Inali

Chapter 15

The stars had never been so far away... and Vegeta had never really thought about their importance, the desire to touch them... the warmth a star could give.

But he still believed that his honesty was only further pain for Kakarot. Vegeta was sure that if there was any such deity or ancestral creature somewhere, he had eternal damnation for having stained such a sacred flower... that's why the legends of Vegetasei said that an Inali is rare and certainly impossible to find... saiyans were not worthy of such light.

They didn't know how to be kind... how to care about someone. But then Vegeta knew it wasn't "the saiyans"... it was just him. Exactly like his father.

He had come a long way just to become like him. Would King Vegeta be proud of it? ... Or would he just feel ashamed that his own son had fallen into the trap, into the illusion of love?

Pride and shame were the only things he had ever received from his father. Vegeta was so tempted to disappear from the radar or send threatening messages just to see if his father would get his old ass off the throne and come personally teach him a lesson. That he really cared about his son, even if only for the future of the Saiyans.

He thought all fathers were like that. From Raditz's stories he knew that his father, Bardock, was an unusual Saiyan and could be kind and affectionate - the influence of the long-haired man's mother.

He had seen Elder Gohan and the loving words he always had for his grandson. Found in the forest and raised as his own blood without the slightest problem. Without prejudice or negativity.

Then there was the Ox King who had affection and respect for his daughter and a boundless love for his little nephew.

Then there was Kakarot... he was such a sweet and loving father. Kakarot loved his son so much that he was ready for anything. Vegeta was ready to bet that Kakarot would go against the entire Saiyan army for the cub. Even against Vegeta himself. And Vegeta didn't want to think about the hint of pride he felt for Kakarot's instinct, so protective of Gohan.

So what? Was it just his father who wasn't able to prove anything else or... was it he, as a son, who had totally disappointed his father's expectations? He was therefore... only duty as an heir, a Prince and a King. No father, no son.

A few hours earlier he had heard Kakarot talking to his wife on the phone. There had been military exchanges and strategic talks. In the end, in private, the two had been so affectionate. Vegeta knew he wasn't allowed to listen to such love, yet he had eavesdropped, only to get hurt. Imagining this: a life at war for various worlds, Kakarot and him sharing a tent and a bath together, a hearty meal to satiate the Saiyan appetite. And to end the day, sitting next to Kakarot while he called Princess Chichi and the cub: listening to him laugh at young Gohan's stories, purring to his Queen.

Feeling satisfied if Kakarot tells him that he is still hungry, because he has created a safe place where the young Saiyan can express his needs and desires. Seeing him relax and let go, while he is himself.

Vegeta shook his head, tapping it voluntarily on the cold bulkhead of the corridor.

Such fantasies were so dangerous. They were so... sinful, in their unabashed emotional intimacy. The most painful ones his sadistic brain had ever conceived.

The laughter of that woman and Kakarot echoed in the corridor. The Earthling was very intelligent and saw the benefit of having her on their side. She had also restarted the spaceship and repaired all those things that he and Turles had missed - she had also given a monologue of her own on many antiquated and idiotic pieces, insulting all Saiyan technology in a few simple words. But she too was fascinated by just as many things, her eyes clear and large, curious as if she could discover the secrets of the universe and win every existing and non-existing challenge.