Cherry Contact

7: Oblivious Mortification

AN: Here's my bi-monthly update because of course I decide to update at *checks watch* 1:47 AM ?! lol A heads up this chapter is kind of absolutely crazy. I've been editing it and revising it for the past 2 weeks and have not been super happy with it. the chapter itself is being a total dick to me :p

Friday came faster than Trunks had anticipated, it was like he blinked, and two days had passed. Trunks watched as the heaps of vehicles lined up on the highway…he hadn't even started the car, and already there were problems. "And I need to pick her up, what a mess…." Trunks grumbled as he slipped into the driver's seat. He pressed the ignition button and sped off toward the direction of the Libra district.

One thing Trunks has tried to exercise since returning to Earth is timeliness. They had an hour to get to the other side of town to meet up with Goten and Valese, and according to his wristwatch, they were already behind schedule. Trunks looked towards the road and saw the enormous traffic jam and groaned.

Before he bothered to get on the highway to bumper-to-bumper traffic, he pulled into a parking lot and encapsulated his car. It made no sense for him to drive when he had the car in a tiny portable capsule… he could fly over to Marron and take it out then. And so, that was precisely what he did. Trunks glanced around, waiting to ensure no bypasser would see him as he pushed his body up into the air.

Floating in the air, he looked down at the bustling city as purple and orange hues overtook the skies above. The wind made his hair and button-up float about from the wind currents. He closed his eyes, sifting through multiple ki signatures as he searched for one particular and uniquely obnoxious one: Marron. Whenever he read her ki, it was not only obvious in a crowd of regular humans, but it was obnoxiously loud in his head. How fitting, he thought to himself.

He locked in on the almost pink aura that overtook his senses, bolting in that direction as he paused to see Marron standing below outside her apartment. Her hair was down in its waves, and they were now sporting a baby pink silk shirtdress with a white leather belt cinched at the waist. The obnoxiously bright fabric was almost iridescent as it reflected the beams of the sunset off of it.

It was a less immature style than he was accustomed to – though still obnoxiously pink. The Marron he remembered was obsessed with peter-pan collars and frilly socks, but he presumed this was a bygone era. She was a fully-fledged adult. Trunks landed to her left, shaking his hair back into place after being disheveled in the wind.

"Nice of you to drop in," Marron responded as she analyzed her nails dejectedly. She wasn't even going to bother stating the obvious; he should know better than expect her to fly – Especially in a dress. "I am not going to fly though…." Marron continued as she looked back up to Trunks, a hand on her hip as she tilted her head.

"Didn't think so," Trunks responded as he popped his capsule into the parking lot, "get in princess, we got a deadline."

Marron sighed as she glanced at him and back at the car door. "Y'know, if you really want to sell this, you should act a bit more chivalrous," Marron pointed out as she folded her arms, "holding the door for your girlfriend is a thing boyfriends do."

Trunks rolled his eyes, "chivalry is dead."

"So is this plan if you don't get your ass over here and open the damn door," Marron snapped back, making the hybrid stiffen up. He turned on his heel, giving her the fakest smile possible as he opened the butterfly wing passenger seat while he gestured to her seat. "Thank you," she said very lightly as she slipped into the car. Trunks slammed the door, careful not to make a dent, as he looped around the front and slipped into the driver's seat.

"You are especially annoying today," Trunks said, tapping his digits against the steering wheel as he pressed the ignition button. He meant it, on top of having to go out of his way at an inconvenient hour. She seemed all too eager to go off and see Goten. He noticed the shimmery dress was paired with a low cut, leaving ample room to expose her cleavage.

Trunks' eyes shifted away, careful not to linger on that last point too much. "You seem a bit giddy," Trunks pointed out as he pulled out of the complex, not even glancing at her. "Don't tell me you are already trying to find a way to steal Goten from Valese," he laughed. It was a delusional desire to have when those two were so early in their honeymooning stage.

"Me?" Marron feigned shock as she flipped her beach waves behind her shoulder, a slight pout on her impossibly glossy lips. "Why when I have such a loving boyfriend right here?" she snickered, knowing that would get under the hybrid's skin. Trunks cast a side glance at the blonde, knowing exactly what she was trying to do.

"I know you're joking, but we really do need to sell that lie tonight," Trunks replied, a smirk on his lips. "Don't be surprised if I suddenly start acting different," he pointed out, "since it does seem you have a hard time differentiating fiction from reality." He believed he had a justifiable reason for telling her such a thing; after all, she gets flustered at anything that isn't a side hug. If Goten saw that, he would never believe they ever even did so much as hold hands.

He turned into the highway, his hand on the radio dial, turning up the music, a gentle yet firm beat played on a low volume. Trunks kept his focus on the beat to fill the space of silence between the two. Marron was oddly quiet; usually, she would be snippy with him but glancing over, he watched her hands tremble.

"What's wrong?" Trunks asked, his eyes snapping back towards the road before she could notice his gaze. "You normally are more chatty than this, don't tell me your nervous…."

"I'm not…." Marron mumbled, playing with the ends of her hair. Her eyes were dejected as they stared at the couple of split ends of her hair. "I mean, it's a little weird for me," Marron sighed. It's been only a week, and she already has to face Goten as not just herself but Trunks' so-called girlfriend. Quite frankly, she wasn't sure how to feel.

The time and date she chose were not of her own volition, at least not entirely. On the one hand, she wanted to avoid deliberating and delaying it further, and the other was to tear the bandaid off. If she wanted this to work, she needed to debut her relationship with Trunks.

"Are you not nervous?" Marron asked, turning her head to the hybrid whose eyes were set on the road. She glanced at his structured profile; Saiyan men tended to be breathtakingly handsome. Had Marron not known who he was, she'd be nervous about even being in his presence, but – Trunks was an exception for her. "We aren't at all prepared," she sighed, a slight pout on her lips.

"Yeah, I can acknowledge that," Trunks responded; he could feel her gaze on him. "I've figured we can act like we like each other, but that won't work…our…distaste for one another won't let it work."

Marron pressed her lips into a thin line, nodding in agreeance. "Yeah, you're pretty insufferable," she began breathily before glancing at the hybrid. "What do you suggest we do?"

The insult hardly phased him. "Honestly…Fake it till you make it; hell, pretend I'm Goten when you start playing up the lovers shit." Trunks said, his eyes still focused on the road.

Marron turned to speak, but before she could finish the sentence, Trunks pulled into a parking lot of a Barbeque restaurant. Trunks looked over at her. "Shit…why didn't Goten say anything about where we would be eating?" Trunks asked, looking at the signs outside the restaurant advertising a multi-course meal. "This bastard is trying to get us banned…." Trunks groaned, pressing his head against the wheel.

"I– yeah– I tried to talk him out of it…." Marron sighed, slumping her shoulders. "Let's just…try to get along," Marron continued as she looked down. Marron hadn't noticed Trunks was already holding the door for her with a hand extended out. She eyed him curiously, watching him flick his eyes to the side and back over to her. Marron turned her head in the direction he looked and could spot Goten for a millisecond.

The simple sight of him made her heart skip a beat, but she had a goal tonight and needed to achieve it. With wavering determination in her eyes, she took hold of his hand and stepped out of the vehicle. She shot a glance at Trunks that read, "this better work."

Trunks pulled her closer to him, her body stumbling just a bit as her cheek collided with his chest. He leaned down to her ear and, in a hushed whisper, said, "don't worry, we've got this...just remember what I said." Too close, again…Marron thought to herself, as his lips barely brushed against the tips of her ears, warm minty breath brushing past her.

Marron nodded slowly, but her eyes focused on the sight of Goten and Valese walking towards the restaurant with smiles. She turned her face burying herself in Trunks' chest. How strange, she was finding shelter in the arms of the enemy – her so-called enemy. Frenemy.

Although they both held each other at a frenemy status, Marron was still a friend. Even if he could hardly even call it that, he took note of her behavior change, all-of-a-sudden from the fiery woman he knew earlier… she's transformed into a demure, muted version of herself.

Trunks pulled Marron away from him, feeling her resistance as she held her body still. He watched as her slightly teary eyes looked up at his. Inside he wanted to call her pathetic, but he understood her feelings, as he's been through this before. "Hey!" He called out, catching her attention as he held her chin up to hold her gaze. "You're in love with me tonight…got it?"

What a strange way to put it, Marron thought. She felt her cheeks red at his forwardness; he lacked tact, and people around them could have heard! Though Marron supposes that was the intent. She glanced at her faux lover as she felt her self-confidence waver; how would she do this? Marron's words were caught in her throat, resorting to responding with a slight nod. "Where is the spitfire blondie that I know?" Trunks teased, letting go of her chin, "I'd much rather see her."

Marron looked up, holding her tears as she refused to let them ruin the makeup she had meticulously applied. Trunks was right; no use in crying right now when she was supposed to be in love with him. She fastened her resolve, smiling as she blinked the tears away, taking hold of his hand confidently. "Let's do this…."

As the duo walked inside, they were greeted by an overly excited couple, Goten already stuffing his face with the hors d'oeuvres and Valese innocently smiling as she waved Trunks and Marron over. They looked at eachother a bit warily, his hand clasped a bit too tightly around Marron's; it still didn't feel natural, but…at least she wasn't recoiling at his touch.

It seems as though the last few days have truly desensitized her to Trunks' touch, hand holding was nothing but just an uncomfortable thing she only needed to deal with during appearances. Trunks' palms went from a perfect fit in hers to a sweaty, clammy mess. So Trunks did feel nerves! Marron smiled, keeping her teasing in her head as the two sat down in front of Goten and Valese.

"Hey, guys!" Goten said between chews, "glad ya' made it!"

"Yeah, dude, of course," Trunks began as he looked over to Valese. He didn't see what Marron was saying about her being some stunner. She was fairly pretty-looking, sure, but nothing impactful. "It's nice to see you again, Valese!" Trunks said, a smile on his lips. Marron must have a distorted perception of self…he's never thought of her as ugly by any stretch of the imagination.

Marron's hand was still interloped with Trunks,' and she decided to squeeze a little harder, "how have things been?" the question came off forced, but Marron's ki and emotions seemed to be a rollercoaster, at least Trunks could sense that.

"Marvelous actually!" Valese squealed, looping an arm around Goten's. The simple act was tugging on Marron's heartstrings; if Trunks didn't know any better…it looked like she was about to burst into tears. "Goten and I have been thinking of taking the next big step!"

As Marron's gaze fell, Trunks noticed as she avoided looking at the two. Even if Trunks couldn't stand the blonde…he had to admit, the girl had guts. If he had to go through with this in a situation with Mai…well, he doesn't know if the so-called date would still have his head attached to his body.

Granted…that relationship was dead in the water; he needed to focus on his fake girlfriend…

"Oh…?" Marron said, her voice perking up as she glanced over to Trunks and back to Goten, "Next big step?"

Goten looked down, chuckling a bit as he tipped the brunette's chin to look up at him. "Val we weren't supposed to tell anyone yet."

Marron could die watching this, Goten's gruff voice and thumb so softly grazing against her chin, the tender loving gaze. Marron felt her heart sink to the pits of her chest. These two giggling idiots didn't realize the utter damage wreaked upon her heart.

"Well," Marron cleared her throat, "Val has spilled the beans already, what's the next big step?" Marron's voice bordered on condescending; she was genuinely trying to hold back any spite. Valese didn't ask for any fire, nor did Goten…but it was a visceral reaction within her to barely snap at the sight.

Trunks was weary about how the rest of the evening would go thus far…it had been a bit of a hostile environment, if he was being frank, his eyes locking with Goten in worry.

"Is it okay, babe?" Valese turned to look at Goten, who nodded. "Yay, okay…so 'Ten and I have been discussing…and we are…moving in together!" Man…did this girl use her vowels for an extended period.

Trunks and Marron stared at eachother, then back to the couple in front of them in disbelief. "How long have you guys been together again?" Trunks asked; Marron was glad the hybrid read her mind at that moment.

"Three months, two weeks, and four days, but who's counting!" Goten exclaimed as he wrapped an arm around the brunette, "I'm just glad I've got my beautiful cinnabun by my side."

Trunks could sense the ire burning off the blonde; she was practically shaking. If there was any solace for Marron, it was that from the sounds of it…this would not last long…but, in the entirety of knowing Goten, he has never been so eager over a woman in his life. The fear that this woman may be the love of his life…is nauseating.

"But enough about us!" As he began digging into the entree, Goten said, "how did you guys end up together."

"Oh uh–" Marron paused, glancing at Trunks, "well… we decided on it before Trunks left for space."

Goten waved his hand, "no, no…I know that part…" he stated, his eyes now connecting with Marron's, the onyx pupils holding a foreign stare that she wasn't accustomed to. "How did my best friend and best girlfriend end up banging?"

Marron nearly choked on the water she was sipping. "Well, it's quite simple 'Ten," Trunks responded, wrapping an arm around Marron's waist. It almost felt natural, but Marron instinctively clawed at his hand to release her. Under the table, of course.
"When two people… love eachother very much–"

"C'mon asshole," Goten snorted as he pointed an accusatory fork at the hybrid, "y'know what I mean."

Marron cleared her throat, sitting up straight, as she allowed the feeling of Trunks' arms to enrapture her for a moment. She closed her eyes for a second imagining Goten instead. What would she say to him?

"We were just…in two lonely places in life, and found solace in eachother," Marron responded with a soft smile, "isn't that right babe?" Marron looked up to find that Trunks' lips were slightly agape at her response; she kept it vague enough to be unquestioned…but couldn't tell what that oaf was thinking.

Trunks kept his gaze on her, glancing into her eyes with a soft smile. Marron nearly jumped out of her skin. It was like…he was looking at her. And Trunks was, in theory, looking at Marron and smiling…feigning the emotion and tenderness of two people in love…but in reality, Trunks was just an outstanding actor. Given Marron's reaction, he knows he's being convincing.

"Yep," Trunks smiled, pulling her closer and planting a peck on her temple. Marron's face flushed red at the tenderness of his touch. She wasn't expecting that. "The best thing that ever happened to me."

Marron wanted to cackle. Trunks was totally and utterly full of shit. To go as far as to say she was the best thing to ever happen to him…was a stretch. If not, a bold-faced lie…he forced his hand into a fake relationship. At least she wasn't totally lying, unlike him: Trunks is a lonely guy, keeping to himself a good chunk of the time or throwing himself into his work – he did go into space to do stuff for work.

Marron wondered about his time in outer space–not long enough to genuinely deliberate on it and developed theories. But he came back definitely more roughed up. She recalled he came back with his hair grown out…and wondered how it must've looked. Marron's eyes flicked between him and the couple in front of them, a cheeky but fake smile on her lips.

"Aw, how romantic," Valese cooed out her hand, reaching out to touch Marron's "you guys are like childhood lovers then." The brunette smiled gently; Marron glanced at the woman who was the cause of her ire and couldn't bring herself to come up with anything overly cruel to focus on. She had such a beautifully symmetrical face with bright emerald eyes, and her nose was perfectly proportional to her face.

"Well, they weren't always that way.." Goten commented as he took a sip of water. "You guys used to hate eachother." Marron froze, watching the sudden coldness in Goten's eyes as he said that. He'd never looked at her with eyes like those before…she felt Trunks' grip tighten slightly.

"I dunno…" Trunks chuckled, "we were kids–"

"Yeah, it's just kinda weird that I didn't know I mean I'm—"

"I need to use the girl's room," Valese interrupted as she grabbed her purse, her eyes flicking over to Marron, almost like she was inviting her to follow behind. Which Marron did, getting up quickly and scurrying behind the brunette.

As Marron arrived at the restroom, Valese sighed, her voice thick in worry, "What do we do?" Valese said. "I know we don't know eachother…but you are one of Goten's best friends, I need to tell you this—"

Marron felt like she was in a daze. Why was she talking to her? She wasn't planning on having any sort of conversation with Valese whatsoever…so what gives? Marron sighed as she held the woman's arms, making her focus on her eyes. "What's going on?"

Valese sighed, pushing her strands out of her face with a huff. "Goten is really mad…at Trunks and you…" Valese began to chew on the bottom of her lip, "I've never seen him get so upset, but when he found out you guys were dating…"

Marron paused, glancing at the brunette who had given her a small nugget of knowledge. Goten was mad that she and Trunks were 'dating'? A small part of her hoped that meant he was jealous and Trunks' plan and theory was working. But she shouldn't delude herself…there could be multiple reasons why Goten was upset.

"I tried talking him down on our way here but he was so insistent–" Valese sighed, "I don't want him to be upset with you guys…." Valese said as she held the side of her arm, looking down.

"We'll talk to him, don't you worry," Marron reassured. She wanted to scream…what was she doing comforting her rival…if she could even call her that. This was a one-sided interpretation of what is just two people making each other's acquaintance. "Is that why you wanted to take me to the bathroom though?"

"Yeah," Valese responded sheepishly, "I didn't want to fan the flames more…." The brunette walked to the mirror, digging through her purse and pulling out a lip gloss. Marron watched the woman in her tightly clung dress lean over, reapplying the shimmery gloss onto her lips. Her dress truly left nothing to the imagination–and she was tall.

"I should have said this earlier, but you look so pretty," Valese said as she walked over to the shorter blonde, a gentle smile on her lips. "No wonder you scored such a hottie," Valese giggled as she nudged. Marron glanced at her reflection; even though she felt confident and elegant when she left home…now felt like she looked frumpy and not put together.

Marron's cheeks turned pink. She's just being facetious…Marron thought she couldn't possibly be on her side. "Goten told me you work for a fashion magazine, right?" Valese smiled, "I model, what a coinkidink." It flipped like a light switch in her brain; of course, she's a model! That's why she was so gorgeous.

"Wow, that is a coincidence…." Marron chuckled, her voice laced with just a twinge of sadness. How could she compete with that?

"Yeah, I just did a photoshoot with Lilia Coutoure," Valese began before her eyes lit up with excitement, "hey, I know!" She exclaimed excitedly as she pulled out her phone. "What's your number? I can invite you to my next shoot!"

Marron blinked as she stared down at the girl's phone. Why was Valese doing this? She was such a nice person. It was hard for Marron to stomach how stupidly nice she was to her. There had to be some kind of ulterior motive…right? Marron put her phone number in the brunette's phone, glancing back up to her emerald eyes and flashing a grin.

Meanwhile, as the two women were away. Goten sat across from Trunks with his arms crossed. "Dude how are you not going to tell me you're dating Marron?" Goten said, his voice laced with annoyance, "I don't care if you guys are…but you guys are my closest friends and I'm the last to find out?"

Trunks smirked; it seemed his theory was working, even if Goten was not interested at all in Marron right now; the fact his reaction was so visceral told him everything he needed to know.

But still, Trunks understood why Goten was so upset. Besides, he and Marron have known Goten since they were kids.

"Look, I know, it's not cool of us to not say anything," Trunks began as the waitress poured a glass of wine for him. "But, we weren't ready to announce anything yet," Trunks sighed, a chuckle in the back of his throat.

"Yeah, it's not cool…how could you guys keep this from me?" Goten whined.

"Hey, our parents don't even know yet, I think you should consider yourselves honored…." Trunks responded as he took a sip of his wine, glancing at Marron's glass. Kami knows what could come out of her lips when she's drunk. He should keep her in check when she comes back. He slid the glass over to his side of the table, pouring the drink into his glass.

Goten quirked a brow. "Did you just take Marron's drink?"

"Yeah, she's a lightweight…." Trunks said as he took a sip of his drink, "if I were to let her drink even a glass she may get drunk…I've got a strong tolerance though."

"Ohoho, do you?" Goten snickered as he took Valese's glass. "When was the last time you had Earth wine?"

"Um," Trunks quirked, looking down at the glass of wine he claimed as his own. He had drunk on many planets and eaten several delicacies from all over; he recalled being able to handle alcohol pretty well. Sometimes a stiff drink was all he'd need, and even that was hard to find in outer space. But Earth wine? That was something that he hadn't had a chance to have since he was twenty-four.

"Sounds like it's been a while," Goten chuckled as he sipped from Valese's glass, "gotta be careful with Val, she's a bit wild when she drinks."

Trunks didn't really care to indulge him, but it sounded like this was the route it would go. Trunks called for the waitress as she passed, pointing at Marron's glass. "Another one, please?"

"Thought you said she shouldn't drink Trunks," Goten chuckled as he glanced at the waitress pour another. "Well…a third glass wouldn't hurt…."

When the two women returned from the restroom as they chatted away, they both watched a grand scene unfold at their table. And a similar bout of embarrassment, as the two Saiyan men had gone from composed gentlemen to what some would call absolute hooligans.

At this point, Trunks and Goten both were standing on their chairs, like two feral animals about to pounce at each other's throats, practically shouting at each other in a slurred mess. Somehow, Marron felt absolute dread drape over her body. A frantic waitress scurried by to the two women, who were both in equal amounts of shock. "Ma'am we need both of them under control immediately!"

"What in the world…." Marron approached the table; although she was inept at reading ki compared to, say– her father– she could sense their energy fluctuating with their anger. "Trunks!" Marron yelled out, getting his attention.

"Oh, Marronie!" Trunks hopped off the chair and gave her a hug. Red flag number one, he called her a nickname she hadn't heard in ages and number two…he hugged her. He gave her the biggest, most uncomfortable bear hug she had ever received. As she was pressed against him, she picked up the scent of wine…in fact, his button-down shirt was wet from a red wine stain. "Tell him, Mar!"

Marron blinked at him, confused as she looked at Goten, who was also undoubtedly plastered. "Tell him what?"

"That you like to…." Trunks looked at her confused face and leaned down to her ear to whisper the final part of the sentence, "take it from the rear–"

Marron flailed out of his arms and slapped him straight across the face. "What?!" Her voice was shrill, getting the entire restaurant's attention at this point. "How disgusting," Marron's voice was saturated with her embarrassment. Valese covered her lips, looking over to her troublesome partner, who was practically cackling at the scene.

"Mar Mar–I didn't know you were such a freak…." Goten slurred, making the blonde flip her head over to Goten; her face was red hot in anger. She eyed Valese looking at some of the people recording. She could feel the eyes of far too many people.

Shit.

Now was not the time to make them get on their knees and apologize. "C'mon…tell em!" Trunks moaned out, nudging her side. "Marron Chestnut and I have kinky hot se—" Marron slapped her hand over his mouth, her anger giving her the strength to overtake him temporarily.

"This is extremely inappropriate and untrue," Marron made sure that last word was louder than the rest to ensure someone heard that. "I think you should sit down and drink some water–" Marron narrowed her eyes at the hybrid half-wit as he cut her off once more.

"I'm fine!" He was practically screaming.

"You're drunk, Trunks, and you're making a scene," Marron looked to her side to see those individuals keeping their eyes on him. The blonde whipped her head back to the waitress, her anger fanning flames out of her. "You…" Marron began, "how much did you serve these two?"

"I-I" the waitress was scrambling over her words. "I saw that your glasses were persistently empty, so I kept filling them…" the waitress held her arm and looked down. "Mr. Briefs has at the very least ten glasses of wine in the past hour…"

"See Trunks," Goten hiccuped. "Earth wine is still way stronger."

As the scene began to wind down, there was indistinct chatter surrounding them, as they thought they were in the clear, a man approached them. "We're going to need you to leave the premises," the man in a suit said, presumably the Maître d' of the restaurant. His seriousness was unmatched. "Immediately."

Marron and Valese both could feel the embarrassment pour over them. It was truly a shame, the two didn't even get to eat anything it seems like somehow, in the twenty minutes the girls spent chatting away in the restroom, the Saiyan men got plastered for…really no real reason.

Valese was profusely apologizing to the man, but Marron was staring dejectedly at the ground. She hoped Goten would forget anything Trunks would have possibly slipped out of that idiotic mouth of his. He seemed to have a tendency to spew out bullshit at fascinating speeds.

Valese looked over to Marron concerned, the brunette's brows knitted together. "You handle your man, I'll text you later, okay?"

Marron nodded in response hastily as she had held the unruly Trunks, who at this point was yelling total obscenities at whoever passed by him. "D'ya know who I am?!" Trunks slurred out as he felt his arm nearly being torn off.

"Everyone does; now shut it before you make things worse," Marron groaned as they walked through the doors. Marron could hear the faint noise of Goten's yelling from the back of the restaurant.

She hailed the nearest Taxi, hoping a drunk Goten wouldn't emerge from the restaurant doors to follow Trunks and have them essentially pull eachother into another drinking contest.

Marron slipped herself into the vehicle, avoiding interacting with the hybrid. She felt so beyond embarrassed that – if she were to speak, she thought she would chew his head off from how vulgar the alcohol had made him. Both Goten and he were utter pigs when drunk…and getting banned from a restaurant is not what she intended to happen.

"Macaroon…Marronie… Macaroni… Marinara…" Trunks hummed out as he laughed to himself, bonking his head against the passenger seat window. Marron rolled her eyes at him; what kind of nonsense was happening in that Saiyan's brain? Was all he could think about food? "You're so pretty when you're mad," a soft chuckle emitted from the back of his throat.

The blonde blushed as she turned her head. Could he not do this when they were being driven home in a taxi? Trunks laid his chin on her shoulder, looking up at her. The smell of flowers intermingled with the alcohol created an irresistible mix. "Y'know…wine from Earth is way stronger than other planets," Trunks mused as his nose grazed gently against the exposed skin on her neck.

"You're so drunk Trunks," Marron huffed out as she tried to shake him off her. She sighed as the drunk Saiyan nuzzled closer. "You know… I wouldn't be nearly as mad at you if you just didn't make all that up about our sex life," Marron sighed as she looked down at the hybrid who now looked at her, a strange shift in his gaze.

"I'm sorry," Trunks responded, "I wanted to be more believable," he slurred, the soft glow of the city light exposing the blush that was spread across his face. "We're dating, it's natural right?" Trunks muttered.

"We aren't dating," Marron corrected quickly, causing Trunks to perk up with a chuckle.

"I'm acting!" Trunks announced as he cupped her cheek so she'd face him directly. "C'mon Marronie…" Trunks hummed softly, "just admit it, you want me to like 'ya…."

Marron quirked a brow. Okay, now he was treading nonsensical territory. She wants Trunks to like her? In what world- no - universe, would that ever happen? "You don't know what you're talking about," Marron huffed. "You must be really drunk if you think I, of all people, want you to like me," Marron rolled her eyes, "you know who I–"

Suddenly, the car took a hard stomp on the brakes causing Trunks to topple over her.

His forehead pressed against Marron's while her icy blue eyes stared directly into his warm royal blue one. Her heart rattled in her chest, but she remained perfectly still, watching the slack-jawed Saiyan scramble off her.

"Are you okay back there?" The taxi driver asked, his voice laced with concern.

"Yes sir, sorry I just fell," Marron grunted, feeling the heat on her face rise. As she brushed her hair out of her face once more.

"In love with me," Trunks slurred out with a smirk. Marron, in turn, rolled her eyes, pushing her hands into her face. She wanted to scream at him! He was quite brave with his drunken antics. And as they pulled into her apartment building parking lot, she dragged Trunks out of the vehicle leaving the driver his Zeni as he sped off.

Trunks hung on to her, using the shorter woman for his stability as he pressed his chin atop her head. "W-What…" Trunks groaned, glancing up at the tall white building, nearly glaring at it. "This isn't my house…" he muttered as he felt the tiny blonde drag him along.

She wasn't weak by any stretch of the imagination. But Trunks was a big guy, 200-something pounds of muscle. So when he wasn't cooperating, it was a bit harder to lug him around. "Astute observation, Einstein."

Trunks groaned as he stopped and shook his head, almost as if he were trying to shake off the effects of the alcohol. He scooped the blonde up in his arms, causing Marron to nearly faint from the shock. Although she was surprised he had the physical coordination to do anything right now, he dared to start to lift up into the air with her. Marron was absolutely mortified…her dress was flailing about, barely hiding her underwear as she screamed and kicked for him to put her down. Not only that, but she lived on the tenth floor…any flying is a no-go.

"Oh hush…" Trunks slurred as he pushed her window in and ungracefully tumbled into the apartment. In fact, ungracefully, he fell over a piece of furniture and landed face-first on her rug. Marron looked down at the face-planted Saiyan, and she couldn't help but pull out her phone and take a picture.

"Nice," Marron chuckled as she snapped the picture. She'll keep that one for a later time.

"Mafrom," Trunks said, still having his face dug into the rug; he threw his head up to glance at her. She was so upset; he could tell from the look on her face. But he couldn't help but pause for a moment as the reflection from the moonlight glistened off her skin. His heart was beating out of his chest; he didn't understand it fully…maybe the lack of an earthly woman's touch left a craving. Nah, It had to be the alcohol.

"Yeah?" Marron asked as she threw her hair back up into a bun. She paused and looked down at the hybrid as he sat back up. God, this man is ridiculous. Not only is he drunk, but she can't even take him to his home without raising suspicions about well–anything. If Vegeta or worse– her mother – knew that Trunks Briefs and Marron Chestnut were alone in the same apartment, she wasn't sure who would die first.

Trunks watched as Marron walked over to her kitchen, got a gallon of water out of the fridge, and placed it on the floor. "Drink."

"Only if y'ask nicely," Trunks snickered as he puckered his lips. He was inebriated but still had the sense to crack jokes.

Marron sat down on the floor, getting closer to his face. The advance didn't shock him as she picked up the jug and brought it to his lips. His gaze was steady on her face. "It wasn't a suggestion, pretty boy...drink."

Trunks leaned a little closer, calling her bluff. She would scurry away the minute their lips would dare touch. He wasn't worried about her getting any weird ideas. But it was like an immovable object versus an unstoppable force. And suddenly, tensions rose as it became a battle of wills on who would fold.

And Trunks' drunken vulgar jokes weren't going to get him anywhere. "So… y'think I'm… pretty?" Trunks smirked as he glanced into her eyes, fluttering his lashes like a giddy schoolgirl. He looked like an idiot, at least. To Marron, he looked like an idiot.

"What else is new, most eligible bachelor of 794," Marron snorted; she didn't care how drunk the man was; his cockiness was insufferable – and quite frankly, unbearable. Sure, Trunks was one of the most talked about people in business…not just for his sharp decision-making but his looks, so why ask the obvious?

"So yes," Trunks grinned as he leaned back, a satisfactory look on his face.

"Listen to me Trunks," Marron began as she held the jug of water in both hands,"if you don't drink this water you don't want to know what will happen." She wasn't sure what she would threaten him with, but she knew she had to say something.

"What're ya' gonna do?" Trunks chuckled; even if he was out of it, he was still Trunks. Brilliantly cocky and calculated, he knew that she knew there was nothing she could do. "You're all bark, like a lil' cat."

"Cats don't bark, Trunks," Marron pinched her brow.

"So then what was Scratch doing at 3 AM last night?!"

"God, is this revenge on what I did at the party?" Marron groaned as she rubbed her face. It was a funny way for karma to get her way…that much she could admit. She was at the very least glad it this all happened on a Friday and not any other day of the week.

"Whatever, y'know what I meant…" Trunks grumbled as he grabbed the jug of water and downed it, wiping his lip as some of it dribbled down the side of his lip. Marron watched him fascinated with her disgust. He was absolutely ravenous, like a caveman. "Ugh," Trunks said as she slumped down the side of her sofa, still on the ground.

Marron stood up from the ground, straightening out her clothes as she took the empty jug from him. "I'll go get your blankets," Marron sighed as she made her way toward her bedroom; before entering, she glanced over at the hybrid. "Don't do anything weird."

Trunks quirked a brow at her as he watched her head inside the room. Now left in the darkness of her living room, with only the glow of the city lights illuminating the room. "It's hot—" Trunks whined as he laid his head on the cushion.

Only to get a response from Marron shouting from her room that he didn't quite hear. It was like everything was muddled around him. His keen senses were overwhelmed…it had been a long time since the last time he got this out of his senses. He groaned as he heard the whirr of the AC unit hum and the shuffling of feet from the upstairs neighbors.

There were too many ki signatures to keep track of. The fragrances from the wall plug-ins and air fresheners gave him too much of a headache. It felt like he was scorching…he had too much on him. In frustration, he ripped his button-down and undershirt apart and threw himself onto Marron's couch, subsequently knocking out in the process. As Marron came out with a blanket and pillow, she nearly jumped out of her skin at the sight.

There he was – a shirtless Trunks Briefs, blissfully sleeping on her couch. Any sane woman would be salivating, but not Marron. She approached the sleeping Saiyan, slowly covering him up in her fuzzy pink blanket. Her cool fingers touched his bare chest as she knelt to meet his face.

She held the blanket staring at him—or his body for some reason. She won't lie; she was pleasantly surprised by the firmness of his pecs. He had a lot of scars on his triceps and obliques, some old…which she recognized, but there were newer ones across his body. He was like a rock, and she was sure Goten was the same.

Even if Marron was not a fighter, nor a Trunks connoisseur, she watched Goten and him spar all the time, and the two always wound up shirtless at some point. Either by design or by accident, Marron knew what both of those boys looked like from the waist up. But, she had never had the unique opportunity to observe Trunks this way.

He was actually pretty cute…when he was quiet. It was like looking at a cute animal in an enclosure.

"Mai?" Trunks grumbled out as his eyes squinted as he tried to focus on the silhouette of a woman.

The sadness in his voice struck her, but she didn't mind it. "Sorry Briefs, wrong girl," Marron responded softly as she tucked the pillow under his head. "I'll be nice to you for now, since you won't remember this tomorrow morning."

"Oh…" Trunks shifted as he glanced at the woman in front of him, gazing at her delicate features. He blinked as he felt his brain stir in a whirlwind. "Marron…?" he mumbled, his hair tousled on the sheet. "Y'er stupid…" he groaned.

"You're an idiot," Marron responded almost in a whisper. Marron frowned; if he weren't so out of it, she would yell at him, but she kept quiet. How is it that even when she was helping him, Trunks was still an ass?

"No'mnot…." Trunks slurred out, "I have a gigabrain…." He huffed as he turned his whole body toward her. "'Y'just have a tiny brain…."

"I'm not arguing with you," Marron responded as she dusted off her hands and stood up. Before leaving, she felt a hand grasp her wrist, making her turn on her heel.

"Wait…" Trunks mumbled, his face changed from what Marron remembered earlier. It was an expression of concern and embarrassment. "I really am sorry…I need to tell you something," he began trying his hardest to be coherent, but Marron still could hear the slur in his voice. "A-And I'm only tellin' this to ya once… so lissen up!"

Marron tilted her head, watching him. What insanity was he about to spit out now? "You're pretty, and I like ya'… sometimes."

She smiled. This was hilarious to hear, in a way. She looked into his eyes, the warm royal blue eyes focusing and unfocusing on the figure in front of him. "So you think I'm pretty?" She chuckled, now digging into him earlier in her mind. A soft smile laced her lips as she glanced at his face.

"M'yeah…'specially when ya' get that look on your face…." Trunks pointed out, causing the blonde's cheeks to grow hot as he reached to brush a strand out of her face. His touch was so delicate, and he must not realize what he was spewing out…he did know he was talking to Marron Chestnut…right? "Yeah that one!"

She blinked, staring at Trunks in shock. She wasn't sure if she should stop Trunks from rambling on, especially since Trunks may not remember anything the next day. He was either talking out of his ass or….he meant what he was saying.

Marron didn't want to find out. She paused his rambling, pressing her finger on his lips. His eyes went wide in curiosity as he focused on her again. "It's getting late, Trunks, go to sleep."

He nodded, his cheeks flush from the touch, but Marron didn't notice, possibly because he was so intoxicated that the rest of his face was probably already red from drinking. He watched the silhouette of the blonde disappear into the room as he blinked hard. "Huh…" He scoffed out as he looked back up to the ceiling, "that's weird…"

AN: BAHHAHAHA if you actually thought id let them have a first fake date that didn't end in some disaster then you are sorely mistaken. Hope you enjoyed that chaotic mess 3 took me a lot longer to write all of it out because I kept getting stuck so many times. I'm okay with the end result not supeeer happy with it but oh well. I'm proud I did it Hope you all enjoyed ! let me know ur thoughts belowwww