AN: Here it comes!
Brolly: Here comes what?
Zogeta: snickers Ohhh…this chapter is going to be exciting…onto reviewer replies!
Omnimalevolent: Ah, I get it. Thing is, fanfiction generally ain't good (intentionally bad English) because it's written by squealing fangirls with little brains and even less grasp of the craft. But heck, at least I can consider myself above that revolting level. At least I don't Mary Sue. snorts
If you ask me which the best fics are, you'll find that all my favourite authors do some sort of shonen-ai and I find it the best genre myself. But it's worth trawling through to find the good stuff.
I don't mind if you don't remember my stuff a year from now. I'm happy enough with providing at least some sort of gratification, even if it doesn't last long. Hell, I've read so many stories over the years and reviewed so many, but I don't remember most of them. That doesn't mean that they weren't good, it just means that something better came along. So, I'm glad you still like the work, and that you're still here, fourteen chapters later. Stay on!
That multitasking line is probably my favourite. And they're not old! Sorta…I never saw it that way before. Vegeta still looks early thirties to me. Always will. Just out of curiosity, how old are you? I'm merely nineteen and a half.
M-Python-Girl: Aren't they just?
Spruceton Spook: I like the idea of Vegeta at such school activities. Snickering evilly in the audience and starting fights with other fathers and teachers. There is a little more to go, and I'm really working my ass off to get the special side story done. It's just not going anywhere! Thank you for having such faith in me! And that line is cute too, if I say so myself.
Kevornman: Ah, thank you! Such succinct and wonderful praise! You rock!
Clarobell: Aw, I'm touched! I hope I don't mess up your Mondays…I love Mondays because that's when the bar is closed and I'm off! Yeah, I like my Veggies a little tender. I've lost all patience for the excessively cruel Vegeta. It's so overdone…
ChaosBardock: Welcome back! No, there are a few more chapters, about three or so left. I've got to bring closure, you know?
Wildgirlxyz3: I also love the sword! Thank you for supporting me with that! I know how busy life gets, so I don't mind too much when regulars don't review, ya know? Ah, you'll have to see what happens to Vegeta…
huge thunderclap in background accompanied by eerie music
Brolly! No special effects during replies!
Brolly: Sorry, Zo.
Guybrush: Hah! You screwed up!
Anyway, before I was so rudely interrupted, the bedtime story is still in progress…damn, I better get my ass in gear and write it before the story finishes! I'm going to put it as a special chapter at the end of this story. I quite like where its going, even if it is a little warped. I present you with another chapter!
Yami Persephone: Well, we're not entirely sure yet what's going to happen to the Vedge…but your guess is as good as any. Trunks would be embarrassed if his father died during his spelling bee! I try to stay away from cliché because it gives me a rash and bad reviews. And Vegeta knows better than to get into a tug of war with Bulma over anything…but he probably thinks she's beautiful when she's mad…and vice-versa. Even more gorgeous is Goku in a bad mood. Delicious. I rarely get out of bed early…working night shifts does that. Hell, but a day job would be nice. Doesn't matter…cash is cash, innit?
Chuquita: I don't often do Bulma/Vegeta interaction, but I like to think its something like this. And who wouldn't stake claim on Vegeta's delectable derriere?
weeps at lack of Vegeta butt ownership
Well, I don't want to spoil anything; I'm hoping to kinda blindside everybody with the next few chapters. Will Vegeta even die? If so, where? Will he tell Kakarot? Oh, the suspense! (or the attempt thereat.) The Veggie eye injury leaves much room for play. In another story I'm working on, he actually lost that eye later on…had to have a transplant. That story is straight shonen-ai, excuse the oxymoron. I'll probably start posting that one not long after this one is finished up.
The Saiyuki story line does improve greatly and maybe I just gave it a chance because I like to read the words 'Son Goku'. It does start getting really screwed up later on…
I also need a faster modem! Mine is just a 56k and it takes forever to download pics from deviant art! That site is SO slow! I'm working my way through your gallery and Ally Macbeal's but I might have to wait until I go to Varsity next year where the internet is faster.
Ironically, I also need volume 6 of Love Hina! I've got the first five and the entire anime…its great, but not my first love. Dbz was my gateway drug and still is my number one anime. But I watched Trigun this week and loved it! Vash rocks! And I bought my first two dragonball mangas! holds up volumes 1 & 2 I LOVE it! Goku is so adorable…even if he pees a lot. Bulma is quite the pornstar brat, I won't lie.
It's always a relief to close a story/story arc. I bet Turles is going to tell Kakarot what semes and ukes are! At the risk of sounding crass, its probably just more practical for Kakarot to be seme…Vegeta's a foot shorter, which makes things more complicated. I'm sure you'll reconcile whatever happens when the Kaka-war comes to a close. And don't worry about Veggie: whatever happens, he'll pull through.
BlackDragonSoul: Oooooh…you'll just have to see! Hope you like the path it does take and thank you for the review! Here's the regular Sunday update!
John Perry: Well, we've got three more chapters of the story to go, as well as the bedtime story that you inspired me to write! So, hang on for the rest!
And in closing from me:
Thank you, everyone, for enjoying the last chapter so much! You give me confidence for this one!
And I need help! I've hit a low with the story that's supposed to be the add-on to this. So…who can I send it to for some ideas? Who'd like a first peek? Let me know in your review and if you're an anonymous reviewer then please don't forget your email address.
Other than that, I hope that everyone will be nice to this chapter…its one of my favourites.
Enjoy the chap, and have a fantastic week,
Zogeta, Brolly and Guybrush
Brolly: Guybrush is the tea boy.
Guybrush: Rather a tea boy than a spank monkey!
Brolly: leers Being a spank monkey has wonderful benefits, Toiletbrush.
Chapter Fourteen:
Euphoria on Vegeta-sei
"Chichi, I'm going out for a bit, I promise I'll be back by morning!"
I try to sound as bright and cheerful as possible so that my wife will let me out. Surprisingly…
"Sure, Goku-sa. Where are you going?"
I rub the back of my head. "Well, I want to get the dragonballs so that I can wish back Vegeta-sei. I want to thank Vegeta for everything he's taught me and I know that it would make him really happy to see his home again."
She gives me an odd look, as though she understands or sees something I don't. But the look flickers away and she smiles, turning back to the stove to stir the milk she's heating up for hot chocolate.
"Just be careful, Goku. I want you home in the morning when I wake up. It's been lonely waking up by myself for the past month."
I give her a quick kiss, then I'm out the door and on my way to Capsule Corp. I don't sense any of them there, so I can sneak in and quickly grab the dragonball radar and get going on my hunt.
I wonder why Chichi didn't kick up a fuss…
CcCcCcCcCcCc
"Mom, where is daddy going?" Goten asks me as he bounces into the kitchen.
"Doing a favour for Vegeta, Goten."
Goten sits on the kitchen counter next to the stove. "Does daddy know that uncle Vegeta is gonna die?"
I shake my head, stirring the milk as it simmers. "No, Goten. Remember, we all promised Vegeta that we wouldn't tell daddy because then he wouldn't have agreed to go train if he knew it was bad for Vegeta."
Goten nods, then rubs those trademark spikes of his. "Oh, okay. I promise I won't tell!"
I kiss him on the forehead, making him blush. Silly boy; he's getting to that age where parents are embarrassing tag-alongs. "Thank you for being so good. When Vegeta does die, we must do our best to help dad, okay?"
My son, carbon clone that he is, hugs me then hops off the counter. "Kay! Can I have some hot chocolate now?"
I pour some out for him and he goes to his room to read his comic books. The poor kid…one day, he's going to lose a friend. Goku hasn't stopped talking about Vegeta, and how great things are between them. A part of me wishes that they hadn't resolved things; Vegeta's death is going to be so much harder on my soft-hearted husband.
When Vegeta told me of his plans, and of his fate, I couldn't help respecting him more than I did before. He's given up many months of his life in order to make my Goku stronger. Bulma told me that Vegeta had been keeping up his training and travelling the universe in preparation for Trunks' and Goku's training even though it has shortened his life drastically.
He doesn't have much longer…and poor Goku is going to lose a friend for the first time in his life. All his friends have been wished back after death, but no such reprieve will be granted to my poor husband this time round. I know he'll make it through; his heart, while soft, is also strong but it'll be a while before he finds his peace again.
This world is so full of ironies; two fierce rivals finding friendship, but too late.
Goku's timing never has been good…
VVVVVV
It's morning already?
I sit up and knuckle my eyes, yawning widely. Bulma murmurs next to me, reaches an arm out to find me. I know she fears the morning she will wake up and I'm truly gone, so I catch her hand and squeeze. She relaxes, knowing that I'm still in this world. The frown melts into her forehead and she smiles. I move off to go brush my teeth and pull on my clothes for the day, my tail waving sluggishly behind me as I go to the balcony to get a breath of fresh morning air. Well, as fresh as one can find in polluted West City.
I'm met by an unexpected, but not unwelcome sight.
"Kakarot?"
He grins and waves, bright and bouncy despite the bags under his eyes. He sits on the balcony railing and swings his legs, hands gripping the bar he sits on.
"Morning, Vegeta! Hurry up and get changed! I have a surprise for you!"
I finger-comb my spikes back into their usual impeccable flame. "Does this surprise involve showing off a new trick you learnt?"
He shakes his head. "No, but just humour me, okay? C'mon, please?"
I shrug and go back into my room. A quick ruffle through my clothes yields a pair of blue jeans, a black shirt and black sneakers. I scribble a note off for Bulma, take my pills, brush my teeth then go outside. Before I'm halfway across the balcony, a strip of velvet is wrapped around my eyes and my world goes dark.
It's the same strip I used for Kakarot's training. I guess he must have kept it. Sentimental baka.
His hand rests on my shoulder and squeezes. "Sorry about the jump, Vegeta…but you'll agree it's worth it."
Alright, so he has my curiosity aroused. What kind of surprise could he possibly have in mind? I nod, and my stomach lurches forward as we make the jump, then lurches back to my spine as we reach our destination. His hands rest over my eyes, then his fingers carefully ease under the blindfold. I can hear a smile in his voice as he pulls it off slowly.
"Welcome home, Vegeta."
In front of me is my palace…my home.
I'm…I'm on Vegeta-sei.
I'm…finally home…
Kakarot rests his hands on my hips and his chin on my shoulder. We're close…and I'm...perfectly helpless with true happiness…
"I wished it back last night. I want to say thank you…for everything. For all you've taught me, for letting me be your friend…and I know we were supposed to get the dragonballs together but I wanted to surprise you and make you happy."
I can't speak. I never thought I'd see my red sky again, the world that bore my ancestors. It was a memory, a dream world destroyed in a moment. I fall to my knees, still breathless, still…overcome by the wonderful, beautiful reality of my home.
Home.
A place that I thought I'd lost, a part of my soul, of my being forever gone.
Home.
"Holy…holy gods, Kakarot…I'm finally home…after so long…it's been so long…"
I feel hot trails run down my cheeks; I'm so overwhelmed to be back. To smell the air, to feel three suns on my skin. To be back amongst the giants and legends of my childhood.
Kakarot kneels behind me, wraps his arms around me as I shake with a joy that I could never verbalise. How can I explain this? This insane happiness I feel at being on a red sand beach?
"I understand, Vegeta. I understand."
I laugh, I collapse into tears and I don't care…my world has risen, and I will walk through its forests and swim in its warm oceans. I'm not an orphan anymore, I'm not a nomad anymore. I'm a prince returned to his throne, a forsaken soul who has found his place.
Kakarot turns my body towards his, rough thumbs wipe the tears from my face, and his lips kiss away what his thumbs don't. In this wonderful, perfect moment, I don't care that it's Kakarot, that I shouldn't or mustn't, but I lean forward and take his lips. His soft, Saiyan lips that have spoken words that have granted me happiness, have brought back my planet, given me a true friend…
He kisses back, arms holding me, his tongue seeking to touch mine, and I grant it…and it feels right, so perfect. He is my kind, the strongest Saiyan, the kindest and most understanding…
It doesn't matter that I will die soon…it is worth having made the journey thus far, to find him. Even if it is for a little while, it is beautiful to have him, to share in his heart and to be enfolded by his love and passion. If the circumstances had been different, we might not have gotten to this point and I wouldn't trade decades of life if it meant that I would have missed this…
Kakarot, I wish we could have realised this sooner…
There, in front of my palace, on a beach of ruby dust and under a sky the colour of hearts, I found the person I've been looking for all this time. The one who would have completed me, given the chance…
The one I fell in love with without even noticing.
Nothing else could explain this…this astonishing feeling of entirety that fills my very veins, that stretches to my limbs and to the tips of my hair. I pull him closer; I try to tell him that it'll be alright, that we'll somehow make it work across dimensions and death. That even apart, we'll be together…somehow…
He leans back, cups my jaw in one hand, his other hand on my lower back. "Vegeta…"
I let my eyes open and look up into dark eyes that are warmer than the sunlight on my back. He touches his forehead to mine, one hand moving to clasp mine.
"Will you…would you…make me yours?"
I nod, my hand resting on his cheek. Is this the most important moment of my life? I know that this runs deeper than just the blind euphoria I feel at having my planet back. I genuinely want Kakarot to share my life, my world. I have since that day he told me that he respected me, when he came back covered in guntaz blood and wanted to stay with me.
Since the day he told me he wanted to make me happy…
"Yes, Kakarot. I take you as mine, if you will take me as yours."
He smiles, that bright, happy smile that feels like looking into the heart of a star. He leans forward, takes my lips again, worshipping me, adoring me and simply encompassing me in all his purity and strength.
How did I ever live without this?
We somehow stand, leaning into each other and feeling the winds of our home tug at our clothes, playfully dancing with our spikes. What did I want immortality for when this existed? Why did I ever try to destroy this…this incredible Saiyan?
We slowly pull apart, blushing slightly but smiling. Kakarot takes my hand and gestures towards the palace.
"I wouldn't mind a guided tour of home, Vegeta."
I'm glad to oblige and walk towards the castle, Kakarot moving to walk closer to my side.
And it feels like that's where he should have been all this time.
Well, there you go. Shonen-ai after all! Bet you didn't see that coming! In the next chapter: flamers will be publicly HUMILATED! Just try me. Guys, seriously. If you didn't like it because it's homosexual, spare yourself the embarrassment and close the web page. I don't need bullshit in my life.
For everyone else, please review and tell me what you think!