Disclaimer: Mwwahahahahahahahahahahahahaha *coughs and then goes in search
of some cough syrup*
AN: Enjoy!!!! (see, I really want you to enjoy because there are four exclamation marks instead of one ^_^)
* * *
"I love you Bri."
There was a slight pause at the other end of the line before she whispered a soft, "Goodnight Trunks."
When the line died, Trunks replaced the receiver and almost groaned when he looked up to find his father watching him with arched brow.
"Don't even say it Dad," he muttered before he picked up the remote and started flipping channels.
Vegeta chuckled softly. Out of habit Trunks had been keeping his nosey mother up to date on all the happenings with Brianna, which in turn she had been sharing with him. He found it awfully sad that his son was so whipped in such a short period of time. Taking a seat next to the boy on the couch, he immediately relieved him of the remote.
Trunks considered a protest then decided what would be the point. The two watched television in silence until the sound of hurried footsteps shattered the peace.
"I need to talk to you!" Bra exclaimed as she entered the room.
"Well I don't want to talk to you," Vegeta answered not looking away from the screen.
"Not you! You!" she said motioning toward her brother, who looked up at her in surprise. Impatiently, she grabbed him by the arm and yanked him out of the seat, pulling him out the room.
In the hall, he frowned down at her. "What's the big-"
"You're dating Brianna!" she cried.
Trunks blinked not sure he'd heard her right. "What did you just say?"
"Don't even try to deny it," she said pointing an accusing finger in his face. "I saw you today at Micolo's. You had your tongue so far down her throat that I thought you were trying to kill her."
"What were you doing at Micolo's?!" he demanded, suddenly finding himself getting very angry. Brianna was not going to be happy about this.
A guilty blush crossed the girl's pale cheeks. "Well...Goten and I decided to have lunch."
Trunks couldn't believe this. "Goten saw us too!"
"Well, no, I was coming out of the bathroom, and I saw you two on the sidewalk. I was going to tell Goten, but I thought maybe I should find out why you guys were being all secretive and stuff first."
He could not believe the relief he felt at that moment. Grasping his sister's shoulders tightly, he looked her directly in the eye. "Listen to me Bra. Listen very closely. You have to keep a lid on what you saw. Nobody can know, do you understand?"
She frowned at him, obviously confused. "But why Trunks?"
"Because Brianna doesn't want anyone to know and I swore I wouldn't tell."
"But that's stupid. The group never keeps secrets from each other. Why doesn't she want people to know?" she questioned, her confusion growing.
Trunks grunted. At least someone agreed with him. "I'll give you one hint. It starts with a Mar- and ends with a -ron."
"Marron? What does she have to do with anything?" Bra wanted to know.
"It's her little crush. Brianna's worried that she's going to be all devastated or something," Trunks explained.
"Oh, I forgot about that," Bra murmured. "I guess I can see Bri's point, then."
So much for finding an ally. "What do you mean you can see her point?"
"Exactly what I said. You have never had to listen to Marron go on and on about how wonderful you are. It's absolutely sickening to those of us who can see the truth," Bra said rolling her eyes.
Trunks decided it was best to ignore that comment. "Whatever. I just need you to understand that you can't tell anyone what you know, Bra. Not even Brianna."
Bra frowned, her blue eyes filled with indecision. "We've never kept secrets before Trunks. If anyone ever finds out that we've been dishonest Marron's going to be twice as hurt."
Trunks ran an aggravated hand through his lavender locks. "I know, but it won't be much longer. We're going to tell Marron the day after Magic's big press party, and then it will be all out in the open," he reasoned before locking pleading eyes with hers again. "Look Bra, I'm not asking you just as a friend anymore but as a sister. Will you please keep what you saw a secret?"
Bra sighed heavily, her frown never leaving her face. "I don't want to, but I guess I can keep my mouth closed for a week."
"Thanks Bra. I promise this will all turn out fine," he assured her.
Bra frowned at him one last time before turning and heading up the stairs. She wasn't too sure about that.
* * *
Vegeta growled angrily as he undid the tie and retied it again for what had to be the twentieth time. This was entirely that witch's fault. In all the years he had been with his mate, she had been able to talk him into almost anything. He knew tonight's press party would be no different. So he had formulated a new plan against her. If she couldn't find him, she couldn't coax him. However, Bulma was much smarter than even he gave her credit for.
With the aid of Mona, he had once again found himself trapped in that doorless white room, and this time the harpy on his back was his own wife. She had harassed him for three hours straight before he had finally given in. It was simply unfair that now Bulma not only had her quick mind and nagging personality to get what she wanted out of him but also the aid of Mona's "special" talents at her fingertips. He might as well get use to these awful penguin suits.
He examined the still crooked knot around his neck in the mirror when he saw his mate enter the room.
Turning to her, he held the offending rope out to her. "Here, fix this," he ordered.
He should have taken the way her eyes narrowed on him as a sign of trouble to come, but the tie was of much more concern to him at the moment than her little mood swings. She stalked toward him and took the end of the tie with much more force than needed then noosed the crooked knot as tight as she could around his neck. Surprised by the action, he coughed and slapped her hand away, quickly undoing the tie.
"What the hell did you do that for?!" he demanded when his vocal cords were once again free.
"Do you even know how big of a jerk you are?! The things Trunks told us about him and Brianna were in confidence. How could you go and blab them?!" she half screamed as blue fire crackled in her eyes.
In all their years together, nothing that had ever come out of her mouth that had confused him more. "What in the world are you talking about?"
Bulma rolled her eyes. "Oh, don't play dumb with me! ChiChi and I were doing some last minute shopping for tonight's party, and out the blue she starts going on about what a cute couple Trunks and Brianna are. She said she'd heard it from Ashley, who'd gotten it from Tina. I can not believe you would tell after Trunks specifically asked us not to."
Vegeta had to admit he was surprised his son's big secret seemed to be common knowledge. "Will you listen to yourself woman? Do I look like some big gossip columnist? I could care less about Trunks' little infatuation with this girl, and the last thing you'd find me doing is spreading the 'joyful' news," he finished with a disgusted roll of his eyes.
Bulma had to admit he had a point. Biting her lip, her mind quickly tried to sort through this mess. "Well, if you didn't tell, who could have? I mean, Trunks said Brianna had told Alisa, but she had promised secrecy. And I only told Mona so..."
Vegeta couldn't believe his ears. "What do you mean you 'only told Mona'? That witch has the biggest mouth this side of the equator."
"That's not true! Mona has kept plenty of things I told her to keep quiet about," Bulma protested.
"Did you tell her to keep quiet about this?" Vegeta asked, already knowing the answer.
Bulma opened her mouth then blinked and closed it. Now practically gnawing on her lip she blushed. "Oops," she murmured.
Vegeta shook his head sadly. "So here you are accusing me, and it was you who couldn't keep your big mouth shut." He had meant the comment somewhat jokingly, so he was more than a little surprised when her eyes began to water. 'Oh shit. Here we go,' he groaned mentally. "What are you crying for?"
"Trunks is going to be so mad at me," she said with lowered head, trying her best to combat the invading tears.
Vegeta sighed and used his index finger to tilt her chin back up. "You made a mistake. He is not going to be angry with you."
"Are you sure?" she asked hesitantly. When he nodded she released a shuddery breath.
"And besides, they're coming clean tomorrow. What could happen between now and then?" Vegeta added.
She smiled at this. "You're right," she said confidently then leaned forward and placed a grateful peck on his lips. "Thank you, Vegeta."
He smirked and wrapped his arms around her slim waist pulling her flush against him. "That was an inadequate thank you. Try it again."
Bulma chuckled softly before pressing her lips more firmly to his. "Better?" she whispered when they finally came up for air.
"It'll do," he answered releasing her. She laughed again then turned her attention to the lasso around his neck. In about thirty seconds, it finally looked like a tie again. With one last smile at him, she walked around him to their bathroom. It was only then he realized she was nowhere near ready. "Damn it Bulma! I'm not going to wait for you tonight!"
"You always say that, and you always wait," she threw over her shoulder nonchalantly as she closed the bathroom door on him.
With an angry growl he headed for the door. Even if he wouldn't admit it, she was right. Maybe he had time to get something to eat before this torturous night began.
* * *
Carlotta opened the door and smiled at the handsome young man standing there. "My, my, don't we look handsome," she said with a thick Italian accent.
Trunks smiled at the friendly housekeeper. "Well, coming from such a beautiful lady, I'll take that as a great compliment."
Carlotta playfully narrowed her eyes at the boy. "You are definitely the playboy."
Trunks couldn't help but laugh. "Oh really? Is that what you think?"
"I know a playboy when I see one. Miss Brianna will have to be very careful with you," she stated, her emerald eyes twinkling in amusement.
Trunks continued to chuckle. "I think you have it mixed up. I'm the one who should be careful around her."
"Is that so?"
Trunks looked to the stairs to throw a "yes that's so" back at his date but couldn't seem to find his voice when his eyes finally fell on her as she descended. She smiled and did a little runaway spin in the soft silver, satin, strapless ball gown. Her gloved hands laced in front of her when she was once again facing him.
"See something you like?" she asked, the question unnecessary if his face looked anything like what he thought it did.
"You look so lovely, Miss Brianna," Carlotta said in soft awe.
"Thank you, Carlotta." She then turned back to her still speechless date and smirked. Without another word, she lifted her skirt to walk around him and out the door.
"You might want to go with her," Carlotta told the dazed boy with a soft chuckle.
Trunks shook off his dazed expression and smiled before turning to the door. "See ya, Carlotta," he tossed over his shoulder.
Once out in the night air he found her waiting patiently by his car. When he stopped in front of her, he smiled down at the beautiful face that was framed so prettily by curling brown locks flowing down her back. When she tilted her head slightly he couldn't help but press his lips to hers. "God, you taste good," he whispered against her mouth.
"You don't taste too bad yourself," she replied then pulled away from him. She glanced at the car then raised a brow at him. "Are you going to let me in?"
His smile widened as he opened the door and let her slip in then hurried around to the driver's side.
During the ride, neither spoke much as they simply enjoyed each other's company. It was about an hour drive to the large Magic compound and upon reaching it Trunks put the car in park then stepped out. He handed the keys over to the valet then moved around the car to where a second attendant was helping Brianna out of the vehicle.
He was slightly tempted to take her hand but thought better of it with all the flashing cameras around. The paparazzi were in full effect trying to catch the rich and famous as they entered the exquisite ballroom. Any show of affection would definitely end up in one of the many tabloids, which always seemed to be on the prowl for a shot of him and his latest female interest. He was smart enough to know Brianna would not enjoy the public title as his latest bed warmer. Knowing all this, however, did not lessen the urge to touch her and so he discreetly placed a hand at the small of her back as he escorted her inside.
Soon the blinking bulbs faded, and they entered the grand ballroom of Magic Mansion. Erected in the elegant fashion of the most magnificent ancient castles of Europe and Asia, the mansion's pride and joy had three levels, the second of which had a large hangover giving a majestic aerial view of the ballroom floor below.
Across the massive ceiling, the heavens were painted in all their glory; angels and cherubs alike graced it in splendid artistry. In the many "inside" stories done on this, as well as the rest of the mansion, most reporters refused to believe that such a feat had been accomplished solely by Magic's own Isabella, the planning and actual painting only taking her about two weeks. The floor mural, which many couples were dancing across now, of the "everyday" people the heavens took such care to watch over, had taken an extra week and a half.
The great number of couples on the floor spoke of how obviously late they were. The party was in full swing. Expensively dressed people milled about all three floors, many on the upper two levels examining the beautiful artwork on display; all once again created from Isabella's hand.
On the lower level many couples spun gracefully, and some not so gracefully, while the sides where reserved for media personalities to get the "inside scoop" with some of the entertainment world's finest. Trunks watched as just such reporters flanked Brianna's mother on all sides while she smiled and answered their questions with the practiced ease of many years in the business.
"Come dance with me."
Trunks raised a brow as he looked down at the woman on his arm. "Aren't you afraid of someone spotting us?" He couldn't quite hide his mocking tone.
Her eyes narrowed on him. "It's not like we've never danced together in public before," she said as she took his hand and led him to the floor.
The soft melody that drifted from the orchestra drew the couple together, and as the young Saiyan pulled her body close to his, he knew he'd never felt more complete. He wrapped his arms tight around her waist and rested his cheek against the top of her head, taking in her soft floral scent with an inaudible sigh.
"You're such a wonderful dancer, Trunks," she murmured as she rested her face against his chest, easily relaxing against him.
"Yes, I have so many talents," he chuckled as he took them for another spin around the floor, that floral scent playing on his senses and making all else blur around them.
"I suppose that's why I love you," she answered softly.
Stunned by his ears, he leaned back slightly so he could look into her eyes. "Yeah?" he asked, still uncertain of what he'd heard.
"Yeah," she affirmed as her warm brown eyes smiled up into his.
The smile that spread across his face almost hurt. He wanted nothing more than to kiss her at that moment, and it must have shown on his face for she quickly shook her head. That smile dimmed some as he attempted to calm her. "I wasn't going to. I wanted to, but I wasn't going to."
"Tomorrow Trunks," she promised. "Tomorrow we won't have to hide anymore."
"I can't wait," he told her as the music picked up. In a burst of joy he couldn't fight, he lifted her into his arms and spun her wildly as she shrieked for him to put her down.
On the beautiful overhang above, Marron watched her two friends with a soft smile. Nothing brought her more joy than to see those closest to her enjoying themselves. Well...maybe one thing brought her more joy, but since he was part of the playful scene she was watching, she figured she was getting a double dose.
"My, you look lovely."
Marron glanced down to her right and smiled. "Thank you, Daddy."
"Where's that date of yours?" Krillin questioned his only child.
Marron rolled her eyes at the thought of the young man. Marcus was in her second year psychology class and was a last minute choice. She wished she had just come alone. "Probably somewhere drooling over Leeza. She's his favorite member of Magic." Something he had repeated over and over and over on the ride there.
"Oh," Krillin chuckled at her dry tone. She got more and more like her mother everyday. He glanced at the floor below then back to his daughter. He was greatly surprised to see a smile on her lips as she gazed down. "You're taking things well," he commented. When Isabella had told him about Trunks and Brianna a few days before he'd been worried Marron would be devastated. Maybe she hadn't been as hung up on Trunks as he had thought.
Marron glanced in his direction with a small frown. What on Earth was he talking about? "What do you mean Dad?"
"Well, Trunks and Bri of course. I thought you'd be much more upset when you found out about them dating."
Marron was too stunned to speak for a moment then she glanced to the floor again. The way her once trusted friends were staring into each other's eyes suddenly took on a whole new meaning. "How long?" she asked in a hoarse tone.
"I'm not quite sure. The word is about three or four weeks," Krillin stated, still oblivious of the bombshell he'd just dropped.
"A month," she whispered. They had lied to her for a month.
It was when Krillin saw a single tear roll down her pale cheek that he realized he might have made a huge mistake. "You didn't know, did you," he said more than asked.
Marron held back the sob in her throat with a hand over her mouth. "I- I'm sorry. I can't talk right now, Daddy." With one last bitter look at what she now realized was a happy couple, she turned from the railing and moved through the thick crowd, wanting only to get away.
* * *
A/N: Awww poor Marron! It's a shame really. Anyway, hope you liked. See you next chapter. Thanks for reading.
AN: Enjoy!!!! (see, I really want you to enjoy because there are four exclamation marks instead of one ^_^)
* * *
"I love you Bri."
There was a slight pause at the other end of the line before she whispered a soft, "Goodnight Trunks."
When the line died, Trunks replaced the receiver and almost groaned when he looked up to find his father watching him with arched brow.
"Don't even say it Dad," he muttered before he picked up the remote and started flipping channels.
Vegeta chuckled softly. Out of habit Trunks had been keeping his nosey mother up to date on all the happenings with Brianna, which in turn she had been sharing with him. He found it awfully sad that his son was so whipped in such a short period of time. Taking a seat next to the boy on the couch, he immediately relieved him of the remote.
Trunks considered a protest then decided what would be the point. The two watched television in silence until the sound of hurried footsteps shattered the peace.
"I need to talk to you!" Bra exclaimed as she entered the room.
"Well I don't want to talk to you," Vegeta answered not looking away from the screen.
"Not you! You!" she said motioning toward her brother, who looked up at her in surprise. Impatiently, she grabbed him by the arm and yanked him out of the seat, pulling him out the room.
In the hall, he frowned down at her. "What's the big-"
"You're dating Brianna!" she cried.
Trunks blinked not sure he'd heard her right. "What did you just say?"
"Don't even try to deny it," she said pointing an accusing finger in his face. "I saw you today at Micolo's. You had your tongue so far down her throat that I thought you were trying to kill her."
"What were you doing at Micolo's?!" he demanded, suddenly finding himself getting very angry. Brianna was not going to be happy about this.
A guilty blush crossed the girl's pale cheeks. "Well...Goten and I decided to have lunch."
Trunks couldn't believe this. "Goten saw us too!"
"Well, no, I was coming out of the bathroom, and I saw you two on the sidewalk. I was going to tell Goten, but I thought maybe I should find out why you guys were being all secretive and stuff first."
He could not believe the relief he felt at that moment. Grasping his sister's shoulders tightly, he looked her directly in the eye. "Listen to me Bra. Listen very closely. You have to keep a lid on what you saw. Nobody can know, do you understand?"
She frowned at him, obviously confused. "But why Trunks?"
"Because Brianna doesn't want anyone to know and I swore I wouldn't tell."
"But that's stupid. The group never keeps secrets from each other. Why doesn't she want people to know?" she questioned, her confusion growing.
Trunks grunted. At least someone agreed with him. "I'll give you one hint. It starts with a Mar- and ends with a -ron."
"Marron? What does she have to do with anything?" Bra wanted to know.
"It's her little crush. Brianna's worried that she's going to be all devastated or something," Trunks explained.
"Oh, I forgot about that," Bra murmured. "I guess I can see Bri's point, then."
So much for finding an ally. "What do you mean you can see her point?"
"Exactly what I said. You have never had to listen to Marron go on and on about how wonderful you are. It's absolutely sickening to those of us who can see the truth," Bra said rolling her eyes.
Trunks decided it was best to ignore that comment. "Whatever. I just need you to understand that you can't tell anyone what you know, Bra. Not even Brianna."
Bra frowned, her blue eyes filled with indecision. "We've never kept secrets before Trunks. If anyone ever finds out that we've been dishonest Marron's going to be twice as hurt."
Trunks ran an aggravated hand through his lavender locks. "I know, but it won't be much longer. We're going to tell Marron the day after Magic's big press party, and then it will be all out in the open," he reasoned before locking pleading eyes with hers again. "Look Bra, I'm not asking you just as a friend anymore but as a sister. Will you please keep what you saw a secret?"
Bra sighed heavily, her frown never leaving her face. "I don't want to, but I guess I can keep my mouth closed for a week."
"Thanks Bra. I promise this will all turn out fine," he assured her.
Bra frowned at him one last time before turning and heading up the stairs. She wasn't too sure about that.
* * *
Vegeta growled angrily as he undid the tie and retied it again for what had to be the twentieth time. This was entirely that witch's fault. In all the years he had been with his mate, she had been able to talk him into almost anything. He knew tonight's press party would be no different. So he had formulated a new plan against her. If she couldn't find him, she couldn't coax him. However, Bulma was much smarter than even he gave her credit for.
With the aid of Mona, he had once again found himself trapped in that doorless white room, and this time the harpy on his back was his own wife. She had harassed him for three hours straight before he had finally given in. It was simply unfair that now Bulma not only had her quick mind and nagging personality to get what she wanted out of him but also the aid of Mona's "special" talents at her fingertips. He might as well get use to these awful penguin suits.
He examined the still crooked knot around his neck in the mirror when he saw his mate enter the room.
Turning to her, he held the offending rope out to her. "Here, fix this," he ordered.
He should have taken the way her eyes narrowed on him as a sign of trouble to come, but the tie was of much more concern to him at the moment than her little mood swings. She stalked toward him and took the end of the tie with much more force than needed then noosed the crooked knot as tight as she could around his neck. Surprised by the action, he coughed and slapped her hand away, quickly undoing the tie.
"What the hell did you do that for?!" he demanded when his vocal cords were once again free.
"Do you even know how big of a jerk you are?! The things Trunks told us about him and Brianna were in confidence. How could you go and blab them?!" she half screamed as blue fire crackled in her eyes.
In all their years together, nothing that had ever come out of her mouth that had confused him more. "What in the world are you talking about?"
Bulma rolled her eyes. "Oh, don't play dumb with me! ChiChi and I were doing some last minute shopping for tonight's party, and out the blue she starts going on about what a cute couple Trunks and Brianna are. She said she'd heard it from Ashley, who'd gotten it from Tina. I can not believe you would tell after Trunks specifically asked us not to."
Vegeta had to admit he was surprised his son's big secret seemed to be common knowledge. "Will you listen to yourself woman? Do I look like some big gossip columnist? I could care less about Trunks' little infatuation with this girl, and the last thing you'd find me doing is spreading the 'joyful' news," he finished with a disgusted roll of his eyes.
Bulma had to admit he had a point. Biting her lip, her mind quickly tried to sort through this mess. "Well, if you didn't tell, who could have? I mean, Trunks said Brianna had told Alisa, but she had promised secrecy. And I only told Mona so..."
Vegeta couldn't believe his ears. "What do you mean you 'only told Mona'? That witch has the biggest mouth this side of the equator."
"That's not true! Mona has kept plenty of things I told her to keep quiet about," Bulma protested.
"Did you tell her to keep quiet about this?" Vegeta asked, already knowing the answer.
Bulma opened her mouth then blinked and closed it. Now practically gnawing on her lip she blushed. "Oops," she murmured.
Vegeta shook his head sadly. "So here you are accusing me, and it was you who couldn't keep your big mouth shut." He had meant the comment somewhat jokingly, so he was more than a little surprised when her eyes began to water. 'Oh shit. Here we go,' he groaned mentally. "What are you crying for?"
"Trunks is going to be so mad at me," she said with lowered head, trying her best to combat the invading tears.
Vegeta sighed and used his index finger to tilt her chin back up. "You made a mistake. He is not going to be angry with you."
"Are you sure?" she asked hesitantly. When he nodded she released a shuddery breath.
"And besides, they're coming clean tomorrow. What could happen between now and then?" Vegeta added.
She smiled at this. "You're right," she said confidently then leaned forward and placed a grateful peck on his lips. "Thank you, Vegeta."
He smirked and wrapped his arms around her slim waist pulling her flush against him. "That was an inadequate thank you. Try it again."
Bulma chuckled softly before pressing her lips more firmly to his. "Better?" she whispered when they finally came up for air.
"It'll do," he answered releasing her. She laughed again then turned her attention to the lasso around his neck. In about thirty seconds, it finally looked like a tie again. With one last smile at him, she walked around him to their bathroom. It was only then he realized she was nowhere near ready. "Damn it Bulma! I'm not going to wait for you tonight!"
"You always say that, and you always wait," she threw over her shoulder nonchalantly as she closed the bathroom door on him.
With an angry growl he headed for the door. Even if he wouldn't admit it, she was right. Maybe he had time to get something to eat before this torturous night began.
* * *
Carlotta opened the door and smiled at the handsome young man standing there. "My, my, don't we look handsome," she said with a thick Italian accent.
Trunks smiled at the friendly housekeeper. "Well, coming from such a beautiful lady, I'll take that as a great compliment."
Carlotta playfully narrowed her eyes at the boy. "You are definitely the playboy."
Trunks couldn't help but laugh. "Oh really? Is that what you think?"
"I know a playboy when I see one. Miss Brianna will have to be very careful with you," she stated, her emerald eyes twinkling in amusement.
Trunks continued to chuckle. "I think you have it mixed up. I'm the one who should be careful around her."
"Is that so?"
Trunks looked to the stairs to throw a "yes that's so" back at his date but couldn't seem to find his voice when his eyes finally fell on her as she descended. She smiled and did a little runaway spin in the soft silver, satin, strapless ball gown. Her gloved hands laced in front of her when she was once again facing him.
"See something you like?" she asked, the question unnecessary if his face looked anything like what he thought it did.
"You look so lovely, Miss Brianna," Carlotta said in soft awe.
"Thank you, Carlotta." She then turned back to her still speechless date and smirked. Without another word, she lifted her skirt to walk around him and out the door.
"You might want to go with her," Carlotta told the dazed boy with a soft chuckle.
Trunks shook off his dazed expression and smiled before turning to the door. "See ya, Carlotta," he tossed over his shoulder.
Once out in the night air he found her waiting patiently by his car. When he stopped in front of her, he smiled down at the beautiful face that was framed so prettily by curling brown locks flowing down her back. When she tilted her head slightly he couldn't help but press his lips to hers. "God, you taste good," he whispered against her mouth.
"You don't taste too bad yourself," she replied then pulled away from him. She glanced at the car then raised a brow at him. "Are you going to let me in?"
His smile widened as he opened the door and let her slip in then hurried around to the driver's side.
During the ride, neither spoke much as they simply enjoyed each other's company. It was about an hour drive to the large Magic compound and upon reaching it Trunks put the car in park then stepped out. He handed the keys over to the valet then moved around the car to where a second attendant was helping Brianna out of the vehicle.
He was slightly tempted to take her hand but thought better of it with all the flashing cameras around. The paparazzi were in full effect trying to catch the rich and famous as they entered the exquisite ballroom. Any show of affection would definitely end up in one of the many tabloids, which always seemed to be on the prowl for a shot of him and his latest female interest. He was smart enough to know Brianna would not enjoy the public title as his latest bed warmer. Knowing all this, however, did not lessen the urge to touch her and so he discreetly placed a hand at the small of her back as he escorted her inside.
Soon the blinking bulbs faded, and they entered the grand ballroom of Magic Mansion. Erected in the elegant fashion of the most magnificent ancient castles of Europe and Asia, the mansion's pride and joy had three levels, the second of which had a large hangover giving a majestic aerial view of the ballroom floor below.
Across the massive ceiling, the heavens were painted in all their glory; angels and cherubs alike graced it in splendid artistry. In the many "inside" stories done on this, as well as the rest of the mansion, most reporters refused to believe that such a feat had been accomplished solely by Magic's own Isabella, the planning and actual painting only taking her about two weeks. The floor mural, which many couples were dancing across now, of the "everyday" people the heavens took such care to watch over, had taken an extra week and a half.
The great number of couples on the floor spoke of how obviously late they were. The party was in full swing. Expensively dressed people milled about all three floors, many on the upper two levels examining the beautiful artwork on display; all once again created from Isabella's hand.
On the lower level many couples spun gracefully, and some not so gracefully, while the sides where reserved for media personalities to get the "inside scoop" with some of the entertainment world's finest. Trunks watched as just such reporters flanked Brianna's mother on all sides while she smiled and answered their questions with the practiced ease of many years in the business.
"Come dance with me."
Trunks raised a brow as he looked down at the woman on his arm. "Aren't you afraid of someone spotting us?" He couldn't quite hide his mocking tone.
Her eyes narrowed on him. "It's not like we've never danced together in public before," she said as she took his hand and led him to the floor.
The soft melody that drifted from the orchestra drew the couple together, and as the young Saiyan pulled her body close to his, he knew he'd never felt more complete. He wrapped his arms tight around her waist and rested his cheek against the top of her head, taking in her soft floral scent with an inaudible sigh.
"You're such a wonderful dancer, Trunks," she murmured as she rested her face against his chest, easily relaxing against him.
"Yes, I have so many talents," he chuckled as he took them for another spin around the floor, that floral scent playing on his senses and making all else blur around them.
"I suppose that's why I love you," she answered softly.
Stunned by his ears, he leaned back slightly so he could look into her eyes. "Yeah?" he asked, still uncertain of what he'd heard.
"Yeah," she affirmed as her warm brown eyes smiled up into his.
The smile that spread across his face almost hurt. He wanted nothing more than to kiss her at that moment, and it must have shown on his face for she quickly shook her head. That smile dimmed some as he attempted to calm her. "I wasn't going to. I wanted to, but I wasn't going to."
"Tomorrow Trunks," she promised. "Tomorrow we won't have to hide anymore."
"I can't wait," he told her as the music picked up. In a burst of joy he couldn't fight, he lifted her into his arms and spun her wildly as she shrieked for him to put her down.
On the beautiful overhang above, Marron watched her two friends with a soft smile. Nothing brought her more joy than to see those closest to her enjoying themselves. Well...maybe one thing brought her more joy, but since he was part of the playful scene she was watching, she figured she was getting a double dose.
"My, you look lovely."
Marron glanced down to her right and smiled. "Thank you, Daddy."
"Where's that date of yours?" Krillin questioned his only child.
Marron rolled her eyes at the thought of the young man. Marcus was in her second year psychology class and was a last minute choice. She wished she had just come alone. "Probably somewhere drooling over Leeza. She's his favorite member of Magic." Something he had repeated over and over and over on the ride there.
"Oh," Krillin chuckled at her dry tone. She got more and more like her mother everyday. He glanced at the floor below then back to his daughter. He was greatly surprised to see a smile on her lips as she gazed down. "You're taking things well," he commented. When Isabella had told him about Trunks and Brianna a few days before he'd been worried Marron would be devastated. Maybe she hadn't been as hung up on Trunks as he had thought.
Marron glanced in his direction with a small frown. What on Earth was he talking about? "What do you mean Dad?"
"Well, Trunks and Bri of course. I thought you'd be much more upset when you found out about them dating."
Marron was too stunned to speak for a moment then she glanced to the floor again. The way her once trusted friends were staring into each other's eyes suddenly took on a whole new meaning. "How long?" she asked in a hoarse tone.
"I'm not quite sure. The word is about three or four weeks," Krillin stated, still oblivious of the bombshell he'd just dropped.
"A month," she whispered. They had lied to her for a month.
It was when Krillin saw a single tear roll down her pale cheek that he realized he might have made a huge mistake. "You didn't know, did you," he said more than asked.
Marron held back the sob in her throat with a hand over her mouth. "I- I'm sorry. I can't talk right now, Daddy." With one last bitter look at what she now realized was a happy couple, she turned from the railing and moved through the thick crowd, wanting only to get away.
* * *
A/N: Awww poor Marron! It's a shame really. Anyway, hope you liked. See you next chapter. Thanks for reading.
