Disclaimer: So what if I don't own them… I still love writing stories…
A/N: Thanks to all those reviews, I decided that I could bring up another chapter before I start to study… I don't want you to kill me for letting you wait too long after this evil cliffhanger… *laughs nervously and pulls Vegeta in front of her as shield*
Vegeta: What do you think you're doing, brat?
Me: I want you to be my bodyguard as long as I write, so that I won't be distracted by the reviewers.
Vegeta: *snorts* Do you really think that I will do this for you?
Me: *smirks evilly* I just say two words. Bulma + couch!
Vegeta: *grumbles* Fine…
Well, but first at all, congratulations at kiki for being the 1000th reviewer!!! Even though I'm not sure if you've really read the story or just hit the review button… I'm sorry, but I can't mention you in a special, because I won't write one. I'm just planning something special for you, I mean all my readers... I hope that this small surprise would be up before Sunday. ^-^
@ Princess of Light: Do you have any idea how many people with the name Shen are living on earth? *grins*
@ Lady Tomboy: I knew that this word doesn't exist in English… Well, I have to make an oral test for my graduation… I've got 30 minutes to answer a few questions on two themes in Geography and then there'll be a conversation between me and my teacher about it, which will take 20 minutes. That's what I have to study for.
But now I don't want to let you wait any longer! Enjoy!!!
Chapter 28: Together at last
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Trunks was still talking to Goten and Bra, as he suddenly got a strange feeling in his body. He couldn't describe it, but he knew it. This feeling wasn't unfamiliar to him, since he had felt it already a long time ago. He took a quick glance at the door, but there was no one to be seen and he also couldn't feel anyone. Next week, he would take a vacation, he decided, as he turned his attention back to his best friend and sister and started to ignore this feeling.
So, he was totally unprepared, when he suddenly felt a hand lying on his shoulder. Surprised he turned around and saw a young man standing in front of him, one of his workers. What was his name? Takeo Shen, right… he remembered. With him was a woman, obviously his date for this evening and the first word that came into Trunks' mind, as he saw her was: gorgeous. Trunks inwardly shook his head. This was the first time he thought something like that about a woman since…
Suddenly the young man's voice pulled him out of his thoughts. "Mr. Briefs," he said. "I'd like to introduce you to my mother, Pia Shen… Mom, this is my boss, Trunks Briefs, the President of Capsule Corporation."
What? Trunks stared at the woman, who had accompanied this Takeo. He watched her intensely, as she threw a look at her son. And really, now he saw it. The resemblance was uncanny. This woman was… "Pan…" he mumbled surprised. At the mentioning of her name, her eyes gazed up and met with his. Those eyes…
"Trunks…" he finally heard her stutter and it seemed to him, as if saying his name was the most difficult thing in the world.
Hearing her voice again after so many years sent a shiver down his spine. He was at a loss of words. He inhaled deeply. God, she's still as beautiful as before… "What- What are you doing here?" he finally managed to ask.
Pan shifted uncomfortably with her feet and tried to avoid his gaze. It was just too hard to look into this face, into those eyes after all what she had been through. After all the pain those eyes had inflicted on her. "I-" she started, but then hesitated. Everything was starting to make sense. Takeo knew, but what should she tell Trunks? The truth? "My son," Pan finally said, but her mind screamed our son, "Takeo is obviously working for you, as I just found out. He was invited to the party by your mother, I guess, and wanted me to come with him." She looked up and glowered at her son. "And I slowly start to understand, why…" she dangerously growled the last part.
Takeo, who had been watching the exchange between his parents with interest, gulped and took a step backwards. "Uhm, I guess I go and talk to some other people. See ya two later…"
Pan watched him quickly walking over to where another young man about his age was sitting. Suddenly she recognized him. This other young man looked exactly like Goten, but that meant that this was Junior! Surprised by the fact that Takeo and Junior were obviously friends, she turned her attention back to the man in front of her. She had to say something. But what? She couldn't stay. The danger of being discovered was far too big! It was enough with Trunks knowing that she was there, and Bulma, who most likely had arranged the whole thing. "Trunks… I'm sorry for just stepping in your life again after… what had happened. I'll better go now." Without waiting for an answer, she just turned around and walked towards the door.
NO! Trunks' heart screamed. He couldn't let her leave like that. He had lost her once and now he wasn't sure if he could bear loosing her again. "Pan!" he heard himself calling out for her.
She stopped dead in her tracks, when she heard her name and suddenly felt all the gazes boring into her back. Go on, Pan, she told herself and took another step forward. When you're gone they can't find you! And another step. "Panny?" This soft voice stopped her. It was so full of surprise and hope and at the same time it sounded so scared. This voice made her feel again like a small child. "Is that really you?"
Hesitating she turned around and looked at person, who had asked her that. Her father. In his dark eyes she could see the same she had already heard in his voice. His with worry filled eyes lightened up with the hope that his long lost daughter was back. She just stared at him, unable to say anything. According to the bodies, her parents hadn't changed that much in the last twenty-five years, but she could see it in their eyes. Those once so happy eyes were sad and tired, surrounded by worry lines. Pan felt the tears dwelling up in her eyes. She'd never wanted to see them like this. She had wanted to spare them the disappointment she would have caused in them with running away, like Trunks had told her to, but she obviously had hurt them more with this decision than she would have, if she had stayed. She understood that now. She understood, now that she was standing there, that what she had done was wrong. She had just hurt all of them with her actions.
But could she make the big step and go back? She hadn't seen or talked to them for twenty-five years. For them it had been longer, since they didn't know that she was Pia. She wanted her parents to be happy and she was missing them so much. But then there was still Trunks… Would she be able to meet him again and again and again, just to make her parents and everyone else happy, with the knowledge that he despised her? She couldn't decide that alone. There was also still Takeo, her son. Trunks' son.
She cast a quick glance at the young man and just found him smiling at her. With her eyes she asked him, if she could do it and all she received was a reassuring nod. She smiled back at him. Yes, she could do this. Gathering all her courage, she took a few steps forward, until she stood directly in front of her father. Overwhelmed by the flood of emotions, she still didn't quite know what to say, so just one word left her lips in a merely whisper. "Daddy…" The next thing she knew was being gathered up in a pair of strong and secure arms and starting to cry. "I'm so sorry… so sorry…"
"Oh Panny," Gohan mumbled into her hair, as he gently stroke her back. He also could feel the tears running down his cheeks. That, what he had never thought would happen, had happened. He had his daughter back. He didn't know yet, how or why she was attending this party, or what it was with Pan having a son, but that didn't matter to him at that moment. Dende… thank you… he thought gratefully, not seeing the god smiling down at them.
But not just Gohan was clearly moved. Pan had always been her father's daughter, but there was one more person in this room who loved her as much as her father did. Her mother. She was momentarily lying in Goten's arm, who tried his best to comfort her. Everything was still so confusing for him, but there was one thing he understood completely - Pan was back. Twenty-five years after she wrote them this fateful letter, telling them that she wouldn't come back and that she would break every contact with them, she was back. He looked over to his wife and was surprised by what he saw. She was watching the family reunion with her arms crossed and a smirk on her face, just like she had known that this woman was Pan. Well, he would ask her later about that. The fact that Pan was really back was now much more important.
Not that far away from them two young men were grinning at each other. Part one of the plan had been successful. Now there was just the get-back-together of Takeo's parents left.
Everyone else, be it family or friend, couldn't help but stare at what was happening, so no one noticed how one person left, shortly followed by another.
~*~
Trunks was walking slowly alongside of the outdoor pool, looking at the starlit sky and thinking about what had just happened.
Pan was back. That had been finally registered by his mind. She was beautiful, so much like the young woman who he had sent away so many years ago. But her eyes had changed. He had found something in them. Something he had never thought he could see. Seeing this sadness, pain… and the last thing… fear in her eyes had hurt him more like he'd like to admit. He loved her. With all of his heart he loved her. He had loved her so much that he had secretly started to look for her, in vain. She had just disappeared.
But after Bra and Goten had married, he had decided that it was finally time to move on. He had dated a couple of other women, but it never worked out, because he unconsciously compared every woman he met to the love of his life - Pan. Seeing that he would never find another one, he devoted his life to his work as President of CC, what had a positive side effect. Capsule Corporation had never been as successful as in the last twenty years. He had worked so hard that he almost succeeded to forget those feelings for Pan, but now they were back at full force.
But she didn't love him anymore. She had moved on with another man and had a son. Maybe he had been right twenty-five years ago and she had had no idea what love meant, when she had so easily found a new man so shortly after… He knew he shouldn't be angry with her about that, but he still was. She had told him that she loved him! And now she had a son with another, a son that should have been his, if he hadn't been acting the way he had. He wasn't sure if he could ever forgive her that. He would always look at the young man, knowing that he wasn't his, even if there was a small chance that they got back together. But even if he could never have her, he knew that she had to be happy. She had found a new love, had a great son as far as he could tell and was now back in the arms of her family.
But he still didn't know how he would react, when he met the man sometime that had won Pan's heart. The most-likely thing he would do was testing him, letting him prove that he was worth of Pan. But he knew he couldn't change Pan's heart and he had to accept that. And maybe… maybe they could someday be friends again, just like they used to be.
Suddenly he felt a presence behind him. "What do you want, father?" he asked without turning around.
"I'm here to talk some sense into you," Vegeta growled. "Listen, Kakarotto's grandbrat will probably come to see you soon and I don't want you to act the way like you acted the last time you and her had to discuss something. The only thing I tell you is to hear her out. She will explain everything that you need to know. Don't let jealousy get the best of you, because there's no need to be jealous."
Now Trunks looked at him confused. He blinked. "What do you mean with there's no need to be jealous?"
"I can't tell you. Just wait for the brat to explain it. And one time in your life do what I say," he told him and left.
Trunks looked after his father's retreating form, his lips curling into a small smile. "I will, dad… I will…"
~*~
In the meantime everyone had calmed down and was now sitting somewhere in the room, while Bulma and Takeo were explaining the most important things. Pan, who was sitting between her parents, was just gaping at the two, as they told them about the time machine and Takeo's trip to the past. So, Takeo definitely knew that Trunks was his father, for many years already and with his help, her and Trunks' past selves were now together and happy. And Bulma had arranged this party to get her and Trunks back together, now that they knew that it was possible.
Those were news that would take some time to digest, together with everything else that had happened in the last few hours. Now she finally knew why Takeo had been acting so strange and had been so nervous all day. She knew she should be angry with him for keeping things from her, but she couldn't be. Understandable… She would've surely said 'no', if her son had asked her to go to a party, where she would meet her family and old friends. But now, here she was, happy and content. And much to her surprise, her parents weren't angry with her. They showed understanding and were just happy that she was back. Finally where she belonged. Home.
Now there was just one more thing she had to do.
Her eyes nervously darted around the room, in search for Trunks, but she couldn't see him. He obviously had left the room without anyone noticing. But he wasn't the only one, who was missing. Vegeta was, too. Pan chuckled inwardly. He probably got bored with all the hugging and crying, causing him to leave. But that still didn't explain, where Trunks was. His ki was suppressed, so she couldn't find out, where he had gone. He most likely still had no idea that Takeo was his son and he was missing everything that Takeo and Bulma were telling them. "Excuse me, please," she said, getting up abruptly. "I have to go to the bathroom." Without waiting for anyone to say something, she just left the room, not noticing that the others were all exchanging knowingly glances.
She hurried through the hallways, looking for someone, who could have seen Trunks. Luckily, when she arrived at the foot of the stairs, she saw Vegeta coming down. Seeing her face, he just smirked. "He's outside at the pool. Go, talk to him," Vegeta simply said and walked past her.
"Thank you, Vegeta!" She smiled at him and walked as fast as her dress allowed up the stairs.
Just a few minutes later she walked through the door that led to the outside, where the pool was. And there he stood, his figure illuminated by the moon, which was luckily for them, not full, and the small lights, which were shining at the pool itself. Her heart stood still. She had almost forgotten exactly how handsome Trunks was. She watched him a bit more, as he stood at the rail, looking out at the stars, before something happened.
"Can you imagine that we have been out there?" Trunks suddenly asked.
Not really being surprised that he knew that she was there, she walked up to him. "It's unbelievable, I know, but this one year in outer space had been one of my best years…" she admitted in a soft voice.
Trunks took a deep breath. What he wanted to say would be really hard. "Pan… I just… I mean… I'm sorry. For everything that I've ever done or said to you that had caused you pain. I know that I should've never said those things I said twenty-five years ago, but I've been hurt and confused and then my saiyajinside got the best of me and made me act like a jerk. I couldn't have felt guiltier than I had after I found your apartment empty. I even tried to find you, but you where nowhere to be found." He hesitated. "I just wanted to let you know that."
"Trunks…" Pan started, completely and utterly surprised by his revelation, but was cut off by Trunks.
"Please Pan, I'm not finished yet. I still love you, but I understand, when you don't return the feelings. I can see that you've moved on with another man. Your son is the proof." Suddenly Pan started to laugh lightly. "What?" Trunks asked slightly hurt by her reaction.
"Sorry Trunks…" she said, trying to regain her composure. "But have you never wondered, why Takeo was always wearing his sunglasses, wherever he was?"
Trunks shook his head. "I have just met him a few times, but now that you mention it, he always wore them…"
"See, Takeo wears them, because he doesn't want to hurt me," she explained. "I have once told him that he has his father's eyes and that he remembers me of him. So he had just bought and never stopped wearing them."
He ran a hand through his hair. "And why are you telling me this? Don't tell me that Takeo's father also left you!"
"Trunks, please… Let me explain." Trunks nodded, motioning for Pan to continue. "Fine… Trunks, since you've never seen his eyes, I'll tell you how they look like. They're blue, crystal blue. He has got your eyes, Trunks. You are his father."
"I'm…" Trunks said speechlessly. He? Takeo's father? That was…
"With his looks he comes totally after your side of the family. Imagine him a bit shorter, with black eyes and a bit longer hair and he's an exact copy of Vegeta…" Pan told him.
"Wow…" he stuttered and sat down on one of the deckchairs, burying his face in his hands. "I'm a daddy…"
"Of a grown-up son. I know it's hard to believe, but I assure you, it's the truth. You're Takeo's father. There has never been another man in my life. You were the only one I've really loved and always will love…" she said, sitting down next to him. "Takeo and Bulma had just told us that they lured me here just to get us back together. As I already said, I still love you and I want your forgiveness for everything that I have done to hurt you and maybe a second chance for… us."
"Pan…" Trunks said softly and looked at her. If Takeo was his son and Pan never had another man in her life after… Then there's still a chance! "I've already forgiven you the day I found out that you were gone. I tried to hate you, but I just couldn't. So I just buried my feelings, until they resurfaced tonight, as I saw you. I am the one who has to ask for your forgiveness. Just when you forgive me I might give us a second chance."
Pan took his hands in hers and smiled, looking him directly in his eyes. "There's nothing for me to forgive. I've never hated you… I really want that second chance, Trunks. I really want to be together with you. I love you, but please let's take things slowly, okay?"
Trunks also smiled at her and leaned in for a short but sweet and soft kiss. "I love you, too, Pan. I don't want to hurt you ever again. But I won't push you or our relationship in any way."
She squeezed his hands and got up. "What do you think? Should we go inside? I'm sure the others are curious about what has happened to us. And I also want you to meet your son."
"Okay…" He tightened his grip at her hand and so they walked together inside.
Inside of the room all the looks were fixated on the door, waiting impatiently for Takeo's parents to come back. They had been so tensed, that they all winced when the door was opened. But as they could see things clearly, their eyes lightened up and two young men in the back high-fived each other.
"Takeo? Would you please come here?" Pan said, grinning at her son's behavior. "I want you to meet someone…" Takeo obeyed and walked up to them. "Takeo, this is Trunks Vegeta Briefs, your father. Trunks, this is Takeo Vegeta Son, your son."
"Nice to meet you, Takeo," Trunks said smiling, extending his hand to his newly won son.
Takeo smiled back. "It's nice to meet you, father…"
"Why so formal?" Trunks asked. "Call me dad."
"Okay… dad…" Takeo said, happy that finally everything had also worked out in his timeline.
Everyone was as happy as Takeo, but no one was happier than Trunks and Pan, even though it would take longer until both of them were ready for bigger commitments. They had yet to learn to trust the other again and would take baby steps in their relationship, but with the love they felt for each other, everyone was sure that this couple would always stay together.
~*~
Eight months had passed in the past and everyone was gathered at the hospital, impatiently awaiting the arrival of baby Takeo in this world. Pan had been in labor for almost 24 hours already and slowly everyone, especially the Prince of all Saiyajins, was getting annoyed, including the soon-to-be parents.
"Trunks, as soon as I've gotten this brat out of my body, I'll kill you for putting him inside of me," Pan growled, as yet another wave of pain hit her.
Trunks' face paled even more than it already was and comfortingly squeezed Pan's hand. "Don't worry Pan, it will be over soon…"
"Mr. Briefs is right, Miss. Son. I can see the little guy's head," the doctor told them. "Just one more push and it is over… I'll count till three. One… Two… Three!"
With an ear-piercing scream Pan gave one last push, before she collapsed into the pillow and the wail of a baby erupted through the room. "You did it, Pan! You did it!" Trunks said overjoyed.
"Can I see him?" the new mother asked weakly. She had never thought that giving birth to a child could be this exhausting.
"One moment… We're cleaning and weighing him," the doctor said.
"Uhm… doctor…" a nurse whispered nervously. "There's something you have to see… The baby has a…" The last part she said so quietly that not even the two Saiyajins were able to understand it.
"Trunks?" Pan asked, slightly panicking. "Is something wrong with my baby boy?"
"Calm down, Panny… I'll go and look…" Letting go of her hand, Trunks walked over to where they were examining the boy. "Can I take a look at him?" he asked.
"Mr. Briefs… I don't know if this is… hey!"
Not waiting for the doctor to answer, Trunks pushed his way through to his son to look at him. He smiled. "Don't worry Pan… He looks like a strong boy. Five fingers at each hand, five toes at each foot and a tail. Oh yeah, and he already looks like dad with the hairstyle, even though he's a bit shriveled," he added laughing.
"Sir…" the same nurse as before said concerned. "As you've stated… The boy has a tail."
"Ah, don't worry about that," Trunks told her. "It's a family trait. Can I now take him to his mother?"
"Uhm… sure… When you say that this furry appendage is normal…" the doctor said confused and handed the boy to his father, who then carried him over to the bed.
"Here, little boy… Here's your mommy…" He carefully laid him down in Pan's arms and sat down next to her on the bed.
"He's beautiful…" Pan said softly, as the baby sleepily opened his eyes and gazed with his big blue orbs directly at Pan, while his tiny tail wrapped itself around her wrist. "You're right, Trunks. Despite of the eyes he looks almost exactly like your father…" she told him grinning.
"Do you already have a name for the boy?" the doctor wanted to know.
Still grinning she looked at the doctor. "Yes, his name shall be Takeo Vegeta…"
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Hehe, extra long chapter with about 4.000 words! If I were mean, I would say that this is the Epilogue, but there are still two chapters planned! But I really don't know when I'll have time to write them. Now I first want to write the surprise for you, before I continue!!! It will be nothing big, but I hope you'll like it though!
Anyways, please don't forget to hit the small button at the end of the text to review, even though I've reached the 1.000 mark!!!
Eternally yours
ChibiChibi