Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Days Of Our Lives ❯ Chapter 3

~*Days Of Our Lives*~

By Shasta

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Disclaimer: I a'int sayin' nuthin'!

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7 Years Later……

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A loud moan came from underneath the mass of blankets, a tanned hand reaching out to slap the alarm clock on the nightstand with such force that it smashed into a thousand tiny pieces.

"Shit…" came a grainy voice from beneath the covers. The owner soon emerged, short lavender hair bed-tangled and hanging in sapphire blue eyes. He sat up and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes before swinging long legs over the edge of the lumpy matterass. Getting up, he walked to the ajoining bathroom to take a quick shower. Once cleansed of impuritys, he attempted to tame his hair by running a large brush through the soft lavender locks. Despite his best efforts, several strands stuck up of their own accord, as if defiying the laws of gravity…

Sighing heavily, he glanced at himself in the mirrored door of the medicine cabnet. A tanned face stared back at him, cheekbones prominent and eyes gazing out of sunken sockets. Blowing a stray strand of hair from his timeless blue eyes, he rested his hands on the wash basin and closed his eyes.

"Well, Trunks… it's your first day of senior high….let's hope you survive.."he said woefully to himself, as he lathered shaving cream onto his chin.

Once clean shaven, he returned to his bedroom and salvaged some clothes from his dresser-which was half buried under a pile of junk- before quickly dressing.

Brushing the creases from his ripped jeans and "Nine Inch Nails" t-shirt, he pulled on his boots before grabbing his denium jacket and schoolbag, racing downstairs to the kitchen. He ate a hurried breakfast, said goodbye to his foster parents and only just managed to catch the bus in time.

Seating himself down at the very back of the bus, he rested his arm on the window ledge and peered out of the glasse, watching the scenery rush past.

It had been 7 years since that faithfull night in the orphanage and since then, he had grown into a fine young man. Now aged 17, he was due to attend his first day at Satan City High. Shortly after the androids had been arrested, the Matherson family (who had adopted him) moved out to the newly-rebuilt city to start a new life. He had'nt seen Shasta in 7 long, painfull years but he kept his promise….he would never forget her.

He only hoped the same could be held true for him…

The bus screetched to a halt outside a handsome stone building, at least 5 storeys high and covered in dark green ivy. For a fleeting moment, he was reminded of the twinkling green of his friend's eyes, but the thought was soon dashed by the sounds of students piling off the bus, heading up the great stone steps towards the high school. Trunks gulped and picked up his schoolbag-covered in patchs and safety pins- before stepping off the ramp and hearing the bus doors close behind him.

He walked up the high stone steps, passing dozens of fellow students along the way. Once inside, he glanced down at the note in his hand, telling him his locker number and class timetable. Walking along the corridors, he soon found his locker and pulled it open. Frowning at the emptiness, his first thought was to cover it in band stickers. He pulled open his bag and glanced at his timetable. Placing the books he did'nt need inside, he shut his locker and replaced the steel padlock, heading back down the hall towards his first lesson of the day….

….Math….

The sound of students chatting excitedly about what they got up to that summer filled Trunks' ears as he made his way to a free seat at the front row. Glancing around, he felt suddenly like he was the only one of his kind. There seemed to be nobody who looked as if they shared a remote shred of interest in rock music in the room. All around him stood cheerleaders and jocks, two crowds the lavender haired teen certainly did not want to mingle with, having heard tall tales about the jocks and cheerleaders being the most evil of all social classes….

With a sigh, Trunks pulled open his graffiti-covered notebook and produced a pencil, scribbling a few doodles on the inside cover. The bell rang and everyone quickly scrambled to their seats as the teacher walked into the room. She was a tall, thin woman with a head of greying black hair and dark brown eyes peering out behind a pair of thin-rimmed glasses, her bony figure dressed in a pale blue sun dress.

She cleared her throat and was just about to speak when there came a knock on the door. Several students-Trunks included-looked up to see who the visitor was. The teacher gave a loud sigh of annoyance and yanked open the door.

"Sorry I'm late! My hair just was'nt agreeing with me at all this mornin'!" came a rich, husky voice from the door frame, as it's owner stepped into the room.

She was tall with an incredibly toned body, her curves in all the right places. Long, slender legs were visable from under a black-and-white checked mini-skirt, black leather knee-high boots covering her calves and knees. Moving upwards, her upper torso was practically poured into a black shirt with the slogan "My Barbie Is A Crack Whore" written across the front in lurid pink letters. Several spiked and studded bands covered her wrists, black nails glistening from her fingers.

Her face was soft and well-deffined, eyebrows perfectly shaped, arching slightly in the centre as she raised them in embarrassment. Dark blue eyeshader dusted her eyelids, under which sparkling emerald green eyes shone, wide with confusion. Full, pouting lips were painted a deep crimson, but no-where near as red as her hair. Hopelessly spikey with a section towards the front that stuck up lopsiddedly, her hair showed clearly that she was part Saiyen. NO-ONE could have hair that spikey without help from styling products…that's for sure…

"MISS Tarentino! The bell rang for this class 5 minutes ago! If you care more about that lurid hair of yours than you do about turning up on time, then maybe you should just stop coming to this class altogther!" the teacher yelled, her left eye twitching under her specticles.

A gulp escaped the girl's mouth as she nodded curtly. "R..Right! Sorry, Ms.O' Malley! Won't happen again!"

"See that is does'nt, Miss Tarentino. Please be seated so that the class can begin." The teacher growled, hands on her hips as she glared at the red-head. The girl nodded and raced to occupy the desk to Trunks' left. The lavender haired teen cast a sideways glance at her. She looked strangely familiar…..she could be..? No…she could'nt be Shasta…she was dressed so unlike her…

But a nagging voice in the back of his head seemed to wonder….

"Ahem! Class, we have a new student in our midst today. Mr.Trunks Matherson, could you please stand up?" Ms.O' Malley said, in a sugary sweet voice that was a startling contrast to her scoulding tone before.

Trunks felt dozens of eyes upon him as he slowly rose from his desk.He laughed sheepishly, pushing his short, lavender hair out of his eyes.

"Um…h..hello.." he stammered, blinking several times. Ms.O' Malley seemed to grin like a Chesire cat as she glanced at him from behind her glasses.

"Nice to meet you, Trunks. Care to tell the class a little about yourself?"

Trunks turned pink and rubbed the back of his head. "Uuuuh……Well, my name's Trunks….I'm 18 in 2 weeks and uh…..I live in the west side of Satan City with my foster parents…."he stammered, feeling a mad urge to crawl into a hole and wait for death's icy breath…

Ms.O' Malley motioned for him to sit down before instructing the class to turn open their textbooks to page 12.

"So, 'Tania…waddia think of the newbie? Pretty cuuute, huh?"whispered a blonde girl sitting next to the red-head. Trunks turned scarlet and buried his head in the textbook, busying himself with trying to figure out what the square root of 367 was..

"I guess so….but he's not really my type, Alicia…"the red-head spoke, her voice shy and slightly embarrassed. The blonde, Alicia, giggled into her hand and petted 'Tania's shoulder, shaking her head.

"C'mon, girl! Ask him out…before I do! Damn, is he fiiiine…"

"Alicia…..please! I'm tryna study…..besides, I'm already goin' steady with Marshall Clearwater…."

Tania was cut off by the sound of a ruler being slammed down on a wooden desk, courtesy of Ms.O' Malley, who was looking somewhat irritated. She adjusted her glasses and folded her arms.

"Miss Tarintino, Miss Calden! I am TRYING to teach a maths class! If you cannot keep your little sexual escapades to yourselves, then you know where the door is!"

Alicia squealed and muttered an apolodgy, quickly flicking her textbook open. Trunks shook his head, surpressing a chuckle. The sound of a chair being pulled back made him turn to his left, seeing Tania raise from her seat, slinging her backpack over her shoulder.

"And just WHERE do you think YOU'RE going, Miss Tarentino?" Ms. O' Malley sneered, as Tania walked passed her towards the door. She had one hand on the handle when she stopped and turned around.

Folding her arms over her chest, the red-head stepped towards the teacher untill they were face to face. "I got two words for you, you psychotic whore….BITE ME." Tania growled before turning on the heels of her boots and storming out of the classroom, leaving Ms. O' Malley to stand, aghast, with her mouth hanging open.

A great rush of conversion buzzed through the once relatively quiet classroom, students talking excited about what just happened.

Despite her best efforts, the elderly woman could'nt recompose herself enough to calm the class and instead, sighing in defeat, dismissed the class early. Students were practically falling over themselves to get out, wanting to chat to the first girl who had ever stood up to the evil old hag.

Trunks walked along the packed hallways, bumping into several students untill he finally reached the hallway leading to the library. Figuring that he had a free class afterwards, he might as well check out the library, he was about to pull open the door when a sudden sound made him stop.

He could hear loud banging, laced with angery swearing just down the hall. Glancing down towards the doors leading to the gym, he saw Tania punching her locker door and cussing worse than any sailor.

"Evil old bitch! I'm not gonna take this bullshit any more!" she was yelling, finally ceasing her punches to turn her back to her locker, leaning against it as she clutched her left hand, which was oozing blood.

Feeling as though he should go help her, Trunks found himself walking animatedly down the hall. He came to a stop 2 lockers away from her, seeing tears beginning to form in her eyes as her hand throbbed with pain.

Tania glanced towards him and haistily wiped her eyes, smuging her mascara slightly. "Come here to rub it in? say I got a death wish for defyin' O' Malley? Go ahead.. let's hear it.."she spat, whincing in pain.

"Actually, I was gonna ask if you were alright….your hand's bleeding….I..I was concerned." Trunks stated, rubbing the back of his head. He saw Tania's expression lighten, her face turning to that of extreme embarrassment.

"Gomen nasi! I'm sorry…It's just….Ugh…."she said, staring down at the crimson fluid oozing from her hand.

"That'll get infected if you don't get it treated soon. C'mon….which way to the nurses office?" Trunks asked, but was cut short by Tania staring at him, her brow furrowed in curiousity.

"I'm sorry…but….do I know you?"

The lavender haired teen cocked his head to one side. "Maybe….you DO look kinda familiar…I know it's not my place to ask but…..is your full first name Shastania?"

The red-head's eyes widdened in supprise. "How did you…….wait………………TRUNKS?!?"

Trunks nodded, a smile gracing his face. "It's been a long time.."

"Seven years! Seven ye-Oh, it's been too long!"

"Yeah…we have a lotta catching up to do….but right now, lets get you to the nurses office, okay?"

~*~*~*~

"I just can't believe it! You..you look so much different from the sweet little ten year old grew up with…yet….you're the same!" Shasta whispered, several minutes later, in the library. Trunks smiled at her from across the table they were sitting at, glancing down at the cast on her hand which held her broken fingers in place.

"Mmm…..same to you…I did'nt recodnize you for a moment.."he said, propping his head on his hand as his arm leaned on the table. The red-head smiled weakly and sighed contently.

"So, what ya been up to since the last time I saw you?"

Trunks shrugged his shoulders casually. "Well…I was adopted by this nice little family who lived on the outskirts of the city. My foster father's a rocket scientist and my foster mother, she's a nurse at the local hospital. After the androids mysteriously disappeared, we moved over to the west side of the city cause it's closer to the school. It's a nice place, really…close to the beach..I've got a little sister named Mia too."

"Aaaw. Nice to know you were'nt lonely growing up.." Shasta said, taking a gulp from her coffee mug. Trunks nodded and smiled.

"Mmm..and you? How's life been?"

"Never better. I was taken in by this rich family who own that big ol' software company..waddiacallit….erm…..TechniCorp! That's it! Ya, I got 'dopted by them. I don't really see much of my foster folks 'cuz they work full-time but they're pretty bossy when they are around. I got everything handed to me on a silver plater, but I was never truly happy….I just..felt like something was missing….untill today, I did'nt know what that was…" Shasta brushed a stray lock of crimson from her eyes as she gazed at Trunks, a weak smile on her features.

"That something..is me, right?" Trunks questioned, a crimson blush rising up on his face. The red-head giggled and opened her mouth to reply when the bell suddenly rang for 3rd period.

"Maaan…..Hey, Trunks, what class ya got next?"

The lavender haired teen glanced at his timetable. "Uh….gym."

Shasta grinned that all-too-familiar goofy grin of hers and ran a hand through her hair. "Me too! I'll meet you in the gym in 5 minutes, 'kay? It's just down the corner from here. You can't miss it. It was great seein' you again!" she squealed, wrapping Trunks in a tight hug.

He laughed and hugged back, his cheeks still pink, before bidding goodbye and racing off to the gym, his heart beating unusually fast.

Once changing into his gym tracksuit, Trunks exitted the locker room and walked out onto the highly polished floor of the gymnasium. He glanced around for any sign of Shasta, searching for that distinctive head of spikey red hair. He soon found it….kissing one of the jocks gently on the lips.

The lavender haired teen's eyes widdened at the sight. Shasta, dressed in white gym shorts and a tight blue t-shirt, had her arms around the neck of a rather tall, muscular guy with golden-brown hair and amber coloured eyes. He was dressed too in a gym tracksuit, but his shirt was green rather than blue. He had his arms around Shasta's waist, whispering something no doubt extremly rude into her ear.

An odd feeling surged through Trunks veins…He felt his brow furrow in a scowl, lips twisting into a sneer….it was almost as if he was……jealous…

"Okay, class! Quiet! Quiet…I SAID SHUT YER DAMN PILEHOLES!!"

Everyone nearly jumped out of their skin at the sound of the gym teacher's voice. They turned to see an absurdly muscular man that looked like a cross between The Hulk and Brolli's little brother, dressed in a lurid green jump suit. He blew a whistle and the class instantly quietened down.

Clearing his throat, the gym teacher motioned to the racks of various balls positioned at the end of the room. "We're gonna play a lil' dodge ball, ya dig?" he barked, in a hoarse , throaty voice. The students all looked worriedly at each other.

Another sharp blow of the whistle made everyone jump again.

"Tarentino! You be the captain of Team Alpha. Pick 10 players for your team. Matherson, same rules apply to you. Pick your Team Omega then head out to the b-ball court." The gym teacher instructed, nodding to Shasta and Trunks.

"'Kay, coach!" Shasta replyed, giving a two fingered army salute. She glanced at the group of students and placed a hand to her chin, surveying them.

"I piiiiick…..Alicia….Daphne…Marshall…."

Trunks blinked. He could've SWORN he heard her put a tiny empitis on Marshall's name. His fears were confirmed when the guy who Shasta had been kissing earlier stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. He winked at the red-head, who blushed and giggled, causing a slight green tinge to flash up on Trunks' cheeks.

He could'nt understand it… WHY was he feeling like this?

No time to dwell on it now, he thought. Time to play some dodge…

About half an hour later, considerable battered and bruised, Trunks staggered into the men's locker room. He grabbed his towel from his pack and quickly undressed, heading to one of the shower cubicles at the far end of the locker room. Pulling back the curtain, he adjusted the water and let the cool spray trickle down his aching body, easing the cramps in his muscles.

Reaching for the shower gel, he picked up on a conversation between two of the jocks in the next cubicles. Knowing better than to eavesdrop, Trunks was about to ignore them when he heard Shasta's name thrown into the chat…

"..So, Marshall.. you bone that Wallace girl yet?" one of the jocks said in a Mexican accent, laughing pervertedly. There came a collective chuckle from the one known as Marshall, followed by a 'tsk tsk' sound.

"Aaaah, Pepito…. How many times have I told you? She's 'saving herself for marriage'." Marshall sneered, putting on a mocking tone of voice.

Trunks was vaguely aware that the hand clutching the shower gel bottle had clenched so tight the contents had exploded all over the walls… he was too full of anger towards this person of even daring to speak that way about his best friend….he wanted to ignore them, but something drove him to hear more…

A long whistle came from Pepito before he laughed sympatheticly. "Bummer! Exactly HOW do you cope with the frustration if you a'int getting' any o' the good stuff?"

Marshall snorted. There was a loud squirting sound which ment that he'd probably squeesed a shampoo bottle.

"Oh, I am gettin' the good stuff, Peppy, my boy! Ya know that cheerleader Jessica?"

"Si, senor!"

"She'll screw any motherfucker off the street for $50 and a bottle of tequilla."

Pepito gave a great cackle of amazement. "FUCK, man! You are such a player! An' the red-head don't gotta clue?"

"Nope. Completely ignorant. An' I plan to keep it that way, Peppy. Tell anyone an' I'll pickle you in sangria and feed you to the coyotes!" Marshall bragged, sounding like a man who had come back from war victorious.

A low growl supressed in his throat, Trunks stormed out of the shower and quickly dressed, wanting to get out of that locker room as fast as possible so as not to smash Marshall's smug little face in with a hockey club..

Exitting the locker room, he crossed the gymnasium to get to the double doors, only to meet up with Shasta. She had changed into a pair of baggy jeans and an equally baggy slash-neck black t-shirt with a large skull and crossbones on the front in white. Her unbelievably red hair was tied into a high ponytail and her deep purple gym back was slung over one slender shoulder.

Trunks gave her a weak smile and turned his attention back to the door, not wanting to make eye contact.

"Trunks? What's wrong? You look unusually pale.."she queried, cocking her head to one side. The lavender haired teen sighed and inhaled a deep breath, letting it out slowly.

"Uh….dodge ball was kinda brutal.."

Shasta chuckled and folded her arms over her chest. "Not my fault if I have a good aim! Heh! C'mon….you wanna get something to eat? You look as if you could use some food. I'm gonna skip the last class of the day and head over to Mocha Bagel. How 'bout you?"

Trunks looked up at her, his expression stony. "I don't think your boyfriend'll like that…"

The red-head's smile faded. "Oh….you know…Yeah, me an' Marshall have been dating for 8 months now.. but we trust each other! I'm sure he won't mind if I went to lunch with a friend! C'mon, don't feel guilty!"

"That's not what I'm concerned about….Shasta….I think we have to talk.."

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The pair stopped in at a small coffee shop just off campus, filled with the rich aroma of herbal teas and dozens of students taking a lunch break. Shasta and Trunks chose a table near the window over looking the view of the ocean, glistening in the afternoon sun.

"Okay…you said you wanted to talk…"Shasta said, folding her arms on the marble table before her. Trunks let out a deep sigh.

"I overheard..your boyfriend in the locker room earlier….I don't really know how to say this, but……..he's cheating on you."

The red head's eyes widdened in supprise, before narrowing suspiously. She surveyed Trunks up and down, unsure as if to believe him or not..

"How can you be so sure?"

"Shas! I heard him brag about getting' some from some cheerleader named Jessica! He only wants you for one thing!" The lavender haired teen protested, causing several students to look up in supprise. The red-head rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"Oh, puh-lease! Marshall is NOT cheating on me! You must've heard wrong. Me and him, we're madly in love. I think you're just jealous of what we have and you're tryna sabotage our relationship by conjuring up some cock and bull story about him cheating! You don't even KNOW him, Trunks! He's such a sweet guy and I KNOW he'll never cheat on me!"

Trunks sighed heavily. "You don't understand… I heard him, loud and clear-"

"Well, you heard wrong! My Marshall is not a player! He's kind, charming and not the jealous type, which I wished held true to you! Now, If you are gonna keep telling me lies, I might as well go home!" Shasta yelled angerily, rising from her seat and heading towards the exit. Jumping to his feet, Trunks raced after her and grasped her wrist.

He gazed deep into her eyes. "I know it's hard to believe, but you have to trust me on this! I would never lie to you, Shas…you know that!"

A moment of uneasy silence passed between the two, both staring at each other…

"Trunks…….don't…"Shasta said, her eyes looking hurt. Breaking free from his grip, she turned on her heels and walked out the door, leaving the lavender haired teen standing by the bar, shaking his head.

"Shasta…."

Later that day, Trunks returned home with a heavy heart. He hardly said anything to his foster parents after returning home, instead retiring to his room and pressing play on his stereo, not really caring what cd was inside. A slow, haunting melody filled his ears as a sultry female voice floated from the speakers. Trunks lay down on his bed and closed his eyes, listening to the lyrics..

I lay awake last night
Wondering what might have been
You're no longer here
Because I pushed you away
But now I wish
You were here with me
Holding me in your loving embrace
I cry every night
Because you're not here
Pain stabs my heart
Fear lies in my eyes
I want you near

the lavender haired demi-Saiyen let out a sigh and opened his eyes. He just could'nt comprehend how much Shasta had changed over these past 7 years… she was so unlike herself, so unlike the 10 year old cat-girl who had given Trunks his first kiss….

He sat up at this thought, a hand running across his lips at the memory..he had been so shocked at her simple action that day…but secretly, he had enjoyed it. So many thoughts ran through his head, his heart pounding painfully in his chest…

He sighed again and lay back on his bed once more, turning on his side and hugging a pillow close. He just could'nt explain this feeling inside him that stabbed at his heart like a sharp dagger…nor could he explain how he felt when he saw her again for the very first time in 7 years… he had felt like he was floating on air, felt light-headed and giddy with butterflies dancing in his stomach….

Did he love her….?

If i could change the past
Would be be together
Till the end of time
Now and forever?
Would stay with me?
Hold me close?
Tell me you love me?
Let me hear your voice?

Trunks did'nt know…he felt so confused with his emotions..he just wanted to be alone for the time being, trying to figure out all the strange new feelings that washed over his body…

My heart's so empty
Drowning in tears
I want your bodie next to mine
I want to hold you close
I need your love
It's the air i breathe
Give me your love
Cuz it's all i need

There was a time
You still where mine
We loved each other
Hearts entwined
But now you're gone
You ran away
But I know we'll be together
Again some day

The song had soon come to an end and as the final, soothing note faded to nothing, the door slowly swung open on it's hinges. A tall girl of at least 14 years of age with a head of unruly blue hair and big grey eyes, stepped into the room, her dark green sun-dress swaying with her movement.

"Hey, Trunks… dinner's ready. Mom sent me up to get you. You comin' down or are you gonna stay cooped up in your room listening to my cds all day?" she queried, sounding amused. Trunks didn't look up. He let out a sigh and closed his eyes.

"Go away, Mia…"

"Bad day at high school?" the girl questioned, seating herself down on the edge of the bed. The lavender haired teen sighed and turned to face her, propping his elbow up on the mattress and resting his head in his palm. "Brutal…but you would'nt understand…"

"Hey! I may be 14 but I'm a lot smarter than I look! C'mon, bro! Tell lil ol' Mia what's buggin' ya."

"It's….just…….have you ever had a friend who was going out with someone else, yet you kinda felt like…like you were in love with that friend?"

Mia's eyes widdened, mouth curling into a sly smile. "Oooooh, girl trouble, is it? Heh! Well, I can't really help you there, dude. I've never been in that situation.."

Trunks sighed and rolled back over on his side again. "Oh, forget it….get out, Mia…I wanna be left alone.."

The blue-haired girl sighed and got up from her seat. "Fiine…If you want dinner, it's waiting for you downstairs."

Trunks let out an incoharent sound and changed the cd in his stereo, blasting up the volume untill Mia's speech was completely drowned out by the sound of James Hetfield screaming something or other about 'setting his anger free'….

~*~*~*~

A large, pink Caddilac convertible pulled up against the kerb outside a shabby-looking 2 storey house, covered in moss and ivy, the porch deck rotten and covered with peeling paint. The engine slowly died down to nothing as Shasta turned the key in the ignition, pulling it out and stuffing it in the pocket of her jeans. Hopping over the side of the door, she walked up the wooden steps to the door of the house, hands clenching involentarily by her side.

Even though she had dismissed Trunks' story as ludicris, a small, nagging voice in the back of her head had compelled her to confront Marshall and find out the truth. She felt guilty at having yelled at Trunks like that, but she'd been in Phase 1: denial.

Now, several hours later, she was in Phase 3: fear..

The front door was slightly ajar as she approched it, out stretching her arm to grasp the handle of the door. It swung open silently on it's hindges, allowing the red-head to creep in unnoticed. Her heart pounded furiously as she walked inside the house, looking for her boyfriend-or to be precise, her boyfriend sleeping with another girl…

She soon reached his bedroom, pausing at the door to listen intently for any tell-tale noises…

Her eyes widdened at the sounds and she had to clamp a hand over her mouth to supress a sob. With a shaking hand, she slowly pulled the handle of the door and pushed it open, stumbling upon a sight that made her heart stop.

Marshall was lying flat on his back against the pillows of his bed, completely naked as a plastic-looking blonde woman bounced up and down on top of him. Upon hearing the door creak open, his eyes snapped open, widdening at the sight of the red-head, who looked a mixture of livid and upset.

"You bastard.." she whispered, shaking her head. Turning on her heels, she ran out of the house and jumped into her Caddy, turning the key in the ignition. A few seconds later, Marshall came running out of the house, a sheet hiding his modesty as he tried to catch up with her, but he was too slow as the bubblegum pink Caddilac sped off into the approaching night….

Rain pelted down the window, showing a gloomy, starless night outside. Trunks could hear the thunder crash faintly in the distance, the soft pattering of rain drops hitting the roof becoming a soothing lullaby.He was barely asleep for 5 minutes when the doorbell rang downstaris. Grumbling to himself, he got out of bed and exited his room, heading down to the front door, wondering who would visit at this hour of the night..

Upon opening the door, he was startled to find Shasta standing on the porch, her hair soaking wet and plastered to her head, clothes drenched and clinging to her like a second skin. She looked up at him, her emerald green eyes sad and teary before lurching forward and wrapping him in a needy hug. Confused, Trunks slowly hugged back, wondering what she was doing at his doorstep at this hour of the night.

He closed the door behind her and led her upstairs, making her wait in his room while he got a towel. Once she was slightly less wetter, she pulled her knees up to her chest and stared at him, her eyes bloodshot from crying.

"What brings you to Casa de Trunks?" Trunks asked, sitting down beside her. She hiccuped slightly and rested her head on his shoulder.

"Trunks, I'm so sorry I doubted you…..you were right all along about Marshall….I ..I found him in the arms..of..that….that bitch Jessica Delicker….All this time, I was…blind to the truth….I..I just did'nt want to see it…I've been such a fool…" her voice shoke as she spoke, both from the cold and from her sadness. She sniffled and wiped away several tears with the back of her hand.

"Hey….you're not foolish….quiet, now….you know I don't like seeing you cry…."Trunks whispered, placing a arm around her shoulder in a bid to comfort her. She whimpered softly and closed her eyes, leaning into him.

"Why could'nt I have ended up with a guy….a guy like you?"she whispered. The lavender haired demi-saiyen felt his cheeks flush pink at this. Did this mean she felt the same way about him as he did her..?

"You're the sweetest, kindest guy I know….but I keep attracting deadbeats….seems like I'm a magnet for assholes.." she opened her eyes and glanced up at him, a weak smile playing on her features. He smiled back and placed a hand on her cheek, startled at how cold it felt.

"No, you're not….you've just…never met the right guy…for all I know..he..he could be right under your nose."

Shasta's smile widdened slightly. "I guess so…….Trunks, I am so sorry I yelled at you today…"

"Sssh..let's put that behind us. It's late and you could use some sleep-"Trunks started but was cut off by a pair of velvety soft lips on his own, preventing him from finishing his sentence. Had he been 7 years younger, he would have been repulsed at the idea of a girl kissing him, but he was older now and no longer feared getting cooties. He closed his eyes and guided his hands to Shasta's waist, snaking his arms around her as he pulled her into a warm embrace, never once releasing the kiss.

He felt Shasta's hands slowly wind around his neck, deepening the kiss as she seemed to push him down on his back against the bed, lying on top of him as her hands moved to run up and down his arms. Trunks heard a distinctive, soft purr rumbling in her throat as she caressed his bare arms with her fingertips.

Trunks finally broke the kiss,his hands entwined with hers as he gazed into her eyes. "Don't…….we both know you're only doing this because of him.."

The red head whimpered softly and rested her head on his chest, closing her eyes. "I….sorry….."

"Don't appoliguize…..you did nothing wrong. Just try and get some sleep, okay? You could use it."

But Shasta was already one step ahead of him, for a soft, purring snore escaped her lips as she sleep, using his chest for a pillow…

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End Chapter 3

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Song featured in this chapter was " 'Till The End Of Time".