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 its aftermath. Violence. Death. 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 40 - Family

Vegeta stroked Kakorr’s hair and listened to his sleepy purrs. They were finally taking a much-needed rest after spending nearly a week celebrating their mating. With day after day of doing almost nothing but loving – and occasionally fucking – hunting and eating, they had been exhausted.

Kakorr was curled against him, practically hugging him in his sleep. Vegeta smiled to himself. Kakorr’s happiness was so complete he couldn’t find a method strong enough to express his joy. As a result, he kept embracing Vegeta as if trying to reassure himself this was real.

Vegeta purred and closed his eyes again. The first day of their new bond had been nothing but bliss even as they adapted to the changes it made. He did miss the one mind/two body sensation from the fusion bond. But with that bond gone he could see what problems it had caused – the biggest problem was the blurring of identities and emotions. Kakorr was much more emotionally stable than he had been for the past few months. Even Vegeta was more himself now, although – he smirked – not the utter bastard he had been. He could still feel Kakorr’s positive influence, but it was up to him to accept or reject it now. Vegeta was surprised to realize he liked the person he had become; everything they had experienced together had changed him for the better. And if he chose to, he could know how Kakorr was feeling without confusing his mate’s emotions for his own.

He had to admit having some concern about the markings on their arms, however. Rouba had said nothing about them in her instructions. He wondered if they were a potential weakness like their tails. Every time Kakorr touched his dragon a thrill coursed through him. If it was a problem, they would have to adapt their fighting style to protect their tattoos.

::You worry too much,:: Kakorr said sleepily. ::If it were a problem, Rouba would have told us.::

Vegeta grunted in agreement. He wasn’t really worried – just planning. ::Go back to sleep, Kakorr.::

Kakorr purred, too tired to move, and Vegeta could feel him drifting off. He was nearly asleep himself when the phone rang.

“Damn it,” he muttered. Kakorr uncurled his tail and used it to pick up the phone, passing it to him. ::I wasn’t going to answer it,:: he said, glaring at it.

“’s Chi,” Kakorr mumbled. ::It’s her ring.::

Vegeta sighed. That was almost a reason in itself not to answer, but maybe she had some news about the baby. He suddenly felt a twinge of guilt. After all, he hadn’t checked on her for over a week.

“Hello,” he growled.

“You are home,” Chichi said. “Did you two make up? Is everything okay?”

“Everything is fine, woman. We’re-”

::Don’t tell her we’re mated yet. I want to see her face,:: Kakorr interrupted.

::You just want to show off your mark.::

“Vegeta? Vegeta? Are you there?” Chichi asked.

“We’re fine,” he repeated.

“You were using that telepathy thing, weren’t you? Not even paying any attention,” she said.

Kakorr chuckled. ::Now you are in for it.::

“What do you want, woman? We were trying to sleep,” he asked.

“In the middle of the day? Are you sick? Hurt? Did you fight?” she demanded.

Kakorr started laughing when he started growling. ::I don’t find this funny, Kakorr.::

::I do. Do you want me to talk to her?::

::No. I can take care of this.::

“Vegeta. Pay attention. Why are you-?”

“Because we were having sex, woman. Satisfied?”

Kakorr choked then roared with laughter, echoed by the woman at the other end of the phone.

“So you did make up,” Chichi said brightly. “Good. So you can come to the get-together tomorrow afternoon.”

“Woman…” he warned.

“Just family and a few of Rezu’s friends from the station. And I have a surprise for you.”

“N-” Kakorr snatched the phone from his hand.

“Are you making chicken, Chi?” Kakorr asked.

::Kakorr…::

::Please? I really want to go. Besides, I haven’t had any of her cooking for nearly two weeks.::

“Of course, Goku – I know how much you like it. And you can tell his royal highness he needs to come over to feed the baby anyway.”

::What? Haven’t the brats been-?:: The baby already had an amazing appetite for energy – he could only imagine how much it would need later on. And without it, the child’s development might be affected.

“Are you okay, Chi? I thought the kids were giving you ki. We would have-”

“I’m fine hon. I just prefer getting it from you or Vegeta. Goten and Trunks are hyper, and I guess their ki is too. The baby gets all worked up and keeps moving. I need a break.”

“Sure. No problem. But what about Gohan?”

“He’s been by as well. But I really think the baby wants daddy.”

Vegeta almost smirked. He was going to be a father again. And his unborn child was already attached to him. ::Fine, Kakorr. We’ll go.::

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

Goku stole a quick kiss from his prince before the Chichi’s guests noticed them. He knew public display made Vegeta feel uncomfortable, but it was difficult to keep his hands off his mate. Even so, Vegeta didn’t seem to object to the way their tails kept brushing and twining together.

Vegeta smirked and touched his mark teasingly. ::We could go home now, Kakorr.::

::Nice try, but no. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone.::

::You’re looking forward to the food.::

“That too,” Goku grinned.

Goku smiled broadly as his youngest boy noticed them and launched himself at him in delight.

“Daddy!”

Trunks barreled through the air beside him, his arrival nearly knocking Vegeta off his feet. Vegeta growled but let himself by hugged by his son, awkwardly returning the embrace.

“What were you guys doing, Dad?” Trunks asked. “Your kis were really strange.”

“You’ll find out with everyone else, brat,” Vegeta answered.

Goku laughed and let Goten drag him towards the food. Vegeta followed with Trunks in a more sedate manner.

“Wait ‘til you see, Daddy. Trunks and I have been training really hard. We’re really strong now,” Goten said flexing his muscles.

“Yeah, Dad,” Trunks said. “We want you to be proud of us.”

Vegeta looked down at his son. “I’m always proud of you, Trunks.” He glanced at Goten, “I’m proud of all of my sons.”

Goku smiled at the hero worship in both boys’ eyes. Vegeta didn’t give compliments easily – when he did they were something to treasure.

“Goku! Vegeta!” Chichi shouted, “Are you going to stay over there talking all day or are you going to come eat?”

Goku chuckled at Vegeta’s grumble of annoyance. ::Who does the woman think she is?::

::Chichi is-::

::A pain in the ass.::

::Yeah. She’s also a great cook and I’m hungry.:: “Hey guys. I’ll race you,” Goku said, already starting forward.

“Hey!”

“No fair!”

Goten and Trunks lunged after him, leaving a smirking Vegeta to stroll across the lawn.

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Chichi nodded in satisfaction as Goku and Vegeta were practically dragged over to her. They looked so handsome together – both dressed similarly in jeans and an open shirt over a skin-tight tee.

She loved having her family around her, and was thrilled at how much it had grown. Better still, they were all happy and healthy. Even Piccolo, whom she had grudgingly accepted, seemed to be almost pleasant and conversational today. Gohan swore he spoke all the time, but she had never seen evidence of that.

“Hey Chi,” Goku exclaimed, practically sweeping her off her feet. “How are you? How’s the baby?”

“We’re fine,” she giggled. When Goku was like this he always managed to make her feel like a little girl. When she was back on her feet, she turned to Vegeta, who was studying her. She imagined he was reading her ki, making sure she was telling the truth. She smirked back at him, and taking advantage of her protected status as mother of his unborn child she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. Goku chuckled at his reaction – Vegeta scowled and raised his hand as if he was going to wipe the germs off his face.

“Hey, Daddy ‘Geta.”

“Woman,” Vegeta grumbled at her, “Why do you keep doing that?”

“Because I want to. Because I can,” Chichi laughed.

Vegeta shrugged as if it wasn’t worth the effort to argue with her. She knew he hadn’t been around much at the time, but he had seen enough of Bulma when she was carrying Trunks to know it was a lost cause to fight with a determined pregnant woman.

“The brats behaved while we were away? They didn’t let the baby’s ki get too low?” Vegeta asked.

“They were great. But I’m willing to bet the baby is going to end up giving me bruises later on with their ki – way too hyper. I-.” She frowned as she noticed some activity at the dessert table she didn’t approve of. “Hang on-.”

“GOHAN! VIDEL! PETE!” Chichi bellowed across the yard, “If you uncover that cake ahead of time I am going to rip your hands off! Do I make myself clear?!”

Rezu and Goku looked up in surprise from were chatting away enthusiastically with Bulma and Yamcha. The culprits made a mumbled apology and slunk away to the rest of the food, quickly joining the other guests in filling their plates.

Rezu laughed, “Why don’t you give Vegeta his surprise now, hon? You aren’t going to be able to protect that cake for much longer.”

Chichi nodded and grabbed Vegeta by the wrist, dragging him over to a shaded table. She smirked to herself at his cursing and complaining for appearance sake, but noticed he didn’t try too hard to escape. Goku and Rezu followed much more quietly, Bulma chuckling at Vegeta’s behavior.

Vegeta was practically growling by the time they reached their destination, the other guests starting to cluster.

“Stop, woman. I am not some unruly brat to be towed around. I am a prince.”

Chichi sighed and let him go when he stopped in his tracks. “Fine. Sorry. I got carried away. Would his royal highness please have a seat so I can give him a present?”

Vegeta scowled but, apparently mollified by her apology, took a seat beneath the umbrella. Goku grinned and sat next to him on the bench. She waited until Bulma was in place with her camera, ignoring Vegeta’s threats of destruction. Chichi took the package Rezu handed her and smiled to herself. She loved orchestrating performances.

“Vegeta,” she said, standing in front of him and handing him the box, “This is for you – it is a little present from the baby.”

Vegeta looked at her in disbelief. “How can that be?”

“Damn it, Vegeta,” Bulma grumbled from behind the camera, “Stop being so damned literal. Come on, Goku. Tell him it’s okay.”

Chichi waited, watching the interchange between the two Saiyans. It was so obvious to anyone who paid attention they used telepathy. It was nice they were so close. She wished humans had the same ability – it would be wonderful to be able to converse with Rezu that way.

Goku smiled at Vegeta and twisted their tails together. Chichi wondered what had happened this week; something about them was different somehow, but she couldn’t put her finger on it. Vegeta finally smirked and nodded as if agreeing with something Goku said, and began to tear the wrapping off.

Chichi moved closer, hardly able to contain her excitement as Vegeta opened the gift. She couldn’t wait to see his reaction to her news. He looked at the baby bib, obviously confused, and read it out loud.

“Daddy’s Little Princess?” he read, bewildered.

She grinned, not taking her eyes off the prince, and waited for him to realize what it meant. If Bulma missed recording this she was going to kill her.

“What-?” Vegeta looked at her, brow furrowed, and for a moment she wondered if he thought this was some kind of insult. “Princess?” Chichi could see the instant he realized what she meant; his frown vanished and his mouth opened slightly in shock. Vegeta’s hand seemed to move involuntarily to her belly, stopping just inches away. His bright blue eyes widened slightly and she could hear him take a breath. “Daughter?” he whispered, “I’m going to have a daughter?”

Chichi laughed and caught his hand, letting it rest over the baby who had chosen that moment to start moving. “Yes, Daddy ‘Geta, it’s a girl.”

He seemed bemused, concentrating on the ki under his hand. “You aren’t going to call me that, woman.”

Goku put his arm around Vegeta’s shoulder and put his other hand over Vegeta’s that hadn’t moved from where she put it. “She’s really strong, Chi.” Vegeta made the closest thing to a smile she had ever seen coming from him at that. “Have you thought of any names yet?” Goku asked.

Rezu hugged her and dragged a chair over for Chichi. Vegeta seemed to have forgotten they had an audience, just letting ki trickle through his fingers. Chichi could feel herself getting stronger and not quite as wound-up as she had been. It seemed she had been right – the baby preferred her daddy’s energy.

“Vegeta,” Chichi asked, regretfully moving away from the obviously pleased prince so she could sit down, “You never said – are there any family names or anything you wanted us to consider?”

Vegeta blinked back to awareness and looked around, suddenly tense as if embarrassed. Chichi noticed Goku put his hand on Vegeta’s left shoulder and the prince seemed to sigh and relax slightly. “No – as first-born Trunks bears the name Vegeta – there are no other family names.”

Chichi nodded, “Then we have one in particular that Rezu and I like.” Goku had mentioned the name when telling her about their journey to the past and the old woman who had done so much for them. She hoped they would be able to use her knowledge soon and mate – they had gone through so much and deserved to be together. “Tamanegi – Tama for short.”

Vegeta stared at her in poorly concealed amazement. “That – that’s Rouba’s name,” Vegeta breathed. He seemed truly shocked and Chichi hoped she hadn’t inadvertently insulted the woman’s memory.

“Goku said she told him her true name when she was explaining how she took the name and title of Rouba. Rez and I just liked the sound of it.” Vegeta was looking at her, slightly wild-eyed. She doubted many others would realize how thrown he was, but she had been studying him for some time, trying to figure out how to get him with Goku. “Is it okay, Vegeta? I didn’t mean to offend.”

“It’s wonderful, Chi,” Goku said after some more telepathic communication when Vegeta didn’t seem to be able to answer her. “It’s a good name.”

Chichi smiled. “It’s very pretty. Do you know what it means?”

“Many layered,” Vegeta said in a soft voice, “Hidden depths.”

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Vegeta leaned against the tree, legs crossed, and watched Kakorr being congratulated and interrogated by his friends – their friends. He had tolerated it as long as possible, but they kept on wanting to hug him or touch the tattoo – as if wearing it made him some kind of public property. He had finally learned to appreciate – or at least accept – his family making that kind of contact, but from acquaintances it just made him uncomfortable.

Vegeta smirked. He wondered if Chichi realized she was helping to form something similar to a Saiyan family pack. He almost felt bad for her; she couldn’t communicate with the others the way Saiyans could. The brats seemed to like it, even though it was harder for them to get away with crap with six parents watching. He hated to admit it, but he had missed being part of a pack.

Piccolo settled beside him. “Chichi threw you, didn’t she?”

He growled in annoyance then shrugged with resignation. The Namek had noticed – it wasn’t something easily denied. “Just when I think I have these humans figured out, they do something like this.”

“But you aren’t complaining, I see,” Piccolo laughed.

Vegeta chuckled, “Just about the blue-haired woman’s recording it.”

“Why don’t you use her name – you know it, don’t you?”

He smirked, “Of course I do. But it is more fun to annoy Bulma.”

“Asshole.”

“That’s Prince Asshole to you, Namek.”

Piccolo snorted in amusement. “Not too sure that is something to be proud of.” He took off his turban and cape and stretched out, making Vegeta to raise his eyebrows at him in surprise. “Congratulations on your mating, Vegeta.”

“You stood guard,” Vegeta said quietly.

“I wasn’t spying,” Piccolo said defensively.

He laughed, “I know. You were just close enough if we needed you.” Vegeta looked at his friend who seemed more relaxed than he had ever known him to be. “Thank you. If you hadn’t – I don’t know if we could have focused enough on what we had to do.”

“It was difficult?” Piccolo asked seriously.

“Parts of it,” he said hesitantly. “We had to break the bond; it was leaving us vulnerable to an attack by the Kais. But it was worth it.”

“I’m glad to hear you think so. You deserve to be happy, Vegeta.”

Vegeta grinned, “I am.” He indicated the now revealed dragon tattoo. “Kakorr gave me this.”

“Is it painful? I noticed you pulled back some when Gohan touched it.”

Vegeta grimaced. At least they had learned that fear was unfounded – only Kakorr could make it react. “No – it’s just… it’s Kakorr’s. No one else should touch it.”

Piccolo nodded, “Sometimes I think humans see with their hands. They want to ‘see’ something, and first thing you know they are touching it.”

Vegeta grinned, remembering, “When I first stayed with the wo- Bulma, I thought I had misunderstood the word. Her mother kept saying ‘Let me see’ and picking something up.”

Piccolo nearly sighed, making Vegeta look where he was. Gohan and Videl had found a secluded area nearby, hidden from most of the guests, and were kissing rather passionately.

“The brat doesn’t visit you as much anymore, does he?” he asked.

Piccolo shrugged. “Not surprising. Gohan has a life of his own. Fighting and training has always been secondary to him. He’s going to get married and raise a family someday; he’ll probably only train to stay in shape.” The Namek glanced at him and interrupted before he could say anything. “I know – you’re going to say it is a waste. He’s happy, Vegeta. He’s in love and he’s happy.”

Vegeta wasn’t sure what to say. He knew Piccolo cared about Gohan like a son. Even though it was a normal part of the boy’s growing older, his extended absences hurt the Namek. He wondered if Nameks loved others the same way Saiyans or humans did. His having sex with Nail seemed to have helped him, making Piccolo less prickly about the topic, but Vegeta didn’t see how something like what the fused Nameks did was healthy in the long-run. Piccolo should have someone long-term – not just an occasional romp.

Piccolo looked at him curiously, “What is going on in the pointy head of yours?”

“Just thinking about you and Nail…”

“What about us?” Piccolo asked suspiciously.

“Are you ever going to try to find another partner?” he asked, feeling strange asking the question. He still surprised himself when he actually gave a damn how someone else felt.

“Damn it, Vegeta! Not you too,” Piccolo complained. “I get enough of this from Kami.”

“He knows?”

Piccolo cursed under his breath. “Yes. And the old man says it is wrong. Not healthy. Nail and I tell him to go to hell. We’re not hurting anyone. Nail’s been…”

Vegeta took a breath. It was none of his business, really, but some part of Kakorr’s lasting influence made him ask. “Are you in love with him?”

Piccolo stared at him in shock. “Don’t be ridiculous. We’re fused. I can’t be in love with-“

Vegeta sat, silently waiting as the Namek’s voice trailed off and Piccolo stared into the distance unseeing.

“I don’t know,” Piccolo finally said. “Maybe. I’m not sure. It’s kind of confusing, Vegeta.” He sighed. “Sometimes I really regret letting Nail start this…and other times I’m glad he did.”

“You’ve been splitting a lot lately – I can feel your ki climb in preparation.” It had become an almost daily occurrence, over the past month, the schedule only disrupted by the Namek’s self-imposed guard duty.

“We don’t have sex every time,” Piccolo grumbled.

“That’s good to know. Otherwise I might get jealous,” Vegeta grinned. “Even Kakorr and I don’t make love every single day.”

“At least we don’t blow things up when we’re fucking,” he growled.

“You ought to try it sometime – nothing like it,” Vegeta smirked.

“No thanks – I’ll leave the demolition sex to you psychotic Saiyans.”

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Vegeta finished his piece of pink-iced cake as he sat back on a blanket, watching the party guests with a sense of contentment he was hardly familiar with. His mate was close to him, leaning back on his arms. Vegeta smirked as he felt his mate’s breath on his neck as he breathed in his scent. He pressed himself against his mate’s side, encouraging Kakorr to adjust his position until his arm was around his waist, resting lightly against Vegeta’s hip. He smiled to himself – a little thing and it made Kakorr purr with happiness. He was aware Kakorr knew he preferred not to exhibit public displays of affection and did his best not to upset Vegeta with them. But he was also knew how much his mate enjoyed holding him, so Vegeta would permit it – within limits.

::Are you happy, Vegeta?::

He grinned to himself. It was a foolish question, repeated several times that day; Kakorr liked to hear him admit it.

::Yes Kakorr, I am happy.::

::I’ll bet Tama is going to be cute.:: Kakorr curled their tails together. ::I wonder if she will look more like you or Chi.::

He shrugged. ::It doesn’t matter. She will be strong.:: “I’m surprised Rouba told you her name – not many people knew. She must have really liked you, Kakorr.”

“I wish I had gotten to know her better,” Kakorr said. “I-” Vegeta heard the pause and was about to ask, but before he could, Kakorr blurted, “Did you know she said I should have been a Rouya?”

Vegeta looked back over his shoulder at his mate in question. ::Yes… You probably would have been very good at it.::

Kakorr shrugged as if embarrassed at bringing up the subject. ::I wish we could have brought back more books or something. It kind of bothers me to know all of that knowledge is gone.:: “It’s pointless anyway - I can’t be a Rouya even if I wanted to.”

Vegeta sat up enough so he could look into Kakorr’s amber eyes. “Do you want to?” he asked, surprised.

“I…” Kakorr pulled him back until they were leaning against each other and the tree. “It’s silly, Vegeta. I’m not smart enough anyway. Just forget I said it.”

Vegeta curled his tail around his mate’s waist. ::It isn’t silly, Kakorr. You underestimate your intelligence. I think you would make an excellent Rouya. I just don’t know how it could be accomplished.:: He would have liked to make it possible as a mating gift – but even without someone to train him, the books in a Rouba’s library would have been necessary.

In silence they watched their sons playing with some of the human children. The youngest ones had made pretend tails and they were all involved in a hearty game of tail-tag.

“Piccolo didn’t stay long. Is he okay?”

“He was only here because of us, Kakorr. As soon as he was sure everything was fine, he left.”

::Are he and Nail still…?::

::Yes.::

“It’s too bad they can’t actually be together,” Kakorr said thoughtfully. “Piccolo seems much happier with Nail around.”

Vegeta chuckled. “Sex will do that.”

Kakorr brushed his hand over the dragon, making Vegeta’s tail tighten convulsively. ::It’s more than that, Vegeta and you know it. They understand each other.::

“They’re fused, Kakorr, just as we would have been. There’s nothing we can do.”

“At least our fusion failed.”

“No thanks to the Kais,” Vegeta said bitterly. The shredding of the bond that joining had created was mental and emotional agony; he never wanted to experience anything like that again. Physical pain was nothing compared to how it felt to not have Kakorr in his mind.

::I just wish…:: Kakorr began.

::That they would just do something and get it over with?:: he finished. “I wish I knew what they are waiting for.”

“You sense that too?” Kakorr asked. “Like they are waiting for something?”

He nodded. “We start training again tomorrow, Kakorr. I think it will be soon and I want to be ready.”

TBC
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Note – according to my handy-dandy dictionary, tamanegi means onion… *g*