I did not ask for my title. That is the first thought that comes to my mind as I feel strong arms around me, shielding me from the bitter cold. I did not ask for any of it. And I most certainly didn't ask for this fate, being left in the cold, feeling my skin becoming the ice that my heart has become over time. I did not want my title, but it was thrust onto me. I can feel my heart slowly shutting down, not wanting to beat any longer. What a coward I am, to simply wish to stop living. But what is there to live for? I have nothing, not my planet, not my race, nothing but the title that has cursed me all my life.

His embrace is so warm; I almost don't notice the cold. I feel myself being pressed against the hardness of his breastplate, a plate that I gave him. I snorted under my breath. How ironic that something given to him by the cold Saiyan prince could feel so warm to that same man. Am I a man? I have killed so many, am I not a monster like the white fiend I loathe? The tears I want to shed don't make it past my frozen eyelids……I'm so tired, I want to lie in the snow and sleep forever, and never have to face the pain from the world around me ever again. He won't let me though.

I feel still-developing strong and satiny arms wrap around my shoulders and neck and slowly I entwine my arms around his back, wanting the comfort of another even if it was out of pity. The prince of all Saiyans is accepting pity?! I can't allow myself……oh screw my pride; this may be the only comfort of another I may have for the rest of my life. My eyes are frozen shut, I know it, but I don't know why I care. The cold means nothing to me. It's bad enough that I have been stripped of my dignity, but to strip it even further by accepting pity……I think that it's gone.

Warm breath caresses my head, tickling my hair. I had never seen him as more than the offspring of Kakkarot, a son of a third-class baka, someone that wasn't even worthy to lick my boots and yet, here he is, giving me comfort. I don't know if I should accept it and push him away slightly and try to turn away, but my body refuses to turn and I feel his outstretched hand covered in the soft glove that was also given to him by me and a bitter laugh escapes my blue and frozen lips.

My body was shivering and I felt him also shiver in the cold. Even though my gaze is blocked, my ears are not, even though the sound of the blowing snow is whistling in my ear. I hear his teeth chatter and I clutch him closer and pray to every god on Vegeta-sei that I had ever known that he would be all right. Gohan, you came out here just for me and I didn't ever see you in this light, the one where someone, especially you, acts like you care for me.

Your breathing is getting shorter, I can hear it. No, Gohan, you can't leave me alone here. If I die, then our race dies with us. Kakkarot is a third-class fool; he would never be able to carry on the Saiyan race. Please Gohan; don't leave……That bitter irony again, my pleading that a half-breed should live. Why did I have to be gifted and cursed with this title of prince? It is a curse because I carry the weight of my fallen race on my shoulders and it wears me down, heavier than any other burden that I have had to shoulder. And yet, it is a gift to be able to have the power, respect, knowledge, and wisdom that comes with holding this heritage.

Gohan's breathing has stopped all together and I feel him go limp in my arms, his arms going limp over my form. My breathing hitches as I feel his warmth fading from me and I am subjected to the cold once again. The wind whistling so fiercely, my hair stinging my closed eyelids, it's all too much. Gohan, why did you leave me alone? I hugged him closer and thought: sleep well young one, and may you find happiness in another place.

He must have been insane to come here and subject himself to this bitterness just for me. My heart is slowing down now, and I feel so tired that I lay down in the snow with my arms still entwined around him, a lover's embrace. My breath is slowing, my blood is running cold, just like my long-frozen heart and I let my last breath pass through my lips. Images from my past are flashing before my eyes as I inhale shakily and feel my mind shutting down, my senses dulling, and my race is dying with me, I know it and I will forever carry the burden of my race even in the afterlife, as their prince.

I did not ask for my title……