Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ WALK LIKE A MAN ❯ Chapter 3

Now sporting a tux was another challenge. The cut is supposed to fit you perfectly. Mai's mother always said if you put any man in a tux and you've got yourself a prince. Mai felt like Cinderella, well sort of. Jamie had altered one of his basic blacks for her.

"Basic black and white works every time sis. You know you are starting to become a little comfortable with this. Is there something you want to tell me?"

Mai held her laugh in as she adjusted her tie. She did rather fit in well dressing as a male, sometimes a little too well.

"I'm good. You know I like guys"

"Especially rich, handsome attached ones" Jamie added handing her a pair of shoes.

" This is business. I am his assistant you know I have to help him out when ever I can. "

"I bet you wanna help him out alright.....out of his fine fitted suits and into your bed"

"Come on Jamie" Mai rolled her eyes smoothing out the fine material of her jacket. It's not like that were like buddies.....of sorts"

"You haven't stopped talking about him since you started this job. Every other day. Trunks this...Trunks that. Boy if the man takes a shit you think it's just the cutest thing"

"I'm just playing the part"

"Yea a little to good might I add. You probably critique every women he glares at, wondering if that's his type of female"

Mai glared at her brother as a scowl formed on her face. But the reality had set in. She had become very close to the executive when she was only was suppose to assist and nothing more. Suddenly they were having lunch together and offering each other advice. Was she slowly was becoming his best friend?

"Look, I'll cut back ok"

Mai fumbled with her already straightened jacket. Her face was red for anger. Not at her brother but at herself.

"Well better get going. I'll call you if I run into any trouble" She headed for the door but Jamie caught a hold of her arm before she went out.

"Sis.........I may joke about things, and I'm probably the biggest hypocrite there is. But your getting to close to him is wrong. ......I hope you understand the repercussions if he finds out. Someone's going to get hurt"

Jamie hit a cord in her. She knew she was playing with fire...........perhaps playing with his emotions.

"I know what I'm doing" she added trying to sound convincing. "I'll be careful"

Trunks paced the lobby of the hotel. The marble floor seemed to crack under the pressure of his constant stride. Each time he looked at his watch, Mai wasn't late but everyone was in the dining area and he felt like a third wheel.

"Mike come one man" the usually calm and collected CEO looked at his wits end when Mai came through the doors.

"Hey boss"

"Great now I have someone to take to"

Trunks escorted Mai into the dining room where 4 other men sat smoking cigars and sipping on brandy. The gentlemen were all distinctively gray about their heads. Some more than others. Trunks nudged Mai before they made it to the table.

"They love to gab........about everything. I hope you got your conversation game ready"

"No problem...I love a challenge.

The whiff of the cigar smoke hit her nose first as she headed toward the group. The smell made her stomach turn. She had not eaten yet and the combination of hunger pains and stodgy smoke made her light headed. Quickly she sat down.

"So this is your assistant" one of the older men said offering Mia a cigar which she quickly refused .

" The wonder boy we've been hearing about"

"Yea.... and no under the table deals. I'll fight you tooth an nail to keep this one"

Mai smiled at the vote of confidence from Trunks. He himself had a look of pride on his face as he continued to praise Mai. If this was a prelude to what was to be expected at the Ginger Town convention, Mai was going to have her hands full. She had often wonder what happened when the hormone levels in a room full of men got out of control. This was it. There was light banter about business of course, trading on the market and takeover arguments. But as soon as the main course was finished the business like surroundings changed into an all out gabfest. Mai know women cackled like hen's in-groups of 2 or more.......but men? Men of high standards and morals? Trunks and Mai sat back as the elders did what the did best, gossip. Most had outlived their peers taking on young wives or mistresses. Not being shy they laid out all their business.

"So Craggen how's the little lady?"

Mr. Craggen stood up after downing his fifth brandy...no telling how many he had before Mai had arrived held up his glass and began to toast.

"To my dear Jasmine........so young and firm. She has the sweetest ass I've every laid hands on. The girl can bend into the most interesting positions. That's why my back is out now......And no, I don't mind her spending my money"

"Ah the young tender ones" Mr. Billings added taking a long draw off his stogie "My third wife was young........... Mr. Konawa's voice trailed off reminiscing.

"So Trunks how's that fine filly Simone doing?"

Mai herself was curious to hear how the relationship between the two was going.

"Well" Suddenly his tie became really confining as he tugged on it "She's sweet".

Even Mai was disappointed about his description. No saucy tales of interoffice shenanigans behind closed doors? No illicit anecdote about the sway of her hip, the depths of her cleavage or the deepness of her valley? Mai knew her boss was struggling but not even she could get him out of this one.

"So you two set a date?" One man asked

"Well we haven't progressed to that......"

"Keeping yourself open.....good. Your too young to settle down with just one. Bet you've got a bevy of lady friends to choose from" another one added quickly

"Well sir I'm not...."

Trunks couldn't get a word in edge wise. It was like an interrogation. Trunks sat in his chair like a child caught stealing as the elders tried to get answers. The look on is face was priceless. Mai did all she could to hold in the laughter. But she knew she had to step in and help him out.

"Well of course Mr. Briefs, being the businessman that he is, keeps his options open. You've got to do extensive research in prospective clients" Mai's voice a bit sarcastic now "lucky man" he nudged Trunks.

Apparently everyone else found Mai's little description witty. Trunks himself had to laugh about the situation. In a nut shell he hadn't really went into any relationship with emotion. It did seem more like a cooperate take over or a merge. Finally the spotlight was off of him; relieved he could finally sit back and try to enjoy the remainder of the evening. Mai however found everything quite fascinating. She went form group to group, then one on one. Each one of the elderly men seemed to gab her interest with each word. She'd always like to listen.

"So young Mike, you seeing anyone?"

"No. I'm still looking for that special someone. I'm young. I've got time"

"Well time is a precious thing, I know. My first wife was my joy. She died way too soon. I wish she had lived to see how things turned around" Mr. Craggen didn't strike Mai as a sensitive man, but he was. He outside his office strains was quite gentle and quiet, except when he had about 6 drinks in him.

the things they confessed to each other, personal affairs in their lives. Like Mr. Craggen was quite the accomplished pianist and dearly missed his first wife. Mr. Konawa's enjoyed taking his young children to the park on Saturday's. Again looks were very deceiving especially in this group. Trunks had always said they were hard edged businessmen who took now prisoners, perhaps if he had just sat with then long enough to listen to them he would have found them full of insight. Insight his assistant Mike seemed to naturally pull of them. Now he could understand why everyone likes him so much. Mike was witty, a good listener and always willing to help. He knew Mike was just doing his job, but he always seemed to put his personal care into it even when it was unnecessary. Finally Trunks had to admit, Mike was the best person for the job, though the one he turned away always seemed to creep into his thoughts. Somehow she had, in a brief moment, bore into his head.

Finally the group decided to disperse for the evening, each feeling a bit of release from the daily grind of business. Trunks and Mai made sure each man made it off safely, not wanting anyone to get behind the wheel after drinking he offered his personal limo to take anyone without a personal ride home.

"Hey Mike wait up"

Mai had just finished talking to the limo driver making sure her boss's instructions were clear. Trunks had paid the extensive bill and realized he had sent his driver home for the evening.

"Sir"

"I need a big one. I sent the driver home after his rounds.....So could you give me a lift?"

It wasn't a problem seeing she had to pass by Capsule Corp. The two quickly grabbed their coats and were off.

"It as a pretty nick evening" Trunks said still very stiff.

"Yea it went well. Aren't' you glad I came" She said nudging him.

"I owe you big time. If you ever need anything, just ask. I don't think I would have survived without you"

"You could have handled your own"

Trunks rolled down the window and took in the fresh air. Nothing like a star lit night. Each star bright then the next. He often would sit on his roof and watch the stars until morning when the glittered sky would disappear with the coming of the sun. He always likes the night. It was so quiet and peaceful.

"Sure you want to go home?" Mai asked Trunks as he watched the skies.

"Why what's up?"

"Nothing really. But it seems like you'd rather be out than stuck at home"

"Got a plan?" He crooked a brow at his assistant.

Mai really had no plan, but she wasn't ready to go home.

"Drinks, on me?" she asked bravely.

"Why not"

They found themselves drawn to the flicker of an old neon sign. A small establishment on the edge of town seemed secluded enough for the CEO and his assistant to kick back and unwind. Surprisingly the bar was quite filled with patrons, like the two, just out for a nightcap before turning in. Usually Trunks would have his head stuck in documents or on the phone still doing business. But tonight he'd rather avoid any work and avoid the dullness of solidarity. A small corner booth away from the bandstand was all that was available. Luckily the ban was not scheduled to play tonight, it happen to be open mike....... karaoke style.

"This should be interesting" Trunks said sipping on his drink as Mai was returning from the bar to find her boss had removed his tie and jacket.

"Comfy" she said not trying to star too hard at him. But it was hard. He was quite handsome.

"Yup" he replied slumping down in his seat and people watched.

"Mr. Craggen cracks me up' Mai blurted out "He's quite interesting you know." Her eyes cut towards Trunks who by now had dung into the plate of luscious

hors d'oeuvre the waitress brought over.

"Geez man....does you stomach have a bottom?"

"Not really"

How could someone who ate so much manage to stay so.......yummy?

There was light conversation between the two, much like the conversations over late nights at the office, nothing earth shattering or out of the norm. But curiosity had gotten he best of Mai. She wanted to know the real story between Trunks and Simone.

"I was wondering" Mai said while wiping her mouth" are you seeing anyone special? I mean I haven't had to order any flowers or purchase something expensive"

Mai almost didn't want to look at him out of embarrassment. Trunks cleared his throat and gave a confused look. He himself had to think about how to explain it when in reality he didn't really know.

"Interested in my personal life? Come on Mike that's privileged information. Besides I know you've heard all the rumors about Simone and me. Hell there was almost a made for TV. movie about it last spring. Hated the guy who played me, he definitely didn't capture my charm"

It was surprising he could joke about his love life, or lack there of.

"I didn't mean to pry, just interested a bit" Mai's eye's cut to his plate, which was now empty "Hey you could have left some!"

"Sorry" he swallowed the last of the buffalo wings and signaled the waitress for more.

"Simone is very beautiful, from what I gather, and you too would make a very nice couple"

"And you know this because......?"

"Well you're backgrounds. Wealthy well affluent families. Both of you will inherit your families companies one-day. That's could mean a merger of both, and you'd corner the marked on technology, seeing your family has for the past 6 decades and the Surefire's natural resources, I mean no company could touch either of you if it happened, DaioTech and not to mention the other companies who depend on both ......." Mai paused and peeked up at him from behind her glasses.

"Well my assistant has done his homework"

"I like to know what I'm getting into when I take a job"

"Well business wise, I'm fine. Without the so call merge of our companies, I would survive. Personally, Simone and I are still testing the waters. In case you wanted to know, I'm still weighing my options. The girl I marry has to be special. Beauty queens are fine, but......I know this sounds corny, but I do believe in love at first sight.

One thing she knew about her boss was he didn't lie. He had given his honest answer, to a very touchy question. But in a nutshell, Mike had pulled out information he himself hadn't thought about.

"Kids lots of kids, if possible" Trunks said with a grin realizing he had openly expressed something even Simone didn't know.

"I like kids myself" Mai said sipping on her drink "I want 3 maybe. All in a row, so they can play together. My brother and I were tight. We constantly got into trouble........ "

Mai went on about the escapades of her and her brother as Trunks listened attentively

"Yea.....not having siblings was a bummer. You're lucky" His eyes sadden of at the thought. Trunks always wanted to be part of a family, bigger than his own. He'd see children, siblings playing in the park together. Even during the Android reign families rallied around each other for strength and comfort in bad times. He had his mother, whom he loved dearly. But no peers. Gohan was the closest thing to a brother he had, and his life ended way to early. But it hit him, his memories of his time spent in the past was the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes he forgets about how close knit he was with everyone. Instead of wishing he had what someone else had, he finally realized how blessed he had been.

"Sorry boss for dreading up old stuff" Mai said softly, wishing to retract anything hurtful she brought up about his past.

"Naw.... I'm good. Thanks"

"For what?"

"Even though I didn't have what I thought was the picture perfect family. I did have good friends who loved me. I guess my holding on to the memories of what wasn't keeps me form progressing. Shit Mike you just saved me a bundle in therapy!"

Trunks held up his glass to toast, as Mai caught on and raised hers too.

"To the good times we had" Mai said proudly

" And to the great ones on their way" Trunks added tossing back the last of his drink.

"You're good people Mike"

"I try"

The rest of the evening went by nicely. They stayed for the karaoke show and even Trunks participated, with the help of a few brandies for confidence. Although he sang off key, he seemed to be enjoying himself. Mai had to admit, if this had been a date, she would definitely do it again. But this was business between co-worker, nothing more. She drove her boss back to Capsule Corp. and he insisted to pay her for the gas. She refused and made sure he made it in safely. Still la bit tipsy trunks leaned against the doorway before he went in.

"Mike.....wanna do something this weekend?"

Mai's heart leapt in her chest she could feel it pumping faster and faster as she contemplated his suggestion. Fate have it a really nice guy had just asked her to hang out with him...except he thought she was a he. Mai choked back the feelings that had risen in her; the words her brother told her earlier were coming to light. She was playing a dangerous game with his feelings. And she wouldn't take part in hurting him.

"I'll have to pass sir" her tone went back to her usual work place voice. She adjusted her jacket and slicked back her hair.

"We should keep our friendship purely professional, boss and worker."

Trunks was disappointed but he understood Mike.

"Ok.... but we're still having lunch tomorrow?"

"Same time, same place. I wouldn't miss it"

"Then good night Mike Daveson" Trunks stood up straighter and got back his balance "See ya tomorrow"

"Night sir"

Trunks wanted to correct him, but his head suddenly felt like it had been weighed down with a ton of bricks. All he wanted was his bed, and sleep off the effects of the alcohol.

"Never let me drink that much again" he mumbled as he turned and entered the building.

"Right sir"

Suddenly the door closed and Mai was standing alone feeling none to happy with herself.

"I was so stupid" she said smacking herself in the head "Stupid!!"

The ride home was miserable. She kept replaying the events of the night over and over in her head. They did have a great time together, as pals. But she knew eventually she would have to give up her little charade. Then what?