Disclaimer: DB/DBZ/DBGT belong to Toriyama and other rich Japanese guys, not me.

A Brief Moment in Time

Chapter 6: Don't break my Heart

On a Luxury Space Liner…

Trunks had just finished dressing at the tailor shop. He decided that it would be best if he just dressed there and headed back to pick up Pan just before dinner. That way he would be able to surprise her.

He had already encapsulated his normal clothes as well as several extra purchases he had made. Looking over himself he decided that it was passable. He wore a pair of midnight black dress pants with a slightly lighter collarless silk shirt tucked in. Over that he wore a dark gray wool sports coat. His purple hair had been cut shorter like it had been when he first had shown up in the past to meet Goku.

He glanced at his watch and saw that it was already 5:15 and that his time was running out. He still had one more stop to make and he wanted to make sure that they wouldn't be rushed at all during the evening. Walking out he nodded at the salesman who had just made a small fortune off of him.

"Sir, I must say you look fabulous," said the Salesman as he rang up the various purchases and presented a total to Trunks.

"Thank you." Trunks quickly signed the receipt that would give the shop permission to draw funds from the account Pan had set up for his money. He hurriedly exited the store as he tried to make his last minute arrangements.

Pan had been ready for almost forty minutes and was beginning to wonder where Trunks was. She looked at herself one more time in the mirror. She wore a simple little black dress made of the finest threads that the Imperium had ever produced. Priceless amber beads were bound together as straps that seemed to flow over her shoulder like a small river of caramel. The cut of the dress was simple; it showed only a hint of cleavage, enough to tease and no more, and a short slit that ran up a few inches on the left side. It was comfortable and allowed for mobility, something that she required in everything she wore. She had strapped on a pair of black evening shoes that accentuated her long legs. For accessories, she had decided upon on a gold bracelet that was linked by intricate intertwining bands that were shaped like leaves. One of those leaves, however, was unique. It cleverly camouflaged a tiny capsule, which contained her purse, and other random items she may need—items such as knives, swords, recording devices, pepper spray, video equipment and laser guns—all the toys a girl needed to deal with big bad guys or 10 big bad guys. A dragon shaped silver pin held up her hair exposing her neck, and she wore only a hint of makeup to accentuate her already delicate features.

"Pan?" came Trunk's voice from the common area of the suite. Checking herself over one last time and grabbing a pair of diamond earrings she went to meet him. She put them on as she walked out to meet him. As she caught sight of him she grinned broadly. He had definitely had gone out of his way to impress her. His clothes were tailor fitted and she ogled his broad muscular chest.

"Wow..." Trunks was nearly speechless as he looked at this young woman in front of him. Her dress showed off her curves without accentuating them to point of sluttish-ness. As his eyes drifted from her face downwards, his blood began to quicken and his Saiyan instincts were beginning to rage forth. He could feel himself beginning to slip and he wanted to do nothing more than take her down to the ground, rip her clothes off and ravish her. With a great amount of effort, he firmly pushed those thoughts away and tried to calm himself.

Pan could see the lust in his eyes and her lips began to curve up in a smirk. That's right pretty boy… eat your heart out. She then looked him over, firmly keeping her own racing heart under check and replied coyly and in an off-handed manner, "Thank you, you look pretty good yourself."

Trunks smiled at her comment and then straightened. "Are you ready?" he asked.

"Yes. Lets see what you have planned tonight."

"After you." He opened the door and waited for to step through.

"Buu, don't wait up for us," Pan called out and after receiving an affirmative from him she walked out the door with Trunks.

Trunks took her arm in his and slowly led her along the decks of the ship. The liner was designed in a way where the glorious sights of space could be seen from the various decks of the ship. Half the ship was transparent so that the passengers could see the stars.

"Breath taking isn't it?" said Trunks to Pan as he looked out into the endless vastness of space.

"Yeah it is… It really isn't something you can ever get use to," replied Pan as they walked slowly to the nearby restaurant.

"Oh? How long have you had to get use to this," asked Trunks.

"I've been off Chikyuu since I turned sixteen. About 6 years now." Trunks saw Pan's face cloud slightly at her mention of her home world. Her eyes seemed to lose their focus for a moment and her shoulder's hunched slightly. He wasn't sure if he should push the topic, but his curiosity got the better of him.

"That's quite a young age to be leaving home… do you miss it?" Pan didn't respond at first. Trunks was afraid that he might have brought back memories, like the type he had about the androids. He was about to apologize when she answered.

"No… No I don't," said Pan breaking the silence. She had never liked living on Chikyuu. She was never allowed to unleash her Saiyan nature at anytime. Boys, men, women, and children alike were all afraid of her whenever she showed the slightest hint that she was not normal. Even the children of family friends were a bit put off by her. She was not the only one to have felt out of place. Her uncle, too, had that problem and had left shortly after he turned sixteen as well.

"For my uncle and I… Chikyuu was just too stifling for a part of us," she explained. Pan, of course, had no idea that Trunks was a Super Saiyan.

"Uncle?" Trunks asked.

"Oh… yeah my uncle was one of the first people off of Chikyuu," replied Pan. Shaking off the cold memories, she decided that she'd said enough.

"So where is this restaurant that you are taking me to?" She said, changing the subject. She was starting to get hungry despite the fact that she had snacked. It would take a lot of self-control from letting her appetite run away with her.

"Right here," announced Trunks as they came up into a small reserved area of the ship. It was quite area where there was very little traffic. A small fountain sat in front of the Grande Europa and bubbled quietly. It along with the greenery around gave off a certain tranquil feeling.

"Hmmm… Chikyuu cuisine… Now that is something I do miss. Especially my Grandmother's cooking." She smiled as she walked through the door that Trunks held open for her.

"Ahhh… Good evening madam… Lady," said the Maitre Dee when he saw Pan enter, followed a second later by Trunks. His eyes widened a little as he recognized Trunks from earlier. He knew the woman, everyone knew the woman. She was the niece of the Duke de Sol, Lady Pan. However, though they knew her by face, few knew anything about her. She was one of the greatest mysteries of the Imperium. Quickly he scanned the list to get the name of the young man who had somehow induced such a noble lady to accompany him.

"Mr. Briefs if you could escort the lady and follow me, I will show you your table," said the Maitre Dee in that conspiring tone that men use with each other when they congratulate another for 'netting' a 'hottie.'

BRIEFS!. The thought struck Pan like lightning. His name is Trunks Briefs? There are two Trunks Briefs in the universe… Suspicion poured over her at first. It wouldn't be the first time that someone had set a delicious specimen of male in front of her to entrap her. There had been several instances before when her uncle's enemies sought to embarrass him through her. This was strange though, if someone knew enough about her to use the name of Trunks Brief, they would surely be smart enough to figure out that using his name would set off about 10,000 alarms in her head. A handsome man with the name of an old crush may have been enticing, but it was just too obvious. She would have to filch information carefully from him and if he was a trap… Well… he won't live through the night.

As Trunks led Pan through the restaurant he could feel her eyes on him and a strange tenseness. He gulped. I hope I haven't taken to a restaurant she dislikes.

They reached a table in a secluded corner of the restaurant. No other tables were nearby for over three or four meters and it was obvious that this table was reserved for privacy. It overlooked a quiet park like area of the ship and gave a breath taking view of the stars.

Trunks held out Pan's chair for her and then went to his own seat. Pan couldn't help but smile at the gesture.

"My… A bit old fashioned aren't we?" she chuckled.

"A gentleman has a duty towards his lady…" Trunks smiled back. Pan, despite her wariness, couldn't help but shiver at that beautiful smile. He truly was a beautiful creature, especially in his current outfit. His shirt framed his pectorals well and, without his coat on, she could see that he was very broad of shoulder. She hadn't seem him shirtless but the very idea of it made her drool as she could tell that he had to be incredibly well built.

"Am I your lady?" Pan replied, catching his remark. There was something about Trunks that drew out her Saiyan nature. She could feel it boiling in her blood and she knew that she would have to satisfy it somehow. Even if he were some sort of agent, she found herself being pulled towards him.

"You will be," he said. He looked straight into her eyes, and Pan felt her insides melt. They were so blue and so piercing. She didn't know how long they had been sitting there just staring at each other, but the throat clearing of the waiter abruptly brought them out.

"Sir… Lady… Are you prepared to order?"

Trunks leaned back into his chair for a moment gathering his thoughts. Pan's brown eyes were like pools of rich chocolate that he just wanted to drown in and were it not for the interruption he would have forgotten about food, an event that was beyond comprehension considering what he was. Slowly he picked up the menu and scanned it.

"Pan? He looked over to where she was also quickly scanning the menu."

"A 24 ounce fillet minion topped with basil."

The waiter stopped a moment, not quite sure of what he had heard. The young lady before him did not look like a kind of woman that ate such meals. A salad would be more appropriate or a light entrée. "M'lady a twenty ounce steak?"

Pan's eyes flickered in anger as her Saiyan nature, already simmering because of her flirtations with Trunks, threatened to take hold. Her gaze slowly left her menu and settled on the waiter. "Yes… A twenty four-ounce steak. Cooked Bloody. Is there something you wrong with this?" her voice was crisp abrupt and commanding. It was not the voice of an adventurer who had been in a nice restaurant or two. It was a voice of someone who frequented these places often and who's patronage such restaurants could not afford to lose.

Trunks' eyes widened slightly at Pan's sudden change of demeanor. He couldn't help but start to chuckle. This was cut off abruptly as Pan's eyes flickered to a new victim, him.

"No… ma'am. And…and you sir?"

"The lamb sautéed with ginger and topped with cranberry please. Also could you bring us two orders of this Salmon fillets to start us off as an appetizer," he said with hidden mirth. He thought Pan was incredibly sexy, especially when she was angry.

"Of course sir… and wine?"

"Yes… a bottle of your best merlot. That will be all for now."

The waiter nodded at Trunks and then walked away to fulfill his duties.

"Well?" she asked him.

"Well what?" replied Trunks a bit baffled.

Pan wasn't sure if Trunks was genuinely not shocked by her order. She had done it on purpose to see his reaction, that and the fact that she was hungry. Every time she had gone out on a date with anyone they had always been shocked at her selection of food. Its as if all human males expect their women to eat salad or something dainty. Of course her Saiyan side prevented that completely, and she never had to worry about dieting. It was just that whenever she ordered a steak or something hearty people looked at her strange. Trunks was the first person to seem completely oblivious of this. She didn't know that Trunks was a Saiyan and that he had always found it strange that other people ate so LITTLE. For a Saiyan, the consumption of food and large quantities of it, especially meat, was the norm, hence Trunks didn't think twice about the fact that she ordered a large steak. Though it didn't go unnoticed by him, it was just that it didn't seem abnormal to him.

It seemed to Pan that Trunks was perfect. He was handsome, intelligent, witty, and maybe… just maybe he would accept her Saiyan nature. The only Saiyans alive were her close family and Vegeta. That made the only eligible people she could mate with Vegeta, or humans, since humans were the only race that could interbreed with Saiyans. Mating with Vegeta was pretty much out of the question, though it wasn't something that hadn't crossed her mind before. There was some history between him and someone that he had never shaken off. The Emperor had never touched a woman or a man since she had known him. Goten had confirmed that the Emperor seemed completely asexual for some unknown reason.

As for humans, none of the weaklings could accept her. In a society where men were dominant for the most part, there were few men that could partner with a female that was so much more accomplished or more powerful. On the flip side, she herself had grown up on Chikyuu and it would be strange if she did mate with a man who was her lesser. It just wouldn't feel right.

Trunks, on the other hand, he felt right. He seemed to be completely self-assured. He walked with the casual air of a man who knew how to take care of himself. He certainly seemed well educated and very cultured. Now if Pan could only get him to accept her Saiyan strength then he would be the one.

It seemed that the moment she thought that he could be the one the more rational part of her mind revolted. You just met this guy and his name is Trunks BRIEFS. How can there be two Trunks Briefs or did this guy just HAPPEN to take the name of your OLD CRUSH… So put on the breaks Pan and figure out who this guy really is… remember the your first lesson, never believe what you want to believe. Reason, logic, interpretation are your weapons.

"Pan? Is everything ok?" asked Trunks as he saw the expression on her face. A small frown had flickered across her face and she seemed to be bothered by something. Had that waiter's comment really upset her that much? She didn't seem to be like the type of girl that would let something so trivial get to her.

"Sorry, I was just thinking about some things," replied Pan as the frown disappeared. Suddenly, perhaps too suddenly, she flashed him a dazzling smile. "So Trunks, tell me about your family? Where are on Chikyuu are you from, your obviously human. And… most curiously why were you on Imperia-sei." As she launched her first foray into Trunks past, her smile grew vicious and her eyes twinkled in amusement, but an amusement that was coupled with danger.

Shit. What am I going to do? Trunks thought to himself. This was the part of the date that he was dreading. What could he possibly tell her about himself? She was human—or at least appeared to be human. His body was telling him that she was more but for the moment he had to assume she was human and if she were, she would be from Chikyuu. Either way, he had two options; he could lie to her of course, or he could tell her the truth. Then again the truth was so outrageous that she'd think he was lying. So what do you are you going to do Trunks… you better hurry up because she's waiting… and then he had it. "A good lie is 90 percent truth", he remembered hearing that somewhere. Even better is to tell someone what he or she wants to hear.

"Pan… there are a lot of things about me that I can't tell you about my family. Please understand that," started Trunks. Inwardly he smiled a bit. Integrity, Honesty under duress… that's what this will come off as… You really are a devil Trunks. "Anyway, yeah… I'm from Chikyuu but from a part that was totally devastated by war. My dad was killed right before I was born so I don't really know him. My mom struggled for years to raise me, but I think she did a great job. After all… look at how I turned out." He grinned at the end and tried to lighten the mood slightly.

"Oh… Trunks… I'm sorry I shouldn't have pried," Pan said as sincerely as she could. Not! Your still hiding something big… nice little disclaimer at the beginning, but I am NOT an amateur, she thought to herself, I don't buy this. I CAN'T… more like I don't want to. I'm not a fool Trunks Briefs.

"No that's ok. Sometimes you have to talk about things or they will eat you up from the inside."

"Well… thanks for confiding in me," she replied. This time she was being sincere. And thanks for giving me the go ahead to pry some more, she thought wickedly.

"So what are you doing out in space? I mean a lot of people from Chikyuu work for the Imperium but most of them are in the military or are merchants. You are neither."

"How do you know I'm not a merchant or in the military?" asked Trunks curiously.

"What's your rank specialization rating?"

"My what? What the heck is a rank specialization rating?" boggled Trunks.

"Well, don't you have one?" pressed Pan.

"No, I don't even know what that is."

"That's the answer to your question about how I knew. Now are you going to answer my question?" asked Pan sweetly.

"Wait a second, how did you know that I didn't know what a rank specialization was in the first place?"

"I didn't. You're answer told me everything I needed. If you were in the military or merchant marine you would have known there was no thing as a rank specialization rating and would have said so. Anyway, you don't look like a someone who has been in space much... so that's another give away."

"So that means you're in the military or a merchant huh?" countered Trunks. He, too, could play the game.

"Uh uh… It's my turn for the questions. You can ask them later," she said with devious a smile. "Besides, I asked first. Now are you going to answer me?"

"I'm looking for the woman with blue hair that stole your ship," answered Trunks.

"Oh… a friend?" Pan's heart seized up suddenly. What if he was married? What if he already had a girl friend and he was just taking her out as friends.

Her discomfort was obvious. Trunks smiled inwardly to himself. She was so beautiful and so fun to chat with, he thought. He was going to enjoy surprising her. "No… she's my mother."

"WHAT? Your mother has blue hair?" Pan's mind was racing now. Bulma had blue hair and Trunks last name was Briefs… could they be related? Could the person who stole her ship have been somehow related to Bulma? It couldn't have been Bulma herself since… well since Bulma was on Chikyuu. She was sure of that, and there was no reason to doubt her sources. Also, the man at the bar had said that she had been a 'hotty' and Bulma was fifty years old. Most men don't consider fifty year old women hotties.

"Yes my mother has blue hair. And yes, she was probably the one who took your ship. I'm really afraid for her and I think she's in trouble," replied Trunks with a bit of trepidation. He didn't want Pan to go off half-cocked and kill his mom when they caught up.

Pan smiled crookedly at his response. She knew he was afraid that she might do something hostile towards his mother. His reason for leaving Chikyuu, though, at least made sense. She was pretty sure that he was telling the truth and that relieved her a bit. All his facial expressions while they had chatted and his mannerisms hardly indicated that he was a spy. He seemed so open, kind and a bit naïve. However, there was something else about him… the way he moved and the way he acted. It tickled her mind but she couldn't quite place it. Anyway it didn't matter. It was time to call him out.

"Don't worry Trunks about your mother… I'll wait for an explanation first. So… why don't you tell me your real name then."

"What?" barked Trunks. Her question completely caught him unaware. How did she come about that line of reasoning? Trunks had no idea how she could have possibly made that connection—faulty as it was. Luckily he was given a little breathing room when the waiter came up with their appetizers.

"Ma'am, Sir," said the waiter. "Enjoy."

"What makes you think Trunks Briefs is not my real name?" asked Trunks as the waiter walked away. He slowly picked up a piece of salmon and popped it in his mouth.

"Well…" said Pan, as she reached over and did the same. "I know the real Trunks Briefs. I've known him since I was a little girl… and you are not him. So tell me who you are 'Trunks.'"

"Pan," he sighed. It was best to go with another truth that was not the whole truth. He chose his words carefully. For some reason he was sure she'd know instantly if he lied. "My name is Trunks Briefs. Please… that is my real name." True. "I don't know your Bulma Briefs at all." True… but of course he knew A Bulma Briefs. "Maybe my mother may have some insight as to her character or person, but I've never met the woman." Both true… No doubt his mother would know herself well and he hadn't met Pan's Bulma Briefs had he? "When you meet my mother you'll understand, maybe… but can you hold your judgment until then? I'll explain it all to you when you meet my her." Perfect. Trunks you are a genius, he thought to himself. He looked up at her and flashed her his best "please please believe me, I didn't do anything wrong" look.

Pan scrutinized Trunks carefully. He seemed to be totally sincere and her own instinct told her to that he was trustworthy. But, part of her knew that he wasn't telling her everything. She knew that if she pressed further he would begin to resist her questioning and she didn't want that. She was finding herself more and more attracted to this man as their conversation progressed. He really was a challenge to figure out, and there was still that something about him that was driving her nuts… not only physically, but also mentally. She decided to back off for the moment. After all, she'd have a lot more time to learn more about him during the trip.

"Ok Trunks… I'll wait to grill you about your life story until then. But when we do meet your mother I want the whole truth, not just some bits and pieces that your willing to dole out," she stated firmly. "Deal?"

"Deal. Thanks Pan…" he said lightly. His mood lightened considerably and he felt as if a huge weight had been lifted. He didn't want to lie to Pan, but he wasn't sure what he could really tell her at the moment. Certainly, he couldn't tell her he was some dimensional traveler from another time and space looking for his mother who had also crossed dimensions. Maybe when he caught up with his mom he would be able to tell her the whole truth, but until then it was best not to let the fact that dimensional travel was possible out of the bag. Cell's near destruction of all that he and his mother worked for had taught him a lesson of just blabbering about time travel. Regardless, it was time to turn the tables. It was his turn to ask some questions about this absolutely intriguing woman.

"So… are you going to tell me about you now?" he asked. "I mean this beautiful woman just lit a fire under me… and…"

"What do you want to know?" she asked interrupting him but with a smile on her face. She knew he was going to deliver some punch line and, worse, she knew it was probably going to be corny. It was better to cut him off. Sometimes a woman's got to do what a woman's got to do.

"Huh? Oh… well why did you leave Chikyuu?" he asked and immediately regretted his question. Idiot you saw her reaction before when you asked.

She didn't answer and her smile faded. "I don't talk about that… it wasn't pleasant."

"You mentioned your uncle, what about your family? Or does that have to do with your leaving? I'm sorry if this…"

"No… I love my family and they are wonderful most of the time. Uhh… You don't know who my uncle is?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"No… uhh should I?" replied Trunks.

"No it's not big deal," she said with a smirk. "He's just a military officer in the Imperium." I can tell half truths too, she thought with a little chuckle. It was better that he didn't know anyway. Too many people had tried to use her and it was genuinely nice to know that someone seemed to like her for just who she was and not for her position. "Anyway, my dad is a professor at the Satan City University and my mom's a politician."

"Oh wow… like what does your dad teach?"

"Quantum Physics. He use to be one of the leading researchers but then the Imperium showed up and he had to update all his knowledge. He's lucky my uncle gets him what he needs. Though daddy probably would have figured it out himself… just would have taken him a few extra years."

"Daddy?" Trunks laughed. "Your family seems close," he added a bit more soberly. "You're very lucky to have them."

Pan nodded; she knew she was lucky to have her family. "Yah."

Before the silence could stretch, the waiter returned with their meals. He set the large bloody steak in front of Pan and the lamb in front of Trunks. He also brought two glasses and filled them with red wine from a freshly opened bottle.

"This looks great, thank you," Trunks said.

"My pleasure sir… bon appetite," said the waiter as he left them to their meal.

Trunks slowly cut a piece of his lamb and thought about where else to turn the conversation. There conversation about family and Chikyuu brought back memories about his mom, his alternate mom and dad, and Goku and company. Suddenly he was filled with an urge to learn more about them. Pan had mentioned earlier that she knew this dimensions Trunks Briefs all her life. It was probably a bad idea to ask her about the Briefs since he was so intimately close to them, but there had to be some way for him to glean some knowledge from her about the Z-gang. It took him only a moment to realized how he could accomplish and get a bit more grounding in this dimensions timeframe as well.

"Hey Pan," he said as he took a bite. The food was delicious.

"Yah?" said Pan. She slowly finished her morsel. The blood of the steak was settling her nerves a little bit. What I wouldn't give to go hunting right now.

"Don't think I'm an idiot for asking this or that I'm crazy."

"That's an interesting disclaimer… ok I promise I won't laugh at you," she replied winking at him.

"Haha… Ok, just out of curiosity you know who Cell is right?"

"Yes. Everyone knows who Cell is Trunks."

"Ok… Well who beat Cell?"

Pan just stared at him. Was this guy joking? Who on Chikyuu didn't know that Mr. Satan beat Cell? "Are you for real?"

"100 percent," he replied.

Well if he really didn't know that I am Mr. Satan's granddaughter before I might as well let him know and find out how that affects him. Hopefully he won't freak out like half my other boyfriends. "My granddad, Mr. Satan, beat Cell," she said with a more than just a hint of pride. She even put a little emphasis on the name Mr. Satan. He did after all contribute—even though it was her father that finished Cell off, everyone played a part and since they were all her family she could damn well take pride in it.

Trunks' reaction was not exactly what Pan expected. She expected shock, awe, fear, perhaps even indifference. The last thing she expected was to see hilarity. And hilarity was what it was. It danced in his eyes.

Trunks knew better than to laugh at her. He already knew that she wasn't the type of person who took being laughed at easily. Still, he found the fact that she had said that Mr. Satan had beaten Cell with so much pride to be extremely funny. He tried to suppress any sort of chuckle but he still let a small one out. He looked sharply up at Pan and saw her facial features change. They had been shocked at first and then her eyes narrowed dangerously and a very, very scary look crossed her face.

"How do you know?" she said very quietly, but he could hear it loud and clear. It was clear that he knew. Somehow someway he knew that Mr. Satan didn't beat Cell. This guy knew one of the greatest secrets in her family.

"uhh Pan?" he said hesitantly.

"I asked you a question… how do you know?" her voice was as cold as ice.

"Know what?" He was walking on thin ice. Ignorance was a good way to buy time.

"Don't pay stupid with me, Trunks," she hissed. "How do you know that my Granddad didn't defeat Cell…"

"Pan," Trunks said carefully. "It's not a big deal… I mean anyone who watched the Cell games with half a brain knew that your grandfather didn't beat Cell. Anyway my father was a great fighter-he could even use ki. He always thought that Mr. Satan was pathetic-no offense-and that it was impossible. I just happen to agree with him. Anyway it was probably that delivery boy that beat Cell. That's what I think." All truth with a bit left out. He was really getting good at this. Casually, he reached over to take a sip of wine. If he appeared calm then she would probably calm down to. God, she looked beautiful even when she was angry. She was like an avenging angel, he thought as he glanced over at her.

"Daddy was very careful never to take credit for Cell. We made sure that Granddad…" Pan stopped when she saw that Trunks' eyes had widened to the size of quarters, and that he was choking on his wine.

"Trunks?"

"GOHAN IS YOUR FATHER?" he gasped as loudly as he could through fits of coughing. Pan wasn't sure what was going on but Trunks had turned dreadfully pale and for the first time she had met him, she sensed that he was out of balance and that genuine fear ran through him.

"Yes… are you alright?" Her concern for him replaced the anger that she had only a few seconds before hand. It was hard to stay angry at someone who is choking to death before you and who seemed absolutely horrified of something you said.

"Yes… No… I mean yes I'm ok," stuttered Trunks. He had just been thinking lude thoughts about Gohan's daughter was disconcerting. He knew two Gohan's, the first was his mentor and it seemed disrespectful of him to be thinking such things. The second was 11 years old in his mind and that was just uncalled for. He didn't even want to go down that road. At least he knew why he was so attracted to her. That she had Saiyan blood was confirmed now. As he slowly started to regain his breathing abilities, he tried to explain what had caused the fit. "I knew your father when he was younger and that you are his daughter is a… not big… not major but a cataclysmic surprise."

"How could you have known my father? You don't look older than I am."

"I'm older than I look and I met him only what… a year or two ago. I just didn't know you were his daughter. He was… impressive…" Trunks said as he remembered Gohan battling Cell. That an eleven-year-old boy could defeat that monster was more than just impressive.

"Yeah… daddy can be overwhelming at times. Don't I know it," grinned Pan.

"Pan, I… how I know is part of what you'll have to hear when we catch up to my mom. In fact you'll probably figure it out before then, but I think its best if I don't tell you directly… anyway can you like, fill me in on what's going on in the Imperium. I am completely clueless about anything about Chikyuu or outside of it for that matter."

Pan looked at him. She knew he was telling the truth and she could sense absolutely no malice from him. Things with him went from completely normal to suspicious beyond imagining and vice versa in a blink of the eye. Trunks was the most successful and seductive agent ever or he was the real deal. She would take a chance and trust him. She just hoped that it wouldn't be a mistake.

"Ok, I'll tell you a little of the basics. Have you been in like another dimension?" she asked jokingly.

Trunks just smiled, "Yeah that's it."

For another hour they sat there talking about the history of Pan's dimension. She told him about how her Uncle Goten was now the Duke de Sirrus, and about the Emperor. She told him about the way the Empire was structured like old England was on Earth and the various political parties. She knew every nuance of politics and history. Trunks learned that the Emperor had personally tutored her since she was one of the last Saiyans and that the Emperor was Saiyan. Trunks knew without asking who the Emperor was. There was only one egotistical Saiyan that had survived Vegeta-sei that would want to become Emperor.

Over dessert they discussed philosophy and other topics ranging form likes to dislikes. Trunks found Pan to be an extremely classy and educated due to her association with Vegeta and her father. Yet, because of her tomboy past and Saiyan nature she was very down to Chikyuu (Earth). He also deduced that Pan worked for his father of this dimension in some capacity though she was very evasive of the question. However, what he wanted to know more was… why his mother and father of this dimension were not together. His mother was still on Chikyuu and his father was Emperor. From what Pan said earlier it seemed that his mother already had a family and that his father was not part of it. He wasn't sure if he wanted to know.

Dinner wound up to be excellent and after he had paid they slowly walked out into the park area around the restaurant.

"So… what else do you have planned or do we head back." She asked.

"We have a show to catch… it starts at 8 so we have to get going."

"Oh what are we seeing?"

"The Full Monty."

Pan stopped in her tracks and looked at Trunks. "Do you have any idea what the full Monty is about?"

"No… It had good reviews though."

Pan just broke into hilarious laughter, "Ok lets go… hurry up we don't want to miss any of this."

"Have you seen it?"

"No… I haven't, but I at least know what its about…"

"What's it about?" asked Trunks now wary and unsure about the show he was taking her.

"You'll see…" she grinned wickedly.

Two hours later…

Trunks walked out of the theater with Pan on his arm. Both were still laughing from the show. For Pan though, it was more than just the show but Trunk's reaction to so many parts of it. The look on his face when the curtain lifted and a very well built, a very handsome, a very sexy man jumped out onto the stage stripping away his clothing was priceless. She had nearly broken out into laughter in the theater. It had been obvious that he had no idea that the show would be about men stripping, though it was about a lot more. She was glad that he was smiling and seemed to have enjoyed it.

"I hope you enjoyed the show," he said to her as he put his arm around her waist.

Pan reciprocated by wrapping her arm around him as well and they slowly started walking down the street. "I enjoyed it very much… especially those luscious dancers." She felt Trunks stiffen slightly and then bark a laugh.

"Those dancers weren't anything special," he said haughtily.

"OH? I thought they were quite skilled… do you think you can do better."

Almost as on cue, the sounds of a loud bass beat came floating down the street where they were walking. "Yes… in fact I think I can, come on," he said as he grabbed her hand and went looking for the source of the music.

It took him only minutes to find the source with his enhanced Saiyan hearing. He slowly walked up to the entranceway. The bouncer at the door looked him and Pan over to make sure they were of the acceptably dressed to be let in. Deciding they were, he stepped aside and let them enter.

As they entered they saw that the club was pretty filled. There were a lot of people out on the dance floor and an equal amount crowding around the bar. Trunks worked his way through the crowd leading Pan along by the hand.

"I'd like a vodka martini please… and a long island ice tea for the lady," he said to the bartender. A minute later he was handed two drinks and he handed the ice tea over to Pan who drank it slowly.

"This is an interesting place… did you plan this Trunks?"

"No… I'm just going to show you how real men dance and not some actor."

"Oh… You are now are you… why don't you show me your stuff."

Trunks hesitated. He had learned to dance from his mother but it was not this type of dancing. He looked over the floor carefully and watched men, women, and things that he didn't know were what grind at each other. "I think I need a few more drinks," he said trying to stall for a bit more time to study the situation.

"Oooh… the liquid courage. Very good Trunks," Pan said as she polished off her drink, "Get me another one will you."

Trunks raised his eyebrow, "You sure?"

"I'm sure… I can out drink you any day big boy," she retorted playfully. Again she did not know his Saiyan nature and were he a normal man her claim would have been true.

Trunks quickly ordered several more drinks and he sat talking to Pan about the show for a few more minutes. After this third drink or so he decided it was enough time. That and he was beginning to feel the affects of the alcohol. Looking over at Pan she could see her looking at him with shining eyes.

He reached out and grabbed her hand and led her to the dance floor. The moment he got there he turned and pulled her to him. He could feel her pressing against his him. Her breathing was almost steady with the rhythm of the music and he could slowly feel it increase. Slowly he began to move to the music and moved her body along with his.

Deep in my heart – There's a fire – a burning heart.

Deep in my heart – There's a desire – for a start.

I'm dying in emotion.

It's my world in fantasy.

I'm living in my, living in my dreams.

He pushed her away from him and began to move his body to the music. He came close to her, but never touching and all the while his eyes held hers. Never once letting them escape. Pan couldn't move, his eyes and movements hypnotized her. She could feel his hands… but they weren't touching her. His broad shoulders and hips moved seductively with the beat.

You're my heart, you're my soul.

I'll keep it shining everywhere I go.

You're my heart, you're my soul.

I'll be holding you forever.

Stay with you together.

As the second verse began she broke the spell and put her hand on his waist. She began to sway seductively towards him. She too held the gaze and threw her own challenge back at him. Trunks took a hold of her hand and brought her even closer allowing their bodies to touch. She could feel herself pressed against his chest while his body continued to move them to the rhythm of the music.

Let's close the door and believe my burning heart.

Feeling alright come on open up your heart.

Keep the candles burning.

Let your body melt in mine.

I'm living in my, living in my dreams.

Her breathing was already ragged and she yearned for closer contact. Yet, without warning he raised his hand and twirled her away from him once… twice… three times before bringing her back and off her feet into his the cradle of his arm.

You're my heart, you're my soul.

Yeah, I'm feeling that our love will grow.

You're my heart, you're my soul.

That's the only thing I really know.

Now with her back to him he pulled her close enough that she could feel his hot breath on her neck. It sent shivers up her spine and she whirled around intending to kiss him, she had enough of games. But when she faced him she only found herself drowning in his blue eyes again. They locked and he brought her closer to him and continued the dance.

When the song ended he was holding her around the waist while she leaned back into him with her head on his shoulder. Her breathing was ragged. She turned around and looked at him.

"Wow…"

He winked as he grabbed her again for another dance as another song started.

A little while later they returned to their suite. Trunks opened the door for Pan and they walked in together. He tossed his jacket on the couch and turned around to face her. Again, as he had done all night, he held her gaze in his own. Slowly he brought his lips down to hers and kissed her. Pan's heart was already fluttering… he had held her in anticipation for this moment all night. He kissed her first on the upper lip and when she opened her mouth to let him know that he was welcome, he slipped his tongue inside her mouth. Their tongues met and played with each other for an unknown amount of time before he finally broke the kiss.

"Good night Pan… sweet dreams," he said as he turned and walked away.

Pan stood there flabbergasted for a moment, "What..?"

Trunks turned around and winked at her for the upteenth time. "The best things in life are worth waiting for. Good night."

He opened the door to the room he and Buu shared. He looked back at her one more time and then walked in and closed the door.

Pan just stood there for a moment with her fingers touching her lips. Is this guy for real? Sighing, she walked to her room and closed the door after a brief while. As she lay back on her bed, she could only think of one thing, a stunningly handsome man with purple hair. Oh Pan… you've got it really bad.

Next Time on A -Brief- Moment in Time:

Vegeta confronts Bulma on her slip up… What will the Emperor Vegeta do to Bulma? What secrets is she hiding from him? Find out on the next exciting episode.

- song lyrics are property of Modern Talking.

Hey I worked really hard on this chapter-gimme a review!