Chapter One – Gadgets and Ice Cream

"Mom, where do you want these?" Bra asked.

She dragged some folding chairs behind her and the look on her face was a mixture of boredom and annoyance.

"We don't need any more chairs. Tables. We need some more tables, I think." Bulma sighed. "Leave the chairs here and get the tables out of storage, would you, dear?"

"Ughh, storage! That's all the way downstairs. I have plans for tonight and I still need to shower and get dress-."

"I'll do it, little princess." Trunks rolled his eyes as he said it and a mocking smile was plastered on his face.

"Whatever, man.." Bra muttered before she stalked off towards the elevator.

"Thanks, Trunks. I appreciate it," Bulma beamed. "Be quick about it, please?"

She gave Trunks an angelic look and chuckled. Quickly, he took the elevator to the basement and strolled through the storage area. Chairs, he saw lots of chairs. The space was filled with all types of machines, cardboard boxes and a lot of dust. Eventually, he found some folding tables leaning against a wall. He wiped the dust off 'em and carried them to the Capsule Corps recreation area.

"I could use a shower myself," he murmured to himself as he finished setting up the last table.

Trunks quickly went over to his own quarters. For practical reasons, he'd chosen to remain in his parents' house rather than getting his own place. The estate was bigger than some villages, anyway. Once in his bedroom, he stripped out of his clothes and started towards the bathroom. He looked himself over in the mirror, grinned in satisfaction, jumped under the steaming hot shower and thoroughly lathered up his body; flexing his muscles as he did so.

A moment later he was dressed in a black suit, a grey tie and shining shoes. After all, as CEO he had to look representative.

The event was a big deal to his mother. Capsule Corps was hosting its tenth science exhibition and therefore, this year's edition was supposed to outshine all previous ones. Many scientists and scholars would attend in order to promote their new inventions, exchange ideas and brainstorm over theories. In addition, some journalists would be mingling in the crowd, observing the interactions between the exhibit's guests; their new, innovative gadgets and of course, the event itself. Everything had to run smoothly, Capsule Corps could not use bad press.

Trunks wasn't looking forward to a day of polite hand – shaking, prying journalists and trying to remember names. Personally, he was more interested in any new technological discoveries and handy gadgets. It was all part of the job, though, and he could always flee to his own wing if things took a turn for the boring.

He made his way to the event – hall and was greeted by an anxious looking Bulma. Machines, funny – looking objects and all sorts of mysterious paraphernalia were being put in place by frantically moving people.

"Everything's going to be fine, try to have fun!" Trunks reassured her. "Dad's gone off for training, right..?

"Yeah, we don't have to worry about him terrorizing the buffet."

Soon, the first guests were arriving. The Briefs shook hands politely and networked their way through the thickening crowd. From afar, Trunks suddenly spotted a familiar face. A welcome diversion from his tedious business and gratefully he walked over to the dark – haired individual.

"Trunks! Fancy seeing you here, huh." Gohan displayed his family's trademark grin.

"Oh, you know, I had nothing to do," Trunks remarked dryly.

"Yeah, I bet."

From behind Gohan, a young woman emerged.

"Oh, hey Pan. Didn't see ya there."

College was treating her well. She'd matured since the last time he saw her, but he was still a head taller than her. She wore ripped jeans shorts, that showed off her toned legs, sandals and a striped black and white shirt, which loosely fell down one shoulder. Her hand was on her hip and she looked at him as innocently as ever.

"I'm here for the lecture, can you point me in the right direction?" Gohan asked.

"Yeah, it's right that way. You here for the same thing, Pan?"

"No, I just wanna check out this year's toys. See anything cool yet?"

"No, haven't had the chance yet."

"Well," Gohan interrupted, "I'm off, don't want to miss it! Have fun you two."

With that he hurried towards the room designated as lecture hall and left the pair to it.

"So, let's go check it out," Pan offered.

"Yeah, let's go."

The duo wandered by the stalls, set ups and machinery in the recreational area. Clearly, a lot of progress had been made in the field of science and appreciative talk buzzed throughout the vast hall. Despite the apparent excitement that surrounded them, Trunks noticed that Pan wasn't very impressed. He also noticed the stares Pan was receiving.

"How have you been, " Trunks asked her.

"What?"

"How have you been," he repeated, louder this time.

"Really good! It's nice to spend some time with people my own age" she said laughingly.

"Unlike me, huh?" Trunks said in an offended tone.

"Exactly!" Pan flashed the family smile. "Don't worry, though. Your company is still enjoyable."

As she said this, she placed her hand on his arm and smiled sweetly. Trunks thought he saw a mischievous glint in her eyes and noticed how her fingers lingered on his arm, softly slid down and were then placed on her hip once more. Something stirred inside him. He swallowed and smiled back.

"Any food around here?" Pan continued.

"Of course. We've hired an excellent caterer."

They headed towards the buffet. Again, Trunks noticed how men were staring at Pan. He wondered if she noticed it too. In any case, she didn't seem bothered by it. She had her hands in her pockets and casually strolled through the crowd, swaying lightly. Trunks subtly slowed down a bit and awarded himself with a view of her rear. Pan turned her head, saw him staring, waited until he looked back up and smiled knowingly.

Trunks swallowed again and smiled back. As Pan turned her head back around, he couldn't help but smirk.

They arrived at the buffet and started loading up. They'd soon had their fill and decided it was time for some complementary dessert. Trunks went for the cake, but Pan opted for a delicious chocolate sundae.

She spooned the ice cream into her mouth, closed her eyes in enjoyment, swallowed and licked her lips seductively.

"So good," she said longingly.

"You make it look good, that's for sure."

Pan giggled and gave him that look again.

"Want some?"

"No, that's ok-"

Before Trunks could finish his sentence a man bumped into Pan and her sundae was decorating her entire front.

"Fuck," she cursed. "Watch where you're going, idiot."

"So sorry, miss. I tripped and.."

Pan looked absolutely livid and cursed at the man some more. Slightly embarrassed, Trunks grabbed hold of her arm and dragged her away.

"Don't worry, sir. She's fine. Haha. We'll just get her cleaned up. No problems here!"

Pan resisted his grip on her arm, but Trunks was way stronger and he deliberately hurried her towards the private part of the estate.

"Calm down, Pan! It was just an accident."

"Look at my shirt, I look like a-"

"Sundae?"

Trunks grinned at the agitated woman in front of him. She glared at him. He kept grinning and Pan started laughing as well.

"Okay," Trunks offered, "how about a clean shirt?"

Trunks waited in his living room while Pan cleaned herself up in the adjacent room. He tried to occupy himself with the images displayed on the television screen, but his mind kept rewinding the image of her swaying behind and her curious behavior. It was as if she was deliberately teasing him. This didn't seem like her. Even though she definitely stood her own, she'd always been a little shy when it came to the birds and the bees. Then again, she'd been in college for two years now. One learns things in college, he thought to himself as fond memories popped up.

"Thanks for the shirt, Trunks."

Pan emerged from his bedroom, still wearing the shorts, but they were now paired with a tank top embroidered with the Capsule Corps logo. She had tied the oversized top into a knot just above her belly button. Trunks watched Pan's movements as she walked over to where he was seated and flopped down next to him.

"What are you watching?"

"Uhm." Trunks looked at the screen and was greeted by a stern looking news anchor. "The news, obviously."

"Obviously." A cocky smile framed her lips as she said this. She leaned back against the couch, her legs resting on the coffee table.

Trunks regarded her silently. She was definitely up to something.

"Enjoying college life so far?"

"Yeah, it's fun."

"Fun? How so?"

"Oh, you know. Didn't you go to college yourself? Or has it been too long for you to remember."

This was the Pan he remembered. Playfully annoying. Trunks gave her a disapproving look.

"And how is the CEO of Capsule Corps doing? Still neglecting your duties while your female employees swoon over your good looks, amazing physique and boyish charm?'' Pan said tauntingly.

"Pretty much, yeah."

Pan rolled her eyes and smiled sweetly. That smile was really starting to annoy Trunks. Pan crossed her legs and moved to face him, with her shoulder now resting against the couch. Her arms pressed against her chest and her top spilled open. Trunks' eyes noticed immediately.

"Do you stare down their shirts as well?"

Trunks smirked and cockily retorted, "only if they flash their cleavage at me deliberately."

Pan blushed lightly, but she frowned simultaneously. She didn't break eye contact, however; neither did Trunks.

Unexpectedly, Pan quickly straddled him, placed her hands next to his head and kissed him hard. Trunks was taken aback, surprised by her bold move, but kissed her back eagerly. Pan moved her hips enticingly over his crotch and he grabbed her firm butt in response.

A knock on the door disturbed their heated make out session.

"Trunks, are you in there? You better not be slacking off, mister!"