crawling towards the elusive window.

“Whoa.” He said, his heart thudding fast as the branches swayed dangerously. ~ Please, don’t make me fall. Just a little bit more. ~ He stretched out his hands to try and grip the window ledge. The branches swayed again and Vegeta had to grip the tree limb tightly once more. Hugging the tree tight, he tried to catch his breath. There was no way he was going to give in now. He had come too far. Leaning out again, he tried to will his fingers to reach the ledge again.

~ Almost…there…~

“What the hell are you doing?” came the amused voice of that wonderfully familiar voice.

“Kakkarrot!”

“Yes, Vegeta. Why are you hanging off a tree?” he drawled lazily, enjoying the furious blush that had darkened the other boy’s face, as he leaned out of the now opened window.

“I am not hanging off a tree!” Vegeta snapped out, trying to stop the happy glow he was starting to feel.

“Oh? Well then, I guess I can’t let you in…since you aren’t out there.” He sneered lightly, as he began to shut the window again.

“No! I mean…yes! I am here! So open…please…I need to see you.” Vegeta said hurriedly, nearly falling out of the tree in his haste.

“Alright then. Careful now. Give me your hand.” Kakkarrot said, clasping the strong hands in his firm grip.

He smiled inwardly as Vegeta tried to make his way in. Frankly, he had found it hard to sleep as well. Knowing that Vegeta was to leave in the morning had left him morose and cranky and now sleepless. And so it had come as a pleasant shock and surprise to hear the noises outside his window, only to see the very cause of his restlessness nearly try to kill himself, all in his attempt to reach him. If he had been a hopeless romantic, he might have called the scenario just that, but since he wasn’t, he figured he would have probably done the same thing himself. He intended to enjoy their last hours together and he had made sure that would be no interference this time.

Vegeta allowed himself to be pulled into the darkened room, gasping as Kakkarrot pulled him tightly against his body and then moaning weakly as his lips were seized in a soul-searing kiss. The two bodies burned with a fever that threatened to snap their sanity. Finally releasing each other for air, they both began to strip each other out of their clothes. They didn’t need to waste their energy with words. The hours were going by fast and they were running out of time.

~*~*~*~

“It’s three o’clock, Kakkarrot.” Vegeta muttered against the sweaty chest, his own slick body cuddled up tightly against the older boy, as he traced lazy circles around a sensitive nub. “I will be leaving in about six hours.”

“Stop talking about that, Vegeta. You are going to get me depressed.” Kakkarrot said lightly, stroking the dark hair softly.

“I am depressed, Kakkarrot.” Vegeta said suddenly, sitting up and resting his head fully on the solid chest as he stared deeply into the shiny dark eyes. “I never thought I would miss leaving this place.”

“This place or me?” Kakkarrot teased, sliding his hands down the smaller boy’s body as he rested his hands on the smooth curve of the taut cheeks.

“You know, I meant you….ahhh…” Vegeta moaned softly as he felt Kakkarrot slide his penis into him again. Shutting his eyes, he began panting in short breaths as he allowed the swollen flesh to caress his inner walls.

“I will miss you, Vegeta.” Kakkarrot gasped out, as he increased his thrusting motion.

“I…ahhhh….oh, god!…Kakkarrot!” Vegeta groaned out, as his lips were seized again, stealing away his incoherent words. With great reluctance he withdrew from the sweet torment. Sitting up and keeping his eyes pinned on Kakkarrot’s, he raised himself off the thrusting organ and with a softly whispered, ‘I love you…’ he impaled himself on the waiting flesh, both of them hissing sharply to control their screams. For the next several minutes, he would lift himself almost all the way out and then thrust back down with such brute force that it succeeded in taking their breaths away.

He was sobbing silently now and he could care less if it made him look like he was a weak crybaby. He would never see Kakkarrot again. This was their last night together and Vegeta intended to remember it for as long as he lived. And with a desperation that was reciprocated, he pounded himself onto Kakkarrot, clasping the other boy’s hands in a death grip as their lips met in sweet communion. Sweat, heat and the scent of their lovemaking overwhelmed their senses, causing them to lose touch with anything that came close to reality. Vegeta withdrew his lips as he felt his vision disappear. A whirlwind of color danced behind his eyes as he approached the plateau of desire. He was about to fall and by God! he was taking Kakkarrot with him. Throwing his head back, in ecstasy, he growled out,

“Oh God! Kakkarrot!!”

“Vegetaaaaa!!”

The final explosion was devastating, earth shattering, mind-blowing, unlike anything they had ever experienced in their lives. For long minutes, they clutched each other, the sticky evidence of their coupling coated over their stomachs and thighs, tremors wracking their satiated bodies, waiting for the aftershocks to subside. With a weak grunt, they collapsed limply onto the rumpled sheets, slowly giving in to the blissful darkness that over took them.

~*~*~*~

Vegeta ran the comb through his hair again as he stared sightlessly into the mirror. He was back into the clothes he had worn the first day he had arrived. The dark blue long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks were a bit loose on him now, but they still fitted just fine. His face had lost that innocent look that his mother kept insisting was baby cute. Instead, it was now filled with wisdom and evidence of the hard experiences he had gone through. If one had looked a bit closer, he or she might have noticed the dull luster in his eyes. Ironic, since it was the day he was supposed to be full of good cheer. He was miserable and only his aching heart knew the reason.

“Vegeta? Your father is here.”

Vegeta nodded at the officer in acknowledgement and sighing, he dropped the borrowed comb and walked slowly out of the building. His father was there all right, standing beside an apparently newly owned convertible, the older man’s face wreathed in a glowing beam that couldn’t be contained.

Vegeta walked towards the smiling man, feeling a small smile grace his own face.

“Hiya, son!”

“Hi, dad.” Vegeta replied, allowing himself to be embraced.

“God! It’s been so long. I have missed you, if I may say so myself.”

“I missed you too, dad.”

“So are you ready to go?”

“Umm…not quite. I just have to do one more thing. I will be right back.”

“Uh…Okay…” the father, said puzzled as he watched his son jog off towards the buildings again.

~*~*~*~

Vegeta ran as fast as he could, past the jogging/marching squads and shouting officers. ~ Just one last time. Just need to see him one last time. ~

“Hey, Vegeta. What are you still doing here?” Gohan asked, stopping the speeding boy.

“I am looking for Kakkarrot. Do you know where I can find him?”

“He just left the cafeteria. I saw him heading towards the schoolrooms. You might just…”

“Thanks!” Vegeta shouted, not waiting for Gohan to finish, as he took off for the said building.

~*~*~*~

Kakkarrot smiled at the junior recruit in gratitude, as he tucked his books underneath his arms. Walking out of the cafeteria, he decided that a quick stop at Professor Dan’s psychology class couldn’t hurt. He needed to brush up on his notes anyways.

Vegeta had finally left after they had made love for the third time that morning and both of them had still been unwillingly to let the other go. They had spent the remaining half hour talking about everything and nothing. He had disclosed his most private thoughts with the smaller boy and had in turn enjoyed the stories that Vegeta had regaled him with. Unconsciously, he rubbed his chest as he felt the dull ache of loss and pain fill him again. Vegeta should have left by now, back to his real world, to his friends, to his warm and loving family.

~ I am going to miss you like hell. Please don’t forget me. ~

“Vegeta….” He whispered lightly, before jerking his head up as he heard his name being yelled out. Turning around quickly, he blinked in astonishment as he saw the approaching figure. “Vegeta?”

~*~*~*~*~

Sure enough, Vegeta found Kakkarrot walking towards the classrooms, his books tucked underneath his arms. Vegeta began to scream out his name, not caring about the weird looks he received. He watched as Kakkarrot spun around, the look of surprise clearly etched on his face.

“Vegeta? What are you still doing…”

“I came to say goodbye.” Vegeta said, panting for air as he stopped in front of the taller boy, having to restrain himself from jumping into his arms and kissing him in front of the entire school.

“Oh.” Kakkarrot replied dully. Kami! He didn’t want to do this. He hated goodbyes. “Well, then…” he continued, sticking his free hand out for a handshake. “It was a pleasure getting to know you, Vegeta.”

Vegeta swallowed tightly against the lump that was now stuck in his throat as he clasped the strong hands in front of him, hands that had known him more intimately than any body else in his life.

“The plea…pleasure was all mine, Kakkarrot.” Vegeta said softly, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I will never forget you.”

“Neither will I.” Came the quiet reply, neither boy wanting to release the other’s hands.

“Will…will…I ever see you again?” Vegeta asked, a hint of desperation in his voice.

“I don’t know, Vegeta. I take my exams in a few weeks and then I might be leaving this place in a few months. So…”

“God…”Vegeta whispered, a tear breaking free, as he swiped it away quickly. “I wish….Maybe you could come and visit…”

Kakkarrot shook his head, knowing that that possibility might never happen. “You better leave, Vegeta. It looks like they are coming to get you.” He said, nodding towards the approaching figures of Vegeta’s father and another officer.

Nodding in understanding, he finally withdrew his hands from the warm grip, feeling a slight chill at the loss and then raising a hand to his chest; he made an ‘I love you’ sign, smiling as Kakkarrot duplicated the gesture.

“I guess this is it.” Vegeta sighed, watching as his father came towards him. Turning back to other boy, he continued softly, “Goodbye, Kakkarrot. Good luck in your exams and whatever else you plan to do in your life or….”

“Take care now, Vegeta. And don’t get into any more trouble…or something.” Kakkarrot said, earning a chuckle from the smaller boy.

“Is…umm… everything alright, son?”

“Yeah, dad. Just saying goodbye…to a… friend. Let’s go.”

And giving a final wave to Kakkarrot, he spun around and sticking his hands into the pockets of his dark slacks, Vegeta walked alongside his father, kicking morosely at a stone on the ground. He turned his head around again, watching as Kakkarrot made his way into one of the classes. Sighing, he turned back to meet the questioning glance from his father.

“If I didn’t know any better, I would say you were sorry to be leaving this place.”

“Maybe.” Vegeta snapped curtly, not wanting to speak about his private business with his father right now.

The older man shrugged, coming to the conclusion that maybe his son needed the space and time to come to grips with his freedom.

The two men walked into the waiting vehicle and slid into the leather seats silently.

“Time to hit the road!” Father said to son cheerily.

Vegeta gave the older man a wan smile and turned his head to look out the window. He watched as the car drove down the long driveway, passing places he had called home for four long months. He almost felt sorry for the new recruits, at least they wouldn’t have to put up with Flint.

~ Kakkarrot…~

He listened idly as the sound of the metal gates opened. He was free again. Away from the dark gloom of the Home. Away from the sleepness nights and long days. Away from the boy he loved. Twisting around on his seat, he watched as the gates began to shut back slowly, successfully hiding the large, intimidating building that was the Robert Smith Home. Spinning around again, Vegeta clenched his fists and bit his lower lip as he felt his eyes well up, and he had to stare out of the window quickly to prevent his father from seeing his state of despair.

“Are you sure you are all right, son?” the father asked again, concern now etched in his voice.

“I am fine, dad. I will be just fine.” Came the listless reply, as the car sped down the long highway towards the ‘real world’.