In Your Dreams

Chapter 10

In Your Dreams: Chapter 10

When Vegeta finally returned with a small pouch full of senzu beans he found that Kakarotto had fallen asleep long before. The younger Saiyajin was still curled on his side like he had been when he left him. It seemed that their spar had worn him out so much that he slept without nightmares, for he looked relaxed and at peace.

One piece of the scene bothered Vegeta though. As he moved around the bed so he could see Goku's face, it became readily apparent that he'd been crying. Though his face was relaxed and peaceful in sleep, the saline trails that stained his cheeks were obvious.

The prince frowned. Had the younger man really been that angry with him... or was it something else? It was no secret Goku had been on an emotional rollercoaster the past several days, but Vegeta still couldn't help but feel that this time it was his fault.

He watched the sleeping Saiyajin for only a moment more before he kicked off his boots and settled himself on the mattress. If he was going to show Kakarotto he cared about him as more than a sparring partner, now was as good a time as any to begin.

Vegeta tail flicked as a sudden wave of unease washed over him. He wasn't exactly sure about what he was going to do; he just hoped he didn't make things worse. The prince was not the best at comforting people, after all.

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Goku was partially aware of another presence in the room, but since he felt no threat he didn't feel the need to wake. He was so exhausted both physically and mentally that he'd been able to fall into a dreamless sleep. It'd been a long time since that had happened.

Unfortunately, the slumbering Saiyajin felt himself coming back to reality anyway. Whoever was in the room with him had come closer, and he automatically became defensive. Goku's eyelids fluttered when he broke out of his sleepy haze and he felt the mattress dip beneath the weight of another body. This disturbed him.

Goku drew in a deep breath through his nose. He easily recognized the scent as Vegeta, and he felt both relieved and nervous at the same time. Was the older man still angry with him? He hadn't batted him upside the head yet or called him a baka, so maybe not.

The younger Saiyajin didn't feel the need to open his eyes until something was pressed against his lips. He lazily raised his heavy lids and pulled away just enough so that he could see what it was. Another senzu bean. Black eyes rose to meet those of Vegeta's, and the older man grinned back at him.

Strange. That wasn't his usual smirk. It was softer.

Goku shifted his sore body and took the bean from the other's fingers, and he popped it into his mouth and chewed. Almost instantly the ache in his muscles vanished and he couldn't help but sigh in relief. He could tell that this was just a regular senzu bean though, untouched by Dende's healing powers. The familiar burn in his throat was still there this time.

So now what happened?

Goku didn't have to wait long for Vegeta to make the first move, and he pushed himself up onto his elbow when the prince slowly reached for him.

''Relax.''

That was something that was easier said than done. The younger man's eyes were fixed on the other's hand as it got closer, and he couldn't help but flinch just a little when a gloved finger touched his cheek. Vegeta moved closer and placed his other hand on the opposite cheek. He rotated his palms until he was cupping the younger man's face and he used his thumbs to rub away the saline trails that stained the skin there.

''Why were you crying, Kakarotto?''

Goku's brow furrowed and he tried to pull away from the other's touch, but those hands kept a firm hold. No, he would not sit here and let the older man mock him!