Vegeta had never felt such a concentration of power in one body in his entire life. Through his battles with Kakarott, Frieza, Cell, Buu, and even Baby, who'd managed to possess him, they were never this powerful in all of one moment. He was the King of all Saiyjins, proud and unyielding as a mountain, but he realized something that shocked him to the core.
It scared him.
He had watched in horror as a woman who he'd come to care for as a daughter was strangled by some weakling of inferior birth and he'd been enraged, held back only by his determination and confidence in his deshi's abilities, even as Goku, unshakable in his faith, faltered out of fear.
Pan had become such a part of everyone's lives. She was such an integral piece of their world. So caring and strong. A force of nature, so stubborn and proud. So much like her grandfather that no one could ever be angry at her. He knew from the instant he'd laid eyes on her that she possessed that same indefinable quality as grandfather. That unyielding spark of ferocity and faith, the determination to go beyond any limit imposed on her. But she carried something that even Kakarott did not possess. She had an innate primal instinct that made her a Saiyjin warrior.
Pan had always been special. From the moment he'd seen her in her little frilly excuse for a dress, wrapped in layers of pink that she tried to fight her way out of even as a baby. He knew that she was different. And now, as he watched her fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a true Saiyjin, he felt a swell of pride rise inside him, filling him to the brim. His deshi had ascended.
Vegeta glanced down at his son, who's expression was of utter wonder and ill-disguised lust, a trickle of drool running down the side of his mouth. This would pick up their relationship a notch. A true Saiyjin bond was a rarity now, since their entire race had been annihilated. If they thought the passion and intensity was great now...just wait. Bulma hadn't left her room for weeks after becoming pregnant with a Saiyjin child. It was just the power and connectivity of the bond. It was strengthened by the presence of other Saiyjin blood. A fact that had provoked him to share his blood with her. That had spiced things up.
His gaze drifted back to Pan as she stepped forward, her stride a ferocious movement of power and lethal predatory grace. Her cold eyes were trained on Marron, who stood transfixed by Pan's transformation.
Pan smiled, something that seemed feral and deadly now. Marron crawled back and used a protruding steel pipe to stand. Every nerve ending of her body told her to run, but it was was a small voice in the face of her all-consuming need for revenge. She stood and clenched her fists. Determination and renewed energy crashed through her as the power of the Super Human rose inside her again.
She tilted her head back and screamed, her aura growing as she powered up, an intimidation tactic. Marron was trying to psyche Pan out before they even moved. Her aura swirled and grew till it extended far past her body, blazing with power.
Pan observed this with mild interest, her eyes intent and hard as steel. The midnight blue eyes were like storm clouds. "Stop that, human. You're wasting your time," she proclaimed, her voice deep and laced with electricity.
Marron paused, fear racing up her spine.
"Your defeat is imminent, weakling. Give up or I will make your head my trophy," Pan snarled.
"You think you can intimidate me with your little makeover trick, Pan?" Marron said, her confidence rising at the look of rage on the Saiyjin's face.
Pan shrugged nonchalantly. "I warned you."
Pan dematerialized, followed by Marron, and the blows began. Hundreds of moves nearly invisible even to the trained eye were exchanged, so fast that one simple miscalculation would lead to death.
Pan's body was like a work of moving poetry. Where the men of her species were concerned with power and strength and abrupt, cutting attacks, she moved like a liquid dance. Her moves were elegant, almost lazy. She moved with a cat-like grace, lethal and beautiful, but with the power of a thousand suns shining out of her aura.
Pan flipped backward, narrowly missing a punch to the throat, and went straight into a roundhouse kick, taking out Marron's legs. She fluidly moved to stand and came down hard, her elbow connecting with Marron's stomach. Marron retched, bile rising into her throat, but she just swallowed and continued. She stood and tried to land a punch to Pan's exposed abdomen, but was a second too late. Her blow became erratic and her arm overshot completely. Pan grabbed the extended arm and used it to haul Marron into the remains of the once beautiful deck of her house. Marron lay still, her body wracked with pain.
Pan wasted no time and positioned her hands into the position of attack. "Never challenge a true Saiyjin, woman. Big-" Before she could finish, Marron reared up, between Pan's arms and thrust her wrist into Pan's jaw. Pan didn't seem to notice the blow, even as a sickening crack filled the air.
"Bang!" The blue blast was a direct hit. Or should have been. Marron had disappeared at the last minute, reappearing behind the distracted Pan, and tore into her back with a Destructo Disk. Pan's eyes widened as she recognized her own mistake. She fell forward, her heart pounding.
Marron smiled as she walked over to the seemingly unconscious woman. "You see, Pan? You aren't worthy of a man like Trunks. He's too good for you. Because you are too weak. Your blood is nothing but the leftover dishwater of a pathetic race of monkey men from outer space. You need to learn your place." She rose into the air and raised her hands, pointing them directly at the fallen warrior, a sick look of victory on her face.
"Scattered Canon Blast." Marron whispered as the orange energy balls began to form. She let them loose, expecting them to wipe Pan from the face of the world. A second before the blast hit her, Pan's eyes flew open and she stood upright. Her hands flew up, containing the blast and struggling to create her own. She felt her heart skip a beat as she felt something inside her take hold and new knowledge hummed through her. Trunks was with her.
She gathered her strength, digging deep into her core as she steeled herself.
"Kamehameha Bang!" The blue energy burst out of her and began to battle the Scatter Canon. The energy began to battle each other, pushing and pulling, attempting to gain dominance. The attack from Pan seemed to be winning for an instant before the Scatter Canon began to encroach on Pan. She gasped as the ki blast began to move toward her.
Pan winced at the energy began to seep out of Marron's attack, cutting and singing her in its intensity. Pan faltered, her footing slipping and she cursed trying to push herself further, pulling energy she didn't have into the blast. Her arms twitched, the blast trembling in her hands.
Fear swept through her. The amount of energy she had in her hands was more than she had ever wielded. She didn't have anything left. Her energy was completely drained out. She didn't know how long she could hold the blast together. Doubt began to creep in again, strangling her with the fear of what would happen if she failed. Images of Trunks disappearing before her, his sweet, cocky smile in a burned out clearing, talking about pancakes and showers. His bashful boyish charm when he got a compliment. Tears pricked in Pan's eyes.
Trunks eating, Trunks sleeping, Trunks play fighting with Goten, Trunks tossing her into the air just to see her laugh, Trunks laughing, Trunks under a machine console, covered in grease as he grinned at her with that sweet, cute smile of his.
Her heart sank. She couldn't do it. She didn't have enough strength left. And she was going to lose the best thing that had ever happened to her.
Pan!
Pan started as a familiar voice filled her mind. Trunks?
Pan! What are you doing?!
Pan blinked, her stance faltering as she realized what was happening. Trunks was talking to her through their bond.
Trunks…
You have more than enough power to take down Marron! What are you waiting for?!
Her head dipped, eyes tearing up as regret filled her. I can't! I can't do it!
She heard Trunks' scoff inside her head. I don't buy that for a second. I can feel how much power you're putting out. You're more than a match for Marron. Why are you hesitating?
Pan started as the Marron's blast grew, ballooning out beyond her attack. She shook minutely, her hands aching from the power going through them.
I've never channeled this much power! My hands are burning and I can't keep my footing! I've lost too much strength, Trunks.
Bullshit.
Pan jolted, shocked at Trunks' words.
Pan Son, I've seen my dad do five times that to you during training and you shrugged it off. Tell me now. Why are you doubting yourself?!
Pan pushed forward, forcing her legs to hold their position as the blast eroded her hands. I'm not a true Saiyjin, Trunks! I don't have enough Saiyjin blood! The only reason I ascended is because I have Sensei's blood in me, she thought miserably.
That's bullshit, Pan! I've seen you fight. I've seen my father's energy in every form he's ever taken. Trust me, that power coursing through you is coming from only you.
Pan shook, cool tears streaking down her face.
I don't know where you got that stupid idea that there is a single thing wrong with you, but it's all bullshit! I chose you, Pan!I am your mate, not Marron's. I called you. You answered. I've felt every corner of your heart and soul. I know you more than I know myself. I never want to look at another person ever again as long as I live.
Pan gasped at his words, her heart pounding loudly in her chest.
You put her down, Pan. And you come back to me! Cause I don't give a shit what Marron says. Until the day I cross to Other World, there's only one person I ever want to wake up with. And it's you.
Pan let out a harsh, shaking breath, her heart swelling bigger than she thought possible.
"Give up already, monkey! I'm going to demolish you!" Marron's grave green eyes bore into Pan. Pan growled as she felt something rising inside her, different than the possessive, feral Saiyjin in her that craved her mate or the thrill of a fight.
Suddenly, power was pouring out of her, surging up from a place deep inside her she'd never touched before. Her blast began to expand, grow, encompassing Marron's. Fierce pride surged through her as she took a shaking step toward the Super Human.
"Listen up, Marron! I'm Pan Son! I am the descendent of the greatest fighter in all of history. I am deshi to the King of all Saiyjins! And my mate is the Saiyjin no Ouji!" The blast was about to singe off her hands. Small burns prickled her skin as the orange blast began to crumble.
"He is mine!" The Saiyjin's scream was an inhuman yell, reverberating across their battlefield, her eyes flashed red for an instant. Her aura grew and grew as she threw her last remaining power into the attack.
The blast seemed to grow and grow as it overwhelmed Marron's. The energy overtook Marron completely and went so far as to shoot straight into the heavens and beyond. It pulsed in the distance for a tense, long moment, before dissipating into the atmosphere. Pan blinked slowly as she watched the energy wave disappear, a strange calm descending over her.
Pan sagged as it faded. Her weak legs couldn't hold her anymore and gave out, sending her to the ground. She landed heavy against the rubble of her house, her back seizing as she landed. She coughed weakly, unable to keep her eyes open for long.
Cheers rang out from her friends and family as they rushed forward to help her. Pan pushed herself stiffly onto her side and pointed a finger over to the mountain in the distance. "Krillin, Marron should be over there. Or somewhere around there. I'd get her myself, but you know," she smiled wistfully as her body returned to normal, her hair and aura changed back to normal.
Her eyes danced as Trunks limped over to her, falling to his knees next to her. His face was a mask of pride and tenderness, eyes dancing as he took in her injured body.
Pan smiled reaching up for him instinctively. Trunks grasped her hand and gingerly pulled her to him, mindful of her injured back. The shadow of tears was lingering in his eyes as he gazed at her.
"You did it," he said in wonder.
Pan smiled. "Well, I had some help." He laughed, bending to kiss her forehead, the only part of her not covered in scrapes and bruises.
Behind her mate, Vegeta came up, a full on smirk on his lips. Pan smiled back, her smile turning goofy as Goku joined his friend at Pan's side.
Vegeta scoffed at her, shaking his head. "Can't do anything the easy way, can you, brat?" Pan gave a weak laugh, her smile nearly splitting her face. Vegeta just shook his head in disbelief. "You are definitely Kakarrot's kin." That got a laugh from everyone around them, all of the gazing fondly at her. But she couldn't seem to focus on anything for long, except for Trunks.
"Let's get you taken care of." Pan lifted a hand to Trunks' cheek and nodded.
She winced and smiled as he stood, holding her to his body bridal style. He turned and walked them away from the rubble, toward the transport Bulma had had the foresight to bring. She was nudled up to be taken to the Med-Wing of CC again. Heavens knew she was tired of being there. But, she reflected, she wasn't going to be nearly sore as Marron would be. That thought gave her some comfort as she slipped from the world of the consciousness, the pain of injuries becoming too much to bear.
It was dark again when Pan woke up. Her head ached uproariously at her for getting up, but she had to. She didn't know where she was and longed for company. And the bathroom. The big lightless room was something that made her feel uneasy. She looked around and noticed that the room was her own that was located inside of Capsule Corp. She smiled at the familiarity and tried to stretch. Pan winced as she moved her damaged arm. It was bound in a bright pink cast that was littered with drawings, one of which proclaiming that Goku, Goten, Bra, Trunks, Bulma and, surprisingly, Vegeta had been there.
Pan recognized Bulma's handiwork in a cartoon of herself beating her mate, Vegeta, to a pulp. The overdone caricature made her smile. A groan floated across the room and Pan immediately went into defense mode.
She struck her karate stance, ignoring the complaints of the pull of stitches in her back and her broken foot, also in a cast, but this time in purple. A form was lying in a chair across the room. It began to move and it spoke.
"Pan?" She immediately recognized the voice and relaxed.
"Grandpa?" She asked. He stood and went to the lights. They flicked on effortlessly and Pan's eyes protested to the rough treatment. She focused on Goku and smiled. "Grandpa. It's just you. You scared me." She admitted sheepishly. She glanced around the room and saw the many gifts and packages that littered the room. Most notable were the flowers, roses, that were perched in a vase on the table bedside her bed.
Pan sat back down on the bed and was joined by Goku, who wrapped an arm around her. "How ya feeling, Panny?" he asked jovially.
She shrugged. "I'm here. Sore" She said noncommittally. It was taking all of her energy just to sit up. Her eyes clouded over. "How's Marron?" She asked.
Goku's expression was blank. "She's in critical condition. You broke almost every bone in her body. But, surprisingly there's no internal bleeding and nothing other than a concussion. She'll be ok." He reported.
Pan smiled, thankful she hadn't gone to far. "Seems like we both gave each other headaches." She said, pointing to the bandage that covered her head.
Goku chuckled. "Yeah. Two of the hardest heads in the world collide."
"You mean beside your's and Sensei's?" She teased back. They shared a short laugh that ended in Pan coughing, her insides burning from the broken ribs. Goku stood in worry and scrambled. "I'll call Bulma." He said, grabbing a little device on the bedside table.
Moments passed and Bulma came walking in, her face bright and eyes cheerful. Pan started for a moment. Since when did Bulma walk? She hadn't been walking for months. All the woman could do was waddle!
"Bulma! You had your baby!" She exclaimed at Bulma's slim physique.
Bulma nodded happily. "Yeah, Vegeta Briefs Jr," she said proudly. "Ten pounds eleven ounces, I thought I was giving birth to a whale," she said dramatically. Pan giggled and felt the pain stab through her again.
"Jeez, how long have I been out?" She asked.
Goku just chuckled, rustled her hair and said he had people to talk to about Pan waking up. Bulma came forward and pushed a syringe of yellow liquid into Pan's IV. "You've been asleep for a week. Not much considering the beating you took." She admonished severely, her eyes covered by her long bangs.
"Well, I'm glad to see a third kid hasn't dampened your temper, Oka-san," she said sarcastically. Bulma looked up and Pan swore she'd never seen a woman fiercer. Bulma's eyes were brimmed with tears and anger radiated from her. "Pan, I do not want to hear it." She bit out.
"Jeez, Oka-san, I'm fine. Nothing a little of your cooking and a nap won't fix-"
"Dammit, Pan, you almost died!" she cried out, her voice stressed. Pan looked into her second mother's eyes and the reality of what happened seemed to hit her. "You're lucky you can even breath. Marron crushed your windpipe and the only thing that saved you from choking on your own blood was the transformation. We had to rebuild your entire esophagus and larynx. Three hundred and two stitches, Pan. Kami, I thought you were going to die," Bulma said, hugging her to her chest.
Pan seemed in a state of shock. Bulma looked this ragged from worry...then how was Trunks?
"Oka-san, where is Trunks?" she asked, when they separated. Bulma swallowed her tears and pointed to the door. "Trunks!" She called. A split second later, a disheveled, unshaven ghost of a man peeked in and his dead eyes made her cringe. Bulma took that moment to exit.
"Trunks, dear Kami, when was the last time you slept?" she asked stern worry etched into her features. Pure shock was written on his face and he stood there for about thirty seconds before bolting across the room to her.
His arms wrapped around her and almost squeezed the life from her. "Oh, thank goodness, you're alright. My Pan, I thought I'd lost you. Thank Kami, you're alright," he whispered in her hair. Pan felt her heart melt in his embrace and she kissed his cheek.
"It'll take more than a jealous girlfriend to get ridda me, monkey-boy." Her words were comical but they did not lack sincerity. His broken sob was her answer. She pulled away from him and gave him a watery smile. Pan made a soothing sound as she hugged to her, her heart swelling with sorrow and love for her mate. He seemed to be consoled just by her presence and the grief in his eyes gradually faded. Pan hated to see him so upset.
"Just promise me one thing," she asked.
He nodded. "Anything."
"Tell me if you have any more psycho ex-girlfriends. I don't think I can handle any more like Marron," she joked. Her laugh was interrupted by a severe cough and pain, but didn't stop her. Trunks pulled away from her, his stern eyes taking in her injuries with a critical eye. She could tell as he looked her over, the grief was coming back. She couldn't wait to be back full strength, just so she didn't have to see that stricken look in his eyes. Her hand came to his cheek, their bond pulsing between them like a living thing.
He smiled back at her, not meeting her eyes. "Of course. Kami...I love you, Pan."
He looked up hopeful for a positive reaction, but it wasn't present. For the first time in her life, the great Saiyjin Pan Son fainted.
Trunks propped his feet on the sofa in front of him, leaning back into the recliner. "I swear, that woman can't stay conscious for more than a few moments lately," he said exasperatedly. Bulma smiled at him from her place alongside Veggie Jr. The baby in her arms cooed happily as she tickled his fat tummy.
Bulma examined him expertly, from his jagged black flame-like hair to his severe features. "It's a wonder you didn't kill me coming out. So stubborn, just like your father. Too bad you didn't turn out more like your brother. He was an adorable baby. I was so happy he didn't look like his father," she teased the baby jovially. There was a snort from the doorway into the kitchen.
"I heard that," he snarled viciously. Bulma didn't look at him and smiled. "Oh, I know. The world doesn't need two Vegeta's. It can barely handle one, isn't that right, my little engineer?" She nuzzled the baby with a smile. Vegeta sighed.
"He's not even a week old and she's already planning his life out," he muttered. Bulma just laughed and pick up her baby, taking him to his father. "Look, he's got your face...and your hair...and your...everything. Dear Kami, he's a clone," she said surprised.
Vegeta looked his son as he held him and shook his head. "He's got your eyes." He jumped when the baby slapped him. "And your attitude." Bulma smiled. "There's hope for you yet, little V."
Trunks shifted and got up to pace. "What's wrong with you, brat?" Vegeta demanded, while trying to balance little V and a bottle at the same time. Trunks glanced at his father and had to smile. King of all Saiyjins feeding a newborn. Somehow, that made him seem less threatening.
"I just told my mate that I love her and she fainted, I wonder what could possibly be wrong?" He exclaimed.
"Quiet down, brat. The brat is trying to eat." His father bit out.
Bulma came up to her older son and forced him to sit. "You know Pan, Trunks." She explained. "She may be a great fighter and know nearly everything in the field of martial arts, but she knows nothing about sex or love," she explained.
Trunks scoffed. Catching on, Bulma's nose wrinkled. "Ok, maybe the first. Don't remind me." She shook herself. "TMI." She muttered before walking away, to relieve Vegeta since VJ was getting fussy. "Go check on, Pan. I'll put little V down." She said, not leaving room for argument. Vegeta grunted in reply.
He walked down the hall toward the Med-Wing and scowled further at the rustling noise. "Brat," he barked loudly. He looked inside and found her up and clothed. He just watched her for a moment. Other than the two casts on her and the bandages on her head, back and throat, it didn't look like she'd nearly died scarcely a week ago. However, Vegeta could tell that she'd ascended. Her movements were much more calculated and fluid. She seemed to be at ease with everything around her. She moved like a true fighter now.
Pan looked up from tying her one boots and let out the breath she'd been holding. "Oh, Sensei. It's just you. I was afraid it was—"
"The brat?" He finished. She nodded self-consciously, tying the ends of her laces together with an awkward snap. She sat down as he came forward, her head low. "Don't even say it, Sensei. I know."
Vegeta was well aware that he was toeing a fine line at them moment. Being Trunks' father gave him something of a bias when it came to this type of advice, but he'd learned a long time ago that being a true Sensei meant not only being there for martial arts, but mentoring his pupils in every aspect of their lives. His pupils weren't mindless machines to him. And he hoped he had managed to help each of his children, adopted or biological, in whatever their problems were.
"I didn't say anything, brat," he replied easily.
She looked up at him, angry. "But you were thinking it. You think I'm running away. That I should stay and talk to Trunks. Well, I can't. Not right now. I don't know what I feel. I can't say I love him, because I honestly don't know if I do," she admitted. "There's just so much wrong with us. With me. I don't know if it will work."
Vegeta towered over her for a moment and then sat stiffly beside her. "Brat...I'm about to tell you something that does not leave this room. If you ever tell anyone, I will make sure you won't have to worry about feelings." He warned, his voice hard and cold. Pan swallowed audibly, nodding.
Vegeta sighed. "Your situation is unique, seeing as both of you have human and Saiyjin blood inside you. You must appeal to each of your natures individually. Your Saiyjin side will be appeased automatically just by being with him, because he is your mate. Your instincts will do the rest. However, you have to work on the human aspect of the relationship more than anything else...When I first mated with Bulma..." He was utterly serious. He never called her Bulma and never, ever spoke of their relationship.
"I felt nothing save lust and the need to have her. It is not in the nature of Saiyjins to love or covet." Vegeta admitted. "Bulma knew this and accepted it. But after the years passed...I started to feel something I'd never felt. All Saiyjins care for their offspring. It is instinctual. But to care for one's mate is nearly unheard of. Kakarott is unique because he does this without thought." He cast his eyes down. "I never cared about anything till I had Trunks. It was an effort on my part to put aside my nature. I was raised as a true Saiyjin is supposed to be. Without feelings."
Pan gasped at his words. Vegeta had never opened up so much to anyone, save Bulma. He looked down at her. "On the tenth anniversary of our mating, I came to a realization. I-," He almost had to force out the words, "-Bulma. She's all I'll ever need. And it was so surprising because I had only ever wanted power. But...after that...all I wanted was my onna." He glanced away and back at her quickly. "You have been raised as I was and have dwelled in your Saiyjin nature far too much. It is time that you learn about the other blood inside of you."
Pan sat there shocked and staring at her sensei. "You mean?"
Vegeta nodded. "But I can't help you with that. Since I'm not human." He looked to the doorway and Pan's gaze followed. In the doorway, her eyes teary and puffy, Bulma stood, her hands over her mouth. "Hey, Pan, Vegeta. Um, I – uh. Little V's asleep. I thought I heard you calling me." She said, wiping her tears away.
He nodded and ushered her forward. "This is the only person I know who can muddle through the mess," he said lightly. He stood and was going to leave, but Bulma stopped him. He turned to her and she kissed him tenderly. When they pulled away, he shook his head. "You onnas and your hormones," he muttered.
But in that moment, something passed between them that Pan wanted desperately. They were meant to be together. Forever. They were timeless. And as Vegeta left, she could see that they were truly in love, even if they rarely showed it. Pan just stared at her in awe. "I can't believe it. Even after all these years, you still?"
Bulma nodded, her eyes dreamy. "I still love him as much as I did the moment I said yes. It hasn't been easy, but every single moment has been worth it. Look at me, I'm supposed to be helping you," she said.
Bulma was patient as Pan reiterated her fears, the ones she told Trunks of during her fight and her insecurities about their mating. Bulma listened intently as Pan talked, her calculating eyes taking in everything, but judging nothing.
As Pan petered out, Bulma smiled widely at her adopted daughter. "Pan," she said. "Every single couple has those fears. Especially those of us who end up with Saiyjins." Pan was shocked to hear this.
"Seriously?"
Bulma nodded. "It's perfectly normal to wonder if you're good enough for him. You've been thrown into the deep end of an intense relationship without much of a foundation for trust or communication. That's the hardest part. Learning to talk about your problems, to let him know what you're struggling with. It builds trust between you both. Women are talkers. Men aren't. Especially Saiyjins," she said with a smile. "You have to learn how to talk. How to listen. How to trust each other. A mating bond only does so much when human emotions are concerned. And you never stop working on it." Pan nodded, taking in the look on Bulma's face, one of memories and experience. It was obvious that she and Vegeta had struggled with it too.
Pan couldn't help but remember the look that passed between the two. Utter devotion. They loved each other more than anything. And she realized too, that it was what she wanted with Trunks. In that moment...she realized...She loved him.
Bulma excused herself to go check on little V. Pan sat there for a long time and thought about what she'd learned. Had she taken to her Saiyjin blood too much? Was it really time to learn more about her human heritage? She'd been so obsessed over turning Super Saiyjin, she'd neglected her other heritage.
With that thought in mind, she rose and went to find her mate. To tell him all that was in her heart.
Trunks was now happily reclining in his favorite chair, a cold glass of lemonade tucked into crook of his elbow and the remote poised for channel surfacing. It was a welcome relief to know that no ex-girlfriends would be busting into his home to beat the living crap out of him. He would have been perfectly content, save the fact that his mate had just passed out cold when given the news of his new-found love for her. It was, needless to say, not the most confidence-building experience of his life.
As far as he knew, she was still unconscious in the infirmary with a good-sized goose-egg on her forehead. Five minutes of nervous pacing had earned him a scold and a sore rear-end from being kicked out by his dramatic father. So, in light of his frazzled nerves, he'd retired to his current position.
History Planet...birth of communism, stupid. Discovery Network...evolutionary theory, boring. Animal World...mating habits of black widows...interesting. He watched as the female devoured the male after mating and his thoughts again drifted back to Pan. Soon, he began dozing off to the sounds of the narrator's mulling voice.
Trunks screamed when two hands grabbed his shoulders from behind him. He must have jumped three feet in the air, declaring loudly, "No, Pan, don't eat me!" He soon realized where he was and that he was, indeed, not a spider. He looked back at his "attacker" and found Pan looking at him strangely. Her gaze went to the television and she cracked a smile.
"Nightmares, koi?" She asked teasingly. He smiled back at her, then froze as her words registered in his mind.
"Koi?" He asked, hopefully. She smiled.
"Trunks." She began. She slid from behind the recliner into his lap and nuzzled his neck affectionately. "I'm sorry that I passed out earlier. It just caught me off-guard," she admitted. He pulled away and looked into her eyes.
"So?" he asked, wanting to hear any confession he could ring from her.
Pan smiled at him. "I'm in love with you," she said softly, taking his lips in hers for a soul-searing kiss, filled with not just mating lust, but love.
His arms came around her and the kiss deepened with intensity and pleasure. For several moments, they each stayed wrapped in each other's arms. Trunks was the first to pull away. "Pan...I want to make love to you," he said softly to her. His eyes glowed silver, sending shivers of delight up her spine. She smiled back. "You sure get back on the mating horse quick, don't you? I guess we do have time to make up for."
Trunks shook his head. "No, I don't want to mate." She tilted her head in confusion as he stole a quick kiss from her. "I want to make love to you. Real love," he told her.
Pan smiled down at him and repositioned herself so that she was facing him, her legs on either side of his hips. "Real love," she mused, lowering her lips to his for a slow sensual kiss. "I could get used to that."
