Chapter 4: Respite

AN: I'm trying to update at least once a week-ish, I may not hit that target but I'm trying here y'all! Anyway, I've been playing DB Kakarot a LOT lately and I want to say, that I am fundamentally changing some things about West City… and I am adding subways. LOL

This chapter is really going to give us more an insight into their individual lives at first

Sunlight flitted through the drapery covering the windows of Marron's apartment, she blinked feeling her swollen lids make it impossible to open her eyes. The annoying beeping from her alarm clock ensured the blonde stayed awake as she slinked her body out of bed and glanced at her phone after turning off the alarm.

Another Monday, meaning another day of working on some more pieces. Fortunately for her, she had the option to work from the comfort of her apartment. Marron freshened herself up in the bathroom connected to her bedroom and pulled her body out of the dim confines of her bedroom and towards the illuminated living room with a rounded-out view of West City.

She grabbed her digital tablet, glancing down at the logo on it: capsule corp. They were everywhere, they made cars, planes, phones, tablets…there was truly nothing that they didn't do. Marron groaned as the picture of a certain hybrid crept into her head to taunt her. She twiddled the pen in her hands as she opened up the current illustration she had been working through, the tip of the pen.

Her mind was a jumbled mess, and she had Trunks to blame for it. She didn't want to even see the guy's smug face, not even picture it. She continued to tweak the illustration, cleaning up some of the lines, however, she could feel her mind getting blocked…nothing she was doing was resonating all too well with the image she was attempting to achieve.

Sometimes, she can feel the influence of her emotions seep into her work. This piece had many tells that she was feeling a sense of euphoria, she did work on it before heading to the gala two nights ago, so it added up – at least, to Marron it did. She threw her hands up, stuffing the tablet and pen into a canvas tote and going back into her closet to find a change of clothes. She definitely needed a change of scenery as being holed up in this room was not going to do it for her.

She could go to a coffee shop, or maybe head to the Aquarius district park and work in the great outdoors. She huffed, releasing her hair from its bun and letting cascade straight down her back, shaking out any stiffness still remaining from when she had it on. She threw on a chunky pastel pink button-up cardigan and jeans and a matching pair of chunky sneakers. Anyone that knew Marron knew her go-to colors were always pink.

She grabbed her tote and walked out the door, she was set on finishing this today, and no one was going to stop her. Marron found herself walking towards a subway station, waiting against a metal beam for her train. Living in a city like this, it never made sense to her to get a car, especially having to deal with the traffic that it seems to have. She recalled just how bad traffic can get in West City. She also didn't want to deal nor think about the person who had driven her home.

For all that it's worth, Marron much rather take public transport than fly — despite the fact that her family and friends all had the ability to fly, including herself — Marron had an irrational fear of flight and heights, something about not being grounded struck an unknown fear in her heart. She recalled how adamant she was on not flying when Baby attacked. Granted, she lived in Kame House then, and she's accustomed to city living now.

Marron felt a gush of wind as the train whirred past, from behind her and another had come to a stop. She loaded in with a number of different characters, there was a woman with her two younger kids, she was making an attempt to wrangle them as a crowd of people rushed into the subway car, to her left there was a man who spoke louder than she would like into his phone, he was dressed in business attire which could only lead Marron to assume he was some sort of office worker.

If there was anything to draw inspiration from daily living, it's getting in a subway car in West City, Marron looked down at her cellphone, leaning her elbow on the pole to avoid touching it. There was no chance in hell she would be grabbing that with her bare hands. As she arrived at her stop, the speakers were muddled but her sense of direction in the city was keen, and she knew this was it.

And there she was, standing in heart of the financial district of West City. The buildings were grandiose, and seemingly gilded, with uptight businessmen walking down the sidewalks. Marron looked down, bee-lining towards the entrance of the park. A massive fountain sat in the middle, water cascading in all directions. She sat down on a bench nearby, even at this time of day, there were people bustling about, others playing live music on instruments.

She breathed in as she took out her tablet, maybe now she would be able to take in the world around her and finish her work? Watched as life encircled her, plants and trees budding slowly, almost as though they were attempting to bloom. Much like her…

Attempting to bloom. Attempting…She paused her train of thought before her emotions got a hold of her.

Trunks looked at his reflection, his black suit crisp, with a tie he'd attempted to properly put on. It was lopsided at least five times before he got it on the right way. He dusted off the shoulders, glancing at his reflection once more. It was his first official day back on the job he dreaded most. Was he happy to be back on Earth? Yes. Was he also annoyed with having to go back to business jargon and essentially, having to make difficult decisions? Also yes.

Trunks was never a fan of being in charge of a company, sure he had built the backbone to step on people's toes and get where he needed to be, but at the end of the day – he was an inventor, an innovator – and the lengths of his skill were not displayed by simply sitting at business meetings with vendors and board directors all day.

A small robot flitted by and sat on his shoulder. His trusty companion, Giru. The little robot has been by his side through many travels throughout the years and his last expedition to space was not an exception.

He remembered finding him in space when he was with Goku and Pan in search of the black star dragon balls, admittedly, the venture was much tolerable when it didn't feel like he was entirely babysitting a 60-year-old in a 10-year-old's body and an actual 13-year-old. The circular white droid's red LED blinked as he spoke, "Trunks go to Capsule Corporation in approximately 10 minutes."

The hybrid's eyes flicked over to the reflection of the robot as he continued to fiddle with the tie "That's right Giru, unfortunately," Trunks sighed as he tugged it closer to the collar.

The robot floated in front of Trunks' face holding his tiny robot arms open. "Giru go too!" he exclaimed watching in disappointment as Trunks shook his head. He was always stuck to Trunks like glue, he couldn't blame the little robot, but it wasn't necessarily a great look if he was following him around.

"No Giru, I can't take you," Trunks chuckled as he turned to grab his suit jacket. "Why don't you stay here and hang with Bulla when she's out from class, or maybe go visit–" Trunks paused as he turned his head to find the little droid almost shaking as he suggested spending time with his teenage sister. "Don't tell me Bulla scares you, Giru…"

"Affirmative," Giru beeped out. "Giru danger…" Trunks chuckled, as he slipped on the jacket. The cowardly robot was designed with a bit of a fatal flaw, he was rather cowardly, given he is an AI advancement, not even Earth had obtained– he was designed to fear a lot of dangerous situations, and somehow that included his sister.

Granted, while Bulla never admitted it, she loved to tinker with things and Giru was no exception. "Don't worry Giru, she will probably be too distracted to actually do anything," Trunks replied as he put on his cufflinks. "Trust me," He chuckled again as he looked down at his watch.

"Giru…" the little bot replied defeated.

Trunks tilted his head to the side, a sigh emitting past his lips as he folded his arms. "C'mon, I'm sure nothing will happen," he reassured the worried bot. As he headed out the door, "I gotta go now, but I'll be back later— promise!"

"Are you talking to Giru again?" A slightly judgemental voice asked from across the hall. Trunks' eyes perked up and caught sight of Bulla in her school uniform. "You are soo weird, figures though," Bulla began folding her arms, "at least you have Marron and Goten," the teen heiress stated matter-of-factly, flipping her silky blue locks behind her shoulder.

"Shouldn't you be in class?" Trunks responded narrowing his eyes at her. Bulla always had some kind of snide remark to make, and it wouldn't be a day at capsule corp without it. "Or did you stay up late again watching tv…" Trunks said, looking down at his younger sister.

"Shouldn't you be at work?" Bulla retorted, "or were you too busy on the phone last night with your girlfriend?"

The little droid flew past the doorway, "Giru, giru — Negat–"

Trunks quickly grabbed the robot and shushed it as he silently cursed. "Not now Giru…" he said in a hushed voice. Bulla glanced at the two, tilting her head to the sight of her brother completely frazzled by the scene unfolding. "Look, that is none of your business, Bulla…"

"I mean, I have a bet with Pan that's apparently ongoing, you better talk to Marron and get her to go to this double date…" Bulla replied, poking a manicured nail into his chest. "So uh, do something 'kay?"

The bluenette, in all her royal-like attitude, took one glance up and down at her brother and walked off. She was most definitely a product of her mother and father, assertive and prideful, it was no wonder some feared her. Trunks looked over to Giru who was still wrapped up in his arms from earlier. "Okay," Trunks breathed out, "I'll have to explain later, okay?"

Giru's small body nodded as he floated back up, "Giru!" He exclaimed excitedly, "understood!"

Trunks smiled, as he bee-lined out of Capsule Corp and into the private floating vehicle parked outside of capsule corporation. Trunks slipped into the familiar leather seat, glancing over to the driver who greeted him. It was a return to normalcy, and a part of him…dreaded the return. He would have imagined when he was out in space, fighting giant space worms or whatever strange aliens he came across that he would miss the monotony of everyday life.

But instead, he almost felt like he made a mistake of some sort. "Mr. Briefs," A feminine voice cleared her throat, "It is a pleasure to have you back in capsule corporation."

Trunks looked over to the woman, short black hair cropped around the ears with matching pearl earrings and a pearl necklace, with vibrant blue eyes. At least, he has a familiar face. "Ah, Ms. Broche…I'm glad to have my assistant back."

"Yes sir," the woman responded, handing a tablet over to her boss. "We have a lot to review since you were last here…"

Marron glanced down at her tablet, the sketch was nearly complete…but just her luck that the device was nearing its end of battery life. She tossed the tablet into her bag, stretching as she stood up taking a deep breath her fists planted on her hips. "Man…" she yawned as she began to walk towards the nearby coffee shop.

She looked down at her phone seeing the time, it was already noon. How much time has passed since she woke and when she got to the park, it was like time disappeared in some sort of vacuum? She looked to her side catching sight of the Capsule Corporation building from the corner of her eye, the monolithic dome-shaped building sat dead center of the city, with space to boot.

She slipped through crowds and found herself in a small coffee shop, her hands pushing back her hair as she pulled it into a low bun. But before she could get a word out she caught a flash of lavender that zipped by, Marron clutched her tote. Her eyes flicked between the door and the sidewalk as she stepped back outside. Why was she even looking for him? The last thing she wanted to do was talk to the guy.

But it was as if her body were acting out of impulse, she followed him, going in between crowds. Her mind not catching up with her feet. What would she even say when she actually got to him? She stopped in her tracks, watching as he turned. "Stalking me now?"

Marron's breath was caught in her throat. How could she forget, he could sense energy…and probably was sensing her following behind him. "I-I" Marron stammered looking up at the taller individual, the sun cascading against the back of his head, almost giving him a ring of light from the rays. "No," Marron stood straight clearing her throat, "what would make you think that?"

Trunks narrowed his eyes, he hoped his lies weren't as obvious as Marron's. "Who else would be so obsessed with me," Trunks teased, "I mean, don't get me wrong I'm flattered—"

Marron grit her teeth, he sure knew how to talk himself up. But she was not about to give him any lip service. "Save it, Briefs," Marron retorted, her voice dry in its response. She poked a manicured nail against his chest, "shouldn't I be asking you questions," She began, glancing up at his eyes, which were glistening in all of their cocky glory. "It's 12 PM, shouldn't you be at work!"

Trunks rolled his eyes, noticing as a crowd of elderly women stood a few feet away, whispering to each other. He could imagine based on their expressions what they were imagining. Marron loved to call attention to herself, that he's always known. A rowdy short-stack she was. He pulled the blonde into a tight embrace making her freeze in place. "Not here," Trunks said in a whispered tone, his nose brushing against her cheek.

Marron's heart dared to skip a beat, thundering in her cheek as her cheeks turned into a furiously red shade. The tips of her ears burned as she was held in the middle of the sidewalk. Her panicked gaze shifted about. If she wasn't so embarrassed she would relish in the cologne scent stuck to his skin, or the warmth of his embrace – however, she was too busy trying to break free. "What are you–"

"Trust me…" Trunks separated just a little, his gaze shifting to the women who were now covering their lips and giggling to each other – a success indeed. Now to finish it, he tipped the blonde's face up to glance up at him, for a moment he hesitated watching her freshly flushed face grow deeper with constricted pupils looking back at his. He tried his best to tell her with his eyes…he wasn't enjoying it either – quite frankly.

Her slightly agape lips trembled as a thumb slightly hovered over the bottom lip. They were so sticky…Trunks could almost feel himself squirm; why did women wear lipgloss? No one would want to kiss that… He leaned back down to her ear, "Sorry, I'm not enjoying this either," he cleared his throat as he let the blonde go and snatched her hand, walking away at a quick pace from the scene with Maron in tow.

"W-What the heck?!" Marron shouted, her heart beating in her throat. "Why did you–"

They found themselves in a secluded corner in a residential zone where the hybrid spun around, leaning against a brick stairway into a townhome. "People were staring," Trunks clarified, "I was out on lunch and you started following me."

Marron stammered at a response. Yeah…she was following him, but shouldn't she make sure he wasn't out cheating on her in her fake relationship and blowing their cover. Marron folded her arms, cocking her head as she stared at the hybrid who was almost waiting for her explanation. "You're the one with a history of skipping work, shouldn't I concern myself with what my boyfriend is up to?"

Trunks could almost gag. The usage of the word boyfriend…directed towards him by Marron of all people was really not settling well with him, so much so it sent chills down his spine. "Nice save," Trunks folded his arms, looking down at her, "but we both know you are obsessed with me."

Marron scoffed, turning her nose up at him. "Could say the same about you, Briefs…"

"Anyway…" Trunks cleared his throat catching the blonde's attention. Trunks definitely think it was the right time to bring this up, but he needed to tell her before Goten got to her first…"Goten–" He watched as the blonde's breath hitched at the sound of his name, "he…made a request."

"He knows…about us?" Marron asked, her voice laced with a twinge of sadness. She was no longer going to be seen by him as someone who was readily available and open to just him…and something about that fact hurt the blonde's soul. "What did he want…?"

Trunks almost didn't want to tell her. "Before I tell you," Trunks began, looking at the woman…her tune had definitely changed at the mention of her crush, "you gotta promise me you won't kill me."

Marron sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. What could be worse than dating Trunks Vegeta Briefs? "Okay."

"He wants to have a double date–" Trunks said rapidly, almost as if he was hoping Marron missed that part of the sentence. "But– I told him it would be up to you." Trunks finished, taking a deep breath and holding it in. He watched her slowly go from anger and sadness to a very solemn expression, but no words came out of her. "Marron?" He asked, quirking a brow. He was frankly more terrified at her lack of response.

What was there to respond to. Trunks did the appropriate steps of ensuring she had a choice…oddly considerate given the fact he was always such a dickhead towards her. But, considering her feelings for Goten–even if he didn't know the extent…was at the very least comforting. Marron sighed attempting to release the strain in her throat, looking up to Trunks and forcing a small smile. "Okay…"

"Are you sure?" Trunks asked, his voice laced in a bit of worry. She wasn't sure what for…it wasn't like he was considerate of her feelings before. Was he afraid she'd blow their cover? "You don't have to torture yourself."

Marron shook her head. "No, it's fine," she began as she straightened her posture up. "We need to convince everyone we are dating right?" She stated as she stepped closer to the hybrid, playing with the tip of his tie, glancing at the fabric. "Then…" she began absentmindedly, her eyes now looking at where the knot of the tie was, and her hands immediately went and corrected the crooked tie. "We'll have to play the part–" She continued as her eyes locked into his. "Sorry– habit."

Trunks was looking directly into her eyes and felt his face grow warm. He wasn't sure what just went through him but his heart felt like it was about to break out of his chest from how hard it beat. His throat felt dry as he swallowed, what had she done? All she did was correct his poorly done Windsor knot…but why did she say it was a habit? With who?

His mouth was slightly agape, a question hanging on his lips but before he could get it out the flustered hybrid's phone rang. Marron looked at his pocket and back at his face, "you uh…might wanna get that."

Trunks blinked, as he quickly shuffled his hands into his pocket pulling out his phone. "Painte!"

"Where are you Mr. Briefs, your meeting with the board is in ten minutes," the woman announced, "should I push–"

"N-No, please keep it at its scheduled time, I'm not too far," Trunks cleared his throat as Marron stared at him as he stuffed the phone back into his pocket, "I'll call you later with more details…"

The hybrid waved as he bolted in direction of Capsule Corp, given for a normal human they were likely 20 minutes away from the premises, but Trunks was a half-Saiyan prince…that was nothing for someone of the likes of him to get to by foot. Marron watched as the man dashed out of her line of sight.

"Hope he doesn't rip that suit," Marron pointed out as she huffed out and stuffed her hands into her jean pockets. She wasn't sure what was with him—but Trunks was acting strange at the end, she couldn't read him as easily as she usually would. His face was so—red? Dare she say—blush? She giggled to herself as she walked in direction of the subway.

Who would have thought the CEO of capsule corp and son of Vegeta was so easily flustered. But who was she to say that when she was all out of sorts by a simple embrace – even if it was not at all genuine, she wasn't quite accustomed to being held in such fashion…at least not in a long time.

Marron pressed a hand on her cheek, it wasn't that it was Trunks who did it—she wouldn't imagine that. It's the fact it happened in the first place, any man would make her heartbeat like that if they did that. She pushed out her lips as her hand fell back down to her side, her breath slightly staggered as she found herself at the station once more.

He did…look sharp today…Marron sighed, shaking the thought out of her head. He was dressed in a designer-tailored suit—it's a given it fits him like a glove. Women are always suckers for a man in a suit, the blonde knocked her wrist against the side of her head. These kinds of thoughts are forbidden, and if they exist…Marron would be sure to strangle them and suffocate them.

She was fully dedicated to ensuring her emotions are pure and true for only one man. No wandering eyes, and absolutely not Trunks. Never him.

Not even if it killed her would she ever consider that as an option, and she swore by that statement. She hardened her resolve as she stepped into the subway car, sitting down as she saw a text from Goten appear on her cellphone.

Is the double date on or not? :p

She pressed her head against the window of the subway car, groaning as she looked at the dreaded text. This was not what she was intending her life going, especially him asking her such a question when it's including Trunks as her supposed boyfriend. She hovered over the send button, her hands shaking as she pressed the button.

Yeah! What's the time and place?

AN: another chapter closer to the big double date :p we will get there no worries, I am enjoying TruMar's dynamic, this chapter was a bit slower pace, I wanted to give them space to breathe and exist separately and I love building a little bit of a world of west city :p let me know your thoughts and leave a comment! Thanks for reading!