Immortal Together
By: Amalthea AKA Hatti Lee
Started: 2.22.4
Author's notes: Hello everyone! Long time, no see, ne? Sorry. Many issues, too much to explain, no excuses. I wonder if anyone even remembers this fic? Well, I just couldn't stand to leave it unfinished, so I've returned to do just that. I don't expect anymore delays like the last one, so no worries. Anyway, enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Ball Z or its characters. So, no suing, okay?
Warnings: This fic contains homosexuality as well as incest. Does that not interest you? Then go no further. Also, this fic is rated R for sexual content , language, and violence. Please do not proceed if you're not of age.
Chapter XII
Vejita woke first, feeling surprisingly relaxed and well rested. He looked down on his son still sleeping soundly and silently thanked him. For if he'd had it his way, they'd have been up late making love. Kakarotto had be right though. The day was going to be a long one filled with much stress. He glanced the clock's way and noted that it was far later than he usually woke. Nappa would be pounding on the door soon.
Leaning down, Vejita pressed his lips to his son's in a chaste, morning kiss. Kakarotto hardly stirred, moving only to lick his lips before slipping back into the land of dreams. The prince shook his head as he rose, deciding to give the boy a few more moments of sleep while he took a quick shower.
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Kakarotto awoke alone, but needn't panic. His Saiya-jin ears quickly picked up on the obvious sounds of water running. He stretched, his limbs gliding over worn bedding, before sitting up, yawning. He could still sleep a couple more hours, but he'd be fine. After all, he and Vejita had slept well over ten hours. It was simply the sun's warmth that caused him to want to sleep longer. The trip home surrounded by the coldness of space had almost been unbearable. It would have been if he hadn't had his father, his lover, there with him.
A smile spilled onto his features as Kakarotto stretched again, scooting to the edge of the bed. The sound of faucet handles squeaking informed him that Vejita was finished with his shower. The young prince met his father at the washroom door, beaming at the older man.
Vejita, a bit startled to see his son up and awake, took a slight step back, "I thought you'd still be sleeping."
Kakarotto shook his head, moving in and wrapping his arms about the prince.
Vejita held the boy in return, a faint line of concern forming between his brows, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Kakarotto said through a sigh, "I'm just happy."
A chuckle escaped Vejita's lips. His son was such a simpleton. Their relationship was safe up until their return home, and yet through everything yet, it seemed the boy was now happiest with warmth in the air and on his skin.
"Mm, I wish we could stay in bed all day." The young prince whispered, lifting his head from his father's shoulder and planting a gentle kiss on the older man's lips.
………………………………...
Nappa walked alone from the training hall to the prince's chamber door, having left Raditz to train with a couple of palace guards. It seemed the long-haired warrior needed to get some of his frustrations out by sparring outside royal company.
Nappa lifted his fist and let it rain gently upon the unmarked door. No answer. Swallowing nervously, hoping he wasn't interrupting anything, Nappa knocked again. After a few more moments of waiting, the door came open, the prince standing before him in his typical navy training suit along with white gloves and boots. Within, Nappa could hear Kakarotto's childlike voice complaining.
Vejita turned from the door, "You've worn it plenty without whining before!"
Upon receiving a simple gesture from his prince, Nappa entered, the door closing behind him. Kakarotto stood near the closet wearing only a pair of snug-fitting, black sparring pants.
The boy pulled at the stretchy waistline, "Yeah, but I didn't like wearing it. I just did cause I thought you'd get mad if I didn't."
Vejita frowned, "And you think I won't now?"
"Common, Papa… It really is uncomfortable."
"Quit whining! I don't care what you wear, but on royal occasions you have to wear royal attire."
Nappa nearly chuckled as Kakarotto grumbled something unintelligible while stretching the long-sleeved shirt over his head.
"When do things start?" Vejita asked, ignoring his son's continued complaining.
"Four, but the king said your presence isn't required until five." Nappa answered.
Vejita glanced at the clock, "Good, we have some hours."
"Wanna do it?" Kakarotto piped up.
"Baka!"
Nappa couldn't stifle his amusement this time and chuckled out loud.
"What?" The boy questioned, the word being drawn out.
The prince sighed, "We have to be careful now. We can't 'do it' so soon before being in others' presence. Sex is the easiest thing to smell after blood. Only a good shower and a good amount of time can rid our bodies of the scent."
"Oh," The boy said in understanding, picking up where he left off and pulling on his boots, "I guess we'll just have ta wait 'til after then."
Nappa took note of the prince's smirk and shook his head, the lovers' conversing bringing a smile to his face. He then remembered, "Oh, Sire, I meant to ask… If I'm not needed this evening, might I be excused to attend to some affairs of my own?"
Vejita narrowed his eyes, undeniably curious; however, he didn't wish to pry, "That would be fine."
The bulky warrior bowed his head, turning to open the door, "Thank you, Sire. I'll see you both tomorrow morning then."
And with that, Nappa was gone, leaving both princes to stare after him, "What was that about?" Kakarotto asked.
Vejita shrugged, "None of our business. Come, let's get something to eat."
The boy nodded, hurriedly pulling on his gloves. They left the privacy of Vejita's quarters and started for the mess hall, a bounce in Kakarotto's step.
They sat where they always sat before, a round table with four chairs near the kitchen, slightly separate from all the other tables. There they were served plates heaping with the food they'd grown to love. The pre-made, frozen meals they'd lived on in space had nearly ruined eating for both of them, and dinner yesterday had been hardly satisfying thanks to the king's peculiar tastes, not that Vejita even took a bite.
"Mmm…" Kakarotto said through a mouthful, his cheeks bulging.
Vejita swallowed before speaking, "It's good to be home."
It didn't take long for either of them to clean their plates. Vejita was now sitting back, watching his son take on a mass of second helpings, "After this, let's spar a bit."
Kakarotto nodded his agreement.
………………………………...
The sky was already darkening as Nappa stepped outside the palace walls. He'd been meaning to do this for some time but simply hadn't. The time spent in space made him think on it as well as the opportunity to build his courage. Now, at last, he was going to see his sons. However, there was a chance that one or maybe both were in space, on a mission. Still, he had to find out if they were well, where they were, and when they'd be back.
He didn't even have to bother with flying, the Missions Hall was no more than half a kilometer from the palace. Normally it'd be teaming with warriors coming and going, no matter the hour, but that wasn't the case as Nappa enter. The massive halls were empty and quiet. He thought the place deserted for a moment, but there was a young man lounging behind the main desk.
"I'm looking for two warriors." He said, gaining the soldier's attention.
"Uh… Their names and ranks?" The young man asked, sitting up quickly, knocking over a pile of papers in the process.
"Tekita and Kiba, both first class." He answered with a straight face, although he hadn't spoken his sons' names in years.
The man behind the expansive desk punched in a few things on a computer, then began digging through sheaves of papers. At last, it seemed he'd found something, "Brothers, right?"
Nappa nodded and the young man continued, "Let's see, it seems one's on a mission… On Planet Hidelo, won't be back for a month or so. And the other… Oh, it seems he was killed recently on Planet Tok, purging mission."
Nappa fought all initial emotions, trying his best to react reasonably. He hated to ask, dreaded it, but nevertheless, "Which… Which one died?"
"Kiba."
The eldest. Nappa closed his eyes, again fighting his emotions. His eldest son was dead while the younger was out there in space, possibly facing his own death.
"What did you need with them anyway? I heard, despite their high ranks, that they weren't very good warriors, used to be trainers."
The bulky warrior didn't answer, instead turning, waving his had in a dismissive gesture as he left. He didn't immediately return to the palace. After all, he'd been given the evening off. So, Nappa wondered a bit, exploring streets he'd known by heart in his younger days.
It was hard to grieve as one should at the loss of a child for he'd barely known his. He tried though. As he ventured through the royal city, passing wealthy homes and impressive shops, Nappa recalled his memories with his children. There weren't many. They'd been entered into the academy at early ages due to his mate's death and his inability to care for them.
Nappa stopped when he realized he was amidst a number of slave shops and turned back. He would await his young son's return. Until then, he'd keep his eyes on the princes. It was a dangerous game they played, trying to keep their love a secret. For some reason, it felt like the right thing to do. What he needed now though was some rest, time to let everything soak in.
………………………………...
Kakarotto fell back, landing flat on his back, his head bonking against the hard training hall floor. It took only a few moments for his breathing to return to normal and only a few more for his strength to begin its rejuvenation, all thanks to his immortality.
"Had enough already?" Vejita asked, stepping over to look down on his son.
The young prince only smiled, reaching out and resting his hand against his father's ankle. They'd been training for about three hours now, and though his body could easily handle much more, his libido couldn't. Kakarotto was, simply put, very horny. He'd awoke wanting a quickie and was finding it hard to hide the proof of his state since there were other warriors in the large hall.
Vejita recognized the gleam in the boy's eyes to be lust, and it was hard not to notice his son's arousal, not to mention the slight, heady, unnaturally sweet scent that now wafted beneath his nose.
The prince glanced about. There were three warriors sparring together at the far end and a soldier training alone nearby. He wanted nothing more than to join his son on the floor and have his way with him, but it was all a silly thought, Instead, Vejita stepped away from his son's touch.
"Aw." Kakarotto said in mock sadness, a smile coming to his face seconds later.
Slipping down to a squatting position beside the boy, Vejita extended a hand to brush Kakarotto's open palm, "Come on. We should get ready." And with that, the prince rose and exited the hall. Moments later, he could hear the boy hearing after him, "Baka, I taught you to move without sound when you were ten."
Kakarotto chuckled, "Ah, but I like tha sound."
Vejita simply shook his head, forcing back a smirk. His son was surely the only one to enjoy such simple things. It was one of the reasons he loved him so.
As they approached the prince's room, Kakarotto asked, "We're gonna share your room from now on, right?"
Vejita waited until they were in, the door closed, before answering, "Of course, but no one can know. So, we'll have to keep up the illusion that you stay in your room."
When he received only a blank, confused expression from his son, the prince went on, "You'll have to be seen coming and going from your own room, which means we'll have to have a door put in so our rooms are connected."
"Oh, but whose gonna do it if no one can know?" Kakarotto asked while frowning at the royal armor and cape his father was laying out on the bed before him.
Vejita sighed, "I don't know right this moment! Quit pestering me and get dressed."
………………………………...
This was a celebration in honor of the royal heirs' safe return, and they were both exactly eleven minutes late now. King Vejita looked away from the digital clock hanging high on the far wall. He didn't want to seem concerned with his son's lateness.
The throne room was well lit with slaves scurrying about serving fine wines and tasty hors d'oeuvres. All the royals and high-ranking warriors were present, chatting idly with one another while slaves played pleasant music on instruments of their home planets. All in all it was a good turn out, except, of course, for the princes' absence.
Just as King Vejita glanced again to the clock, he heard a loud greeting from the crowd, "Ah, welcome home Prince Vejita, Young Prince Kakarotto!" At once the greeting was repeated by many others.
Prince Vejita nodded his thanks and slowly made his way to the royal thrones as well as his father, Kakarotto in tow.
"I see you finally made it." The king said, rising to greet his son and grandson.
Vejita didn't get the opportunity to snap back with his typical rude remarks, his attention drawn elsewhere. What was once two thrones was now three. The king's throne had always been, as far back as anyone could remember, large, tall, and golden. Beside it, long ago in the beginning of the Royal House of Vejita, another throne had been places, smaller in size but still rather large and just as golden. Now, beside the prince's throne, stood another, again smaller, but still golden and impressive. He glanced from his father to the new addition and back again.
The king grinned, "Yes, while you were gone, I had a throne built for Kakarotto."
Vejita turned to his son to see the boy's eyes alight with happiness and wonder, "Well," Vejita said, finding it hard to keep from laughing out, "Try it out, Kakarotto."
"I had to keep the people thinking positively during your long time away." The king explained, watching as his grandson plopped down, grinning from ear to ear.
"Thanks so much! It's really nice." Kakarotto said, pleased that his father and grandfather were getting along, shadows of smiles on bother their faces.
The king turned then, addressing the crowd once they quieted, "This is the first time in the history of the Saiya-jin when there's been an immortal king as well as two immortal heirs." The crowd cheered, and the king, prince, and young prince took their seats while a number of royals toasted to a safe return, Kakarotto's health, and a prosperous future for the Saiya-jin.
The night wore on, boring really. Kakarotto caught himself yawning on a number of occasions. He tried one of the colorful drinks being carried around on golden trays, but it tasted horrible. The hors d'oeuvres were yummy though.
Soon, people began taking their leave, wishing them well one last time. Once it was down to just slaves cleaning up and Kakarotto gobbling leftovers, the king stood and turned to his son, "Hopefully you've been thinking on my plans. No," the king said, holding up a hand in a gesture to keep his son from speaking, "Now's not the time. The night went well. We'll talk in the morning. Be here early." And with that, the king turned and left, leaving the princes alone with the few remaining slaves.
Vejita stood, placing a hand to his forehead and over his eyes, "He's driving me mad. He whispered, turning again and pacing somewhat.
The last of the slaves left the room, leaving it neat and clean. Kakarotto stood, moving close to his father, "Please don't be upset." He whispered, resting his hands gently upon Vejita's chest.
The prince sighed, "Come, let's get back to our room."
"Nn!" Kakarotto agreed enthusiastically, his arousal already beginning.
They walked hastily to their room, Kakarotto teasing his father with little touches to the older man's waist when no one was around. The second the door was closed and they were alone inside, their mouths came together, their hands working hurriedly with the removal of one another's clothing.
Deft fingers played over his groin and Vejita sucked in a breath mid-kiss, stepping back and out of reach, "Wait, wait…"
"What?" Kakarotto asked, slightly worried that perhaps he'd done something wrong.
"I have to see the king early in the morning, we can't."
Kakarotto frowned, moving close, running a hand lightly over his father's bare hip, "You sure? Even if we take a shower?"
Vejita closed his eyes, shifting his hips into the tough, "A night's time isn't long enough… The scent usually takes twenty-four hours or so to fade."
"Even if we took two showers?"
The prince chuckled, "Even if."
Kakarotto plopped down on the edge of the bed, still frowning.
"Sorry." Vejita whispered through a half-smile, "As soon as I get back, okay?"
The apology was enough to make Kakarotto smile, the promise had him grinning, "Okay!"
"Let's get to sleep then." Vejita said, moving to turn out the lights.
Kakarotto crawled beneath the covers, making room for his father on the narrow bed, "What are you gonna say to tha king?" He asked curiously once Vejita was settled in beside him.
The prince sighed, "I don't even know. I just don't want anything to do with the rule of the planet."
"I don't want you to have to be mean, but I like tha way the king's trying to help tha people." The boy said, snuggling up face to face with his father.
"Why do you even care about the people?" Vejita asked, honestly curious.
Kakarotto looked up into his father's eyes, his expression serious, "Nobody deserves to die."
The prince leaned forward, kissing his son on the lips chastely. The pureness of the boy's heart never failed to amaze him, "Sleep now." He whispered, pulling his son close, keeping his arm draped over the boys waist.
………………………………...
Nappa awoke to the familiar sound of his alarm clock. He felt better after a quick shower. His thoughts were still on his sons though. How had Kiba died? Was Tekita still alive? He wasn't sure how to deal with it all. However, life went on, and from the looks of the time, he needed to get moving and get the prince up.
He knocked three separate times before the door finally came open. Kakarotto stood there, half-naked and yawning.
"Where's Vejita?" Nappa asked.
"Had ta go see tha king." The boy mumbled, stepping back into the room and climbing back into bed.
Nappa, a bit unsure as to what he should do, entered the room. He chuckled as the boy tossed and turned until uncomfortable, "I can't imagine you as king."
Kakarotto looked to the bulky warrior, "Huh?"
Nappa only shook his head, a smile of amusement lingering upon his lips.
"Hey!" The boy said suddenly, sitting up wide-eyed, "Who could build a door between mine and Papa's room?"
Nappa was a bit startled with the question, but understood the reasoning. There were a number of people that could quickly and easily perform such a task, but it had to be someone that wouldn't suspect anything, someone who'd keep their mouth shut.
"I'll look into it. Shall it be done this morning?" Nappa asked, starting for the door, his mind set.
"Um… Before Papa gets back would be good." The boy answered after some thought.
Nappa nodded, "Perhaps you'd like to go train then while I get someone in here."
Kakarotto smiled wide, "Hai!" And with that he followed the bulky warrior out the door, each of them going different directions once they reached the main corridor.
The throne room was completely empty when Vejita got there, but he could see that the light was on beneath the council door. He didn't bother knocking, finding that only his father sat at the large table, papers cluttered before him.
Vejita entered and closed the door behind him, "I have a condition."
The king sat back in his chair, a pleased, victorious smiled upon his bearded face. He gestured for his son to continue.
"I'll keep order and take charge of criminal punishment, but only if I'm in charge of judgment as well. I will not be told whom to punish and how to do it when I don't even know their crime."
The king crossed his arms over his broad chest, "Very well. You can be in charge of passing judgment as well."
Vejita nodded, stepping closer and taking a seat opposite his father.
"Shall I tell you of my plans then?" The king said, gesturing to the mess of papers before him.
With a simple nod, a stack of printouts were slid the prince's way and his father began explaining his plans.
………………………………...
Kakarotto was happy to find Raditz in the training hall. He ran up to his friend, "Hiya!"
"Oh, hi." The long-haired warrior greeted, feeling awkward in the boy's presence.
"You wanna spar?" The young prince asked while tightening the knot of his gi pants.
Raditz only shook his head. He didn't have the heart to tell the boy that he'd signed up for open duty. He could be called up for a mission any day now. It was a privilege of being an elite warrior to have the choice to be listed under open or closed duty. Being under closed didn't mean you were off the hook though. If needed, the king could still call you up, but being listed under open duty meant you were going to be sent on mission after mission and also used in soldiery. Soldiers were constantly dispatched to punish and/or eliminate rebelling slaves and Saiya-jin.
Kakarotto frowned, "Why not?"
Raditz sighed, pulling himself from his thoughts, "It's just not the same anymore, kid."
"Oh." Was all Kakarotto said, still not understanding. Raditz never behaved so coldly. The long-haired warrior must still be upset about he and Vejita becoming lovers.
The boy smiled sweetly, "It's okay, Raditz, maybe ya just need some time, ne?"
The long-haired warrior sighed again, "Maybe." But he doubted it. With that, he turned and left.
Kakarotto watched his friend go a bit saddened by the warrior's continued strange behavior. Hopefully time would heal it. Instead of worrying about it, Kakarotto shook his head and began one of his less complicated katas.
………………………………...
Nappa was smiling, pleased, while testing the new door again. He'd found a skilled slave who was new to the planet and had yet to learn the Saiya-jin language. Of course, it had been somewhat difficult to convey to the worker the task, but the goal had been accomplished.
"It's finished already?"
Nappa turned. Kakarotto had hardly surprised him, especially not with those nosy footsteps. He nodded, "It's about time for lunch. Shall we go to the mess hall?"
Kakarotto shook his head, "I'm gonna wait here for Papa. You go ahead though."
Nappa gave a slight bow before leaving him alone. Kakarotto thought it odd for a moment. No one hardly ever bowed to him, especially when his father wasn't present. He wasn't sure he liked it.
Shaking his thoughts away, Kakarotto opened the new door and looked in on his old room. He'd yet to set foot inside since their return. There really wasn't much to see. All his childhood things had been thrown out long ago. There was his closet, the washroom, a small dresser, a night table, and his bed… His bed. An idea came to him then, and Kakarotto smiled as he set to work.
The norm for Saiya-jin beds for warriors and soldiers was a narrow single-sized frame topped with a somewhat thin, spring-less mattress. Kakarotto wasn't sure if they made bigger ones. If they did, the king and royals surely had them. His father was probably offered one, but undoubtedly denied it. The prince always did without frills, he thought of them as a weakness. It would be nice to have a large bed though since they slept together always. He wasn't a child anymore, it took a bit of effort to keep from falling out.
A grin on his face, Kakarotto drug his old bed to Vejita's. He pushed them together and thought for a moment. It wouldn't do for them to slide apart, and it was a possibility since they were so active in bed. The solution he decided on was to tied the two bed frames together using torn bits of an extra sheet. Once done, he fixed the bedding and stood back to look at his handy work, a giddy smile on his face.
To be continued…