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Chapter 5

Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined being this close to Trunks Briefs. Yet, here he is lying beside me on my bed, which is covered with a faded comforter I've owned since I was a pre-teen. Not once since the day I met him, has he judged me, or treated me as if I was inferior to him. Albeit, the same couldn't be said for some of the other people in his life!

He turns his head, and looks at me. His eyes scrutinizing mine… I know he's shocked and surprised at my living conditions, and where I live too. I hear it in his voice, and see it written all over his face, but it still doesn't change the way he is with me. If anything, I'd say he made himself very comfortable in this little box I call a room. How did I get so lucky to have met such an incredible man, and friend?

I sigh, and can already feel the water-works coming. Talking about my family is not an easy task. He moves one of his arms from behind his head, and grabs my hand. His touch is warm, comforting, and his hands are so soft - Probably from never washing a dish in his life, or doing any hard work for that matter. I shouldn't be nasty; I had a similar life when I was young.

"It's ok Pan, you can talk when you're ready," he whispers while running his thumb over my hand soothingly.

I realise that I'm already crying, and bite my lip to choke back a sob. I can't stop though; I've been storing all these feelings for years with no one to talk to. Well, no one I trusted enough. All this anger, frustration, longing and so much more…ever since I left home! Now, I'm finally letting go. The glue that was holding me together coming undone, all because of this amazing friend I found in Trunks. It feels good to have this release, but I don't know if I want to burden him with my problems too, when he has so many of his own.

I close my eyes trying to stop the tears, and I feel him shifting his body, moving closer and wrapping his arms around my form - One arm under my neck and around my shoulders, the other around my waist. My head resting against his shoulder, with my nose nearly in the crook of his neck, and my arms bent in between us.

"Shh… It's okay…" He whispers, laying his head on mine, and rubbing my back gently.

I move closer, my face in the crook of his neck now, my nose rubbing against the hood of the top he's still wearing. No one has comforted me in years, or just asked me how my life is- If I was happy and so on...

"I'm sorry…" I'm sobbing now, and highly embarrassed.

"No need to apologise, I'm here for you… let it all out. That's what friends are for, right?"

Yes, indeed. I know now, in this very moment that I can trust him, even with only knowing him for a few weeks. I finally gain control of the sobbing. "I miss them so much, Trunks…"

"Feel like telling me your story now?"

I nod my head. "My parents wanted me to study business and finance, so I could take over Satan Enterprises after they retired. As you know my Grandpa Satan died many years ago, I was still a baby at the time. My mother took over as CEO, with my father at her side - equal partnership. They had my whole life mapped out since the day I was born."

He loosens his hold, turning on his back, bringing me with so that my head is resting on his chest. I lay my arm across his belly with my hand also on his chest, playing with the string for the hood of his top.

"They already knew who I was going to marry too. I was promised to a close friend of the family's son." I let out a shaky breathe before continuing. "My parents started grooming me soon after I started walking and talking, but when I reached puberty I rebelled, in a way."

"Oh My Stars! I can't believe they already had you married off before you were able to sit! That's just crazy, in my opinion, anyways continue. I'm sorry for interrupting." His low baritone voice vibrating through my body, sending a shiver up my spine! I ignored the sensation as something that happened because I wasn't expecting him to speak.

"I was home schooled until aged thirteen, after that I went to Orange Star High. The same school my parents attended. That's where I learned that I could make my own decisions. I never worried with boys though, because I knew my parents would disapprove."

I take a deep breath, and glance up at him. He is staring at the ceiling, but catches me just as I'm about to look away. He gives me a small smile, and looks back up. I take it as a sign that he is listening intently to what I am saying.

"When my friends asked me what I was going to do after school, and I explained what my parents wanted from me. They would look at me as if I had grown a second head, but they never commented, just nodded in understanding I guess. It was only in my senior year that I realised I was unhappy with my life, and the decisions my parents were making for me. Also, how stupid I must've sounded to my friends, expressing my parents' wishes for my future," here come the tears again.

He places his finger under my chin, and lifts my head gently until I can look him in the eye. Wiping my wet cheek with his thumb… I shake my head, and move out of his embrace, sitting up against the pillows. I don't want to take advantage of his kindness.

"It's getting late, and it's a long drive home, Trunks. We can continue some other time if you want?"

"I said I wanted to hear your story, which means all of it. I'm all ears…" He replies, also sitting up and crossing his arms over his 'tear-stained' chest.

"I'm ok, besides it's only after eight. I'm used to pulling all-nighters, unless you're tired…? Are you hungry? I just realised I haven't had dinner."

"I'm not tired, besides I'm a very bad sleeper. I usually only go to bed around midnight, unless I'm exhausted. I am a bit hungry though; I can make some Instant Ramen… Sorry it's all I have at the moment, and I have to go to the kitchen to make it."

"How about we go and get something to eat? You can pack some clothes, and stay over at Capsule for the night. I have guest rooms in my wing, or you can stay with my sister if it makes you feel more comfortable. I'm sure she won't mind."

I bite my lip, and can't help feeling that he's only trying to get me out of here, because he doesn't like the area, and because he's stuck in this box due to my roommates. I hate living here too, not that I'm ungrateful for having a roof over my head, but the thought of staying over at Capsule is very tempting. It also means I don't have to get up at the break of dawn to get to work in the morning.

"I can eat the Ramen, and you can get your food on the way home. I'm fine with it. I don't know if me sleeping over is a good idea anyways. What will your family think if they see me, or find out? I'm not like that, Trunks."

"Like what? You're my friend, and I'm a grown man. They won't think anything of it. I am not letting you eat Ramen for dinner, and besides I hardly got to see you today. I want to hear more about your life too, so don't leave me hanging."

"Hey, there's nothing wrong with Instant Ramen, it's practically all I can afford at the moment. I don't know if I should Trunks, you don't even know me that long. What if the media sees me and word spreads that you have some unattractive women in second-hand clothing staying over?"

He looks at me and frowns. "I know you well enough, besides it's not like we're sleeping in the same bed. I don't care what the media, or anyone says, and I don't have a problem with the way you look, or the clothes you wear."

Kami, he's so stubborn. I have a feeling he won't leave until I'm with him. "I'll stay here, Trunks…"

"Then I'm staying too, and I'll make you bake me something, but just remember I'm not going to sit here while you're busy. I will join you in the kitchen." He smirks at me, knowing full well that I won't let him out into the rest of the house with all those 'vultures'.

"Fine, I'll go with you," I agree, albeit reluctantly.

"Great, I'll order some food to be delivered to my house. Is pizza ok, or do you want something different?"

"No, pizza's fine, but you can order that here too you know."

"I only order from one place, and I doubt they would deliver here - even if it's for me."

"I'll get my things while you order then…"

###

We don't say much on the drive back to Capsule. I must admit the silence was comfortable, and gives me a chance to prepare for the second part of my life story.

###

His place is gorgeous, very masculine, and is as big as an average house. I didn't want to imagine how big Capsule really is. We're standing in the huge lounge, and connected to it are an open planned kitchen and dining room. I follow him down a passage next to the kitchen, where all the bedrooms are, to the second last door.

"That's my room," he points to a door at the end of the passage, adjacent to the one we're standing at.

###

My jaw drops as we enter the room; it's at least three times the size of the one I currently occupy, maybe even bigger! It has beautiful mahogany furniture - cupboard, chest of drawers, dressing table and even a canopy bed with matching bedside tables. Coming from a rich family this kind of setting is not new to me, but it's been so long since I've been surrounded by such gorgeous things, and it kind of reminds me of home.

"I'll leave you to get settled, the bathroom is through that door there," he points to another door attached to the room. I need to go and collect the Pizza from the main kitchen; you can join me in the lounge when you're ready."

I drop my bag next to the cupboard, and open the doors. It's empty… I check the rest of the furniture, all empty. I don't have to do much to get settled, it's not like I'm moving in, so I decide to wait in the lounge.

###

He returns with the pizza, and leaves it on the coffee table. Walking to the kitchen to get some sodas and napkins… We settle on the sofa, and eat the most delicious pizza I've ever tasted!

"My mother says I should thank you again for all your hard work today" he says between bites.

"She knows I'm here!?"

"Yeah…" He replies, shrugging his shoulders.

"And she's fine with it?"

"Of course, why wouldn't she be? I'm a big boy." He grins at me, lifting the soda can in the air before taking a sip.

###

After eating, I try clearing the empty boxes and soda cans, but he pulls me back down onto the sofa.

"Leave it. I'll clean it up later. How about we continue with your story?"

I turn to face him, placing my feet under me on the sofa. My knees almost touching his leg… He moves further down so that his head is resting on the back of one of the big pillows, and places his feet on the coffee table. The pizza boxes falling on the floor in the process…

"I'll pick it up later" he whispers, probably sensing that I want to get it.

"Let's continue then," I sigh, my voice cracking a bit. "I sat my parent's down before my high school graduation, to try and explain that I wanted to follow a different path to the one they had chosen for me. I told them that I intended to become a chef. I always loved cooking, and more so baking. I used to help my grandmother in the kitchen every chance I got." His eyes are closed, and he nods whenever it's appropriate as a sign that he's indeed listening.

My one arm is resting on the other pillow, and I am so tempted to run my hand through his hair for some reason I can't explain, but I don't as he might get the wrong idea. Which I doubt as well...

"I told them that I was not ready for marriage, especially with someone I didn't love. To be honest I couldn't stand the guy anyway. To say they were livid is an understatement, and they even threatened to disown me if I didn't comply with their wishes."

"Are you serious, they actually did that!" he looks over at me, and frowns.

I nod my head "My parents are very strict, and expected me to do exactly what they wanted, and always told me they knew what's best for me. They tried to persuade me every day since then, and even asked my 'Fiancé's' parents to speak with me about the arrangement between the two families." I wipe a few tears away, "eventually my father stopped talking to me, my mother following suite soon after; explaining that she had to abide by his wishes for the sake of their marriage. My father refused to pay for my studies, and told me I had to leave, and that I was to have no contact with any of my family. He had kept to his word, and disowned me." I am sobbing now, and Trunks cradles me in his arms.

"That's appalling Pan, I never thought parents could be so cruel. You must've felt so alone once you left your home." He says while trying to comfort me.

I manage to once again get the sobbing under control, at least enough to continue speaking. "I had some money saved up which I earned when working weekends and holidays at the family business. I came to West City as the school I wanted to attend is located here. I rented a room from an advertisement someone placed in the paper. The girl turned out to be very sweet, and she was around the same age as me, so it was perfect. I applied for student loans, and worked at a local supermarket, taking on all the crap hours no one else wanted." I move out of his embrace, sitting in the same position as earlier.

"You did all of this on your own? Wow! That's a big risk to take, coming to a new Town, and starting from rock bottom."

"I did indeed, and I'm proud to say one year later, I started college. I still worked at the supermarket as well. My final year of college, I started as an apprentice at Capsule Hotel, that's where my love for pastry was born. When I graduated, I continued working there, moving up the ladder quickly as they were very impressed with the quality of my work.

"As they should've been, no one can bake like you, Pan Son!"

I smile at him. He's so cute, always giving me praises and making me feel like I'm worth something. "I eventually heard about the mini mall the 'Capsule Corps President' created in the lobby of the famous building, for people wanting to start a business and you obviously know the rest. I managed to secure a loan from the bank, because of my excellent record at the time - can't say the same now though. I invested everything I had into my business, but progress was slow, and I started falling behind on payments." This time I run my hand through his hair, my nails grazing his sculp. It's so soft and silky, my fingers gliding through it.

"That feels nice…" he looks at me through half lidded eyes, and smile lazily.

I smile lightly, and continue brushing his purple locks with my fingers. My eyes and nose feel swollen, and my cheeks were cold, because of the drying tears. "In the end I had to sell my car, and whatever valuables I had lying around to keep up with payments, but that didn't help for long. Eventually, I couldn't afford to pay my rent. Kelly, who works for me offered me a room, free of charge at her parents' house, and she also took a pay cut in the process. That's where I currently reside.

"Have you not talked with any of your family since you left?"

"My father made it very clear that I couldn't return, and said that I am on my own, they won't help me at all. He even went as far as to include the rest of the family; they had no choice as my father looks after all of them financially. He even cut me off from my inheritance that Grandpa Satan left me."

"I want to help you Pan, I can't stand that you are suffering like this. You work so hard every day. You know what? I don't want you to pay for the shop space anymore. I will speak to the person in charge of the mall first thing tomorrow, and whatever you've paid so far I'm returning to you."

"No! Trunks, you can't do that. It's not fair to everyone else who has a business there."

"Of course I can, it's my company and I want you to keep your business there rent free. Well, you have to give me free cakes for life though." He's serious, and I burst out laughing.

"People will talk Trunks. I don't want to be known as a gold-digger, or the poor girl who Trunks Briefs took pity on. They may not even buy from me anymore if they find out; you don't know how 'clicky' they are.

He grabs my hand, "Pan, please I hate seeing you like this, and I hate that you are going through so much just to stay afloat. Let me do this so you can get on your feet again, and move out of that horrible neighbourhood. You know what, I'm giving you a car too, no more public transport for you!"

"What? No! You can't just give me a car, are you insane! I'm not your latest charity case, Trunks. I appreciate the gesture, but I have to do this on my own."

"I never said you were a charity case. You are my friend, and I want to help you. So you can prove to your family that you made the right decision, and maybe they will learn to accept it. I see how much you long for them Pan. I hear it in the way you speak, and because of the tears you've been shedding. Let me help you prove to your father how wrong he was to push you away. Let me help you show them what an amazing women and chef you turned out to be. I've never met anyone as brave and strong willed as you. How you did this on your own is beyond me, but you are not alone anymore. I hate to break it to you, but you're stuck with me, and my 'I don't take no for an answer' ways."