When Spring Came

Chapter 15: Hexed

Song Of The Chapter: I Put A Spell on You by Nina Simone

AN: started writing this on the plane, then i took a 3 week break because….surgery lol. This chapter was kind of hard. This Chapter will ALSO be shorter, because the next one is basically done and kind of a behemoth.

Up at the top of the Capsule Corporation building Trunks sat, fully engrossed in his own thoughts. No work was going to possibly get done in the state he was in, desolate and desperate for answers within himself and within the woman who was consuming his every thought more and more.

He'd promised himself that he was done entertaining the thought of her touch, of the feel of her lips against his. But there was the innate desire to get closer to her, it may just be because of a silly fantasy– perhaps it was just due to the proximity he's had to his faux lover. He thought he knew everything he needed to know about Marron Chestnut.

But Marron continuously surprised him: her sensitivity, her irrationalities, her charm–and overall just how insecure a beautiful woman could be. Trunks glanced over to the console table in his office, quickly drawn towards the pink and yellow roses that had appeared, a surprising change in the rather bleak interior of his porcelain white office. Were these roses always here?

" Denime… " Trunks slowly drew out as he walked towards the vase. "Who are these roses from?"

Denime appeared as quickly as he called her, watching carefully as her boss approached the floral arrangement. "I-I'm actually not sure…the inscription had the Briefs last name…"

Trunks turned his head to the brunette woman whose gaze seemed somewhat panicked. "Well, fortunately for you there's not a damn bomb in the thing," Trunks rolled his eyes as he picked up a pink rose carefully observing it.

"I didn't take you for a floral kind of guy…" Denime mumbled as she tucked a short strand of brunette hair behind her ear.

"Right you are, I'm not–" Trunks grinned his hand idly messing with the flower's stem observing it from the bottom. The yellow roses were as sunny and radiant as Marron's hair, and the pink…it resembled her lips. Trunks ran a thumb across his bottom lip, a small blush daring to peek through before turning back towards the inscription.

You know who

Stop dilly-dallying Briefs!

B-Chan Briefs

Trunks' grin quickly faded. Of course it was Bulla, why would he think it was anyone but his sister?

"Sir…were you–" Denime began before feeling the ire of a thousand suns gaze upon her from Trunks' eyes.

"Out."

Trunks sighed as he saw the woman scurry out of the room in a panic. He wanted to see Marron, but approaching her was also an internal battle for the lavender haired man. He brushed the strands of hair off of his face, frustrated with the prospect of facing her.

To think that just two nights ago– she was standing in this very room with him questioning him on where his feelings stood. To think…her lips would be upon his that very evening. He wasn't sure what to call the feeling that strummed him along. Every thought of Marron was electric, it drove him to the brink of madness.

But she was in love with another man. His best friend, in fact. And, that would be fine…had he not begun to fall for the very woman he vowed he'd never touch with a ten foot pole. But how could he be so blind to these emotions that have been there all along?

From the moment he saw her again, her confession of love (albeit to the wrong person) was a secret desire he wished to be true. The mere thought of tears cried over another man who won't even acknowledge the beauty that stands in front of him…was too much for him to bear.

And right in the nick of time, his phone rang. Trunks cast a glance towards his device laying on his desk. He had been anticipating since two nights ago a call from Marron–some kind of closure to whatever happened after they kissed. But the call never came, instead Goten was the one that called his phone.

In truth, Trunks hasn't talked to him since before the dinner with his family…when he interrupted his date with Valese. Talk about a bad friend, Trunks. He thought to himself before picking up the phone.

"Yo!" Trunks answered as he put the rose back into the vase.

"Trunks, you free tonight?" Goten's voice sounded a bit tense. He was certainly not the cheery Son Goten that Trunks was accustomed to.

"Tonight?" Trunks scratched his cheek, as his eyes glanced out the window and looked down to his watch. He had caught up on all of his work that day he stayed past and Marron was with him, so he was basically free. "Uh…yeah, I am what's up?"

"Well, Chok and I were planning on going to the club tonight and I thought we could just have a guys night!"

"Oh shoot," Trunks' eyes flicked over the flowers on the console table. "Well, I mean…I don't mind the idea."

"Yeah, man— I need a bit of a de-stresser…Val and I have been…well not great ," Goten sighed through the phone, his tone of voice certainly drummed up a sense of concern within Trunks.

Trunks paused, feeling his heart sink just a bit more than he expected. Why did the overwhelming feeling of dread suddenly encompass him? This is a good thing. Marron would be able to swoop in and take what she's wanted soon and he could finally end things with her.

But, as he sat with that information. There was a sense of discomfort that settled within him. A bubbling envy that coursed beneath his skin, and burned through his veins– why did it feel like he was about to lose something. No. Marron isn't his. He can't lay claim over a woman who held no love for him.

So why? Why was it that the mere thought was enough to make him want to keel over and throw up?

"You there dude?" Goten's voice rasped through the phone.

"I-Uh, yeah I am," Trunks said as he was snapped back to reality by his best friend.

"Really, cause I was talking for like three minutes and you weren't saying anything at all," Goten snickered. The realization made Trunks flush with embarrassment. How did he not notice? Was his mind really that preoccupied with the thought of Marron? "Look dude– I don't want you to do anything you aren't comfortable with," Goten replied sheepishly.

"I mean– I'm cool…I'm sure Marron would be cool with it," Trunks mumbled. Cool as a cucumber, given the fact the last time they spoke she said she didn't want to see him. Trunks shouldn't worry about what she thought, really. But, he did.

"Cool cool, then I'll see you then!" Goten exclaimed, "I'll text you the address."

Trunks sat back on his chair, staring down at his phone just wondering what on Earth he got himself into. When was the last time Trunks set foot inside a club of any sort? It must have been right after his break up with Mai– and that was certainly not his best moment as a man.

Trunks slipped off his glasses, squeezing the bridge of his nose with a sense of annoyance brimming within him. He will be in and out.

Marron was surprised to have been called by Valese to come over. Marron walked into the towering building, the lobby gilded with gold and black tile with Valese waiting at the entryway. She was far worse for wear than the day before. Her hair pulled into a messy bun, donning sweatpants and a robe tied around her.

"Val…" Marron cautiously began approaching the woman who had her lips pressed into a thin line, cocking her head towards the elevator.

Marron's eyes scanned the elevator as it shut close, as she turned her head she watched as Valese stayed silent. Her eyes were puffier than usual. It looked as if the brunette had been crying. As Valese scanned her card they arrived at the penthouse floor.

It was the first time she had been to Valese's place, the apartment had sweeping views of West City, and just far out in the distance, you could see the ocean. Marron's mouth dropped at the sheer luxurious conditions this woman lived in, feeling as her butler slipped Marron's coat off.

"I can't believe this is the first time you've come over!" Valese said as a maid waltzed over to her with a tray with champagne freshly served. "Are you a rose gal or champagne is fine?"

Marron gawked at her, scoffing as she picked up the champagne glass from its stem. "I know you are a super model and all but–"

"Ah–yeah I kinda forgot to mention–" Valese sighed as she took a sip of her drink. "My dad is big in the real estate market here, his company builds and manages most of the apartment complexes in West City."

Marron blinked at her friend, somewhat shocked at the reveal. It's not every day you meet someone who just waltzes around with that thick of a wallet and you wouldn't be able to tell. "You forgot to mention that?" Marron sputtered out, watching as the brunette's curls bounced with each step she took.

Marron watched as Valese laid down on her white chaise, a pout hung on her lips. "Marron, I need advice," she sighed as she pushed some hair back in frustration.

The blonde wanted to roll her eyes, what could Valese possibly need that would require Marron's expertise on the subject matter. "Val, I don't know what I can possibly say–"

"It's about Goten," she cut her off. Marron watched as the tip of Valese's nose grew a deeper shade of red, her eyes looking up as if she were desperately trying to stop any potential tears from streaming down her face.

"Goten?" Marron said, intrigue in her voice as she sat down beside Valese.

"He's being so different," Valese huffed out, her wrists pressing against her forehead watching as the brunette's face scrunched up.

Marron had never been in such a situation before. Uncomfortably shifting her weight as she readjusted her body to face the woman who was on the verge of tears. She'd picked up on the hints that there was trouble in paradise– but to be this bad?

"What's going on?" Marron asked, her hand gently pressing against her forearm…terrified that a wrong move would set the woman off into hysterical tears. She needed to tread carefully– she was being torn apart by the hypocrisy of their relationship.

"He asked to take a break–" Valese wailed out, causing Marron to flinch from the sudden outburst. "I-I don't get it– he was so sweet, so loving and all of a sudden…he's been getting more and more distant," Valese's voice hitched as she began struggling to breathe, the woman continued to fight the tears that dared to fall but to no avail the woman's emotions were plain as day.

Why would Goten suddenly become distant from Valese? Asking to take a break is never a good sign in any relationship. "I-It's like h-he's not attracted to me anymore…" Valese hugged her knees close to her body, resting her chin atop her knees.

It was weird, being on the opposite side. Marron recalled every break up Goten had– he had a pattern with these girls. Valese was just another box ticked off. He would romance them up, and generally is as sweet as can be…but then something changes. There is a light that fades, a feeling of boredom that emanates from him.

Marron never thought he was in the wrong, people grow tired of people. But Valese? She actually befriended Valese…though not through her own choice. It seemed like destiny thrust the two into a friendship and now she was seeing the other side of the coin. The girls that still love him despite the cognitive dissonance that were the emotions present.

Marron threw her arms around Valese, pulling her into a tight hug. "Val, you are a gorgeous woman…Goten is being an idiot," Marron said, tightening her embrace on the woman. What was she doing comforting her love rival? She should be dancing on her battered and bruised confidence and ego.

Yet, Marron simply couldn't find the strength within her to do such a thing. Because, as unfortunate as it was…the circumstances that were laid out were that Valese really was one of the few girls she'd connected with…almost immediately…and something about seeing her in such a state made her feel angry.

Angry with Goten. She had been angry with him! Goten from the beginning failed to acknowledge Marron as anything more than just a friend, despite her stuttering, her blushing– the way she carried herself around him in general. And here he was yet again doing the same thing he always did to Valese. If Valese felt this way… how would Marron feel?

Marron already felt inferior to Valese in so many ways, how could she compete if someone like her is feeling this way? "Maybe…" Valese sniffled, as she pulled away from Marron. "Maybe he will come back, it's a break…not a break up."

Marron didn't have the heart to break the news to the already fragile woman. But a break…hardly ever had fruitful results. She simply pressed a firm hand behind the woman's back, reassurance was all she could provide. "Let's not talk about guys tonight" Marron said, trying to think of what the two women could do.

"Maybe we can watch the new season of Mr. Eligible?" Valese peeked her eyes up to look at her friend. "I haven't caught up with the latest season."

Though initial excitement sparked her eyes, she vividly remembered how Garmant resembled Goten – even if he was hardly as cute. That certainly wouldn't spell anything good for the woman trying to not think about Goten. "I think…we should watch something else, maybe a comedy?"

"Good idea," Valese sighed out, nodding as she turned her head toward her butler who waited for an order. "Can you tell the kitchen to make us some snacks?" She asked innocently, her eyes barely lifting to meet the man in the eye.

"Yes, Ms. Cansilli, anything else?" The gentleman said, bowing his head slightly.

"No, that's all," she responded promptly before picking up her champagne glass. The woman turned towards Marron, a heavy sigh following suit. "Thanks…for coming over," Valese's eyes brimmed with sincerity, "can I confess something to you?"

Marron's eyes widened, as she set down her drink on the coffee table. Was she feeling comfortable enough with her to really open up this way? The guilt nipped at Marron's soul. "O-Oh, of course you can," Marron was stumbling over her words at the question

"You are the first real friend I've made in a long time," Valese began, her bright eyes met with Marron's. "People don't approach me, either because they think I'm too unattainable or too sheltered… I think that's the problem with me and Goten sometimes…"

Marron's ears perked up at that last sentence. "What do you mean, Val?"

"Goten isn't like me…he and I come from very different worlds…" Valese sighed, pinching between her brows. In truth, since their double date, Valese has been having trouble with Goten and the trial runs of moving in together have been…tough…to say the least. The gap of wealth, mannerisms and way of life are glaringly apparent to the girl and their respective families.

Marron stayed silent. She knew Goten always went for the same type of woman– always someone classy…and by extension wealthy. Then the relationship pressures came knocking down the bond he'd make with these girls, they wouldn't understand the needs of a Saiyan nor the way of life Goten and his family had.

Hell, she even recalled when Chi-Chi would rant to her mother about how these city girls broke her baby boy's heart. None of them had a passion for martial arts, nor did they grow up around it– so of course, they never understood why Goten was the way he was. Marron did. That's why she thought…she'd be different than the other girls.

But as her fake relationship with Trunks continued to unravel– the more the desire to beat the odds that Goten had created seemed less and less appealing. Looks be damned–if her new friendship with Valese has shown her anything, it's that Goten is not an easy man to please.

But then again, Saiyans were insatiable in their hunger and desires…so I shouldn't expect anything different with… Marron paused her train of thought. Why is Trunks coming to mind again? She had made it a point to avoid thinking about him as much as possible, she even chose to avoid the paths with the giant billboards with his stupidly handsome face on it.

"Hey," Marron finally said, her hands placed over Valese's. "Love conquers all–I'm sure you two will figure this out."

And for the first time, saying that to Valese didn't create a visceral reaction out of her. There was still the dull ache that radiated from the center of Marron's chest…but it wasn't nearly as painful as it once had been.

It really wasn't Trunks' prerogative to go out clubbing, he'd much rather be sleeping – but along with his best friend and a mutual friend, what could Trunks really say? He already felt bad with how much he neglected Goten with his current situation…it was high time he be a good friend.

He laid back on the sofa in the roped off section, a glazed look in his eyes as he watched the bodies on the dance floor meshed with one another. The DJ was right by his section, so the loud speakers blared in his ears – there was nothing pleasant about doing this sober.

He watched Goten and Chok slither their way through the crowd and become one with the crowd. Trunks stared down to the Whiskey Sour in his hand and simply stirred the watered down drink in his hand.

He watched as the scantily dressed women parted the sea of people with sparklers and a big glowing sign to the section beside him, a loud and poorly mixed "happy birthday" mashup playing as they sauntered in.

God, was he getting old? He loved this stuff before, he was much like his peers… bees searching for honey in a honey trap. But now? He rather leave than be stuck with these two in such an obnoxious environment. Trunks' jaded expression sat in his eyes.

The information Trunks gleaned from Goten was Valese was putting a lot of pressure on him. In all honesty, Trunks never realized Valese came from an affluent family– and let alone one with so much prestige like the Canissili's, they have generations upon generations of wealth simply through their land ownership across multiple regions.

The new and old money of the world didn't really mesh well. But as far as Trunks remembered, Goten always went for these type of girls. It started with Fyler, and Valese is just another box ticked off the list…if Trunks didn't watch him, even his sister could be on his radar in a few years.

Well, Trunks would kill him before he would lay a hand on her.

It makes sense, when looking at his track record, why each of these girls never worked out. It wasn't like these women are unattainable, but the stuffy kind of environment they are accustom to isn't precisely a great fit for his rambunctious friend.

It's why it surprised him how Marron was never really on his radar for the entire time of them knowing each other. Marron was as pretty– if not more beautiful than half the girls Goten dated…on top of all of that…she actually was similar to him in a lot of ways.

Trunks sighed as he took another swig from his drink. His eyes stayed on Goten who was currently on the dance floor with a woman Trunks was sure Goten didn't know– he absolutely had any and every intent to leave with her tonight.

It wasn't like Trunks had stopped him before, Trunks knew that he acts like this in situations such as these. So why now did he find himself plunging into the crowd and finding his way to Goten? It was as if something had switched in Trunks' brain— even if he knew this wasn't abnormal– he wanted to protect the image Marron had made of him in her head.

Because, even if she said they weren't on speaking terms, they never once called off this whole charade.

And Trunks cared about Marron. Damn it, he wanted to see her rather than be stuck in the sensory nightmare that was a nightclub in West City. As Trunks pulled Goten away, he grabbed the man by the shoulders…alcohol pungent in his breath.

"Dude!" Trunks yelled out trying to snap Goten out of his self-induced stupor. "Don't do that shit, man!"

Goten, uncoordinated took a swing at Trunks which was very easily dodged by the more sober Saiyan. "Fuck you man!" Goten nearly slurred out, a bit of a hazy laugh interlaced in his voice. "I'm on break right now." The words were hardly comprehensible, but Trunks could easily decipher them given just how many times he had to nurse the man back to health.

Another way he and Marron were similar, was the lack of resistance towards alcohol. It was actually quite comical, Trunks in most scenarios was the most sober person in the room.

"Chok–" Trunks looked over his shoulder to the dark skinned man who just as quickly came up to Trunks after being summoned. "Take the guy home he's already shitfaced–" Trunks motioned his head over to Goten who at this point had sweat through his shirt.

Chok looked at Trunks, his eyes slightly wary at the sight of their friend. "It must've been bad, huh," Chok replied back, trying to talk over the chaotic noise of the club.

"Oh fuckin' terrible–" Trunks shot back, equally as loud as Chok.

"Alright man," Chok said as he swooped his arm under his friend helping him gain his balance. Chok looked over to Trunks as a cry for help. Goten, though under a drunken spell was still a force to be reckoned with, despite his lack of physical agility at the moment. "Come on," he said cocking his head out.

As Trunks aided guided the two out of the hectic club, Goten continued to babble on nonsense: about Valese, about the women in the club, before he eventually gave out and fell face first on the ground. Trunks and Chok gave each other a knowing glance, the duo kneeling down on the ground to the third party who currently seemed to act as if his life were totally over.

"I fucked up," Goten hiccuped, as his hands raked through his head. "Marron…"

Trunks' face paled at the sound of her name. He shouldn't feel this sense of dread overcome him…yet he did. "Marron?"

"Yeah…" Goten slurred as his eyes closed, his eyes scrunched together as if there were blaring lights shining into his retinas. "Marron…"

Trunks pressed his lips together in a thin line as he attempted to quell the sudden anxiety that creeped up his skin and plunged itself deeper into his cells. What exactly did he want with her? Could it be…?

The hybrid didn't want to even entertain the thought, even if the original goal was for Goten and Marron to get together— the thought of it actually happening has become a nauseating thought to Trunks. His emotions…the one's he's tried to stifle and choke and essentially make disappear have become ever more apparent.

And he selfishly wanted to take her for himself.

"Chok–" Trunks breathed deeply as he stood up from the pavement, his eyes glaring down at his best friend. "I need to go– just text me when he's home…" Trunks said as he tossed a wad of cash at the man.

Trunks needed to see her, he craved the sight of the insufferable woman. His body craved to be beside hers as if the distance she made created some accursed spell that only pulled him closer. In the past, he would act with much trepidation, trying to avoid any calloused actions and desires but now– none of that mattered.

And without another word, Trunks erupted into the sky.

AN: soooooo :) don't hate me but what can I say I'm a sucker for drama. I hope yall enjoyed and just buckle up for some more dramatic antics by our main cast 3

ALSO sorry if you read any mistakes this is raw unfiltered and unbeta'd LMFAO