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Immortal Together
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A Dragon Ball Z Fan Fiction
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By: Hatti Lee*
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Also known as:
BelovedAnimosity,
Amalthea*, &
Saiyajin Peach
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Started: 2.22.4
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Author's Notes: This chapter's longer to make up for the last one's shortness. Enjoy! ^_^

Warnings: IMPORTANT! This fic is yaoi, which means it contains male/male intimacy. Also, this fic contains incest, and is rated R for graphic sexual situations and violence as well as some language. If you're under age, go no further! If you're uncomfortable with any of this, I suggest you go elsewhere!

Disclaimer: Most obviously, I don't own Dragon Ball Z or it's characters. If I did, I wouldn't be here writing fan fiction!

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Chapter IV
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Kakarotto, ten-years-old now, rubbed at his face, ridding it of any crumbs. He was with Raditz now, leaving the mess hall and heading for the wing of the palace where all the soldiers' quarters were located. His father and Nappa had left dinner early to deal with some Kakarotto was curious beyond belief, a bounce in his step.

Raditz quickened his pace, his breath coming short. He was in his prime at thirty-five, and yet this kid had so much energy! They'd all trained extremely hard all day, Hey! Calm down, we'll be there soon enough. He called, causing the boy to slow his pace only somewhat.

Papa says you're supposed to show me respect. Kakarotto said in simple honesty, looking to his friend with wide eyes.

The long-haired warrior chuckled, Respect, huh? Would you rather I act all proper like Nappa does with the prince?

The boy thought about it for a moment then smiled, No, I guess not.

Raditz laughed out, Crazy kid. You know, I don't know how you can eat so much and stay so skinny.

Kakarotto's pace slowed more as he placed his hands to his stomach. He wore an orange gi, tied with a navy sash, I'm really full. He said simply, looking again to Raditz.

Well, you don't look it. Maybe if you quit running around so much.

Kakarotto thought about it for a moment. He really didn't run around as much as he'd like. His father insisted that he never go anywhere without either him, Nappa, or Raditz. Still, he considered the suggestion.

He sped up again then, hurrying as the door to his and his father's chamber came into view, wide open. At three meters he began jogging and threw himself into the doorway, a smile on his face. It was empty, well, no one was in it. However, it wasn't exactly empty. There was another bed there, one just like his father's placed against one wall.

Raditz came up behind him, Hey, so this is what they were up to. About time, huh?

My own bed? Kakarotto asked, glancing to Raditz.

Yeah, growing boys don't need to be sleeping with their father's.

Kakarotto asked, stepping into the room, noticing that the few toys he had left were gone, cleared out. The room, only slightly changed, seemed so different, almost foreign. He didn't like it.

Hey kid, get a grip. You're almost a man, didn't you think this was going to happen sooner or later? I'm surprised you don't have your own room yet.

Raditz! What did I say about showing the young prince more respect?

Kakarotto stepped to where he could see Nappa and his father approaching, Is this really our room, Papa? He asked, almost not believing it.

Of course, baka. Vejita hissed, watching as his son turned to look the room over as if it were some new thing.

The prince shook his head and turned to Nappa and Raditz, Time to retire then.

Yes, good night, Sire. Nappa said, turning to head for his quarters. He could hear Raditz behind him, apologizing for his manner with the young prince before bidding them good night and heading for his own room. Nappa shook his head. His friend was becoming more and more friendly with the boy. What was strange though, was that this hadn't come sooner. As he and the prince were moving the bed into the room, he'd been dying to ask such questions, but he thought it best not to interfere. The prince was just attached to his son, that's all.

Nappa, forty-four-years-old now, flopped down on his bed, relaxing. What with the young prince growing older, he found himself busier then ever, and thus, more exhausted.

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The door shut behind Vejita as he stepped into the room. Kakarotto was sitting now on the edge of his new bed. Raditz had been right. It was about time. Why he felt so reluctant in this, even now, he didn't know. For some reason, he was overprotective, wanting the boy close at all times. Many noticed, but he'd yet to be questioned on it.

I'm going to take a shower. He said, not waiting for a response as he entered the washroom. The prince looked not a day over nineteen, though he was actually thirty now. Both Nappa and Raditz had questioned him on it. He explained simply, and they both recalled the moment with the Goddess of Immortality, when she'd said immortal youth. His father seemed to have also noticed, but still, he hadn't questioned him on it yet. Vejita wasn't sure he was looking forward to that day.

His father was still in his prime, nearing fifty. He had a few more life lines, but other than that, he didn't age much, the process obviously slowed by his immortality. Still, Vejita was thankful he'd altered his gift.

He turned the water off as he finished rinsing, moving to look in the mirror. He noticed his son's chin and nose there, but not much else. The boy was nearly his height now and thin as a rail. It was obvious he had yet to hit a growth spurt, which meant he was going to be much taller yet, probably like Raditz.

Shaking his head, the prince bent to pull on a pair of dark gi pants, tying them into place with a white sash. As he stepped out of the washroom, he saw that his lamp was on, the lights were off, and his son was tucked into his new bed.

Vejita sat on the edge of his bed, the bed they'd shared all these years. It saddened him to think there wouldn't be any little hands against his bare skin in the morning. He look to his son, his eyes closed, his face peaceful with sleep, spiky, black bangs hanging over his pale forehead.

Again Vejita shook his head, putting away his silly thoughts of beauty as he slipped his legs under the covers and reached to turn off the lamp. Darkness flooded the room, and he breathed deep, smelling the soap from his shower as well as a slight sweet smell, something almost sugary in it's essence.

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Kakarotto awoke a couple hours after midnight. He reached out, feeling for that warm body that was supposed to be there beside him. His eyes opened wide when he found nothing. It took a few terrifying moments to remember where he was, what had happened.

Even remembering that his father was only a meter or so away, he couldn't fall back asleep. He just felt wrong, things weren't as they should be. He should be over there beside him, warm and safe and happy. Kakarotto knew his father would be upset, but he took the chance anyway. Slowly and quietly, he pushed the covers back and put his bare feet to the chilled floor, carefully lifting from his bed in order to avoid any new spring sounds. He tiptoed over, reaching out to feel for the edge of his father's bed. Once he found it, he eased down to sit there, careful not to actually touch his father, knowing his now cool skin would wake the man.

After a few minutes under the covers, biting his lip, he gently rolled until his back eased up against what felt like his father's back. Warmth began to build at once where their skin touched. Kakarotto smiled and let his eyes fall shut.

Before sleep found him though, he felt his father stir and turn, an arm reaching out and draping over him, pulling his back firm against the older man. Kakarotto held his breath, praying for his father to remain asleep. Minutes passed, and he slowly relaxed. However, that arm draped over his waist began to move, his father's hand moving around to press against his stomach, slipping beneath the hem of his muscle shirt.

Strangely, Kakarotto didn't get tense even though this was new and different. His father wasn't waking. That warm hand moved again, moving up and up, resting against his chest. Kakarotto sighed, this felt really good. He smiled into the darkness, wondering what it would be like to do the same to his father, would it feel just as good to him?

That hand moved again then, sliding down rather quickly and slipping into his gi pants before he even knew what was happening. The knot he'd tied wasn't as good as the one's his father tied, and it loosened easily, that hand dipping low. Kakarotto's smile faded then. This feeling was odd. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't quite as good as the warmth of that palm resting against his chest. He remained silent, however, as the touch became a sort of exploration, touching him where he'd never thought to be touched before. Slowly, it started feeling good, and he wondered where else it felt good.

Vejita's eyes flew open, What the...? His hand was in someone's pants! He knew well enough what it was he was holding, having been with other males a number of times. However, this skin against his fingers was soft and delicate. He pulled his hand away quickly, reaching for the lamp, dim light flooding the room seconds later.



Vejita shut his eyes, He whispered, afraid to look down; however, he had to, and as feared, there lie his son beside him, his gi pants loose, the knot practically untied.

Kakarotto asked again, a little worried over his father's expression. Anger he knew, this confused look he didn't, and it scared him.

What... What are you doing in my bed? The prince asked, trying to remain calm.

His son glanced to the empty bed against the wall, I woke up and... You're not mad at me are you? His soft little voice was worried, fearful.

Vejita sat up, No, no... Just...

Kakarotto questioned, sitting up as well, moving closer.

Vejita sighed, completely disgusted with himself.

Can I touch you?

The prince looked sharply to his son to see the boy's eyes big and innocent and completely serious, No! Don't you know it's wrong?

Kakarotto cocked his head to the side,

Vejita sighed, Family just doesn't do... That.



It was amazing, the boy seemed truly saddened by the answer he got. The prince swallowed, Why do you want to?

Kakarotto looked up, It felt good, I thought you might want ta feel that.

Vejita swallowed again, his eyes wider still, What felt good?

Kakarotto grinned then, scooting over, He said simply, placing his warm palm to his father's chest, sliding it around for a moment before letting it rest between his pectorals.

Unsure and still feeling disgusted, Vejita found himself lying back down again, his son doing the same. Kakarotto pulled the blankets back up over them and lie close, resting his head on the prince's shoulder, his hand remaining there on his father's chest. And Vejita just lie there, allowing it, lying with his son like he would with a lover. All at once he felt nauseous as well as warm and... Happy.

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Vejita sighed as he stepped out of his quarters, the door slid shut behind him, the boy still asleep in bed. Morning hadn't come soon enough. All night he lie awake trying to figure out the situation, to understand why he didn't push his son away, why he wouldn't.

His face hardened then, and he shook his head, starting for the training hall. He still couldn't think clearly. What he needed was some intense training to clear his head.

An hour later, his body drenched in sweat, the prince felt the beginnings of calm. He dropped to the floor, his boots tapping as he landed. Yes, he felt much better now.

Why had Kakarotto come to sleep in his bed? Something about the boy waking and... He didn't really get an explanation. Still, his son sneaking into his bed was nothing. In fact, he'd almost expected it the first few nights. What he hadn't thought of was waking and finding his hand... Kami, why had his hand been there? Surely, Kakarotto hadn't placed it there. The boy was far too innocent to do such a thing. So, he must have been touching his own son like that.

Vejita muttered, squeezing his eyes shut. He was sleeping, it couldn't be helped, his mind was elsewhere. Then, how come when he'd awoke to it, he hadn't insisted the boy return to his own bed? Why had he allowed his own son to move close and lie with him like that? Like he'd lie with a lover after sex. Kami, it was maddening! He just couldn't understand what he'd been thinking.

No, that was a lie. He knew, he knew what had been passing through his mind as that warm palm slid over his bare chest, moist with sweat. Kami, he knew exactly what he'd been thinking.

Vejita roared, powering up as he threw himself into the air, kicking and punching ferociously at an invisible opponent. From the beginning he'd planned on being a better parent than his own father. He hadn't forced Kakarotto into the Royal Soldier Academy when he first started walking, instead, deciding to train the boy himself. He never forced his own son to bow to him or speak with formalities. So many things he did differently, better, and he could see the good of it in the boy. Kakarotto was kind, thoughtful, sincere, never harsh, never forced to act on pride. In all, it was as if the boy were a polar opposite of himself, and that pleased Vejita to no end.

So, why had he stooped to such an awful thing? He'd been groping his own son! Vejita blinked then, finally realizing what he was doing. He was at the floor of the training hall, a young soldier's neck being crushed beneath his boot. He relaxed his muscles and stepped back, but it was too late. The soldier was beyond dead, his tattered body lying in a massive pool of blood.

Vejita hissed, realizing that the blood covered his boots and gloves and was splattered across his chest.

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A harsh knock pulled him from his dreams, forcing him to blink his eyes. Morning already? He reached out, looking for his father's warmth to find it gone.

Sire, all three suns are up. Came Nappa's deep voice as he knocked again.

Kakarotto groaned, rising from bed and stumbling to the door.

Nappa stood at attention as the door slid open to reveal the young prince, The boy mumbled, wiping at his eyes.

Raditz stepped over then, Hey, you hungry?

Kakarotto nodded, stepping out of the room, his stomach growling. He was starved!

Where's the prince? Nappa asked then.

The young prince shrugged, I dunno. He answered, his voice glum. It wasn't often Vejita left his son to wake on his own.

They all started for the mess hall then, Kakarotto's bare feet padding along. He hadn't bothered with getting dressed, too hungry to care. They sat in their usual place, slave women hurrying over with heaping trays of food. Kakarotto ate in a rush as usual, finishing with record speed.

I've never seen a Saiya-jin eat so much. Raditz said through a chuckle, watching as the boy downed the rest of his drink before hopping to his feet.

I'm gonna go look for Papa.

Raditz shook his head, Wait a minute. You know you're not supposed to be running around on your own. I'm almost done, I'll come with you.

Kakarotto smiled, He's in tha trainin' hall. I'll go straight there.

Wait! How do you know that for sure? Just wait for Raditz. Nappa scolded, knowing if the prince were there, he'd be in deep shit for raising his voice to the boy.

The smile on Kakarotto's face faltered for only a second, Ah, don't worry, Nappa. I can feel his ki there. And with that he was running off, out of the room before another protest could be made.

Little brat. Nappa muttered, taking a bite.

Raditz chuckled, Pretty impressive though. That brat' can sense energy like the prince at only ten while neither of us have been able to yet.

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Kakarotto slowed his pace as he neared the huge entrance. His father's ki felt strange, unlike his usual self. He turned the corner and peered in. There were three slaves dragging a battered body off, but it wasn't the typical defeated soldier. No, this person was unusually limp, his tongue hanging out and eye's rolled up in their sockets. This soldier was dead.

Sucking in a deep, frightened breath, Kakarotto's eyes glanced about, taking in the sight of all that blood. There was just so much of it. He didn't know there could be so much in just one person. And there stood his father, practically drenched in it, looking far away, lost, and disgusted.

Kakarotto willed his shakiness away with little effect, looking anywhere but at the body as he entered. A quick glance and he saw that a trail of smeared blood was being formed as the slaves pulled and dragged the deceased soldier away. Kakarotto swallowed and approached his father, His little voice was soft and slightly broken.

Vejita heard the emotions in that voice clear as a bell. He turned and looked to his son, only centimeters shorter than himself. Tears were welling in those innocent eyes, frightened and unsure.

He answered finally, his voice gruff.

Did you? Did you kill that soldier? Kakarotto asked, whispering and moving closer still.

It dawned on Vejita that this was the first time his son had ever seen death. Kami, he'd been sheltering the boy from this kind of violence for so long. First he molested him, then killed before his eyes. What kind of father was he? Surely he wasn't doing much better than his own father. At least he'd been hardened from the beginning. Kakarotto was no doubt traumatized with all this.

Hai, I killed him. Vejita answered as Nappa and Raditz entered the room, their eyes wide. They hadn't seen their prince behave this way since the child had been born.

Kakarotto screamed then, No! Why?! He was so confused. This just wasn't right! What could the soldier have possibly done to deserve such a harsh, painful death. No one deserved such a thing. His mind was reeling, and he was dizzy.

The prince was shocked, he hadn't expected this kind of reaction. The boy was about to teeter over, so Vejita reached out, prepared to steady his son. This, however, caused the boy to only scream out again, No, no!

Vejita realized then that his hands were still covered in blood, Kakarotto, get a grip!

His father's words were harsh and he didn't understand. Those bloody hands reached out again, and he slapped at them, wanting them away. His outstretched arms threw him off balance, and he sank to the floor with an unceremonious thump, the tears coming stronger once he was there.

Raditz, get over here! Get him off the floor! Vejita bellowed, watching the long-haired warrior rush over, scooping the bawling child up in his arms easily.

Vejita stepped away then, noticing his son's wide eyes starring at his still bloody hands. The prince growled, ripping his gloves off and holding his clean hands up, There, see! Kami, like a fucking woman! And what are you doing running around half-dressed! Haven't I told you not to do that? And what are you doing running around alone! I've made it clear that you're to stay with either Nappa, Raditz, or myself!

Kakarotto's tears slowed as he listened to his father's tirade, But... I was comin' ta stay with you... I shouldn't have. Kami, Papa... How often do you do this?

The prince narrowed his eyes, Not often since your birth.

Kakarotto sniffed, wiggling out of Raditz's arms, Why? Why at all?

Vejita growled, I don't have to answer to you! You're my son! Now, go to our quarters, change and stay there.

He bent, lifting one of his father's bloodied gloves by a clean portion. He took it with him as he turned to leave, Raditz following him out.

Vejita remained some hours, trying to get back into his training, trying to will his mind to clear, but it was impossible, especially with the slaves cleaning and scrubbing at all the blood. He dismissed Nappa and Raditz, and finally, gave in himself, leaving the training hall in need of a shower.

He stepped into his quarters to find it empty. Seconds later, however, he heard the shower and the sounds of crying. He sighed, pulling at his clothes, tossing them out into the hall once he managed to get them off without getting too much blood on his skin. He then pulled on a pair of gi pants and headed for the washroom.

The door wasn't locked and opened easily. And there, sitting on the floor, was a naked Kakarotto, rubbing a bar of soap to the glove he held in his hand.

He said, stepping in and maneuvering around the shower's spray, turning the water off once he reached the controls.

He repeated, finally getting the boy to look up, What are you doing?

The boy sniffed, holding up the red-tinted glove, It won't come clean. He whispered, fresh tears springing forth.

Vejita's brows pulled together, as he reached out and took the thing from his son, It's not important. He said, tossing the glove over to the counter as he squatted down.

You're Saiya-jin. Vejita said, watching as the tears slowed while the boy listened, All Saiya-jin train to be strong so that they can win their fights, kill their opponents. I've kept you from it for too long already. I think it's time I enroll you in the Royal Soldier Academy.

Kakarotto's eyes went wide, No! Please, don't send me away, Papa! I promise to do better. Please, I'll do whatever you say. Just... Don't send me away.

The prince berated himself. He couldn't deny that sweet voice, Fine, but tomorrow you get your own room. No exceptions. He could see what little color there was drain from his son's face. But the boy didn't object, simply nodding after a moment.

Kakarotto stood, and Vejita suddenly realized that his son was naked. He quickly stood and forced his eyes not to roam that long, lithe body. Kakarotto reached out then, placing his hand over a broken place in the shower wall, What's this from? He asked quietly, I've always wondered why you would hit the wall in here.

Vejita smirked, That was just before you were born. I was pissed off with your mother and my father and just... Punched the wall. He explained, remembering that day all those years ago when the goddess had claimed pregnancy. He'd wished against it so, yet now, he couldn't imagine life without his son.

Kakarotto's eyes went wide, My mother?

Realizing his mistake, Vejita quickly shook his head, I don't want to speak of it. Now, get out so that I can take my shower. His son nodded and did as he was told, leaving him alone in the steamy washroom. Never had he slipped like that before. In all these years he'd never mentioned the woman, and Kakarotto had never asked of his mother. The episode from last night really had his brain fried. He just wasn't thinking straight.

He turned the water on again and stripped his gi pants off, tossing them to the counter, noticing the glove he'd thrown there moments ago was gone. He shook his head and let it slide. The boy could keep the damned thing if he wanted.

All this would be fixed tomorrow. His son would get his own room, and everything else would be forgotten. Vejita sighed, stepping under the scorching spray, at least, he hoped so.

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It took the entire day to have everything arranged. His father gave out orders while Nappa helped out. Raditz was off somewhere on an assignment from the king, and Kakarotto just stood back and watched in silence. The room was between his father's and Nappa's and just opposite Raditz's. His bed was moved and simple furnishings and bedding were provided, the closet filled with any clothing he may need.

He sat there on his bed now, alone, looking about. There wasn't a window in here, and already, he missed the suns' rays. It was evening, and he'd told his father he was tired, that he wanted some time to himself.

Kakarotto lay back, kicking his boots off. He was so confused. Was training all there really was? It just didn't seem right. He could think of so many other things he cherished more. The way Raditz made him laugh, the way Nappa made him feel safe, the smell of fresh, hot food just served, the sounds his feet and boots made as he walked or ran through the corridors, his father's warmth...

He stopped in his thoughts. That night his father had touched him and he'd returned that touch, it had been the most wonderful feeling. He wanted more of that with him, only him. He wanted his father to be proud of him, want him near, pleased with him as a person.

It was all so complicated, and he still had that image in his head of his father covered in blood. The glove, still stained, was hidden in the little drawer of his nightstand. Death, pain, it all seemed so wrong. And now that he thought about it, he knew he wasn't like most other Saiya-jin. He was a as his father often said. He was soft, like a woman as others said. But why? Why was he different?

Kakarotto pressed the heels of his palms to his eyes, trying so hard to just understand. Maybe it was as his father said. He'd been kept from so much for so long... It was time he see the truth of reality, the truth of being a Saiya-jin.

He wanted so desperately to be lying beside his father, in those strong arms. No way that was going to happen any time soon. He'd been all but rejected what with his own room and everything. What he need to do was train, prove to his father that he could be strong, that he was Saiya-jin. Maybe then his father would want him back. Kami, he hoped so.

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To be continued...

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