Archive of Our Own

In the afterlife, the time was strange. You had the impression that a day had passed and instead an hour had passed, or you thought you had closed your eyes for fifteen minutes and instead opened them a year later. That dimension housed every soul, it did not follow the flow of earthly time.

King Kai said a year had passed. A year since Goku left. A year and he hadn't contacted anyone… he just hadn't thought about it. Things were exactly the same as for the last seven years: he didn't really need to sleep or eat, he did it out of habit, but in the end his days passed between training sessions- he had met old and new fighters, it was nice to confront they. He was also perfecting Super Saiyan 3 - in death he was able to better manage the large amount of energy needed for the transformation.

And it was not enough: he felt that there was something else, beyond the third level. Some old master had admonished him saying to recognize the limits, to understand when it was appropriate to stop... not to exaggerate. Goku didn't understand a single word of what they said.

Ah, he recognized he had limits and that was the fun part because… what could motivate you more to overcome yourself than knowing that you have something to overcome? In this case: yourself. He had never been interested in becoming stronger than someone, more than once he had heard others- alive and not, tell him that he was the strongest being on the Earth if not the universe... it wasn't true, not as they intended.

As exciting as it was for him to seek and find strong opponents to fight, he was not interested in overwhelming, showing others that he was more... what was essential was to become stronger than yesterday, today he would be the most powerful version of himself, so every day, dead or alive, nothing changed… he would continue to find his own limits to break them.

Knowing about the Tournament of the Four Galaxies had been a pleasant distraction, something new: he would have met other powerful warriors from all galaxies, certainly there were many who had not yet had the opportunity to compete.

It had been like this: Pikkon of the Western Galaxy had turned out to be an incredible opponent. A proud and valiant warrior, introverted and taciturn… and he only got excited when he was faced with a high level opponent.

It had been the challenge Goku needed to get that electricity running through his veins. It wouldn't have been bad to be alive just to feel my body aching from the fight.

And something, in his new friend, had reminded him of another person. With a different spirit but... details helped Goku bring back old moments: Vegeta.

Vegeta hadn't changed after seven years, it will still take some time considering he was a Saiyan. He had seen Chi-Chi with a few more lines on his pretty face when he was back on Tournament day and it was... strange to think that time for him and his wife would always go by differently, even if he hadn't died against Cell, he would have aged slower than Chi-Chi, Krillin, Bulma... all of her friends. Gohan, Goten and Trunks no, being partly Saiyan the biology would have graced them with a longer life than the average expected for humans.

And then there was Vegeta... only he and the Prince would be left.

In another life, not in this one.

In this version, Vegeta was alongside Bulma and their son, living surrounded by the love of his family. He would have continued to train and become stronger and stronger.... Goku was a little sorry not to be there to witness all that progress, but when Vegeta would have set foot in Heaven then... then ... then nothing.

They would collide and Vegeta would find a pretext to yell at him. The problem was that he wasn't sure he could hold back from being around the older Saiyan once Vegeta's soul and body had ascended into warrior heaven. With a little luck he would not have listened to King Enma's words or yet... maybe he should have, so he would have looked for him and they would have fought! Because no matter how many fine warriors he had encountered, nothing was like Vegeta. Goku attributed that slight unsatisfied tension to the fact that they were both Saiyans, and that without Vegeta there would be no others - there were no Saiyans in heaven, he had checked well.

Or at least, he thought that was why until he met Paikuhan… it was addicting, yes, but he lacked the feeling under his skin of electric current that he had every time he fought Vegeta.

So… yes, it was Vegeta. That's why he had looked for other Saiyans the second time he died, and he couldn't go to Hell - unless there was some disaster...

It wasn't the first time he was a stranger, even though he had grown up as an Earthman and was completely ignorant of his own blood, he had never felt like one. Earth was his home. Then came Raditz with their past and Vegeta with his future - only he couldn't imagine at the time... he just felt that Vegeta didn't have to die and then he traded that wish for a chance to fight him again, and in part it was true, but perhaps it was something more.

But in thirteen years he had never thought about it, he didn't think it was important: it was just like that. What was there to think about? Vegeta was a Saiyan who had come to kill him and exterminate the human race and had done atrocities under Frieza's control, but so he never did anymore. And from there that little bond had grown more and more. Goku had never asked himself anything because it had all happened in the most natural and simple way possible.

Goku liked Vegeta totally, they could have been brothers… but no, Vegeta never wanted to. And even aware of the Prince's contempt for him, Goku kept thinking that Vegeta was just trying to convince himself that he was evil. Did he want to go back to being the ruthless warrior of yore? Come Vegeth aveva visto e sentito ciò che provava Vegeta, anche se forse solo un piccolo spiraglio di tutto quel mare in tempesta che lo avrebbero confuso e basta, e ancora… lui era cresciuto come un alieno tra i terrestri senza saperlo, Vegeta invece ne era pienamente consapevole. Catapultato in uno stile di vita totalmente estraneo non solo a quello che conosceva ma che sarebbe dovuto essere- entrambi i motivi avevano il nome di Freezer.

Vegeta only came alive when there was a fight or when someone stronger was about to kill him then he entered the scene, declaring that if there was anyone who was going to kill Goku it was him. Or rather... Kakarot... a name that he had never heard, that he did not recognize, especially for the first impact with the Saiyan race- Raditz, and Goku did not want to be a ruthless and blood-ridden individual. What would have happened if he had known Vegeta first?

Even with the Prince who had always tried to kill him... Goku knew that there was much more to Vegeta: he had begged Krillin to spare Vegeta's life that day. Best decision ever. Although Vegeta didn't think so... but Goku knew that Vegeta was happy with the gifts that life had given him on Earth, because Vegeta deserved the best. Goku couldn't allow Vegeta to be dragged back to the afterlife.

Sometimes he thought of that file in King Enma's office: Vegeta's soul had been overwritten on top of his own. One of the Great Judge's assistants had shown him how their souls now appeared: the light of Goku's soul enveloped that of Vegeta, erasing all stains from the latter. Protecting the life and death of the eldest Saiyan. Erasing his singularity as a creature, to give it to Vegeta.

A couple of times Goku had wondered if Vegeta could feel this. But he figured he'd find out someday when the Prince would come flying fast and punching him in the face.

He stopped the kata exercises he was doing, realizing that it was becoming more of an intensive training than a moving meditation. So he couldn't perform a kata correctly. He opted for a stretch to loosen his muscles: the absence of clothes was very comfortable and once his orange gi was torn apart in a fight he decided to stop dressing, a suit and others were ready for him in the little one. little house that had been assigned to him, but he did not want, it was nice to feel the earth and the air and the direct light on the skin again. And apart from someone who had a bad eye on him, there had been no one yelling at him to get dressed.

He closed his eyes and tried to take a deep breath, out of pure habit, hearing the noises around him: among all the environments of paradise, one of his favorites was the area of the mountains, surrounded by greenery and with animal noises. Like his childhood memories.

Paying attention only to the slightest noises, he put his hands together and slowly lifted his arms with a deep breath, carried them up and back until he felt his back arch. Her head dangling from her once back and once towards her chest.

He bending her arms down, blowing air out and gently pushed his arms back this time, his back muscles contracting. He put his hands together and pulled. His chest tensed and swelled.

He released and smiled. He put his head forward, with his chin touching his chest, then back, left and right. Nerves pulling at his and bones creaking.

Lifting one arm, he prepared to flex his torso on the opposite side, making sure he spread his legs wide to touch his toes. On the one hand and then the other.

Then he sat down on the fresh grass, spread his legs again and stretched out in the correct way to flex his torso and get to touch his feet again. One at a time he grabbed them and pushed his chest until he touched his thighs with it.

Goku was on the fourth rep when he felt a presence next to him. He raised his head and saw one of the small and spectacle-wearing assistants with an anxious, drawn face.

“Son Goku.”

“Yes?”

The agent stammered and leafed through a notepad. “You are summoned by King Enma.”

"Uh? Why? "

The little guy was in a cold sweat. “I only carry the messages. But there are visits.”

“Eh?”

Goku jumped up and without taking time took off. “Thanks!” And immediately he flew quickly to the King's office.

The usual line of souls and the usual voices in the background. Goku greeted some assistants, one of them let him pass - as usual some souls complained that someone was skipping the line, Goku raised his voice giving him an apology.

Inside the always equal space of King Enma, there was the Judge behind his desk who, despite his large size, appeared a little smaller.

“King Enma, did you call me?”

“Oh, Goku!” then he turned to two individuals that Goku had not seen or perceived, they had no ki so they weren't dead but they didn't have any, King Enma's tone was tense. “Here is the boy, my Lord!”

“Mh.” muttered one of the two strangers.

Goku observed him: he had sat on King Enma's desk, he was not big but his presence gave the idea of being used to giving orders and never being contradicted. He didn't look like an Earthman, more like a skinny, hairless, long-eared, purple-skinned cat dressed in baggy pants and a necklace that covered both shoulders and mid-chest. And he looked at him with disdain.

“Would this be mortal? But he's dead, how can he be strong?” he chirped him annoyed.

“Uh uh, come on, Lord Beerus.” giggled the second individual, who hovered lightly next to the other: this one had features more familiar to Goku, with light blue skin, white hair upwards and what seemed to be long clothes and a stick in his hand. “That's not nice to say.” he finished saying, then turned to him. “You are Son Goku, right?”

“Yes, it's me... who are you?”

The seated type croaked. “How dare you? Who are you? Oh, if you weren't already dead I would have killed you, along with your planet.”

Goku smiled. “Wait, are you a fighter?”

King Enma seemed almost faint, the assistants hurried around him just in case.

The creature with white hair giggled. “He is a pure creature, Lord Beerus, if you are patient a little longer you will have fun!”

“I hope so.” the other spat angrily.

“Are you a fighter?” Goku asked turning to him.

“No, Goku. My name is Whis and I'm an Angel, I don't fight.” at Goku's disappointed expression, the angel smiled, then pointed to his colleague- “He is Lord Beerus, the God of Destruction!”

Beerus had puffed out his chest, his features now satisfied. Goku took a moment to think about it, but there was only one result for him.

“A God of Destruction…”

“That's right, boy,” the god chuckled. “Stunned? Yes, I make this effect!”

Goku triumphantly raised his fists with a big smile. “Then you must be very powerful! Do you fight me? Please!!”

Whis chuckled apparently ecstatic at his behavior as Lord Beerus gritted his teeth and King Enma nearly passed out behind his desk.

“Please!” Goku prayed again, rising in flight and arriving in front of the god, joining his hands in prayer. “It would be an honor for me, please!”

A grin appeared on Beerus' feline face and Goku smiled happily, but Whis spoke.

“In fact, Goku, we came here for you.”

The angel must have had a lot of fun with the expression he gave, because he kept smiling and Goku felt it was a benevolent smile.

“You are a Saiyan.”

“Yup.”

“What a bore, Whis! I'll handle that.”

“Oh, what ways…” muttered the angel.

“Goku or whatever your name is. I came here because I want to fight the Super Saiyan God, so let's go fight!”

The dark-haired raised a fist in victory, chuckling, when he stopped. “Excuse me, a question... what would be a Super Saiyan God?”

Lord Beerus and Whis looked at him, one annoyed and the other amused.

“You do not know what…”

“No.”

Beerus cursed. “That damned fish will pay for it!”

“Lord Beerus, we are here because when you woke up after so many years and said dreamed of fighting this Saiyan.”

four years later; 779

It was right time for lunch, but there was no scent of the delicacies he remembered in the air, he knew why: no one was present in the house shared by Gohan, Videl with the girl's father and Buu. He could feel their ki together, and a new little light that made him smile heartily.

He could clearly feel Chi-Chi's with them. While Piccolo was strangely inside the house, probably meditating.

It was the middle of May and the Oracle Fish had guessed as always, hinting at something about the Golden Week: Goku knew that nothing had changed, the Earth was still the same, but now he could hear and see things he hadn't imagined before. Everything was amplified: scents, colors…

Whis had insisted on checking his clothes, in fact he couldn't show up naked- Chichi wouldn't approve, and he wore orange baggy pants that tightened at the ankles and hips free; a blue band at the waist from which a piece of fabric started back and forth that ended in a point and a bodysuit always orange with a sleeveless neckline.

It was like his old gi, just a little different. Behind at the bottom Whis had kept a free space and Goku was happy, being able to let his tail free to sway in the air. And as a last favor: the cuffs and boots and bodysuit were heavier than the previous ones.

The ki were approaching as he could hear their voices in the vehicles. Arriving in front of the house and parked, he saw Gohan get out first, who immediately turned to watch Videl come out with agility from the flying car and in her arms a small bundle wrapped in a blue blanket.

Goku could feel a lot of love between them.

Going around the vehicle, Chi-Chi with Mister Satan also appeared, Buu landed not far away, very curious and fascinated by the newcomer, while Satan was a mixture of euphoria and awkwardness. Chichi was obviously ready, her face serene and happy, full of baggage.

“You better go to bed now, Videl, you need rest.” Gohan said, thoughtful and worried.

Videl chuckled. “You're too anxious, I'm fine!”

Goku observed the scene closely from one of the trees in the big house and in the immense garden, not showing up, happy that Gohan and the others couldn't hear him.

He saw them enter the house as Chi-Chi gave directions to Buu and Satan for some baggage. The Saiyan smiled: Chi-Chi was fantastic!

Everyone went inside the house, focused on the little bundle of joy just arrived and the new mother. Goku felt Gohan's ki creating a cocoon around the three of them, in the pure protective instinct of a father and a Saiyan, and he felt that Videl's ki also enveloped them like a barrier.

He was no longer in the skin: he went under the arch of the entrance and rang. Surely they will have many questions, but he was only interested in the little girl.

“You think about setting the table!” Chi-Chi yelled, and after a few quick steps, the door opened revealing the face of his wife, who looked at him and her eyes widened.

“Chi-Chi! Hi honey!” he greeted, happy to admire her again after years.

The woman was dressed in a traditional robe of a dark blue with yellow details. Her black hair in a neat bun.

“Go… Goku?”

Goku nodded happily, ready to hug her, when he took a step the woman slammed the door in his face. The young Saiyan rubbed his nose chirping. “Chi-Chi? Are you angry?” he knocked softly.

Confused noises came from inside until he heard Gohan's voice closer. “Mom, what are you doing? Open the door! You can't keep it out!”

“Ah no? See how I do it!”

“Mom!”

Goku smiled: nothing had changed and he loved his wife and son!

The door opened again. Gohan was wearing a sweater and eyeglasses and he had a completely different reaction from Chi-Chi's; his face melted into a smile and he hugged him eagerly. Goku couldn't wait and immediately opened his arms to welcome him. Gohan held him tight, as if he were afraid he would run away.

“It's nice to see you again, son, let me look at you!” he just dodged him to be able to see the face a little wet with tears and a small smile: he had not trained, his strength had remained that of years before, but Goku knew he was happy, and this was the important thing. “You've grown up again.”

“Dad...” the boy murmured. “You know that we age more slowly. I haven't grown up.”

“Well, I see the difference.”

Gohan blushed and sighed and finally noticed something new: a hairy appendage that wrapped his arm in a sweet hug.

“What…”

“Ah.” Goku chuckled, putting a hand behind his neck. “Yes, I have a tail.”

“We see this, Goku!” Chichi croaked at the end of the corridor.

Goku released Gohan, paying attention to his wife. “Honey…”

“How long this time?”

“Eh?”

“How long will you stay on Earth?”

Goku didn't understand, Chi-Chi pointed above his head and then Gohan looked too: there was no halo. Chi-Chi only at that moment noticed the thing and jumped forward, taking Goku's leotard and pulling it down:

“What? Where is it? Don't tell me that…” she panted, breathless.

Goku took the opportunity to hold her close. “It's nice to hug you, Chi-Chi.” he smiled as he enjoyed her scent.

“Are you... are you alive?” she murmured, raising her head and looking him in the face.

The young Saiyan chuckled. “It's a funny story… I'm come back to life, but I can't stay long.”

“So what did you come to do?” she asked with sadness that she was starting to make its way into her face.

“I'm here to meet my granddaughter.” Goku answered as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Then Chi-Chi slowly lit up, her eyes bright. “Oooh Goku! What a good grandfather!”

That name sounded strange to the young Saiyan's ears, but Chi-Chi was happy, so it was fine. He turned to Gohan. “Can I see her?”

The half Saiyan nodded and immediately took him to the room, where Piccolo was clearly out of the phase of meditation he had always practiced, to enter a whole new one: he was on one of the colored sofas and was holding the newborn delicately in his arms as if it had been practiced to do so to the point of being natural.

“Videl!” called the son, “Look who's there!”

The girl, who had risen from the sofa near the Namekian, showed no amazement, only joy, not as if she expected him to come, only it was obvious that he was there too on this day. She warmed Goku's heart.

“I'm happy to see you. Come, let me introduce you to little Pan.”

The Saiyan smiled: he was a little sorry that she didn't train anymore, but it was nice to have met her. He walked towards them and Piccolo didn't look at him even once, even though his green face was present with a sly grin. Goku leaned towards the little bundle with big black eyes similar to those of her parents who was looking around curiously. Such a little girl and such a big ki.

“Who have you convinced this time?” Piccolo asked in a light voice as he watched cautiously as the tail waved excitedly in the air.

“The God of Destruction.” Goku answered calmly. “Hey…” opened his arms again. “It's my turn.” he said, turning to the little girl.

Piccolo didn't seem very happy to part with the baby, but he didn't say anything about it. “Be careful, do you know how to pick up such a small child?” he chuckled.

“Mh…” Goku murmured, concentrating on the bundle, placing it calmly between his muscles and creating a safe place between his arms and his chest. He smiled enchantedly, realizing why Piccolo was so immersed before.

“Sit down Goku, don't stay up.” Mister Satan's voice seemed slightly uncertain, but he seemed accustomed to everything by now, while Buu helped Chi-Chi in the kitchen especially to try to eat something before lunch.

Goku took a seat next to Piccolo, slowly moving an arm and touching the little nose with a finger. Meanwhile Mister Satan approached continuing to speak:

“She weighs 2.9 kg, a little small perhaps, but she has a lot of strength oh yes,” he said proudly, “No crying or screaming, but she laughed while observing the doctors and Gohan. A real fighter, I tell you! Like her mom!”

Pan grabbed his finger and squeezed hard, the Saiyan smiled. “She is.”

“Dad...” Gohan called him, hopefully. “How long have you been... are you-”

“On Earth? Just recently. I waited for you and once inside I knocked.”

“So you were out here?” Piccolo asked, when the dark-haired man nodded, he looked briefly with Gohan. “You learned to suppress your ki very well, the training you underwent must be very intense.”

Goku chuckled. The tail came in front and swinging over Pan's face then let it rest in her little hands.

“I have to admit that I almost forgot about that.” Gohan whispered. “I couldn't believe it when mom screamed out of a tail, she thought she was hallucinating.”

-I thought that you Saiyans will not grow back the tail if it is cut too many times. - Piccolo intervened.

Goku chuckled softly as his niece's tiny fingers moved across his fur. He knew the tail released pheromones depending on his mood, as Whis had explained to him, and now he was calm and happy, he hoped Pan would smell it. He was sorry that she did not have a tail, he would have liked to braid it in an embrace of affection, but even so he could fill she with love.

“That's right.” Goku answered distractedly. “In fact it was not foreseen, but during the training it went out.” he explained in simple words, even though he knew they would not satisfy his friend's curiosity.

“Would you mind being more specific?” he asked through gritted teeth.

“Oh, well... you see, I was in the afterlife and I was continuing with my training when I was called by King Enma. There were two guys I had never seen.”

“Is one of these the God you mentioned earlier?” he asked, intuitive as always.

“Mh-hm... Lord Beerus, and his Guardian Angel Whis…”

“An Angel”

“Yup. Ah, no wings, but he has a stick.” Goku specified, caressing his granddaughter's cheek. “They were looking for the Super Saiyan God and they thought it was me.”

“The Super Saiyan God? I didn't know such a transformation existed.”

“Neither I and in fact Lord Beerus had not taken the news well.” he chuckled. “But he seemed to be a very strong warrior who could also fight against a god. I joined them in the search, until well-”

Piccolo grinned. “Until you understood that they were right from the start: you could reach that level.”

“Sure! Training is difficult but it's so much fun!” he giggled again and Piccolo smiled shaking his head.

“And how did you get back to life?”

“Oh, well... here-” Goku stopped, Piccolo looked at him with a questioning expression: they had perceived familiar ki approaching. Three at great speed. Within moments, the doorbell rang several times. Videl announced that she would go, while Chi-Chi invited her to just rest and she rushed to the door.

Two twelve-year-old boys were breathing heavily, freezing at the entrance to the room: one with lavender bob hair and a jacket with the Capsule Corp. logo and the other in a traditional light Chinese suit and so much like him and eyes big and full of hope, again.

“I told you, Goten!” Trunks trilled to his best friend, with a smile that was born on his face. “It's your father!”

Goten shook his head no, feeling everyone's eyes on him, Goku knew that his ki was trembling: he stretched his ki towards his son's, filling it with warmth. Goten shook himself. Trunks gave him a push. “And go stupid!” he chuckled happily.

Little Son walked over to his father and stopped jumping on him just because he had Pan. Goku smiled at him. “Come here and sit with me, son.” he pointed to the place next to him, “So you know little Pan.”

Goten held back the tears and nodded, sat down next to him and with a little effort looked at Pan.

“Uh, how small she is…” he whispered.

“Oh yes,” Goku chuckled, “but she's already very strong, can you feel her ki?”

Goten noticed the tail, he noticed the lack of the halo, but he didn't seem to care, his father was there, this surpassed everything else. What he really was wondering was what Goku expected, but Bulma's voice kept Goten from speaking.

The scientist had entered the house screaming, together with the sound of a solid object hitting a wall, rushing into the kitchen where there were Chichi, Buu and Videl with Gohan. Immediately afterwards she entered the room with her historic elegance furious about her. She looked at the scene presented in front of her, took out her phone and snapped a picture and satisfied she put it back in her pocket.

She walked up to Goku and Pan, who was actually the little star!

“Apparently it took Pan's birth to get you back, huh?” she teased him laughing.

“I couldn't miss it!”

 Bulma nodded. “I had to finish a delicate experiment, I ran as soon as I could, Chi-Chi called on the street and said that Pan was born, she and Videl are healthy and that... you were back. Goten immediately flew and Trunks followed. They didn't want to wait for the rest of the drive!”

Next to him, Goten blushed trying to hide his face. Trunks was on his way to settle behind the sofa, to get a full view of the little girl. He was amused by his friend's embarrassment.

A very familiar and cold ki spread across the room, before calming down and returning as silent as possible: behind Bulma, leaning against the wall, there was Vegeta who was observing the scene.

“Dad! Why did it take you so long? Come see Pan!” Trunks called him waving a hand.

Vegeta crossed his arms over his chest. “It's not me who's slow, it's your mother who sent me to the wall.”

-If you don't move, I have to find a way to do it. - she answered piqued, winking at her husband.

Goku tried to concentrate his ki around Pan, not to send it towards the other Saiyan. He wanted to warm him, why was his energy so cold? He remembered a warm ki ... something had changed then, Vegeta looked the same as five years ago and still seven years ago, but everything else- inside... he still felt a bond, a connection, more by instinct than anything else but it wasn't sure to be welcome in that shared place where they were one.

“Vegeta.” Goku greeted him, Bulma moved as he got up from the sofa.

“Can I keep Pan, Goku?” asked her friend and he nodded, passing the child carefully, feeling Piccolo's gaze always attentive, in her safe arms.

Pan seemed to have grown fond of Goku's tail, he smiled and stroked her cheek again and whispered softly. “Can I get my tail back, little one?” Pan meowed softly and after a strong squeeze released her, “Thanks.” happy not to be the center of attention, so he approached his old rival. “I didn't know you were coming, it's a surprise.”

Vegeta clicked his tongue. “The woman insisted, she leaves little choice.”

Goku chuckled putting a hand behind his neck. “I know, Bulma is a force of nature!”

“And a Saiyan was born.” he continued in an imperious tone.

“Oh?... oh...” Goku whispered, glanced at Goten who was making faces at Pan. “Often I forget.”

Vegeta snorted. “But don't tell me... you're still an idiot, Kakarot!”

Goku looked at him and Vegeta returned with a more intense and determined look, a smile on the Prince's lips: Goku trembled inside and smiled. He had never heard that voice, that name... for years.

“So, it looks like you're back to life.”

“Eheh…”

“And what happened to your ki, huh?” Vegeta spat.

Goku jumped. “It's just a technique to zeroing the ki, you know how to use it too, even Gohan, too-”

“The usual talker! You did not hide, it is as if you did not emanate anything! And you also have the courage…” he growled and pointed to his tail. “To introduce yourself like this.”

“Ah, really... Vegeta, it came out of nowhere one day. It wasn't very pleasant, we weren't expecting it, but in the end it's good. I didn't realize how much-”

“Shut up, stop, wait!” Vegeta ordered urgently as he detached himself from the wall, dropping his arms to his hips. “We didn't expect it? Kakarot... you haven't been to the afterlife, have you? Obviously… an idiot like you is not able to stay dead, you had to find a way to get stronger!” he growled again. “And succeed.”

Goku raised his hands in surrender. “Vegeta, don't be angry! I'll tell you everything, I... I want to tell you everything. I thought of nothing but you while I was training on that planet.”

The younger Saiyan was afraid he had talked too much, luckily Vegeta was too angry: he had only focused on other details of the sentence.

“So that's it? You have had a special training on a planet...” he mumbled. “You've perfected the third level I guess.”

“Ehm, I...” in the silence that he could not fill, he felt a fist inside him, he hadn't felt it for years... it came from Vegeta. Goku parted his lips and stared at him for several minutes. Whatever Vegeta sensed inside him was not good, because he showed his canines.

“You passed the Super Saiyan 3, damn third class!”

Goku took a step back. “Vegeta... calm down... I don't know if it's the next stage, but I know it's possible to overcome it, you can too! I'm sure you have perfected the third level.”

Vegeta seemed to break and Goku knew he would soon break some of his bones too.

“You are gone overnight, Kakarot, the great hero of the Earth.” the Prince spat angrily, “There were no threats and you were back to life, you could be with your family, your friends. And what did the good Goku choose instead? Of going away! Again!”

Vegeta placed no more punches into their old bond, but powerful, well-aimed waves of energy. The tail was moving sinuously trying to stay calm, trying not to release odors to soothe himself or Vegeta, but he wasn't sure he could, he had never figured out how to do it.

“Have you nothing to say, Kakarot?”

Goku stared at him intently, mentally reaching towards Vegeta, who widened his eyes and clenched his jaw.

“I say it's time to fight, Vegeta.”

The Prince smiled. “It was time for you to say something clever.”

Some dishes were ready and the others had begun to bring them to the table, at that moment Chichi heard the conversation. “What? Always the same story! No, no fighting today!”

Goku wanted to answer, but the energy emanating from Vegeta anchored him to him.

Bulma intervened. “Come on, Chi-Chi, let them vent, then they'll come back.”

“We don't even know how much time Goku will stay, I don't want him to spend it in a meaningless fight with Vegeta!” Chichi answered angrily.

Vegeta made a face. “Do you still know how to teleport?” Goku didn't answer, “Get us far away from here.”

Goku put his fingers on his forehead and Vegeta put a hand on his shoulder, Chi-Chi's screams died away as they dissolved.

Vegeta had almost laughed at him when he realized that he had chosen the place where they had first met. Wasting no time, as Goku smiled, happy to have time to spend alone with Vegeta, he immediately went on the attack, and put so much energy into that punch straight in the face that it left him thinking Vegeta had it in store for years... and that it was just the beginning.

Until tired and bleeding they lay on the rocky ground with their clothes in tatters.

Goku was enjoying the feeling of his own ruined body, he would be healed soon, so he wanted to take every second of it.

He snorted a smile. “You moved me some ribs…”

Vegeta chuckled. “That's the minimum, Kakarot.” he replied, while he was seized by coughs and dirty his hands with blood spit from his mouth.

Goku couldn't stop smiling. He took a deep breath but froze. “No, maybe you broke them...” he tried to take oxygen but he didn't succeed. “Yes, definitely: broken.”

“Finally.” muttered the Prince as he tried to sit up.

Goku could barely feel his right leg. Maybe he had three broken fingers. “You didn't spare yourself.”

“You're welcome!” he replied with a tone of feigned sufficiency. Goku knew that the other was also in very bad shape, more than him: Vegeta had a shoulder with a bone that came out of its place, a broken wrist, a too strong blow to the stomach and a twisted foot and a deep cut in the neck that continued to bleed.

Vegeta was putting his foot back in the correct position and Goku was trying to recover enough to finish taking care of himself to help his friend. Within seconds he was finished with his fingers and brought a hand to his chest, barely grunting as his ribs moved. He sat up with a sigh like a little giggle. The tail caressing the dirty ground. It was completely intact.

“You never caught my tail.” he said. “It could have been an advantage for you.”

“Would you like to tell me you haven't learned to resist?”

“Yes.” Goku blushed. “But it still has an effect, it seems... much more reactive than I remembered. I wouldn't have passed out, but it would have given you a few more seconds.”

Vegeta made a face. “Tze, I'm the Prince of the Saiyans, I don't use dirty tricks. When I kill you it will be a clean game.” his foot came back straight and although it was quite sore, he would not let it be seen.

“Only you can use words like kill and play in the same sentence.” he chuckled.

“And only you can take such a promise as if it were a joke.”

“I had missed all of this.” he affirmed, touching his right leg, confirming that yes, he did not have much sensitivity: what had Vegeta done to his nerves? Whatever, it was gorgeous! “You must have trained a lot, you are very strong!” he complimented him.

“Not enough…”

“Mh?”

“Are you kidding me again, Kakarot? Do you think he did not understand?”

“What you mean?”

“You're doing it again…”

“Vegeta, I'm not-”

“You still hide your true power from me…” Vegeta whispered, without looking at his face, with his hands trembling with anger that could have exploded at any moment.

“It's not why you-”

“Gods Kakarot! How I hate you” twisting his torso, he braced himself to unleash a blast of energy, but being almost totally exhausted, he decided it wasn't enough for what he felt, and in desperation he took a boulder to his left and threw it at him. “You have no idea!”

“Instead, I know.” he replied, rubbing his head, then his hand went to his chest. “... I've known for years actually.” he continued in a calm voice, his tail that was going to roll around his waist in an attempt to protect. “Even if feeling it inside, in addition to the punches you give me was... I will never understand perhaps the reason for your anger, but it is was like I hated myself. I had never hated anyone Vegeta, I didn't know how it could feel...”

“Tze! Do you really have no other defenses but victimization?”

Goku shook his head. “I mean like Vegeth. I sensed your contempt. It was like I felt it… it was like hating myself. If that's even half of what you feel about me… then yes; I have no idea.” he massaged the leg that was starting to regain sensitivity slowly. He turned to Vegeta who was not looking at him, showing better without knowing the wound in his neck: an ugly gash that started from the neck and went towards the collarbone. He knew that for Vegeta it was not a problem, that he was enjoying the pleasure of pain and the smell of blood. And the scent of Vegeta, his skin, sweat and blood were so good... but while he could rejoice as a Saiyan, the other part of himself that grew up on Earth, he couldn't stand by while Vegeta bled.

Quietly he moved, using both legs to stimulate his nerves. “Come here.”

“Mh?”

Goku put a hand on him and climbed onto his broken wrist.

“Wh-what the hell are you doing, Kakarot?” Vegeta grunted as his cheeks turned a faint pink.

“I'll take care of your wrist.”

Vegeta with a strong tug got up from his grip. “Let me alone!”

The younger Saiyan sighed and concentrated on his neck. “So I'll start with this one.”

“Eh?” when he placed his hand on it, Vegeta snapped back as if he had hit him with an electric shock. “But can you hear me when I talk to you? I said leave me alone!”

Goku blinked, not understanding and ok, there were so many things he didn't understand but this was really strange as a reaction.

“Let me help you, it's a bad wound.”

“Cut it out!”

“Don't be a child, Vegeta!”

“What would I do?”

In the moment of distraction, Goku placed his hand on the wound, immediately starting to transmit healing energy. The Prince growled but did not move. It took Goku a few moments as he remembered an old episode.

“You know, when Gohan was little and we were in the woods, he got hurt, so I prepared an ointment with a special leaf, as my grandfather had taught me. A medical ointment, it burns, but it really helps. Then I put on a smaller leaf as a patch and in no time Gohan was as good as new.”

Vegeta made a little reassuring noise from his throat and Goku chuckled. “I don't know where to find that leaf, I'm sorry.”

“Don't treat me like a cub, I'm an adult.” yet the older Saiyan moved his head to give him more space.

“Oh, Vegeta ... you are my friend and you are injured, why should I let you suffer?”

“Because don't you do anything else, Kakarot…”

Goku's heart broke a little at a time under the poisonous gaze of his rival. “Ve-Vegeta…”

“Stop whining.” he scolded him, “And show me this new power.”

“I still need a few minutes.”

“I beat you up really well.” a satisfied smile that she could not resist and replied with a happy smile.

“A little bit... but above all because I still can't completely manage this transformation. It wasn't that easy to achieve.”

“Has this new power brought you back to life?”

“Mh? No, no… I've had some periods as a dead person and others as a living one, in recent years.” he tried to remember and count to give a precise number.

The Prince impatiently tapped his finger on his thigh. “How much do you miss with that bizarre technique of healing?”

“A minute.”

The answer did not like the other, but Goku would not have quit his job halfway or shortly before. Vegeta decided to let him pass in silence, Goku was almost tempted to slow the flow to increase that minute, but he couldn't, so in no time the wound was healed.

“Here it is!” he chuckled.

The older Saiyan passed a hand over it, rubbing a spot and then put it back on the ground. “So, what kind of training was it where you died all the time and could come back to life?”

Then Goku had told everything, about the call to the afterlife, about Lord Beerus and Whis and the search for the Super Saiyan God, a warrior so strong that he could defeat a god or at least awaken his interest. After several trips they realized that they had always had him under their noses, exactly the first stop that the god and the guardian angel of him had made: Goku! And then the training began, the usual one that Saiyan knew - that he had already experienced the power of Lord Beerus, but that wasn't enough... and then the god began to get impatient- and it meant that some planet would explode, and Whis had had the idea of trying another type of path, offering himself as his master: so Goku had started the real training, all new from everything he knew.

“What did this training consist of?” Vegeta asked, curious and barely managing to keep it to himself.

“A training of the body and the mind, sometimes with the mind I had to train the body and vice versa.”

“Tze, for us Saiyans it is useless, we are a race of warriors made of anger and blood. Seems like wasted time.”

“Well... I must admit that initially I was impatient, in short, I am used to meditating but not at the levels that Master Whis intended. But once you understand the mechanism it's not that difficult.”

“Did it work?”

“For what it had to, yes.” he nodded, making a local memory, his tail moving quietly in the air.

“And the tail?” Vegeta couldn't stop himself.

Goku smiled at his friend. “This is the most confusing part... during these years, Master Whis had said that I could reach the level of super saiyan god in less time when dead but then I would have difficulty using it while alive. I didn't understand: I couldn't come back to life…” he chuckled. “But apparently the angels can bring anyone back to life. And in one of those times my tail started growing again.”

The Prince deviated his gaze from the furry appendage. “So you came back to life and have you reached that power?”

Goku joined the soles of the feet, taking the ankles. “Yes, but the first time I could not reach him, I was struggling to do the simple exercises I had done when I was dead.”

“First time?” Vegeta asked, as if he had missed something. “You didn't mean it when you said you died and resurrected several times…” he said it as a threat.

Goku scratched the back of his neck. “It's not that bad, once you get used to it…”

“Only you could take the reality of dying repeatedly so calmly.” sighed the Prince.

“I wanted to reach that transformation.”

“I can't feel your ki...” he pointed his chin as if he was considering. “What else can a Super Saiyan God do?”

“You can't even feel Lord Beerus' ki.”

After a second of silence, Vegeta exploded. “You don't want me to believe that you are now a god, Kakarot!”

Goku was so keen to clarify that he used both hands to deny with a lot of head. “No no! The ki is mh… for that transformation it is as if I became one.”

“But I still don't hear you.”

“It is part of the training: managing ki. Master Whis says that I think too much while fighting and that I do too many useless movements, I have to learn to let the body act, and to manage energy.” he explained, satisfied to have discovered something so useful thanks to the angel.

Vegeta seemed to be gathering all the information he was giving him as he checked his pulse and Goku was tempted to propose a second time to heal him when the rival spoke up;

“Hurry up to recover, I want to see it.”

“Okay, I'm ready.” he stood up and took a deep breath, going a few steps away from where they were, putting himself in position and concentrating, recalling his forces and without producing an explosion but more the birth of a flame: he imagined it, focused it and made it real. The flames had engulfed him, burning him in the best way. The energy was pressing to go out in the classic explosion as his Saiyan blood craved, but the divine ki prevailed, allowing him to complete the transformation.

In front of his friend there was a version that not even the Prince had ever dreamed of: Goku had the clothes in tatters from the previous fight, the pieces of which hovered with the energy emanating from the spirit through the shell of the body, he knew how he looked , he knew that the eyes were red and that the hair, while retaining its characteristic shape, was now also red. And it seemed to emanate a bright red and gold light.

“This is the Super Saiyan God…” Vegeta whispered, halfway between pride and wonder.

Goku smiled. “Yes, Vegeta... and when you reach him I will come back and we will fight again.”

The Prince seemed to wake up from a stupor- “What?”

“I have to go, I can't stay here. I'd like to go say hello to Krillin and his family. See Chichi and Pan one last time and-”

Vegeta took him by the bodysuit and brought him to his face. “Where do you think you're going again?”

“Vegeta...” he tried to explain. “It was a special permit, I have to go back to training on the planet of Lord Beerus, I do not belong to this place...” he said with great sadness, but he had no alternative. There had been peace when he was thought dead, he would not have put the Earth at risk again. This time he wasn't going to stay for 24 hours. “Master Whis will be coming for me shortly.”

Vegeta growled in his face and Goku had for a moment the crazy thought that he would bite off his nose so much he could feel the anger in it, instead he pushed him away with a strong push.

“I knew I should have killed you. I wanna see where you mess around if you're dead, you idiot.”

“Vegeta…”

“And stop repeating my name like a broken record!” shouted the Prince, turning his back to him and walking away.

“Neither I…” Goku dared to say, “I don't want to go away either…” he bit his lip.

“Then stay!” Vegeta's voice was once again the tone of a sovereign who was ordering his own desire and will from one of his soldiers. Goku shivered and his tail moved as fast as it was curious.

“I promised Lord Beerus that we would fight and Master Whis that I would finish training.” he whispered even though he wanted to say more.

“Tze.” Vegeta spat, crossing his arms. “When will you understand that it is the promises that put you in situations that bind you?”

Goku put his hand behind his head giggling. “I know, but a promise is a promise.”

“And when is our fight promise, mh, Kakarot? Leave me behind once again!” Vegeta mumbled leaving the ground.

“Mh…” he observed the other, wishing to be closer to him, took a few steps without realizing it, just wanting to bridge the distance and warm that cold ki he had perceived before. “Come with me.”

“What?” the proposal seemed to displace the Prince, who hated being caught off guard.

“Come with me to Lord Beerus' planet.” Goku continued, more determined. Staying in god shape in a desperate attempt to lure him, showing him what he could have… all he could have, if he went with him.

“How can I... leave Bulma and Trunks?” Vegeta looked at him with a glare. “And the Earth? It would remain uncovered, haven't you thought about it?”

But in all that logical and rational reasoning, he could see a spark in that lightning bolt of pitch eyes that was not anger, but desire and a thirst for power. Vegeta had just discovered a new Super Saiyan stage and a way to get there, and the results were before him... his Saiyan blood was fighting a bitter struggle against that jealously guarded part of his heart where only Bulma and Trunks existed.

He didn't say anything, Vegeta already knew his answers, he was just waiting to know who would come out victorious between the Prince of all Saiyans and the family. Goku would have to deal with hope in his heart one day because he knew the answer: it was Vegeta who had to accept it.

“I hope we will have divided rooms, I don't want to spend who knows how much time in the same room with you.” he grumbled at last.

Goku smiled beaming, his hair turning black again.

“Let's go back to the others, hurry up.”

“Impatient to leave? Master Whis will arrive in three hours.” he chuckled as he readied himself with his fingers on his forehead and searched for his family's ki.

“No,” Vegeta smiled slyly. “I can't wait to see the reaction of our wives when they know that you are leaving and that I am coming with you.”

“I hadn't thought about it…” and he was a little afraid.

“It will be a good show.” Vegeta said, putting a hand on his bare shoulder.

Despite everything, Goku smiled at his friend's warm and dirty touch, taking Pan's aura and using teleportation.

When they reached the house, they found Piccolo in the garden swinging a small basket. He opened one eye and looked at them. “Don't make noise, Pan just fell asleep.” he whispered.

Vegeta grumbled and Goku stretched his torso in an attempt to see his granddaughter, Vegeta still had his hands on his shoulder and gave him a squeeze, then pointed to the entrance with a finger, reminding him that they had to talk to their wives. With a small sigh he followed him, taking a last look at Pan. He knew she was in good hands.

As they entered they were greeted by the scent of delicious food and the Earth Saiyan's stomach rumbled loudly, he put a hand to the back of his neck giggling as usual as Vegeta clicked his tongue and grumbled about how shameless he was.

They entered and were greeted by Krillin with Marron and 18 who had come to see Pan, there was still a good scent in the air and Bulma looked at them giggling and shaking her head while Chi-Chi seemed more dissatisfied with her husband's behavior.

“Bulma,” Vegeta immediately stepped forward. “I'll go away from here for a while to train.” the tone was of someone who had already decided and he was just warning, but something in his gaze was warm.

The scientist approached him, beating her fist on the arm of her husband. “Try your best, ok?”

Vegeta blushed slightly and replied with a small “tzs”.

Goku smiled at his friends while Chi-Chi was beside him, with his eyes closed. “I guess you're leaving, right?”

“Ah, Chi-Chi... I'll be back one day. I don't know when, but-”

But Chi-Chi smiled. “Where do you think you're going without having eaten first?”

The younger Saiyan hugged her laughing, giving her a kiss on her cheek. “I missed your delicacies so much!”

“Good thing I have extra prepared for your trip then.”

“Ahhh, Chi-Chi, thank you, you're fantastic!” his eyes lit up with gratitude and her stomach starting to grumble again.

“Yes, give him something to eat, before his belly gets to wake up even Pan who is out.” Krillin laughed.

In indicating the seat Bulma caressed her husband's arm, Goku noticed him and wondered something stupid: how many times had it already happened without him noticing? The Prince was certainly a physical type, more in deeds than in words, but he had never seen intimate touches between them in public. And Vegeta was so comfortable with those touches… his ki didn't float dangerously as if he felt threat or discomfort. On the contrary... that cold ki barely warmed up.

During the meal, frantic with their ravenous hunger, he found Bulma touching him again. And again Vegeta's ki softened.

It was no coincidence, it had always been like this since the two had approached... it was Goku, who had not seen him, heard him... and it was not perhaps for this reason that he had decided to apply the Agreement in the afterlife, so that Vegeta had the life that he deserved? He hadn't felt like this...

He concentrated on food: on Lord Beerus's planet there was so much to eat, but nothing was as good as Chi-Chi's cooking, he thought that surely God and Master Whis would also have liked some of the dishes they would bring.

Goten and Trunks were playing with Buu, well, for the two children it was playing even though they were fighting: the mothers had told them to move away from home so as not to disturb. Gohan had finally given in and didn't keep insisting on Videl's rest, who was calm and healthy and was talking to 18.

Krillin approached Goku, giggling to see how Marron was so amused by Goku's tail and his friend let her play. Then Goku takes her into his arms, playing her the game of "fly fly" but without letting her go, Krillin was grateful, he didn't want her daughter to fly who knows where, probably towards the end of the earth's atmosphere. At least not so soon.

Krillin sighed too, sounding much like Chi-Chi. “You're always the same, but how much are you going to get strong?”

Goku chuckled. “More and more!” he showed his tongue to Marron who imitated him, bursting out laughing. “Master Roshi?”

“He will arrive tomorrow, and the others too, have decided to leave the evening free for the new parents to rest a bit. Although I must admit, I didn't expect to find Videl so perky after giving birth.”

“Videl is a strong woman, if she says she is fine then it's the truth.” intervened 18 with a shrug. Then she turned to Goku. “Next time you are invited to our house.”

Although it seemed more of a threat than an invitation but he was thrilled. “I would love it.”

“Then it's done! Krillin is a good cook, he will make us a great dinner!”

“This is a surprise! Are you really good, Krillin?”

“Modesties aside, I'm pretty good.” said his friend, blushing for his wife's compliment.

“I can't wait to taste your delicacies then!”

Marron attracted his attention. “Do you play with me?”

“Ah, I...” he didn't want to disappoint a little girl or tell her a lie.

18 came to Goku's aid. “Honey, he can't now, when he comes to our house he'll be all yours.”

Marron seemed to ponder the proposal and decided that he was fine with her, she stretched out a hand. “Promise?”

Goku nodded and stretched his tail putting it in her small hand. “I promise, Marron.” to then put her back down and the happy little girl ran around her father.

The young Saiyan was so happy for his best friend, he seemed so happy. He had also talked to him about his work at the police station: he did not understand how it was possible that he did not train as before, he had grown up together with the Kamehouse, Krillin had been through so much... he too deserved to have the life he wanted.

Goten, Trunks and Buu returned earlier than expected, laughing loudly, and Chi-Chi was already ready to ask not to raise her voice, when they saw that in Goten's arms there was a small, awake and laughing Pan.

“Be careful, kids!”

“I'll take care of it Chi-Chi,” said Buu with her smile, “Little Pan won't get hurt.”

At that moment Pan moved too much and in the confusion of the game, Goten's hands lost their grip on her granddaughter who flew and continued to laugh, immediately Buu made a semi-transparent rubbery pink bubble appear around her, in this way Pan could bounce in ride without any problem.

Goku chuckled seeing how Pan was having fun: he knew she was safe!

Piccolo entered with a firm step, not happy to see the scene and glared at the children who froze, looking at the floor.

“Come on, Piccolo, nothing happened.” Goku intervened. “Pan is fine.”

“I warned them: they could play with the baby only if they paid attention!”

Videl peeped out and Pan floated towards her waving her limbs, her mother smiled: -You're having fun, aren't you darling? -

“Seen?” Goku asked Piccolo, indicating how peaceful Videl was.

Piccolo clenched his jaw. “She's just born!”

-How thoughtful you are, Piccolo! This is why you are awesome. - Goku complimented, and as the only effect Piccolo crossed his arms and walked away. Pan was still flying wrapped in the sphere created by Buu towards him, extending her arms without a real sense: he stretched his own.

“Do you want to come to Grandpa's?” as Pan giggled, he made sure she was practically in his arms before he blew the semi-transparent bubble, causing her to fall into a hug.

He had heard the doorbell, but he paid no attention to it: it was all for Pan and that was it. For her and a cold ki that seemed so far away.

“Goku?”

“Mh?”

“It's for you, I think...”

Goku looked towards the hall entrance, finding Whis with his cane and his quiet smile. No trace of Lord Beerus.

“Is it time already?” he asked, with a hint of sadness. It wasn't his place anymore, but he didn't want to leave Pan, or Goten's big eyes.

Whis nodded, “I'm afraid so. I wanted to be late, but it wasn't advisable.” Whis looked at everyone: “Good afternoon, you are Son Goku's family, right? It is a pleasure to meet you.” made a small nod. And Goku then saw him linger with his gaze on Vegeta and then return to him and with invigorated eyes he approached. “This is the little one that the Oracle Fish was talking about?”

“Yes, Master Whis, her name is Pan!”

Whis checked the baby girl who was meowing happily. “She's a very vital creature.” he turned to Gohan and Videl. “Congratulations!”

“Thank you.” Videl immediately replied while Gohan gaped at the angel: Goku knew that he was trying to perceive his ki, without succeeding.

“Can I afford to give the baby a gift?” Whis asked.

“Oh, it would be well received, if it is his desire.” Videl replied politely.

Whis nodded and slowly moved the stick without making any noise: three stars were created above Pan, slowly turning in a circle like a merry-go-round, dropping light trails that made her smile.

They were all focused on little Pan that no one paid attention to Goten: he had approached Whis and pulling his long robe spoke softly.

“Are you here to take my dad away?”

Whis had no problem recognizing him. “You must be Goten, right?” the boy nodded. “This is your father's wish.”

“But I-”

Chi-Chi put her hands on his shoulders. “Your father will come back, he always does.” she smiled reassuringly and Goten looked at his mother relaxed and this helped to bring down that slight sadness that he had felt, returning to smile.

“Will you come back, dad?”

“Sure son.” Goku hastened to say, being able to feel a shoulder in his head: Vegeta was leaning against the wall and was very focused on the current scene but he understood, Vegeta was warning him that he was still making promises that would create problems for him later. Goku was just amazed that the other Saiyan had used their bond so often that day. Did that mean he recognized his existence as him? Was Vegeta missing him?

“Master Whis…”

“Come on Goku, time to go.” then he turned to everyone. “Goodbye and thank you for your hospitality!” and he gave a sweeter smile to the baby girl who was still in the arms of his pupil. “Goodbye, little creature.” and without another word, he went to the door of the house, going out.

Gohan approached his father to take his daughter who immediately clung to him with ease. “You have to go, dad.” he said firmly.

“Gohan...” placed a hand on the shoulder of his eldest son, smiling at feeling him so relaxed and confident. The boy smiled and nodded yes.

“See you soon!”

Chi-Chi called to him, handing him two large bags full of goodies. Behind her, Vegeta was already ready with two other similar bags.

“Don't eat it all on your trip, save some for when you arrive!” Chi-Chi warned him as he giggled.

Trunks looked at his father and was happy, talking about how he would get stronger too while Vegeta would be absent.

Goku approached his second child, lowering himself and letting himself be embraced, letting out once again, after five years, the light purr that had been useful to calm Goten, together the child instinctively searched for his tail, squeezing it and Goku let him do it.

Goku greeted everyone, but not before seeing Bulma reaching towards the other Saiyan and placing her lips on those always pouting. How much had he lost over the years? He was tempted to reach out through their bond, but then he felt Vegeta behind him.

As they reached the garden, Goku heard that Piccolo had made the rounds and that he was meditating under a tree. Goku smiled at him and thought intently about the Namekian, patting him with telepathy to which Piccolo snorted.

Vegeta pushed him. “Hurry up, Kakarot, we don't have all day!”

“Would you be kind enough to make introductions, Goku?” Whis teased him, in fact Goku did not understand: the angel must have understood that this was Vegeta, he had talked so much about him over the years... but after all he wasn't completely wrong, it was as if he had forgotten good manners.

“Ah yes, sorry... Master Whis, this is Vegeta, he's my friend and he's a Saiyan too. He is very strong. Can he come to train too?”

“Mh.” Whis put a finger to his chin, looking closely at Vegeta beside him. “A saiyan?”

Vegeta was about to answer but Goku had not finished. “Not only that, he is the Prince of all Saiyans!”

“Oh,” he surprised the angel. “A royal, really? It is a pleasure. And is he interested in training?”

“Yes.” Vegeta finally spoke. “I cannot tolerate that Kakarot has been training in secret for this time, I know that I can reach and overcome him and I know that having you as a Master will be of great help to me. Can I become his student?”

Whis looked at him closely, as if waiting for some confirmation. Finally he spoke. “No.”

Vegeta was blown away by such a dry answer, Goku stepped forward. “Master Whis, please let Vegeta come with us. Vegeta is a true warrior, you will be amazed.”

“Really?” the angel swung his head to the side, curious.

“Yes, he has great determination and talent. He will exceed all expectations of him, seriously.”

At Goku's river of praise, Vegeta was amazed. “Ka-Kakarot…”

But he didn't feel it, too worried about going back without the Prince: he had spent years without him, yes, but now he couldn't do it anymore... he felt the need to sense his presence, now that Vegeta seemed at ease with the bond, and he for one could not help it… not after feeling it inside him, he wanted more, it was such a comforting feeling. And Vegeta would be alive, no hell or threat, in fact... they would train together. If Vegeta wanted, of course... and maybe fighting was the only thing he could share with him.

“He's also…” he smiled breathlessly, “also so smart. Master Whis, he is a constant challenge for himself, for everyone… for me. Please take a moment and think again: Vegeta can't disappoint, ever.”

Goku tried to perceive the other Saiyan's ki, finding nothing, not even that cold. He did not know if it was a good sign, but perhaps he had exposed his friend too much. He was about to speak again when Whis addressed Vegeta directly.

“Tell me, Prince, are you really willing to start training? I warn you that it will be different from those you have performed so far.”

“I'm serious, Master Whis.” Vegeta spoke with determination and determined face, “I intend to commit myself to reach every goal.”

“Would you be willing to become the next God of Destruction?”

Goku widened his eyes and Vegeta opened his mouth, not understanding:

“Excuse me... the next one?”

“Yes, there comes a time when there is a passing of the baton also for the God of Destruction.” the angel nodded. “And I have the task, in addition to watching over the current God, to seek out the neighbor and train him.”

Goku couldn't speak, couldn't move, he wanted to stretch his part of the bond to talk to Vegeta, but he didn't.

“Yes, I will become the next God of Destruction. “ answered the oldest Saiyan in a time that he could not calculate.

“Very good. - Whis said satisfied, “If we have clarified everything, we can leave.

“How do we get to Lord Beerus' planet?” Vegeta asked, Whis smiled:

“It will be enough to touch my shoulder or back, but I warn you: never detach yourself, it is not a very long journey, but we will travel through space and it would not be pleasant to be catapulted out and wander into dark matter.”

The scenario described was not pleasant, but for the two Saiyans it was nothing strange.

“Put your hand on my back, one of you.” the angel invited.

Goku, out of habit, placed a hand on his back and looked at Vegeta with a smile. “Come on, Vegeta!”

“Wait, does that mean I'll be in direct contact with you all the time?” growled the Prince.

“Oh... do you want to go first?”

“Good deal,” he gritted his teeth, “it will just mean that you will put your hand on my back, you idiot.”

“Where's the problem? For teleportation it's not that different.”

“That damn technique lasts a few seconds, this is a longer journey.”

“Gentlemen, ready to go?” whispered Whis.

“We can always stand on the sides and-” Goku proposed, but Vegeta dodged him.

“Ah, move, if anyone is going first, it will be me.” he placed his hand on the angel's back. “Come on, Kakarot, move!” he yelled at him.

The Saiyan of Earth nodded in confusion and did as requested. Whis left soon after.

Goku was used to it and always found it a great sight, but Vegeta seemed not to pay attention to his surroundings.

“Hey. Vegeta...”

“Mh?”

“Can't you see where we are? It's the space!”

“I had noticed this, but congratulations for noticing that we are no longer on planet Earth.” he mocked him as always.

“Here we can't get there alone, we can't fly among the stars…” Goku whispered, he didn't know all the constellations of those planets he observed from afar or their stars, but it would have been so nice to fly racing with the wake of a star or an asteroid.

“Do you have something interesting to ask or other nonsense?” Vegeta cut him short.

“In fact, there is one thing…”

The Prince grinned. “Master Whis asked you too, didn't he? To become the next God of Destruction.”

“Yes, but I refused.”

“You can get great power as a God of Destruction, why would a Saiyan refuse?” he asked annoyed and without doing anything to hide it.

“Because I want to get stronger, fight for this…” Goku looked at him, as if it was strange that it wasn't obvious, “Not to hurt, not to kill.”

Vegeta gave a wry smile. “Typical of yours, Kakarot.”

Goku knew it wasn't a compliment, but he felt like it was. “I guess so.”

“Goku.” called Whis from the front.

“Yes, Master Whis?”

“Can I suggest spending the remaining time explaining to the new student what the training consists of? Thus he will be better prepared for what awaits him.”

“Oh, yes, right, Master!” Goku smiled, happy to talk about that exhausting and wonderful training that he had done and that he would now continue to do with Vegeta; everything would have been better from now on!

“Kakarot has already told me what it consists of.” informed the Prince.

“I notice you call him Kakarot, not Goku.” the angel asked curiously.

“Kakarot is the Saiyan name of him.” simply replied the older Saiyan.

“Son Goku is the name my grandfather gave me.” the interested person intervened, with his tail that did not stop moving with the excitement of everything that awaited him: -When I arrived on Earth and he found me. -

“As far as I know the Saiyans are a warrior race.” Whis continued, “Very proud and proud, sometimes ruthless.”

“Yes, Saiyans are.” Vegeta stated in a confident voice, as if he were ready to defend his people.

“What about Goku then?”

Vegeta sighed. “He took a hit on the head as a child.”

“Oh, that explains a lot of things.”

Goku chuckled. “Oh yes, it was a great blow, I still have the scar!”

The rest of the journey continued in a series of bickering between the two friends and impertinent questions from the angel who seemed very amused by the situation.

Towards the end, Vegeta seemed a bit impatient - Goku could tell that he was anxious to start the special training, he understood it, but he wanted to do something to alleviate the irritation that he felt coming from his friend. So his tail brushed his forearm. In response Vegeta stiffened and gave him a dirty look that, if a look could throw fire, Goku would have been incinerated.

But he smiled, trying to convey enthusiasm.

“Stop it.” Vegeta growled, carefully lifting his tail from him, not looking at his face.

Goku didn't expect that reaction, but he didn't let his smile waver, still noticing how Vegeta beyond everything, he was paying attention to the tail.

“Gentlemen.” Whis called them to attention, “We have arrived.”

“Fortunately!” Vegeta muttered, refusing to look at him again.

Lord Beerus' planet was structured like an upside-down pyramid where a large tree full of branches stood, the rest was full of greenery and there was also a large lake, all with roots sticking out here and there.

“It took you a long time!” shouted the divinity, comfortably at ease on a deckchair. “Since when did the gods wait?”

Whis sighed, accustomed to Beerus' whims, as Goku scratched the back of his neck with his classic expression. At that moment Lord Beerus noticed a third person.

“Who is he?” he asked irritably.

“Oh.” Goku came forward, “He's here to train with me under the guidance of Master Whis to become Super Saiyan God!”

“Eh?” Beerus moved his long ears, “Another Saiyan? Weren't you guys extinct?”

Vegeta bit his tongue: he knew it was the truth, but he hurt no less. Goku wagged his tail, hoping the situation didn't get worse. Lord Beeurs and Vegeta had a bad temper a few times… but he was counting on Vegeta's common sense.

“This is Vegeta.” Goku said, as if this answered everything.

Lord Beerus looked amused and looked at the newcomer with veiled interest. “Ah, is that him?”

“Yup.” Goku continued, happy. “I told you that he is a great warrior, right?”

“For mortals, you mean.” then he turned to Whis who was the one with the usual sly smile on his handsome face. “Didn't you bring me anything to eat?”

“Oh, forgive me Lord Beerus.” even though he wasn't sorry at all. “There was no time.”

“Well, judging by the condition of their clothes I would say no, but I’m the God of Destruction and it irritates me that mortals have abandoned the custom of tribute.”

Vegeta put his bags on the ground, starting to rummage inside one of these and pulling out a large container from which a good perfume came out and approached the divinity, with a perfect royal step.

“Lord Beerus, I'm Vegeta, I came here to undergo the special training of Master Whis, I bring this little gift for you.”

Beerus looked at him with distrust, from his cot, although he was lying emanating everything except submission and weakness, everything in him screamed power and it was an image that Vegeta had always associated with another person, this meant that he could get there too, as God of Destruction.

Lord Beerus accepted the box, opened it and found inside a varied assortment of fresh fruit sweets that Bulma had picked up from a well-known bakery. He sniffed cautiously and when he tasted one he began to devour them all, with great enthusiasm, without the slightest trace of the pride and arrogance of before.

“I can't believe it!” the divinity trilled happily, “Whis! These things are delicious!” he licked the crumbs too.

Whis sighed. “I’m glad they are to your liking, but I must point out that it is polite to offer food.”

The divinity was not at all offended by the words of her guardian angel, on the contrary, she did not deign to answer him, talking to Vegeta. “It is nice to know that someone still knows how to behave in front of a God, Prince of the Saiyans.”

Vegeta thought for a moment that he hadn't said anything about his own royal title. Surely the God must have arrived there by intuition. He nodded and picked up the empty container.

“Next time I want to taste more.” continued Beerus, “If the Earth has other such delicacies then it is worth not destroying it.”

Goku could feel Vegeta holding back still and against all common sense of him, even though he knew he would be scolded, he gave a slight sign in their bond. And to avoid encountering Vegeta's anger, he checked his stuff too, pulling out two canisters and handing one to Whis.

“Master Whis, these are delicacies for you.”

“Oh?” the angel widened his eyes, sparkling as soon as he smelled the sweet scent that came from inside the packages.

Goku opened it, inside there were some sweets that Chichi always prepared for Gohan when he was little: little anpans. He remembered Gohan soaking them in green tea, but unfortunately he didn't have any with him.

Whis tasted one and made small noises that indicated his appreciation.

“Really very good, Goku, they're delicious!”

“If you have hot tea, they are even more so.”

“Any tea? Then I'll prepare it right away!”

In a few moments Lord Beerus was close to him and with one paw already inside the package, but the angel lifted it from under him before he could take anything.

“Oh my my, Lord Beerus, your good manners.” he chided him good-naturedly.

“But I want to taste them!” the God replied angrily. “They look so good!” he said with foaming at his mouth.

“So let me make tea first. Goku says they should be accompanied with hot tea.”

Lord Beerus seemed to ponder the prospect of waiting and finally snorted, turning to Goku. “If it is not as you said I will delete you from existence.” he proclaimed seriously.

Goku chuckled. “Trust me, it will be worth it!”

The divinity emitted a throaty sound of annoyance and walked towards the tree, the house. “Come on Whis! Make this tea, I'm hungry!” before leaving, he gave a last look to Vegeta. “And you, Prince, try to get strong, who knows you can't give me a real fight.” he grinned.

Vegeta nodded. “Of course, Lord Beerus.”

Goku approached him, with the other bag, handing it to Vegeta, inside there were other anpans. “Lord Beerus does not know that Whis is looking for the next God. He does not like being pushed aside. But rest assured, he won't do anything to you.”

“Tze, he doesn't seem so friendly.” he replied piqued, crossing his arms and giving a bad look at the packages, intending not to touch them.

“He is a good person. Just a little bored. Well... I understand, he is the God of Destruction, there are few more powerful things... he must be boring.”

Vegeta chuckled. “That's why you don't want to become his successor… you're smart then, Kakarot.”

Goku smiled with him. “Partly.” then he closed the package. “Master Whis?” called the angel who had not moved behind his lord.

“Yes, Goku?”

“Can we start training?”

“Of course.” but instead of giving direction of new techniques for a hand-to-hand confrontation, the Master turned above all to Vegeta, having to say the last important information that would have given way to the real training. “Vegeta, Goku has managed to reach the form of the Super Saiyan God thanks to hard training and tests beyond normal endurance. But there is a more practical and immediate way that can allow you to access divine ki, so that you can immediately learn to master it.”

“Which one?”

Goku hoped Vegeta wouldn't get too angry, but knowing him...

“For the Super Saiyan God form, contact with divine ki is required. As you well know, Goku now owns it.” Whis explained. “If you draw from him, it will be easier and we could focus on mastering it.”

Vegeta found himself stammering, seized by a sudden sense of unexpected confusion. “I have to... take from Kakarot... but what are we talking about? Never! I refuse!” he denied with his arms and head, firmly. He was almost outraged by the proposal alone.

“I told you so.” Goku whispered to Whis.

“What did you say, idiot?” Vegeta snapped.

“Goku often talked about you, he said that you would never agree to take ki from him.”

The Prince snorted. “For once, the third class has said something right!”

Vegeta would draw from any energy source that could give him the strength to fight him, but never, never from him. Goku knew that he could not say anything to make him change his mind, especially because he understood it: the possibility of a challenge like that of being able to reach the level of divine energy all by himself was tempting for a Saiyan.

“Are you sure, Vegeta? It would be a curious experience to try. There are not many tales of the passage of divine ki to the Super Saiyan God.”

“And they will still not be there!”

“Very good.” Whis sighed, a little sorry. “Then we can start training.”

Vegeta turned to him, almost as if he was ready to spring in place to place a straight kick in the face. Goku got into position by pure instinct, thrilled by the idea of fighting Vegeta.

“No no, Vegeta.” Whis teased him, placing his stick in the middle to divide them, “Although you two will have time together, your training will be different, since you don't take divine ki in the simplest way. Even if does you honor Vegeta, I must say that it will be harder for all of us.”

“Hard work doesn't scare me.” said the Prince proudly, lifting his chin.

“Good to know. Now follow me Vegeta. Goku, you can start at the lake.”

“Yes Master.” then he raised his arm. “Good workout, Vegeta!” waving his tail, curious to see what his friend would start with, but he would ask him later.

Whis invited Vegeta in the opposite direction, pointing to the other side of the big tree. “Don't think about Goku, Vegeta, you have a lot of work waiting for you.”

“I'm ready!”

Whis smiled. “Goku has the same enthusiasm!”

“Don't compare me to him!”

“But he doesn't have this grudge... start with your exercises, so I can see what there is to work on, even if I already have an idea.” that said, he walked away. “I'm going to make tea.”

“Mh? Won't you stay here to evaluate me?”

“Oh don't worry, Vegeta, I'll observe. Good start.” he smiled at him and walked away, leaving the Saiyan alone and confused.

Goku had to focus on meditation and peace of mind and spirit, a relaxed body. Vegeta, once he saw what his training consisted of, understood almost immediately that that type of path was not for him. Trying to reach the Super Saiyan God with the hardest method. Why not, thought Goku, after all he had done it like this and he couldn't see why Vegeta couldn't do it! He had full confidence - besides knowing full well that he would never accept help, especially from him.

For the Prince, pride was everything and Goku had promised that he would never humiliate him again, or at least he would try.

It had been months, Goku didn't calculate the time, not even now that he was back alive. And he could tell that Vegeta was making great progress, one day he told him that he was moving much faster than him, at this the Prince seemed to get angry, going back to training alone. Goku hadn't felt it through their little connection anymore and he knew it needed all the concentration he possessed for that path, so he didn't bother him. Vegeta was already annoyed enough to have to share a room with him - although the planet had no shortage of rooms, it seemed that none were accessible except the one that was already occupied by Goku. But Vegeta was a neat and quiet roommate, Goku knew that he had irritated him more than once because he wasn't so careful with his things and that he was very loud even while he slept, so it didn't bother him during the day… at least not too much.

Until one day Vegeta went to Goku who was practicing a kata on the water of the lake, asking for a sparring, to which Goku replied halfway between happy and hesitant. Why did Vegeta want to fight him and not train to fully reach the Super Saiyan God stage? From Vegeta's ki he knew that he had grown stronger since their arrival, and Goku was immensely happy, he knew that Vegeta would take half his time. But now that Vegeta knew about the super saiyan god and that Goku was practicing to perfect it, using divine ki and yes… pass the Super Saiyan God level… why did he want a fight?

“Why?” he then asked, again for direct questions. “Not that I don't like the idea, but…”

“What Kakarot, are you afraid?” he teased him with a grin that ignited all his nerves, the blood buzzing in his ears, begging his muscles to give in to the challenge, anger and adrenaline. But that wasn't why he was there. He was on Lord Beerus' Planet to improve himself and come up with something higher to draw upon.

“No.” he answered calmly, which seemed to destabilize the other. “Only... why me?”

“How would that be to say why? Gods, you are even more idiotic than I remembered! Did you hit your head again, by any chance?”

“No, not that I remember.”

“I don't doubt it.” growled the Prince. “There is no limit to the brain damage you can have.”

Goku remembered the heart virus, the damage of the kaioken on this and the rest of the body, the years spent committing himself exclusively to fighting... he did not regret anything, but it was a fact, if he had not been a Saiyan he would have died a long time ago. Maybe that day as a child when he hit his head. In moments of meditation he had come to wonder what would have happened if he had died that day… he would not have had his life and the Earth would have gone on anyway.

“I guess you're right.” he smiled and wagged his tail calmly behind his back.

Vegeta gave him a dirty look. “So, do I have to hit you to incite you or do you decide to fight of your own free will?”

“You seem very determined, Vegeta, what, do you want to show me how strong you have become?” teased him, the Prince did not answer but he could feel that this was the reason. He could give in to that push… couldn't he? Yet it seemed so right… he just hoped he didn't mind Master Whis, that he never mentioned a fight between them. Goku had also fought against Whis from time to time, something surprising, he still hadn't managed to touch the angel and Goku couldn't wait to reach that level, he knew he would make it!

They transformed immediately, not wanting to waste time.

At Vegeta's first kick, straight to his mouth as he imagined, the water under them vibrated, causing waves that crashed on the grass around them. When Goku punched Vegeta's torso, the earth shook for more than two minutes. They jumped up and immediately began to get serious, it was not in the way of Goku, who started by testing the opponent and gradually increasing the level of power ... but this was Vegeta! The only living being who, years later, always managed to stimulate him, to tease him in the best possible way to challenge him without ever boring him, who felt like him the same ambition to always reach new levels of power.

Goku chuckled and Vegeta grabbed him from behind, locking his legs and neck in a strong grip.

“What are you laughing at, clown? Do I make you laugh?” growled the Prince, annoyed and crashed him into the lake. Quickly Goku emerged and Vegeta grabbed his hair, pushing him under again. “Go under, damn, you like this damn lake so much, mh? Crack in here!” cried the older Saiyan in a guttural voice.

They hadn't used blasts of energy and Goku liked that, he wanted nothing more than an old-fashioned fight where he could only use martial arts and everything related to body only, physical blows. Broken knuckles and blood that he splashed everywhere.

He clenched Vegeta's shins with his ankles, squeezing hard and bringing them both under the water with a sprint, the move made Vegeta lose his grip and they immediately got back into position to study themselves again: they knew every move and action he could have done, there were few things that could surprise them and yet they succeeded every time. Unable to communicate verbally, Goku decided to send a happy nudge into their bond, and if that angered Vegeta well… so much the better!

To his surprise, the other Saiyan instead responded with a pat in their shared mental area, something small and playful. Goku blinked, surprised, and at that moment Vegeta took the opportunity to throw a barrage of continuous punches, parried them all, going backwards guided by the current that their blows had created in the water, until he reached a natural wall at the edge of the lake, then Goku stood still, taking a few hits and then dodging when he knew Vegeta was about to give him a nice powerful blow, which hit the rock face.

He teleported out of the water, onto land, waiting for Vegeta to resurface, while enjoying his wet and even heavier clothes- Vegeta had kept his uniform snug and practical, instead Goku was curious to see him wearing something Whis chose, the only addition was a thick, short gold earring in the left ear.

He wanted to ask Vegeta to go and eat something together, when he felt a firm grip behind him, right on his tail: turning his torso, he saw Vegeta with a grin on his face and his tail in his hands. He shivered and his hairy tail swelled too.

“Ahhh, Vegeta! That's not fair!” he whimpered.

Il saiyan più adulto non stava stringendo forte, anzi, Goku quasi osava dire che era una presa attenta, non voleva fargli male ma neanche farlo fuggire, era come se gli stesse dando un promemoria su chi comandasse.

“Leave me!” Goku ordered him again.

Vegeta grinned, “No.” and squeezed the base.

Goku vibrated and returned to basic form, no more red hair, with the muscles losing tension and becoming limp, no longer responding to him. He didn't pass out because he had more control, but the temptation to totally let go was strong.

“Now you will make a good boy Kakarot, and stop strut!”

“What I do?”

Vegeta played with the tip of his tail, now swollen and at attention. “You have to get off the pedestal and understand that you are not a god, you can have divine ki, yes, but you remain a Saiyan! Don't forget your origins, or I'll have to you remember them!”

“Vegeta, why are you-”

The Prince squeezed hard in two places on the tail, making him yelp. In turn, he clenched his fists, finding that he did not want to submit or listen to what his friend had to say.

“Let me go!” he growled loudly, regaining energy, the rising aura, with black hair that moved that threatened to become blond, while he turned his head to look at the other with now clear eyes.

“No,” the Prince answered piqued but without getting upset, “so you also learn that you have to hold your tail tightly, and not free where anyone can catch it!” he rolled the hairy appendage around his arm, grabbing the base.

“Ve-Vegeta.” Goku stammered, as a shock came from the base of his back and ran down his spine.

The Prince leaned on him the least, speaking in a low and threatening voice. “I have not said anything until now because I know you are ignorant of our customs, but now I am tired.”

“I do not know what you're talking about. Vegeta, please let my tail go!” did not want to start arguing, what had happened? They were funny, why was the other one behaving like this now?

“In addition to being a distinctive point for our people,” Vegeta began as if he were teaching a lesson with a sassy child, “and a pathetic weak point, the tail is used to communicate various things through the pheromones it can give off.”

“Oh yes, yes…” Goku nodded, happy to know things up to this point, maybe then Vegeta would not be angry. “I know, Whis told me that my emotions can be felt through the tail.”

Vegeta's expression, on the other hand, was not happy on the contrary, he showed his canines. “So how can you act with so much innocence?”

“I don't understand!”

“You are lying to me?” he whispered, approaching his face and then his neck, sniffing something there and Goku vibrated and his tail trembled. They both liked that gesture.

“I would never lie to you... I only know this about tails...”

“Mh... yes, you're too sweet for a Saiyan, you can't lie.” Goku felt his face warm, “Don't you know that this is it, that Saiyans attract potential mates?”

It took a few moments for Goku to understand the meaning of those words: mates? He was… how could he do something like that without even being aware of it? So that was why Vegeta had been so far away from him, the reason why he had always dodged the tail… he thought it was because he wanted her too but maybe it was something beyond a trivial desire. Vegeta was training, he had come to Lord Beerus' planet, agreeing to become the next God of Destruction, being separated for a long time from his family with a very specific purpose, and had found himself having to be in the same place dealing with a Saiyan who was totally ignorant of the traditions of their people, even something like their tail.

"I..." he began, relaxing, now that he knew where Vegeta's sensations were coming from, even though something in him was happy that those gloved hands were holding him in that way. “I didn't know... is it like the pheromones that Master Whis told me? I didn't think it was also valid for anything else like love.”

Vegeta clicked his tongue, giggling. “Love?” teased him. “Saiyans don't know love, I'm talking about mating as an end in itself.”

“But you said mates.” his tail moved by itself, landing on Vegeta's bare skin from the ripped clothes. “So I thought… how is that possible?”

“Mh yes, there were exceptions, but do not fool yourself, the sweet feelings are not for the Saiyans.”

Goku looked at Vegeta's fingers that no longer held him but were delicately placed, immersed in his semi-wet fur.

“You are among those exceptions, Vegeta, I know!”

The Prince sighed and let him go, Goku felt a great feeling of discomfort when those fingers of his no longer touched him. “Don't strut, I told you!”

“I know you love Bulma and Trunks...” Goku continued, taking a step towards him, smiling, as if trying to reassure him. “I know that you take care of them, that your heart is dedicated to them. You've done so much, Vegeta… you deserve to be happy.”

“Motivational talk, Kakarot? Do you think I need it?"

“I think you forget that you deserve happiness.”

Vegeta crossed his arms with a grim expression. “I knew that union with the Potara was a bad idea.”

“Yes, you destroyed yours, so that it didn't happen again.” Goku chuckled. “I'm glad we did the fusion, not just because it helped against Majin Buu. But he left me something, he did it with both of them.”

“Don't tempt fate, Kakarot!” Vegeta growled, “The leftovers, knowing perfectly the thoughts and moves of the other in battle is fine with me, but the rest... I tried to ignore that mental connection that remained between us. That was fine, until you showed up.”

The anger, combined with the disappointment in his friend's voice made him want to stretch his tail and wrap it around that thin waist.

“Do you want us to ask Master Whis to remove the bond?”

Vegeta chuckled. “Is that what you call it? What a romantic.”

“Oh? Yes... I, did you ever hear me?”

“As I said... I try to pretend it doesn't exist for the most part. And I don't think Master Whis would take it off, I suspect he knows and that he enjoys it.”

“Maybe he is also useful for training.” Goku suggested.

“Or maybe he wants me to finally consent to the passage of ki.” he sighed, fed up with just the thought of that story. “Or that this connection could help.”

“Maybe... well...” Goku looked around, between hopeful and thoughtful. “Maybe it can help? We can try. You would not take anything from me, think about it: if we find a way to deepen the bond, you can find a new and never used way to improve and get closer to the Super Saiyan God!”

“Are you suggesting me…” said the Prince, incredulous. “To walk freely in your mind, looking for something that can help me?”

Goku nodded happily, his tail waving enthusiastically in the air.

“Never heard of a Saiyan so happy to open his mind to others.” Vegeta said confused.

“The other is you.”  smiled the Saiyan of Earth. “And surely someone has. Maybe always a third class!” he chuckled, putting his hands together behind his head.

“There aren't any Saiyans like you, Kakarot. So you have another first, congratulations.” he shrugged.

Goku was about to reply that he wasn't thinking about that when he proposed, but Vegeta hadn't finished talking. “So, are you sure, do you really want to try to completely open that- that bond?” he felt that he was uncomfortable saying that word, but he had said it anyway.

“Mh hm, well, what does it cost us to try? I'm sure Master Whis will appreciate the initiative!”

Vegeta shook his head. “I keep thinking that Master Whis already knew everything and was just waiting for us to get there by ourselves.”

Goku looked at his own tail and something occurred to him. “Vegeta, I promise I will try to check the pheromones of the tail.”

“I don't have much faith in that, but it's something.” the older Saiyan smiled amusedly. “So your smell will be as before at least.”

“It... it bothers you? I don't smell anything, is it a bad perfume?”

Vegeta looked at him, as if he was making the decision for the second time to use the Potara. “No, it's not.”