Thank you so much for all your lovely reviews. WOW! I am completely overwhelmed. Honestly! I do appreciate it. It warms my heart to know that I have so much support. Much Love :)
Sorry I kept you all waiting… I moved house, things have been hectic, but I'm back on track and catching up! :)
I have to give credit, where credit is due – Thank you lillian-danes223 for sending me yet another short story based on IP :D I touched on your idea of the dreams in this chapter, it gave me the inspiration I needed lol… and I loved your one-shot :) I will be posting the short stories at the end of IP… much appreciated!
Majuub1fan – Awe, thank you! :D
Girlie – Lol… Thanks for the review, glad you liked it :)
Awesomegirl789 – She is indeed. Here ya go! :)
msanimegeek– Your question shall be answered lol… Not much on Trunks and Takara in this chapter… more will be revealed in upcoming chapters about his childhood etc. Hope you like :D
MRSJRPMELLAK – Thank you. I'm glad you liked it :)
nena101ism – Gah…please don't kill me lol. Here ya go, hope you like it :)
TrunksxPanLoverDBGT4love - Awe, thank you Jada. Glad you loved it! :)
KaitAstrophe95– Gah, please don't kill me. I hope I made up for it lol. I loved your review :D No she's not, but do you want her to be? I have the power *laughs evilly*
Zailz-101 - :D
Saiyans rule – Thank you! Here ya go. No Bulma in this chapter, but she will appear again soon ;p
Desigirl-hime – She is indeed. Thank you Tas :)
SonPanssj4 – She is indeed! :)
xxcandylover23xx – lol… I'm glad I managed to shock you lol. Thank you :D
famoso – As always, thank you for sharing your thoughts. I do hope you like the chapter :) Kind of concentrating more on T/P in this one lol.
Wanoria – Wow! Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. And no, just a coincidence lol.
Chase 'N' Dreams – It is indeed my friend lol
shellsuchiha – lol. Thank you… I know it's been a while, but here ya go! :)
Italian Roulette – Thank you! I'm glad you love how the story is unfolding… Hope you keep reading after this too XD
Vegetable lov3r – Yes and yes lol. I hope I've answered some of your questions below… much more to come too lol.
Janie – Thank you so much Janie! You'll see below… I'm glad you like it. Here ya go :)
Javey – How about I leave it for you to decide for now lol… All will be revealed soon, you may yet be right ;p Thank you for the review :)
MonNos– Your wish may come true… soon, but not yet lol.
Guest – lol… I'm glad you like it… Here ya go! More to come on the gentle front lol.
Ashley – Here ya go, sorry for the wait.
M. trunkslover 102 – Awe, thank you so much! :)
Butterscotch – Don't kill me lol… Here ya go! :)
princessarmstrong– Thank you… I know I was harsh *hides* but he's changing :D
DamonXSalvatore– Awe thank you. I'm glad you love it. Here ya go :)
Panna-Chan93 – Thank you Aleena. I appreciate your thoughts. He does and he will, in time… maybe even below lol.
Daughter Of Vegeta – Awe damn… so close lol
GamerGirlsRock– Thank you so much. Wow! I really appreciate it and I'm glad you like it :) Here ya go! Hope you like it :)
sanyasani96 – Thank you :) Here ya go!
Super Pan-chan – lol… Well, I hope you caught up already and that you enjoyed the rest of the story :D
Apollo1147 – Thank you Shauna, much appreciated :)
TrunksxOoc – Thank you :)
Guest – Thank you :)
Guest – Thank you so much, I really do appreciate it… If you looking for good ones with a nasty Trunks lol… Blissful Abuse and Rainwater is what I would recommend.
Immanody - *hand tissue* Gah please don't kill me… Here ya go :) Hope you're feeling better!
Chapter 21
Trunks paced up and down the hallway, alternating between biting his thumb nail and running his hand through his hair. After a while, he slid down the wall, knocking his fist against his forehead. He was unknowingly sharing details of his past with Pan while he was asleep. Somehow, since they had completed their bond he had lost all control, he was like an open book in his quiescent state. It was different now, more than he thought it would be- he felt different, not that he didn't before, but it was as if they were one, linked in every which way, mimicking each other at times… emotions, memories- everything was multiplied tenfold.
Dreams were so vivid- her dreams. He recalled back to the first time he had witnessed her memories, but nothing as intense as this. It was as if he were in the depths of her soul, seeing through her eyes, feeling every ounce of torment and happiness. He made a vow right there as he sat, oily tears streaming down his face- never to forgive himself for the pain and suffering he had caused her… also, knowing full well that as he was experiencing her life, she was experiencing his…
"Trunks…" Pan knelt in front of him, gently placing her hand on his shoulder. "Trunks-"
Slowly, he looked up into the eyes of the woman he once loathed, and whom he now loved with every fibre of his being. He knew he didn't deserve her. He would let her go if he could. Why do you continue being so good to me? So patient and understanding… Why do you endure?
"Because I am your mate- I will endure as long as I have too…" She wiped his tears away. "I am going to have lunch with your sister, and then I'll go and see Takara…"
He straightened his legs and pulled her onto his lap, holding her close and breathing in her intoxicating scent. A scent so familiar, interlaced with his, and that he could no longer live without. Never before had he needed someone… anyone, nor had he admitted to himself that he did… "Stay with me-"
She sighed, resting her head on his chest and closed her eyes. It was as if he had reverted back into a child over the past few weeks- a vulnerable child, only around her. She was amazed at how he still managed to keep up his persona outside the privacy of their quarters. Yet around her, all his barriers lifted. Though his eyes were still void of emotion most times, she could feel it, see it in his body language... hear it in his thoughts. He left himself bare, and all she could do was help him pick up the pieces- he was broken, but not beyond repair.
She would worry about her own despair later… "As long as it takes… My Prince..."
###
The little girl giggled as her mother tickled her belly, the sound so pure and innocent. Her blue eyes shining with love and happiness- blue eyes much like her father's. Pan liked to sometimes imagine that this was what Trunks' eyes were like as a child, and what she believed they would be like in time…
She smiled as the chubby girl rolled around on the lawn, playing and laughing… amazed at how she could keep herself entertained with nothing but grass.
The first few times she had gone to see Takara had been difficult. She had to keep reminding herself that the baby was not to blame for the sins of her father, and now, looking at the bubbly, affectionate girl. She couldn't help but feel remorse for the way she behaved. Every day, she would whisper two words into her daughters ear- 'forgive me'- And every day Takara would look at her with sparkling eyes, and a bright smile as if she were saying – 'There is nothing to forgive mama… I understand.'
Pan felt attached to her now- as it should be. However, she also grieved for her time lost, but Trunks was showing her- sharing his memories of Takara and her first few months. It made things just that much more bearable…
Her mate was trying so hard, she was a first hand witness to his constant struggle. So overwhelming at times, it followed her into her dreams. He was still not at a point where he wanted to talk openly about it, and it was strenuous for her, sometimes to the point where it felt like she would lose her mind.
How did he deal with it for all these years…? He became detached and cold-hearted- that's how
###
"Hiya, Panny…"
"Hi, grandpa…"
"And what do we have here?" Goku lifted the baby up in the air.
Takara giggled delightfully as her great-grandfather cooed. Every time he brought her down, she would try and grab his wild hair, but each time he would lift her back up just before she could grip a handful.
He held her close and she laid her head on his broad shoulder as he stroked her hair. "You're so beautiful and strong little one, just like your mama…" He smiled at Pan. "She has your spirit Panny. She's wonderful, isn't she? I'm so happy you're getting to know her. It's never too late to make amends…
"You're right, grandpa… it's never too late-" She let the words trail off, a distant look in her eyes.
"Are you okay, Pan-Chan?"
Pan sighed and nodded in response. Trying to give Goku her best smile, but she knew he wasn't easily fooled.
"I'll be back in a sec-" and then he was gone, only to appear seconds later without Takara. "She's with the nanny," he assured at his granddaughters concerned look. "You look exhausted… want to talk about it, not getting enough sleep-?" He touched her cheek, lightly. "I want to take you somewhere…"
"I-I'd have to let Trunks know first…"
"Why's that?"
She shrugged. "Habit, I suppose. I don't want to give him reason to be angry."
Goku knitted his eyebrows while contemplating. He was planning to take Pan alone, but then he thought it might be best- Well, he knew exactly what he had to do now… What they needed. "We'll bring him along, shall we?"
Before Pan could respond, they were in the throne room with Trunks and Vegeta, who were busy delegating with some of the village people.
"Mind if I grab Trunks, Vegeta? Thanks," and with that, they were gone.
###
Trunks and Pan observed their new surroundings before turning to Goku. Pan in confusion, and Trunks, scowling… looking at Goku venomously.
The older Saiyan just shrugged it off. "You two can't fool me ya know. Let me see the mark, Trunks."
"Fuck off!"
Goku shook his head. "Why do you insist on starting our conversations in this manner?" He raised his brow in amusement which only angered Trunks more.
Pan slipped her hand in Trunks' and he relaxed instantly.
"Hm- interesting… you hide it well, Trunks."
"You're too observant for your own good, old man!" He snorted.
Goku chuckled. "It helps when no one really takes note of what I'm doing. They're all too busy walking on egg shells around you to notice the change… even Vegeta, which is surprising. Unless he has, and he's waiting for you to make an announcement…" Goku mused, and then shrugged… "Who knows, eh?"
Trunks huffed in exasperation. "What do you want?"
"Look at your mate, Trunks! I want you to look at her and see how your actions and demands are affecting her. You already know this though, don't you?"
Trunks roughly pushed Pan's hand away and turned to face her. "You…! What did you say to him?"
"N-Nothing… I swear." Her eyes were wide with fear, her insides trembling… She was all too familiar with this side of Trunks. What was her grandfather doing? Trunks had been doing so well recently- with controlling his rage.
Trunks stepped back when realisation dawned on him… The look in her eyes, the fear in her aura-
"Well, I'll take my leave now." Goku nodded in Pan's direction and disappeared.
###
Pan stood tautly, not sure how to react.
"I hate your grandfather." Trunks spat out.
She exhaled nervously. "He means well… I'm sorry, I honestly told him nothing."
Trunks' shoulders slumped, and he sat on the ground. He didn't respond, staring straight ahead, beyond the horizon, a sense of calm washing over him.
"Why do you think he brought us up here?"
"You don't know?…"
"I don't see everything, Trunks, mostly the bad and you usually keep me out when you're awake, only letting me see what you want me to."
"As do you…" he let himself fall back looking up at the sky. "This is where I confessed to him… In all honesty, I feel calm here. Away from all the pressures of the castle and everything that happens within its walls. This is where I came when I disappeared for those two weeks; this is where I come as often as I can when it all seems too much. I know he sensed it and saw it the last time I stood here with him… I suppose he wanted me to acknowledge that you have nowhere to go, all you have is me- it's what I have expected from you. I didn't think about what my demands were doing to you until recently… and now, here we are."
Pan lay down next to him, resting her head in the crook of his armpit. Not another word was said between them. Eventually sleep took over, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, they slept- Their minds clear and peaceful as the hours rolled by.
###
Pan stirred as a gust of wind blew over her. She smacked her lips together, stretching her limbs. Blinking rapidly, she noticed the stars above. She sat up hastily, her mind still foggy. Where am I…? She looked back at Trunks, who was staring at her. She remembered now… They were on a mountain top, miles away from the castle. "I haven't felt this well-rested in many months."
"Hm… for me it's more like years... I still hate your grandfather."
Pan giggled softly, bringing her knees up to her chest for warmth. "You'll thank him one day…"
He snorted, listening as her teeth clattered from the cold… "Raise your ki-"
She felt her body tingling before warmth surrounded her as he helped her raise her ki - something she was still learning to master.
"I forget you know… when we're having sex, that I can do this. I lose control, and I forget."
"It's okay… I should learn to do it on my own."
"Hm… You need to stop that…!"
"What?"
"Apologising, or saying it's okay when I know you feel differently."
"I'll try…" I wish I could stay up here…
"Hm..." He retorted dully. "Do you really want to live up here?" he placed his arms behind his head and crossed his legs.
She smiled, "Maybe… It can be our secret hideout, you know?"
"Hm…"
"You need to stop that."
"What!?" He closed his eyes, something akin to a smile shone on his face, but she was unaware as her back was to him.
"Hm…" She countered.
"Bold much…"
"Are you being sarcastic?"
"Hm…"
She chuckled…
This time he smiled and it felt good, yet, she was still oblivious- or so, he thought.
"Are you smiling?"
"No…"
"Hm…"