all general disclaimers apply

A few years later, Trunks found himself firmly in the grasp of the family company as its president. The job was dull, boring, and repetitious. He longed for adventure, for excitement, for something other than sitting at a desk and talking to people all day, everyday. For most aspiring business-type people, presidency of a major company was the ultimate goal or prize. There's nothing like sitting atop the corporate ladder! But for Trunks, it wasn't that glamorous at all. He once thought he'd enjoy the popularity and power, but now, he found it boring and tedious. He hated the popularity and sought solitude as much as a saiyan sought food. Girls and women were everywhere cooing over him and men were praising and flattering him for his business prowess. This wasn't what he wanted out of life. He wanted his childhood back. A time of carefree romping with no worries to dwell on...oh how he wished he could regain that.

His mind drifted to times of fun with his best friend, Goten. They were always playing fight, picking on the adults, and enjoying everything that childhood offered them. Eventhough life became serious when Majin Buu had to be dealt with, things were still exciting and new. His mother and even ChiChi had told him about how he could add spice to his dull life by seeking love. He'd even seen it with his own eyes as he watched Gohan and Videl fall in love. Those two were the happy, content, and always finding ways to rejuvenate themselves. Perhaps THAT is what he needed in his life...that force called love. But that would take time wouldn't it? The only young lady he'd known for any length of time was Marron. She had grown into a beautiful young lady over the years and possessed practically everything he was looking for. She was loving, loyal, intelligent, and devoted to cause. Trunks sniffled a giggle. To think that he used to pick on her when they were kids. Perhaps this was life's destiny for him. The little girl he used to tease would be the woman he falls in love with and spends the rest of his life with? The possiblity was there. But, could he finish what he had started years ago? Would she see him as something beyond just a friend (or pain in the ass)? With his mind decided, Trunks ditched work and flew towards Kame House in anticipation that his heart would agree. With a devious little smirk, he had every intention on finishing what he had started years ago. He would prove his mother wrong. He had to, it was in his nature to accept worthy challenges.

With a gentle, unsaiyan-like knock, Trunks awaited an answer at the door. Krillin answered, surprised to see the lavendar-haired business saiyan at the entrance. Worried that there might be some new threat to the planet, Krillin's hair bristled in fear and anticipation.

"Sorry Krillin, didn't mean to give ya anymore grey hairs." Trunks joked before continuing. "Don't worry. Nothing's wrong. I came to see if Marron was home?"

Krillin eyeballed the tall, young demi-saiyan suspiciously. Trunks stifled a laugh out of politeness. Krillin was comedic even when he tried to be serious.

"I know. I know. You're wondering why I came all this way, especially donned in business attire and asking for your daughter, right?"

Krillin didn't say anything. He just nodded and encourged the younger man to continue.

"Let's see. I ditched work, but that's not a surprise right? Uhm, I'd use the line, can Marron come out and play, but that doesn't seem to fit our ages anymore and well, so here I am, on the basics." Trunks replied with a comedic tone. It didnt' seem to shake the uncomfortable seriousness on Krillin's round face.

"Look Trunks, you're a nice guy and all, but your blood preceeds you. You're the son of Vegeta and I don't want to see my little girl hurt. I don't trust you."

"Krillin, I'm NOT anything like my father."

"You're still saiyan."

"You're still human."

"You used to pick on my baby girl in the past. How do I know you won't pull some prank now?"

"Because I wouldn't openly ditch work and use my ki to fly here, just to cause a meaningless prank. I'm sure my father's picked up on my ki and knows I'm not where I'm supposed to be. In turn my mother will learn of it, send him to beat the crap out of me, and then lecture me for the rest of the night about my incompetence and lack of responsibility in running a proper business. And so, my body will ache and then my head. I hardly think I'd risk my health and well-being for a stupid prank."

Meanwhile, Marron was heading downstairs when she heard her father talking to another recognizable voice. One that was somewhat deep and raspy and all sexy.

"Dad, is that Trunks you're speaking to?" she asked while heading towards the doorway. Her height over her father gave her the answer before Krillin could answer.

"Hi Trunks. What brings you all the way out of your way?"

"You."

"Me?"

Trunks smirked. Krillin wanted to blast him right there, but 18 had just joined them at the doorway.

"Well hello Trunks."

"Hello 18. I was just wondering if Marron would like to be my companion to an annual business gala tonight?"

"But Trunks I don't have anything to wear for something fancy like that!" Marron protested.

"That's not a problem. I'll buy you a gown."

18 shoved her daughter past her father and into Trunks' surprised arms.

"Have a good time Marron dear! If it gets too late, just stay at the Briefs residence!" 18 said with a confident wink.

"Uh, you sure you want to go Marron? I don't want to be forced by me or your mother."

"Sure I do."

"Okay then. Hmm, let's use a jet flyer. I don't think it would be proper for me to carry you by ki flying." Trunks replied as he dug into his coat pocket and pulled out a capsule, popped it, and flung it onto the beach. He then eyed Krillin who was at least satisfied about that.

"Krillin, don't worry. I'm NOT my father's son." Trunks said before helping Marron into the vehicle then hopped in himself.

"For your sake Trunks. I hope not." Krillin inaudibly muttered then closed the door. After the roar of the engines had faded, Krillin asked his wife why.

"Krillin, don't you want our baby to be happy and secure?"

"Happy yes. But you're setting her up for a fall dear. Trunks isn't committed to anything, especially our daughter."

"You don't know that for sure. Trunks could have taken ANY female he wanted to this gala and yet, out of the entire world of females, he chose our little girl. That has to speak for something."

"Maybe you're right, but if he hurts her, I will make sure he pays."

*And he will... FINANCIALLY.* 18 thought while nodding to end the conversation.

Meanwhile in the jet flyer...

"Trunks, can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Why me?"

"Wha?"

"Why choose me. I mean, your the hottest, most eligible bachelor on this planet. With ladies all over the world who are prettier and richer than me, why pick me?"

"Perhaps I don't regard beauty or wealth as value. I find personality and inner-beauty priceless. These are things I see in you. But I have to say Marron, you do sell yourself short. You are just as pretty as any of those other girls you think beautiful."

Marron blushed at Trunks' compliments. "Thank you Trunks. You do know how to make a lady more at ease."

Now it was Trunks' turn to blush. He was extremely uncomfortable when it came to ladies complimenting him. But, his pride wouldn't allow him to keep it for long. "I try. I can't figure out why I'm such a big deal."

"Now YOU sell yourself short, Mr. President. That's hint one. Two...let's see, handsome, youthful, romantic, compassionate, wealthy, single...should I go on?"

Trunks waved her off. "Okay, okay, I get the point. But I still wish somebody would see me for well, just me."

"Handsome, romantic, compassionate, youthful..."

Trunks laughed. "Eeesh, and I thought I was the one with a sense of humor."

As they neared the coastline Trunks had to make another decision. "Hmm, any particular shop you'd like to find a gown in?"

"I don't know many shops here. We always shop in Satan City or South City."

"Heheh, no problem. I know a great place! My mother and sister like to get really fancy dresses and stuff at this quaint little store in the east sector. But first, let's change vehicles." Trunks replied casually as he landed the jet flyer, and both exited. Trunks capsuled the little plane and reached for a different capsule. Popping the capsule revealed a little black convertible. He opened the passenger side door, offered her entrance inside, then closed the door behind her. After he entered and started the engine, Marron played with the little things hanging off of the rear view mirror.

Trunks blushed. "Oh, heheh, let me get those out of your way. Goten's fault. He borrowed it last and I haven't opened this capsule car until today. Good thing he has his own car now."

In a short while, Trunks pulled into a fancy strip of Western Capital City. The street was filled with posh decorations and stores. As soon as Trunks brought the car to a halt in front of a fashion store, store associates immediately prepared to cater to whatever need he may have. Trunks informed them of the event, what was needed, and introduced Marron to them.He also told Marron that cost and accessories were not a problem. She was to get whatever was deemed necessary or liked. Immediately she was swarmed by associates who led her inside. Trunks opted to remain outside and ordered a coffee from his cell phone to be delivered to him car-side. Yes indeed, there were perks to being one of the most powerful, wealthiest coroprate presidents in the world. But he still had plenty of time to wait. Knowing that, he spied a jewelry store across the street. With a wolfish grin, he decided to see if they had what he was looking for.

An hour later Marron stepped outside with a couple of bags. Before she could show Trunks the gown she had picked out, he told her not to.

"Marron, it's not that I don't want to see it. I only want to see a beautiful gown on a beautiful woman. Otherwise, it does neither justice."

Trunks was indeed a smoothy. Marron was flattered by his compliment and couldn't wait to show him how well she did indeed look in it. Perhaps, he'd like it so much that he'd enjoy taking it off her as well? But she shrugged the thought away. She was getting too far ahead of herself.

Trunks too was lost in thought. As he drove back across town towards the Briefs residence he wondered if this night alone with Marron would prove fruitful for him. Would she accept him as a potential mate? Would he even have the balls to ask? Would she think him to be rushing things? It was their first 'official' date afterall. But he was nervous that he'd lose her if he didn't. After one date with the handsome president, most females ended up getting swarmed by other potential suitors. It was a curse he seemed to have. He gave instant popularity to any female he showed any liking to and thus gave himself competition. With some of the ladies he'd dated, that was a good thing for him as well, but not this time.Trunks would not allow this lady to be thrown to the other wolves. This lady was to be his. He allowed a hand to slide into one of his jacket pockets and feel the tiny, fuzzy box inside. His mother was right about that particular jewelry store. It contained many rare pieces, including a rare blue diamond. Even he was entranced by the shimmering, mysterious beauty of the rare rock. And for him, this rare piece of earth was destined to share its life with an equally rare lady. It would be his symbollic way of telling his lady-to-be of how rare it was for him to find true love and that she was it. He even paid a bribe to the salesman and the other customers in the store to keep their lips sealed about what they saw Capsule Corp's bachelor president purchasing. If this got into the media before Trunks had a chance to reveal it to his lady-to-be, the thrill of surprise would be gone and shy, quiet Marron would be hounded by gossip thirsty reporters and drooling scabs of other guys.

"Trunks? Hey, Earth to Trunks?"

"Wha? Oh, heheh, sorry Marron I was lost in thought."

"Yeah, I know. You may want to pull over for those blue lights behind us."

"What!?" Trunks exclaimed as he glanced into his rear view mirror. "Oh crap, what'd I do?"

Marron giggled despite herself. "I tried to tell ya, but you were so into your mind that you didn't hear me back there. You ran a red light. Luckily no other vehicle was at the intersection...aside from the cop at the corner."

Trunks sighed, slowed, and pulled over. The police car did the same. The cop immediately knew who he had pulled over. The license plate on the car made it obvious. It read 'CC Pres 3.'

"Mr. President, may I see your license and registration please."

Trunks smiled goofily to the cop before asking Marron to pop open the glove compartment and grab the registration papers. He then pulled out his license from his wallet. "Here sir. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

"Sir, this license is expired."

"EEEeeeeehhh!?"

"Sure is. Two months ago." the cop said as he pointed out the date to Trunks.

"That's what I get for being too busy making sure all the company vehicles are licensed and registered. I forget myself as a result. I was completely unaware of it sir, honest."

"You've had a decent driving record sir so I don't think this was intentional at all. I'll just give you a warning for that. You'll have ten days to renew it. And since your company supplies the police department with vehicles and funds, I suppose I could waive the ticket on the red light as well. But remember, it will still go on record as an 'incident.' If you get pulled over for just one more infraction as stupid as a parking infraction, you will be ticketed with no questions asked. Understand?"

"Yes sir. Sorry sir. No more traffic violations. Totally understood. Thank you." Trunks rattled. Satisfied, the cop departed.

"Whew. I don't think the press was anywhere near here to see that. That was close."

"Must be nice to be that influencial eh Trunks?"

"Not really. If it were Satan City, I'd be ticketed for sure. Gohan and Videl's Great Saiyaman thing really forced that city to crack down no matter who you are. Heck, I think even Gohan actually got a ticket once for an expired parking meter."

"Now that is irony."

"Funny though. C'mon, let's get to my home before anything more can possibly cause us some trouble."

"You'll get no arguments from me."

And with that, Trunks proceeded without any further incidents.

to be continued.