An Angel's Tears
Part 9: "Finally Together?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Are you sure she's not there?" Bra said anxiously over the phone to Juuhachigou.
"Yes. You'll keep an eye out for her? Thank you. Yes, I'll call you with any info I got. Thanks,
Aunt Juuhachi. Yes, Merry Christmas to you too. Good night."
Bra heaved a heavy sigh and hung up the phone. She turned to Bulma.
"Any luck?" Bulma said eagerly.
Bra shook her head sadly.
"Well, it's pretty late, Bra, dear," said Bulma, putting a hand on her daughter's shoulder.
"Past 2:00. You better get some sleep, honey, maybe Marron will turn up in the morning."
Bra looked at her mother in disbelief.
"No, Mom, sorry, but until I find out that Marron is safe and sound and at her home, I'm not
catching one wink. Sorry, my decision is final."
Bulma smiled. "Yes, well good luck dear. Marron's got a great friend."
Bra grinned back as Bulma headed upstairs.
"Oh excuse me, sweetie." Bulma said as she bumped into Trunks on the stairs. Trunks smiled
at her, then headed down to the kitchen, where Bra sat next to the phone.
"Hey," Trunks said, sitting down next to her.
"Oh hi," Bra said, yawning.
"Oh, if you're sleepy, you can go to sleep. I'll take over for you. I can't sleep anyway."
"Really?"
"Of course." Trunks grinned. "You've been up all night. It's my turn now. After all, I caused
this." he looked down.
"No, no..." Bra put a comforting hand on Trunks' shoulder. "It's not your fault..."
"Of course it is. I yelled at her when she opened up her heart to me. I feel awful."
"Well, don't." Bra smiled. "Because I know you love her too. Good night!"
"What, Bra---" Trunks said, but Bra had run upstairs.
Well now Trunks had something to think about. What in the world was Bra talking about? HIM?
in love with MARRON? No way! Sure, he certainly did not love Katie anymore, but he wasn't in
love with Marron, either! But...there could be a possibility...when they were kids, Marron had
developed a huge crush on Trunks, but he always liked someone else. Maybe...but in the past
year, Trunks had really noticed that Marron was not a little girl anymore...she was a beautiful,
smart, and successful young lady----no woman, Trunks corrected himself. He felt his face burn
for a moment.
He remembered back a little while ago, when he was 27, and she was 22. They were arguing over
how Marron hadn't had a date in years. Trunks looked at her for a little while, and then he
realized how much she had grown.
"They're right...you ARE a girl, Marron." he had said.
"Oh, well spotted, Mr. Obvious." she had snapped back.
"Well I just never---" he tried to say, but she cut him off.
"Just because it took YOU 22 years to notice, Trunks, doesn't mean anyone ELSE hasn't seen that
I'm indeed a girl!"
Then she had stormed away, very angry. But in the end she had forgiven him anyway. He smiled
recalling that moment. His face was all red now, and the phone rang for the third time before
he realized it was ringing. He quickly picked up the phone.
"Yes?!" he yelled.
"Trunks-kun?" came a sweet, familiar voice.
"Marron-chan?" Trunks said, shocked.
"Yes, it's me."
He couldn't believe it. "God, Marron, where were you?! I was so scared---"
"You were?"
"Well, I---not exactly, but uh---"
"Thank you, Trunks."
"Well, where are you now?" Trunks asked urgently.
"Why don't you check outside?"
Trunks ran to the door and flung it open. Marron was standing outside, leaning against the
cab, holding the driver's cell phone. She smiled at him, and he laughed. She hung up the phone
and gave it back to the driver, along with a whispered "Thanks."
She walked slowly up to him but he ran out onto the icy lawn and she threw her arms around him.
It felt good to be in her arms, Trunks thought. The hugged for what seemed like five minutes.
Then the both let go, and looked into each other's blue eyes.
"Don't ever run off like that again." Trunks said quietly.
"Don't ever break my heart like that again." Marron whispered.
Their lips inched closer and closer until something dropped loudly and interrupted their almost-
to-be-kiss. Trunks looked to see that a bucket of paint simply tipped over. He tried not to
remind Marron of the kiss.
"Uh, wanna come in?" he asked nervously.
"Sure, thank you."
Trunks opened the door for Marron as she stepped in. She immediately collapsed on the couch.
He turned to lock the door and turned back to see that she was fast asleep already. He smiled
and picked her up as he got on the couch himself. She sort of shifted directly into his arms
as he got in behind her. He looked down at her and grinned. Then he shut his eyes and went
to sleep, his arms around her and never letting go.
~~~~~~~
The whole Briefs family woke up late on Christmas Day. Bra was the first to rise, getting out of
bed at 10:00am. It wasn't really early, but the Briefs were all heavy sleepers. Bra had totally
forgotten about Trunks until she came downstairs and saw both Trunks and Marron on the sofa,
sleeping blissfully. Bra tried not to scream with joy. She smirked to herself and went to the
kitchen to get some breakfast, not wanting to wake them.
Mission failed. When Bra went into the kitchen, she slipped on the rug, landing with a loud
'thud'. She got up cursing and turned to see if the two were awake. They weren't. Bra sighed
with relief and got back up.
Marron's eyes slowly flickered open. She looked all around her, and then looked behind her at
the sleeping Trunks. She smiled to herself. He looked just like a sweet little boy. That sweet
little boy she had had a crush on many years before. She looked into the kitchen and saw someone
fumbling in the fridge. She took Trunks' arm off her waist and slowly got on her feet.
"Bra?" she called.
Bra jumped and looked over the refridgerator door.
"Marron!" Bra said, and ran to hug Marron. "Sorry, I didn't want to wake you two."
Marron smiled for a little bit. Then turned around.
"Did I---" she said. "Did I really fall asleep in his arms?"
"That's what it looked like to me." Bra said, smirking.
Marron hit Bra on the arm.
"Don't say things like that! It was just a accident, that's all."
"Mm-hmm."
There came a sound from upstairs and Bulma came down. She saw Marron and beamed at her.
"Marron, darling, there you are. I was afraid you weren't okay." she said, huggin Marron.
"Thank you, Bulma." Marron said, smiling.
"Have you contacted your mother yet, Marron? I'm sure she's worried."
"Yes, thank you for reminding me. May I?"
"Of course, dear."
Marron went to the phone and dialed her parents' number, or at least her mother's cell phone
number. Her parents were vacationing, and she didn't want to call the hotel.
Bulma turned to Trunks and smiled. Then she looked at Bra.
"You know, he looks just like he did 20 years ago as a child."
"Yeah, he acts as if he IS 8." Bra joked. "Where's Daddy?"
"Oh, he's still sleeping. And if you'll excuse me, I need to cook up a big Christmas Day
breakfast."
Bulma went into the kitchen. Bra just remembered; it was Christmas Day! She rushed to the foot
of the tree and grabbed the nearest parcel, and ripped it open.
"Yes, Mom, I understand. No, I won't. You can trust me. Yes, I'll be staying at the Briefs'
for today. Ok, bye Mom."
Marron hung up the phone. Then she looked at Bulma.
"Everything's ok now, thanks for letting me use the telephone." she said.
"Oh, anytime, honey." said Bulma. Then she looked down at Marron's dirty dress. "If you want,
Marron, you may get yourself some new clothes out of the guest wardrobe."
"Thank you."
Marron started walking, but then turned around.
"Where exactly is that again?"
"Down the East Wing to the southwest corridor, farthest door down your right."
"Uh, thanks." Marron said, trying not to forget.
"ALL RIGHT, MOM!" Bra yelled loudly, just tearing open a gift from Bulma.
"A new stereo! 5-CD! Awesome, Thanks!!"
"Shh, be quiet, Bra, or you'll wake your brother and father."
"Oh, yeah, sorry."
But it was too late. Trunks opened his eyes and yawned. He looked around at Bra and groaned.
"Merry Christmas morning to you too." Bra said sourly.
"Shut up." Trunks mumbled. "And where's Marron?"
"Good morning dear," Bulma said, coming out from the kitchen and wiping her hands on her
red-and-green apron. "Marron's down in the guest bedroom number 3."
"Thanks."
Trunks got up and went to guest bedroom number 3. There he found Marron pulling a fleece sweater
over her tank top. She had on some pajama pants with cute little bunny ears on them. He knocked.
She turned around and smiled at him.
"Merry Christmas."
"Right back at ya."
"So what do you think?" she asked, twirling around.
"You look beautiful."
"Thanks!"
They both looked at eachother for a moment. Then Marron snapped back to reality.
"Well, if you'll excuse me, I need to go help your mother with breakfast." she said.
She hugged Trunks on the way out and kissed him on the cheek, making him blush immensely.
"Oh yeah, and Trunks..."
"Um, yeah?" Trunks said without turning around.
"Thanks for keeping me warm last night."
"Wuh?" Trunks turned around to look at her, but she was already walking down the hall, giggling.
That's what he liked about her. So down-to-earth, so okay, even after all that's happened.
The doorbell rang. Bra smiled and went to open it, knowing who would be standing outside.
"GOTEN!" Bra wrestled him and knocked him off his feet, un-aware of the other six people
watching. All of the Sons were there, and everyone was used to watching Goten and Bra like this.
They simply stepped over the two into the house.
Not only that, but the Briefs' neighbors(a family of 9 who all knew Marron) came over to visit
as well.
Bulma came out to greet them and renuions were made. Marron and Pan hugged and discussed what
had been going on with their lives. Marron couldn't remember the last time she had been
surrounded by so many friends and family; as she hugged over and over and got the same, boring,
but welcomed compliments.
"Marron, darling, I haven't seen you in ages!"
"So, haven't been training yet?"
"Ohmigosh, look how much you've grown; you're taller than me now!"
"What have you been eating, dear, you look thin."
Marron had to say 'Happy Holidays' and 'Merry Christmas' and 'I'm fine, how are you?' many more
times then she could count. When she finally escaped with the excuse of getting some water,
Marron sat down on the kitchen chair, when she was ambushed again by Goten.
"Hey, Marron!"
"Hey!!" Marron hugged Goten, hoping Bra wouldn't kill her later.
"Merry Christmas! How have you been?"
"Great, how have you?"
Marron paused and thought about Christmas Eve. She sighed.
"I've been better."
"Oh, sorry I couldn't go with you guys to see that ballet."
"It's okay, it wasn't all that fun anyway."
"Speaking of no fun," Goten smirked. "Where's Trunks? I gotta yell at him."
"Oh I think he's still in the guest bedroom number 3. And why would you want to yell at him?"
"Because---Marron, you were there! You were the victim! That's what I want to yell at him for.
For hurting you."
"What a minute Goten, how do you know?"
Goten turned to Bra, who just whistled and walked away; or at least tried.
"B-chan told me!" Goten said.
"And who told B-chan?" Marron said suspiciously.
"Trunks did." Bra said in a quiet voice.
"Hmm.." Marron said.
Suddenly Trunks walked into the room. He was suprised to see Goten.
"Hey, what are you doing here?" he said.
"Never mind that," Goten said impaitiently. "I need to talk to you. In private. Let's go."
"Wha---"
Goten seized Trunks by the arm and dragged him into the family room and slammed the door behind
him.
"What do you think you're getting at," he demanded. "Hurting Marron like that?"
"Goten, look, it was a STUPID mistake, alright? I regret it now, but then I didn't know what to
do---and how did you find out?" Trunks said.
"Bra."
"Should've known."
"So uh," Goten said slyly. "What's up with you and Marron?"
"Oh shut up." Trunks said. "She's just got a little crush on me that's all."
"And what about you???" Goten said, sounding very annoying.
"I just think of her as a friend. That's all."
"Oh, C'mon. I know you better than that. You two have been flirting with each other for the past
three years ok? That's gotta mean something."
"Flirting doesn't mean anything."
"A-ha! So you admit you that you WERE flirting with her!!" Goten said, pointing.
Trunks groaned.
"Good-BYE, Goten."
"No, wait, wait, wait."
"What now?"
"Let's try this from a different perspective." Goten said.
"Like how?"
"Let's see. If you were asked to describe the good qualities of Marron, what would you say?"
Trunks paused for a moment. Then he smiled.
"Well, she's bright, very smart, wise, intelligent, very funny, and she's the most beautiful
person in the world." he blushed a little.
"A-ha!" Goten said again. "Now, if some guy were to ask Marron out and you needed to tell this
guy about Marron's qualities as a girlfriend, what would you say?"
"Um..." Trunks thought about it. "I would say she would be the most wonderful girlfriend in the
world. I mean, she can cook for you, she will always stick by you, she'll never look at another
guy...and those eyes...those eyes are something..."
Trunks looked out onto blank space. Goten waved a hand in front of his face.
"Yoo-hoo? Trunks? HELLO?!"
"Oh, yeah, so that's what I would say." Trunks said, snapping back to reality.
"Well there,"
"There what?"
"If you won't listen to me and Bra, why don't you listen to yourself?"
"But---but---"
"I'll let you think about it."
"GOTEN----"
"BYE!!"
~~~~~~
"Hey Marron." Bra said.
"Yeah?" said Marron.
"I've summited my application to St. Mannahsama University in Osaka!"
"Good! I know you'll have as much fun there as I did. And their academics program is great!"
"Yeah but..."
"But??"
"I'm afraid I won't make it in."
"Bra, don't be silly! Of course you'll make it in!"
"But if I don't?"
"Then there are plenty of other great universities just dying to have you join them!"
"Are you sure they want a reject?"
"Bra, when did you apply?"
"Two weeks ago."
"When did you apply for the other universities?"
"Same time."
"See? All the results will come in at one time, so none of the other universities will know
each other's decisions!!"
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Ok. I guess." Bra smiled. "I also applied for your old sorority."
"That's great! Do you need me to write you a recommendation?"
"Yes, please."
"Ok. Give me the paper after the party and I'll get right on it."
"Thank you so much Marron."
"You're welcome, honey."
Marron hugged Bra and they both laughed. Goten came out shortly afterwards.
"So?" Bra asked. "What did you two talk about?"
"Nothing important." Goten said, grinning broadly.
Trunks suddenly came out.
"Um, Marron?" he said quietly.
"What is it Trunks?"
"Can I talk to you for a minute?"
Goten and Bra looked from Trunks to Marron and both their faces cracked into evil grins.
Marron rolled her eyes.
"I would love to talk to you, Trunks." Marron got up and followed Trunks upstairs and out of
earshot. They stood there in the deserted, quiet hallway. Trunks looked from Marron, to his shoes,
to the people downstairs.
"Is something wrong?" Marron asked.
"Um, right," Trunks said, taking a deep breath. "Marron---"
"Yes?"
"Marron---"
"What is it?"
"Marron---do you have feelings for me?" Trunks finally spat out.
Marron's jaw dropped and she turned away and looked at the wall.
"Um..."
"Well, do ya?"
"Um..."
"Marron, it's ok, you can tell me. No one's here but us."
"Well---"
"Yeah??" Trunks nodded.
"S-s-sort of." Marron said, very quietly.
"What do you mean sort of?"
Marron looked at him in disbelief.
"I mean I used to, OK?! A lot! There, is that what you want to hear?!"
Trunks was speechless.
"Ok..."
"But that's all over now." Marron said.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Positive."
"Ok, then."
"So..."
"Yeah."
Marron started walking downstairs and Trunks followed her.
"You do know that thing between me and Katie is over, right?" he asked.
"Yeah."
"So---"
Marron wheeled around and looked at him.
"So what?"
Trunks started to say something, but changed his mind.
"Never mind."
Marron nodded. Then she went to the kitchen but was stopped by Trunks at the doorway of the
kitchen.
"Has something changed between us?" he asked.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, has this whole thing changed our relationship somehow?"
"I don't know."
"Ok, just asking."
They both stood there for awhile in the doorway, looking at the deserted kitchen and living room.
Everyone had gone into the backyard for a fighting tournament, and Trunks and Marron were
all alone.
"Hey," Marron said, smiling.
"What?"
"Look up."
The both looked up, and yes, there it was, a mistletoe.
"Oh come on," Trunks said, but then he looked at Marron, and he remembered how their kiss had
been interrupted the night before.
Marron smirked as Trunks leaned in to kiss her. They stood there, all alone, their arms around
each other, and kissed as if there wasn't a care in the world. [But if our relationship hasn't
changed,] Trunks thought, [then why are we both allowing this to happen?]
....end of Part 9!!
A/N: Many of you have emailed me with this question, so here is the answer.
The university Bra applied to is called "Mannahsama, or Mannah-sama". For the newbies that
are reading this fic, the term "-sama" is just like "-san" or "-chan" or "-kun.". Except that
"-sama" means that you are addressing a person with great respect; in a worship manner. In
THIS FIC ONLY(DOES NOT apply to real Japenese culture), Mannah is the name of one of the female
saints. It is believed that Mannah founded the university therefore it is called
"St. Mannahsama University". Why isn't it called "St. Mannah" instead? Because in this fic only,
the legend and tradition said that Mannah prefered to have a Japenese term behind her name.
My Japenese is very rusty, so I'm not so sure. Anyway,
Thanks for asking!!
Part 9: "Finally Together?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Are you sure she's not there?" Bra said anxiously over the phone to Juuhachigou.
"Yes. You'll keep an eye out for her? Thank you. Yes, I'll call you with any info I got. Thanks,
Aunt Juuhachi. Yes, Merry Christmas to you too. Good night."
Bra heaved a heavy sigh and hung up the phone. She turned to Bulma.
"Any luck?" Bulma said eagerly.
Bra shook her head sadly.
"Well, it's pretty late, Bra, dear," said Bulma, putting a hand on her daughter's shoulder.
"Past 2:00. You better get some sleep, honey, maybe Marron will turn up in the morning."
Bra looked at her mother in disbelief.
"No, Mom, sorry, but until I find out that Marron is safe and sound and at her home, I'm not
catching one wink. Sorry, my decision is final."
Bulma smiled. "Yes, well good luck dear. Marron's got a great friend."
Bra grinned back as Bulma headed upstairs.
"Oh excuse me, sweetie." Bulma said as she bumped into Trunks on the stairs. Trunks smiled
at her, then headed down to the kitchen, where Bra sat next to the phone.
"Hey," Trunks said, sitting down next to her.
"Oh hi," Bra said, yawning.
"Oh, if you're sleepy, you can go to sleep. I'll take over for you. I can't sleep anyway."
"Really?"
"Of course." Trunks grinned. "You've been up all night. It's my turn now. After all, I caused
this." he looked down.
"No, no..." Bra put a comforting hand on Trunks' shoulder. "It's not your fault..."
"Of course it is. I yelled at her when she opened up her heart to me. I feel awful."
"Well, don't." Bra smiled. "Because I know you love her too. Good night!"
"What, Bra---" Trunks said, but Bra had run upstairs.
Well now Trunks had something to think about. What in the world was Bra talking about? HIM?
in love with MARRON? No way! Sure, he certainly did not love Katie anymore, but he wasn't in
love with Marron, either! But...there could be a possibility...when they were kids, Marron had
developed a huge crush on Trunks, but he always liked someone else. Maybe...but in the past
year, Trunks had really noticed that Marron was not a little girl anymore...she was a beautiful,
smart, and successful young lady----no woman, Trunks corrected himself. He felt his face burn
for a moment.
He remembered back a little while ago, when he was 27, and she was 22. They were arguing over
how Marron hadn't had a date in years. Trunks looked at her for a little while, and then he
realized how much she had grown.
"They're right...you ARE a girl, Marron." he had said.
"Oh, well spotted, Mr. Obvious." she had snapped back.
"Well I just never---" he tried to say, but she cut him off.
"Just because it took YOU 22 years to notice, Trunks, doesn't mean anyone ELSE hasn't seen that
I'm indeed a girl!"
Then she had stormed away, very angry. But in the end she had forgiven him anyway. He smiled
recalling that moment. His face was all red now, and the phone rang for the third time before
he realized it was ringing. He quickly picked up the phone.
"Yes?!" he yelled.
"Trunks-kun?" came a sweet, familiar voice.
"Marron-chan?" Trunks said, shocked.
"Yes, it's me."
He couldn't believe it. "God, Marron, where were you?! I was so scared---"
"You were?"
"Well, I---not exactly, but uh---"
"Thank you, Trunks."
"Well, where are you now?" Trunks asked urgently.
"Why don't you check outside?"
Trunks ran to the door and flung it open. Marron was standing outside, leaning against the
cab, holding the driver's cell phone. She smiled at him, and he laughed. She hung up the phone
and gave it back to the driver, along with a whispered "Thanks."
She walked slowly up to him but he ran out onto the icy lawn and she threw her arms around him.
It felt good to be in her arms, Trunks thought. The hugged for what seemed like five minutes.
Then the both let go, and looked into each other's blue eyes.
"Don't ever run off like that again." Trunks said quietly.
"Don't ever break my heart like that again." Marron whispered.
Their lips inched closer and closer until something dropped loudly and interrupted their almost-
to-be-kiss. Trunks looked to see that a bucket of paint simply tipped over. He tried not to
remind Marron of the kiss.
"Uh, wanna come in?" he asked nervously.
"Sure, thank you."
Trunks opened the door for Marron as she stepped in. She immediately collapsed on the couch.
He turned to lock the door and turned back to see that she was fast asleep already. He smiled
and picked her up as he got on the couch himself. She sort of shifted directly into his arms
as he got in behind her. He looked down at her and grinned. Then he shut his eyes and went
to sleep, his arms around her and never letting go.
~~~~~~~
The whole Briefs family woke up late on Christmas Day. Bra was the first to rise, getting out of
bed at 10:00am. It wasn't really early, but the Briefs were all heavy sleepers. Bra had totally
forgotten about Trunks until she came downstairs and saw both Trunks and Marron on the sofa,
sleeping blissfully. Bra tried not to scream with joy. She smirked to herself and went to the
kitchen to get some breakfast, not wanting to wake them.
Mission failed. When Bra went into the kitchen, she slipped on the rug, landing with a loud
'thud'. She got up cursing and turned to see if the two were awake. They weren't. Bra sighed
with relief and got back up.
Marron's eyes slowly flickered open. She looked all around her, and then looked behind her at
the sleeping Trunks. She smiled to herself. He looked just like a sweet little boy. That sweet
little boy she had had a crush on many years before. She looked into the kitchen and saw someone
fumbling in the fridge. She took Trunks' arm off her waist and slowly got on her feet.
"Bra?" she called.
Bra jumped and looked over the refridgerator door.
"Marron!" Bra said, and ran to hug Marron. "Sorry, I didn't want to wake you two."
Marron smiled for a little bit. Then turned around.
"Did I---" she said. "Did I really fall asleep in his arms?"
"That's what it looked like to me." Bra said, smirking.
Marron hit Bra on the arm.
"Don't say things like that! It was just a accident, that's all."
"Mm-hmm."
There came a sound from upstairs and Bulma came down. She saw Marron and beamed at her.
"Marron, darling, there you are. I was afraid you weren't okay." she said, huggin Marron.
"Thank you, Bulma." Marron said, smiling.
"Have you contacted your mother yet, Marron? I'm sure she's worried."
"Yes, thank you for reminding me. May I?"
"Of course, dear."
Marron went to the phone and dialed her parents' number, or at least her mother's cell phone
number. Her parents were vacationing, and she didn't want to call the hotel.
Bulma turned to Trunks and smiled. Then she looked at Bra.
"You know, he looks just like he did 20 years ago as a child."
"Yeah, he acts as if he IS 8." Bra joked. "Where's Daddy?"
"Oh, he's still sleeping. And if you'll excuse me, I need to cook up a big Christmas Day
breakfast."
Bulma went into the kitchen. Bra just remembered; it was Christmas Day! She rushed to the foot
of the tree and grabbed the nearest parcel, and ripped it open.
"Yes, Mom, I understand. No, I won't. You can trust me. Yes, I'll be staying at the Briefs'
for today. Ok, bye Mom."
Marron hung up the phone. Then she looked at Bulma.
"Everything's ok now, thanks for letting me use the telephone." she said.
"Oh, anytime, honey." said Bulma. Then she looked down at Marron's dirty dress. "If you want,
Marron, you may get yourself some new clothes out of the guest wardrobe."
"Thank you."
Marron started walking, but then turned around.
"Where exactly is that again?"
"Down the East Wing to the southwest corridor, farthest door down your right."
"Uh, thanks." Marron said, trying not to forget.
"ALL RIGHT, MOM!" Bra yelled loudly, just tearing open a gift from Bulma.
"A new stereo! 5-CD! Awesome, Thanks!!"
"Shh, be quiet, Bra, or you'll wake your brother and father."
"Oh, yeah, sorry."
But it was too late. Trunks opened his eyes and yawned. He looked around at Bra and groaned.
"Merry Christmas morning to you too." Bra said sourly.
"Shut up." Trunks mumbled. "And where's Marron?"
"Good morning dear," Bulma said, coming out from the kitchen and wiping her hands on her
red-and-green apron. "Marron's down in the guest bedroom number 3."
"Thanks."
Trunks got up and went to guest bedroom number 3. There he found Marron pulling a fleece sweater
over her tank top. She had on some pajama pants with cute little bunny ears on them. He knocked.
She turned around and smiled at him.
"Merry Christmas."
"Right back at ya."
"So what do you think?" she asked, twirling around.
"You look beautiful."
"Thanks!"
They both looked at eachother for a moment. Then Marron snapped back to reality.
"Well, if you'll excuse me, I need to go help your mother with breakfast." she said.
She hugged Trunks on the way out and kissed him on the cheek, making him blush immensely.
"Oh yeah, and Trunks..."
"Um, yeah?" Trunks said without turning around.
"Thanks for keeping me warm last night."
"Wuh?" Trunks turned around to look at her, but she was already walking down the hall, giggling.
That's what he liked about her. So down-to-earth, so okay, even after all that's happened.
The doorbell rang. Bra smiled and went to open it, knowing who would be standing outside.
"GOTEN!" Bra wrestled him and knocked him off his feet, un-aware of the other six people
watching. All of the Sons were there, and everyone was used to watching Goten and Bra like this.
They simply stepped over the two into the house.
Not only that, but the Briefs' neighbors(a family of 9 who all knew Marron) came over to visit
as well.
Bulma came out to greet them and renuions were made. Marron and Pan hugged and discussed what
had been going on with their lives. Marron couldn't remember the last time she had been
surrounded by so many friends and family; as she hugged over and over and got the same, boring,
but welcomed compliments.
"Marron, darling, I haven't seen you in ages!"
"So, haven't been training yet?"
"Ohmigosh, look how much you've grown; you're taller than me now!"
"What have you been eating, dear, you look thin."
Marron had to say 'Happy Holidays' and 'Merry Christmas' and 'I'm fine, how are you?' many more
times then she could count. When she finally escaped with the excuse of getting some water,
Marron sat down on the kitchen chair, when she was ambushed again by Goten.
"Hey, Marron!"
"Hey!!" Marron hugged Goten, hoping Bra wouldn't kill her later.
"Merry Christmas! How have you been?"
"Great, how have you?"
Marron paused and thought about Christmas Eve. She sighed.
"I've been better."
"Oh, sorry I couldn't go with you guys to see that ballet."
"It's okay, it wasn't all that fun anyway."
"Speaking of no fun," Goten smirked. "Where's Trunks? I gotta yell at him."
"Oh I think he's still in the guest bedroom number 3. And why would you want to yell at him?"
"Because---Marron, you were there! You were the victim! That's what I want to yell at him for.
For hurting you."
"What a minute Goten, how do you know?"
Goten turned to Bra, who just whistled and walked away; or at least tried.
"B-chan told me!" Goten said.
"And who told B-chan?" Marron said suspiciously.
"Trunks did." Bra said in a quiet voice.
"Hmm.." Marron said.
Suddenly Trunks walked into the room. He was suprised to see Goten.
"Hey, what are you doing here?" he said.
"Never mind that," Goten said impaitiently. "I need to talk to you. In private. Let's go."
"Wha---"
Goten seized Trunks by the arm and dragged him into the family room and slammed the door behind
him.
"What do you think you're getting at," he demanded. "Hurting Marron like that?"
"Goten, look, it was a STUPID mistake, alright? I regret it now, but then I didn't know what to
do---and how did you find out?" Trunks said.
"Bra."
"Should've known."
"So uh," Goten said slyly. "What's up with you and Marron?"
"Oh shut up." Trunks said. "She's just got a little crush on me that's all."
"And what about you???" Goten said, sounding very annoying.
"I just think of her as a friend. That's all."
"Oh, C'mon. I know you better than that. You two have been flirting with each other for the past
three years ok? That's gotta mean something."
"Flirting doesn't mean anything."
"A-ha! So you admit you that you WERE flirting with her!!" Goten said, pointing.
Trunks groaned.
"Good-BYE, Goten."
"No, wait, wait, wait."
"What now?"
"Let's try this from a different perspective." Goten said.
"Like how?"
"Let's see. If you were asked to describe the good qualities of Marron, what would you say?"
Trunks paused for a moment. Then he smiled.
"Well, she's bright, very smart, wise, intelligent, very funny, and she's the most beautiful
person in the world." he blushed a little.
"A-ha!" Goten said again. "Now, if some guy were to ask Marron out and you needed to tell this
guy about Marron's qualities as a girlfriend, what would you say?"
"Um..." Trunks thought about it. "I would say she would be the most wonderful girlfriend in the
world. I mean, she can cook for you, she will always stick by you, she'll never look at another
guy...and those eyes...those eyes are something..."
Trunks looked out onto blank space. Goten waved a hand in front of his face.
"Yoo-hoo? Trunks? HELLO?!"
"Oh, yeah, so that's what I would say." Trunks said, snapping back to reality.
"Well there,"
"There what?"
"If you won't listen to me and Bra, why don't you listen to yourself?"
"But---but---"
"I'll let you think about it."
"GOTEN----"
"BYE!!"
~~~~~~
"Hey Marron." Bra said.
"Yeah?" said Marron.
"I've summited my application to St. Mannahsama University in Osaka!"
"Good! I know you'll have as much fun there as I did. And their academics program is great!"
"Yeah but..."
"But??"
"I'm afraid I won't make it in."
"Bra, don't be silly! Of course you'll make it in!"
"But if I don't?"
"Then there are plenty of other great universities just dying to have you join them!"
"Are you sure they want a reject?"
"Bra, when did you apply?"
"Two weeks ago."
"When did you apply for the other universities?"
"Same time."
"See? All the results will come in at one time, so none of the other universities will know
each other's decisions!!"
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Ok. I guess." Bra smiled. "I also applied for your old sorority."
"That's great! Do you need me to write you a recommendation?"
"Yes, please."
"Ok. Give me the paper after the party and I'll get right on it."
"Thank you so much Marron."
"You're welcome, honey."
Marron hugged Bra and they both laughed. Goten came out shortly afterwards.
"So?" Bra asked. "What did you two talk about?"
"Nothing important." Goten said, grinning broadly.
Trunks suddenly came out.
"Um, Marron?" he said quietly.
"What is it Trunks?"
"Can I talk to you for a minute?"
Goten and Bra looked from Trunks to Marron and both their faces cracked into evil grins.
Marron rolled her eyes.
"I would love to talk to you, Trunks." Marron got up and followed Trunks upstairs and out of
earshot. They stood there in the deserted, quiet hallway. Trunks looked from Marron, to his shoes,
to the people downstairs.
"Is something wrong?" Marron asked.
"Um, right," Trunks said, taking a deep breath. "Marron---"
"Yes?"
"Marron---"
"What is it?"
"Marron---do you have feelings for me?" Trunks finally spat out.
Marron's jaw dropped and she turned away and looked at the wall.
"Um..."
"Well, do ya?"
"Um..."
"Marron, it's ok, you can tell me. No one's here but us."
"Well---"
"Yeah??" Trunks nodded.
"S-s-sort of." Marron said, very quietly.
"What do you mean sort of?"
Marron looked at him in disbelief.
"I mean I used to, OK?! A lot! There, is that what you want to hear?!"
Trunks was speechless.
"Ok..."
"But that's all over now." Marron said.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Positive."
"Ok, then."
"So..."
"Yeah."
Marron started walking downstairs and Trunks followed her.
"You do know that thing between me and Katie is over, right?" he asked.
"Yeah."
"So---"
Marron wheeled around and looked at him.
"So what?"
Trunks started to say something, but changed his mind.
"Never mind."
Marron nodded. Then she went to the kitchen but was stopped by Trunks at the doorway of the
kitchen.
"Has something changed between us?" he asked.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, has this whole thing changed our relationship somehow?"
"I don't know."
"Ok, just asking."
They both stood there for awhile in the doorway, looking at the deserted kitchen and living room.
Everyone had gone into the backyard for a fighting tournament, and Trunks and Marron were
all alone.
"Hey," Marron said, smiling.
"What?"
"Look up."
The both looked up, and yes, there it was, a mistletoe.
"Oh come on," Trunks said, but then he looked at Marron, and he remembered how their kiss had
been interrupted the night before.
Marron smirked as Trunks leaned in to kiss her. They stood there, all alone, their arms around
each other, and kissed as if there wasn't a care in the world. [But if our relationship hasn't
changed,] Trunks thought, [then why are we both allowing this to happen?]
....end of Part 9!!
A/N: Many of you have emailed me with this question, so here is the answer.
The university Bra applied to is called "Mannahsama, or Mannah-sama". For the newbies that
are reading this fic, the term "-sama" is just like "-san" or "-chan" or "-kun.". Except that
"-sama" means that you are addressing a person with great respect; in a worship manner. In
THIS FIC ONLY(DOES NOT apply to real Japenese culture), Mannah is the name of one of the female
saints. It is believed that Mannah founded the university therefore it is called
"St. Mannahsama University". Why isn't it called "St. Mannah" instead? Because in this fic only,
the legend and tradition said that Mannah prefered to have a Japenese term behind her name.
My Japenese is very rusty, so I'm not so sure. Anyway,
Thanks for asking!!
