Guilty Conscience
Chapter 3
The next day, Trunks fired 10 people... including David. It was definitely not a good day to get on his nerves. He sat at his cherry-wood desk, his head resting on his arms. 'Could it really be true? Could Pan really have killed Marron? For what... him?' The thought both saddened and thrilled him at the same time. 'That would mean she loves me, wouldn't it? If it did, though, it would also mean it was my fault...'
Trunks was on the verge of insanity when his assistant buzzed him. "Yes," He barked testily, "What is it now?"
"A Son Pan is here to see you, Sir," The young woman addressed him cautiously, afraid she would be the 11th ex-employee of the day. "Should I let her in?" Trunks let out a sigh as he answered, a little less angrily, "Yes, of course. Send her in."
"Hello, Trunks." Pan greeted him sullenly. She had just gotten back from questioning and the police had let her go for the time being. She figured the only reason she wasn't in jail at that very moment was because she was the granddaughter of Mr. Satan. "Are you angry with me too?"
Pan glanced up at Trunks from looking at her feet. "Bra said no one wants to speak to me anymore." She was on the verge of tears, swallowing hard as she realized he wasn't answering. 'Why isn't he saying anything? Is he that angry?'
"Is it true?" Trunks finally managed. He watched painfully as Pan burst into tears.
"That's just it! I don't know!" Pan slumped into the chair across the desk from Trunks, sobbing into her hands. "I don't remember. I feel terrible... How could I kill one of my best friends?!"
Trunks stood slowly, moving around the desk and cradling Pan in his arms. "It's all right, Pan. We'll figure this out. It couldn't have been you, right?" He spoke softly, gently stroking her back.
Pan looked up into the lavender haired man's deep blue eyes, now utterly certain that she loved him. "I love you."
"I love you too," Trunks answered sincerely, "and we'll figure this out." He kissed Pan's forehead softly. "I'll try to talk some sense into Bra as well. She was just so devastated..."
Pan cried softly against Trunks' shoulder as she thought things over. 'Everything is going to be okay. Trunks will make everything alright.' But there was something that wasn't right...
"Trunks," Pan pulled back again to look into his eyes, "There is something I DO remember.
Trunks glanced at Pan questioningly as she sighed heavily. "Marron and I had been fighting. She told me that she had been seeing someone else, other than you, but that she was going to break up with him since you proposed." She took a deep breath, noting that Trunks had not yet reacted. "That was when I flipped... I told her that she didn't deserve you... and that I loved you."
Trunks gave her a small smile of encouragement as she hesitated. "Then... I started hearing a voice telling me to do something... that no one was watching, that no one would find out. But, I don't know what it was talking about.... or if I did anything. I can't remember what happened then.
Pan had looked away during this revelation and now turned back to gauge Trunks' reaction. He looked suddenly discouraged, but quickly covered it up. "We'll go back to the park and see if you remember anything. Maybe somebody else saw something. We'll go back around the time the police guessed it happened." He knew there had to be an explanation for all of this... Pan couldn't have done it... she just couldn't...
*~*
Trunks and Pan walked slowly through the park, Pan mumbling things every once in a while.
"This was about when we started arguing."
"Well," Trunks said, "We found you two right there." He pointed to a spot not far from where they were standing.
Just then, a woman walked by walking her dog. "Excuse me, Ma'am," Trunks called suddenly.
"Yes?" The woman turned back to look at the two.
"I was just wondering if you walk here everyday..." Trunks trailed off, realizing it was a long shot, but wanting to try anyway.
"Why, yes, I do." The woman replied cautiously. "Everyday I take Mr. Biscuits here for a walk at this time."
Trunks' face lit up as he realized that they might've just found a breakthrough in the case. "Tell me something," He began excitedly, "A few days ago, did you see two girls, this one here and a blonde one, standing here?"
The woman frowned at Trunks before speaking again. "Yes... I did see them. They were having a terrible argument. One girl pulled a knife out from somewhere. I'm not sure who, though. And I didn't stick around to find out... I ran off to call the police."
"Thank you, Ma'am." Trunks sighed, letting the woman know that she had been helpful but was no longer needed. The woman simply nodded and walked off, obviously not wanting to be involved any further.
Trunks turned to look at Pan dejectedly. "Well, that wasn't much help."
A homeless man chose that moment to emerge from behind a tree. "Excuse me," He called, "I couldn't help overhearing your conversation." He glanced back over at the tree, nodding toward it. Trunks could see that the man lived under it, judging by the mat that lay there and meager possessions that were scattered around. "I was here that day, and I remember everything."
There was complete silence as though the world had paused to hear what the homeless man had to say. Pan interrupted the silence, wanting to know what happened, but half afraid of what she'd find out. "Can you tell us, please?"
"Certainly..." The man nodded, pleased to have someone to talk to. "The two girls were yelling about a young man. The blonde one reached into this girl's purse and pulled out a knife. The girls struggled for a while until the blonde one knocked this one across the head with something... I couldn't tell what. Then she said, 'Sorry, Pan.'"
The man paused here and scratched his head as though confused. "I couldn't much figure out why she was talking to kitchenware. I started thinking that maybe she was going to cook something, so I stepped out to ask for some. I was hungry, y'know. She told me to stay back and then she plunged the knife into her own chest. Sad really... she seemed so sad." Now finished, the man looked from Trunks to Pan.
Both Trunks and Pan let out the breath they had been holding. Trunks turned to Pan, looking sadly at her. "Do you remember now?" He asked. She nodded and stepped toward him, wrapping her arms around his waist.
"Well, on the bright side," Trunks began, pulling Pan close to his chest, "we now know you didn't kill her. You tried to stop her." His breath hitched as he continued his thought, "However, on the bad side, she killed herself... over me." Pan smiled half heartedly and nodded at this bittersweet discovery.
"Thank you, Sir." Pan addressed the homeless man who had been watching them closely since he finished his speech. The man smiled at her and turned to leave saying, "Glad I could help."
"Wait!" Trunks stopped the man. "Would you like something to eat? You deserve some sort of reward. Come with us and have a meal with my family. We'll work something else then. Besides," He paused looking at Pan, "She is still going to be put on trial for Marron's death. We need you to testify."
The man smiled at them both and nodded fervently. "Anything to help... Anything to help..." He said quickly. "Besides, how can I turn down good food?"
*~*
Pan smiled triumphantly as the homeless man, whose name turned out to be Benji (no one thought it was a good idea to ask why), relayed his testimony to the entire residence of the Briefs' household.
"Oh, Pan-chan!" Bulma flew from her seat on the couch, wrapping Pan in a hug so tight that she couldn't breathe. "I just knew you wouldn't do something like that! I'm so happy I didn't do anything rash like go over to your house to confront you on it."
Pan glanced over at Bra who had suddenly turned bright red. She watched as Bra stood shakily and walked out of the room shaking her head as she went. "Everything's fine now, Bulma." She said pulling out of the death-grip the older woman had her in. She accepted a few more apologies before hurrying from the room in search of Bra.
As soon as Pan exited the room, she ran smack into something very solid. "Ouch," She cried out, backing up to focus on what she had run into. Her eyes opened wide as she saw what, or rather who it was. "Vegeta..."
"If you think I am going to apologize for accusing you of disposing of that other brat, you are sadly mistaken." Vegeta sneered at Pan, looking at her from head to toe. "I never accused you in the first place."
Pan's jaw dropped in shock and she shook her head slowly from one side to the other unsure of what to say. "Ummm... Vegeta..." She began, but was cut off by Vegeta raising one hand to quiet her.
"Don't thank me. The only reason I didn't think that you did it was because you are weak. You wouldn't have the guts to do it." Vegeta smirked as Pan opened and closed her mouth searching for something to say. "We can change that, though. Since the boy doesn't train with me anymore, I have decided to train you. After all, you do have some Saiyan blood in you, even if you are only a quarter. For that you may thank me." He walked away, then, leaving a shocked Pan in the hallway.
Attempting to regain her composure, Pan headed deeper into the house to find Bra. She finally found her on a balcony on the 3rd floor. "Look, Bra..." She started, but was once again cut off, this time by Bra.
"You don't have to say anything. I'm already mad at myself, so anything you say will only make it worse." Bra's voice was quivering as she fought back tears. "I am a horrible friend. I turned against you when you needed me the most. I kicked you when you were down and I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything, Pan, but I don't expect you to forgive me. I know that if I were you, I wouldn't be quick to forgive and forget." The whole time Bra was speaking she was looking out over the balcony at the moon, never turning to look at Pan. Finally, when she had finished, she turned slowly to look at her friend. Whatever she was expecting to see, it definitely wasn't what she found.
Pan was crying silently as she walked toward her friend. She wrapped her arms around Bra as tightly as she could as though she could, in doing so, bind them into one person. "Bra, you are my best friend, how could I not forgive you? You were hurting, and though it's true you should've given me the benefit of the doubt, you were only expressing yourself." She wiped tears away from her friend's blue eyes and then wiped some out of her own. "All that matters is how you feel now, and you already said you were sorry. So, how about we go shopping after the trial is over?"
Bra smiled weakly as she pulled away from Pan's embrace. "I don't deserve a friend like you."
"No, you don't." Pan laughed as Bra froze in shock. "I was kidding... kidding, Bra. Sheesh, can't anyone take a joke around here?" She hugged her friend once more, saying softly, "Don't beat yourself up so much, everything is going to be fine now."
"Damn straight it is." A deep voice sounded from the doorway and both girls turned to see Trunks leaning against the frame casually. 'Damn him, why does he always do that?' Pan thought as she looked at him thoughtfully. "How long have you been there, Trunks?"
"Long enough to witness your sickeningly sappy reunion..." Trunks smirked as both girls frowned at him. "Bra, could you excuse us? I have something I would like to talk to Pan about." Bra nodded and hugged Pan tightly before leaving the balcony to rejoin the rest of the group.
Pan stood with her back to the railing of the balcony, the moon shining down on her ebony hair. 'She looks like an angel.' Trunks thought as he approached her. He lifted her chin so that he could look directly into her chocolate brown eyes. He leaned toward her, brushing his lips gently across her forehead.
"You are so beautiful, Pan." Trunks whispered softly against Pan's smooth skin. He knew she was going to try to say something and decided to quiet her with his lips. He tilted her face upward as he placed his lips against her soft, delicate ones. She tensed at first, but he felt her relax in his arms as she began to return his kiss. It was soft and loving as he moved his mouth against hers, relishing in the feel of that moment. Suddenly, he pulled back, leaving Pan frowning and looking slightly confused.
"Don't look at me like that, Pan-chan. I came out here for a reason... remember?" Trunks smiled reassuringly at his love. "I came out here to let you know that you are the most amazing person I have ever met. I came out here to tell you that you mean the world to me." He watched Pan's eyes widen as he got down on one knee, pulling a small black box out of his pocket. "Pan, I love you with all my heart. I want to be with you forever. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Tears slid down Pan's cheeks as she smiled brightly. "Of course, I will marry you."
Trunks took Pan's left hand gently in his as he slid a beautiful platinum ring onto her finger. It had a large diamond in the center of it, flanked on either side by sapphires. Standing, he pulled her into his arms, crushing his mouth against hers.
"Ahem." Bra cleared her voice as she stood grinning in the doorway. "I'd hate to break this up, but Mom sent me up here to get you two for dinner." She then turned to leave, cracking up as she went.
"Hold on, Bra." Trunks called after her, "How long have you been there?"
"Long enough, big brother, to witness your sickeningly sappy proposal..." Bra saw Trunks' eyes grow wide as she added, "...and I'm telling Mom!"
Pan laughed as she saw Bra run giggling from the room, Trunks in hot pursuit.
"Oh yeah," Pan said to no one in particular, "Everything is going to be alright."
*~*~*
(A/N) Okay, people, that is all little Tygrressatheart wrote... there isn't anymore. Review that and tell me if you want an epilogue or something about the trial... or just more in general... My beta reader, N.C. PsyChick, wants a hot, steamy sex scene... what do you think? I'd have to up the rating for that... Well, anyway... thanks to everyone who reviewed... a special thanks to my beta... and I'M OUTTA HERE!!!
P.S. REVIEW!!!!!
Chapter 3
The next day, Trunks fired 10 people... including David. It was definitely not a good day to get on his nerves. He sat at his cherry-wood desk, his head resting on his arms. 'Could it really be true? Could Pan really have killed Marron? For what... him?' The thought both saddened and thrilled him at the same time. 'That would mean she loves me, wouldn't it? If it did, though, it would also mean it was my fault...'
Trunks was on the verge of insanity when his assistant buzzed him. "Yes," He barked testily, "What is it now?"
"A Son Pan is here to see you, Sir," The young woman addressed him cautiously, afraid she would be the 11th ex-employee of the day. "Should I let her in?" Trunks let out a sigh as he answered, a little less angrily, "Yes, of course. Send her in."
"Hello, Trunks." Pan greeted him sullenly. She had just gotten back from questioning and the police had let her go for the time being. She figured the only reason she wasn't in jail at that very moment was because she was the granddaughter of Mr. Satan. "Are you angry with me too?"
Pan glanced up at Trunks from looking at her feet. "Bra said no one wants to speak to me anymore." She was on the verge of tears, swallowing hard as she realized he wasn't answering. 'Why isn't he saying anything? Is he that angry?'
"Is it true?" Trunks finally managed. He watched painfully as Pan burst into tears.
"That's just it! I don't know!" Pan slumped into the chair across the desk from Trunks, sobbing into her hands. "I don't remember. I feel terrible... How could I kill one of my best friends?!"
Trunks stood slowly, moving around the desk and cradling Pan in his arms. "It's all right, Pan. We'll figure this out. It couldn't have been you, right?" He spoke softly, gently stroking her back.
Pan looked up into the lavender haired man's deep blue eyes, now utterly certain that she loved him. "I love you."
"I love you too," Trunks answered sincerely, "and we'll figure this out." He kissed Pan's forehead softly. "I'll try to talk some sense into Bra as well. She was just so devastated..."
Pan cried softly against Trunks' shoulder as she thought things over. 'Everything is going to be okay. Trunks will make everything alright.' But there was something that wasn't right...
"Trunks," Pan pulled back again to look into his eyes, "There is something I DO remember.
Trunks glanced at Pan questioningly as she sighed heavily. "Marron and I had been fighting. She told me that she had been seeing someone else, other than you, but that she was going to break up with him since you proposed." She took a deep breath, noting that Trunks had not yet reacted. "That was when I flipped... I told her that she didn't deserve you... and that I loved you."
Trunks gave her a small smile of encouragement as she hesitated. "Then... I started hearing a voice telling me to do something... that no one was watching, that no one would find out. But, I don't know what it was talking about.... or if I did anything. I can't remember what happened then.
Pan had looked away during this revelation and now turned back to gauge Trunks' reaction. He looked suddenly discouraged, but quickly covered it up. "We'll go back to the park and see if you remember anything. Maybe somebody else saw something. We'll go back around the time the police guessed it happened." He knew there had to be an explanation for all of this... Pan couldn't have done it... she just couldn't...
*~*
Trunks and Pan walked slowly through the park, Pan mumbling things every once in a while.
"This was about when we started arguing."
"Well," Trunks said, "We found you two right there." He pointed to a spot not far from where they were standing.
Just then, a woman walked by walking her dog. "Excuse me, Ma'am," Trunks called suddenly.
"Yes?" The woman turned back to look at the two.
"I was just wondering if you walk here everyday..." Trunks trailed off, realizing it was a long shot, but wanting to try anyway.
"Why, yes, I do." The woman replied cautiously. "Everyday I take Mr. Biscuits here for a walk at this time."
Trunks' face lit up as he realized that they might've just found a breakthrough in the case. "Tell me something," He began excitedly, "A few days ago, did you see two girls, this one here and a blonde one, standing here?"
The woman frowned at Trunks before speaking again. "Yes... I did see them. They were having a terrible argument. One girl pulled a knife out from somewhere. I'm not sure who, though. And I didn't stick around to find out... I ran off to call the police."
"Thank you, Ma'am." Trunks sighed, letting the woman know that she had been helpful but was no longer needed. The woman simply nodded and walked off, obviously not wanting to be involved any further.
Trunks turned to look at Pan dejectedly. "Well, that wasn't much help."
A homeless man chose that moment to emerge from behind a tree. "Excuse me," He called, "I couldn't help overhearing your conversation." He glanced back over at the tree, nodding toward it. Trunks could see that the man lived under it, judging by the mat that lay there and meager possessions that were scattered around. "I was here that day, and I remember everything."
There was complete silence as though the world had paused to hear what the homeless man had to say. Pan interrupted the silence, wanting to know what happened, but half afraid of what she'd find out. "Can you tell us, please?"
"Certainly..." The man nodded, pleased to have someone to talk to. "The two girls were yelling about a young man. The blonde one reached into this girl's purse and pulled out a knife. The girls struggled for a while until the blonde one knocked this one across the head with something... I couldn't tell what. Then she said, 'Sorry, Pan.'"
The man paused here and scratched his head as though confused. "I couldn't much figure out why she was talking to kitchenware. I started thinking that maybe she was going to cook something, so I stepped out to ask for some. I was hungry, y'know. She told me to stay back and then she plunged the knife into her own chest. Sad really... she seemed so sad." Now finished, the man looked from Trunks to Pan.
Both Trunks and Pan let out the breath they had been holding. Trunks turned to Pan, looking sadly at her. "Do you remember now?" He asked. She nodded and stepped toward him, wrapping her arms around his waist.
"Well, on the bright side," Trunks began, pulling Pan close to his chest, "we now know you didn't kill her. You tried to stop her." His breath hitched as he continued his thought, "However, on the bad side, she killed herself... over me." Pan smiled half heartedly and nodded at this bittersweet discovery.
"Thank you, Sir." Pan addressed the homeless man who had been watching them closely since he finished his speech. The man smiled at her and turned to leave saying, "Glad I could help."
"Wait!" Trunks stopped the man. "Would you like something to eat? You deserve some sort of reward. Come with us and have a meal with my family. We'll work something else then. Besides," He paused looking at Pan, "She is still going to be put on trial for Marron's death. We need you to testify."
The man smiled at them both and nodded fervently. "Anything to help... Anything to help..." He said quickly. "Besides, how can I turn down good food?"
*~*
Pan smiled triumphantly as the homeless man, whose name turned out to be Benji (no one thought it was a good idea to ask why), relayed his testimony to the entire residence of the Briefs' household.
"Oh, Pan-chan!" Bulma flew from her seat on the couch, wrapping Pan in a hug so tight that she couldn't breathe. "I just knew you wouldn't do something like that! I'm so happy I didn't do anything rash like go over to your house to confront you on it."
Pan glanced over at Bra who had suddenly turned bright red. She watched as Bra stood shakily and walked out of the room shaking her head as she went. "Everything's fine now, Bulma." She said pulling out of the death-grip the older woman had her in. She accepted a few more apologies before hurrying from the room in search of Bra.
As soon as Pan exited the room, she ran smack into something very solid. "Ouch," She cried out, backing up to focus on what she had run into. Her eyes opened wide as she saw what, or rather who it was. "Vegeta..."
"If you think I am going to apologize for accusing you of disposing of that other brat, you are sadly mistaken." Vegeta sneered at Pan, looking at her from head to toe. "I never accused you in the first place."
Pan's jaw dropped in shock and she shook her head slowly from one side to the other unsure of what to say. "Ummm... Vegeta..." She began, but was cut off by Vegeta raising one hand to quiet her.
"Don't thank me. The only reason I didn't think that you did it was because you are weak. You wouldn't have the guts to do it." Vegeta smirked as Pan opened and closed her mouth searching for something to say. "We can change that, though. Since the boy doesn't train with me anymore, I have decided to train you. After all, you do have some Saiyan blood in you, even if you are only a quarter. For that you may thank me." He walked away, then, leaving a shocked Pan in the hallway.
Attempting to regain her composure, Pan headed deeper into the house to find Bra. She finally found her on a balcony on the 3rd floor. "Look, Bra..." She started, but was once again cut off, this time by Bra.
"You don't have to say anything. I'm already mad at myself, so anything you say will only make it worse." Bra's voice was quivering as she fought back tears. "I am a horrible friend. I turned against you when you needed me the most. I kicked you when you were down and I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything, Pan, but I don't expect you to forgive me. I know that if I were you, I wouldn't be quick to forgive and forget." The whole time Bra was speaking she was looking out over the balcony at the moon, never turning to look at Pan. Finally, when she had finished, she turned slowly to look at her friend. Whatever she was expecting to see, it definitely wasn't what she found.
Pan was crying silently as she walked toward her friend. She wrapped her arms around Bra as tightly as she could as though she could, in doing so, bind them into one person. "Bra, you are my best friend, how could I not forgive you? You were hurting, and though it's true you should've given me the benefit of the doubt, you were only expressing yourself." She wiped tears away from her friend's blue eyes and then wiped some out of her own. "All that matters is how you feel now, and you already said you were sorry. So, how about we go shopping after the trial is over?"
Bra smiled weakly as she pulled away from Pan's embrace. "I don't deserve a friend like you."
"No, you don't." Pan laughed as Bra froze in shock. "I was kidding... kidding, Bra. Sheesh, can't anyone take a joke around here?" She hugged her friend once more, saying softly, "Don't beat yourself up so much, everything is going to be fine now."
"Damn straight it is." A deep voice sounded from the doorway and both girls turned to see Trunks leaning against the frame casually. 'Damn him, why does he always do that?' Pan thought as she looked at him thoughtfully. "How long have you been there, Trunks?"
"Long enough to witness your sickeningly sappy reunion..." Trunks smirked as both girls frowned at him. "Bra, could you excuse us? I have something I would like to talk to Pan about." Bra nodded and hugged Pan tightly before leaving the balcony to rejoin the rest of the group.
Pan stood with her back to the railing of the balcony, the moon shining down on her ebony hair. 'She looks like an angel.' Trunks thought as he approached her. He lifted her chin so that he could look directly into her chocolate brown eyes. He leaned toward her, brushing his lips gently across her forehead.
"You are so beautiful, Pan." Trunks whispered softly against Pan's smooth skin. He knew she was going to try to say something and decided to quiet her with his lips. He tilted her face upward as he placed his lips against her soft, delicate ones. She tensed at first, but he felt her relax in his arms as she began to return his kiss. It was soft and loving as he moved his mouth against hers, relishing in the feel of that moment. Suddenly, he pulled back, leaving Pan frowning and looking slightly confused.
"Don't look at me like that, Pan-chan. I came out here for a reason... remember?" Trunks smiled reassuringly at his love. "I came out here to let you know that you are the most amazing person I have ever met. I came out here to tell you that you mean the world to me." He watched Pan's eyes widen as he got down on one knee, pulling a small black box out of his pocket. "Pan, I love you with all my heart. I want to be with you forever. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Tears slid down Pan's cheeks as she smiled brightly. "Of course, I will marry you."
Trunks took Pan's left hand gently in his as he slid a beautiful platinum ring onto her finger. It had a large diamond in the center of it, flanked on either side by sapphires. Standing, he pulled her into his arms, crushing his mouth against hers.
"Ahem." Bra cleared her voice as she stood grinning in the doorway. "I'd hate to break this up, but Mom sent me up here to get you two for dinner." She then turned to leave, cracking up as she went.
"Hold on, Bra." Trunks called after her, "How long have you been there?"
"Long enough, big brother, to witness your sickeningly sappy proposal..." Bra saw Trunks' eyes grow wide as she added, "...and I'm telling Mom!"
Pan laughed as she saw Bra run giggling from the room, Trunks in hot pursuit.
"Oh yeah," Pan said to no one in particular, "Everything is going to be alright."
*~*~*
(A/N) Okay, people, that is all little Tygrressatheart wrote... there isn't anymore. Review that and tell me if you want an epilogue or something about the trial... or just more in general... My beta reader, N.C. PsyChick, wants a hot, steamy sex scene... what do you think? I'd have to up the rating for that... Well, anyway... thanks to everyone who reviewed... a special thanks to my beta... and I'M OUTTA HERE!!!
P.S. REVIEW!!!!!
