Love and Other Bruises
This is another of my T/M, G/B and P/U stories, because I like those couples. If you don't, then please don't bitch to me about, because I really don't care. Wow, I'm actually trying to write a humour type fic. Been I while since I tried one of those!
I don't own DB/Z/GT or any of the characters, nor do I own the song used for the title. "Love and Other Bruises" is by Air Supply, and I assume someone relating to them owns the song.
1: Breaking Up is Never Easy
As Marron shut the door of her apartment behind her, the tears that had been threatening to spill all afternoon burst forth. She had just experienced quite possibly the worst day of her life.
It had started out beautifully, but quickly turned sour. She had gone to meet her long time boyfriend, Acheta, only to have him tell her that he thought they should stop seeing each other. Sure, she had suspected it would happen sooner or later, but she was really hoping for it to be later.
Marron was thankful that she no longer lived with her parents on Kame Island. Her mother would know not to interfere, but Krillin would be a different matter. He cared too much for his "little angel", even though she was a grown woman now, to simply leave her alone while she was upset.
Living alone meant that Marron could cry for hours without anyone noticing or asking if she was okay. And that was precisely what she did. She curled up on her most comfortable armchair and sobbed for three hours straight. When she was finally calm enough to function as a normal person, she got up and made herself a cup of soothing green tea. She drank it while listening to the messages on her answering machine.
"Hey, angel," came her father's voice on the first message. "Just calling to check up on you. Call me back whenever." That brought a small smile to Marron's lips. He always seemed to know when something was up, and always called to "check".
The second message was from Bra. "Heya, girl! New club opening this weekend. Me and Paresu are going, and you and Pan better come along too! You can bring shithead along if you must. Ciao, sweetie!"
Marron started sniffling again. Bra had never much liked Acheta, and made no secret of it. That was just how Bra was – very blunt and to the point about everything. She would probably be pleased to hear about the break up.
The final message was Pan, who Bra had obviously contacted also. "Hi, Marron. Bra's probably already asked you out this weekend to that new club. Please come! And by yourself, pretty please. I couldn't stand another night sitting and watching those two pick up like seven guys each! I need you to keep me company. Gimme a call whenever…bye!"
Marron wiped away the tears and managed another small smile. While Paresu and Goten had been dating, she had become quite close to his female friends, especially Bra. In fact, when Paresu decided that she wanted to start her own designer fashion label, Bra convinced her brother to help finance it. The PC (short for Paresu Collection) label was now huge everywhere, and Bra quite often modelled it. Even when Goten and Paresu broke up, she remained friends with the girls, as well as still being on friendly terms with her ex.
Marron knew that would not be the case with Acheta. In the few hours that she had been home, she had finally accepted what her friends had been trying to tell her for as long, long time: Acheta was an asshole. While they had been together, he had seemed like the best thing in her life, but now when she thought of it, she could barely remember a moment when he had treated her well.
She picked up her phone and dialled Bra's number.
"Y'ello, Capsule Corp.," a male voice answered.
"Hey Trunks, it's Marron," said Marron. "Is Bra there?"
"Sure is," Trunks replied. He called out to his sister, and while he was waiting for her to arrived, made small talk with Marron. "How've ya been?"
"Oh, not too bad," Marron lied, twisting the phone cord around her finger. For some reason, she didn't quite feel like telling Trunks just yet.
"Gimme the fucking phone, loser," Bra ordered, once again demonstrating her complete lack of subtleness. But then, Trunks was usually the target of Bra's bitchiness. "Hey, girl. You get my message?"
"Yeah, I did," Marron answered. She was trying to think of the best way to break the news to Bra.
"So are you going to come? It'll be Hell fun! Paresu is even taking some time off to come."
"Well, I'm not sure…"
"Shit, I hope you're not letting that fucktard rule your life again!" Bra sighed angrily.
"Umm…actually…we…uh…broke up…"
"What? You're kidding me!"
"What's going on?" Marron heard Trunks call.
Bra took the receiver away from her mouth, but Marron still heard her growl at Trunks, "Yo, Lavender Brains, this is a private girl conversation, so why don't you take a hint and piss off!"
There was a mumbled retort from Trunks, before Bra returned to her conversation with Marron. "Sorry, about that. Brothers will be brothers."
"I wouldn't know." Marron could feel the tears coming again.
"So, anyway, tell me everything!"
"Well, it was your average break up, I guess. We went out for lunch, he told me he thought we shouldn't see each other anymore…stuff like that."
"That prick!" Bra hissed angrily.
Marron had to smile, despite her current state. Trust Bra to make her feel better by insulting Acheta. "I thought you'd say something like that."
"I've been saying it from the day you started dating the guy."
"I know, and now I've finally realised you were right…"
"How many times do I have to tell you? I'm always right!"
Marron laughed. It was amazing how a simple phone call had made her feel so much better. Maybe a night out would be good for me…
"Look, Marron, I've got an idea," Bra said. "Why don't you come over tonight? I'll call up Pan and Paresu, we'll hire out some 'Guys suck' type movies, order some pizza and eat ice cream all night! Sound good?"
"Hmm, yeah, it does actually," Marron decided. She smiled broadly; this was exactly what she needed. Girl time with her single girl friends. "I'll be over around seven."
"Cool! See you then, babe. Take care!"
Marron hung up the phone and shook her head. "Typical Bra."
* * * * *
"Trunks, Marron, Pan and Paresu are coming over!" Bra called out to her older brother. Their parents had gone away with Goku and ChiChi for several days, leaving the older, but no more mature Briefs child in charge.
"No, no, no, dear sister," Trunks scolded. "What you should have said is: 'Oh, Trunks, greatest brother in the universe, would it be at all okay for my good friends Marron…'"
"Oh, shut up! I don't care," Bra interrupted.
Trunks shrugged. "Yeah, I guess I don't either." He grinned. "But it's just fun to see you get all worked up. Mind you, I reserve the right to film all lesbian activities that may occur…"
"Ew, Trunks. I'm your sister, hello?"
"Yeah, but Marron, Pan and Paresu aren't." Trunks gave a little purr.
Bra rolled her eyes. "That is just gross on so many levels."
"Yeah, whatever. I won't be here anyway. Goten, Uub and me are going on the prowl."
"Well, that sounds like the most pathetic bunch of males I've ever heard of," Bra laughed. "What time are you leaving?"
He shrugged again. "About eight."
"Well, Marron will be here at seven-ish. Dunno about the other two. We'll be sure to feed your egos and tell you how gorgeous you all look."
"Marron shouldn't be doing that," Trunks stated. "She's got a man…"
"Well, actually…" Bra thought for a moment, and decided that it should be okay to tell Trunks. He'd probably find out that night anyway. Better to tell him now, so he wouldn't say something bad later. "They broke up. That's what she called about."
Trunks raised an eyebrow. "Really? It's about time really. That jerk was never good enough for out Marron. Does she want us to go and break his legs? Because, seriously, that would really make for a fun night out."
"Have I told you recently how much you suck?" Bra asked.
Trunks pulled her into a bear hug and messed up her hair while she squealed. "I love you too, sis!"
"Get off!" Bra pushed Trunks away, but smiled. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to ring Paresu and Pan."
"Tell Paresu she can stay in my room!" Trunks called with a laugh.
* * * * * *
Pan and Paresu arrived before seven, so by the time Marron arrived, Bra had already filled them both in about the situation. Pan just smiled supportively at her friend, but Paresu hugged Marron.
"Oh, sweetie, are you okay?" she asked.
"I'm fine, Paresu, seriously," Marron assured. "Funny how quickly good news travels, huh?" Marron smirked at Bra.
"You didn't swear me to secrecy," Bra shrugged. "I told Trunks too. Mainly so he wouldn't say something dumb. He's prone to doing that."
"I'm prone to doing what?" Trunks asked, entering the room, already dressed and ready to go out.
"Check you out," Pan whistled. "Looking very nice."
"Aww, thanks Panny." Trunks grinned. Though Pan had had a huge crush on Trunks when she was younger, she was completely over him. Trunks liked to wallow in complements. Seeing Marron and Paresu were still half hugging, Trunks' grin broadened significantly. "Now that's what I like to see. Maybe I won't go out, especially if you ladies would like to join me in my palace of lurve…"
"If you're talking about your room, Trunks," said Bra, with a smirk; "I suggest you pick up all the dirty underwear first."
Trunks stuck his tongue out in a very mature gesture. Hearing the doorbell ring, he ran to answer it. He opened the door to let Goten and Uub in.
"Yo, Trunks," Goten greeted. Upon seeing the girls, he added, "Oh, and hello ladies. You girls coming with us?"
"No, they're having a girly sleepover thing," Trunks answered. "You know, when they strip down to their bras and panties and have tickle fights."
"Then why the fuck are we going out?" Uub asked. Anyone who was paying attention might have seen Uub glance at Pan, then quickly turn away, blushing ever so slightly.
Bra sighed. "Honestly, what is it with guys? Do you really think that's what we do when we have a sleepover?"
"Yes," three male voices answered in unison.
With another roll of her eyes, Bra pushed her brother and her friends out the front door. "Go, pick up some hussies or whatever. I'll see you in the morning." Slamming the door behind them, she faced her three female friends and shrugged. "Boys."
* * * * * *
A/N: Well, there's the first chapter. Please tell me what you think so far. Next chapter: The girls' night in begins.