Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ! But this story is inspired by Charismatic Beauty


Chapter 31

Wednesday...

Trunks decided to go to the Coffee shop to catch up with Laura for a bit. He needed to ask her a few things and he wanted to arranged that she meet the sons since they're like a second family to him. After all, they're part of his life.


At the Coffee shop...

Trunks and Laura arrived at the same time and entered the Coffee Shop together. They both greeted Sara before they went to sit down at a table in the corner. They both ordered their regular Coffee before the conversation kicked off.

"What did you want to ask me, Trunks?"

"I wanted to ask if you can come meet the Sons on Sunday morning" Trunks said and knew that they had the busiest weekend ahead of them. He knew they were going to be tired between meeting Laura's parents, the party and the Sons.

"Are you sure? I heard Goten's mother Is a bit overbearing..." Laura trailed off and felt slightly nervous. She knew of ChiChi's overbearing behavior from Sara and she didn't feel that comfortable to meet her.

"Yeah, I know. I told Sara what she was like but the two of them really hit it off. I'm sure ChiChi will like you too." Trunks said confidently and it persuaded Laura. Maybe it wasn't that bad if she met them.

"Alright, I'll meet them" Laura said and Trunks grinned. "I'm going to be so tired by Sunday Night. You're meeting my parents on Saturday and I'm meeting your friends at a party and the Son's on Sunday. I just hope that I can make it and impress everyone" Laura said.

"I know it seems like a lot to take in on one weekend but it'll be fine, I promise" Trunks said with a reassuring smile. They gave each other a goodbye hug and a goodbye before they returned back to their jobs.


At the Clinic...

Laura returned back to the Children's Clinic just in time to meet another client. It was another couple who's trying to get their six year old daughter to drink milk. She grabbed the file of the child and looked it over.

"You say that she refuses to drink milk at all?" Laura asked and the parents nodded. "According to her file she isn't a Vegetarian child and she doesn't have any allergies. Have you considered that she's lactose intolerant?"

"Yes, we have but it's not on either side of our family and we even had her tested. She's just dead set on not drinking milk at all. We don't know what to do" The mother spoke up and Laura smiled at the couple.

"She doesn't have to just drink milk. Yes, it's important but the most important thing is the calcium. I'll give you suggestions about how you need to cook the food for her to get in the most calcium" Laura said and they smiled in relief.

"Thank you"


Meanwhile at Capsule Corp...

It wasn't long until Trunks returned back to Capsule Corp and decided to give as call. He didn't want to arrive unexpectedly at the Son's house and they aren't even prepared to meet Sara. He dialed ChiChi's number and waited for her to pick up.

"Hi, this is ChiChi speaking"

"Hey, ChiChi! It's Trunks. Listen I wanted to ask if it's okay to bring Laura to meet you guys on Sunday morning." Trunks said and he heard a giggle on the other side of the phone. He already took that as a 'yes'.

"It's fine besides, I'm excited to meet your lady friend!"


Later that Night...

Goten got home and arranged to pick up Sara to spend the night at his place. He hadn't seen her in a while and he wanted to enjoy some alone time with her. Especially since they had arrangements this weekend. He wanted to know how she felt about meeting the rest of his and Trunks' friends.

"How do feel about meeting my other friends, Sara?"

"I'm exited! I can't wait to meet the rest of your friends!" Sara replied and Goten grinned. He expected nothing more from his girlfriend. He was sure that all of his friends at Riku's party will enjoy meeting Sara as well.

"But, I'm not prepared yet! I don't have an outfit for this weekend and I'm sure Laura's in the same predicament!" Sara exaggerated and Goten sweat dropped slightly. She was really worried about what she would wear?

"Don't worry, Babe. Just dress like you normally do. You look beautiful either way" Goten said but Sara was dead set on getting a new outfit. She wasn't going to let Goten's words persuade her otherwise.

"No, I'm meeting you friends so I'll have to wear something appropriate. I'm going to give Laura a call" Sara said and pulled out her phone before she dialed the redhead's number. Goten sat back against the couch and watched Sara's cheerful face when Laura picked up.

"Hey, Laura! Do you want to go shopping on Friday evening to buy something to wear for the party?" Sara asked and grunted a few times before grinning. She was already seeing a girl's night was to come.

"Can Trunks and I join you guys at least?"

"No way! This is our time together! You guys stay out of it and besides, you don't want us dragging you guys around in the mall" Sara pointed out and Goten shook his head while pulling the female closer.

"I don't care. As long as I'm with you, I'm happy."

Sara giggled at the male and gave him a chase kiss. "Alright, fine. I'll ask Laura if it's okay" Sara said and returned to her conversation with Laura. "Hey, is it okay if Goten and Trunks join us at the mall?" Sara asked before smiling.

"Laura said it's okay"


The next morning...

Trunks had a presentation about a new invention that came to mind. He thought long and hard about what to present to everyone and knew that as the new CEO of Capsule Corp he had to give the people new things.

It was what his mother did her entire life long and now it was his turn. He could only hope to hit them off their chairs with new idea and made sure to make the presentation as attracting as possible.

"And that's how it works" Trunks finished with his new conversation and everyone clapped while cheering loudly. Trunks gave a small bow and he grinned. He definitely knocked them off their chairs.

"Oh, son! I'm so proud of you! I couldn't have given this job to anyone better!" Bulma proudly pronounced as she hugged Trunks and he smiled at her. He was happy that he satisfied his mother and that she thought of him as worthy.

"Thanks, Mom"


Friday Night...

The night finally came that the two girls would go shopping for the next night's party. Laura left her work and went to pick Sara up to go to the mall. They were both exited to do a bit shopping together and knew that the two boys were going to walk around a lot.

"Alright, are you guys ready? Where do we go first?" Trunks asked as the two girls greeted the males when they arrived at the mall. Laura glanced at Sara who looked around at the shops. Where would they begin.

"Well, let's begin our search at the first dress store and then work our way up. How does that sounds?" Sara glanced back at the others nodded. Goten entangled his hand with Sara's and Trunks did the same with Laura before their shopping spree began.

It took a while for the girls to get the perfect dresses and they were popping out of one store to the other to look for the perfect outfits. The males just tagged along where they went and enjoyed each other's conversation when the girls changed.

It was fun as a group of friends went on an expedition to find the perfect dresses to wear to the party. Though, Trunks and Goten didn't enjoy walked in a women's store for too long since the women gave them unwanted attention.

However, it was all worthwhile when the girls finally found the dresses they had been looking for. After all the shopping, they all decided on something to eat before they head home to get enough sleep for the night.

"That was interesting." Goten said as they all went to sit down and Trunks nodded. He had to agree that watching these two women shop was definitely a sight to see. Sara huffed and sat down next to Goten with a small frown.

"Yes, especially the girl that lay on top of you"

"I-It wasn't me! She just came out of nowhere! You know that I won't look at anyone else, Babe. My eyes are only for you" Goten tried to bliss the raging fire next to him and Sara smiled slightly but kept pretending to be angry at Goten.

Of course, she knew that he wouldn't go for another girl, but she loved teasing the male. "Poor guy. He's not going to get out of this one easily," Trunks said with a sympathetic smile and Laura laughed lightly with a nod.

"You can say that again."


Saturday...

It was around 10:30 am when Trunks left his driveway to pick Laura up to meet her parents. He had to say that he was nervous to meet her parents since they probably thought he was a horrible person but he was prepared to do anything to get on their good side.

After all, they were Laura's parents.

Trunks arrived 11:45 am at Laura's house where he would pick Laura up before they drove to her parent's house. Laura smiled and waved and Trunks returned the gesture. He could only hope for the best to come from meeting her parents.


Meanwhile...

Sharon had just finished cooking a large breakfast for herself, her husband and of course Laura and her 'male friend'. Laura and Trunks was on their way to come over for brunch so that they could meet the male.

Though, it's not like Sharon hasn't seen Trunks before. It's been eight years since she last saw him. Sharon remembered when she first met Bulma and Trunks Briefs at freshman orientation where she was taking her fourteen-year-old daughter to start High school.


At Laura's parents' house...

Laura and Trunks finally arrived at her parent's house. They both climbed out of the car and advanced towards the front door where Laura rang the bell. Laura's Father, John, answered the door and Laura smiled. They gave each other a warm hug before Laura turned towards Trunks.

"Dad, this is my good friend, Trunks Vegeta Briefs" Laura introduced the lavender haired male and John turned towards Trunks with a smile. He reached out his hand and Trunks smiled before he took the male's hand to shake it.

"Well, hello, Mr. Briefs. How is Capsule Corp coming?"

"Oh, things are pretty busy at Capsule Corp and please, you can call me Trunks" Trunks insisted and John nodded. They broke the hand gesture and John stepped to the side of the door to make space for the two.

"Well, okay then, Trunks. Please come on in. Sharon is just setting the table" John said and the two nodded. Laura and Trunks followed John into the house. They sat down in the cozy and comfortable living room but Laura stood up.

"Oh, you know what? I'm going to the Kitchen and see if Mom needs my help" Laura said and smiled at Trunks who nodded. It was Laura's plan to have the two male's interact a bit while she helped her mother.

"That's my girl"

John gave Laura another tight hug and a peck on the cheek before Laura looked back at Trunks. "Relax, Trunks, just make yourself at home" Laura said and left the room leaving the two male's to have some small talk while she helped her mother.

"Hi, Mother"

Sharon jumped slightly in surprise when Laura hugged her from behind and let out a calming breath. "Oh, Laura! You scared me, Honey!" Sharon said and still felt her heart beating rapidly inside her chest.

"Sorry, Mom. I'm just to glad to see you and I really hope you like Trunks. Just go easy on him, okay? I've already been heard enough on him as it is" Laura said and Sharon gave her daughter a small smile with a nod.

"Alright, I'll try, but just remember what I said. Don't get in over your head" Sharon warned Laura once again but the redhead nodded. She knew her mother was just looking out for her but she wasn't planning on going against her mother's warnings.

"Don't worry, Mom, I won't" Laura said with a wide smile before the two women walked into the living room. Laura was glad that her mother also agreed not to go too hard on Trunks and knew that her mother was going to try hard to do so.

"Well, well, well. Hello there!" Sharon said shocked as she entered the living room and saw the lavender haired male that was seeing her daughter. "Last time I saw you, you were just a boy and not you're a full grown man!"

Trunks laughed lightly and smiled. "Hi, Mrs. Smith. It's a pleasure to meet you" Trunks said standing up and extending his hand to the other woman. She took Trunks extended hand and shook it, her smile never falling.

"Likewise" She said and clapped her hands together as soon as she broke the contact with Trunks. "So, let's eat! Breakfast is ready to shall I say brunch is read and I don't want my cooking to get cold" She added and John grinned.

"Oh, I love your cooking honey!" John said and Laura nodded. They both loved Sharon's cooking and she made the best food they ever tasted. Though Laura had to say that Bulma's food was also delicious but a mother's food always had that something extra in it to make it perfect.

"I can't wait to try it. You know, Laura made me your famous homemade ice-cream one weekend. It was delicious! I really enjoyed it. I can see where Laura gets her cooking skills from" Trunks said and Laura blushed at his words.

"Why, thanks you, Trunks. The recipe has been in the family for four generations now" Sharon replied and Trunks was shocked. The recipe had been passed down that long already? It was definitely a family tradition.

"I hope we can pass it on to the next generation as well" John added as they all sat around the large table. Laura whined at her father's comment and she could feel her cheeks heat up more. Sharon patted John on his back.

"Ha! Ha! Oh, John. You're just full of jokes, aren't you?"

"Why not?" John questioned, completely baffled by why Sharon said it was a joke. He was dead serious when he spoke that statement. He wanted grandchildren to inherit the family recipe just like they did.

"I agree with Mr. Smith"

Laura gave Trunks a look at his statement. "Hey, enough of that Mister crap. Remember, if I get to call you Trunks then you have to call me, John" John said while smiling at Trunks. The lavender haired male smiled.

"Okay, John" Trunks said while laughing at the older man. So far, the two have really hit if odd. Mr Smith was funny, friendly and easy to get along with. John just had a way of making the atmosphere so comfortable. With John, Trunks just felt at ease.

Mrs. Smith was another story.


After brunch...

Laura got up after the delicious meal and picked up the dishes to start washing them. Sharon mimicked her daughter's movements and brought the rest of the dirty plates before she helped Laura.

"No, Mom. You've already done all the cooking. Why don't you go rest a bit? I'll take care of the dishes" Laura said with a smile that Sharon returned with a nod. She was grateful for her daughter's generosity.

"Oh, thank you, Laura" Sharon said before she turned towards her husband. "John, dead, would you mind giving me and Trunks some privacy? I want to talk to him" Sharon asked and John nodded with a smile.

"No, problem, Honey. I'll just watch TV"

"I'll get us some lemonade, Trunks. I'll meet you in the porch" Sharon said and Trunks nodded. He felt nervous about this and didn't know what to expect from Laura's mother. Her father was fine but her mother... Trunks went to sit on the porch and waited for the female.


On the porch...

"So, Trunks, you're CEO of Capsule Corp now. How's that going for you?" Sharon's voice reached the male's ears as she stepped out onto the porch. She set the two glasses of lemonade on the porch table for them.

"It's very busy. It's really hectic but I love my job. I've got to make a living," Trunks said as he picked up his glass and sipped his lemonade before his eyes widened. "This is delicious, Mrs. Smith" He added with a smile.

"Thank you" Sharon replied as she also took a sip of her lemonade before she put down the glass onto the small table. "So um... Laura told me that you guys are friends and you're seeing each other as 'friends'"

"She made it very clear to me too" Trunks said and took another sip of his lemonade. He was still nervous being around the female next to him. "I did tell her that I had developing feelings for her but you know she's not ready yet"

"With good reason. After having your heart broken by your high school crush, it's kind of hard to develop the same feelings again. You can't expect those feelings to rekindle themselves just because you suddenly ran into each other after four years. Unfortunately it doesn't work that way" She said.

Trunks saw her semi stern look. Damn, I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Trunks thought. Laura was just like her mother. "I agree. Life isn't that easy. To be honest things have always been easy for me but meeting Laura again has really been challenging for me.

"Really? How so?" Sharon gave him a look.

"Well, she's really well matured, beautiful, successful and very respectful. She's probably one of the most respectful female's I've ever met. It's just she doesn't give in as easy as most people I've come across. She was hard to charm at first but now I can just easily make her laugh" Trunks explained.

"Well, that's what happens when you get your heart broken. Now, Laura sees things in a different light. She's not a naïve or careless as she used to be. My daughter is not easy like most women are nowadays, which is one of her many strong traits" Sharon stated before she continued

"Sometimes, disappointment can be good for people. It makes them stronger and smarter. That's what I told her that day when she came home from school all broken up. I told her that the rejection is good because now, she is better. Then Laura decided to change herself and I'm proud of her."

"I'm proud of Laura too. I agree that disappointment can be good sometimes. But, I think that it has hardened Laura and made her a bit untrusting. She's hard to crack at times but I've been pretty patient and respectful of her. I admire her and love her as a person inside and out." He said.

"I agree that it has hardened her but she'll heal from it, but don't hold it against her. You can't really blame her for that" Sharon warned the male and Trunks shook his head furiously. He hadn't even thought of blaming her.

"Oh, no, ma'm! I won't do that, but I'm really sorry for hurting Laura the way I did in school. I was young and naïve. I wish I saw Laura in a less shallow sense. I was too focused on the surface" Trunks sadly stated.

"I know and I can sympathize with you, Trunks, so relax. People make mistakes and Laura also tells me that you're kind, sweet, friendly and sincere. You've been good to her. I haven't seen her this way in years" Sharon said smiling and Trunks took a breath of fresh air. That was a relief.

"And I also blame myself. Maybe I should have been stricter with her when she was growing up. I just... I don't know. We shouldn't have let her eat so much ice-cream and junk. Being overweight most of her youth really damaged her self-esteem" Sharon said with a saddened expression.

"Not being popular in school and not having a boyfriend is devastating for a young girl. I'm very happy that she decided to lose weight. At least she won't spend her adult life overweight. That's just physically and socially unhealthy" Sharon finished and Trunks smiled at her.

"That's right but real beauty's only skin deep"

"Of course. Laura's beautiful inside and out and I tell her this all the time. It's a real shame because people just couldn't see that" Sharon finished and was sad for her daughter. If only someone had seen that before then Laura wouldn't have gotten so badly hurt.

"I see it now. I don't just like Laura because she's beautiful. She's so much more"

"Good. Just be sure to remember that when you marry her" Sharon said smiling brightly. "What are your intentions by the what for seeing or dating my daughter?" Sharon asked and Trunks blinked confused and slightly surprised.

"Pardon?"

It seemed that she was just giving him permission to marry her daughter and now she wants to know his intentions? "What are your intentions? Are you looking for a wife? Girlfriend? Friend? Sex? Friends with benefits?" Sharon questioned.

Damn, she was direct. Trunks though. Why would she even mention sex or friends with benefits? Trunks didn't do that anymore at least. Trunks was no virgin but he has never and will never have friends with benefits. He would never use people that way.

"Ma'm, I'm not looking for sex and I have never done and will do friends with benefits. I just don't use people that way. I'll never use Laura that way. I care about her way too much to ever take advantage or violate her. We're good friends and as I said before I like her more than a friend"

"I'm very happy to hear that. You love her then? Are you hoping that this friendship will blossom into a relationship and so forth?" She questioned with a raised eyebrow. She wanted to know what he was planning.

"In a way, yes. Laura has very good qualities and she loves children. She'd make a suitable mother" Trunks said and Sharon nodded. A tense conversation was now comfortable and they were already talking about the future.

"Of course. She'll make a very good Mother and wife"

"And my mother's pressuring me to settle down and find a suitable wife. Since graduation our moms have been hell bent on us to produce grandkids. Plus I'm the CEO of Capsule Corp and I have to produce an heir to the company" Trunks stated.

"Well, don't feel as though you are obligated to marry and have kids. Marry because you want to and because you're ready to. Moreover, I wouldn't want to pressure Laura into marrying either if she's not ready"

"Yeah, Laura's not ready for that type of commitment yet, not with me at least" Trunks said and chuckle escaped his lips. To be honest, he wasn't ready to marry as well and he wouldn't marry until he was ready too.

"Be patient, you'll get there. She'll get there depending on how things go" Sharon said and Trunks blinked in surprise. He didn't think that he and Sharon could talk to fluently after a few tense moments and she was quite a unique woman.

"Thanks, I think" Trunks said oddly.

"You know, Trunks. You're a pretty decent young man. It was a pleasure letting me meet you" Sharon said with a smile and Trunks nodded. It was a pleasure meeting her too and he was relieved that things worked out.

"Pleasure meeting you too, Mrs. Smith"


In the car...

Trunks greeted Sharon and John and thanked them for the food before he and Laura left towards the car. Laura studied Trunks features and wondered what he and her mother talked about. She had washed the dishes and resisted the urge to listen in.

"So... How were things with my mom?"

"It was great! Your mother seems very protective of you but don't get me wrong. She's really a great mother" Trunks added the last part not wanting to sound offensive. Laura smiled slightly and was a bit relieved that things seemed to be fine.

"I hope she wasn't too hard on you"

"Oh, don't worry. It's okay, but she gave me the benefit of the doubt," Trunks said while smiling at her and stared at her. Laura blinked at the male and started to feel slightly nervous at the way he was looking at her.

"Why are you looking at me that way?"

"You're beautiful, inside and out" Trunks said as he touched Laura's cheek slightly. Her skin was so soft and she was breathtaking. He had noticed it many times before but each time he took in her beauty he fell a bit more for her.

"I wish you had noticed that sooner" Laura whispered. She was staring right at him too. It almost seem as if they would... "Oh my! I don't know where that came from! So, are we going to just sit here all day or are we going to go?" Laura asked finally coming to her senses.

"Oh, Sorry!" Trunks exclaimed as he also came to his senses and pulled his arm back. He started the car and they left the Smith residence. Both flustered and in their own thoughts of what almost happened.


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