Back on board the ship things were back to normal, mainly, work- followed by more work. Zarbon wished to keep their relationship a secret and so to outsiders everything looked normal, with the two men meeting in their quarters whenever they had a break. Dodoria reluctantly agreed, knowing it was best to keep their arrangement from Frieza, no one could ever predict how the small emperor would react, and it was well known that relationships were the cause of many problems in the work place.

*6 month time skip*

Zarbon had decided that after their 'trial' he'd like to continue with his and Dodoria's relationship, must to the delight of the large pink man who continued to shower his obsession with gifts and treats out whenever they were on base. Currently Dodoria was half way through a gruelling shift in the flag ships communications room when Zarbon came in and flopped down in a chair next to him looking pretty exasperated; ''I just thought to warn you, I've just left Lord Frieza's main observation room- Lord Cooler is arriving in a few days with the Armoured Squadron.''

Dodoria groaned in annoyance ''That'll be quite a bit of collateral damage done then. Why does he need to bring the other three, they're the ones that cause the problems. Especially that cocky blue Salza guy…''

Zarbon shifted uncomfortably in his chair ''Yes well… that was something else I thought I should mention to you…''

''What?''

''….Me and Salza…''

''Oh gods Zarbon! Is there anyone anywhere that you haven't bedded? Seriously? You've literally put it about to more people then you haven't!''

Zarbon looked at the ground as his cheeks flushed blue ''Come on Dodo, that's not fair. I just wanted you to know to avoid any… confrontations later.''

Dodoria let out a sigh but still seemed annoyed ''Ok, fine. Better than him springing it on me I suppose.''

Zarbon smiled and placed his hand over Dodoria's, though Dodoria still looked far from happy.

…

As the large ship docked under Frieza's Zarbon and Dodoria waited at the entrance to greet Lord Cooler and his entourage and to escort them to Lord Frieza's throne room. Dodoria looked pissed to hell and Zarbon shifted uncomfortably at his side from his colleagues attitude. Finally Salza, Neize and Doore appeared. Salza flashed a big smile at Zarbon as he approached him and embraced him kissing him on each of his cheeks ''Ay Z, Iz been a long time!'' Zarbon held himself stiffly, unsure of the best way to react, he heard Dodoria growl slightly from the side of him.

Thankfully Lord Cooler disembarked and Salza released his embrace. Trying to regain his composure Zarbon fell into a bow along with Dodoria and they escorted the four men to Lord Frieza's throne room. Once there Cooler dismissed his men and Frieza instructed Zarbon and Dodoria to take the Armoured Squadron down to the elites mess and to accompany them at all times.

As they all sat at a table Zarbon wondered if anyone else could feel how thick the atmosphere seemed to be, or whether it was just him. He and Dodoria met eyes from across the table just as Salza laughed and placed a warm blue hand on Zarbon's thigh making the green skinned man jump ''So my green angel, what av you been up to lately? Seeing anyone currently?'' he asked rubbing his thigh suggestively.

Zarbon's cheeks blushed again as he tried to stutter out a sentence, Dodoria beat him too it, deciding to hell with what Frieza would do if he found out. ''Actually me and Zarbon have been dating for the past 6 months.''

A few moments of silence engulfed the table before the Armoured Squadron burst out laughing simultaneously ''Seriously Z? THIS guy?'' laughed Salza gesturing to Dodoria's large form ''You must be desperate, a whole ship of warriors and THIS is what you choose? And I thought you were desperate when I saw you with Ginyu's tongue down your throat!''

Dodoria growled again, wishing he had the strength to pick the blue man up and throw him out of the nearest air lock.

Zarbon pulled at his sleeves looking uncomfortable ''What about you Salza, what have you been up to lately?''

Salza flicked back his thick blonde hair and smirked ''Oh you know, just blowing up planets, making ourselves know as the strongest squadron in the universe... thinking of your long green legs around my neck and you screaming my name as I fuck you…''

Dodoria jumped to his feet with an energy blast aimed right at Salza's head, Zarbon had anticipated his companions actions and jumped up at the same time putting his body between his and and Salza's, ''Dodo'' he whispered sternly ''Get a hold of yourself, these are Coolers men, both Lord Cooler and Lord Frieza would make short work of you if you attacked them, PLEASE, just ignore them, they're only trying to get a rise from you.''

Doore wolf whistled loudly at the couple, making several elites turn around and laugh at the pair. Zarbon's cheeks burnt blue in embarrassment. Dodoria scowled and reluctantly sat back down dispersing the energy blast.

''Soooo, tell me Z. Do you actually look at this fat pink ugly brute when he's fucking you, or do you just close your eyes and pretend it's someone else? I guess he must be a good shag, cus he's got fuck all else going for him.''

''THAT'S IT! We're done here!'' shouted Dodoria jumping up and striding out of the mess. Zarbon jumped up but then paused, torn between following Dodoria and following Frieza's orders to stay with the Armoured Squadron. With a sigh the green beauty sat back down, hoping that if he stayed he'd at least be able to tame Frieza's wrath for Dodoria later.

Zarbon gazed out of the door way, although Dodoria looked nothing but angry when he left Zarbon could read the other man well and knew he was hurt… and upset. Zarbon sat in silence chewing on his lip until there was an announcement for Salza, Neize and Doore to return to Coolers ship. Zarbon stood up mechanically ''I'll escort you back to your ship.''

As they exited the maze like corridors to the docking bay Zarbon cursed internally as he saw Lord Frieza and his brother at the entrance to Coolers ship. The small emperor raised an eye ridge at his second in command ''I thought I instructed Dodoria to remain with you.''

''My lord, Dodoria had to sort out a small occurrence in the communications room'' bowed Zarbon, praying the other three men would keep their mouths shut. Thankfully, they did, but as they walked on Salza smirked as he put out a hand and ran it over Zarbon's ass, making Zarbon squeak out in surprise. His cheeks going bright blue as Lord Frieza and Lord Cooler looked at him as if he'd lost his mind.

A string of obscenities left Zarbon's mouth as he angrily strutted through the corridors, he wanted nothing more than to go to one of the training rooms and take out his anger on someone or something, but he felt compelled to find Dodoria and check he was alright first. As he let himself into Dodoria's room he was confused to find it empty, he checked the en suite but he defiantly wasn't there. As he stepped back out of the room he found Cui waiting for him, smiling smugly. ''Looking for your boyfriend?''

''What?'' Zarbon gasped spinning around.

Cui laughed ''He's been summoned by Lord Frieza. I wonder what he'll think of his two right hand men being in a relationship and hiding it from him for 6 months… especially as it involves his 'favourite pet' of course…''

Zarbon sweat dropped as he started sprinting down the corridors, not even stopping to knock Cui down a peg or two. He screeched to a halt outside Frieza's throne room door and requested entry, the light flashing green as the door opened. Zarbon observed Frieza with his back to the room looking out of the window, Dodoria was keeling on the floor in a low bow. Shaking, Zarbon stepped into the room and fell into a bow not far from Dodoria ''My Lord, forgive my intrusion, but I thought it might be best for both of us to be present.''

Dodoria gulped, admiring his companion's balls at willingly approaching Frieza. Frieza banged his tail slightly in annoyance before speaking ''Dodoria here was just explaining how he harassed and finally persuaded you to be in a relationship with him. Is that true?''

Zarbon kept his gaze on the floor, he couldn't let Dodoria take the blame ''It is true that Dodoria first initiated the relationship, but I was and have been a willing participant.''

Frieza gave away no sign of emotion as he continued ''And you made a joint decision to hide it from me?''

Zarbon bit his lip ''Not just you sire, I didn't think the relationship would work, so I requested Dodoria keep it secret to avoid any unnecessary fall out if we were to end the relationship.''

Frieza finally turned from the window and walked up to the two men on the floor, neither of them daring to look up at him ''And how long has this relationship now gone on for?''

''…around six months, sire'' answered Zarbon quietly.

''And do you now have any intention of ending the relationship?''

Zarbon hesitated before speaking ''No sire. As long as it is not against your wishes, I have no intention or want to end the relationship.''

Zarbon couldn't be sure but he thought he heard a small gasp of surprise come from Dodoria.

For the longest time Frieza seemed to think things over, the tapping of his tail hitting the floor only adding to the already overwhelming tenseness in the room, until he finally spoke.

''I'm not happy I was not informed of your decision sooner, especially with you both being my top two generals. However, as long as you continue to keep your personal life separate from your working life, I'll allow it to continue. Should I feel it's affecting your work, there shall be DIRE consequences. Same goes if you break up, you will be expected to continue working together as normal. No exceptions. Do I make myself clear?''

Both Zarbon and Dodoria nearly collapsed from relief ''Thank… thank you sire! We assure you nothing will affect our work!'' they said in unison.

''Good. Now leave'' commanded Frieza waving his hand to dismiss them.