Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with Dragonball Z or GT, except my fanfic and any own characters.

Author's note: Hi there! Here's a much longer chapter to make up for any future delays – it's that time of year again, back to study – of course I'll still update :) Hope you're still enjoying this. Here it goes!

Chapter Four: Miscommunication

There was a knocking sound. Who would come round at this time of night? I decided to ignore it. I started cleaning my teeth. I turned off the tap for a second and listened. Everything was quiet. The knocking had stopped. I gave a sigh of relief, but as I switched the light off in the bathroom, the knocking began again. What if it was those guys…? Quickly I slipped on my dressing-gown, rushed to the front door and checked all the locks. I looked through the eye-hole on the door, but there was no one there. Then I checked the window in my room. I screamed. There was a figure staring right back at me…

When I awoke I found myself in my bed. I looked at the clock. It was only two in the morning, but I had had the strangest dream. I was certain it was because of what had happened to me. Trunks had been right. What I had been through was a big deal.

"You're awake."

"Trunks…? What are you doing here?" I spoke quickly and sat up. "How did you get in?"

"Never mind that," he replied. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, Trunks. I just had a bad drea…" I paused for a moment. "It wasn't a dream, was it?"

"I'm sorry, Nasake. I didn't mean to scare you."

"Scare me…?"

"At the window," he said slowly.

"That was you…?"

Trunks nodded.

"What were you trying to do? Give me a heart attack?"

"Nasake," he began in a gentle voice as he sat down on my bed "You need to calm down."

"Calm down…?" I sighed heavily. "How can I be calm Trunks? What exactly were you doing outside my window?"

"I forgot my jacket."

"You came back for your jacket…?"

"Well, you didn't answer when I knocked on the door."

"So you thought you'd take a look through my window in the middle of the night?"

"I was worried about you." He sounded like he really meant it. His eyes were kind. Ridiculous as his actions had been, Trunks was telling the truth.

"It's late," I began slowly. "You're welcome to stay, if you want."

Fully-dressed, Trunks lay down next to me.

"On the couch," I told him firmly, indicating the futon.

"By the way, did I tell you, you look cute in pyjamas?"

Trunks had left early. I guess he didn't wake me, because he didn't want to disturb me. A lot had happened yesterday, partly his fault of course. Still, when it had mattered…Trunks was there. Sure, at first, I thought he was conceited. With all that money, it would be hard for anyone not to become spoilt. He led that kind of life which meant he didn't have to go without a thing. Except the more I was getting to know him, the more I wanted to know him. Last night I had seen another side to Trunks, a deeper more sensitive side. Was his pride then just the exterior of his being…?

"Hi Nasake," called a familiar voice.

I looked up "Oh, hi Goten," I replied.

"I heard what happened? Are you all right?" His expression was one of concern.

"I'm fine, Goten, but what exactly are you talking about?" Had he heard about the kidnappers?

"Trunks told me he stayed round your place last night."

"What…?"

"It's all right. You were scared. These things happen." Goten had a big grin on his face as he said this.

"Things...? What things?"

"Hey Nasake!" It was a guy from my class. "Do you want me to stay over tonight?"

"You wish," I said in disgust.

"What was all that about?" asked Goten.

"Wait 'til I get my hands on him," I muttered to myself. "I'm sorry Goten. I have to find Trunks."

I was furious. I thought he had changed… but I was wrong. He was still the same egotistical – and there he was, by the lockers. I walked up to him and tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention.

"Trunks, why did you go around telling everyone?"

"Telling everyone, what?" He seemed puzzled.

"That you were with me, last night."

"Nasake, listen. It's not what you think."

"What is it then?"

"I only told Goten."

"So you're blaming Goten now?"

"No."

"Why did that guy ask me if I wanted him to stay over then?"

"You shouldn't take that to heart, Nasake. That's what guys do," Trunks paused briefly. "You're just being paranoid."

Trunks knocked on the door and waited, but there was no response. Maybe no one was home. However, just as Trunks turned to leave, the door opened.

"Trunks," said Goten. "Sorry about that. I was on the phone to Annie."

"How is she?" asked Trunks, as they went into the living room.

"She's fine. We're actually going out tonight. By the way, Nasake was looking for you."

"Well, she found me." Trunks heaved a great big sigh.

"Did you sort out the problem?"

"Not exactly… she sort of ran off."

"She sure can't resist you," Goten laughed.

"Don't get too comfortable. I plan on winning this thing."

"Did someone mention winning?" It was Goku.

"I don't think it's your kind of competition, dad," said Goten.

"I guess it's just for you college students, eh?"

"Yeah, something like that," he replied.

"Trunks, how's your father? I haven't seen him for a while."

"He, uh… keeps himself busy with training. I guess the only thing on his mind is being stronger than you."

"That's your dad, always pushing himself," Goku's face beamed. "What about you, Trunks. Still training with your dad?"

"With college, it's hard to find the time. Besides, I only get in his way."

"Busy with college, eh? That's a good thing. Goten's excuse is that he needs to spend time with Annie. Plenty of time for girls later, right, Trunks?"

"Yeah…" Trunks said quietly, with a quick glare in Goten's direction. Goten couldn't help but find the whole thing hilarious.

At that point the there was a knock on the door.

"That'll be Annie now." Goten couldn't stop smiling.

"I'll get it," volunteered Trunks.

"Hi there Annie," said Goku, as she entered the room. Trunks followed in after her.

"Hello, Mr. Son," replied Annie.

"Well… I'll leave you guys to it. I got to get ready too. We're meeting Gohan and Videl for dinner. Bye all."

"See you dad," called Goten.

"Bye Mr. Son," smiled Annie.

"Bye Goku," said Trunks.

With that Goku left the room.

"Hi Goten," Annie said as she sat on the sofa beside Goten. "I missed you." She hugged him tightly and smiled.

"Shall we get going?" he asked her.

"Sure," she glanced at Trunks. "Is Trunks coming too?"

"No, Trunks can't make it tonight."

Annie turned to look at Trunks.

"Trunks, you should come out with us some time. It'll be fun."

She turned back and kissed Goten.

"Thanks," Trunks replied looking away.

"Of course, you can bring your girlfriend along," Annie spoke quickly between kissing Goten.

"Annie, can I have your advice?" Trunks asked suddenly.

"My advice…?"

"Trunks, we're going out," Goten interrupted.

"Goten, he's your friend isn't he?" she paused. "Don't worry. It won't take long."

"Fine," Goten gave in immediately.

Annie turned to look back at Trunks "Sure you can Trunks. What is it?"

"You're a girl, right? So you know what they want from a guy?"

"Trunks, why do you want to know? From what I've heard you've never had that kind of problem."

"This one's different."

"Oh, you mean she's special, like my Goten."

"I thought I was getting through to her, but she's just so difficult."

"I've heard that one before. You mean she didn't throw herself at you."

Trunks didn't say a word.

"Well, Trunks, I've got to say. It's true that you're cute."

"Hey!" exclaimed Goten.

"Goten, you know you're the only one for me," she gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "These days, Trunks, looks aren't everything. If you want brainless bimbos, it's all good. However, if you're going for a more intelligent girl you have to compromise, show her that you care and most importantly that you have a sense of humour."

"That's all?"

"Well, that's the basics anyway. You also have to make sure she's comfortable and not rush into things."

"Compromise, be sensitive, and make her laugh. Right, I think I got it."

"One other thing Trunks, I'm assuming you're going for the more intelligent girl right?"

"Uh-huh…?"

"They tend to over-analyse some situations."

"Over-analyse?"

"Well… you may mean one thing and she may take it to mean something else."

"Well, that makes perfect sense," he muttered sarcastically.

"It's never really been a problem for me and my Goten though. We understand each other perfectly, don't we honey?"

"Whatever you say, Annie," Goten agreed instantaneously.

"I can see why," Trunks said more quietly.

"Hope that helps," she grinned.

"Thanks, Annie, I think." Trunks was more confused than ever.

"Come on Goten, we don't want them to give our table away."

"Right" said Goten, standing up.

"I better get going as well," said Trunks

"I'll see you tomorrow perhaps."

"Yeah… Bye Goten. Bye Annie."

"Bye Trunks," she waved, "and good luck."

Trunks sat in his car and thought about the advice Annie had given him. During their conversation it had made some kind of sense. However, the more he thought about it now the more it puzzled him. Trunks began to wonder whether this was all worth it. There were plenty of other girls and with them he didn't have to try so hard. It was only a stupid bet. If Goten won, who really cared…? It would only mean that one girl resisted his charm. He could live with that, couldn't he… but what about the other thing…? At that exact moment, glancing in his rear view mirror Trunks noticed two guys walking up the street. They were smiling and… they were holding hands. They looked happy enough… Who was he kidding…? He could live with one girl refusing to go out with him, but if he lost the bet that would mean he would have to give up on all girls for a while. Trunks wasn't attracted to other guys, but if he lost the bet and had to tell everyone he was, who knew how long it'd take before he could date another girl. What would his father think…? Why did Goten have to choose an outcome like that…? Trunks considered this. Goten must have been sure that Trunks wouldn't be able to get Nasake to fall for him. Why else would he take that sort of risk…? Unless, he was … Of course, he wasn't. He was with Annie. Besides, if he was, Trunks would know about it. They were best friends after all. All things considered, he had to win.

It was raining hard. If I had any choice I would've stayed at home, but I was babysitting this evening. So I did the only thing I could do. I put up my umbrella and braved the storm. It hadn't done much good, though. When I reached the house, I was totally soaked. Well, I couldn't do anything about it now. Therefore, after I made myself as presentable as I could manage, I knocked on the door.

"Hi, Mr. Son," I greeted him as he opened the door.

Mr. Son stared at me. He seemed a bit dazed.

"Bad weather," I explained.

Mr. Son didn't respond. I smiled nervously.

"Sorry, Nasake," Mr. Son finally responded. "Come in."

"Videl, babysitter's here, called Gohan. "Pan, be a good girl for Nasake, okay?"

"Sure, dad," Pan smiled.

"Hi Nasake," Mrs. Son greeted me. "Thanks for agreeing at such short n – Are you okay?"

"I'm fine Mrs. Son, thank you," I sneezed. "I just got caught up in the storm."

"Why don't you come with me?" She led me upstairs. "I'll find you something else to wear. Then you can put those in the wash."

Mrs. Son gave me a towel to dry myself. Then she looked in her wardrobe.

"This should fit you," she said, handing me a pale blue cotton dress. "It's a bit wrinkled, but it'll be more comfortable than those wet clothes."

"Thank you, Mrs. Son."

I put on the dress. Then as I started down the stairs, the doorbell rang. Mr. Son answered the door.

"Hi Trunks," began Mr. Son. "We're actually on our way out, but you're welcome to stay."

"Thanks Gohan," said Trunks. Then seeing me in the stairs, he greeted me. What was he doing here?

"Hi Trunks," Pan called from the living room.

"Hi Pan," said Trunks as he entered the room. "You've grown since I last saw you. Bura's been asking about you."

I joined them in the living room.

"You know the Sons?" I whispered to Trunks.

"Sure. They're like family." That made sense.

"Trunks, you're here too," Videl greeted him. "Have you met Nasake?"

"They go to the same college," Gohan intervened.

"That's nice," replied Videl. Then she spoke to Pan "Pan, make sure you brush your teeth and don't stay up too late, okay?"

Pan nodded and smiled sweetly. Videl gave her a hug.

"Trunks, now that you're here, you don't mind staying for a few hours do you?"

"Sure Videl. No problem."

"Thanks. It's just that Nasake's not feeling very well. She got caught up in the bad weather." Mrs. Son turned to look at me, "Nasake see how you feel, all right? You're welcome to stay and we'll drop you off later tonight, but if you want to go home that's fine too, okay?"

"But –"

"Trunks has agreed to stay. So don't feel guilty if you decide to go home."

"Thanks Mrs. Son."

"Are you ready Videl?" asked Gohan.

"Yes, let's go," she replied. "Bye everyone," she called.

"Bye, Mrs. Son," I replied.

"Yeah, make sure you enjoy yourselves," called Trunks.

The door shut. There was a sudden silence.

I took a seat on the couch. Trunks sat beside me.

"So this is what you do in your spare-time," began Trunks.

"It helps pay the rent. Besides, Mr. Son needed someone on short notice. However now that you're here..."

"Huh…?"

"Pan, could you come here for a minute please?"

Pan did as she was asked. I moved away from Trunks and made a space for Pan between us. Pan sat down.

"Pan, something's come up and I have to go, but Trunks will look after you, okay?"

"Where are you going?" Trunks asked with a curious tone.

"I uh – It's personal."

"Really," he said with sarcasm in his voice.

"Trunks, look, you heard what Mrs. Son said."

"It's still raining. You'll just make yourself feel worse."

"I'll be fine. I'm not going to melt."

Trunks glanced at Pan. "Pan, you don't want Nasake to go, do you?"

She shook her head.

Trunks continued "Nasake's just a bit upset, but I bet if we ask her nicely she'll stay."

"Please stay with us, Nasake," Pan said slowly.

"Come on, Nasake, for Pan," Trunks had a big grin on his face.

"Pan, I –"

"Please," Pan said again. She looked at me wide-eyed, quietly, waiting for a response. It was a face that was definitely hard to turn down. It would only be for a few hours, and then Pan would have to go to bed. Maybe the weather would settle down by then as well.

"All right, I'll stay," I gave in.

Pan hugged me, her face beaming.

"Nasake's not feeling well," began Trunks, "so we should look after her, right Pan?"

Pan nodded with enthusiasm. Then she stopped suddenly and said "Can I be the doctor?"

"Okay, go and get you're things."

Pan hurried out of the room. I could hear her rushing up the stairs. Startling me, Trunks grabbed my legs and lifted them onto the couch.

"What are you doing?" I asked him.

"You're the patient, remember?"

"Can I check your temperature?" Pan asked me.

"Pan, you've checked it fifteen times already." I was feeling exhausted. "I think it's time for b–"

Trunks pushed the thermometer into my mouth. His expression was one of amusement. I certainly didn't find it amusing.

Trunks must have noticed. "She's better now, Pan," he told her. "So get ready for bed, okay?"

"Okay," said Pan.

…

After putting Pan to bed, I put the T.V. on quietly. I could feel Trunks's eyes on me. He yawned and stretched out his arms. Then he placed his arm around my shoulder. I moved away and sat on the other couch.

"So how did your lesson with Gohan go?" he asked suddenly.

I stared at him for a second. I guess he must have found out from Gohan. "Why? Do you want a demonstration?"

"Sure, why not?" He took me literally and switched off the T.V.

"Trunks, this isn't really the place."

"Nasake, people get attacked anytime, anywhere." He stood up. "The reason you decided to take a few lessons in the first place was because of what happened, right?"

"I guess," I spoke quietly. I didn't like being reminded of that night, but Trunks was right.

"You can't choose when you feel like defending yourself," Trunks continued. "Besides, Gohan won't mind." Trunks took a hold of my hands and pulled me up.

"I still don't think it is right. What if we break something?"

"You don't think you can do it."

"Of course I can."

"Then show me," Trunks said grabbing hold of me from behind.

"Trunks, Pan's asleep. We might wake her. Maybe another time," I told him.

"It feels good doesn't it?" he smirked. "I knew you had feelings for me."

It was true. I had feelings for him, but they were far from what he was thinking about. I stamped on his foot, elbowed him and pushed him to the ground.

"Not bad," Trunks said looking up at me.

"Are you convinced now?"

"My turn," he said with a smile. Placing his hands just above my waist, he moved me to the side so that I lay on my back. Trunks was above me. I couldn't break free. His gaze was fixed on mine. I stopped struggling…

"Trunks…?" It was Mrs. Son. They were back.
Trunks looked up at her, "Hi Videl… Gohan..."

"Nasake…?" Videl looked at me.

"Mrs. Son, Mr. Son, this isn't what it looks like," I tried to explain.

Trunks moved aside and looked up at Gohan "Nasake was just showing me what you taught her."

I quickly sat up. Gohan blushed.

"Glad to see you're feeling better," said Mrs. Son with a bewildered expression on her face.

"Trunks, will you give Nasake a lift home?" Mr. Son asked him.

"Sure," replied Trunks.

Then Gohan glanced at Videl "Come on, Videl, let's go. They can see themselves out."

"Gohan, what was Trunks talking about?" Videl asked him as they left the room.

"They're never going to trust me after that," I told Trunks, when I was sure we were alone.

"What's there not to trust? We were just kidding around."

"I don't think Mrs. Son saw it that way."

"Videl…? No. She's cool." Trunks stood up and then offered his hand to me "I guess you're ready to go home."

"I'm sorry, Trunks," I said as I took his hand.

"What for…?" He helped me up.

"Earlier. For not believing you," I sighed. "I am paranoid, aren't I?"

"Maybe a bit… but I wouldn't change it," he spoke softly.

That's all for now.

Until next time,

Lady Leonhart 16/09/04