House of Vegeta

A/U

House of Vegeta: Did the Rabbit Die? pt. 9

Kakarot and Vegeta worked out in the palace gym with other elites. After about three hours, Vegeta called for cease.

"Enough, Kakarot" he held up a hand, heaving in his black spandex. His mate pulled up.

"Vegeta? You tired already?"

Dark eyes flashed in anger. "What do you mean, 'already'? We've been going at it for hours!"

Kakarot blotted his face with a towel, bronzed chest flexing with exertion. "True, but you've gone far longer than this before. Are you alright?"

Vegeta glanced around at the other elites. "Quiet. You want everyone to hear?!"

Kakarot edged up to him. "Stop being paranoid. Come on" he hooked an arm.

The ouji eyed him in confusion. "Where are we going?"

A playful wink. "Someplace to talk. There's something I want to ask you, anyway."

"Hail, Lords" a familiar voice sounded. The oujian turned. Two female saiyans approached, their curves emphasized by tight gym gear.

Kakarot smirked. /Trouble, koi. Dubue and and Triesha headed our way.../

Vegeta curved a smile. /Hn, they never give up, do they?/

Dubue spoke first, her delicate features framed by spiky wisps. "Perhaps we could give our lords a workout...if they're up to it!"

"Hn" Vegeta smiled. "Persistent as always, Dubue. I see your training is paying off."

"Adieru" she gave a seductive purr, waving her tail. "My strength's increased nearly eighteen percent in the last two months. Would you care to test it out?"

Triesha interrupted, her shoulder length mane swaying gently. "They're obviously finished for now, Dubue. But I'd like to extend an invitation of my own" she stalked in front of Kakarot, her ample bust spilling from a tank top.

"We plan to attend the Mjonne Festival in Vestoon next week. Everyone will be there from the Kardaii regiment. You will come?"

Kakarot forced his eyes to stay on her face. "What's the menu?"

"Hn" she lowered her eyes. "That depends on what the oujisan desire. The festival will run three days this year."

"Ha! What do you think, Vegeta...the food's always good there, and we could use a break."

Dark eyes sparked in surprise. "Provided no sudden administrative duties arise, I see no reason not to."

Dubue looked them over. "We'll be in touch, Lords. You'll be our escorts, then?"

Vegeta lifted an eyebrow. "Certainly."

With brief bows they went on their way, tails swaying in invitation.

Vegeta was incredulous. "Kakarot, why did you agree to that?"

A shrug. "Why not? We both deserve it...our schedule's been full lately."

Vegeta was smug. "Ai, I saw you watching her boobka bounce."

"Like you weren't looking."

Vegeta sat on a padded bench near some weights. "You realize they'll expect us to stay with them."

"I know...not that it matters" Kakarot dropped next to his mate.

The ouji gave a sideways glance. "Just make certain all you do is look!"

Deep eyes were lidded on him. "Gebedandu. Only one saiyan rules my heart...and bed" hot lips brushed Vegeta's cheek as the ouji blushed.

"Ai, koi" Vegeta turned into a tender kiss.

"Greetings, Lords!!"

Startled, they looked up. A handsome saiyan warrior stood over them, his short spikes in disarray. Angular features held keen eyes.

"Greetings, Tarmac. I trust your regimen with the fifth squad is on schedule?" Kakarot asked.

"Most assuredly" the warrior looked them over slowly. "I was headed to the public baths over at Ukreen...would you care to join me?"

"Perhaps another time" Vegeta answered. "We have a meeting to attend in less than an hour."

"Ah, the responsibilities of state" Tarmac sighed. "My mother always complains about her district...you know the voting is coming up soon for proposition eight."

Kakarot yawned. "Separation of class and distinction in educational facilities?"

"Of course...word is that some worm-tails are forging records and having their children surgically altered to pass for second class. A few have slipped even higher."

Vegeta snorted. "Surely not elite."

Tarmac nearly laughed. "Ai, a worm-tail by name of Oobni had three brats altered and forged. They managed to slip through the educational system as first class."

"Surely that deception was found out...weren't their tails examined?" Kakarot was curious.

"Soon enough once the deception was discovered. Enhancement drugs improved the thickness and texture of their fur, and the tail bones had been broken and reset to eliminate kinks. But the surgery was easy to detect under beta-ray scope."

"I could see the controversy" Vegeta noted. "Hn, imagine putting brats through such a painful procedure."

"Not to mention other surgeries."

"But where would they get the money?" Kakarot wanted to know.

"Hard to say, Lord Kakarot" Tarmac shrugged. "They have many clans desperate to improve their lot. And rather than rely on generations of outbreeding they hope to bypass nature and reap the benefits of upper society."

Kakarot thought that over. "I was born third class, as every elite is aware."

Keen eyes reviewed the warrior. "Well documented. But there are discrepancies, ne?"

Vegeta glanced at his mate defensively. "Meaning?"

Tarmac looked about and lowered his voice. "I don't believe every rumor, lords. There are those who still wonder about Commander Bardock..."

"My father?!" Kakarot stammered. "Explain yourself!"

"I meant no offense."

"I took it anyway. Now explain what you mean about Bardock!"

A sigh. "May I speak plainly?"

"Tarmac, get to the point already" Vegeta was annoyed. "And for Kami's sake, keep your voice down!"

The warrior sat next to them. "My mother has known Bardock for a long time, even before he was a captain. She said many wondered why the Ou had such interest..."

"As she once did, Tarmac?" Vegeta was sarcastic.

"Your mother courted the Ou, Tarmac?" Kakarot smirked.

"Aye, but that isn't my point. Bardock became an officer quite young. Speculation was that he was the Ou's 'favorite.' Elites wondered why a supposed third class gained such destinction among high society. And then there was his appearance..."

"I know those rumors, Tarmac" Kakarot informed him.

"As do I" Vegeta added. "This isn't news."

Tarmac nodded. "Hai, that he's an ovee (bastard royal). But records indicate otherwise, and he was tested."

"And yet the rumors persist to this day" Vegeta commented.

Tarmac appeared uncomfortable now. "Unfortunately, yes" his eyes darted to Kakarot.

Vegeta snorted. "I'm fully aware there are many elites who wonder about Kakarot as well."

Tarmac swallowed. "I didn't say-"

"You didn't have to. I needn't explain my choice to anyone, regardless of breeding or class. Do recall that my mate is a super saiyan."

"Yes...seemingly impossible for a third class heritage, don't you think?"

Kakarot was sarcastic. "Perhaps I'm an ovee as well. We may even be brothers, Tarmac!"

Handsome features darkened. "Your humor escapes me."

"I thought it would."

A pause. "Still, there are those who wonder how elites could spring from rag-tails..."

"Mind your tongue, before I have it cut off" Vegeta snapped. "You speak to your lords."

A crisp bow. "I must apologize...there was no disrespect intended."

Vegeta waved him off. "Begone. We have matters to attend."

****

Kakarot watched him leave in disdain. "Hn, I didn't like his insinuations."

Vegeta was silent a moment. "Let's go."

"Vegeta?"

"Verni'e lakge du cerdi, Kakarot" (Royalty is born of secrets, Kakarot).

Shocked eyes stared at his mate. "Ra'nta!" (Explain!)

Vegeta only smiled. "Later, koi...besides, this isn't the time nor place for such discussions."

Kakarot stood up, surveying other elites exercising. "No...there's something more pressing I need to discuss with you anyway-"

The ouji stood slowly, wrapping an arm around his waist. A small gasp worked past his lips.

Kakarot nearly grabbed him. "Vegeta!!" he hissed.

"I'm fine-"

"Shimatta, I've had enough of this" before his mate could protest, Kakarot transmitted them out.

****

They reappeared in their private chambers.

"You and that accursed transmission technique-"

"Quiet! Have you seen Glerunn?"

Vegeta sat gingerly on the bed. "Hai, three weeks ago..."

"Three weeks ago! And since then?"

"I've been too busy, dammit! You know my schedule of events-"

"Fool!" Kakarot pulled a silken cord. A servant immediately entered.

"Shekai, have Glerunn attend Vegeta. He's ill."

The woman nodded. "Immediately" she scooted out. Kakarot observed his mate. Vegeta was covered in a fine sheen of sweat and shivering.

"Lie down until Glerunn gets here."

"I'm not a patient AKK!!" Vegeta grabbed himself again. Kakarot swore, pushing Vegeta down on his back. Deft hands removed his gloves and boots.

"I...don't need..."

"If necessary I'll lie on top of you, Vegeta. You aren't going anywhere!"

The flushed ouji smirked. "I...love...it...when you talk rough."

Kakarot was smug. "Maybe I should just lie on you anyway."

"Hentai..."

****

Kakarot waited impatiently in the adjoining chamber while Vegeta was examined. Eventually Glerunn appeared, bringing his bag.

Kakarot leaped to his feet. "Well?"

"I've given him a draught to sleep. He'll do better with rest."

Kakarot was edgy. "The truth? Is he seriously ill?"

Glerunn pointed to a chair, smiling through his beard. "Sit down, child."

Staring in confusion, Kakarot plopped into a plush chair. "Now tell me!"

Glerunn sat as well, sighing. "His condition is borderline, but only because he hasn't seen me as scheduled."

"I figured as much. What's wrong with him?"

"He has a low grade fever and elevated blood pressure. His body is stressed and dehydrated, which is causing muscle spasms and pain."

Kakarot thought that over. "But what's the cause?"

"I've taken a preliminary blood sample..."

Kakarot felt a strange foreboding. "And?"

"It's too soon to be certain, but his abnormally high hormone level indicates the probability of another multiple birth-"

He was talking to empty air. Kakarot passed out cold on the floor with a thump.

Glerunn pulled his beard, laughing. "He took that better than I expected."

****

The Ou however, did not. Word spread throughout the castle about Vegeta's 'mysterious illness'. The king was furious as he strode through the corridors.

_I have no idea what's going on, but I intend to find out-_

"Hail, great Ou!" a heavy voice barked. Vegeta turned to see Nappa standing in the conference hall with several other officers.

"Hn, that depends."

Nappa frowned. "Milord? Is there a problem?"

Vegeta approached the group. "Possibly...I've received strange news-"

"About Prince Vegeta?" Ublock piped up, her jowls wiggling. "Ai, word spreads fast in the castle. He fell ill and was examined, we hear."

Vegeta frowned. "Was he alone?"

"No, Oujie Kakarot was with him."

The Ou frowned in consternation. _I'll need to find Bardock..._

****

Raditz meanwhile entered the castle, having a strange sense of danger and pain he couldn't shake.

_It's from here, I can feel it..._

"Raditz-Ra! It's good you've arrived!"

The maned saiyan turned at a familiar voice. "Commander Orduz!"

The bulky saiyan clapped the younger one on the shoulder. "No doubt you've heard the news, eh?"

Raditz blinked, staring at all the activity around him. "No, I was at the barracks on the east side...what's going on?"

The thickly moustached officer grinned. "Convention week, boy...delegates from all over are here at the castle. But the buzz is about the prince."

"What?!"

"You really haven't heard? Prince Vegeta fell ill and was ordered to rest."

"What about Kakarot!"

"He was with him when the attack happened, I hear."

Raditz looked around wildly. "Shimatta, I sensed that! I knew it came from the castle..."

Orduz watched him closely. "Ai, Raditz. Word also has it the Ou is on the rampage. He wasn't told, and had to find out by proxy."

Raditz was already moving. "Thanks for the information, Commander. I've got to get going!"

Orduz watched him disappear into busy corridors. "No doubt about it" he muttered to himself, eyes narrowing.

****

Bardock caught an emergency flight back from Quermel. The message from the Ou had been short and clipped:

"Commander Bardock. You are instructed to return to the castle immediately. Emergency situation, code level three."

He piloted the controls himself. Not necessary, but it kept his mind occupied. The junior officers aboard were perplexed by his distraction.

"Commander, is it an attack on the palace?" Ivunn asked, curious. "With all the delegates in town, I would think-"

Bardock waved him off as he stared at the viewscreen. "I'm not certain. General Nappa has complete lockdown on all likely attack areas. Still..."

"They'd never make it past the palace Aeriann squad."

"Or us" a female officer piped in, shaking a fist. "Fools...every delegation it's the same damn thing. Some group tries to disrupt the proceedings."

"Most of them offworld" Bardock commented. "Krukka, they know nothing of saiyans...a fight is to the death."

Ivunn nudged Qualla. "Even the Serons don't have our appetite for battle...remember last year's delegation?"

Bardock didn't respond further, leaving them to their conversation. His mind raced even as his attention was focused on the palace. He could feel it, instincts never lied.

_Which one?_ eyes slitted as he focused on three potent ki's. A curse slipped his lips.

"Commander?"

"Nothing" _Vegeta..._

****

Raditz made his way to the imperial chambers. Kakarot was at Vegeta's bedside. The two were engaged in quiet conversation.

Kakarot turned slightly in relief. "Raditz! You know?"

"I know some, not all" he swept past to Vegeta, placing a hand on the fevered forehead.

"Ishte. You smell strange, what ails you?"

The ouji gave a wan smile. "That's some...greeting. As you know I've been somewhat slow to recover since the chibis."

Raditz sat on the opposite side. "Ai, I've heard others make note of it. Weren't you supposed to be getting rest and treatment?"

"He is now" Kakarot interrupted. "There's no choice in the matter."

Deep eyes stared. "What? Explain!"

Vegeta closed his eyes briefly. "I...there's a good chance there will be more chibis."

"What the fug?!" Raditz stared in disbelief. "Krukka!! Tezar and Nuru are barely five months old, Vegeta!"

A sigh. "I know..."

Raditz glared at Kakarot. "Are you trying to kill him?!"

"We didn't expect this!" the younger saiyan was defensive. "It's still not certain. The tests are only preliminary!"

"Bakas!"

"We're both at fault, Raditz" Vegeta was rueful. "It takes two...I've been 'off' ever since the twins, and a combination of factors led us to this point."

"Hn, so you stayed horny, eh?"

Vegeta blushed. "I suppose you could say that."

Raditz turned to Kakarot. "Haven't you heard of a time out, for Kami's sake?!"

Kakarot was purple. "You're a real comedian...we never expected this!"

The maned saiyan shook his head, frowning. "Wait a minute...you said 'chibis' as in plural??"

Kakarot was tight lipped. "Glerunn says his blood chemistry indicates a multiple birth."

Raditz rubbed his eyes. "This is gonna go over really well with our Pandrae."

Vegeta settled back against the pillows. "Truthfully, I'm not looking forward to the conversation."

****

Bardock arrived at the castle an hour later. The Ou sent for an escort to make certain they would meet as soon as possible.

Vegeta Ou waited patiently in the antechambers with Glerunn. Bardock all but ran inside.

"What's wrong with Vegeta?!" he blurted without thinking. Glerunn raised both eyebrows.

"Bardock? The reports on the Ouji were restricted...how could you possibly know Vegeta was ill?"

The commander stammered. "I...ah...overheard some conversations..." he glanced in desperation at the Ou.

"You know how quickly gossip spreads in the palace, Glerunn" the King said smoothly, glaring at Bardock. /Be careful!/

The bearded saiyan nodded slowly. "Hn, perhaps. You realize I can't discuss his condition without him being present."

Bardock thought that over. "I sense him about, but where is he?"

"Resting comfortably in his own chambers. I gave him a sleeping draught earlier, to force the healing process."

Dark eyes narrowed. "Healing from what?"

Glerunn lifted a hand. "Commander, no information without Vegeta present."

"All right then!"

The Ou motioned them all out. "Come on. Time for some answers."

****

Kakarot placed cooling cloths on his mate's forehead while Raditz stood guard.

"Kuso. Stop fussing over me! I'm a warrior, not a milk sop!!"

"Be still, Vegeta" Kakarot instructed. "Finish the rest of the blood pudding."

Vegeta snorted, but ate greedily. Radtiz watched him down the bowl.

"Hai, you could be eating for three...or even four or five!"

The ouji paused, looking about. "Where are Tezar and Nuru?"

Kakarot adjusted his blankets. "The royal nursery. Mulblun and Yatt have them with their broods."

Raditz looked up suddenly. "That conversation nobody wants is coming this way."

The Ou, Bardock, and Glerunn burst into the chamber unannounced. Bardock stalked towards the bed first.

"What is this?!"

"Commander Bardock!" the Ou strained to keep his voice neutral. Bardock turned, seeing the plea in the dark eyes. /Koi, please.../

"Hn" Bardock grunted, backing off. He folded his arms.

The Ou took up the gauntlet. "Vegeta. Why are you ill? Weren't you following the prior instructions of Glerunn?"

The Ouji peered at Bardock before answering. "My pride wouldn't accept the weakness I was feeling. To answer your question, no."

"We heard you had an attack earlier today" Bardock cut in.

"It wasn't an attack, precisely. I was in some difficulty after sparring with Kakarot, that's all."

"I'm the one who insisted Glerunn attend him later" Kakarot added.

"And your symptoms were?" the Ou demanded.

"More of the same. Fever, chills and weakness. My waist and back pained me."

The Ou paled, staring. Bardock noted the change in his expression.

"What signifies these symptoms?"

Kakarot was subdued. "Glerunn examined Vegeta and did a preliminary blood test-" his words hung heavily in the air.

Bardock watched the odd expressions. Even Raditz wouldn't look at him.

"A blood test..."

"Vegeta!" the Ou nearly bellowed.

The Ouji stared at his hands. "I may be having more chibis-"

The dumbfounded elders could only blink. The Ou spun on Glerunn. "Is this madness true?!"

Glerunn sighed. "Based on his current blood chemistry, yes."

Bardock was still staring blankly. "A multiple birth?!"

The healer held out a hand. "I would caution everyone to remember...the test I ran is not conclusive in any way. There's another blood screening I can do that will definitely reveal if he's expecting."

"But why several babies if true?" Bardock still couldn't believe the possibility.

"The hormonal levels are high enough to indicate a strong probability of twins or more."

Sharp teeth clenched. "I see."

"You're taking this remarkably well, father" Kakarot noted in relief.

Bardock chose his words carefully. "I won't react unless I have to, Kakarot."

"Nor will I" the Ou agreed, strain clearly in his voice. "Glerunn, when can you do the second test?"

"I'll need to wait for two days while his other treatment takes effect. Once his chemistry settles down I can get an accurate reading."

"Inform us when you're ready" he waved a dismissal.

"As you command, Ou" Glerunn bowed quickly and left. Heavy silence hung in the room.

"You may as well say it, father" Vegeta waited patiently for the onslaught.

The Ou made a face. "What would you have me say, Vegeta? You've heard it all before."

Vegeta glanced at Bardock. "And you, Pendre? No comment at all?"

"Nothing that you'd want to hear. Wait a day or two and then we'll know."

Kakarot sighed. "We didn't plan this!"

"You never plan anything, Kakarot!!" the Ou retorted. "That doesn't seem to change."

"Did you know about this?" Bardock asked Raditz.

"I found out just before you got here, father. But look at the bright side...you may have more chibis to play with now!"

"Hai, a thundering herd" he glanced at the younger saiyans. "I need a drink. Vegeta?"

The Ou nodded. "I'll join you in that. I feel a sudden urge for a gallon or two."

Without another word they abruptly turned and left. Raditz smirked.

"I think you two have blown it this time."

Kakarot stared at their exit. "I suppose it could have been worse. At least they're willing to wait until the results are conclusive."

Vegeta sipped a glass of water. "Hn, I wouldn't want to be alone with them just now, that's for certain."

Raditz put a hand on his shoulder. "How are you feeling about this? Really?"

A sigh. "I don't know...anxious, nervous. A part of me is terrified."

"And you, little brother?"

"About the same. I'm just thinking of all the changes it would mean...some of them not welcome."

Raditz poured himself a drink. "Well don't panic just yet, either of you. There's still two days to find out."

"Two days" Vegeta murmured, his eyes closing in sleep.

****

The elders retired to their own chamber.

"Are you drunk yet, Bardock?"

"No, but not from lack of trying. You?"

"No."

They lay in a tangle of animal furs on the floor. Neither of them could stand.

"I want to strangle them, Bardock...they're worse than jeslari (jackrabbits) in perpetual heat!"

"Now will you believe my concerns about their behavior! Maybe this is manifesting, them being so impulsive-"

"It isn't! Otherwise Raditz would have the same problem."

"Doesn't he? Although he's older, I haven't forgotten his antics either."

"Hai. Raditz may be lusty, but he was ever the most balanced child. You know this."

"True. But Vegeta is fiery and temperamental, while Kakarot is the same high strung loon he ever was."

"There's never been a combination luni (moon child) and super saiyan, Bardock. I often think that has more to do with his behavior than anything else."

"You may be right...the one thing I do know is that being super saiyan aggravates your best and worst traits."

"Hn, another aspect of genetic coding..."

"Remember the ancient lore about how the earliest super saiyans could only maintain in the oozaru state?"

"The genetic pool was less diverse then. It made for unreliable and unstable traits."

"Koi, you have access to all the archives. Tell me, what is the occurance rate for super saiyans?"

The Ou frowned in thought. "Hn...three main family lines at the beginning held the trait. Vegeta, Nardus, and Telack. Unfortunately there was no way to determine when super saiyans would occur...within those lines the occurance was random."

Bardock sipped his ale. "I wondered at that...it's relatively rare, ne?"

"Cycles would come and go in bursts. The longest was nearly five thousand years. The shortest occurance was three centuries."

"And multiples?"

"Rarer still, but not unprecedented. I know where you're going with this, Bardock."

"Did the royal lines cross breed?"

"Attempts were made, as I was told. But a strange by product happened from such matings...rather than strengthen the possibility of a super saiyan, they actually decreased. It was later discovered that each line interbreeding with itself would actually produce more super saiyans."

Bardock gulped his drink. "So the royals weren't compatible?"

"Each line's genetic coding seemed to interfere with the super saiyan gene when cross bred."

Bardock thought that over. "So a super saiyan from one line isn't the same as another..."

"No, Bardock. And now we get to a touchy subject."

"One that I don't wish to discuss now."

"You brought this up, Bardock..."

The scarred warrior sighed, leaning against his love. "Only as a reference point for the children's behavior."

"Why do you have such a hard time accepting that truth, especially considering everything else that's happened?"

Dark eyes clouded over. "I don't know. Maybe because this is something I have no control over."

"As you once told me yourself, what does it matter? We all love, ne?"

Bardock smiled. "Now you throw my own words back."

They curled cheek to cheek in silence for a bit, wrapped tightly in fur blankets. Vegeta buried his face in fragrant hair, raking sharp teeth along a musky neck. A low growl rumbled in his chest.

/I often wonder myself.../

Bardock arched, exposing his throat as he moaned in bliss. /Fenar'se? (What's to wonder?)/

Nips down the soft flesh to the collarbone. /If I hadn't sent you away... if there were no threat of scandal...how many more chibis we might have made ourselves!/

"F...fool!" Bardock gasped, feeling his body heat with sensation. A thick tail coiled the Ou's thigh snugly.

Vegeta slid down, wedging the heavy thighs apart as he positioned himself. Hot tongue teased thick nipples, lifting them gently.

"You always did...taste like honey, Bardock" the wet mouth teased the cleft in his chest.

Bardock snarled softly, squirming as pleasure overwhelmed his senses. Sharp nails dug in Vegeta's shoulders, urging him lower. Eyes dark with lust burned on his Ou as he lunged and bit an ear.

"Have some cream" he said roughly, shoving the tousled head down. Hungry lips gobbled his cock and balls, driving him insane with luscious strokes of the tongue. Not that he minded. His Ou was always partial to honey and cream...

****

The next two days were the longest of Vegeta's life. He paced and panicked, fretted and worried.

"Would you please sit still, Vegeta?" Kakarot implored. "You're driving me crazy with your constant motion!"

"I can't help it, Kakarot. What if it's positive? What if-"

"What if you sit down and relax?" Raditz interrupted.

"An excellent suggestion" the Ou stated, as he and Bardock strode inside Glerunn's chambers.

"Greetings, Pandrae" Raditz nodded. "I trust you slept well" a snicker.

"The village idiot speaks" an annoyed Ou responded. "Has there been any word yet?"

"None" Vegeta momentarily stopped pacing. "We've been here half an hour, and-"

Kakarot leaped up. "It can't be a good sign, the tests are taking too long. Not that having more chibis is bad news, but the timing of it is-"

Raditz could only stare in amazement. "You're wired like an ass tick, Kakarot."

Bardock grabbed his youngest by the arm. "There" he pointed at the seat.

"But I still say-"

Bardock shoved him down. "Stop babbling and wait!"

"You need to relax also, Vegeta" the Ou told him. "Panic accomplishes nothing at this point. We'll deal with the situation no matter how the tests turn out."

"Hn, you're right" Vegeta plopped down, tail twitching in agitation. "I hate waiting for documentation."

A heavy quiet settled over the chamber, each saiyan lost in his own thoughts. As minutes ticked by a loud thumping sound distracted everybody.

The Ou looked around. "What in??"

Kakarot sat in consternation, his tail banging against the wall. Raditz grabbed his sibling's appendage.

"Knock it off, or I'll tie it in a knot."

"My apologies, everyone" the embarrassed saiyan flushed. They all turned as Glerunn appeared suddenly.

"Well?!" Kakarot bounded up once again, nearly bowling Raditz over.

The bearded physician held some forms. "I hope I have the results everyone wishes for."

Raditz held his eye where Kakarot's tail slapped it. "Do you have a tranquilizer gun for my brother here?"

"Silence!" the Ou shouted. Vegeta no Ouji stood slowly. "Well...am I or not?"

"The tests are negative, Vegeta."

Kakarot hugged his mate who was visibily relieved. "Thank Kami!" they echoed.

Bardock remembered to breathe. "Are you certain this time?"

Glerunn nodded. "Yes."

Whoops and cheers filled the chamber. Glerunn waved his hands wildly.

"Everyone, please. I have a word of caution for you two" he looked directly at Vegeta and Kakarot. Their smiles disappeared.

"The two of you appear to be quite...fertile. And Vegeta, multiple births are not unknown in your ancestral line. So unless you plan on going through this routine every few months, I suggest you take precautions."

Raditz whispered in Bardock's ear. "Nothing that the clap wouldn't take care of!"

Bardock grinned. "Shut up, boy. That isn't funny..."

The mates blushed self consciously. "Hai, we understand" Kakarot couldn't stop grinning. Vegeta could only smirk.

"Make certain you do...come back later, eh?"

"We will" Vegeta told him.

"And another thing...your health is progressing, but you aren't completely recovered yet. To avoid a relapse, I want you to have complete bed rest for a week, supplanted with high calorie meals."

The famous temper exploded. "What nonsense is that, physician?! I am Vegeta no Ouji, the pride of Vegetaseii! What would the people think if I took a week from my duties for 'bed rest?'"

The Ou chuckled, clapping his shoulder. "Clearly, you're on the road to recovery, ouji. But the world will rotate for a week while your strength returns."

"But I-"

"No argument, Vegeta" his mate hooked his arm. "As of now you're officially off duty...besides, you can spend extra time with the chibis!"

Vegeta brightened at that. "Hn..."

"One last thing" Glerunn gave a sly grin. "No sex. Vegeta needs to heal, Kakarot, and I mean it!"

Kakarot and Vegeta turned a bright shade of scarlet. "No...sex?" they spluttered.

"For them that's a fate worse than death!" the Ou cracked a smile as Raditz laughed.

"That's not funny, father" Vegeta still flushed.

"On the contrary, I think it's hilarious. For once you'll have to put your appetites on hold. At least you won't need a new bed this week!"

"Think of it as family planning" Bardock was smug. "You can even use the time to get some sleep for a change! You do remember what it's like to sleep?!"

Kakarot glared. "Nice comedy routine, everybody. Let's go, Vegeta..."

"Gladly!" the two stalked out leaving whoops and laughs behind them.

THE END