Monkey Moon

Chapter Four

The two brothers walked in uncomfortable silence across the front yard. Raditz decided to break it.

"Kakarot, you don't have to treat me like I have a disease."

"I know. This is awkward."

Raditz stopped in front of him. "Hai. I myself have unresolved feelings. But you must know I never intended to harm you."

Dark eyes were suspiciously bright. "That seems hard to believe."

A sigh. "Kakarot...all saiyans are taught to use any means necessary to obtain a goal. I was no different."

"I didn't want you dead, but you gave me no choice."

"Understood. It was cowardly to use the boy, but I was feeling desperate."

"You expected me to join you after threatening my son?"

A rueful smile. "I made a mistake. Anger and pride clouded my judgement. It felt as if you betrayed your saiyan blood...and me."

Goku threw his hands up. "What the hell did you expect me to do?
There was no home world for me to return to, and I had a life here!"

"I regret it all now."

"You should."

Raditz looked at darkening skies. "This world you call home has a certain charm. But your heritage lies elsewhere."

"A heritage I'll never know, Raditz."

The older saiyan shook him. "Fool! You aren't ignorant of what you are."

Goku stared obstinately. "I was raised on earth by a human named Gohan."

Raditz felt another stab of rage. "You want to play games, eh? Is that why I smell Nappa all over you?!"

Goku paled. "You...noticed that?"

"Ha! You were practically reeking when you walked in...although I smelled stream water on you also. You tried to wash it off?"

"What the hell do you think!" Goku flushed, cheeks heating.

Raditz was smug. "Initially I was concerned that you'd lost touch with your saiyan side, but it's clear you haven't."

"Stop smiling. This isn't funny!"

"Actually, I think it's encouraging."

Goku shook a fist at him. "I'm warning you...don't tell my wife!"

Raditz shrugged. "Why would I? Saiyans don't spray their buisness everywhere. You only did what was natural."

Goku blinked at that. "Natural? I'm a married man, for Kami's sake!"

"You live by human standards."

Goku snorted. "I see...so saiyans are incapable of being loyal?"

Raditz snarled. "Your ignorance is astounding. Of course we're loyal!
That isn't the point...we can't deny our instincts."

"What's that have to do with anything, Raditz? We all make choices!"

"I tell you, it's different for a saiyan. Have you ever been confused by your own responses on this world? Things you couldn't explain, even to yourself?"

Goku paled, realization sinking in. "I...try not to dwell on that..."

Raditz pressed. "It's true, isn't it? You don't understand."

"I don't want to discuss this, Raditz. I'm more interested in your
motivations."

A pause. "Let's talk in the woods."

Strangely enough, Goku understood. "Fine. But no lies, Raditz. I can sense the truth of emotions from those around me."

"A gift I inherited as well. It will make things easier for us both."

Goku gawked. "Wha-? You mean to tell me that you!"

"Our dear father had the ability, Kakarot. There is much you don't know."

"Apparently not" Goku was muted as they entered the deep wood.

()

The two sat near a quiet stream. Goku removed his shoes and wiggled his toes absently.

"So talk."

Raditz nodded, watching him stretch. "There wasn't time before, but now I want to share something with you."

"What?"

"The past. Yours and mine."

"How do you plan to do that?"

"Surely you know we form mental links and bonds?"

Goku stared at his reflection. "I get impressions of thoughts, mostly-"

"You've had no one to truly bond with, Kakarot. It's a miracle you aren't mad."

"I don't see the connection."

Raditz looked at him searchingly. "No, correction. You have a tenuous bond with our prince Vegeta."

Equally dark eyes went stark. "Are you insane? There's nothing between Vegeta and me!"

"Hn...perhaps not having your tail is a factor..."

Goku gawked. "You want to fill me in on this? What's the big deal about my tail? I've lived perfectly fine without it!"

Raditz waved his own furry coil in emphasis, smirking. "Oh, you'd know if you still had yours..."

Goku watched it move and undulate in fascination. "Vegeta and Nappa always had them wrapped around their waists."

"A protective move. Enemies often use our tails against us since they're quite sensitive."

Goku's eyes glazed over in memory. "I remember as a child being nervous about people pulling mine. Sometimes my adoptive grandfather would stroke it to soothe me...it actually felt pretty good."

"Hn, you noticed. Do you remember anything else about it?"

"Not really. I was just a child, no more than seven when it was removed."

Raditz pulled his chin. "Ah, so you didn't hit adolescence with it..."

Goku frowned in confusion. "So what? It was just a tail."

The maned saiyan snapped his head around. "Fool. A saiyan's tail is far more than just an appendage. It's a sensory organ that regulates power and vitality."

"What!"

Raditz laughed. "Hai, brother...your expression is priceless. And there's more."

Goku gulped. "Such as?"

"It also influences brain chemistry and behavior."

Goku gasped. "Oh, kami..."

Raditz stared in sudden comprehension. "Why didn't I see it before! No wonder your actions were baffling. I'm surprised Vegeta didn't consider this..."

"Now wait a minute!" Goku stopped him. "There's nothing wrong with me, you got that? I have a good home and family-"

"I can say this without a doubt, Kakarot. If you'd kept your tail most likely this planet would be wiped clean, and we'd be meeting in outer space."

"That's...crazy!"

"No it isn't. How did you treat your adoptive grandfather?"

"Another stupid question. We were close!"

"Always?"

Goku froze in horror at a sudden memory. "No...he said I was a 'rotten' kid when he found me."

A slight smile. "Rotten?"

Goku sighed, staring at the stream again. "Yeah. He said I was nasty and mean...he thought something was wrong with me."

"I suppose to a human a saiyan baby would seem so. Didn't it ever strike you as odd your behavior could change so much?"

"I just assumed that occurred when I hit my head in an accident."

Raditz snorted. "Come on, Kakarot. As much as you fight, do you really think every blow changes your personality?"

Goku glared. "I don't get this, then."

A sigh. "Your tail also contains various hormones. Some of those trigger the oozaru transformation."

A gasp. "So that's the true reason I couldn't change without my tail!"

"Hai, it had nothing to do with it just being 'chopped off'. It could no longer transmit hormones to your brain."

"Ai, that's amazing..."

"Other hormones the tail produces stimulate your instincts and drives."

Goku stared at his hands. "But I've been fine..."

Raditz looked him over carefully. "Hn. Aye, you function well...your power is amazing. But that's not my meaning. The 'Goku' these humans know would not exist with your tail. It may be the only reason you could remain sane and live among these aliens without wanting to destroy them."

"So you're saying I'm 'cut off' in some way?"

"Without your tail, yes...your drives and natural saiyan instincts are muted enough to make you peaceful."

Goku flushed red. "You make it sound as if I'm neutered!"

"Not precisely, Kakarot. I've seen and heard evidence of your natural aggressions and instincts coming out on occasion, particularly as super saiyan."

Goku nodded. "I feel mostly rage in that state..."

A smirk. "Anything else?"

The younger saiyan gritted his teeth. "Yes...hatred" he admitted.

Raditz tilted his head in approval. "Hai, most impressive the power...and power feels good."

Goku looked away momentarily. "Of course it does. When I first attained super saiyan I stayed off planet to get the power under control."

"And did you?"

"To a degree. I can always control the transformation, but not my reactions once I've changed."

"Do you care at that point?"

Dark eyes blinked in astonishment. "Not really. I never examined that too closely."

The burly saiyan touched his cheek. "You're impressive, Kakarot. Despite your confusion, you acknowledge certain truths."

"I can't act on everything I feel, Raditz."

"This 'Goku' thing...you suppress yourself to fit in?"

"Goku is my given name here."

"That wasn't my question. You have a human mate and friends."

"And your point is?"

"Doesn't it become frustrating at times, being the savior of this planet?"

"Better than being abandoned by my own people."

Raditz stared at the ground. "I know. Father wanted to find you, but King Vegeta refused, saying that everyone was needed for the war against Frieza."

Goku was silent a moment. "He's in hell, isn't he?"

()

A grim nod. "Hai, but I have no idea where. The place was so huge,
Kakarot. Grim, bitter and dark."

Goku could only stare at his brother's inner struggle. "Raditz..."

"I think hell's worst attribute is that it's completely hopeless. I looked for our parents, but could never find them. I met many others, but never the ones I sought."

"It must have been bad."

"It was the same for everyone I talked to. They likewise sought out family and found it futile."

Goku took a deep breath. "But you knew they were there?"

"Hai, it's a curse of the damned...you can sense kin but never contact them. For all I know, mother and father may be separated as well."

Goku felt an odd tightness in his chest. "That's truly miserable..."

Deep eyes were oddly bright. "I'll not go back there again! Too many of our kind reside in that bleak realm."

"Probably most everyone" Goku was somber. Raditz snapped to at that.

"Is that supposed to be funny!"

Goku shook his head sadly. "No...but considering the life most saiyans led, it seems the only logical conclusion."

The burly saiyan wrapped his arms around his knees. "True. If everyone had your power they'd surely overthrow that dank pit and return to life."

Goku shuddered at the thought of rampaging saiyans breaking out of hell. "I'm not sure the universe would survive the onslaught. The living concern me most right now, Raditz."

"That's good. I've had too much time to dwell on the past recently. But enough of that."

"I still don't know where this leaves us."

"We're brothers, Kakarot. You and I are among the last of our kind. And I'll be cursed again before I let that slip away!"

Goku opened his mouth to speak, but no words came. Raditz continued.

"There is a way for us to be close, despite our lack of time together."

Goku surmised his thought. "A mind touch?"

"Yes! We'll both share thoughts and memories...no lies, no games."

"I...I don't know..."

"All saiyans have a pack bond, Kakarot. Our link is automatic by blood. Still, you will bond with the others-"

"Hold on!" Goku held out a hand. "You're getting ahead of yourself. I haven't even agreed to touch minds!"

Raditz smiled triumphantly. "You'll never be complete without knowing your past."

A sigh. "Vegeta was intstrumental in me learning of my heritage, Raditz. For that I'm grateful."

"There is still more, Kakarot. You need to know about your family, and your lost childhood on Saiya."

Goku gulped, looked away. "I never knew mother..."

"She was beautiful. You must see it!"

"But Raditz-"

"Does a saiyan fear anything? Or are you one in name only!"

Dark eyes flashed with fire. "Is that a challenge? Come on!" Goku moved to stand up. A powerful arm yanked him down.

Raditz purred with approval. "Excellent. I have less concerns about the near future."

"I've no patience for riddles."

"Of course not. Come, sit. We'll touch minds and be brothers again." he extended his fingertips.

Goku searched the chiseled features. "Can I trust you?" he nearly whispered.

"Yes, Kakarot. Now come!"

Goku sat lotus style in front of him, extending his hands also. "Maybe...this is what I need..."

Raditz closed his eyes in concentration as their fingers locked. "What we both need..."

Goku had a strange sensation of freefall. He and Raditz tumbled through dark air before suddenly appearing in a room.

/What is this place?/

/Home. Watch and see./

Scenes cascaded before Goku, images in rapid fire succession. His birth. Bardock and Kaliope holding him and talking. A young Raditz playing with him. Bardock having his power level examined, showing disappointment. Kaliope arguing against King Vegeta's orders. Radtiz howling and crying as his brother was taken away. Bardock's sadness,
Kaliope's grief as he was placed in a pod along with endless other chibis in a grey line. Kaliope's rage and tears staining her lovely features, dark spikes tumbling everywhere down her back. Bardock holding Raditz away as he tried to leap into the pod.

Goku felt his throat tighten unbearably seeing his infant self inside the pod before blasting off into space.

The progression of images moved forward in time. An older Raditz, harder and battle tested though barely an adult. Violent and bloody purges in endless repetition, along with raunchy sexual with a young Prince Vegeta and Nappa as their guardian. Servitude under Frieza, shock and dismay at the destruction of their home world. Crushing sadness and grief, overwhelming hopelessness. Rage and hatred for Frieza.

/This...is.../

/Not what you expected?/

/I...I didn't know...mother was so beautiful.../

/Yes, she was./

A heart formed of cold steel and hot blood. Saiyan pride and power embraced. A fully grown Raditz now, still with his Prince and Nappa. More killing and wanton pleasure. Excitement at the discovery of his brother on earth. Dismay and anger at rejection, astonishment at Goku's perceived weakness. Bitter satisfaction in death, knowing his brother died as well. Pain and misery in hell with gloomy shades. Endless wandering, finding no familiar faces or family. A sudden rebirth and sense of purpose.

/Incredible.../

/Keep watching./

Reunited once more with an amazingly powerful Prince Vegeta and revived Nappa. Ritual of pack bonding done. An eternal pact made before renewing the search for the last of their kind, an earth raised saiyan.

/So you did come for me/

/Yes, I won't lie to you./

An image of the earth came into their mindscape, bright against the universal night, brimming with new hope and promise...

Goku abruptly yanked his hands away, snapping back to reality. For long moments the brothers said nothing as they stared.

Then it erupted. Years of pain and separation manifested themselves in a flood of tears. The brothers embraced tightly, emotions shaking them to the core.

"Raditz...oh, Kami...I didn't know, didn't know..."

Wetness ran down Goku's neck as Raditz buried his face alongside. "It doesn't matter, little brother...the past is done, and the future is ours to forge. We're together again, and that's all I care about."

"H...hai" Goku gave a broken smile, his face stained with tears also. "I felt abandoned by my own people...thought my family didn't care..."

Raditz wiped his own eyes. "That's why you needed to see that. Saiyans are real beings, Kakarot. We have passions, loves and hatreds like anyone else. Killing is just a side hobby."

Goku exploded into mad laughter. "That's ridiculous...but I understand!"

Raditz winked. "Only a saiyan would."

()

"Piccolo, I appreciate the company, but you don't need to hang around" Chi Chi sighed, cleaning up the kitchen.

The Namek folded his arms. "Goku would never forgive me if I left you alone with Vegeta and the others lurking."

"Gohan's with me. Besides, I still have this" she smirked, holding up a cast iron pot.

Piccolo nearly laughed. "I don't doubt that's a serious weapon. But Gohan's just a boy."

"A most unusual one, though-"

"He still isn't strong enough to deal with them all. I'm staying here!"

The petite brunette sniffed. "Well then, make yourself useful..."

"How?"

"Dry these dishes!"

The namek swore as a towel was shoved into his hands.

()

The brothers sat in comfortable silence for nearly an hour by the stream. Goku took the liberty of removing his shirt in the hot afternoon sun. Raditz watched rippling muscle in appreciation.

"Hn" dark eyes slitted.

"What?"

"I was just thinking about when we last met...you were well formed, but still somewhat immature."

Goku grinned. "And now?"

Raditz returned the smile. "I'd say you've definitely...filled out quite nicely."

Goku felt a flush of heat to his cheeks. "Raditz..."

Discerning eyes roamed slowly. "Hai, a fruitful delight."

"Stop talking that way! We're brothers, for Kami's sake!"

Raditz stretched into an elaborate yawn, his tail ruffling. "What's your point? I'm not blind, brother."

Goku spluttered. "But-"

"You're a fine piece of saiyan flesh. I have every right to say so."

Goku turned beet red. "You sound like Nappa! Are all saiyans crazy,
or just freaky!"

Raditz licked his lips, tail undulating on the ground. "Oh, you have no idea..."

Goku stared in astonishment, at a loss for words. Memories surfaced of sexual scenes he witnessed in the link they shared.

"You're wild, Raditz. Wild and weird."

The burly saiyan pulled off his own shirt before lying in the warm grass. "And you aren't? Perhaps I should ask about your little 'party' with Nappa."

"It was a mistake" Goku answered quickly. "I had no intention of doing anything..."

Raditz rested his hands behind his head. "Tell me, who started it?"

Goku sat back in confusion. "What difference does it make?"

Sharp teeth flashed in a smirk. "It must have been hot...you're reluctant to speak about it."

The younger saiyan was silent a moment, feeling a strange pulse of warmth. His back began to itch.

Raditz watched him squirm suddenly. "Just thinking about it gets to you, eh?"

"That isn't it at all!" Goku shouted, annoyed. He scratched his backside. "Shit."

Raditz leaned up on an elbow. "What's your problem?"

"Damn back itching me again" Goku strained an arm over his shoulders,
reaching for a certain spot.

Raditz was incredulous. "Now who's odd? Did this just start?"

"Not exactly" Goku continued to scratch behind himself. "It's crazy..."

"Well, turn around" Raditz instructed. "I don't intend to watch you raze your ass all day."

"Uh" Goku grunted, moving to a sitting position in front of his brother. Raditz straddled behind him.

"Hn" strong fingers massaged powerful shoulders before sliding lower. Goku arched, his eyes closed.

"Down there, Raditz..."

The older saiyan suppressed a grin. Kami, he's ready to be unleashed...

The hands pressed down, kneading firm flesh. "How's that?"

Goku strained, mewing in pleasure. "Oh Kami, yes! Right there..."

"This itches?"

"Yes!"

Sharp nails raked over pliant muscle, circling the base of his spine.
Goku closed his eyes in bliss, hips rotating slowly. Raditz watched him from behind, obsidian eyes burning with a strange light that was anything but brotherly.

"Kakarot" the velvet voice was rough.

Goku sighed. "Don't stop, Raditz...that's perfect! I can't get enough pressure on it by reaching-"

Raditz inhaled spicy musk radiating from the broad back. The scent was pure saiyan, potent and strong. Now I know why Nappa couldn't resist...

"Yesss...of course" his continued massage yielded a surprise.
Reaching at Goku's waistband he felt a sizeable bump.

"Have you injured yourself, Kakarot?"

Goku half turned. "No, I don't think so...what is it?"

"Loosen your waistband...I need to see."

Goku did so. "What, am I bruised or something?"

Raditz smiled in sheer delight. Nestled at the base of Goku's spine was a fur covered stump about three inches in length. The maned saiyan licked his lips hungrily, resisting the urge to suck it.

Goku tilted his head back again. "Well?"

Raditz was tempted to laugh with joy. "You're just fine."

"That's a relief. And thanks..."

"You're welcome" without warning Raditz bit deeply into a curvy shoulder. Goku howled as thin rivers of blood trickled down his chest.

"What the hell do you think you're doing!" Goku spun and punched him. The pair rolled into the water.

Angry eyes blazed in the clear stream. /Fool!/

Mocking eyes glared back. /Freak./

The saiyans burst above the surface, spraying water everywhere. Goku punched Raditz again.

"What the f- did you bite me for?!"

To his amazement, Raditz only grinned as he lay on the ground. "You pack a punch, Kakarot..."

"I pack far more. You've barely had a taste!"

A red tongue flicked out. "On the contrary, my taste was quite enough. You're delicious."

'You stupid freak..."

Raditz wiped a trickle of blood from his mouth. "And here I thought we were bonding."

Goku made a fist. "I'll bond this upside your head if you try that stunt again!"

Raditz made no attempt to get up. "You never bite? That's not what I heard..."

That stopped the younger saiyan in his tracks. "What!"

"You heard me. I have it on good authority that you like to bite people!" Raditz laughed.

"Idiot!"

"Ah, but it's true. I have it from a reputable source who knows you...intimately!" another snicker.

Goku was taken aback. No, she wouldn't tell anyone about that...

"I see by your expression you know who I'm referring to."

"It's none of your buisness!"

Raditz sat up slowly, nodding. "Get real, Kakarot. You're a saiyan...biting is pefectly normal behavior."

"That I don't indulge in!"

"Enough already! I know the truth. Why deny it?"

Goku squatted down again. "What goes on between me and my wife is none of your affair!"

"A lovely lady. She'd make a good saiyan."

Goku blinked. "What? You truly think that?"

"Hai, a feisty one. If she had true power she'd be dangerous."

Goku had to smile. "Yeah, I've often thought that myself. She swings a mean pot."

Raditz gashed his forearm with a sharp nail deliberately. "Allow me to reciprocate."

"Are you crazy!" reacting without thinking, Goku grabbed the bleeding arm and held it high. Thick, rich blood ran slowly down to the elbow. Raditz said nothing, watching him in silence.

Goku felt a twitch. His nose quivered, catching the acrid scent of red. He growled softly.

Raditz pushed his arm higher. "Taste" he commanded.

"No..." Goku fought another pang. His back was itching again.

"I said taste!" the bloodied forearm swept over his lips, leaving a slick trail. Reacting without thought, Goku captured a hot rivulet in his mouth, feeling the warm thickness slide over his tongue. Pausing in shock and surprise, he smacked his lips, sampling the rich, tangy sweet flavor. Not an unpleasant taste. On the contrary, it was truly...delicious. Long lashes fluttered over lowering eyes as he licked a second time, sucking over the small wound. Raditz purred, eyes slitted.

/Have more, brother./

Goku watched dazedly as Raditz tilted his head back in invitation. Blood pounded in his ears as he stared at the corded neck, scenting heat and musk. A keening growl resonated in his chest as he jolted forward, clamping down on the pulse of heat offered.

Raditz embraced him in bliss, falling back into tall grass. /Kakarot.../

Goku clutched his sibling, hungrily gulping sweet ambrosia that spilled past his lips. A steady buzz rang in his skull as conscious thought faded away...

Slowly Raditz pulled back, staring up in open lust. Goku was transfixed, heaving above him.

"Kami, Kakarot" Raditz growled deeply in appreciation. "If you could only see yourself now."

It was true. Goku looked like a wild thing, lips smeared in blood through white fangs.

"It just...tasted so good...I..."

Sharp pain cut through his haze of sensual delight as fangs pierced his throat in return.

Goku could only moan as he collapsed against Raditz, eerie pleasure washing over him like sweet torture. The sugary metallic tang in his mouth tingled sensations in his body like a drug, spiking down his spine. Red fog turned to white sharpness as a hand massaged his tail stump.

"Yatta!" Hips jerked as Goku howled against Raditz, creaming his pants. Seconds later Raditz moved as well, roaring as he ground against his brother. A sticky flood plastered through fabric, gluing them together. They lay shivering in silence, arms wrapped around.

Goku weakly lifted his head. "That was amazing." he nearly whispered. "But I still don't understand. Why...?"

Equally dark eyes drooped up at him as handsome features softened. "First, tell me how you feel?"

Goku rolled off his brother into the grass. "Warm...like I'm drugged or something."

Raditz smiled again, his lips a bloody smear also. "And?"

The tingling returned. "Shit. Like I'm horny...I never just came like that!"

Raditz pulled him close. "That's good..."

Goku sat up slowly, as if waking from a dream. "Something is definitely wrong with me. This is sick!"

The older saiyan fought back a stab of anger. "Stop trying to convince yourself of that."

"First I lost control with Nappa, and now you."

"You aren't human, Kakarot, no matter how long you live here."

Goku stiffened in anger. "Dammit, don't confuse me!"

Raditz yawned. "Feels good to let go, doesn't it?"

"I don't know what you mean..."

"No? Chi Chi and I discussed much."

"Leave my wife out of this!"

"She had a few questions..."

Goku was astonished. "What? About me!"

A smirk. "Hn, about saiyans."

"I don't believe this!"

"We didn't go into specifics, but I could tell your behavior baffles her at times."

Goku was curious in spite of himself. "What did she say?"

"She says you try to bite her when you're alone. I get the impression it frightens her."

Goku gulped. "I can't control the urge most of the time. We've had bad arguments on the subject."

"What happened?"

"I'd end up leaving the bedroom. I didn't trust myself to touch her."

"You couldn't tell her that?"

"I did, but she was confused and asked me why. How could I explain what I didn't understand myself?"

"Good point. If you had your tail back-"

"Enough with the tail already!"

Raditz shook his head. "No, this is important. I daresay you'd never stay married to her if you had it."

Goku gawked. "What the fug's that got to do with-"

"Remember what I told you about how it functions. Those 'urges'you've managed to suppress up until now would control you."

"I can't...are you saying I'd attack my wife?"

"I don't know about human culture in the bedroom arena, but on saiya making love is hardly classified as an 'attack'."

"Wait a minute, slow down. Saiyans bite all the time when they do it?"

"Of course."

Goku was muted. "I see..."

"Have you wanted to drink her blood?"

Dark eyes flashed wide. "She told you about that, too? Redatta!"

Raditz laughed. "Easy, brother, or I might think you're turning all saiyan on me. Yes, we briefly discussed it."

"I should have gotten home earlier."

"I believe you were humping with Nappa at the time."

"Kuso..."

"That human mask is showing cracks. No matter."

"Dammitt!" Goku picked at his backside again. Raditz watched him carefully.

"Itching again?"

"Yeah, it's driving me crazy...I can't stand this!"

Raditz stared at the clear water nearby. "Perhaps a cool dip would help...besides, we're rather sticky, ne?"

Goku sniffed. "I'll say...not that it bothers me much. Chi Chi's always griping about bathing after sex."

Raditz lifted an eyebrow at the sudden trust of information. "That a human custom?"

"I guess...I kinda like the way she smells after, anyway. But she always tells me I reek, so I hit the shower."

Another laugh. "Delightful."

"Yeah, sure" Goku dropped his saturated pants and dived in. Raditz copied the gesture and followed him in, grinning at the sight of bronzed flesh.

"Hn, you're hung like a balrat, Kakarot. Some things definitely run in the family."

Goku grinned back, eyes moving down. "You pack pretty good too, Raditz."

()

Vegeta paced impatiently at the keep. "Raditz is gone a long time."

Nappa kicked back at their small satellite center. "I wouldn't worry about it too much, ouji. He and Kakarot have a lot of catching up to do."

Vegeta gave him a sideways glare. "I still am not pleased you touched him."

Nappa flushed. "Unavoidable, my prince..."

"What kind of shit are you telling me, Nappa?"

The bald general purred gently. "He tempted me with his flesh."

Vegeta stared. "What, are you telling me he seduced you!"

"Hai, he sunbathed on the rocks after going for a swim."

The prince had a mental picture, his velvety black tail waving. "Do tell."

"Hn, I had to jump that fat ass...he knew I was nearby, watching!"

Sharp fangs clacked together. "I've never seen all of it." Vegeta admitted.

Nappa chewed on a bone. "Perfection. He'd never be safe from me were we on Saiya..."

Vegeta growled. "He and I have a history, Nappa. Remember that!"

The general stopped chewing in surprise. "Are you saying the two of you!"

A snort. "No...although I entertained thoughts when I first arrived on earth and wanted him to join me."

"Why would he refuse? I never understood that."

"He knew nothing of himself, and was raised as an earthling. Kakarot fascinated me no end, Nappa. Here was a powerful saiyan warrior who talked like a mealy mouthed human. I had to determine his motivations."

"The fact he's easy on the eyes doesn't hurt either, ne?"

Vegeta joined his general at the table, giving a half smile. "Yes, there is that."

Nappa took a dare. "Vegeta, are you in love with him?"

Dark eyes flashed in fury. "You dare ask me that!"

The general cringed slightly. "No offense, but I'm curious. You always talk of Kakarot-"

"So what? I've hardly hidden the fact that I want him."

"That isn't what I asked, prince. You and I both know Kakarot is no plaything."

Vegeta crackled with power. "You think to challenge for him during jungle run? He is MY choice!"

Nappa pulled his chin in thought. "Hn, I just thought he was a passing fancy."

"I don't need to explain myself to you!"

"You forget I know you too well, prince...challenges excite you like nothing else. And Kakarot is a challenge..."

"He isn't a game, Nappa!" Vegeta snapped.

The general was silent a moment. "Does he know how you feel?"

Vegeta slammed his fist down. "ENOUGH, Nappa...I won't be examined in this..."

"No games, my prince. Jungle run will expose all lies."

"The prince of saiyans always gets what he wants. I don't need deception or trickery."

Nappa stared at his prince hard, sensing the fire and passion. "Kami,
I see it in your eyes..."

"You see nothing!"

"It must have been frustrating all this time, fighting against him and at his side..."

"You're asking to get burned, Nappa."

Nappa laughed. "My sweet prince is angry at me? A loyal servant to the house of Vegeta for decades?" he made an affected lisp and batted his eyes.

Vegeta laughed in spite of himself. "Idiot. Do you want Raditz?"

A grunt. "Hai, I'd take him...but we all seem to be at cross purposes here."

Vegeta stopped laughing. "Stay away from Kakarot unless I permit it."

Nappa licked his lips. "When he pack bonds with us it won't matter."

"Anything goes during jungle run, but he is still mine to claim."

A pause. "Vegeta...you don't suppose Raditz is trying to mark him?"

"His own brother? Hn!"

"It wouldn't surprise me."

"Our circumstances are unusual since only we four are left..."

"Everyone can't have Kakarot!"

Vegeta smiled a wicked gleam. "Only if I say so."

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