Don't Say Goodbye

AU: Hello! First, I deeply apologize for missing a key detail last chapter. It has been fixed. You can go ahead and read the last bit of chapter 3. No need to reread the entire thing unless you want to 😉. Second, sorry that this chapter came a later than usual. I had to work some extra shifts, and that can really drain a person lol. Thank you to those who reviewed! You guys are amazing! Keep it up 😊

Chapter 4: Determination

"Papa, I need you to be honest with me… do Bulma and Vegeta have a son?" There was a buzzing silence on the other end of the call. Pan waited patiently for a response. "I'm sorry, honey… It's just been so long since someone has brought him up…" That was a yes. "Who is he? What happened to him?" She could hear her father sigh over the phone. "Pan, this is a conversation we should have in person." She couldn't wait for that though.

"Papa, I wanna know now." She needed to know if Trunks was Bulma and Vegeta's son from the future, if he was her Mirai. "…Alright. Yes, they did have a son, but it was many years ago, before you and Bulla were born." Pan waited for him to continue. "They had a son, and I… I had a brother…" Pan's jaw almost dropped. "What? What do you mean had?"

"The two of them were the best of friends, very cheerful boys… They were unfortunately killed…" Pan could only stare ahead of her as she carefully listened to her father count a brand-new story… the story about two boys who had an unfortunate falling. She could barely utter any sound as she heard her father choke up, practically crying as he got to the end. "They didn't work. The Dragon Balls didn't work…" Pan was lost and confused. The Dragon Balls were these magical orbs that could be used to summon the Mighty Shenron where he would then grant you any wish. "Why, papa? They can bring back anyone, why not them?" Gohan took a deep breath, Pan prepared herself. She couldn't think of a reason as to why they wouldn't work.

"Well… they actually…" Pan's eyes widened. No way… How was that fair? No… Her father did his best to explain, and she could not fathom what he was feeling. "This is why we wouldn't visit them? This is why Grandma Chichi and Grandpa Goku went their separate ways?" Her father's silence could only confirm this nightmare. "Papa… it wasn't your fault…" She heard him gasp. "Pan, yes it was. Had I not done what I did right then and there, they would be alive right now. My brother, Goten, would be alive."

Goten, she repeated the name in her head. Her uncle. Pan regretted not having this conversation in person now. How she wished she could be there to hold onto her papa's hand like before. "Papa, I'm here," was all she could give. "I know, dear. Thank you…" She then heard him rustling some papers while sniffing. He was recollecting himself before her mama saw. She would worry too much. "Pan, how did you find out about this?"

At that moment, Pan had to end the conversation. There's no way he would believe who she met. She wasn't even sure it was 100% him yet. "Well, I think Bulla let it slip when we were having brunch yesterday." He simply made some sound that told her he bought it. "I have to go, papa, need food." Gohan chuckled. "Alright, do well, dear. We're here for you too." Pan smiled as she hung up. Placing her phone into her pocket, she grabbed her small backpack and headed towards a small burger joint that was just down the street. She was off work now, and she wanted more than just a bagel for lunch.

As she stepped outside, she felt a cool breeze sweep across her face, almost like a gentle sigh of fresh air. She walked alongside strangers who were also on their way to lunch. She looked at all of them cautiously. How many of these people had their lives turned upside down because of a careless act, because of the actions of another, because of her family even? She shook her head. No, her family did their best to protect them… No, it wasn't enough. Pan looked straight ahead. Yes, her family saved them from unknown terrors, but did they receive the help they needed after the matter? No. With that thought, Pan was more determined than ever to reach her goal, to help people in need across the universe.

Reaching her destination, Pan stepped inside and waited in line. The savory smell of french-fries and burgers were enough to make her stomach growl. She was now starving. Her conversation with her papa took more out of her than she thought. Pan checked her phone for messages; none at the moment. She checked her email; one assignment has been graded. She finally got to the front and ordered her usual double cheeseburger with fries and a strawberry milkshake. Pan smiled and tipped the young woman $20. The woman graciously thanked her. Pan smiled; She had to pay it forward.

Pan found a small sectional where she could eat. She stared out the window, watching two cats walking through some bushes, a few birds startled by a man walking inside the building, and her own reflection looking more stressed than usual. Pan sighed. Her thoughts were already going to her Mirai. She couldn't help it. Even though she wanted to put those fantasies behind and focus on her studies, her career, she could not let this one go; not when she's probably met the man already.

"I'll take three double cheeseburgers, two orders of fries, and a large strawberry milkshake to go." Pan perked up in her seat as a raspy voice caught her attention. That voice… She turned, and there was the man who spooked the birds, Trunks. She watched as he paid with a credit card this time. He slightly bowed at the cashier and turned to walk… towards her?

Oh no… She watched as his eyes made contact with hers. Immediate recognition hit as a big smile formed on his face. "Hey, Pan! Nice to see you again!" Pan wanted to sink into her chair. Hearing him say her name again made her melt. "Hiyah, Trunks… What are you doing here?" Dammit! He was here for food, Pan. Duh.

"Grabbing a quick bite before I head home. Did you just get off work?" Pan nodded. "Just grabbing a quick bite too." Trunks smiled before awkwardly looking around, unknowing how to end or continue this conversation. He definitely did not expect to see this girl again. He was making it a point to visit one location only once while he was here. It would lessen the chances of him leaving a trace. He also needed to get out of the house, so to speak. After that long conversation with his parents and then another with his sister, he needed food.

When he turned and locked eyes with her, he couldn't help but feel something tug at his heart. She was here to eat, but she seemed… lonely? He couldn't make it out, but he felt compelled to go up to her and say hi. "Would you mind if I sit with you then?" The words left his mouth before he could even process how bad the idea was.

As she nodded. Trunks took the seat across from her, folding his hands together and twiddling his thumbs. Trunks then noticed her staring at him but not shying away. "Do I have something on my face?" She chuckled. It was the sweetest thing ever, but he was confused now.

Pan couldn't help but chuckle at the goofy look he made when asking her that question. She couldn't help herself but look at him. He could really be from the future, and here he was, having lunch with her. He had Bulma's eyes and Vegeta's scowl if he was their son. The resemblance is there! He must be here to visit his past family. This was the perfect opportunity to find out for sure; she just had to find a way to ask without him realizing she knows. Otherwise, he would dodge the questions, leave, or worse, think she was absolutely crazy.

"So, uh… where do you work?" she asked, trying to break the tension. Trunks looked at her and smiled, almost as if he knew what she was onto. It made her feel like she was on the sun. He then looked down at his hands, which were now still, almost as if he was focusing on something. "I have an organization that helps people get their lives back together, primarily those who have faced unfortunate events and, for the most part, have lost everything." Pan could not believe this. This guy was a dream! She has always wanted to help people; her main goal was to help people all throughout the universe. Mirai or not, he was the solution! "Wow, that's amazing." He simply smiled.

Trunks felt himself sweating underneath his jacket. He had to think of something so fast, he was impressed at what he told her. It wasn't a lie either; he technically was helping people… just from another timeline… "By any chance… does your organization reach out to other planets?" Trunks met eye contact with her again. He could tell she meant something, but he didn't know what. "I'm sorry?" He watched as Pan pointed up towards the ceiling, making him even more confused. "As in space, planets. Do you help people in other planets?" Trunks felt his heart stop so fast; he could feel a lump in his throat forming. Space?

"I'm afraid, I have yet to expand that far; limited resources and all." Pan cocked an eyebrow at him. Limited resources? Yeah, right. No one tips so much money and can claim they have limited resources. She was going to figure this out. "Why not collaborate with other companies then, such as Capsule Corp.? They have a huge space program in the works."

Where was she going with this? He thought to himself. Did the people here now have easy access to space? They sure didn't when he was here years ago. Before he could come up with some sorry excuse, their food arrived.

"Here you two go, enjoy!" The two of them thanked the woman and started to eat immediately. They were both starving. Trunks was hoping this girl would forget her question, but he made the mistake of speaking up, "So are you in school?" Pan nodded. "I am actually. I'm studying astronomy to one day reach space and help those in need."

Trunks almost choked on his shake. Seriously? "Well, that's great." He noticed that Pan was gently smiling at him, no longer eating. "Is something the matter?" She continued to look at him, "Is there any way I could volunteer for your organization? It sounds like a perfect opportunity for my career." Trunks didn't know how to break this girl's heart. He didn't have an organization. He wasn't even from here.

"I, uh, need to speak with the other members first before I can give you the greenlight." Pan smiled big and nodded. "Oh, thank you! If you need any recommendations, I can guarantee a great one!" Trunks had to change the subject and disappear, but he didn't know how. He then noticed she was eating again while he had finished every last bite. Crap. Hopefully, she doesn't notice his appetite… it's not like she'd know he was a Saiyan though.

"I'm sure you can." Pan noticed his voice a little off now. She needed to seal this. If he was Mirai, she would catch him in his act. If he was not, then she just met an equal opponent! "I promise! How does an official recommendation from the all-talented and renowned scientist, Bulma Briefs sound?" This has to work. A letter from Bulma was exclusive.

Trunks felt his blood leave his body. How does she know his mom? This just went from bad to worse. He had to go. "Uh, it sounds great! But my group tends to focus more on natural resources—" He watched as her eyes grew sadder and sadder. She was taking the hint. Hopefully. "I do actually have to head out now but thank you for letting me sit with you and enjoy this meal." As he stood, he saw Pan stare at her empty plate.

"Then how about we have dinner tomorrow night?" Pan felt her heart beat so fast; she couldn't breathe. She just asked a random stranger out, all for the slightest chance of figuring out who he really was. She knew he would say no, but she had to try. "Sure." And that was that. She looked up at him as he reached into his wallet to pull out another load of cash. He tipped generously too. "Is there a particular restaurant you like?"

Trunks couldn't believe this. He said yes. He said yes. Why on Earth would he say yes!? He didn't know the area. He had no idea what restaurants even exist here. "I'm actually not from the area. I'm just visiting some family while on vacation." It wasn't a lie. He didn't like deceiving this poor girl, but he would have to blow her off tomorrow.

His response was good enough for Pan. He had to be the son of Bulma and Vegeta, and he had to be visiting from the future to see them! He had to be her Mirai! That would explain why he dodged her question about collaborating with CC. It would also explain how he ate so much and finished so fast… "Then how about we just meet outside this place, and we can go from there?" She watched as he smiled and nodded. They then said their goodbyes. Pan sunk in her chair and let out a deep sigh. She was going on a date with her Mirai...

As soon as Trunks stepped out of the burger joint, he wiped the sweat off his brow. He just promised an innocent girl dinner. This was supposed to be a vacation, and he is somehow making more work for himself then he needs to. He definitely needed advice right now. He just can't reveal himself to some random human that he's from the future! For one, she wouldn't believe him. For two, even if she did, then what? He couldn't have a relationship with her. It wouldn't work. He was leaving in a few weeks…

AU: Okay everyone! Sorry again for the late chapter, but here it is! Let me know what you think! What do you think will happen on this date? Will Trunks tell her the truth? Will Pan confront him? Make sure to follow to find out!