Cheer Up

Trunks sighed as he finally managed to load all the shopping bags into his car. It had been a long day for the President of Capsule Corp and the last thing he wanted to do on his off day was to go shopping.

"Well, that's the last of it. I think mom really went overboard this time," he said as he buckled his seat belt.

"I think that's sweet of you to spend your off day shopping for her," Marron gushed as she handed Trunks his drink. "I can't wait to see her face when she sees all these shopping bags."

"Thanks for coming along with me Marron, I don't think I could have done it by myself."

"No problem. I'm surprised that you didn't ask Mai to come with you. Is she okay with us going out? I don't want to cause any trouble between you lovebirds," Marron teased, nudging Trunks repeatedly.

"Don't worry about it. We're not together anymore. You're safe," he said casually, turning to Marron when he noticed that she had stopped nudging him. She looked like a deer in headlights, and it didn't help that her eyes were already naturally big.

"What? Oh my God, I'm so sorry Trunks. I didn't mean to hurt you. I thought you guys were still together. I was only joking when I implied that she would be mad and I should have asked you…" she trailed off, her speech getting faster and her hands started making nervous gestures.

Trunks bit his lower lip, trying to hold in his laugh. She always does this when she's nervous, and it's kind of cute watching her get all jittery like that, he thought. He took a deep breath before interrupting her.

"Marron, calm down. Here, hydrate yourself," he handed her his drink. Marron immediately grabbed the drink and took a big gulp. Her face was flushed and she was out of breath. It took her a few minutes to get her breathing back to normal.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, thank you. How long have you guys…"

"It's been over a year. It was mutual, no hard feelings, everything went well, I think. At least on my side," Trunks said calmly, his eyes now focused on the road.

Marron was surprised to see Trunks so calm and collected. For as long as she can remember, he was always gushing about how pretty and lovely Mai is, and how he wanted to make her his girlfriend. Mai was Trunks' first girlfriend and it was the only serious relationship that he had had. Marron had seen how the couple flourished in the relationship. She could have sworn that they would end up married and she was rooting for them.

Sure they had their slip ups and what not but nothing that petty could keep them apart. They were perfect for each other. It was hard for Marron to accept the fact that after all that emotional rollercoaster, Trunks was as cool as a cucumber.

"What happened? Was it because of work? I know you've been busy since then," she assumed, hoping that she didn't strike a nerve.

"No, we were already broken up long before I became President." Trunks sighed.

"I don't understand. I thought you loved her."

The car came to a sudden halt, alarming Marron. Oh boy, she definitely did it this time, she thought. Marron looked at the road and discovered the reason for the sudden halt, they were stuck in traffic. She breathed a sigh of relief and turned to Trunks, studying his expression, he looked tired but surprisingly still calm.

"I did. But it didn't feel right," he paused. "It felt… forced?"

It was so hard to put into words how exactly he felt. When he first broke the news to his family, he was surprised at their reaction. Usually his family, especially his mother, would overreact and be all over his business, meddling in so many ways. But this time, they accepted it. Just like that and it was a big relief for Trunks. However, it didn't change the fact that he was still trying to figure things out in his life. And like it or not, he needed help.

Marron stared at Trunks, studying his facial expression again. She noticed his smile, but it wasn't coming from joy. He was still hurt.

"I get it. You feel out of place. It feels like you have to be more than one person for everyone else and when you're alone in your thoughts, you realised that you've forgotten who you really are. You put all your dreams aside and try to go on with life but without realising, you've hurt people along the way. Then reality sinks in and you feel responsible to correct everything you've done but you just can't because… you're stuck." she explained.

Trunks felt his heart sink. Her words really did hit home.

Ever since they were kids, he noticed that Marron always had a mature understanding for things like this. She was always the listener and when needed, she had her words of wisdom. Oftentimes, her gift would catch Trunks by surprise. He was never afraid of showing his vulnerable side to her.

Trunks' thoughts were interrupted when he suddenly heard sniffling coming from Marron.

"Marron are you crying?!"

"I'm sorry I can't help it. Can't believe that I was touched by my own words," she sobbed. "Where's the tissue?"

"There's no tissue in this car."

"What car doesn't have tissue?" she sobbed louder as she rummaged in her bag for a handkerchief. Trunks burst out laughing. It was like a scene from a comedy playing right in front of him.

"Stop laughing! You're really not helping," Marron mumbled in between her sobs and giggles.

Trunks reached out his hand and cupped her face, using his thumb to wipe her tears.

"There, all gone. Are you alright?" his hand was still cupping her face.

Marron smiled, reassuring him. She was caught by surprise when Trunks reached out and gave her a hug, holding her tight against him.

"Thank you," he murmured. Marron wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer.

"Cheer up, things will be better," she whispered.

Trunks didn't want to move. He somehow felt comfortable and secure in her embrace. He realised that he had always felt safe with her. He was unafraid to be himself. He felt free. Trunks rested his cheek against her head and absently wished that they could stay like this longer.

Their moment was cut short by the blaring sound of a car honk. They were holding up the traffic behind them. A car immediately pulled over next to Trunks' side window and an elderly man screamed at him "GET A ROOM! HOOLIGANS!" and drove off.

Trunks and Marron looked at each other and burst out laughing.

"Today was such an eventful day, don't you think?" Marron said, still giggling over what had just happened.

"Yes it was. Yes. It. Was." Trunks exclaimed sarcastically as he drove off. He was still reflecting on the moment he shared with Marron awhile ago, and a familiar warmth that he hadn't felt in a long time. And he was certain what it was.

"Hey, Trunks?"

"Yeah?"

"Please don't fall in love with me," Marron joked.

Trunks hesitated, then turned to look at her and smiled. "Sure, no problem."

END