27- Secrets Unraveled
Late Spring
"Pan!"
Pan turned her head just in time for blue curls to cover her vision. She gasped as she hugged Bulla back tightly. What was she doing on Earth?
"Bulla! Stop!" Came a huff from Trunks behind them.
"Hush," Bulla rolled her eyes as she leaned back to glare at Trunks. "You get to see her every single day! I haven't seen her since her birthday," she pouted as she pulled Pan's head against her cheek. "I've missed her."
Pan laughed, "I've missed you too, Bulla!"
Bulla beamed as she let Pan go and grabbed her hand. "Oppa has to go to a bunch of boring meetings today with Appa, so I talked him into bringing me here to spend the day with you. Is that okay?"
"Of course!" Pan nodded happily.
"Did you hear that?" Bulla asked Trunks with a grin. "I told you she would be happy to see me!" She turned to Pan and frowned. "Oppa said that you wouldn't want me to stay."
"Stop being mean to your sister," Pan glared at Trunks.
He rolled his eyes, a hint of a smirk on his face. He leaned down and kissed Pan's forehead and ruffled Bulla's hair. "I'll be back in a little bit," he promised before he disappeared.
Pan turned to look at Bulla, who grinned. "Want to see my dresses?"
"I was so hoping you would say that!" Bulla squealed as she squeezed Pan's hand.
Bulla was on cloud nine. Pan had so many dresses, and she even made many of them! Bulla had tried on several and had told her to keep all the ones she adored.
"Are you sure it's okay?" Bulla asked gently as she traced the lacy fabric of the red dress she was wearing.
"Of course," Pan smiled from her spot on the chair in her closet. "I still have all those dresses you gave me from Vegeta-Sei," she pointed to the side of her closet. "I think it's only fair we swap out every once in a while."
"I would love that!" Bulla beamed. She couldn't wait to show her Eomma all the dresses she would be bringing back.
There was a small chime overhead, and Bulla glanced up suspiciously. Pan laughed and got up from her seat. "Would you like a snack? That's just the chime that the maids send me when the afternoon snack and tea is ready."
"A snack does sound good," Bulla smiled as she looked arms with Pan.
As they walked towards the dining room, Pan showed Bulla the castle. It was completely different from her palace on Vegeta-Sei. Still, it was beautiful.
"Hey, Panny!"
Bulla glanced up, and her eyes widened. A name almost tumbled out of her mouth before she bit her lip to stop herself. That man wasn't Goten, but why did he look so similar to him?! Bulla's eyes grew wider as the man came closer.
"Oh, you have a friend. Hello," he smiled at Bulla, and she felt herself growing cold. He had Goten's smile too.
She forced her lips to turn up and bowed her head. "Hello."
"Bulla, this is my brother, Gohan," Pan smiled. "Gohan, this is Trunks' little sister, Bulla."
"Really?" Gohan was still smiling like Goten, and he laughed. "That's awesome! I'm about to head into town. Mom and Yamcha are in South City, so-"
"I know," Pan sighed. "Stay in the castle. Bulla and I are about to go to the dining hall for snacks."
"Good," Gohan nodded. "You two enjoy," he said before he took off.
Bulla was staring after him as she fought to control her breath. From the back, he even looked like Goten too. She felt her heart racing wildly as her stomach churned.
"Pan," she looked at her friend, who smiled. Bulla could see it now- Pan had Goten's smile too! "Do you have another brother?" She asked in a small whisper. Pan's smile faded into a frown, and Bulla immediately felt guilty. "I'm sorry!" She apologized quickly. "I didn't-"
"No, it's fine," Pan shook her head slowly. "I do have another brother," she said quietly. "Come on," she took Bulla's hand and led her down a long hallway.
They walked for several minutes in silence until they reached a large portrait. Bulla's insides were frozen as she looked at the three siblings. The brothers seemed nearly identical, though one was older than the other. The sister was seated between them, and they were all smiling so charmingly.
"That's my brother, Goten," Pan said softly. "He ran away many years ago."
"Why?" Bulla whispered.
She was asking herself more than Pan. She knew Goten had a history he had been secretive of, but Bulla couldn't understand why he would keep the secret of being a human and the Prince a secret from her! She was half tempted to tell Pan everything. That her brother was on Vegeta-Sei, pretending to be a Saiyan. That her brother had lied for years and years to everyone- including Bulla! That her brother was the one that Bulla so desperately loved and adored. She had to control her shaking shoulders.
"I don't know," Pan said. "He left a note saying that he had something to do. I believe he'll be back one day, though," she smiled.
Bulla let out a heavy breath. Goten had always told her there was something he had to do as well, and she was going to find out what exactly he was up to.
Goten sighed as he opened up his apartment. He shut the door behind him and tossed his keys on the counter before flipping on the light. Bulla sitting at the table nearly caused him to have a heart attack.
"Bulla," he sighed as he pulled down his mask. "What are you doing in the dark?" He asked. He wasn't surprised to see her sitting there, because she had sneaked in serval times before.
"Goten, sit down," she told him.
There was something edgy about her voice that made Goten alarmed. Something was wrong. Was she mad about something? Or worse- angry at him about something?
Goten swallowed hard and took a seat in front of her. "What's wrong?" He asked as he tried to keep his voice calm and normal.
"What are you doing here?" Bulla asked him quietly.
"What do you mean?" Goten furrowed his brows together. "I live here."
"I mean, what are you doing on Vegeta-Sei, Prince Goten?" She raised a blue eyebrow.
Goten felt his eyes widening as his chest started to grow cold. "How did you find out?" He whispered.
"Tell me what you're doing here first!" Bulla said with tears in her eyes. "Have you been lying to me this whole time?! Why are you in a Saiyan army if you're human? Why did you leave your sister all alone if-"
"I didn't want to!" Goten interrupted her. "I-" he let out a heavy sigh and ran his hands through his hair. "Wait," he said. "Just wait here." He got up and went to his room. He opened up the bottom dresser, and underneath several layers of clothes was the old book he had found years ago. Slowly, he walked back into the kitchen and handed the book to Bulla.
She looked at Goten curiously, and at his nod, she looked at the book. Her eyes were furrowed as she traced the spine, and then she opened it up. Goten watched as her blue eyes widened as she read the note his father had left him and his siblings. Once she was finished, she looked shocked as she looked up at Goten.
"I found that when I was fifteen, and it changed everything I ever thought I knew about my Father," Goten said quietly. "I'm not just a human, and I'm not just a Saiyan. I'm both," he said. "I didn't come here to deceive or trick you, and I am so sorry that I hurt you," he whispered.
"Your siblings- you didn't tell them?" Bulla whispered.
Goten shook his head slowly.
"Why?"
"Fear, mostly," Goten said. "Gohan wouldn't have believed it, and Pan-" he sighed at her name. "I needed to protect her."
"But how was coming here protecting her?"
Goten swallowed hard. "My Dad died on Frieza's ship."
Bulla gasped, her blue eyes growing wide.
Goten swallowed hard. "Frieza told us that my Dad died because of a heart attack. He handed us a clump of ashes and called it my Dad. Now, I know this is going to sound crazy, and you can call it a gut instinct, but I truly believe my Dad is still alive."
"You do?" Bulla raised an eyebrow.
"His death was way too suspicious," Goten muttered. "I came here to Vegeta-Sei to find out the truth about what happened to him."
"What will you do once you find out?" Bulla whispered.
Goten reached over and grabbed her hand. "I'll let my family know, of course, but I don't have plans of leaving you, Bu. You were a surprise for me," he smiled.
Bulla's lips tugged into a small smile. If he could have his way, he would move all of his family to Vegeta-Sei so everyone could be together.
"How did you find out about me being a Prince?" Goten asked quietly.
Bulla let out a heavy sigh and traced Goten's knuckles with her free hand. "Oppa is courting Pan."
Goten gasped as his eyes widened. "Pan? My Pan?"
"Mhm," Bulla nodded slowly. "They met a few years back. Oppa visits her almost daily."
Goten couldn't stop his mouth from dropping open. "How?" He managed to whisper. "How is he visiting Pan without anyone finding out?"
"Everyone there knows him," Bulla said with a small sigh. "The doctor that lives there-" she furrowed her brows together. "What's his name?"
"Dr. Brief?" Goten raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, Dr. Brief," Bulla nodded with a smile. "He covered for Oppa one time and said that he was his grandson. Everyone there, but your Mom and Dr. Brief believe that he is a grandson to the Royal Physician."
"So, my mom knows that Trunks is a Saiyan?"
"Mhm," Bulla nodded slowly. "Trunks took me to Earth today, and I got to hang out with Pan. I always thought she looked familiar, but I couldn't place it until I saw Gohan. Then Pan showed me a portrait of the three of you. You all favor each other."
Goten let out a shaky breath. "Pan, how is she?" He asked quietly.
"Good," Bulla smiled gently. She squeezed Goten's hand. "Oppa takes excellent care of her," she promised.
"Has she been here on Vegeta-Sei before?"
"A few times," Bulla nodded. "My Eomma has an anti-gravity bracelet that Pan uses when she comes over.
"So I did see her on the Day of the Dead Festival," he muttered.
"Most likely," Bulla agreed.
"Bu," he squeezed her hand gently. "I know I'm asking a lot of you, but please don't tell Panny about me. Not yet," he shook his head slowly. "I worried her a lot, and I don't want it to be in vain. I want to be able to return and tell her something that will bring her peace."
Bulla let out a heavy sigh before she nodded her head slowly. "I won't tell her, Go," she said softly. "But, she misses you."
"I miss her too," Goten whispered. He would work hard to find out anything about his Father, and maybe one day, if he was fortunate, they could all be together.
Early Summer
Pan wiggled her toes as she stared out at the small pond. The summer heat was just beginning, and Pan could feel sweat starting to gather the base of her neck. Then again, she wasn't sure if that was because of the heat or her nerves.
Today was the day she was going to do something extremely bold. At least, that's what she told herself. Her and Trunks had been dating for a while, and their kisses were terrific. Still, Pan felt herself wanting more, and she told herself nothing was wrong with that. She was at a point in her life where hormones ran wild, and she had a boyfriend that was hotter than hell.
Pan looked over at Trunks, who was sitting in the shade beside her. He was leaned against the tree, playing a game she had brought for him. Pan swallowed hard and let out a breath as she turned her attention back to the water. She couldn't look at Trunks, or else she might lose her courage.
Carefully, Pan stood up, and instantly she could feel Trunks' eyes on her. She walked towards the bank and grabbed the ends of her short pink dress.
"Panna?" Trunks' voice sounded raspier than usual, and she felt a shiver run down her back. "What are you doing?"
Pan tugged on her dress until it was over her head, and she threw it on the ground. She looked over her shoulder, already knowing her cheeks were red. She hadn't worn a bra just for this reason, so she was completely naked other than her panties.
"I'm going for a swim," she told Trunks, enjoying the way his wide blue eyes were looking at her in awe. His lips were parted, and his cheeks were glowing pink. "Come and join me," she said as she turned back towards the water.
Pan walked in slowly, trying not to shudder at the chilly water. Most of the ground was flattened rocks, so she was careful with her steps. Her nipples were growing hard from the cold water, and she threw some of her hair over her chest. Once she got to a spot where she was waist deep, she looked back and blinked when she saw Trunks nowhere in sight. A small dread ran through her. He didn't leave, did he?
Cold hands touched Pan's hips, and she shivered as someone kissed her head. "The water is freezing. You had best be careful," Trunks said before he let her go.
Pan turned around to face him, but he was walking back from her, a small grin on his lips. She couldn't help but stare at him. His boxers hung low on him, and his golden skin seemed to glow in the sun. Pan could faintly see a few scars on his chest and arms, and her heart pounded.
"Where did this scar come from?" Pan reached out, and her fingers just barely brushed up against a scar on Trunks' ribs before he was stepping back.
"My first raid," Trunks said with a hard swallow. He walked over to a rock, "aren't these the rocks you were trying to skip to the day we met?"
"Yeah," Pan nodded slowly. She wasn't sure if she was imagining it or not, but it seemed like Trunks was trying to stay away from her.
Pan walked over to him slowly, and it wasn't soon after that he was walking to another spot. She frowned, confused, and a little hurt. She didn't understand it! Wouldn't most men go crazy at the sight of their girlfriend practically naked? Trunks had barely glanced at her, and he was avoiding her! Maybe she needed to be even more bold?
"Trunks!" She grabbed his arm and pressed against him.
Trunks tensed, and Pan felt her stomach growing sickly as she let go of him. Did she make him that uncomfortable? Is that why he never touched her more than he usually did when they kissed?
"Panna," Trunks said as he slowly turned to look at her. His eyes widened as he met hers, and he grabbed her face. "What's wrong? Why are you crying? Are you hurt?"
"Just my pride," she muttered.
"What?" Trunks sounded honestly confused.
"What's wrong with me?!" Pan cried in frustration as she grabbed Trunks' wrists and pulled them away from her face.
Trunks furrowed his brows together. "I thought you said you weren't hurt?"
Pan let out a small scream of frustration as her eyes grew hot. "Am I unattractive to you?"
"What kind of ridiculous question is that?!" Trunks demanded as he looked at her in shock.
"Well, I must be!" Pan nearly cried. "You never touch me, and you've been avoiding me the whole time we've been in the water! I didn't wear a bra today because I wanted you to touch me but-"
Trunks grabbed Pan's shoulders, and she gasped as she looked up at him. There was something in his blue eyes that made them seem darker than usual, and she shivered. "You have no idea, do you?!" Be asked sternly.
"No idea what?" Pan whispered.
Trunks let out something similar to a growl, and Pan gasped at how it made her stomach twist in anticipation. "I want you, Pan!" Trunks said. "You have no idea how badly I constantly want you! I can barely keep myself sane sometimes when I'm around you like I'm trying so desperately to do now!" He let out a heavy breath, "I always tell myself that I'll be a gentleman, but fuck it today."
Pan barely had time to brace herself before Trunks' lips were on hers. He was kissing her with a fever that he never had before. Trunks pulled away before grabbing Pan's hand and pulling her towards the waterfall. Her heart was hammering inside of her chest, and her legs shook as she followed him under the freezing water to the small alcove.
Trunks backed her up against the cold wall as he rested his arm beside her head. He stroked her cheek with his free hand, and Pan could hear the purrs coming from him, and she smiled.
"I am not going to overstep a line," Trunks told her gently. "Because I want our first time to be special."
Pan's heart went wild in her lower stomach, and she swallowed hard.
"But I am about to show you just how crazy you make me. If you don't want me to, or if at any time I make you uncomfortable-"
"Trunks-" Pan grabbed his hand that was still stroking her cheek and moved it down to one of her breasts. Trunks licked his lips, and Pan smiled. "Just kiss me already."
Trunks' lips smashed into hers. His hand roamed down to the back of her thighs before he hoisted her up and pinned her against the wall. Pan shuddered as his lips started to kiss down her chest. She had a feeling that this would be a day she wouldn't forget any time soon.
"Let me pin you up against the wall. Lips parted. Our breathing heavy. Let me kiss you and prove to myself that it's possible everything I've ever wanted out of life all at once."
-Beau Taplin