Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Progress of a Prince ❯ Chapter Thirteen ( Chapter 13 )

Kakarot ventured down to Bulma's room, where his father was going to do a routine check up on the cub. Vegeta had refused to leave their bedroom because of his rut, but Kakarot understood, assuring him he'd be back soon. 

Bardock had set up an ultrasound machine and Bulma laid down on the bed with her shirt pushed up over her slightly bulging belly. Kakarot sat close to her bedside and watched as his father slid the wand over her belly. Her scent had changed significantly over the past few weeks, and it brought out a protective nature in the young warrior. 

As the image came up, Kakarot felt his eyes grow wide. Even though he couldn't tell where the baby started and ended, it was still HIS child. His and Vegeta's baby was right there, in front of him. It was incredible. 

"It looks like he's developing well. At four weeks gestation, you're already a fifth of the way there." Bardock explained, placing a hand on top of her belly. "His ki is strong too."

Kakarot could feel the baby's ki all the way across the bed. That was good. At least it would be easy to monitor. 

"How could you know it's a boy already?" Bulma asked, looking at the monitor. 

"I don't." Bardock said, giving a dark chuckle. "It's very uncommon for a Saiyan female to be the first born, so it's often assumed it will be male. We'll know at about ten weeks." 

Bulma looked over at Kakarot, almost like she was looking for approval. 

"Thank you, Bulma. You'll never understand the gratitude I have for your sacrifice." Kakarot said, offering her a smile. 

"It's no sacrifice. It's an experience. Hopefully, I can take it home to my world, and help couples on my planet as well." Bulma said. 

Bardock took a few measurements, recording for his research, and allowed Bulma back to her daily life. 

Kakarot returned to his mate. Vegeta's coronation was only a few days away, since he's become mated now. 

Vegeta was still sprawled out on the bed when Kakarot returned. His lover entered the room, filling the space with his presence. 

"It took you long enough." Vegeta scolded gently. 

Kakarot scratched the back of his head. "Sorry about that." Kakarot crawled over the bed to his mate, kissing his exposed thigh. "I bet I can make it up to you, though." 

"We don't have the time right now." Vegeta stood up, completely bypassing Kakarot. 

Kakarot's jaw dropped. "We don't have time? What could really be more important than this?"

"I have a few last arrangements to make for my coronation. It's only three days away and I must make sure everything is taken care of." Vegeta walked over to the closet to pull out his formal armor. He must have been going out into the public. "Many of our allies will be at my coronation, not that you have anything to worry about. You will be protected by my guards."

"I figured Zarbon would manage to slither his way in. He loves to bug me." Kakarot sat on the edge of the bed, obviously moping. 

"Oh, knock it off. You can come along. I'd expect nothing less. After all, you will need to take part in the rehearsal." Vegeta had intentionally kept the information of Kakarot's involvement of the ceremony, knowing the boy still had significant stage fright. Although Kakarot wouldn't be a "king," he would still need to be deemed the mate of the king, normally addressed as "prince" still. 

"What? Why? What do I have to do with this?" Kakarot asked, his innocence keeping him genuinely confused. 

"You moron, you're my mate! Obviously, you will take part in the ceremony." Vegeta bit back. "You'll have to be crowned as well."

"But, I'm just a prince! I'm the same as before!" 

"It doesn't matter. You'll participate and that's final." Vegeta straightened his armor and looked at his mate through the mirror. Their eyes locked for only a moment before Vegeta broke the gaze. 

Kakarot and Vegeta finished getting dressed before they headed downstairs. 

----

Luckily, Kakarot's job was even easier than he'd hoped for. After Vegeta was presented with his crown by his father, Kakarot was supposed to walk over and exchange Vegeta's red cape with a royal blue one. 

Even as the day grew closer, Kakarot felt only pride swell as he watched his mate fall into his place as king. He never imaged his life a few weeks ago as what it's become. 

The day was finally upon them. Preparing was simple. Once they were dressed, they made their way out to the balcony in front of the entire planet. 

As the king crowned his son, Kakarot placed the cage on the other man's shoulders, hearing the crowd behind him shout in excitement. He felt the urge to bow before his mate, and his body responded before he took hold of his self control. Kakarot dropped to one knee on one side of Vegeta and pressed his right fist over his heart, the pose of his guardsmen. He bowed his head submissively and sound erupted from the sea of people surrounding them. It would seem that his submissive gesture was pleasing to his people. 

Vegeta placed a firm hand on Kakarot's shoulder. When the younger of the men looked at his king, he saw a smirk of adoration across Vegeta's face. Pride beamed over the king's face. 

"Rise, Kakarot." Vegeta spoke quietly. Kakarot stood gracefully and faced the citizens. 

The ceremony came to a close and, expected of Saiyans, was followed by a feast. 

That is, until Kakarot lost it.