Fallen Horses
Chapter 4: Help Me
By Panny
Warning: Adult situations, cursing, severe OOCness.
Would you help me
If I wanted to die
I could ride off
With horses tonight.
Trunks had been sitting with Pan for hours and the sun was setting, casting a pink hue on everything around them. Her tears had slowly dwindled to sniffles but he hadn't pushed her to talk anymore. Sometimes people just needed to be alone and with someone at the same time.
Pan shifted, and sat up, wiping her face off. The tears were dry but she could still feel the lingering trails of salt on her face which were a reminder of her pain. Pulling her knees up to her chest, she leaned forward to stare at the setting sun. Do you ever think about dying? She asked. The question caught Trunks off guard and all he could answer with was a small
Dying. I didn't think it would be that bad. You know Her voice squeaked a little and trembled as she continued talked. I thought about it once before too, you know just- just dying to end it all. But When I tried to I thought of you; and Bra, Goten and Marron, and how much fun we have together, and I- I couldn't do it. She was crying again, but Trunks was too shocked to do anything. She quickly wiped her face and cleared her throat. I still think about it a little, but I never thought I'd try it again. But then things got so bad.... I just thought that maybe you should know that. I owe you guys my life."
She smiled then, and stood up. I think I'd like to go home now. Trunks continued to stare at where she had just been sitting, then stood as well.
* * * * *
When Pan got home she was surprised to find her father in the kitchen cooking. Hi Dad. What are you doing in here? She asked, hiding herself around the doorway so he wouldn't see what she was wearing.
Well, your mothers been so concerned
about me being at work so much I thought I'd come home early and cook dinner
to surprise her. She should be home soon and I could use some help getting done
in time if you're interested.
Sure. Just let me bring my stuff upstairs. Pan dashed passed the
doorway, hoping her father wouldn't see what she was wearing. She ran straight
to her room and threw on a pair of overall shorts and a new t-shirt, then joined
her father in the kitchen.
What do you need me to do? She asked. Why don't you set the table. You can take the sauce from the pot and put it into a gravy boat or something like that. Oh, and put out the nice plates and glasses, I think she'd like that. Pan smiled at the look in her fathers eyes. She wondered if he was the same man who had run out just the night before. She could see his love for her mother in his eyes so clearly, and she just hoped her mother could see it too.
* * * * *
Videl and Sharpener had gone out for lunch, walked in the public garden, and then stopped at Sharpeners home. It was a large estate, with a vast yard full off exotic bushes and flowers. His home was quite large as well, though nothing compared to Capsule Corp. it still made Videl feel a little uneasy about the size of her home. The two had just finished looking at their old high school yearbook and Sharpener had taken her into a large piano room.
Do you want something to eat or drink? He asked. I could ask one of the servants to get you something.
That's okay. She declined, sitting down at the piano. Sharpener sat next to her and ran his fingers along the keys. Do you play? She asked.
Not hardly. There are others here who do though. Do you?
Not really. Gohan tried to teach me a little, it's quite funny actually. He can't play too well himself. Videl laughed inwardly, making Sharpener frown. Why don't you forget about him for now?
Videl asked, somewhat shocked. Sharpener answered. You talk about how stubborn and inconciderate he is, and then you start talking about him and giggling.
I'm sorry. It's just that I- Videl was cut off as Sharpener leaned in to kiss her. Caught off guard she sat stiff and unmoving as he slid his hand along her thigh. As he drew further up her leg she snapped back into reality and jumped away from him.
What do you think you're doing?! She cried, backing away.
I thought this was what you wanted.
What I wanted? I'm a married woman.
Yes, I know but you called and said you wanted to get away from him and-
Not that far from him! I just wanted to get out for a little while, that's all.
But Videl, I thought we-
We what?
I thought we had something, back before Gohan, and that you finally wanted to have it again.
Listen Sharpener, we never had anything, okay. We were friends, but that's all.
Videl. Sharpener stood there as his world rushed away from him. He had liked her when they were young, loved her in high school and he thought she had felt the same. That the only reason they weren't together was Gohan and her father. Her call the night before had been like a pardon from the most ill death, and he thought they would finally be together again. His Juliet had escaped what kept them apart, but he now found that she held the dagger to his heart. It was all over.
I'm sorry, Son Videl. I was mistaken. You should probably leave.
* * * * *
Goten dropped Bra off at her house, and kissed her goodbye, then headed home. She had spent the rest of the day with him, making work a lot more enjoyable, but somehow in that time Gohan had disappeared.
Stepping inside, Goten saw Pan and Gohan sitting on the couch with worried looks on their faces. Hey. What's going on. Where's Mom and Videl?
Gohan continued staring into nothingness and Pan shook her head. We don't know. We called Bulma and Kame House but they haven't seen either of them.
Just then, Chichi walked in carrying groceries. Oh, hi everyone! Gohan, I didn't expect you to be home. I just went to pick up some things for dinner Gohan, what's wrong?
Videl's not here. I don't know where she went.
Still not home? That's strange. She said she wouldn't be out too late.
Gohan stood from the couch and walked up the Chichi, placing his hands on her shoulders. Do you know where she went?
I'm not too sure. She said, putting her finger on her lip in thought. She was with some blond man. Shabuna, or something like that. Gohan stared at her quizically and rolled the name around in his head. He asked. Yes, that's it! Chichi replied, nodding. In an instant Gohan was outside and taking off in the air.
* * * * *