Notes:
This is one of my favourite chapters <3
Chapter Text
Three weeks passed since that encounter.
Vegeta's days unfolded in a semblance of normalcy, a facade he carefully maintained to suppress the tumult of emotions swirling within him. With Trunks at school and Bulma engrossed in her lab work, he sought solace in the Gravity Room, where the relentless training provided a temporary distraction. At lunchtime, he made an effort to engage more with Bulma and Trunks, delving into their daily lives and becoming surprisingly involved in their activities.
In an unexpected turn, Vegeta found himself assisting Trunks with homework in the afternoons, a departure from his usual aloof demeanour. Bulma observed this transformation with a mixture of amazement and curiosity, wondering about the sudden change in his behaviour.
Yet, as the evening approached, Vegeta retreated to his room, seeking refuge in the routine of marital intimacy. Every day, he made love to Bulma, a physical connection that belied the internal turmoil.
Despite the outward appearance of normalcy, his mind incessantly circled back to that fateful kiss with Goku, an indelible mark on his consciousness that refused to fade. No matter how ardently he tried to suppress the memories, they lingered, an unwelcome spectre haunting his thoughts.
But why does this happen to me?
Despite the absence of any contact from Goku—no messages, no calls—the unresolved feelings continued to fester. Vegeta realised he couldn't allow this uncertainty to persist and decided to confront the source of his turmoil.
His mind, like a relentless detective, searched for clues, and then it hit him—the Fusion . The Fusion with Goku during the battle against Majin Buu had surely altered something within him.
Damn! I knew it would only lead to trouble.
Frustrated with the incessant turmoil in his mind, Vegeta knew he had to resolve the situation. Unable to bear the haunting thoughts any longer, he grabbed his cell phone, navigated to the message list, and began composing a message to Goku, determined to confront the issues that lingered between them.
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Goku was certainly no better off.
The idea that he had cheated on his wife was always etched in his mind. For this reason, he embarked on a mission to transform into the ideal husband and father.
Early mornings were dedicated to working in the fields, and upon his return, he actively participated in household chores, consciously minimising his training. One evening, he even suggested visiting Gohan in his new home. The changes in Goku's behaviour left Chi-Chi in disbelief, as if the husband she had always wished for was finally emerging.
In their intimate moments, Goku took the initiative, surprising Chi-Chi even more. However, the satisfaction and happiness he expected to derive from these encounters eluded him.
Instead, his mind continued to grapple with the question of why he had kissed Vegeta. The act haunted him, fueling a sense of confusion and self-questioning. Amidst these contemplations, the vibration of his cell phone on the bedside table interrupted his thoughts.
Who could it be at this hour? he wondered.
So he reached for his cell phone. His eyes widened as he saw the sender's name. He then opened the screen and read the message.
From Vegeta:
Hey, are you sleeping?
From Kakarot 🤡🥕
I was about to…why?
As he sent the reply, a subtle unease settled in. The seconds that followed felt like an eternity as he awaited Vegeta's response.
From Vegeta:
Tomorrow we will go to the planet of Kaioshins.
A surge of surprise rippled through Goku.
From Kakarot 🤡🥕
Huh? Why?
Vegeta's response left Goku with more questions than answers.
From Vegeta:
I'll explain everything to you tomorrow. See you here at 11 am sharp, okay?
From Kakarot 🤡🥕
Mmm…Fine!
What on Earth is going through Vegeta's mind? Also, what does the planet of the Kaioshin have to do with it? Goku thought.
With these thoughts he fell asleep.
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The following day, Goku arrived promptly at Capsule Corporation. Bulma, catching sight of him through the window, eagerly opened the door to greet him.
"Hey Goku! Long time no see," Bulma inquired with a warm smile as Goku entered the Capsule Corporation.
"Hey, Bulma," Goku greeted with a friendly smile.
"Are you here for Vegeta?" Bulma asked.
"Oh yes, we had an appointment at 11," Goku replied with a casual grin.
"Ah, another training session, huh? But don't you ever get bored of fighting?" Bulma asked, not quite understanding the pleasure they might take in punching each other.
"True Saiyans never get bored of fighting. It is our daily bread. The more we fight, the more we need it. That's how we are made, isn't it Kakarot?" exclaimed Vegeta, who had arrived in the meantime.
Goku grinned, "Absolutely, Vegeta! It's in our blood, and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Bulma rolled her eyes, a playful smirk on her lips. "Well, as long as you enjoy it. I'll go back to work now. Just try not to wreck the place too much, okay?" she quipped, waving her hands in a mock plea for them to keep the destruction to a minimum.
"No, don't worry, Bulma!" Goku agreed, offering a reassuring smile.
The two Saiyans waited for Bulma to leave, eager to have a private conversation without the risk of being overheard. Goku crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful, while Vegeta leaned against a nearby wall with his arms folded, a characteristic scowl on his face.
As the seconds ticked by, Goku glanced at Vegeta. "So, do you want to tell me why you brought me here? And then what does the planet of the Kaioshin have to do with it?" Goku asked, a curious glint in his eyes.
"Shhh, keep your voice down. I asked you to come here because maybe I know what this change of yours is due to," Vegeta said in a hushed tone, raising a hand in a cautionary gesture.
He actually wanted to say, this change in us, but he glossed over it.
Goku furrowed his brow, leaning in slightly. "Change in me? What are you talking about, Vegeta?" he asked in a lowered voice.
"Yes, I've been doing some thinking. After our last fight and that... uh, unexpected moment, I realised something. I think it might be related to the Fusion," Vegeta affirmed, convinced of his reasoning.
"The Fusion? Vegeta, I don't beli…" Goku scratched his head nervously.
"Shut up! Did you have something else in mind? It must surely have been the Fusion," Vegeta snapped, pointing an accusing finger at Goku.
He shook his head in frustration, clearly regretting the decision to merge. "I knew I shouldn't have listened to you and merged with you. Now, we'll go to the planet of the Kaioshin and have them tell us exactly whether this behaviour of yours can be caused by this," he explained, his hands clenched into fists as he spoke.
"I don't think the Fusion has anything to do with that, however, whatever you want. We can give it a try," Goku said, looking sceptical.
"Well, let's go," Vegeta put his hand on Goku's shoulder and disappeared.
In a moment, the two arrived on the planet of the Kaioshin. Observing their surroundings, they both recalled the intense battle they had faced on this very planet. The memories of Majin Buu and the consequences of their actions lingered.
"Hey Goku, Vegeta," exclaimed the Old Kaiohshin from afar. "What are you doing here?"
Goku and Vegeta turned to see him approaching with a curious expression.
Goku gave a friendly wave. "Hey, Old Kai! Vegeta and I are here to ask for some information," exclaimed Goku, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment.
"Oh, what information?" exclaimed Old Kai in curiosity.
"Well...I...I don't know how to explain it...does merging with Potara cause any side effects?" Goku said, increasingly embarrassed.
Damn, didn't you think of something better to say? Vegeta thought.
Old Kai raised an eyebrow, his wise gaze focused on Goku. "Side effects? What are you talking about?"
"Well, side effects like, um, how should I put it. I tried kis--" Goku was interrupted by a blow to the head from Vegeta.
"What he is trying to say is…," Vegeta interrupted him before he could do any more damage. "Is it possible that following the Fusion with Potara, after having regained our body, his behaviour has, let's say, changed a little?"
Old Kai was puzzled and remained silent for a few seconds.
"We thought you might have some insights," Vegeta added.
"Hmm, change in behaviour, you say? That's not something I've encountered before," he mused.
"But you are not ruling out the possibility. It is entirely possible. Fusion not only unites physical strength, but intertwines your minds and souls. Your emotions and perspectives may change. The negative feelings you had may be diluted, giving way to new understanding and cooperation," Vegeta crossed his arms, contemplating this revelation.
Vegeta wanted at all costs to find a rational explanation for everything that was happening to him (or rather, to them).
"And does this solely impact Goku?" Old Kai inquired, his gaze shifting between the two Saiyans. The wrinkled lines on his forehead deepened in contemplation.
Vegeta hesitated. He could never disclose the torments he had endured as a result of that kiss. The Saiyan Prince briefly averted his eyes.
"What does it matter? We are here for him, not for me," Vegeta shouted, his face turning all red to hide his embarrassment. His fists clenched, a physical manifestation of his frustration.
Old Kaioshin continued, "It seems there might be some misconceptions. The Potara Fusion is different from the Fusion Dance in some key aspects. The Potara Fusion creates a completely new being with a blend of the individual personalities and strengths of the two fusees. However, it does not directly alter their minds or emotions."
"How can you be certain?" Vegeta asked, his disappointment evident in his tone.
Old Kaioshin responded, "Over the aeons, we've observed countless Potara Fusions among different species. It's a well-established understanding among the Kaioshins. The Fusion enhances the combined strengths and abilities, but it doesn't alter the fundamental personalities of the individuals involved. Consequently, should you notice any changes in your behaviours, thoughts or actions, they are independent of the Fusion."
Both remained silent, Vegeta looked stymied.
"However, if you don't believe me you can ask the Supreme Kai," the Old Kai added.
"Why?" Vegeta asked with an air of curiosity.
"He merged with Kibito, remember?" Old Kai raised an eyebrow, emphasising the importance of this reference. "Well, they collected the Namekian Dragon Balls and asked the dragon to separate them again. If you want to know if they noticed any changes in their behaviours, they are the right people to ask."
"Where are they?" Vegeta asked impatiently, his tone sharp and his arms crossed.
The Old Kai pointed in the direction in which they were standing. "They are located approximately 3 km from here, in that direction".
"Perfect, let's go!" Vegeta grabbed Goku by the shirt and led the way in the direction indicated by the old man.
"You see, Vegeta, Fusion had nothing to do with it," Goku added, rubbing it in.
"Shut up! Besides, how can the old man be so sure, huh? Maybe with Saiyans, it works differently," Vegeta shouted.
Vegeta and Goku arrived at the location where the Supreme Kai and Kibito were.
"Hi, guys! What are you doing here?" The Supreme Kai greeted with an air of surprise.
Goku scratched the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "Hey, Supreme Kai! We're here because we need to ask you and Kibito something important."
He glanced at Vegeta's angry face and hurried to speak. "The Old Kai told us that you asked the Namekian dragon to undo the Fusion between you two."
"Yes, that's right, now we have our bodies back," the Supreme Kai confirmed. "But tell me, why are you here?"
"Well, we wanted to talk to you about that, about the Fusion. Now that the effect of the Fusion has worn off and you have your bodies back, haven't you noticed--how shall we say--a change in your behaviour?" Goku asked.
"What are you trying to say?" the Supreme Kai asked with a puzzled air.
"I mean, do you feel exactly the same as before the Fusion? Or do you think your view of him is different?" Goku tried to explain himself better by now, eager to end the conversation that seemed to lead nowhere.
"Guys, I'm finding it a bit challenging to keep up with the conversation, but if I've grasped your point correctly, I want to assure you that nothing has changed in me. I remain the same person as before, with the same thoughts and approaches. How about you, Kibito?"
"I also feel exactly like I did before the Fusion. I don't notice any changes," Kibito confirmed.
"Why are you posing this question to us? Has anything changed within you since the Fusion?" The Supreme Kai asked curiously.
"Well, in a certain sense, yes," Goku said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Okay, whatever has changed is certainly not attributable to the Fusion; you can be sure of that," the Supreme Kai reassured him.
"Let's go, Kakarot," Vegeta exclaimed with determination, disappointment evident in his voice.
"Huh, already?" Goku raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"Yes, we have nothing else to talk about," Vegeta replied with a hint of impatience, his arms crossed in his typical Saiyan stance.
"Alright, thanks, and bye everyone, we have to go," Goku waved to them, placing two fingers on his forehead.
Who knows what will have come over them, thought the Supreme Kaioshin as soon as they disappeared.
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Goku teleported to a place where he could discuss the situation with Vegeta privately.
Desiring a conversation away from prying ears, he chose an isolated spot near his home, in the midst of a tranquil forest. The only companions were the towering trees and babbling streams that surrounded them, ensuring their dialogue remained secluded from curious listeners.
"Why are we here?" Vegeta exclaimed, his brows furrowing in frustration.
"I thought you wanted to talk about the situation between us," Goku replied, his tone earnest as he attempted to address the underlying tension.
"Between us? There is no us! I don't want to talk about anything," Vegeta retorted, a mixture of irritation and defiance in his voice. He crossed his arms, eyes narrowing. "I just want you to take me home NOW!"
Goku sighed, trying to maintain a calm demeanour amidst Vegeta's visible frustration.
"Listen, Vegeta, I understand you're upset, but reacting like this won't solve our problems. Can't we approach the situation like mature individuals?"
"Problem? I don't have any kind of problem. Or rather, yes, YOU are my problem. Since I've known you, you've done nothing but ruin my life. You took my pride, and with your delusions of grandeur, you wanted to become stronger than me. The only feeling I have for you is HATE. I hate you, Kakarot!" Vegeta's eyes burned with anger, reminiscent of the time when he was under Babidi's influence. He turned away from Goku, refusing to meet his gaze any longer.
Goku, although visibly affected by Vegeta's outburst, maintained a calm composure. A few seconds passed in silence when Goku found the courage to say: "Sometimes, Vegeta, there is a very thin line between hate and love."
Upon hearing these words, the blood inside Vegeta began to boil. With a sudden burst of intensity, he whirled around, swiftly approached Goku, and seized him by the shirt. In an instant, he slammed Goku into the sturdy trunk of the tree behind him, the force of the impact resonating through the silent forest.
"And what the hell do you mean by this? EXPLAIN!" Vegeta shouted, his grip on Goku's shirt tightening as he sought answers to the perplexing statement. The air thickened with tension, awaiting Goku's response.
Goku stood still, unwavering, as he listened to the fury in Vegeta's voice.
"I told you to explain, do you understand?" Vegeta shouted again, jerking Goku in an attempt to elicit a response.
"There's not much to explain, Vegeta. I'm of the opinion that back then, you wanted to kiss me too. I'm convinced that since that day, you've done nothing but think about that kiss, and I'm even more convinced that you're reacting this way because you know I'm right," Goku calmly responded, maintaining his composure despite the charged atmosphere. The revelation hung in the air, leaving the two Saiyans in a moment of profound tension.
Vegeta looked at him in disbelief at the words that came out of Goku's mouth. That idiot (as he liked to call him) had been able to perfectly describe all the moods Vegeta was going through lately simply by looking into his eyes. It was as if his mind was an open book to him.
"You know nothing about me, Kakarot," Vegeta said, lowering his head to avoid his rival's gaze.
Goku then lifted Vegeta's chin with his index finger.
"I know you better than you know, Vegeta," Goku declared, pausing for a moment. "And I am pretty sure that right now you have a crazy desire to kiss me, but you're holding back."
Vegeta was petrified by those words. Goku had hit the nail on the head. Since that kiss, Vegeta was no longer the same. He kept himself busy with other activities, trying to divert his thoughts, but the more he tried, the more forcefully and insistently that desire fell into his mind. It was a revelation that left Vegeta vulnerable, his inner struggle laid bare in the face of Goku's understanding.
Vegeta half-smiled as he continued to stare at Goku. By now, he had given up, realising there was no longer any point in denying the evidence. Resigned to the truth, he decided he would follow what his heart told him to do.
"But yes, to hell with it," he whispered and before Goku could realise what he had said, Vegeta's lips were on his.
Goku's heart seemed to stop for a moment. Then, he closed his eyes and let himself be guided by the sensations, surrendering to the intensity of the kiss and the emotions that surged between them.
Vegeta took his face in his hands and kissed him with passion and intensely. His hands quickly found their way to Goku's head, gripping his thick hair as Vegeta kissed him with increasing fervour.
Goku didn't want him to stop. He didn't want him to ever stop. He kissed Vegeta back, again and again, the passion escalating, and he felt a growing tightness in his pants.
They locked eyes as they both breathed hard and frantically, grinding their hips as breaths turned into moans.
Vegeta's mouth pressed against his own, playing and toying. Invading. Gods, he had a taste, and almost on instinct he pulled his hands up to grasp the back of Vegeta's head. He scraped his fingers against scalp, and pulled his body closer to deepen the kiss.
Vegeta thrust his tongue into his mouth; in response he arched his back, jolted with sudden pleasure. Strong hands slid up the back of his shirt, rubbing against sinew. He shook even more, the warmth kneading into his back with all the tenderness in the world.
Suddenly, Vegeta pulled away, leaving Goku with a sense of disappointment. The abrupt halt in their passionate exchange left a lingering tension in the air, and Goku looked at Vegeta, searching for any clue about the sudden change.
"Oh god, what the heck did I just do? What have I done?" Vegeta said, his voice filled with a mix of regret and desperation. He took a few steps away, running his hands through his hair in a display of frustration.
"Vegeta…," Goku's voice carried a mix of concern and uncertainty as he spoke Vegeta's name.
"This wasn't supposed to happen, dammit!" Vegeta exclaimed, anger evident in his voice.
"I understand, Vegeta," Goku paused, the rustling leaves and the distant babble of the stream forming a natural backdrop to their introspective conversation. "Despite our intentions, it seems that what we're feeling is beyond our control," Goku acknowledged.
Vegeta, now on the verge of exploding, turned sharply towards Goku. "What do you want to hear, huh, Kakarot? WHAT?"
"I want you to be honest with yourself," Goku replied, his voice steady and sincere.
"Honest with myself? You want to hear that all I do is think about that kiss? Huh? Is this what you want to hear?" Vegeta's voice cracked, and paused for a moment. "Okay, I admit it. Are you happy now?" he burst into tears, the weight of his emotions finally breaking through the facade of control.
The vulnerability in his admission hung in the air, exposing the depth of his internal struggle.
"No, I'm not happy to see you like this, Vegeta," Goku responded with a sombre tone, his concern for Vegeta evident in his voice. He took another step forward, a silent gesture of support, but respected the emotional distance Vegeta seemed to need.
"Listen, this is the last time this will happen... I never want to see you again, Kakarot. Now, I just want to go back to my wife and forget all this," Vegeta declared, his voice firm and resolute.
"Yes, I know, Vegeta. I know you don't want to make Bulma suffer. But avoiding seeing me won't solve things. You won't be able to lie to yourself forever... but I accept your decision, and it will probably be better this way for both of us. All the best, goodbye, Vegeta!" Goku concluded, a mixture of sadness and acceptance in his tone.
He placed two fingers on his forehead, and with a swift motion, he disappeared.
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Vegeta returned home with a visibly shaken face. His descent towards the Capsule Corporation's entrance was swift, and with a heavy heart, he entered the familiar premises, his steps echoing through the corridor. The lingering weight of his emotions was palpable as he made his way towards the Gravity Room, seeking solace in the relentless intensity of his training.
Unfortunately for him, fate had a different plan, and he collided with Bulma just outside the entrance to the Gravity Room. At the sight of her, Vegeta's expression, already strained, turned even paler. He couldn't meet her eyes, avoiding the gaze that might betray the turmoil within him. He swallowed hard, his throat constricting with unspoken emotions.
"Hey Vegeta, what's going on? It looks like you've seen a ghost," Bulma remarked. She took a step closer, reaching out as if to offer comfort, but Vegeta instinctively pulled away.
"I want to stay alone for a few days. Please don't disturb me," Vegeta requested, his voice carrying a desperate need for solitude. He kept his gaze fixed on the floor, avoiding any direct interaction that might reveal the storm within.
"Huh? But what is happening?" Bulma asked worriedly, her confusion growing. She studied his face for clues, her hands gesturing in a comforting manner.
Vegeta ignored her plea and locked himself inside the Gravity Room. The heavy thud of the door closing echoed the isolation he sought, leaving Bulma on the other side, a worried and perplexed expression lingering on her face. Her hands dropped to her sides, a gesture of helplessness, as she watched him retreat into the solitude of the training chamber.
But what's wrong with him? I've never seen him so shaken. This morning when I saw him, he seemed calm. What happened with Goku? Never mind, he'll definitely come out when he's hungry, she thought.
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Even Goku didn't look any better than Vegeta. When he opened the door, he saw that Chi-Chi was there, helping Goten with his homework.
"Hey Dad, how's it going?" Goten inquired as Goku entered the room.
"Hey Goten, I'm fine, thanks," Goku replied with a half smile. He ruffled Goten's hair, attempting to mask the turmoil within. His smile, however, didn't reach his eyes.
"You can't tell from your face; you look sad," Goten observed, his perceptive eyes noting the emotions that lingered on Goku's expression. He put down his pencil, giving his father a concerned look.
"Huh? No, it's just your impression. I'm just a little tired, that's all," Goku reassured Goten, hoping he would believe the casual explanation.
"I'm telling you not to train every day. Come on, in a little while, lunch will be ready, and you'll get yourself together," Chi-Chi said, her concern evident.
"Thanks, Chi-Chi," Goku expressed his gratitude with a nod, appreciating her care and concern.
While waiting for lunch to be ready, Goku mulled over Vegeta's words. The realisation that Vegeta didn't want to see him anymore hurt, but Goku acknowledged the correctness of the decision. Both were married, and what had transpired was wrong.
Reflecting on this, he made a decision. He took his cell phone out of his pants, found Vegeta's number, and blocked it. This action would help him resist the temptation to initiate contact while also preventing any incoming messages or calls from Vegeta. As he tapped the screen, a profound sense of closure washed over him, signalling the start of his journey to progress beyond their past.
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