Unexpected Happiness (Vegeta x Goku)

Chapter 25

Tarble was walking through the library to find a couple of new books to read in his spare time when he heard a snarl and a loud thump behind one of the shelves. The noise startled the young prince but the snarl was familiar. He moved to peer around the shelf to see Kome holding his head while glaring at a book on the floor.

"Kome?" His soft call made the older boy's head jerk up. "Is everything alright?"

He bit his lower lip and looked to be about to deny what was bothering him, but Tarble just gave him a look that had the young alpha second guessing his response.

"...n-no." He shot the book another glare. "...not fine."

The beta prince walked over and gave Kome an one arm hug around his shoulders. It was obvious that he was troubled by something with how miserable he looked.

"Do you want to talk about it, or try and set that book on fire with your eyes?" His words made Kome look up in confusion.

"Can set books on fire with eyes?" His bemused expression had Tarble letting out a small giggle as he shook his head. He kept forgetting that Kome and his family had a hard time understanding some expressions.

"Never mind, Kome." The prince sat down beside the older cub at the table he was at. "Tell me what happened. You were excited about your lessons earlier. Did your instructor assign a hard book?"

His question made Kome's face twist into a sneer.

"He...said I was not smart...called me slow. I am not st-stupid." The young prince jerked back in shock at that.

"No, you're not stupid. Why would he say that?"

"Don't know." He hissed upset. "He left. I tried to read that..." The alpha pointed to the book on the floor before going back to glaring at the table.

Tarble hummed thoughtfully before going to pick up the thick book off the floor before opening it to see just what he tried to read. His eyebrows almost touched his hairline as he glanced over the text.

"Kome, this is something that even my father would have trouble understanding. Why would you pick this?" Kome blinked in surprise before looking down in embarrassment.

"Oh..." understanding dawned on Tarble from the simple response.

"You can't read can you?" Tarble asked hesitantly. Kome growled and looked away stubbornly. "It's ok. Vegeta told me a little. He said you and your family were in a very bad place and you weren't treated well or taught things. It's not your fault you can't read if no one showed you how."

"Can read....a little." Kome grumbled with his cheeks red with shame. "Tama showed me words....important words to know. Names, danger, airlock, lab, saiyan..." he rattled off rapidly as frustrated tears appeared. "I'm not....s-stupid. Tama said so. Said I was smart. He was so proud. I'm not stupid."

"Of course you're not." Tarble said rubbing his friend's back while he nervously rubbed his own chest. At least he hoped Kome was his friend. He was the first person besides his big brother the young alpha spoke to. Tarble really wanted Kome to be his friend.

The alpha leaned into the touch with a sigh, and the prince felt a small smile grow on his face. He took in a deep breath and almost purred when he caught the beta's scent. He couldn't tell just what it smelled like, but it calmed him down.

"How about we start with something easier? I'll help you." Tarble smiled at Kome as he got up to look along another shelf.

"You will help me?" He looked slightly surprised and blinked when he saw that sweet smile on the younger cub.