12 – The Crux of It All
"Stop it Bra, stop it!" I screamed for my beat friend to shut up. In the last hour she had colorfully outlined her and Seventeen's, I mean Sean's relationship. I really did not want to hear all the gory details. Sean's 'To fuck, or not to fuck? That is the question.' Bra Brief is a very descriptive person and that was maybe the only detail I hated about my best friend.
"Pan! You have to listen! I've had nobody to talk to about this for such a long time!" She wailed. "I need the release!"
"Shouldn't that be SEAN's department?" I asked making fun.
"Oh, yeah, laugh now! Wait till dad comes back. Even if you won't believe me. You'll know when he hasn't cancelled the wedding!" Bra screamed, angry now. I shook my head, disbelieving. Before Bra had started on about her and Sean's relationship, she had told me a half-assed story about Vegeta and Eighteen having a love-child, who was actually Goten. She had actually pointed out that that gave me the right to 'Fuck' Goten, as she so eloquently put it.
"Don't start that shit again! I already told you that I don't buy it! So let it rest!" I yelled as she crossed her arms over her chest and glared. My thoughts faltered. That was her signature look she gave when she was one-hundred percent sure she was right. I know because she inherited it from her scientist mother, Bulma.
Suddenly I couldn't breath. There wasn't enough oxygen in Bra's room. I had to get out. I stood up hyperventilating and stumbled out of Bra's room. I had to find someone, anyone, who would know the truth. Thankfully Bulma was walking down the hall towards me.
"Mrs. Brief..." I said trying to get my breath. She stopped and dropped what looked like laundry. Her face became worried as she took my hands.
"Pan, are you all right?" She asked as I slowly returned to breathing normally. She put her arms around my shoulders and led me downstairs into the kitchen. I wasn't able to talk yet; for fear that the spell would come back. She sat me at the table and started preparing tea.
"Mom! Those were MY clothes!" Bra screamed down the stairs. Bulma waved an uninterested hand after her daughter and brought me a cup of tea.
"Now then dear, what had you so upset?" She asked in her best 'Motherly' voice. I sipped the tea and when I thought I could speak and breathe at the same time I started,
"Mrs. Brief, is it true? I heard that Vegeta didn't cancel the wedding plans!" I squeaked trying to get the minor details out of the way first. I thought maybe Bra had been pulling my leg, but the look on Bulma's face told me otherwise. She looked about ready to kill someone.
"As a matter of fact it is. For some REASON, my husband thinks the wedding should continue. If you still want to marry Trunks? You do know that Marron tricked him don't you?" I was speechless. Vegeta thought I still wanted to marry Trunks? But then Bulma just said that Marron had tricked him, surly it must have been a powerful trick. But that didn't explain...
"What about Vegeta and Eighteen?" At the mere mention, Bulma's face became bright as a tomato and probably as ripe.
"Oh, so you know about that too? Who told you? Oh, never-mind! The damage is done. That's why Vegeta isn't here right now." She stated as if I needed to know that very important detail. After a minute her face became peach again and her demeanor changed. She looked tired as if she had lost a fight.
"Mrs. Brief, I want you to know that I would have loved having you for a mother-in-law." I said, not really knowing if this was flattering or hurtful to her. Everything Bra had told me was true and that changed some things, but not all. Before she told me, I had already known that I would probably not ever be able to marry Trunks. Bulma looked at me with a smile on her face.
"Hon, I would have loved to have you as a daughter. I hope this new development wasn't the reason you aren't giving Trunks another chance." She said as I shook my head. I felt like I owed her an explanation.
"No, I... Sort of knew that Trunks and I weren't meant to be together, but I... I guess the reason I accepted his proposal is because I knew I would have to work harder for anyone else and I..." I trailed off with her agreeing with me. She had tears in her eyes and I didn't know why.
"I know what you mean. Let me tell you a story about my life. When I was a young lady, younger than you even, I met someone. He was the light of my life and we were the best of friends. His simplistic nature was what attracted me to him and I loved him so much. I think that he felt the same way as well, but there were obstacles between us. Boundaries that separated us, boundaries I knew that I could pass, but they required work and faith. Needless to say that I let those boundaries remain and I let him slip away. Vegeta came and I settled for a love that was easy, not easy as in the way you are thinking, but easier." She paused as I contemplated what she was saying. Then she continued,
"If I never get to mentor you on anything else, let this remain with you always. Never settle for anything, if you love or want something, let no obstacles or boundaries keep you from your heart's desire." She said fiercely. I was amazed at the amount of emotion she was showing. I saw the passion in her eyes and the fire in her smile. I was intrigued as to who this man was or had been. I was about to reply when Trunks burst through the door. He was winded and sweaty with a look of hope on his face.
"Pan! I've been trying to find you! I have to tell you that Marron used a mind potion on me, I wasn't in control of my actions!" He had said all of this in one breath while making his way to me. He was now kneeling in front of me, for I had stood up as soon as I had known who it was. I didn't know what to say, I looked at Bulma and she was sadly looking at her son.
"Pan, will you marry me... In like an hour?" He asked glancing at his watch to check the time. He remained kneeling and now pulled my engagement ring from his pocket to present to me, again.
"Trunks..." I tried to gather my thoughts. What would be so bad about marrying him? We could live a normal happy life, I thought and then I looked at Bulma. I saw the passion, love, and fire that had lingered in her eyes a few moments ago concerning her mystery man. Tears assaulted my eyes as several more people entered the kitchen. Bra, Vegeta, and then there was my Mom and Dad. Their eyes were sad but they were smiling at me, assuring me that whatever choice I made would be the right one to them. Everyone that mattered to me was there, everyone but Goten.
That's the crux of the matter, but he was not here, surely if he cared at all he would be here. I looked back at Bulma, who was looking at me as well. The tears rolled down my cheeks as I sadly shook my head in defeat. How can I fight for what I want when the other person doesn't? I stilled myself and looked back into Trunks' crystal-clear blue eyes. I heard an animalistic growl that I think was Vegeta, but it didn't matter anymore. His other son didn't want me.
"Trunks, I understand that you were not in your right mind when Marron took advantage of you..." I trailed off as the relief spread across his handsome features. I needed to look at something else to be able to accept his proposal. I couldn't look into a face with so much love for me, when he would see a face that was defeated, that accepted her fate. I looked up into all of the faces there pausing at the happy expression of Bra and flinching from the malicious look from Vegeta.
I then saw an extra face in the crowd. His grey eyes flashed silver as his eyebrows came together in a question. He nodded his proud head and painfully smiled. I returned his smile and taking the reassurance I needed for what I was about to do, I looked back at Trunks. He stood up still holding the ring in front of me. It was as if everyone in the room was holding their breath as to what I was going to say or do.
"Trunks, I do love you, but I have found that my love is that of a best friend or sister." I tried not to break completely as the realization dawned on his face and the pain surfaced. "Although, I would be happy being your wife, in the end I would be taking the easier road. Someone dear to me once said that you can't settle for love. You have to fight for the passion that accompanies true love..." I trailed off as Trunks re-pocketed the engagement ring. He looked at me with tears in his eyes, but a big smile on his face. I was a little confused as he enveloped me in a hug. I felt comfort and love and so I leaned into the embrace. Hearing feet shuffling, I guessed that people were leaving because yet again there would be no wedding. Trunks straightened and let go with an arm still around my shoulders.
"Don't leave people!" He shouted after all of the turned heads. They turned back around with the same question on their faces as I had on mine. Trunks smiled grandly and said, "There can still be a wedding."
Bra scoffed, "I will NOT let you marry that conniving twit! Trunks Brief!" I smiled at the stunned silence of the room and the incomprehension on Trunks' face.
"I'm not talking about me." He said as I panicked just a little. Don't draw this to me, I thought as everyone looked at me.
"What?" I said as I was pulled backwards by an unseen hand. The hand twirled me around and the grey eyes from earlier invaded my vision. I was pulled into his arms and the closeness was invigorating. His smile was both hesitant and knowing, but altogether seductive. I had never seen him look at me nor anyone else in that way. I know my face was flustered and I think that's what made his smile more assured.
"What do you say Pan?" Goten asked with as much emotion as Bulma had used earlier. My heart skipped a beat as his eyes seemed to alight with a fire from deep within.
"What?" I said in such a faint whisper, it was a wonder that he even heard me at all. His smile deepened and for a moment I was only aware of Goten and the way his arms framed my back and the intimate way my body was pressed against his.
"Will you marry me? I need you in my life. I have always needed you but certain obstacles were in the way..." He paused as I tried to tame my thunderous heart. "Now there are no obstacles, no boundaries. I... I..." At this point his voice cracked with emotion and tears were in his eyes. I felt that I needed to say what he could not.
"You love me." I stated with absolute knowledge that it was beyond the truth. I reached up to his face to wipe away the tears and instead I traced the scar that he had received because of me; his devotion to our bond of friendship and now love. At this I then realized that everyone was still here, that our whole exchange was being watched. I felt embarrassed, but with the look in Goten's eyes I felt emboldened. I turned my head to survey the others and to gauge their reactions to all of this.
Bulma was smiling, but with a hint of sadness to her eyes. Bra, like so many others, were just smiling with total acceptance. I did notice that again someone new was here, Grandpa Goku. He was there and his expression mimicked Bulma's and then I noted that he wasn't looking at me and Goten. His eyes were focused on one woman and the knowledge of a love that was lost was my deciding factor. I looked back at Goten and smiled.
"I need to get ready. The wedding starts in thirty minutes." I stated as a collective cheer went up behind us. Goten's face lit up and he leaned down and quickly gave me a chaste kiss and then I was ushered up the stairs to Bra's room.
I was amazed at the speed that the backyard was transformed into seating for our wedding. I was already dressed in the black tuxedo with the grey vest, black shirt and pure white bow tie, and I was nervous as hell. To think that Trunks' and my position had changed so much over the last two days was outrageous. I was now the Groom and he was the Best Man, it just so happened that the tuxedos fit. At the moment I was in the Brief's living room with the man who is supposed to be my father and other people coming and going. My first impression of the man was of total intimidation. To me he tried to intimidate anyone he came across. I guess that would be the Royal blood in his veins. I noted the way he fidgeted with his suit and the way he would slant his eyes at certain people. As everyone left the room, leaving me alone with him, I concluded that he was not the type of man to come out and show you his feelings.
"I did not know until today that I had another son." He said standing as if he was talking to the painting on the wall. I couldn't detect what emotion he was conveying and so I prodded.
"Am I a disappointment to find?" I asked. He shifted his position to facing me. His face was the usual hard mask as he contemplated my question.
"No." He said and with a definite purpose he walked over to me and wrapped his arms around me in an awkward hug. This I knew was beyond a blessing; simply beyond words lending me a new kind of love and joy. I also knew that this would never be repeated again. He quickly released me and smoothed out his clothes clearing his throat as if nothing had happened.
"What are you boys doing?" A female voice asked as the brown-haired woman dressed in a pale yellow summer dress walked into the room. My parents, I thought. I wasn't expecting much sentimentality because one was an android and the other a bad-ass, but the bad-ass had already surprised me. What would Eighteen do? She had a smile on her tanned face that made the electric blue of her eyes seem more alive and warm.
"You can just call me Emily. Mom or Moma would be ridiculous coming from a twenty-five year old getting married. Not to mention that for all those years you had a Mom and Dad." She said before I could say anything to her.
"And you can just keep calling me Vegeta. Trunks only calls me Dad when he's pissed at me anyway." Vegeta said mimicking Emily's statement. My life had changed so much today that I didn't know what to do or say. After a minute, I came to a decision.
"Emily, Vegeta I would be happy if you sat with Goku and ChiChi." I said deliberately calling them by their first names because of what Emily had said earlier. I didn't want too much animosity between my real parents and my foster parents.
They were both looking at me and then they looked at each other; one with a cold expression that would lighten just enough to notice and the other with a happy expression that would always have death lurking behind. Emily inclined her head towards Vegeta and he looked back at me.
"That would be fine as long as Emily sits beside Goku. I will not demean myself by sitting by him." Vegeta said. I smiled, with the matter settled.
Finally people were asked to seat themselves and I took my place beside the Priest and Trunks. Pan had wanted an American wedding instead of a Japanese ceremony because Gohan and Jade had had an American wedding. Truthfully, I had never been to any wedding and so it was all new to me. When the ceremonial song began playing my eyes followed the tiny girl in a white sleeveless dress throwing white rose petals down the aisle. She walked a little too quickly and in no time joined someone sitting on the Bride's side. Then came the Bride's Maids. I knew that two were cousins of Pan's, but I had had no clue that they would be American. I was also surprised that they were wearing dark blue sleeveless dresses carrying white rose bouquets.
Ok, so I didn't exactly pay attention during the rehearsal, it was boring being the Best Man. After Pan's two cousins passed, the Maid of Honor made her way down the aisle. Surprisingly the dark blue of the dress didn't clash with the bright blue of Bra's hair. I wasn't going to lie and say that Bra didn't look beautiful, because she did. She smiled brilliantly and walked to the opposite side to join the Bride's Maids.
As the wedding march began to play, everyone stood out of respect for the Bride. The first person I saw was Gohan, he looked nice in the black suit with the dark blue bow tie. On his arm was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She was wearing a long flowing white gown that left her shoulders and neck bare. The gown sparkled with silver lights as she walked. She had a bouquet of blue roses, although I don't know where she got them from. Her veil was long, trailing down to her hands that held the unusual roses. Her long ebony hair was done up with soft sensual curls dangling. Gohan and Pan paused before the Priest and Gohan gave her away to me (part of the ceremony, not literally). I was so caught up in the sight of my soon to be wife and mate that I didn't pay attention to the ceremony. At some point I said, 'I do.' As did Pan, and then I was able to pull the veil away. Her chocolate eyes were aflame with a liquid fire as I stared into them. The Priest finally announced we were Husband and Wife and instructed me to kiss the Bride.
I put my hands on her bare shoulders and as I was leaning in to kiss her, she mouthed to me, 'I love you.' I smiled and kissed her with all of the passion that I had had pent up for so many years. Finally we parted and the ceremony was over. Everyone made their way to the reception that was being held at Goku and ChiChi's. Pan and I had to endure pictures for our wedding album before we were allowed to change and join the others.
Because Pan wasn't going to Bond with Trunks that part of the reception party was omitted, but after a few dances on the floor Pan told me she wanted to Bond. She said that her parents had finally Bonded after so many years and that she wanted to Bond with the man that she loved as well. So with a happy heart I announced that we would be conducting the Public Bonding Ritual. There really wasn't much to the process but everyone who understood the Bonding was cheering. Pan, I could tell, was nervous and I tried to reassure her by smiling and taking her hands.
I remembered last night when I had shown her what to do, what almost happened because of it. Her scent invaded my senses as I leaned over her shoulder and nuzzled her neck. She mimicked my actions and as she breathed on my neck, the sensation caused the small hairs on my back and arms to stand up. A remembrance of her mouth on my neck from last night leapt to the front of my mind and I shivered. I quickly put my teeth around a small amount of skin on her neck and waited for Pan to do the same. On an unspoken command we both bit down hard enough to taste blood. The first thought I had was, Wow, that didn't hurt at all. And then I realized, it wasn't my thought.
I love you Pan! I thought smiling at the feeling of surprise and awe in her mind as she realized that I could hear her thoughts as well as she heard mine.
I love you Goten. I always have. She thought back to me. As Bulma bandaged our necks everyone ate and danced waiting for the ceremonial cake and wine. All too soon the festivities were over and people were leaving. I couldn't believe that I was actually married and Bonded (not completely... yet) to Pan.
Let's go home, Love. The thought floated to me and I smiled at the beauty that had sent it. Why are you smiling so mischievously? She asked me as I continued to smile. As we walked out of Goku's house I thought back to her,
Because, you have NO idea what's going to happen when we get there! I thought at her waggling my eyebrows up and down in a suggestive manner. Pan beautifully blushed crimson, but didn't send a reply as we headed to OUR home.
THE END
Author's Note:
I am happy to report that I am finished with this story. PLEASE, please review and tell me what you think of it as a whole. I know that reading it chapter to chapter can be hard sometimes and sometimes its sooooo long between chapters that you forget something. NEway, please re-read it if you have to and then tell me what you think. I don't remember the author or the name of the story that inspired this one, but I want to thank them NEway. If you think that I used your story for this one, then go ahead and think it, because without someone's this wouldn't be here or completed. I enjoyed writing this and hearing from the ones that do review. I hope that even after twenty years that this has been posted I am still getting reviews.
-Seraphyne