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Uncertainty and Pride	By : TristaML Category: Dragon Ball Z > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 1864 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ or anything of the sort and I make no money from writing this piece of fanfiction

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
Chapter 6
Bardock was well pleased and, well, drunk. The King was likewise, drinking along with the rest of them, the scientists and some of his Majesty’s closest companions, and they were celebrating the completion of their greatest invention: The Gravity Machine. It is finally stable and sturdy enough for them to use for training and (after several failed tests) it’s now up and running.
Someone might think it was Bardock and King Vegeta’s baby the way they’re both smiling, and Kakarot knew that that’s exactly how they both felt about it. Without the King’s financial help it never would have been made, and without Bardock’s genius and persistence, the creation never would have come about in their time. Kakarot could not remember seeing his King so at ease before and he seemed to glide around the room, being whisked this way and that by each individual who wished to share in the triumph, and the King was happy, for once, to be among them all.
Kakarot sat by himself, sipping on a cocktail, but minding not to get drunk if he could help it, as he watched Raditz and Bardock play-wrestle on one side of the room and their King approach them from the other. The fellow scientists who helped create the GM were making their way over to them as well, and proposing a toast. They’ve been doing that for an hour now.
They toasted to Bardock and the idea, and to the King for funding it, and to themselves for making it happen. Kakarot raised his glass before downing his drink, and he smiled as he watched his father glow in their appreciation. He was excited, too, of course, but his content at seeing all of his father’s work pay off was the best pleasure of all, that and the laughter in his King’s voice, which was slightly less malicious than usual. He knew that the King intended that they use it for their training, and he knew what the outcome would be. His eagerness was only contained by the fact that they had to wait until tomorrow to try it out.
Kakarot quickly retrieved another drink, and though some Saiyans stopped by him to drop compliments about Bardock, and others stopped by to ask him to join in the merriment, Kakarot only smiled and nodded at their kind words and offers, but he refused to join them.
His heart was weary, and he begun to sense something dark looming around them, just beyond their reach, and he couldn’t place where this feeling of dread was coming from. It’s only been two weeks since Rori’s death and his last private conversation with King Vegeta and so much has changed since then and now that he wasn’t sure what he was feeling exactly, just that things didn’t feel right.
Ever since Rori’s death many more of the men and women who had ignored him began finding reasons to speak with him. Status at this point did not matter. Nearly every Saiyan that passed him seemed to find a reason to bring him to their attention, even the servants seemed to watch him closely, and even though they all seemed amicable enough, he got the feeling that he was constantly being judged. It didn’t really bother him but he didn’t want to give rise to it continuing either so he tried to walk in pairs when he could, or go out at a time when there is less castle-traffic. Still, he wasn’t apt to staying alone for long, and out of all of his new “friends” he has met a few Saiyans who he’s become fond of, and who also seek out his company when they are available.
While making new friends is inevitable, Kakarot couldn’t help but still feel very out of place amongst them all, and the one person who he wished to see more of was constantly making excuses why they couldn’t spend time together. The only thing he’s gained in the last two weeks is a better knowledge of the ins and outs of the castle and a more accepted reputation among the men and women he more or less lives with, the rest of their stories were of no consequence to him. He found few of them worth wasting consideration over. He knew rather than felt that he was alone and he didn’t like it. His brother has been nowhere to be found of late and his father has been very busy, as well. Thankfully with the completion of the GM that should change. At least, he hoped it would.
All Kakarot wished to do at the moment, though, was speak with his King, but Vegeta has been extra aloof. When he asked his father about it a week ago he explained that with Rori’s death, the King needs time to separate himself from the past before he creates a new future. Kakarot was okay with giving him space, but he wasn’t sure how much time he could give him before he says something he shouldn’t, like he did the other day. Besides, they’ve been training together almost every day now, so it wasn’t that Vegeta’s not available, it’s just that he’s not willing to get any closer or linger any longer than necessary. He’s been giving him strange looks, something was being well-masked beneath his stone exterior, and even the memories of the other Vegeta didn’t help Kakarot with deciphering his gazes.
Bardock waltzed over to his son and slapped him sportingly on the back. Kakarot chuckled at him and stood up to greet him for the tenth time tonight, giving him a hug. Bardock half said, “Get involved, Kakarot, you can’t just sit here.” His son held back a sigh and nodded at him. He downed this drink and then began heading to get another one while making rounds with his father.
King Vegeta watched them, more particularly Kakarot, like he has been all evening, with a close but discreet observation. Ever since their last conversation, something in the young man has become more determined and yet more reserved, and he could admit (to himself) that he didn’t like his sudden withdrawn attitude. He actually wants Kakarot to come onto him again, if only for the excitement of hearing the man say even more daring things. He looked away and smiled to himself, covering it immediately with a gloved hand, and then fake-coughed slightly, to hide anything anyone might have seen. Kakarot has asked him for some of his time almost every day for the past two weeks, and he was beginning to think he ought to give him some, before he figured it was the alcohol talking. Finally, after some amount of internal debate, he decided that he would ask for some time with him, and then he decided that he wouldn’t, and he continued casually avoiding him at all costs.
Most everyone else was clueless, everyone but Bardock and two others who know the King well enough to tell when he is staring at someone, and they’ve noticed the King watching Kakarot off and on for some time now. They could easily see the fire in his eyes and they could only imagine the thoughts dancing around his head.
Bardock actually only just learned tonight that Kakarot kissed the King, and, from what he could decipher of Vegeta’s whirring thoughts, that it was not something he has forgotten in the least. Bardock was shocked at the information, surprised that his son would keep it from him, but then again, he figured he didn’t need to know all of the details. He was simply happy that things were going well between them, for the most part, and he was excited for their blossoming affair to grow into the powerful love that he’s seen in his visions.
The others who noticed the attraction could not be persuaded to ignore the opportunity to make something of the evening, but King Vegeta, however nudged by his fellow Saiyan’s, could not be convinced to talk to the young man before he chose to do so.
“He’s been alone for most of the night, your Highness,” Jetome, one of the King’s court’s men, and a great friend of Vegeta’s, said to his King, “It seems that only some of us have become acquainted with him, so he has had but few people to talk to, and I’ve heard so many good things about him.”
“Yes!” Ivony, a woman who Vegeta has bed, but since has merged with someone else, and so she is only a good friend, observed, “Is that not the man who you’ve been training; the one who interrupted us in meditation the other day? He’s such a handsome thing!” She winked at him slyly.
The King grinned crookedly at her, but didn’t answer either of their comments, they were two of many, and Vegeta couldn’t be bothered by them. He remarked at length, “Kakarot would talk to anyone who walked up to him and tried, I promise you. Should you wish to meet him, he’s right there,” and though he spoke as though he couldn’t care less, both Jetome and Ivony could see that he was more pleased with the young man than he wished to let on.
“Introduce us,” Ivony pressured him, “Or is there some reason you wish to keep him to yourself?”
The King scoffed at her in good humor, and repeated his prior sentiments, explaining, “If I were to introduce you, he would think there was an underlying purpose in it. Go yourselves, if you must.”
Jetome laughed and said, “Fine, my Lord! We will do as you say and I expect to bring back a report on him.”
“A very critical one,” Ivony agreed, jokingly, and they headed Kakarot’s way.
They had no intentions of being severe on him, they simply wished to speak with him and get to know what type of Saiyan he is, after all, anyone who could catch the attention of their King is well worth getting to know. Kakarot’s manners were clumsy but humble and honest, and his speech was clear and charming, even if he seemed a little ignorant, it was only in innocence. He was kind and showed a definite sweetness in his temperament that they had never met with before and they immediately adored him.
King Vegeta was not surprised when they did not return after a few minutes talking with him, but he was surprised when many others joined in on their conversation. Still, he refused to go nearer to the young man and the group of people which surrounded him. Instead he began to realize that it was getting late, and that he has other plans, and he had also hoped to be well rested (as rested as he ever is) for tomorrow’s activities. He slowly began to make his way to the door, stopping to speak with each individual who wasn’t nearby Kakarot’s circle, not wanting to be seen as “fleeing the scene.”
Bardock was the last of whom he spoke with, and the King said to him, “You will be operating the Gravity Machine tomorrow.”
Bardock nodded in agreement and replied, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
King Vegeta smirked at him and couldn’t help but steal a glance over at his son, before he turned to Bardock and realized by his knowing smile that he must know exactly what’s on his mind. He said, quietly, trying to explain his side in blamelessness, “There is this thing about him, I think. There’s a surety in his voice and he has such a mysterious way…” The King blushed as he became aware that he was rambling about the very man he was avoiding.
Bardock chuckled knowingly at him and replied, interrupting him as a distraction from his needless embarrassment, “The best thing you can do is accept it, fighting it won’t help anything.”
The King replied, an acute shrink in his pupils marking his sudden withdrawal from the idea and insertion into seriousness, “I must be about my own business,” and he looked away in resolve.
Bardock smirked, drunkenness exploiting his already loose tongue as he said, “You can’t take on everything by yourself.”
“I can do it…” Vegeta said confidently, “on my own… I don’t intend on needing Kakarot for anything.”
Bardock should have seen that coming in his King, but he had to admit he wasn’t expecting it. His resolve was resolute as far as he was concerned of it, and Bardock saw that it would be his undoing if he could not accept reality. He nodded at him, bowed, and walked away. As soon as he did Vegeta realized that he may have sounded harsh and he could only wonder what Bardock must be thinking, but he only lingered a half a moment before he headed quickly towards the door.
Kakarot tried to pretend he didn’t notice the King leave, but it was immediately pointed out by some of the other men, and several of them declared themselves ready to leave as well. Jetome and Ivony bid him a fond farewell before leaving to follow their King. Kakarot politely parted with the others who lingered at the first chance he got and then he went up to Raditz, in an attempt to ignore the fact that he wished to run after Vegeta like a seasonally rejected loser.
“Baby brother!” Raditz locked his head in one arm and rubbed him right in the noggin with his free hand. Kakarot struggled to get free but finally did and laughed at how silly his older brother could be sometimes. Upon his great surprise though, another tall Saiyan came up and wrapped his arms around Raditz’s thick waist, pulling him in for a kiss. Raditz smiled at the man before turning to Kakarot and introducing the two to each other. “This is Banin,” he said, “I know, I’ven’t introduced you two yet, but I figure now’s a good time. We’re going into a mergament, Kakarot!”
Banin did not wait for a response, nor did he hesitate to latch onto Kakarot in a friendly way, and he said to him, in a strong and animated voice, “I asked for your father’s permission, of course! I’ve wanted to meet you for a very long time, now, Kakarot! Nice fight with Rori, by the way. Saw the whole thing. Good job on kicking his ass- it’s only fitting the King would finish the job.”
Kakarot’s jaw wouldn’t close, and he said the first thing he was able to, asking him, “How long have you two been together?” Raditz; merged!?
Raditz laughed and blushed and said, “Four years, little brother. I know that’s a long time to keep a secret, but,” he turned to Banin and smiled before looking back at Kakarot and saying, “we had our reasons. It’s time to be honest with ourselves and finally be together. If only you could find someone to be happy with, but I can’t think of anyone to suit your gentle temper...”
Kakarot blushed back at him but his heart was glad upon seeing the merriment on his brother’s face and he answered, “I’m happy for you, both of you! Don’t worry about me- I can hold my own with the meanest of them! I wish you would have introduced us sooner, all this time I thought you were a eunuch!”
Banin laugh good-naturedly at their affection towards one another. Raditz’s face was flushed yet again with both alcohol and embarrassment at his joke. He laughed at the comment and said, “Enough!”
“Ah!” Kakarot chuckled, “Now I know where you get that from- the King! I can see how he has influenced you now that I have been getting to know him,” and as it came out he wondered why he said it, but he turned to Banin and added, “I hope to get to know you, too. Don’t let Raditz keep you! My father and I have always loved company! I look forward to yours,” and with that he bowed politely to them both and left straight away with enough on his mind to feed his brain for a year. He tried his best to remain unnoticed and evasive.
That was not the first comment he’s heard of similar thoughts about Rori and he was not as surprised to hear that as he was to meet the man who his brother was going into a merger with, though it did give him something extra to think of. It was exciting news to say the least and he realized that his father was keeping more secrets from him than he originally had thought.
Bardock, as if on cue, intercepted Kakarot’s escape and asked him what he thought about Banin discretely but with much liveliness on his face. Kakarot laughed and threw the question back at his father, wondering when he was going to tell him the news.
“Some things are not my business to spread. I thought it best that Raditz tell you.”
“How long have you known?”
He spoke in a hushed and casual voice, causing Kakarot to smile as he listened, “I’ve known they’ve been dating the whole time, but Raditz didn’t want to be seen as weak, or accused of social climbing, and, for those and many other reasons, they kept their relationship a secret. I’ve known about the mergament for a year, though, because Banin asked me that long ago, but he only recently came up with the courage to ask him and Raditz said yes not even three full days ago. That’s why he’s been so absent, you see, not that you would have noticed with your busy schedule and all.”
Kakarot smiled at him, aware that he was hinting about his involvement with the King, and said, contrarily to what his father wanted to hear, “To be the last to know! I would have rather been the first! You keep secrets a little too well.”
“You should be grateful for that,” Bardock insisted, and chuckled, smiling back knowingly.
Kakarot replied, on a more serious note, “There’s nothing to tell.”
“That’s not what I’ve come to understand,” his father replied, but he left him after that comment, being pulled in the direction of some of the others who lingered and were unwilling to end the party. Kakarot heard them all taking another shot as he left, and he ran with renewed hope in speaking to with his King, which is exactly where he was headed.
It seems, though, that he wasn’t the only one who wished to spend some time in the King’s company, and after some time of running aimlessly, he saw just ahead that both Jetome and Ivony were walking with King Vegeta, headed inside some giant doors which Kakarot couldn’t remember seeing before. They were carrying food and liquor, enough to go on for several more hours. Kakarot hesitated and tried to remain unseen, or at least casual, but Vegeta felt his presence and turned back just in time to see him pretending to walk by.
“Kakarot!” Ivony called to him as she followed her King’s gaze and spotted him herself, “Join us for a drink!”
Kakarot stopped mid-step and wondered if he should. Vegeta didn’t say that he didn’t want him to. In fact, he didn’t say anything. He just stared at him, so Kakarot smiled, pleased to be included, and came towards them quickly, thanking her for the invitation.
Vegeta smirked at that, but still kept his lips sealed as they turned and began walking into a part of the castle which Kakarot had never been. It was more luxurious and practical than anything he had seen thus far, and he saw now that the mansion is much bigger than he had ever imagined it to be. Vegeta and Jetome seemed to be laughing at something in confidence while Ivony strut her stuff in a cat-like manner all the way down the hall, stepping to the beat of whatever song was playing in her heart.
Kakarot grinned at them. Amongst the beauty of the halls and the people he was accompanied by, he was grateful to be spending some time with others in a more friendly way, instead of constantly training, trying to meet ridiculous standards, or answering silly questions, not that he was against the training part. There were still other things on his mind, though, and even as they walked the glorious halls, he speculated about the negativity he felt creeping up on them and his thoughts grew more serious. He briefly wondered how strong he is in comparison to his counterpart, Goku, and figured that he probably was still much too weak to even be thinking about it.
At that moment King Vegeta glanced back at him, a strange look in his eyes, but he turned back just as quickly. Vegeta thought that he heard him say something, but it was clear with Kakarot’s returned gaze that he hadn’t, but that he was contemplating something very seriously. King Vegeta ignored it and carried on.
They got to another large door and entered into a room filled with other people, not all the same from the previous party. Kakarot supposed this was the after party or something, and was a little disappointed at having so much more company than he’d initially thought, but he shook it off and decided he would enjoy himself.
There was music playing, and drinks being handed out to each of them as they entered. He saw that there was plenty of everything to go around and, taking a nice big gulp, eased his own tension and began mingling, not willing to allow others to think he was pining over the King, or that King Vegeta is the only reason he came.
Little did he know that Vegeta is the only reason any of them come to such gatherings. They all wanted to stay in his good graces, and when he said he was going to throw a “little” get together, they made an effort to be there. There had to be some twenty to thirty people there, all exclusively selected, and all engrossed in their own activities, but they each made a solid attempt to have a word with the King as he walked by, before going on about their business. King Vegeta was used to such casual situations, and had become so involved with those who made themselves available that he hadn’t even noticed that Kakarot was straying from his group.
Several Saiyans stopped Kakarot on his way through the room and asked him who he was. Jetome, who was watching him carefully, stepped in and introduced him, until enough people overheard that he was invited and stopped asking him who he was and started asking him over to dance or to take a shot. Kakarot declined several offers of both with easy conversation and a sweet smile, finishing off his first drink quickly and going for a second. He had only gotten halfway through that cocktail before there was an offer that he couldn’t refuse.
“For you,” King Vegeta said and was barely heard over the music. He came up from behind him and upon turning around, Kakarot saw that he was handing him a shot-glass of something which smelled strong and he took it from his hand without a word, for his eyes were busy making a note of every detail in his face and his attire, which both have changed rather quickly. He no longer wore the cape or the armor, but only what was underneath; a simple dark, long-sleeved shirt, with formal pants and boots. The only thing he still adorned was his father’s medallion, which Kakarot stared at briefly before meeting his eyes, which simpered and smoldered, and invited him closer. On his lips he wore a sensual smirk and in his cheeks and on his brow there was quality and refinement.
Kakarot raised his glass after the King raised his, and they downed whatever it was quickly, breathing out slowly to counteract the liquor burn. Kakarot smiled at him, and Vegeta still smirked, but he had yet to say anything else and instead of initiating a conversation the King began to turn and he intended to walk away unless Kakarot said something.
“Why does it have to be like this?” Kakarot asked, smiling a little bit. He’d said it more to himself than anything, and he puffed out in chest in natural domination, hoping that Vegeta wouldn’t ignore him.
King Vegeta halted and, unable to help himself, he wondered, “What do you mean by that, Kakarot?”
Kakarot laughed a little, “You already know. We have so much to say to one another but neither of us can seem to start talking.”
“Hn,” Vegeta stepped closer to him to hear him better and replied, “What makes you think I have so much to say?”
Kakarot smiled, and though he was having a hard time hearing him he heard all the undertones and knew what he had asked. He took a step closer as he answered, “I can see it in your eyes. There are things you want to say to me that you won’t and I have yet to say any of the things I’ve wanted.”
Vegeta smirked at him and secretly grew eager and he took a step closer himself in classic challenge. He answered, playfully, “What types of speeches have you been keeping from me, Kakarot?”
Kakarot’s eyes and stance held all the hum and allure of an alpha male Saiyan as he smirked at his King, and Vegeta was going crazy over the looks he gives when he wants to. All he said was, “Not here; not now; remember?”
Vegeta laughed, actually threw his head back and laughed, and it caught the attention of many around them, and he said quietly, with his voice nearly drowned out under the music, “Then why did you even bring it up?” and he began to turn, thinking he had him stumped, and if he didn’t, and Kakarot could reel him back in, then it would be all the more fun.
Kakarot knew he meant to walk away but he was not interested in losing this chance. He smiled, though, and with the unfair advantage of knowing him better than he thinks, he remarked, “So that you’ll be thinking about me when I’m not around, your Highness.” He bowed and thanked him for the drink, turning away himself so that it might look like their parting was done purposefully.
The King was hot. Hot with anger, hot with need, hot with questions, hot with confusion, and hot with desire. He didn’t know what to do or say or think or feel first! The King turned back quickly and reached out, grabbing his arm gently but efficiently, and pulling him back to face him once more. He said in a hiss as he pulled him closer, clutching onto him as though his initial intention was to dance with him, “You don’t just get to go whenever you choose, Kakarot.”
“You turned away first, your Highness,” Kakarot observed smoothly and though he said it in a corrective way, his face must have portrayed his surprise to be dancing with the King. The other Vegeta would never dance, but he does it so well. It was even casual as they took slow steps, not unlike Kakarot could see other’s doing at this very moment. Vegeta’s eyes held his in a challenging gaze and his hand held onto his forearm and brought his body closer, enough for their chests to touch gently, and their arms to wrap loosely around each other. Kakarot took in the King’s scent and tried not to lose himself in the unfeasibility of the moment. He added, “You yourself said that if we are going to talk, it should be in private.”
Vegeta thought of a million replies, but staying detached was his expertise and so he said, coolly and sarcastically, “I didn’t know that we had anything so dire to discuss, but you make it seem as though the world might end if we don’t.” Honestly at the moment he was trying to avoid getting too close to Kakarot’s neck, which was over exposed in his opinion, and instead making an attempt to hold onto his gaze as they argued quietly, which really wasn’t helping the situation, either.
Kakarot smiled still, again knowing Vegeta too well to lose this dispute. He answered, “Pick any topic and I can guarantee that you and I won’t run out things to say to one another on it.” He caught the astonishment on Vegeta’s face, as was his intention. The King wondered if Kakarot was spitting game to him or if he seriously believed such a statement. Kakarot added, knowing that he was driving Vegeta crazy, “Besides, the things that you and I should be discussing are much more important. I just have so many questions and you told me we were going to get to know one another.”
King Vegeta found himself in a terrible predicament. He was giving far too much attention to this third-class and yet he was unwilling to part with him. He said, without hesitation, “I did say that, and I meant it, but perhaps you thought I meant more by it than I did.” He pulled away, letting go of him at the end of the song. Another song came on immediately afterwards and the King added, “Whatever you’re feeling, keep it in your pants. I have more important things to focus on.”
Kakarot replied darkly, having expected such a response but still being stung by it, “It surprises me, really, that you would even attend something like this. I thought you were more focused on your goals, my mistake.” King Vegeta’s jaw dropped in shock and anger at that comment, but Kakarot didn’t bat a lash. Truth told his feelings have been hurt by Vegeta on multiple occasions now. He added, for good measure, “Thank you for inviting me, but, I’ll be honest, I was hoping to get some alone time with you in the course of the evening, and it’s not about what you think it is. Maybe I just thought that hitting on you was the only way to get your attention, since that seems to be the only reason you spend any time alone with anyone.” With that Kakarot was gone, gone from his presence, and quickly from the room entirely, and it was Vegeta’s turn to be pissed.
He thought about what he’d just said and couldn’t shake off the anger he felt in hearing such an audacious remark. Who the hell does he think he is talking to him like that and assuming so much?!
In spite of the fact that many people saw the exchange, no one heard anything decipherable. They were stunned that the young Saiyan had walked out of the party altogether after speaking with the King, but it was even more astounding when they saw the King storm out after him a few moments later. Everyone wondered at what could be going on but no one could answer any of their questions.
“What could have been said between them?” Ivony asked Jetome in a whisper.
Jetome only replied, “Did you see the look on our King’s face? He actually likes him.”
“I think so, too,” Ivony replied in awe.
Some of the Saiyans turned and began advancing on them, and Jetome laughed, in an attempt to seem as though they were discussing something else entirely. Ivony only nodded, as if in on the joke, and they pretended to know nothing when others came up to ask them about what they might have seen or heard.
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Uncertainty and Pride