[CLOSED] Out of all the past confusion | Out of all the common spite

[waitingforhope]

Who: Trunks & Mai
What: First Date
When: Mid-July
Where: Genessia Shooting Range (...no, really), followed by dinner at The Garden Bistro in Attleton, and then capping off the night with a visit to the Sky Gardens in Nova City.
Warnings: none



[Mai couldn't recall the last time she'd had the opportunity to dress for a date.]

[At the very least, Trunks had given her a brief summary of his plans for the evening. Enough that she knew mobility would be necessary. Comfort. Clothing she could bear while walking during the warmer sunlight hours. That would allow her to breathe through the humidity of the late evening. Recalling a love of fashion from her previous "life", she settled on a grey, short-sleeved sweater dress and thin leggings. Black boots. Minimal makeup, focusing mainly on her eyes. A small bag to carry her communicator and some money.]

[She knew she wouldn't have to wait long, considering they lived in the same apartment. So she sat on her bed, facing the mirror on the opposite wall, and finished brushing her long hair. The door left ajar so he knew he was welcome to enter at his leisure. Just like before.]

Comments

[light_of_willpower]

[It'd be a lie to say he wasn't nervous at all... Dating was something he'd never done, because he'd simply never had time for it in his life. 'Normal' had been something very different from most people's standards for most of his life.

Which meant asking his baby sister--also new--for some advice. Just a little; after Bulla'd figured out that something had changed, and asked. Trunks had answered, and thankfully his sister hadn't teased him too badly.

So---advice it was. On clothing, but not on the activities because Trunks had a good idea on what to do about that. Bulla had also been kind enough to let him use her room (formerly his own) to change and get ready. Ever since she'd moved in and he'd given up his room, he'd been sleeping on the couch with the rest of his stuff in Mai's room. Which wouldn't work in terms of getting ready for a date because MAI would be using that room.

In some ways actually asking her out on a date had made things more awkward. They were partners, it had never been a problem before... Of course, they'd also had many more important things to focus on as partners, than any potential love-life, before.

Later, Bulla would definitely be getting a thank you--but no details. Not from him anyways. Helping him find a compromise of outfit that was casual but nice, that he could move in, and that would work in the heat. Even if the heat didn't affect him much.

Communicator in his pocket, along with money, and one final check and a deep breath. It was silly--they LIVED IN THE SAME APARTMENT! Even with her door ajar though, Trunks knocked against it.]

Mai? You ready?

[Getting confirmation before poking his head in, with a bit of shy smile. Then offering a bouquet of flowers. (Bulla had INSISTED they were necessary, so Trunks listened.) Which also hopefully helped hide any beginnings of a blush.

Because Mai was cute. Even in her normal wear, he thought she was cute...more than cute really. But it was the first time he'd seen her actually dressed up, when so often he was used to her battle coat...]

[waitingforhope]

[Catching an initial glimpse of movement in the mirror, Mai nodded and put down the brush before turning.]

I a--

[She cut herself off, however, when she caught sight of the flowers in his hand. Slowly rising to a stand. Closing the space between them. All the while, mesmerized by the colorful sight. It hadn't dawned on her that Trunks would think of such a thing. It had barely dawned on her that he would even know about such a thing--given how young he'd been when the Androids first struck, she could only assume the subtle nuances of dating would have been the furthest thing from all minds around him.]

[But, not for the first time, he surprised her.]

...oh, Trunks. They're beautiful.

[light_of_willpower]

[Well, they'd distracted her from noticing his blush at least. Which was good, because he was blushing. Eyes down slightly, and a hand reaching up to rub at his neck sheepishly.]

I...did ask Bulla's advice. She sort of figured out things had changed a bit between us. We argued about the clothing, but I picked out the flowers on my own.

[Because Mai was right--all he knew about dating was second hand at best from stories.

But his whole life, he'd never had a problem with getting help from others. And he was smart enough to know it. Even if they were from different timelines, best to ask a sister about these things, right?]

[waitingforhope]

[Bulla.]

[Awkwardly, she let out a soft laugh. A single, humorous exhale of breath. Shoulders slumping with the partial realization of the moment. Of course.]

She's very clever, your sister. I'm glad the two of you had the opportunity to meet.

[With that, she turned back towards the room and searched for something that could be used for a temporary vase. There seemed little point in lugging the flowers around all evening, and--yes, right there. A small tin on the dresser. Just tall enough, and heavy enough, that it would support the full weight of the bouquet.]

[Especially once she removed them from their plastic wrapping and arranged them accordingly. Then, once assured they were secure, she leaned forward and took an appreciative whiff. The scent was light and sweet and she would think of it the rest o the evening.]

There. [She willed the heat from her cheeks and turned back to him with a bright smile.] Now I'm ready.

[light_of_willpower]

[At least she was having luck not blushing herself. While she'd turned, he'd taken a breath and tried to will away the heat from his own cheeks. There was still a hint, but it wasn't the full flush he'd sported a few moments before.]

She's had her fun teasing me, but she's also definitely Mom's daughter. Just...calmer.

[Which was a good thing, as far as he was concerned. Not that his mom couldn't be calm, but she definitely had a streak that enjoyed mischief. Bulla likely did too, but she'd picked up fast that Trunks--while easy to tease--did not enjoy it nor was he used to it.]

I did also borrow the car capsule, in case we didn't want to walk. The shooting range is furthest from where we are now, and we'll be working our way slowly back this way.

[waitingforhope]

[It's true that she wasn't blushing. But only just barely. Distracting herself with the present, and the thought of a fun day they would share together. Activities he'd known she would love, and set up accordingly.]

[The fact that she wasn't quite making eye contact also helped.]

That might be a good idea, if it's as hot out as it was yesterday.

Normally, I wouldn't mind the distance...but I assume Bulma installed air conditioning in there.

[light_of_willpower]

I didn't think you'd necessarily want to fly, either--although I wouldn't mind.

[Despite the heat rising, and heat wave they'd been experiencing, flying actually was fairly 'air-conditioned' even at what was considered a casual speed.]

Do we want to drive now, or save it for later?

[Leading the way towards the exit, and then out of the apartment all together.]

[waitingforhope]

[It was...an option. Though, for some reason, one she wasn't quite so eager to pursue right then.]

Now might be better. By the time we're out of the range, it should be past the hottest time of day. So we might as well make the most of having a car now.

Should I drive?

[light_of_willpower]

Would you rather? I do know how, even if I don't use the option much.

[Daring a hint of teasing smirk with that statement. Flying was more useful in his opinion, but he did know how to operate a car, along with some other vehicles. Besides the Time Machine.]

It's not hard once we get into Genessia City proper, to get to the range. It's just kind of at the far end of the square from the Nova gate.

[waitingforhope]

Are you sure about that?

[She raised an eyebrow, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye with amusement. Knowing fully well he could drive, but enjoying the light-hearted moment all the same.]

[After all, driving a capsule car was a bit different than driving a time machine.]

[light_of_willpower]

[Okay, that hint blossoms into a full-blown teasing smirk.]

You really expect me to back down from that challenge?

[Leading the way down out of Heaven's Court Apartments.]

[waitingforhope]

[She followed accordingly. Unsurprised by either the direction, or the turn in conversation.]

I don't expect you to back down from any challenge.

[light_of_willpower]

Ah, see, I have some sense--I don't take challenges that I know I can't win or that are stupid.

[Pulling out the capsule, throwing, and then with some smoke and a light boom, there was the car. Sleek and silver, but a nice basic design. Nova City accommodated hover cars and regular cars thankfully. Moving over, Trunks opened Mai's door.]

Much as I do have my idiotic moments, I like to think they're rare.

[waitingforhope]

But, see, those wouldn't be real challenges, would they? They'd be traps.

[Although she remained noticeably silent on the part about him having sense. For...a certain reason.]

[Placing her hands on her hips, Mai gave the car an appreciate once-over. It was compact, but spacious enough to accommodate them both with room to spare. And...then there was Trunks, moving to open the door for her.]

Thank you.

[Sending him a warm, grateful smile, she slipped into the passenger's seat, tucking her legs in so he could safely close the door.]

[light_of_willpower]

[Fortunately his moments where he was stupid were usually rare. Even if one of those had happened fairly recently. Trunks also had enough sense to not argue, and to recognize he'd been stupid though.

For now it was past, better to focus on the present.

Closing her door, Trunks smiled in turn, before moving around. Sliding into his own seat, strapping in, and engine started. Taking a breath, and Mai can see the nerves now. For the date, not the driving.]

We ready to do this?

[Because he still doesn't regret this, but he wants to make sure she has a good time.]

[waitingforhope]

[She had seemed ready. Initially. It was only Trunks' question that gave her pause, and she glanced at him with a slightly furrowed brow.]

Are you...having second thoughts?

[light_of_willpower]

[There was no pause at all as he shook his head in the negative. That was definitely not what his nerves were from.]

None, I promise. I'm just...a bit nervous. Despite advice from my sister, and what knowledge I do have from reading, I still have very little idea of what to do. I just want to make it fun for us.

[A bit of a sigh, and a shy smile.]

[waitingforhope]

[The tension melted from her shoulders, and she relaxed once more...although there was still a lingering trace of uncertainty in her eyes as she stared out ahead. Smiling faintly.]

That makes two of us, then. [And here, she seemed to be weighing over something in her mind before adding:] It's been...a long time since I've been out on a date.

[light_of_willpower]

[Her hesitation was obvious, but he saw no reason it might not just be nerves, like him.]

Well, that beats me out? I've never been on a date before, as sad as that is to admit.

[Starting the engine, and then most of his attention was on pulling away from the apartment complex, and out on to the streets. Heading for the Gate towards Genessia City.]

It was never a priority, or anything I had a chance to really do, in my life. Looking back--I think there might've been people who'd have been willing, but I didn't ever really recognize it.

[waitingforhope]

[Neither of them had spoken much about their respective pasts, let alone past love lives. Whether they be a lack thereof, potential, missed opportunity...]

[It shouldn't have, but the conversation gave her the slightest twinge in the pit of her stomach. One Mai couldn't fully place.]

Would you have, though? If you had recognized it?

[light_of_willpower]

Hmmm.....

[Making the noise more in acknowledging the question. Especially since he needed to think about it. As well as with part of his attention on the drive itself. So it took him a couple of minutes before he felt he could formulate an answer.]

Not really? More because of...I guess, how they flirted? It just didn't seem genuine.

[Which sounded weird, and he gave it a bit more thought.]

They didn't seem interested in dating me. More who I 'seemed' to be, or for status. Not that I ever really flaunted or hid who I was, but I certainly wasn't looking for any kind of celebrity. I was just happy for the world to be safer again. I'm also glad it was never that prolific--although Mom had a lot of fun teasing me and trying to make more of it at times.

[waitingforhope]

[That little feeling? Strangely enough, it soon faded.]

[...oh.]

I see.

[She relished in a sense of pleasure just long enough to recognize it for what it was, before immediately chastising herself for being so foolish. Jealousy was an emotion she'd buried away years ago. A past she had grown out of. There was literally no reason to feel it now.]

That sounds exactly like something Bulma would do.

[light_of_willpower]

[Jealousy was a normal feeling, no matter what age one was.]

I think she felt badly sometimes, given what my life was like growing-up. Besides just that she enjoyed teasing me.

[Sparing a moment of his attention, to meet her eyes and offer her a smile.]

Even if tonight is a disaster...I'm glad I asked you though. And more glad you said yes.

[waitingforhope]

[She leaned back into the seat, turning her head just enough to return the gaze. And the smile. Her fingers twitched with the urge to reach for his, but she didn't want to risk distracting him. No matter how good his reflexes were.]

It won't be.

[light_of_willpower]

[It didn't matter if his reflexes were good if other drivers and people didn't have them too. Driving also meant taking longer routes than flying did, to get to the Gate. Not that this was a bad thing, as it gave them time to talk before going to the Firing Range.]

Sure of that huh? Not just trying to make me feel better, since you actually have been on a date before? I promise, I'm not that fragile Mai...

[Trying to tease, but there is a hint of insecurity. Buried in the slight aftertone of his voice. For him, honestly, it was enough that they were together--but he wanted her to be happy. To have a chance to not BE the resistance leader, and master sniper, or take care of anyone else but her.]