Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Birth of a Prince ❯ Birthday Party ( Chapter 30 )

Part 30 Birthday Party

Part A

The day of Goten's fourth birthday dawned bright, hot and sunny. A sizeable relief to Bulma who had dreaded throwing a party with such guests inside. The whole gang was invited naturally. There was a surprising lack of children involved for a four year old's party; well not really so surprising when you considered that Goten and Trunks had only ever played with each other. But everyone invited was fond of the young Goku clone, and it was a good excuse to get the entire gang together.

Arrangements had been made with two catering companies who would stagger their efforts in keeping the buffet full. When you planned a party in which two full blooded Saiyjins and four demi-Saiyjins were to attend, you had to think of every scenario. There would be no running out of food this time; no excuse for Vegeta, Goku and Gohan to offer to go hunting. Bulma grinned at the memory.

She stirred, stretching, and noting the lack of Vegeta warming her bed. He hadn't been here much lately, she mused. Of course, they both tended to run hot and cold, one reason they had separate rooms, but…oh…Sage. She abruptly remembered her youngest. Tying a robe haphazardly around her slight form, she hurried down the hall to Vegeta's room.

She opened the door to quiet breathing. Vegeta was curled protectively around Sage, who was sleeping peacefully, not coughing nor struggling to breathe. Bulma sighed in relief as she gently felt the relatively cool forehead of her youngest son. Last night had been frightening. Bulma hadn't even known that Goku and Goten had arrived, she had been so distracted by Sage's illness. At one point in the afternoon, a damp Vegeta had arrived in her lab asking for the medicine she had tried to give Sage earlier. She had given it to him, and asked fearfully for an update. He was doing better, she had been told. He thought he could get some of the medicine down him now that he had calmed down and Kakkarott was there to help. That had surprised Bulma, but then she remembered that Goku was coming over to spar. He must have gone looking for Vegeta and found him and Sage and in true Goku fashion, stayed to help.

When she had checked on them later, Goku had gone, and Vegeta was coaxing Sage to drink a strangely colored liquid from one of his bottles. When she asked him about it, he replied that it was breast milk and blood. After she fought her initial revulsion down, Bulma admitted to herself that it made sense. Both fluids had protective antibodies, and high nutrition levels. But she wasn't sure she ever wanted to see it again.

Bulma turned and left the room quietly. They had probably been up most of the night, judging from the dampness still in the room. She frowned, and walked back in, into the bathroom. On the counter was one of her mother's jars of mixed herbs…half empty. She examined the label and her eyes widened. Why hadn't she thought of that? The number of times she had used it herself….shit. She felt like such a moron…and such a failure. The sad part was that she knew that Vegeta didn't know anything about herbs, much less her mother's herbs, and he had still managed to figure it out. She set the jar back down. She should be happy that one of them managed to have a functioning brain yesterday. Kudos' to Vegeta for being the one. It just seemed that every time Sage needed something, Vegeta was the only one able to give it to him; starting from his birth. Bulma sighed and walked back out of the room. Get over it Bulma, she thought to herself. You wanted Vegeta to be a more involved parent…now he is and you're griping about it.

She passed by Trunks' room, and heard faint yelps issuing from within. She opened the door, and grinned at the two boys; Goten flat on his back on the floor with Trunks perched on his stomach singing "Happy Birthday to Goten" and tickling his best friend. Goten shrieked and yelped as Trunks tickled him again.

"Hey you two," she greeted the two young demi-Saiyjins.

"Morning Mama," said Trunks cheerfully.

"Trunks, is that any way to treat the birthday boy?" asked Bulma in mock sternness.

"Sure Mama, I was just singing Happy Birthday to him," said Trunks innocently as Goten grunted and tried to push him off his stomach.

"Well why don't you get off of him so he can tell me what he wants for breakfast. It's his birthday after all, he gets to pick."

Goten's face fell. "But Bulma-san…"he hesitated.

"What is it sweetheart?"

"I wanted…I wanted Trunks' Grandma to make breakfast." The boy blushed and refused to meet her eyes. Bulma smiled. "What, you don't like my cooking?" She put on her best insulted air. Goten looked scared. She gently caught his chin and turned his face to hers.

"Goten, if that is what you want on your birthday, that is what you'll get."

His dark eyes lit up. "Really?"

She nodded. "Really and truly. You think I don't know that my mother is a better cook than I am?"

Goten blushed again.

"You still need to tell me though, so I can tell my Mom."

Happy now, that delighted Son smile firmly in place, Goten placed his order with Bulma. As she followed the exuberant boys down the stairs to the kitchen she couldn't help but laugh. Today was going to be a good day after all. She would make sure of it.

Vegeta awoke to the delectable smell of frying meat and sweet bread. He stretched lazily, glancing down at his sleeping son. Sage's fever had broken sometime during the quiet hours before dawn; his cough quieting soon after.

He should sleep for awhile yet, thought Vegeta, as he carefully rose and padded to the bathroom. A quick and cool shower later (he'd had quite enough of hot water for awhile) he returned to the bedroom and dressed. He briefly considered waking Sage and taking him downstairs with him, but decided against it. That sleeping face was so peaceful; Vegeta hadn't the heart to disturb it. He gently brushed spiky bangs away from Sage's forehead, and then headed for the kitchen and breakfast.

His stomach rumbled noisily; had he even eaten last night? He couldn't remember, but he suspected that he hadn't. Kami he was hungry!

No sooner had he entered the kitchen and assumed his place at the table then a platter with two extremely large, extremely rare steaks was set in front of him. He looked up, slightly surprised.

"Trunks told us you were on your way down," said Bulma, a hint of amusement in her voice. "That was plenty of time for Mom to fix your steaks the way you like them."

He murmured his thanks before attacking his food with a neatness that belied his hunger.

"You must be starving," commented Bulma. "Mom said you never came down for dinner last night."

"I guess I didn't then," replied Vegeta absently around a mouthful of bloody beef. He nodded his thanks again to the onna's mother who set down a heaping plate of scrambled eggs with cheese and ham by his plate. Onion too, thought Vegeta, by the smell of it. And then again, when she set a stack of French toast and bacon beside it.

He glanced at the onna, and she grinned back at him. "Goten's request for his birthday breakfast."

Vegeta swallowed, and looked at the youngest Son who was still eating steadily at his stack of French toast. "Good choice, boy," he said approvingly, and went back to his food.

"Where's Sage, tousan?" asked Trunks. "Is he still sick?"

"Sage is still sleeping, and no, I don't think he's still sick Trunks. He is very tired though. He worked very hard last night to get well."

"So he can still come to the party, right?" This from Goten who looked concerned.

"He probably will, yes."

Goten smiled that classic Son smile that made Vegeta's heart leap into his throat for just a moment…a heartbeat. Kami….he looks just like his father. Vegeta blinked. Goten was prattling on, blissfully unaware of the ouji's thoughts.

"Oh good, I'm glad. It wouldn't seem like it was complete if Sage couldn't come. `Sides, he hates to miss stuff…he'd be pretty mad if he didn't get to go."

Vegeta raised a heavy brow in surprise. He hadn't known that his youngest son's temperament was that well known. The boy was undoubtedly correct however, trying to keep Sage away from a crowd of people was just begging for a tantrum. Especially, he thought suddenly, since Sage was certain to know that his Baka was there. After last night's events, Sage was always going to know when Kakkarott was around. Kami, the brat might even be able to call him, through the blood-bond that they now shared. This could get complicated. Fuck, swore Vegeta internally…that bitch better mess up soon. One way or another, this needs to be resolved.

His ears perked suddenly as he felt, rather than heard Sage beginning to stir upstairs. He started to get up, but Bulma laid a hand on his arm.

"Sage?" she queried.

He nodded.

"Let me," she smiled. "You finish your breakfast."

He thought to protest, but why? She was his mother after all. He nodded and she left the room.

Sage wiggled around, his head moving, nuzzling in search of his Tou'tan. He could smell him, but he wasn't there anymore. The chibi opened bleary eyes and looked around; reaching out through his bond with his father, but Tou'tan wasn't nearby. He sighed. It was such an effort just to roll over, he couldn't contemplate actually gathering his strength and yelling for someone. Maybe he'd just go back to sleep. He shivered. But he was chilly with no one to snuggle up with, and besides he was hungry too. He rose to his hands and knees, rocking slightly. His ears twitched…there were footsteps coming down the hall. Light and small, they didn't sound like Tou'tan….they weren't. He smiled anyway, Mama.

"Good morning little prince," she cooed at him. She picked him up gently, cuddling him. "How are you feeling?"

Sage laid his head on her shoulder and sighed, closing his eyes briefly. Bulma held him close to her, treasuring the warmth and contentment he seemed to radiate. She took him to the nursery and proceeded to change and dress him lightly in CC bibs and a blood red short sleeved onsie. She carefully groomed his small flame of hair, smiling as he purred in response to her touch. She repressed the urge to reach for a brush, a comb, remembering all too clearly the howls of pain she had wrought from her small son unintentionally. Vegeta had been right of course, Sage's hair didn't really tangle, the little bit that it did was easily straightened by gentle finger combing. She found herself relaxing somewhat as she rubbed his scalp, mimicking motions she had seen Vegeta use. Her son's purr deepened.

"Are you hungry, my chibi prince?" she asked him.

His eyes popped open from their contented, half-lidded state, and he looked at her as though asking if she were completely stupid, of course he was hungry. He emphasized the look by demanding, "More!" in an imperious tone of voice. She chuckled and gathered him up, nuzzling the crease in his neck and inhaling the sweet scent of her son.

Vegeta already had a bottle waiting when she arrived in the kitchen. She took it from him, silently hoping that Sage wasn't going to be difficult about who was feeding him. To her relief, he accepted the bottle, draining it quickly. She turned back to Vegeta, expecting him to hand her another, but he was apparently absorbed in his breakfast. She felt a small tug on her pants, and looked down into sapphire eyes. Trunks held up a bottle for her, clearly proud of himself. She discovered why a second later.

"I warmed it myself Mama!" he told her gleefully.

"Thank you Trunks, you did a very good job!" she replied, ruffling his hair. He had too; the bottle was at the perfect temperature for Sage's preferences. She looked back at her eldest son, wondering when he had gotten so big…so much older than she had realized. He was nearly five…she was going to have to give in soon to Vegeta's insistence regarding his training. She was loathe to do it though; somehow it would make Trunks less…hers. It was bad enough that Sage didn't seem to be hers at all, but to lose Trunks…she mentally smacked herself. Trunks starting training wouldn't cause her to lose him….it just seemed that way; giving Vegeta one more advantage over her as a parent.

Damnit that was NO way to think! She blinked as Sage tossed his empty bottle overboard, and wriggled, demanding "MORE!" Another tug on her pants, and Goten handed her a bottle; again warmed to perfection. The shy smile on his face told her that he had prepared it himself. She rubbed his hair, and thanked him, watching with a smile as he bounded off with Trunks. Ok, she thought as she gave Sage his final bottle…it's time to get things going with the party. People should start arriving in a few hours; she had a TON of stuff to do.

Sage finished his final bottle with a loud belch, and immediately started screeching "More Tou'tan!!!" Bulma sighed a little sadly, even though she was frankly relieved since she had so much to do. She handed their son to Vegeta, and looked away as the younger Vegeta promptly sank his teeth into his father's wrist. His father's eyes closed briefly, Bulma supposed in pain, but the expression on his face didn't seem indicative of pain…it looked almost…blissful. She grimaced…yet another thing for her to be jealous of…though to be honest she didn't think she could actually handle it. The sight of Sage actually drinking his father's blood gave her the willies; she couldn't imagine actually LETTING him do it to her. She leaned over and kissed her son, murmuring a quiet, "See you later little prince," and she left to begin setting up the party.

A few hours later, most of the guests had arrived, including the rest of the Sons. Chichi seemed perfectly happy, blending in with the guests, talking and laughing. Trunks and Goten were running around, ducking in and around people, under tables, and basically having a blast. She moved over towards the buffet table, with the intention of checking on the beverage situation when…

"Oi, Bulma!!!" She turned around at the familiar voice.

"Krillen!!" He hugged her fiercely. "It's good to see you, and you too 18," she nodded politely at the enhanced human who was sporting an extremely pregnant belly. Bulma eyed it nervously."

"Wow…when are you due?"

"Two weeks," was the even reply.

Bulma looked at her long-time friend. He was grinning from ear to ear. "She wanted to see your little one, kind of get an idea of what to expect," he explained.

Bulma laughed. "I don't think you can judge what your baby will be like by Sage," she said, still chuckling. "I'm not sure where he is right now, but if you find Vegeta, you're pretty sure to find Sage."

Krillen raised an eyebrow. "Vegeta's taking care of the baby? Bulma, are you feeling ok?"

Bulma grimaced. "I can see you've been out of the loop Krillen," she said "living way out there on Master Roshi's island. Trust me, when you see them together, you'll understand."

"Well ok, if you say so," Krillen's voice was doubtful. He turned to his wife, who was already scanning the crowd looking for Vegeta.

She spotted him easily, standing a little way apart from the crowd, leaning back against the wall of the CC building, arms folded, his perpetual scowl firmly in place on his face, russet tail tip curled lightly against his thigh. 18 watched for a moment as it twitched back and forth slightly, then turned to her husband and said, "Come on Krillen," before heading off towards Vegeta herself.

Krillen managed a hasty good bye to Bulma before he hurried after his wife. The last thing this party needed was a fight between a pregnant 18 and the Saiyjin prince.

Vegeta stood back and watched the party, his inner satisfaction not showing on his face. Although he would never admit it, he kind of enjoyed having the Z fighters around. At least he wasn't alone with Kakkarott. Kakkarott. He sighed inaudibly. He could see the taller Saiyjin deep in conversation with that old pervert, Roshi. He suddenly straightened, and turned his head, catching the ouji's eye. Vegeta met his gaze steadily, ignoring the thumping in his chest. A current like lightning ran through Vegeta's body, causing his tail to thrash in agitation. He was pleased to notice that Kakkarott's tail was just as out of control as his own. The two men held the other's gaze for a moment more, then Kakkarott turned away. Vegeta was relieved. His determination to wait for the younger man to make his decision was sorely tested by that little display. He didn't notice as 18 approached him until she asked him point blank, "Where is the baby?"

He blinked at her. A pregnant 18 was something he had never thought he'd see. Though he knew that she had married Baldy, hell he'd been at the wedding, a gravid android wasn't something he was prepared to face. Former android, he reminded himself automatically.

"Why do you want to know," he frowned.

A panting Krillen slid to a stop beside Vegeta and his wife. "She just wants to see him Vegeta…she's never really been around children let alone babies before." Vegeta stared at him, almost not recognizing him underneath the mop of black hair atop his formerly bald head. Then he shrugged.

"Last I knew, Kakkarott's oldest brat had him."

"You don't even know where your baby is?" said Krillen disbelievingly.

Vegeta looked down at him. "I ALWAYS know where he is," he said in a dangerous voice. "And I know he is with Gohan, and that he is perfectly fine and happy. Satisfied Baldy?"

"Ok ok, "said Krillen, his hands up in a pacifying manner. "I believe you…where is Gohan?"

Vegeta pushed himself up off the wall, tail twitching slightly before winding slowly around his waist. "Find him yourself." And he walked away.

Krillen stared after him. Then he snorted. "Vegeta never changes."

"Of course he does," replied his wife. "He has. He has a tail. He didn't have one before, did he?"

Krillen stared at 18 in disbelief. Then he turned to look at the retreating back of the Saiyjin prince. Yes, there it was…a reddish-brown tail curled around his waist. How had he MISSED that? "Oh Kami-sama," he groaned.

His wife glanced at him irritably. "Come on, let's find Gohan."

Gohan meanwhile was talking animatedly to Piccolo, while bouncing a delighted Sage behind him within the coils of his tail. Piccolo was finding himself distracted by the squealing chibi and finally asked Gohan to stop. He had never seen the baby up close; well actually, he'd never paid attention to the child up close, so Gohan introduced them.

"Piccolo, this is Briefs Vegeta," said Gohan formally…grinning slightly as he held up the chibi. Sage looked coolly at the Namek, thumb in his mouth, tail tip curled around his hand. "Everyone calls him Sage though. His chibi name…Trunks gave it to him."

Piccolo looked into the dark eyes of Vegeta's youngest son, and barely heard Gohan introducing him to the chibi.

"Sage, this is Piccolo-sama. He's my teacher and my best friend."

"You talk as though he can understand what you say," said Piccolo, not taking his even gaze from Sage's level one.

"Oh he does Piccolo. Don't you chukra?" He grinned as he gently stroked the blue-black tail. Sage smiled slightly, his thumb still in his mouth, his eyes never leaving Piccolo's.

I'll be damned, thought Piccolo. He does understand. And that power of his…he has a good deal of control for such a young infant.

"He looks like his father," commented Piccolo. At that, the thumb popped out of Sage's mouth as he smiled, and he reached up, his little hand a blur as it closed gently around one of Piccolo's antennas.

Gohan's eyes widened. He had no idea if Piccolo was sensitive in that area; if the grasp of the chibi was painful…his frantic thoughts were interrupted as Piccolo calmly asked him to hand Sage to him. Gohan complied, and watched in amusement as Sage sat easily in Piccolo's hand, tail wrapped around the large wrist, fingers still gently grasping the Namek's antenna.

"I want you to let go Sage," Piccolo's deep voice was firm. "You could hurt me very badly if you squeezed too hard." Sage's eyes widened, and he released his grasp. "Thank you," said Piccolo, smiling slightly.

"More," said Sage, grinning.

"No," replied the Namek, grinning slightly in spite of himself. "No more Sage."

Gohan was smiling in obvious relief when Krillen and 18 found their way to the happy trio.

"Hey Gohan," greeted Krillen slapping the young demi-Saiyjin on the back.

"How's it going Krillen?" replied Gohan with a smile. Krillen may have been his father's best friend, but the two had been close ever since Namek.

"It's been busy," said Krillen, pointedly looking at 18. Gohan followed his gaze and blinked in surprise. A pregnant 18. Wow. She was staring at Sage intently. He was ignoring her in favor of Piccolo.

"She wanted to see the baby up close," whispered Krillen to Gohan. "I don't think she's ever actually seen one. I think she's a little nervous about the birth."

Gohan nodded. He could see how that could be a problem.

"Does she want to hold him?" he asked Krillen. Before he could answer, he put his hands up, "I'm not promising anything, but if she wants to try, I can see if Sage is willing."

Krillen smiled in relief. "Thanks bro, I'll ask her." He approached his wife, murmuring something quietly. Something that almost looked like a smile passed over her face and was gone. She nodded. Krillen turned back to Gohan and gave him the thumbs up.

Gohan nodded and crossed to stand in front of Piccolo. "Hey Sage, c'mere," he said, holding his arms out for the chibi. "I've got someone I want you to meet." Sage looked at him and frowned. "C'mon Sage, please?" asked Gohan. He twitched his tail at the chibi invitingly. Krillen nearly fainted; Gohan too? he thought to himself.

Sage looked back at Piccolo, and then unwrapped his tail from the Namek's wrist and held his hands out to Gohan, who took the little prince into his arms. Sage twitched his tail nervously, then returned it to his hand and resumed his thumb sucking.

Krillen stared openly at the baby Gohan was holding. He looked EXACTLY like Vegeta, right down to the scowl. The tail was slightly different…hold on...ANOTHER tail? "Uh Gohan," he asked carefully. "What's with all the tails?"

Gohan looked at Krillen, and then glanced back over his shoulder at his own thick dark brown appendage. "Oh," he shrugged. "They all grew back. Except Sage's of course. He was born with his, and Vegeta didn't allow it to be removed like Trunks' was."

Krillen blinked. His brain did some rapid calculations and came to a terrifying conclusion. "Uh Gohan…didn't somebody wish the moon back?"

"Yes." Gohan's reply was unconcerned.

"Um, you DO remember what happens during a full moon, don't you?"

To his surprise, Gohan laughed. "Don't sweat it Krillen, Vegeta taught Dad to control it, and he's been teaching me and Goten too. You won't see any giant were-apes running amok this time. So," he turned to 18. "Do you want to hold him?"

To be continued….

Part 31 Birthday Party

Part B

"I would like that," replied 18.

"Sage," Gohan asked the chibi. "Would you like to go and see 18? She is going to have a baby very soon, and would like to hold you. She is Krillen's wife, and he is my father's best friend."

At the mention of Goku, Sage perked up, and pulled his thumb out of his mouth with an audible `pop.' He looked at Krillen, and then turned his face upwards so he was looking at Gohan's face from below and asked, "Baka?"

Krillen face-vaulted and even 18 blinked. Gohan smiled. "Yes, he's Baka's best friend. Would you like to go and see 18? I bet you can feel the baby."

Sage considered, looking appraisingly at the former android and her rotund belly that protruded in sharp relief from her slight frame. He looked back at Gohan and said quietly, "More."

Gohan, correctly interpreting Sage's request assured the chibi that he would stay right here. Sage looked back at 18, and hesitantly held his arms out to her. She smiled faintly, and took the chibi from Gohan's arms, holding him for a moment at arms length.

"Here," said Gohan, approaching her and showing her how to hold Sage comfortably. Sage leaned over and rested two small palms on the belly presented below him. A sharp, visible movement from within caused him to screech in surprise as his hands were bounced from their resting place.

"There's a baby in there Sage," said Gohan soothingly. "She just kicked, that's all." Sage looked at Gohan, and then at 18, puzzlement clear on his small face.

Gohan laughed. "I don't think he quite gets it."

"Gohan," came the cool voice of the former android. "How old is Sage?"

"He's just over two months old," replied Gohan. "But Saiyjins develop more quickly than humans do, so you shouldn't use him as a barometer for what your baby would be doing at two months."

"So him talking is not normal for human babies?" she queried.

"Yeah, they usually don't say their first words for another eight or nine months."

She nodded, acknowledging his response.

Sage reached up and patted her face curiously. She gazed intently at his face, noting just how much he looked like Vegeta. He gently tugged her hair, and cocked his head to the side to regard her solemnly. Sage started visibly, when Krillen, recovered from his face vault, and helped to his feet by Piccolo, tickled him in his ribs. He giggled and kicked, causing 18 to hold him away from her, in an instinctive movement that protected her gravid belly from his feet.

"So Gohan," said Krillen, tickling Sage's feet, and eliciting a squeal of laughter from the chibi. "How long has Sage been talking, and why does he call your father `Baka'?"

Gohan laughed. "Three guesses Krillen," he said, looking across the crowd at Vegeta. "Don't worry though, Dad's actually thrilled. Don't let it get around, but Sage said Baka before Tou'tan."

The two friends laughed together, but even as he found the situation undeniably hilarious, Krillen had to wonder at the sudden closeness between the Saiyjin prince and the Sons. His thoughts were interrupted by his wife's calm voice.

"Stop tickling me with that tail."

He looked over in time to see her grab the wiggling appendage firmly in her hand. Sage's eyes widened and he screeched a single syllable, "BA…." before seeming to faint, eyes half-lidded as he slumped over in his wife's grasp.

Before any of them could react, there was a blur in front of 18. A furious Goku removed 18's hand from Sage's tail and swept the baby into his arms, crooning soothingly as he glared daggers at the lot of them.

"What the HELL do you think you were doing?" he hissed at 18 who took a step back from the enraged Saiyjin who was flickering dangerously golden around the edges. "He's just a BABY for fuck's sake!"

He didn't wait for an answer before turning on Gohan, Piccolo and Krillen. "And you three, you KNOW what happens when a Saiyjin's tail is grabbed too brutally, and Sage's is still very soft, very susceptible to damage." He turned enraged eyes on his son. "Do I need to grab YOUR tail to remind you?" he asked dangerously.

Gohan backed up, holding his hands up in front of him, tail lashing behind him before curling nervously around his waist. "Dad, I swear, I didn't know she was going to do it!"

"You should have warned her before you let her hold the baby," he replied, eyes still flashing angrily.

He was stopped from continuing his rant by a soft hand on his chin. "Baka, more Tou'tan," whimpered the chibi softly, tears of pain running down his face.

Goku glared at the four of them, Krillen and 18 still had stunned looks on their faces; Piccolo looked thoughtfully back at him; and Gohan looked fearfully resigned. "This isn't finished," he stated, and stalked off through the crowd, straight for Vegeta.

Krillen was the first to find his voice. "What the hell just happened?" he wondered. Gohan sighed, and began to explain…dreading what would happen when Vegeta found out.

Vegeta of course already knew. He had known the instant those cold fingers closed around his son's thickening tail. He simply wasn't as fast as Kakkarott and that damnable teleportation technique. By the time he had turned around to rush through the crowd to get to his son, Kakkarott was already there, and had removed Sage from the painful situation. Vegeta considered joining them, he was worried about Sage, but he was enjoying the looks of abject fear on Krillen, 18 and Gohan's faces. And he knew Sage was in good hands; Kakkarott after all was his bond-father.

He didn't blame Kakkarott's brat or the Namek; he knew perfectly well that the androids had been programmed with full information about Saiyjin physiology. With the exception of the Super Saiyjin transformation, they had to know just about everything there was to know about killing a Saiyjin. However, since she wasn't technically an android anymore, he wasn't sure just how much of that knowledge she retained. Still, he growled under his breath, if only she wasn't pregnant. He just might have to take some of his anger out on Baldy instead.

He looked up from his angry musings in time to see Kakkarott stop in front of him, a whimpering Sage wrapped tightly around his neck. He was dismayed to see that instead of curling around a protruding body part like it usually did, Sage's blue-black tail hung limply across his bond-father's arm.

He held his hands out, "Give me my son, and come with me." The younger Saiyjin, still seething with anger, obeyed.

They walked into the kitchen of the main house, Vegeta intending to use the table there, but it was already occupied with Goten's huge birthday cake that Bulma's mother was putting the finishing touches on. She thankfully didn't see them, as they passed her and continued on to the gravity room. Without being asked, Goku closed and locked the door behind them, and followed Vegeta to a corner where he pushed a button and a shelf extended from the wall.

"I need you to hold him still Kakkarott, this is going to hurt him. I need to check his tail over, and make sure it is not damaged."

Goku nodded, and gently turned the baby over on to his stomach, crooning to him in soft Saiyjino. Vegeta unsnapped the legs on his son's overalls and carefully, very carefully pulled his son's tail free from the hole in the backside of the denim. Sage whimpered, but did not move as Kakkarott held him firmly but gently still.

Pushing the legs of the overalls out of his way, Vegeta delicately pulled the small tail straight, and starting at the base, felt meticulously down the length. Sage's whimpers turned to cries, then screams, as Vegeta deftly pushed a soft bone back into place, tears in his eyes at his son's pain. He looked up and nodded at Kakkarott, whose eyes were wet as well, and together they cradled the screaming baby until his sobs quieted, and he slept, exhausted from the sheer intensity of his experience.

"Will he be ok?" whispered Goku, not wanting to wake the sleeping prince whose face was even, in sleep still contorted in pain.

Vegeta was rummaging around in one of the drawers by the shelf. Finding what he was searching for, he turned to Kakkarott, and replied, "Hai, there is no permanent damage. She just slightly dislocated one of the bones." He motioned for the taller Saiyjin to turn the baby around, and he dexterously wrapped a length of strong gauze around the spot on his son's tail that he had treated to hold the bone in place. Tying it off, he began to snap the legs of Sage's bibs back up, then stopped, thinking better of it. Instead, he removed them entirely, not wanting to thread the tail through the hole intended for it. Sage's tail would be tender for a while, and the less it was handled the better.

"Actually the fact that it hurt him so much is a good sign; none of the nerves were damaged."

Goku growled under his breath, "I swear, if she weren't pregnant, she'd be a smear on the ground right now."

Vegeta grinned faintly. He very much enjoyed this side of the gentle Saiyjin. "Hai Kakkarott, but she is. And it was an accident, for all intents and purposes. I doubt she meant to hurt him since she went through all that trouble just to see the little brat. However," and his eyes narrowed at the memory of his son's recent pain. "I agree with you. Don't blame your son Kakkarott; you know he would have done anything to prevent what happened."

"True," Goku acknowledged. He looked at the Saiyjin prince, desire flooding through him all of a sudden. He abruptly turned away. Can't give in, he thought to himself. He made it very plain what had to happen first. He took a deep breath and turned back to Vegeta, who was watching him with something like amusement in his eyes. "We should return to the party Vegeta, do you want me to put Sage to bed?"

Vegeta shook his head. "No, he'll want to be close to someone when he wakes. I'll put him in the carry pouch. Come on."

Goku followed the short Saiyjin out of the gravity room and down the hall where Vegeta grabbed the carry-pouch from its hook. He started to put it on, but Goku stopped him.

"Let me, please?" he asked quietly.

Vegeta stopped, about to refuse, when he saw the look in Kakkarott's eyes. And he reminded himself again that the younger Saiyjin had a parent-child bond with his chibi. He nodded, and handed the carry-pouch to him, taking the chibi so that Kakkarott could tie the pouch on.

Goku unbuttoned his soft green shirt (yes, the same soft green shirt, author takes a moment to reflect) and removed it, tying the pouch on over his bare chest, with a little help from Vegeta. He put his shirt back on, and Vegeta helped him settle the sleeping Sage in the pouch next to the bare skin over his heart.

Vegeta made to return to the party, but was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. He turned slightly irritated to Kakkarott who returned the look intently.

"Vegeta, at some point soon we need to have a long talk about this bond parent thing."

Vegeta who had been expecting something quit different to come out of Kakkarott's mouth, stared at him for a moment, then nodded.

"True," he replied. "We'll arrange something after the party, ne?" And not waiting for an answer, he turned and walked away, Goku and Sage following him after a bare moment's hesitation.

Bulma meanwhile, had been completely unaware of the near disaster that had befallen her youngest son. For the past little while since Krillen and 18 had left, Yamcha had been plying her with attention, feeling brave because Vegeta was no where to be seen.

"Hey, Bulma, I just remembered…you just had another baby, didn't you?" Yamcha looked torn; on the one hand a baby was exciting news even to a single, womanizing, fighting, baseball playing guy like him. On the other hand, it reminded him forcefully that Bulma was taken, by the person that scared him the most. Vegeta.

"You've been standing there talking to me for how long Yamcha, and you just now get around to asking me about my baby?" Bulma was amused though her voice didn't reflect that amusement. That was so…Yamcha, she thought.

"Gosh, I'm sorry Bulma, I was just so excited to see you, and let's face it, you don't LOOK like you just had a baby!"

Bulma smiled and blushed slightly. "All right, you clod, you're forgiven."

"So, what did you have?"

"A baby."

"Cut it out Bulma, I'm trying to be a little serious," Yamcha protested, grinning in spite of himself.

"Oh, OK. I had another boy."

"Cool!! Another little warrior, huh?"

Bulma sighed. "I'm afraid so."

"So, what did you name him?"

Bulma hesitated, wondering whether to tell him the actual birth name or the chibi name. Well, he'd find out sooner or later….

"Vegeta."

"Nani? Where?" Yamcha looked alarmed, and glanced around slightly frantically, looking for a sign of the Saiyjin prince.

Bulma snorted with laughter. "Baka, we named the baby Vegeta."

"Oh," replied Yamcha in a small voice, clearly embarrassed by his display. "So, where is he?"

Bulma frowned, "You know? I'm not actually sure." She snagged Gohan who was walking dejectedly past her. "Gohan, do you know who has Sage?" She was startled to see the pain in his eyes as he turned to her.

"Dad and Vegeta have him," he replied softly. "Last I saw they were taking him in the house."

"Gohan, what's wrong?"

He looked away, not wanting to meet her eyes, but answered her, still speaking in the same soft, sad voice.

"18 wanted to hold him, and he let her. I was right there, but I was talking to Krillen, and I guess Sage was tickling her with his tail, probably not meaning to, and she told him to stop and grabbed his tail. Hard. He passed out."

"Oh Kami," Bulma breathed. "Vegeta didn't kill her, did he?"

"Vegeta never even made it over there. Before I could even react, Dad was there, and reading us the riot act. It was ugly. Then he left with Sage and I saw him and Vegeta take the chibi into the house." He swallowed. "Sage's tail was limp Bulma, she must have hurt it."

Bulma looked around the yard, and with relief spotted Vegeta and Goku coming out of the kitchen door. Goku was wearing the carry-pouch with Sage obviously in it. "He must be ok," she muttered. "Or else they wouldn't come back out, not like that." She blinked as something that Gohan had said fully sank in. "Goku got there first?" she asked the boy blankly.

"Instant transmission."

"Oh," she said thoughtfully, looking at Goku her eyes wide with curiosity.

Yamcha meanwhile couldn't have heard half the conversation. His horrified attention was fixed on one long, thick dark brown appendage.

"Uh, kid?"

Gohan turned to Yamcha. "What Yamcha?"

"Um…what's with the tail?"

Gohan sighed.

Vegeta and Goku hadn't taken a single step out of the kitchen when they almost tripped over Trunks and Goten. Trunks had tears in his eyes and flung himself at his father before Vegeta could say a word. Goten looked at his best friend, his midnight eyes wide and apprehensive as Trunks cried quietly into his father's shoulder.

"Saaaa Trunks, it's all right," said Vegeta a little awkwardly. He knew why Trunks was upset, and he hugged his amethyst heir closely to him. "Your brother is fine, just a little sore, see?" And he held Trunks up so he could see the sleeping chibi in the carry-pouch.

Trunks sniffled, and looked, smiling with relief as he saw his brother's sleeping face snuggled up to Goku-san's chest.

"What happened to him Papa?"

Goku and Vegeta exchanged a look. Vegeta turned back to his son and replied, "Sage just had a little accident with his tail. He's ok."

"That's right," said Goku. "You boys should go back to enjoying the party. Goten, I think it's almost time for your cake!" He smiled broadly at the two boys whose faces had lit up at the mention of cake. He knelt down and hugged the birthday boy tightly, wrapping his tail around his shoulders in a gesture of reassurance. "Everything is fine," he whispered in the boy's ear. "Go and enjoy your party. If you look over there, I think your grandfather has something special he'd like to give you," and he pointed the Ox King out to Goten (not that the man needed pointing out). Goten hugged his father back, and kissed him on the cheek.

"Thanks Daddy," he said happily, and grabbing Trunks' hand he dragged his friend off to see his grandfather.

The rest of the party proceeded without a hitch. Bulma spoke quietly to Vegeta for a few minutes and checked in with Goku who still had the sleeping chibi in the carry-pouch slung across his chest. Krillen decided to take the high road and approached Goku, hands held out in a pacifying gesture and Goku forgave him; 18 however avoided both Saiyjins. Goku sought out Gohan and apologized to him; Gohan nearly crying in relief when he found out that Sage was going to be perfectly fine.

Everyone else at the party seemed to be having a great time, and with the exception of a few good natured scuffles (and a loud argument between Oolong and Puar about who got the last Pepsi Twist) the major conflicts seemed to have been resolved. Anyone who had the urge to ask about the sudden reappearance of the Saiyjin's and demi-Saiyjin's tails were deterred by the black looks that Vegeta no ouji was giving out. The only time anyone could say for sure that he smiled was when the giant birthday cake was rolled out, and Sage popped his head out of the carry-pouch at the loud admiring noises that surrounded him.

The cake was truly a masterpiece. Bulma's mother had asked Goten what his favorite flavor of cake was, and he had gone through a whole long list before throwing up his hands and declaring that he couldn't decide…he liked them all!! So Bulma's mother had made the cake in every conceivable flavor. There was chocolate, yellow, white, marbled fudge, cherry chip, banana, angel food, devils food, chocolate chip, gooey fudge, caramel, raspberry, lemon and of course, carrot. All nestled together under a blanket of bright orange cream cheese frosting with black lettering proclaiming: HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY GOTEN!!!! Beneath it was a stunning picture of the Flying Nimbus with Goten and Trunks riding on it.

Goku lit the four candles with a bit of ki on the tip of one index finger with Sage looking on interestedly from the pouch, and everyone joined in singing "Happy Birthday to Goten."

Only Trunks knew what his wish was as he easily blew out the candles and everyone dug into the sumptuous cake. In the end, Trunks and Goten attacked it with bare hands, searching for the bits they liked best. Everyone else was laughing too hard to stop them, and after all, it was Goten's birthday cake.

A couple of hours later and Goku took the sleeping, sticky chibi into his lap as he sat on the Nimbus. Gohan was driving his mother and Goten's presents home, and everyone else was slowly going their own separate ways.

Vegeta watched from his balcony, a tired Sage curled in his arms, blue-black tail wrapped around a sleepy hand as Bulma said a long good bye to Yamcha. She hugged the dark haired ningen, and waved as he left with Puar. As though she felt his gaze on the back of her head, she slowly turned and met his eyes across the distance and height that separated them.

Yes, thought Vegeta. I definitely do need to talk to the onna.

To be continued….