****I'm baaa~aack!!! Who out there feels like beating me up? Yes, SabellaPan I know, you're the first one on the list to kick my butt. *Hangs her head in shame.* I can make a million excuse for this story taking forever to finish, but everyone knows how real life cuts into writing. Anyway here's the next installment of Waiting for the Moon for you, and I can promise you another update sometime soon. (Read the author's note at the end of the chapter for more details *grins evilly*. A special thanks goes out to my muse who helped me to get back into my writing, luv ya gurl! Now on to the story....

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Pan woke the next morning groping for Trunks' body to snuggle against, only to find herself alone. Her hand bumped a piece of paper lying on the pillow next to her, a red rose lay nestled next to it. Smiling to herself she picked up her gift and smelled it, laying it down she unfolded the note which he had folded into an origami crane.

Pan-chan, Sorry I couldn't be there when you woke this morning, but I have a meeting that I have to be at in an hour. However, I also went in early so that I can finish early and be able to take you out this evening. I'll be back to pick you up at six, wear something nice if you can and if you decide to go home today call and let me know. I love you and miss you already. ~Trunks P.S. Mom needs to see you in the lab for a few more tests, no more shots or needles, she promised!

She reread the note once more and twirled the rose in her fingers slowly, admiring its color and smell. Withdrawing into her thoughts she concentrated until she found the intangible link that connected her to Trunks. Founding it she touched it with a brief mental caress and called his name softly. His response took only a moment, but his surprise at her sudden appearance was apparent. He recovered quickly and sent back his own touch and called her name as well "Pan-chan".

She shivered as she felt the phantom caress of his fingers on her own as if he was holding her hand. It faded slowly, the sensation of touch lingering for a second. Grabbing the pillow he had slept on she hugged it to her. Inhaling deeply she breathed in the light musk and spice scent that belong to her mate; she lay there for several minutes until she felt ready to face the day without him. Rolling over she rubbed the remaining sleep from her eyes and glanced at the clock, noting that it was after nine. Stretching and twisting slightly to work the kinks out, she rose to go shower and then to find Bulma.

A few minutes earlier at CC Headquarters...

Trunks sat in a meeting of the Development Department, going over the plans for a new capsule product. He was busy scribbling notes on the researchers' progress and speculated outcomes, when Pan's voice and tentative touch filled his mind. "Trunks-chan". Shocked at her sudden mental appearance he dropped hi pen with an audible 'thunk'. Collecting himself mentally, he sensed that she was alright and just seeking him out.

Concentrating for a moment he sent back a gentle touch of his own and called her back. Satisfied he let himself be brought back to the present by the development chair-head asking him if he was alright. Nodding he picked up his pen once more and muttered an excuse about remembering something important that he had forgotten.

Later that day, much later...

Trunks made it back to C.C. by quarter of six after getting stuck in traffic in the city, checking his plans for the evening one more time, and picking up some items he needed. Entering the kitchen he poured himself a glass of tea as he searched the house for Pan's ki signature. When he had talked to her briefly during his lunch break she had told him that his sister was helping her to get ready for their evening out. He found that she was upstairs still, most likely doing whatever woman did to get ready to go out.

Smiling softly he picked up the phone and placed a call that he had needed to make all day. As he waited for Pan to finish getting ready, he spoke quietly with Gohan and Videl on the phones conference line. Recognizing the 'squeak' of Pan's door opening upstairs he promised that she would be home late that evening and said goodbye.

Making his way to the foyer, he could hear the soft sounds of foot fall at the top of the stairs. Glancing up he took in the raven haired beauty as she descended, the smile on his face grew as she came closer and closer to him. Smiling shyly back at him, Pan carefully made her way down the stairs. Still not used to the lace up sandals that Bra had made her wear with the halter top sundress they had picked for her to wear, she gripped the banister to maintain her balance.

Her hair was twisted up in a messy knot and was held in place with pins that had tiny white flowers attached to them. Silver hoops adorned her ears and flashed in the sun, which was filtering in through the windows in the entranceway. Reaching the bottom step Trunks offered her his hand, taking it she stepped into his embrace and soft welcoming kiss.

"You look beautiful." He whispered to her as he held her. "Thank you, your sister helped...a lot." She laughed softly. Sobering up she looked him in the eyes. "I missed you..."

"I know, I could feel you with me all day"

"This is going to be a lot harder than we thought..."

"We'll figure it out. Don't worry; however we do need to be going or else we'll be late for our reservations." He answered. Calling upstairs he and Pan bid Bra and his mother good night. "Thanks for the help Bra!" Pan shouted as Trunks took her hand and led her out the front door.

On the road...

Pan smiled as she leaned back in the passenger seat of Trunks convertible and the wind whipped the loose strands of her hair around. Looking over at Trunks she squeezed his hand that she was holding, he looked over at her briefly and smiled reassuredly at her. Lifting her hand to his lips he kissed it lightly before placing his attention back on the curving mountain road they were driving on.

Closing her eyes she sighed softly as she thought about the events of the last few days. Never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined a week ago that she would be where she was now. The feelings that she had been hiding for so long were out in the open and she was free to tell the man that she loved her heart.

Trunks slowed the car as they approached a clearing off on the shoulder of the road. Pulling off he put the car in park, glancing over at the young woman who sat next to him. She was curiously looking around at their surroundings, completely at ease. Smiling he unlatched her seatbelt to bring her attention back to him.

"We have a short walk from here, but I think it'll be worth it." He told her as he walked around the car to take her hand. Patting his pocket, he checked to see if the capsules he placed there earlier were still there. They were he then adjusted his coat casually brushing over the pocket checking for the most important item of all. Satisfied it was all there he tugged on his mate's hand slightly and led her off into the trees.

Pushing aside a low hanging branch Trunks held it up for Pan to pass under it; he released it carefully and turned to join her. Encircling her waist in a loving embrace he smirked at her obvious state of shock. All she could do was stare in awe at the scene before them. They were standing in a clearing on the edge of a mountain side cliff; the valley extending out before them. The view was spectacular with the sun just beginning to turn the sky various shades of pink and orange. Fading rays of light broke through the few clouds on the horizon and set the valley ablaze in color.

Turing in his arms, Pan reached up and guided his lips down to her's in slow gentle kiss. They remained in each other's arms for awhile, content to just be with one another and watching the ever changing scene before them. Suddenly Pan's stomach growled loudly, causing them to both laugh aloud. "Hungry?" Trunks asked. "Positively starved." She replied. "I hope you brought something to eat."

"I did happen to bring a little something for us." He said as he withdrew the capsules from his pocket. Hitting the activation button he tossed them out onto the ground in front of them. A blanket and picnic basket appeared when the puff of smoke cleared. Kneeling down he busied himself spreading out the blanket and unloading the basket, while Pan carefully undid the laces of her sandals.

He lit the few lanterns he had brought; hanging them from the sturdy branches of the oak that over hung the area where they sat. A soft glow grew over the area as the darkness continued to fall. Fire flies danced on the far side of the clearing as the first stars began to come out. Opening the containers of food, Trunks heated up the dishes that needed to be using a small bit of ki. Pulling out the last 3 items in the basket he placed the wine glasses down and opened the bottle of wine and placed it to the side.

Turning his attention back to Pan, an instant to late he realized that she had been waiting for him. She attacked him driving him down until he was completely seated; she began to push off his jacket next. Grabbing her hands, he gently pushed her back and kissed her forehead softly. "Let me do it, alright? Then I promise I'm all yours." He sighed thankfully as she turned her attention to his shoes instead of his jacket.

Taking off his coat he carefully folded it and placed it next to the basket and then gratefully accepted the plate of food that Pan offered him. They ate in silence for a few minutes both engrossed in breaking their fast. Noting that she had something on her plate that he didn't, he casually reached over and stabbed at the piece of roasted veggie.

She protested lightly and playfully smacked his fork away with her own. Trying again from a different angle, his attempt was thwarted again. Acting hurt he began to pout and turned back to his own plate miserably. Laughing softly at him, she skewered the piece of squash he had wanted and scooted over to him.

"Trunk-chan." She called softly, his head lifting and turning to her. As he opened his mouth to answer he found her fork and the elusive piece of squash in his open mouth. Her eyes sparked with mischief as he closed his lips around the fork and took the offered veggie. Merriment in her voice she chided him, "If you wanted something all you had to do was ask."

He swallowed as he finished off the squash. "All I have to do is ask, huh?" The opportunity was too good to pass up. He had planned to ask her later, over dessert maybe but to hell with the plan. Putting his plate down off to the side he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the small box that he had so carefully guarded from her.

Tucking it next to his leg, he turned to the young woman at his side. She was trying to twist ramen noodles around her fork, a look of pensive concentration on her face. Kami he loved this woman, why hadn't he done something sooner to make her his wife and mate. Taking her plate and fork from her, she looked up at him uncertainty evident in her features.

Cupping her check in his hand he trailed he thumb lightly over her lips, losing himself in her eyes. Her gaze meet his own, her eyes searching his for a reason in his sudden change in behavior. She had to look away when the expressions of his feelings in his face became too intense for her, it was unsettling. Picking up her wine glass she took a sip, the cool citrus taste of the chardonnay helping her focus.

His hand was suddenly around the glass, prying it from her fingers. The kiss that followed was careful and sweet, she relaxed against him slowly. He softened the touch of his lips against hers until they only just brushed one another lightly. Resting forehead against forehead, he nuzzled his nose against hers breathing in her scent. Sighing quietly she pressed her lips to his gently for a moment before pulling away.

Burying her head in the hollow of his neck she shivered slightly as the intensity of the small moment they had shared overwhelmed her. He broke the silence first after several minutes of her lying in his arms. "So all I have to do is ask if I want something?" Slightly confused she nodded her head, looking up at him questioningly not quite understanding what he was going on about.

Sitting her more upright, he took her left hand in his twining their fingers together. Reaching down he palmed the velvet covered box in his hand. Releasing her hand he kissed her softly again carefully opening the lid while her attention was diverted. Breaking the kiss he spoke quietly. "You said that all I needed to do was to ask you if I wanted something. Pan- chan I have something I want to ask you."

Her breath caught in her throat as what he said took hold in her mind. Dropping his gaze to his hand, she followed his eyes down to a small black box he held. Tears began to gather in her eyes as she took in the ring it held. "Pan-chan will you marry me?" he asked a mixture of emotions in his voice.

For what seemed like an eternity she didn't answer, but in reality was only a few seconds. Her eyes lifted to his own, tears spilling down her checks. She smiled softly and took his offered hand in hers. "Hai. Hai, I'll marry you." She answered breathlessly. He kissed her soundly on the lips, laughing shakily as he pulled the ring from the box.

The ring slid down her finger easily, coming to rest beautifully against her hand. The platinum band reflected the glow of the lanterns and the diamond twinkled, throwing out sparks of eternally captured fire. Placing her hands on either side of his face she kissed him, "I love you." She whispered as tears of joy continued to slip down her face. Brushing them away with the back of his hand he kissed her back. "I love you, my Saiyan princess."

Laughing at his term of endearment she put her hand out in front of her, finally admiring her engagement ring. 'Oh Kami, her engagement ring.' The thought ran through her mind as a smile grew on her face. Turning back to her mate at least in the Saiyan sense, her fiancé to the rest of the world she kissed him again. "It's beautiful, thank you."

"I'm glad you like it, though it's not nearly as beautiful as you." He replied, chuckling against her mouth as she began to laugh at how corny he had just sounded. Kissing her soundly to silence her, he gently pushed her down until she lay underneath him. Looking down at her face, it was full of love and hope for the future. Lowering his mouth to hers he proceeded to forget everything else in the world but her.

***Alright, that's the end of this update. I promise you that there will be another update soon! The next chapter is all in my mind waiting to be written out and believe it or not the chapters that come after that are already written!!! Funny how your brain works sometimes! ^__^ Here's a link to see what Pan's engagement ring looks like is located down below, just copy and paste and you should be able to view it. The ring I picked out has the matching wedding band to go with it; I know I know I'm such a girl. Hahaha!



Please read and review. Reviews make me update faster I swear, asking my muse I swear it's true! Bye for now ~ Faychan