Thank you so much for the reviews :)
ArmyWife22079 – It's one of the two you mentioned first ;p
KaitAstrophe95 – Thank you so much Kaidy *hugs* lmao, I knew you would like it… was cracking up while I wrote it. Awe thanks! :D
Saiyans rule – Thank you! I hate when people do it, too… She will be :)
SonPanssj4 – lol I'm glad you liked it :D I do try to add some humour, not my strongest point, so it makes me happy to get this kind of feedback!
Guest – I will try my best!
Violet Ace – Thank you so much for all the compliments, I do appreciate it greatly. I hope you found my PM helpful :)
lolgirl . lisa - She'll be okay :) Yep, I love them!
Prisci99 – I look forward to reading that one-shot! Let me know when you post it XD
LVR4Trunks-n-Vegeta- Awe, she'll be okay. I'm glad you thought so *smiles*
msanimegeek – Thank you Becca :D Soon ;p lol Yep, she is, nothing too serious though… but there's a reason for it…She'll be fine XD Thanks I'm glad you liked the Goten part lol…
famoso – Awe I'm sorry… didn't make you wait as long this time though… trying to catch up and hopefully I'll be able to move it even closer. Life sometimes get in the way though, but I'll do my best! Thank you, she'll be fine :) Oh they definitely would have… I'm glad you liked it. I will take that into account when they make an appearance :)
SaiyanChik- Thank you Jade. Here ya go… should explain your question :)
Panna-Chan93-TxP – Thank you :) I'm glad you liked it and the Goten part lol. They will appear soon ;p
Kasumi Michealis – You'll see below, sorry *hides* lol… I'm glad you liked it! :D
NiceNipps – She will be :)
Amsim – Here ya go! :D
Awesomegirl789 – Answer below… Here ya go! That kinda rhymes lmao ;p
dianaloveanime – Thank you :)
seoulandheart – Thank you so much! It means a lot :)
MonNos – She will be :)
FoAteAZombie – Thank you :) I will catch up on your stories soon as!
sherrie21 – lol… Thank you so much :)
lovediva100 – Yeah, I think he needs a hug :)
gina314 – Thank you! Here ya go :)
Chapter 12
Trunks flicked the pen back and forth, tapping his foot impatiently as the meeting dragged on. He glanced at his mobile every other second, willing it to ring. What was he doing?! He shouldn't be here… he should be with Pan- Maybe his mother could fly out and take over while he left for Mount. Poazu?
It wasn't the best way to meet her grandparents, or make a first impression, but he knew he would not be able to focus on anything else until he was at her side- taking care of her.
Maybe I should get my doctor to go… I have no idea where Goten has taken her, or what they will do? I need to get over there… Would they welcome me if I just showed up so suddenly, though? What if they don't- He shook his head… No… of course not! I'm Trunks Briefs-
"Mr Briefs…"
Hearing his name jarred him from his thoughts. He looked up at the concerned- some annoyed expressions around the table.
Trunks sighed. "Listen, I'm sure you can continue without me. My assistant will take notes and keep me updated. I will ask my mother to conference in on the rest of the scheduled meetings. Sorry, but I have an urgent matter I need to attend too." He stood up and rushed out, not waiting for any responses and already dialling Goten's number.
###
Trunks paced in the lobby of the building before walking out into the fresh spring air. Goten wasn't answering, and he didn't have a number for Pan's grandparents. He had tried Pan, too, with no luck. Trunks was starting to panic, worst case scenario's playing in his head. No! He couldn't think like that... Maybe they were still at the doctor's, and knowing Goten- even in such a short time. He probably left his mobile at home…
"My Mother…!"
Trunks called his mother, filling her in on the situation and begging her to let him go. To his surprise, she all but demanded he leave for Mount. Poazu immediately! She would take care of the rest in Pepper town.
###
He couldn't get there fast enough! Driving like a maniac and only stopping to relieve himself once or twice… Why didn't I fly to West City first? It would've been much faster to go by plane and drive from there! Idiot Trunks! He reprimanded himself.
Needless to say, he reached Mount Poazu later that evening. His phone battery died somewhere along the journey, and he had left his charger and car-kit back at Goten's place whilst packing in a hurry…
He followed the dirt path as per the directions Pan had given him before she left, until he came to an open clearing. He could see the house lights clearly now- just a few more metres and he would be there!
Trunks checked the time as he exited his car- It was already after 10pm… He suddenly felt anxious. He had driven all this way without calling or thinking it through… He was about to impose on unexpected hosts! Perhaps I should wait until morning. I can stay in the Village I passed not far from here…
He stood in front of the gate for a few more minutes, contemplating… Biting his lip, he decided to take the plunge. He had to know that she was okay, and in all honesty he didn't think he could drive any further.
###
He knocked and waited, feeling uncomfortable and exhausted. After a while, he heard shuffling on the inside before the door swung open.
"Trunks…" Goten looked at him through narrowed, sleepy eyes before squeezing them shut and pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Hi… Sorry, I know it's late, but I've been driving all day. I just need to know if she's okay, my phone died and I was already too far to turn back. I was thinking about going back to the nearby village, but I'll just sleep in my car… Is she better?" He asked in desperation.
Goten regarded his new-found friend- he looked like a lost little lamb, his eyes showing alarming concern and anxiety. "You're crazy…" He mumbled, shaking his head. "Come in..."
###
"Goten, who is it?" A female voice called from the top of the stairs.
"Pan's boyfriend… go back to bed, mom." He replied dully.
"Oh… oh… I'll be down in a minute! Let me make myself presentable and wake your father." Chi-Chi spoke hurriedly, her voice fading as she rushed to her room.
Goten rolled his eyes and shook his head. "You don't have to come down or wake dad." He shouted after her, but knew she would do so regardless.
"Listen, I'm sorry-"
"Stop apologising, Trunks." Goten chuckled. "I had a feeling you would show up," he yawned, swallowing his words. "I tried calling you a few times… Mom called the doctors over, Pan was complaining about her head throbbing, so we thought it best to get him here, rather than traveling out." He plopped down on the couch and Trunks followed suit. "She has strep- highly contagious which means I'll probably be sick next, as I was the one helping her!" he exaggerated… "Anyways, the doc gave her antibiotics and strict instructions to rest for at least a week. He said she was suffering from exhaustion as well. Her body reacted quickly after the change of environment… Way over worked that girl, you should do something about it, Mr CEO!" He mocked.
"Believe me I've tried, she's so determined to do everything on her own. That will change, I can assure you. Thanks, Goten… I'm happy that's she's okay and finally getting the rest she deserves, albeit while fighting illness!" Trunks sighed, a heavy weight lifting off his shoulders, much so that he felt himself drifting off…
###
"Oh my… but isn't he handsome!" Chi-Chi cooed softly, smiling as she scanned Trunks' face.
"Mom…" Goten hissed, leave him. I told you not to come down!"
"Hm…" Trunks eyes shot open when he heard Goten's harsh tone, staring straight at the elderly woman- her eyes sparkling as she smiled at him. He stood up, a light blush forming across his cheeks. "Mrs Son, I presume… thank you for taking care of Pan… sorry for the intrusion." He bowed.
"There's no need for such formalities, and please, call me, Chi-Chi… My granddaughter is lucky to have such a caring man, who would drive for hours to see her!" she crooned dreamily.
"I'm the lucky one- really." Trunks replied modestly. "I am terribly sorry for my tardiness…" He apologised again.
"Oh, don't worry about it… You must be starving! I'll cook you something… My husband is asleep, but I bet as soon as he gets a whiff of the food, he'll join us." Chi-Chi giggled. "Please, make yourself at home… Goten! Show Trunks to your room, you can sleep on the couch…"
Goten groaned miserably, "why do I get the couch?"
"He's our guest, mister… and look, you already made yourself a bed there!" She pointed to him lying on the couch, covered with a blanket.
"Fine!" He threw the blankets off and got up… "Come on, Trunks…"
###
"Are you always so grumpy when you wake up?" Trunks chuckled as he followed Goten.
"Pretty much… Remind me to give you a flu-mask before you disturb my niece."
"Sure… Hey, I don't want to put you out, I can take the couch if you like?" Trunks shrugged.
"And get attacked with the frying pan of doom, no thanks… you sleep in the room. You know, I've never seen my mother take a liking to someone so easily…" Goten managed a grin.
"Frying pan of doom…? Do I even want to know?" Trunks raised his brow in question.
"Ask Pan or my dad… they know all about that dreaded thing... Not mom though, or she'll take it out and we don't want that…!" He cringed. "Well, I'll leave you to it then. She's in that room…" Goten pointed to the door next to his.
###
After a delicious and very late meal, joined by Goten, his mother and father- whom Trunks immediately took a liking to… the man had a gentle and friendly aura about him, nothing but kindness shone through his eyes. They had welcomed him without hesitation, treating him as if he'd been part of their family for years-, Trunks finally made his way to the bathroom to freshen up…
He lingered in his room for about an hour, unable to sleep and anxious to see Pan. Feeling restless, he opened the door slowly, biting his teeth and praying that it wouldn't creek. He listened for any noise or movement- thankful that there was none.
Sighing with relief, he closed the door behind him before stealthily making his way to her room.
###
Tunks kissed her forehead tenderly- she was still warm. He trailed his lips lightly over her cheek, burying his head in her neck.
"Mm…" she moaned. "Trunks… "
He looked up at her and smiled- her eyes were still closed…
"Trunks…" Her eyes fluttered open, she smacked her lips together… her mouth was dry and floury. "Am I dreaming…? Water…" she gestured to the bottled water on the nightstand."
He held the straw to her mouth as she sipped. "I'm here… How are you feeling, Cupcake…?" He asked as he put the bottle down. He wanted to kiss her, take away the pain. "I came to kiss your boo-boo's," he pouted, sticking out his bottom lip.
She giggled, but it quickly turned into an agonizing groan as the pain assaulted her throat and head. "Hurts… kiss…"
He obliged, peppering kisses on her head, moving down to her temples and finally her throat- He could feel the puffiness against his lips. "My poor baby…" he fussed.
"You're going to get sick…"
"Too late… you'll just have to take care of me then…" He imagined what it would be like to have her fret over him while he was stuck in bed, before shaking his head… Now's not the time, Trunks. "Can I climb in?"
"Grandma will not approve." She warned
"She likes me…" He countered.
"All the more reason… She'll worry about you then."
"Few minutes?" He gave her his best pout and she caved, just like he knew she would.
"I'm not looking after you when you're sick."
He climbed in behind her, pulling her back against his chest. "I'll hire a sexy nurse then…"
She smacked his hand weakly and hmphed.
He chuckled… "Sleep my love. I'll feed you ice-cream for breakfast."
"If you can get it past Grandma…" she muttered, cuddling against him.
He rubbed his nose against her hair and closed his eyes… "Hm… I'll do my best! Now sleep…" Just a few more minutes…
###
Trunks opened his eyes after what felt like a few minutes to him, gazing directly at a stern looking Chi-Chi, though he could see the mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Sorry," he whispered apologetically while slowly moving away from Pan. "I just wanted to see her for a few minutes…" He noticed the tray in the older woman's hands and frowned as he scanned the room- The curtains were open and light was streaming in… "Huh…?"
"Try a few hours…" Chi-Chi replied coolly. "You must've been a handful when you were younger… just like my Goten!" she smiled kindly. "It's okay; I'll leave you to make sure she eats then? Don't forget her meds…" She placed the tray on the nightstand, her eyes lingering on the pair for just a moment longer before leaving them be…
###
Four days later, Pan was feeling close to her old self… Although, as the days dragged on she felt frustrated- more than ready to get back to her bakery and normal routine. It was also the first time Trunks and her grandmother had allowed her out of the room…
However, the day before, her grandfather had suggested that her grandmother have Trunks accompany her to the Village where she could show him around before doing her shopping. Goten had left the Sunday, but called often to check on Pan, complaining that his throat felt weird, though it never got any worse than that. Trunks also called his mother to give her an update on Pan's condition, and she filled him in on how things were progressing in Pepper Town, well aware that his phone was out of commission.
So, while Trunks and Chi-Chi were away, Goku let Pan out- knowing that she was at her wits end… taking her for a walk along the river bank…
They stopped at a patch of grass that had just caught the shade of the tall pine trees- Lying on their backs as they watched the clouds roll by.
"You seem happy, Panny…" Goku voiced just as she was dozing off…
"I am…" she replied without opening her eyes. "I feel like a new person thanks to Trunks… It has nothing to do with his looks and status- that's just an added bonus! It's his outlook on life, the essence that is him… It's how he treats me, mind you it can get a bit overbearing at times, but he knows when to retract… that's the beauty of it- of him…" She had missed talking to her grandpa, she always felt at ease and could tell him anything in confidence, knowing he would never judge her, but give her sound advice when needed. She only wished that she could turn back time… believing that had she gone to him when her father disowned her, that her grandpa wouldn't have turned his back on her. But, she never dreamt of putting them in that position, especially when they were depending on her father, financially.
"He's a well-grounded young man, and he loves you, Panny! I see the way he looks at you, the subtle touches- like he wants to be assured that you're real. Treasure him, Pan-Chan as he does you… Don't be afraid to tell him how you feel and what you want. I sense that he's afraid, as are you. You've both had your share of disappointment and heartache, albeit not for the same reasons… But, it's there." Goku turned to look at her. "I know this may sound out of the ordinary, but very rarely do you come across two people so in sync that they emit such a powerful aura, touching everyone around them. Serendipity…" he chuckled… "You know it's funny, you said 'that's the beauty of him' just now... last night when he was talking about you, his eyes glazed over and his exact words were 'beauty in all she is', then he sighed and said the most peculiar thing- 'Oh my Stars'."
Pan laughed agreeably, joined by Goku. "Yep, he's always saying it… kinda cute huh? What else did he say about me?"
"If you say so, I'm not sure I was meant to hear that part though, so I didn't comment- amusing boy… he reminds me of a mature Goten… All good things, Panny… and that's all you need to know." He winked.
Pan blushed returning her gaze to the sky. "Look, grandpa! A dragon…" Pan giggled, pointing to the cloud.
###
He twisted the phone cord around his finger… Was he doing the right thing? Maybe he should- No! But, he needed to know more about this relationship that he wasn't all too happy about, especially with it being splashed all over the media. He was still angry and disappointed! This was not how he envisioned things. He had lost a major investment and good friends because of her disappearance!
With his mind made up, he dialled and waited…
"Capsule Corps Headquarters, how may I be of assistance?" A female voice greeted on the other end of the line.
"I would like to speak with, Trunks Briefs…" He stated bluntly.
"Who may I ask is calling?" The women asked politely, though her voice was laced with confusion.
"The CEO of Satan Enterprises..."
"Oh…err" she stuttered. This man was well-known and an important asset in the business world, but why would he be calling her boss? Well, it was none of her business… She collected herself quickly before continuing in a professional tone. "I'm sorry, sir. Mr Briefs is out of town and unreachable at the moment-"
"Can I make an appointment to meet with him when he's back then?" He interrupted.
She cringed, discreetly clearing her throat. "I'm not sure when he'll be back, I can direct you to his mother-"
"No!" He interjected once again. "I want to see him. I'll leave my details, and you can call me with a suitable time when your boss is back in town…"
