Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Tense did not even begin to cover the absolutely oppressive atmosphere that blanketed the area, after Goku had explained to the nosy old bugger that he had met him in what was likely meant to be a battle to the death after Frieza had killed someone he knew and tried to kill 3 others, before eventually succeeding in killing his best friend and forcing him past his breaking point. The Saiyan spoke of such heinous things with such an unaffected air about him, and a casual tone to match. 

The man seemed much more interested in finishing his bowl of noodles than he was in recounting the past, but he didn't let that stop him from sharing his story either way. Leaving Frieza momentarily wishing he were not the high class and much esteemed royal that he was, that way he could just bash his own head in against the table and call it quits there, sparing himself from having to navigate this social suicide that Goku had just placed on them both, more so on Frieza than on himself but it certainly didnt paint Goku in the best of lights either. 

Marrying the man who tried to kill your son and DID kill your best friend? Yeah, nobody would call that a rational decision, even if it did come with a promise of protection from both Frieza and any others who might seek to do harm to anyone else that person may care about. Most people would still panic about it, would still have hurt, hard feelings about it and him, and would have a rough time being around the man responsible in any capacity. But Goku not only seemed perfectly content with his situation, but even appeared to care for Frieza, and enjoy his company to some extent.

Certainly it was a feat that only one who was clinically insane could pull off. That, or someone who had suffered one too many blows to the head. Hmm, he couldn't help but wonder if perhaps Goku had some kind of head trauma incident that he didn't know about when his skull was still soft and malleable, that would certainly explain his…unique personality and behaviors. 

It was when Goku had nearly finished his plate that the elder asked a nail in coffin level of damning question. 

"So aside from this deal of yours, what is it that made you wish to marry the man who nearly slayed your spawn and destroyed an entire planet's worth of people you wished to protect?"

Goku gave a "Huh? Oh, uh…" and then began to clearly contemplate the man's words. Anyone who so much as glanced at him could see the gears turning in his head as he turned the thought over inside his feeble mind. So of course the elder attempted to steer him down a specific track with his damned leading questions. 

"I for one would not be able to do it. I mean, don't you see your best friend dying all over again everytime you look-"

A delicate yet clearly intentional clearing of a throat took both men by surprise and pulled their attention off each other and to the lizard-like male.

"Listen here Goku, I appreciate you attempting to care for me, but I am not a Saiyan like you . I do not require anywhere near as much food as you do, and I will not allow you to plumpen me up for no reason. I rather like my figure as it is, don't you ?"

"...What?"

Drawing the men's gazes to his own form, the emperor gestured vaguely at his body, tail flicking at the attention as he shamelessly invited the man to check him out.

"Uh, yeah, I guess? I mean, you wouldn't be able to fight as good if you got fat."

"Precisely, and we have already agreed I would do battle with you per your request, did we not?"

"Yeah." 

"So then, we are in agreement. You have given me far too much food to eat alone, and it is quite disrespectful to waste food provided to you by a host, and putting back food you have already touched is also not an option. Therefore, you will simply have to eat a large portion of my meal for me on top of the already impossibly large meal you have served yourself. Do you believe you are up to that challenge… Saiyan? "

Issuing the challenge and allowing it to hang in the air produced the exact reaction he was hoping for, black eyes alit by a passionate flame of resolve. 

"Yeah, I think I can swing that, Frieza. " His voice came out deeper than the usual friendly tone he used to speak with others, shocking the elder at the almost gravely underlying growl.

Frieza however, was undeterred, almost purring at the growl like tone as his own voice dropped to match it.

"Then by all means, go ahead and prove it, my dear. "

"You're on,... Danna ."

There was a horrified gasp from the elder, murmurs of "How unsightly!" and other such indignant cries coming from the inconsequential peanut gallery around them as Goku practically pulled his partner's plate into his lap and began tearing into it as if he were nothing more than a starving mindless beast. 

If not for the fact that his ploy to distract Goku and keep him busy so he couldn't speak to the elder had worked, he too would have reacted with disgust at watching the man work. But his plan required he remain in control, challenging and almost…flirtatious about this to make it convincing. Wait…Flirtatious??? Flirtatious?!

Oh good lord he was flirting with the man! Flirting over seeing how much he could cram down his throat! And in front of the children too! What kind of sick freak was he?! 

…Actually, child or adult, it didn't make a difference. The true horror here was that he was flirting with a monkey at all, regardless of the topic of the goading purrs he made. The fact that it was over something so… indecent was just the icing on the already burnt to a crisp cake.

Lost in his woes as he was, he almost didn't notice when the elder attempted to speak to Goku regardless of how busy his mouth currently already was. 

"Erm, ahem, Goku my good sir, I believe we were speaking."

Whipping his head to the side, once again looking like an animal that had been caught mid act, Goku blinked owlishly for a second before he recognized he was expected to respond .

"Hu? Oh, sowwie, whadja asg agawn?" 

Clearing his throat more firmly, Frieza drew the man's eyes back to himself.

"Goku dear, it is improper to speak with your mouth full, you are already frightening the townsfolk, you do not wish to embarrass me and give the little ones nightmares, do you?"

 This caused Goku's eyes to widen, head shaking rapidly as he flushed slightly and looked around at the people giving him concerned and horrified stares.

"Then perhaps you should finish that first, and talk later, don't you think?"

He got a hum and a nod in response, lifting his lips into an almost cruel smile.

"Very good, do that then. I must apologize for my mate's manners or lack thereof. He grew up on a backwater planet that taught him nothing other than how to throw a punch at someone he disagrees with. I am still in the process of, hmm, let's say… retraining him..so to speak. Therefore you will have to forgive his less than desirable behavior today. But as this is a feast, eating is the activity in question, so perhaps we should all focus on that before our food gets cold , hm? It must be refreshing to see someone dig into your culture's cuisine with such… gusto , compared to the rest of your people who are choosing to chat over actually eating their meals."

Deftly scooping up some kind of breaded meat, the emperor gave a faux polite smile as he bit into the crispy morsel and lifted a hand to cover his mouth as the bread crumbled and shot crumbs all over his lap. Ugh, gross, why would anyone want to make something that was meant to be eaten yet would fall apart so dramatically and make such a mess? Not to mention the meat inside, it was horribly oily. Definitely not to his tastes, and despite covering his mouth, his eyes must have given him away somehow.

As Goku hummed curiously and tilted his head to stare at the tyrant before he hummed again and reached out to take the offending item from the shorter man and bring it up to his own mouth to rip all the meat and bread off the bone in one large bite, rather than taking a small pecking bite like Frieza had, yet still making less mess somehow. He then reached back down to the plate and grabbed at some kind of fruit, then handed that to the man with a smile before turning back to devouring what was left on the plate.

Oh, OH why did that stir something in his stomach? Was he going to vomit? He didn't feel nauseous, but his gut definitely just rolled like something had set it off. Yet it only did it the one time and was over as quickly as it began. Damn it all, why did this sort of thing keep happening solely whenever Goku was around or did something or said something? His body never reacted like this when he spent those 4 months around his father or brother.

(Although, maybe he should feel nauseous, because that man, aside from the fact that he ate like a barbarian, had just eaten the thing that Frieza himself had just taken a bite from. Essentially swapping spit with him, as if it meant nothing and was no big deal. Even though it was a big deal to Frieza, as he himself would never do such a thing, such an intimate, trusting, unsanitary thing! Truly, Goku knew no shame or basic etiquette.) 

And honestly? That fact should not produce such powerful physical reactions in his flesh. Be it the proper reaction of disgust, or this weird fluttery, warm, squirmy, light feeling that he kept getting. To Hell with all of it, if this was to be his new normal, then he would just have to do what his kind did best and adapt to it. Stop worrying over what he doesn't understand and just plan around it. Yes, that would be a MUCH more productive use of his time!

The group all ate the rest of their meal in relative silence, sometimes one of the natives would attempt casual conversation with him while the elder tried to talk to Goku, but with a single piercing red glance and a possessive grip on the Saiyan's clothing, the old man would always grumble and glare back and keep his words light and airy. 

Seemingly understanding that even attempting to trap Frieza in conversation with someone else would not stop him. Forcing the old man to accept that so long as Frieza was right next to Goku, he would get nowhere fast. 

Which was perfectly fine with not only Frieza himself, but Goku as well. As he seemed to be feeling out of shape with the elder and Frieza both acting so oddly over him. He may not know why they were behaving so off, but he knew he didn't like it. So he was perfectly happy to have a casual and friendly conversation with the old man while he and the others all finished their meals.

Surprisingly, this allowed the monarch to almost enjoy the rest of the meal, despite the company and lack of appetizing nourishment. He was able to learn more about his current enemy that he was facing down, the planet, the species and its customs and behaviors. So many things that would help him to make their lives harder in so many little ways that couldn't be as easily traced back to him if they did anything to further cross him.

As he sat, plotting about how he could ruin these people's lives in all the most petty ways, he didn't even notice that the people around him were wrapping up their meals and moving toward the empty square. He even managed to block out the voice of the planet's leader announcing that the feast concluding was not the end of their festivities and that it was now time for dancing and merriment. 

He only noticed what was happening around him when Goku suddenly lunged at him and latched onto his arm with a pout on his face and narrowed eyes. This brought his disdainful yet calm gaze onto the Saiyan who clung to him insistently, wondering with a baleful line of thought, why exactly he dared to do such a thing. The second he heard two giggling light voices insisting and urging Goku to accompany them, he understood the situation entirely.

It would seem he was responsible for saving this marriage and his mate from not only the planet's geezer of a leader, but from the native nobody's as well. Seriously, how braindead did one have to be to flirt with an emperor's spouse , and right in front of him no less? With a moody huff, Frieza pushed out his chair sharply, a screech echoing between the 4 present as the metal scraped against the stone pavement. 

"Apologies, but I do believe Goku is already quite taken. If it is truly time to dance already, then you are much too late to be seeking a partner for such activities. He and I are to be bound very soon, and thus it only makes sense that he would naturally be dancing with his soon to be mate, do you not agree?" 

The two began sputtering, stammering, all around floundering as they processed his words. Normally he would revel in this. Typically he would stay to watch them stumble all over their words as they struggled to recover from their errors, but honestly? Right now? He was much too tired from his previous social grace and pleasantries. So instead of smirking and further torturing them, he chose to simply hum and reach out a hand to snatch up his partner's wrist.

"Not that I truly care whether you agree or not. The opinions of two peasants hardly means anything in comparison to that of the emperor of the cosmos himself. Now, if you'll excuse us, I believe we, as the guests of honor, are expected elsewhere."  

Ignoring his partner scratching his cheek in confusion and mumbling a light apology to the two Frieza had deemed as hostiles, the little leader did what he did best and led on. Stalking over toward the square where the others had all assembled and tugging his mate along with himself, glaring for all his worth at the elder who was giving yet another grand speech as some of his people lined up with some incredibly rudimentary looking instruments, if they could even be called that.

Once he gave the signal, the people began to string together some kind of melody, while others below them swayed and bobbed to the beat. This elicited yet another eye roll and scoff combo from the cross armed tyrant. Watching those fools flaunt their unappealing forms like that, it's just so…uncouth. Yes he understood he was expected to partake in the activity, but he certainly wouldn't partake in dancing like THAT. 

He would simply have to wait for a waltz and then he and Goku would fulfill their social obligations. Hm, although, what were the odds the monkey knew how to dance? Growing up with a backwater race on an even more backwater planet, the numbers were likely quite low. He would likely be clueless as to proper manners for dancing, let alone the moves themselves. 

Very well, he would simply have to teach the man himself. Sure it wasn't ideal, but it also wasn't the worst outcome possible. Any other time, he would be furious and lamenting the fact that his partner would likely be a slow study. But right now, wasting time was kind of all Frieza had been trying to do in order to get through this. 

So he would make an exception this time for the monkey likely being an imbecile who would make him waste his breath explaining and re-explaining the same steps. Glancing up telidly he saw his partner standing in obvious confusion, finger scratching his cheek, wide doe eyes blinking owlishly, ah yes clueless indeed. Reaching up a hand, the emperor snapped his fingers expectantly, instantly drawing the others dark eyes.

"Come Goku, I do believe you and I are expected to partake in these…humble festivities."

"Well yeah, I got that, you said it before. But what am I supposed to do here?"

"Hm, yes, quite the conundrum isn't it? Have you ever considered dancing ?" 

The man narrowed his eyes in a pout and puffed out a moody huff back.

"Very funny Frieza , but unfortunately I don't know how ."

Rolling his own eyes, the tyrant gave a mock gasp, hand barely covering his mouth as he responded with a voice dripping with sarcasm.

" What? Truly? You? Not knowing how to dance?? Perish the thought ."

" I mean it! I never wasted my time on that sorta stuff. If I had time to waste on dancing then I spent that time training or eating. You know, more important things!"

Rolling his eyes once more, the lizard motioned with 2 fingers languidly between Goku and himself. 

"Mm, yes well, perhaps if you get over here , and stop wasting my time , I will deign to teach you a waltz or two."

The Saiyan cast an odd glance at him at that. Almost sizing the smaller male up, like he was trying to figure something out, before understanding overtook him and he grinned knowingly.

"Yeah, sure Frieza, I mean, it's not like we have a choice, right? We have to participate or else we look rude and while I don't really care, you do. I mean, I could always just try and figure it out for myself… but if I mess it up, well, then that's just another thing that looks bad for you too . Am I right?"

Bastard. So he did have a brain in there capable of thinking through his actions and how they affect others. Certainly he was not wrong, but the ape didn't have to be so smug about it. Devious little chimp…

With a click of his tongue and a glare on his face, the emperor bared his teeth and spoke in a low warning tone.

" Do mind your tongue before it gets us both into trouble, won't you my dear Goku? Now is not the time to be squabbling, so just give me one of your hands and place the other on the juncture where my arm and shoulder meet. Yes, there, very good, now typically I would prefer to lead. However, as you are regrettably taller , it would be best if I followed you . So, pay close attention to my instructions and lets both hope you're a fast learner." 

Getting a head start on trying to clean this money up and teach him how to dance would only help for the future to come, he could handle the man making a fool of himself in front of his father, but if the God of Destruction's attendant saw Goku hopelessly bumbling around on the dancefloor, he might just die of shame. And so, despite the fact that the musical accompaniment was not at all suited for it, he began guiding the Saiyan through a dry run of the steps.

He didn't get more than 2 steps in before he felt the first crushing uncertain weight on his toes. Hissing slightly and narrowing his eyes as he glared up at his partner, Frieza took a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself.

"Wrong. Try again, your feet should never come in contact with my own. Pay less attention to what you are doing with your hands and arms, and more attention to how and where our feet are going. Start again, from the beginning."

"Oh, uh, right, sorry Frieza, this dancing stuff is even more complicated than I thought, hehe."

The two picked back up from the beginning and continued with this pattern of stopping for Frieza to reprimand and advise whenever a mistake was made, before starting it all back from square one. The intent was to make it easier as time went on, that Goku would get more comfortable and let his motions smooth out with practiced ease and lessen the anxious energy he exuded in spades that caused him to pull the emperor along in such jerky motions. 

And yet the more he practiced and restarted, retracing those same steps he had already run through multiple times now, Goku being Goku, could not make anything easy .

Instead the man only appeared to get more stressed out as the time passed them by. His muscles grew tenser, his brows scrunched further in concentration, his skin began to sweat, and motions became more stiff. Eventually, after stepping on the lord's toes no less than 8 times, the man even dropped eye contact with his dance partner in order to stare down at their feet in order to attempt to refrain from doing any more unintentional harm to him. That one was the straw that broke the lizards back. So much for letting him lead.

"Stop! You should never take your eyes off your partner, especially not to stare down at the ground! Is this how you performed for your martial arts instructors too? I was under the impression you played dumb but were quick on your feet. Yet this display of clumsy fumbling and the fact that you continue to make the same mistakes repeatedly has led me to a very different conclusion."

With a huff Goku narrowed his eyes at the tyrant, the two releasing each other entirely to step back and give each other room to move. Frieza placed his hands on his hips as he glared up at the man who only huffed again before scratching his head and placing a fist on his own hip.

"Nah, I usually am pretty good at picking up physical stuff. This dancing thing is just, well, I dunno…It's really dumb and boring and feels like a waste of time. I don't get why people do this when they would be better off putting that time towards training to get stronger."

Of course this fool thought only of fighting and food. He knew that already. But earlier, when they had been eating, Goku seemed keen to make an effort for him then. Was he not still willing to do so for him now ? Why? Because he was being placated with one of his two obsessions then and thus it felt less like a waste of time or a sacrifice on his part? What, did he need to bribe this man to do anything that was unrelated to food or fighting? 

Perhaps he could offer to spar afterwards and that would do it? Or maybe he could give a subtle jab here and there while they were dancing and that would be enough for the masochistic monkey. Surely that would help the man's attention span and keep him from zoning out and losing track of his steps, if he had to pay attention to Frieza to block shots.

Wait. Turning dancing into a fight? Into training? Yes…yes! That was it! He needn't go so far as throwing a punch, he only needed Goku to switch how he thought about dancing! If he made the man think of it as training, then he would surely pick things up much faster and thus step on Frieza's toes far less often. And if he gave it his undivided attention instead of spacing out, then that would also keep others from being able to speak with him.

With a poisonous curl of his lips, the emperor smirked proudly before transforming his expression into something more light resembling dawning realization as he feigned an innocent and surprised tone.

"Why, Goku my dear, are you trying to tell me that you haven't realized it yet?"

"Realized what?" Came the suspicious reply.

"That fighting and dancing are more alike than you may have first been led to believe."

With a roll of his eyes, Goku crossed his arms and began to turn away from his partner.

"Yeah right, you're just trying to trick me aren't you? To get me to try harder and waste more time? You must think I really am an idiot."

"No no, I mean it, think about it dear. What are training and dancing both based upon, hm? Physicality, motion, building muscle and burning calories. They are both types of exercise that require repetition to perfect certain moves."

This seemed to catch Goku's attention, as the suspicion in his eyes began to give way to a hopeful light, a small glint of excitement being lit in his dark orbs as his body half turned back to face the ruler.

"I guess that's true…"

Smiling wider, Frieza struck out a hand and gestured to his own feet.

"And if you wish to take this thought even further, it is an exercise that requires the participation of more than one individual. Have you ever heard the phrase 'it takes two to tango'? Well, that is also rather similar to fighting is it not? Dance partner, sparing partner, when you consider it this way, the differences are quite few and far between, aren't they?" 

He finished his words with a shrug, eyes sliding closed as he saw Goku fully turn to face him, excitement now showing in his voice. His own dark eyes shining with interest and glee as they snapped back to Frieza's face.

"Hey, that's true too."

"Moving around each other, trying to keep pace with one another while dodging each other's moves yet staying in contact all the same. It's like fighting, yes? I have to move fast enough to dodge your clumsy oafish steps so that you do not bare down on my own feet with your ill timed footfalls, while also keeping our hands on our targets. You need to be able to read your dance partner as well as you would read an opponent in order to respond in time accordingly. Recall earlier how I said you should never take your eyes off your dance partner? Well, the same is true for your opponent in a battle, is it not? Do you not believe both of these physical activities bear a striking resemblance to one another, when framed in the right light, hm?"

Sparks like a newly lit flame burst to life in obsidian eyes, a determined grin set on his face as she slapped his own cheeks twice, hands fitting before himself.

"So you're saying this dancing stuff is just another new type of training, and getting better at it will make me a better fighter! Okay! I'm ready! Frieza! Let's start again, teach me everything you know, I'll get it this time, I swear!"

As he spoke, his eyes narrowed and hardened, fixing firmly on his partner as moved to reattach himself to his dance instructor, ready to begin again with a newfound resolve. This took his smaller partner by surprise, a skip in his chest as well as his taller partner's actions, causing his eyes to widen as he got pulled flush against a broader chest than his own.

His surprise only furthered when said partner began to clumsily, yet determinedly drag him around on the dancefloor through the steps they had fumbled through earlier. Proving that of course the monkey was capable, albeit boorishly so, so long as he actually put his mind to it. The thing that truly was the icing on the cake of the emperor's surprised embarrassment, however, was just how fiercely his husband-to-be locked gazes with him.

The cold burning intensity of the Saiyan's dedication was clear in his eyes. It was as if he had really taken Frieza's charlatan words to heart, not only his farce of trying to convince the Saiyan to take this seriously, but also his instructions. 

The lizard's own body barely responded to the stimuli around him, as his fingers were locked and squeezed tighter by Goku's, a small part of his brain tingled as it told him to tighten his own grasp, but the majority of his mind was elsewhere. The numbness to the world around him was almost as concerning as the skipping feeling in his chest that left his heart racing. 

His body moved on autopilot, feet sliding nimbly around those of his partner's as he stepped in time to avoid being trodden on or left behind. The elegant waltz he had imagined, had become something new, different and thrilling. It felt like they really were having a battle of some kind. Like Goku was coming at him with everything he had, and was expecting Frieza to do the same to match him and keep up.

But Frieza was never one to match anyone. He was supposed to be the strongest and be in charge. So even though he had agreed to let Goku lead, he still couldn't help the burn of shame, embarrassment and anger that rose up in him as he was pulled along by the hand in this battle of a dance they were having. He was caught between wanting to look down, to cast his gaze anywhere else to avoid the feelings, and pushing back to take the lead himself.

Of course, never being one to play 2nd fiddle to anyone else in his 80 something years of life, left him instinctively more inclined to the latter. So that was what he did, he pressed all his feelings into a tight little ball and shoved them out of his mind. He didn't have time for embarrassment, he could ponder over his actions and the optics of them later, for now, he could not turn down the challenge his mate was issuing him. If he ran now, he'd lose all of the other man's respect and respect was something he was quite used to commanding.

Eyes narrowing as he leaned his face further into that of Goku's, causing the Saiyan's eyes to widen as he leaned his own head back, steps faltering for a moment as Frieza pressed his chest into the other man's and began pulling him along instead. Perhaps the Saiyan felt the pull, as his eyes narrowed again yet this time in confusion as he briefly flicked his eyes down to glance at their positioning before returning them to the red eyes boring into his own.

A soft, confused murmur of his name, made the emperor smirk, his speed increasing as he twirled his partner around him. This was what seemed to clue Goku in, as he jumped a bit and stood straighter, eyes widening, mouth forming an O and immediately shifting into a smirk of his own as he narrowed his eyes in determination again, accepting the emperor's issued challenge. 

And just like that, they were both all locked in, faces leaning further and further in until all they could see were each other's narrowed, challenging and determined eyes. Bodies pressed so closely together there was barely any room for their legs to perform the necessary footwork. The whole world, no, the entire universe seemed to cease to exist to both of them in that moment that seemed to stretch on for eternity. Until the only sounds they recognized were their own huffy breathing and rushed scraping footsteps.

The pang of thrill that hit Frieza's chest had very obviously taken root in Goku's as well, as he began sliding his hands to try to overtake the emperor's to regain control of this dance, attempting to retake the lead and pull the lizard along. But Frieza wasn't going to go along so easily, as he slid his own hands around and even threw his tail in to grab and pull the man's hips along. Smirk widening at the growling gasp the man gave as he sped up again, chuckling at the Saiyan's clearly smoldering indignation. 

Seeing the man's interest sparked anew by his shorter partner's antics and pushes, it almost made him purr at the way Goku dropped all pretense and forcefully shrugged the emperor's grip off so he could reattach his own and kick things up to 110%, moving faster than Frieza felt he could keep up with as a flash of teal appeared in obsidian eyes for a second and once again sent Frieza's heart skipping. 

Was it fear? Intrigue? Or simply exertion? He didn't know, but he lost himself once again in his partner's eyes as he tried to determine the answer for himself, yet found he was incapable of continuing a single full thought. His ears barely registered the low, almost dark chuckle his spouse-to-be put out as he raced them around the dancefloor, as the pounding in his chest seemed to be so loud that his ears themselves began pounding. It only got louder as time went on, his chest heaved and raced with each panting breath.

Eventually, it seemed the exertion of the movement and speed was getting to Goku as well, as his movements began to slow until finally reaching a stopping point. Both men continued their focused stares and panting, gulping breaths as they stood stone still. Once they each had enough air to calm their racing hearts and cease the pounding in their ears, they were able to recognize the other sounds in their environments. Or more accurately, the lack thereof. 

One quick sweeping glance showed that nobody else was dancing anymore, they had all shuffled off the dancefloor to stand to the sides, watching them with mixed looks of fear, awe, and uncertainty. Some stood alone, others clung to their partners and craned their necks back to watch. Even the musicians had ceased their movements to simply watch things unfold. The air hanging over everyone felt awkward and heavy, showing quite handedly that the two of them had taken things too far, which caused the tyrant to blush heavily and duck his head in shame.

His eyes fixed in a petulant glare as they bore holes into the stone below him, pulling away from Goku entirely to fist his hands at his sides before crossing his arms and wrapping his tail around himself in an instinctive defensive pose. The feeling was not all that dissimilar to when he had been a fresh hatch and his father and nanny had caught him abusing his power and punching holes in the ship during a tantrum. 

He hated that feeling, especially since he was far above these people. But appearances were important and he was expected to behave at social events, so he begrudgingly raised a fist to cover his cough and clear his throat, murmuring a small "Apologies." under his breath. 

Goku however and of course, possessed no such tact, as he chose to instead lift a hand to scratch at the back of his head in confusion, wearing a sheepish, yet friendly grin all while he tossed out an address to the crowd in a casual tone.

"Uh, oops? Sorry, did…did I…do something wrong? Why's everyone lookin' at me like that? I'm new to this whole dancing thing, so if I messed somethin' up somewhere, then someone's gonna have ta explain it to me."

There was another, much louder clearing of someone's throat that pierced the ears of all involved, bringing everyone's gaze up to the elder who tried his best to project a comforting and calm tone as he responded, despite how he rushed to do so in an obvious panic to ease the situation.

"No no, you are quite alright sir Goku! We simply have just…never seen such intensity in dance before, especially for that particular style of dance you chose. Although, you may wish to try something else, that form of dance is more suited for ballroom dancing, not festival or party dancing. It does not fit with the music at all."

There was a long drawn out 'oh' in response from the Saiyan before he went quiet for a moment, the entire party was silent right alongside him, waiting with baited breath to see how he would respond. All eyes on him as he stared thoughtfully at the ground with narrowed eyes, before looking back up with wide eyes and a friendly grin to give his answer.

"I gotcha, I understand now. This is part of that etiquette stuff right? Sorry, but if it's okay with you, I'd rather stick with what I was doing before. I don't mind not fitting in with the others or the music, and that's really the only way I know how to dance. Frieza just taught me it and I'd rather not learn anymore dances today, my brain is still trying ta make sure I've got that one burned in it for sure. And besides, I feel like Frieza and I had a pretty good rhythm going there at the end, and I was just starting to enjoy it! So I don't really wanna stop now, I'd rather practice it a bit more and make sure I've got it down right for the future, since Frieza says we'll need to do this dance again later. So we'll just stick with that."

A withering sigh escaped the eldests lips, hand running down his face as he turned to nod at the band and wave his other hand at them, instructing them without a word to play something more suited to the man's preferred style of dancing. Gaining a glare from Frieza and a curious head tilted from Goku for his efforts.

"If that is truly how you feel, then we will just suit the music to the dance rather than the other way around. We can't have you dancing differently from everyone else, as it makes it hard for the others to dance around you, so we will simply adapt to dance to your tune since you feel so strongly about it. This is a night being held in your celebration after all."

So the band begins playing more traditional music for a waltz, despite how apprehensive their faces tell they are feeling to allow the two to continue dancing in such a way. Frieza, the refined emperor that he was, seemed to be just as against repeating that display as they were. His face and posture told it all, as his eyes glared at the floor while he appeared to have an internal rebuke with himself. Chastising himself for his lack of control and poise, letting himself get swept away by that monkey in a waltz of all things.  

It was as preposterous as it was unacceptable. So after he damn near squeezed his own arms hard enough to cut off blood flow and promised himself that he would not get carried away again, in any sense of the phrase, by the man. He stepped back up to softly grab hold of his partner, and the two began a much more calm and orderly waltz, much to Goku's chagrin.

However, dancing properly and with elegance had its downsides too, as they were suddenly moving slow enough now that others were able to twirl around them and dance beside them. And the music was more ambient and slow, soft enough that voices could carry above it and be heard. So of course the elder took this as his chance to grab a partner of his own and glide across the dancefloor to mingle. And of course , Goku was his first target.

"So my good man, how are you enjoying the night so far?"

"Huh? Who, me? Oh, uh, the food was great! But I-huh?" 

Suddenly Goku's head was pulled back by a single finger to face a snow white face smirking calmly as he made a 'tsk'ing sound and shook his head slightly. Smirk turning into a faux polite yet still coy grin, tail coiling around mischievously behind him while his pointer finger traced a line under the ape's chin.

"Ah ah, eyes on me , dear. What did I teach you earlier when you were trying to properly learn these steps, hm?"

The Saiyan flinched, standing straight once again and locking his gaze onto Frieza's own with renewed interest. The tiniest hint of color painting the tan canvas that was his cheeks, as he scrunched his eyebrows and nose up in concentration.

"Huh? Oh! Uh, right, never take my eyes off you, uh, I mean off my dance partner, yeah that. Sorry Frieza, forgot where we were for a second there. I'm so used to just turning to look at someone when I'm talkin' with 'em."  

Never take his eyes off of Frieza, hm? My if that didn't do wonders for his ego. It was a solid piece of advice, whether they were an opponent in a fight, a subordinate or a business partner, it would serve them well to never let Frieza out of their sight if they wished to continue breathing. But in this context? Having his mate say that, during such an intimate moment as a waltz, when their chests were only an inch or two apart? 

Yeah, that gave those words a different feeling to them. And that light dusting of blush on the simian's face certainly didn't help things either. Wait one moment, blush? Goku was blushing ?! 

Burying down that bit of information as far as he could as he attempted to clear his throat and reign himself and the situation back under control, he responded.

"Be that as it may, you will simply have to make do, my dear. Truthfully it is quite rude to be having a conversation with someone who is not your partner during a waltz as is, but I understand you were not taught proper dance etiquette, so I can hardly fault you for that. But I believe my instructions earlier were quite clear. So do try to at least adhere to the rules you do know, won't you?"

"Sure, got it, won't happen again Frieza. Sorry Elder, Frieza says I'm not supposed to talk to you while I'm dancing with him. He says it's rude and I'm only supposed to talk to my dance partner."

That stopped the older gentleman for all of 10 seconds before his frown that Frieza saw in his peripheral vision eased up into a kind smile and warm eyes that attempted to appear friendly and hide whatever it was that he was planning.

"Ah, that is true, then perhaps you'd care to switch partner's? It is also common practice to trade dance partners through the night at such functions. And I have been aching for the chance to speak with you all night, yet have not had a proper chance so far. What do you say, Sir Goku?"

Clever bastard. His words were true enough, and if Frieza lied to Goku now it would only cause trouble later when they inevitably had to swap partner's to not appear rude at their own wedding and other such festivities. He could see it now, Goku getting confused and causing a scene and bringing up this exact moment if he lied to him about it now.

"Oh really? Is that true Frieza?"

Wetting his tense lips nervously, he ground out a "That's correct." in response as his partner hummed in acknowledgement and consideration. After a moment, a single tense minute where Frieza attempted to formulate a plan against it, Goku spoke back up.

"No thanks, I'd rather stick with Frieza. I dunno if I can get through dancing with someone else like this without hurtin' 'em. I have a hard time controlling my strength sometimes and I don't know if you could even keep up with me."

The elder gave a few seconds of pause, in which Frieza relished in shock how Goku had chosen him and refused to leave him for someone else. But soon enough he spoke up again.

"I see, but you are dancing at quite the acceptable pace now, and despite my age I assure you I am still plenty fit to keep up with your current pace. And if you do start hurting me, I need only let you know and you will ease up more, correct?"

"Hm, that's true…"

With a huff and a growl, Frieza clicked his tongue and cut in.

"You are the elder here, that means you are in charge of this place, correct? Would it not be a scandal for you to be led in dance by someone else? Goku only knows how to lead a waltz, not follow in one."

The man gave a bellowing laugh akin to that of a certain red clad Saint celebrated on a singular Earthen Holiday. His eyes turned a tad dark as he inclined his head slightly toward Frieza.

"Is it not also a humiliation for a man of your position to allow himself to get led around instead of leading? I am an old man, my people will not judge or begrudge me for allowing our honored guest to lead me in a single dance. And it would make my night to have that honor, so if you are amenable to it Sir Goku, then-"

Whether it be lack of other options, or simply because he was fuming and sick of hearing that old bastard's voice, not even Frieza himself could say. All he knew was that with a scowl on his face he switched up who was in control, repositioning himself and whisking the Saiyan away with his dance all the way over to the other side of the dancefloor. Zoned out as he was, he didn't seem to notice the confusion coloring Goku's tone as he called out to the tyrant. No response answered him, so he tried a different approach.

"Uh, Frieza? Was I doing it wrong or something? I thought you said you wanted me to lead?"

When he still got no response from the monarch who was dragging them forcefully closer and closer to the band playing the music that was growing ever louder. Only once they were a few feet away and one could barely hear over the near deafening sound, did the ruler hum in satisfaction and refocus on his mate. Eyes widening for a second as he processed what the Saiyan had said, before they narrowed back into their usual haughty slits.

"Oh yes, but you see, I was simply showing you the proper way to lead, the correct pace, right steps, and such. Go ahead, take the lead again, it's all yours now that you know how to do it right ."

Goku's frown was immediate, instinctive. He had just been challenged and not only that, but told that he wasn't doing something right. He was being egged on purposely, and by his own partner no less. And if there was one thing Goku always rose to, it was a challenge. 

So with narrowed eyes glancing at the being who slighted and challenged him like that, he took a deep breath, squared his shoulders and blew the air out his nose as he fixed his most serious gaze he could manage on his mate and flipped their positions once more.

Spinning and twirling like the planet itself, the two carried on with their dueling dance, one affecting a serious confidence that pulsed a thrum of irritation in the other, egging him on to gnash his teeth together and attempt to resist, only for the taller of the two to release a slight warning growl at the action and lean closer down to whisper almost threateningly.

"Is this right enough for you?"  

The emperor only growled back, scoffing as he set his scowl to full throttle and glared back. Perhaps this was what drew the Saiyan to push even further, as his voice became even more gravelly and imposing.

"Well? Is it, Danna?"  

Frieza gasped sharply, both the other's words and actions forcing such a response from him, as the hero tried to pull the villain along into a faster step. Recognizing where this was going to head again if allowed to continue, the tyrant once again attempted to pull and fight against him, trying to force him to slow down , but to no avail. This only infuriated the lizard more, so he hissed quietly and tightened his grip, locking his muscles in his legs in opposition. 

"Goku, slow down! If you do not ease up, we will end up in much the same predicament that we were earlier ."

The grunt he got in response felt far too close to a dismissal for the mighty ruler's tastes. So he allowed his eyes to flash with a warning light, as if he were threatening to shoot lasers from them. But the only effect this had was to pull a bark of a laugh from Goku who in turn flashed a challenge of his own in his darker orbs. Telling him that he was right, that they did both recall what happened last time they let themselves get lost in the act, yet he simply didn't care the way Frieza did.

The look he gave Frieza holding a very obvious message of "Yeah? So what? What about it, Frieza? Maybe that's exactly what I want to happen."

The audacity, the utter gumption this man had. To deliberately attempt to force him into committing such disrespectful and peasant acts as purposely ignoring the setting and guests to do battle through dance of all things. Yes, it was Frieza who technically said that dance could be a type of battle and a way to train. But come on , was once a night not enough for this fight hog? A withering huff escaped his colored lips as he reprimanded his mate.

"You Saiyans truly are reprehensible battle hungry creatures with no shame to speak of."

This garnered a deep wry chuckle from the Saiyan and a raised eyebrow that practically screamed "Oh yeah?" An almost smug aura radiated off the man, as if Frieza had just complimented him rather than thrown an insult at his entire race. Of course, Goku had always been a tad different from the rest of his people, so perhaps Frieza should have anticipated such a reaction. After all, it was likely those differences in Goku that got him and Frieza where they both were.

But Frieza never was one for counting his blessings, he was not one to be grateful for what he had and would often choose to resent and lament what he didn't have instead. Usually blaming all those around him for why he didn't have those things instead of accepting any of the fault for himself. So rather than admit he was the one to blame for riling the warrior up and putting the idea in his head, he instead elected to huff and give a long drawn out roll of his eyes at his partner's poor behavior. Almost instantly, he found himself being rebuked.

"Ah aha ah." 

Came the deep, teasing taunt. A hand curled like a bear paw hooking under a porcelain white chin and bringing scarlet red eyes snapping back to the black ones across from his, thumb pressing firmly into bone to keep his head there.

"What was that you said earlier? Never take your eyes off your opponent? Er uh, partner . Remember, Frieza ? Maybe you should follow your own advice. Can't tell me to do it if you won't do it too after all, ya know? And I'm preeeetty sure you don' want me to stop listening to ya now. Huh Danna ?"  

Flaming cheeks were a sign of embarrassment, shame, weakness, they were a show of emotion . And any emotion other than sadistic glee and practiced kind and calm civility, were things to be hidden . So the hand that flew up and swatted Goku's own away from his chin was an instinctive one done out of many years of taught self preservation, as well as a childish desire to always be the best.

"Oh, be quiet you!" 

A light hearted chuckle broke the tension in the air and their dance, as both bodies slackened like a wound up spring finally let loose. Their pace slowed with each step from there, until it settled in a much more even and relaxed gait. It was almost too relaxed in fact, as the peaceful act and calming music allowed the shorter of the two to almost sink into it and lose his presence of mind. 

If that hadn't happened, he would have heard the elder coming, and he would have been able to steer them away once more. But he didn't, so he really only had himself to blame for the utter brouhaha that followed the arrival of that blasted old fool, as he erupted in frustration and pointed demandingly at the two of them.

"I am sorry Sir Goku, but I have tried all night to broach this like a civil and professional man, yet you and that scoundrel of a partner of yours have left me no choice! I must know before this night ends, do you possess even a shred of affection for that monster or not?!"

"Huh? Affection? What'd ya mean?"

Suddenly the music was gone once again, but this time instead of silence filling the air, murmurs behind cupped hands as eyes watched and judged them from all angles. And not the unsure kind from earlier. No, some of these looks were wary as they should be, but the majority were looking down on him. There was palpable pity in the air as some of the locals tossed looks of sympathy at him, as if they were saying poor guy, I've been there before. Or I feel sorry for that one.

None of these were reactions that mighty and fearsome emperor's were supposed to garner from their subjects. And yet, what was he to do about that now, hm? Goku had practically declawed and defanged him. If he growled and lashed out and showed them he was not to be pitied, then he would be the only one to not make it out of this interaction. Loath as he was to admit it, the Saiyan was stronger and faster than he was. So he could only bite his tongue and bear it.

"My dear boy, please do not tell me you do not understand what marriage even is . Has this tyrant coerced you into a union you know nothing about? Truly only the most selfish and depraved monsters would wed one who does not know what they are getting into."

With narrowed eyes that spoke of both confusion and offense at the elders assertion, Goku tightened his hand on his partner's shoulder and turned to face the oldest in the area before answering.

"Nah, I know what marriage is. Trust me, even I wouldn't make the same mistake twice there."

The elder narrowed his eyes with a tilted head, latching on immediately to that response and digging further. 

"I beg your pardon? What do you mean by that, Sir Goku?"

The flinch and ramrod straight posture said man exhibited did not make that comment any less suspicious, nor did the stammering way he spoke up next.

"O-Oh! Uh, you know, I just mean that even I wouldn't agree to a marriage twice without knowing what it was , you know? Cuz someone once asked me when I was a kid to marry 'em a-and I didn't know what it was back then and I agreed, and that person got real mad later when we both were old enough to do it and I told 'em I thought it was a food , so…"

"I believe what my.. darling partner, here is trying to say, is that I have done no such thing as coerce an unwilling or uninformed party into a permanent bonding. Now, as your conscience has been appeased, may we continue with the festivities? Or shall my partner and I simply take our leave early?"

The glare the elder fixed him with might have been chilling if he were younger, or giving it to someone else.

"I wish to hear from him , not you . So I would like for you to be silent for now, if you don't mind."

Hm, the way he attempted to command him was almost admirable, too bad it was overshadowed by such a blinding rage.

"Sir Goku, I am asking you if you hold anything even close to love for this… this- sadist! Has he done anything to endear himself toward you? Or are you simply being dragged along by things outside of your own control?" 

"Love…?" 

"Yes son, love . Not a simple passing fancy, but a strong, undying, unshakable fondness. For example, you appear to like eating quite a lot, but I'm certain you have a favorite dish that you hold above all others, do you not? This is much the same. Could you truly say that you hold him above any others in your life? Do you really wish to spend the rest of your life with him of all folks?"

"I…uh, well…"

Goku cast his eyes down, pondering over something harshly. The elders words? His situation here? His family and friends back on Earth? Their deal? Honestly, he wasn't sure if even Goku knew. But either way, that particular question felt as if it drove a stake through the lord's heart, pushing it down into his stomach. Why exactly it felt like such a shock and blow to him, he couldn't say. But regardless, he knew that he didn't want to hear his colleague's reply.

Anything Goku said would hurt them both in one way or another, Hell he looked like he was lighting his own brain on fire right now trying to process it all and come up with an answer as it was! And he had already stuck his foot in his mouth and endangered their entire reputation with his earlier comment on a potential previous marriage which he distinctly recalled telling Goku to not bring up.

Truly he simply couldn't trust the man to give any answers of his own that were not coached ahead of time. And maybe that was on him too for not thinking to give the man some pre-prepared and pre-approved responses to such questions. But he really didn't think that going to pick his mate up from this hovel would require him to prepare as if he were headed to galactic court! 

So, he did the only thing he could think to do in order to get them both out of this situation. After all, the old fuddy-duddy only wanted to ensure that Goku was not signing himself away to a loveless marriage where he would be treated poorly by his husband, right? So perhaps, it was time to throw caution to the wind and show that he was not all uptight and strict, that he could show care for his partner just as anyone else could, and then maybe  just maybe, the fool would let this go already.

With a deep breath to restart his stilled heart, Frieza brushed Goku's hand off his shoulder and seized it, locking their fingers together and tugging on his arm twice to get the taller man to turn to face him and get him out of his own head. 

"Huh? Oh sorry, got lost in my own head there. What's up, Friez-"

Now or never, the emperor scrunched his eyes shut and surged upward, seizing the Saiyan's lips with his own in a pre-wedding kiss that his father was absolutely going to lecture him for later, but he would give an insistent defense for himself that it was his best option at the time to keep Goku from spilling the beans about their deal to this entire Yardratian party. 

But even Frieza himself was having a hard time denying the small part of himself that admitted it was also simply because he couldn't bear to hear Goku vocalize such tumultuous things as his own feelings about this union and the man he was uniting himself with.  

All around him there were gasps and shrieks of "Oh my!" as well as other such surprised exclamations at his bold and less than regal actions. Goku himself seemed to be shocked utterly still, as he neither responded to the kiss nor pushed the shorter man away. Anyone around them could see that he simply blinked and let it happen, a light stain of color did rise to his face however. 

That was understandable to the Yardratians though, given how public the display was, anyone would be embarrassed their partner had chosen to perform such an intimate act for the world to see. The elder himself made a choked gargle and cast his eyes elsewhere until he heard them pull away. He intended to rebuke the shorter man and assure Goku that he was on his side and felt for him, especially after the shorter man had just forced himself on him like that.

But when he turned to face them both again, his eyes widened in horror. Frieza had averted his pouting and narrowed eyes to the side, boring holes in the ground with his vision as he bared his fangs at the stone, but he did not release his partner's hand. Nor did Goku pull his own away.

And Goku himself, perhaps the most damning of all, had tilted his head to the side, staring wonderingly at Frieza as he began scratching his cheek with a finger, clearly unsure of why his shorter companion had done that, but not upset about it. 

And perhaps even worse still…

....


.....

Goku's cheeks retained a dusting of blush.

Chapter 3 END