I left Trunks looking over the information on the data chip intently, his cheeks still a flaming scarlet. I hadn't minced words with the explanation of Saiyjin male/male sex, and I had the feeling Trunks was sorry he had asked. The door slid shut behind me with a soft hiss, and I turned with a sigh…and nearly bumped into Bulma who was giving me that look again. That look that raised the hairs on the back of my neck. That intent, coolly appraising look. I opened my mouth to ask to be let by…

"Don't think I don't know what you're up to Gohan. And be assured, I won't stand for it."

I blinked at the pure venom in the woman's voice. "What in Kami's good name are you talking about Bulma?"

"You think I don't know what you have in mind for my son? You think I don't see the way you look at him?" Her voice increased in volume and pitch. I didn't want Trunks to hear so I grabbed her by the arm and steered her down the hall.

Before she could continue, I spoke, my own voice low and dangerous. "I don't know what you are talking about Bulma, but you'd better tell me and fast. Somehow I don't think I am going to like it much."

She ground her teeth together, and I winced at the sound. "Did you think I wouldn't figure out what was going on between you and Vegeta? Let me tell you, I had a good idea before I SAW the two of you in the gravity chamber. At first I thought Vegeta was taking advantage of you, but it was patently obvious that you were a completely willing participant. And now that Vegeta is dead, you plan on replacing him with Trunks, well Gohan I won't HAVE it!!!!!" Her voice escalated to a scream. "LEAVE GOHAN…NOW!"

Had I had both of my arms I would have folded them in a Vegeta-esqu gesture. It certainly was my first reaction. Instead, I leaned against the wall and stared at Bulma. "So…you saw us, ne? Well Bulma, it's obvious that you had not a clue as to what you were really seeing."

She interrupted me before I could continue. "Gohan, I know hot monkey sex when I see it. It's not like the two of you were that good at hiding it."

I lifted an eyebrow. "It's not like we were trying to hide it, onna. As I was saying, you obviously have no idea what you saw, because if you did, you would know that there is no way that I am after Trunks as a replacement for his father."

That shut her up. For a moment anyway. "I don't know who you think you're trying to fool Gohan…" she began.

"I'm not trying to fool anyone Bulma." My patience was wearing thin. "You aren't stupid woman…you know enough about Saiyjin biology and mating practices…tell me what this is." And I pulled down the left side collar of my shirt, exposing Vegeta's claim-mark.

She knew what it was all right…her gasp of surprise and recognition was enough to tell me that.

"You….he….you…" she stammered.

"We were mates Bulma. Bonded mates."

Still, she clung to her preconceived notion. "That wouldn't stop you from…"

I lost it. I closed my eyes and breathed in a deep breath before picking her up and thrusting her hard against the wall. "I am only going to say this once Bulma. I am not after your son for sex. I pledged my vow to Vegeta that for as long as I lived I would only be his; and I have every intention of keeping that vow. I would no sooner fuck my son than fuck you Bulma."

Her eyes grew wide, and she spat in frustration, "Trunks is NOT your son. He is MY son. Mine and Vegeta's!! Not yours!! You and Vegeta could never have children!"

I dropped her…my anger gone, grief welling in its place. I didn't bother to explain to her the nature of the blood-rite that Vegeta and I had performed with Trunks, that yes he was my son. Her shrill voice had shredded my heart with a grief that I managed to suppress most of the time. A grief no one knew but me. Something I had left out of my talk with Trunks. Something that I forced out of my mind as much as possible.

My child.

Our child.

With a barely suppressed sob, I walked slowly to my quarters ignoring Bulma's surprised exclamations behind me.

The information was on the data chip I left with Trunks. Some Saiyjin males could conceive and carry pregnancies. Some tinkering of genetics generations ago had brought it about. It was especially prevalent in the noble and royal households who wished to keep their gene pools as pure as possible.

Oh Vegeta…what it took for you to tell me that you wanted to carry my child. Because of course it meant that not only would he have to give up his dominant position in our relationship, if only for one night, but after the first month, he wouldn't be able to train, to fight…he'd have to rely on me to protect him, to provide for him. Even for a short four month pregnancy, that was still an awful lot for the Saiyjin prince's pride to swallow. And still, he thought it was worth it…for us to have a child together. And later, perhaps if things went well…more. Many more. Our offspring would be almost full-blooded Saiyjin. For the first time since my father died, we had some kind of hope for our race.

I looked around my room…our room really. It was the same set of rooms he had carried me to originally. That bed, the one I slept on every night, I had slept with him on every night after that first wonderful time. There were some changes in the room, most of them made before Vegeta died. A computer terminal and desk, some framed pictures, my father's power pole hung over my desk, and there were blackout shutters at the window.

I opened the bottom drawer of the dresser carefully. It held a few very special items, sealed in clear air tight bags. One contained one of my father's orange gi's, complete with boots and weighted wristbands. The other, a training suit of Vegeta's, also complete with boots, and in this instance, white training gloves. The last bag held a set of sheets, pillowcases, and one pair of white boxer shorts. I opened it carefully, scenting deeply, reveling in the still strong smell of our lovemaking.

I didn't want to think of what Bulma forced to the front of my brain… instead, I cast my memory about for happy memories…

I was warm. Not entirely comfortable, but warm, and very very content. The most delicious smell ensconced me, and I purred my gratification for the world to hear. I nuzzled slightly, expecting to find Vegeta curled around me as he had been for the last several hours, my head on his chest, but my efforts met only the fabric of the lone pillow. I opened my eyes reluctantly...it was still light out, though it was starting to dim around the edges. Vegeta was standing beside the bed looking down at me with a curious expression on his face.

"What's the matter Vegeta?" I mumbled around a mouthful of pillow.

"Baldy's coming," he replied. I noticed that he had pulled on a pair of loose gi pants. I was almost disappointed.

I struggled to sit up, but he pushed me easily back down. "Stay down," he ordered. "You can get up AFTER you have a senzu."

I blinked at the forcefulness in his voice. Something must have shown on my face because he sat down beside me, and said gently, "I'm sorry Gohan...I just worry that I might have hurt you earlier." He looked as though he was about to say more, but a knock sounded on the door.

Vegeta stood up and crossed to the door, casting one last glance at me over his shoulder. I nodded slightly, wincing, and he opened the door to a very agitated Krillen.

"I got your messages Vegeta, what's the big emergency?" Krillen and Vegeta had never gotten along very well, even after we fought together on Namek. And I realized suddenly that Krillen was grieving too, for the loss of his best and oldest friend. His intense eyes were red-rimmed with recently shed tears; suddenly I felt horribly selfish.

"Exactly when did I begin answering to you, Cue-ball?" came the gruff retort. "I should think it was fucking obvious," he said, pointing in my direction.

Krillen looked over at me and the blood drained from his face. His fists balled and he turned to Vegeta, furious. "What happened to Gohan you fucking piece of shit?"

I started to answer, but Vegeta cut me off before I could draw a breath. Besides, I suddenly realized that breathing hurt. A LOT.

Vegeta sniffed imperiously, "Don't even start to fuck with me today...you want to know, ask him."

"What is that supposed to mean Vegeta?" asked Krillen dangerously. He was shorter than Vegeta I noticed suddenly.

"I'm sorry. Perhaps I should speak slower so you can understand...what I do is none of your damn business. If you have a question for Gohan, feel free to ask it. But if you piss me off, Baldy, I'll send your ass straight to hell."

Before Krillen could escalate the conflict, I broke in with a pained gasp. Something shifted agonizingly in my chest, and at first I thought it had to do with the way Vegeta used my name when he spoke to Krillen. But the pain intensified, and it was suddenly much more difficult to breathe.

Vegeta was at my side in an instant, his hands gentle on my chest, feeling carefully over the ribs he had taped earlier. He met my eyes, and I was startled to see my own pain reflected in them. He stood abruptly and turned to Krillen.

His voice lowered ominously, "I'll say this only once. Give Gohan the senzu, say what you have to say, and get the fuck out of here."

Vegeta turned back towards me and his dark eyes bored into mine, "I'll be right over here." He stalked to the doorway and leaned against it, arms folded. He watched Krillen with guarded eyes, as if he suspected the smaller man of having designs on my life.

Krillen looked at him strangely as he made his way hastily over to the side of the bed. "What was that all about?" he murmured to me as he handed me a senzu bean from the pouch tied around his waist.

I shrugged tiredly as I struggled to chew the hard bean. Damnit, I swear I was going to break a tooth on the thing…luckily the bean's restorative powers would fix it. Halfway through chewing it, I lay back, completely exhausted. I didn't remember these damn beans being so difficult to chew. Finally I was able to swallow, though I almost choked as another piercing pain made itself known in my chest. I could see Vegeta twitch in the doorway as though to move back over to the bed, but he stopped himself as Krillen helped me sit up and clear the bean fragments from my airway.

Relief was almost instantaneous, though it seemed that my injuries were so extensive that one bean was not enough to heal me completely. Still, I could breathe, and sit up without any trouble, and I knew that if I tried I could walk easily. I was still stiff, sore and tired, but I felt nearly as good as new all the same.

"So what happened Gohan?" asked Krillen in a low voice. "Did Vegeta do this to you?" He looked ready to get angry, so I grabbed his arm before I answered.

"Yes he did Krillen, and no, he didn't."

He frowned, confused. "What is that supposed to mean Gohan? Either he hurt you, or he didn't. One or the other."

I shook my head. "He saved me Krillen. I was killing myself… slowly. Vegeta just did what needed to be done. It's…a Saiyjin thing. You probably wouldn't understand."

Krillen looked utterly baffled. "He saved you by beating you nearly to death?"

I laughed, shortly. "You act like he got away unscathed. He provoked me into fighting him. He's hurt pretty badly himself. Leave me another senzu Krillen, and I'll try to get him to take it. He needs it even if he won't admit it."

Krillen looked at me as though I had grown an extra head, but being the good friend that he is, he removed another bean and set it down on the chest of drawers beside the bed. He looked back at me, concern in his eyes.

"Do you want me to take you home Gohan?"

I shook my head. "I am home Krillen."

"Gohan, are you feeling ok? Maybe you need another senzu…"

"I'm fine Krillen. I'm just not going back to Mother's. Not to stay at any rate." I closed my eyes. I suddenly didn't feel like talking anymore. I was tired, and I wanted nothing more than for Vegeta to get back into the bed with me and purr that wonderful purr of his. It soothed me like nothing had ever before in my life.

I could hear Krillen fussing worriedly, when Vegeta's voice cut back in.

"Damnit, Krillen, that's enough. You've had your say, now go. I will see to Gohan now."

Krillen was shocked by the protectiveness in Vegeta's tone, but foolishly continued his speech. "Gohan, your mother needs you. Especially now, that your father is gone. You've been neglecting your duties to her..."

I began to speak, to apologize for my selfishness as was my habit, but Vegeta's voice was already biting through my voiceless regret. "That's a load of shit, and you know it. That woman cares as little for Gohan as she did for Kakkarott. If she gave a damn about her son, this would never have happened. Gohan owes her nothing. His loyalty as a Saiyjin is to me and me alone."

Krillen's eyes widened, and he said slowly, "So, what? Gohan stays with you? For how long?"

Vegeta hissed, "For as long as I deem necessary and not one second less."

Krillen looked at me, confusion apparent on his face. "Gohan, are you sure about this?"

I answered softly, "Krillen, I'm gonna be fine. Just...look after my mom, please?"

Krillen nodded his agreement, but added, "Look, I don't understand what's going on, but I think your Mom deserves some kind of explanation."

Vegeta cut him off, sharply, "If you're so damned concerned, you can tell the harpy where to find Gohan. And if she has any problems, she can bring them to ME."

Krillen's concern for me must have outweighed his fear of Vegeta, because he shot back, "Yeah, well who died and put you in charge?"

Vegeta's eyes glittered and he said sharply, "I believe it was my father. I am the Saiyjin no Ouji and, as such, I am responsible for the lives of every Saiyjin."

Krillen answered with a hint of sarcasm, "All three of them, huh?"

I cringed slightly and waited for the explosion, but it didn't come.

"Yes, Baldy, all three of them. No harm will come to Gohan while he is with me. I can't say the same for you."

This was not going to end any time soon. A single vein was throbbing in Vegeta's temple, and Krillen's mouth was set in a hard, obstinate line. Their love and concern for me was not enough to keep them from being at odds with one another. I decided to intervene. "Krillen, please, I don't feel so good. Could we finish this later?" I whined. Childish? Yes, but in this case, effective.

Krillen's face softened and he answered, "Sure, kid. No prob. I didn't mean to upset you. You get well, and then we'll talk."

Krillen walked out the door, past Vegeta, each of them giving the other extremely hostile looks.

When Krillen had gone, Vegeta closed the door and smirked at me. "Gohan, you little liar...you feel fine."

I grinned back at him. "True...but I wouldn't have felt fine if you two had gotten into a huge fight." My gaze flickered to the senzu on the dresser. "Speaking of feeling fine..."

Vegeta grunted. "No way boy, don't need it."

I scratched the back of my head, feeling for a moment like my father. "Well Vegeta," I said slowly. "You know best of course, but I can't see you keeping up with me being all healed and everything at your advanced age and all..."

The bean was gone in an instant and a breath later Vegeta had pinned me to the mattress.

"Now brat," and my stomach gave a funny jump at the slight growl in his voice. "Let's just see who isn't keeping up with who."

I didn't answer him, just pulled his head down to mine and kissed him savagely. He broke away and said breathlessly…

"I think you'll find that my skill is far more advanced than my age..."

"Oh I know it is my Ouji," I smile wickedly at him. "In fact, I'm counting on it."

Vegeta growled and yanked the blankets from my still naked form. Kami, he was hot...like earlier the heat radiated from his perfect skin. I could feel it penetrating every part of me, bathing me in it's radiant warmth. And this time it would be even better, I thought as my hands roamed over his sculpted body and I melted under his kisses and nips along my neck and shoulders...this time I could give back. And I proceeded to relieve Vegeta of his pants.

Vegeta groaned and made his way back to my mouth as my eager fingers caressed his shoulders, the back of his neck, to finally fist in his hair. Kami, how I loved his hair! He kissed me fiercely, and I returned the favor, allowing him access to my moist depths, and occasionally caressing his tongue with my own. He lightly stroked the side of my face, his nails drawing goose bumps all along one side of my body, and I shivered delightedly at the sensation. Then he stopped.

I looked at him, puzzled and concerned. "Vegeta…did I do something wrong? Don't you want me?"

He closed his eyes and rolled off of me. I was scared now. "Vegeta…" I couldn't continue…my voice trembled.

"Damnit Gohan, you did nothing wrong." His voice is harsh. "It's just…I just want to do something right for a change."

"Nani?" I didn't understand.

He sat up against the headboard and invited me to do the same.

"I stopped myself earlier Gohan because you were so badly injured, I was concerned that if I tried to claim you properly it could send you into shock. And just now…I remembered that you didn't grow up on Vegetasei…and neither did your father so you don't know anything about our customs…our mating habits."

I looked at him, my eyes full of questions that I couldn't seem to make my voice ask.

He took my hand in his and continued. "I am who I am Gohan, I can't change that, so don't expect this kind of....explanation again." He paused, and I squeezed his hand tightly, my insides quivering. He continued. "Earlier we exchanged vows…but we didn't consummate them with blood. I meant what I said Gohan…I want you to be mine…always."

I found my voice. "I want to be yours, my Ouji…for the rest of my life." I swallowed. "Please…show me how?"

He opened his mouth, I presumed to explain, and I placed my fingertips over it, silencing him.

"No, my Prince. Don't tell me. Show me. Make me understand. I am already yours by my words and yours…show me how to become yours by your actions. Please… claim me."

He gazed into my eyes; I hoped he read my resolution, my devotion, my utter adoration and complete trust. Then he pulled me to him again and kissed me.

We tumbled back to the mattress, my Ouji on top as he kissed and fondled me tenderly, quickly growing more fierce and forceful. I tried to match his fervor, but was rapidly left in the dust as Vegeta reduced me to a melted puddle of passion in the sheets.

He kissed his way back up my body, tearing off the tape and gauze that had been rendered useless by the senzu, as he nipped and licked at my nipples. I arched into him, helpless yet again against his superior strength and skill. He paused, straddling my waist and he caught my face between his hands.

"Son Gohan, I claim you for my own. For the rest of my life, as long as I draw breath, I swear to love and protect you. Your honor is my honor. Your pride is my pride. If you are challenged, the challenge is mine to answer. You are mine, and will answer to no one save me. I claim you!" And with his last word, he tilted my face to the side, exposing my neck, then removing his hands he sank his teeth into the bared junction where my left shoulder meets my neck. I gasped, as the expected pain did not come. Instead, a raw, tingling, burning, lightning sensation starting at the place where his teeth still rested in my flesh raced through my body and to my brain. It was ecstasy. And suddenly, I KNEW Vegeta. I knew everything there was to know about my beloved Prince. And I wanted nothing more than for him to know me. I knew what I wanted to do, what I needed to do. I wanted to claim my Ouji as he had claimed me. But… I was scared that I would fail, that I would somehow destroy our miraculous union.

Vegeta held me close as he lapped gently at the wound he had made; delicious shivers ran down my spine and danced wildly at my tailspot. I moaned and wrapped my arms around his neck, tilting my head even further to the side to give him better access to the spot that would forever be one of the most sensitive areas of my body. I gasped and realized that I still had a part to play in this claim. I wanted to claim Vegeta, to submit to his claim, but....I pulled away from him, panting slightly.

"Vegeta," I looked into his eyes...Kami I was not going to cry...not now. "I...I...don't know....I don't want to mess it up....please..." I bit my lip but forced myself to hold his gaze.

His voice was unusual in its gentleness, "Gohan, you won't mess it up. You mustn't worry, I'll help you."

I gulped and nodded, not trusting myself to speak. He kissed me softly and murmured; "Now you must return the claim. I have established my dominance and claimed you as mine. Your response is to submit to my claim, to accept my dominance and to give me your vows. You can do it Gohan…you did earlier…you did it just perfectly. The words aren't set in stone; every pair uses their own vows, often uttered in the heat of passion. The only things that remain constant are that there is a dominant partner, a submissive partner and the bite." He looked at me sharply. "You do wish to submit to my claim, don't you? I won't force you…"

I nearly sobbed my response. "Oh Vegeta, I've never wanted anything more….please?"

His response was quietly firm. "You can do it Gohan…just let your instincts guide you."

I looked at him closely, realizing that over the past day I had seen sides of Vegeta I had never known existed. Who knew how gentle, loving and considerate he could be? I almost laughed to myself...I knew he would never show this side of himself outside this room, but here I was his, and he was mine, and oh Kami...I was ready to submit to my Ouji. Trouble was, I had no idea how to begin. In my mind I was already his...how much more could I submit to him? And how could I return his claim?

What the fuck was I supposed to say? My mind instantly went blank as Vegeta kissed me searingly, taking my breath and brains away simultaneously. His hands were rough and gentle in all the right places, and my breath collapsed in my chest as he gripped my hardened arousal. His mouth made its way back up to the still raw mark of his possession, and I arched and jerked beneath him, losing control of my reactions completely...giving in to his touch.

His hand left my burning member, and I whimpered pathetically. He ignored me and without preamble slipped a finger inside me. A long, slow groan filled the room, and I didn't know, and didn't care that it came from my throat. Something slick joined the first finger, and I wondered distractedly when he had had a chance to grab any oil. Then that white blast of light behind my eyes blinded me as he touched that wonderful spot inside me. Then I was empty, but only for a moment, and my as my Ouji filled me once again, I found my voice.

"Vegeta-sama, I submit to your claim, and I surrender fully to your will. I promise...I promise that I will love you for all of my life. I give of myself freely, all that I have and all that I am. I promise that I will help to raise your son, and that I will love him as if he were my own. I will be yours and yours alone, for all of my days. My loyalty is to you...my pride is in you...my strength is in you… my heart is with you forever and always. I beg for you to allow me to return your claim."

"You needn't beg me. I accept your surrender, and I will hold you to your promises. But Gohan, be sure, before you take the final step, can you accept me as I am?"

"Hai Vegeta-sama." My voice is low, but steady. "I want to be yours. I've loved you as you are for years, and will continue to love and accept you just as you are. You are my Ouji. I am yours to command."

"And command you, I shall. Return my claim, Gohan. Complete our bond."

He tilted his head to the right, exposing the ridged contours of his neck and shoulder, and I obey, leaning forward and sinking my teeth into the mirrored juncture of my Ouji's claim mark. His blood, sweet and thick fills my mouth and as I swallow, I feel the peculiar sensation of a link; I wonder if Vegeta feels the same raw burning lightning sensation I felt when he claimed me…I can almost see Vegeta taking me into him, my memories, my thoughts, my very essence. I suckle at the wound I have made at my Prince's command, reveling that he will know without a doubt how I love and accept him…how I have loved him since I was a child. I can no longer think of myself as a child, today my Ouji made me his mate…and doing so made me a man.

A throaty vibration fills the room as our twin purrs echo off the bare walls. My head falls back to the mattress, and I realize that I am still agonizingly hard. I gasp as I realize Vegeta is too as he flexes inside me. He leans forward and says softly in my ear, "Turn over." I obey.

Vegeta pulls me to my hands and knees and re-enters me smoothly. The difference in sensation that occurred with the change in position threatens to collapse my arms. Vegeta doesn't help matters as his fingers tease and pinch at my tailspot. He is completely still, and I writhe uncontrollably under his ministrations.

My breath is coming in ragged gasps, and I struggle to speak…"P…p…pl… please," is all I manage.

I can FEEL his smirk as he responds, "Please what Gohan? What do you want? You need to tell me."

I try, I really really try, but all that comes out of my mouth are disjointed moans and yelps as his tailspot manipulations grow slightly rougher.

He growls softly. "Gohan." His voice snaps out at me, breaking into my pleasure hazed consciousness. "Tell. Me. What. You. Want. NOW."

My voice leaps from my throat as though controlled by something outside myself. "FUCK ME VEGETA…PLEASE!"

And he did.

What words can describe that experience? Our first time was wonderful, but this…we had bonded through our blood, and it intensified everything. Every touch, every thrust, every moan that escaped our throats shared, doubled, trebled, hell I don't know even now. All I know is it was mind-blowing. His hands gripped my hips tightly enough to leave bruises, but I didn't care. And when he shifted his angle, raising one of my legs and holding it so that every thrust assaulted that spot inside me over and over again, I came hard, screaming my mate's name and he followed, mere seconds behind me, breathing my name into that spot on my neck, almost gently, belying the violent thrusting that accompanied his release.

We lay together, panting, basking in the heat of our joining. Vegeta moved where he could lean against the headboard, hauling my limp form against his chest. I kissed his chin softly, and he nuzzled at my ear, growling, "Enough of that, or I'll have you on your back, crying for Kami."

I chuckled, "I think I forgot my name."

He became solemn. "You mustn't ever forget that. You are mine now, remember? You are Vegeta Son Gohan, and you always will be."

"Oh, Vegeta," I whispered softly.

He looked away, saying, "Hn. Well, you needn't take my name if you don't wish to."

I thought carefully and then I answered, "I would be honored."

"Good," he replied and I could hear the pleased note in his voice. I snuggled closer into him, breathing in his scent, mingled tantalizingly with mine and closed my eyes. Only to open them a moment later when our stomach's growled in unison. I laughed nervously, a trifle embarrassed.

Vegeta's dark eyes flickered, and he said, "I suppose you must be hungry after all that. Come along, we'll go get something to eat."

I interjected, "But, Vegeta, what about Bulma?"

His elegant fingers moved along my cheek, "Never mind her. She's on a business trip. And Trunks is with his grandmother. You don't have to worry about being seen with me."

I gasped, "Vegeta, I didn't mean..."

He chuckled softly, and I realized that Vegeta was teasing me. He rose gracefully and reached out a hand to help me up. The gesture was not lost on me. My weak knees faltered as I attempted to stand. I did everything but fall headlong into his awaiting arms. "Gohan, lean on me. We'll shower first, then eat." I agreed soundlessly, curling my fingers around his carved bicep. I was unsteady, and extremely sore...in places I didn't even know I had. My gait was stiff, unnatural, a result of our recent lovemaking and the fight that preceded it. Vegeta turned towards me, and sighed gently, "Don't you ever tell anyone I did this." He picked me up in his strong embrace and carried me the rest of the way. I laid my head against his chest and knew that I was home.