Vegeta found the situation a little surreal at the moment. Toa was leaning against him with his head on the prince's shoulder as the pair watched Kome and Seba play in front of them. If they weren't in a cell on a backwater planet in demon territory, the prince would think that this would be a normal family outing.

He wondered if they could do things like this after they were rescued. His hand drifted up to feel over the tracking chip along his hairline as if to make sure it was still there. Vegeta was becoming anxious that it was taking so long for the team to come. He didn't want to give up hope, but as the days started to blur together, it was becoming harder to remain optimistic. Had the chip malfunctioned? He didn't want to have lied to Kakarot. He promised the beta they would go home, he had to keep that promise or he had the feeling 'Kakarot' would simply cease to exist.

His eyes slid over to glance at the beta. Ever since the feral half of Kakarot revealed that he knew that the alpha was his mate last week, he had been almost clingy. He didn't want to stray to far from Vegeta, and he hadn't been the only one.

The larger saiyan's eyes flickered over to the boys. Seba was darting around Kome trying to tag the older boy in different places, and the older boy tried to tag the younger one before he was touched. He couldn't quite understand the game, but it was keeping them occupied in the small space so he wasn't complaining.

The cubs had remained close to him as well. Seba especially. Kome mentioned it made Seba feel safe. Seba didn't have the random power fluxions like he did. The tiny cub was too small and weak to fight back. The older cub explained this wasn't normal, that Sorbet and Chorri didn't let them stay with Toa like this. Both Seba and Kome were scared they would be taken back to their cell any day now and were soaking up as much comfort as they could.

His gaze returned to Toa as the beta sighed contently and nuzzled into the prince's shoulder. Vegeta had a feeling Toa was starting his nesting. He would grow more submissive and desiring of touch and warmth from here on out. He was trying to keep track of everything the beta did to have an idea where he was with the pregnancy. He couldn't stop the small grin when he glanced at the swell in Toa's stomach. The beta was already beginning to show at the one-month mark, likely because there were two cubs. He asked the cat about getting a shirt for Toa so the beta could have at least that modesty, and she surprisingly had agreed and said she would see what she could do.

Toa's soft purr distracted him as he rubbed against Vegeta's chest before sliding to rub his hair under the alpha's chin and settle into his lap happily. The prince couldn't help the rumble of pride that came from his chest while he wrapped his arms around the beta and breathed in the pleasurable scent. Toa trusted him, wanted his touch and attention after all the times he was hurt. It gave him no small satisfaction that the beta was pleased to have him as a mate as well.

Feeling Kakarot go ridged in his arms shocked the prince from his lazy state. He was even more shocked when the beta let out a low whine and immediately scrambled away from Vegeta and backing into the corner his nest was in.

"Toa?" Kome and Seba stopped their game in confusion at Vegeta's voice when their tama growled softly. The prince was at a loss for what to do when Seba crouched with a whimper coiling his tail. The stink of fear rapidly permeated the cell worrying Vegeta further as Kome picked up his little brother hiding him under his shirt and ducking behind Kakarot. When the prince tried to approach the little beta, he was shocked when Toa growled at him before looking at the floor whimpering as his tail curled and he crouched lower….to hide his stomach.

The prince was confused over the smaller saiyan's actions. Toa bunched up several blankets to help hide the gentle swell of his belly, and the scent of fear was overpowering every other scent in the cell. Except for this new stench that had the alpha wanting to claw his own nose off.

Vegeta grunted, gagging as he shoved his wrist under his nose to block out the multiple overwhelming scents, but they were so strong that he could barely make out his own scent. Another whimper drew his eyes to his mate to see the beta pulling the blanket he used most often over Kome and Seba while pulling another close to his own face.

"I see you've settled in nicely." Vegeta instantly felt his lip curl up at the sound of the voice. "How fitting to see you locked up in a cage where you belong."

A tall humanoid with light blue skin and green hair stood at the front of the cell. His arms were crossed over his chest, and he was smirking at the larger saiyan with a superior expression on his face that had the inner alpha in Vegeta snarling in challenge.

"So you're the source of that stench." Vegeta snarled. He recognized it now. Zarbon was there when he was captured. He remembered that gods awful stench that distracted him from….He couldn't remember more than that at the moment. "What do you want?"

"I'll have you know I wear only the finest perfumes through out the galaxy." The blue alien flaunted unfazed. "As for why I'm here…" Vegeta bristled as Zarbon's gaze landed on Toa. He didn't miss the spike of fear in Toa's scent, shocking because he didn't think Toa could be anymore scared. The beta was visibly shaking and avoiding eye contact with either male. The prince saw Toa's behavior for what it really was, submission from absolute fear. "I just wanted to catch up with my favorite little beta."

"Like I'd allow you to get anywhere him." The prince growled as he got to his feet. He took a few steps closer to the green haired male while also blocking the smaller saiyan from view as best he could. His fangs flashed as he glared in golden eyes. "Why don't get lost and go lick Frieza's boots."

"Oh? Feeling territorial are we?" Zarbon sneered as his eyes narrowed. "I certainly don't blame you. He is quite the tight lay. Aren't his screams delicious? I know I really enjoyed playing with him." His eyes flickered over to Kakarot, and the scent of fear grew once more making the alpha's hackles rise. "I do believe he thoroughly enjoyed himself too given how much he cried and moaned for it."

Vegeta felt his blood boil as the other man's gaze practically raked over his mate. He fought to keep his alpha rage from taking over since he was almost completely sure that Zarbon would know that there was some type of connection. He had to keep the scientists and Frieza from knowing about the mating bond, somehow they would find a way to use it against Kakarot and him.

It took a moment or two, but the saiyan buried his anger. His dark eyes landed on the three scars that ran from Zarbon's left ear down the side of the green haired male's face to the corner of his mouth. They were a darker blue compared to his normal skin tone, and pulled the skin around them with a very familiar spacing. A smirk grew on his face as his eyes flickered over the scars once more.

"Huh, I doubt you're getting any willing partners now with how pretty your face looks now, you freaky alien genotype." The sneer slid off Zarbon's face as his looked back over to the prince. "Although, I have to say it's an improvement. Gives you a more…rugged look rather than the pansy one you like to prance around as. Now you just need to get rid of your frilly stockings and cut your ridiculous hair."

Zarbon seethed as he listened to Vegeta. He slammed his hand on the barrier of the cell to make the saiyan stop talking, but all he did was make Vegeta chuckle as he moved slowly to lean his shoulder against the clear wall.

"What's wrong?" The prince asked in mock concern. He crossed his arms over his bare chest and looked completely at ease. "Are you upset that you can't get laid unless you force someone? I'm sure that does get old after the first few times."

"I bet you won't talk so tough once I get in there with you, monkey." Zarbon spoke through gritted teeth as he moved closer to the keypad that would open the cell. "You can't fight with your energy as long as you have those cuffs on."

"I don't need my ki to take out the trash." The alpha spoke at a slightly higher volume to cover up the terrified whimper Kakarot and the cubs let out behind him. "Or did you forget that you couldn't take me on alone?"

"What are you doing?" Both men turned to see the cat bristling down the hallway before storming towards the cell. "You aren't supposed to be down here, Zarbon. Let alone antagonizing the subjects." Zarbon chuckled before waving at her in dismissal.

"Shut up, mongrel. You think I'll actually listen to you? You're forgetting who's in charge here." The green haired man sneered at Chorri. It was obvious that Zarbon was stronger than the woman, but she didn't back down. "Go about your business, and I might forget you tried to give me orders."

Zarbon reached for the controls again, but the purple furred cat woman maneuvered her body between Zarbon and the cell's keypad. The pupils in her yellow eyes narrowed into slits as she glared up at the taller being. The commander narrowed his own eyes before he squared his body against hers making Vegeta realized just how small Chorri really was.

"Please, do continue to get in my way, cat, I've been meaning to replace the throw rug in my bed chambers. You purple fur will clash with the décor, but I'll manage."

"If you don't leave, I'll report what you're doing to Sorbet. I'm sure he'd love to follow through on what he told you he would do the last time you were with 01." Her eyes flickered with defensiveness as her hands unclenched to unsheathe her claws.

That had Zarbon hesitating much to Vegeta's surprise. It made the saiyan prince wonder what the small scientist had on the feminine looking male. He could only watch as the man towered over the feline woman and he narrowed his eyes down at her.

"You're only this stubborn…the little chimp is pregnant, isn't he?" The tone Zarbon used had Vegeta tensing up, and when the light blue skinned man looked back over at the submissive saiyan with a sick gleeful grin, it was all the alpha could do not to snarl at him.

"It wouldn't matter if he was or not." Chorri's tone stayed firm. "You are jeopardizing the program, and you still need to leave."

"You should watch yourself, kitty cat. We can always find another medic." He said before turning on his heel and stalking off.

As soon as the tips of the girly cape Zarbon wore disappeared around the corner, Vegeta and Chorri relaxed some. The alpha moved away from the cell wall towards Kakarot and the cubs. They had yet to move from the nest, but they did look slightly calmer now that the green haired man was gone. Toa however continued to tremble and still would not look at Vegeta.

"Hey, its ok, he's gone." The prince tried to soothe as he knelt in front of the beta. "It's just the scientist now."

"I have a name, you know. I'm starting to think Sorbet is the only one that remembers that little detail." The soft voice of Chorri had the alpha looking over his shoulder to see the woman walking in the cell. He was somewhat surprised that she came into the cage like she did.

"Aren't you concerned I'll do something to you? Or him?" Vegeta nodded towards the still upset saiyan. From what he'd seen no one actually entered Toa's cell without at least one other person for back up.

"No. 01 won't hurt me, because I've never hurt him." Chorri smiled at the alpha as she moved closer to Kakarot and held out her hand. "And if I'm right, you won't do anything until you are certain that you could get yourself, 01, and the children out of here."

"What makes you so sure?" Vegeta growled with narrowed eyes.

"I know a mate mark when I see one, prince." The saiyan growled as he tensed, wondering if he would be able to kill this woman. "Relax, I'm not going to tell anyone." Chorri said in her next breath without looking away from Toa.

"How?" Vegeta demanded. He settled near the nest unsure if he was welcome there at the moment. Toa was terrified and if upset would lash out to protect the cubs.

"Your race isn't the only one that practices marking." She said settling cross-legged on the floor. "My race, the Katu, do as well. Then there's the Dolraa, the Fenrins, Tsun, really there's more than they realize."

"Why haven't you told them?" He asked warily.

"It's none of their business." Chorri said softly. "Mate marks are sacred to my people, interfering with those who do choose to mark each other is a sin, at least for my people." Toa whimpered softly before finally looking up at Vegeta. Hesitantly, giving Chorri a wary look, the alpha was uncertain if he should go to his mate. He didn't want to give in to some kind of trap. Another soft whine from Toa decided things for him, and he climbed into the nest pulling the beta into his lap and wrapping his arms around him to try calming Toa down. Toa curled into him still shaking with soft whimpers coming from him. Behind him, he could feel Kome press into his back also shaking like a leaf. It made his hackles raise again. He wanted to rip Zarbon apart.

"I need to find the saiyan that did that to his face and give them a medal." The prince muttered trying to distract himself from dark thoughts.

"You won't have to look far, he's in your lap." Chorri said opening a bag at her waist and rummaging through it.

"Toa? He did that?!" Vegeta was honestly a little surprised. With how the beta had cowered….

"He wasn't always this scared of Zarbon." Chorri said with a frown. The prince knew there was more to the story she wasn't saying.

"What happened?"

"He was breaking." Chorri said quietly. "Between the "games" Lord Frieza put him through and repeated…attempts to get him pregnant….I'm surprised he lasted as long honestly. I've seen it before with the other subjects, the few that were anyways, they lasted maybe two years? 01 was nearing four at that point and after one of Lord Frieza's more sadistic visits, he broke."

"It's not like he told me what was going on in his mind. I could just see it. He got that look in his eyes. Zarbon showed up one day, likely to torment him either on orders or as payback for all the trouble 01 caused him during capture, I'm not sure which; but he slipped up and 01 got his hand free and ripped into his face. I almost thought I was wrong when we saw that after Zarbon's scream of pain alerted us. Zarbon transformed in his rage and….01 didn't even try to avoid the hit." Chorri said sadly as her ears dropped a bit. Gently, her fingers pointed at the angry red scars on Toa's neck, and Vegeta quickly realized what the cat was saying.

"He provoked the bastard." His words were soft while his free hand brushed against his mate's hair, unable to simply card through all the mats and tangles.

"It almost worked." Chorri admit. "He spent nearly two weeks in a tank after surgery to stitch the wound shut. Lord Frieza was furious. He punished 01 severely for his actions. I think that's the only time he physically beat 01 outside of the maze. Zarbon has had it out for 01 ever since. He keeps finding new ways to hurt 01 taking joy in it. He's caused more miscarriages than anything else in my opinion." Chorri finally pulled a ball of cloth from the pouch and shook it out.

"I had to alter it because all the available shirts were too big, honestly I think even you'd have been swimming in them. I think this should do until he starts to get bigger." The prince looked at the black sleeveless top. It wouldn't do much to keep the beta warm but it would cover his torso and most of his shoulders except for the sides of his neck. "I need your help to get him to put it on."

"Toa, I need you to do something for me." Vegeta whispered softly. "She has a shirt for you to put on." He nodded to Chorri. The prince wasn't sure Toa would understand him without the saiyan tongue, but he didn't trust the cat enough to reveal that secret yet. "Toa?"

The little beta whined softly, he didn't want to uncurl, but Vegeta knew the sooner they got Toa dressed the sooner he could settle the beta and cubs to rest and hopefully relax and calm down. Seeing little choice he softly purred and nudged Toa to get him to uncurl.

"You need to uncurl for me, Toa. The shirt will cover your stomach. It can hide the new cubs." He said softly. That got his attention, or he thought it did because Toa looked up at him. Vegeta could see how scared the beta still was. "Its ok, he's gone. I won't let him hurt you."

Both adults watched as the beta uncurled but he didn't move from Vegeta's lap and the alpha was fine with that. Chorri rolled the shirt with the wide neck open and with Vegeta's help slipped it over Toa's head. The beta whimpered and tensed as the fabric settled around him, but Vegeta tightened his grip slightly and purred before guiding his arms through the sleeve holes before smoothing the fabric down. Toa was anxiously brushing at the shirt, unsurprising since Vegeta suspected the beta had not worn a shirt in years. A trill behind them drew their attention to the cubs. Seba was peaking out of Kome's shirt. The little cub crawled out of his brother's shirt and up the alpha's shoulder before dropping into his tama's lap with a soft purr. Seba was still visibly shook up but was curious about the new shirt. Toa gave a soft trill of his own when the little cub burrowed under the new shirt. Chorri gave a small laugh at the site.

"Well at least he approves."

Vegeta softly smiled as the beta wrapped his arms where his younger son was hiding. It seemed that having the small cub close like that was helping Toa relax more, and the prince turned his head slightly to chuff at Kome before lifting his arm up.

The older boy slowly moved out from behind the alpha. His eyes darted around as he ducked under Vegeta's arm to plaster his body against the larger saiyan's front until he was wedged between the prince and the beta. The smaller saiyan wrapped an arm around the larger cub and pulled all three of them until they were resting against Vegeta's chest.

The sight both warmed and twisted the alpha's heart. It was sweet seeing the three curled up like this in his lap, but the small size of all of them concerned Vegeta. It should have been impossible for a beta and two cubs to fit on his lap and in his arms like they do.

"I should warn you," Chorri's voice has Vegeta looking up to meet yellow eyes. "I'll have to take the children out tomorrow." The alpha's head snapped up and a snarl was growing on his lips. The katu woman lifted her hands up in surrender as she quickly added, "It's only for their checkup! They'll be back in two days after we make sure they don't have anything that 01 could catch!"

The prince stared at the woman for a few moments before he relaxed once more. It made sense to Vegeta now that he thought about it, but he was still leery about having the cubs out of his sight. He only hoped that Toa would understand that it wouldn't be long before the boys would be brought back once she came to get them.

Then a thought came to the larger saiyan's mind.

"Why are you helping us like this?" Now that be voiced the question, Vegeta realized that it had been festering in the back of his mind like an itch that he couldn't scratch. "You go out of your way to help…why?"

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, the alpha wished he could take them back. A look of pain crossed her face before Chorri started to gather her belongings. He was about to apologize as she walked over to the cell wall when she stopped for a moment. The saiyan almost cringed at her tone as she spoke without turning around.

"Let's just say that Lord Frieza didn't ask me to work for him more than he asked you to be test subjects."