He was in a hurry to find Vegeta. The organization of these Earth-creatures left much to be desired. When finally reaching the Prince's place of rest, he let go a heavy breath of relief, there was still time.
"Your Majesty." The words were choked out, the regal hand was kissed as a sign of respect. Tired eyes opened to look at the newcomer.
"...Hn... Did not..."
Getting up from his knees, the loyal subject neared the Prince's face, not willing to miss one word.
"Did not 'xpect... to see 'you'." A small grin graced the wrinkled royal face.
"I know who you were expecting, Highness. Forgive me, I only look like him on the outside. Our differences on the inside, however, are severely unmatched."
"Heh..." The bitter sweetness of the chuckle brought water to the the dark skinned Saiyan's eyes.
"If you allow this- I may not be the real deal, but if I can bring you some comfort in any way I-"
"Comfort me, Turles? Or- Yourself?"
Kakarot's lookalike hesitated at the unexpected question.
"B-both."
With a full smile, Vegeta replied. "Then... I shall allow this."
Turles cleared his throat and readied himself to utter words he had rehearsed more times than one would care to admit. "Aishiteru, 'Geta" He then grabbed the gloved hand and placed a soft kiss on the dying Prince's lips.
Vegeta's face glowed at the words. "...Ba... ka."
The two Saiyans remained with their gaze locked for what seemed like eons.
One cursing his own stupidity. The other cursing his humanized heart. Both cursing reality.
"The words... I've longed for..."
"Shh. Vegeta, don't-"
"Longed... to hear from..."
"He was an idiot for not seeing what he could've had."
"...And you-"
"An even bigger idiot for wanting what I can't have."
"...Turl..." Vegeta's hand went limp.
A strangled cry echoed in the now emptier room. The space pirate was more than certain all his dues finally were paid for. How many more loved ones must he see depart from this world before he was allowed to join them?