Goku decides that he wants to give something important back to Vegeta for his birthday. Yet, the implications of what he does are something he does not understand. It only takes some time for him to find out the mistake he has made and how it could affect everything and everyone. "Vegeta, wait…take…take me with you."
03
A Lesson On Mates
There is only one more week before we will land on Vegetasei when my Father calls the ship. He is sitting in the control room, alone and unbothered. "My son." He speaks and I nod to him, sitting down.
"What is it you have called me about, Father?" I question and he sighs. His tail twitches before neatly wrapping around his waist.
"You shall arrive soon, correct?"
I nod, glancing at the count down. "Within the week, Father." He nods briskly.
"Good, I will have a festival prepared for when you arrive. How is the other sayian that is on your ship?" I blink, before clearing my throat.
"He is feeling much better, Father. He still sleeps a lot from time to time, but that is to be expected I believe. However, his condition has not worsened since the first few days."
"That is good, I will leave a medical on reserve. When you arrive I will have proper garment prepared for you both. You can hem them at the time, if you need." I nod, moving my tail slightly. "But, I do have to ask you something else. What rank is this sayian? You have said he is strong but what family does he come from?"
I clear my throat; aware my response could change what my Father thinks of Kakarrot. "He is a third-class. However, he is the son of Bardock. I am sure you remember him." My Father blinks, before nodding his head.
"…of course I remember Bardock…" He sighs, looking at his hand for a moment. "I did not listen to his words when he said Frieeza would end us all…and you know what happened from there. Bardock is a powerful sayian despite his rank, he is one of our most powerful warriors…and one of the only to retain memories as a giant ape…" He looks back up at me. "His son then, I am guessing is even more powerful than his Father."
"Yes." I do not hesitate in my answer; I know Kakarrot is strong. I know that he would make my Father pleased if he saw his strength. "He is far more powerful than you and I could anticipate."
"And you say this with confidence." He thinks this over. "Then we will keep him in the palace."
"Father?" That had been my intention if anything, but I did not expect him to agree so easily. Actually, I had not even been the one to suggest it. Then I cleared my throat. "I was actually going to purpose that idea to you. He does not know much of our culture and it would be best if he was able to stay with us. Besides, I have lived alongside him for ten long years now. I know him better than anyone else is, and I know his personality is not that of what our species happens to be used to."
"What are you referring to, my son?" He raised an eyebrow, looking at me.
"I am stating that he hit his head as a child, Father. Due to this he lost much about himself and our culture." I sigh a little, thinking over everything that has happened since I arrived on Earth that day. "He is a reliable warrior but he is not always true to his sayian instincts."
"I understand…" My Father pauses, thinking about what I have said. "Then yes, it is indeed the best idea to keep him within our palace. I shall call for Bardock and his family as well. They will be most pleased to find out their youngest son is returning." He pauses once more to think. "Have you found out what he is yet?" I raise an eyebrow at him.
"To what are you referring to?"
"Vegeta," he sighs, "he must be a most powerful alpha or even a beta. You must know what he is, it will change the course of what I plan." I make a small noise of discontentment at that thought. I had never found out what Kakarrot was. Of course, the absence of the planet had much to do with the end of our way of life.
"I do not know. I believe he would be an alpha, but there is always that chance I suppose." Finding out won't be easy but I understand why it was brought up. I sigh, my tail giving a small twitch. "I will try and find out before we arrive, I understand the danger of if he is a beta." If that was true, Kakarrot would be the most powerful beta on the planet. That would be unrivaled, and only the best mate would suffice in that case.
"Depending on what we find we may hold a tournament. That is, to find out exactly who Kakarrot should mate with. If he is a beta we need only the strongest warrior to be his mate, and of course, they would have to stay with him in the palace." I don't know why my Father is bringing this up to me, or even making a big deal about it… So what if Kakarrot does not have a mate? So what if he should get one?
"No." I cannot stop myself from speaking, the thought… The mere thought of Kakarrot with someone else infuriates me for some unknown reason. I do not like the idea of him living in the palace with another man as his partner. I have known him for too long to agree so easily to something like that. Besides, he only deserves the best as I am aware of. "Kakarrot will not be some prize for a tournament, Father." I growl out the words, my eyes flashing. "He deserves better than that."
"Oh? Well how will we find him a mate then?" My Father muses. "If he turns out to be a beta we cannot simply let him leave the castle, someone will claim him, and you know it my son."
"…fuck." I hiss, turning my head away from the screen. "I'm staying by my judgement. Kakarrot will find a mate but it will not be through a tournament."
"And you my son?" I freeze at the indication, turning my head back eventually. "You will need to ascend to the throne soon enough my son, you need a mate in order to do so. But I know you have no desire for such a thing…will I need to hold one for you?"
"That's not necessary." I'm not the one who spoke this time, the voice came from behind me… I turn my head to see Kakarrot walking up. He's wearing pants but no shirt, and I feel the light humiliation creep onto my face. My Father should not be seeing him half dressed, that is just indecent.
"Kakarrot!" I hiss, and he flinches.
"What-"
"Go put some clothes on!" He blinks, having expected something different from the look on his face.
"No, let him stay." I whip my head around to my Father, who watches us through the screen with amused eyes. "I'm interested to know what made him say that."
"But Father- "I stop myself and let out a sigh. There is no point in arguing with him. Kakarrot comes and sits down next to me.
"So, Kakarrot, why did you say that it is not necessary for my son to get a mate?" I cannot tell if my Father is angry or if he is just simply amused by the response.
Kakarrot scratches his head, frowning. "No, I wasn't saying no to that…" He trails off for a moment. "Vegeta gets grumpy when he doesn't have enough attention so a mate is good for him… But I think Vegeta can make his own decision. He may be proud from time to time but he knows when he likes someone…and if you just forced him to be with someone then I think he would go back to being angry all of the time. And that was never fun, for any of us…" He has been staring at nothing as he spoke, before bringing his eyes to my Father. My face is a light pink, both of rage and…I cannot identify the second emotion that I know is there. "See I mean… He deserves better than whoever wins a tournament for him. The people that would enter that would probably enter for some selfish reason about why they want to win… And I don't think that their reasons would be good for Vegeta…" Then he chewed on his lip, trying to finish his words. I'm not sure that I want him to, but my Father listens to him with intent. "In the end I think what makes him happy would be best. I don't know a lot about sayian culture or anything… But I can kind of guess that being happy isn't something that's common with marriages or I guess mating there… But…I was with someone I wasn't happy with and I really hated everything. There were times when I wanted to just give up because I didn't want to go back to that… So…I think maybe… If you let him choose someone he really cares about then it'll be better…" I am silent for a moment, looking at Kakarrot. I know what he is saying, and I cannot stop the movement of my hand to take his.
"Kakarrot." My Father hasn't spoken; I do not know his state for I have not looked at the screen. Kakarrot looks at me, blinking before smiling.
"But it's okay, right? I probably don't have to see her again so it'll be okay." He seems to understand that he may not get happiness on Vegetasei either. That because of his class something like that is just…not normal. "I can live with whatever comes now because of her. But…I don't think you should go through that." I squeeze his hand, biting at my lip. Kakarrot shouldn't be saying these things. The man I always see so happy looks so…defeated. And I don't like it. "You're a good person, Vegeta. And you've done a lot so you deserve it."
"Kakarrot s- "I can't stop him, the look in his eyes… I just. Something in me doesn't feel right about that sad look he's giving me.
"…then what about a proposition?" We both turn and look at my Father, who has this small smirk on his face at this moment. I dread what he is about to say, but I motion for him to continue. One of my hands is still holding onto Kakarrot's but I hardly notice it. "You both say the other deserves the best they can get, something more than a tournament…so in that case… Find the other a mate."
"What?!" I stand up quickly, snatching my hand away from Kakarrot's. Kakarrot just sits there, staring at the screen. That wasn't nearly as bad as what I thought he would say but… "Father you have to be joking, finding a mate is- "
"Yes, but clearly you two think the other deserves only the best. If that is the case only a mate approved by the other would be allowed, correct?"
"We have different tastes Father! That is just nonsense!" I don't mean to shout but…that idea is something I cannot agree with! At all.
He sighs, shaking his head at me. "I believe that it may be for the best, my son. If you two are only wanting the best for the other, it is the best solution."
I look at Kakarrot as he sits there silently. "Kakarrot say something!" He looks at me for a moment before biting down on his lip.
"I…I don't think it would work, like you say Vegeta…I don't think finding each other a mate is very productive…. we have different tastes you're right…and…different expectations for a mate…" He trails off before standing up. He looks…sad. I cannot fathom why that is the emotion on his face now of all times! He looks up at me and says one last thing before he leaves. "I don't think I could find someone for you, Vegeta. I just know you too well." He doesn't say goodbye, but he exits quickly back to his room. I know he will go sleep again for some time but…something about that response makes me feel hollow on the inside.
"…just as I thought." I turn to my Father, who sighs a little bit. "You are very dense my son, and it could be your undoing if you are not careful." I growl at his words.
"And what is that supposed to mean?"
"…I think you will have to figure it out for yourself. Keep in mind what I said...and even what that sayian just told you, my son. I bid you farewell until you contact me with his status." And he hangs up the line. I am left standing there, rage over coming me.
"Damn it all!" I hiss, throwing a punch at the wall. What does that old man think he's doing! And why did Kakarrot get such a look on his face! I bite my lip; I want answers but I know from how Kakarrot fled…that he does not intend to give me the answer I want. But, I'm going to try either way. I walk over to the door, knocking a few times. "Kakarrot, open this door." I growl a little bit, but stop knowing it will not help me in the end. He gives me no response and I feel the anger inside of me starting to boil up again. "Kakarrot." I growl, hoping he gets the damn message! He better open up, and let me in!
I don't know how long it takes for the door to open up, but he stands there and looks at me. "Yeah…?" He smiles weakly, his hair more of a mess than usual. I wonder what happened in that time span between him leaving and opening the door.
"…what did you mean earlier?" He blinks before he looks away a little bit.
"I…I think that's up to you to figure out." He murmured softly. "I said…I said all I wanted to say." He looks uneasy, like he doesn't want to talk to me right now. But…from his words I can guess that I'm right.
"Kakarrot." I stop him from closing the door, my eyes searching his for understanding… I determine that there is only one thing that I can really do for right now. "Kakarrot, okay, but we need to talk about something else… Come out here and we'll talk in front of the tv." I was still at a loss for why she provided the tv or how it even worked honestly, but I accepted it was Bulma's innovation. I sit down and look at Kakarrot expectantly. He slowly sits down next to me, looking at me. I clear my throat, not sure how to begin. "…so…Kakarrot you do not know much about our Sayian culture…" I trail off, letting the words gather in my mind before I dare to speak again.
"Yeah…" He rubs his head. "That's going to be a problem isn't it?" He says it softly, but we both know the answer.
"Yes, it will but that is not why we need to talk. On Earth there are no such roles as there are on Vegetasei."
"Roles? Are you meaning class roles... like how I'm a third class and you're a prince? Because you know those exist on Earth." He crosses his arms, trying to understand what I'm getting at. I sigh softly, shaking my head.
"No, Kakarrot, not those kinds." I sigh a little bit, looking at him. "These are more of…sexual roles." I clear my throat a little bit. "Roles to which we must adhere to depending on what…our bodies tell us." I'm not sure how else to explain it to him. I sigh, closing my eyes. "Alphas and beta, Kakarrot. Do you know what those are?" He pauses to think about it before slowly nodding.
"Alphas are in charge normally, right?" At least he understood that much…
"Yes, Kakarrot, you're right about that." He cleared his throat some. "And in our society it mostly applies to mates but typically the royal family will be alphas." He shifted himself just a little bit. "It is seen as a disgrace if they are not…but anyways…" He sighed. "I still don't know what you are, Kakarrot. And it is important for us to find out if you are a beta."
"What do you mean?" He frowns a little bit and I sigh, shaking my head.
"Beta males are not common, Kakarrot. And the stronger a beta is, the stronger the mate has to be. That creates some of the most powerful offspring of our planet…and due to the rarity of beta males, they are highly desired…to the point there is murder and pillaging in case of a particularly strong one."
"R-really?" He looks surprised, even though he knows the violent tendencies of our species. I sigh a little.
"Kakarrot, if you turn out to be a beta…" I pause, thinking carefully. "We have to be extremely careful…there will be many sayians that will desire you…and knowing they cannot have you would aggravate them."
"I don't get why you seem to be so certain that I am." He frowns, looking at me. My tail swishes and I know I cannot give him an answer to that. "I mean, you don't know, right? So why are you so worried?" He frowns more.
"…normally when sayians have more than one child a beta is born. Often however, the betas were weak and they died soon after birth. Not many last, which is another reason they are weaker. I'll say this easily, normally after the first child a female or a beta will be born. To which we had more females than beta males they were the easiest to mate with. However, beta males are still far more desirable than the lesser…and since Raditz was born first, it is more likely that you are a beta."
"So Raditz is an alpha…" He at least caught onto that much, but then frowns. "Is that why I was born with a low power level? I remember him mentioning how low it was…"
"…it is likely. Look, Kakarrot…If you are in fact a beta this is serious. That's why I'm telling you this…" I bite my lip. "I do not want some random sayian overpowering you and having his way with you."
"Eh? But I thought-"
"No, not like that Kakarrot. But when you go into heat it is likely that you will be weaker…it happens to betas…and…" I hesitate more, reaching to touch his tail. "I just have a very strong feeling that you're a beta." I give it a small stroke, not really thinking at the moment. He makes a noise, and my attention goes to his face. He looks just as shocked as I am. "…Kakarrot…" I say softly, looking at him. "…I do not want some sayian taking you away from me." He makes another noise, but this time at my words. "You have been my partner for so long now, that losing you would not be pleasurable… We will both mate but you will be safe in the castle… Away from the other sayians on the planet…somewhere where we can make sure no one will have their way with you…" I touch his cheek then, watching his eyes.
"Vegeta…" His eyes soften, and he leans forward a little. Our foreheads touch gently and he smiles at me. "I don't know where you get the idea that I will up and leave you…but I won't…" He murmurs it and I can tell he is sincere. "Vegeta…" He repeats my name again, a hand touching my cheek softly. "I…" He pauses for a minute. "I have something to ask you…"
"…yes Kakarrot?" I murmur, my mind is lost in this moment. I don't know why but my heart is beating fast, a hope in my chest. He blushes a little bit, glancing away for just a moment…
"What if…what if I want to be your mate…will…will you allow that?" He closes his eyes tightly. I don't know what I expected but my heart aches at this. Kakarrot looks so scared that I'm going to say no, but I don't even know what to say.
"Kakarrot…" I whisper softly, before closing my eyes. My mind reels at the thought, but I know what I want to say… I know what I am feeling right now. "Kakarrot…" I look at him then, and he is scared. Kakarrot fears my answer as he fears it will be for the worse. "I…" I notice something else first, reaching my arms to grab the male in front of me. He makes a soft sound, before letting me hold onto him. "Kakarrot..." I don't know how I didn't see it before, but it's there…staring me in the face. A scar on his neck that looks as if someone tried to cut his head off. He notices my gaze and he turns his head away from me. He looks frightened by this notion. "What is this?" I whisper, touching his neck gently… Just running the tips of my fingers along the mark.
"It's nothing." He says it softly but quickly.
"You were trying to hide it." I reason gently, after all I don't recall seeing it before.
"Vegeta, it's nothing…" He says softly, biting his lip. He's scared, more than earlier. I move my head to his shoulder, gazing at the scar there. It's not old, I can tell that much by just looking at it.
"Oh Kakarrot…" I sigh, I cannot recall a time I was this gentle with anyone. "Why don't we rest for a time?" I murmur, not wanting to detach myself from him. We will figure everything out at a later date, and I want to find out what happened to him… I know he wants to hide it but I do not want him to be scared of telling me these things. Perhaps he fears what I will do when I find out.
"Will you not give me an answer?" He whispers and I sigh, closing my eyes a little.
"I feel as if my want to lay with you is answer enough for now…so shall we go lay down? I know you still need your rest as well."
"…alright." He says softly, moving to stand up, lifting my body up as well. He gets the message that I do not wish to be detached from him just yet. He smiles a little bit, starting to head for my bedroom. I blink, looking up at him. "You spent a lot of time in my room, so I think it's my turn to return the favor." He smiles a little bit, he trusts me. He trusts me just a little too much… But, that is okay… For now, I know that he is safe with me and that I will not allow anything to happen to him. I cannot promise Kakarrot we will mate, but I know that… I would not mind it. Perhaps it is because we have been together for so long… We have seen each other often over the years and it has become a normality. My Father will want to know his status before I can promise anything… Yet, that isn't even what I worry about now. That mark on his neck, he had been hiding it from me for who knows how long… And it is not an older scar. Only meaning that it had to happen within the last year at the very most… I want to know why it is there and how he got it… It will not be something I will enjoy, but I know that something bad is the cause of that wound…
Kakarrot lays down with me, holding my body tight to his. I shift just enough to get comfortable before closing my eyes. I can worry about that tomorrow. For now all I need to worry about is staying in the arms of the other man in this bed.