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

Author's note: Just as promised, here's the next chapter. The finale! Hope you enjoy!

Chapter Six: Up-close and Personal

It was the graduate ball. I was supposed to be going with Trunks. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't have even considered going. Since I already had the ticket and because they wouldn't allow me to return the dress, here I was. I stood alone for a while near the refreshments table, until a guy approached me.

"You look great, Nasake."

"Thank you," I replied. I decided to have something to drink, but just as I reached for the cup, he grabbed my arm. "What are you doing?"

"Come on, Nasake, dance with me."

"Please, just let go of me."

"I won't take 'no' for an answer."

"You're hurting me." I reached for the cake on the table. I picked it up. Just as I pushed it forward, he fell to the floor as if someone had pushed him aside. Standing before me was my victim. Above the face covered in cream, were tresses of lavender hair. There was no question about it. The only person I knew with lavender hair was Trunks. "Thanks," I began. "I'm sorry about the cake, Trunks."

"No problem," he smiled, bits of cake falling to floor. I couldn't help but laugh.

"You know what, Trunks? It actually suits you."

"Thanks, Nasake, but I'm sure it would suit you much better. Would you like to try some?" he picked up another cake off the table.

"You wouldn't dare?" I said, moving round to the other side of the table.

"Wouldn't I?"

"Then take your best shot, Trunks." He threw the cake in my direction. I ducked.

"My dress! It's ruined." Trunks had missed me and got Annie. I looked at Trunks, he just shrugged his shoulders.

"You look fine to me, Annie," Goten told her. "Don't worry. It's only a bit of cake."

"Do something, Goten!" Annie demanded.

"Okay, Annie," Goten sounded fed up. He walked over to me and Trunks. "Hi Trunks. Did either of you happen to see the person who…," he stopped and stared at Trunks. "Why have you got cake all over your face?"

"Oh, didn't you know. It's the new trend," Trunks told him. I laughed. "It looks like Annie's got it covered as well," he continued.

"That's not funny, Trunks. Annie's mad."

"I'm sorry, Goten. It was my fault," I told him.

"What? You threw the cake?" he looked puzzled.

"No, but it was meant for me. I –"

"Nasake," Trunks interrupted me. "Stop blaming yourself." He turned to Goten, "Listen, Goten. It's not her fault. Nasake was getting hassled by some jerk. She tried to hit him with the cake. I helped her so she hit me with the cake, instead."

Goten looked more confused than ever. "She hit you with the cake because you helped her?"

"No, Goten. She hit me by accident."

"Right. I got it Trunks," he paused, "but what am I supposed to tell Annie?"

"Tell her I'm sorry."

"That's not going to work."

"Okay. I'll tell her. Just wait with Nasake for a moment while I go and apologise," said Trunks as he left to find Annie.

"Is Annie really upset?" I asked Goten.

"She'll be all right. She didn't get hit by the cake as much as Trunks did. Most of it fell, before it got to her. I wish that somehow I could make her feel better about it though. "

"Maybe you can," I paused. "I have an idea."

"What do you have in mind?" Goten asked me. I went over to the table with the refreshments, picked up another cream cake and then went back over to Goten.

"What's that for?"

"Just trust me, Goten. Stand still," I told him. I looked over his shoulder. Trunks was coming back. "Believe me, it's a piece of cake."

"That's what I'm worried about," he sighed. "Um… just one thing before you -" I hit him full in the face with the cake before he could change his mind.

"Perfect. You look great."

"How is this going to help me, again?" Goten asked.

"Tell Annie that you did this for her."

"She'll think I've gone crazy."

"No, Goten. She'll think that you did it to make her feel better… and she will feel better. She won't be the only one covered in cake."

"I don't know. I'm not really sure about this."

"Go for it, Goten," I said quickly, turning him round.

"Hi Trunks," said Goten. How did it go?" I stood quietly behind Goten.

"What happened to you?" Trunks asked Goten.

"Same as you," Goten replied. "Anyway I got to go. Annie will be waiting."

"Yeah... Later, Goten," said Trunks. For a moment, Trunks watched as Goten made his way to Annie, and then he turned to face me. "Did you hit Goten accidentally as well?"

"No," I answered, "that was on purpose."

He laughed. Then his face was serious. "Nasake, I'm sorry about before."

"Maybe I over-reacted," I said quietly. "It's just… I've never been kissed before. I guess… I expected it to be different."

"Can we start again?"

I looked at him with uncertainty.

"As friends?" he added quickly, holding his hand out to me.

"Sure Trunks… as friends," I replied, shaking hands.

"Trunks, mum said dinner's ready," Bura told him.

"I'll be right there…" replied Trunks, picking up the phone.

"Who are you calling?" she asked.

"Goten. Why?"

"Can't it wait?"

"You go on ahead," Trunks motioned for Bura to go. "Tell mum, I'll just be a minute."

"Fine, but I'm not making any excuses."

"Come on, Bura. This is important."

"You've got two minutes,"

"Thanks."

With that Bura left the room.

Trunks watched the clock anxiously, hoping Goten would answer the phone soon. "Oh, hi Chi Chi. It's Trunks."

…

"Yeah, I'm fine."

…

"No, no more girl problems."

…

"Yeah, mum's fine."

"…

"I'll give her the message."

…

"I was just wondering if Goten was there"

…

"Thanks."

…

"Goten, hi."

…

"I was wrong. We were both wrong."

…

"You know… about the wager."

…

"It's not like that, Goten. It wasn't fair to use her like that… If it makes you feel any better, you win."

…

"About that…. Can't we just forget about it?"

…

"I know we agreed," Trunks paused for a moment. At that point Bura had entered the room unnoticed by him. Trunks continued "…but if I tell everyone I'm gay, it's not just going to affect us."

Bura, who had only come in to tell Trunks his time was up, couldn't believe what she had just heard. Quickly, she hid out of sight, ducking behind the couch where Trunks was sat.

"Believe me Goten, it's better for everyone."

…

"Not 'only' for me, but for you as well"

…

"If they think I am, don't you think they'll suspect you as well?"

…

"But the thought will still cross their minds. We are best friends, after all."

…

"Then we're agreed..."

…

"Right, I'll catch you tomorrow then."

"Look, Trunks, Bura's up on stage," Goten told him.

"She never mentioned anything."

"Hi everyone," she began. "I know today the emphasis is on the graduation part, but I have a special announcement."

"What special announcement…?" people in the crowd muttered amongst themselves.

"My brother has been hiding in a shell," continued Bura. Trunks and Goten looked at one another.

"I don't like the sounds of this," Trunks mumbled to Goten.

"Today, I will free him."

"Free you…? What is she talking about?" I glanced at Trunks.

"Trunks is gay…" announced Bura.

Everyone's eyes immediately turned on Trunks, like predators that had spotted their prey. I didn't know what to think. Surely, there must have been some misunderstanding. He had expressed feelings for me… I had feelings for him… Staring in my direction, Trunks wore a remorseful expression on his face. Was it true, then…?

"… and so is Goten," Bura added with a smile.

The hall filled with laughter.

"How could you Goten?" Annie screamed.

"Annie, wait! It's not true."

At that moment Bura approached them.

"Bura, what do you think you're doing?" Trunks asked taking her aside.

"Trunks, it's okay. It's nothing to be ashamed about."

"It's not that. You're not only embarrassing me and Goten, but you've embarrassed Nasake and Annie too."

"They'll get over it. You and Goten shouldn't be living a lie. Besides they had a right to know too, Trunks. Were you going to tell them?"

Trunks glanced at me. "No, because it's not –"

"Exactly," Bura interrupted.

"What did you tell Bura for, Trunks?" Goten asked looking puzzled and troubled at the same time.

"I didn't tell her anything, Goten."

"Aren't they the cutest?" smiled Bura.

"You're gay…?" I asked him as soon as I could muster the courage.

A group of girls close by started giggling and whispering to each other "I knew Trunks was hiding something, but I would never have guessed."

"We should have guessed from his hair," one guy burst out laughing.

"Nasake, I can explain."

"Trunks… it's fine. There's just one thing… Why did you want to go out with me?"

"He was trying to hide the fact that he was gay, of course," Kira intervened with a big grin. "Did you really think he would have chosen you otherwise?"

"I'm not gay!"

"Trunks, stop denying it," Bura told him.

"Even your sister says it's true," remarked Kira.

"Bura, why do you think I'm gay?"

"I heard you on the phone, talking with Goten."

"I know what I said may have given you that impression, but we were talking about a bet."

"A bet…?"

"Goten and I made a bet. Whoever lost had to tell everyone they were gay."

"Why would you choose an outcome like that?" asked Bura.

"It wasn't my idea. It was Goten's. He wanted me to prove I could make any girl fall for me."

"That was Nasake…?"

"Right, I mean –"

"This just keeps getting better and better," Kira laughed.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. None of it had been real. It was all a game. How dare he…? I could feel the tears well up in my eyes. I had to get away.

"– Nasake, please, wait! It's not how it sounds," Trunks called after me. Heads turned as I passed and made my way towards the main door of the hall. "You've got to listen to me."

"I don't have to listen to another word," I called back.

Outside, I ran into Mr. Son.

"Nasake, what's wrong?" he asked with a look of concern. "Are you all right?"

"It's fine, Mr. Son, really…" I took a deep breath. "Thanks, but… I have to go."

…

"Gohan, did Nasake come this way?" Trunks asked him quickly.

"Yeah, she seemed in quite a hurry."

"Thanks, I got to go.

"Trunks, what's going on?"

"I'm not giving up."

When I was far away enough from the college grounds, I stopped to catch my breath… and think. My mind wandered back to that day in the library. Even then, I had had doubts that a guy like Trunks would be interested in me. I didn't believe I would be interested in a guy like him either. What was there to like…? Sure he was attractive, popular, not to mention rich, but… he was one of the most conceited guys I had ever met. Then… as I got to know him… somehow… my feelings began to change. I had seen a different side to Trunks… his true side. That's what I had thought… but it had all been a lie, a charade to make me fall for him… only to win a bet. He had hurt me deeply… but then…. why won't these feelings go away?

"Nasake," Trunks spoke gently.

"Trunks… I –"

"I know what I did was wrong," Trunks said moving closer to me, "but you have to hear me out." I turned away from him. All of a sudden, his arm was latched around my waist.

"Trunks, what are you doing?" I felt his other arm against my legs. My feet left the ground.

"I'm taking you somewhere we can talk," he told me, now cradling me in his arms. He looked around for a few moments, like he was scanning the area.

"Trunks, please, put me down."

"I'd hold on if I were you."

"What do you mean…?"

Trunks just gave me an impish smile in response. Before I could press the matter any further, there was a rush of wind and the ground looked as though it was moving away from under his feet. Trunks was hovering in the air! Quickly, I tightened my hold around his neck.

"What do you think?"

"How can this be… possible…?"

"Anything's possible, Nasake," he paused briefly, his gaze fixed on mine. "Let's take this to the next level."

"The next level…?"

With that, Trunks shot up into the air.

"Wait!" I cried. "You don't understand… I'm afraid of heights!"

Trunks had picked up speed and continued to climb higher into the air, so I shut my eyes tightly. Suddenly, I felt a strange sensation in my stomach. It was the same kind of sensation like that of being on a theme park ride… on your way down. Trunks had loosened his grip on me. I opened my eyes. The palms of my hands were sweaty... I couldn't hold on. I was falling!

"Trunks…!" I screamed. He caught me. Then I pushed myself as close to Trunks as I could be. My pulse was still racing. I closed my eyes again.

"Sorry about that. You just sort of slipped." He was silent for a few moments, waiting for me to respond. "Nasake, it's okay," he continued. "Really," he tried to reassure me. "You can open your eyes now."

I opened my eyes slowly, a tear running down my cheek because of the air pressure. I looked straight at him.

"That wasn't funny," I said quietly.

"I'd never let you fall, Nasake," Trunks told me as we descended on to a nearby building. "You mean too much to me," he added, releasing me.

"What about the bet Trunks?" I asked, stepping away slowly.

"I'm sorry." He let out a sigh. "Maybe it started out like that, but that was over ages ago. I started to like you. I started liking you… a lot."

"That still doesn't give you the right to mess with people's feelings."

"I know that now, Nasake," he started towards me. "It's all behind me. I know I was wrong."

Trunks was standing right next to me now.

"All I need… is you," he placed his hands on my shoulders.

"You hurt me, Trunks," I told him, moving away as tears filled my eyes. "How do I know that you won't change your mind? That you'll… stick by me..."

"If I'm honest, Nasake, then the answer is that you don't know. It's a risk."

"I don't know if I can take that chance, Trunks," I said turning my back to him. At that moment, I noticed the view. It was breathtaking. We were so high up, you could see around for the miles. I peered over the edge, carefully.

"Come on Nasake... please, give me a chance."

I turned around to face him slowly.

"Okay, Trunks…." Closing my eyes, I stepped backwards over the edge.

"Noooo…!"

The next time I opened my eyes, I was in Trunks's arms. We were on the ground.

"You idiot!" He looked angrily at me. "What were you thinking?"

"I took a risk."

"Are you insane?" Trunks took a deep breath. "You've been out cold f – I thought I'd lost you," he hugged me tightly.

"I guess I've fallen for you Trunks… in more ways than one," I smiled at him. Not being able to resist he smiled back, his eyes gentle now.

Then his lips closed in on mine, with a tenderness and passion at the same time. He lifted his head briefly, his eyes on mine. "I love you, Nasake," he sighed, "but please, don't ever do anything like that again, okay?"

I nodded. "I love you too, Trunks."

After much hesitance on my part and the insistence of Trunks, he took me to his house. I had told him that I actually felt much better. All I needed was to get some rest, but Trunks wouldn't hear of it.

"Trunks, you can put me down now," I told him, as we reached his house. "I'm okay. You don't have to carry me."

"It's fine. I've got you."

Once inside, Trunks finally put me down on the couch.

"Wait here," he said "I'll be back in a minute."

"Hi Nasake," Bulma greeted me as she entered the room with Trunks. We had already met at Capsule Corp.

"Hi Mrs. –

"That's Bulma to you, remember. Now," she paused for a second "Trunks tells me you were out of it for a while. Let's take a look at you."

"You're a doctor?"

"A scientist, actually," she smiled, "but with Trunks and my husband training too hard and then complaining, you tend to learn a few things."

"I'm sorry for the trouble, Bulma."

"Don't worry. It's no trouble at all." She examined my eyes then took my temperature. "Hmm… well, your temperature is a little higher than normal, but I'm guessing it's more to do with my Trunks over here," she smiled at Trunks. Then both of them looked at me. Nervously, I lowered my gaze and inspected my fingernails.

"So what do you think?" Trunks asked his mother.

"Nasake needs plenty of rest," she began. "Although… I wouldn't recommend her going to sleep so soon." Then she addressed me, "Give it a few hours, and you should be as right as rain."

"Thank you," I told her.

"Thanks mum."

"You're welcome," her expression one of delight "I'll leave you two to it then," she said leaving the room. Trunks was now sitting down beside me.

"Trunks, will you take me home now? I told you I'd be fine. "

"You heard what mum said, Nasake," he said caressing the side of my face, gently, with his hand. "No sleep for you."

"I know… and I won't. You shouldn't worry so much."

"After the stunt you pulled?" His tone was light-hearted, but concern was obvious on his face.

"Well… they do say that love makes you do crazy things."

"You've certainly proved that."

"Trunks, seriously, I'll be fine. All I'm going to do is lie down for a bit."

"Why not stay here, then?"

"Here…?"

"At least I can keep an eye on you then."

"I don't know. I wouldn't want to impose."

"You wouldn't be imposing, Nasake. I'm asking you to stay."

"Don't you think it's a bit sudden?"

"Will you just relax?"

At that moment, Bulma entered the room.

"Trunks, you haven't seen the new capsule I've been working on recently have you?"

"No, can't say I have. I'll keep a look out."

"Thanks. Oh… and make sure you give Nasake something to drink. Fluid is important."

"I'll get right on it."

"If there's anything else, I'll be in the lab."

"Before you go… it is okay if Nasake stays over, right?" he asked her.

"Sure. I can't see any reason why not," she replied. With that she left the room.

"See… what did I tell you?" He waited a moment for me to respond. "Any more excuses?" he added.

"It wasn't an excuse."

"You'll stay then?"

"Yes. I'll stay, Trunks."

"I'll just get you that drink, then."

"Bulma!" It was Vegeta. "Bulma!"

"What's wrong? Why are you shouting?" Bulma asked looking frustrated.

"Do you know what people have been saying?"

"About what, Vegeta?"

"About your son?"

"My son…? You were quite happy when he was born."

"You told me he was having girl trouble."

"Yes, I did."

"Do you know why…? He hasn't been asking girls. That's why! He's been…um…he… –"

"Vegeta, if you're going to tell me, then tell me already. I have work to do. Besides, if Trunks is the one with the problem shouldn't you be discussing it with him?"

"Fine!" Vegeta folded his arms crossly. "Where is he?"

"In his room, I guess. He's got company."

"Company, eh…?"

There was a knock on the door.

"Trunks could you come out here," Vegeta began in the calmest voice he could manage. "I need to talk to you."

"Excuse me for a moment," Trunks said standing up. He headed towards the door.

"Sure, what's wrong?" Trunks said as he closed the door behind him.

"I don't know why you're mother ever agreed to letting you dye your hair purple."

"It's always been this colour."

"That's not the point. People have been saying things and I want to tell you that I disapprove of your behaviour young man."

"My behaviour…?"

"You know what I am talking about. Now tell your friend to come out here this instance."

"Is this really necessary?"

"While you live under my roof it is."

"Okay, I get the message." Trunks opened the door slightly. "Do you mind coming out here for a moment, please," he asked me.

"What's wrong?" I said sitting up.

"I'd like you to meet someone."

I did as Trunks asked. As I approached the doorway, I came face to face with a proud-looking figure. As soon as his gaze fell on me, his expression turned to one of surprise.

"This is Nasake," Trunks told the man. Then he turned to me "Nasake, this is my father."

His father…? I wasn't ready for this… "I… uh - Pleased to meet you," I said quickly.

For a moment, Trunks's father just stood in silence and stared at me.

"Uh… Likewise…" he replied shortly. "Just keep out of trouble." With that, Trunks's father went on his way.

"Bulma, did you know Trunks was in his room with a girl?" Vegeta asked.

"Of course I did," she replied without looking up. She was busy working. "What did you think Vegeta? That he was in there with a b –"

"Bulma, he is old enough to make his own decisions, you know," he smirked.

"I don't think your father really likes me, Trunks," I told him, as I sat down.

"Nonsense, Nasake." He took a seat beside me. "He just doesn't know you yet," he added reassuringly

"You could have warned me."

"And miss the expression on your face?" he laughed.

"So, do you think you made the right decision?"

"About what…?"

"Us," I said quietly. I was still getting used to it.

"Well, what can I say? Goten is quite strong, and he is my best friend, but… I think he's more Annie's type."

"And me…?"

"A bit rough around the edges but" he paused briefly, "you're definitely my type."

"I guess it's my turn then."

"For what…?"

"Don't you want to know what I think about you?"

"Is that multiple choice?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, I guess you're cute…" I began.

"Go on," Trunks said with a grin.

"Proud, a bit immature… and impulsive –"

"– Maybe we should forget this?"

"In a good way."

"Really?"

"Uh-huh. There's just one thing."

"What is it…?

"Your hair – I mean the colour… Is it natural?"

"Of course it is," Trunks sounded a little offended.

"Relax," I told him with a smile. "I'm only teasing. Purple is my favourite colour, after all."

Moving closer, Trunks held my head gently, his eyes on mine, "It makes me happy."

"Huh…?"

"You…" he spoke softly, "being you."

It's finally finished! Hope it read okay. I actually quite enjoyed writing this one. I hope you liked reading it as much.

Bye for now,

Lady Leonhart