all general disclaimers apply

Money Can't Buy Love Pt.5 : Retro Rewind

Trunks and Marron were still laughing about the ordeal with the law as Trunks drove into the driveway.

"What that cop didn't know was that I got two tickets back as a teen with mom's car and on her insurance and registration. That would've made my third and well, uh, it wouldn't have been pretty. But see what you made me do? I've been so interested in you that for the first time in over a decade, I had a traffic violation. And to think I was priding myself on being the best driver out of the entire Z warriors."

Marron blushed and couldn't find the right words to thank him for the rather strange compliment.

Trunks escorted her inside the 'home' portion of the building and showed her to a guest room where she could don her newly purchased gown. Trunks then headed for his own room to get ready. He didn't need to change since buisness gatherings meant the usual business attire, but he wanted to be sure he was all in one piece. He couldn't help but go over a false proposal to himself in the mirror, just to see what emotions ran across his face as he did so. If his expressions showed the slightest hint of fear or doubt, it was likely skittish Marron would not take him seriously. Unfortunately all he got out of the little practice was a laugh at how foolish he felt looking at himself proposing to himself. Unsure of how long it would take Marron to prepare, the half saiyan rubbed the box in his pocket delicately to assure himself it was still there then made his way to the living room to catch the latest stock quotes on the news. He'd likely need those. Stock prices were often standard gossip at executive parties.

*Tech stocks down, blue chips up. Hmm, luckily Capsule Corp has products or affiliate companies that enables it to be in both. Heheh, we lose nothing. And Dokamata takes a dive. Good. Serves them right for not signing an agreement with us.* Trunks thought as he watched the ticker stream across the lower portion of the tv. He then felt as if there were eyes on him. Turning to check his backside, his instinct was right. His mother had quietly strolled in. Trunks jumped eventhough he had identified the presence.

"Jumpy Trunks. What's up?"

"I'm not jumpy. You just startled me."

"Which is unusual for a saiyan warrior. Your father would be disappointed in you. And therefore, I must ask again, what's up?"

"Always deducing down to reason eh mother?"

"So who's your date for the gala tonight?"

"Marron."

"Krillin's Marron!?"

Trunks nodded.

Bulma sighed and said nothing more. She simply turned away and went about her business thus leaving her son to ponder her response. He didn't need to however. He knew why his mother had reacted the way she did. He lowered his head and returned to gaze at the television before him. As usual, he had complications to deal with. Nothing he did ever seemed to go without a hitch and this even included the possibility of getting hitched. He just wished his mother would be supportive. His love and devotion to his mother meant he looked for her support to give him a little happiness and confidence in himself. Without it, he was worried and felt like a lost little boy. But this was something he could not show outwardly. His father trained him well in the concealment of weakness.

Trunks didn't have time to dwell on it though. The familiar click of the guestroom door meant Marron was exiting.

She entered the living room as graceful and fluid as a swan. Her smooth curves were accentuated in the form fitting, shimmering gown. She let her long blonde hair drape down her back and shoulders. She even accented her facial features with just enough makeup.

Trunks felt his heart leap into his ribs and his breath catch in his throat. If he had a tail, it would be wagging furiously.Forgetting where he was (leaning over the back of the sofa), he let loose his grasp and plopped over the sofa top and smacked the floor back first.

"You, you look ravishing Marron." Trunks managed to softly force out. His blue eyes transfixed on the beautiful female before him. He didn't care if he was laying on the floor like a doof. In fact, he didn't even feel the fall. He was too busy falling in another way.

Marron giggled then smiled. "Thank you Trunks." She waited and said nothing more, hoping Trunks would snap out of his stupor and remember why she was in the dress to begin with. But alas, Trunks remained stuck in doof aloof mode.

"Uh, Trunks, shouldn't we be going? We don't want to be late do we?"

"Going? Oh, duh, that's right! The gala! Heheh, yeah, uh, I was well..."

Marron cut him off with another giggle if only to save his masculinity the embarrassment. For some reason, the swauve, smooth Trunks she once knew was absent. Had he changed that much? What was his job doing to him? This wasn't the Trunks in total control of himself and the situation at hand. This Trunks was totally lost in a land better suited for Goten or Goku. Was she really putting the son of Vegeta in gagaland!? She was finally understanding what Bulma, ChiChi, and Videl often discussed. The power of a female over a saiyan male. She never thought in her life that she possessed it, but here it was in action. She had this saiyan by his tail so to speak. Now the only question was whether or not this saiyan would turn the tide or not. Out of all of them, he possessed the abilities of all combined. The intelligence and skill of Gohan, the deceit and tactical prowess of Vegeta, the adaptability and carefree nature of Goku, and the comedic cuteness of Goten. Add to that the portions of wealth, prestige, and popularity he acquired from his job and family. What a catch indeed! But could she hold on? Would she want to? Surely her mother wanted her to, but this wasn't her mother's life, this was hers.

As Trunks slowly came to his senses, he realized that this beauty was his for tonight, but, if he played his cards right, she could be his for the rest of their lives. Deep down, he still wanted his mother's approval. To draw closer to Marron meant he had to draw farther from his mother. Could he handle it? He'd never experienced a time without his mother and he never, ever wanted to. But, he had a right to love for himself as well. His mother should understand that, shouldn't she? Why would she want to deny her son happiness? He'd heard her speaches of wanting grandchildren all too often. Well, here was a potential opportunity for him to find a mate and start a family. And she condemns it? Shaking his head out of these thoughts, Trunks stood, patted his suit down, and offered an arm to Marron. He guided her back out of the house. The company limo would be awaiting them outside.

As the limo drove out of the Briefs residence, Bulma watched it leave from an upstairs window. Was her son honestly going to go through with it despite her warnings? And if he did fall in love with her, what would that mean? Would she lose her cherished son? Would he get hurt, burned, and thrown into the pit of wolves 18 had conditioned her daughter to prepare him for? Or was Marron genuine and doing just as Trunks was...namely, ignoring parental advice? A tear scampered down Bulma's cheek. For once in her life, she felt lost and alone and could relate to Vegeta more than ever before. Whether he took the final plunge or not, he was developing a mentality for settling down. She was losing her baby boy forever.

The limo pulled up to an extravagant five star hotel, the finest in Western Capital City. To Marron it felt like she was living what she saw movie stars doing on television when attending an awards show. She felt nervous and anxious at the same time and the attention they were immediately receiving was baffling. But, Trunks warned and prepared her while in the limo for what to expect upon their arrival. If Trunks had a girl accompanying him to anything, it was headline news. Would she be the one? Would he date this one steady? Or is she just a one night stand for the wealthiest, most eligible bachelor on the planet? His personal life was big news if it melded with his business one but at events such as this, it couldn't be helped. Trunks grew used to it over time. But for Marron, she was living in some sort of dream. Trunks briskly led her away from all the camera flashes and microphones and into the large foyer of the hotel. As she took in the posh surroundings, she was locked in a stupor of amazement. Trunks could feel her shiver and held her closer.

"Marron, don't worry. I know you haven't experienced anything like this before, but I'm right here and I have been through many of these. Try to think of those 'Briefs Bashes' my mom used to throw." Trunks softly said as he nodded to those greeting him while trying to pay attention to his date for the night.

"Trunks, you were a pain in those. That won't help me any."

"Errr, right, bad analogy. Anyway, don't worry. I want you to be happy. I'll protect you."

For some reason, Marron didn't seem reassurred.

"Hey! I'm a super saiyan, remember AND the son of Vegeta. Just think of the possibilities that could occur if you are NOT enjoying being here with me."

"That's scary."

"My bloodline's scary. Just think how I have to live everyday."

"I'm glad I'm not you."

"See, you've got it better than me. Now, shall we have some punch? I need to taste it to see if it needs anymore 'flavor' added to it."

"Now why does that sound familiar." Marron chided.

Trunks winked and gave her a patented Vegeta smirk. If he could break the ice and allow Marron to do the same, perhaps this night would prove more profitable than Capsule Corp stock on a very good day.

to be continued...