9- Day One

Trunks' mouth was hot, as were his hands that were now running down Pan's back and making her shiver. She never knew simple touches could feel so good.

Trunks' tongue licked her bottom lip, and Pan let him in as she followed his lead. She kissed him desperately with sighs; she had wanted this moment not only for the last week but the last several years.

Pan sucked on Trunks' bottom lip, and he let out a throaty groan that caused her to squeeze her legs around him and press into him more. She leaned him back; she wanted more of him. Suddenly, the computer chair they were in tilted and leaned back. Pan screamed as she broke the kiss, and if it weren't for Trunks' quicksave, they would have tumbled to the floor.

Trunks was standing with Pan in his arms, her arms wrapped around his neck and legs around his waist. They caught each other's eyes and shared soft smiles.

"Panna," his voice was gentle, "there's something else we need to talk about."

"What?" She asked curiously.

"Maybe we should talk about it tomorrow after you rest," He suggested.

Pan shook her head, "I want to talk about it tonight." If they didn't speak about it, then she would be up all night tossing and turning as she thought about it.

Trunks' lips twitched and leaned forward to kiss her forehead. "Okay," he nodded.

Pan brushed her hair slowly as she looked at her reflection in the foggy bathroom mirror. She didn't look different, but she felt different. She was dating Trunks! At least, she thought she was.

After Trunks promised to talk about their relationship, they had agreed to get ready for the night first. Pan had taken some medicine for her headache, and that, along with the shower, had helped sober her up to get prepared for whatever it was that would be revealed. She had a suspicion that it had something to do with their Saiyan genes.

Pan finished brushing the tangles out of her hair before she raised her Ki to dry it. She brushed her teeth slowly, both excited and nervous to see Trunks again.

With a sigh, she gave herself an encouraging nod before she left the bathroom. Trunks was already back in her room, lounging on her bed, and when their eyes met, he smiled. Pan felt her heart give a sudden squeeze as she smiled back.

Trunks sat up as Pan walked over to the bed and sat down in front of him. She was anxious being so close to him, not because she thought something might happen, but because she wanted it to. She wanted to kiss him again, and she wanted to touch him, too.

That, she told herself sternly, could wait until after their talk. She needed to focus her attention on him- not that that had ever been a problem for her before.

"So, I guess I should start this off by telling you the truth," Trunks said.

"The truth about what?" Pan raised an eyebrow.

"Truth is, five years ago, I didn't leave because the CC branches needed me. I left to get away from you."

"Me?" She whispered with wide eyes. She felt her stomach dropping, and Trunks reached over to grab her hand and squeeze it.

"It wasn't anything bad that you did, Panna," he assured her. "You did nothing wrong at all." Trunks let out a small sigh, "you see, when a male Saiyan senses a Saiyan, usually a female Saiyan of non-relation, they could view as a potential mate, they start to form a bond with them. Back on Vegeta-Sei, they called it imprinting. Basically, it's just bonding and getting attached to one another. The male Saiyan is there for the other and will be whatever they want him to be; a mate, a lover, a friend, or a brother. He starts the bond, and the other decides on what the relationship will be."

Pan let the information sink in for a few moments. "Are you saying you imprinted on me?" She asked, curiously and a little hopefully.

Trunks nodded slowly, "it happened right before the Grand Tour."

"That's why you wanted me to go home so bad at the beginning," Pan gasped, finally understanding why Trunks had insisted on her returning home so much.

Trunks sighed, "at first, I was terrified that I would get these uncontrollable urges and maybe hurt you, but thankfully, that wasn't the case. We just bonded, which, I, for one, am grateful for," he squeezed her hand.

"Me too," Pan squeezed his hand back. "But if nothing happened on the ship, and you had no weird urges, why did you leave for five years?"

"You were starting puberty," Trunks said softly. "And you were starting to give off a scent-"

"A scent?" Pan gasped and raised her shirt to take a sniff. She didn't smell any different. Did she stink to Trunks?! The thought horrified her!

"It's not a bad scent!" Trunks said quickly. "Only I can smell it since I imprinted on you. To me, it's very pleasant," he mumbled with pink cheeks.

"Oh," she said, her cheeks feeling warm as she smiled.

"Your scent was becoming stronger to me because you were getting older," Trunks continued. "Wild thoughts were running through my head. I was afraid I would try to act before you were old enough, so I went away."

Pan had many questions. She wanted to know more about imprinting and what it meant. She wanted to know more about what Trunks really felt for her, but most importantly, she wanted to know- "why didn't anyone tell me this before?"

"You were young, Panna," Trunks said gently. "No one wanted you to be freaked out or to feel any pressure. I mean, as I said, it's up to you how you want this relationship to grow. It's a lot to think about-"

"No, it's not," Pan interrupted him. His eyes widened, and she shook her head. "It's not hard to think about. Didn't you hear me earlier, Trunks? I like you- I love you- I want you-" she crawled closer to him until she practically on his lap. She must still be a little bit tipsy because she doubted she could be this bold sober.

Trunks' lips stretched into a beautiful grin. "Okay," he said.

"Okay," Pan agreed before he leaned down and kissed her.

The kiss was just as good as the ones before it. Pan felt like her body was sparking with something wild, and she gasped when Trunks' hands grabbed her hips to pull her on his lap better.

"So-" Pan pulled away, her voice breathless and her lips buzzing. "Is this day one?" She asked with a grin.

Trunks nodded with a smirk and leaned down to peck her lips. "Day one," he agreed.

Pan wrapped her arms around his neck and locked her fingers together. "What does imprinting feel like?"

"I can't really explain it in words," Trunks said. "It's this pull that draws me into you. I sense you- I smell you, I want you," his voice was low and steady, and Pan's heart pounded as something low in her stomach twisted. "But it's more than just physical attraction, Panna-" he reached up and brushed her hair back. "I enjoy being around you. I'm at peace around you."

"I feel like that too," Pan said. "Does that mean I imprinted on you as well?"

Trunks smirked, "in a sense. It means you've accepted my imprint, and you're bonding back."

"Not saying that I would ever reject it, but what would have happened if I did?" She asked curiously.

"Then I would have backed off," Trunks said quietly. "I would have let you lived your life without me in it, and I wouldn't have interfered. But always, you would be the one my heart called to."

Pan didn't have to ask to know that earlier, after their first kiss, that's what he thought had happened. She leaned over and gave him a soft kiss. "I would never reject you. I've been waiting for you too."

Trunks brightened at the comment. "I thought about you every day, wondering how you've grown. I couldn't bring myself to call you or visit you- I knew that hearing your voice would be too much. The other night when I saw you again, it was better than anything I ever imagined. You are beautiful, Panna."

Pan felt hot enough to start a fire. She was sure her cheeks were red, but she didn't mind. It felt amazing. Trunks called her beautiful; one of his hands ran through her hair, and the other was on her hip. This, too, was better than anything she ever imagined. It was way better because it was real.

Trunks reached back, propping pillows against the headboard before he leaned back against them. He pulled Pan close to his chest, one of his arms wrapping around her waist as his other hand ran up and down her thigh.

"Are the others bonded like this as well?" Pan asked curiously as she traced his collarbone. She could feel his shivering under his fingers, and she felt amazed that she could do that to him.

"In a sense," Trunks said. "My dad has bonded with my mom, and your father has bonded with your mother. Gohan has bonded with Marron, and in their ways, they've bonded back by mating and marrying them. One day, Goten will hopefully find someone to bond with, and if Bulla has it her way, we both know it'll be Seventeen.

"I'm not saying their bonds aren't strong," Trunks continued, "or that they're not madly in love, but ours is more intense."

"Because we're both Saiyans?" Pan raised an eyebrow.

Trunks nodded with a grin, "exactly." He glanced around the room suddenly. "Panna, how many plants do you have in here?" He asked in amusement.

Pan leaned back so she could glance around. There was a jade plant on her nightstand, several succulents in her window, and an ivy hanging in the corner. "What?" She raised an eyebrow towards Trunks. "They calm me, and they're from home- I couldn't leave them. Also, here's an idea for you, Capsule Man," she grinned. "You should make plant-friendly Capsules. You know, Capsules that you can place plants in to move them or whatever so they won't wither and die."

Trunks was grinning at her, "I'll get right on that, Flower Girl. Are you still wanting a flower shop?"

"Mhm," Pan nodded with a smile. "A flower shop and natural beauty supplies shop."

Trunks' brows furrowed as he nodded, "there's a little building close to CC; it would probably be a good flower shop. It has big windows, though it'll need to be fixed up a bit."

Pan's eyes widened, "really?"

Trunks nodded, "I can contact the realtor tomorrow and get it for you. You'll be able to set it up in no time."

"You can't get it for me," Pan gasped. Even if he was rich, there was no telling how much a building would cost to buy, let alone fix up!

"Why not?" Trunks asked simply. "I still owe you for four birthdays, and another one is coming up."

Pan shook her head, "this cannot be a birthday present." It was much too grand for something like that.

"Then a just because present," Trunks said.

"No! No present at all," Pan grumbled. "You're not getting it for me."

Trunks just smirked, "I have to. It's the bond, so it can't be helped."

"You can't blame our bond!" Pan gasped.

Trunks laughed, "watch me."

Before she could retort anything, he grabbed her and flipped them. Pan let out a gasp as her back touched the mattress, and Trunks leaned over her. Her heart drummed in her ears frantically. His eyes were dark as he looked down at her, and then slowly, he leaned down until his lips were on hers. Pan melted into him, and his hand reached out to hold hers. Kissing him was becoming addictive.

Trunks' lips traced down her jaw and to her neck. Pan felt her back tightening and her body shaking as he kissed her neck. She could hear her breath coming out quick and steady.

"I want to give you everything you want," Trunks' voice caressed her neck, and Pan shivered as she squeezed his hand.

Pan's other hand was trembling as she placed it on his shoulder. She could feel his heart beating just as strong as hers. She opened her mouth to speak- to tell him that what she wanted was him, but nothing but a gasp that turned into a moan came out as he placed an open-mouthed kiss on her neck. She could feel his tongue against her pulse, and she squeezed his shoulder tightly.

"You'll let me spoil you, won't you?" Trunks' voice asked. "You'll let me do it?"

Do what exactly? Pan's brain was in a daze. What had they even been talking about? It didn't even matter as long as Trunks didn't stop kissing her.

"Yes," she breathed out.

Trunks moved up, so he was kissing her mouth again. The kisses were fluttering, between words, "so it's settled. I'm buying you a flower shop."

"Mhm," Pan hummed against him, too focused on the way his voice vibrated against her lips to pay attention to what he said.

Until it clicked.

"Trunks!" Pan pulled back with a gasp. "You can't do that!"

"Do what?" He had the nerve to look innocent.

"You can't seduce me to get your way!" Pan glared at him as she ignored her stinging cheeks.

Trunks smirked, "you can do it to me if you want. I won't complain."

Pan continued to glare at him with a pout. "I want to work hard for it myself and buy it."

"I already know you'll work hard," Trunks said softly. "If it makes you feel any better, you can pay me back."

"Really?" Pan raised an eyebrow.

Trunks nodded, "with kisses."

"You're a brat," Pan told him with a glare. "I'll call the realtor tomorrow and tell him not to sell it to you."

"Funny thing you say that cause I already bought it," he admitted.

Pan gapped at him, "are you serious?"

"Yeah," he nodded. "The other day, after you told me what you wanted a flower shop. It was going to be a birthday surprise."

Pan was torn between being aggravated that he was so stubborn and wouldn't let her do it on her own and swooning because he had bought it for her before they even started dating. She knew it was just pocket money for Trunks, but her family had always worked hard for whatever they had. She wanted to prove she could do it on her own, though it did feel nice knowing she had Trunks' support.

"Fine," she told him. "But, you're not allowed to give me another birthday present for at least twenty years."

Trunks' eyes widened. He looked scandalized, "what?! But-"

Pan shook her head, "nope. No presents."

Trunks huffed, "fine. I won't get you anything for your birthdays, but that won't stop me from getting you things the day before or after."

Pan gasped, "you little-"

Trunks swooped down to kiss her to cut her off. She had a feeling that this would be something that happened often, and she found herself looking forward to it.

"Just you wait," Pan said as they pulled back. "I'm going to woo you with your present."

Trunks grinned, "I already know what I want if that helps," he said.

"What?" Pan raised an eyebrow.

"You," he whispered.

"Me?" Pan whispered back. Her cheeks were sizzling. The twist in her gut was swirling. Images popped into her mind of her and Trunks together, body against body, nothing at all between them. Her mind was in a daze at the thought.

"Not like that," Trunks muttered as he squeezed both of Pan's burning cheeks. "I meant I want your time: five dates, one for each year. Anytime, anywhere I say," he smirked.

"Fine, fine," Pan whined as she placed her hands over his wrist and pulled his fingers from her cheeks. "But you can't just say that you want me and not expect me to think that!"

"Well, I do want you like that too," Trunks' voice grew thicker.

Pan's eyes widened-

"But-" Trunks continued, "I am in no rush, and I'll wait until you're ready."

Pan's throat felt tight, "what if I said I'm ready tonight?" She whispered.

Trunks' eyes widened. She could see the pink in his cheeks. He let out a heavy breath and reached over to cup her face. His thumb ran over her hot cheeks slowly. "Are you really?" He asked quietly.

Pan swallowed hard. She wanted to say yes because she did- she did want Trunks. She wanted to touch him, and she wanted him to touch her, too. She wanted to be as close to him as a woman could be to a man. But the thought of them doing that the same night they started dating- not that anything would be wrong with it, or Trunks would look at her differently or even rush her- made her feel lightheaded, and her nerves go haywire. She wanted time to be able to kiss him and touch him without feeling like she was going to faint from over-excitement. That way, when that time did come, she would be able to enjoy it fully.

"M-maybe not tonight," she admitted in a sheepish whisper.

Trunks smiled at her gently, like he had expected that answer, and of course, he did. He had asked that question to make her think because he knew her and knew that deep down, she wasn't ready. He leaned over and kissed her forehead.

"It's okay, Panna. I kept myself from seeing you for five years. I can wait for as long as I need to until you're ready," he promised.

"I may not be ready for that," Pan said, "but could you still sleep with me? In my bed with me, I mean," she added quickly.

"If you want me to," Trunks said softly.

Pan nodded, and in a few moments, they were nestled under the blankets. Her head was resting on Trunks' shoulder, their fingers entwined. His heartbeat lulled her asleep in no time.