The Way We Were

 

 

Chapter 2: Oh What A Tangled Web…

 

 

            Marron smiled fondly at the tennis bracelet Trunks had given to her for her birthday last night at the party, admiring the way it glistened against the afternoon sun. She should have been studying, but she was constantly being interrupted by thoughts of Trunks.

 

            Marron was more surprised than anything by the hug he had given her. Not that she was complaining or anything. It was just that it was so unexpected, especially from Trunks who had never really shown her any sort of physical affection in the fifteen plus years that they've known each other. Actually, it felt really nice, she mused.

 

            Her cheeks flushed warmly at the memory of his strong arms holding her against him. For that brief moment, she had felt a connection to him. She had felt safe and secure. The funny part was that he seemed surprised at how much she had grown up. She really hadn't changed that much. After all, she was still the same person on the inside. So why were things different now? She saw him only as a friend and nothing more...didn't she? Marron was surprised to find that she didn't have an answer.

 

            "Hi Marron-chan! How's the studying coming along?" Krillen asked, popping his head through the doorway.

 

            Marron smiled affectionately at her father. Even though she was an adult now, he still insisted on calling her Marron-chan, and he probably always would.

 

            "Not so well, I'm afraid."

 

            "That doesn't sound like you," Krillen replied, walking into her bedroom.

"What's the matter? Is it some boy?" he asked suggestively.

 

            Marron felt her face turn beet-red and turned away quickly to avoid her father's gaze.

 

            "Papa, please. You're embarrassing me," she scolded. "I'm twenty years old now."

 

            Krillen sighed in resignation. It was so hard for him to admit that his daughter was now a young woman. She had grown up so quickly. It would only be a matter of time before she would leave to seek out her own destiny.

 

            "Gomen, Marron-chan. You'll just have to give some time to get used to the idea. You're not a little girl anymore "

 

            Marron looked at Krillen sympathetically and went over to give him a big hug.

 

            "Do me a favor, Papa. Don't get TOO used to it, okay?"

 

            "You've got yourself a deal," Krillen replied, hugging his daughter back.

 

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            Meanwhile, Trunks was sitting at his desk at Capsule Corps mulling over contracts and other paper work that required his attention. He leaned back in his chair and rubbed his temples over and over, in a vain attempt to hold on to the remains of his sanity as he sifted through the paperwork piled on top of his desk. He looked up at the clock on the wall, and was irked to find that he had missed lunch again.

 

            "That's just perfect," he muttered irritably.

           

            Trunks got up from his chair and looked outside of the glass window panel. As he stared out into the city, his mind wandered off to last night's party. He couldn't remember the last time he had so much fun. He had to admit that he actually enjoyed himself, despite his somewhat cranky mood. Seeing Marron again after all these years brought back fond memories.

 

            Marron. The little pig-tailed tag-a-long who never gave him and Goten a moment's peace when they were kids, had developed into a beautiful and caring young woman. Just last night, he did just about everything, short of kicking and screaming, to avoid going to her birthday party. Now, all he wanted to do was to be with her and get to know her again. Who knew?

 

            Trunks stared at the phone on his desk in contemplation for a long time before finally making up his mind.

           

            "Oh, what the hell."

 

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            "Hai, moshi moshi," Marron answered the phone.

 

            "Hey, you."

 

            "Who IS this?" she asked, in a somewhat annoyed voice. It was probably just a crank call or something.

 

            "Don't tell me you've forgotten me already," Trunks answered, pretending to sound hurt.

 

            "Trunks?"

 

            "The one and only. You sound surprised Marron."

 

            "I am. You've never called me up before."

 

            "Well, there's a first time for everything. Say, have you eaten lunch yet?"

 

            "Not yet. What did you have in mind?"

 

            "I was wondering if you'd like to come into town and have a late lunch with me. My treat."

 

            "What's the occasion?"

 

            "What? Can't a couple of old pals get together for a friendly lunch?"

 

            "Well, since you put it that way, I'd love to. I'll borrow the air car from Papa."

 

            "Terrific. Meet me at the Chez Parisiénne in half an hour."

 

            "Sounds like fun. See you there."

 

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            "Marron, are you telling me that that knucklehead older brother of mine, asked you out on a DATE?" Bra asked incredulously over the phone. Marron had called to tell Bra that she wouldn't be able to make it for the shopping trip later that afternoon. Upon hindsight, maybe she should have just kept her mouth shut about having lunch with Trunks.

 

            "It's not a date," Marron replied quickly, "We're just having lunch, that's all."

 

            "Yeah, but you're having lunch TOGETHER. There's a big difference you know."

 

            "Bra, It's NOT a date," Marrron reiterated more strongly this time. "It's just that we haven't seen each other in years."

 

            "Look, I may be 12 years old, but I know a date when I hear one. Soooo, Trunks asked you out eh?"

 

            "Okay, I'm hanging up right now."

 

            "Sorry," Bra amended quickly, " Sometimes I just can't help myself."

 

            "Are you sure you don't mind about canceling our trip to the mall at the last minute?"

 

            "No sweat Marron. Have fun okay?"

 

            "Thanks Bra. I owe you one."

 

            The minute she put down the receiver back in its cradle, Bra burst out laughing, clutching her abdomen and rolling back and forth on her bed. She was going to have fun teasing Trunks about this.

 

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            Trunks waited patiently for Marron to show up, while perusing through the menu at the restaurant. He couldn't even pronounce half of what was on the menu. The Chez Parisiénne was always crowded with patrons, especially members of the social elite. Personally, he couldn't stand the way they thought they were better than everyone else. Maybe he should have picked another restaurant; one that was a little less stuffy. He was about to call Marron again, when he was ambushed by a throng of squealing young women who crowded around him, sealing off any chance of escape.

 

            "Oh boy, here we go again," he thought to himself.

 

            "Excuse me, but aren't you Trunks Briefs?" on of the girls shrieked excitedly.

 

            "Well…"

 

            "It's really him!" another girl interrupted him, before he had a chance to a get a word in edgewise.

 

            "Oh Mr. Briefs, I can't believe it's you! It's really you!"

 

            The rest of the girls began to inch in closer and closer. All Trunks wanted to do was run!

 

            At that moment, Marron stepped into the restaurant and saw a purple haired head being engulfed by a sea of squealing women in the middle of the room. She resisted the urge to burst out laughing when she saw that Trunks was desperately trying to get away from them.

 

            "Poor Trunks. If it's not one thing, it's another," she thought to herself. "I'd better go help him."

 

            She walked up to his table and announced loudly, "Hi Trunks! Sorry I'm late."

 

            Every girl snapped her head in Marron's direction and gave her a dirty look.

 

            "Who are you?" one of them demanded, looking at her disdainfully.

 

            "I'm Marron, Trunks' frien…" Before she got a chance to finish her sentence, she was interrupted by Trunks.

 

            "She's my fiancée," he blurted out in desperation. The only way they would ever leave him alone was to make himself unavailable. He smiled in relief as he spotted Marron. He had managed to pry himself away from the mob of women and went up to her and stood by her side.

 

            "Darling! Where have you been? I've been worried sick," he continued, while putting a possessive arm around her waist, pulling her close to him.

 

            Marron's eyes widened in pure shock. Had he gone completely mad?

 

            Trunks leaned down to whisper in her ear, just low enough so that she alone, could hear.

 

            "Just go along with the act," he replied through gritted teeth.

 

            "I'm sorry…'sweetheart'," Marron managed to choke out once she regained the use of her tongue again. " Something suddenly came up...VERY suddenly, in fact."

 

            She gasped as he tightened his hold on her, warning her not to reveal their act.

 

            "Well ladies, I'm sure you all have other things to do. Don't let us keep you," Trunks replied suggestively.

 

            One by one, each girl grudgingly left their table until they were finally alone.

 

            "Whew! I thought I was a goner for sure. Thanks for rescuing me, Marron."

 

            "Um, you can let go of me now," she suggested gently.

 

            "Oh. Sure," he said, releasing her immediately.

 

            "What was all that about anyway?"

 

            "Just the usual. You never know when those groupies are going to show up, they show up anyway."

 

            "Is it always like that, Trunks?" she asked, sitting opposite of him.

 

            "Unfortunately, yes. It's not champagne and caviar at the top, you know."

 

            "Awww, poor baby," she replied in mock sympathy.

 

            "Humph. The next time YOU'RE in trouble, don't expect any sympathy from me. Come on, I'm starving."

 

            "You Saiya-jins and insatiable appetites," Marron teased.

 

            "You look as though you could add a few more pounds. You're nothing, but skin and bones."

 

            "I AM NOT. I'm in perfect health," she protested. "Besides, YOU could stand to lose a few pounds."

 

            "Hey, I'll have you know that I work out every day."

 

            "I'm not surprised, considering all the food you and Goten packed away last night."

 

            "Touché," he replied, laughing in spite of himself.

 

            "This is such a beautiful and elegant restaurant, Trunks. Do you come here often?"

 

            "Not really. I try to keep away from the 'trendy' places as much as possible."

 

            "Really? Most CEO's of multi-million dollar corporations would be wining and dining at the most famous and expensive restaurants in town."

 

            "Not this CEO. That's one part of the job I could do without. You yourself saw firsthand, what it's like to be in my shoes.'

 

            "So why don't you do something else?"

 

            He looked at her thoughtfully. He often asked himself the same question.

 

            "I guess I owe it to Mom. She's always wanted me to take over CC. After all, I have to live up to the family name."

 

            "But are you really happy, Trunks?" Marron asked in genuine concern.

 

            She always remembered him being a rambunctious little hellion, full of life and charisma. And constantly getting into trouble, not to mention getting HER into trouble many times. It surprised her to see the change in her childhood friend.

 

            "That's something that I'll have to work out on my own."

 

            "Oh…okay," she replied quietly, getting the message. She didn't realize she was being such a busy body. She just wanted him to be happy.

 

            Marron stared at him when he covered her hand with his.

 

            "It's nice to know that you care."

 

            He gave her an incorrigible smile in response. It was no wonder that women were always flocking around him like bees to honey. Marron felt the color rise in her cheeks.

 

            "Well, shall we order then, my lovely 'fiancée'?" Trunks asked jokingly.

 

            "Anything you say, Mr. President."

 

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            They spent the next hour catching up and reminiscing about the good old days when life was simpler and without complications. Marron was enjoying herself so much, that she hated for it to end so soon.

 

            "I really had a good time today Trunks. Thanks for lunch," Marron commented as they walked to their cars.

 

            'Anytime. Let's do it again soon, okay?"

 

            Marron smiled at him warmly. "I'd like that."

 

            He leaned over and brushed his lips against her cheek. Marron's blue eyes widened.

 

            "What was that for?"

 

            "For listening to me whine about work. And also for being such a good sport about the whole fiancée act."

 

            "No problem."

 

            Marron poked her finger against his chest warningly.

 

            "But NEXT time, you're on your own."

 

            "Ow! I get the point."

 

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The next morning…

 

            "Morning everyone. Is breakfast ready, Mom?" Trunks asked cheerfully.

 

            "Is that all you can think about at a time like this?" Bulma demanded, hovering over her son angrily. She appeared about three times her normal size. Trunks shrinked back automatically. It was never a good idea to antagonize her when she was already upset.

 

            "Is there a problem here? It's time for breakfast isn't it?"

 

            "Don't pretend like you don't know what I'm talking about."

 

            She began to bawl loudly. "Waah! Why is the mother always the last one to know?!" Bulma wailed melodramatically.

 

            A giant sweatdrop formed on Trunks' head in embarrassment.  "Um, what are you talking about?" he asked, taking a sip of his orange juice.

           

            "How could you keep something as important as your engagement a secret from your own family?"

 

            Trunks spit out his juice automatically in response, choking afterward. Unfortunately, it sprayed all over Vegeta. He was none too pleased. Vegeta gave Trunks a murderous glare.

 

            "Sorry Dad."

 

            "You'd better confess big brother. Mom knows all about it," Bra teased.

 

            "I'll just bet. YOU keep out of this. Now what's all this nonsense about me being engaged? I'm not even seeing anyone at the moment."

 

            "I would have understood if it was a stranger, but Marron is practically a member of the family."

 

            "Whaaaaaat?!!!!" Trunks and Vegeta replied in simultaneous shock.

 

            "This is sooooo cool! I'm gonna get a sister-in-law!"

 

            "It's all over the front page Trunks. See for yourself."

 

            Trunks groaned silently as he read the article. There was a huge picture splashed all over the front page of him kissing Marron's cheek. Damn the paparazzi! That's all he needed...MORE publicity.

 

            "Its all so sudden Trunks. I didn't even know you and Marron were dating," Bulma commented. "And you said that you hadn't seen each other in years. You sneaky Saiya-jin."

 

            "Mom, I think that there's something that you should know," he protested.

 

            "Yes, yes. There's plenty of time for that later. Right now, we have to worry about the guest list, the caterers, the florists. Oh, and of course where you two will be going on your honeymoon," Bulma said suggestively, winking at her son.

 

            "Please, I'm trying to eat here," Vegeta commented in annoyance.

 

            "YOU'RE a big help Vegeta. Don't you even care that your only son is getting married?"

 

            "As long as I don't have to do anything, I could care less."

 

            Bulma and Bra looked at each other and shook their heads, muttering, "Men."

 

            Trunks sat there helplessly. What had he gotten himself into?

 

            The telephone rang insistently, giving him an excuse to escape this brewing fiasco.

 

            "Hello?" he answered miserably.

 

            "Hello 'SWEETHEART'," Marron greeted him, her voice laced with sarcasm.

 

            "I take it you saw this morning's paper too?" he surmised glumly.

 

            "This is your fault, you know."

 

            "Hey, it's not like I asked to have our picture taken," he replied defensively.

 

            "Nevertheless, you got us into this mess. You get us out of it."

 

            "Don't worry. I'll straighten this whole thing out."

 

            "You'd better. Papa is threatening to make all the wedding arrangements and Mama is already picking out my dress."

 

            "I'll just have to sit down and explain it to my mother, that's all."

 

            "Are you sure she'll even listen to you?"

 

            "Trust me," he replied confidently.

 

            She had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. "Now I'm really worried," Marron muttered.

 

End of Chapter 2

 

 

Written by "Babboo"

On 4/24/01