Author's Note: I just want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read this fic. It's been over 2 years since I posted the first chapter and what a crazy 2 years its been. In the beginning, I really didn't see this fic going past more than 10 chapters but here we are! Chapter 36, the final chapter!

I know some people were wanting a "smutty reunion" ending but unfortunately, it was never in the cards. Even before I had the main story worked out, I knew how the ending was going to be, however there was a minor change, as the original ending made it definitely clear that a sequel was in the works. However, I changed it slightly, so that it would be a good, rounded ending that can be as open or closed as the reader wants it to be.

I do have plans for a sequel, as well as some spin-off ideas, however these will be going on the back burner for the time being. If these ideas interest you, please let me know, then I can make them a priority case. I have over 30 WIP fic's (in and out of the DBZ fandom) so I need feedback to know whether to give them my full attention or come to them in my own time.

I want to thank each and every person who read and everyone who took the time to comment. Your comments were inspiring and each time I received one, my grin got a lil wider and made me eager to get back to writing.

I also wanted to say a special thanks to these readers:

dbzlover135
cara9001
Tankun
NyxLied
Skywalkerlove203
DBZRocks153

Your comments on almost every one of my chapters made me laugh, cry and want to hug you. You guys rock! Never stop being awesome!

Now! Here it is, the final Chapter of Intergalatic! I hope it was worth the wait, and that you all enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.

Chapter 36

3 Months Later...

Vegeta sat on a cliff edge, staring out at the ocean of Earth, a numbness spread throughout his whole being as he watched the sun set, waves lapping gently against the golden sands as they came further and further inland.

He had been on this mud ball of a planet for little over two months now and he hated every minute of it. The people were idiots and everything was too quiet, too calm, it was nothing compared to the regal, brash splendour that had been Vegeta-sei.

A pang of want spread through his chest and he tightened his arms around his legs, bringing his knees closer to his chest and resting his chin on them, trying to stave of thoughts of his dead home. Thoughts of his planet led to thoughts of losing people like his Father and thoughts of losing his Father led to thoughts of Goku, which led to...

Closing his eyes tightly, Vegeta burrowed his face in his knees, the hollow ache in his chest cresting, making him feel sick.

He was sick of it. Sick, sick sick of it all. He wanted nothing more than to go home.

But Earth was his home now. Vegeta-sei was nothing more than rocks and debris, scattered throughout space.

Being here, on this planet that was so different to his own, without Goku by his side to enjoy it, made everything much worse.

He pushed those thoughts aside, knowing how things would turn out if he continued thinking down that path, instead turning his thoughts to his companions.

When they had first landed here, everyone had been silent, too stunned and overwhelmed by what they had witnessed and their subsequent journey to Earth that they had just been shown their living areas in the Capsule Corporation building that Bulma's father had allotted them and been left alone, each grieving in their own manner. Tarble had sought him out instantly, staying the night with Vegeta and sharing his tears, Vegeta glad for the company despite the fact it did nothing to heal the hollowness in his chest. Bulma had only visited once, to enquire about the senzu beans Goku had but they had been lost when the planet destroyed, Goku's arrest and the subsequent invasion making Vegeta forget all about them, much to both their chagrin.

Princess Chi-Chi and her retinue had stayed for several days before departing solemnly, few words exchanged between them, although Chi-Chi had promised she would visit as soon as she could, Raditz taking what little comfort he could in her company. Piccolo had disappeared soon after, intent on finding this mysterious Kami that Bulma and her ilk had spoken of, his promise to return a silent nodding of his head before departing. Vegeta had reached out with his senses after a few days, curious about where Piccolo had ended up and had been surprised to find his Ki somewhere between Earth and its atmosphere, sometimes close and sometimes almost so far he could barely sense him. Bulma had thrown herself back into her work alongside her Father, which left Vegeta, Tarble, Raditz and Turles, who Vegeta could barely stand to look at, let alone be in the same room as.

Tarble refused to speak to him, Raditz being the only one who acknowledged him when he entered or left a room, and although Turles was grateful for it, Vegeta could see that Tarble's complete dismissal of him was cutting him like a knife every day.

He tried not to be bothered by it.

Instead, Tarble would sometimes follow Bulma to work, or be sat reading books, wanting to learn as much about his new found home as he could. It kept him busy and gradually the dark circles beneath his eyes began to fade, a lighter spring in his step and a more jovial attitude towards his friends.

Vegeta on the other hand.

He lidded his eyes, noticing that the sun had begun to set on the horizon.

Vegeta wasn't like the others, able to find something to focus on, to latch on to, to help heal the pain inside him.

Everything that was his had been taken from him.

He sighed, feeling bone weary and thought about what the Elder Guru had said to him on Planet Namek, a time that felt like millennia ago.

The Elder Guru had warned Vegeta that Goku would give his life for Vegeta, that Vegeta would have a choice to make and that he would know what to do when the choice was presented to him.

But he didn't. He hadn't. There had been so much happening, so much terror and fear, determination and death. The scent of blood, thick on the ground. Bodies and their lifeless eyes scattered here or there, or piled high atop one another. Frieza. Pain. More blood.

Goku.

Did he make the right decision? Leaving Goku behind to face the beast that was Frieza and his monstrous power? To not stand up to his Father sooner, and demand that Goku be set free? To fight for his love?

His chest ached and it was all he could do, not to give into the pain and the anger, the hurt and frustration. The sadness.

He heard a noise behind him then footsteps approached, Vegeta keeping his eyes on the horizon as Bulma sat beside him, the two sitting in silence for a moment before Bulma spoke softly.

"Raditz told me where to find you…he says you've been coming out here almost every day since we landed".

Vegeta stayed quiet, Bulma sighing. "I can't begin to understand what you're going through Vegeta…but…you can't separate yourself from the others…. Raditz, Tarble…and yes, even Turles…they need you…and you need them. Because as much as it pains me to say it…all you guys have left is each other".

Vegeta squeezed his eyes shut, not wanting to listen to her drivel. "If you've got nothing worth saying, then please…leave me alone".

Bulma's brow crinkled, her mouth open to retort but seeing the pain in his expression made her pause, shutting her mouth and instead looking back at the horizon. Vegeta, realizing that she wasn't going to continue, re-opened his eyes and looked out at the ocean once more. "You know what the worst thing about all this was?".

Bulma raised an eyebrow at him. "What?"

Vegeta turned to her, a sad smile on his face, his eyes awash with unshed tears. "He promised me he'd never leave me".

Bulma's face crumpled into one of sympathy, a small smile on her face. She patted his back gently then pulled something from her pocket, holding it up for Vegeta to see. "Well I gotta say one thing about Goku…he always keeps his promises".

Vegeta straightened, his eyes widening at the sight of the four-star dragonball as it glistened in the dying light of the sun.

Vegeta stared down at the seven orbs on the ground a few feet away from him, feeling their power wash over him with every pulse of light they emitted. The crowd gathered behind him spoke to each other in hushed tones, Vegeta ignoring them all, keeping his focused firmly on the ground in front of him.

After showing him the four-star dragonball, Bulma had let slip that they had finally found all seven, confessing that she had been scouring the Earth for the others any time she wasn't working, with Chi-Chi's former bodyguards helping wherever they could also.

He'd been in such a hurry to get back and start the ceremony he'd flown off in a rush, leaving Bulma to drive back from the cliff-side to Capsule Corps, a good two hours away. He'd gone straight to Raditz, telling him what was about to happen and left him to contact the others while Vegeta went to meet Bulma at her home, helping her bring the dragonballs back to Capsule Corp. Once everyone had gathered, Bulma had laid them on the ground and began to discuss the process, what they should wish for and how they should phrase the wish to make sure it was granted correctly.

His grit his teeth, clenching his fist in annoyance as he looked over his shoulder them. "What does it matter how we say it? Just wish it already!".

The crowd stopped and looked over at him, Bulma frowning in annoyance. "It's not that simple Vegeta…"

Vegeta growled in response. "Then make it simple! Tch you humans! Always dancing around every issue! It's a miracle anything gets done on this planet!".

Bulma opened her mouth to retort as Vegeta turned away from her when a heavy hand came down on her shoulder, looking up to see Raditz, solemnly shaking his head slightly before squeezing her shoulder, letting his hand fall away as she relaxed, running a hand agitatedly through her hair before walking up to stand beside Vegeta.

Spreading her hands, Bulma looked up at the sky. "Eternal Dragon, by your name, I summon you forth: Shenron!".

A hush before the sky turned black, Vegeta feeling the hair stand on his arms and the back of his neck before a bolt lightening shot down from the sky, making him jump back in alarm as it hit the dragonballs: their light blinding him momentarily before a thunderous boom shook the earth beneath his feet.

Blinking rapidly, he moved the arm he'd used to shield his eyes against the light down slowly, his eyes widening as he stared up at the giant form of the Eternal Dragon Shenron.

The dragon's eyes lit up blood red as it moved to stare down at the group, it's snake like body rippling with movement as it did so. "Who has summoned me from my slumber? Speak!".

The crowd stayed silent, each staring up in awe at the giant creature before Bulma took a small step forward, her brow furrowing. "Shenron! Please grant us our wish! We wish for you to bring Son Goku back to life!".

Vegeta stifled the urge to curl his lip at the use his human name, folding his arms as the dragon paused before responding.

"As much as it is within my power to do so; I cannot" the Great Dragon rumbled in his throat. Vegeta froze, the others whispering exclamations as they stared up in shock at the God.

Bulma also stared in shock, her mouth working silently before she swallowed, regaining her senses. "Excuse me?".

"There are several reasons…One, I cannot return somebody to life when I have already done so before; in short, I cannot grant the same wish twice" Shenron explained, Vegeta growling in response.

"Can't or won't?" Vegeta spat out venomously, the words escaping his mouth before he could even finish thinking them.

Shenron paused, turning his gaze to Vegeta as the others gasped, a strangled "Vegeta!" escaping from Bulma before Shenron moved, coming closer and closer to Vegeta until he was mere inches away, Vegeta stifling the urge to take a step back as he was faced with the beasts' enormous presence.

"Prince Vegeta, I respect that you have been through a lot, and so will let that comment slide…however, I would hesitate to speak so boldly in the face of a God, lest his good will diminish quicker than is necessary hm?" the dragon asked, his tone brooking no argument as Vegeta felt a bead of sweat roll down his temple, the dragon's power washing over him momentarily before Shenron straightened, his attention once again on Bulma.

"Secondly, if I were to return Son Goku back to life, he would be brought back to life in the same place he was killed; and since Vegeta-sei is now rubble and dust…" the drgaon left the end of the sentence hanging, Vegeta realizing with a start what he meant.

If Goku came back to life on Vegeta-sei, he would be brought back to nothing but space and debris, meaning he would die all over again.

Pointless.

"And third…I cannot bring back to life, those who are not yet dead" Shenron said, Vegeta's folded arms falling to his sides as he stared, staring straight through Shenron as the crowd behind him erupted, tuning them out as the words echoed in his thoughts.

Not yet dead.

Not yet dead.

Kakarotto's…. still alive?

"Impossible" he whispered as Bulma said the same. "Impossible! He was on Vegeta-sei when it exploded! Nothing could have survived!".

The dragon seemed to bristle with indignation as it glared down at Bulma. "Do you presume to tell me, a God, that I am incorrect?", it questioned, Bulma spluttering an spology, the others seemingly at a loss for words.

There was a moments pause, as everyone absorbed the strength of the dragon's words, the meaning of it when Shenron rose up, clearing his throat. "Are there no other wishes?".

The others looked between themselves, Bulma shrugging helplessly as Vegeta stared at the ground, biting his lip hard as he tried to think of something. Anything.

"Talk" he said quietly, then blinked as the thought blossomed, becoming clearer, looking up at Shenron. "Is there any way you can help us talk to him? Or tell us where he is?".

Bulma blinked at Vegeta, realization on her face as she looked up at Shenron, who nodded. "This is something that requires little effort…I will contact Son Goku".

The dragon's eyes glowed red, a thrum of energy the only signs that his power was being used before he spoke again. "He is here".

A cry of joy went up from the crowd, people laughing and hugging at the confirmation that Goku was alive.

Vegeta couldn't take his eyes off the dragon, a bubble of anxiety lodged into his chest, each breath stifled, making his lungs ache. "Can we speak to him?" he asked, unable to fathom at how he was able to even speak in a normal tone, when his throat felt so dry.

"He has asked to speak to only one person" Shenron said, his whole body moving to face Vegeta. "You".

Aware that everyone's eyes were on him, Vegeta licked his lips, taking a step forward. "Alright. Tell me what to do".

"Just think what you need to say and it will pass through to him" Shenron instructed, moving his giant body so that it was floating just over Vegetas's body, extending a claw towards Vegeta, who closed his eyes and braced himself as one of Shenron's giant claws gently touched his forehead, a wave of warmth washing over his entire being.

"…. Vegeta?"

Vegeta's knees went weak, the bubble of anxiety in his chest bursting at the sweet sound Goku's lilting, gentle voice, suddenly taking lungful's of breaths to cope with the amount of emotion he felt. Gods it had been so long. Too long. "Kakarotto…you're…you're really alive".

He heard a sigh and he didn't have to see Goku to know that he was smiling. "Vegeta…it's so good to hear your voice…but we don't have much time. Shenron is powerful, but he isn't exactly known for his patience. And I have a lot to say".

Vegeta licked his lips, fighting to keep his emotions in check. "Alright Kakarotto, tell me everything".

Raditz watched as Vegeta stood with his eyes closed, telepathically conversing with his brother as the Great Dragon of Earth hovered above them, one giant claw of power resting tentatively on Vegeta's forehead. After the initial shock of everything he had witnessed, half of which Raditz was still convinced was due to Earth food gone bad, he had settled into quiet observation, watching Vegeta like a hawk, taking in every minute detail. The way his brow would crinkle momentarily, a slight tightening of his fist. What the hell were they talking about?

Glancing to his side, Raditz eyed a nervous looking Tarble, a solemn looking Turles stood a few feet behind him, still watching over him despite the fact Tarble was distancing himself as much as possible. As much as Turles had been a part of his planets downfall, Raditz had made his peace with Turles, shortly after landing on their new home. Frieza had been a hungry bastard and, if what Vegeta had told him of what had happened between Frieza and his father, the downfall of Vegeta-sei had been inevitable. Frieza would've come for them sooner or later.

He could understand why both Vegeta and Tarble were keeping their distance though. It had only been three months after all. All wounds needed time to heal.

The dragon heaved a sigh and the glow in his eyes faded, moving himself back from Vegeta as Vegeta opened his eyes with a gasp, taking a few unsteady steps back as he put a hand to his head.

"It is done" Sheron boomed, his monstrous height seemingly growing larger as he straightened up, looking down at the group. "I bid thee all; farewell".

With a clap of thunder the dragon began to glow, Raditz squinting as he tried to shield his eyes from the bright light that erupted from the balls on the ground beneath Shenron, who suddenly disappeared, the dragonballs shooting upwards towards the sky. The stopped momentarily, hovering ominously above them before shooting off in different directions, scattered to every corner of the Earth, awaiting their next wish-bearer.

Raditz watched them disappear before turning back to Vegeta, following Tarble and Bulma, who had already run to his side, Vegeta rubbing his eyes with a thumb and finger as he tried to wave off their questions. "Vegeta?".

Vegeta sighed, looking up at Raditz with a tired look on his face. It was only now, up close and personal like this, that Raditz realised just how much Vegeta had changed. They all had, but Raditz had never noticed the deep circles under Vegeta's eyes, the way his cheekbones had become more prominent, thinning his face. How had he not seen it earlier? While himself and the others had slowly begun to deal with everything that had happened, Vegeta was still mired in it, day after day.

"I…I spoke to…Kakarotto…he told me he's well…he's…he's on Yardrat-sei".

"Yardrat?! How the hell did he wind up there?" Raditz exclaimed, vaguely aware of the others that had crowded forward to listen.

Vegeta sighed heavily, looking away as his body sagged slightly, as if a great weight was bearing him down. "The fight with Frieza…their power gap was too wide. Not even the almighty evil that was Frieza could withstand the power of a legendary Super Saiyajin".

He paused, as if trying to choose the right words and it was all that Raditz could do not to take him by the shoulders and shake him. "Frieza got desperate…he used his last ounce of strength to blow the planet…wipe out everything, even if it secured his own death" Vegeta huffed a laugh. "You always said he must've been born under some smiling star Raditz…. he managed to find a ship and escaped just as the planet exploded. However, the navigation was damaged and he crash landed on Yardrat".

Raditz barked a laugh and shook his head in disbelief. His little brother was turning out to be one ridiculously lucky bastard.

Bulma stepped forward, a wide grin on her face. "This is great! I can't believe he made it after all! So! When's he coming home?".

An unreadable expression crossed Vegeta's face and he looked off to the side, Raditz's elation dropping like a stone. He knew that look…it was never a good look.

"He's isn't".

The crowd went silent, so still and quiet that Raditz could hear the blood thumping through his veins as he stared in disbelief at Vegeta.

"What're you talking about? What do you mean he's not coming back?".

Vegeta sighed and turned to face Bulma, her face contorted in anger and confusion. "Exactly what I said Bulma. He wants to stay on Yardrat and learn to control the Super Saiyajin state...as he is right now, a single mishap could spell the end of Earth-sei by Kakarotto's hands". His expression hardened. "He told me that he's already been responsible for the death of one planet…he can't be responsible for a second".

Bulma's brow crinkled, stamping her foot in frustration. "So that's it then? Everything we've been through, everything HE'S been through…he's just not coming back?!".

Vegeta ran a hand through his hair, becoming weary of the conversation with each passing moment. "I've given him a year…one year to train, to try and master it and no more…any longer and I go out there and drag is ass to Earth myself".

Bulma opened her mouth to retort, but decided against it, throwing her arms up in the air in disgust instead and storming off, muttering angrily to herself. The crowd began to disperse, Chi Chi touching Raditz's arm momentarily with a small smile before following the others, Tarble beside her, the pair talking quietly to each other as Turles followed some distance behind him, always Tarble's shadow, even when unwanted.

Soon it was just Raditz and Vegeta alone, Raditz heaving a deep sigh as he looked over at Vegeta. "You ok?".

Vegeta huffed a laugh. "Are any of us?". He scratched his arm, his eyes flickering everywhere but Raditz. "I'm sorry…about all this. About you not being able to talk to him…he is your family after all".

He yelped when Raditz grabbed him in a headlock, ruffling his flame-like hair. "You both are numbskull! More so now than ever before". He let go, Vegeta straightening, frowning at Raditz as he tried to un-ruffle his hair, Raditz looking up at the now darkened-by-night sky with a small smile, stars beginning to shine in the darkness. "Besides, it was only right. He may have been my brother, but you two were…. something special". He scratched his nose with a finger then motioned towards Capsule Corp with his head. "You coming in?".

"…Go on in, I'll join you all in a bit. I…I need some time alone is all" Vegeta responded, Raditz giving him a nod in understanding before leaving him to his thoughts, Vegeta unable to stop the small smile that crept on his face as Raditz disappeared.

For the first time since they'd landed, he had the sense that everything was going to be…just fine.

Turles looked at the meagre positions he'd been given when he arrived and shoved them into the open duffel bag, taking one last glance around his room before zipping it shut, pulling it over his shoulders before checking every bit of the room. He'd cleaned everything before he'd packed but wanted to be absolutely sure he was leaving nothing behind of importance before he left.

Well. He was leaving only one thing behind of importance. Something that wasn't his to take.

Flicking off the light, he took one last look at the now dark room before quietly closing the door, making sure to move as silently as he could as he made his way through the halls of what had been his home for the last few months. He couldn't afford to be seen, for people to alerted.

Fortunately, the halls were silent. After the dragonballs had disbanded, everyone bar Vegeta had gone inside, drinking and regaling each other with tales of Goku's exploits until one by one, they had said their goodnights and retired to bed, Turles waiting for another hour to make sure there were no late night stragglers before making his move.

Unlocking the front door, Turles pushed it open and looked around, checking that the coast was clear before putting his spare key near the door and exiting, closing the door as quietly as he could before sighing, walking away from the building, his head lifted as he thought about what he would do next.

"Turles"

He stopped in his tracks, closing his eyes in dread. Don't look back don't look back, he thought to himself. "You're supposed to be asleep, My Lord".

Tarble floated down behind him, concern etched on his face. "…You're leaving…aren't you?".

Turles kept his back to Tarble, tensing slightly as he heard Tarble touch the ground behind him. "Yes".

The two went quiet, Turles carefully keeping his back to Tarble, who took a deep breath, a bubble of hurt lodged in his chest as he stared at Turles' back. "Why…Turles I…".

"You're suffering" Turles interrupted, Tarble fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. "I see it…every time you look at me, every time were in the same room you…your eyes. I remind you of everything you've lost, everything your brother, Raditz, Kakarotto…I am the reason were not…" Tules sighed, closing his eyes as he struggled to say what he wanted…needed to say. "I'm…no good for you. I never was. I'm poison. So I'm going to do what's best for you and remove the poison from your life. I'm going to leave and maybe one day…you'll forget about me, forget about what I did, find a place, a person, that's good for you, here on Earth-sei. You'll be happy and I…"

"Stop it".

Turles blinked, daring a glance over his shoulder at Tarble. "What?".

Tarble stared at Turles, his hands fisted so tightly his knuckles were white, tears streaming down his face. "I said stop it. Shut up. How dare you? How dare you do this to me?".

Turles turned fully to face Tarble, surprise evident on his face. "Tarble I...".

"NO! Stop it! Stop thinking you know what's best for me! It's why were in this situation in the first place! Because you thought you knew what I wanted…what was best for us! And now you're leaving because you think I…" he choked on a sob, rubbing at his eyes furiously. "Stop presuming that you know what's best for me! I'm my own person! I make my own choices! And whatever choices I make, I'll live with them!".

Turles stared at Tarble as if seeing him for the first time, Tarble gritting his teeth as he stared at the ground. "The reason I've…I've been avoiding you…. not because I can't stand you…it's because I…I'm still in love with you".

Turles turned to fully face Tarble, unable to believe what he was hearing. "What?".

Tarble rubbed his shoulder in agitation. "I'm still in love with you…and I shouldn't be. I should hate you…right down to your bones. Because of you, I've lost so much. We all have. But in spite of all that…I still love you. You were the only one who spoke to me as an equal, who treated me…with respect. Not just for my status, but for my mind and my differences…You treated me like…I was worth something". Tarble squeezed his eyes closed, hugging himself. "I spoke to Raditz…he told me about my dad's feud with Frieza, how the war would have been inevitable, even without your help…he had Zorn in his pocket and…" He shook his head, his thoughts scattering as he tried to keep his emotions in check. His voice was almost a whisper when he spoke. "Don't make me lose you too…not now".

Turles paused then walked up to him, stopping inches away from Tarble, crooking his finger and putting it under Tarble's chin, making him look up at Turles, his expression breaking Turles' heart. "I don't expect you to forgive me, I don't deserve it…or your love". He ran his thumb over Tarble's lower lip as it began to tremble. "Maybe one day I will. But I want to earn it. I'll work to earn your trust, your forgiveness…. your love. If you'll let me?".

Tarble bit his lower lip, Turles' thumb resting against his teeth. "You'll come back right? Come back to us?".

Turles removed his hand, resting it on Tarble's head instead, lightly kissing his forehead. "I promised I would always be with you…and I will. I'll always be here for you Tarble".

As he began to lean away, Tarble grabbed hold of his shirt and pulled him down as he leaned up on his tiptoes, planting a searing kiss on Turles' lips. Turles blinked down in surprise before cupping Tarble's face, moving his mouth over Tarble's to deepen the kiss momentarily, selfishly granting himself this one moment of weakness before he pulled away, resting his forehead against Tarble's, who whimpered at the loss of heat and contact.

He sighed, treasuring the moment before he opened his eyes, looking down into Tarble's wide, tear filled eyes. "Stay safe".

Straightening, he floated up, Tarble clinging to his hand until he moved too far away, reaching out as Turles flew further and further away, nodding his head at Tarble lightly before turning and flying away into the night, disappearing into the darkness.

Tarble watched as Turles flew out of sight, wiping away the tears before turning and walking back into Capsule Corps alone.

Vegeta watched as Tarble walked back into the complex, running a hand tiredly through his hair. As much as he was still cautious of Turles, he felt bad for Tarble and the relationship that had barely blossomed before it had been shattered. And in a way, he could see why Turles' had left. While Raditz, Vegeta and Tarble relied on each other and the friendships they'd made on Earth-sei, Turles' had no one and the only person he wanted, wanted nothing to do with him.

Going away, giving himself and the others space and time to heal would be good for all of them. Now, a weight would be lifted, tensions would simmer away and, as much as it would hurt Tarble, Vegeta knew that the distance would give them both perspective.

Sighing, he laid back on the rooftop, putting his hands behind his head to cushion it as he stared up at the stars in the sky, watching them twinkling with life and light above him.

And somewhere, on one of them, was Goku, who was possibly watching the stars just like Vegeta was doing right now. Or was he training relentlessly, straining to keep his immense power under control, no time for star-gazing?

He bit his lip. He remembered how Goku had begged, BEGGED Vegeta not to go and find him, to leave him to train, to try and contain the primal force he had tapped into. To come back, whole and hail, in a year's time, whether he succeeded or failed. Vegeta wouldn't even entertain the idea of him failing. Everything they had been through seemed contradictory to the idea.

He reached up, looking at his hand against the star lit sky, as if he could pluck them one by one into his palm. As if he could reach up and pluck Goku from the sky to keep beside him.

He knew now. He knew the choice that Elder Guru had mentioned, what it was. And he'd never said it, almost uttered it when faced with death but even then, the words had faltered.

But now his heart was certain, his mind clear, his being at peace. And it would be the first thing he said when he saw him again, when they met as they had done so in a time that seemed like forever ago.

Vegeta stared up at the stars.

"I'll wait for you Kakarotto…always".

He smiled, allowing a tear to trickle from his eye as he closed them.

"I love you".

Epilogue – One Year Later.

The craft flew soundless through the vastness of space, the sole occupant buckling himself into the pilot seat as the timer counted down to his arrival. Sighing, he closed his eyes and brushed a hand through his bangs.

It was finally over. He was finally going home.

An automated voice broke his thoughts, informing him that he was nearing his destination. He looked up to see a small blue and green planet in front of his craft, closing in quickly. As the planets' gravity took a hold of his ship, the atmosphere heating up his craft almost unbearably so, he began to prepare for landing, gritting his teeth as the ship began to shake and shudder on its entry.

Clearing the atmosphere, he stared out at the white and grey clouds as the craft began to leave the atmospheric pressure, becoming smoother in its flight. Not a minute later, the clouds gave way to a vast deep blue ocean, his heart tightening as greenery and beauty began to become clearer.

Gripping the controls tightly, he took control of the ship and began to descend as cities and civilization began to overtake the greenery, searching for a clear landing space. He could sense where he needed to be, but the terrain was difficult and the only clear landing space that was anywhere near his target was a desert like area, full of caverns and tall mountains that looked almost impossible to navigate.

Managing to safely land, if not a little roughly, the pilot let loose a breath he didn't know he had been holding and powered down the craft, unbuckling his belt and opening the ship door. As he exited, he closed his eyes as the warm Earth sun washed over his skin, soaking in the energy it gave him.

Taking a deep breath, Goku opened his eyes, smiling as he looked around at his surroundings. He had missed Earth-sei more than he had thought. It felt good to be back here again.

Looking back inside his ship, Goku pulled out his belongings, making sure each one was safe and undamaged before gathering it all together, vaguely wondering what he was going to do with the ship when he felt it.

An energy spark.

An extremely familiar energy spark, that was speeding its way towards him at a ridiculously fast pace, other energy signals steadily joining it.

Goku grinned widely, he had been hoping to surprise them.

But Vegeta had never been one for patience.

Placing his belongings on the ground next to the ship, Goku took a few steps forward, holding up his hand to shield his eyes as he looked up to the sky, awaiting the inevitable arrival of his friends, family and Vegeta, Prince of Saiyajins and King of Goku's heart.

THE END.