To Win A Royal Heart

by Kami Kaze

chapter 16

Vegeta had awakened in Goku’s arms; he smiled and stretched, throwing his legs over the edge of the bed. “Time to get dressed and report to Frieza.” He sighed softly, standing and retreating to his room just beyond Goku’s. He needed to shower badly…he couldn’t go into Frieza’s presence reeking like he did.

Goku’s eyes blinked open, his head turning slightly at an odd noise coming from Vegeta’s room. In his half-awake state, it took him a few seconds to recognize it as the shower. Goku’s eyes closed, his mouth opening in a wide yawn. He just felt like being lazy today, he felt so good.

“KAKAROTTO! Are you still in bed?!” Vegeta’s voice boomed suddenly, sending Goku flying out of bed stark naked, his eyes wide with shock. His head had jerked towards Vegeta’s bedroom door immediately, but Vegeta wasn’t to be seen.

“Wha…” Goku muttered, a look of confusion washing over his features.

A low chuckle came from the end of his bed. “My….now I didn’t expect to get a show like this…” the voice said with amused sarcasm. Goku blinked, and blinked again. He gasped, his heart soaring in his chest as his eyes settled on the small hazy window that seemed to float in the air at the end of his bed. Inside the window was Vegeta’s smirking face. His Vegeta.

“Vegeta!” Goku gasped, crawling across the bed on his hands and knees. Vegeta’s smirk seemed to disappear, his eyes widening. He coughed into his hand, a soft flush spreading across his cheeks. “You could at least put some clothes on when I talk to you, Kakarotto.”

Goku waved his hand in dismissal. “Who cares about clothes, Vegeta! Do you have good news for me?” He asked with a grin, his eyes wandering over the older prince’s features carefully. It looked as if Vegeta had been through a lot of stress lately, and was obvious that he hadn’t been getting much sleep.

Vegeta nodded. “Yes, that’s why I’m here…Bulma has fixed the time machine, and has gotten your coordinates imprinted; however, it’s the coordinates from the last transmission you received from me, not this one.”

Goku nodded. “Yes, this is my room…the other room was Goten’s.” Goku answered with a nod. Vegeta seemed to be looking behind him, as if studying the room. A frown slowly creased his brow.

“Your room? That….that looks like Nappa’s room when we were there…” Vegeta said, moving as if to get a better look. Goku’s eyes widened, remembering where he was; just then, the shower turned off. ‘Ahhh! Shit!’ What the hell would he do if the young Vegeta walked in while he was speaking with his older self? Goku hoped he wouldn’t have to deal with that sort of confusion anytime soon. With a small shake of his head, he turned his attention back to Vegeta, who had his head turned as Bulma said something to him.

“Ok, Kakarotto…you have one hour.” Vegeta said with a small smile as he turned to face the screen. Goku gaped.

“An HOUR?!?! That soon?” Goku asked in surprise, his heart sinking and rising at the same time. How he wanted to see his Vegeta…he missed the man so much…beyond words, really. But, he would have to say goodbye to his father and his dear young prince…

“Ok Vegeta. I’ll get ready and head to Goten’s room. I’ll see you in an hour…my prince.” Goku said with a small smile. Vegeta’s eyes bulged, his mouth dropping open slightly.

“Very well.” Vegeta finally replied, his voice unsure. ‘My prince? What the hell was that about?’ Vegeta wondered to himself as Bulma pulled the connection between worlds.

After the floating screen vanished in a crackle of static, Goku jumped off of the bed, throwing his underclothes, body suit and armor on. He stuck his head into Vegeta’s room, and seeing that the prince was still in the bathroom, he dashed out the door and down the hall, all the way across the ship to Goten’s quarters. He just knew Goten was going to be excited, he couldn’t wait to tell him! Goku grinned madly as he rushed towards Goten’s door, his hand reaching for the handle before he froze, his smile melting slowly, his frame rigid. He slowly straightened, his nose lifting to the air before he took a deep breath. Ever so slowly his eyes closed, his head lowering until his chin rested on his chest. ‘I can’t believe this…what has Goten done?’ he asked himself, knowing full well what his son had done. The air outside the bedroom reeked of the musky odor of sex; Goten’s, and his own brother, Raditz. Sighing, Goku made himself turn away from the doorway and made his way towards the room his father was staying in for the time being. Until they dragged his ass back to planet Vegeta, that is.

He lifted his fist to knock, but the door was yanked open before he had the chance. His father smiled as he opened the door wider, a chicken leg clamped between his teeth. “Comm on inth”.

Goku chuckled, stepping inside. This was going to be hard; it hurt already and he hadn’t said anything yet. Goku strolled across the room to look out the window, his form rigid and still. Slowly the smile withered on Bardock’s face, and he was forced to toss the chicken leg aside and approach his son slowly.

“Something wrong, Kakarotto?” Bardock asked, approaching Goku from behind.

“Goten and I….” Goku started, then paused, swallowing hard, his eyes welling with tears.

The silence stretched, and Bardock finally nodded his head slightly. “You’re leaving.”

Goku nodded, wiping a hand across his eyes as he stared out into the vast darkness of space. “Yes. In one hour.” He heard his father let out a long shaky sigh before he felt a warm hand on his shoulder.

“It’s alright. We’ll meet again some day.” He said, trying to sound cheerful. At his words, Goku’s tears spilled forth, running freely down his cheeks, a small sob wrenching from his throat as he lowered his head. Bardock stared at his son’s back, watching the wide shoulders shake lightly. He knew what that meant. “Or we won’t…” he muttered with a sigh, his eyes closing softly. He hadn’t thought about it before…this might be the first time Kakarotto had ever met him. He was suddenly extremely curious. “Kakarotto…was this your first time meeting me?”

Goku paused, then nodded, sniffing. Bardock frowned; this had to be hard on his son, and he shared the man’s pain. “Turn around, son.” Goku did as he was told, his wet eyes plastered to the ground between them. Bardock watched him for a moment, then embraced him hard, nearly lifting Goku off his feet. “You are different from the rest, you know. I should have guessed that you never return to our planet when I found out that you and Goten were both from planet Earth. You grew up without your mother and I, and I truly regret that, Kakarotto. However…let me say this. You have a strong spirit within you, one that is different from any of the other saiyan on this planet, myself included. You are strong and powerful, yet gentle, and I don’t think you could have been taught that here. For that I am grateful…grateful that you are the person you are. I’m proud of you, Kakarotto.” He said, squeezing tighter and running a hand over his son’s hair before letting him go.

Goku smiled, clearing his throat. “I’m glad I got to meet you, father. I’m proud of you, too.” He said softly, then sighed. “I have to go talk to Vegeta.” He paused turning for the door. “I’ll come back in about a half hour, and we’ll both go to Goten’s room. That’s where we’ll be leaving from.”

Bardock nodded. “All right. I’ll see you in a half hour then.” He said , closing the door behind Goku as he left.

‘My son…I only wish I could know what it is that keeps me from ever meeting you again; but I’m sure I already know. Be safe, my son. Be safe.’ He crossed his arms and stared out the same window Goku had been, his mind growing fuzzy as his memory flashed back to that day he first looked down upon the tiny squalling miniature of himself, wondering what he would turn out like. With a blush, he distinctly remembered cursing violently when reading his tiny son’s power reading; which, now, he felt foolish for doing. His son…Kakarotto…would one day be one of the most powerful fighters in the universe, he was sure of it.

***

Vegeta ran a comb through his thick wet hair, and then turned and left the bathroom, fully dressed in his armor. He walked through the doorway between the bedrooms, expecting to find Goku still fast asleep, only to find an empty bed. He frowned, glancing around the room “Goku??” He called out, turning around in circles. “Hn…leave him alone for a few minutes and he disappears.” Then he sniffed, frowning. ‘What the hell is that smell?’  It smelled like electricity. With a shrug, he walked out the door and down the hall, dreading his daily check-in with Frieza. Before he reached Frieza’s chambers, however, Goku appeared in front of him out of nowhere.

“Ahhh!” He shouted, jumping back with his hand over his heart. “Dammit Goku, don’t DO that!” He raged, poking a finger into the broad chest. Goku winced.

“Sorry, Vegeta…but I need to talk to you..it’s important.” He said, grabbing the smaller man’s arm before using his instantaneous movement technique to transport them back to Vegeta’s chambers. Vegeta stood sputtering as he glanced around at his new surroundings.

“How…how…” He stuttered.

“Never mind that now, Vegeta.” Goku said softly. “I’m leaving.” He stood still, waiting for the words to sink into Vegeta’s mind. Vegeta looked at him blankly at first, his eyes only widening in the slightest bit as he suddenly understood Goku’s words. Shock raced through him, and a deep sadness clutched his heart almost painfully.

“I’m sorry, Vegeta. But I have to go.” Goku said, his hands moving to rest on Vegeta’s shoulders. Vegeta stared at the floor for a few minutes, then finally nodded.

“Yes…well…I knew you were going to leave. It had to happen sooner or later, right?” He asked. Goku could hear the small quiver in the young man’s voice, could see and feel the faint trembling in his form.

“Vegeta, I’m…I’m glad I got the chance to meet you…I…” Goku opened his mouth to continue, but a finger was pressed against his lips.

“Don’t say it. Don’t say anything else.” Vegeta swallowed. “I’ll wait for you, Gok…Kakarotto. I’ll work so hard…and make you proud of me. I want to be as strong as you when we meet next.”

Goku smiled softly, leaning down to place a gentle kiss on the young prince’s mouth, which was returned gently. “I’ve enjoyed serving you, prince Vegeta; Please, no matter what happens in the future, remember two things. You are my prince, now and forever; you always have been. That is the first thing.”

Vegeta winced, swallowing and blinking rapidly to keep his tears in check. He would NOT cry again. “…and the second thing?”

” The second is that…that..I love you.” He said softly, stroking his thumb over Vegeta’s trembling lower lip. “I have to go. Take care, my prince.” He said before he lifted his fingers to his forehead and disappeared, reappearing in front of Bardock’s door. He quickly lifted his transmitter and pressed Goten’s serial code in.

A groggy voice answered. “Goten here.”

“Goten. Get ready, your grandfather and I are on our way to your quarters.” Goku said, not revealing what he had found out. A surprised yip sounded from the transmitter.

“Com…coming here? Now?” his son asked loudly.

“Yes. Get ready. We’re going to be leaving in a half hour…we’re going home, Goten.” Goku answered. “We’ll be there in five minutes.” With that he turned his transmitter off and pounded lightly on his father’s door. Bardock opened the door and stepped out.

“Ready?” He asked, jesturing with his hand when Goku nodded.

***

Raditz rolled over, one eye opening at Goten’s loud questioning. He spotted Goten perched on the edge of the bed, transmitter clutched in his hand, his eyes wide with fear.

“What is it?” Raditz asked, stretching.

Goten turned to him. “You have to leave. My father is on his way here.” Goten said as he dashed into the bathroom to jump into the shower. Raditz followed him and leaned against the doorjam.

“So what? You’re afraid of your father finding out? Who cares..it’s just your father, right?” Raditz asked with a snort, his arms crossing across his naked chest.

Goten had already lathered up and was rinsing off. “Your father is coming with him.” Goten replied, stepping out quickly and grabbing a towel to dry off with.

Raditz’s eyes went round. “M..M…My father? Why the fuck is my father coming here?!” He exclaimed, turning around to grab his underclothes.

“Because he’s with my father, that’s why!” Goten snapped, running to throw on his own clothing. Raditz was out the door in seconds. He paused before he shut the door behind him. “I’ll see you soon, eh Goten?” He asked with a sly grin. Goten smiled softly.

“Sure, Raditz.” He answered, knowing that was impossible. After all…he was going home! To Trunks.

***

Goku paused before Goten’s door, relieved that Raditz was now gone. He knocked softly, then turned the handle and stepped in to see Goten pulling his boots on. Goten looked up and smiled at his father and grandfather, then stood slowly to face them. Both of them looked at him somewhat blankly, though he could tell his father was trying to act as normal as possible. His grandfather finally spoke up.

“I’ve come to say goodbye, boy. It seems you finally get to go home.” He said as he stepped forward, embracing Goten tightly. “I’m proud of you; keep working hard, and some day, you’ll be as strong as your father.”

Goten smiled against Bardock’s shoulder. “Yes sir…I’ll try.”

“Good.” Bardock smiled as he pulled away.

Goku sighed. “Well, if everything goes as planned, we should be hearing from Vegeta any time now.” Goku said, pulling his transmitter from his pocket to check the time. He frowned slightly, feeling something heavy and round in his pocket. “What the…” he said, pulling the cold smooth object out. Bardock gasped.

Goku stared at the beautiful oval pendant, his eyes blinking in wonder. “Where did this come from?” He asked, just before he noticed the small slip of paper attached to the back.

Bardock’s eyes were wide, but he didn’t say a word.

Goku read the small even printing, his eyes beginning to moisten slightly. When he was through reading, he nodded and slipped the pendant back into his pocket. Goten stepped forward, frowning.

“What is it?” he asked, looking downward at Goku’s pocket.

“Never mind son…it’s something Vegeta felt he needed to do.” Goku answered, not including the last part of the note that was directed at him.

Goku shrieked suddenly, jumping into the air as he grabbed his ass, the material covering it turning dark as smoke rose from it. A fuzzy picture appeared just behind Goku, a startled Vegeta blinking at Goku’s back.

“Well, Kakarott…first I see you naked crawling across the bed, and now you’re howling like a banshee grabbing your own ass. I’m beginning to think you’ve been among our people far too long.” Vegeta said with a smirk.

Goku frowned, still rubbing his previously-electrocuted ass. “Vegeta, can’t you control the electricity that shoots from that thing?!” Goku snapped, ignoring Vegeta’s chuckling. He glanced at his father, who was staring at the screen with awe. Vegeta’s eyes seemed to move, finally acknowledging the other man. Vegeta had a similar reaction, but much more violent.

“What in the FUCK!” Vegeta yelped, his face pressing closer, eyes wide as they shifted between the Bardock and Goku. “Holy shit….Kakarotto! What have you done here? You weren’t supposed to show yourself to anyone that might know you…! You could have…oh dear KAMI…do you know what you could have done???” Vegeta raged before Goku stopped him.

“Vegeta…you told me not to show myself to anyone who might know me in the future…and my father won’t know me in the future. Right?” Goku asked, one eyebrow raising slightly. Vegeta leaned back, seeming to think about that logic for a few seconds.

“Ok Kakarott…but you haven’t told him anything about…anything of importance?” He asked, eyes narrowing.

“No Vegeta. Of course not.” He said with a small smile. Vegeta’s eyes returned to Bardock, and he grudgingly gave the man a faint nod.

“Bardock.”

Bardock bowed. “Prince Vegeta.”

Vegeta glanced sideways, nodding to someone outside the picture. “Kakarotto…Goten. Get ready. Stand right in front of the transmission field and don’t move. Bardock, stand back.”

Goku turned to his father and smiled. “Goodbye, father.”

Goten waved and grinned. “Bye Grandfather. It was nice meeting you!”

Bardock smiled at them both, lifting his hand in farewell just seconds before a loud crackling could be heard, a violent flash streaking through the room forcing Bardock to shield his eyes. Then all was silent, and all that could be seen were faint whisps of smoke where his son and grandson once stood. Bardock sighed, shaking his head. He hoped that one day, either in this world or the next, he would be able to see them again.