#vegeta talks more to himself than to others
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Big brain moment for Vegeta
How bizarre!
Unbelievable!
#vegeta talks more to himself than to others#actual canon#vegeta#trunks#future trunks#mirai trunks#android saga#vegeta dbz#dbz shitpost#dragon ball z
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something something foils moving in opposite directions Goku's always happy to seek and fight stronger opponents because he spent most of his life being the strongest guy in the room and Vegeta wants to be the strongest/is always exhausted to find stronger opponents because he spent most of his life having to navigate his survival around the whims of the strongest guy in the universe room and so Goku has a foundation of safety and stability and so spends his time craving challenge and adventure and Vegeta has a foundation of challenge and adventure and spends his time craving safety and stability and the overlaid section of their venn diagram is that the only way they know how acquire and maintain those things is through battle
#thank you this has been the laziest media analysis post of my career#dbtag#media analysis#something something a game to goku is a threat to vegeta etc#there's a pinned thought here about how Vegeta also didn't learn about the dragon balls until he was ?? 30?? and so all loss is permanent#and goku has been familiar since he was ~12 and hasn't faced a permanent consequence since he was 10 years old and even then he got closure#sometimes I think about how Vegeta saw Trunks die and how Krillin was mad at him for reacting since they could fix it with the dragon balls#but Vegeta has very limited experience with the dragon so to him in that moment that was permanent and Trunks was Dead. Forever.#And we talked before in a 2am post about Vegeta having never experienced grief born of love and I stand by it because his feelings then wer#still very new and very odd and not something he'd accepted until that moment so it was raw power but not as powerful as it could've been#all this to say in my heart of hearts I think Vegeta deserves to retire at the end of super (if super continues) -- not as a warrior#but as an infantryman. he's a prince and now he's got his domain and his family and his planet to look after and I think he deserves#to go home and stay home and help piccolo bully gohan into training more often when goku inevitably leaves to hop the multiverse#geets wanted to take a sabbatical when Bulla was born but didn't get the chance because Freeza coming back freaked him out too much#but whether freeza gets a redemption arc or gets defeated -- Granolah's arc seemed to shift his perspective on being the strongest#and I just grips fist I just think it would be a really nice full circle for Vegeta to inherit his throne in a way he never expected and#finally get his kingdom to look after and protect in the way that he was looking forward to being king of his own planet all those years ag#Goku's got Broly and Jiren and Hit and all the others to keep him busy and happy now -- and if Freeza gets a redemption arc he'll probably#continue playing slap-ass with Goku for the rest of his life -- and Vegeta's got Gohan and Piccolo and Goten and Trunks#I just think them getting a nice bittersweet 'This is where we part ways' would be really nice for both of them because !!#They couldn't have done this without each other. They couldn't have known this kind of life was possible without each other.#So they swap lots and live happier than they ever imagined they could be#especially since Vegeta has proved to himself that he can close any gap Goku creates in progress that's not a concern anymore#And obvs the door's always open!! There's no point closing it Vegeta's tried the locks they don't work on Goku#anyway here's me putting the whole essay in the tags again#this isn't an essay as much as it is stream of consciousness tag blogging#anyway i'm too lazy to write fic or draw comics so we get ramblings instead
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what's the deal with these two...
Seriously. Why is the suspicion and joking of their bromance even a thing that exists (outside of just shipping for shipping's sake and ppl making every male friendship a secretly frustrated gay relationship). Is it even a thing?
Do I ship Goku and Vegeta?... yes.. yes I do, I confess myself as part of the problem. But I feel is fair that in a show like Dragon Ball where there's sexually mature references and themes at times I can give myself the freedom to wonder. So i'mmana talk about two pivotal moments that marked a before and after for both of them together as a team: their Majin saga match and the fusion.
//////
As far as the show goes, there's not really much to go off of. They clearly both have their wives whom they both love very much, children, they love to battle and test themselves, they are bros (now at least), rivals for life, they better each other by challenging one another to get better.
On the other hand my autism tells me that that's not the whole story. Because I normally don't like to take things at face value when i can see more.
Is interesting to see how both, Goku's compassion and respect for Vegeta, and Vegeta's (albeit unhealthy) obsession over Goku, the fact that they were also the last of their kind and the only ones that could compete with each other to fight between themselves and against others (discounting Gohan since he always slacked on his training and wasn't really interested on fighting), the only ones that could understand how the other felt as being pure blooded, that Goku had a living example in Vegeta of his true origins to learn more about himself (like a walking Saiyan enciclopedia), that Vegeta had in Goku a new purpose in life (until he realized what he had with his family as well), all of that with time combined to create a dynamic where they both felt comfortable with each other, it made them be naturally closer than the rest of the cast (even if it was in rivalry terms). They famously became companions, with time forming friendship/friendly rivalry and some could even see them now being akin to brothers. Something that as much as Krilin was Goku's life long friend and will be forever he could never really fulfill all that Vegeta came to develop with Goku. And in a way I don't think anyone can either.
But there's also an important note to make about this relationship/friendship. Vegeta is the one that gives it more meaning than Goku does (at first). I feel like Goku is simply being his loving caring happy free self, while Vegeta takes it personal and takes so much weight on what Goku says and does and how it affects him (like Goku is just vibing while Vegeta is oozing jealousy towards Goku). As he later puts in words in Super (Granola arc i think), Goku is an egotist while he himself is an egocentric. And that difference is important to get to the point because from now on for a while the question is "Why does Vegeta".
Why does Vegeta put so much weight in their fight in the Majin Saga that he's willing to kill innocent people again just to have a match with Goku (going with the latin dub again since is more accurate to the original japanese one). And it isn't just about his ego, is about what he doesn't say as well.
Why is Vegeta the only character that is so against fusion, with Goku specifically because he has only fused with him and we don't know how would he react to fusing with someone else if it's needed.
Why is Vegeta so averse to touching Goku. At least after their fight and after him dying in the Majin Saga and once he is allowed to go back to Earth.
Why on the brink of the universe destruction was Vegeta acting like a cheated on girlfriend when he discovered that Goku had a new transformation and didn't told him about it (I would be mad at him too to be fair but i also understand why Goku wouldn't want to do so and he did it to not hurt Vegeta's feelings and have a good time under fair conditions. he gets half a point for the sentiment).
The Majin Saga
From all the examples people like to pull up when trying to argument sexual tension between these two there's only a few that I feel have some significance. And I can tell you when did it cooked enough to be a possibility. And that is right when Goku announced he was going to go back to Earth for one day and one day only, presumably forever. That's where something started, but it was brewing since Goku died to Cell and Vegeta lost Goku, his purpose, his obsession, his will to fight, and entered a depressive episode that lasted 2 years (aprox, since Bulma tells Chichi that Vegeta had been training for the last 5 years in the 7 year time skip). He honestly was a mess of a person right around that time. He couldn't even call himself a warrior under his own standards, he was trying to cope with the fact that he messed up with future Trunks and would have to change with his own present Trunks, he got stuck not being able to prove himself, etc.
Once he knew Goku was coming back he just had to do anything in his power to fight against him again, no matter what it took (he looks so excited too, that's cute). His entire meaning as the person he perceived he was and his meaning as a warrior and Goku's foil depended on it. He actually was in good terms with Goku up to here though (while in the Cell saga he was pretty much amicably antagonizing Goku for the most part, and the other spent feeling jealous). Agreeing to the tournament rules, being patient, enjoying meals together, bragging about his kid. But after realizing that they might not have their match because of Supreme Kio's pink menace, nothing else mattered, not Bulma, not Trunks, not the Earth or the universe or everything he had been building for so many years without Goku. Goku was the single catalyst for his relapse. Like... how is it possible that fighting with him and proving his worth is more important that it's been a rock in his boots for years now. But ok, he's a warrior so I can understand why, also because he was going through a Major (with capital M) identity crisis where he's trying to negate his newfound value in his family and new home while thinking that is what was making him weak, though he never really believed that since he knew Goku never needed to be cruel to surpass him, it was just a jolt reaction to not knowing how to handle it, and Goku could see through that very clearly by asking him if he really believed that bs about feeling good by being cruel and being a slave of his own mind.
But the thing is that during their fight it is clear that more than winning (which he would have enjoy to no end if they finished their fight and Goku didn't had a new plot convenient powerup hiding under his eyebrows again, though that wouldn't have helped him to grow), both were very much enjoying the act of fighting (since Goku said he wanted to end the fight soon so Buu doesn't get the energy but he didn't because he could have used Ssj3 and end it quite fast), Vegeta fighting against his previous rival now a bit more than that, Kakarot. Battling with him in perfect synchrony in an equal fight because what Vegeta actually wanted with the Majin Magic was to close the powergap and convince himself he had an excuse to not feel remorse because of the magic. And i say that because before Goku dying to Cell he really saw him as competition, but after he lost him i feel that alongside his remorse and embarrassment for the disaster that was that saga, in part because of his gigantic ego, he must have felt alone, now truly being the last pure blooded Saiyan alive and not in condition to call himself a warrior anymore under his own standards. And although he had Gohan, which he respected a lot because of his courage and his immense power, it was not the same since Gohan is a pacifist and didn't had the same passion for fighting like a pure blooded Saiyan so he wasn't even training. So by the time of the Majin Saga and once Goku came into the picture again I think he subconsciously regarded him differently and he ends up realizing it during their fight (although he doesn't vocalize it).
During their fight there's a specific moment. After Goku throws Vegeta to a cliff-side and he makes a hole in it to liberate himself with his ki, Goku comes to him and they both get very close just floating in the air and powering up, looking at each other. Vegeta is beyond pissed, Goku taking the fight very seriously. Then Goku smiles to Vegeta challenging him and showing he's enjoying their fight, and Vegeta relaxes for a moment changing his attitude and showing a smile back to him in empathy, sharing to him that he is enjoying it too and wants to challenge him back as well.
This whole fight is Goku's way to show Vegeta how much he actually cares about him and his well being despite what Vegeta might have believed up until then, how much he respects him as a warrior and an equal too, even risking Earth and Majin Buu's return. He did the unthinkable and menaced Kaio Shin with death if he dared to stop their fight, which Vegeta sure noticed and even reacted with complete disbelief. As Supreme Kaiosama says to Gohan and the others in the wasteland: "we cannot do anything about it. Fight until you can calm your hearts", because even Kaio Shin knew that they weren't going to actually kill themselves, they just had to talk (while fighting).
I know a lot of people joke about Vegeta being a repressed homosexual (or technically bisexual because y'know there's Bulma) because of his legendary obsession with Goku, and i'm not saying he is, but this fight is charged with sexual tension, mostly on his part, among other things of course. And is interesting that Vegeta, ever since the Namek experience (which was the first time in his life he was emotionally vulnerable to the point of breaking entirely), is the most emotionally fragile of the bunch and an unstable character. He feels everything very intensely like an open wound, and reacts in the same way while trying to hide under a curtain of pride, ego and his title of Prince (I mean, he's the one that actually openly cries the most out of frustration after Namek, just for starters).
Goku knew what he was getting into by agreeing to fight with Vegeta. He wasn't going to just let them set the score, he was going to give Vegeta the most intense therapy session ever by letting him discharge all that literal energy and anger, guiding him through his thoughts, playing by Vegeta's rules. Help him overcome whatever he had been brewing in his mind since they day they met thinking on where was the moment everything went wrong for years, so he could move forward...
And then... this happens...
... I don't think anyone expected something like this to even be a thing that he could do as a power that we will only see one time ever in the entirety of the show from him and is in here, lol. And not long ago I watched a semi abridged semi analysis commentary video on the fight and yeah, we coincide that there was something else going on here at the same time. Vegeta got a little too excited... He got rock hard by too much adrenaline (or testosterone, endorphins... i know science ok?), lol. And I didn't mentioned it but being that Saiyans were a warrior culture there exists some real life relation of warrior societies (like greeks, romans, spartans, norse, some aztec societies) and homoerotic practices as part of that philosophy and way of life. Fighting is everything and everything revolves around fighting. And finding a brother in arms could develop into something else (call it love or getting physical or whatever) out of admiration, or from hyper-masculinity with the purpose of dominating the other and demonstrating power by physically making every other man your peach and the others are like "wow, a man dominating a man? that's so mainly". And i'm not saying that that was part of Saiyan culture, just that there might be some similarities with what we're seeing.
There's a fine line between pain and pleasure, hate and love, fear and excitement, rivalry and attraction. And in moments of intensity where both opposite feelings collide can produce an equally intense and confusing response. We know for sure Saiyans by nature often confuse fear an excitement, and rivalry with attraction at least, like Goku when he confesses his motives and feelings on his first fight with Vegeta. And here Vegeta is going through a rollercoaster of emotions, and given that he is the most emotionally charged character it can go all places.
So, Vegeta tells Goku if he pretends to defeat him quickly as he said, Goku responds that he's trying to do that, and Vegeta asks if he thinks he can do it *slap slap* (the disrespect). He's trying to provoke him but the way he does it is kinda similar to what you'd do in a sexual encounter since he's not really hurting him too badly (which is really funny). And I'm pretty sure he wasn't thinking about anything sexual, just pure anger towards our buddy Kakarot, that doesn't change the fact that he did just lost his marbles to blind rage and wasn't thinking at all, just feeling intensely and acting freely on it. "Listen... don't you think this is enough humiliation I got from your part *hit hit punch hit*. This attacks are not enough to set the score. How is it possible that a Prince of Saiyans, that possesses such a great pride, was humiliated by a warrior like you (In the English version there's a series of flashbacks with dialogue but that's not a thing in the japanese and latin version so he continues...). What saddens me the most is that you saved my life, worm (he's referring to way back in the saiyan saga when they first met since for a warrior is way worse offense to get their death in battle denied since he now has to suffer all what he's been through for the simple fact of having been spared=being an embarrassment). You deserve to die! I'll break you to pieces right now! I'll start with the arm...".
((You got this guy having Goku in all tied up to a rock, legs spread out, slapping Goku in the face, talking about "not being enough humiliation", and saying "this attacks are not enough", all emotionally charged and intense with his obsession of a rival, high in endorphins and adrenaline, from a warrior culture, that even back in the day I was like OH MY GOOOOD!? What is he going to DO?!!... He wouldn't do it, would he?... The Buu saga was a return to form to OG DB's general feeling and tone, and if it was OG DB this scene would be absolutely interpreted as having that kind of hidden meaning even if nothing would have actually end up happening, though is still a very bold move in terms of sexual themes, just like that scene in OG DB with Bulma and the two RR soldiers. I was sweating cold, that when I heard him say "I'll break you to pieces right now! I'll start with the arm" I was like OH THANK GOODNESS he's just going to mutilate him... NO, WAIT...)) (also, notice that Vegeta is technically fighting a ghost because Goku is already dead).
Unfortunately for Goku though Vegeta didn't share the safe word and he had to free himself so he wasn't actually dismembered by the intensity of Prince Vegeta and they continued their fight, once again Goku leveling the field into a in a less emotionally charged more equal fight all things considered (while also mutually complimenting their fighting prowess). They talk again and Vegeta admits to him that he understands that he's never going to surpass him because Goku is more skilled at fighting, now getting into the real meat of the matter with him and his frustrations.
We get to Vegeta almost breaking in tears again, torn by the realization of his situation confessing all about how he wants to be who he was as a warrior and how he cannot cope with his new life on Earth having all this new feelings for his family and being passive that make him feel like he is not himself. That he wants to be ruthless like before because what the hell is even being anything else, that's a thing of weaklings. Which tells a lot about how he still doesn't know how to function outside of conflict and his deeply rooted self image since childhood. I mean... this kid (Vegeta) doesn't know anything other than living in conflict, constant stress, anger, and feeling in danger all the time before and during Frieza. He was around 31 years old when he could finally be free. And to me it says that it almost feels to him like he's afraid of disappearing as an individual if he cannot go back to being something he recognizes and is familiar with as he doesn't recognize himself being something else underneath of what he's saying. A who that is completely opposite to what he has ever known. Is something some people that had lived through a deeply traumatic upbringing experience. On top of it being a Saiyan it must have been really confusing and difficult because their nature and culture is nothing like that of earthlings, Saiyan's are naturally built to fight, but Goku is the only one that could probably understand that in some capacity as pure blooded Saiyan that managed to adapt to Earth. That's why he is the only person Vegeta can trust with this information, and because Vegeta genuinely trusts him. With no one else he has this level of openness, probably not even with Bulma.
And i love how Goku doesn't give up on him though after everything and he is still willing to listen and help. Without his help here Vegeta wouldn't have confronted and put into words his reality to later internalize it and fully embrace his love for his family, fully embrace his feelings, giving Trunks later his first hug. That was all Goku's doing.
Of course things happened since they were still in the middle of total annihilation at the hands of the strongest pink ball of bubblegum. and from this fight and his explosive sacrifice/ acceptance of his destiny, going forward Vegeta actually starts acting a little different. A lot more relaxed with Kakarot, more open and sincere, more focused on helping than competing, more agreeable (without betraying his character though) and no longer ignoring or being embarrassed of his feelings for his loved ones (like we see when he gets convinced by Goku to do the fusion using Vegeta's love for Bulma). And I'm pretty sure he felt grateful and in debt to him. Not only for his help with unjumbling his feelings during that fight but for everything he's done for him since the day Goku spared his life way back in the day (as we see him asking to Piccolo if he'll get to see Goku in the afterlife just before he sacrifices). A real true honest best friend/rival for life (like we see evident in the movie Fusion Reborn, which is supposed to happen after his sacrifice in an alternate timeline where both Goku and Vegeta die and Gohan is the one that defeats Buu).
Though he still was being a bit stubborn about wanting to fight Buu himself in the anime, but in the manga he just doesn't charge head first into trying to battle him, he just doesn't like the idea of fussing with Kakarot.
Then the fusion thing...
The thing about the fusion is that Vegeta usually never wants to do it because he's embarrassed by the dance (which yeah... that's absolutely fair) but this is not the metamoran one, is the Potara, and they don't need to dance. His usual complains then change to "I just don't like to be fused with him" or "I don't like the idea of uniting bodies with him" when they have to do it later (either in canon or movie, though the "I don't like to use shortcuts to fight" frequently comes as a reason but is always after they already did the fusion). And I don't know how doing a fusion with someone would feel like but the Potara at least has two ways it can go. For the Kaios just one person becomes the main, getting some physical characteristics and power of the other, and the other becomes dormant, just one person gets to be conscious. But for mortals, both actually remain conscious and they both "live" inside the body of each other as one new combined persona who is a combined identity, mixing mentally and physically, sharing memories, thoughts, feelings, everything in unison either the other wants it or not because when they are fused they are cooperating in a single brain so they think the same under this persona even if later they have separate thoughts on the same thing when they un-fuse. One example of how the logic of it is is in the Super Super Hero movie, where right after the battle with Cell Max Gotenks makes a comment to Bulma and she says "that was Trunks, wasn't it?!", and Gotenks panics and they separate, implying that even if it's a combined identity they still are conscious inside separately and can "influence" their thoughts to act more like so or so, like there's a dominant consciousness guiding the other at times. The fusion is even better actually if they are rivals because they get the rival boost. So is not too crazy to think that some would consider it a very intimate act, even more because is permanent (until the retcon), which Goku is so considerate to tell Vegeta at the very last minute and he's like "WTF!" and Goku is just down with it while Vegeta is regretting ever meeting this guy but does it anyways.
And we have seen other characters combine but they don't think much about it, Trunks and Goten specifically just find it fun because they are best friends and just think about having the time of their lives beating up the bad guys. But I think Vegeta specifically does feel like it's something too personal and intimate that requires a lot his will power to do. His concept of it is different for a lot of reasons that all derive from being a very reserved person in general in many aspects, so he is trusting his entire being and accepting opening to Goku here, and to a degree loose control of himself in an give-and-take act, because he is not silly like Goku but under the fusion he is going to be and act silly alongside him because there's no me and you under it, even switch his brain into feeling it's natural. Same with Goku and being more cruel and mock their opponent more even if he usually would feel is something he wouldn't do.
Ultimately and reluctantly Vegeta agrees for the sake of his loved ones and saving his new home, which is wild to me because he does sacrifices everything he is with the fusion being permanent since just a few hours ago he was just accepting himself as an individual. The pressure was really high.
Goku certainly didn't thought much about it though, just another way to become even stronger by cooperating with someone in a new way for the purpose of saving Earth, and simply not loose the battle for the sake of not loosing itself. He considered his options with others purely strategically without thinking what it could mean outside of that for him as an individual in that moment, because he did understood that if he fused with Gohan for example he thought for a moment if that would mean he would have to go to Gohan's school after they win, but in that moment he was definitely panicking for options just to win the battle and then later he could think about the consequences, as always (he was seriously considering fusing with Mr Satan permanently at the lack of strategic options! How desperate and out of your mind can you get!).
Out of all people it was better if it's Vegeta when he detected his ki of course, because the power boost is much greater to save the Earth and he considers him different at this point, someone he likes better as a selfless guy after his valiant sacrifice. He's so excited when Vegeta accepts because it means so much, it's the demonstration to Goku of his turn to an actual good guy, fighting for others and not just himself, and he's so proud. And the result of the fusion is this very playful, sassy confident and cocky warrior that we all know and love because is the best thing ever and I don't have Vegetto favoritism.
But something did changed in both of them after the fusion. I know is an anime only thing for better pacing (at least until Super came and made it a thing again in small ways of its own), but after the fusion thing Goku started to unnecessarily get into Vegeta's personal space more (I mean, I don't think there's anything more intimate than fussing and you'd have to get a level of trust and understanding with that other person like with no one else ever afterwards regardless). Like, I like that when they do the cheek to cheek attack, which again was completely unnecessary, Vegeta feels dirty about it, even muttering to himself "He's an opportunist...(as in like, Goku was sexuality taking advantage of him) I would have preferred the fusion" and Goku asks him is he's finished blasting Buu bits and Vegeta recoils and yells "Don't get close to me!". (In the manga there's not really that much fuss about it when they separate, they just get to work and directly from separating to Buu's brain).
The fusion represents the pinnacle of their growth together as fighting partners (and partners in general). Probably even more than that at this point for how much they share as rivals and how much they understand about each other above any other person, including their own wives in some regards for all they have gone through on things only they can share between themselves like their love for battle.
And if they both were friendly before while still keeping their cards up, now is when they start to act more like brothers and cooperating. Goku with his power and techniques and Vegeta with his strategic planing at the end of the Buu saga. Goku even becomes more playful with Vegeta, even sharing funny moments together. And as pointed out, I believe the fusion made them know the thinking, memories and intentions of the other to a degree.
This is the turning point for Goku as well regarding accepting his heritage as Saiyan. Because from then on he also accepts the values of the Saiyans as warriors (when before he would be more likely against it) and accepts feeling pleasure in having a good fair honorable fight without aid and relying only in his strength and talent just for the thrill he gets of it (much like what he felt as a child/teen), which he demonstrates by breaking the second pair of Potara earrings while Vegeta responds by telling him that he's so proud of him for going into the fight the Saiyan way. Also from then on others start to recognize Goku fully as a Saiyan (so much is the influence Vegeta has had on him that in the Super Broly movie Goku introduces himself to Broly, a fellow Saiyan, as Kakarot first over Goku).
Now, about Vegeta with the fusion, if he wasn't too sure about the fusion first, now every time the fusion is required he almost feels violated by the suggestion (which right before the kid Buu fight he actually didn't mind fusing again and kinda wanted it in the anime while this wasn't in the manga but ok). And of course, if he didn't had much thoughts on getting close and personal with Goku when battling because it meant nothing (like the arm riding in the Saiyan saga and their almost gory bondage session prior), now he recoils from him in certain situations (it... also didn't help that the first time they fuse they went dick first...).
Also also, there's a moment in the manga when Goku is fighting kid Buu in Ssj3 where Vegeta tells Goku that he guessed Goku was fighting overtime because he never intended for Vegeta to have his turn (because if he dies he dies for real), and Goku says that is not that, that he is just looking for an opportunity to reunite his power for at least a minute, and Vegeta gets all tsundere, blushes and says "So... So you weren't doing it to protect me?!..." (lol, well, here's the latin translation but you get the idea)
And onto Super, they made this thing about Goku asking Vegeta to grab his hand in order to instant transmission but Goku knows very well that's not necessary, he could have said to Vegeta to grab his shoulder like others do but he wants him to grab his hand, and Vegeta gets all flustered and nervous every time as if people are going to make fun of him for being gay or something (since we are told by the Pilaf gang that holding hands is very romantic and a sign of being a couple, and something to be embarrassed about, although from a childish perspective of course but this information was set up for the audience when Trunks wanted to hold hands with Mai). Like... Goku, do you have something to share as well?
They later spent 3 years in the hyperbolic chamber at Goku's request... 3 years together just sparing in a void where there's nothing but infinity and them! (At most they had spent not even two weeks of net interaction prior to that in all the years they have known each other, mostly just in times of conflict and as enemies/rivals/competition, and now they'll spend three years doing what they both love to do the most in friendly terms getting to know each other, just the two of them, are you kidding me?!!) which again, it wasn't really necessary because as Vegeta points out that wasn't going to make much of a difference in terms of power because they are at their limit of what their bodies can achieve by just fighting, and three years is a bit too much. And Bulma even got jealous/angry about Vegeta accepting the invitation. I know Goku went around asking a lot of other people the same request before him, but also everyone in the room (well Bulma and Piccolo) suddenly were paying A LOT of attention in that moment he asked Vegeta and what was he going to answer.
And then! They come out like they did? Matching beards? Truly looking like Spartans for real?! I kinda want to wonder how that came to be. A dare? They broke the razor or what. Obviously the implication is that they got so into their fighting that they just forgot basic higiene those last days but like... I don't even have to try...
It's become such a well known thing that there's something going on that even in official material (not canon exactly but official) acknowledges it. Maybe Goku knows something we don't since the fusion happened but it goes a little beyond just a joke from his part XD.
And i haven't talked about it because contrary to Vegeta Goku is very straightforward, but Goku has no shame or filter. He does seem to display asexual tendencies, but he's either oblivious to sexual stuff at times and how it affects others, or does it on purpose because he feels not much about it but does know how it affects others. So that cheek to cheek attack could have been Goku being oblivious, or Vegeta was right and Goku took advantage of the situation to get close to Vegeta on purpose. He's also known since always to not really care about the social conventions of things. He's a good guy, but he's also reckless, impulsive at times, and if he wants something he'll just get it without thinking of what are others going to think about it.
In GT there's actually not too much, they just remain companions and friends for life...(Is just so cute and fulfilling seeing them being like brothers). Vegeta again reminiscing of everything they've gone through and accepting his role in the powerscale and being very freaking cute with Bulma, being such a dad and all. The highlight is the fusion again though, where Vegeta is the one that says he wants to do the fusion "So what have you decided, Kakarot. Are we going to do the fusion or not", to which Goku just laughs and Vegeta is like "what are you laughing at", and Goku responds saying that "I'm not laughing, I just feel happy because is the first time you ask ME to do the fusion", and Vegeta is just averts his eyes and says "I hate you...", lol.
Of course, the bromance tones might be just fanservice (I didn't knew that in shonen is actually very common but if it is that way I'd argue is exactly because of these two since they were the OGs). But either if there's something or not I don't really care much about that. Because as characters I have seen them grow so much and they have learn so much about themselves and each other that them possibly being into each other might as well be just another aspect they allow themselves to explore if they're down with it, with whatever canon or the anime presents us to see and guess, just like they have with their own families, wives, form friendships, discover new feelings, ways of thinking, how they have become stronger and how they have change the people around them, meta speaking as well. Because it does feel natural for them, like it didn't came out of nowhere or out of purely fanservice (which it kind of is but it does make sense). Either they are just friends, honorary brothers or something more I'm happy with who they have become thanks to each other. And the trust they have for each other is what is beautiful to see reflected. I'm so proud of them and what they have achieved. Now they are inseparable as the best duo in history.
And in my conclusions I would say that Vegeta might feel something towards Goku for how much he has helped him and how he has come to admire and respect him in levels unimaginable... in a spartan kinda way if you like and if he ever was down with it. And Goku is just Goku. He loves in a storge kind of way because that's what he does. He knows Vegeta to a T, knows what he needs, and wants him to be happy as well and become the better version of himself, to feel comfortable and feel loved too because he admires him as well, and if he can help him he will do so. Is not really a physical sexual attraction (which doesn't mean it cannot derive on one if you want and as we've seen, specially with Goku) but there IS attraction and love in a different way.
#dragon ball#goku#kakavege#vegeta#character analysis#my autism is greater than the page limit#long post
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What do you think of Gohan and Piccolo?
There is a fandom war over whether Goku or Piccolo is Gohan's "real dad" and the honest truth is that Gohan's upbringing is very much "It takes a village to raise a child". He is the product of Chi-Chi, Goku, Piccolo, and to a lesser extent Krillin's influences.
But. Also. Though Piccolo and Gohan develop a strong emotional bond, it warrants noting that Piccolo's initial contribution to Gohan's upbringing is pretty monstrous, as befits the reincarnation of pure evil.
There's a tendency to be more critical of Goku's choices than Piccolo's because Piccolo was a bad guy and Goku was a good one. Generally speaking, we tend to give characters a pass for behavior that's... within their narrative wheelhouse, if that makes sense.
When good guys are being good and bad guys are being bad, we consider that business as usual. That's just what they're supposed to do. If Vegeta kills a bunch of people, nobody cares because Vegeta is a bad guy. Bad guys kill people. This is not a worthwhile observation on his character.
So there's a tendency in fandom to hyperfixate only on the good parts of bad guys, and on the bad parts of good guys - and to ignore the rest. Those are the only parts that we consider noteworthy, because they're the areas where the character is going against their mold. It's important, I think, not to do this with Piccolo when talking about Gohan, because while we all love seeing Gohan's innocence reach Piccolo and redeem him, the darker aspect of his earlier choices inform his later growth and development.
We need to learn how to consider the villainous part of villains and the heroic side of heroes in equal measure to the villain's redeeming qualities and the hero's flaws.
By the time of the fight with Raditz, Piccolo is less evil than his previous iteration. According to Gohan, that's Goku's assessment of him. Implied to be Goku's assessment of the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai, as that's the only time the two have met since Piccolo's reincarnation, prior to Raditz's arrival.
This is a fair assessment. I've talked about it before, but reincarnating as a flesh-and-blood Namekian with a complete range of morality rather than simply being the embodiment of one guy's evilness had an effect on Piccolo.
Piccolo opposes the Saiyans because he wants to rule the world and doesn't want them killing everyone he means to govern. But Daimao's plan for world domination was just to inflict a 40-year extermination on humanity. Piccolo's original incarnation was just evil, incapable of really thinking about his own ideas and why he wants them the way the newer form of Piccolo has.
Daimao would never have teamed up with Goku to save "his subjects" from extermination. He wanted to kill them all too. This capacity for growth and change was already in motion, already forcing him to reconsider what he actually wants from his own ambitions, from the moment he awoke in his new body.
But he was still a bastard. He'd been Evil Incarnate for 300 years; You don't get over that in an afternoon. He still had all of his memories,a ll of his knowledge; There was a lot of wickedness baked into his personality from the get-go.
Since he was no longer Mazoku, he had a brand new range of moral depth to engage with. But he didn't have the luxury of getting to start over as a brand new person. No clean slate for Piccolo. Now that he was capable of change, he still needed a reason and a will to experience it. Circumstances that would force him to re-evaluate his relationship with himself, others, and the world.
The threat of the Saiyans provided that impetus, by giving Piccolo a plan. A nasty plan. A plan based on strict utilitarian assessment of Gohan's involvement in the preceding fight, with no regard to the fact that this is a four-year-old child.
Piccolo, in this moment, sees Gohan as a resource to be used. He has zero empathy for him or for anyone else.
Of course he doesn't. He was the embodiment of selfishness and cruelty for 300 years. He has a capacity for empathy now but has never been put in a position where it might begin to develop. As he says to Gohan in his dying moments:
"You were the only one who ever really talked to me."
Like. Let's not sympathize too much here; this is more on him than anyone else. He tried to reconquer the world and tried multiple times to kill Goku, the only person he has any sort of relationship with. Even the attack he used to kill Raditz was designed for killing Goku.
The reason nobody ever "really talked to [him]" before Gohan is because Piccolo's only interactions with other people were verbal and physical violence. This is what I was getting at earlier. The guy, at this point in time, is a villain existing in uneasy alliance with the heroes. Let's not forget that. In fact, even his relationship with Gohan is verbally and physically violent.
That sweet scene up there where Gohan confronts Piccolo with the fact that he's not such a bad guy? This is how that scene ends.
This is what we tend to give Piccolo a pass on because we expect this behavior from villains, but it needs to be said that Piccolo's approach to Gohan's training is cruel and abusive. The development of their bond has more to do with Gohan's purehearted innocence than with Piccolo's changing outlook.
That's not a slight against Piccolo. It's the setup. This cruelty is what makes it so meaningful when he does change. It's why this moment is so powerful.
The reason this is such a moment that Toei can't stop trying to remake it is because it comes on the heels of all of that cruelty and dismissal. That he would even do this is as much a surprise to Piccolo as it is to everyone else. It violently contradicts and recontextualizes everything he and Gohan have been through for the last year.
Gohan's innocence won out and it changed Piccolo in ways he didn't even realize were happening. When Piccolo says that no one ever really talked to him before, this isn't an indictment against the world for mistreating him. Piccolo is not the Warriors of Hope from Danganronpa. It's validating Gohan for having the courage and empathy to reach him despite it all.
Gohan's training was an idea born of cruel arithmetic. Gohan himself gained some rudimentary martial knowledge but didn't get much else out of it - because Piccolo himself was unsuited to the emotional guidance that Gohan needed. When the Saiyans arrived, he was woefully unprepared for the task that Piccolo expected of him.
What did you expect? It doesn't matter that you taught him how to throw a punch; That boy is five years old. Piccolo pays for this mistake with his life.
But what he does get out of it, what he and Gohan both get out of it, is the development of an emotional bond that will last the rest of their lives - with his dying moment, his sacrifice for Gohan, being what truly kicks off their relationship.
That sacrifice is the reason Gohan goes to Namek.
Gohan, innocent and kind, doesn't resent Piccolo for the things he did. Quite the contrary, he respects Piccolo a lot. By his own admission, he has the same admiration for Piccolo that he does for Goku.
Gohan and Piccolo's bond is now pretty tight, and it remains so through the Namek and Android arcs.
Piccolo grows from his mistake, lets his ambitions for world domination slide away, and he and Gohan now have each other's backs in earnest. The respect and empathy Gohan needed is now there.
It's from that experience (and the wisdom of God now joined into him) that Piccolo's later able to call out Goku for his mistake in the Cell Games.
Piccolo sees the flaw in Goku's plan because he's been Goku. He's stood where Goku's standing, waiting with baited breath for a warrior's hunger to suddenly awaken inside Gohan and for him to fuck this guy up. He had to learn the hard way that that's not who Gohan is, and he brings that development to the table here. He's projected onto Gohan the way Goku now is, and it cost him his life.
Neither Goku nor Piccolo is entirely right here. But neither is entirely wrong either. Goku's plan does ultimately work, but only because of the effort Cell and 16 put into correcting Goku's bad assumptions and finding a trigger that will set Gohan off.
This, I think, is what gets lost in the "Real Dad Goku vs Real Dad Piccolo" debate. It's too binary. Gohan cares a great deal about both of them, they're both prominent influences on him, and they both had a formative effect on his childhood. If you asked him to pick one, he'd probably look at you like you're crazy. The correct answer is:
That panel, that entire panel, is who Gohan's primary male role model is.
Though if you want to know whose kid Gohan really is more than anyone's, it's her:
No matter how distasteful Vegeta might find it, Gohan is his mother's son. He's sensitive, kind, curious, and far more interested in academia than in martial arts; All the qualities Chi-Chi wanted to instill in him. But he nonetheless has a lot of admiration for Goku and Piccolo too, and he carries their influence with him all the same.
(Also, as an aside. Like. Krillin? Kindly fuck off. Gohan may not be as badly hurt as Goku but he was still beaten half to death by both Nappa and Vegeta over the course of this battle. He couldn't even stand up under his own power anymore before he became the Oozaru. Also, he's five and Chi-Chi hasn't seen him, her baby boy, in a year.
It is absolutely valid for her to be way more concerned for Gohan than for Goku.)
But I digress. Point is, Piccolo and Gohan got off to a rocky start and I think that Piccolo's behavior during that time shouldn't be ignored, but also he changed dramatically due to Gohan's influence. Piccolo shaped much of who Gohan was as a fighter in his early years, but Gohan did far more for Piccolo by making him part of a family despite himself.
Now he's in Gohan's wedding photo.
And Chi-Chi isn't for reasons that can only be attributed to Toei's utter disdain for her character.
And he's teaching martial arts to Gohan's kid, with a much gentler hand than the one he once used on Gohan.
There's a real argument to be made that Gohan did more to shape who Piccolo became in the years following their training together than Piccolo did to shape Gohan. Sometimes the master learns as much or even more from the apprentice than the apprentice does from the master.
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Vegebul headcanons: Vegeta fell for Bulma first
So lots of ppl in fanfic often write Bulma falling for Vegeta first. I see it the other way around.
The ship explodes while he's training, and he suddenly has all this downtime he never had while serving under Freeza. They've had surface-level conversations before, gotten at each other's throats over alien-human misunderstandings as well as serious moral and/or experiential differences. But while he's recovering, he gets a bit stir-crazy and just...finds himself around Bulma rather often, and they actually start to get to know each other.
Bulma finds him dark and mysterious---fascinating to her in an almost scientific way because he's so like a human but so different at the same time. She admires his tenacity; though he would never characterize himself as a victim, she knows he's faced grief and hardship, and carrying on with such clarity of purpose anyway is heartening in a way. Meanwhile, Vegeta just doesn't understand why this woman insists on talking to him, making sure he takes care of himself... He can understand her providing gear and housing---she and her friends need him for the upcoming battle. But the interest, openness, and basic kindness she displays baffles him, especially when he is a sworn enemy of Kakarot's. With Nappa and Raditz things were always complicated. So many roles and expectations with him being their prince. But with this Earth woman, there are no expectations at all. So he doesn't know what to do with her.
He won't let himself think of her as beautiful even if his eyes linger on her. He has just seen so few women like her. Certainly, he's never spent so much time with one either. Always on his way to a new planet. No real friends or consistency of any kind. That's not to say he regards her as a friend. Of course not. He tells himself that she's useful. She has resources, power. And she pursues her own ends with intensity and fearlessness---saiyan qualities he understands.
And then she's in his thoughts day and night. He thinks of her scent or her voice when he's trying to train, when he's lying awake and can't sleep. That sparkle in her eyes when he challenges her, but it doesn't shake her in the slightest. Her laugh, her little touches. He's head over heels for her long before they have sex, but he has no context for feelings like that. He just feels like he's losing his mind.
And it scares the shit out of him. How can he focus on transforming and defeating the one who took his birthright and Freeza's death from him when this woman is just fucking haunting him? He doesn't even know it's romantic attraction. He won't even accept that he's sexually attracted even though his body reacts to hers however fiercely he avoids looking at or touching her.
Meanwhile, Bulma has just broken up with Yamcha. She's not really in a place where she's thinking about a new relationship. She might want to have some fun here and there now that she's single, sure, but she's much more focused on the arrival of the Androids. Especially since she knows how hard her future self worked to warn everyone and give them a chance to have a different outcome than she did. And Vegeta is a powerful asset to have on her side. As much of a jerk as he can be, he works tirelessly to prepare himself for the battle, and helping him become stronger may make a difference in their survival.
Sure, it tickles her scientist brain to have an alien living on her property she can ask about space and otherworldly tech whenever she wants. And Vegeta himself has a fascinating (if dark and disturbing) personal history. He's not what she expects in some ways. Proud, and yet also very reserved and even shy. Aggressive and intense, but at the same time thoughtful, introspective, and so dedicated to his calling that she realizes it's a spiritual thing for him, perhaps even religious.
She finds herself enjoying his company even when she knows that she shouldn't. He's not exactly a true ally. He's not a good person. But he's just so...interesting. And he's more attractive than he seems to realize. She indulges a fantasy or two of what he might be like in bed. But it's not serious. She knows she shouldn't. It would never work out. It would be so fucking complicated and fraught for everyone involved. There's no way an alien man would have the same (or even compatible) ideas about relationships or sex. Even if Vegeta did, he'd never fucking tolerate having a frank conversation about it. He's really kind of a prude.
And yet...they spend more time with each other, and the tension between them just builds. Over months and months, it builds slowly but surely. And one day, it just fucking breaks. One evening, they end up closer than usual. Touching each other, and it gets really intense really fast. No time to really discuss where things are going or what anything means---they just need each other in that moment. And it works out. Somehow. It's almost too easy. Despite all the cultural differences. They have sex, and it feels...good.
For Vegeta, sexuality had previously always been something tainted with negativity. What's the point of having a drive for sex, after all, when you're the last of your kind, and fleeting pleasures are hardly more than distractions? But with Bulma, everything just felt so fucking right and good. Like finally getting to experience all the things he'd always wondered about and longed for even if he never admitted it to himself. Things he thought were impossible. Having sex in a situation where he had a real choice in the matter. With a woman when he had spent his whole life having to accept the fact that no saiyan women had survived. On top of everything, not only does he want her---desperately---but she wants him in return. How she squirms when he touches her, how her scent changes, how she trembles and whimpers when he gets to do all the things he never let himself want before.
It just completely and utterly unravels him, and he can't get enough of her. He thought that, just maybe, if he gave in and slept with her, she wouldn't fucking haunt him anymore, but it just gets fucking worse. He needs her like water. Like if he doesn't get to be in her presence and touch her, he will just fucking lose it even more than he already has. And it fucking terrifies him. He's only ever wanted one thing: to transform and make things right after Freeza destroyed everything. But now he's preoccupied, and he can't handle it. He doesn't know what to do. What any of it means. What he really wants out of any of it. And he has no idea what she wants either. Only that however many times he tries to stay away from her, they always end up tangled up again. He couldn't even tell her how he feels even if he wanted to because he's so clueless about what's happening to him.
Meanwhile Bulma is just absolutely floored by how intense everything is from the beginning. She wonders if it's a saiyan thing, or if he's just intense like that himself. She doesn't know what Vegeta's full history with sex is, but she knows it's complicated. All she knows is that he kisses her like it's his last day on Earth. That he fucks her like he couldn't resist her if he tried (and he does try). And she can't help but ride that high. She brings this mysterious, strong, and austere man to his knees, and her power over him is intoxicating. She knows she shouldn't play around with someone so dangerous even if she's convinced he'll become an ally eventually. She knows that most of her friends wouldn't approve. It's not like she wants to DATE Vegeta. But gods...his desperation, the way he almost worships her, how wild and even frightening he can be---she can't help but indulge herself at least a little bit even if it's against her better judgment. It's not serious, after all. It's not like Vegeta of all people would even want to be some kind of partner to her anyway. He just wants sex (right?), and that's all she wants too. So she proposes a friends-with-benefits situation that they are determined to keep on the down-low.
Vegeta's head is just spinning at all of this. He still doesn't fucking know what to do with her. He can't have an attachment to her---especially not now when his sole focus needs to be transforming---but imagining his life without her is just... So he just lets her call it whatever she pleases, as long as no one else is involved and no one else knows about it. The weakness all the more glaring and real if other people know about it. He can tell himself he is just having sex with her so he can stay focused on training. Nothing more than that. Certainly not.
Over the course of it, Vegeta's feelings for her just intensify. If he was head over heels before they had sex, the more time they spend and the more intimate they become, he only falls more madly in love with her. And while Bulma tells herself that feelings aren't really involved for her beyond the friendship she develops with him, she has little pangs of romantic longing that hit her out of nowhere from time to time. Almost hard not to when the sex is the way that it is. She wonders sometimes if he has feelings for her. Real feelings. But he just couldn't, right? She's just being a silly hopeless romantic like she was when she was younger, and she's over that. He's an alien with a tortured past, and he's not boyfriend material, and she's fine with that. That's not what she wants anyway. Certainly not right now with the end of the world around the corner.
We all know how things go down after this, though, don't we?
But yeah. I headcanon Vegeta falls first and harder, whereas Bulma falls gradually after they become involved. Bulma has experienced good relationships before, and she wasn't looking for a romance with Vegeta in the wake of her breakup. Vegeta, on the other hand, hasn't experienced romantic love or sexual attraction where things weren't fucked up and fraught in some way before. So his "relationship" (re: passionate affair) with Bulma means so much more to him even if he couldn't articulate it. It completely blows him away, but he doesn't have the context or emotional insight to make sense of it. So he just panics, lol.
#yes I am planning to write a 3 Year Gap fic eventually#once I finish my Vegeta/Raditz under Freeza fic#vegebul#vegeta#bulma#I wrote a super shitty one waaaay back in the day#and my thoughts have evolved a lot over time#headcanons#astral.txt
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2nd place was (one of my top favorites) Piccolo! The sexy Namekian himself! Please enjoy the story and look at the rating! >w<
rating: [MA-X] - for a mature audience cw: smut/nsfw, implied afab reader with gender neutral pronouns, implied reader is buzzed/tipsy, breeding, implied piccolo/king piccolo, language, slight yandere theme, very VERY horny Piccolo word count: 1,822
sneak peek: The Demon King glared down at you, grabbing you by the hair. "Speak up, bitch…I don't think I heard you."
x | x (you are here) | x | x | x | x | x | x
Zarbon waltzed over to you, nudging you out of your chair. With a faint grumble, you turned away from your conversation with Goku to the handsome green prince.
"Can I help you?" You asked, slightly annoyed. Your semi-buzzed state only seemed to heighten your senses. Everything seemed to annoy you more and more, and Zarbon only made it worse.
He made a disgusted face and rolled golden eyes, pointing a freshly manicured finger to the closet. "Your services are requested in the closet…(y/n)." He said, a slight hint of sass as he said your name.
You looked over, tilting your head. "Me? Tsk…whatever." You said, taking your nearly empty glass of booze and chugging it. Saying your goodbyes to Goku and the others, you made your way to the closet.
You grunted and bumbled inside, sucking your teeth as the door struck your backside. "It's too damn dark in here! Zarbon is such an ass…not even telling me who's in here." You mumbled to yourself, cursing at the emerald-haired man. Your hands trailed along the wall, at least trying to find a light switch or something. Instead, your dainty hands skimmed across a chiseled, yet soft, chest.
You quickly moved away and stumbled back, "Ah! Hello?!" You called out. The body that occupied the same space as you grunted. "Quit being so loud. You're giving me a headache."
'That voice…' You said to yourself. "Piccolo?" You asked, "What the hell are you doing in here���?" The Namekian didn't say anything. He stood quiet for a few minutes, pondering the next thing to say.
"Since I don't get out much, in Goku's terms. He wants me to try something out. Like…parties. Ugh.." Piccolo placed his back to the wall, slowly siding down to the floor. "I honestly don't get this. Why are two people in a dark room, let alone a closet? What the hell are we supposed to do? Strain our eyes?"
"Talk…maybe kiss. Fuck, even." You said bluntly. Hearing a slight choke coming from Piccolo made you giggle. "Not used to it huh?"
"Of course, I'm not! You think I go around and lounge in people's closets?"
"I'd let you!~" You cooed at him.
Piccolo blinked, evidently unimpressed with your usual reply. "You are a strange one. I knew you'd say something like that…" He chuckled to himself before creeping over to you. The atmosphere around you suddenly changed, becoming denser. Your breath caught in your throat. "Well…" Piccolo's voice was gruff, nearing your ear. "If we are supposed to do those things. Why don't we get started…?~"
You sat there, shocked, and quickly got kicked out of your daydream when a slimy, thick tongue scrapped across your neck. A hefty shiver rushed over your body. "You taste better than I thought…" Piccolo whispered. Your face was quickly heating up. The Namekian sat beside you, then grasped your waist. He firmly placed you on his lap. "I want to take my time with you." He huffed.
You felt like you were going to burst. This was all you ever wanted! Piccolo's trained hands slowly made their way up your shirt and to your chest. You let out a soft groan, feeling his calloused hands play with your sensitive buds. Your hips slowly started to grind on him. To your surprise, he was fully packing. Minus the gags you hear from Vegeta.
You heard him groan, causing you to grind harder onto him. With whatever liquid confidence you had, you leaned over and placed a lustful, drunken kiss on his lips. He groaned and pulled you closer to him. His usual cool body was burning up. Piccolo's eyes slowly started to fill with desire.
With a slightly aggravated grunt, Piccolo picked you up again and placed you on the floor. He mounted over you and leaned down, kissing you back deeply. He slowly started to place his hand into his bottoms, pulling out his well-endoubt member. You placed a hand on his chest, causing his attention to be focused mainly on you again.
"Am I…going too fast?" He huffs. You shook your head, reassuring him with a delicate stroke on his arm. You gently push him up onto his knees and stand up. He follows your lead, "Stand still for me and try not to be too loud, okay…~" He nods and tilts his head, feeling you get lower. "What are you doing (y/n)? - !!?" Piccolo grunted and nearly fell back on his knees.
You moaned as you slid Piccolo's member deeper into your mouth. He let out a low whine and placed a hand on your head. You closed your eyes and pulled back, but before you could fully move away. Piccolo growled and jammed his way back into your mouth.
You squealed and grabbed onto his gi bottoms. He panted heavily and bucked his hips into your face. "I'm…sorry, but I need this!" Piccolo gasps harder, moaning out loudly. You were gagging and gurgling for him to slow down but to no avail. He threw his head back and let out a deep, throaty moan. Your eyes slowly roll back.
The light that peeked from under the closet door, enhanced the thin layer of sweat that coated Piccolo. Your teary eyes watched in awe as he rode out his orgasm in your throat. After a few minutes, he pulled away. Hunching over you to support himself on the wall, he opened his eyes to stare down at you. "Alright…" he started, picking you up and placing you against the wall. "Why don't we get started for real?~"
Your breath quivered as he easily undid your pants. You quickly moved around in his muscular arms to help him. He only chuckled and exhaled, sensing your pheromones. You looked back up at him, your buzz was slowly fading but you didn't feel like you needed it. Piccolo's dark eyes leered upon you, only making you feel smaller than usual. His gaze was similar to a wolf's, longing as if he was hungry for something.
You wrapped your arms around him. Immediately, he pushed you more against the wall before he slid you down onto his throbbing cock.
You both groaned at the feeling. He grits his teeth, feeling as if he won't be able to fit inside of you. "You're..so damn tight!" He exclaimed. You whimpered under him, feeling too full to speak. Without hesitation, he vigorously pounded into you. You squealed out, covering your mouth. Piccolo was losing his cool quicker than he had hoped. His mind grew foggy. He didn't feel like himself. He felt more feral.
You could feel him in your stomach. You squeezed your eyes shut as he kept brutishly thrusting into you. When he stopped, your eyes slowly opened, and looked back at him. Piccolo's pupils were blown out. His chest heaved. You studied what you could of him in the dark. Before you got a word out, he swiftly positioned you on the ground.
"You make a monster out of me (y/n)…" The Namekian snarled, raising your legs higher. He nearly had you in a pretzel. Your knees easily touched your ears. He eyed you more and more, taking in every piece of you. "I could take you for all myself…I wouldn't let you see the light of day again…~ You could be all mine." He leaned back over you, caging you in the mating press. With a keen foresight, he jammed his cock back into you. You threw your head back and cried out his name.
Piccolo couldn't help but laugh, mercilessly hammering into you. Your g-spot was being beaten and bruised. "Prepare for a heavy pounding, human…I hope you don't mind - but I won't be going so easy on you anymore. Now that I know you can take my cock!" He huffed out, mewling and howling at the feeling. You were so wet and accepting, he needed more. He wanted to be in you forever.
Piccolo bit his lips and jolted, cumming quicker than expected. He pummeled you more and more, drooling at the slick feeling. Quickly, he sat up and adjusted himself. He held you down, propping himself on one knee while resting his arm on the other. Without leaving you, he easily placed you into doggy and quickly picked his pace back up. "I'm not letting a single drop of my cum leave you! And neither shall you, got it?" He asked sternly. The heavy claps for your skin contact nearly drove you wild. You couldn't answer until a firm smack across your ass woke you up. "Answer me. Now." He ordered. You whimpered more, tears practically coming from your eyes. You nodded your head and looked back at him. Piccolo hissed, feeling you get tighter as he slapped your rear.
He started to get more amped. Latching onto your hips with his nails, he continued the rapid onslaught. You wanted to wail out, scream for him to slow down, cry out the intensity of this. However, you couldn't help but melt with each thrust. The fact that he can send you to King Kai's planet and back then to Namek was crazy to you. Your insides started to burn up. "K-keep…hitting that spot!~" You panted out, trying to make your voice heard. The Demon King glared down at you, grabbing you by the hair. "Speak up, bitch…I don't think I heard you." You nearly came on the spot but roared out. "Make me cum!! Please! Let me cum!~"
Piccolo grew a wicked smile and chuckled darkly. Nearly putting you in a chokehold but still easing up for you to breathe, he clashed his hips to your ass harder than ever. "If that's the case, I'll happily oblige but say my name!" You were biting your lip so hard, you thought you were drawing blood. He snarled and used his other hand to pinch your hardened nipples. "Speak!"
He really did it now. His gruff voice, his larger body hugging onto you and the nonstop feeling of his dick tip kissing your cervix. You were quickly unraveling. "D-Demon King!~ Please fucking me harder!~ Make me c-cum!!~" He whined, riding out your orgasm. Your hips tried to match his pace but were shaking too much to keep up.
Piccolo on the other hand was a drooling, barking mess. He moaned out, feeling your walls tighten around him. "Oh..o-oh fuck! Fuck (y/n)!! That's it!~" He ruts himself as deep as he can go and cums, pumping you full of his hot seed. With each thrust, Piccolo's eyes looked down to see his seed spewing out from inside you. He grew hungry again as he watched a creamy ring around his cock form.
He placed his hand under your chin and pulled you back. He placed a deep kiss on your lips, sliding his thick purple tongue in; "You sure know how to treat a King…Let's see what else you're capable of.~"
**Please do not repost/claim/edit my stories story & title card by @rumblebat character(s) (c) Akira Toriyama tips + commission | wattpad
#rumblebat#self insert x canon#fanfic#fanfiction#self insert#dbz#dragon ball#dragon ball z#dbz piccolo#dbs#piccolo#piccolo x reader#piccolo dbz#piccolo jr#wattpad#dbz x reader
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WIP Wednesday - Sons of the Saiyans
“Please don’t make me go in there. Chi-Chi will never let me see the light of day again if she finds out that I was in a strip club,” Goku was half hiding behind his hands as Vegeta dragged him by his arms towards the black painting building.
“I don’t want to fucking go in there either! I’m not a pervert like R—” Vegeta stopped mid sentence realizing what he was about to say. He swallowed hard, pushing the name down his throat. Still not able to speak it out loud. “But that’s where the people we need to talk to are,” Vegeta said.
“Easy for you to say, Vegeta! Bulma would probably be thrilled to be in there. She probably has a stack of dollar bills ready to go,” Goku grumbled, his cheeks turning crimson. “Chi-Chi is going to throw hot coffee in my face if she finds out.”
Vegeta had to think very long and very hard about anything else other than the visual of Bulma at the Red Ribbon. He took a deep breath in; he had to focus on the task at hand.
When they entered the doors of the Red Ribbon, Vegeta clicked the safety of his gun that was tucked into his jeans immediately. After all, he was the one who ended the ceasefire, so it seemed only appropriate for him to be ready to fire at any moment. Goku put the hood of his sweatshirt on over his head trying to squeeze it as tight as possible to himself, resembling a turtle attempting to hide inside of its shell.
“Kakarot you’re so fucking embarrassing,” Vegeta sneered feeling even more disgusted about having to enter the Red Ribbon with his cousin.
Vegeta braced for the loud, violent sounds of dance music pounding his skull once the door opened, but instead was greeted with the melancholy riffs of How Soon is Now. Several dancers paused upon his entrance into the bar and he noticed the lack of patrons. His black eyes did a quick sweep of the premises and right away he noticed the blonde woman who shot him the last time he was here. She immediately pulled out a shotgun from behind the bar. She was wearing clothes this time and seemed to be the bartender instead of a dancer, adorned in a short acid washed skirt and off the shoulder top.
“We come in peace,” Vegeta said holding his hands up and pretending as though he hadn’t just clicked the safety off of his gun.
“Right, sure. And I’m Madonna. Nice try, asshole,” she cocked the shotgun and aimed it at Vegeta’s head, who held his ground with his hands still up.
“Hi, um Miss. We are here to talk to someone named 17,” Goku said realizing that any impression Vegeta would attempt to make would result in their heads getting blown off.
“You look very familiar,” she said warily, nodding towards Goku behind the barrel of the shotgun.
“My uh—” Goku swallowed the bitter pit lodged in his throat, “my brother, Raditz was a frequent visitor here.”
She eyed him suspiciously for a long while until she seemed to accept his answer. “Are you here to shoot 17’s kneecaps off too?”
“Technically, I only shot one of Gero’s kneecaps,” Vegeta corrected her before she gave him a pointed glare. “But no, that’s not why I’m here. I have a business matter to discuss with him.”
“Fine, hand over your gun then,” she walked around the bar still pointing the shotgun at him.
“I don’t have a gun,” Vegeta lied.
She shot the gun at the floor near Vegeta’s Dr Martens and shattered a black tile from the black and white checkerboard pattern on the floor. Goku nearly jumped out of his sweatpants, but Vegeta didn’t even flinch. The sound of bullets ricocheting being the closest thing he could think of to a bedtime story.
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Prowler Hobie x Miles Headcanons
Normally in fanarts Prowler Hobie is taller than regular Hobie, but in this au I'd like to think this Hobs is taller than Miles but shorter than regular Hobie (because every Prowler is shorter than their Spider-Man counterpart in my mind) (laughs in short Miles G)
This Hobs is from Miles universe Earth-1610B, so he's American and his style and fashion sense is more close to Miles'
Hobs fell for Miles twice. Once on their first meeting when Spider-Man webbed him up (but he didn't know it was a crush yet), and twice when he met Miles at Brooklyn Visions Academy before he found out he was Spider-Man.
This guy has so many hoodies. Does Miles eventually steal some? Yes (More like Hobs shoves some into his hands, in the name of upping his game. Totally not to give him boyfriend hoodies of course)
After Spider-Punk meets Hobs the first time, sometimes Hobie will randomly portal nearby wherever he is and start joking around with him / pulling him into shenanigans. I imagine their shenanigans play out like regular show episodes. Sometimes Miles gets pulled in too
The first time Hobs meets Miles G (Prowler Miles) they try to act cool / see who's the coolest in front of Miles because they both secretly have a vegeta complex and immediately start talking about tech and gear and then go to G's house to play Street Fighter and Tekken (Miles laughs and knows they're both nerds and weebs). Miles G is definitely trying to play the 'gotta make sure this guy is a good match for my bro' card here, and Hobs is like 'I can't believe Miles has rizz in every universe'
Canon event theory is flaky at best, but everyone knows every Prowler is fated to create the most god awful FL studio beats known to man. Hobs tries to impress Miles by playing some of his self produced music and it takes everything in Miles not to laugh or say its trash because Hobs has the biggest smile on his face and looks proud of himself
Them falling asleep with Miles' head on Hobs shoulder on the Metro train because they're too beat from a mission to swing / parkour back to their homes (Metrooooo)
Hobs shows Miles some of his graffiti art around the city while they're suited up, and that night Miles takes a risk and trusts him enough to lead him to his secret spraypaint mural of his uncle and the other spiders at the abandoned train station. Hobs is in awe and they have a heart to heart and Hobs helps him remaster some of the art and also add his own stuff too
Hobs starts showing up more and more around Miles, and Rio and Jeff think they're secretly dating. Rio and Jeff hit Miles with the 'Son we love you no matter who you love' and 'So you and Hobs huh?' And Miles does a record scratch in his head and says 'Wait what are we talking about right now??'
Cue Hobs with the "Its a pleasure to meet you Mr. And Mrs. Morales" and then when he sees the Morales' relax more, Hobs grins to himself like 'Yeah I got this in the bag'
When they're already dating and it's Miles' birthday, he takes Miles around the city to show him graffiti murals he made of Miles' face with Sunflowers and murals of Spider-Man. He ends the date with them on Miles' rooftop and Hobs takes out his Bluetooth speaker and Hobs starts rapping a song he made for Miles (and the beats he made are actually fire this time too!!) and Miles is awestruck. He was in love before, but he's even more in love with him now.
Combined team attacks (after Hobs alignment starts leaning more towards neutral/good) where Hobs throws Miles like an arrow towards enemies or Miles uses his webs to launch Hobs up in the air to do flips and attacks and stuff to defeat the villain of the week. Cue being surrounded by enemies and they're back to back in a fighting stance and when the first move is made they fight together effortlessly and so well it's almost like they're dancing. Cue the victory poses.
----
Hobs may have become the Prowler because he had to, or maybe he didn't have a choice, or maybe he did it because he had someone he had to protect, but ever since meeting Miles and being saved by his heroism, he's finally been given the one thing he's always ever wanted. A choice.
#punkflower#but make this hobie the prowler#back at it again with hobs and the sunflower 😌#love these two lmao XD#flowerpunk#hobie x miles#prowler hobie#hobart brown#miles morales#these two show up too: ->#hobie brown#miles g morales#atsv au#atsv#across the spiderverse#jjs-writing
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Would also love to talk about Solar Flare. Despite the fact that I don’t really talk about him, he is one of my favorites. For being a side character and getting as little screen time as he did, he has always been an important character for other characters plots and stories, and for pushing the overall plot forwards. Also, his relationship with Eclipse has always been extremely interesting. Out of all the characters in all of the shows, Solar Flare was probably the closest to ever truly understanding Eclipse and his motives.
Seeing Solar Flare in one of the most recent MGAFS episodes was such a nice moment, but the implications of why he was stuck in Purgatory was just depressing. Out of all the characters there, he seemed the most aware of his surroundings. Monty’s dad was the only other one who seemed genuinely aware of where he was, but he was trapped in his own room and seemed pretty content on staying in there. Solar Flare was the only one who appeared outside of a room, and seemed to have nothing actually keeping him there. He seemed more like a warden than a prisoner. He helped Vegeta learn the lesson he needed before sending him back home.
Solar Flare mentions that everyone in that place was there because of something keeping them from moving on, and that the others who had died were not there. In that case, why was he there? If there was something personal keeping him there, he didn’t show it. He has no obvious reason for being there. Maybe it was because KC still ended up dying and SF felt he failed his main directive, but that doesn’t feel right, especially since KC died after SF.
My only explanation is that he is currently tied to Eclipse somehow.
Either it has something to do with Eclipse using SF’s body when they died, or SF has some feelings of failure at helping Eclipse, they are stuck together. Since Eclipse can’t move on, neither can Flare. I know there isn’t really evidence for this, but it’s one of the only things that makes sense. Flare is trapped there, until Eclipse moves on. If Eclipse moves on. From the way SF worded things, it doesn’t seem like people ever leave.
It just makes Flare’s story a tragedy. He never really lived for himself, and is still seemingly trying to help others in death. Even after he helped Sun and Moon by giving them the blueprints for the laser to kill Eclipse, they never really questioned what happened to him when Eclipse took over. They just seemed to automatically assume he was already dead. They never checked to see if he was still alive before they destroyed him alongside Eclipse. Everyone always seemed to assume Flare was basic and rudimentary, not quite a true AI that was considered to be alive.
It’s funny how the most emotionless character was one of the only people to understand Eclipse. His conversation with Eclipse before their death is still one of my favorite moments.
“Eclipse. You were not a good man. You were not a good person in any regard. But, you did care. Even if you could never show it. You were just like him. … The first Moon.”
This piece of dialogue, right here. While KC kept comparing Eclipse to himself, Eclipse always told him he was wrong. He didn’t believe he was just the kill code. He believed he was Moon. Solar Flare was the only one to truly acknowledge his identity issues. As they were dying, Flare acknowledged Eclipse in a way no one else had, and was actively trying to help him move on. I think that’s the reason he’s stuck in Purgatory. He’s still trying to help Eclipse move on from what happened.
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The love of an tyrant and a warrior
(hey guys, so it's been a mintue since i've wrote fanfiction so please bare with me. Im very much gratful for you taking your time to read this. also I was inspired from someone on a03 and I loved it so much that i decided to write again.)
Chapter 1: stolen breath
The universe being spared had to be celebrated, bulma’s idea of course.
The fight was really neck to neck with jiren and goku’s battle being the most exciting anyone has ever seen. Probably won’t see for a while too, yamcha being one of those who won’t be able to.
Knowing he wasn’t picked to join the battle for obvious reasons he still wanted to at least spectate, He was catching up with Krillin, who was animatedly recounting tales from the tournament.
“So… about that Frieza fight you couldn’t stop talking about,” Yamcha said, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.
Krillin’s eyes widened, a grin spreading across his face. “Oh man, it was hilarious! There was a fighter, his name was toppo. He completely underestimated him and Frieza ended up getting wrecked!” Krillin chuckled, looking up at Yamcha. “I never thought I’d see someone so confident get taken down so fast.”
Yamcha chuckled, imagining the scene, but his thoughts were soon interrupted by an unexpected sight across the room.
There, in the corner, stood Frieza, the infamous emperor of the universe, brooding in silence. To add to the absurdity, a party hat sat atop his head, a mockery placed there by none other than Beerus. The god of destruction clearly found amusement in Frieza’s discomfort.
“What’s he doing here?” Yamcha’s voice trembled slightly as he glanced over at Frieza, uncertainty etched on his face. He hadn’t expected to see Frieza at Bulma’s party, much less in such a humiliating state.
His friend looked over at him and said, “as scary as it is. he’s still a bad guy, but he won’t hurt us as long as Beerus, Goku, and Vegeta are here to keep an eye on him.”
Even that failed to soothe the warrior’s restless mind. Frieza felt the simmering frustration build within him, knowing he couldn’t unleash his ki energy without drawing the others' attention. The moment he considered making a move, he realized they would sense it instantly, and that thought only intensified his anger.
The notion of being so restrained, so monitored, made his fury boil over even more than it had before.
“Hey, Yamcha!” came a cheerful voice from behind him, startling him out of his thoughts. He turned to see Bulma standing there, her vibrant smile lighting up the room. The unexpectedness of her presence made his heart race for a moment, but he quickly relaxed, grateful for her familiar energy.
“You really can’t just sneak up on me like that!” he exclaimed, a teasing edge to his voice. He took a moment to steady himself, still reeling from the shock. “You almost gave me a heart attack! I know you’re fast, but come on, a little warning next time would be nice!”
Bulma chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “My bad! I just wanted to see what was going on over here.” Her playful demeanor brought back a flood of memories, reminding him of the unforgettable moments they had shared.
Even now, her presence filled him with warmth and a sense of comfort he couldn’t quite shake.
Reminded that everything they had shared was now in the past, he felt the need to push those memories deep down. “Nothing special has been happening over here,” he said, forcing a casual tone. “I’ve just been playing baseball.”
Even though it wasn’t much, Bulma listened intently, her eyes bright with interest. They chatted for a while as the party continued to swirl around them, the sounds of laughter and music filling the air.
Eventually, Bulma shared some surprising news. “You won’t believe this, but Frieza was revived and actually joined the Universe 7 team,” she said, her tone a mix of disbelief and practicality. She explained how it hadn’t been an easy decision, but given the stakes, they had to consider all their options. Frieza, despite his dark past, was undeniably powerful, and the team needed every bit of strength they could muster.
“Feels like a nightmare for killin being brought to life.” Yamcha joked.
Bulma felt a slight laugh rise in her throat before she continued speaking. Yamcha found himself intrigued; the nature of their enemies fascinated him, even if it belonged to a world far removed from his own. Glancing over at the emperor, he noticed Vegeta and Frieza locked in yet another heated argument.
Their egos clashed like storms both too proud, too powerful to yield.
"They’ve been going at it since the tournament," she said with a nervous laugh, her tone almost pleading. "But honestly, I’d rather not see them destroy the planet today."
It was as if she were begging Yamcha or anyone nearby to step in and defuse the tension. But these two Vegeta and Frieza had power levels that dwarfed his own.
What could he possibly do to ease the situation?
Feeling Frieza's ki ripple through the air, prickling his skin and those around him, Yamcha knew he had to act quickly. Speed-walking over to them, he tried to keep his voice steady. “Vegeta, lord Frieza… it looks like you two have a little disagreement. Aren’t you tired after all the fighting you’ve done already?”
Both of them turned to look at him. Frieza’s gaze was piercing, radiating contempt as if Yamcha were beneath him. "I don’t need a fragile being breaking up my fights," he sneered.
Before Yamcha could respond, Vegeta interjected, crossing his arms with a smirk. “You’d better be grateful he did, Frieza. He saved you from another trip to hell.”
With that, Vegeta turned and walked away, knowing that Bulma would want him to leave things alone. Yamcha let out a sigh of relief. At least, for now, the peace was kept. Left alone with the emperor, Yamcha found himself unsure of what to do.
Should he try to make small talk, simply walk away, or keep things cordial to stay on Bulma’s good side?
Without thinking, he spoke up, a trace of nervousness still in his voice. “Uh—L-Lord Frieza, maybe you’d like something to drink? Or maybe a bite to eat?” He forced a friendly smile, though his pulse raced.
Frieza’s cold glare met him in response. “Are you trying to tell me what to do?”
“What?! No, never, Lord Frieza!” Yamcha replied quickly, his smile widening as a cover for his nerves. “It’s just…most people are in a better mood after they've had something to eat, that’s all.”
Frieza’s stare didn’t soften, but Yamcha held his ground, hoping he hadn’t just signed his own death warrant.
“Show me to this food, peasant,” Frieza finally commanded after a long, tense silence.
Yamcha didn’t hesitate, quickly leading Frieza to the spread that Bulma and the others had prepared. There was an impressive variety, but Yamcha noticed Frieza’s gaze lingering on the seafood, especially the snow crabs, which had been cooked to perfection.
“These are snow crabs, and—” Yamcha started to explain.
“Just bring me the crabs. I want nothing else,” Frieza ordered curtly, not even glancing in his direction.
Yamcha hurriedly grabbed a plate and loaded it with snow crabs before setting it in front of Frieza. Without a moment’s pause, Frieza cracked one open effortlessly. Yamcha could only hope they’d meet the emperor’s standards. He sat down across from Frieza, keeping just enough distance to make a quick escape if things took a turn.
Frieza paused, wiping his mouth with deliberate elegance before fixing Yamcha with a cold stare.
“Hmm. Perhaps I’ll reconsider killing you,” he drawled, his tone laced with menace. “Interrupting my discussion with that Saiyan could have been your final mistake.”
Yamcha felt his stomach twist. Frieza’s animosity toward the Saiyans was as strong as ever, but he seemed aware enough of the limits that Goku or even Beerus might enforce. Still, Yamcha knew he was in dangerous territory.
“Uh—well, I’m just…grateful to still be breathing,” Yamcha managed, his smile strained.
Frieza raised an eyebrow, a cruel smirk tugging at his lips. “Grateful?” he sneered. “I would think someone in your position should be on their knees in gratitude.”
Yamcha felt a chill run through him. Frieza’s power was unimaginable, and one wrong move could turn him to dust in an instant. He’d faced powerful foes before, but Frieza was something else entirely calculating, merciless, and completely willing to wipe out anyone or anything in his way. Suppressing his anxiety, Yamcha forced himself to remain calm, hoping respect would keep Frieza’s wrath at bay.
With a flicker of amusement in his eyes, Frieza continued. “Yes…you have a certain charm,” he said, voice dripping with sarcasm. “Perhaps I’ll keep you as a servant. A tolerable price for putting up with these Saiyan apes.”
#dragon ball#dragon ball z#frieza#yamcha#yamcha x frieza#gay love#we love to see it#fanfic#dbz#enemies to lovers#romance
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Vegeta attending the Pride Parade!
Thank you to the awesome anon who suggested a fic about Vegeta attending a Pride Parade and learning about demisexuality. Inspiration struck me unexpectedly fast.
Can also be read on AO3.
A Different Kind of Pride
When Vegeta first heard about the Pride Parade, he thought it was something very different. Pride was certainly something to be celebrated, especially if it was for one's achievements. He'd long learned that heritage itself wasn't an element of pride unless you used your inherited skills in an honorable way. No one chose which race or even nationality they came from; patriotism often did more bad than good in such regards.
The people, for whom the Pride Parade was, were proud of themselves for reasons that Vegeta found it difficult to understand, not because he didn't respect them, but mostly because of his own past in the PTO.
Sexual or romantic preferences hadn't been a conversation topic when he grew up in Frieza’s army. Frieza himself was, as far as Vegeta had heard, sexless - both lacking genitals and a libido - and didn't care enough to understand his underlings’ urges. While he did find joy in exploiting a person's loved ones against them, he generally disliked that his own warriors could be used in a similar manner by his enemies. It was far easier to ban it completely.
Nevertheless, it never stopped anyone from following their biological instincts. Dalliances might have been against the rules and kept somewhat secret, but they were very common. There wasn't any talk of who preferred which gender for their indulgences, or even which kind of species. With so many aliens from different worlds, it often happened that incompatibility was an issue, but even that never hindered anyone. After all, nothing was truly a hindrance for romantic love and only one's imagination was the limit when it came to sexual gratification.
Vegeta learned most of what he knew from Nappa and Raditz. The two remaining saiyans were not strangers in the pursuit of the pleasures of the flesh. While Nappa would basically engage in activities with any female, no matter the race or whether they were prostitutes or willing to bed him for free, Raditz preferred bipedal partners who resembled saiyans as much as possible. He was attracted to the two genders that seemed to be the most common ones throughout the universe - male and female - but he had told Nappa he couldn't outrule the possibility that he would find a lover from another species if the right one came along.
Because, unlike Nappa, Raditz wasn't only interested in sexual release. He had been in a couple of romantic relationships, despite Vegeta’s discouragement. The low class warrior had suffered a few heartbreaks as a result, but it hadn’t dampened his hope of finding his ‘true love’. Of course, he had never shared any of these things with Vegeta, knowing how much the Prince hated all related to the subject, but Vegeta had overheard much more than he wished to since Raditz was a notoriously talkative drunk.
A large part of Vegeta’s disapproval of all relationships, casual or not, came from Frieza’s regulations. Not that he cared about the lizard's rules, but because he knew that breaking them would lead to punishments he would rather avoid, especially if it was used against him. He would also argue to other people - mainly Nappa who had carefully made insinuations that regular physical releases would help his anger issues - that no one was good enough for a Prince of a proud race like the saiyan one. Nappa himself had put Vegeta on a pedestal as the race's savior when he was but a child. Therefore, his opinion of everyone being beneath him wasn't unbelievable.
All these excuses were true, but they were just that: excuses. The real reason that Vegeta had never sought out anyone was that he hadn’t felt any kind of attraction to another person. He'd felt the hormonal urges like any other young saiyan when he hit puberty, but it was purely biological and he generally handled it with a detached routine that relieved the pressure whenever his body needed it, seemingly without reason.
In some ways, he envied his fellow soldiers and the enjoyment they appeared to take in their activities, but he rationalized that the cons outweighed the benefits. He'd witnessed the effects of sexually transmitted diseases on Nappa, the painful heartaches that Raditz dealt with and the torture methods Frieza had devised when a couple was discovered; the last being especially worrisome as he knew that the Emperor kept a close eye on the saiyan Prince.
No, Vegeta had felt like he'd been better off, even if it had caused a deeper sense of loneliness than he already dealt with. And he had believed this when he was invited to live in the house of one headstrong, brilliant beauty.
She was the one to change this state of mind in him. Little by little, he had become drawn to her and eventually he'd been unable to stay away from her. There had been something about her that inadvertently pulled him in.
He'd resisted to the point that his obstinance became ridiculous because he always returned to her. The first time he'd made love to her, he'd felt whole in a way he'd never experienced before. Naturally, he had panicked and run off into space right after, trying to deny any feelings that arose in him, but he'd found his way back to her and hadn't really left her since.
Now he was here, tied to her, with two children that he loved despite being well aware of how vulnerable they made him. His oldest, Trunks, had recently ‘come out’ to his family and friends. It hadn't come to a surprise to anyone, nor had it when the boy told them that he was in a relationship with Goten. Truthfully, Bulma and Vegeta had bet on how long it would take for Trunks to tell them. She had won, having believed that Trunks knew he would be accepted just as he was.
It was because of Trunks that they all went to the Pride Parade this year. Bulma and Trunks had gone a couple of times in the years prior, but Vegeta hadn't even considered it before. However, staying home wasn't a possibility this time. His wife had disabled the gravity chamber and even threatened to cook dinner for a whole month if he didn't come to show his support. Obviously, he had no real choice in the matter.
While the Briefs, Vegeta included, were supportive of anyone with ‘unconventional’ preferences, he knew that many people were of the belief that it was wrong to stray from the traditional conventions of a man and a woman in a so-called regular relationship. Vegeta didn't understand the reasoning for this, but it was clear why ‘queer’ folk wanted to show how proud they were of who they were when there existed this stubborn, conservative side of society that refused to accept the freedom to love whom you wanted when it didn't affect themselves personally.
‘Queer’, Vegeta learned as they reached the site of the parade, was an umbrella term for people who didn't fit standard expectations in regards to love and sex. This included many different groups, all which were celebrated in the parade, and Vegeta found it difficult to keep track of them. He stayed in the back of the crowd, trying to keep a good distance from the rest of the onlookers who waved their rainbow flags in support of the parade's participants.
It took him a while before he realized that his wife had given her own rainbow flag to their daughter and was now holding a flag with stripes in pink, purple and blue. He was puzzled by this, wondering if there was a specific meaning of this particular flag. He wanted to ask her, but that meant he would have to venture back into the horde of supporters.
Only after a few minutes, his curiosity won out and he pushed past the rows of people who were between him and his family. He came to stand next to her, not touching her in spite of the close proximity to the humans around them. Luckily, these people appeared to know better than to touch Vegeta.
“What's with the flag?”
Bulma looked at him, surprised by his question. He usually didn't inquire about Earth’s customs that he didn't comprehend, but this was also because his wife seemed to have an innate ability to know what he was thinking. She looked at the flag in her hand that Vegeta nodded towards.
“Oh, this is a bisexual pride flag. It represents the bi community and bi people in general.”
“Hmm,” Vegeta hummed. He had heard of bisexuality, the attraction to both males and females. Raditz must've been bisexual, he mused. And as much as he hated to think about Bulma’s previous partners, he knew that she was bisexual as well. Her longest involvement before Vegeta had been with another, but she'd had brief flings with both sexes, as well as having been in an on-and-off- again relationship with the strange woman, Launch, who thankfully rarely showed her face anymore. It was bad enough that Vegeta had to be confronted with his wife's old boyfriend on a semi-regular basis; he wasn't sure if he could handle a past girlfriend too.
Without him needing to ask, Bulma began to list the meaning of each flag that passed them. He recognized a few and could guess a couple more by looking at the people waving these banners, but he enjoyed listening to Bulma speaking excitedly, their sleeping daughter now sleeping in her arms with the crumbled up Pride flag.
“Oooh, I think this might be something for you, honey,” she exclaimed a little too loud. He would never admit that he liked the nicknames she used for him, but even then, he hated when she did it in public.
Burying his embarrassment, he turned his seemingly unfeeling gaze to the parade where a bunch of people were waving a flag that contained a black triangle on the left pointing toward the center with three horizontal stripes that were white, purple, and gray. Its style was similar to some of the other flags, but he could see the difference.
“Why do you believe that this has anything to do with me? I am, what is commonly called, heterosexual,” he whispered, so no one could possibly hear it. He didn't like to discuss such things in public.
She looked at him, locking eyes with him, and he swore that she could look into his very soul.
“You once told me that you never felt a romantic or sexual attraction to anyone before we met,” she whispered back, showing respect for his wish for privacy. She spoke especially low as she knew that his saiyan hearing was far better than her own. “Well, demisexual, along with demiromantic, means that a person needs an emotional bond to feel attracted to another. Without it, there's no interest whatsoever in other people. I think it fits you pretty well. Like, if I chose to become a man, would it matter to you?”
“No,” he said without hesitation. Such things didn't matter to him. She mattered, not her gender.
“Well, there you go.” She smiled softly.
Vegeta turned his eyes back to the demisexuals passing by. He'd always thought that he was simply a typical heterosexual who just hadn't found the right person yet. He wasn't the type to believe in ‘the one’, a special someone made just for you, but he had wondered why Bulma was the only one he had felt anything for.
The truth of the matter was that he had never formed a proper emotional bond with anyone before he met her. Even Raditz and Nappa had been kept at a distance, mainly because they were lower than him in the hierarchy.
He'd always felt out of place in the Frieza Force. For many years back then, he'd suspected that he was asexual, but it hadn't felt true to how he felt and it had been outruled entirely after he'd gotten to know Bulma.
There was a certain kind of inner affirmation in the possibility that he might've been demisexual this whole time. And as he watched the happy faces of the unorthodox individuals passing by, he understood a little better why they were so proud of who they were.
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Brotherly Love: Part One
Hidden away on Earth, Raditz wants a chance to make amends to his past and form a relationship with his estranged brother, Son Goku.
He was always avoided. No one dared look in his eyes. He was deemed scary. No one spoke more than a few sentences to him. He was deemed wild and savage. No one wanted to get close to him. He was a murderer. No one wanted to talk to him except two: the Ice Bitch and the Ice Queen.
They ran the facility he had been locked in for ten years. The Ice Bitch funded and built this facility while the Ice Queen ran it only cowering to the demands of the Ice Bitch. He has been in worse places and treated brutally on other planets but this place, even with all their amenities, was still a prison.
He was confined to a room the size of an apartment. He had access to food. He was given reading materials, music, movies and television to understand the world around him.
But it was still a prison. The air he breathed was tainted to keep him weak. Twice a week, he was allowed to leave the room but his wrists were bound in wristbands filled with kilotons of electricity. One wrong move and he could be zapped like a bird on an unsealed powerline. He was away from his room for two hours. It wasn’t enough time to restore his strength. The Ice Bitch made sure of that.
The first three years, he tried to escape and in the last seven years, he resigned himself to this perilous fate. Seven years ago, Raditz lost his motivation to leave. Never did he imagine when the Ice Bitch visited, she would say the words he wanted to hear.
Goku is alive again. He’s back on Earth.
Thanks to the Ice Queen, Raditz knew of the Tenkaichi Budokai. He wanted to see how his nephews fare but the cameras were destroyed. The Ice Queen showed generosity providing him with a radio where they could listen to the tournament. It was here he learned Son Goku was a contestant. He thought it was a strange coincidence since that was the name his brother went by on Earth. Ice Queen was confused, too, but hours later when a monster calling himself Majin Boo destroyed cities, his brother battled the monster and disappeared.
That burned in Raditz’s mind for days and after the destruction and revival of Earth, the Ice Bitch visited. Raditz wanted answers.
“I saw Kakarot! You told me he was dead! Why did you lie to me?!”
“I didn’t lie. Goku was dead for seven years but he was allowed to visit for a day. Because of Majin Boo, he was granted a new life and he’s back on Earth.”
“And you deliberately kept his visit from me.” Raditz wouldn’t argue years ago the Ice Bitch was justified to keep the knowledge of his existence quiet but not after these years where he showed change. “I want to see him.”
“Goku’s busy reuniting with his family.”
“I’m his family!”
“You’re not the family he wants or did you forget he rejected you?”
Raditz didn’t care his brother rejected him then. Raditz was disgusted at the weak Saiyan his brother grew up to be. Now… it did hurt. “Things were different. I’m not that Saiyan anymore. I want to see my brother!”
But the Ice Bitch wouldn’t hear anymore. She left with the Ice Queen who didn’t agree with the Ice Bitch. She voiced her difference when they walked away from his cell.
“I don’t think you should forbid him, Bulma.”
“Don’t go against me on this, Adira. I’m already pissed with you. How could you let Raditz know about the tournament?”
“Is this because of Son Goku? You didn’t tell me he was returning.”
“You didn’t need to know like Raditz didn’t need to know about the Tenkaichi Budokai.”
“His nephews were participating. I thought he’d want to see them.”
“He doesn’t have a relationship with them.”
“How can he when he’s stuck here?”
“He kidnapped his eldest nephew when he was four years old!”
“He doesn’t seem to be that man anymore, Bulma. I think the years mellowed him like it did Vegeta.”
The Ice Bitch snorted. “Don’t let the mellowing appearance fool you. It could be a trap to let our guard down.”
“I think you’re saying that because of what Vegeta did.”
The rejection left Raditz with one option. If he wanted to see his brother, he had to escape. Over the years, Raditz learned a few things about his brother. The Ice Bitch wasn’t aware during their conversations, he was gathering information he could use later.
“Are you Kakarot’s concubine?”
“I’m too rich and beautiful to be anyone’s concubine. I was gathering dragon balls when I met Goku. I convinced him to be my bodyguard and look for dragon balls with me.”
“How? By opening your legs?”
“No! Goku was a kid. He was too dumb to see how hot I was at sixteen. It’s not his fault. He grew up on Mount Paozu.”
With access to books and maps, Raditz found Mount Paozu but he needed information on where he is and how far he will have to travel to find his brother. On the days he was allowed to step out of the facility, Raditz studied his surroundings. He noticed the trees and animals on the island. He had casual conversations with the Ice Bitch and Ice Queen to learn what food grew here and what food was shipped. He studied the seasons and discovered the weather varied from warm to hot. It never snowed and never received yearly water storms Earth people call hurricanes. He applied all this knowledge to his books and discovered he was likely on an island off a large mainland. There’s nothing popular about this land except it was home to the Red Ribbon Army.
Mount Paozu was on the other side of the world. It would be a journey finding his brother without his scouter but Raditz knew he could do it. This was his only chance to see his brother again. He couldn’t waste this opportunity like last time.
“He’s destroyed most of the world! What are you gonna do when he finds this place?!” Raditz was pissed. Some maniac was killing everyone on Earth. In the last twenty-four hours, television stations went offline. Phone coverage was spotty and only static was heard on the radio. Raditz didn’t care people were dead but he hated not knowing where Majin Boo was. That monster could find this place and Raditz wanted to be ready for him. “You may want to sit on your ass and wait for death but that’s not the Saiyan way. We have our pride. Even if it’s a lost cause, it’s better to go down fighting instead of doing nothing!”
The Ice Queen tried to reason with Raditz. “You could die against him.”
Raditz almost laughed. “Are you caring about me? The Ice Queen has a heart?”
“I’m being practical.”
“Practical,” Raditz knew he shouldn’t have gotten his hopes up. “Typical Ice Queen.”
“You’re still calling me that,” she huffed frustrated. “I hate that name!” The Ice Queen never cared when he called her that. She wasn’t rattled and nothing appeared to get under her skin hence his nickname for her but Majin Boo cracked her cool façade. “So many people are dead, Raditz. My parents are gone. We’re probably among the last group on Earth. Call me by my name.”
“Fine….. Adira. Majin Boo will find this place and blow us up like he’s done all the cities on this planet. Give me my honor and pride back and let me die fighting.”
Raditz expected Adira to say ‘No’. Her stare could be cold and clinical but there were times her eyes gave away her thoughts. She wasn’t like the Ice Bitch. She was a genius like her but humble and reserved. Perhaps it was her being the only constant woman in ten years but Raditz thought Adira was attractive for an Earthling. Her sable hair reminded him of Saiyan women. Over the years, she changed it from short to long and curled to straight. Her hair was everchanging like her eyes. He was struck when he noticed how wondrously violet her eyes were under lights and away it appeared a cobalt blue as deep as the ocean. Sometimes he stared at her to see the colors bounce between blue and purple. She never noticed his stares. She was too cold and clinical.
“All right,” Adira gave in. “I’ll let you go. I’ll free you.” As Adira typed in the code to open the door, showers of pink light doused the area. Raditz jumped around avoiding the light. He didn’t know what it was but instincts told him to avoid it. When the showers passed, Raditz saw pieces of his room charred. The door still bolted the room shut but the weird showers created holes in the glass barrier.
“Adira?” Did the showers force her to run away? Raditz stepped out of his room. “Where are you?” Raditz walked around the facility. How far did she go? Raditz knew from Adira the fully staffed facility was reduced to a skeleton crew. Majin Boo caused many workers to leave and be with their families.
Adira, despite having parents and siblings, stayed.
Raditz picked up a cell phone off the floor. He listened for a voice but heard nothing. Walking further, Raditz saw an open book and an iPad on the floor. The screen was scratched. It gave Raditz a cold feeling. The pink shower was Majin Boo’s energy. He killed everyone touched by it.
“Adira.” Majin Boo killed her and he didn’t see it.
Raditz rationed his next move. Majin Boo wouldn’t return so soon after killing everyone here. He also needed to prepare. The room he was enclosed in had doctored air. It weakened him. Raditz needed hours before feeling at full strength. Until then, he ate to replenish himself and exercised. A couple of hours passed when Raditz felt strong enough to try flying. He stepped out of the facility to see the skies turning a dark pink. The ground under him trembled.
“What the----” Raditz gasped as a massive wave swallowed the island. Raditz swam while his body jostled in the ocean. His ears were deafened by the crashing waves and the facility structure breaking in the water. Bouncing around Raditz couldn’t tell if he was swimming up or down. He just swam hoping to reach the surface.
There! He saw it. Light! Raditz swam toward it thinking it was the surface. Almost there he told himself. A little further he--- The light was moving to him and getting brighter.
This wasn’t sunlight Raditz realized as the heat of Majin Boo’s energy swallowed him. It was instant and painless.
Raditz’s memories were fuzzy after that. He remembered a temple and a large man behind a desk. That was all he could recall before he found himself on the island again.
Raditz wasn’t alone. Adira and the rest of the staff were on the island, too. They were trying to piece together what happened when Raditz heard his brother and Prince Vegeta above them.
“Earthlings!! Do you want to be killed by Majin Boo again?! You have a chance to save your planet!!”
“Everyone! Please! Give all the energy you can! We can’t stop Majin Boo without you!”
“Is that Prince Vegeta and Kakarot?”
“They want us to raise our hands.” Adira raised her hands. “How will this help defeat Majin Boo?”
“Prince Vegeta and Kakarot found a way to defeat Majin Boo.” Raditz raised his hands. “We should do it.” Only he and Adira had their hands up. “What are you waiting for?!” Raditz barked at the other staff members. “Do it!”
Everyone raised their hands. Raditz was going to curse their resistance when he saw Adira smiling at him. “What?”
“You used to hate them. Now you’re helping them. You’ve changed.”
Adira’s smile was slightly unnerving. She smiled but never at him. Despite their loss of energy, everyone kept their hands up until the battle was over. Cheers broke out when Mr. Satan confirmed Majin Boo was gone, but when the cheers died, reality sunk in Raditz was not in his cell and not wearing the wristbands he was forced to wear outside.
Security quickly drew their guns on Raditz. Each gun had massive charges of electricity. Raditz rationed he could subdue them but he would suffer injuries, too. “Come at me,” Raditz challenged them.
“Wait!” Adira jumped between Raditz and security. “You need to go back to your cell.”
Raditz laughed. “That room can’t hold me. It received massive damage. I can kill you and finally leave this place.”
“You could.” Even Adira knew Raditz couldn’t be stopped. “But you proved you have changed. I can
present this to Bulma. You’ll be free to leave on your own.”
“I can do that now.”
“You’re still naïve to the world. You need a guide. I’ll help you,” she offered. “I’ll help you get a place and integrate. It’ll be easier with a guide than on your own.”
Adira’s offer was better than the alternative. It wouldn’t be easy and after ten years of confinement, Raditz wanted an easier life. Raditz stayed in a spare room while repairs quickly went underway to his cell. When he returned, Raditz noticed his room wasn’t secure. There was a hole not repaired. Fresh air leaked into the room doctoring the tainted air he was forced to breathe. Raditz kept this to himself as he waited for Bulma to return. He waited a month.
Adira went over a rehabilitation plan for Raditz. Raditz didn’t care about being around humans. He was excited to be free and he wanted to see his brother.
When Bulma returned, Adira excitedly explained Raditz’s behavior over the Majin Boo ordeal and her plan to integrate him into society. Years ago, Bulma offered Raditz a new life on Earth if he changed. Then, Raditz was vengeful, murderous and filled with anger. He didn’t want to change but ten years of confinement softened Raditz to consider her and now she reneged.
This drove Raditz to coordinate his escape.
It was still dark when the chime of Bulma’s phone awakened her. She was in a deep fog of sleep and didn’t recognize the tone. Who would be calling her this early?
“Shut that thing off before I shut it for you,” Vegeta sleepily threatened as he rolled over.
Bulma reached for the phone on her nightstand as the ringing stopped. 3:12 a.m. Calls at this time can’t be good but Bulma figured it was a wrong number. She didn’t bother to check the name on her missed call as she rolled back in bed.
Her phone rang again.
“Bulma….” Vegeta warned.
Bulma brushed off Vegeta’s annoyance as she rolled over. “It’s not as if you have to get up early for work.” Bulma picked up the phone again and bolted upright when she saw the person calling her.
Adira.
“What is it?” The room was dark but Vegeta noticed Bulma’s shuffling.
“Work.” Bulma swung her legs out of bed and stood up. “I’ll take it in the other room. Go back to sleep.” She closed off their bedroom door and leaned against it. “Adira?” Bulma whispered.
“Sorry, Bulma. This can’t wait until morning. We got a problem.”
“I figured.” Bulma fought off a yawn. “What did he do this time?”
“He almost broke out.”
“What?!” Bulma clamped her hand over her mouth. She stepped away from the door and settled on the sofa of her adjacent suite. “How?”
“Don’t know. Security is still looking into it. We had to gas the building. Security had to use three times as much electro charges on him. He’s contained but he was hurt.”
“Any fatalities?”
“No. He’s different now.”
“Different? Did you forget the outbreaks when we first contained him? Ten men died.”
“That was years ago. Raditz could’ve killed but he didn’t. He disarmed and knocked security out. Raditz won’t kill again. He wants out and to see his brother.”
Bulma wanted that to be true but recent experiences left her cautious. “It could be a trap.”
“He hasn’t tried to break out in seven years. He’s read books. He’s studied maps. He’s trying all kinds of cuisines. He’s watching sports games. He wants to embrace our world.”
Bulma flipped on a lamp and sifted the drawer of the end table for her cigarette case and lighter. “I made an offer to him years ago and he rejected it. ‘As soon as I get out of here, I will kill everyone on this planet. Starting with you, Ice Bitch.’ Those were his exact words.”
“He’s mellowed since then.”
Bulma closed the drawer annoyed. Vegeta either hid or threw out her case and lighter. Again. “I thought the same with Vegeta until the Tenkaichi Budokai.”
Adira knew that was a sore spot for Bulma. Cameras were destroyed so no one outside the stadium saw the footage. Adira and Raditz listened to the radio broadcast of Vegeta killing people. Reports came out hours later people who were killed at the tournament were alive. It would’ve been a major news story for days if not for Majin Boo. Adira thought that was a good thing since it meant everyone forgot what Vegeta did. If the news researched and tied him to Bulma. It would’ve created a massive media mess for Bulma and her family. It could’ve put what they were doing with Raditz in the spotlight.
“You told me he wasn’t in his right mind. He’s not at fault.”
Adira didn’t know the full truth and Bulma didn't want to tell her. That day had Bulma second-guessing everything. “We should be extra cautious. Vegeta has lived openly among humans for years and he fell off the wagon. We can’t trust Raditz. He tried to break out again.”
“What choice did he have after you refused to give Raditz a chance?!” Adira lost her patience. “He’s been cooped here for a decade.”
“Oh, please!” Bulma slammed another draw shut. Did Vegeta throw away all her cigarettes? “It’s not a real jail. Raditz’s room is half the size of a gymnasium. He can exercise. He has a kitchen. He has a bath. He has a TV and access to books, music and movies.”
“It’s not the same as real experience and,” Adira braced herself for Bulma’s blowup. “….. he has a family.”
“A brother who would not want to see him.”
“I don’t know Son Goku, Bulma, but maybe he would want to see his brother. You have to give him that choice. Raditz should hear it from his brother.”
Bulma plopped on the sofa giving up her search for cigarettes. “You weren’t there, Adira. You didn’t see what Raditz did. He was heartless. He hurt Goku. He took his son. Goku died because of Raditz.”
“And you revived Raditz knowing all that,” Adira reminded Bulma. “You have to come clean with this. If you don’t, I will.”
“What?”
“You brought me on this project to reach a goal with Raditz. We did that. The least we can do is give Raditz what he wants. Let him meet his brother.”
Bulma knew that wasn’t as easy as it sounded. She was there that day when Raditz told Goku he wasn’t human, knocked him down with one punch and kidnapped his son. Bulma went into this with the best intentions but unintentionally created secrets that would hurt the people she cared for.
If Goku finds out about Raditz and what I did, he’ll hate me. What will Vegeta do?
“Raditz wants to see you, too.”
“I figured as much.” Bulma squeezed the bridge of her nose wondering how to work this out without drawing suspicions. Her father knew about it but not her mother. If her mother knew, this secret would’ve been exposed years ago and the first person she would have told is Vegeta. “I’ll let my parents know they have to get Trunks ready for school. I can be there in two hours.”
Bulma turned off her phone and pushed herself off the sofa. Dammit. What a mess. She had to shower and get some coffee in her before she left. “I need a cigarette,” Bulma yawned as she opened the door. She jolted when Vegeta stood on the other side. Bulma took a step back fearing the worst. He wasn’t Namekian but Saiyans do have sharp ears.
“Bulma, what the hell have you been up to?”
Bulma brushed past him and pretended she didn’t know. “Up to what, Vegeta? It was a work call. Unlike Saiyans who train all day, Earthlings have to work.”
“Earthlings don’t get middle-of-the-night calls unless they are leaders.”
“And owners of billion Zeni companies.” Bulma pulled a dress from her closet.
“Where are you going?”
“There’s an issue at one of our facilities. An explosion,” Bulma lied. “I’m checking the damages. I’ll be gone for a few hours.”
Vegeta extended his arm in front of the bathroom. “Are you using this to get away from me?”
Bulma pushed but Vegeta wouldn’t move. “Not everything is about you, Vegeta.”
“I apologized. It was a mistake. I won’t do it again.”
“Because Bobbidi isn’t here? What happens when the next wizard shows up with unlimited power and all you have to do is sell your soul?”
Vegeta didn’t resist when Bulma pushed again. She brushed past Vegeta into the bathroom and shut the door. When Bulma stepped out, Vegeta was gone. He left a note on the door. “Coffee and your airship will be ready for you. I’ll inform your parents to watch Trunks.”
Bulma smiled at the card tenderly. She was angry with Vegeta but he was trying to atone. Maybe when this Raditz thing is settled we can talk.
Bulma grabbed her coffee and hopped into the airship Vegeta left running for her. She was unaware of Vegeta hiding in the back. The Saiyan knew Bulma was hiding something from him. Bulma always shared issues going on with Capsule Corporation. He didn’t offer an opinion but he noticed when Bulma didn’t share. He noticed when Bulma took calls in front of him and the rare times she left the room. He felt it in his blood Bulma was hiding something from him and with things strained with them, he couldn’t allow it to go further. So he stowed on the airship to find answers.
When the ship touched down, Vegeta immediately felt a Ki. It was familiar but Vegeta couldn’t pinpoint who it was. He stayed on the ship as Bulma greeted Adira and walked in the opposite direction of the Ki. This allowed Vegeta to track it alone. He followed the Ki to the lower levels of the facility. There was security around but no one questioned Vegeta’s appearance since they knew of him and his connection to the Briefs family.
Vegeta tracked the Ki to an iron door guarded by two armed men. They noticed Vegeta and acknowledged him with a nod. “Open the door,” he commanded. One armed man looked hesitant but did as ordered and unlocked the door.
“He’s dangerous,” the armed guard warned Vegeta. “We had a hard time containing him.”
“Understood,” Vegeta played along. “But I can handle him.” Vegeta stepped into the dark room wondering who they were referring to and why his Ki felt familiar. Lights from the cell drew Vegeta that when he reached it, he froze.
It’s impossible. He should be dead!
In a cylinder cell, Raditz stood bound with chains on his wrists and collar. There were dark, red burns on Raditz’s chest. If not for his long hair, Vegeta suspected burns were on his back, too. He wore a mask over his mouth. His head was bowed and his eyes were closed. He hadn’t noticed Vegeta circling his prisoned chamber.
He hasn’t mastered sensing Ki.
“Raditz.”
Raditz’s tired eyes opened and widened slightly when he saw Vegeta. “Prince Vegeta.”
“Oh, shit.”
Vegeta turned at that soft voice. Bulma and Adira arrived. Adira appeared calm while Bulma was horrified. He could see it in her eyes her shock at him. “How did you get here?”
“Fuck that.” Vegeta wasn’t going to answer when she owed him an explanation. “What the hell is this, Bulma?”
Earlier, Adira greeted Bulma on the heliport when she touched down. Bulma stepped out of the ship and looked around. From the outside, the facility looked in perfect condition. “I expected some damage.” Bulma removed her dark shades and walked with Adira inside the building. “Raditz’s last major escape damaged the East Wing for months.”
“We fortified things since but there’s heavy damage internally. He got the East Wing again. The armory received heavy damage. Two of the labs are destroyed.”
As Adira talked, Bulma surveyed the damage. There were basketball-sized holes in walls and light fixtures hanging from the ceiling. Two hallways were unsafe to cross. The elevator wasn’t serviceable so they took the stairs to the underground area where Raditz was held.
“Any updates on how Raditz got out?”
“We found an air leak in his room. We did a rush job fixing Raditz’s room after Majin Boo no one caught it.”
“Ah, damn,” Bulma groaned. “He’s been getting stronger all this time and waited for the right moment. Is he properly sealed?”
“Yes,” Adira hesitantly answered, “He’s weaker again, bound and suffered some bruising from the electro charges, but, Bulma, I don’t agree with this protocol. It’s not humane.”
“Not humane?” Bulma gestured to the destruction around them. “Look at what Raditz did. We can’t go easy on him.”
“I know,” Adira agreed. “I was here when it happened but…..” how to explain she wondered. “It’s not right.”
“Is there something I should know?” Adira always followed Bulma’s orders on dealing with Raditz when he got out of line. This was the first time Adira questioned her authority. “Do you have feelings for Raditz?”
“Bulma.” Adira was offended. “I’ve watched Raditz over the years. I’ve seen him change. I’m speaking as a professional and his doctor.”
Bulma wagged a finger. Something wasn’t right about this. “I wondered about you since your divorce.”
“That was five years ago.”
“You haven’t dated much.” That was a red flag to Bulma. Adira was beautiful. She had a movie star face and a tall and statuesque model figure. A woman with her looks and brains would not be single long unless she wanted it or had eyes on someone. “Most of your time has been here with Raditz. He’s affecting you.”
They were approaching the iron door. Adira scanned her badge on the door. It opened. “He’s not affecting me. I think what Vegeta did is blinding you from rationality.”
“Miss Briefs,” an armed guard tried to warn Bulma but she stepped into the room with Adira and ignored the guard.
“I have my problems with Vegeta now but he’s--- oh, shit.” Vegeta! He was standing in front of Raditz’s cell. What was he doing here? Did he follow her? “How did you get here?”
“Fuck that.” Vegeta brushed off her question. “What the hell is this, Bulma?”
Her heart never beat so fast. She never felt so exposed. She never saw Vegeta so livid at her.
No. Not now. This wasn’t how Bulma wanted Vegeta to know. She wanted to ease him into the situation gently. “I can explain.”
“I hope you can because what the hell, Bulma?!” Vegeta roared. Bulma could annoy him but she never angered him. He never felt betrayed by her but that’s what he felt seeing Raditz chained and bruised. “Why is Raditz here? Why is he like this?!”
It galled him to see a fellow Saiyan like this. Years ago, he wouldn’t have cared but when Goku died and the remaining Saiyans were Gohan, Trunks and eventually Goten, Vegeta’s mindset changed. He felt a responsibility to the last of his kind and to see a fellow Saiyan in this condition and knowing his mate had a hand in it, sickened him.
“It doesn’t look like it, Vegeta,” Bulma began her story, “but I wanted to do the right thing.”
Twelve Years Ago
Goku was dead. Gohan was kidnapped by Piccolo and wouldn’t return him for a year. Their reunion was a disaster and as Bulma. Master Roshi and Krillin stared down Raditz’s dead body, they were lost on their next move.
“What do we do with him?” Krillin wondered. “Can we leave a dead body lying like this?”
“Wouldn’t be a smart idea, Krillin. We passed that farmer on the way over. Someone will come looking for him. They’ll find Raditz.” Master Roshi had one solution to the dilemma. “We gotta get rid of him.”
Krillin caught Bulma and Master Roshi’s stares. “You’re kidding me!” Krillin protested. “Why do I have to bury him?”
“I’m not touching a dead body.” Bulma opened her pocket of capsules. “I’m sure I have shovels in here.”
Master Roshi removed his surcoat. “I’ll help you, Krillin.”
Once Raditz was buried, Bulma flew Krillin and Master Roshi back to the island. Burying Raditz sounded like the right idea but hours later, Bulma had doubts. “It’s a shame Goku had a brother and he turned out like that. We could’ve learned so much.”
“About kidnapping uncles?” Krillin quipped.
“About Saiyans. Imagine scientifically what we could’ve learned. Think of what Goku could’ve learned about his parents. His past is a blank.”
“Goku doesn’t care about that stuff.” Krillin pulled off his shoes and shook the dirt off. “I learned unless he’s from Earth, the only good Saiyan is a dead Saiyan. Bulma, we got two more of these coming to Earth to kill us. If you’re so curious, why don’t you ask them then?”
Vegeta couldn’t mask his disgust at how this story began. “If you buried Raditz, what the hell did you do? Dig him back up?!”
“No.” Bulma would never do that. “My Dad did.” Vegeta threw his hands up. “While Krillin and I were getting Yamcha and Tien caught up, I called my Dad and told him about Raditz. He agreed with me. He got the robots to dig up Raditz’s body and put him in the capsule I stored Krillin and Master Roshi in when King Piccolo was causing trouble.”
Vegeta was vaguely aware of that story and the preservation capsules. “So, when I came to live with you, Raditz was there?”
“Raditz was here. I thought about going back on my plan when you moved in but you were so closed off about Saiyans and you can’t tell us anything about Goku’s parents. When Goku was on Yardrat, I looked for the dragon balls with Yamcha.”
“He knows?!”
If Yamcha knew, he never would’ve helped. “I told him I wanted to collect dragon balls in case we needed them for an emergency.”
“Wait,” Vegeta remembered that day the skies darkened in the afternoon. “Was that the day you confessed using dragon balls to find your missing purse?!”
“Yeah,” Bulma confessed sheepishly. Vegeta wasn’t the only one to question her. Yamcha and Piccolo did, too. “Raditz was in a state of rage. He destroyed the capsule, robots and killed a couple of guards. It wasn’t easy containing him but we did. I offered Raditz a second chance and he rejected it so I kept him here.”
“I see.” Vegeta understood Raditz’s rage. He would’ve done the same. He looked at Adira. “And how do you fit into all of this?”
“I couldn’t be here monitoring Raditz all the time,” Bulma explained. “Besides, my genius level of science is in engineering and tech. Adira’s specialties are genetics, biology and physiology. She’s the best person to monitor Raditz and study Saiyans.”
“Study Saiyans.” It was so insulting to Vegeta. “He’s not a lab rat! He’s a Saiyan. A warrior!”
“We never poke and prodded Raditz, Vegeta. We provided him with a comfortable room. He had plenty of food, a bathroom, books and a TV.”
Raditz snarled. She spoke as if it was a paradise. “That room had tainted air to keep me weak. You let me out of that cage twice a week for two hours.” He raised his hands to show his steel wristbands. “I had to wear these whenever I left and if I got out of line, I was electrocuted!”
“I ordered that because the first three years you were out of control! You were constantly trying to break out. Ten men died because of you while more were injured.” Bulma knew the methods were cruel but felt she didn’t have a choice. Raditz could not be reasoned with. “When Vegeta came to live with me, he never acted like you even though he was a murderer then.”
“All right,” Vegeta intervened. If he hadn’t, Bulma and Raditz would be arguing with each other and blaming the other for Raditz’s imprisonment. “Did you check on him?”
“Every few months. I talked about you and Goku. I thought that would inspire him to change. He knows about you two being Super Saiyans. He knows Freeza is gone. He knows about Cell.”
“Kakarot is back. Dpes Raditz know?”
Bulma had her eyes on Adira when she said, “I would have broken the news differently but someone jumped the gun.”
Adira ignored the blame pushed on her. Instead, she noted Vegeta’s anger and thought to use that to Raditz’s advantage to bring the one who could resolve this. “Son Goku’s return triggered Raditz’s outbreak. When Son Goku died at the Cell Game, Raditz changed. He stopped trying to break out. He began accepting life on Earth. He was curious about his nephews. He wanted to fight Majin Boo and when he heard you and Son Goku ask for power, he raised his hands. He got the rest of us to donate, too.”
“Majin Boo.” Vegeta was still processing Raditz was alive. It hadn’t clicked he was here when Majin Boo was destroying the planet.
“Yes. The facility was damaged. Raditz could’ve left but he stayed to show he wasn’t a killer anymore. He wants to show he can be trusted.”
Vegeta had an idea what happened but he asked. “What happened after that?”
Bulma’s silence forced Adira to talk. “Bulma didn’t think Raditz was ready. Raditz lost hope he would get out and he broke out. He did it because he wants to see his brother.”
“It’s because of me, isn’t it?” Bulma didn’t answer but Vegeta knew it was true. “Dammit.”
“I was being cautious,” Bulma defended her decision. “I wanted to give Raditz more time to prove himself. His break out validates my concerns.”
“Validate. Validate,” Vegeta muttered as he paced. He was so angry. How could Bulma do this? “You have the nerve to be pissed over what happened with Bobbidi while you’ve been hiding this shit for years?! I’ve been walking on eggshells around you! Fuck!” Vegeta punched the glass cylinder holding Raditz. It shattered under his impact. Vegeta stepped over the broken glass and ripped the mask over Raditz’s mouth.
“Vegeta, don’t—”
Bulma tried to warn him but as Vegeta touched the manacles on Raditz’s wrists, a charge of electricity ripped through Raditz and Vegeta. While Raditz screamed in pain, the electrical charges stung Vegeta as if pricked with needles. Vegeta rippled the chains off Raditz’s wrists and collar and tossed them away. Weak, Raditz fell forward. Vegeta stumbled slightly at the sudden weight of the tall Saiyan against him.
Vegeta carried out Raditz and laid him on the floor. “I’ll be back,” he vowed and stormed past Bulma.
“Where are you going?!”
“To do what you should’ve done!”
“Vegeta!!” Bulma called but he didn’t come back. “Dammit!” She knew where Vegeta was going. It’s over.
Adira gently pulled Raditz to stand. “Uhh!” she wobbled at the heavy Saiyan pressing his weight on her. “We should get him out.” She slipped on a cracked glass but smacked her face against the wall. It hurt but she caught herself. “Vegeta could’ve helped get Raditz out of here. Where did he go?”
Bulma looked back at Adira struggling to hold up Raditz. He nearly swallowed her body which was no easy feat considering Adira was nearly six feet in height without heels. Bulma grabbed Raditz’s right arm and helped Adira drag him out.
“Vegeta’s getting Goku.”
“Vegeta?” Goku turned off his tractor as the Saiyan Prince descended from the sky. Vegeta never came to the farm unless forced to by Bulma. Goku stepped out of his tractor and wiped sweat from his face and neck. Farmwork didn’t tire him but the summer heat was strong this week. “I wonder what’s up.” Vegeta wasn’t wearing his normal scowl but Goku could tell something was on Vegeta’s mind. “I can’t spar today, Vegeta. It’s harvest week for the tomatoes and cucumbers. Maybe the peppers, too. Chi-Chi’s gonna check on them when she comes with lunch.”
“I’m not here for a spar, Kakarot.” He had the entire time from leaving the facility to think of the right words but he still didn’t know how to say it. Probably because I’m still in shock, too. I can’t believe he’s alive.
“What are you here for?” Goku went around to the other side of the tractor. He opened the door to dig into the cooler of drinks Chi-Chi packed for him.
For years, Vegeta hated Goku. He wanted him dead. This man destroyed his pride and humiliated him with his skills and strength, but he also inspired Vegeta, helping him to attain Super Saiyan and showing him there is life besides fighting. Ten years ago. Fifteen years ago, Vegeta would’ve loved to drop this news on Goku. He would’ve loved to see the shock and horror on his face. Now, Vegeta was empathetic to Goku and what this news will do to him.
“I have something to tell you, Kakarot. It’s serious.”
“A new enemy?” Goku guessed as he guzzled his water. “It’s so soon. We usually get a few years break. Chi-Chi won’t like it since that means I won’t be working on the farm but I’m always up to fight a strong opponent.”
Kakarot can beat him now. “I don’t think he’s an enemy anymore and you’re stronger than him now. He is someone from your past and he wants to see you.”
Goku put the empty bottle into the cooler and reached for another one. “Hmm.” Goku shook his frozen bottle. He gently raised his Ki to melt the ice. “Someone weak wants to see me? Who and how do you know him?”
“It’s complicated, Kakarot.” Just say it! his mind screamed but Vegeta couldn’t formulate the words and it didn’t help Goku wore his charismatic smile and looked at him with innocent eyes that sent Vegeta into a panic. “I didn’t know he was alive, Kakarot. I didn’t know he was here but I’m doing the right thing telling you.”
“You ain’t told me anything!” Why was Vegeta so hesitant to say who wants to see him? “Do you wanna tell Chi-Chi so she can tell me? She’s good at breaking news to me.”
Ah, hell no! I refuse to be in the same room when she knows!
“No!” Vegeta panicked. “No,” he repeated calmer. Vegeta exhaled. He faced Freeza. He faced Majin Boo. He can tell Goku this. “I was shocked when I saw him, Kakarot. I thought he was dead. I can’t believe he’s alive.”
There was something in Vegeta’s voice that worried Goku. It wasn’t fear but Vegeta was bothered and the way he insisted he didn’t know….. “Who?” Goku probed for an answer. “Who did you see, Vegeta?”
“Raditz, Kakarot,” Vegeta finally said. “Your brother…is alive.”
#goku#chichi#dragonball#dragonball z#gochi#gohan#goten#dbz vegeta#vegeta dbs#bulma briefs#bulma#vegebul#raditz#saiyans#dragon ball z
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I think Vegeta was a virgin up until he met Bulma.
I know, what a freaking way to start an argument but blame reddit for asking and leading me to a trail of autism thoughts, and I will also talk about Vegeta's attraction to Bulma and viceversa when they first met. Like, how tho. Albeit from a demisexual perspective (or asexual, idk anymore really). (I saw the latin dub but as I have heard it is very similar to the japanese version but I'll reference the japanese one if i found footage of it).
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Some might believe that because of his attitude, his raw power, his Saiyan heritage, his status as conqueror of planets, genocidal maniac, sociopath extraordinare, his military background and his ruthlessness and uncaring nature, Vegeta was raping people left and right, or that he has always been very sexually active, or at least had some experience regarding the matter.
But be honest, he was too dense with everything from his childhood traumas and his vengeance against Frieza to care about having sex, or having a relationship with anyone in any capacity.
Also he is too proud and values his Saiyan heritage too much to give anyone he didn't deem worthy the privilege to have sex with him, let alone risk the possibility of an offspring. At least that's how I see Vegeta being pre Namek and pre dying against Frieza having to confront and accept by force an overwhelming amount of feelings on a rollercoaster for the first time in years. Dude didn't even thought two times to kill Nappa and let Raditz rot instead of reviving him as the last remainings of his people, that's how dense he was prior. He was so proud that he didn't mind to be the only Saiyan left alive and probably preferred it that way. Nappa that one time suggested to him that they could revive the Saiyan race by mixing with earthlings and Nappa was ready to pound (consensual or not) and Vegeta is like "nah, are you crazy? I wouldn't like to have a child being stronger than me". Dude probably had the opportunity to do so some other times but rejected it, he doesn't sound interested at all, first thinking on other things than sex. Added to that the detail that Toriyama was asked and said that Saiyans basically only get together sexually for the purpose of reproduction, is not a necessity for the most part in the same way it is for humans.
Of course he wasn't oblivious to it like Goku though and was well aware because he's not stupid. Outside of the English dub he notices Bulma on Namek and even refers to her as gorgeous, or pretty earthling woman. So I guess he still had a sexual notion but in other ways. He was not innocent of mind is what I'm saying. Like, he must have known what flipping the bird means. Is probably not that he didn't knew what sex was and desired it at some point or joked about it like I guess they'd do in Frieza's army but he was just not interested on acting on it for real at that time.
But then, after Frieza died and everything that happened after his disaster visit to Earth and Namek, after loosing literally everything and having no purpose anymore other than wait and find Goku to best him, and after having realized more of himself in vulnerable ways trying to find some sense of normality in who he perceived he was, here comes Bulma all confident, infatuated and aggressive with him, because of course she like the bad boys (and Vegeta is actually canonically deemed as handsome), and because Vegeta let his guard down for one second and let Bulma be Bulma while he literally couldn't do anything but go along (I suppose Piccoro was the only one that could have fight him if he tried anything). And he already found her attractive too in a way, not only that but she was probably the first woman that wasn't scared of him and even challenged him, treating him as an equal and as just another person, flirting with him openly, living with her and her family as a guest which is a completely different context to what he had been doing to survive his medium. Like, no one really talks about it but he spent 6 months! with her, her family, and like 50 namekians all living together before asking for Goku to "revive", and that time of waiting calmed him down a great deal already.
His interactions with Bulma
So just so happens that now he can think on other things that aren't killing Frieza and escaping his rulership. He had to learn this new types of interactions and how to deal with them in his own way, and that includes how to approach someone that he felt attracted to. Who knows if he had other people he felt that attraction towards, probably, but Bulma is the one that basically said "yeah, I'm down if you want".
The fact that he calls her "vulgar" when she first flirted with him says a lot of how he would not engage with just anyone because of his pride as a prince and a Saiyan, and how she probably was the first to even flirt with him openly. How he says she is "loud" and called her "woman" also says that he was more likely annoyed by the idea of women as gender like it often happens, belittling them and all. While on the other hand Bulma constantly challenged him on it once they got to Earth, forcing him to address the topic as we see several times, being strong against him. Like (again I'm going with the Latin version since I've heard is more accurate to the japanese version), Bulma says to him "and what about you, small one", and he's like "what?!... She called me small one?..." (in japanese she just calls him Vegeta-kun, like a pet name), he was not willing to dignify the provocation huffing to Bulma's invitation after but didn't menace her nor got aggressive or sarcastic like he would with someone else. But then she said "I'm going to give you a lot of food. Bet you eat as much as Goku, am I wrong? haha!... But I'm not going to allow you fall in love with me even if you find me very attractive", and is in this moment where you can see Vegeta's wtf face entering panic mode resorting to insult her under his breath as if she could see through him. Is right here where you see that he doesn't really know how to react to someone flirting and is debating between bursting in anger or run away but just ends up paralyzed because his ego won't let him move. (in japanese he reacts by muttering "what a vulgar woman! and how loud she is (being)!")
Then they go to Bulma's house and Vegeta just tags along. It seems that going through Namek with the earthlings, helping each other and cooperating like his life depended on it was an experience for a lifetime. My man can't seem to get a rest from one wft after the other since he arrived to Earth because the next thing that happens is that Bulma's mother comes to him faster than light startling him and says "[]...I imagine you must be Bulma's boyfriend. You ARE charming. And it looks like you are trendy". And the only thing he can muster to reply back is "t-trendy?" (I find it funny that that's what he reacted to and not to being called Bulma's boyfriend XD)
Vegeta's disinterest and rejection is part of why I think Bulma was interested on him. Because the interactions Bulma has had with men in general throughout the entirety of the series have been... very poor to say the least. Men want take advantage of Bulma in one way or another but more often than not sexually (I mean just being in Roshi's general vicinity is more than enough for anyone), or they see her as a "thing" for themselves, a trophy. (this one bellow was so terribly stressful, my god...)
And Bulma's approach to men is a similar as well because she is clearly very superficial too and that has remained a constant since day one. (jesus, bulma)
And Vegeta wasn't interested on taking her like that, on the contrary he pushed her away despite being interested (which I bet Bulma knew or at least expected because of her own ego), and also he had greater objectives he wanted to pursue. Focused (on surpassing Goku...), determined, and that was the difference. He doesn't seem like the type of guy that would try to get an opportunity to peek through the shower window seeking to get a glimpse of her like we have seen others do (although, Bulma did saw him through the shower doors), or disrespect her in any physical way. Far from it, his reactions with her are getting all nervous, speechless, flustered, he follows her (because in a way he does respect her character and leadership), aggressively rejecting her at the same time (trying to negate his feelings to go back to the status quo), calling her names, and Bulma isn't taking none of that because she doesn't believe that bs he's spouting and she knows he likes her (like, who wouldn't, as she probably tells herself), even plays with it sarcastically and either brushes it off or dares him to say it again. And I can see why is she so insistent too, because she also likes him.
He lets her get close to him but cautiously (the comparison to a stray cat is not too farfetched). He knows what Bulma wants but just now he has found someone that confronts him about it without fear or shame, he has now the mental space to think about it and needs to respond to it somehow, he is interested back too, he IS aroused by her as well. When he arrives to Bulma's house from his search in space and Yamcha and him are al tense with each other, Bulma arrives and says all calmly "Calm down, boys. Why don't you let him take a shower first?", she touches him and says "C'mon. You have to take a shower because you are VERY dirty" *finger movent, "Come. It's this way". That flinch he does when she touches him while going into fight or flight mode again, and the famous sexy finger movement on Bulma's part that completely seeks to throw him off and serve as a sexual invitation that he quietly accepts (even before she yells at him to stop gawking and not let a damiselle wait) by being passive and following her lead to the surprise of everyone in the scene.
I mean, I'm not the most versed person regarding this (as you can probably see) but It's happened to me where someone gives me something they have to hand me, and they let their hand stay a little longer than usual, or unnecessarily caress your palm with their fingers or nails with the intention for you to notice the unusual movement and tingly sensation as a way of flirting and invite you to sexy time. So I see this the first time and i'm like "Bulma?... ~what is this?~ I see your game" while remembering the first time someone did that to me so clearly. People think that because it's some people's first time you'll be all awkward and won't know how to be sexy too, specially being an older virgin person which would be Vegeta's case, but nah, you just gotta be confident and say "fuck it, I want this too and will give you a good time as well". It is how I picture Vegeta, ultimately knowing his value (also ultimately accepting something for himself after loosing everything on Namek) and enjoying himself as well (like, "serving himself with the bigger spoon" as they say) once they got there when he had to take a decision and answer Bulma's provocations.
(Also, I never totally understood why Bulma's mom was spilling the tea in the background at that moment but I suspected it was because it meant to signify Vegeta and Bulma were "cooking" and very into each other, and not just her being careless and aloof tho using that as a way to convey it).
Every time they in a scene she's measuring him with every interaction they have from the moment they got back to Earth onward, to see how far he's willing to allow her go, and hitting him with another wtf reaction every now and then to trow him off. Even going as far as put him in ridiculous and assert HER dominance. Because is not that he couldn't have just blasted everyone away with every step but little by little both were forming a connection. The scene of the pink shirt, after Vegeta gets offended by the style she says "If you don't want them you can walk around nude"... D: (his pikachu face was better than mine though, and then he says "damn, she's very rude"). I mean... is there anything more clear than that.
And then she sees him and says "You really look good like that...". Not only that but when Vegeta senses Frieza arriving he gets mad, insults Yamcha for doubting his ability to sense Frieza's chi, they're about to fight each other and Bulma is cooking some meat and is like "Vegeta, if you want to use the sauce I have it here", and everyone, specially Vegeta, is visibly confused and he doesn't know how to respond, the scene is left unanswered. But Bulma is pushing to see if Vegeta can be gentle and mannered.
(side note: Trunks says that after his arrival Yamcha was going to be unfaithful to Bulma but no man, That's what future Bulma told him but is more likely that it was her the one that left him for Vegeta that day, way before Trunks arrived. Even on Namek she already was over him, thinking of Goku and how she lost her train with him, then with Zarbon, and finally Vegeta (she also had a picture of Yamcha in her little camp in Namek full of darts to his face, so...). Yamcha never really had Bulma, and he didn't do much to get her back either or change. Truth is Bulma is the crazy one). And then when Frieza arrives to Earth Bulma arrives at the scene too and explains that since she couldn't see Frieza in Namek she wanted to see him here to see how strong he really was, and Vegeta says "not only she's rude but aggressive/daring too..." In this very soft thoughtful tone and talking to himself, like... C'mon dude! Accept that you like her!
And then then! when everyone is going towards Frieza's ship, Bulma is the one who yells "Wait, Vegeta! take me with you! Remember who hosts you!" (is that how you say it? dar alguien hospedaje?). Yamcha is completely out of her picture.
We see the next time the most obvious episode where the love tones are more present, Vegeta's training montage after the news of the androids, and his accident with the gravity chamber, but by then it was just confirmation of all the signs from before. So when we see Bulma with baby Trunks it doesn't really come out of nowhere and you understand how and why.
While I find Super's tsundere Vegeta in some instances fun to watch, more with him and Goku to be honest, but I don't think Z Vegeta was taking it in such a juvenile way, he's more adult and mature still about the situation, as mature as someone calling a girl "woman" to assert dominance that is. The flirting "dance" towards their sexual encounter is more silent and elegant, just like two adults would do so. He wants to get closer but the only thing the dude has known his entire life is fighting and being on offense mode all the time while at the same time having to hide. Their dynamic is quite interesting and quite amazing, not for nothing they are considered to be one of if not the best couple in anime, and trying to unravel how it all started is really fun.
But yeah, As I see it and if we could compare Vegeta's sexuality to something from real life he, as most saiyans, was probably demi-sexual (yay), since it's said that Saiyan's don't understand romance and they likely only had sex to reproduce. They didn't had the concept of family outside of the royal family. And that's why also Vegeta is one of the few saiyans that later could develop an understanding of family and being in a relationship in a way other saiyans don't, including Goku.
So yeah, that's my terminally online post of the day. Nothing but Dragon ball and Vegeta on my mind lately.
I would like to get into analyzing Goku and Vegeta's sexuality soon too. It's so interesting as well because is not traditional.
#vegeta#bulma#dragon ball z#character analysis#is this vegebul?#because who else am I going to talk about this with
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In Dragon Ball Daima, when Goku says he "wasn't really involved" in raising the kids, I chuckled bc. Yeah. That's true. But also, that's not really a bad thing??? As someone with a dad who was around more often, but who was actually a POS at various points, I WISH my relationship with my dad was as pleasant as the one Gohan and Goten have with Goku. Do you similarly feel the debates about Goku as a father are tired and way overblown?
I... can't really agree that the existence of parental abuse is a solid argument in favor of parental neglect.
But setting that aside, the thing about Goku is that. Like. As a husband and a father, he kinda sucks. In predictable ways. There's nothing special about the ways that he doesn't live up to the expectations of his family role. It's exactly the way you would think he wouldn't live up to it if you've spent more than five minutes in conversation with the guy.
He's an absentee dad with no marketable skills beyond punching fish out of a lake and no motivation to seek employment. He spends all day pursuing his favorite hobby. His son isn't as interested in it as he'd like and so they struggle to connect and misunderstand each other, but they both love each other nonetheless even if they lack common ground.
That's it. That's what his parental shittiness boils down to. He's a deadbeat who'd rather do katas in the backyard all day than obtain a steady income. Sometimes he disappears for months or years at a time to go where the winds of martial arts will take him. He's never really risen to the challenge of his marital and familial role. Never allowed his life and mindset and personal ambitions to change in the ways that would be expected of a parent.
And. Like. Yeah. That's Son Goku. Is anyone surprised that he kinda sucks at this? Literally his complete understanding of marriage when he started was "You and Chi-Chi will live in the same house." That's it. Those are his wedding vows: He will share a house with Chi-Chi.
And he's been mostly successful at it. There are a couple black spots even on that meager expectation. Yardrat, mainly.
But as a general rule, once the Discourse Engines have had their say, anyone who just "kinda sucks" will inevitably wind up being the rope in a tug-of-war between "ABSOLUTE MONSTER WORST EVER" and "DID NOTHING WRONG".
This is just what happens. When two sides start fighting over something and getting defensive over a long period of time, the opinions slowly slide towards increasingly extreme caricatures of what the original argument was about. After a certain point, any amount of nuance becomes a concession to the enemy.
It's a valid criticism to say that Goku is neglectful and self-absorbed. It is not a valid criticism to say that Piccolo or Vegeta are better fathers than him.
"Man, I'm a WAY better Dad than Kakarot." ~TeamFourStar Vegeta, Dragon Ball Z Abridged, intentionally ironic.
Part of this does, in fact, roll up to Dragon Ball Z Abridged. I don't think they originated the Bad Dad Goku discourse but they certainly escalated it. Company CEO and one of the three head writers KaiserNeko has talked multiple times about how throwing so much fuel on this particular fire is one of his regrets as a creator.
Which is why the show went to great lengths to reverse course in its final season, but the damage was already done. And the result is two very entrenched sides, one built around the idea that Goku is unforgivably monstrous as a parent and the other around the idea that Goku's a perfect dad actually and y'all should shut up.
Meanwhile Goku himself just... kinda sucks at parenting in predictable ways that are consistent with his established character.
See also: Avatar Aang.
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Damia 3: Daima
We made it! We're finally in Demon World! Well one of them, anyway.
This is mainly a worldbuilding episode with some action scenes, so I guess we'll talk about that for a bit. But to be honest, I'm kind of itching to discuss the Demon Realm lore that I thought I knew before Daima, and what Daima appears to be laying down.
To start us off, Glorio pilots his plane to Warp-sama, the giant metal fish we saw in Episode 1. I didn't really mention "Lord Warp" before, partly because I knew we'd see him again here. Also, Warp seems like more of a plot device than a character. The Buu Saga established that the Demon Realm was separate from the "outer universe" (i.e. the galaxies, Otherworld, Hell, Snake Way, etc.). The Supreme Kai had heard of Dabura, but never guessed that he would show up on Earth as one of Babidi's minions. The implication was that Babidi would have to go to Deamon Realm, enslave its mightiest warrior, and then both of them would have to leave the Demon Realm to carry on their Majin Buu scheme. Such a thing was possible, but extremely unlikely, suggesting some kind of barrier between the two worlds.
Later works like Dragon Ball Heroes and the Xenoverse games used this as a motivation for the Demon Realm villains. Mechikabura, founder of the Dark Empire, was banished by the Kais to what eventually became known as the Demon Realm. His big dream was to bust out and conquer the outside universe. From his story, I always got the impression that the population of Demon Realm was descended from wicked Core People, or other evildoers that the Kaioshin couldn't otherwise contain. Towa, Dabura's sister, was conducting experiments in the outer universe with the end goal of breaking down the barrier. I'm pretty sure she was less concerned about conquest, and more interested in the chaos that would ensue with the barrier removed.
Daima actually shows us the barrier, and it's a sort of transit system. To reach Warp, Glorio has to pilot his plane to the planet Batapi, which is the closest Warp to Earth. I guess there's more than one Warp, or it's the same Warp and he has a multitude of bodies across space. Oh, and when Gomah used Warp in Episode 1, he had to specify that he wanted to go to Universe 7. So I'm pretty sure that means you can use the Warp system to travel to any of the 12 universes described in Dragon Ball Super.
The catch is that you have to talk to Warp before he'll let you cross. He's like a guy stationed at a border crossing, and you better not screw with him if you want to finish your trip. Goku calls him a big goldfish and the Supreme Kai's like "Shut up, man, you're gonna blow it!"
Glorio identifies himself and says he's returning home, but Warp wants to make sure Glorio's other passengers are Demons. The Supreme Kai checks out because he has pointy ears, but Goku doesn't, so the Kai has to magically shape-shift Goku's ears to pass. I'm curious how Vegeta and Bulma will pull this off when they go. Maybe Piccolo can make them some fake ears with his Clothes Beam Power.
From there, you just fly into Warp's mouth, which takes you through some kind of interdimensional spin-cycle, and then you emerge out of the butthole of another giant fish, or maybe the same one? I dunno. But first you have to provide a four-digit PIN number. This troubles the Supreme Kai, because he knew about Warp, but the PIN number business is new to him. He had relayed the location of Planet Batapi to Kibito earlier, but he never has a chance to warn him about the PIN number. I'm betting this is why we don't see Kibito in the closing credits. I think the plan is for him to join Bulma's group when she finishes her repair work, but he'll end up having to stay behind in order to ensure Bulma can get across.
Glorio describes and application process that's required to get a PIN number, but so far we've yet to find out who's in charge of all of this. Warp just seems to be following a protocol, and clearly King Gomah doesn't have any say in the matter, since he had to go through this same procedure in Episode 1. Likewise, the Supreme Kai is the highest authority in Universe 7, but he clearly has no idea who crosses over or when. I always assumed the ancient Kaioshin set up the barrier, since in the old lore it seemed to be a prison, but they wouldn't have allowed a transit system like this, especially under someone else's control.
Anyway, the trip through Warp leads to a white void full of portals to all sorts of places across the multiverse, but there's three that lead to the Demon Realm. King Gomah resides in the First Demon Realm, and that's where they need to go to kick his ass and save Dende. But Glorio was sent to Earth by the request of the King of the Third Demon Realm, which means Glorio only has clearance to return to the Third. You go through that, there's another interdimensional spin cycle, and another Warp poops your plane out of his fishy anus.
Okay, so first up on the tour is the Demon Realm Tunnel, which is a giant hole in the ground that apparently leads to the Second Demon Realm, and on to the First. Long ago, it was possible to travel freely between the three worlds, but someone blocked it off with a "shield of light" to cut off the traffic. The Supreme Kai says this happened when he was young, which makes it sound like he might have been there when it happened.
So now, the only way to travel between the three Demon worlds is using Warp, but only First Worlders and select members of the Second are allowed to use Warp. Third Worlders are apparently S.O.L., but the Supreme Kai figures Glorio must be a Third World resident, due to his appearance. So how did he get clearance? Glorio seems perturbed by the question, but he explains that he does "work" in the First World. What kind of work? "This and that."
There's a big statue of Dabura, but it's in poor condition, and who cares anyway? Buu ate that guy like thirty years ago. Goku is more interested in landing so he can take in the fresh Demon Realm air. It smells bad, and it's thicker than Earth air, which slows down his movements. Glorio explains this is due to special gas emitted from floating volcanoes all over the sky. There's a fart joke to be had in this, but I'll let you figure that out for yourselves.
So it's pretty clear that this is a plot device to nerf Goku's powers further. I find that strange, since he already got nerfed when Gomah turned him into a kid. He spent all of Episode 2 just getting adjusted to the balance of his smaller body. Now he's got the Demon Realm air to slow him down a bit more. Fair enough, but how much weaker does he need to be? I guess it makes sense because they couldn't just make all the Demon characters stronger, since Dabura was the strongest of them all, and he was about Perfect Cell-level, which just gets you killed in the Buu Saga.
Also, I'm curious how this is going to impact Bulma when she gets to Demon Realm. If the air is thick enough to hinder Goku's speed, then you'd think Bulma would barely be able to move at all. Maybe she gets a magic doohickey to counteract the problem.
While Goku fools around, Glorio asks the Supreme Kai if he's a "Glind", who used to live in the Second Demon World. The Kai confirms he is a Glind, but he doesn't say if he's actually from the Second Demon World. This show seems rather cagey about this point. We keep getting lore that strongly suggests all of the Kais, King, Grand, and Supremes, are former Demon Realm residents. But the Supreme Kai never comes out and says that's where he's from, even though he has pointy ears and seems to know a lot about the Demon Realm already.
The Kai does say that he's never been to the Third Demon Realm before, which suggests that he's at least visited the First or Second before. Glorio says that a high-falutin' Second Worlder like Shin never would have had any reason to go slumming in the Third, but Shin doesn't take the bait.
At this point, I'm guessing the deal here is that Shin, Degesu, and Arinsu were all from the Second Demon World, and then somehow Shin got called up to become a Kai, while Degesu and Arinsu rose up the ranks to become key officials in the First Demon Realm's palace. The way I remember it, the Kais were originally said to be from a race known as the Core People, and a select few of them were deemed worthy of becoming Kais or Kaioshin. And I'm pretty sure all the Core People grew on trees. So maybe Toriyama jettisoned all that in favor of this Glind business, or the answer is more complex.
There's also a "Sea of Darkness" at the bottom of all the cliffs in the Third Demon World. Fall in and you die. I guess this is different from the usual death you get when you fall down a regular cliff.
Also, there are armed bandits or something in the wilderness. Their arrows and spears are too slow in the air to be much of a threat, so Glorio runs up and shoots at them with his cool laser gun. Come to think of it, a laser gun doesn't sound like it fits the whole Demon Realm aesthetic, but maybe Glorio picked it up in Universe 7 someplace.
The gang resumes their trip, and Glorio's plan is to get a hotel room in the nearest town and then meet with King Kadan, the ruler of the Third Demon Realm. But first Goku's hongry, so they gotta take him to a saloon to get some hamburgers. Goku ate a little dinner before Glorio showed up in Episode 2, so he's not looking for a full meal. He'll just take five hamburgers, please. Goku asks what kind of meat they're made of, and Glorio says "don't ask." My guy, Goku's eaten centipedes before. He's not asking because he's worried, he wants to bring home the recipe to his wife.
Anyway, all the demons in the bar hate Goku because he has round ears, which means he must be from out of town. They start a fight, and Glorio clobbers a few of them, but the others try to attack Goku, and now they're in a whole other town. A town called Goku Town. Population: Whoopass!
I have to say, while this show has a slower, more relaxed pace to it, it definitely has not skimped on the action. Episode 1 had plenty of fight scenes from the Buu Saga flashback, and then Goku and Vegeta do some sparring near the end. Episode 2 didn't have an actual fight, but Goku did horse around a lot with his Nyoibo, and that's pretty rad. This time, Goku does a whole Jackie Chan thing to win a barroom brawl, and he eats all his burgers while he fights. He even says that this is just the sort of exercise he needs to get acclimated to the conditions in this world, so the implication here is that he's already planning to have bigger and better fights later on. Then he orders a sixth hamburger to put the exclamation point on this whole fight scene.
This is a great way to introduce Goku to the audience. I mean, Goku already has a Macy's Parade float, and there's a nice explanation of his backstory in the opening credits of this show, but it's still good to sum the guy up every so often. He acted like a big yokel for most of this episode, saying goofy stuff to Warp, faring in the plane, and so on, but when it's time for eating and fighting he's all business, and he enjoys his work. I think this is something a lot of post-DBZ works have failed to capitalize on. GT Goku didn't fight nearly as much as he probably should have, and Goku spent much of Super whining about the lack of good fights between big showdowns. The Super Dragon Ball Heroes anime had multiple Gokus in it, and sometimes they even fought each other, but I don't think they quite captured the sheer joy of it, what with all the alternate universe stuff going on in every installment.
Anyway, the next morning the gang heads to the parking lot to get in their plane, but it's been stolen. Whoops.
If I remember right, almost the exact same thing happened in Episode 3 of GT, which may have helped fuel speculation that Daima is some kind of GT remake, at least in spirit. And maybe it is, but Episode 3 is about where GT went sideways, so I have a hard time believing we're going to keep seeing parallels for much longer...
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WIP Wednesday
This is the definition of a WIP in that I literally wrote this five minutes ago, it's all I've written, and I have no idea how long it'll take me to get a single chapter out. But I can't keep shaking the idea of F1 drivers Goku and Vegeta, so pls take a look at what will eventually be part of my Untitled F1 WIP (working title is Red Flag/s???)
This is a convo between Vegeta and Goku, how the fic is v much Vegebul
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“Drivers don't traditionally scout for other drivers,”
“Well, the way I see it, you haven't been given the chance to show your true speed. You blitzed everyone in the junior series, then the second you joined the Colds they held you back.”
“You don't know what you're talking about.”
“Well, I know our fathers would-”
“Our fathers? Our fathers?” Vegeta spat, his voice shaking with the rage now bubbling under his skin. “My father was a decorated driver with two world championships under his belt. He spent his whole career driving for the Saiyan’s and he was practically a damn king out on the track-”
“I know, I-”
“No, you don't know. Your father barely lasted three seasons in a bottom-feeder back marker team before he got himself taken out.” His voice was barely more than a whisper. The world had taken on a red tinge as his heart pulsed in his ears with a deafening thud. “How many points did he get his whole career, huh? Nothing. He was nothing, just like you.”
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