I Just Can’t Help Myself… I’m Falling In Love With You (18)

-The Life-Long Awaited Wedding…. Trunks & Pan-

The days passed by quickly with the excitement of the next coming event. Pan was nearly jumping for joy, but strictly on the low, whenever she realized that she was going to marry Trunks. The dawning always seemed to make her happy. She could already tell that it would make her day when she woke up in the morning right next to him. Bulma and Bra had the wedding planned to the perfect tee and was now sending out invitations. They nearly fell off their chairs when Pan mentioned that Jason was to come to her wedding also. They doubted that he should come but they remembered that recently Pan had visited him briefly the week before, so things must’ve worked out for them. Trunks were too wound up to concentrate on his job. Not that he ever did, but this time was different. He was eager to marry Pan… he couldn’t wait to be her lawfully wedded husband and she his lawfully wedded wife. He grinned with the thought, so many things happened to them, drove them apart and made them bitter with resent, but now they are better and about to be married. In precisely the next day… it was too perfect. Videl and Chichi chattered frequently about the remarriage of their child/grandchild. They were both extremely happy for their Panny. Discussing what houses they should by and names for their children and schools to send them. It would be wonderful. Goten and Marron hung out since Bra, Pan and Trunks were busy. They didn’t mind it though; they talked about how glad they were that everything was now behind them. But their main topic was Gohan; they wondered why he wouldn’t be happy for Pan considering he always put her ahead of everything else, including himself. Why would he choose now to spoil her plans with his stubbornness? Vegeta couldn’t care less if his brat was getting married to that other brat. Although it did pick at him that he would be related to Kakarot’s family, it really ate at him inside.

The wedding so many were waiting for and anticipating would be taking place in less than 24 hours and right in the backyard of Bulma’s home. Bulma and Bra decided that it would be the perfect type of wedding. The very first night out door wedding, considering the weather, it would be breezy at night and the fireflies were abundant near the pond. So that’s where they will have it, near the pond so the stars and moon would reflect gloriously. A small lattice would surround them and a canopy of flower vines would hang down; small lights will be weaved into the lattice and vine causing a glow around Trunks and Pan. The chairs were set and it was evenly done so, Bra and Bulma sat in each making sure there was no rocking or uneasy sitting. The aisle was carpeted with white instead of red. It added to the effects that lead to the white lattice and it was more noticeable. There were small little lights everywhere and hopefully, the fireflies would be flying around during the ceremony. Both women were proud of the wedding they planned; it was guaranteed to be a wonderful ceremony. And they knew for a fact Pan would say ‘I do’ this time around. So everything was set and all the invitations were sent, the arrangements were arranged and the reception gallery was already rented. Everything was perfect, they figured that for the reception, they would have white limousines wait outside for all the guests and drop them off at the gallery hall, where everything will be waiting. It was too perfect. Bulma and Bra walked into the house and sat down exhausted.

“This is going to be beautiful.” Bra said dreamily. Bulma nodded.

“Yes it is… I can’t wait to see Pan’s expression when she sees everything. We should have everyone, that’s close, stay here tonight so they can get ready here. We can have Pan, Videl, Chichi, Goku, Kulilin, Juu-chan, Marron, Goten, Yamacha and everyone else. Have like a pre-wedding party.” She said grinning. Bra smiled.

“That sounds like fun… but no drinking! We can’t have half of the guests asleep or hung over from excessive drinking.” She said strictly. Bulma nodded.

“True… but I still want all of them over. It would be fun the next morning, having everyone run around looking for something.” She said smiling. Bra chuckled.

“I could only imagine.” She said sarcastically.

“Well that settles it then… sleepover coming up.” She said grinning. Bra nodded grinning too. Bulma called everyone and they readily agreed to the idea. They would be over within a few hours… so that gave her and Bra more time to run through the rooms and set everything up for everyone. They didn’t know if they would have the strength for a pre-wedding party. Just as they were coming out of one of the guest rooms they ran straight into Vegeta. They didn’t even tell him all that was going down but somehow they knew he had some idea.

“What are you planning now woman?” he demanded. Bulma crossed her arms anticipating the blow up when she explains. It was just how it was. Bra was close to leaving in a mad dash but her father’s glare kept her glued to the floor.

“Pan and Trunks are going to get married, I volunteered that they get married right here in our backyard and to add to the festivities I decided that the whole gang would sleepover here so we can all get ready in the morning.” She said in one simple breath. Vegeta got furious just as Bulma had predicted.

“You invited all those idiots to stay under this roof!?! Woman are you out of your damn mind inviting those fools to stay the night in the same house as me!?” he spat out angrily. Bulma didn’t flinch and transferred her hands to her hips.

“Yes… that’s right. Any other questions?” she said in a superior tone. He growled and about faced stomping down the corridor he had just come from.

“I refuse to stay here in this house with those pitiful fools let alone be within a single inch of their presence!” he bellowed. Bulma growled furiously.

“FINE!” she yelled as loud as her lungs could stand, which was plenty, considering the practice over the years. Bra sighed.

“Why is daddy so reluctant to socialize?” Bra asked knowing the well-known answer he has given everyone, although, Bulma had a different thought.

“I say he has some strong kind of social anxiety… selective to those he feels awkward around.” She said to herself out of amusement. Bra shook her head.

“Yea… well I say he needs some strong sessions of anger management classes.” She said crossing her arms. Bulma laughed.

“Yea I can just see him hitting one of those mannequins with a foam bat complaining about how no one cares that he’s the prince of saiyans.” She said chuckling. Bra laughed.

“And if he’s healed… can you imagine dad hanging out with the guys… I mean, acting like Goku would. Wearing those bright Hawaiian shirts and forever giving those big bright goofy grins.” She said in an amazed tone. Her and Bulma stopped in their tracks and thought about that image; imaging Vegeta laughing it up sitting next to Goku, Master Roshi, Kulilin and them. The idea was purely laughable, and laugh is what they did. All the way to the kitchen, before and after they had a drink and even during their snacks.

“Now that’s a science project to work on… opening up your father’s mind and altering his social pretenses.” She said shaking her head. Bra put down her hands and looked at her mother.

“Don’t create a happy go lucky monster that you wont be able to control or reverse.” She said smiling. Bulma nodded her head.

“True… well I’m going to go shower and ready myself before company arrives.” She said looking at her watch. Bra did the same thing and nodded in agreement.

“Your right… I’ll be off now.” She said getting up to go upstairs to her room. Bulma followed behind.

~*~*~*~VIDEL~*~*~*~

Videl went about her room gathering some night wear and other personal necessities for which she would need for the sleep over at Bulma’s home. The idea sounded very fun and it would be a load off for the next day. Pan was in her room gathering her things as well. Videl walked over to the closet and took down her wedding outfit that was hung up neatly and covered in a protective outer gray covering. She draped it carefully over her forearm and swiped her hand down the length of the exterior. ‘Gohan thought I looked so beautiful wearing this’ she thought sadly. She let out a sigh and turned around and laid it on the bed in the same careful manner. She zipped up her bag and stood in the middle of the room with her hands on her hips. Running through a mental checklist of everything she had packed and might need. ‘My nightgown, slippers, toothbrush, underwear, bra, slip, brush, curlers, makeup bag, sneakers, shoes, jewelry bag?’ Videl looked to her dresser and noticed it was packed with her jewelry but not in her bag. She shook her head.

“About to leave the most important thing to the whole outfit.” She said to herself. Picking it up she turned around and bumped right into a wall she didn’t remember so close. Looking up, she noticed exactly what wall she had collided with, one with a brick for a head. She huffed and walked around Gohan who had finally come home again late at night, although this was the first time he had come up to their bedroom.

“Where are you going?” he said his voice shy of panic. Videl noticed and turned around to face him.

“Me and Pan are going to a sleep over at Bulma’s with the rest of the gang as a pre wedding get together. We’d be delighted if you would come to join us.” She finished with an air of sarcasm. Gohan frowned but nodded anyway. Videl turned back around and packed her jewelry away.

“Gohan… Pan’s getting married tomorrow; we both tried getting it through your head that this is indeed a good thing, cause she’s happy now. But you won’t see it. Anyway… she’s getting married tomorrow and in addition is having a baby and the least you can do is give her your best.” She said tiredly. She turned around to hear his response but the bathroom door had closed upon her sight and the shower starting up. That being the last straw she yanked her bag up on her shoulder and grabbed her dress off the bed and stormed out the room mumbling. Thankfully Pan being downstairs with everything she needed and they both went out the door; Pan being wary to not ask her mother anything until she was calmed down. They got into the car and drove off to their destination. Looking over to her mother, she saw her facial expression finally relax, and when she let out a sigh of breath she decided she could ask her the matter without her going into frenzy and drive them both off the road.

“Kaasan, what’s wrong?” she asked sincere. Videl shook her head.

“I spoke with your father… another last attempt but he simply ignored me, literally. Walked away into the bathroom without a care.” She said beginning to grumble. Pan sighed.

“It’s not your fight you know… I wish you and tousan would make up. This is between him and me… not you and him. I just don’t want you to hurt anymore than you already are and fighting my battles with him is just driving you crazy. And you and tousan farther apart.” She said worriedly. Videl looked at Pan briefly and smiled.

“Your battles are my battles too. Although I know I’m not supposed to get into them, I couldn’t help myself when it was your own father giving you grief. Besides… his problem about you… he has to take up with me as well so me and you are in this together.” She said smiling. Pan smiled too. The trip to Capsule Corp was short and everyone was there in no time. Bulma and Bra were ecstatic hosts and everyone was excited about tomorrow. Well not everyone was simply bonkers over the whole event but was happy for Trunks and Pan anyway.

“Thanks Bulma, Bra, this is great.” Pan said leaning into the couch. They both smiled. The night went on with laughter and jokes till about after midnight. It would have gone on longer until Bra interrupted.

“Alright people… I’m sorry to have to cut this short but we all must get some shuteye to prepare for my best friend and big brother’s wedding. Why don’t you two go to ‘sleep’ now so you’ll still have time and strength to walk down the aisle.” She said smirking in Trunks and Pan’s direction. Pan was sitting on his lap and his arm was wrapped around her waist, upon Bra’s little announcement they both blushed. Trunks smirked back at her; he got up with Pan and nodded toward everyone. He grabbed her hand and started to walk toward the stairs. Pan giggled and looked at everyone who was wearing the all-knowing expression. Her mother blew a kiss at her and chuckled. Pan laughed and blew a kiss back at her and waved.

“Love you kaasan.” She said sweetly.

“Love you too.” She said smiling at her daughter. Bulma got up and stretched and nudged Vegeta, (who had went back on his word and came anyway cause not only did he not want to sleep in the gravity room he had other intentions), in the ribs. He nodded quickly and walked away… grateful to whoever that the whole thing was finally over. As if she read his mind, Bulma leaned her arm on his shoulder.

“Now that tonight is over and done… I bet you can’t wait until tomorrow.” She said smirking at his obvious agitation. She went to the living room to bid everyone good night before they dispersed to their bedrooms. Bulma and Bra sighed and stretched at the same time.

“I had fun tonight, I think they did too, what do you think?” Bra asked smiling. Bulma nodded her head.

“Yea… I think they did.” Goten came up beside Bra and smiled.

“Thanks Bulma… and goodnight.” He said sweetly and pecked Bra on the cheek and Bulma. Bra blushed. Bulma smirked and decided to tease her for old time’s sakes.

“So, Goten… where is your guest room?” she asked looking over to him. Bra blushed deeper and Goten was shy of choking. They both knew that she knew about them and their relationship. But, actually telling her, neither one could imagine themselves saying, ‘Oh, Bulma I’m going to Bra’s room so we can sleep together… again. I hope you don’t mind.’ Bra looked up the stairs and saw her father giving Goten the evil eye. She grabbed her mother and pushed her gently ahead of them both and up the steps. Bulma shook her head and went up the steps to drag her husband away from the perch on the top of the steps. Hooking her arm through his she literally pulled with all her weight for him to come with her. He started to complain but she countered with complaints of her own. Seeing the coast was clear they went up the steps together hand in hand. This being the first time they would have some quality time since Vegeta spoiled their meeting.

~*~*~*~TRUNK’S ROOM (A couple hours later)~*~*~*~

Trunks and Pan lay in his bed in each other’s arms almost unmoving. Except for the gentle motion of his hands in her hair and her hand on his arm smoothing up and down the soft but hard surface. Their legs entwined in each other with the sheets twisted as well. He leaned down and planted a kiss in her hair. She closed her eyes and smiled at his gesture.

“Thank you Trunks.” She said in a soft voice barely audible. He looked down in wonderment.

“For?” he asked almost confused. She sighed with relief.

“For, well for,” a sudden spell of timidity overcoming her. Trunks smiled and let a finger run down her cheek sending shivers all throughout her body. “Remember the picnic before I left? You told me to make the wish before the star was gone… and when I did and you asked and I told you… I told you that I wished that… as long as you were by my side my world could be no better, well, here you are… by my side, with me, and forever. Thank you for making my dream come true.” She said shyly a tear threatening to slip from her eyes. Trunks smiled again.

“Your welcome Son Pan… but I have some things to thank you for myself.” He said gently. Pan cocked her head to the side.

“Like?” she said confused herself.

“For filling that void in my life… for being there for me when I was going through a tough time. You were always there for me Panny. You entirely… were my home away from home. You know me like no other. I’m grateful for all that you’ve done for me. I don’t think I would have ever come this far without you by my side. And now that I have you with me for the remainder of my life, and an addition to ‘us’,” he said his hand smoothing over her bare stomach. “I know for a fact I will never stop loving you.” He said softly. Pan smiled and nodded her head.

“I won’t stop loving you either Trunks.” She said in a shaky voice. He planted another kiss in her hair.

“We should get come shuteye like Bra advised.” He said jokingly. Pan chuckled and nodded again.

“Your right… I don’t want to sleep walk down the aisle.” She said laughing.

~*~*~*~TRUNK’S & PAN’S WEDDING DAY (finally)~*~*~*~

Pan woke up and stretched in a cat like manner. Opening her eyes hesitantly she was greeted by Bra rather than the face she really wanted to see. Pan groaned and put a pillow over her face.

“Geez Bra you have to be that close to my face… especially when your not looking tip top shape either?” she said cynically. Bra hmmph’ed but smiled anyway.

“It’s your wedding day… dum dum dumdum… dum dum dumdum… dumm dumm dumdumm dumm… dumdum dumm dumdumm.” She hummed into Pan’s ear. Pan lifted the pillow off her face and smiled.

“Yea… it is isn’t it?” she said almost too shocked to believe it herself. She then looked to her right and back to Bra when the spot next to her was empty.

“Where is Trunks?” she asked disappointed.

“Well… we very couldn’t let him see his bride on their wedding day now could we?” she said grinning. Pan arched her eyebrow.

“Ok… whatever you say Bra.” She said sitting up in bed. She pointed to a long shirt draped over the chair and Bra handed it to her. Pan put it on and got out of the bed, she headed toward the bathroom to get herself ready and decent. Bra smiled.

“Congratulations Pan. I’m so happy for you.” She said emotionally. Pan turned around and smiled at her best friend soon to be sister. It wouldn’t make a difference since they were already sisters. She walked over to her and gave her a hug.

“Thank you sister.” She said happily. Bra nodded.

“Well I better go and tell the girls your up… we’re going to have breakfast than do some relaxing. Your wedding isn’t until 6:30pm tonight, that’s when, the sunsets just right over the lake. So hurry up.” She said heading out of the room. Pan nodded and walked into the bathroom straight to the shower stall. She missed Trunks already. She could tell she would be overly selfish when it came to him leaving for work, but she would get used to it. In the shower she sighed in relaxation and put a hand over her stomach instinctively. She looked down and smiled. ‘You belong to him and me little one’ she thought happily.

~*~*~*~TRUNKS~*~*~*~

Trunks played with the food that had been served to him over half an hour ago. Goten watched out of boredom… long ago finishing his breakfast. It was the guy’s job to get him out of the house and with nothing to do it was going to be a long day. Vegeta had stubbornly come along, not wanting to spend most of his day with a bunch of ecstatic women, he was out in the backyard under a tree relaxing rather than in the living room of Goku’s house where the rest of the guys were watching T.V. Goten sighing to himself for the fifth time wanted something to do. Bulma and Chichi had forbid all of them from sparring as to avoid bruising.

“Trunks… are you going to eat that?” he asked. Trunks nodded his head and took the first bite. He scrunched up his face. v “Why did you serve it to me cold?” he asked oblivious. v “It wasn’t cold an hour ago… so that’s on you.” He said leaning back into his chair. Trunks scowled and got up to put it in the microwave.

“You nervous?” Goten asked out of the blue.

“Yep.” Trunks responded. “Don’t get me wrong, I want to marry Panny, I want to be with her forever, but I was never fond of marriage... I always thought it was too much commitment, too permanent. Although now I have a reason to be.” He said taking his food and sitting back down. Goten nodded.

“What do you think marriage would be like?” he asked curiously. Trunks shrugged his shoulders.

“Who knows… it’s a surprise in a big box and goes to whoever has the guts to open it. All I know is that… it’s a team thing, a love thing; you have to stick together through the bad and the good. It’s a challenge and the results are everything you ever imagined. Your pride and joy.” He said finally eating. Goten nodded and tipped the chair back and put his hands behind his head.

“I want me and Bra to have that surprise in a big box.” He said softly. Trunks looked at him curiously.

“Are you telling me you want to marry Bra?” he asked incredulously. Goten nodded again.

“I wanted to for a long time but the lingering fact of Vegeta walking her down the aisle to give her to me prevents me from asking.” He said solemnly. Trunks nodded he turned his head to the side and looked out of window at his father under the tree. He knew Goten had reason to be discouraged from asking Bra, but he should ask anyway. Whether he walks down the aisle dead or alive.

“Tell her… ask her.” He said looking back to Goten. Goten tipped the chair back down and looked at him intently, his best friend. He nodded at him.

~*~*~*~CAPSULE CORP~*~*~*~

Pan and Bra were in the living room sitting on the couch while Chichi, Bulma and Videl were in the kitchen making pre-wedding food. Pan kicked up her feet and let out a sigh. Bra looked toward her and smiled.

“Still cant believe it huh?” she asked smiling. Pan shook her head no.

“I still think that I’m dreaming and going to wake up any minute now. I hope that doesn’t happen.” She said wringing her hands. Bra placed a hand over hers and looked at her.

“This is for real Pan. You know it is I know it is. Don’t worry. Your getting married.” She said grinning. Pan laughed. Bra sat back and sighed.

“What do you think about getting married? I mean what do you think requirements to have a good marriage is?” she asked softly. Pan looked at her.

“I honestly don’t know. I know that you need love. To love each other as much as you are in love with each other. And having a good marriage doesn’t have requirements… it just is or it isn’t. You need trust and faith. You have to go through to the end… it’s a challenge to stay together through the thick and thin. And when you do and conquer everything… you know… you just know its perfect.” She said gently. Bra nodded and sighed. Pan looked over to her again and moved close to her. She leaned in and smirked.

“Bra…is you thinking about marrying MY uncle, MY goofy uncle, MY screwball uncle, MY cuddly uncle, MY sweet loving uncle unless angered uncle. Is that what your asking me?” she asked cynically. Bra nodded.

“Yea I sort of am.” She said barely above a whisper. Pan nodded.

“Good.” She said smiling.

~*~*~*~WEDDING BELLS ARE A CHIMING~*~*~*~

It was an hour before the wedding and they were still getting Pan ready in her dress. Everyone else was already clad in what they were supposed to wear and all that was left was the bride to be. Bra ran back and fourth getting all the necessary items to put together and Videl went around gathering all the hair accessories. They decided on a different curly hairstyle and they needed a lot of curlers to do it. Bulma had Pan in front of the vanity table and they were figuring out how to put it up. They pinned it up in various places and put extra curlers in places where it needed to be. Bra started to put the makeup on and Videl got the dress out. Bra nearly screamed when she realized Pan’s nails weren’t done and went to work immediately. That’s when they realized it… where was the engagement ring?

“What do you mean he never gave it to you… he said he had it when he proposed!” Bra shouted unbelieving. Pan bit her undone nail and thought back to when he proposed.

“Well it wasn’t what you would call the classic proposal… that’s when we were all having an argument with my dad and he just announced it… I don’t think he ever had time to give it to me.” She said wincing at the expression on Bra’s face. Videl put her head in her hand and Bulma just stood there.

“Well we can fix this… I’ll go over there and get it from him.” Chichi said. They all nodded in agreement. Chichi got her things together and started on her way quickly. The rest went back to work. Bra looked at Pan shaking her head.

“I can’t believe you didn’t notice it wasn’t there… I mean if I was getting married I would be staring at my engagement ring twenty four seven.” She said exasperated.

~*~*~*~TRUNKS~*~*~*~

The guys were now getting themselves together finally glad they had something better to do. Goten was fixing his tie when he noticed the ring box on the dresser. He smiled and went to look in it. He found it odd that two rings were in there… then it hit him…

“What do you mean you forgot to give it to her!” Goten bellowed holding the ring box in his hand. Trunks shrugged his shoulders slowly.

“Well… I proposed when we were having dinner at Gohan’s and it’s not what you would call the best proposal in the world. With all the arguing I never had the time to actually give it to her.” He said apologetically. Goten shook his head.

“It’s no big deal… I’ll just go over there and give it to her.” Trunks said taking it out of his hand. He took the engagement ring out and handed him the other one.

“Here… you keep this one safe and I’ll be right back.” He said grabbing his keys and heading out the door. Goten went to protest but thought well not to, the quicker he does this the better it will be. Trunks put the ring into his pocket and drove off quickly. On the way there he could have sworn he saw Chichi pass him but disregarded the thought. His car phone rang and he picked it up.

“Yea.” He said impatiently.

“Yes sir… we are closing the Tsukino deal right now and we need your signature right now.” His assistant said urgently. Trunks groaned.

“Can’t they have my signature next week… I am in the middle of something very important.” He said working through traffic.

“No sir… they will withdraw the account unless they meet you and have the signing sir. It will take no more than a few minutes sir.” He said quickly. Trunks sucked his teeth and looked at his watch. He had forty-five minutes. He can get to Capsule Corp in five minutes… get the ring to Pan in another ten minutes than have the rest of the half hour to get ready over there. He nodded his head in agreement.

“Alright… I’ll be right there.” He said and hung up. He dialed Marron’s number cause she was closer to Capsule Corporation’s Office. She picked up quickly.

“Marron! Do me a favor.” He said impatiently. “I need you to go to C.C. Office building and go to my floor. I am going to leave Pan’s engagement ring at the front desk… pick it up and give it to her.” He said in a rush.

“Yea yea sure… but why are you giving her the engagement ring now?” she asked curiously.

“Long story… just go now.” He said and hung up again. He got out the car and ran into the building and took the steps instead. Marron hung up and got her bag and keys and headed straight to the office building.

“Where you going Marron?” Kulilin asked.

“I’ll be back daddy, you and mom go ahead without me and I’ll meet up.” She said walking out the door.

~*~*~*~CAPSULE CORP~*~*~*~

“I can’t believe they want to call in for business now.” Bulma said angrily. The office called her cause they couldn’t reach Trunks and now she had to sign for that damn deal.

“Can’t they see we are in a wedding.” She said to herself. She drove quickly and nearly ran over pedestrians before getting to the building. Going up to the top floor the secretary stopped her and told her Trunks was in there.

“Oh he is… well maybe he has the ring with him, I can just get it now.” She said going over to sit down.

“Oh so you’re the person who is picking up the ring. Mr. Briefs said that someone was coming for it.” She said handing it to Bulma. Bulma beamed and thanked her. Since the secretary’s deed was done she could go now. The second shift should be coming soon anyway. Right as Bulma left the building and safely tucked into her car Marron went in and went straight up to Trunk’s floor. Better they get this done right now, knowingly, that ring was very important.

“One problem upon another.” She thought going up to the desk. A lady just sitting down at the desk looked up at her and frowned.

“May I help you miss?” she asked crudely. Marron clenched her fists at her side and smiled anyway.

“Yes I am here to pick up something important from Mr. Trunks Briefs. I was told he left it at the front desk.” She said in a phony nice tone. The lady didn’t even bother to look for a note let alone a bright ring.

“Well I wasn’t handed anything and Mr. Briefs didn’t tell me anything about you.” She said her voice getting ruder. Marron scowled and leaned over the desk.

“Well I would appreciate it if you would cast one damn glance around that damn desk of yours cause I was told personally that a ring would be left at the damn front desk of this damn floor. Now if you would rather me get the security personnel up here to search you for thievery then I would be happy to. I would be delighted to have you hauled out of here so by all means do say ‘no’ to me one more time.” She said her temper slowly slipping. The lady cleared her throat and started to search around her area for anything shiny or in a box. Marron smirked and waited patiently.

“I apologize but there is no way there could be a ring up here without my noticing.” She said her tone a bit more acceptable. Marron scowled and whipped around. She turned back and was angry.

“Where is Trunks!” she asked impatiently. It seems her moments of cultivation were up as she was about to raise her voice. But Trunks walked out of the boardroom just in time.

“Marron! What are you still doing here?” he asked flustered. She put her hands on her hips.

“I’m waiting for the ring that you supposedly left at the front desk. What’s up?” she asked unsure. She seemed to get worried as she noticed a completely new color rise to his face.

“What do you mean?” he asked thinking he would explode. That ring had a very important purpose and he’d be damned if it should get lost by some freak accident of bad luck.

“I mean it’s not here. You sure you left it here?” she asked getting the story straight.

“Yeah I left it here at around 5:15.” He said positive it was still in the building. The rude secretary jumped into the discussion.

“You must have left it with the first shift. I’m the second shift. And there isn’t a note saying if its here or not.” She said informatively. Marron looked to Trunks.

“You think she still has it?” she asked unsure. He was already in the elevator beckoning for her to come along.

“I don’t know.”

~*~*~*~BULMA~*~*~*~

“There now… we solved this with no problem.” She said glancing at the ring on her finger. Her phone rang and she pushed the speaker button.

“Hello.” She said softly.

“Bulma, Bulma it’s me Chichi. Where is Trunks? Goten said he went over to Capsule Corp. but when I called he’s not there.” She said impatiently.

“Oh don’t worry. He had to make a quick stop and now I have the ring. I am on my way back, round up the guys and bring em’ back too.” She said quickly. She heard a sigh of relief on the other line and smiled to herself.

“Alright. See you there.” She said and hung up. Bulma pushed the off button and continued to drive off back home. She glanced at her watch and whistled. ‘Too close’ she thought. Her phone rang again and this time it was Marron.

“Bulma… we have a problem. Trunks left the ring at the front desk and I was supposed to get it and when I got there the lady for the second shift was there and the lady he left the engagement ring with was the lady from the first shift so now he is going to look for the lady from the first shift and will be there as quickly as he can.” She said quickly. Bulma nearly drove off the road.

“NO Marron!” she tried but it was too late. She had already hung up. She slapped her head and quickly dialed up a number. It was Chichi’s hover car. She picked up quickly.

“Yes.” She said in a hyper tone.

“Chichi is Goten there… we have a problem.”

~*~*~*~PAN & BRA~*~*~*~

“Are you finished yet… my nails are dry and my hair is done. You made up my face and everything else. Can I call Trunks?” she asked pouting. Bra scowled.

“No… talking to him is bad luck too.” She said quickly. Pan arched her eyebrow.

“No its not.” She said softly. Bra stopped what she was doing but went back to it quickly.

“Well now it is.” She said smiling. Pan pouted again and crossed her arms.

“I’ll remember this when it’s your turn. Then you’ll know exactly how it feels.” She said smirking. Bra laughed.

“I already do… my father does his absolute best to scare Goten off… something it works and other times it doesn’t. But I still get what I want. And my dad knows that and accepts it in his own little way.” She said proud. She turned back and looked at Pan. Her expression suddenly sad, Bra went over to her and grabbed her hand.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have mentioned the father thing.” She said apologetically. Pan waved her hand in dismissal.

“It’s not your fault. I guess I’m going solo for this one. At least he was there for the first one, I have to count that.” She said trying to smile. Bra rubbed her shoulders.

“But he should be here now too. But don’t worry… cause he will be here. Believe that okay.” She said sweetly. Pan’s shoulders slumped.

“But what if he don’t. And I’m standing at the end of the aisle just waiting for someone who had no intention what so ever of showing. What if he never wants to see me again cause he hates me?” she said tears slipping away. Bra grabbed a tissue and tried to stop them from running.

“No, no, no… Pan no crying okay. Look, I know how you feel, a little, maybe not a lot but a little and I believe that, I’m being realistic, that if he doesn’t show, you should still be happy and proud.” She said comforting.

“But he wont be proud of me. I’ve always wanted my tousan to be proud of me… to acknowledge me as someone and love me as his daughter and take pride in the things I do and enjoy what I enjoy. From everyone, I wanted them to know me as someone, but for my dad to be proud of me. And right now he’s not. He’s disappointed in me and doesn’t see me as he used to, barely even looks at me. And he doesn’t love me as a daughter but keeps at a distance of a stranger.” She said heartbrokenly. Bra sighed and hugged her tightly.

“Cry all you want for this one Panny. Just be lucky I put waterproof on you instead of regular.” She said in an attempt to cheer her a little. It worked causing them both to chuckle. A knock came from the door and Bra got up to answer it. Pan on the other hand took a tissue and started to dry her tears. Bra swung open the door and was nearly knocked over from shock but quickly recovered.

“Jason… long time no see.” She said smiling. She turned and looked at Pan. “Pan… its for you.”

~*~*~*~GOTEN~*~*~*~

Goten was driving his mothers hovercraft as soon as she dropped the others off at the C.C house. He was now looking for Trunks who was not accessible since he wasn’t picking up his phone. He looked at his watch and gripped the wheel tighter. They were cutting it extremely close. The guests were already arriving and now there was no groom. He sighed to himself. Talk about your bad luck days. He stopped at a stoplight and looked to his side. He smiled. ‘Talk about your good luck days’ he said spotting Trunks and Marron in the next car. He rolled down his window and knocked on theirs. Marron looked curiously then smiled. She rolled down her window as well.

“Hey… what are you doing over here?” she asked curiously.

“Looking for the groom. Trunks… your mom has the ring… she was called to the office before you but you got there before her and when she mentioned the ring the secretary gave it to her.” He said smiling finally relieved. Trunks turned another color but looked relieved as well.

“Thank Kami… I was hunting down a secretary who’s name I don’t even know.” He said exasperated. Marron shook her head.

“Can we wrap this up, we’re holding up traffic and have a wedding to be at in ten minutes!”

~*~*~*~PAN & JASON~*~*~*~

Pan looked up and smiled. He smiled at her too and quickly put his hands in his pockets. Bra stepped out of the way and out of the room.

“I’ll be right back I have to see if my mom or Chichi is here with the ring yet.” She said dashing off. Jason cocked his head to the side.

“Why would Chichi have the ring?” he asked unsure. Pan waved her hand again.

“Long story.” She said getting up. “You made it… I’m glad you did. Cause I guess I’ll be walking down the aisle with you after all.” She said smiling slightly. He nodded.

“I see.” He said walking into the room. He was standing close and his height towered over her. Pan looked up and smiled again… she gave him a unexpected hug.

“I really am glad that you made it. It means a lot to me and our friendship.” She said pulling away slightly. He nodded.

“And they say you cant go back to being friends.” He said cynically. Pan chuckled and went back to sit down.

“You look beautiful in that dress you know. I didn’t think I would see it on you again.” He said his voice distant. She looked at him and nodded.

“I didn’t think I would ever where this dress. Let alone wearing it twice.” She said looking into the mirror. “But then again I didn’t think a lot of things. I didn’t think I would break off our marriage. I didn’t think Trunks and me would end up together. I didn’t think I would end up pregnant in the mist of a war between my father and my baby’s father. I didn’t think I would make it this far without breaking down.” She said putting her head in her hands. Jason was about to respond but Bra peeked into the door.

“Pan… did Trunks stop by secretly?” she asked accusingly. Pan cocked her head to the side.

“No… why?” she asked not sure she wanted to hear the answer.

“Well I looked out to see if he came out of the car with the guys but he didn’t and I don’t know where he’s at.” She said worried. Pan picked up quickly and almost jumped to her feet she walked over to where Jason was and mumbled to herself but well enough audible to him.

“And I didn’t think my fiancé would go missing less than 8minutes before our wedding.”

“I’m sure he didn’t go missing… he’s just late. Don’t worry I was just wondering if he stopped by.” Bra said reassuring her.

“Oh don’t worry… I wont worry.” She said putting her shoes on and walking out the room.

“Where are you going then?” Jason asked looking back at her.

“Well to find my fiancé… where else?”

~*~*~*~TRUNKS~*~*~*~

“We have time… we’re almost there. We have time… we’re almost there. We have time… we’re almost there…” Trunks chanted as he recklessly drove through the streets. Goten trying his best to follow. Marron was very close to strangling the driver next to her. He had been chanting those same six words for almost forever. Although it was only a few minutes it was too long.

“Trunks! Don’t worry… we have time to get there.” She said trying to relax him and shut him up. He nodded his head.

“Your right… you see… we’re here already. Told you nothing to worry about.” He said jumping out of the car and looking for his mother. He ran into the house and bumped right into Bulma. She threw her arms around him in relief.

“Good grief do you know the trouble that’s been going on.” She said tiredly. Trunks chuckled nervously and ran a hand through his hair.

“Yea… I could imagine. Where’s the ring… I need to give it to Pan.” He said in a rush.

“Here… I was just about to do it myself but go ahead.” She said handing him the shiny rock. He smiled and ran up the steps. Looking around the corner Bra was trying to push Pan back into the room.

“Bra!” Bra looked to see who it was and smiled.

“Trunks… finally.” She said relieved.

“Trunks?” Pan said uncertain.

“Trunks… you’re here… well I can get to my seat now.” Jason said and walked down stairs. Trunks looked back and stared as he walked down the steps. Wondering who in the hell invited him. Not giving it much thought and trying not to waste any more time he ran over to the door, Bra succeeding in closing the door on Pan.

“Alright… I can take it from here. You go take care of everything else.” He said nicely. Bra nodded and walked over to the steps and disappeared. Trunks knocked on the door and it opened slightly.

“Hi Pan. I can’t see you right this minute but I’m guessing you look absolutely beautiful. And a little mad because I’m late and probably have your arms crossed stubbornly for making you worry.” He said smiling. Pan uncrossed her arms quickly, smirking to herself.

“Well you are late and I am ring-less. So is this a casual visit or do you have something to say?” she asked smiling.

“As a matter of fact,” he said pulling out the ring, he reached in and came in contact with her arm he let a finger slide down until he reached her hand and he grabbed for it gently tugging it out the door. “I do have something important to do. It seems I forgot to give you something. Something you very well need.” He said and slipped the ring on her finger. Smiling at how beautiful it looked there. As if the ring was made for her hand and her hand alone. “I love you Pan… be my wife.” He said. She drew her hand back in and he heard the almost silent intake of breath.

“Of course.” She said breathlessly. He smiled.

“See you soon.” He said and she knew that he had gone. She looked at the clock on the dresser. ‘It’s Showtime… again’ she mused with herself. She looked in the mirror rechecking her appearance. Her heart racing and her blood pumping her body beginning to shiver from a non-existent breeze, her breathing becoming short and ragged. ‘Calm down Pan… I mean… your only getting married’ she thought to herself. Another knock came at the door and she jumped.

“Who.” She croaked out hoarsely. Clearing her throat she made her way to the door as it opened.

“Are you ready bride lady?” Marron asked smiling. Pan nodded enthusiastically.

“More than ever.” She said her hand over her stomach.

“Well then… let’s get you hitched.” She said laughing, Pan joined in. Between those minutes and the time it took for her to get to the beginning of the aisle everything was a blur. She looked at her surroundings from the people in front of her. The sky was perfect; the fireflies were glittering with as much joy as she was feeling. The pond had a beautiful reflection of the stars that were shining. Jason was standing by her side being a true friend, the thought of him replacing her father saddening her. Her father had yet to show, maybe Bra was wrong this time. Her shoulders slumped and her head fell at the sound of the wedding march. ‘Times up daddy… I’m getting married’ she thought sadly. Jason’s presence wasn’t with her anymore but it seemed it was replaced with someone larger. ‘Had Jiisan decided to walk me down the aisle instead?’ Pan looked up and could have chocked on her breath.

Gohan stood tall in his tux and with his daughter on his arm. He smiled at her… a father proud smile. Pan couldn’t believe it. ‘He showed up!’ she thought excited. He lifted her veil quickly and looked into her eyes.

“I know I put you through a lot and I am genuinely sorry. You are my daughter and I love you regardless. And I will always be there for you, good time or bad… never forget that.” He said kissing her on the cheek. Pan threw her arms around him in a wild hug. Her tears blurring her vision, pulling back she sniffled some times but smiled.

“Arigatou tousan. Aishiteru.” She said her voice filled with emotion. He kissed her on her forehead.

“Aishiteru Panny-chan.” He said and flipped her veil back over. The signal for them to step out was now and with renewed energy… they both took the first steps onto the carpet. Videl nearly burst out crying when she saw Gohan. Everyone up at the alter except for the priest nearly fell down. They didn’t expect that… they hoped it would happen but it was still a shock. Trunks smiled. Thankful that he made up with Pan, he knew for certain he wasn’t out of the woods yet. When they got up there the priest began.

“Who will be giving this young woman away?” all went silent. Eyes on Gohan as he stared at Trunks intensively. He held out his hand to him and Trunks quickly took it, firm shake between two friends.

“I am.” He said gently. A breath of relief went along to those who could hear it. Gohan mouthed the words ‘I will talk to you later’ and Trunks completely understood. Pan joined Trunks and they listened to the words of the priest join them together. They looked at each other. They knew that it was all worth it…the tears, the sweat, the broken hearts, the hidden secrets, the lies, the temptations, the deceptions, the decisions, the arguments, the loving, and making love, even the spontaneous vacation…It was all worth it. It all lead up to this one phenomenal moment. This one point in time when nothing else mattered but each other, they survived it and conquered the trial run, and they were ready for everything else.

“By the word invested in me… I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” They turned to face each other and Trunks lifted her veil, staring into her eyes. He knew there would be no one else… just her. Leaning in to each other their lips met… permanently sealing the destiny that was for told from the beginning. It was finally done. It took them a while to get there but they were there and none of them had any intentions of turning back now. Applause rang throughout the crowd of guests. They broke the kiss and stared into each other’s eyes again.

“The perfect ending to a long book don’t you think.” He whispered to her as they walked down the aisle. Pan looked at him.

“Really… actually I was thinking this is just the beginning.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

OMG!! I am finally done…. I mean… finally finished and finally married those two off. Good grief I thought I would never get around to it. But I did… ::yay:: Although I don’t think this chapter is my best work… it’s a good ending. Well hope you enjoyed it… and make as many suggestions as you want. I welcome compliment, comment and criticism. But criticize me in a humorous manner… that way I wont feel so hurt. ::j/k:: But for real… I have a sense of humor and open-minded… I don’t want anything like its stupid stupid stupid and a whole bunch of insults to characters or my pairings in my fic… that’s just stupid. Well anyway… I got the point across.

::Phew I am tired… too late…Eyes starting to loose focus… falling asleep… falling… ouch!:: N-E-Way goodnight peoples. Hope you enjoyed it. ::sniffles:: As much as it pains me to do so… this is the conclusion and season finale to… ::drum roll:: IJCHM…IFILWY!! Maybe the sequel premiere will follow shortly {:^Þ