*Disclaimer: The characters mentioned in this story are not my property. Akira Toriyama created them, not me.

Summary: Just your average morning until a familiar face visits Pan asking for a favor...


The Favor


Chapter 1: One of those Mornings



It was going to be one of those days, I could just tell. That feeling you get when sunlight begins to flood in through your bedroom window, slowly drawing you out of the comforting embrace of sweet slumber. After a ten minute long struggle, consciousness managed to best me, thus I finally admitted defeat and woke up.

Everything was just as I left it the night before, wrinkled clothes piled on my chair and an empty bottle of wine on my dresser table. It had been an uneventful evening, not unlike many before it. I had gone out, had some measure of fun, came back to a drink and found my bed. I glanced around once and sighed as I contemplated the coming day's events. There wasn't much planned and I decided, despite this nagging feeling of impending doom, that come what may, I would deal with the day on the fly much like I had always done before.

After subjecting my feet to rummage through the junk under my bed, I managed to find those elusive fuzzy slippers that would protect my toes from the hard, cold floor. Sure, I could have levitated to the bathroom, but I was feeling particularly lazy this morning. Too much effort too soon could lead to disaster later, I mused.

Automatically reaching for my toothbrush, I glanced sidelong at the vanity mirror. I looked a tad haggard; I hadn't been sleeping well of late and personally, I blamed it on the weather. As I brushed my pearly whites clean, I took an even more detailed look at myself. My hair was disheveled, and thanks to a recent haircut it managed to resemble Grandpa's unique coif.

Oh Grandpa. It's been years since you left, but just thinking about you brings back that little ache that never seems to disappear no matter how much time passes. I'm long past tears and merely sigh wistfully before I spit out and rinse. Grinning widely as he used to do, I inspected my teeth and nodded at a job well done.

Indulging myself, I floated back to my bedroom and I pondered a most important question; what did I want to wear? I furrowed my brow as I scanned the options, and chose a simple tank top and shorts, it'd be a nice break to train today.

I admired myself in the mirror. Despite sporadic training due to work, I managed to keep in shape. Saiyans don't get flabby, but of course most Saiyans train or fight each day instead of manning a nine to five desk job.

I stepped into the yard behind my modest house, confident that the neighbors wouldn't see me through the dense foliage of the trees that separate our properties. I stretched out carefully and began my training forms. I lost myself in the movements, each kick and punch as natural as a bird flying, but then of course, I fly too. Spinning around, I landed in a defensive stance, anticipating the attack of an invisible foe. I leapt into the air and dropped my elbow on this nonexistent enemy, continuing to shadow box for a half hour or so. Taking a moment to wipe the sweat from my brow, I noticed a knock at my front door. I must have been oblivious to the sound during my furious attack at the air.

I meandered through the side gate and caught a glimpse of my would-be visitor. I was rather surprised to see Bulma staring impatiently at my door, tapping her foot tensely.

"Bulma? What brings you to my humble home?" Honestly, the curiosity was killing me. I hadn't seen the woman in several years, despite her being a long-time family friend.

"Is that you Pan? You look so different with your hair like that." She paused a moment to study me.

Feeling uncomfortable under her dissecting gaze, I coughed lightly. "Do you want to come in?" I led her inside to the living room and offered her a seat on my cushy sofa. Being a gracious hostess I asked, "Would you like something to drink?"

"No thank you Pan. This really isn't a social visit, I need to ask you a favor."

I peered quizzically at her, what in the world would one of the richest women in the world need from little old me?

Sensing my puzzlement, she explained the nature of the favor. "I wanted to know if you'd be willing to go out with my son."

I choked and spit out the water I was sipping on, spraying my coffee table. From the look in Bulma's eyes, she had expected my reaction. I most definitely didn't expect her words. Taking a moment to clean up the water I looked up at the older woman. Was she serious???

"Look Pan, I know it seems like an odd request, but let me explain the situation. As you know, Trunks is one of the most eligible bachelors around and he's had his share of women. But most of them tend to be vacuous or moneygrubbers and it's left him a bit sour. He's been cynical of all his recent dates and he's even been starting arguments with them at company functions. His behavior has been damaging the image of Capsule Corp. While I do need to think of the company's best interests, he is also my son. I would like him to be able to last at least one business dinner without his date leaving in tears or him resembling his father when he hasn't been able to train. And that's where you come in."

"I know you two were close, especially after… " She paused, examining my reaction. I merely nodded. It was all right. "After Goku left. I know he wouldn't accuse you of being after his money nor being too dumb to understand the stresses of his life. For the sake of my company and my son, would you be willing to go to a few functions with him?" Bulma gazed at me, pleading silently with her eyes.

I knew I was going to regret this. But I couldn't let this woman suffer. It couldn't be that bad could it? It's just a few evenings… Sighing in my resignation, I smiled weakly at Bulma and nodded. "Yes, I'll do it."

Her blue eyes lit up and she hugged me fiercely. "Thank you so much Pan! You don't know how much I appreciate this." She began to head for a door, before turning around. She must have forgotten to tell me something. "Oh, there's a corporate dinner this Friday. You can stop by Capsule Corp. at seven; the limo will take you over. Don't be late and dress nicely!"

She waved good-bye and drove off, leaving me shaking my head.

What did I get myself into?