Thank you for the reviews!

Majuub1fan – I'm glad you do ;) sorry for the wait…here ya go!

msanimegeek – As discussed lol…I will tell the story like that, skipping between past and present. Bulma knew as soon as Yuki removed the necklace, because of Trunks reaction. He felt her ki.

shellzuchiha – Yes Yuki is his daughter, you'll find out below ;p

KaitAstrophe95 – Thanks Kaidy, I'm glad you like it XD as discussed lol…All will be revealed in time :D

loveSetoxSerenity4ever – I agree, thank you! I'm glad you like it so far ;) Thank you again! Here ya go…

famoso – Yep…she hid her pregnancy from Trunks, you'll find out more as the story progresses ;) You'll find out a little about where Pan is below XD

Just Believe786 – Thank you Tas ;) find out below if she is ;p …You'll know soon. Well, not exactly where, but something lol….hoop jy geniet dit!

Guest – Thank you, still a lot more to come ;)

Saiyan Chik – You may be right lol…Sorry no Stowaway yet You'll sort of find out where she is below… ;p

Guest – Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoy all my stories ;) here ya go!


Chapter 4

Trunks fell to his knees in the Gravity Room, his ki rising rapidly. "Why? Why did you do this…?!" He screamed heatedly.

His body trembled as he tried to contain the rage coursing through his veins, breathing heavily as he flashed in and out of Super Saiyan. He released an ear-piercing screech as he fell forward on his hands. He was trying to understand how someone he loved so deeply, and who he thought felt the same way, could be so cruel.

Trunks remained in that exact position...time passed by as he tried to think of a reason why she would hurt him so. No matter how hard you try and hide something, the truth always finds a way to the surface. That was a testament as much to him, as it would be to her.

###

The sound of the door opening brought him out of his trans-like state. He heard her heels clicking as she made her way over to him.

"Are you going to tell me who her mother is?" Straight to the point, you could expect no less from Bulma Briefs.

Trunks hissed, "No…"

"Do you know, or was it a one night stand with someone you can't recall?"

"Of course I know who her mother is! I just never knew I had a child…"

"Well, she obviously knew she had to hide the child's ki, which meant she knew about Saiyans. Why would Yukiko's mother have a chain like that anyway, unless…" Bulma paled, "NO! Trunks Vegeta Briefs, what did you do? If Gohan or anyone else found out, they would kill you!" Bulma scolded, holding her hand to her head.

Trunks stood up slowly, his form towering over his mother's, and kept his eyes averted. "I'm sorry…"

"Trunks, she was a teenager herself, the same age as your daughter is now! What the fuck were you thinking, screwing around with Pan!" Bulma seethed. "We have to speak to her first, find out why she did this before the others find out. You won't be able to hide that she's your daughter for much longer, she looks just like you. It's probably the real reason why she's here! She must've seen a picture of you or something!" Bulma's mind was already gathering all the missing links. "We will be able to keep her mother's identity concealed for now, as long as Yukiko does not remove that ki-suppresser. This is going to get messy Trunks…How could you be so stupid!?"

"I loved her mother! I still do…" he sighed. "Don't judge me, if you don't know…Why is it my fault alone? I am not the one who threw my child away. I never even knew she existed!" He exclaimed in frustration.

He couldn't control his anger anymore. He felt so overwhelmed with heartache. Why would Pan hide this from him, did she not trust him, or love him enough to know that he could've taken care of everything.

His body convulsed as tears streamed down his cheeks. "I loved her so much, mom. Why would she do this to me?"

Bulma knew there were a lot of unanswered questions, starting with how Trunks and Pan managed to hide their relationship from everyone. Right now, even though she was furious! Her son needed her, and she had a granddaughter who had lived a hard life..."You need to speak with Yukiko, find out what she knows; I doubt she will ask you Trunks. She's a very sweet girl, who's probably afraid to confront you, but she definitely must suspect something. She'd have to be blind not to…"

###

21 Years Ago

Trunks poured a cup of coffee, and then sat at the table with the morning paper, when his lifelong friend entered the kitchen.

"Hey bro, long time no see. I swear you're going to have a stroke if you don't unwind some time." Goten stated in a matter-of-fact tone.

Trunks rolled his eyes and folded the paper. "Maybe if you come and work for me, I would have time to take that much deserved break."

"No can do…I'm happy managing the dojo's for Mr Satan here in West City. No stress, and I do what I love!" He grinned.

"Lucky you, and here I am, stuck behind a desk trying not to screw up my grandfather and mother's legacy. Anyway, what brings you by?"

"I thought I could persuade you to spar with me. Valese is away for the weekend, and I'm kind of bummed." He pouted. "The upside is, her cousin's coming back with her to visit. I thought maybe you could get out there again…You know, relieve some stress." Goten wiggled his eyebrows, smirking at the older Saiyan.

Trunks shook his head and scoffed. "I'm busy Goten; I don't have time to entertain females. Maybe in a few months' time…"

"Seriously!" Goten exclaimed. "Do you know how that sounds? Look at you…moody, frustrated…need I continue? You need to get laid man, and this chick is in to you, at least that's what Valese said."

"She's never even met me dumb-ass, how does she know she's 'in to me'. Probably after my status and boyishly good looks" he mocked in a high pitched voice. "Thanks…but no. I can manage on my own.

"Come on Trunks, just go out with her a few times at least, and maybe screw her. She's a fine piece of ass, I've seen photographs.

"No, I'm not going out with her. You know how I feel about Valese too, so don't push it!" Trunks warned.

"I can't believe you still don't like my girlfriend."

Trunks rolled his eyes again, "get over it…"

"You seriously need to f…"

"Shut up!"

"Fine! Grumpy dick…" Goten pouted. "Let's go spar…"

###

He lay awake in his bed, the faint glow of moonlight shining through the slits in his drapes, giving the room an ethereal like aura. She was here, in his house having a sleep over with his sister. He clicked his tongue while observing the stars on his ceiling - stars that have adorned his ceiling, since he was eight years old.

Pathetic…He sighed inwardly at the fact that he was still single, and living with his parents. Although, he never felt the need to venture out, when everything he needed was right here. He never felt crowded- after all, this was a mansion.

His thoughts drifted to a certain young quarter-saiyan. She wasn't as depressed these days, ever since that 'date' he took her on. That date…that kiss, he had never felt so much passion from another. He didn't know what to think, or how to interpret what he felt. A part of him wanted to think it was more, but logic always set in…maybe it was just how grateful she felt at that specific moment. She never showed any signs of romantic feelings for him, and he was relieved. Am I? They were already treading on thin ice as it was. If anyone found out that they were 'sleeping' together, there would be hell to pay.

He thought about what Goten said. Yes, it would be very pleasurable to lay with a female, but his days of screwing around were over. He had seen, and been through enough to realise that. He hoped his friend would reach that level of maturity soon… not that Goten didn't have a good head on his shoulders, though he could be naïve at times. Anyway, he was happy to relieve himself for a while, even though he hated the act, and knew he could get any women he wanted – single or married!

"I'm thirsty…" He muttered, and forced himself out from under the warm covers.

###

He passed the family room and paused in the doorway when he saw the TV flickering. He peered into the room, noticing a head of black hair, said person sitting comfortably on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket.

He stalked forward slowly until he could see her face. Her eyes were wide, watching the picture on the screen.

"Hey…" He whispered. "What ya doing?"

She glanced at him and smiled. "Your sister kicks, I told her I was going to sleep elsewhere. Well, I couldn't really sleep so I decided to come down here." She shrugged. "You…"

"Couldn't sleep, about to get some warm milk…want some?"

"Sure…"

"I'll be right back." He mussed her hair, and chuckled at the way she scrunched up her nose while shaking her head.

###

He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. What are you doing Trunks? Groaning inwardly, he decided to ignore his cognitive dissonance. Nothing was going on, right? It's just Pan – Pan who slept next to him, whom he kissed not too long ago. Who he couldn't stop thinking about. Maybe Goten's right…I need to get laid!

###

She smiled as she watched him walk off. Everyone knew she was staying over, so going to his room that night was not an option. She felt so safe with him, even though they never touched or crossed that invisible barrier on his bed.

In a way she felt closer to her grandfather around him. During the Grand Tour it was just the three of them- and Giru of course. They formed a unique bond, a sort of closeness that only they understood.

Albeit, since that kiss, she couldn't stop wondering what it would be like to be loved by him, to have him hold her, or kiss her without the knowledge of it being a favour. She never saw him as a lover, she had never even had a crush on him, but somehow she could feel a shift in their relationship which she couldn't really comprehend.

###

"Here ya go, Panny." He handed her the cup, and hesitated for a moment before sitting down next to her. "Romantic comedy… I never pegged you as the type." He raised his brow, a playful glint in his eyes.

She rolled her eyes, lifting the blanket so they could share. "It's all I could find down here. It's nice to learn a thing or two about love ya know!" she mimicked his earlier look. "I suppose it's the only way I would learn anyway, unless I find someone who doesn't think I'm a freak."

He sighed, and made himself comfortable next to her on the sofa, both drinking their milk in silence. Trunks thinking about her previous statement… Pan thinking about her grandfather…

Trunks took her now empty cup, placing both on the coffee table. "He's probably thinking about you too."

He knew her so well. She sniffed as a single tear rolled down her smooth cheek, nodding in affirmation.

"Come here…" He pulled her closer before cradling her in his lap.

She grabbed his t-shirt, resting her head against his chest.

"Is that the real reason you're down here?"

She nodded. "I couldn't come to you, Vegeta would know."

He had never felt comfortable hiding this from everyone, but he also knew that they wouldn't be happy with the situation. "You have to let him go Panny; it's not healthy to go on like this."

"I know…just give me some more time okay. I love him so much Trunks, and I miss him terribly."

"I understand sweetheart, it will get better…I promise." He closed his eyes, and gently rubbed his cheek against hers, to try and soothe her sobs. Next thing he knew, her lips were on his and he froze, eyes widening.

She pulled away abruptly and got off his lap. "S-sorry Trunks, I thought…I thought – I'm so sorry, it will never happen again…"

"Err…I-it's okay Pan-Chan, don't worry about it." He chuckled lightly at her flushed face. "I'm not mad or anything…I'm actually very flattered." He smirked.

She slapped his chest with the back of her hand, and giggled softly. She had no clue why she did it, but he smelled so good, and the faint stubble on his face sent shivers up her spine. She couldn't resist the temptation…

He smiled brightly, showing all his pearly whites. "Come and sit with me, let's finish the movie. It's a good excuse if anyone were to walk in on us sleeping." He winked at her, now was not the time to push her away. She worried him sometimes, especially when he could sense her mood swing. He was afraid she would do something stupid, and he would never forgive himself.

He was still staring at her when he realised how beautiful she was, even more now than a few years ago. Before he could stop, his eyes roamed the rest of her exposed body…Her full lips, flushed cheeks, her creamy neck and her ample breasts – they weren't big, but they weren't too small either.

She fidgeted a bit, under his intense gaze, and cleared her throat. She had no clue what he was thinking, or why he was looking at her like that. All she knew was that she felt warm and fuzzy inside, and she liked it. Moving closer, she snuggled up against his side, resting her head on his shoulder.

They never spoke another word about what had just occurred. They weren't paying attention to the movie also. Both were lost in their thoughts about each other…

###

Present Day

Trunks sat in his office chair, staring vacantly ahead. He was angry, frustrated, confused, happy… – he was simply feeling overwhelmed. He couldn't understand how she could do this to him. After all they shared, all the nights they spent together…He had been there for her through all her trials and tribulations, no questions asked. He comforted her, loved her. Yes, it was all in secret, but that's what made it so much more intense. The fact that they had to work so hard to be together, yet, when they were it was so natural. How could she not tell him that he was a father, how could she throw something so precious away?

One thing was certain. She was damn lucky she wasn't on the planet, or he would've ripped her head clean off! He had to calm down, and then find a way to contact her…when the next ship left, perhaps. He would think about it...first he needed to find a way to confront Yukiko.

He buzzed his assistant, asking her to call Yukiko up to his office…

###

She sat nervously on the chair outside his office, her back-pack at her feet, and holding a few papers in her hands. She heard the door open and looked up.

"Yukiko, Hi…Sorry for the wait, I had to take an important business call." Well, that was not exactly true; he took the time to collect himself. Yet even now, seeing her through the eyes of a father looking at his daughter…he wanted nothing more than to pull his little girl into his arms, and tell her it would be okay. Especially when she looked so stressed... "Come inside." He smiled politely.

"Hello Mr Briefs," she greeted while following him into his office. She noticed that he looked a bit dishevelled, and like someone who hadn't slept in days.

###

He sat behind his desk, running a hand through his hair before addressing her. "So, are you ready to officially join the work force and university?"

She bit her lip, blinking rapidly while trying to hold back her unshed tears. Why was she acting so foolish? This was no way to behave in front of her boss. She twisted the papers in her hands, and answered softly. "Err…well, I don't – I don't…"

"Are you okay Yukiko?" Trunks asked concerned. Does she know?

She nodded slightly, her head bowed. "I'm not sure that I thought this through thoroughly before coming here… That's what happens when I think with my heart and not my head" she muttered softly.

He still heard it though, due to his Saiyan hearing.

"I thought I could cope, but now I'm realising that I was stupid to think so. I can't afford any of this stuff." She waved the paper in frustration, tears streaming down her face. If Sister Izumi knew the real reason behind her coming here she would be so angry. Yuki was feeling so ashamed, thinking she could come here, and everything would just fall into place. Now here she was, breaking down in front of the CEO. "I'm sorry Mr Briefs; this is not your problem. I will write a formal letter of apology, and of course thanking you and your family for your time, resources and hospitality."

He wanted to reach out to her so badly, and tell her everything would be okay. That she never had to worry about money or expenses again. This is my way in; I don't think she's aware that I heard her earlier statement. Which only confirms that she came here with an ulterior motive...?

He rose from his seat, and grabbed the box of tissues from a cabinet behind his desk. He sat down on the seat beside hers and offered her the box. "Yukiko, I don't want you to do that, I'm sure we can work something out." He started, thinking it was best to ease her into what he really wanted to know.

"I got my package a few days ago, listing all the details like my salary, taxes and university expenses, and what would be deducted each month. If I add anything extra, I'll be left with nothing. How am I supposed to live? I don't even have decent clothing for school." She sobbed.

I hate you right now Pan-Chan! This could've been avoided if you just came to me. Look at how distraught and ashamed our daughter is. Having to grow up in a foster home when she could've been happy and had everything with me – with us…

"I'm so sorry Mr Briefs; this was not my intention at all when I came up here today… You called me, after all. I never meant to have you listen to a sob story." She wiped her nose with a tissue. "I'll leave as soon as possible, hopefully Sister Izumi can help me find accommodation and a job…"she sniffed, keeping her head low.

Now's your chance Trunks! "Yukiko, why did you come here…?" He asked softly. "You said you thought with your heart, not your head, why?"

She was surprised that he heard her, she never meant for him to. "I-I needed a job…"

"Please Yukiko, the truth." Trunks requested gently.

She sighed nervously, and reached into her backpack. She held the book in her lap and turned slightly to face him. "Mr Briefs, I want to make it clear that I'm not after your money or looking for a reason to exploit your family. Like I told you before, I spent most of my life wondering who and where my parents were. I went through many phases – depression and suicide being a major one, and the reason why Sister Izumi kept me isolated from the outside world until now." She ran her hand over the book and continued. "Deep down I knew I could never stop until I found my parents, but I stopped back then to keep Sister happy." She opened the book to the section about him.

Trunks watched curiously, and listened intently as she explained. He knew that book; it was the latest edition about his family and the company. His mother was heavily involved in the publication process. He took the book from her when she handed it to him.

"I saw you there." She pointed to the picture. "After so many years of creating images out of magazine cut outs, or in my head. I never dreamt that I would find someone who was practically a mirror image of me. This is why I had to come. Hoping that there was a possibility that I could find out if you – if you were my father."

Trunks rubbed his hands together and leaned back in his chair. This was going easier than he thought. She was doing all the talking, and he would play into her hand…

"I want you to know that I was, and am still very keen to work here, and study. It is the perfect opportunity. Well, if I could afford it that is. I also wanted to find out the truth, because there was no way I could look so much like you otherwise, right? I just want to know the truth and if you are, why you would throw me away like that." She choked back a sob.

"I understand your frustration and feelings. I can't say that I know what it's like to walk in your shoes, but I can see this is important to you. I also know how humbling this is for you. I'm sorry for not approaching you about this when we met, you must've found it odd that I never noticed the resemblance. Yukiko, I had no idea of the possibility." He couldn't exactly tell her he scanned her ki and found nothing. "I had no idea that there was a chance I was someone's father. The only person I was intimate with, around the time you were possibly conceived never showed any signs, and left before I knew anything."

"So, then you know who my mother could be?"

"Let's take this one step at a time, shall we." He picked up the receiver and dialled his mother's number.

"Bulma Briefs…" she answered on the other line.

"Mother, Yukiko and I are on our way over. I need you to do a paternity test…"