......................................
Immortal Together
......................................
A Dragon Ball Z Fan Fiction
......................................
By: Hatti Lee
......................................
Also known as:
BelovedAnimosity,
Amalthea, &
Saiyajin Peach
......................................
Started: 2.22.4
......................................

Author's Notes: Hiya! Again and again, I apologize for my slow postings. I hope you guys stick with me, this is most definately going to be a long one. Anyway, enjoy chapter ten!

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!

......................................
Chapter X
.....................................

Raditz sat on the edge of his bed, still trying to understand what he couldn't possibly have just overheard. If his ears were correct, it was sex, but that just couldn't be right.

Deciding it best not to jump to conclusions, Raditz exited his room, crossing the narrow hall and approaching Nappa's chamber door. He glanced about to see that the light was still on in the princes' room as well as in Nappa's. Lifting a fist, he gently tapped the metal door.

Come in. Came Nappa's deep voice from within. Raditz pressed the entrance pad and the door slid open. Nappa was sitting in bed reading something, a sheaf of papers.

The long-haired warrior stepped further into the room, allowing the door to close behind him, Did you just hear what I heard? He whispered, moving to take a seat at the end of the bed.

Nappa visibly sighed, nodding as he sat up, dropping the slight stack of papers to the floor.

Raditz shook his head in disbelief, It can't be. Have they lost their minds?

It seems they've been struggling with this for some time. Nappa said, remembering his recent conversation with the prince.

Raditz again shook his head, pushing away a few stray locks that had fallen forward, No one's going to stand for this. It's wrong, and just... Well, disgusting. His nerves betrayed him and a shutter ran down his spine as he imagined the images behind the sounds.

Nappa glanced at his comrade, a little surprised, What do you care? It's their business.

Raditz quickly answered, They're royalty... Their business is everyone's business. What will everyone think?

Nappa felt the urge to argue his point, but held back. He reminded himself of the near decade that separated he and his fellow warrior's age and the difference it caused in their opinions. He shook his head and dismissed the conversation with a wave of his hand.

A little unsettled by the older man's lack of concern on the matter, Raditz reluctantly let it drop. He pushed it to the back of his mind where it'd have to wait. He'd think on it later, on what it meant for the future of the Saiya-jin.

Instead, he turned his attention to the papers lying messily on the floor where Nappa had dropped them, What's that?

The bulky warrior lifted the print out he'd been reading, Just information. He mumbled, skimming the text for maybe the thousandth time.

Curious now, Raditz leaned closer, Information on what?

Still somewhat angered at the long-haired warrior's reaction to the princes' love making, not to mention that suddenly annoying, peering gaze, Nappa scowled, None of your business. Get out of here so I can get some sleep!

Raditz chuckled as he quickly rose, No need to get bent out of shape... I don't care anyway. His laughter died as he neared the door, Good night. And with that he was out of the room, heading back to the quiet of his own quarters. On his way, he noticed the light remained on in the princes' room. Another shiver ran down his spine and what remained of his amusement at Nappa's silly secretiveness melted away. As much as he cared for the young prince, he just couldn't let this slide. It was simply wrong, on so many levels. He tried not to worry over it as he entered his room, surely the king as well as other royals and soldiers wouldn't stand for it.

.....................................

Nappa scanned the pages once more before tucking them away beneath his bedding. He'd come across the information only a short time before they'd left on their current mission. He'd been keeping track of his sons' whereabouts ever since they'd been enrolled in the Royal Soldier Academy. Mostly they stuck together, both working as trainers at the Academy after graduation. However, lately there seemed to be a decline in new recruits, therefore creating little need for trainers without pupils.

Nappa sighed, starring out at the blackness of his quiet room. His sons were true soldiers now. Strong too from the looks of the numbers on those pages. They were no doubt out there this very moment on a purging mission, learning the brutal truth behind what it meant to be Saiya-jin.

He hadn't seen either of them in some twenty years. He wondered if they had any offspring. It was unlikely, unless either of them happened to pair up with a foreign slave or something. There simply weren't many Saiya-jin women like there used to be.

The bulky warrior closed his eyes. Perhaps it was his age getting to him, or maybe this seemingly endless trip in the black loneliness of space. He thought back to the days when he'd first been assigned to bodyguard the prince, back when his mate was still alive. It had been dumb to take her truly, completely, as Saiya-jin are capable of doing. She hadn't been able to survive their time apart while he was ordered on mission after mission.

He could just imagine the young prince speaking in that soft little voice to the prince, With love, we'll never be alone, never die alone. The thought made him smile. For many years he'd been unsure as to why he'd survived his mate's death, but lately, especially since the young prince's birth, he'd begun to see. Their love, now so very obvious to him, was going to need protecting. He believed in his prince and cared about the lovers' future together.

As Nappa slipped away into the land of peaceful sleep, a decision fell strongly into place. He would stand behind them and support them every step of the way.

.....................................

Vejita awoke some hours before it was actually time to rise. The lights were still on, and he found himself unable to fall back asleep upon looking down at his son sleeping soundly in his arms. The boy's hands remained upon him, their bodies close, his mouth open as he slept, a slight string of saliva creating a pool of drool on their bedding. Vejita couldn't help but chuckle. Such a beautiful child.

The thought saddened him just seconds after it'd come to him. There was still a whisper of doubt in the back of his mind. Kakarotto was just a child. How could the boy possibly understand what he wanted?

Vejita shook his head, carefully turning in order to lie on his side and face his lover. That made him smile. Yes, Kakarotto was his lover now. He reached out and gently wiped the string of drool from those soft, feminine lips. The action caused the boy to shift slightly, licking his lips before closing his mouth and slipping back into deep sleep.

The prince remained that way, watching his son sleep until the nearby digital clock announced it was time to get up. He quickly silenced the device, it's annoying sound capable of driving him mad when left to blare. Kakarotto didn't move. He'd always been a sound sleeper. This private knowledge caused Vejita to smile again as he sat up, placing a hand to his son's shoulder and gently shaking, He whispered, leaning down when the boy refused to wake. The prince extended his tongue and licked across his son's cheek.

Kakarotto blinked several times, allowing his eyes to focus. He'd awoke to a warm, wet feeling gliding across his face. The sensation instantly reminded him of the night's happenings, and he looked up to see his father gazing down at him. He grinned, He greeted in his groggy morning-voice, rising to place his lips to his father's.

The kiss was sweet and chaste, and somehow surprisingly satisfying. Vejita couldn't remember ever being happier. He watched as the boy rose to his knees, moving even closer, pale hands extending to smooth over his chest. Vejita closed his eyes, wondering what exactly his son had in mind. Warm breath was on his ear then, and Kakarotto whispered, Can we do it again now?

Vejita wanted to groan and laugh at the same time. The boy's statement was the embodiment of himself. Sensually erotic and innocently pure at the same time. The prince nodded, intending to keep this quick. He knew well enough that no sound could be unheard on their tiny ship, and it seemed... Rude to carry on while Nappa and Raditz were up and about. Normally, he wouldn't care, but since the beginning of their mission, they'd all grown so close. He didn't want to cause his... Friends discomfort. Vejita chuckled. His cruel, cold past-self would be laughing at his soft-hearted present-self.

As the prince had silently planned, their love making was quick and somewhat quiet. (The boy seemed to have difficulty controlling his reactions, vocal and physical, which pleased Vejita to no end.) Kakarotto had obviously taken their wakeful companions into consideration as well.

They dressed in silence, enjoying the sight of one another pulling clothes on almost as much as taking it off. They exited their room later than usual, heading for the small mess hall/kitchen. Nappa and Raditz were already there, seated and eating.

Kakarotto plopped down in his seat while his father prepared their plates, Morning, Nappa, Raditz. He said through a sunny smile.

Nappa smirked, nodding in reply, knowing full well the cause to the young prince's happier-than-usual mood.

The room fell into a slightly awkward silence. Kakarotto was somewhat disappointed that Raditz was acting unlike himself. The long-haired warrior hadn't smiled or greeted him in any way. Surely they all knew of the night's events. It was a perfect opportunity for Raditz to joke and tease like he normally would.

Vejita noticed the tension in Raditz as well as the slight sadness it caused in Kakarotto, but there was nothing that could be done. There were going to be those that would be uncomfortable or disgusted because of their relationship. They finished eating in relative silence. The prince spoke up though before anyone could rise to leave, Wait a moment. He said, gaining everyone's attention.

Surely, both of you know what took place last night. Vejita said, continuing once he received a nod from each of them, Kakarotto and I are lovers now.

Raditz spoke up then, his curiosity outweighing his fear of the prince's wrath, But... But why?

Vejita sighed, I don't have to explain myself to you... But, I will. Kakarotto and I have been struggling with our emotions for longer than you know. His near death... Opened my eyes, I guess you could say. I know it's a weakness, but we... Love one another.

Raditz started, intending to exclaim just how wrong it all was, but he was interrupted.

Raditz, can't you be happy for us? Kakarotto asked, sincerely hoping it could all be that simple.

The long-haired warrior shook his head, You know I care about you, Kakarotto, but it's just not right. You're maybe too young to understand, but... But you should know better, Sire! He said, the last directed to the prince.

Vejita snorted, What's there to know? He was growing tired of this talk and it's direction. He was being more than generous, explaining himself, letting Raditz get away with speaking to him with such a tone unpunished. The fool should shut up while he's ahead.

Raditz rose to his feet, It's forbidden! Love will make you weak as a ruler, same-sex pairing is unheard of among royalty, and he's your son! That's the worst of all! If Kakarotto were female, you'd be tainting the royal bloodlines! It's just... Wrong, immoral and wrong!

Nappa jumped to his feet, smashing a fist to the table, creating a booming noise, causing all the dishes to clatter, Watch yourself, Raditz! You forget to whom you speak! He roared.

You think I haven't thought of all this? You think I didn't suffer with the decision? Vejita said calmly, his anger a quiet rage within. He didn't want to cause Kakarotto more pain by arguing and yelling. As it was, the boy's big, beautiful eyes were shiny as he watched on.

Nappa's right, Vejita said, rising then, his voice still calm, but with a stern edge now, You forget to whom you speak. Raise your voice to me again, and I'll be forced to punish you.

The long-haired warrior let out a harsh breath, angered with the entire room. Prince Vejita had obviously lost his reasoning as well as Nappa, who seemed to support the situation. Then there was Kakarotto. He still felt for the boy, but... It was simply wrong. He couldn't encourage the situation by remaining friendly with the young prince, as if he didn't mind any of it. He sighed again before turning and leaving the room and all those he thought he knew.

Nappa watched his fellow warrior rush out of the room before turning back to the princes. He remained still, watching in silent awe as Vejita's angered expression melted. The prince moved to Kakarotto, kneeling and whispering comfortingly to the boy. Kakarotto was nodding then, a slight smile pulling at his lips. Nappa watched a moment longer as they snaked their arms about one another. He got the sense that they'd forgotten that he was even there. Thinking it best, he quietly left the room, politely giving them their privacy.

Kakarotto took a deep breath, calming his beating heart, I just don't understand why he's angry.

Vejita stood then pulled his son up to stand before him. He leaned in and kissed the boy's forehead then, My son... He whispered, pulling back to look Kakarotto in the eyes, There will be many like him. Try not to let it worry you.

The young prince still wasn't too sure he understood why so many were going to be mad. What did it matter if he and his father loved one another? Was there really something so wrong with being happy? It was just so baffling.

He shrugged it off for now though. He'd follow his father's advice and try his best to not let it worry him. Calm and collected, he smiled, Let's train, ne?

Vejita chuckled,

.....................................

King Vejita was alone in his own private training hall when the message came. A young man of mixed species politely entered his presence, bowing deeply, Sire, Prince Vejita's ship has been detected on radar.

The king stopped in his training, turning to face the young man fully, When will he be arriving?

In less than a weeks time.

Very well. And with that, the king waved the messenger away.

So, his son would be returning at last. He still remembered their last conversation. The prince had all but out right challenged him. The king didn't doubt that his son were the stronger, but even so... It seemed the prince cared more for the boy than he did about anything else, including the Royal House of Vejita, including the livelihood of the entire planet and its people.

The king blamed himself. It had been he who'd raised his son so poorly, always keeping him at arms length. Without a mother, the prince had grown cold and cruel, which hadn't been so bad really. However, since the birth of the young prince, the king noticed changes within his son. He supposed it was inevitable. Having a bad childhood can make one wish to do better for one's own offspring.

Things had to change though.

During the absence of both royal heirs, the king found himself portraying the rutheless ruler more than ever. It had been more than difficult to keep fear in his people, to keep others from wanting his crown. Now that his heirs were returning, he could finally do the things he'd secretly been planning for his people these past two years.

He'd noticed the continuing downfall in the population of pure-blooded Saiya-jin as well as the dwindling economy. He needed to create new laws, laws to keep his people safe and minimize their deaths, which meant less planet purging. It was simply far too dangerous to do so often. The business was going out of fashion anyway. There were hardly any planets left to purge. Their people needed to come up with a new way to survive. Perhaps they could stop depending on others and try to maintain themselves. Also, it wouldn't hurt to create laws for punishment against those who recklessly killed one another over petty things.

The king sighed. His thoughts were just thoughts. They'd yet to be perfected since he'd been unable to bring them up to the royal advisers. When he did, it was going to be a sign of weakness. That's why he had to wait until Prince Vejita's return. His son was going to have to play the ruthless ruler while he managed things. That way no one would get any silly ideas about overthrowing the Royal House of Vejita.

Thus, upon his return, Prince Vejita was going to be careful not to portray the soft-hearted father.

.....................................

Each night now for the past week or so, Nappa found himself going to sleep to the sounds of love-making. It wasn't annoying or disgusting or anything like that. Actually, in a weird way, it was comforting. He was truly pleased for his prince. After all, he'd watched the foul-tempered young man grow into adulthood with little to no happiness in his life. This new development seemed, to Nappa, a good thing, and it honestly made him smile.

However, last night was a little different. Kakarotto could be quite vocal, and once seemed to not be enough for the new couple. So the bulky warrior only managed a few hours of sleep.

He yawned again as he began reading the ship's navigational data. They were getting closer and closer to home. In fact, as he scanned the numbers and codes, it seemed they were a day, maybe two, from arrival. He double checked the information then went over maintenance data; fuel levels, food supply, meteor damage, etc.

Once finished, he headed for the mess hall and breakfast. He was surprised to see Vejita and Kakarotto already seated at the table. He grinned devilishly, I didn't think you two would be up so early.

Vejita shrugged and continued eating. A slight blush befell Kakarotto's pale cheeks for just a moment. It seemed more a happy remembrance than embarrassment. Nappa only chuckled at their slight reactions and further entered the room, making himself a plate, Seems we'll be home soon.

At this the two princes looked up, their eyes waiting somewhat anxiously for him to go on, to give more information. He chuckled again, I'd say we'll be home in less than forty-eight hours.

Kakarotto laughed out, Ah! That's good news, ne?

What's good news? Raditz asked with a much less cheery tone as he entered the room, making himself a plate. He listened as Nappa explained their situation, nodding now and then to confirm that he was listening.

It'll be good to get of this ship, huh? Kakarotto said, still grinning, looking to each of his fellow Saiya-jin.

Vejita sighed, I suppose, but life back home is going to be more difficult than it used to be.

The young prince's smile fell away, What do you mean?

I mean, Vejita said, turning to face everyone, making it clear he was addressing all of them, This, between Kakarotto and myself, is going to have to stay between us.

A secret? The boy asked, trying to fully understand.

The prince nodded, Hai. Not a word.

Raditz's lip curled up, anger in his eyes, Do you intend to hide it forever?

Vejita eyed the long-haired warrior, Well I don't plan on flashing it in everyone's face. He said, his words thick with sarcasm, his tone more than rude.

Kakarotto tilted his head ever-so-slightly, giving his father a comforting look.

Although he doubted Kakarotto meant the look to say, Calm down, we're all just trying to understand, That's what he perceived from those beautiful, black eyes. He sighed, At first, yes. We're all going to hide this... Relationship. I want to find out what's been going on, the planet's status, what power my father still holds, and most importantly, the peoples' view of Kakarotto and myself. All this is going to take time.

He sighed again, I do plan to announce it, but not until I'm ready, not until I'm confident everyone else is ready.

Kakarotto's grin had returned by this point, and he looked from Nappa to Raditz. The big, bald bodyguard was smirking, almost smiling, and this pleased the young prince. The long-haired bodyguard, however, was scowling, looking horribly frustrated. This caused the boy's smile to slip away yet again. He hoped it wouldn't take too long for Raditz to accept he and his father's relationship.

Vejita straightened his posture, Okay, not a word from any of you, right? He asked, his voice stern, a smirk pulling at his lips.

They said in unison, Kakarotto's answer enthusiastic as he too sat up straight, trying in vain to appear regal.

.....................................

To be continued...

Sorry this chappie's not as long as I'd have liked. Forgive me! I'll have the next one up as soon as I'm able. Promise! Oh, and it will be sure to contain some more yummy citrus! Stay tuned please!