House of Vegeta Chronicles

HOV Chronicles 17: Parental Consent

"Raditzsu, let go of me."

"Never."

Saiyans throughout the castle stared as the two warriors argued, one
clearly dragging the other. Reaction ranged from shouts and laughter
to encouragement.

Humoz didn't appreciate the attention. "You think this is funny?"

His burly companion growled, tail fuzzing. "So who's laughing?"

"Let go of me, I said!"

"You made a fool of me!!"

Several grizzled commanders stood nearby, chatting in alcoves. They
likewise stared at the disruption. Among their group was Nappa.

"What foolishness is this? They bray in the halls like _oads._
(cattle)."

Orbonn pointed across the hall. "I know that other one...Humoz of
imperial regiment Griz."

Nappa squinted. "Well they can't carry on like that. We're in the
royal castle, not a back alley!"

A female general pushed them all aside. "The silly children make
their private affairs public. Enough!"

The others watched her storm towards the arguing pair. Orbonn
grinned. "I'll wager on Brunna...she always had a temper."

A tall saiyan chuckled in amusement, his steel armor glinting. "Ai,
she'll clear out that mess. But a bit of entertainment is always
good, eh?"

"You think everything is amusing, Xobell."

"Quiet."

****

The brash commander pushed between sizeable bodies. "Idiots. Mind
where you are!!"

The tall saiyans stared at her, momentarily forgetting their dispute.

"Commander?" Humoz found his voice.

Brunna glared at them both, snorting in disapproval. "You two go
elsewhere with this commotion. Have you no shame, parading personal
matters in such a fashion?!"

Raditz didn't flinch. "With all due respect, commander-"

Eyes like black flint glinted. "Silence. World council sessions will
fill the castle this week. There's drama enough without this
nonsense!"

Humoz nodded in agreement. "She's right, Raditz."

"What. You're siding with her?!"

"My training was most intensive, you wouldn't understand."

"Shiksha. This isn't about training-"

"No, it's about discipline. And I'm not interested in everyone
knowing our buisness."

Raditz moved to grab again. "I'm warning you, Humoz-"

Brunna pulled a weapon from her belt. "And I'm warning YOU. Start up
again and you'll both get a needle beam in the ass!!"

Humoz glowered. "Your call, Raditz."

The maned saiyan sniffed, stalking off. "Come on, then. Show's over!"

****

Brunna returned to her group in triumph. "Simple enough."

Nappa laughed out loud. "It would seem so. I always liked your
negotiating style."

Xobol sipped his drink. "Raditz still spends a great deal of time at
the castle...odd, considering he's third class."

Nappa grunted. "Don't start that again-"

"So the rumors don't matter, eh? Everyone has eyes."

Orbonn glanced at a wall clock. "True. And mine say that we're nearly
late for a meeting."

****

"So where are we going this time, Raditz? Someplace private, like
the central water fountain?!"

"You're a real comedian, Humoz. This way." Raditz pointed down
another corridor. Ranked officers and elite milled everywhere about
the castle. Servants dotted the hallways, providing food and drink.

Despite the rapid pace of their walk, Humoz and Raditz were scarcely
noticed amid the bustling activity. All of which suited Raditz just
fine.

Humoz stared around. "Hopefully we won't run into anyone we know."

Raditz parted a heavy curtain. "Never mind that. This is perfect
right here."

Humoz followed in curiosity, glancing at a ceiling painting. "This
room is?"

"A private conference area. It's sound deadened and enclosed."

Humoz stood near the entranceway. Pain reflected on his
features. "Raditz...I didn't mean to keep Xenna from you."

Raditz turned away briefly. "Come closer."

Cautiously, Humoz stepped behind him. "I want you to know-"

He didn't get to finish. In a motion too swift for human eyes Raditz
spun, hurling a punch like a shot. Humoz immediately went down.
Raditz stood angrily over his stunned companion.

"You're sorry...mukshi' fukkeg. Is that supposed to make everything
fine? Do you have any idea how my life was turned upside down?!"

Humoz stayed down on purpose, holding his aching jaw. "Dammit,
Raditzsu. I wasn't trying to hurt you-"

"You did!!" Raditz roared. "Liar. Having our chibi in secret and
going into hiding? I should break your freaking neck!!"

The young commando looked down forlornly. "I know...I didn't want to
deceive you."

"But it was convenient, right?"

"You've got it all wrong-"

Raditz laughed bitterly, walking about the room. "All those
conversations we had recently, the way you kept asking about Xenna...
I never figured it out. I feel like such a fool!!"

Humoz sat crosslegged on the floor, subdued. "I only wanted what was
best for her, considering out situation."

"That's a weak excuse and you know it!"

Humoz growled now, anger in his tone. "You made no sacrifices,
Raditzsu. My descii (parents) cared for the chibi while I was away.
And when I could I stayed with her."

"Without ME!!" Raditz roared again, tail lashing.

"I've admitted it was wrong. But our daughter was clean, happy and
healthy. Why disrupt that when her father wanted no ties?"

Raditz was crestfallen. "I wouldn't have felt that way if you'd told
me."

"I was fed up with the 'in and out' nature of our relationship. You
always denied it the more I pursued."

"It wasn't like that...not exactly."

"What, then? We were too close. And I got nothing but evasions."

Raditz advanced on him. "I'm not afraid of anything, Humoz. You sell
me short."

Sultry eyes looked up slowly. /Really?/

The burly saiyan stood back a bit. "Get out of my head!"

Humoz stood at a short distance. "Case in point. The bond we share-"

"A light one, Humoz. You read too much into-"

"Who's the liar now? Blood speaks loudest, Raditzsu."

"I'm not listening. How can I trust you anymore, much less admit a
connection?"

Humoz loosed his tail, waving it. "You can trust me with anything.
And we have the best connection now, a daughter."

Raditz fell silent. Humoz approached him.

"I don't expect you to forgive me for lying, but can't you at least
try to see things from my viewpoint?"

Raditz growled, waving him off. "Not so easy. Xenna was over seven
months old when you left her at the palace steps. Seven months! I
would have helped-"

"Like hell. We were on the outs again, and you disappeared offplanet.
Was I supposed to chase you down? I have pride, too!"

Raditz dropped into a chair. "Bullshit. This isn't about pride,
Humoz. You were too much of a coward to tell me."

Hurt flashed across handsome features. "Maybe. But I'd never
deliberately cause you pain. Can't you understand that?"

Raditz couldn't meet his eyes. "I don't know where this leaves us."

Humoz pulled a chair alongside. "You tell me. I still...feel the same
way."

"Humoz..."

The young commando edged closer to his companion. "We have a
beautiful daughter between us. That's no accident."

Raditz guarded his answer. "How would I know?"

He never knew what hit him. Seconds later he lay on his back, staring
up in blinding pain.

_Bastard..._

"Now we're even." Humoz sat over him, eyes dark with rage.

"You..." Raditz winced as his head throbbed. His arms were pinned to
the floor.

"Not forgiving me is one thing, but calling Xenna a mistake is going
too far!"

"I never said that" Raditz found his voice hoarse. "Let me up, Humoz!"

"Get up if you can."

"Fuck off!" Raditz tried to force his way free, but had no leverage.
Humoz tightened his grip. A nasty smile curved full lips.

"I rather like you on your back, Raditzsu. Perhaps I can convince you
again."

"Kredda'se dugga. Huerta ne guefukk!!"

Humoz looked him over. Masses of hair entangled them both. "I've been
thinking about you again ever since the gamma attacks. Remember our
little party in the woods?"

Raditz snarled, showing perfect teeth. "Don't expect me to get hot
about it. Thank Frieza!!"

Humoz licked his lips hotly. "Maybe I will. Later..."

****

Vegeta Ou chatted with several ambassadors in the antechambers. A
messenger relayed a strange piece of information.

"What occurs in the western privacy chambers, page?"

The young saiyan flushed, his orange armor shining. "There are
reports of wildly fluctuating ki punctuated by loud voices.
Presumably an argument, o king."

The Ou thought that over. "Something being settled, I suppose."

Dark eyes stared in confusion. "Settled, majesty?"

"Ai, Dasakk. Go, monitor the situation. I would know if it escalates."

"At once, Ou." the page was gone like a shot into busy corridors. An
ambassador watched in curiosity.

"Vegeta what means this? Surely not a security breach?!" a heavyset
saiyan in silver robes pondered, pulling his beard.

The King waved him off. "Hardly, Judd. Merely a family matter."

"Resolved, I hope. Council sessions are everywhere this week, and any
disruption could be perceived as an attack."

Vegeta Ou stared at nothing. "I am aware of that. Now if the esteemed
council will follow me this way?"

A stocky female spoke next, her hair full of jewels. Dark eyes
flashed alertly. "You change the subject, Ou. I surmise you know of
the disruption?"

The king nodded knowingly. "Assuredly, Tange. Now everyone come,
there is a fine meal prepared for us in the lounge."

The ambassadors nodded, following their king through bustling
hallways. Vegeta gave no clue to his distraction as he strode in
front regally.

/Settle your love, Raditzsu. For Xenna's sake./

****

Humoz purred in appreciation at well scented male flesh. A sable tail
fuzzed, waving lazily about.

"You look good enough to eat. Yedatta!"

"Get off of me, Humoz. I won't say it again!!"

The handsome commando leaned forward, his heavy shock of hair falling
over deep eyes. "You disappoint me, Raditz. Have you no other word?"

"Nothing that you want to hear." a sniff.

Humoz noticed, waving his tail wildly. "That armor needs to come off."

Raditz felt his resolve weaken as saiyan senses betrayed his anger.
He lunged in desperation, but Humoz held him fast. Musky perfume
filled the air.

"I know what you're doing!"

A purr. Humoz nipped along a corded neck. "Good. Now stop being angry
at me. We should be a family."

"I have a family." Raditz growled, closing his eyes against rising
pleasure.

"Two." Humoz persisted, freeing one hand to remove his chestplate.
Raditz stared at a well sculpted midsection, glistening with
fragrance.

"Damn you..."

"Like it?" Humoz purred even louder now, misting the air. Scent hung
heavily on both saiyans.

"Go to hell." Raditz murmured under a smouldering kiss.

****

The ouji entered the lounge presently, stately in deep blue and
silver armor with iridescent gloves.

"I see our guests partake of a fine dinner."

The king nodded approvingly at his son. "Join us, prince. There's
much to banter about ere talk turns back to war."

Vegeta no ouji seated himself as the councilmembers stood briefly.
The king lifted his goblet.

"I propose a toast."

"And that would be, father?"

The Ou was smug. "To hot hips and sweet lips."

Judd nearly toppled with laughter. "A strange toast! Methinks we need
a full moon."

Tange grinned. "How about a few howling stories?"

Kooun clapped his full belly. "Agreed! It would be a refreshing
change from stale conference talk."

Vegeta Ou smiled, his eyes dark with mischief. "I suppose...but
remember, no names."

The prince glanced at a distant wall, flashing a toothy smirk. "Oh, I
can think of two names about now. The castle is very busy!!"

*****

Two golden forms groaned on the floor, writhing in mounting pleasure.
Humoz still pinned Raditz, although his grip loosed enough to allow
an embrace. Tails danced in unison, coiling and wrapping.

Raditz inhaled his off again, on again lover. Sharp teeth nipped an
ear as he buried his nose against silky skin. Humoz moaned, grinding
his hips in with powerful thrusts. Thin fabric barely concealed
growing erections. Strong hands clutched musky flesh, ripping fabric
and exposing skin.

"Something...to tell you..." Humoz panted, eyes wild. Raditz pulled
him back into another kiss.

/Later!/

/No. Now!!/

Raditz gasped, assaulted by mental images. Humoz offworld, a newborn
Xenna in his arms. Joy, fear. Apprehension and pride.

/Humoz!/

/You have to see this./

Further back in time, their last real time together. Hot and sweet. A
fierce coupling in a darkened storage bay.

/We were aboard the Splyser..../

/Hai, Raditzsu. Time enough, eh?/

Raditz opened his eyes briefly in shock. "You...that was when-"

Another smothering kiss. "Yes. Xenna."

Still more images and emotions, overwhelming in their intensity.
Raditz saw Humoz with his parents, discussing Xenna. Humoz offworld
again, on various missions while Xenna was tended to by his elders.

A flash of indescribable sensation, love and lust. Humoz sitting in a
park, miserable and brooding. Depression, self loathing.

/But why?/

/Because I couldn't bring myself to tell you, even though I loved
you./

Raditz rolled Humoz to his side. Wild hair tumbled everywhere in a
tangle over dark features.

"You love me?"

A soft purr. "Feskade. My other half."

"Krukka." Raditz sighed, holding his companion close. Deft fingers
stroked the handsome face. Humoz closed his eyes in contentment.
Moved beyond speech, Raditz gently kissed thick eyelashes.

"Neytii, beautiful one. How can I stay angry? There's no point."

Humoz opened sultry eyes slowly. "And, Raditzsu? Can you admit it
now?"

One wild head lay against another. "You already know, Humoz.
I've...loved you for a long time."

A hot tongue teased his ear. "Right now." Humoz growled, scratching
the base of Raditz' tail. "I can't wait any longer!"

The burly saiyan bucked up, shrieking in pleasure. "Kstada!!"

So engrossed were the lovers they failed to sense another presence in
the room.

"What a pretty picture." the familiar voice was smug.

In shock and anger, the pair rolled to a sitting position. Heaving,
they stared at Kakarot. The young saiyan stood in the doorframe, arms
folded.

"Well, go on. Don't stop on my account!"

"Fool." Humoz hissed, attempting to arrange himself in some semblance
of order.

Raditz growled, smoothing his wild hair. "Don't you ever knock, loon?
We don't wish to be disturbed."

Kakarot sniffed, looking at their tattered clothing. "Seems like
you've already started. Besides, this is a fairly public area. You're
lucky someone else didn't walk in."

Humoz snorted. "How long have you been here?"

A toothy grin. "Long enough. I suspected things would heat up
eventually."

"Did you now?"

Kakarot waved his tail. "Sure. But it might be prudent to find a more
private place, don't you think?"

Humoz pulled Raditz to his feet. "Hurry up!"

"Damn straight." Raditz replied, grabbing his companion.

Kakarot coughed.

"Keep your mouth shut about this." Raditz warned, bristling his tail.

A mocking laugh. Dark eyes stared down.

"What the hell are you looking at?!"

Kakarot snickered. "You two better go, you're about to make a mess."

Humoz dragged a snarling Raditz out. "Freak!"

****

A sated pair of saiyans curled together, enjoying mutual warmth.
Their clothing was destroyed by wild lovemaking.

Humoz nipped Raditz on the ear. "Hn, good thing we found this spare
room nearby."

Raditz purred contentedly. "True. My stupid brother was right for
once. I would've made a hell of a mess on that marble floor."

Humoz grinned. "I must be too sexy."

"Ai, and more."

They were silent momentarily, knotting tails in affection. Dark eyes
blinked lazily at their cozy surroundings. The small storage room was
stocked with furs and skins, perfect for bedding. Humoz and Raditz
made themselves a cocoon, lost in their own world. A metal brace at
the door kept nosy intruders at bay.

Humoz rubbed a golden thigh against his lover. "So tell me...how's
Xenna?"

"Plump, loud and happy. She's with the naa'ti (nursekeepers)."

Humoz rolled over, closing his eyes. "I want to see her!"

Raditz kissed him. "Of course. But later...I've got plans for you
right now."

Humoz opened an eye. "Plans?"

"Ai. This!!" Raditz dived under the covers, clamping sharp teeth over
a thick length.

"Hartii!" Humoz screeched in delight at painful pleasure.

****

Kakarot strutted through the castle isles, amazed at the volume of
activity. Saiyans of rank and class were everywhere, either going to
or coming from council sessions. Servants skittered about, tending to
everyone's needs. Two female officers stood off in a darkened corner,
giving him the eye.

"Ho, oujian. Stressful workout, eh?" the taller of the two spoke
first.

Kakarot grinned darkly, scratching at his armband. "You would be the
first to notice, Ursenn. Do you accompany a commander here?"

The female saiyan laughed, shaking her long mane. "Supposedly, but we
seem to be separated in all this chaos."

The other woman continued to stare at Kakarot, taking in his torn
bodysuit.

"Black suits you, ouijan." she stated simply.

"And you are?"

The woman shrugged. "Isizz, of the Roon Regiment. We were stationed
on the asteroid belt during the gamma attacks."

Kakarot stared in surprise. "You were at the inital point of attack?"

"Ai, but things were dull at my outpost. I'm here with Ursenn.
Reports and all."

"Oh, I see. Well don't be too disappointed. With all the delegates
here, I'm sure there'll be a fight or two."

Isizz looked him over again. "I certainly hope so. One should always
stay...fit, with war looming."

Ursenn elbowed her friend. "Enough, Isizz...or our prince will fry
you."

Kakarot gave his most wicked smile. "Only if I'd leave anything to
burn."

Isizz edged up hungrily, waving her tail. "Is that an offer, oujian
Kakarot? I think-"

"I think you need to sit in some ice." Ursenn was short. "Krukka,
woman. You must love controversy!"

"Stay out of it, Isizz. My interest is elsewhere." dark eyes roamed
low.

Kakarot noted a few other stares in their direction. "Hn. It seems
that noses are everywhere. Ladies, I'll take my leave."

"Surely we'll have a drink later." Ursenn looked about also. "At a
quieter location."

Kakarot bowed slightly. "Stay about the castle. We'll cross paths
again." he strutted off with typical saiyan abruptness.

Isizz licked her lips at his retreating form. "Or a party."

"Is that all you think about, Isizz?"

"Give it a rest, Ursenn. I saw you sniffing!"

The taller saiyan spared a small smile. "Ai, I'd give it a go round.
But dying isn't in my current plan."

Isizz jerked her thumb, indicating they move. "Come on, let's go get
that drink before our meeting starts."

****

Rumbling purrs filled the small darkened storage room. Humoz
stretched against Raditz, snug and warm. They were sandwiched in
blankets and pelt.

"Hn, this makes good bedding."

A lazy yawn. "What, Humoz?"

"All this." fingers tangled through a massive mop of hair. "It
stinks, and makes a fine mat."

"Cretin." Raditz nibbled Humoz on the neck, pausing. Sharp teeth
rested against smooth skin.

Humoz sensed his intent. "Go on." he whispered, closing his eyes.

Raditz tucked his head aside. "Not yet, Humoz-"

"Why not!" dark eyes held betrayal.

"I...be patient with me. This is fast, even by my standards."

Humoz sat up in the dim light, angry. He still glistened from
lovemaking. "What difference does it make. We share love, and a cub.
What more is there?!"

Raditz sighed, laying back in their nest. "I don't know. The war,
maybe? None of us knows if we'll return or not."

Humoz turned slowly on him, understanding. "You want to wait?"

"Hai. Don't be angry with me."

Fine features softened as Humoz nuzzled in. "All right. We seem to be
apologizing too much, anyway."

More suckling kisses. A pause.

"Raditz..."

"Ha?"

"What the hell do we do about clothes? All our stuff's ripped to
shreds."

"Krukka." Raditz stared at the hopeless pile nearby. "I'll have to
send out a call."

"Not Kakarot!"

"Who else? Father's not around, and our prince would never let me
hear the end of it. And I sure as hell can't call the Ou!"

Humoz' eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Why would you consider calling
the Ou?"

"Nothing! Forget it."

Humoz plopped down again. "For now."

****

Kakarot was taking a shower when a sharp ping went off in his skull.

/Kakarot, I need your help./

The dark saiyan blinked, clearing water from his eyes. /Raditz?/

/Ai. Bring me some clothes. And something for Humoz./

A snicker. /I don't know his size./

A pause. /Asshole! We can't walk around the castle butt naked./

Kakarot snorted, drying himself with a towel. /Tear it up, huh?/

/None of your buisness./

Kakarot grinned to himself. /I'd say keep your pants on, but it's too
late for that./

/KAKAROT-/

/Cool it. Where are you, anyway?/

/Four levels down, in the western privacy chambers./

/Give me about fifteen minutes or so. I was taking a shower./

/Fine./

Kakarot stepped from the shower stall. "It's always something around
here!"

****

The anxious pair waited in silence. Soon, a single form silouetted
against the doorframe.

"Why the hell are you sitting in the dark?"

Raditz hit a dimmer switch. "In case some clown tried to break in. We
weren't exactly quiet."

Kakarot strode in with clothing. Dark eyes rimmed with red as he
grinned.

Raditz knew that look from long ago. "Don't even say it."

The younger saiyan purred softly, tail frizzing. "I wasn't. Nice!"

Humoz stared. "What the hell's wrong with him? Give us the clothes!!"

"Here." Kakarot tossed some gear, hitting Humoz in the face. The
commando rose to his feet, ready to fight.

Raditz stepped between them. "Back off-"

Kakarot looked past his brother's shoulder at Humoz. "Ai, considering
you're butt naked. Not that I wouldn't mind wrestling-"

"You're about to get popped, Kakarot." Humoz warned him.

The wild one shrugged. "Go for it...everyone's entitled to the first
shot. But make it a good one!"

"You-"

"That's enough." Raditz pushed them apart. "Besides, we have a trip
to make."

Humoz growled, pulling on some pants. "Trip?"

"Our daughter, in case you've forgotten."

Dark eyes lit with delight. "Yeah."

Kakarot watched the two of them dress. "Xenna's with the naa'ti. They
have so many chibis this week half of them were transported to the
south sector of the castle."

Humoz nearly forgot his anger. "Why so many?"

"The delegates are all here this week. I hear they've got nearly
three thousand of the little snappers."

Raditz gawked as he pulled on a chestplate. "Three thousand! Krukka,
how do we find Xenna in that chaos?!"

"She's with the first group. They're still in the eastern sector."

Raditz thought a moment. "What about your cubs?"

"Vegeta picked them up two hours ago. He didn't want them
transported."

Humoz stretched his boots. "Our ouji keeps his own in sight. A good
policy to have."

Raditz smoothed his tail before wrapping it. "Thanks for the duds,
little brother."

The wild one smiled before leaving. "Anytime. Besides, it was nice
seeing you two roll around."

Humoz watched him go. "Krukka, what a loon."

****

An hour later Raditz and Humoz made their way to the eastern sector
of the castle. Humoz shook his head in amazement.

"Damn. The castle's as big as a city."

"True." Raditz nodded as they weaved through crowded corridors. "It's
divided up like one, too. The Ou himself could get lost for a year if
he so chooses."

"Incredible."

"This way." Raditz pointed at a massive corridor with vaulted
ceilings and polished stone doors. Signs reading NAA'TI EAST CENTRAL
were everywhere.

"This is the place."

****

Indescribable racket assaulted their ears inside. Multiple playrooms,
too many to mention were filled with chibis. Rolling and tumbling
forms were everywhere. Some cubs had started walking. Piercing
screams and squalls filled the air. Flying toys were dodged by the
naa'ti as the older chibis tossed everything in sight. The younger
chibis bit soft toys and cushions designed to strengthen needle
teeth. Still more fought and head butted each other.

Humoz covered his ears. "It's a madhouse. How can they stand it?!"

Raditz duplicated the gesture. "They get paid in gold. Look,
someone's coming our way!"

A massively built saiyan stumbled their way through a sea of
screaming babies. They clung to his robes as he pressed through,
shredding them at the bottom.

"Pundazz, ho!" Raditz bellowed.

The huge saiyan grinned. "Ah, young yandu (duke). I take it you've
come for a little one or two, eh?"

"Ai. Is Xenna up and about?"

"I'll have to check my charts." thick brows pinched as Pundazz
glanced at Humoz.

"I know you...one of the imperials?"

"Humoz, sir. Xenna's my chibi."

Pundazz slapped himself on the head. "Krukka. I thought you looked
familiar! Your father and I fought in the Zogg wars. How does he
fare?"

Humoz grinned. "Fine. When we have time you can visit and tell old
war stories. But for now I want to see my daughter."

"Hold on a minute." Pundazz stepped over chibis as he clambered to a
desk, checking his clipboard.

"Xeita, Xejou, ah...Xenna. Yes, she was asleep an hour ago. But I
believe she's been fed. I'll call Oslko and have him get her."

The parents waited with excitement as once again the huge saiyan
disappeared down a corridor, with waves of squalling chibis rolling
about.

Humoz stared, numb at the sight. /A thousand Friezas can't compare to
this madness./

Raditz smirked. /Can't talk, huh?/

/What's the point? I don't feel like screaming over this racket./

Their silent exchange stopped moments later when a younger naa'ti
emerged with a certain, bright eyed chibi.

"Xenna!!" Humoz was overjoyed.

Shiny eyes looked his way. Xenna wore an orange silk jumpsuit, with
white booties. A large, blooming ribbon in brighter orange wrapped
her ponytail up top.

Raditz beamed. Xenna grinned before exploding into high pitched
screeches.

The naa'ti, a young woman named Tasi, shook her head. "Krukka! This
one's got lungs on her!"

"Hai!!" Humoz grabbed his daughter and cuddled. Raditz leaned into
his family.

"Let's go."

****

The Ou was smug. "So, the roundabout is over."

Kakarot could barely stop grinning himself. "Ai, saba...when I found
them they were tearing it up. You should have seen it!"

"Unecessary, loon. Now finish your drink."

Kakarot leaned back into a plush chair, gulping. "The Lynk wine's
especially fragrant this year."

"We had a good crop of stoids at the royal farms. Now tell me more
about the reconciliation."

"Not without us."

The Ou and Kakarot turned. Bardock and the ouji entered from a side
curtain into the private chambers.

Kakarot brightened. "Come join us. There's news!!"

The ouji seated himself alongside, pouring himself some
wine. "Really? Do tell!"

Bardock smirked. "When there's a tale to tell, Kakarot says it well."
he reached for a bowl of worm eyes.

"Raditz and Humoz are together. It happened today!"

The ouji nearly giggled. "Ah, that must have been the disruption the
servants blathered about. Any juicy details?"

"You'd better believe it. They were in a public access corridor. When
I caught up with them, they were ready to make a mess!"

"Not on my marble floors. The carpets I don't care about." the Ou
sniffed.

Bardock laughed. "I'm surprised it took this long. They were hot for
each other's bones from the beginning."

The prince pounded his fists on the polished table, hysterical. "This
family is never boring! I'd pay a lump of gold to see those two
rolling."

Kakarot leaned back, filling his goblet again. "Later they went to
pick up Xenna."

The Ou nodded in approval. "Ah...soon arrangements will be made.
Good!"

Bardock smiled back. "You now approve of Humoz, I take it?"

"There was never anything wrong with the boy. And Xenna is well
boned, all things considered."

"It pleases me also, Vegeta. I've longed for Raditz to have a family.
Now he does."

"So get off his back now, father." Kakarot pointed out.

"Quiet, loon. Pass me the wine."

The ouji laughed. "Krukka, this is a momentous occassion. We'll
arrange a personal party later."

The Ou raised his drink. "To family..."

Glasses klinked in unison. "Family!!"

****

Humoz and Raditz spent the rest of their own celebration in a hotel
suite downtown. Wearing plush robes, they stretched out on a huge
round bed. The couple watched movies on a large screen. Xenna rolled
and played, climbing over her parents and batting rubber balls about.
A fat little tail patted their midsections.

"Good flick."

"Yeah..."

A kiss. "Humoz?"

"Hn..."

"This is the life."

Humoz smiled at his happy daughter, eyes sparkling. "I couldn't agree
more."


THE END