Notes:
Times set: Approximately 2.5 years after chapter 23.
Once again, I don't have time to proof, so deal and enjoy!
Sorry this was took so long, guys. It's been hectic...
Chapter XXIV - Essence
Marron gnawed on her thumbnail absentmindedly, as she watched the nurse's fingers fly over the keyboard rapidly. This day was not proving to be easy for her.
Bura had gone into labor sixteen hours earlier, and when Goten had called her fifteen minutes ago, panic evident in his voice, she had rushed to close her studio, and get there in time.
Something was wrong.
"M'am," the nurse interrupted Marron's thoughts, forcing her to bring her eyes back to the woman's pleasant face.
"Yes?"
"I still cannot find your name listed in our system as a relative. Are you sure Mrs.. Son is your sister?"
"Of course I'm sure. Can't you just check one more time?"
The woman eyed Marron doubtfully, then glanced back at the computer, pursing her lips. "Very well. Name?"
"Marron Briefs." She knew something bad was happening, but the stupid staff wouldn't even let her get onto the elevator unless she was a family member.
The nurse gave an exasperated sigh, after the computer returned the same results. "M'am, if I could see some sort of identification, perhaps I could interpolate the problem."
"I've already told you five time that I lost my I.D."
"Well, I'm sorry, M'am, but until I have some proof, that you are who you say, I can't allow you to go see your sister."
"This is ridiculous!" Marron shouted in frustration.
Trunks watched the exchange, with a blank expression on his face. Nearly two hours ago, he had been reached at the Iceland branch of CC, and told of his sister's distress. He had then proceeded to cancel his appointments, and walk out of the meeting, which he had currently been in.
Now, he was watching the love of his life, as she bickered with the nurse, and demanded that she be allowed to get on the elevator. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, he wondered if the thought had even occurred to her that she could simply fly to his sister's window. Obviously, though, it hadn't.
He mulled over what he was about to do in his mind. He wasn't too sure that it was such a good idea, but she would kill him, if he didn't at least try to help her. He also knew that Bura would be mad, and considering her current status, he doubted that he wanted that.
He slowly and calmly approached the reception desk, and flashed his teeth at the nurse, while draping his arm over Marron's shoulders. "There you are, Sweetie. Everything okay?"
Marron's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets, as she gave Trunks a look that asked, "What the Hell are you doing?" However, she remained outwardly placid, "What took you so long, Trunks?"
"The parking lot was swamped..."
"Trunks? Trunks Briefs?" the nurse suddenly questioned him.
"Yes, that's right."
"Of Capsule Corporation?"
Marron sighed, her patience with the woman dissipating rapidly. "Of course. Now would you please let us go see Mrs.. Son?"
The woman rolled her eyes, and punched a few keys, while mumbling, "Someone's grouchy."
Trunks smirked, and pulled Marron over to the elevators. "Let's go see our new nephew, Hun."
"Wait, she can't go! She isn't on the list."
"She is my wife."
"But...but...you're listed as single in the computer."
"Computers don't know everything," Marron provided.
"Besides, we got married in Iceland, last month."
"Uh...oh. Well, go right up. I'm sorry for the delay, Mrs%2e. Briefs."
"N-no problem," Marron stuttered, as Trunks led her through the metal doors.
Goten's demeanor seemed to brighten, when he saw Marron and Trunks walk into the family waiting room. "Glad to see you guys here...finally."
"That nurse held me up because I wasn't in the computer. If Trunks hadn't showed up, I'd still be down there."
"I knew I forgot to do something," Goten smacked his forehead.
Trunks took stock of those in the room. His and Bura's parents, Goku, ChiChi, Gohan, Videl, and Pan. "How is Bura?"
Goten seemed to grow grim again. "She...she's not doing so well."
"The baby?" Marron asked worriedly.
"Oh, he's fine!" he said quickly.
"Then...what...?"
"Bura lost a lot of blood," Bulma explained. "She's stable now, but still very weak."
"So...what are you doing in here, Goten?" Trunks wondered.
He jumped up from his place on a sofa. "Oh right! I was waiting on you you guys to get here. She wanted to see you."
"Okay, let's go." Marron left the room, anxious to see her best friend.
"Hey, Sweetie," Goten nearly whispered, as he dropped a gentle kiss on his wife's forehead.
Bura smiled up at Goten before acknowledging the other two. "About time you got your lazy asses here."
"Lovely as always to see you too, dear Sister," Trunks chuckled.
The weary blue-haired wonder smirked. "Hey, Mar-chan (Yes, I know I never had them call her that...well I'm the author, and I can do as I please!)." She noticed her friend looking over at the small cradle and grinned. "Plan to have one soon?" Her gaze flicking between the blonde and her brother.
Marron blushed and glanced over at Trunks before replying a quiet, "No."
"Oh they'll change their minds soon enough," she grinned at Goten before turning back to the others. "Now, I would like to speak to my brother privately, if you guys don't mind."
Goten nodded, before silently leading Marron from the room. (O.O that sounds like a different genre all together...)
Trunks walked over to the crib, well aware of Bura's gaze, as she followed him with her eyes. He laughed when he saw the little spiky haired baby, who had two perfect aqua locks framing his face.
"Gorgeous, isn't he," Bura commented.
"He's amazing."
"Funny," Bura began, "I think that's what Daddy would have said, if he wasn't...Daddy, that is."
Trunks smiled, as he moved to stand by Bura's bed. "Tell me, why didn't they just get you a senzu?"
She growled. "They brought one, but I refused to take it."
"Why?"
"It just didn't feel right."
"Well, I'm sure Dad's proud of you."
She laughed weakly, then turned serious. "I'm so glad you and Marron finally came to your senses."
"Huh?"
"I mean...I always knew you two would end up together, but I must say the timing is unexpected. When did you really get back from Iceland?"
"What are you talking about, Bura? What do you mean you knew we would 'end up together?'"
She playfully slapped him. "You can stop playing dumb, Silly! Seriously, when did you finally realize that she had loved you all those years? Did she actually admit to it?"
"'...all those years...'" he repeated.
She rolled her eyes. "Really, Trunks, it isn't funny anymore."
"Marron...loved me?"
"Well, I wouldn't actually say love...more of a huge, unrequited crush, but i knew that she would fall in love with you for real," she went on dreamily.
Trunks opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came. He was...well, baffled, to say the least. Had Marron really loved him at one time? And if so, how was it possible for her to just stop loving him? What had happened? Why had she pushed him away?
"Just be careful with her, Trunks. I can tell she's still fragile."
Epica yawned, as she stretched. "It's about damned time something happened."
"Yes, well it's a good thing one of us was awake to take advantage of Trunks while we had the chance."
"Well excuse me if sleep is more interesting than two years of NOTHING."
Elese rolled her eyes. "So, you think Trunks bought Bura's 'delirium?'"
"I think Trunks is still looking for a few strings to grab onto."
"You're absolutely right about that, though I doubt he'll admit it now," She bit her thumb. "...which is why I think we're going to need help."
Epica grinned. "Who did you have in mind?"
TO THE REVIEWERS:
Trunksgrl06 - THANKSIES! Mmm...Torturing Trunks...
mary - Thanks. Heads up! I just updated! *smirks*
alannapurple - You'll have to fight with Marron for him...
Marron: I can take her!
leelee - Glad you're getting some good mileage out of that clone! Thanks!
leona - Sorry! Now GET HER, Bulma!
BluEydMnstr - No Trunks pity fest?? FINE! Be that way! :oÞ And I must say...you're comments...so very original. *grins*
Heather - Heeheehee. Thank you! Can I move things fast or what??
Legolas Luver - *Shadow's reaction* LL wrote a one line review?? *faints*
Cim - I considered your idea...but I already had this chapter planned, and the other would not have fit... But thanks!
Saga Genesis: Hey, threats are bad! :oÞ But thanks anyway...
Bucky - Thanks! *winks* Glad you like it! I love when writers, who I review, check out my stuff. Reminds me of a writer who USED to review every chapter...but now that She nags me everyday, she seems to NOT care. Not that I'm talking about anyone in particular...
Reviewer 100 - Heehee! THANKS!!!!
devil's lil imp - Fabulous?? Thank you! And you KNOW I wouldn't leave the dear spirits out of this...
Pink Rabbit - HAHA! Get her, Helios! And in the mean time...give me Sephiroth!
Nellie Chibi - Thanks!
Lily - Am I a dork?? -_- Obviously, you've lost your senses. Go to bed...
Moon Dawntreader - Do you EVER plan to update?? And, are you sure Retribution isn't a T/P?? *hersheys*
SSJ Tokya - Trunksie went Byebye! :oÞ (Burned MADE me do it!)
Goddess O' Marron - Okay!
Sunflower-chan - Thanks!
As always, THANKS again to all who reviewed! Now go read something good! (I plan to show off some of my favorite in the next chapter!) Later, Guys!