A new start

Vegeta was turning around in the silent room, still looking for the answer to his question: was he ready? He had been able to face many tough situations in his life, though: the first one was the loss of his planet and people, the latest was Bulma's death. But now something that could have seemed simple was bothering him. Actually, it wasn't simple. This time he had to take a decision, not to undergo.

Bulma had passed away a few months ago. Of course, he knew that would happen sooner or later. She had grown rather old. He didn't change. She had been so hyperactive all her life, he sometimes thought that she could be able to live as long as a Saiyajin. But of course they both knew it wasn't true. And then she started aging, getting weaker as time passed. He staid by her side until the end. He couldn't leave her. Unlike what a lot of people could have thought, he had strong feelings for her. She knew it, that was all that counted for him. She was one of the very few people he respected. Maybe that was because they were so alike. Strong willed and independent.

In her last moments she had told him she had left something for him in her lab, a letter that he would have to read only after her death. He hadn't been able to go to the lab for a few weeks. The thought of this room empty of her presence seemed ridiculous. He even thought he would close it and seal it, keeping intact what now was the only thing that left of her. She had spent so many time there... He couldn't enter that room without feeling the urge to cry. But one day he decided he had waited long enough, he had to retrieve that letter. After all, that was one of Bulma's last requests.

He was standing in front of the door to the lab, now, like he did when he went to get the letter some months ago. The house was as silent as that day. It seemed it was a very long time ago. He had had so much time to read the letter again and again. First it had startled him. Then he got intrigued. Now his curiosity was starting to take over his sorrow. He looked at the letter and once again started reading it.

"Sweet love (stop frowning, now you can't tell me to stop calling you like this),

I know what were your feelings for me, so I know how you're feeling now that I'm gone. I won't tell you to stop crying, I know too well how difficult it is to live when you've just lost someone you cherished. Grieving is something natural. Just don't let it overwhelm you for too long. You don't owe me anything. I'm asking you to take a new start. I know you can't do that right now. So when you'll feel ready, turn this page and read what's next. I have a present for you, but you must be ready to receive it. You can wait for weeks, months, years, I don't care. But just turn that damn page someday!"

He smiled as he read that last sentence. He had turned the page some days ago. What he read there startled him.

"So, you think you're ready? I'm not that sure. I told you I had something for you. My present is a companion, a mate, anything you'll ask that person to be. Just enter my lab and go to the door on the west wall. It's locked, but you just have to place your hand on the sensor to open it. Now that I'm gone, you're the only one able to open this door. Even the person inside can't do it. You'll understand. You'll find an envelope with further instructions inside that room. Just don't open the black curtain there before reading the instructions. Now, go!"

He had thought he couldn't replace Bulma by anybody else. But he also knew that he had needs that had to be taken care of. Not only sexual needs, but also emotional. During these too long months he had felt the urge of being taken in somebody's arms, but of course he couldn't ask anyone Damn pride. He had discovered what the need for comfort was. Maybe he could find some with that person. After all, it was a present from Bulma, she knew what he liked and what he needed. Maybe she had chosen that person after that knowledge.

Vegeta entered the lab. Like the rest of the house, it was silent. Too silent. This place usually hummed with various machines and computers. It was usually filled by Bulma's voice. He shook his head and headed to the west wall, stopping in front of the closed door. Once again, the question appeared in his mind: was he ready? He sighed and raised his hand. He had doubted enough. Yes, he was ready. At least he decided he had to. The sensor hummed, there was a faint beep and something clicked. The door opened on a dark room. As he entered a dim light automatically turned on. There was a tall curtain hiding something that took a good part of the room. Vegeta couldn't understand what the sound he was hearing had to do with his present. It sounded like bubbles and there was also something hissing. Like a kind of breathing device. This was really strange. He was about to pull the curtain when he remembered that the letter told him to read some instructions first. He looked around and saw an envelope placed on a little table. He opened it and read.

"So you did it? I wonder if it's loneliness or curiosity that took you here. Anyway, there are a few things you need to know before discovering your present (I hope you didn't watch behind the curtain, yet).

I thought many times about what your life would be after me. I know that as a male you have certain needs. And as a Saiyajin, you have more needs of that sort than any human. So I thought you would like to share you life, or at least your nights, with someone of your kind. Three years ago (I'm writing this as I know I'm dying, so I guess I'll be dead soon, that could give you an idea) I took the time machine and went to Vegeta-sei. I can tell you that I startled a few people there. Just imagine an old woman (with no tail!) asking for audience with the king... I had to give them proofs that I was your wife (yes, that's what I am) without telling the whole truth. I just told them that you settled on my planet, that I was going to die and needed a volunteer to be your mate after my death. You should have seen all the people rushing to volunteer! I had to choose after some criteria. First of all, I wanted someone from the aristocracy. Then I used my knowledge of you to discard some of them and there were only four persons left.

"Your father decided, then. He's a kind man, you know. He chose someone named Tobe. You may not remember that name, you were very young, then. By the way, I saw you as a little boy. That was funny! Tobe is someone who really likes your father and had been wounded badly in a battle. That explains the scars you will see. You know, I still can't understand how your body heals the way it does. So little scars for so many battles... Well, that's not the point. So, Tobe was really glad to be chosen, even after seeing your picture and knowing your bad temper. Just kidding. Actually, Tobe seemed to like the idea.

"We went back together and I placed Tobe in a health preserving tank. You can put people into sleep like this. It's smoother than other methods that I don't like.

"Now, it's time. Tobe has waited long enough. Go pull the curtain before reading what's next."

Tobe... There was something about that name... Vegeta couldn't tell what it was, but his mind was warning him that he was heading toward a big surprise. He looked at the black curtain for a while, listening to the sounds of the machines maintaining his new mate in life. He grabbed the curtain and quickly pulled it, reveling the tank containing...

"A man!?"

Vegeta looked at the Saiyajin floating in the fluid. No doubt, it was a man. A rather young one. Of course, he should have remembered that Tobe was a male's name. But it was so long ago. He hadn't heard Saiyajin's names for so long. What was Bulma thinking? He started to get angry but his mood changed quickly and he laughed. Bulma never changed. Even gone she was able to amaze him with her strange ideas. He remembered that he had some more to read.

"I'm sure I'll hear you screaming in the afterlife. Yes, it's a man. Hey, I never told you it would be a woman. I know it's not something new for you. I remember what you told me one day about Raditz. I know you where very young when it happened but old enough to know what you were doing. And you also told me you didn't regret what you did together. You know, there was a woman in the last four volunteers. I could have chosen her. But your father thought Tobe would be better for you. I wonder if he didn't have a crush for this guy... Or maybe they were just good friends. He seemed a bit sad to let him go. You may think it's strange he chose someone that close to him to go away. I thought it was a proof that this man was the best choice for you.

"Now, wake him. Look at the panel to the right of the tank. You see that green button? Press it. Then wait for the beep and press the blue one. When you'll do that Tobe will be freed from the tank. You should catch him, he could hurt himself falling on the ground. Oh, and you'll find some towels near the panel.

"It's time for me to leave you. I'm not asking you to forget me. I'm just asking you to take a new start.

Goodbye, my love."

Vegeta carefully placed the letter back in the envelope and wiped a tear from his cheek. He looked at the body in the tank. Closely, this time. The man seemed to be taller than him. He shrugged and thought that wouldn't be difficult. Tobe had a powerful body. Vegeta wondered what it would feel to be lovingly crushed in these arms. He smiled and pressed a hand on the tank. He wasn't sure suddenly if he wanted to wake that man. But he couldn't go back, now. He pressed the green button and the liquid in the tank disappeared slowly. When he heard the beep he pressed the blue button and grabbed a towel then quickly placed himself in front of the opening tank, catching Tobe before he could fall on the ground. Vegeta draped the towel around the unconscious man and started stroking him gently. As the man didn't wake Vegeta started getting anxious. He leaned and whispered in the man's ear.

"Wake up, Tobe. Please..."

He tried rocking him and after a few minutes Tobe opened his eyes. Vegeta sighed in relief. He was alive. He didn't know that man but he was glad to see he was alive. That was a good start. Tobe opened his mouth and tried to speak but no word escaped his mouth. Vegeta placed a finger on Tobe's lips.

"You have been asleep for three years. Don't worry if you can't speak yet."

Tobe smiled and managed to whisper.

"Prince Vegeta... please forgive me... I'm not able... to bow... before you..."

Vegeta chuckled.

"I think you won't need to bow anymore. Come on, I'll help you go to my room."

He helped him to get up but Tobe was still too weak to walk. Vegeta decided it would be easier to carry him. He threw him on his shoulder and exited the room, taking the precious letters with him. He climbed the stairs carefully and headed to his room. He wasn't using his and Bulma's room anymore. Nobody would use it anymore. So he had taken a new one, with a bed that would be big enough for the two men.

He dropped the man on the bed and took the wet towel away. Tobe shuddered.

"I'm cold..."

"Your body needs to get used to the real world again, I guess."

Vegeta placed a blanket on the shivering body and sat next to him. He brushed a black lock on the other man's brow and discovered a big scar near his right temple. Vegeta traced it lightly with a finger. Tobe opened his eyes and smiled.

"I received this one while saving your life. I'm sure you don't remember it, you were a baby."

Vegeta was surprised. Indeed, he didn't remember this. Tobe took Vegeta's hand and smiled again.

"Why am I so tired? I've been asleep for three years..."

"Maybe you slept too long. Your body needs to be used again. Try to stretch, you should feel better. Are you hungry?"

"Yes..."

"Wait here, I'll come back with some food."

When Vegeta came back a few minutes later he found Tobe sitting on the bed, smiling at him.

"I didn't think you'd feel better that fast."

"I'm a Saiyajin."

"Yes, and you need to eat. Can you eat alone or do you need me to feed you?"

Tobe looked at him then laughed.

"Would you really do it?"

"Maybe, who knows?"

He handed Tobe the food and went to the window. He looked outside thoughtfully. The sun was slowly disappearing behind the horizon. They would go to bed soon. Was he ready to share his bed with someone else? He knew they weren't going to make love that night. That would be ridiculous. They didn't even know each other and he never made love with someone he didn't know. And he wasn't in the mood for it. But most of all, Tobe was still too weak for this. He suddenly felt arms wrapping around him and realized that Tobe was trying to regain balance. Vegeta turned and grabbed the man.

"What are you doing? You're not strong enough to walk."

"I thought I could..."

"But you couldn't. Go back to bed."

He helped him walk and get into bed then realized he was getting tired, too. He hadn't slept a lot these last months and sometimes he felt really tired, but just ignored it. But now... maybe Tobe needed him to watch over. He stripped and decided he couldn't go to bed naked with a stranger. No, as a prince, he couldn't do this. He grabbed a pair of boxers and climb into bed. As soon as the light went off he felt a warm body snuggling against him. Good, Tobe wasn't cold anymore. And he himself was beginning to get a little too hot. He tried to escape Tobe's contact but the man just followed him. Just as he was resigned to sleep like this an arm circled his waist and Tobe buried his face in his neck. This time Vegeta's body reminded him that he had been alone for too long. But as he listened to the silent room he only heard a slow breathing. Tobe was asleep. Vegeta sighed painfully and wondered if his now demanding body would let him sleep, too.

The sun warming his skin and the smell of food woke Vegeta. As he opened his eyes he saw a plate with eggs and toasts and some fruit juice waiting for him on his bedside table. He sat and looked around. The bed was empty but he could hear some noise coming from the bathroom. He got out of bed and opened the bathroom door to find Tobe in the shower.

"I see you've been able to walk."

Tobe turned and opened the curtain. Smiling at his prince he turned off the water and grabbed the towel Vegeta was handing him.

"Thank you for the breakfast."

"I hope I'm not a bad cook."

"I don't know, I haven't tasted it yet. But it smells good... and you smell good, too..."

"What?"

Vegeta felt his cheeks burning and turned over.

"It think I should eat."

What was he doing, cooing nonsense to a stranger and blushing like a teenager? He returned to his bed and started eating his breakfast. Not bad. Actually it was good. Tobe had found some spices to put in the eggs. Since Bulma's death, Vegeta had wanted to live alone, only taking someone to clean the house. But he had been cooking for himself and wasn't good at it. Now, this guy was really interesting. He would thank Bulma if he could. That thought saddened him. Just then Tobe was back from his shower and the sad look on the prince's face didn't escape him. He sat on the bed next to him.

"You miss her..."

Vegeta didn't answer and clenched his teeth. Tobe took the plate and placed it in it's previous place then took Vegeta in his arms. Forgetting his pride, the prince wrapped his arms around the other man's waist and started sobbing. It amazed him to feel so good in that man's arms. He would never have cried in front of anyone. Except Bulma. And now Tobe... His father and Bulma had chosen wisely. Tobe's voice startled him.

"Do you like me?"

"What?"

"I was wondering if they had made a good choice. You said I smell good, if I heard well. I guess you like this in me, at least."

Vegeta blushed again. Damn hormones! Why did he have to say that? Tobe went on.

"You didn't really look at me. I hope my body won't disgust you."

"Why would it? From what I've seen, you're... attractive."

"The scars..."

"I don't think scars could make you ugly. As a warrior, they prove you have been brave. I only really noticed the one on your brow."

Tobe untangled himself from Vegeta's arms and showed his right shoulder.

"I have one here but the worst is this one. It's a twin one."

Vegeta looked at the finger pointing at Tobe's chest. He had a strange scar just above the heart, as though his flesh had been ripped from his ribs. He still couldn't find it ugly.

"Twin? What do you mean?"

"I have it's counterpart on my back."

He turned to show another scar. Vegeta stared at it wondering how Tobe could be still alive.

"What happened? How did you survive this?"

"It was my duty to protect your father. I let myself be hit to protect him. The weapon was a sort of spear. It has been shoved in my back and reappeared in my chest, ripping some flesh away. But it's not the worst part with that weapon. After piercing your flesh it sends electricity in your body. Very painful. I only remember seing your father kill the creature that hit me, then taking me in his arms, and... Well, I passed out and when I woke I was in my bed. I was surprised to be alive and to be in my room instead of a healing tank. Your father was there. He explained me I had died but he had brought me to the Elders who knew a way to revive me."

"The Elders?"

"You don't remember them? No, I don't think you ever saw them when I left three years ago. You were a little boy, then. What happened? When did you leave our planet?"

"I think we should talk about this later. All I can tell you is that I was very young. There's something I'd like to know. It looks like my father cared a lot for you..."

"Although a lot of people think he's much older, he's only a few years older than me, you know. We've almost been raised together, we were seeing each other often. He taught me how to fight when I was a child..."

"And?"

"He taught me other things a few years later. We were lovers, if it's what you want to hear. We've been closer than ever after your mother's death. He needed comfort."

"Like me..."

"I think it's why he chose me."

"If he loved you how could he let you go?"

"I didn't say he loved me. We just cared a lot for each other."

"But you love him... Your heart belongs to him, so you won't love me?"

"I don't know."

"I think he cared for you more than you think. Tell me more about the Elders."

"They're five old warriors. They don't fight anymore. They just act as wise men when their help is needed. Only the royal family is allowed to see them. It's said that they have great powers. I guess it's true, as they've been able to take me back to life. I even heard they can see the future. The king sometimes goes to see them for advice. I don't know more about them."

"And they didn't know...?"

"They didn't know what?"

"Nothing."

After what he'd learned about Tobe's feelings for the king, Vegeta doubted he would be able to tell him the truth about their planet's fate. And the king's death. They both sat staring at each other for a while in the awkward silence of the room. When he started to feel too uncomfortable, Tobe was the first to speak again.

"We can't stay in bed all day. What do you use to do?"

"Nothing... I haven't been doing a lot of things these last few months... Just keeping me into shape..."

"That's a start! Let's do it together. Where could we spar?"

"I think we should get dressed first."

A few hours later two exhausted Saiyajin came back from Vegeta's gravity room. The prince dropped heavily on his bed.

"I'm tired! I think I should have worked harder these past months. But you seem to have fully recovered."

"That doesn't mean I'm not tired. I think we need a hot shower."

"Together?"

"Why not? I think that's what is expected from us."

Vegeta smiled sadly and followed Tobe in the bathroom. He quickly stripped and went in the shower. The hot water felt wonderful on his sore body but Tobe's hands massaging his back felt far better. He moaned as the hands were working on his back, enjoying the contact. It wasn't much. Both men seemed to be looking for their limits. Tobe didn't dare being disrespectful by doing things he wouldn't be allowed to, while Vegeta was trying to convince himself that all this wasn't going to hurt his pride. Then Tobe's hands suddenly slipped to the other man's waist. Vegeta turned and backed away. Tobe froze in panic, thinking he had been too much daring, and quickly dropped on his knees and bowed.

"Forgive me..."

"I told you you wouldn't have to bow anymore."

Tobe raised his head as he felt Vegeta's fingers caressing his cheeks. The prince went on his knees before him and studied Tobe's still slightly worried face while his fingers were exploring the scarred chest. He leaned to rest his head on the taller man's shoulder and spoke softly.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to escape you. It's just... it's been a long time. With a male, I mean... We were still very young, and I never had another guy's body so close since that time. Out of a fight, of course."

Tobe's hands had returned to their previous task on Vegeta's back, this time allowing themselves to massage a bit lower. Vegeta didn't escape the touch, this time. He raised his head and looked in Tobe's eyes.

"Raditz was handsome, but you're gorgeous."

Without any more comment he pressed his lips on the other man's. Tobe started at the sudden contact but was soon kissing him back. Maybe a little too chaste for his taste but what the prince needed now was comfort. When they pulled away Tobe noticed that Vegeta was slightly blushing.

"You're not really comfortable with me. You don't have to do anything with me if you don't want to. I'm just here to keep you company, you don't have to take me as your mate."

"I just need more time. I don't even know you, and..."

"And you don't trust me."

Tobe rose and turned off the water. He dragged the prince outside and wrapped a towel around him.

"You took care of me yesterday, it's my turn now."

Vegeta watched with amusement as Tobe was meticulously drying him... and yelped as he was thrown on the other man's shoulder. Tobe chuckled.

"You did the same to me yesterday, but I wasn't able to protest, then. Well, how does it feel?"

Vegeta didn't answer. Although the position was awkward he was enjoying the feeling of the strong arm holding him and the sight of Tobe's bare ass. Tobe still had his tail. Like Raditz when he and Vegeta were lovers. How he had loved petting Raditz's tail to hear him purr and moan. But Vegeta's present situation soon got annoying as he felt his body responding in a way he would have preferred to avoid. He thought about the previous day. Tobe's little game consisted in doing the same things as that previous day. What was supposed to come next? Yes, the bed. Just as he remembered it Vegeta was thrown on the bed, followed close by Tobe's body. Vegeta protested.

"I didn't do this yesterday!"

"Maybe that's because I wasn't aroused, then."

"I'm not-"

"Oh yes, you are."

Tobe started stroking Vegeta's chest while holding him firmly on the bed, just enough to hold him still without really forcing him to stay if he didn't want to go on. But Vegeta seemed to quiet and was making a soft noise that sounded a lot like a cat's purr. As Tobe started kissing his way from the prince's neck to his left nipple the purring intensified. Tobe could feel Vegeta's heart beating fast under his lips. As he reached the nipple, Vegeta's body tensed slightly but Tobe gently licked it and the prince relaxed again. Until Tobe's hand reached the prince's lower body. As he started stroking Vegeta's thigh through the tenting wet towel, the purring sound stopped. Tobe raised his head and looked worriedly at the other man's face. Vegeta was slightly frowning and was staring at him with a strange look. Tobe knew the prince as a little boy, a nice little boy who could turn into a deadly one if something bothered him. He feared what the grown up boy's reaction would be under the same circumstances.

Tobe sat and cleared his throat.

"I think I should prepare something to eat. It's getting late and you must be hungry."

As he moved to get up a powerful hand grabbed him and threw him back on the bed. Vegeta straddled him, getting rid of the towel in the process. His lips were nearly touching Tobe's face.

"Finish what you started, first."

He took Tobe's hands and placed them on his thighs.

"You stopped here. What are you waiting for?"

Tobe's smile was back. He started caressing Vegeta's thighs, his fingers slowly drifting toward the softer skin of the inner side. The prince was purring again. He parted his thighs a bit farther as Tobe's hands were travelling up on him. He whimpered as Tobe's left hand went past his erection without touching it, going up towards his chest instead. As his hand reached Vegeta's nipple, Tobe moved his other hand to the prince's ass. Both hands were stroking Vegeta's sensitive skin and the prince moaned loudly, his breathing getting faster.

"Tobe, stop teasing..."

"I thought you'd like it."

"I do, but... the last time I got release was so long ago... I won't last long..."

Tobe rolled them both on the bed, laying Vegeta on his back. He studied the prince's face and smiled. He looked so much like his father. He leaned and gently kissed Vegeta's lips, then felt a hand on the back of his head, fingers digging in his hair. Vegeta's tongue licked Tobe's lips where the other man's tongue soon met his. As they kept playing with each other's tongue in mid-air Tobe realized that this wasn't just a lustful game. He could feel Vegeta's affection in this. He couldn't explain why. He just felt it. Maybe he had been destined to the prince. He let his tongue slip along the prince's and locked his mouth on Vegeta's lips. As he kissed him, his hand grabbed the prince's manhood and started stroking it. Vegeta's satisfied whimper died in Tobe's mouth.

Too soon. He felt he would come too soon. But his body just needed it, and he couldn't deny it any longer. He just let Tobe do what he wanted. It was a good time to start trusting him. As he had thought it didn't take him long to come. Tobe tried to hold him still as Vegeta was arching his back and pumping into his fist. A few minutes later they were lying next to each other, Vegeta finally catching his breath as Tobe was smiling at him. A satisfied smile. The prince pointed at Tobe's now soiled chest and stomach.

"It looks like we need another shower."

"No, we need to eat!"

Tobe grabbed the discarded towel and used it to wipe the prince's seed from his body. He got up and without even taking the time to dress he headed to the kitchen. Vegeta watched Tobe's appetizing ass going away, tail swaying in time with his steps. This guy was strange. Obedient and almost shy. But when it came to sex, he was totally different. More and more interesting.

A few weeks passed and both men learnt a lot about each other, though most of the time Tobe was the one talking. They used to cuddle on a couch, Vegeta playing with Tobe's tail as the man talked about things the prince had forgotten a long time ago. It felt so good, being with one of his race again, listening to stories of his planet and his people, and even stories of his own childhood. Sometimes they fell asleep like this, Tobe tired of speaking, Vegeta lulled by his companion's voice. Other times they went to bed before being too sleepy and pleasured each other. But they never really made love. Tobe started wondering if the prince just wasn't in the mood for this yet or if he didn't trust him enough. He had understood that the man was ruled by pride and trust, almost as his father. But the king wasn't so suspicious.

Tobe woke at the sound of thunder. It was early in the morning but the room was still dark. He didn't have to look outside to see why. A heavy rain was falling, and it was certainly going to last. No training outside that morning. He turned and looked at the sleeping man by his side. Vegeta looked peaceful. From what Tobe had seen, he always looked like this in his sleep. A flash lit the room, casting shadows on the prince's face. Tobe marveled at the sight: the prince looked so... so... so fuckable. Tobe cursed at that unwanted thought. But he couldn't help his feelings and his needs, though he doubted Vegeta would let him fuck him. Or maybe... maybe that was just what he wanted, that would have explained why the prince didn't try anything so far.

There was only one way to know. And knowing his prince, Tobe was aware it could be a deadly attempt.

He pulled the sheet slowly from the prince's body, careful not to wake him. Not yet. Vegeta shivered slightly and turned, but he didn't wake. Tobe stared at the prince's back. Good. That was getting easier than he had planned. He grabbed Vegeta's tail firmly enough to weaken him so he wouldn't wake. He used his other hand to stroke the prince's shoulders and back. Not necessary for what he was going to do, but Tobe just loved feeling the prince's body under his fingers. Soft skin covering hard muscles. It would have been enough to turn him on if he hadn't already be aroused.

Tobe's fingers arrived on Vegeta's ass but he decided to explore further. As long as the prince's tail was in his other hand he wouldn't be disturbed. He looked at the prince's blissful face and knew he was right. He stroke Vegeta's thighs a few seconds more then pushed the right one to the front. He then had a better look at his prize and wondered if someone had been there before. Someone like Raditz. That would have been a long time ago. He didn't want to hurt the prince. Being used to feel pain didn't mean he liked it. He had to find some massage oil. He knew Vegeta had some on his bedside table. Tobe leaned against the prince, still awkwardly holding his tail and tried to grab the bottle. But without noticing it first he loosened his grip and Vegeta's tail slipped from his hand.

Tobe froze. For a few seconds that could have been hours to him, nothing happened. He just staid there, his body pressed against Vegeta's back. Just as he noticed that the prince's eyes were opened he heard the calm - too calm - voice.

"What are you doing?"

"I... I-I-was-just..."

"You were what?"

"I was trying to get that bottle."

"What for?"

Vegeta shifted and Tobe's erection was pressed against his ass. As the prince turned his head Tobe could see a strange smile he had never seen on it. He suddenly felt like a lamb in front of a wolf.

"What were you trying to do, Tobe?"

Tobe opened his mouth but couldn't speak. He wasn't sure if that smile meant Vegeta wanted to join him in his little game or if he was going to skin him.

"What happened to your talented tongue? If you can't speak, just show me."

Tobe sighed with relief and felt a bottle being tossed in his hand. He poured some oil on his fingers and started massaging the prince's ass. Vegeta moaned and grabbed Tobe's arm.

"Don't be afraid, Tobe. I'm tough."

"I know, but we'll see this when I'll make you scream..."

"Promises..."

The prince gapsed and gritted his teeth as Tobe roughly shoved two fingers inside him.

"I thought you were tough, my prince..."

"You're playing with your life."

Vegeta pushed against the invading fingers, getting them deeper.

"Is that all you have to offer me, Tobe?"

Tobe leaned and captured Vegeta's mouth with his own while his fingers were busily stretching the prince. Vegeta groaned in protest as Tobe withdrew his mouth and fingers a while later. Tobe turned him onto his back and lowered himself on the prince's body. Vegeta wrapped his arms and legs around him and Tobe winced slightly as his waist was crushed by the powerful thighs. But that little pain felt too good to protest. He nuzzled Vegeta's neck and felt the prince's hot breath in his ear.

"Take me, Tobe. We've waiting long enough."

After lusting on Tobe's ass for the past few days, Vegeta was the one ending on the bottom. He wondered shortly how he could have let that man manipulate him like this.

Vegeta winced as Tobe slowly entered him. As careful as the young man was, Vegeta's body bitterly reminded him that his time with Raditz was far away. Tobe stopped as he heard the prince hiss. He looked at him with a smile.

"Your father is more courageous."

Vegeta shot him an outraged look then frowned.

"You mean... he let you..."

"Fuck him, yes."

With that Tobe shoved himself further inside the prince. Vegeta winced again and Tobe chuckled.

"Don't worry, your father wasn't braver the first time I took him."

"What about *your* first time?"

"I remember feeling hot tears on my cheeks."

Vegeta realized that as they were talking Tobe had started gently rocking inside him. The pain was almost gone, now, and pleasure was gradually taking its place. Soon the prince found himself moaning against Tobe's neck. Old long forgotten sensations were coming back to him. He remembered bits of wild moments with Raditz. Hot breath on his skin, wet thrusting body on his own, heavy sighs, moans of pleasure...

He opened his eyes but this time Raditz wasn't lustfully looking at him. All he could see instead was the gentle eyes of his new mate. He could have sworn those eyes were worshipping him. But his eyes were the only part of Tobe's body to be gentle, in that instant. Vegeta could feel him slamming harder against his butt while he himself was meeting the man's thrusts. They were sliding against each other faster and faster, now. Vegeta's back arched, finding the best angle to increase his pleasure, while Tobe's hands were roaming all over his body.

Tobe grabbed Vegeta's tail and started stroking it gently. Vegeta purred and let his hands slide to Tobe's own tail to reciprocate. Tobe gasped and thrust even faster, drawing a cry from the prince with every bump on his prostate. From the feeling of his racing heart Vegeta briefly wondered if they were going to survive to this. Or at least if their bed would. He could have sworn that the walls were shaking as both men cried out as they came.

Vegeta cuddled comfortably against Tobe's chest, his head following the fast movement of the other man's breathing. He could still here their cries echoing in his ears even in the quietness that followed the previous frenzy. Outside the storm had stopped but the rain was still falling with a soothing sound. Tobe slid an arm around his waist and the prince decided to just enjoy the feeling of being secured. He had been fighting his whole life, part of it to stay alive. Maybe the time had come to let someone take care of him in his place. He drifted into sleep with the alien but pleasant feeling of a soothing hand petting his hair.

Gardening chores weren't exactly what Tobe had expected when he agreed to come to this planet. But he knew that Vegeta was spying at him from the house. Marveling at the sight of Tobe's half naked tanned and glistening body as he was cutting wood would be a better depiction of Vegeta's present activity. Tobe smiled as he thought of the reason why he was doing this boring work. Vegeta just had to suggest they could make love in front of the fireplace next Winter, and now Tobe was cutting as many wood as he could. Winter nights were going to be very busy... and noisy, too...

He stopped and raised his head at the sound of someone landing beside him and recognized the young man who was looking at him with surprise.

"Hi!"

Tobe smiled at the young man and bowed his head slightly.

"Hi!"

"Who are you? I didn't know dad had taken a gardener."

"I'm not really a gardener, you know. My name's Tobe. And you must be Trunks, I've seen your picture."

Trunks blushed and scratched his head.

"I'm sorry, I didn't even introduce myself. Well, it seems I don't really need to, anyway. I haven't heard from my father for a few weeks, I wanted to check on him."

"He's alright. Now."

"Are you working for him?"

"Well... not really..."

"Tobe doesn't work for anyone anymore."

"Tou-san! You look good, last time I saw you you were so... so..."

"As Tobe told you, I'm alright, now."

Father and son looked at each other silently for a while. Tobe wondered if they were hating each other or his presence was just embarrassing them. He decided to leave them alone for a while.

"It's getting hot, I'm getting us something to drink."

Trunks looked at Tobe's back for a while then turned his eyes to his father.

"He's not working for you, then... I can't believe you finally managed to find a friend!"

"He's not... he's not really a friend..."

At the sight of Trunks' surprised look Vegeta regretted having talked too much. Too late, now.

"Not a friend? You mean he's... you're..."

"Fucking each other? Yes."

"Tou-san!"

"What? Don't try to sound innocent and shocked. I don't think what you're doing with Goten is that innocent."

"You... you knew?!"

"Everybody know. Do you think you're discrete enough? And you should be more careful with the way you look at Gohan, too."

Trunks blushed again and Vegeta couldn't help smiling. Not only did his son still look very young but he also kept acting like a teen most of the time. Tobe came back holding a tray with some drinks and placed it on a nearby table under a tree. Trunks looked at him then shyly turned his eyes to the ground. Tobe chuckled and turned to the prince.

"So, you told him."

"I didn't tell him everything yet, only the most important part."

"I just hope you didn't give him too much details..."

Trunks sat heavily on a chair and grabbed a drink.

"Please, guys, I don't need it. Well, how did you meet?"

After a long explanation Trunks felt a little dizzy and decided to go home. He left the two other men sipping what's left of their drink. Tobe stretched in his chair and smiled at his prince.

"Your son is a nice young man, you know."

"Interested?"

Tobe sighed and rolled his eyes.

"You know I'm only interested in you."

"I'm not the only ass available."

"Is it all you see in our relationship?"

Tobe looked concerned and a bit annoyed. Vegeta bit his lip and went to sit on his friend's lap, resting his head on the man's shoulder.

"You're the best present I ever had. Can't you see how much I care for you, Tobe? How selfishly I'm keeping you away from anybody else? I knew Trunks would show up someday, I just hoped it wouldn't be too soon. I wanted you to be mine only."

"Sounds like jealousy..."

"Yes, I'm jealous."

The prince leaned and pressed his lips to Tobe's ear, whispering softly.

"I love you, Tobe. I think you know me well enough now to understand how hard it is for me to say these words. And to understand how true and deep my feelings are. And it's something someone else would have liked to hear me say."

"Are you talking about Bulma? You mean you never told her..."

"That I loved her? No. I knew she was aware of my feelings, so I thought I didn't need to tell her. At least that's what my pride made me think. I regret it now. I know I hurt her. I don't want to make the same mistake again. I don't want to hurt you."

Vegeta leaned again and kissed Tobe tenderly.

"I think we're both going to start a new life. And this time I won't let death separate us. Have you ever heard of the Dragon Balls?"

Somewhere in Enma's realm a woman smiled.