Hey guys! Sorry again about my extreme tardiness. Here it is, though. It's a bit of a filler chapter. There is a small time jump. Hope y'all like it :)

You've Got A Friend In Me is by Randy Newman.

To LVR4Trunks-n-Vegeta: I agree; Pan shouldn't be angry at Trunks for pushing her away, but the pain that he caused her by doing that won't let her forgive him completely just yet. She will, though, I promise. I'm glad you mentioned the rest of the family. There's a family dinner coming up in the next chapter. It would've been in this one, but I didn't have time to include it.

To SERLee: Thanks for another great review, hon. I'm happy that the games are over, too, & now they can finally move forward. The trust thing is an issue, though, & you're right, it won't be easy for Trunks to get it back. Let's hope he can do it ;)

To Lordshuvra: I accepted your friend request, although you probably already know that. Thanks for the review and for wanting to be my friend lol :)

To Aaliyah Rose 13: Yup, everything is settled & they can move forward now. It's going to be hard to fight their feelings for each other, that's for sure. Lol. I can't believe you like Marianas Trench, too! You're the first person I met who does. I love them. I listen to them all the time, much to the annoyance of my boyfriend. Lol. Thanks for the review, hon :)

To GVLuver: Thank you for another review! I'm glad you liked the chapter. Progress has indeed been made & the healing can begin :)

To Sailor Saiyan007: I probably would've slapped them, too. Lol. I can't say I personally know what they're going through, though. The Friday the 13th update was a total coincidence. I posted last chapter around two or three in the morning, but I still thought it was Thursday. Lol.

To Majin Hezaa: Thanks, girl! I didn't know you were reading this story. I appreciate the support :) You're right: you can't just be friends with someone you're in love with ;)

Chapter Eleven: Better Days

Pan's POV

One Month Later- August

It had been a few weeks since Trunks' confession and things were finally starting to look up for Pan. The day after she rekindled her friendship with Trunks, she ended her twisted relationship with Paul. They met at a coffee shop near Capsule Corp and that's where she broke the news to him. He tried to tell her that they could make a long distance relationship work, but she made him see that they had no real future together. She was semi-honest, telling him that she cared about him, but she wasn't in love with him and she didn't want to keep him from finding someone who would truly love him and treat him like he deserved. Pan knew that Paul didn't love her either, but she could tell from their short conversation that he would miss her, just like she would miss him while he was away at school in New York.

She decided not to admit to him that she only went out with him in the first place to distract herself from the grief she felt over losing her mom and her thoughts of Trunks because that meant telling him about her feelings for the latter and that wasn't an option. When they parted ways that day, Pan felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. The guilt she felt for using Paul gnawed at her constantly for two months and she was happy that it was over.

The guilt she felt for lying to her dad was a different matter. He had cornered her in the kitchen the day she broke up with Paul, obvious worry on his face. He demanded she tell him what she had been so upset about and instead of being truthful, Pan lied again and said it was because she broke up with Paul. The shame and guilt she already felt grew when he tried to comfort her, but she wasn't ready or willing to tell him the truth yet; she probably never would be.

True to his word, Trunks had once again become the friend she had missed for so long. They grew closer and closer as the days passed, acquainting themselves with the people they had become over the past four years. They had both changed, for better and for worse, but deep down, they were still the same. Pan was comforted by that fact. She felt the walls she had built to protect her heart crumbling fast, along with her doubt and mistrust. Unfortunately, she also felt her love for the purple-headed boy growing stronger with each piece of the wall that fell and Pan was terrified of where that might lead. She did what she did best, though, and buried those dangerous feelings, certain that it was the best choice for everyone.

.

The raven-haired girl ignored her feelings, choosing instead to just enjoy the company of her old friend without the complications that her love for him would create. They were almost always together. At work, Trunks would visit Pan at her desk every chance he got, joking around with her and sometimes even bringing her lunch. Every night after work, they would pick up food on their way home or have something delivered to the house and then settle down in front of the large television in Pan's room, a movie on the screen. Sometimes Bulla would join them. She was shocked speechless when she had found out that Pan and Trunks were friends again a few days after it had happened. Hanging out in her room with her two oldest friends while a movie played on TV, filled Pan with an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. A part of her expected her mom to appear in her doorway, yelling at the small group to be quiet or to come down for dinner. It never happened, though, and she discovered that that didn't make her as sad as it would have before she rekindled her friendship with Trunks. He eased the pain in her heart more than Paul ever had.

When they weren't at work or in her room watching movies and "making up for lost time" as Trunks put it, they would train in the gravity room, however they never fought each other. Trunks insisted it was better that way. Thinking back on the story he had told her, the events that had led him to distance himself from her years ago, Pan had to agree. Instead they trained with the robots that were specifically designed for a Saiyan assault until she and Trunks were tired, sweaty messes. Sometimes she would catch him staring at her while she trained, a dozen emotions swimming in the crystal blue of his eyes. He would always glance away, though, before Pan could decipher them all.

It didn't take long for their parents to figure out that the war between the two Saiyans was finally over. Suffice it to say, their parents were relieved that their children had made up. Bulma had had a field day when she found out.

"I just knew you two would put aside your differences one day, I just knew it. You two are so equally stubborn. You always had your little fights growing up, but you always made up. This is like all those other times before, it just took a little longer for the forgiving part. I don't even know what you two were fighting about in the first place. Something childish I'm sure. I'm glad it's over, though."

Pan had had to use every ounce of will power she had not to roll her eyes at her stepmother. It annoyed her that she downplayed their four-year long fight as childish when it was anything but. Trunks had pushed Pan away to keep her safe, something that the young woman was appreciating more and more every day. What he had done was difficult for him, too, and it was becoming harder and harder for Pan to stay angry at him for what he had done. When she really thought about it, the choice he had made was the best one and even though it broke her heart, it most likely saved her more pain than it had caused.

Before Pan knew it, a month had passed in a blur of countless movies, training sessions, and cheesy jokes courtesy of Trunks Brief. When Pan woke up that Sunday morning, she couldn't stop the smile from spreading across her face. She was looking forward to spending the brand new day with Trunks and Bulla. Her smile quickly faded, though, when she realized what day it was and what it would bring; it was her dad's and stepmother's three month wedding anniversary and Bulma insisted they all go out to dinner to celebrate. It was a day she had been dreading since she was told about it a week ago. The idea of pretending to be one big happy family made Pan sick to her stomach.

Reluctantly, Pan forced herself out of bed, the excited energy she felt only a moment ago gone and replaced with a lethargic feeling. A few hours later, she was trapped in Bulla's room getting ready for dinner. As was the norm for any event involving make up and a dress, her best friend was helping her get ready. After an hour of preening and mild pain, Bulla stepped back and appraised her work.

"Perfect as usual," she said proudly. "I should really do this for a living."

Stepping in front of the floor length mirror the blue-haired girl kept in the corner of her room, Pan stared at her reflection, her mouth falling open at the sight in front of her. Bulla had truly outdone herself; the Grecian style strapless knee length black dress her friend made her wear looked gorgeous on Pan's small frame. The stretchy gold wrap belt wrapped around her ribs, under her bust, accentuating her small breasts. A pair of strappy gold sandals completed the outfit. Her hair was in an elegant bun atop her head with stray curls falling around her face and her make up consisted only of eye liner, mascara and lip gloss. She managed to look like a Greek goddess without looking like she was on her way to a Halloween party.

"Wow, Bee," Pan gasped. "Just…wow."

"I know," Bulla beamed, "I'm awesome."

Pan laughed. "You really are. Thanks for the help. Why did you pick this dress, though? It's beautiful, but how'd you know I'd like it?"

"I've had that thing in my closet forever," she told her. "I bought it ages ago, but it doesn't fit me right. My boobs are a little too big for it."

"Why does it sound like you're calling me small chested?" Pan pretended to glare at her best friend.

"Because I am," Bulla said with a cheeky grin.

Pan stuck her tongue out at her and laughed. "Say what you want, but you can't deny that me and my boobs look great in this dress."

"I'm not denying it," she stated. "I'm sure my brother will love it."

Spinning around so fast she almost fell, Pan stared wide eyed at the blue-haired girl sitting on the bed. "What are you talking about?" She tried to keep her voice even, but it trembled slightly, panic coursing through her. Oh, God. Did she see something? Does she know? Did she tell our parents?

"Please, Panny, do you really think I haven't noticed the way you two stare at each other?" Bulla asked, sounding proud of her perceptiveness.

"I really don't know what you mean," Pan lied, turning around again so Bulla couldn't see her guilty face.

"Then let me spell it out for you, Pan: you're in love with Trunks and he's in love with you," she stated smugly. "I've seen how you look at my brother and how he looks at you, how he's always looked at you. The joy on his face when you would come over, the way his eyes lit up when he saw you, even when you two stopped being friends…it was so obvious."

"You're wrong," Pan whispered.

"Not about this," Bulla disagreed. "I'm your best friend, Panny; you don't have to lie to me."

The black-haired girl was quiet for a long moment. Then she asked quietly, "Are you going to tell my dad?"

"Of course not." She heard her friend stand up and walk toward her. Bulla stepped in front of Pan and put her hands on her shoulders, her soft eyes meeting Pan's anxious dark ones. "I would never do that to you. It's your secret to tell. However, I do think that you should tell our parents. It's the right thing to do, for everyone."

Pan shook her head vehemently. "I can't."

Bulla sighed. "Pan-"

"There's nothing to tell anyway, Bee. Trunks and I are just friends," she insisted.

"But you love each other, don't you?"

"I…I…

"Don't you dare lie to me, Pan Son," Bulla warned.

Closing her eyes, Pan sighed in defeat. "Fine, yes," Pan admitted. "I love him, but the feeling isn't mutual. I don't think it is anyway."

"Oh, it's mutual," the azure-headed Saiyan said.

Pan's eyes popped open. "What makes you think that?"

"I already told you. I've seen the way he looks at you. He'll stare at you for minutes at a time when he thinks no one is looking and he always has this goofy smile on his face when he does. Sometimes he looks sad, though. Like he's a kid looking at a toy his parents said he couldn't have; but even then, I could see the love in his eyes."

"I know he cares about me and that he finds me attractive- he's said as much- but he hasn't said he loves me," Pan told her.

"Doesn't mean he doesn't," her friend commented.

"It doesn't matter," she snapped. "Nothing's going to happen between us, it can't."

"Because our parents are married to each other?" inquired Bulla. Pan nodded once. "That means nothing, Panny. There's no law saying you can't be together. Talk to your dad. I'm sure him and my mom would understand."

"No," Pan said harshly. She took a deep breath and continued in a gentler tone. "Please, Bulla; promise me you won't say anything."

Bulla stared at Pan for a few agonizing seconds, the latter's future in her hands. Finally she said, "I already told you that it's your secret, your decision. I won't say a word. You're delusional, though, if you think there's nothing between you and Trunks. Don't torture yourselves by staying away from each other. There's no point. You two will end up together regardless of what you do. If it makes you feel better, I'm okay with it." She smiled at Pan before pulling her into a hug.

"Thanks, Bee," Pan whispered. "I appreciate it, but how about we focus on finishing getting ready for this dinner?" Nodding, Bulla pulled away and went to change into her red evening dress, leaving Pan to think about what her friend had said.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Trunks' POV

Trunks stood at the bottom of the stairs with Goku, Gohan, and Goten, while they waited for the women to join them so they could leave for the restaurant. He was dressed in a charcoal gray suit with a white dress shirt underneath and a black tie. Fidgeting beside him, his stepdad, Goku, looked extremely uncomfortable in a black suit and tie. Next to the older Saiyan, Gohan stood, wearing a dark blue suit with a red tie and next to him was Goten with a light gray suit with no tie. They had all managed to get ready within half an hour, but it seemed the ladies required a lot more time than them.

While they waited, he couldn't help but think back on the past month. He spent every free moment he had with Pan, telling her he was making up for the time they had lost. In actuality, he just wanted to be near her as much as possible. His sister would join them sometimes, interrupting his alone time with her. Her presence was a blessing in disguise, though. The more time he spent with Pan, the harder it was to be just her friend; but he resisted his urges. If being her friend was the only way Trunks could be with her, then he would have to deal with it and try his damnedest to be happy and not complain.

Trunks was just beginning to wonder why it took women so long to get ready when he heard the sound of multiple heeled shoes descending the staircase. His mouth fell open when he looked up, his blue eyes landing on the vision that was Pan. He felt his throat tighten slightly, forcing him to loosen the tie around his neck. Trunks couldn't remember ever seeing something so beautiful. Not even at the wedding had she looked so gorgeous, so... sexy. Staring at her, he had to concentrate very hard to keep his thoughts from manifesting below his belt- the loose dress pants he wore definitely would not have been able to hide the evidence of his desire.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Pan stopped in front of him and smiled shyly. "Hey," she greeted quietly.

"Yeah, um, hi," he stammered, all of his focus and brain power currently somewhere else. Glancing around, trying to avoid looking at Pan, Trunks' eyes fell on his sister, who was staring at them and smirking. "What?" he asked her.

"Oh, nothing, big brother," Bulla said, still smiling. "I just think tonight is going to be awfully interesting." She winked at Pan, who blushed slightly, the whole exchange confusing Trunks.

Pan and Trunks stood there awkwardly, both at a loss for words, until his mother, dressed in a yellow cocktail dress with a high collar, spoke up. "Everyone ready to go? We have a reservation at seven."

Everyone nodded and began shuffling toward the front door. Trunks let Pan walk ahead of him, his hand grazing her lower back as she passed, the light contact sending electricity throughout his body. She looked over her shoulder at him, her eyes darker than usual and full of something that Trunks was quite familiar with. Their gazes locked for seconds that felt like hours, before Pan turned back around and hurried away. Swallowing hard, Trunks followed, wondering how the hell he was going to get through this dinner without certain body parts turning blue.

Author's Note:

Not my best chapter, but I think it came out okay considering I was rushing. Also, I'm sorry it's short. Let me know what you guys think & have a safe & happy Memorial Day!

-Chels xoxo