Pan raced up the stairs. Water trailing behind her. She was completely soaked. It was likely that the carpet would need to be cleaned, but she just couldn't bring herself to care. The tears had finally stopped falling and her initial rage had simmered away. Her body was completely numb. The only thing her body registered, was how lethargic she suddenly felt.
The automatic lights of the hallway turned on as she made her way towards her room. Her legs were weak and she could barely stand. She had to brace herself against the wall when she stumbled over her own feet. The sudden weakness was a shock, really. She had no idea where all of this had suddenly come from. Maybe she used up more energy then she had thought flying home. It had been a while since she had flown that big of a distance at such high speeds. She mentally scoffed at herself. Pathetic. How could she let herself become so weak?
Her door finally came into view. It was only a few steps away but with walking with dead limbs, it felt longer. The control pad was just within reach when her legs finally gave way and she fell towards the ground. Her cheek cracked with the impact and pain overwhelmed her senses. Pain. It was almost welcoming to finally feel something. The first thing her body registered, pain, it was the same thing that had occurred after the accident. Her body tingled all over and then the pain had hit her like a freight train.
She laid there on the cool floor, water pooling around her from her ruined hair and dress, for what felt like hours. Voices faintly flood through the floor from below her. The kitchen. It most likely Bulla giving Trunks an ear full he deserved. She contemplated laying there and trying to strain her hearing to listen to the conversation below her. But, she didn't have the energy, nor did she particularly care what all Bulla had to say to Trunks.
Pan finally gained the strength to make her way to the control panel and type in the code. The door hissed open and she fell through the doorway. She pulled the soaking wet and ruined dress over her head and tossed it to the floor. The dress landed with a wet slop. She quickly stripped the lingerie off. She considered singeing the lingerie with her energy, but decided against it. She placed the lingerie in the dirty clothes hamper in her bathroom and stared into the mirror. The tears and the rain had washed away majority of the make-up off her face. There were faint black lines running down her cheeks and smudging under her eyes. The lipstick was completely gone and her curls hung limply around her face. Mud was caked in some of her hair and splattered across her face. She slowly brought her hand up and touched her lips. They were slightly swollen and tender. No doubt from Trunks's desperate kiss.
Turning away from the mirror she shuffled into the bathroom. Not even bothering to grab any clothes. She turned the shower on, not particularly noticing if it was hot or cold, and stepped in. The muscles in her body tensed as goose flesh rippled across her skin. The water was like liquid ice. Each tiny droplet stinging into her flesh like knives.
She didn't know how long she stood beneath that cold spray. Completely in a daze. Her initial rage had completely left her body. All that left was disgust at herself. She was naïve to think that someone would find her attractive. All her life, even before her parents' death, boys had typically stayed clear of her. Either intimidate by the fact that her grandfather was Hercule Satan or, having witnessed her own strength. Only one boy out of her entire school had had the nerve to ask her on a date. And that, had been completely ruined by that gang of thugs robbing the bank. Then, before she could even apologize and try getting a second date, she was off in outer space searching for the dragon balls with Grandpa and Trunks. Meager things like boys and relationships was moved to the back of her mind as the need to prove herself took full force. By the time they had returned and the whole Baby ordeal was over, he had found another girlfriend. Leaving Pan standing in the hallway, staring as he placed a gentle kiss on the blonde's lips.
Still, she had thought that Trunks would be different than the rest of male population. She had known him her entire life. They had even been best friends with him at one point. It was her, Goku, Trunks, and Giru vs. the World. Over time, so much began to push them apart. First, Goku left with Shenron going who knows where. Then her parents were murdered and it wasn't long after that, that Trunks began to change too. It wasn't enough to raise any concern. Barely noticeably unless you were paying attention. The clumsy, dorkiness that Trunks had developed over years spent with his nose buried in technology and running a multi-billion zenni business faded away. He became cocky, arrogant, and caught up in women instead of his work and training. No one else ever commented on Trunks sudden change in behavior, so Pan had begun to wonder if, perhaps, it had all been in her head. If maybe, Trunks had been that way all along, but her school girl crush had rendered her clueless to the negativity. Now, after tonight, Pan was certain Trunks was different. It wasn't just a figment of her imagination; he was a completely different person than he used to be. The old Trunks, her best friend, would've never done what he done. Would've never simply used Pan as a means of getting in her pants and making his ex-girlfriend jealous.
Finally, Pan twisted the shower knob. Turning the water off. She stepped out of the shower and wrapped a fluffy white towel around her. Securing a knot on her chest to keep the towel from falling. She quickly used her energy to dry her hair before stepping into her dark bedroom. With a plan in mind, Pan moved over towards her dresser. Opening the bottom drawer. Inside, tucked securely away, was her training clothes. The drawer hadn't been opened in a while. It had been over a year since she had even thought of training and possibly even longer since she had stepped foot into the GR room.
Pan shed the towel, tossing it on her bed, and grabbed some clothes from her drawer. A pair of black compression shorts, training bra, tank-top, and half, fingerless gloves. She slipped the clothes on, tossing her hair up into a bun before stopping in front of her door.
Taking a deep breath, she slowly opened the door. The only barrier between her and the outside world. The door hissed open. Silence. No screaming. No yelling. No fighting. And, more importantly, no Trunks or Bulla standing outside her door. Trunks avoiding her was obvious, unless he was more stupid than she thought, but she doubted his pride could take another ass-kicking, so he was carefully avoiding her. Bulla, on the other hand, she had fully expected the bluenette to be beating down her door and demanding the Pan talk to her. Of course, all of this would be after she dismembered her brother and disintegrated what was left into ashes. But, she wasn't lobbying just outside Pan's door. Maybe that meant she knew Pan just wanted to be alone right now. That she needed space.
Pan quickly moved out her door, making sure to close and lock it, before slinking down the stairs, through the kitchen, out in the backyard, and towards the Gravity Room. She just prayed that it was completely void if its common inhabitant. Fortunately, the room was completely empty. The lights were off and the air in the room was light and cool. Meaning, it hadn't been used recently. Vegeta was most likely done for the night and had retired inside for the night.
She walked inside the room. The lights automatically flickering on as she moved over to the computer in the center of the circular room. Her fingers swiped over the keys like she had done so many times before. Even after all this time, it was still a muscle memory. The computer booted to life. The machine giving off a small hum as she set the gravity. Since it had been so long since she had trained, she started off with something simple. 10x Earth's Gravity. Depending on well she handled the gravity, she would go up by ten until she couldn't anymore. The computer began to beep and whirl as the computer quickly changed the gravity. The air surrounding her grew thicker, muggier. Her limbs felt slightly heavier, but not enough that it was a hindrance.
"300 pushups sound like a good place to start." Pan mused, dropping into position.
For the next few hours, Pan completed different basic exercises. Varying from pushups and jumping jacks, to dodging her own blasts. She had already risen the gravity up to 60x Earth Gravity and still, it wasn't that much of a challenge. She had originally assumed that her like of any exercise, training, or fighting would've caused her to struggle with even 10x normal gravity. But, her body twirled and darted around the room like she always had. No sign that she had taken a break. Of course, there had been a few hiccups along the way. For example, her energy blasts weren't nearly as powerful as they should be and her Kamehameha was severely lacking.
It wasn't until the gravity was past a hundred that Pan began to struggle. Her speed was begun to slow, whether it was exhaustion, the force of gravity, or both – she wasn't sure. She stood, leaning over with her palms resting against her thighs. Sweat dripped from the tip of her nose and pooled on the red tiled floor as she struggled to regain her breathing. For the past twenty minutes, she had been attempting to deflect her energy blast bouncing among the helper-bots Bulma had programed, and failing – miserably. She started off good, but then, she'd lose her balance or the gravity would through her off. Sending the blue blast hurling into her. At some point, the white tank-top she was wearing had been charred and only one strap on her left shoulder remained.
"I can do this!" Pan hissed, slowly standing up straight. She winced slightly at the sudden throb in her shoulder from where the most recent blast had hit.
The robots floated in the air, waiting for her next move. She popped her neck, gathered some energy in her palm, until her entire hand was engulfed before tossing at the robots. The robots responded instantly. The blue blast began recaching off the robots, rushing past her beaten form. The longer the blast remained bouncing between the bots, the quicker it went.
She had just reached past her record, twenty minutes and eight seconds, when she landed on her foot awkwardly. The sudden force impacted caused her ankle to buckle and tossing her right into the path of the hurdling blast. Before she could even block, the energy beam collided with her chest. Sending her harshly against the floor. Her back collided with red tile, a scream of pain ripping past her lips as she landed. Her head slamming down with a loud bang. All the oxygen was forced from her lungs. The white ceiling above her grew hazy and black spots flashed across her eyelids. A bout of nausea hit her full force. The bile burnt as it rose in her throat. She clamped her lips shut, swallowing the acidic vile in her esophagus. She closed her eyes as she finally regained her breathing. This time, she didn't stand back up. Instead, she stayed down. Knowing when she was defeated.
Watching from just inside the door way, Vegeta gave a small smirk. He had been watching her the entire time, completely unbeknownst to her. Normally, Vegeta would scolded her for being so sloppy and not sensing his presences. If it had been anyone else, he probably would've. But, not Pan. It had been a disappointment when she had given up on any training or sparring. She had been the only worth opponent still around. He had spent many hours, inside this very room, locked in intense battle with the female saiyan. It didn't matter that she wasn't even technically half a saiyan, she still had more saiyan blood coursing in her veins than human. She was a warrior, a valiant warrior that would've been praised on their home planet.
Shockingly to everyone, including himself, when Pan had just up and stopped meeting him the Gravity room, Vegeta hadn't even so much as mentioned it. He never questioned why she just suddenly stopped or scolded her for being so weak and pathetic. She was grieving. Even he could see that. She needed space and if that meant she didn't want to continue sparring, regrettably and a little painfully, Vegeta would abide her wishes. That had been two years ago and still, he had never mentioned it. Bulla had plenty of times. She constantly hounded him on why he wasn't being his normal self and pitching a fit. He had simply shrugged her off and waltzed into the Gravity Room. That had been the first time he had wondered why in fact; he hadn't said something.
After hours of pounding the life out of robot after robot, until Bulma started to complain that her people were having to fix far too many, he had finally realized why he hadn't acted like himself. And that, realization had completely shaken him to his core. Tossed his world upside down and put him in a foul mood for a few days. He had spent three days, holed up in the Gravity Room. Sending away anyone who came knocking at the door. He didn't eat, didn't sleep – nothing but take out his frustration on the poor, helpless robots.
Vegeta had been in his room when Pan he had sensed the elevation of her energy. Rapidly, he tossed the pointless book he had been reading onto his bed and hurried into the kitchen. Only to find Bulla thoroughly chewing out a distraught looking Trunks. With Pan, nowhere in sight. To say he wasn't happy, was an understatement. He had been a nasty mood all evening and his brain constantly reminding him why, was only making it that much worse. He had spent two hours trying to convince himself that he didn't, and more importantly – shouldn't, care that his brat was taking her out. But, after punching a hole in the shower and nearly scaring one of the maids' half to death after barging out his room, his nagging only got worse. During dinner, Bulla had practically refused to speak him. Stating that if he was going to growl and snap at her for no reason, then he should just keep his mouth shut. So, no, Vegeta wasn't in a glorious mood.
Bulla's threats of disembowelment had successfully peaked the saiyan prince's interested. The minute he made his presences known to the room, Bulla's mouth had snapped shut and Trunks had turned an even more visible shade of white. The two siblings stared at their father for a few minutes, Trunks looking few seconds away from crying and Bulla just completely blank. A small, manacle smile, not too far from the one he used to have, spread on his daughter's lips. She quickly explained the situation, all while stopping Trunks from fleeing from the kitchen. She told him how Pan had come rushing into the kitchen, completely soaked to the bone, covered in mud, and it looked like she had been crying. Then, Trunks had come inside with a busted lip and bloodied nose. It didn't take long for the pieces to click into place and for Vegeta to figure out what had happened. The phone call with Trunks and his friend from earlier rushed to the front of his mind. Rage, so hot and murderous pounded beneath his skin, that for a split second, he feared he'd snap and murder his own son with his bare hands.
Apparently, Trunks had sensed his father's anger and was attempting to flee from the room, when a fist collided with his face and successfully knocked him out. Vegeta, still standing on the other side of the room, stared shockingly at his fuming daughter. Her fist still raised.
"I'll take care of him." Bulla hissed, "Just make sure Pan is okay, daddy? I know you'll take care of her." She smiled and Vegeta couldn't help but wondered if his daughter's word had a hidden meaning behind them.
Another cry passed from Pan's lips. This time in frustration. Vegeta's smirk widen.
"Don't push yourself too hard, brat." She jumped at the sound of his sudden voice. Her head wiping to the side to finally notice his presence. He thought he noticed a blush spread across her cheeks, but he couldn't be sure.
"Did you see that?" Her blush deepened. He had been the last person she wanted to see her little mishap. Any second now, she was waiting for him to fly into her.
"Yes," He started walking closer, "From the beginning."
Pan frowned, "So, are you going to lecture me know?"
"Why would I do that?"
Pan looked up at the man lurking over her, "I don't know, because you're Vegeta." She stated simply.
"And what exactly does that have to do with me lecturing you?" He placed a hand on his hip as he smirked smugly down at her.
The flush on her cheeks began to spread further south as she gazed up at him leaning over her. A few, unsettling yet no less welcoming, thoughts of leaning down even further flashed through her mind. She subconsciously licked her lips as she thought of what it would feel like to have his pressed against hers. She wondered if his kisses would be as fierce, firm, and demanding as he was. Or, if they'd be the total opposite. She shook her head, "I don't know," She muttered, "I just figured you'd berate me for being so careless. I didn't even notice you were standing there." She sounded embarrassed.
Vegeta seemed to mull over her declaration, before offering his hand out for her. "Normally, I supposed I would. You were careless, and had I been an enemy, you'd be left completely open for an attack." He hoisted the female saiyan up with ease.
Pan opened her mouth to testify, but he held his hand up.
"However, I know you've had a lot on your mind, lately. While, that isn't necessarily an excuse for sloppiness and lack of training – it's understandable."
Pan looked at the saiyan prince with wide eyes. Had he, seriously, just said that? That he understood why she hadn't been sparring, let alone doing much of anything else, anymore. "I – uh…I was wondering why you hadn't said anything." She looked down at the ground. A little shameful. She had expected Vegeta to not be concern with her need to mourn or grieve. For two years, she had been nothing more than a shell of her former self. Never leaving the house, only when necessary or when she felt like she was being suffocated. Vegeta, smug, cocky, and arrogant, Vegeta, had been the last person she would've thought would understand and accept what she was wished. Instead, it seemed like he had been the only one to see; she just needed space and time.
She looked down till their still intertwined hands. Her small hand completely engulfed in his much larger one. It felt…right. Like, home. Safe. A welcoming warmth spread from their cradled hands, up her arm and heated her entire body. She didn't want to let go. She didn't want him to let her go. And, Vegeta didn't. His hand never left hers. The two stood there, in complete silence. Pan staring at their hands, while Vegeta watched her. He saw the different emotions flicker past her eyes. Confusion, uncertainty, acceptance, and then finally, contentment. He saw her shoulders relax and all the pent-up frustration and anger bouncing beneath her skin, dissipate. She was completely at ease. No longer concerned or hurt by his ignorant son's foolish doings.
Disappointingly, for Pan and Vegeta, he untangled their hands. Quickly turning on his heels and heading back towards the door. He knew he had to look like an animal running with its tail tucked between its legs, but, if he stayed – he feared he'd do something that he'd regret later. Her addictive scent was beyond overwhelming in this tiny room, especially with the force of her blush and the aftermath of a workout. Her emotions running ramped wasn't helping. So, he fled.
Pan watched, sorrowfully, as Vegeta made for the exit. Had she done something wrong? He had jerked his hand from her grasp like she burnt him. Somehow, the thought of upsetting Vegeta was more hurtful then the entirety of what Trunks had done.
Vegeta paused just in the doorway. A cool breeze swiping inside from the night, clearing the room slightly of her overbearing scent, "If you want to start training again, meet me here every morning at six. That way, you won't have to worry about me not lecturing you ever again." And with that, he left.
The sound of the door hissing close the only sign of his departure. Pan collapsed back down to the floor. This time, slower and far more gentle. She laid spread eagle. Her arms stretched out at her sides. A piece of hair fell across her face. She sighed in attempt to move the hair. Her muscles ached and bones throbbed too much to even bother with moving.
An aggravated sigh passed her lips. "What have I gotten myself into?"