-1Exhale

Chapter 3: Truth Be Told

SeverelyAlone

"Bra, whoa! What's the big idea?" Pan said while forcefully snatching her hand away from my grasp. I looked at her and saw shock written all over the poor girl's face. Aw, she looks like she doesn't know what hit her.

I snickered and quickly regained my serious face. "Well, I really, really need to talk to you about something. Something important," I said looking away with a hint of embarrassment.

"Well, what is it? It better be something good after that scene you just pulled downstairs. I'm surprised I didn't lose my arm!" said Pan as she laid her hand on her arm protectively.

I walked over to my bed and motioned for Pan to do the same. She noticed my gesture and swiftly made her way over. I watched as she threw herself onto my bed. I turned towards her as I swung one of my legs over the other and let it dangle alongside my bed. I looked over to see her lying on her side with her hand supporting her head. She looked a little anxious and I was guessing she had planned to spend a little time with Trunks before going to sleep.

We sat there for a few minutes while I tried to figure out the best way to start this unintended conversation. I noticed Pan was beginning to grow impatient with me.

"Well, are you going to tell me or what?" she asked. I stared at her for a moment and saw realization hit her. She knew this was going to be hard for me to tell her. I watched as her facial expression drew concerned. She sat up from the position she was lying in and said, "What's wrong, Bra?"

I looked down at my shoes and sighed. "Well, you see. There's this guy." I slowly traced my eyes back to Pan and saw her expression had not changed. I began to fidget with my fingers and blushed at the thought of her now knowing the untimely truth.

oOoOoOo

I watched Bra rather intently as I saw her gaze drop down and rest on her shoes. Wow, this must be some guy if she's reacting this strongly about him. This isn't like her.

I know she's had a good share of crushes, but this looks to me like she might seriously be in love with this guy. Bra, in love? I don't think that thought has ever crossed my mind. It was unthinkable!

I leaned toward Bra and put my hands on her arms to get her full attention. "Bra?" I asked. She lifted her head up a little, but her eyes were still nailed to the floor. "Are you in love with this guy?" I asked very seriously.

Hearing my last question she looked up at me and I could see tears beginning to form in her eyes. Whoa, this is serious, I thought.

"Yea, I do," she said with a whisper. All of a sudden she began to burst with emotion as a few tears fell from her eyes, "But Pan, you don't understand how long I've kept this secret to myself. Something like this could have ruined our friendship or-"

"Whoa, whoa, Bra! Calm down! Why would you being in love ruin our friendship? If anything I would be happy for you," I said trying to soothe her. I smiled until a thought came to my mind, Wait, who exactly is she talking about? If she's worried about it interfering with our friendship than it would have to be someone I know.

I started going through a list of guys in my head until I came to one in particular, Goten. He was her best friend and my uncle at that. Wait, no, it can't be Goten, she said she's been keeping this secret to herself for awhile. She's never shown the lightest hint of ever being in love with him. Then another thought hit me. But then again, I was in love with her brother for five years before we got together, and I never showed any feelings towards him whatsoever. I looked up at her as realization had dawned on me. Oh, no..

oOoOoOo

She knows. I can see it in her eyes. "Pan, I-"

"Who is it?" she asked rather calmly, "Do I know him?" With that said, I sighed once again. Well, it's now or never, Bra.

"Well, you see, that's kind of the problem. You know him very well,"

"It's Goten, isn't it? You're in love with my uncle," she said with a smirk beginning to appear on her face, "Bra Briefs is in love? I never thought I would see the day!" she said with too much excitement than I would have liked. She jumped up for joy and gave me a huge hug.

"Pan, be quiet before someone hears you!" I said in a harsh whisper. I grabbed a hold of her to stop her from jumping all over my bed.

"Oh, right, sorry," she said while covering her mouth. She sat back down on my bed and regained her poise.

"I can't believe this Bra! How long have you been in love with my uncle?"

I became a little nervous. I wasn't expecting her to be so thrilled about the whole situation especially since it was her uncle we were talking about. "Uh, I don't know. Three years?"

"That's crazy!" she shouted, "Does my uncle know yet?"

"Well, no, but you can't say anything, Pan! I mean it! I don't want it to get in the way of mine and his friendship," I trailed off quietly.

"You're going to have to tell him eventually, Bra. You can't keep something like that a secret forever," she stated.

"I know, I know, but he's with Paris and I don't want to jeopardize his relationship with her. She means everything to him and he's happy with her," I felt the tears beginning to sting my eyes as I remembered the reason I had wanted to come home so badly in the first place. He mentioned marriage. He loves her enough that he wants to spend the rest of his life with her. I felt a lump rise in my throat as I tried desperately not to break down. There was no way I could tell him now, not when he thought so much of Paris. I can't tell him. It would ruin everything.

oOoOoOo

Bra was right. My uncle was in love with Paris and he certainly was one to let it be known to everyone. I watched Bra closely. I could tell she was trying really hard to hide her real emotions, but out of the corner of her eye I saw a crystalline tear threatening to fall. I felt sorry for her at that moment. I could have been in her place if I hadn't told Trunks how I felt.

"Look, Bra, just don't give up hope, okay? It could happen, anything's possible. Don't forget that," I tried to comfort her, but I knew it would be no help. She was certainly going to suffer from a broken heart in the end. I just wasn't sure if she would be able to put it back together. It was hard enough for my uncle Goten to be her first love, but for her first heartbreak as well? That would be too painful, even for the Princess of all Saiyans.

oOoOoOo

"It's okay, Pan, I'll be fine," I said as I wiped away a tear out of the corner of my eye, "It just wasn't meant to be, you know?"

Pan looked as though she was surprised I was handling the situation as well as I was.

"Bra, don't expect things to go perfectly well with my uncle and Paris. Relationships fall apart all the time when you least expect it," she said while looking me straight in the eyes, "There's always a chance that you could be the real love of his life."

"I don't know, Pan," I said feeling a little better, "He mentioned marriage tonight when we went out to eat. He suggested that I do his and Paris's wedding photos if they get married."

"Well, what did you say?" she asked a bit concerned.

"I didn't react well, but only he noticed. Paris wasn't paying any attention. I was too shocked at first and I couldn't think of what to say. He just stared at me like I had slapped him in the face."

"So, wait a minute, my uncle invited YOU out on his date with Paris?"

"Well, it wasn't exactly a date, Pan. He just wanted to take us out to the new Les Lumieres restaurant," I said. I stared at Pan as I saw a smirk work its way onto her face, "What?" I asked.

"Bra, Paris and Goten are together. Anytime they go out to dinner or whatever that pretty much classifies as a date, especially if it's Les Lumieres. He obviously sees you as a significant part of his life as well as Paris."

"I don't know, Pan. I am his best friend after all. But then again, he did invite me to go to Las Vegas with him next weekend," I said proudly.

"WHOA! WHAT?!" Pan yelled. "Are you serious?" She was obviously shocked now.

"Well, yea, but that's only because Paris couldn't get off work next weekend and he's already made all the arrangements," I said losing hope.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. I remember Paris and him bringing up the whole Las Vegas trip to my grandma and mom. That was about two months ago, and let me tell you something. Paris was thrilled about it, and she even told my grandma she'd be able to get off work with no problems," Pan's brow furrowed as she rose a hand to her chin, "I don't know what the deal has been lately with Paris, but I get the feeling she's been trying to avoid my uncle on purpose."

I looked at her with confusion, "Now, why would she do that?" I asked.

Pan pointed her finger at me and said, "Good question. All I know is that I'm going to be keeping my eye on her."

I let out a small giggle. I found it funny that Pan was over exaggerating about nothing. Just because Paris couldn't make it on one trip didn't mean anything. I shook my head at Pan's ridiculous thoughts only gaining a slight glare from her.

"Bra, I'm being serious," she said raising her voice a bit while crossing her arms.

"Ok, ok, gees," I said trying to lighten up the mood, "I was just kidding."

She made her way over to my bedroom door and unlocked it. She turned to face me.

"Yea, well, anyways I guess I'm going to go see what your brother is up to," saying that she only gained a smirk on my part.

"What?" she asked. I knew she was using the 'you-pissed-me-off-so-I'm-leaving' routine as an excuse to ditch me for my brother.

"Oh, c'mon, you're going to go see what my brother is UP to? I know damn well what you two will be up to so just get out," I said trying to sound serious but failing miserably. I threw a pillow aiming at her.

"Oh my Kami, Bra! Shut up!" she said embarrassingly. I noticed her cheeks turn two shades of red and couldn't help but laugh. She flinched when the pillow hit her.

"What? It's the truth, isn't it? Or is my brother not putting out?" I burst out into a fit of laughter as I saw my brother appear in the doorway. Pan's entire face went red as she noticed him standing there. I had never seen Pan make so many different facial expressions in such a short amount of time. I'm getting a kick out of this.

"Ha-ha, very funny, Bra," my brother said looking a bit annoyed. He shook his head and I watched as a smile took over his face, "Actually," he said, "it's the other way around."

I began to laugh hysterically as my brother and I ganged up on her playfully. I looked over to see Pan's face buried into the pillow I had thrown at her. She quickly jerked her head up and said, "You guys are horrible! You two are always ganging up on me! It's not fair! If uncle Goten was here then he would stick up for me," She put on her best sad face, but it wasn't long before she joined us in our fits of laughter.

"Ok, well you two are going to have to take it somewhere else because I need to get some rest," I said while taking off my shoes.

"Alright, alright. I'll see you in the morning, Bra," said Pan as she made her way to the door. I watched as she reached over and held my brother's hand in hers. I couldn't help but think of how much I wanted to have someone to do that with.

As Trunks was about to shut my door, he quickly pushed it open and said, "Oh, yea. Remember to knock before barging into my room next time," he said with a smirk. The last time I went into my brother's room without knocking I had walked in on the two of them in a pretty disturbing situation which I never wanted to see again.

"Trunks!" Pan said as she slapped him on the arm, "Shut up!"

"Don't worry, I won't," I said sarcastically. Never again, I thought.

I quickly changed into some pajama pants and a tank top and made my way over to my bed, hitting the light switch along the way. The moon was still shining brightly through my window illuminating everything in my room. As I reached my bed I sat down and pulled my cell phone out of my purse and placed it on my nightstand. I pulled the covers back and hopped into bed. I laid down and heard a beep come from my cell phone. I looked over and saw that it was almost midnight. I wonder who's texting me?

I leaned over and grabbed my cell phone and flipped open the cover.

1 New Text Message.

I hit the select button and read the message.

Hey, B. I'll see you in the morning.

Goodnight and sweet dreams.

Love, Goten.

I smiled and wrote him back telling him goodnight as well.

I placed my phone back on my nightstand and recovered myself with my blankets.

I love you, Goten, I thought with a smile before drifting off into my dreams of him.

oOoOoOo

I quietly led Pan down the long hallway to my bedroom while gripping her hand tightly. She seemed a little distant after the talk she and Bra obviously just had. I wasn't a fool when it came to reading people like a book. I could clearly see that something was wrong with my sister, and it had clearly rubbed off on my girlfriend as well.

"So, Pan," I began. Pan came back to reality as she heard her name being mentioned. She directed her attention toward me, "what were you and my sister talking about?"

She sighed as we reached the door to my room, "Just, girl stuff, you know?"

I opened my door and led her over to my bed. I sat down and she stood in front of me still holding my hand. I took her other hand in mine as well and continued to stare at her while I ran my fingers over her soft silky skin.

"Well, are you going to tell me what you two were really talking about or what?" I said. I knew there was something she didn't want to tell me, and I didn't know if I should push the subject or not.

"I don't know, Trunks. I promised your sister I wouldn't say anything and-"

"Sshh," I said as I put my hand over her mouth, "A promise is a promise."

She smiled and I could immediately see she was relieved. I leaned back on my bed and pulled her down with me. I ran my fingers across her cheek and pulled her face closer to mine. I gave her sweet kisses at first. It wasn't long before they turned into passionate ones. I loved this woman more than anything in the world, and nothing would ever keep us apart. Nothing.

oOoOoOo

I gradually woke up as I heard the continuous, irritating buzz of my alarm clock. I couldn't find the strength to open my eyes so I blindly found the switch to end the most annoying sound in the world. I yawned and eventually looked at the time.

9:04. I got up and quickly made my bed. If I was correct, Goten would be trotting through the front door by ten so I needed to make sure I was up and ready. After I finished making my bed, I walked over to the closet to pick out the day's attire. Hhmm, what should I wear? I started digging through my closet and finally chose a white tank top, a black hoodie, and a pair of blue jeans and carefully laid them out on my bed.

After taking a cold shower, I hurriedly walked over to my nightstand and picked up my cell phone. A missed call from Goten? What time is it? I quickly looked over to my clock.

"9:49?!" Damn! I better hurry!

I quickly threw on my clothes, and ran over to my closet.

"Oh, c'mon! Where are they?" I hastily began to search for my favorite pair of shoes, "C'mon.." I began to get frustrated.

"Here they are," I said as I pulled out my converses from a huge pile of shoes. I shoved them on to my feet and quickly tied my shoe laces. I ran into the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. My hair was still wet, and I looked like some kind of street rodent. Great!

I reached for my hair dryer and abruptly stopped my hand. No, I don't have time. I flared my ki a little just enough to dry my hair. Thank Kami for ki, I thought as I reached over and grabbed my make-up bag.

I stole a glance at my clock, 9:58, oh, no.

I dug out my mascara and quickly, but carefully began to apply it to my eyelashes. And just when I thought I was in the safe zone, Goten comes barging through my door. Shit!

oOoOoOo

If I knew Bra, she would not be up and ready until ten. However, unbeknownst to her, I had decided to get a head start today. I decided it would be best if I talked to Bulma and Vegeta alone about her traveling to Las Vegas with me. I knew she tended to get a little distressed when it came to asking her parents for permission. And if I knew her, she would be on her knees begging by the end of the conversation.

I knew if I had a mature discussion with her parents than they would most likely let her go. They were a little timid at first, but they finally approved. That was easier than I thought. However, there was no getting passed Vegeta's cold stares and the 'if-you-let-anything-happen-to-my-daughter-I'll-kill-you' speech. Bra's going to be surprised, I thought while rushing up the stairs.

I spotted her door and swiftly made my way over to it like so many times before. I slowly opened her bedroom door and saw that her bed was neatly made. Yep, she's up. I smiled to myself.

I peeped around and noticed her bathroom door was ajar. I watched as she stole a glimpse from around the corner.

"Goten!" she said in an irritated tone.

"What did I do?" I asked innocently. I walked over and stood in the doorway of her bathroom. She turned and looked at me and I could see she was only wearing some mascara. She quickly hid her face in her hands.

"I don't have any make-up on, Goten," she said quietly.

I walked over to her and gently removed her soft hands from her face. She looked straight down at her shoes, and I smiled as I saw she was wearing the converses I gave her for her last birthday.

"Bra, look at me," I said in a serious tone.

"Goten, no, just let me finish-" I interrupted her.

"Bra, you don't need to hide behind your make-up," I said as I held her hands in mine. She looked up at me, "you're just as beautiful without it, B."

She smiled at me and her cheeks turned slightly pink. She turned her head to the side and looked away while trying to hide her flushed face. I leaned down to give her a kiss on her cheek and didn't notice what she was about to do. At the last minute, she turned her head towards me and was about to say something when my lips met hers.

I couldn't move. It was like my body just completely froze up and I had lost all my will power. Our lips locked for a second, and then another. I just couldn't pull away. Her lips were so soft, and her kiss wasn't like any other kiss I had ever experienced. There was so much more affection involved.

To my surprise, she was actually returning the kiss. Her hands were about slide behind my neck when we heard a knock on her bedroom door.

She pulled away abruptly and we stared at each other both in disbelief of what we had just done. I touched my fingers to my lips while trying to get rid of the tingly sensation. I didn't know what to say. Then, came another knock.

She turned her head a little, but her eyes remained on me, "Come in," she said.

I looked over and saw my niece walking through the doorway. She looked at me and back at Bra, and I realized we were both still in close proximity of each other. I walked over and gave her a hug.

"Hey, Panny," I said while rubbing the top of her head.

"Please, Uncle Goten, I'm not a child anymore," she said pushing my hand away. "Anyways, Bulma told me to tell you guys that breakfast will be ready in five minutes so if you want food you better not wait around."

She gave a slight wave as she walked out the door, and I could feel that awkward silence fall over Bra and I. I turned around and saw that she was slightly dazed. I walked over to her.

"Bra?" I asked. She snapped back to reality.

"Yea?" she asked nervously.

"Maybe, it's best if we don't tell Paris about this little incident, you know? Let's just keep this between us, " I said hoping she would agree.

"Oh, yea, sure. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have.." her words trailed off as looked at me rather uncomfortably.

"It's not your fault, B. It was mine. Let's not worry about it," I gave her a reassuring smile. I began to make my way to the door and asked, "Are you ready to eat?"

She nodded her head and followed my lead. I turned around as we were about to exit her room.

"Oh, yea, by the way, looks like you're going to Vegas," I said matter-of-factly.

She smiled and we began to make our way downstairs.

oOoOoOo

I watched as Bra and Goten made their way downstairs. It looked like something had definitely taken place between Bra and my uncle in her room, and I was certainly going to find out what.

A/N: Dun dun DUN! The story is beginning to unravel and I am definitely liking the direction it is going so far. What did you guys think? Feel free to leave a review. I'd greatly appreciate it.