Immortal Together

By: Amalthea AKA Hatti Lee

Started: 2.22.4

Author's notes: Hello. Thank you to those of you who are reading again. And thank you very much to those of you who are reviewing. Arigato! I wonder if maybe I'm moving too slowly with this fic? It should pick up with the next chapter, this one's a bit of a filler I think. Anyway, I hope you 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 XV

Nappa was waiting for them in the hall looking nervous as hell, "Worried?" Kakarotto asked, a grin on his face as he tightened the sash about his waist, securing his faded, blue gi.

Vejita spoke before the bulky warrior could answer his son's mindless question, "Let's get going. I have to be in the throne room as soon as possible."

They didn't talk further as they walked briskly down the corridor towards the dock. The air outside was warm and dry, the wind causing Kakarotto to laugh like a child, "We should come out here more often." Many eyes turned their way. The dock was fairly crowded with comings and goings, more arriving than leaving. It wasn't often the royal family came to the docks, it could be dangerous out in the open after all.

Nappa approached a coordinator, "Has Tekita arrived yet?"

The soldier looked more than annoyed, "From what planet?"

"I… I don't know."

"Then how am I supposed to know?" The man said, turning to walk away, clipboard in hand.

Vejita stepped forward, "I'm looking for a warrior by the name of Tekita. Where is he?"

The soldier stopped, shoulders stiffening as he turned, obviously scared shitless. The prince was getting quite the reputation. While he was fair and just in his new position, he wasn't known for mercy and the punishments were often severe. Fearing for his very life, the soldier lifted the clipboard and began rifling through numerous papers. Tekita, Tekita, Tekita…

"Ah, he arrived late last night. He should be reporting to the Missions Hall."

Vejita sighed in frustration, turning away without so much as responding to the soldier, "Looks like you'll have to go it alone, Nappa. I'm already late."

Nappa nodded, "But… I can't order him to the palace."

"I'll have to send a request through the king, I'll rush it of course." Vejita said as he walked through the double doors and back into the palace, Kakarotto and Nappa in tow.

The bulky warrior sighed, "Of course."

"Can't I go? I want to meet Nappa's son. Hey, I can make orders, right?"

"No!" Vejita said without a thought.

Kakarotto whined, "Aw, why not?"

Vejita whirled around, "Do you know how dangerous it is outside? I will not allow you to go walking around in the open the way you look!"

The boy's eyebrows drew together in question, "The way I look?"

Vejita took a calming breath, "I know you're strong, but you look just as you did when you were made immortal. Your thin, pale, not to mention young… You're strong, but you appear weak."

Kakarotto's hands fisted at his sides, "I can take care of myself. I want to do this for Nappa."

"I said no." And with that the prince started walking again, quickly now.

"It doesn't matter what you say, I'm going, okay? I'll let you know as soon as we get back, so don't worry. Come on, Nappa." Kakarotto said, turning back for the docks.

Vejita turned again, ready for a fight. Only, he couldn't bring himself to yell once he saw the look on his son's face. The boy was smiling, determined. Vejita growled, "Fine!" And turned on his heels yet again as he made his way to the throne room more briskly this time.

Kakarotto, still smiling, turned to Nappa, "Well, let's go."

Nappa remained silent, nodding in agreement. He'd never seen the young prince behave so… Demandingly? It put a smile to his face. These too, Vejita and Kakarotto, were as much his family as Tekita. It was obvious Kakarotto cared strongly for him, and he knew the prince did too in his own way. He followed the boy back out onto the docks, watching as the young prince breathed deep, enjoying the fresh, warm air. Nappa led the way, weaving between warriors and soldiers until they came to the massive gate. It was like the backdoor of the palace, heavily guarded. No one got in or out without clearance. Of course, both Nappa and Kakarotto were well known, so it didn't take much trouble to get through.

Kakarotto was in complete awe of the outside world. He'd never really been outside the palace save for his trip in space. The wide road they walked along was lined with impressive buildings. Nappa explained that they were mostly government offices and what not. Their destination wasn't too far, another of those fancy buildings situated near the end of the street.

It was a bit busier than before, more warriors having returned home. Nappa approached the front desk, noticing that a new soldier sat behind the desk, a woman shortly cropped hair. He cleared his throat, "I'm looking for a warrior by the name of Tekita. He arrived last night."

Her eyes revealed that she knew who he was, and she didn't question him as she began looking through the many papers before her. It took several minutes, "Tekita, first class?"

Nappa nodded.

"He's being held in the back until he'd given orders."

"Held?" Kakarotto asked, concern clear in his eyes.

"Temporary quarters." The woman explained, not quite certain if she knew who this boy was or not. Perhaps it was Nappa's son? "Is that all then?" She asked, looking around them to the warrior waiting behind them.

Kakarotto spoke up again, "No. We need him to come here."

She smiled, "I'm sorry, but he's not allowed to leave until he's receive new orders."

Kakarotto frowned, but Nappa spoke before he could, "He's receiving orders, as are you. This is Young Prince Kakarotto."

Her eyes went unimaginably wide, "Ka… Kakarotto?"

The boy nodded, all smiles.

That's where she'd recognized him! "Right away, Sire!" She jumped out of her seat and grabbed the nearest Missions Hall soldier, informing him of the situation. In seconds, word had spread and all eyes were on them. While they waited, the woman took the opportunity to apologize, "I'm so sorry, Sire. I didn't realize."

Kakarotto waved his hand, "It's okay. I don't get out much."

"Sire." They turned to see that the soldier had returned, and beside him, stood Tekita, looking rather sleepy. Kakarotto had thought he'd be tall, but hadn't expected him to be nearly as tall as Nappa, standing surely at 240 centimeters. He was just as Nappa said, in his early thirties, still young for a Saiya-jin, but no where near the young prince's age, as he'd hoped. Kakarotto smiled. Tekita looked nice if only a little sleepy. Traveling did that though. He was obviously strong with well-defined muscles not nearly as bulky as Nappa's. His skin was on the lighter side, his hair a rich brunette kept short and clearly unruly.

"Hiya, Tekita!" Kakarotto said, stepping closer.

The young man looked hesitant, unsure as to who the hell this skinny boy was. Then he noticed his father, and his eyes went wide, "Father?"

Nappa nodded, unable to stop the slight smile that pulled at his lips, "It's been some time."

Tekita shook his head, amazed. His father looked just as he did all those years ago, "What are you doing here?"

Nappa sighed, the smile fading, "I've been worried."

Tekita's thoughts ran to his elder brother, and his eyes misted over, "Kiba…" He whispered.

Averting his gaze, Nappa nodded, unable to hide the sorrow from his voice, "I heard."

Kakarotto chimed in, "Hey, let's get out of here. Everyone's staring."

"Where are we going?" Tekita asked, speaking to his father.

"The palace. You're to serve the royal family as I do."

Tekita nodded. For many years he'd hated his father, blamed him for the death of his mother and his enrollment into the academy at such a young age. It had been many years though, and he couldn't bring himself to hate his father any longer. He understood how the world worked now that he was a man. He knew such things happened on a daily bases. Besides, he and his brother had been lucky. They'd been enlisted as trainers once they'd completed their own training at the academy. They'd been together for many years, living happily.

Sorrow weighed on his heart, still not quite able to believe that Kiba was dead. Now he was to go to the palace? Tekita wasn't sure if he was lucky or unlucky. No doubt it would be nice to be close to his father, to have someone again like he had back in the days when he and Kiba had spent every second of their free time together. But he'd heard many rumors about the royal family. Supposedly, the king was growing old and weak of mind despite his immortality. He wanted a simple world of peace as opposed to the glory of conquering and prospering as it had always been before. And the prince? Kami, he'd heard Prince Vejita was as ruthless as ever. Anyone he'd ever heard speak of the prince had always done so positively. Though the prince was extremely powerful and more often harsh than not, he was also just and now and again merciful. Many wished he were the new king. As for the young prince? He'd heard very little. Only that the prince was still training him in the ways of ruling, that the boy was a bit soft and terribly attractive.

They left the Missions Hall together, all eyes watching them go, "Let's walk down that street before going back!" Kakarotto exclaimed, pointing down a rather busy way.

Nappa shook his head, "Now that people know you're out and about, I think it'd be best to return."

Tekita watched as the boy's smile fell away, "Father, who is this boy you're caring for?"

"My name's Kakarotto!"

Tekita's eyes went wide, "The young prince?" His question was directed to his father.

Nappa nodded, "Hai, thanks to him, we were able to get you out of there rather quickly. The prince has been busy lately."

"I knew you were working for the royal family, but I never realized you were so close to them." Tekita said, a bit on awe.
"They are as much my family now as you are." Nappa said, revealing the truth he so recently come to realize.

Kakarotto skipped on ahead, turning to face them, walking backwards like a child, "That's right! So you should think of yourself as family too now."

Tekita couldn't help but smile. The boy was rather amazing, and he was indeed as gorgeous as the rumors let on. He nodded, and together they hurried on to the palace. They entered through the docks again, turning heads as they passed.

Ritsu was waiting just inside, "Sire, I'd heard you went outside!"

Kakarotto laughed, "Hai, we had to go get Nappa's son."

"Oh!" She said, looking to the new addition. She'd been worried when she'd heard the slaves whisper of the young prince's little trip outdoors. While Kakarotto was strong, he was far too innocent, and she hadn't known that Nappa had gone with him.

"Tekita, this is Ritsu." Kakarotto introduced, all smiles. He liked having so many friends. If only Raditz were home.

"You serve the royal family as well?" Tekita asked, honestly curious.

"Oh, well… I was a palace guard, but I moved up in class so I'm just on stand by here." She explained, feeling a bit silly that she was without orders.

"I better go tell Papa I'm back." Kakarotto said after a moment of silence.

"Maybe you should let Ritsu do that. I don't think it's wise for you to interrupt your father's work again." Nappa said, referring to the last time the boy and the prince had been together in the throne room. It wouldn't be good to have another display like that. As it was, warriors everywhere were talking of Prince Vejita's attachment to his young son. Of course, none guessed at the truth, they only assumed that the prince was an overly protective parent since his son's illness not so long ago.

Kakarotto frowned, "Oh, I guess you're right. Ritsu, would you mind?"

The young woman stood straight, "Of course not!" She said through a smile, hurrying off down the corridor.

Tekita was a bit on awe. Never had he seen Saiya-jin behave so… Nicely.

Nappa laughed at his son's expression, "Yeah, it may take some time getting used to Kakarotto. He seems to bring out the best in everyone."

The boy ignored the comment, "We need to find Tekita a room near ours." He said, starting down the hall. It didn't take them long to reach the corridor where their rooms were located, "Okay, that ones Nappa's. That one's my pretend one. That's mine and Papa's. That Raditz'. I guess we'll have to ask whoever's in that one if they'd mind moving."

Tekita stared at the two doors beside one another, "Your pretend room? You and your father share a room?" This made absolutely no sense to him.

Kakarotto nodded, "Uh huh."

Nappa's eyes widened for an instant. He hadn't thought about the princes' secret. He shook his head, "I'll explain later, Tekita. For now, let's get you a room." He turned his words to Kakarotto, "What about Raditz' room?"

"No!" Kakarotto exclaimed, "He'll be back one day."

Nappa's expression softened, the poor boy. He still loved Raditz. "Alright, as you said, we'll have to have someone here relocated."

"That one!" Kakarotto said, pointing to the room beside his fathers, "That way we don't have to worry anymore about whoever's there hearing us."

Nappa winced again, "Hai, hai… Now, while Tekita and I do that, why don't you go to the training hall and wait for your father. I'm sure Ritsu will be there shortly."

Kakarotto nodded, "Okay!"

Once alone with his son, Nappa sighed, "Like I said, he takes some getting used to."

"I see. Why is he so childlike? He must be at least fifteen."

"Actually, he'll be seventeen soon. He was made immortal at fifteen, thus his appearance. As for why he's so childlike… It's a mystery even to me. The prince is overprotective, but he certainly doesn't baby him and never did." Nappa said as they approached the room they'd be needing. He knocked. It took a moment, but eventually a warrior Nappa had seen in more than often answered.

"I'm afraid you're going to be relocated to new quarters. I'd appreciate it if you gather your things." Nappa said, trying his best to be professional.

The warrior muttered a few curses, leaving the door open as he stepped back into his room, "And where am I being moved?" He asked rudely.

"You'll have to see the head office about that. You may let them know that you're to be kept within the palace by orders of the young prince."

The warrior only continued to mutter as Nappa stepped back, he and Tekita heading for his own quarters. They went in to wait for the warrior to leave and be done. Nappa plopped down on the edge of his bed, Tekita standing a couple of meters away, leaning against the dresser.

"You said you'd explain?" The younger of the two questioned.

Nappa looked up, "Huh?"

"Why do the princes share a room? Why would Kakarotto prefer I take that room so that other's won't hear?"

The older man sighed, "This is going to be difficult for you, I'm sure, but please keep an open mind." Nappa paused, "They're a pair, lovers."

Tekita's eyes went wide, "You can't be serious."

Nappa nodded, "It started long ago when the young prince was still a child. His mother was a goddess, you know. The Goddess of Love. He was always very fond of his father, they became fairly close. Then the young prince became ill. Surely, you heard of that. Then the trip into space… Raditz and I accompanied them. The whole journey was rather insane. During our return the princes became even closer. It was Kakarotto who initiated the relationship. It seemed natural enough to me. The feelings were mutual. Since their return, they've been keeping their love secret."

Tekita stood with his mouth hanging open.

"Please, you mustn't breath a word." Nappa pleaded with dignity.

Tekita shook his head, "Then why tell me at all?"

"Because serving them you'd have found out anyway."

"It's not right. As royalty, they're required to mate noble women, produce heirs. Will the line die with them? Let's not even mention the fact that they're father and son. That alone is disgusting and unheard of. Not even slaves do such things."

"I know, I know… But give them a chance. You'll see, they're meant for one another. Just don't speak of it. You know the trouble it would cause if word got out."

Tekita was more than revolted, but nodded nevertheless. There would be quite a commotion if everyone knew. There'd probably be a revolt! The king was already disliked. If the princes fell out of favor as well, someone else would try to reign supreme and many, if not all, would fight to make it so. Besides, even if he did say anything, the prince would have his head for sure.

"Thank you." Nappa whispered, rising and peeking out the door just in time to see the warrior with a large box in his arms and a full, cloth bag hanging from one hand, heading on down the corridor and around the corner.

"Right." Nappa said, stepping out into the hall. I guess this is your new room then. I wake Prince Vejita each morning and accompany him to his duties. I guess you'll be keeping Kakarotto company. He normally gets up late, has breakfast, and waits for his father in the training hall. Ritsu's with him a lot of the time. The prince's duties are usually finished before lunch and we all eat together, but sometimes they run late."

Tekita nodded, "Sounds easy enough." In fact, it sounded like a piece of cake.

Nappa knew the expression and shook his head, "Many think it's an easy job, but even you know that only the elite are given such positions. Moments arise when all your strength and will is needed. Stay on your toes and always remain loyal to the royal family. In these times especially, you never know what's going to happen."

Tekita nodded again, understanding.

"Get some rest then. I'll inform the slaves that you're rooming here now so they can fill your closet and what not." Nappa said, turning to go, "I guess I'll see you tomorrow. It's good to have you back." And with that he was leaving, heading for the throne room.

Tekita closed the door and had a look around. The room was quite a mess, but that didn't matter. He was too tired to care. The mission he'd been on had been a difficult one. They hadn't completed it, they'd been called home, and the journey had been filled with stress and sleeplessness.

He lied down on the bed, trying not to think about the warrior's scent that still remained on the bedding. Being reunited with his father, this new position, the princes' relationship. It was all so insane, and his mind was exhausted. It didn't take long for the young man to fall asleep.

………………………………...

Raditz arrived with the rest of the purging party he'd been with. They'd traveled in a single, large ship rather than individual, small ships. The docks were littered with soldiers and slaves. Their names and ranks were taken and they were all told to report to the Missions Hall for further orders. Typical.

He'd ended up camping out in the back of the massive building for three days before they'd gotten to him. He'd even had to share a room. It seemed he'd been given options. He could either return to his previous duties within the palace or do soldier work, keeping the population under control during these rough times. He'd almost chosen the latter, but he was tired, mostly from thinking so much. He really didn't feel like dealing with crazy rebels and what not. So, in the end, he decided to go back to the palace. Maybe things had changed since he'd been gone. Who knew?

He stepped through the front entrance of the palace midmorning and had breakfast before he headed for the training hall. As suspected, Kakarotto was there along with a few others. Strangely, neither Vejita or Nappa were there.

The boy was sparring with a young female while a young man watched from the sidelines. Raditz entered and watched as Kakarotto stopped what he was doing instantly, nearly getting punched right in the nose.

Ritsu barely managed to stop, "Kakarotto?" She asked worried, then followed his gaze. Standing not five meters from them was a tall, long-haired warrior with a very serious expression.

"Raditz?" Kakarotto questioned, not quite believing his eyes. When he received a nod in reply, the boy grinned from ear to ear, "Raditz!" He exclaimed dropping to his feet and rushing over. He wrapped his arms about his old friend, "I missed you!"

Raditz squirmed, he hadn't expected this kind of reaction, "Just got back." He muttered, managing to pull free of the boy's bear hug.

"Nappa and Papa are gonna be so glad to see you."

Raditz was about to ask a personal question, but thought better of it. He didn't know their two onlookers or how much they new, "Who're your new friends?" He asked instead.

"Oh, this is Ritsu, and this is Tekita, Nappa's son." Kakarotto said, gesturing to each of them, "You guys, this is Raditz."

Ritsu nodded, happy to see Kakarotto happy. She'd heard him mention a Raditz before.

"Nappa's son?" Raditz asked, a bit amazed.

"Yup. He just got back too."

"Where's the prince?"
"Papa has to work in the throne room every morning now. I don't think it's good for him, but I guess it's something that has to be done." Kakarotto said, the last coming out in a solemn tone.

Raditz nodded, assuming that's where Nappa was too, "I'm just going to go back to my quarters. I'm dead tired."

Kakarotto started smiling again, "Sure, rest up. I'll see you tomorrow!" And with that the boy watched his old friend turn and leave. Raditz wasn't the same, he was grouchy, but maybe he was just tired. Tomorrow things would be better.

"What time is it? Shouldn't Papa be done soon?" Kakarotto asked, speaking to Tekita.

Nappa's son dismissed the question, "Who was that?"

"He's an old friend. I've known him since I was little, but… He's been acting strange this passed year." Kakarotto explained, the last coming out in a sigh.

"Don't worry, he just seems stressed to me. Maybe it's all this craziness with these rebels. I'm sure he'll return to normal once things calm down again." Ritsu said, resting a hand to the young prince's shoulder, rubbing slightly.

"Should you be addressing royalty so informally?"

They all looked up to see a scowling Vejita marching into the room followed by a smirking Nappa, "You'll never guess who I saw!" Kakarotto said, absentmindedly stepping out of Ritsu's touch, approaching his father.

Vejita shrugged.

"Common, guess!" The boy all but shouted.

The prince sighed, "How the hell am I supposed to know?"

Kakarotto huffed, crossing his arms in a playful display that he wasn't going to say a word until the older man at least attempted a guess.

"Your silence suits me just fine." Vejita said, knowing this would drive his son mad.

Throwing his arms in the air, Kakarotto mock screamed, "You could at least play along!"

Vejita ignored the boy, turning to the woman, "What did I tell you about your behavior with the young prince. He may act like an idiot, but he's still a prince. You should address him proper, and what the hell are you thinking touching him?"

Ritsu took a step back, "I'm sorry, Sire, but each time I do as you request, the young prince informs me otherwise." She says quickly, a bit scared. The prince's voice was a bit harsh and she knew his temper to be dangerous.

"Papa, calm down. You know I don't like be called 'Sire' all the time. It's creepy."

Vejita sighed, continuing to ignore his son as he turned to the new addition, "You must be Tekita."

Nappa stepped forward, "Yes, my youngest son." He said, a grin brightening his face.

Tekita bowed deep, "Sire."

"I don't know you well, but Nappa vouches for you… I'll have you keep an eye on my foolish son, be sure he keeps out of trouble."

Tekita bowed again, "Yes, Sire."

"Have you eaten?" Vejita asked, speaking to his son.

Kakarotto smiled, shaking his head no.

The prince nodded and turned, and they all followed him towards the mess hall. All except for Ritsu that is. Kakarotto turned before left sighed, "Common, Ritsu, you too."

Vejita sighed, trying to ignore the urge to strangle the boy.

………………………………...

Another chair had to be added to their table for the young woman. They ate in silence, each of them cleaning their plates, Kakarotto asking for seconds.

As a slave woman finished taking the empty trays and refilling their glasses, Kakarotto suddenly remembered, "Hey, you never guessed who I saw!"

Vejita glanced at his son in annoyance, "And I'm not going to. Either tell me or shut up."

Kakarotto narrowed his eyes and lifted a hand, closing it into a fist except for his index finger which he promptly jabbed into his father's side, "Quit being so mean. I was just playing."

Ritsu nearly laughed out but held her tongue, knowing better.

"I don't want to play." The prince growled, silently daring the boy to try that again.

Kakarotto sighed, "Raditz is back. He stopped by the training hall."

Nappa and Vejita went silent, eyes somewhat wide. That hadn't been expected.

"I thought he was on a mission." The bulky warrior questioned, sincerely curious.

The young prince shrugged, "Guess he's back. He said he was tired, went to go sleep."

The slave woman came by and took Kakarotto's second plate, offering to fill everyone's glasses. No one accepted though, and she hurried off back to the kitchen. Kakarotto watched her leave, noticing that she was fairly young, not much older than himself. He wondered how long she'd been working in the mess hall, he couldn't remember having seen her before.

Ritsu narrowed her eyes, turning ever so slightly to see the woman Kakarotto was looking at. Maybe this was the slave he'd bedded? She couldn't imagine why. The woman was from another planet and certainly wasn't attractive, pale, greenish skin, long face, beady eyes.

"How old do you think she is?" Kakarotto asked, voicing his wonderings.

Vejita pulled his gaze from a couple of arguing Saiya-jin and turned to whom his son was referring, "That slave?"

Nappa chuckled, "Why? Do you have interest in her?"

"She just seems young."

Tekita spoke up, "I've seen her kind before. I think that planet was purged several years ago."

Kakarotto sighed, not really wanting to think about. He hated the idea of slaves being forced to come live and work with the people that destroyed their homes. It was just wrong. So, he decided to change the subject, "I don't feel like going back to tha training hall."

Vejita leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, slouching a bit, something he rarely did, "What do you want to do?"

The young prince leaned over, whispering, "Let's go outside."

"No." Vejita said quickly, standing.

Kakarotto stood as well and the others copied his movement as they followed the prince out of the room, "Why not? I like it outside."

Vejita stopped short, turning on his heel to face the boy, "I said no. It's too dangerous for you."

A pout came to the boy's lips, "That's dumb. I'm almost as strong as you are."

"But even I could be overwhelmed if a large number of rebels attacked."

Kakarotto walked passed his father, deciding he was going outside whether the older man liked it or not. Ritsu and Tekita trotted after him, following the boy around a corner.

"Kakarotto!" Vejita called, growling as he and Nappa hurried after them a moment later when he'd received no answer. They caught up with the young prince standing before the main entrance, "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Kakarotto looked to his father with stubborn eyes, "I want to go out there." He whispered, taking a step forward.

Vejita grabbed his son's arm with more force than necessary, "I said no. Now quit acting like a damned teenager."

That made Kakarotto tilt his head and think for a moment, "But I am a teenager."

"Let's talk about this later. I'm tired and, I don't feel like arguing with you."

The boy looked to the exit and nodded, "Okay."

………………………………...

They all returned to their own rooms. Ritsu thinking on her little crush as she lie in bed, Tekita already sleep, Nappa on the verge, Raditz ready for sleep but having trouble finding the land of dreams, and Kakarotto and Vejita getting ready.

The young prince didn't bother with night clothes, he and his father having slept in the nude for some time now. He locked the door and turned out the lights before crawling into bed and into his father's arms, "I didn't mean to make you mad. Maybe I am acting like a teenager." The boy said in a regretful tone.

Vejita could just see the outline of his son's face in the pitch room. He moved closer, able to see into his son's eyes due to their new proximity, "Like you said, you are a teenager. Don't worry about it."

Kakarotto gently pressed his forehead to his father's, "I think I'm getting tired of this palace." He whispered.

The prince sighed, "I know, I know. Remember, I'm thirty-eight and have lived my whole life within these walls."

The boy pulled back, eyes wide, "You're thirty-eight?" He asked, amazed.

Vejita chuckled, "Baka, I was made immortal at nineteen."

"Oh, right." Kakarotto said, he hadn't realized his father was so much older than him. Then it dawned on him that his lover had spent his entire thirty-eight years living in the palace, "You don't get bored?"

"I used to, but not since you came along."

Kakarotto smiled, almost blushing. The older man never said such things, "Maybe we can go outside one day? Just to look around?"

Vejita took a deep breath, "I don't want to lose you." He whispered.

"You won't. I promise."

Vejita chuckled, shaking his head, "Okay. One day, when it's not as dangerous as it is now, we'll take a leisurely stroll outside, for the whole day. But not until things have calmed down and it's safer."

Kakarotto's eyes brightened and he closed the distance between their horizontal bodies, "You promise!"

"Hai. Now, not another word on it until then. And I don't want you behaving as foolishly as you did today ever again." Vejita said, trying his best to sound stern, it was hard looking at such a beautiful, joyful face.

Kakarotto nodded his head enthusiastically, planting several chaste kisses to his father's face, "Hai, hai."

The prince fought off laughter, wrapping his arms about his son in an attempt to still the boy. It took a moment or two, but eventually worked, Kakarotto turning before becoming still in his arms so that Vejita was spooning the him. Silence pressed in on the room and made their breathing seem loud. The sound was comforting and slowly they both began to drift.

"Papa…?"

"Hn?" Vejita grunted, his eyes closed, his mind foggy with sleep.

"I love you." Kakarotto whispered ever so softly, smiling when his father's embrace tightened in response to his romantic sentiment. It was the older man's way of saying he loved him back.

To be continued…