Immortal Together

By: Amalthea AKA Hatti Lee

Started: 2.22.4

Author's notes: Ah! This took like, what? A month to get up? So sorry! I've been working on my Labyrinth fic. Heh heh, I knew I shouldn't start another fic without finishing this one first. No worries though, I WILL finish. (I'm determined.) This chappie's pretty long, hope that makes up for it's lateness. I'm beginning to see some direction now! Woo hoo! I know where I'm going with this after all! Anyway, please enjoy! And be sure to review!

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 XVII

Ritsu was transferred From palace guard to royal bodyguard. She and Tekita were ordered to stay with the young prince at all times while Nappa remained with Vejita. She couldn't have been happier. Though she was doing exactly as she had been doing, the orders made it seem as if Prince Vejita acknowledged her presence, allowing her to be close with the young prince. Perhaps it was silly of her, but Ritsu liked to think of it as Prince Vejita's blessings.

Things were tense. Rumors were whispered in every room of the palace. The king had decreed that all traitors would receive death, using the recent rebels' deaths as example. The Saiya-jin were a bit surprised to see that there was still some backbone left in their king. Few respected their leader as they once did. However, with the following weeks, many supposed that it was Prince Vejita's order after all.

Though things were messy, whispers of revolt, there were also numerous loyal soldiers, willing to lay down their lives for the royal family. These soldiers were working carefully throughout the city, searching for possible rebel activity. Many meetings had been raided, traitorous plans destroyed. It was almost like a civil war.

Vejita wasn't too worried about the Saiya-jin, he could see that they were on the winning side. His father had been right. While he remained as a powerful, ruthless, authoritative figure, few truly challenged the Royal House of Vejita. Yet that didn't stop him from worry about his son, his lover, his dearest Kakarotto. Then again, even if they lived in a perfect world, he'd probably be worrying over the boy.

………………………………...

The small building was well built, but still a shack in comparison to what he was used to. It was a three room building built onto the back of a slave trader's business. This was were the slaves were held, where they lived while they learned the ways of the Saiya-jin, until they were ready to be sold or traded. This business wasn't one of the more popular ones, though it was rather near the palace, just a few turns here and there. Perhaps that's why it never did so well, bad location.

This was the second time Raditz had been there. He'd snuck Gento out of the palace some days ago to this very place. Now he was returning for a secret rebel meeting. Raditz knew the risks he was taking, he might as well be playing with fire. But he couldn't help himself. Everything Gento had rambled on about had made sense to him. He found himself agreeing with a lot of the rumors.

He closed the old-fashioned, wooden door behind him, finding the main room was rather full. A large, battered table sat in the center and was surrounded by men, some soldiers he'd seen before.

Gento stood, a smile on his face, "This is Raditz. He's new here."

"Yeah, we know who he is." grumbled one man.

"Why the hell is he here? You know he works right under the royal family." Said another man, obviously angry.

Raditz held up his hands to deter any violence, "I'm just curious. I want to listen. I don't plan on ratting you out, even if I decide I don't agree."

The room was quiet for a few moments, all eyes on the long-haired warrior. They seemed to be deciding whether or not he could be trusted.
"Come on, guys. He helped me escape, remember?" Gento said, moving beside Raditz and patting him on the shoulder in a friendly manner.

"Fine. I guess you're right." said the man that had been angry, seemingly the guy in charge of this little meeting, "Shall we get started then?"

Raditz listened on in amazement. This man's name was Draigon, and it turned out that he was the leader of the entire rebel movement. All the soldiers had intelligent things to say, everyone had a chance to speak their minds. It seemed this group held no respect whatsoever for the king. They believed their king's immortality was fooling them and wasn't such a great idea for royalty anyway. For though the king appeared in his prime, he was nearing sixty. They believed he was growing soft with his age. Killing was no longer allowed, nor ill treatment towards others, including slaves. Small businesses and producers were being encouraged and paid more. There were some farmers that were being paid more than a soldier's wage.

Always the Saiya-jin had lived by power. The strongest survived. The soldiers were paid best, lived the best. They conquered weaker planets, weaker species, making their livings that way. As it had always been. The king wanted them to live off their own capabilities without "stealing from others." How feeble was that talk?

Surprisingly enough, Raditz found himself agreeing completely. He spoke up too. Their king wanted equality amongst his people, and while it was a nice thought, it accomplished nothing but weakness. Soon another planet's people would be paying a visit, wiping them clean.

The one thing that halted their plans of revolt, was the prince. Draigon spoke of Prince Vejita as a model king. Though he'd killed several of their fellow rebels, they all respected him, respected his power. Draigon asked Raditz flat out if the prince would be willing to join their cause.

Raditz shook his head, "No, he supports the king."

"And this is where our problem lies. I don't believe any revolt would be successful with the might of the prince against us. Not to mention the young prince." Draigon said, leaning back in his chair, his chin resting in his hand.

"That boy, he looks like nothing more than a little girl, acts like one too, or so I've heard." One soldier said in amusement.

Draigon shook his head, "He may look that way, but I've heard that Prince Vejita trained him himself. He's probably the second strongest warrior on the planet."

Raditz didn't comment. He knew this was true, but he also knew that Kakarotto would never kill, ever. He also wondered if Vejita was everything these people made him out to be. He knew the prince was strong, knew his rage could cause him to kill, but he also knew that Vejita was softer.

Back in the day, it was a weekly occurrence to hear that Prince Vejita had severely injured some soldier in the training hall, or that he'd killed some slave in the corridor. He'd been heartless, truly ruthless. Now that he was in love? Prince Vejita was nothing like the man he once was. Raditz didn't say this though. He knew if he told these people of the secret relationship, it would be enough to perhaps fuel their courage, enough to start a revolt anyway. It was weakness to become so close with family, weakness to be head-over-heels in love. Not only that, but with his own son? It was disgusting, and pitiful.

The meeting ended with little progress. Draigon informed them that another meeting would be held in a month's time, that they should all think on the situation and possible solutions.

Raditz went away feeling unsure. He agreed with these people, through and through. Deep down, however, he felt horrible. He no longer held respect for his king, and didn't much like Prince Vejita at all these days, but he still cared for Kakarotto. The boy was pure innocence. He was a child still. Could the boy really be aware of what he was doing? The weakness the secret relationship was causing for the Saiya-jin future?

Maybe it was time he take matters into his own hands. If Prince Vejita didn't stand up and take the throne, if things were bettered, then there was going to be revolt, and he was going to be a part of it. He'd have to talk to Kakarotto, explain a few things. If the relationship ended, perhaps Vejita would become the person he once was. It was a long shot, but Raditz was willing to try. He owed that much to the boy, they'd been friends after all.

………………………………...

Vejita stood outside the training hall, looking in. Tekita was leaning against the far wall, spaced out perhaps? Kakarotto was standing with his back to the prince, so he couldn't see the boy's expression. But he could see Ritsu's, who was standing opposite his son, laughing and smiling. She was far too cheerful for such dreary times. Vejita knew what the vixen was up to. He watched as the woman flirted, placing a hand to Kakarotto's upper arm. What bothered him more was the fact that his lover wasn't brushing the touch away.

Nearly growling, Vejita stomped into the room, "Training?" He asked once he'd approached his son.

Kakarotto shrugged, "We were."

"Oh. Then how about you and I have a go?" Vejita asked, though it was far from a question.

Kakarotto knew he didn't have much of a choice, he could here it in his father's tone. There was something else too. Something he'd noticed before but couldn't quite place. He nodded, waiting for Nappa and Ritsu to back up against the wall along with Tekita, who was paying attention now.

Their spar was fierce at first. Kakarotto had been a bit surprised by his father's anger, but he'd held his own, blocking all the potentially fatal blows, letting the others land as they may. His father had always told him he took too many hits, but that's just the way he fought.

It didn't last long. Maybe Vejita was too frustrated to continue. Whatever the reason, he stopped suddenly and left the room, leaving Nappa to hurry to catch up.

Kakarotto stared after his father, curious and confused.

Vejita knew he was jealous, but he wasn't going to say it out loud. The truth was, he hated anyone touching his son, his lover. Especially that Ritsu. He could tell be the way that vixen looked at the boy, knew what she wanted. Why hadn't Kakarotto brushed her aside?

It was a silly matter really, something that had been pestering him since Ritsu started hanging about. The true solution would be to let the flirtatious woman know he and Kakarotto were a pair, but that would be foolish. The less that knew, the better. Best to just ignore it. Vejita knew his son would never be unfaithful, never. It'd just be nice to see Kakarotto tell the woman to leave him be, quit touching him. The very thought nearly caused Vejita to laugh out. Really, the boy was too kind to do such a thing, and to innocent to even think to.

………………………………...

It was difficult, but eventually, some days later, Raditz built up the courage to approach the young prince. Prince Vejita was in the thrown room, busy as he was every morning with his daily task, Nappa with him. This left Kakarotto alone as usual with his two bodyguards, weaklings really.

Raditz entered quietly, surveying the situation. Tekita was standing far to the side, two soldiers standing with him talking busily about the past, something to do with the academy Tekita once taught at. Ritsu was seated nearby, leaning against the wall, seeming to listen half-heartedly to the conversation while watching the object of her obvious affections. Raditz had to look twice, for Kakarotto was lying in the center of the training hall on his back, arms crossed under his head, eyes gazing up at the ceiling.

The sight was reasonably odd to Raditz, but no one else seemed to care. He approached slowly, noticing Tekita's eyes snapping his way, watching carefully. Seconds later, Ritsu's eyes were watching as well, her gaze softer.

"Kakarotto." He said gently, rousing the boy from his… slumber?

Big, black eyes opened slowly, lashes batting, "Raditz?" The boy asked, a smile pulling at his lips.

Raditz nodded, "I was hoping I could talk to you privately."

Kakarotto didn't get up, only shook his head no, "Can't. Papa says I can't go anywhere alone."

Raditz nodded again, understanding the reasoning behind this, "But there's something important I need to talk to you about."

Pulling an arm from beneath his head, Kakarotto patted the floor beside him, "Sit down. Just tell me here."

"It's something you don't want others overhearing." Raditz said, trying to speak softly. With his naturally deep voice, however, it proved pointless. The number of other warriors in the room all looked their way, glancing carefully.

Kakarotto sighed, calling out, "Tekita?"

It was the closest Raditz had seen the boy come to giving an order, it was strange, made him realize that this wasn't the child he remembered. Nappa's son turned to the room, "Alright, everyone out. The young prince's orders." Without question, the room cleared, whispers being murmured amongst the soldiers as they left.

Ritsu climbed to her feet, stepping closer, curious.

Kakarotto sighed again, "You too, Ritsu." He said, cocking his head back a bit to look to the woman.

She appeared shocked and hurt for an instant, but quickly recovered, bowing swiftly before tromping out of the room.

Seeing that the boy wasn't going to rise, Raditz sat, crossing his legs, "And him?"

Kakarotto scratched his head, "He knows."

Raditz glanced up at Tekita who stood far enough away to provide some privacy, but Raditz knew better. Every word spoken the warrior would hear. Nappa's son was the ideal soldier, quiet and alert. He appeared to be ready should Raditz decide to do something rash. Would Tekita fight him should he raise a hand to the boy? Such a loyal dog.

This made Raditz' eyes go wide with surprise. When had he ever thought that way? He would never raise a hand to the young prince, right? Of course not! Shaking his head, clearing his thoughts, Raditz cleared his throat. "I haven't been in your services in a while, and I know things are… Strange between us, but there's something important I want to talk to you about."

The boy turned onto his side, curious eyes bright.

"It's about you and Vejita."

Kakarotto's eyebrows drew together, "What about us?"

"I've been hearing a lot of things from a lot of different warriors. Things aren't good right now."

"I know, it's so hard on Papa. I wish the people would realize what the king's tryin' to do for them."

Raditz shook his head, "I'm not sure I agree, but that's not the point." He had to be careful here, he didn't want to incriminate himself in anyway.

Kakarotto waited for him to continue, drawing invisible patterns on the battered floor with his index finger. His touch lingered over a deep indentation, tracing it several times. What created such a mark? Was someone seriously injured here?

"Everyone sees the king as weak right now. No one can argue that, not even the king himself. That's why Vejita has the position he has, to appear strong."

"He is strong. He's working so hard so that the king can try and pass his laws." Kakarotto said, having finally understood this himself. He hated that his lover had to carry out such a horrible task.

Raditz shook his head, "People see it that way for now, but that's not the truth."

Worried, Kakarotto looked up, "What do you mean?"

"He's in love with you. That's the greatest weakness of all. If anyone should find out, it could be the end of both of you. They would take you , blackmail Vejita, harm you, drive him to weakness, any of a thousand scenarios. Should someone merely threaten you, Vejita would lose it, become desperate, weak. Kami, he's weak already! Don't you remember the man he once was? The power and rage he used to have. And knowing that the prince has chosen a male mate, ensuring no more heirs, the people will be angry, they'll rebel. What are the Saiya-jin without a leader? Plus, you're his son! It's unnatural, no one will accept such a thing."

Kakarotto sat up, angry, "You're the only one Raditz! Nappa understands, and Tekita!"

"And that's all that know. Nappa is so loyal, he's been serving Vejita for so many years… It wouldn't matter what the prince did, Nappa would support him. And Tekita…" Raditz looked to the man nearby, seeing that he was looking right back, "I highly doubt that he supports this fully."

Kakarotto turned, "Tekita?"

Nappa's son didn't answer, and Raditz went on, "Kakarotto, I'm asking that you just consider this… You should end this thing with Vejita. The king is too soft these days, and you'll always be too pure. If Vejita could somehow become the man he once was, he'd be the perfect king. I think that's possible if you end it, end this pointless relationship. Let-"

Kakarotto interrupted, jumping to his feet, "You're wrong!"

Raditz rose as well, slowly, careful not to show hostility, "Kakarotto-"

"No! You don't know what you're saying! How can love be wrong? I don't understand you. I would never end anything with Papa. I love him, there's nothing wrong with that." Tears sprung in the boy's eyes, threatening to spill.

This was proving far more difficult than Raditz had suspected, "Don't you want to save him? Save yourself? If this continues, there's going to be a revolt. The rebels will kill the royal family and all the royal soldiers, they'll choose a new king. It's going to end one way or another."

The tears did spill then, "Stop! I don't want to hear anymore! You're not the Raditz I remember. What happened to my friend?"

The last came out in a near whisper and it almost broke Raditz' heart, "And what happened to the boy I once knew, who held so much promise? Everything changed the moment this ridiculous relationship began. It's disgusting, and it's destroying you both. If this continues, the rebels will be storming the gates-"

Kakarotto clapped his hands over his ears, shouting, "Stop! I don't know you! Just leave! Leave!" And then the boy shrunk down into a squatting position, sobbing, power swelling within him, doubling, and doubling again.

Raditz could almost see the energy rippling in the air, but he had to get his point across, he felt he was nearly there. The boy wasn't arguing, just denying. If he could just make him understand, press a little harder. Raditz moved to step closer, say more, but suddenly, Tekita was standing in his path.

"I think you've talked enough. If I'm not mistaken, the young prince ordered you to leave."

"Don't you agree with me?" Raditz asked, eyes narrow as he starred at this serious-faced warrior.

"It doesn't matter. I serve the royal family and have been ordered to remain by Young Prince Kakarotto's side and protect him."

Raditz scoffed at this fool, "You really are a loyal dog, aren't you?"

Kakarotto stood, tears streaming down his cheeks, anger boiling in his blood, "I don't want you in tha palace anymore, Raditz. I don't want to see you again. Leave."

A bit awed by the display, Raditz stared at the boy, the child he once knew gone from the young man before him. Could this be their future leader? Maybe once, long ago, but no longer. The entire House of Vejita had grown weak, loving. It was pathetic.

Tekita broke him from his thoughts when he spoke up, "Should I apply force?"

Kakarotto simply shook his head, "Goodbye, Raditz."

Raditz didn't bother bowing, turning on his heel and stomping out of the room, his attempt a complete failure. What was to become of Planet Vejita?

Kakarotto collapsed the moment Raditz was gone, knees slamming against the floor, his sobs coming again. His anger along with the power that had been building melted away instantly as he began sobbing again. What was wrong with Raditz? Had this been bothering the long-haired warrior all this time? Was that why he'd been acting strangely for so long? Were his words true? What if Raditz were right? Kakarotto felt fear in his heart along with great sadness. It hurt to lose a friend like Raditz, someone he'd known for so long, since childhood.

Tekita was unsure as to what he should do. That Raditz fellow was gone, but Kakarotto was suffering not unlike a woman. If Ritsu were here, she'd comfort the boy, but she wasn't. Kakarotto had commanded that he alone remain, and so it was. He watched for a few moments, trying to decide what he should do. Slowly, he moved close, kneeling beside the young prince, reaching out. He gently patted the boy's back, surprised when he fell into his arms.

"Was he right?" Kakarotto sobbed, pressing his face into Tekita's chest, clutching the older man's soldier uniform.

Tekita sighed, loosely holding the boy, "It doesn't matter."

"What's going on!" Vejita roared, rushing into the room, finding his son in tears, held in Tekita's arms.

Nappa arrived soon after, remaining in the entrance, watching that no one should approach.

Tekita pulled away, unsure if he were about to be falsely punished. He rose, stepping back, watching as the prince quickly moved in.

"Kakarotto?" Vejita questioned, dropping to his knees.

The boy looked up, the tears renewing their downpour, "Papa!" He gasped, throwing his arms about his father.

"What happened?" Vejita asked, holding his son tightly, unknowingly rocking somewhat, "You're ki skyrocketed then dropped to nothing. Kami, I thought you were fighting for real. I thought…" The prince didn't finish, unable to say the words. He simply clutched his son.

Kakarotto slowly slumped down, his legs outstretched on the floor, his head resting in his father's lap, arms remaining about the older man's waist, "I'm sorry." He whispered for the seventh time.

Vejita was sitting on his heels know, "There's nothing you could be sorry for." He said again, having given up on trying to find out what had happened. He'd ask later once his son had calmed.

"Sire." Nappa said, alerting the prince.

Vejita stood, pulling his son to his feet, "I left in the middle of my duties. I have to go finish." Sure enough, a royal accompanied by two soldiers had arrived to request that the prince return.

The boy nodded, "Okay."

"Go to your quarters." He said, wishing he didn't have to say it that way. What he really wanted to say was, wait in our room until I can come comfort you properly. However, that wouldn't go over lightly with the royal standing so near, listening. The prince turned to Tekita then, "Stay with him."

Nappa wanted to remain, find out what exactly had happened, but it seemed the prince was heading back to the throne room, so he must as well. What an uproar it had caused, the prince jumping from the thrown and rushing out of the room. None knew the princes could sense ki.

Looking to his son, Nappa waited until he'd received a nod before hurrying after the prince.

Tekita watched the others leave, turning to the boy once they were alone again, "Shall we go?"

Kakarotto nodded, his steps slow as he made his way. The halls were much busier nowadays. Guards were given walking posts, ordered to keep watch of particular areas. Ritsu's door was open when they passed her room, and she came barging out.

"So, what happened? What'd he want to talk about? He came by here a moment ago. I didn't say anything, but I saw that he'd gathered his things from his room and left. Where's he going?" She rambled, stopping once she noticed the young prince's solemn expression.

"Hey, what happened?" She asked, her voice full of concern now.

Kakarotto shook his head, "It's nothing. Raditz just won't be staying in the palace anymore."

"He had to leave? Why?"

Having reached the false door that led to his old, empty room, Kakarotto stopped, "Ritsu, I'm tired."

"Yes, of course." She knew a dismissal when she heard one. It was just odd receiving one from the boy.

Opening the door, Kakarotto entered, Tekita following.

"What are you doing?" She asked, curious. She'd never been allowed into the young prince's quarters, though she'd never asked. The only one she'd ever seen enter either of the princes' rooms was Nappa, but that was different. The bulky warrior had been serving the royal family since forever. This confused her.

Tekita half turned, shrugging, "Prince Vejita's orders."

She grasped the door before it could slide closed, about to peer inside when he moved closer, blocking her sight. She wanted to speak more with Kakarotto. "Why would he give such an order?"

"Raditz' talk was hard on the young prince." Tekita answered plainly, hoping the woman would drop it already.

"Why was I ordered to leave then? Why not I stay with Kakarotto? Surely you find such an order irritating. Let me." She was stretching it then. She knew why she'd been ordered to leave. She'd begun to sense it. There was some kind of secret within the royal family. Nappa knew it, and now it seemed Tekita knew as well. Why wasn't she told? Was she not trustworthy?

"Don't be ridiculous, Ritsu. Vejita would have my head."

Ritsu nodded, removing her hand, the door closing in her face. Feeling a little angry but mostly sad, she returned to her room. Lunch was approaching, but she didn't plan on eating with them today.

She'd get an early dinner and retire before the others.

………………………………...

Tekita knew Kakarotto's room was false, but he hadn't realized it was so empty, there was nothing in the room, only dust and a clean trail to a door in the far corner. He followed Kakarotto through this door into the room the princes shared. The smell of sex was faint in the air but there all the same.

"Why is it so messy in here?" Tekita asked, speaking of the messed bedding, far too much than needed and the clothes scattered all around the closet. There were a number of other things in disarray. The dresser drawers were all partially opened, hanging crooked, clothing hanging all about, mostly gis. The nightstands on either side of the unusually large bed were crooked, one even leaning a bit, it's edge resting on a discarded boot. The alarm clock upon it was hanging off by it's cord, obviously broken. The alarm clock on the other nightstand was in much better condition, it's digital numbers glowing red. The door to the washroom was open, towels could be seen lying all over the place.

Kakarotto sighed, "Can't have the slaves finding out."

Tekita nodded, the scent of sex wafting up as the young prince plopped down on the bed, "Right."

Lying back and kicking his boots off, Kakarotto gestured for Tekita to sit as well, "Is it like Raditz said? You don't support me and Papa?"

Tekita sat carefully on the very edge of the bed, looking down at the boy. He swallowed, "I don't know. It's a strange situation. Looking at the facts, I agree with Raditz, but I know you now, and I know the prince. The two of you are in a relationship like no other I've seen before. Not that you're both male, or father and son, but that you truly love one another. You're not together of the sake of children or lust or political gain or increase in strength… You really love one another. I can't help but hope it works for you."

Kakarotto smiled, but it faded all too soon, "Do think it's going to be like Raditz said though? Do you think it's going to end bad?"

Tekita took a deep breath, he was unaccustomed to speaking from his heart, "It's a possibility, but Vejita and the king are working hard against it. Who can really say at this point?"

"It's gotten really bad, hasn't it?" The boy's voice was soft, sad.

Something tightened in Tekita's chest, "Hai." Kami, why did he care so for this boy? Was this why he was so loyal? Why his father was so loyal? How could Raditz turn away such purity? This boy was unlike anyone else.

"Should me and Papa end it? Would that make things better?" Tears were welling in the young prince's eyes, making his black eyes shine.

"No, that wouldn't change anything. Sure, if people find out, things will get worse, but no one knows. That's where you need to be careful. No one can no."

Kakarotto nodded, "But Ritsu…"

"Especially not Ritsu. You know she favors you, right? Don't let her find out."

His tears were dissipating, "Why not? We're friends. I've known her longer than you."

Tekita shook his head, "She could get angry, and who knows what an angry woman will do?"

"Thank you, Tekita. I know I always have Papa, but I need a friend, and with Raditz the way he is now, and the secret between me and Ritsu, and Nappa always with Papa, it's good to have you. You're my best friend these days."

This was said with a smile and it nearly broke Tekita's heart. No wonder the woman had a crush on the boy. He was so open and kind and utterly beautiful. What an odd thought? As a warrior, he'd never thought much of beauty, but he simply couldn't deny that this Saiya-jin lying beside him was the embodiment of everything beautiful. He'd always heard talk of the boy's looks. It was understandable why so many compared him to a woman, for how could a male have such an appearance? No, he wasn't becoming infatuated, just realizing things.

Lately, he'd come to realize many things. He found himself wrapped up in the royal families affairs, loyalty swelling within him. No wonder his father remained so.

Hours passed and Tekita was having trouble ignoring the growling of the boy's stomach. The smell of sex was no longer as strong, but maybe he was just getting used to it. He wondered if he'd smell when he left the room. He'd have to take a shower first thing. He was lying on the bed too now, staring up at the ceiling along with the young prince, talking idly over much of nothing.

The door slid open suddenly and Vejita laughed out at the sight, hands on hips, "What are you two doing?"

Kakarotto sat up, "There's nothing else to do, waiting for you!"

Vejita smirked, glad to hear playfulness in his son's voice. He was doing better, good.

Tekita sat up, slowly standing, popping his back, his own stomach growling.

Nappa peered in, "What were you two doing?" He teased, glad to his son warming up to the boy.

"Don't be ridiculous, father." Tekita said, moving to leave, in need of food. He thought he could smell it now.

"Shower first." Vejita said, entering the room.

Tekita nodded, noticing as he passed that the prince was holding a bundle wrapped in cloth in his right hand. The door closed the second he was out of the room. He looked to his father, "He brought food?"

Nappa chuckled, "The prince usually does when he doesn't plan on leaving the room for a while."

Tekita blushed, realizing the reasoning behind this, "Kami."

"Don't act so innocent. You've known they share a room, surely you've caught the scent on Kakarotto." Nappa said, surprised by his son's reaction.

Tekita shook his head, "Yeah, but I've never been in their room, seen their bed with Kakarotto lying in it. I guess I just never thought about it before."

Nappa laughed again, gently slapping his son on the shoulder, "Hai, the young prince could win any heart, his mother was a goddess, you know? Come on, take a shower, you reek. I'll wait for you, then we can get some dinner."

Nodding, Tekita started for his room, "Right, I'll be quick." This was indeed an interesting situation he found himself in. He wondered what Kiba would think of all this? Royalty, secrets, immortality, love, revolt, goddesses for Kami's sake! It was like a fairy tale, a fantasy. None of it seemed real, but it was, and Tekita had to find a position on it all. Where did he stand?

The question was an easy one to answer. He was just as the young prince had said, he was Kakarotto's best friend, and he would support the boy to the end.

………………………………...

Vejita was glad to see his son in better spirits. The boy ate with his usual gluttony. They ate in relative silence, the prince discarding their wrappings once they'd finished. He smirked at his son perched on the edge of the bed, stepping over and planting a deep kiss on the boy's flavored lips. He pulled back to see his son's eyes still shut, "Are you feeling better then?"

Kakarotto slowly opened his eyes, "Uh-huh."

"Good, let's get cleaned up then."

Kakarotto nodded, pulling at the sash about his waist as he started for the washroom, following his father inside. He was glad the older man wasn't asking too many questions. He really didn't want to talk about all that Raditz had said anymore.

Steam began filling the small tiled room instantly. Vejita always set the water to hot, never touching the "cold" knob. Their clothes had all been discarded, lying everywhere on the floor. They really needed to do some cleaning, the place was looking like a pig sty. Vejita watched as Kakarotto drew symbols into the steamed mirror above the sink, writing their names and little hearts.

"Really, Kakarotto, sometimes you behave like a young girl." He said through a smirk, pulling the boy to him and stepping into the scorching shower.

Kakarotto laughed, remaining closer, the lengths of their bodies pressed together tightly. It was moments like these that he realized he was, in fact, taller than his father by about fifteen centimeters. His father had such commanding presence that he often forgot. He wondered, if he were to have grown to his full, adult height, how much taller he'd be than his father.

Vejita turned his son in his arms, kissing the boy's shoulder, "I wanted to stay with you earlier, soothe your pain properly."

"Mm…" Kakarotto sighed, leaning his head to the side.

"I want to know what happened, but not right now. Right now I want to…" He trailed off, groaning as he pressed his arousal against his son's ass.

Kakarotto gasped, reaching out and supporting himself with outstretched arms, palms pressed to the cool tile, his body bent somewhat. Skillful hands trailed down his smooth chest, teasing the appropriate places, wringing small moans from Kakarotto. His knees threatened to buckle as those hands reached where it ached most.

"Bend over further." Vejita whispered, holding his son's hips as the boy repositioned as he asked.

Kakarotto gasped as a hot tongue began teasing his backside, circling and circling, "Kami!" He moaned, amazed that despite the water's temperature, he could feel it. Oh, and feel it he did, the delicious teasing turning his bones to butter. He was struggling now to keep his footing, thankful for his father's supporting hands still on his hips.

Vejita played for as long as he dared. He wanted his son to come at the same time as him, not before. Rising, he positioned himself, moving slow and careful, picking up the pace quickly, gripping the boy's hips tightly. If it weren't for Kakarotto's immortal healing, there'd be bruises tomorrow.

Their lovemaking was as drawn out as it could be, becoming frenzied as their climax neared. They came together, Vejita groaning, teeth clenched, Kakarotto crying out, his voice strangled by a gasp. Vejita helped his son to rise and turn, kissing the boy with lazy passion as their hearts calmed in their heaving chests.

They cleaned up quickly, scrubbing all over, making fast work of it so they might lie in bed. Only, as they exited the washroom, Vejita realized the bedding needed changing. It was a simple enough task, only annoying that he had to do it. If only they could have slaves clean again, but the risk was too great. The damned slaves gossiped more than the Saiya-jin.

Finally, it was done and they were in bed, naked and refreshed. Kakarotto held his father, arms wrapped loosely about the older man's narrow waist, his face resting against a smooth chest. Kakarotto smiled as he listened to the beat of his father's heart. It was like music.

Vejita didn't catch it at first, but then he realized that the slight tapping of his son's fingers against his side were in time with his heartbeat, "Kakarotto?"

The tapping stopped, "Hm?"

"Tell me why you were so upset earlier. Why'd your ki go crazy like that?"

"I was talking with Raditz. He said you and me being together wasn't right and that there was going to be a revolt…" Kakarotto sighed, trying not to think about it as he spoke, "He said the king was too soft and I was too pure and that you're the only one that can be king now, but that us being together was making you weak. He wanted me to end it. I just… I got really upset. I didn't mean to worry you. It's just… Raditz was always such a good friend, I don't know why he doesn't like us anymore. Just because we're in love. He said love was weak. How can love be wrong? I just don't understand." The tears were near. Though he'd tried, talking about was too much, the pain and sadness bringing itself the front his mind, weighing on his heart.

"Shh… Don't worry about it." Vejita said, more than angry with the long-haired warrior. He stroked his son's back, tracing the boy's spine up to his neck, running his fingers through thick, unruly hair.

"But I told him to leave the palace, that I didn't want to see him again."

"Shh… Don't cry. I'm glad you told him to leave, I would have done the same. In fact, if you hadn't, I'd be doing it now. He's no right to speak to you that way."

Kakarotto nodded, "Would everyone react that way if they knew?"

Vejita remained silent for a moment, not wanting to answer, but finding that he couldn't lie, "Most would."

This caused the boy's tears to come threatening close again, his hands balling in fists, "Why don't these people believe in love?"

Vejita smirked, "Maybe that's why your mother came to me. The Goddess of Love, Bi… Perhaps she wanted the Saiya-jin to know something of love."

This calmed Kakarotto, got him thinking, and for some reason, it made him smile.

"That's better." The prince whispered, leaning up to kiss his son on the forehead, "Now let's get some sleep."

"What about dinner?" Kakarotto asked, looking up.

Vejita chuckled, "We sacrificed dinner for fucking in the shower."

Kakarotto reached up, placing his hand over his father's mouth, "Making love!"

The prince pulled his son's hand away, whispering into the boy's ear, his tongue grace the shell of Kakarotto's ear as he spoke, "It was fucking, and you know it."

"Can we," Kakarotto whispered, the heat building again in reaction to his father's bold words. He swallowed, "Can we do it one more time?"

Vejita chuckled, "Do what?"

Laughing, tears forgotten, Kakarotto climbed onto his father, kissing the older man with slow passion.

The prince turned, gently rolling them until he was on top, his arousal already come to life again between his legs, "Say it," he whispered, completely serious, "Please."

Kakarotto's smile faded, his father rarely asked so. A bit uncomfortable with the language, the boy blushed, leaning up to speak softly into his father's ear, as if that would be like not saying at all, "Fuck me, Papa."

Vejita groaned, grinding his hips into his son's. The word had sounded strange from the boy's lips, but that alone made it so insanely erotic. That soft, young voice whispering such a thing. Kami!

………………………………...

Spent, the bedding dirty again, they lie in one another's arms, on the verge of dreams, naked limbs tangled, sweat still glistening on their passion-warmed skin.

Vejita wondered what was to come. How was all this insanity going to draw together? How could this possibly end? Would he and Kakarotto's love remain secret forever?

A smirk pulled at his lips. He was becoming soft, ne? Thinking on love much like a woman would. Well, no matter what came to pass, he'd ensure that he and Kakarotto remain together, by whatever means.

His mind calming with positive thoughts, Vejita gave in, letting the land of dreams take him.

………………………………...

To be continued…