Past Perfect - Chapter 2 : Destiny

By: Moonraven

Pan woke up on a strange bed, in a darkened room. She could feel someone or something moving next to her in the bed. When that something brushed against her bare legs, she screamed and jumped out of bed. Instantly her ki shield was up and she was in a fighting stance. She could hear a gasp of shock from the other person as the figure also jumped out and stood facing her on the other side of the bed. Pan slowly built up a ki ball in her hand and used it to illuminate the room.

The figure across the bed from her was a slight girl and she was also in a fighting stance. She’s dressed in dark shorts and T-shirt, her long blond hair was tied up in a high ponytail. She looked about Pan’s age.

"Who are you and what do you want?" Pan asked the girl, confused and scanned the unfamiliar room. Where was she?

"I should ask YOU the same thing!" The mysterious girl told Pan. "What the hell are YOU doing in Trunks’ bed?" The girl demanded.

"Trunks’ Bed?" Pan repeated. What was she doing in Trunks’ bed? Then Pan remembered the event leading to this and groaned. "Okay, it’s NOT what you think…" She started, then added, "Hey! What were YOU doing creeping into a man’s bed?"

"He’s MY man. I can….." The girl didn’t finish, at that moment the door burst open and the light was turned on. Pan put away her ki ball and looked at the intruder, knowing fully well who it was. Trunks was framed in the doorway, wearing nothing but a pair of navy blue boxers, staring from one girl to another.

"Trunks!" The girl exclaimed and ran into his arms. She hugged him fiercely and snuggled in his embrace. "I missed you so much." She then looked up at him and frowned, "Your hair!. It’s long. And you, you look…I don’t know, older and you’re … TALLER!." She gaped, "How long were you gone? It’s only been a couple of weeks here, but you’ve changed so much."

Trunks smiled nervously at her and planted a kiss on her forehead. "About 2 years." He winced as he correctly predicted her reaction.

"TWO YEARS!" She yelled. "TWO FUCKING YEARS?" Then she pointed to Pan. "Who the hell is that hussy? Is it your NEW girlfriend from the past? Did you bring HER here? Do you love HER now?" She would have grab his collar and pulled him closed to get the full effect of her glare, but Trunks was not wearing a shirt. At the feel of his strong, naked torso, she almost forgot her anger. He was MUCH buffer than she remembered…..

Trunks suddenly remember Pan and shifted his gaze to her. "Are you feeling better?" he asked.

Pan rubbed her temples and said "Yeah, I’m fine…..until someone jumped me in bed!" she gave Jinai a piercing look.

Trunks ignored the death threat in Pan’s eyes and answered the girl calmly. "Her name is Pan and I doubt that she’s a hussy, no she’s not my girlfriend, no I didn’t bring her here and no I don’t love her."

Pan stood in the corner, forgotten again. Why did that hurt when he said he didn’t love her? I don’t even know him, she thought to herself. She dared a glance at him and swallowed hard. The sight of him did put a lump in her throat. She clearly remembered being held gently in those strong arms, leaning into that hard, broad chest and smelling his clean male scent. She mentally shook her head to clear the disturbing thoughts. It was giving her funny warm feelings in her chest and stomach.

"Excuse me! Do I look like a piece of furniture?" She interrupted. "Hussy, indeed. My parents taught ME better than yours it seems. I don’t go around in the middle of the night sneaking into boys’ bedrooms."

"Why, you bitch!" The girl lunged at Pan but was caught by Trunks.

"No Jinai, don’t." He said to the fuming girl kicking and struggling to get pass him. "I promised her dad that no harm will come to her." He pulled her back against him.

Pan was enraged. She doesn’t need to be protected. "I don’t need you to baby-sit me, Trunks. I’m not five anymore." She powered up and glared at Jinai. "Bring it on" she said menacingly.

Trunks was impressed at the power she was generating. He had never met any girl who had that much power. But then again, she’s part saiyan. Jinai tried to rush past Trunks again but he held firm. It would be like stomping out an insect for Pan. "No Jinai." He said firmly. "You don’t have a chance against her. Please, stop." Then to Pan. "Power down, Pan, please. You’ll wake up my mom."

Pan reluctantly complied but the two girls continue to glare at each other. "I can take her, Trunks." Jinai said stubbornly.

"No you can’t. Her power’s like mine." Trunk told her sternly. He looked up at Pan, a silent request in his eyes. She sighed and move towards the door. "I’ll be in the time machine." she mumbled to no one in particular and left.

She didn’t want to leave them alone. All kinds of thoughts about what they’ll do when they’re alone crept into her mind. She should’ve blasted her. Hmp! She marched into the time machine and sank down into the control seat. She felt miserable. She must have been in love with him for as long as she can remember. When she was 8 years old, she managed to steal a picture of Mirai Trunks from Bulma’s album. She adored the stories that was told every time the Z gang get together. Especially about Mirai Trunks. He was like a knight in shining armor, riding to the past to rescue them from the evil androids and save her grandpa Goku from certain death. Her favorite part was his destruction of Freeza and King Cold. She was sure no one except her dad and grandpa Goku can be so noble and gallant. Instead of fairy tales for bedtime stories, Pan had the Adventures of Trunks and the Z warriors. The little girl’s crush had turned into a young woman’s love. She laminated the stolen picture to protect it and carried it with her everywhere. She reached for the pouch on her hip but found it missing. Frowning she frantically search around the time machine. She crawled under the panel again to make sure it didn’t fall off while she was there.

Trunks walked into the time machine to be greeted by Pan’s rear end. Her short skirt did nothing to cover the white cotton underwear and the soft round curves of her buttocks and thighs. He swallowed hard, feeling the heat rushing to more places than his cheeks. Keeping her safe from HIM was going to be harder than he thought.

"Ahem." He cleared his throat. "If this doesn’t look familiar…" he drawled lazily.

"YOU PERVERT!" Came the furious reply from under the panel. Pan crawled backwards and stood up. Her face flushed red, more from embarrassment than anger. Her breathing was ragged. He must think her a child for being horribly ungraceful. He was now wearing a white T-shirt and stood a couple of feet from her, arms crossed, leaning one shoulder against the wall.

"I’m the pervert?" Trunks displayed one of Vegeta’s trademark smirks. "You’re the one constantly showing me your underwear." He raised his eyebrows and looked appraisingly at her from head to toe. "Be careful or Jinai might be right about the hussy thing." He added.

"Why, you jerk!" she flew at him then and aim a punch straight at his smirk. He caught her wrist easily.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. For a guest, your manners leave much to be desired." He sighed, shaking his head in mock disappointment.

Pan pulled her wrist free and scowled at him. "And for a host, you … SUCK!" She yelled the last word in his amused face.

"Suck?" He was grinning now. "Your vocabulary is most amusing, Pan. Hmmm, suck." He said that last word so softly, so silkily she felt her knees wobble.

"It means you stink! You…"

"No it doesn’t." Trunks interrupted, eyes twinkling , "It means to draw into the mouth……"

"You know very well what I meant, Trunks Vegeta Briefs!" She interrupted before he can finish. Her face was red from his implication. Pan tried to push pass him but the hard wall of his chest was immovable.

Trunks frowned at the name she used, "Why did you say Trunks ‘Vegeta’ Briefs?"

"Because that’s your name." She answered. "I can substitute it with ‘JERK’ if you like!"

"No, it’s just Trunks Briefs." He corrected, ignoring her last comment. "Father had nothing to do with the naming."

"Noooo, he did." It was her turn to correct him. "If I remembered correctly, Bulma said he insisted that she added the Vegeta. Something about family name and royal decree or whatever." She stopped when she noticed he wasn’t really paying attention. He was frowning at the wall behind her head.

"I wonder when he did that." He said softly to himself.

"I’m not sure, but I think it was after the Cell thing." She supplied. "That’s when he came to live at Capsule Corps and abandoned his ‘Rule the Universe’ idea."

Trunks stared at her unseeingly and muttered to himself, "That’s a good thing, isn’t it?"

Pan laughed, "I’ll say. He is a grouch but we’re fond of him." The memory of Vegeta bellowing at them for bugging him when he wanted to train flashed in her mind. "Well, sometimes." She giggled some more. She remembered when she was 5 years old, running away from one of his threats, she turned and threw a Kamehameha wave at him. It did nothing to him of course but he was so shocked that she had the audacity to attack him that he just stood there with his mouth hung open. He looked so comical that she lost her fear and ran back to him and give him a great big hug.

Trunks watched the bright sparks in her eyes as she laughed and caught his breath. Where had he seen her before? Why did her laughter warm his heart this way? Why can’t he take his eyes off her face?

Suddenly aware of Trunks staring at her, she stopped giggling and met his gaze. Their eyes locked and the world seemed to have stopped. All Pan was conscious of was the intense blue eyes boring deep into her soul. She caught her breath as she saw longing and desires burning in them and wondered if he can see the same in hers. Unconsciously she lifted her hand and gently touch the side of his face. With a low moan, Trunks gripped her hand and closed his eyes. When he opened them, they were expressionless. Pan wondered if she had imagined the other emotions there earlier.

Trunks let go of her hand and pushed away from her, breathing unevenly. Damn the girl. What had she done to him?

"Jinai left, so why don’t you go back to bed. Tomorrow we can discuss what to do, okay?" He said thickly. If they don’t part now, he was afraid he won’t have the strength to keep his desire for her in check.

"She left? Wow, after more than 2 years away from your girl, I would have thought it’d take longer than that." She said flippantly, a little hurt at the rejection.

Trunks narrowed his eyes and pulled her roughly against his chest, peering down into her eyes. "WHAT should take longer?" He asked softly. He face was so close she can feel his breath on her face. The heat of his body pressing against hers was making her weak. She suddenly found breathing to be quite difficult if not impossible.

Pan swallowed the lump in her throat and said lamely, "Er….whatever you were doing."

"And what would that be, pray tell?" He hissed, blue eyes boring dangerously into hers.

"I….um….I don’t know." She gave up thinking. With him leaning against her like this, her brain just went to mush.

Trunks smirked again, "That’s what I thought! Don’t play with something you’re not ready to deal with, Pan. You might not be able to handle it." He shoved her gently out of the machine. "Go back to bed." Then he walked back into the house leaving Pan to stare after him, her pulse racing wildly. Thoughts rushed at her as she flew back up to Trunks’ window on the second floor. ‘Oh, Kami…he’s so hot!’ How was she going to survive until her trip back? Did she even want to take the trip back? How can she live without him now that she’d met him? Questions swarm her subconscious mind as she drifted off to sleep.

Trunks groaned as he settle into his makeshift bed that was formerly the sofa. What was it about this girl? Girl? Hell, that body was NOT a girl’s body! And the way his body responded to hers was alarming. Where the heck did he lose all his self control? Trunks also couldn’t shake the feeling that he’s known her all his life. Everything about her was so familiar to him. Talking to her was like talking to someone he has known for years. How could it be? They had just met this afternoon. Yet….. even her scent, the feel of her body, her voice, it was like returning to a long lost lover. Trunks punched his pillow and settled down again. How is he suppose to sleep now knowing that she’s just upstairs and in HIS bed? He must stay focused, he reminded himself. He had plans to make and androids to destroy. Pan is one distraction he did not need.

Jinai hadn’t been happy when he told her to go back home. He was too tired then and promised to spend tomorrow with her and explain everything in more detail. After a long passionate kiss, she left. Man, he didn’t want her to leave after that kiss but he didn’t think he could do anything on the sofa and with Pan upstairs. What if his mom walked in or worse yet, Pan. Dark brown eyes twinkling in merriment was the last thing Trunks recalls as he drifted off to sleep.

Pan can smell the bacon and coffee. Hmmmm…. what a great way to wake up. Lazily she opened her eyes and study the room. It was bare except for the bed, a dresser and 2 night stands. No decorations, no knick-knacks, nothing to tell her about the owner of the room. The Trunks in her time had tons of stuff in his room from computer to entertainment center to various weapons he collected. This Trunks had nothing. His only belonging appeared to be that infernal sword he carries. Looking over to the night stand she found her hip pouch. They must have taken it off when they brought her up here. She reached for it and took out her prize possession – Trunks picture. The picture was old but well kept because of the lamination. He was in his snug fitting combat suit in the back of Capsule Corps. He was leaning with his back against the main house, arms crossed, staring up at the sky watching something intently. He looked so alone, so lost, that when she first saw the picture, she cried. She told herself years ago that he’ll never be lonely or sad again if she can help it. She sighed and thought to herself, well, idiot? You’re here, he’s here, NOW what?

Pan sighed again as she got up to go to the adjoining bathroom. In there, she found a clean, white t-shirt and a pair of shorts along with necessary toiletries and a note from Bulma saying that they’ll find something more for her later that day. Smiling, she brushed her teeth and showered.

Capsule Corps. layout is the same so she found her way to the kitchen easily. In the light of day, she realized that the place was really run down. Many of the rooms were not being used and the ones that were being used were pretty bare, just like Trunks room. No sounds of saiyans fighting over toasts or Bulma’s feigned indignation at the amount of food being consumed. No robots running around cleaning the place. No laughter, no signs of life except the soft clanging of utensils coming from the kitchen. Pan stood dumbstruck in the hallway, struggling unsuccessfully to hold back the tears. How they must have suffered. Poor Bulma without her Vegeta. And Trunks, having to shoulder the androids by himself, no help, no one to understand his powers, all alone. It was no wonder there so much pain and despair in his eyes. She thought of the picture tucked securely in her pouch. Leaning against the wall in the hall, she let her tears loose. She wanted to take them away and give them a new life. Show them love and joy like she’d known all her life. It was because of THEM that she existed at all! And yet, their lives are filled with such horrors.

Pan was so distraught that she didn’t see another figure in the hall. Trunks came out of the kitchen to go get her for breakfast when he found her crying. He frowned, she must really miss her home. He promise himself that he’ll be extra kind to her.

"Pan?" he called softly. He took her chin in his hand and lifted her head so he can see her face. She looked so sad. Her beautiful brown eyes were red and tears were streaking down from them. Her soft full lips were trembling and Trunks found he can not breathe when she looked at him so forlornly like that. Gently he brushed away her tears and pulled her into his arms, holding her protectively. He stroked her hair and whispered soothing words into her ears.

Ironic, thought Pan. SHE was suppose to make his world better and here he was, comforting her. "I’m such and idiot!" she mumbled into his chest. "I’m sorry."

Reluctantly Trunks released her and looked into her eyes. His own were gentle and full of understanding. "Hey, I was there. I felt pretty alone too when I was in your world." He thought she was lonely? She was incredulous but decided to let it go. "I’ll be fine. Mom said that the advantage to being a spunky tomboy is that I can adapt to anything." She smiled bravely at him. "What’s cooking?"

He laughed looking at her critically, "Spunky tomboy? Hmmm, I guess that’s one way of describing your spirit." He ushered her towards the kitchen door, "If your appetite is anything like the other saiyans, you’ll eat anything." Inside, Bulma had food on the table and still more being cooked.

Bulma actually looked happy this morning. She almost hummed as she cooked and talked to them. When everything was on the table, they sat down to eat. Bulma asked them about the world they had just left. Even if it was the same world, the different timeline made the conversation fairly confusing. They had to back track and clarify events several times. Bulma was upset to learn that Goku was dead but very happy to know about Bra. She was surprise to find Vegeta so changed and regret flashed across face briefly. They must have spend hours talking, so engross were they in each other’s accounts. When Trunks communicator beeped, they almost jump. Apparently Jinai was wondering why Trunks was not with her yet. He apologized and said he was on his way. He absentmindedly kissed his mom AND Pan goodbye and flew off. Bulma watched the flustered girl in front of her and smile. Pan was so red she could put a tomato to shame. This was the girl, Bulma said to herself. She’s the one for Trunks and Bulma had a feeling Trunks knows it too. She recalled him telling her long ago about his recurring dreams, the one where he was lost and in danger. In all those dreams, a girl with dark eyes and dark hair would always take him to safety. Bulma was sure the girl was Pan.

They cleaned up silently. Pan, still thinking about the touch of his lips on her cheek while Bulma tried to find a way to approach the subject. "Pan, do you believe in destiny?" She asked.

"Um…sure, I guess. Why?" Pan cocked her head to one side, puzzled.

Bulma decided to take the direct approach, "Pan, how do you feel about my son?" She asked looking at the dishes they are washing.

Pan turned to look at Bulma. "What do you mean?" she asked tentatively. "He’s very nice." She added.

"Is that all?" Bulma prompted. "I think he’s quite taken with you." She gambled.

"Yeah, right! That’s why he flew off to be with this Jinai." Pan retorted crossly. Then realizing how rude she must sound, "I’m sorry, Bulma. I don’t know what’s come over me. Besides, we’ve just met and I don’t think he likes me very much at all." She muttered under her breath. Pan recounted the incident with Jinai to Bulma.

"Ah, Jinai. She’s a nice girl but she’s not the one for Trunks." She continued with the dishes.

"Yeah, well, does Trunks know that? The way they were going on last night, who would had thought otherwise." Pan couldn’t stop a trace of resentment from creeping into her tone.

"Then that couldn’t be jealousy I hear in your voice?" Bulma asked, smiling at Pan.

Pan saw no point in denying it anymore. "I think I’ve been in love with him since I was small." Drying her hands, Pan took out the picture of Trunks and show Bulma. "It was almost 10 years since I stole this from you, well not you, but the other you. I’ve never been interested in other boys, it was always Trunks. This Trunks." Pointing to the picture. "I’ve always thought that there could be no one for me except him. I don’t know why I don’t feel the same with the other Trunks." She frowned. "I mean, they are the same, well they look the same but they don’t feel the same." She sighed and put the picture away. "Pathetic, huh?" She smiled ruefully at Bulma.

"Not at all." Bulma reassured her. "Try falling for a strange, nameless girl in your dreams. Trunks’ been looking for her for years. I wonder if he’s finally found her?"

"Well, maybe he found Jinai." Pan can feel her heart breaking.

"No, the girl in Trunks dream has black hair and dark eyes. In his dreams, Goku told him that she was Trunks’ destiny. " She look pointedly at Pan and sighed. "Long time ago, Trunks used to tell me all kinds of things. I guess he’s a grown man now. Maybe he’s forgotten about the dreams and the girl that used to keep him up those many nights." She finished the last dish and dry her hands. "Pan. Promise me that you’ll take Trunks back with you when you go."

Pan was so surprise she nearly drop the dish she was drying. "What? Why?" she stammered.

Bulma looked sad, "I’m very sick, Pan and my Vegeta is waiting for me." She smiles at the name. "He’s been coming for me but I’ve been waiting to see Trunks happy. Now I know that he will be okay, I can finally go with him." She saw the horrified look on Pan’s face and rushed on, "Don’t be sad for me, Pan. I want to be with my mate again. I’ve waited so long to join him. Please be happy for me."

Pan numbly nodded. "What is it? Can’t it be cured? Does Trunks know?" her questions were almost inaudible.

"Cancer (for a lack of imagination), no and no. Trunks can not find out until after his confrontation with the androids." Bulma warned her.

Pan gasped. The androids. Trunks was going to fight the androids in his time. That’s why he returned. She remembered now. Oh Kami, when is he going to do that? How can she help him?

"When, Bulma? When will he be fighting them?" She asked the older woman. "Where? I can help him."

Bulma shook her head, "I don’t know. He’s with his small group now I guess discussing the very same thing."

Pan was ready to leave to go after Trunks when Bulma stopped her. "No, Pan. You can’t leave. This compound is protected by a shield and the androids cannot find us here. I will get you one. Trunks and his group all have a small shield generator they wear to hide their energy or ki level from the androids. You won’t be able to find him but you’ll be a beacon for the androids. They’ll destroy you." Bulma ended with urgency. Then on a lighter note, "Besides, you’re suppose to call home in a few hours and Gohan will kill Trunks if anything happens to you."

"How can I just sit here?" she whined.

"You won’t. You’ll help me find some clothes for you and help me fix your time machine." Bulma said cheerfully. She was happy now to know that soon she’ll be with Vegeta and Trunks will also be with her other self and mate.

Bulma and Pan spent the rest of the day looking through the storage in the basement, and fiddling with the time machine. It was great to talk to her family again. Her parents were predictably worried. They were there the whole time she and the two Bulmas banter back and forth about the problem and possible solutions. Before sighing off, she send them kisses and promised to call the same time next day.

Preparations for dinner was uneventful. Trunks was gone all day but called to say he will be back for dinner. Pan could see the difference in Bulma. She absolutely glowed. "Bulma, you look so happy and . . . not sick at all. Why don’t you both come with me?" she suggested. "Maybe there is something we can do for you there."

"No dear. I’m happy because I no longer worry. I know Trunks will destroy the androids. He’s grown so and I can feel the difference in his powers." Bulma looked longingly out the kitchen window at the evening sky. "My Vegeta is waiting for me."

"Who’s waiting, mom?" Both women jumped at the question.

"Jeez, Trunks, are you trying to scare us to death?" Pan yelled at him holding her hand to her thumping chest.

Bulma was also holding her hand to her chest, "We are, sweetie, for you. Clean up and come to dinner." She started to put dishes on the table. Pan went to help her, still glaring at Trunks, who looked positively lost. He shrugged and left to clean up.

The two women looked at each other and burst out giggling. Trunks can hear them laughing and was even more confused. He shook his head, "Women!" He muttered to himself. Secretly he was pleased. He hadn’t seen his mother so happy or heard her laugh in a long time. He was glad Pan was here.

When he returned to the kitchen, the table was laden with food. They all sat down and started to eat.

"When are you planning to fight the androids?" Pan went straight to the point. Trunks nearly choked on his chicken.

He looked at her with wonder. "What ever happened to ‘Hi! How was your day?’"

Pan narrowed her eyes, "Okay, hi, how was your day? And when are you fighting the androids?"

"Persistent, aren’t you?" he went back to eating. "The day went okay, the usual, thank you very much for asking. And as for the androids, it’s really none of your business." he said between bites.

"Why, you….you…..PIG!" for the lack of cleaner words to use in front of Bulma. "I was only trying to help. I can fight them with you, you know. I AM part saiyan." Since when did he inherited the Vegeta smugness?

"No way. You’re not leaving the compound, it’s not safe. I can handle the androids. You needn’t worry." He cast a sideways glance at her, one eyebrow raised, "Are you worried, Panny?"

She stared at him. How did he know her nickname? She looked down quickly to hide her blush and said, "I was worried about Bulma if you’re.…if you get hurt or something……" she trailed off, unsure of what she was going to say.

Trunks frowned thoughtfully and said, "I’ll be fine. But if anything should happen to me Pan, take mom back with you to your time. Please." He held her eyes in his gaze and she blush some more. ‘What is it with these two? She wants me to take him, he wants me to take her….’

"But if you let me go with you, then we’ll have better odds." She reasoned, trying to sound helpful.

Trunks laughed, "Like I said, persistent, aren’t you? The answer is still no. I can’t worry about you in battle, Pan."

"I can hold my own, Trunks, I’ve fought many enemies in my own time. You do NOT need to worry about me!" Pan was indignant. He’s treating her like a baby.

"No. I’m not discussing this anymore, Pan." Trunks said evenly ignoring the steam coming out of her ears.

"Oooooh! Just who the hell do you think you are? And to think I’ve been worship..…." Pan trailed off, biting her lips. Damn, she almost let the cat out of the bag.

"You worship….who, Panny?" Trunks inquired, eyebrows raised.

"NO ONE! Never mind! Ooh, you’re just like Vegeta sometimes, it’s maddening!" Pan stuff more food into her mouth. This mainly to stop herself from talking.

Hmp! Fine! I’ll just follow you when you’re not looking! Pan thought to herself smugly.

"And don’t even think of following me. I’ll know." He guessed from her triumphant expression.

Pan glowered at him between bites.

Bulma didn’t say anything, the exchanges between the two young people only confirmed her believe that they were meant for each other. They bantered on like they’ve known each other all their lives. Destiny, she thought.