Quest
Sequel to Maintaining
By Pixelgoddess

Summary: Maintaining sequel. Frieza has caused some incredible issues for the Saiyans to overcome, but they are trying. What will it take for them to finally become mates? Yaoi, Yuri. Goku x Vegeta, Chichi x Rezu (OC)
Disclaimer: If I owned it, don't you think there would have been more decent girls to write about?
Warnings: *snickers* Whaddya got? Sex. Rape and it's aftermath. Violence. Bad words. Gay marriage. Krillin-bashing. Dyke Chichi. Straight Gohan. Confused Dende. Smart-ass Piccolo. I think that covers it - for now.
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Chapter 15 - Homecoming

When they reappeared he took an involuntary step back until he was pressed against Kakorr's broad chest.

He never expected them to be waiting for him.

Goku was surprised at the wave of alarm that swept through his prince, quickly suppressed. He had meant this to be a pleasant surprise, not a shock, but apparently Vegeta didn't see it that way. He had pushed his ki down so they couldn't sense him and his tail had rapidly uncoiled from its place on Goku's arm to snap back to the safety of his own waist. Goku curled his arm around him and drew him close.

"Vegeta?" he said softly. Had he made a mistake? They hadn't been noticed yet by anyone but Piccolo - they could still leave.

"Why are we here?" Vegeta asked, curiosity warring with concern.

Goku smiled softly. He had gotten Sukui's help in contacting Piccolo, letting him know how things went and when they would be returning. And Piccolo had told the others. As a result, there was a quickly assembled picnic, attended by Bulma, Yamcha, Chichi, Rezu, Goten, Trunks, Gohan and Piccolo. Someone - probably the boys, since the 'e's were wrong - had gone as far as painting a banner that said 'Wølcomø Back'.

"They are your family - they wanted to see you."

::Why?::

Goku could sense Vegeta wasn't certain how to react, but he didn't totally understand his hesitation.

"They care about you."

"They're not...Trunks...Bulma..." ::Why are the others here?::

Goku looked into Vegeta's thoroughly confused eyes, trying to figure out what was wrong. Did he think he was going to be made fun of or laughed at? They wouldn't do that to his prince. Families didn't...

He touched something in Vegeta through their bond and suddenly knew. He trailed his fingers gently over his cheek. ::I'm not the only one who cares about you, Makoto. Don't underestimate yourself.:: Not everything could be healed by the dragon - being without friends and family for so long had hurt the prince. He still couldn't believe anyone would choose to be around him.

"I understand Trunks. Maybe even Bulma and Piccolo. But the others...?" he asked, bewildered.

Goku had been worried about Vegeta and Bulma. When he told her what had happened, his prince had resigned himself to being hated by her even if he still loved her. He had never once considered that she wouldn't. And the idea that anyone that wasn't his blood would care about him...

"Makoto...I don't know how to make you understand this. But believe me - trust me - this is your family. They choose to be with you - that can be a stronger bond than blood. ::This is the family you have made. This is the true source of power.::

Vegeta looked up at Kakorr in wonder trying to understand. Was it true? Was it even possible? Was this why Kakorr had always been so strong? Because he had friends and family that supported him? And was Kakorr right thinking now he did too...?

"Even Yamcha?" he asked dubiously.

Kakorr chuckled. "Well...maybe not. But he isn't your enemy. Give him a chance. Besides, if it weren't for him we wouldn't be together."

Kakorr was smiling at him, obviously able to feel his gradual acceptance. ::You might as well get it over with.::

Oh, the hell with it - he was in too good a mood to argue. His attending would make Kakorr happy. At least there was food - it smelled like Chichi's cooking - and he was hungry. ::I thought you were supposed to worship a god, not push him around,:: he grinned.

He chuckled as an embarrassed blush crossed his lover's cheeks.

::You heard?::

He smiled at Kakorr. ::It was hard to miss. You were practically shouting it.::

Kakorr grinned back. ::Well your ki is kind of over-whelming right now.::

::Alright, Kakorr. I will attend this 'gathering' for you - but you will owe me when we get home.:: He spiked his ki slightly, making it brush over Kakorr, chuckling when he felt him shiver at the sensation. Tonight would be so much fun.

A quick glance revealed Piccolo watching them. He nodded to the smirking Namek and stepped closer to the group.

"Trunks."

His son was practicing techniques with Goten, but froze, head popping up, searching at the sound of his voice.

"DAD!" The boy launched himself, nearly crashing against him, arms thrown around his neck. Vegeta smiled, burying his face in pale hair, as his son hugged him tightly, coiling his lavender tail around his arm.

"Daddoesthismeanyouaren'tsickanymore? IthoughtyouweremadatmebutGoten'sdadsaidyouweren'tandImissedyousomuch. Dowegettosparagain?"

"Slow down, brat. I missed you, too." He had never really known how to show affection, but he let himself use his bond - what would Kakorr do? He put his arms around the boy, holding him close, feeling his little heartbeat against his chest.

The stayed this way for a long time, Vegeta just enjoying how good it was to hold his son, amazed at how much he had missed the boy. He was surprised when Trunks froze, pushed back, and stared at him with wide-eyed fear.

"Dad? You aren't going to die again, are you?"

Vegeta looked back in confusion. "Why would you think that?"

"'Cos... 'cos before you hit me and Goten and when I woke up you were dead. Are you going to hit me?"

Vegeta sighed. He had a lot of damage to repair. "No Trunks. I am not going to hit you. I am not going to die."

"Are you sure?" Trunks asked hesitantly.

He grinned, letting his tail brush over the boy's face. "Do you doubt me, brat? I'm sure. I've been very sick for a long time, but I'm better now."

Intense blue eyes studied him for a long moment. Vegeta was sure his radical change in both ki and behavior were confusing his son - hell, they were confusing him. But he needed Trunks to know he cared about him. He was never sure with his own father, and he didn't want the boy to experience that same doubt. And even though he wasn't sure how to show it, he knew he could tap into his bond with Kakorr for the knowledge.

"Okay," Trunks said with a grin. "Does that mean we can train again?"

"I insist on it, boy."

-----------------

Goku headed over to where everyone else was waiting. Vegeta and Trunks deserved some time alone - he would know if he were needed.

"Wow Chi," he said, looking at a table covered in food. "How did you do this so fast? I couldn't give you much warning."

She pulled him down by the front of his shirt and gave him a quick kiss. "I've been cooking ever since it was safe for Bulma to leave The Lookout. She called and told me what had happened when you guys left for New Namek. I was worried and had to keep busy."

He grinned and snagged a nearby drumstick. "Maybe you should worry more often."

She folded her arms and shook her head. "I can't believe the Namek dragonballs were deliberately hidden. What in the hell is wrong with them?"

"Goku!" Bulma exclaimed, rushing over to hug him. "The Kais weren't able to stop you, were they? Piccolo was worried they would try. Did it really work?"

He smiled. "Yep. Too bad you can't sense ki. Vegeta's is amazing. I don't think anyone can beat him right now."

"Except for you," Chichi said loyally.

"Nope. Not a hope," he said with a grin.

"I'm glad he's on our side," Piccolo rumbled. "So Goku...how does it feel being outclassed?"

Goku gratefully took the plate of food Rezu handed him, thanking her with a smile. "I'm fine with it as long as it is Vegeta," he said between bites. "But we'll be training so we're ready for them." Piccolo nodded. They both knew he was talking about the Kais. "I'm going to catch up."

"I've never felt ki like that before," Gohan put in, putting his hand on his father's shoulder.

Goku gave up trying to eat, setting down his plate with something like regret and returned his oldest son's hug. That ended everyone's hesitation and he was suddenly being hugged and kissed by everyone. Well... except for Piccolo, who was standing there looking vaguely uncomfortable.

He was going to go over and just shake his hand when he sensed Vegeta's approach. He felt his prince's smirking prod to make Piccolo squirm and decided to let him have his way. Besides - he really was grateful to the Namek.

"Thanks Piccolo!" he chirped, wrapping his arms around him in a crushing bear hug.

"Don't enjoy yourself too much, Namek. He's mine," Vegeta chuckled.

He grinned as the Namek tried unsuccessfully to get free, knowing Kakorr was holding him tighter on purpose. ::I'm a bad influence on you Kakorr. Try purring...see if he blushes.::

Piccolo glared at him as Kakorr released a happy rumble, tail swaying behind him. "Damn it, Vegeta!" he growled. "I know you put him up to this!"

"Quit complaining, Elf-boy. You should feel honored," he smirked, arms crossed, tail swishing in amusement. He didn't even feel the need to growl at him being so close to Kakorr - he realized no one could threaten their bond.

::I think that is enough. He is quite purple now.:: He chuckled as Kakorr released his hold with a grin and came to his side.

"Asshole," Piccolo muttered, smoothing imaginary wrinkles from his top before crossing his arms and glowering at the arrogant little prince.

"Sorry Piccolo," Kakorr laughed. "I couldn't resist. And I really am grateful for everything you've done."

"I guess it was better you than the runt. There's no telling what he would have done," the Namek smirked.

::Vegeta...maybe you should? It would be kind of funny.::

::With Bulma running around with a camera? I don't think so - she has enough blackmail material as it is.:: Besides - he sniffed the air again - maybe he shouldn't have had Kakorr do that. His lover was usually sensitive to the feelings of others, but he seemed to have missed this. Maybe his idea of a joke wasn't that funny after all. The Namek really was upset, although he doubted if anyone else had realized it.

He was taken totally by surprise as Chichi rushed over and hugged him. He didn't even know what to do with his hands, finally settling for patting the woman on the back as Kakorr and the Namek laughed at his confusion.

"You look great, Vegeta," she said, pecking him on the cheek before releasing him. He nearly growled before Rezu caught his other cheek. ::What in the hell is this?:: he asked Kakorr. How was he supposed to respond to all of this attention? They kept touching him.

::Relax and enjoy it, Vegeta. I'll bet all of the women keep doing that to you at random intervals.::

He stared up at Kakorr's grin in shock. They were going to keep... kissing...? Him?

"Vegeta."

He twisted his head around and glared at Kakorr's oldest.

"You better not try to kiss me," he growled.

"No sir. I'm not suicidal," Gohan chuckled, holding out his hand.

He smirked. "As long as you understand the consequences," he said, taking the demi's hand and shaking it.

"I'm glad you are feeling better. Truten have been brats the entire time you were on New Namek."

Vegeta smirked. Gohan was the only one who combined the brats, but it fit - they were inseparable. Hell, as soon as he was done talking to his son, the brat had headed straight for Goten.

"Your ki is doing some cool things. I can't wait to see what you can do with it," Gohan said.

Vegeta smirked, picturing a writhing Kakorr beneath him. Neither could he.

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Goku couldn't have made his smile go away if his life had depended on it. He had been concerned at first, but now he knew he had made the right decision.

Once Vegeta had relaxed he had begun to enjoy himself. Vegeta kept glancing at him, smirking, sending him images of tangled limbs and him whimpering and shivering at his prince's touch. He fought the urge to IT them home immediately, Vegeta insisting they stay.

His prince and Bulma had disappeared for a while - Vegeta's idea. When they returned Bulma seemed subdued and deferential to him until Vegeta called her 'woman'. She gave him a hard time and he just smirked at her until she grinned.

::Are you two okay, Vegeta?::

::I wanted her to know... Even if she hated me now-::

::She doesn't hate you.::

Vegeta looked at him with a slightly stunned expression. "No..." He relaxed and grinned. "I should have listened to you in the first place. Now that she knows the truth, the woman isn't as upset with me."

"Told you so," Goku laughed.

::She is making plans...I think she is prepared to take on the Kais single-handed.::

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They were all sitting on blankets on the ground, a loose circle around a small fire. At first he had hesitated holding or touching Vegeta with more than a casual hand on his arm or shoulder in public - in the past his prince had been uncomfortable with anything more under most circumstances.

Tonight though... All he could think was Vegeta felt safe with these people. His prince had brought a heaping plate of food for them to share, settling down next to him, using his tail to pull Goku's arm around his waist. To his total and complete surprise, Vegeta actually fed him a few bites, although Goku eventually realized he did it when Bulma was watching - and stopped when she was prepared with the camera.

Now...Vegeta was resting against him, emitting a purr that was more a vibration than a sound, leaning against his shoulder. He had spotted Bulma snapping a picture, and planned on asking for a copy - he didn't think Vegeta had seen her. He had been too busy talking to Trunks and Goten. As soon as she was done the boys had bolted - he was pretty sure Bulma had set it up.

::I saw her, Kakorr.::

He grinned. ::Are we going to put a copy over the fireplace?::

Vegeta chuckled. ::We don't have a fireplace.::

::So I'll ask Bulma for one.::

::You're going to have to stop growling at her, Kakorr.::

::You didn't have to tell her I was doing it on purpose,:: he pouted.

::It was part of our... understanding. We owe her.::

::We owe Piccolo, too. That doesn't stop you from messing with him.::

::Maybe I'll give him a break for awhile. Your hugging him...the other things...it really does bother him. I hadn't realized how much before.:: Vegeta - the new Vegeta, he thought wryly - didn't mind engaging in friendly teasing, but something about his comments really upset his friend.

::Is that why he left?::

::Mmmm...probably. I'll talk to him about it in a day or two.:: Piccolo had disappeared shortly after the couples started pairing up and settling by the fire.

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"Hey Dad," Trunks ran up, Goten in tow. "Can Goten train with us, too?"

Vegeta grinned at his son. "Sure. Can Goten's dad train with us, too?" he echoed.

Trunks grin matched his. "Sure."

Goku smiled at the boys. Goten and Trunks had hardly acknowledged his presence - all their attention was on the prince. He wondered if Vegeta realized how much they adored him. He hadn't been exaggerating when he said Vegeta was Goten's hero. "Hey guys, shouldn't you ask Gohan too?"

"Nah," Goten said, grinning. "He won't want to. He's too busy having sex with Videl."

"Hey!" came Gohan's protest even as his face turned a deep scarlet.

"Yeah," Trunks chimed in - loudly. "You should hear them. They are really noisy."

"Truten!" he roared, rocketing after the boys as they bolted, giggling.

"Gohan! Trunks! Goten!" Chichi shouted. "Don't you dare get bruised before the wedding!"

"Yeah!" Rezu added. "We're not wasting any senzu on that! You'll have to wear make-up!"

Vegeta laughed as the trio screeched to a halt and stared at the blonde in disbelief.

"You wouldn't," Gohan protested.

"Try me," she smirked.

"Dad-" Gohan turned to his father for support, "Truten keep spying on me."

Vegeta grinned. "It doesn't take spying to hear you brat - just normal Saiyan hearing. You are loud."

"Look who's talking," Gohan smirked. "At least I don't blow up houses!"

Goku laughed.

TBC