Patience

Patience

By Pixelgoddess

Summary - Vegeta has had his eye on Goku for years, but isn't willing to make
the first move. Will either of them bend?

This started out life as a series of one-shots, with required sentences - first
'Why did you stop?', then 'I've been waiting a long time for this' and 'You
wouldn't dare.' Now look what has happened - it's taken on a life of its own.

Pairings - oh please - I almost never write anything but Goku and Vegeta. What
do you think?


Warnings - This is me you are talking about - expect smut and angst, pretty much
in equal measure. With enough sap to thin it out. Goku/Vegeta. Sex. Kissing.
Smut. Yaoi. (Does everyone know what that means?) And now that the cat is out of
the bag - mpreg.


A disclaimer too? *sighs* Would I worry about paying my bills if I owned them?
Hell, if I owned them, there would have been more naked Saiyans, more sex, Goku
would have saved Vegeta, and the prince would have been the one to pound the
lizard to a pulp.


Chapter 13 - Anniversary

Vegeta stared at his unmoving mate in disbelief. More time - he was supposed to
have more time than this. He knelt beside him and brushed his fingertips gently
over his cheek.

"Kakarott?" he whispered. How could he have failed this badly? He should have
been able to do something to prevent this from happening. He felt the heat of
tears gathering, distorting his sight, creating the illusion of Kakarott's
eyelids fluttering. "Damn it," he muttered, brushing a hand over his eyes trying
to clear his vision.

He opened them again, trying to think what to do, when he came to the shocked
realization that Kakarott's eyes were open, and he was smiling up at him.

"Vegeta?" he said, his voice still heavy with sleep.

Before he could formulate a response, Kakarott reached up, and looping an arm
around Vegeta's neck, drew him down for a kiss. Vegeta found himself too thrown
by the progression of events to be an enthusiastic participant, concentrating
more on supporting himself so his full weight didn't fall on Kakarott. As it was
he found himself battling with anger and relief and he didn't know which one to
react to more.

Kakarott released him and he found himself still bent over, glaring down at his
mate. "You're alright," he stated. "Nothing's wrong with you."

"No…" Kakarott looked confused.

"They why are you on the ground?"

"Oh…" Kakarott said with a tentative smile, "I just took a nap."

"A nap," he snapped. "Do you think this is a good place to take a nap?"

"Sure. Why not?" Kakarott said, struggling to sit up. "It's sunny and warm…a
perfect spot. I was on my way home and got really tired."

Vegeta helped him stand, frustrated that Kakarott didn't realize why he was
upset. "It was sunny and warm so you just lay down and took a nap?"

"Well…yeah. What's wrong?"

Vegeta relented, rubbing his hand over his eyes in frustration; it was obvious
Kakarott was completely bewildered by his anger. He took a deep breath, making a
conscious effort to will it away. "You could have called me. I would have come
for you. What if something had happened?"

Kakarott looked chagrined - apparently he finally realized just why he was so
angry. "I'm sorry Vegeta. I didn't mean to upset you… I just--"

"I was worried, that's all. I'm allowed to be worried about my mate." He'd been
so anxious for Kakarott to return, he didn't want to fight with him as soon as
he got back. What if Kakarott got annoyed and went away again? Deep down, he
knew he hadn't frightened him on purpose.

Kakarott caught him in a tight hug. "I missed you."

He sighed and returned the embrace, "I missed you as well."

Kakarott drew back, releasing his hold enough to tilt Vegeta's chin up, gently
pressing their lips together. Vegeta smiled into the kiss; the affection his
mate had for him was so obvious he wondered how he could ever have questioned
it.

"Am I forgiven?" Kakarott whispered in his ear.

"I thought something had happened to you," he said in a low voice.

"I'm really sorry I upset you. I didn't mean to," Kakarott said, brushing gentle
fingertips through his hair. Vegeta felt a pleased shiver pass through him at
the touch. He had missed his mate; these five days had seemed like an eternity.

"Are you ready to come home now?" he asked.

"Yes," Kakarott said smiling, taking his hand and heading for the path. "I hear
you went to the village while I was gone. What kind of food did you get?"

"Damn busybody," he muttered, allowing his mate to continue to hold his hand. "I
knew she wouldn't keep her mouth shut."

Kakarott grinned over at him. "Are you planning something special?"

"How do you know I didn't turn around and eat it all?"

"You? Going shopping when there is already food in the house just so you can eat
it all in a day? I doubt it. You're up to something."

"Could be. You'll just have to wait and see," he smirked back.

"So does that mean you're doing the cooking tonight?"

"Kakarott - you fell asleep in a fucking field. Do you honestly think I'm going
to let you loose in the kitchen before you've had a chance to rest?"

Kakarott chuckled, "I think I'll take a nap in the woods every day then."

"Don't you dare," he warned.

"How are you going to stop me?"

"I'll tie you to the fucking bed if I have to."

"Promise?"

Vegeta turned in surprise to see Kakarott smiling widely at him; he'd never
hinted he might actually want to play that game before. He smirked back, "Not if
you are going to enjoy it."

"Awww…" He released his hand to wrap an arm around Vegeta's shoulder and pull
him close, "Although maybe we should wait until after the baby is born."

"You're awfully damn cheerful. Did you get whatever it was that was bothering
you figured out?"

Kakarott released him, looking thoughtful, and they walked side by side in
silence for several minutes.

"I don't know if I have it all figured out," he finally said, "But I've made a
start."

Vegeta felt an uncomfortable squirm of guilt. After all the good things Kakarott
had done for him, it bothered him to be causing so much stress. There were so
many things he wished he had another chance at.

"Kakarott… I never meant to pressure you into making me your mate."

"You haven't - I'm pressuring myself more than you ever could. I think I've
wanted to be close to you longer than either of us ever realized - I just didn't
have a name for it. I want you to be my mate, Vegeta. I think I've just been
afraid of stupid things. And because of that I've hurt you."

"You haven't--"

"Yes I have. I keep doing it. I did today without even thinking. Since we've
been together you've already found me passed out bleeding and had to save me
from falling to my death… I can just imagine how it looked to you."

He shrugged, trying without much success to minimize how disturbed these events
had made him. "You worry too much. It will be alright, Kakarott. We have all the
time in the world. Everything will work out," he said, hoping he wasn't lying.

"What did you do while I was gone?"

"Trained. Beat up the Namek."

"As long as you didn't kill him."

"I would have, but I couldn't think of a good excuse you'd believe."

Kakarott grinned, "Nice to know something's holding you back."

"You just would have gotten those damn puppy dog eyes and moped until we wished
the bastard back."

Kakarott stopped and turned to stare into his eyes. Vegeta felt a shiver race
through him at the intensity of his gaze.

"You do know I would never leave you, don't you Vegeta? Piccolo's not a threat
to you. I'm not going to abandon you for him or for anyone else. You're the one
I've chosen to spend my second life with."

Kakarott must have been talking to the old woman - she used the same term with
him. If it helped Kakarott figure out what was wrong he was all for it. She had
reminded him how difficult it had been for him to adjust to his own second life
when he first settled on Earth; maybe that's why he found this one - his third?
fourth? easier to cope with.

"I know," he finally admitted to himself. "I think that's why I haven't actually
followed through and killed him when he's been an ass." He paused. "But that old
woman is a busybody."

Kakarott laughed. "I like her." He suddenly put a hand in his pocket, searching
until he pulled out a capsule. "I almost forgot. This is for you. She said it
was just in case."

"What is it?"

"Dunno. Granny Esme made me promise not to open it."

"And you always keep your promises." If this was what he thought it was, he was
going to need it. All of his attempts so far had been complete failures; hell,
he didn't understand half of the instructions. He would have liked to have made
it himself, but it didn't look like that was going to happen.

Kakarott yawned. "I think I'm going to need a recharge soon. I'm still kind of
tired."

"When we get home, you should take a nap - in our bed, where it's safe."

Kakarott grinned. "Really? I'm safe in our bed?"

He smirked back and brushed a hand over his mate's tailspot. "You are for a few
hours at least. I want you to get some rest while I finish in the kitchen."

"I don't know if I'm disappointed or impressed. You're actually cooking?"

"Go with impressed."

Kakarott laughed. "Okay, you can impress me after my nap and again tonight."

"Are you going to be alright?" he asked, remembering Kakarott's nightmares.
"What about your dreams?"

"I think I've got that under control now."

"How?" If he did, it was a huge relief, but Vegeta didn't see how it was
possible - at least not within a matter of days.

Kakarott shrugged. "I'm not really sure how, but whatever Dende did seemed to
help."

"Good."

Kakarott smiled at him. "Give me a kiss, and then I'm going to take you up on
that offer of a nap. I've missed you and your ki and fully intend to have you
give me a complete wake-up welcome home recharge when I wake up."

Vegeta grinned, "It's a deal."

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

Vegeta looked around the kitchen and sighed. He couldn't believe he was doing
this. Maybe he should have tried the flowers and candy first. He had decided to
make a gesture to encourage Kakarott, but what the hell was he thinking when he
decided to try cooking? Several hours later, the meal was finally ready and he
had a much better appreciation of Kakarott's skills in the kitchen. If they'd
had to rely on Vegeta's abilities they'd be living on a diet of spaghetti and
steak. And grilled cheese - he was great at making grilled cheese.

He put the food on the table and shrugged. It didn't look as good as his memory
of this meal, but it seemed presentable. At least it smelled okay. He doubted
Kakarott would laugh at his efforts, but he still felt foolish; was he trying
too hard? It was too much like trying to seduce a prospective lover - something
he rarely had to work at.

He had decided to make more of an effort to convince Kakarott when Piccolo had
warned him of what could happen if they weren't completely mated. That was when
the seed of this 'romantic' gesture had been planted. He hadn't been completely
convinced until his mate managed to scare the hell out of him again, even though
it was accidental. He really had thought Kakarott was dead and he'd lost
everything he'd been waiting for. Now that he realized he couldn't afford to be
patient any longer he was determined to do whatever it took; if Kakarott needed
human symbols in order to be convinced, he'd have to learn how to use them.

Vegeta stuck his head in the bedroom, not surprised to see his mate was still
asleep. "Kakarott, dinner is ready in ten minutes. If you plan on showering
before eating, do it now."

Kakarott peered out at him from between the covers. "That's not how I like to
wake up. You should kiss me awake."

"You're already awake."

"But I still need my kiss."

Vegeta rolled his eyes, pleased his mate felt well enough to play. "I spoil
you," he said, crossing to the bed.

"I know," Kakarott said, drawing him down for a slow affectionate kiss.

"Alright," he finally said, unwillingly pulling away, "go take your shower now."

"Aww, can't it wait a few minutes?"

"Not if you want any hope of the food still being edible, it can't."

Kakarott grinned and rolled out of bed. Vegeta smirked as his mate dropped his
pants, bare ass swaying in the breeze on his way to the shower. One of them was
going to regret cutting their kiss short, but at the moment he wasn't sure
which.

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

"Wow Vegeta," Goku said, finishing his half of the dessert, "I'm really
impressed. You chose such difficult recipes."

Vegeta looked up from his own plate in surprise. Goku knew most cooking was
difficult for him - he probably had no idea he'd made his task even more
complicated. "I did?"

"Um hmm," he nodded. "The main course especially has so many steps and takes so
much advanced preparation I almost never make it. It's been forever since I last
did."

"A year," Vegeta smirked.

The contents of their dinner finally registered for him and he stared at Vegeta
in wide-eyed surprise. "A year?" he whispered. "Vegeta…" That would explain why
he had chosen to make these particular dishes. Goku had never been good with
dates, but how could he have forgotten this one?

"Sorry, but I didn't make the dessert. The old busybody took care of that for
me."

"You remembered?" he breathed, stunned.

"Didn't you?" Vegeta had the beginnings of a satisfied smile.

Goku shook his head. "No, I kind of lost track," he said apologetically.

Vegeta grinned and let him off the hook, "So did I. But you wrote the date in
your cookbook…followed by many hearts and smiling faces. And my seal."

"You're never going to let me hear the end of that, are you?" Goku blushed.

"Nope," he said, rising from his chair and moving to stand next to him.

Goku looked up at him curiously, wondering just what the prince had in mind. He
watched as Vegeta smirked and dipped his finger in the remnants of whipped cream
from the plate, bringing it to Goku's lips. Goku touched it with the tip of his
tongue, delicately licking away the sweetness. Vegeta smiled at him and bent to
tease him with a much too swift kiss. Goku reached for his prince, intending to
draw him back, but Vegeta drew away, wrapping his hand around Goku's wrist. Goku
allowed himself to be tugged out of his chair and guided until his back was
against the wall.

They grinned at each other, Vegeta continuing to hold his wrist with one hand.
Using the other to tangle in his hair, he drew Goku down for a leisurely,
completely carnal kiss. After long minutes he finally drew away.

"Why did you stop?" Goku asked, remembering the moment when his entire life had
changed.

"I thought it was a good idea to stop before you passed out from lack of
oxygen."

Goku chuckled and curled his arms around Vegeta's waist, drawing them together
until their bodies were touching. "Has it really been a year?"

Vegeta shrugged. "A little longer…but close enough."

"You did all this," Goku gestured towards the table, "for me?" He didn't think
it was a good idea to mention this was something Chichi would have done to be
romantic. It was nice to know Vegeta could be just as thoughtful if he wanted
to. He grinned with amusement as he detected the faint hint of Vegeta's cheeks
heating - he had caught the prince making a 'gesture'.

"I had to eat too," Vegeta said lamely.

"I never would have thought of it - or imagined you'd do something like this. I
like it," Goku said, kissing him, deciding it was better to acknowledge the
special effort even if it did embarrass Vegeta a little. "It's very romantic."

Vegeta made a little groan, "Oh GodS, please don't tell the Namek that."

Goku chuckled. He really had caught the prince out. "You are so amazing," he
said, brushing fingertips over Vegeta's firm jaw. "After everything you've been
through and all the terrible things--"

Vegeta interrupted him, placing his fingers over Goku's lips. "Those were old
lives, long gone - some were good and some were bad. They're not forgotten, but
they don't control me. What matters now is this life. And I fully intend to
enjoy it."

Goku experienced a surge of emotion hearing the prince's words. It still amazed
him how much Vegeta could make him feel with a simple word or gesture. "Vegeta,
I…" he began, not even knowing how to communicate all the passion he felt for
his prince.

"Hush," Vegeta said, beginning to slowly unbutton the front of Goku's shirt,
"You talk too much, trying to tell me things I already know. No more talking…"
He kissed the hollow of Goku's now exposed throat. "Groaning and whimpering is
acceptable," he said, his voice a deep rumble as Vegeta began kissing a path
down his chest. "And panting. I really enjoy your panting."

Goku couldn't help but oblige, a wordless cry escaping unbidden when Vegeta's
tongue slid over his breastbone, sending a pleasant shiver through him that
reached straight through to his heart.

"Much better," Vegeta purred, tugging the last of the buttons open, sliding his
fingertips over Goku's side in a long smooth stroke. Goku moved his arms, about
to slide out of the shirt, but Vegeta caught it and pulled it back, using his
hold on the fabric to draw Goku's head down. "Leave it on," he whispered before
demanding a kiss, the intensity leaving Goku breathless.

Vegeta drew back and gave him wry smirk, his eyes traveling down to Goku's
already obvious erection. He brushed his hand over it, chuckling at Goku's gasp
before moving it to remove his pants. Goku moaned in relief as well as
frustration when he realized his growing belly now prevented him from seeing
everything Vegeta was doing. He felt the air hit his skin, giving him goosebumps
as Vegeta slowly slid his clothing down, exposing more and more of his flesh.
They puddled around his ankles and he started to lift a foot to remove them
entirely, but Vegeta stopped him.

"Leave them," he said.

Goku raised an eyebrow in question.

"Keeps you from getting away," he smirked.

"I'm not going anywhere," Goku whispered.

Vegeta grinned and leaned forward, catching his collar again to pull his head
down for another kiss. "I know," he said when he finally released him, stepping
back just enough to eye Goku appraisingly. "I think I want you sitting down -
right there. Leave your clothes on."

Goku looked at him curiously before nodding a smile and slid down the wall,
taking Vegeta's hand to help him down.

Vegeta grinned down at his disheveled looking mate. His refusal to let Kakarott
remove his clothing completely made him look even more enticing. His white shirt
spread open, exposing his chest and belly and his jeans tangled around his
calves and ankles, limiting his range of motion. He was tilted back against the
wall, arms supporting him, legs splayed, his erection a tempting display.

"Very nice," Vegata purred. "I like you like this."

"You're still dressed," Kakarott said petulantly.

"You're talking," he chided.

Kakarott shrugged and made a lopsided grin before releasing a loud, completely
artificial pant.

Vegeta snorted in amusement and began unbuckling his belt. Kakarott's eyes were
riveted to his hands as he slowly released each button, teasing his mate with
inch by exposed inch of skin. Before pushing his jeans down past his hips, he
turned his back on his mate, grinning back at him over his shoulder. With an
efficient sway and shimmy they quickly crumpled down around his ankles.

"See something you like?" he purred, moving seductively, teasing Kakarott. The
tail of his still-buttoned shirt hid and revealed his ass, his hard cock still
out of view of his mate.

"Not enough," Kakarott growled.

"Impatient. Chatty," Vegeta teased, bending to dig through the pockets of his
discarded jeans. "Damn it," he grumbled, turning to face his mate. "Lube?" he
asked.

Kakarott shook his head, staring at him with wide eyes.

"Damn it," he grumbled. "Stay there!" he commanded, leaving the room. "Don't
move."

"I can't!" Kakarott called back, "Between the pants and the hard-on I'm stuck!"

Vegeta guffawed. A year ago Kakarott wouldn't have even said 'hard-on' out loud
let alone admit having one. "Good. Stay that way."

"Like I have a choice," he heard Kakarott mutter as he rooted through a drawer
in their bedroom. He returned a moment later, tube in hand. He paused in the
doorway a moment to admire the view; Kakarott's eyes were closed and he was
slowly stroking himself.

"Starting without me?" he asked with a grin.

Kakarott smirked back, "You took too long."

"You're just spoiled," he replied, settling on his mate's legs.

"And whose fault is that?" Kakarott teased, slipping his hand underneath the
tail of Vegeta's shirt.

Vegeta sighed theatrically and handed Kakarott the lube. "Mine, unfortunately.
It appears I have created a monster."

"A horny one, too."

Vegeta had no real response to that one, so he leaned forward, capturing
Kakarott's lips. His mate practically melted under him, returning the kiss with
passionate enthusiasm. Kakarott's curled fingers teased him, gliding over his
skin under the confines of his shirt.

Vegeta's own hands were busy exploring; trailing sparks of ki as he traced the
muscles of Kakarott's shoulders and chest. He slipped his hand behind,
fingertips barely touching the sensitive tailspot of his mate. Kakarott froze
for a moment in anticipation, gasping with pleasure when Vegeta relented and
sent a wave of ki flowing through him.

"Do that again," Kakarott demanded, curling his fingers into the neck of
Vegeta's shirt in order to pull him back down for another carnal kiss. Vegeta
obliged, sending a spike of ki through his mate as their tongues touched.
Kakarott groaned.

"You better put that lube to use soon," Vegeta warned.

Kakarott hesitated, "For you?"

He snorted, "Of course for me. You don't think I'd put stress on your body by
fucking you on the kitchen floor, do you?"

Kakarott shrugged and grinned, opening the tube. "What are we going to do when I
get big?"

"We'll be creative," he said, shifting to make it easier for his mate to reach
his entrance. "There are lots of positions we haven't tried yet."

"Good," Kakarott said, teasing fingers just brushing over skin, "I'm already
having problems fitting into clothes."

Vegeta chuckled, nipping at his ear, "So don't wear any."

"Oh, you'd like that wouldn't you? Bare-assed and pregnant."

"Easy access," he grinned. "I-" He broke off with a pleased groan as his mate's
finger slipped inside, reaching unerringly for the bundle of pleasure nerves.

"Too bad it can't happen to you," Kakarott said, continuing his teasing, "I'd
like to see you bare-assed and pregnant."

"You'll have to settle for bare-assed," he gasped as his mate momentarily eased
up on his preparations. "GodS, Kakarott, why are you taking so long? Hurry up
and-" He was interrupted again by a hand stroking his cock, wringing a long
shuddering moan from his throat.

He braced a hand on the wall, trying desperately not to collapse. He closed his
eyes in frustrated pleasure, fully aware Kakarott was smirking at him, drinking
in every changing expression as he was tormented with his mate's much too slow
preparations.

He felt he was ready - hell he was well past ready - but still Kakarott
continued with strokes that were much too slow and gentle.

"Damn it," he growled, patience gone. "Hurry up and fuck me."

Kakarott grinned, "Not until I'm ready."

Vegeta curled a hand around his mate's erection and gave a gentle, but warning
squeeze. "If you were any more ready you'd have come already."

Kakarott's reply was a breathless laugh as he arched up into Vegeta's hand.

"Give me that!" Vegeta demanded, snatching up the lube. In a smooth motion he
flipped open the lid, squeezed some into his hand, and coated Kakarott's
erection with it. He lowered himself on his cock, teeth bared in pleasure at
Kakarott's strangled cry.

Kakarott's hands went to his hips to control his movement, but he batted them
away, rising up and lowering himself back down in a hard fast thrust. Bracing
his hands against the wall, leaning over his mate, he built to a near frenzy of
need as he rode Kakarott's cock.

Kakarott gripped the collar of Vegeta's shirt, jerking him down, their teeth
grating together as they met for a desperate kiss, tongues tasting and
demanding. With his other hand, his mate's fingers curled around his cock, firm
strokes stopping it from bobbing with each thrust.

His arms were beginning to shake as he fought to hold himself up. Kakarott was
moaning constantly, the sound changing pitch in time with Vegeta's own grunts
each time he buried his mate's cock deep inside. Just when he thought he
couldn't feel any more pleasure, Kakarott bit his lip, drawing blood, and a
scream ripped its way out of his throat as he came, his mate echoing the sound.

TBC