LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT?!
PART IV
Osmosis Jones, Drix, and Leah belong to the WB; Traci Bronchi belongs to me.
Rated PG
Later that evening, Ozzie and Drix were walking down the street towards the restaurant. Drix had cleaned up very well- he polished his coating to a grand shine (even Ozzie commented that he needed sunglasses just to look at him) and wore a small black bowtie around his "neck." Also, he brought a bouquet of chlorophyllin flowers- it was his friend's suggestion, and it seemed like a nice gesture anyway.
As they walked around the corner, Ozzie and Drix viewed the restaurant across the street. It was beautiful during the evening- the quiant little cafe set the romantic mood with darkened rooms lit aglow with calorie lamps and accomplished violinists serenading the young couples into a fanciful state of mind.
Then, Drix noticed Traci standing quietly outside the entrance. Her dress was of a reasonable length, though he was somewhat upset with how revealing the top was. Just the same, she looked quite attractive from where he was standing.
Suddenly, Drix felt someone give him a push. "Go on, buddy," Ozzie reassured. "Don't want to keep the lovely lady waiting much longer, do you?"
Drix sighed as he nodded and uneasily made his way across the street. Though unbelievably nervous, he was also relieved to know that he was finally going to be with the one he loved. There was a chance he wouldn't screw things up; he just hoped that fortune was in his favor.
Just as Drix had gotten to the restaurant, Traci looked over to him happily. "Hi, Drix," she greeted, looking him over. "Well, you look quite handsome."
Smiling awkwardly, Drix struggled with what to say next. He stuttered for a moment, anxiously waiting for the right words to come to mind.
Traci then noticed the flowers Drix held in his hand. "Are those flowers for me?" she asked, touching them lightly. "They're quite beautiful."
For some reason, a soothing calmness came over Drix and he felt comfortable talking to Traci. "Y- Yes," he replied, offering her the flowers. "I thought it would be a nice gesture."
"It certainly is," Traci agreed as she recieved the flowers. "I'm beginning to enjoy this evening already- a romantic dinner with someone who loves me. That's something everyone dreams of at least once in a while, right?"
Drix nodded anxiously. True, it wasn't something he did often, but in the past few days since he'd met Traci, that was quickly beginning to change.
Just then, Traci looked over to the restaurant entrance. "Maybe we should get a table before all the good seats are taken," she suggested. "They might start getting a lot of customers soon."
Nodding, Drix led Traci inside the charming cafe. He was a little calmer now since they had their little conversation- it helped him to realize what a kind person Traci really was.
A few minutes later, a strangely familiar couple entered the very same restaurant. The gentleman was dressed in a traditional black tuxedo, and the lady was wearing an elegant silver evening dress. Though dressed formally, they certainly weren't acting too different...
"Ozzie, we really shouldn't do this!" Leah snapped. "It's snooping into other people's business!"
"Relax, Leah," Ozzie replied calmly, "I've got it all covered. We're getting a table within a good distance of our two lovebirds, just to make sure things go well."
Leah sighed in aggrivation. "Didn't you hear a word I said?" she remarked. "It's not right for anything or fair to Drix to go prying into his date like this."
Ozzie took out his sunglasses and gave Leah a confident smile. "We're doing this FOR Drix, not TO him," he explained. "We're here for him just in case something goes wrong. If all goes well, we won't have to do a thing- it's when something goes wrong that we walk in to pick up the pieces of a broken nucleus."
Though she was still against Ozzie's ideas, Leah forced herself to play along. "Fine- I'll come in," she reluctantly agreed, "but you better hope that everything turns out alright, or you'll be heading off on your escapades alone, without me OR Drix."
Drix and Traci were seated in the middle of the main dining room. Romantic music filled the air as other young couples engaged in heated conversations. They even noticed a few of the wedded pairs exchanging kisses and other means of affection.
A few tables away, another couple sat down and viewed the unique pair out of the corners of their eyes. The gentleman wore a pair of sunglasses to conceal his eyes, and the lady kept the menu close to her face as to avoid being seen.
Traci looked around the room a little before sitting down. "This place looks great," she commented. "It also looks pretty expensive- are you sure you can afford this?"
'I hope so,' Drix thought before he replied, "Of- Of course."
At that moment, a young lady walked up to them. "Well, isn't this sweet?" she cooed affectionately. "I haven't seen a cuter couple since I started working here! Listen, I'll bring you your menus, and then I'll have out best waiter out here to take your orders." With that and another squeal of delight, she left the couple to themselves.
Confused, the eyes of the young pair met. "Did you plan this?" they asked, in unison. Surprised by their timing, they laughed lightly, and then quickly silenced themselves.
Back at the farther table, Leah peeked over her menu and looked at Drix and Traci. "You know, they really do make a nice couple," she commented. "They kinda remind me of the first time we went out."
"Yeah, it's precious," Ozzie responded, almost sarcastically. "Just in case that doesn't work, though, I've got all sorts of back-up perks. The best service, the best food, and the best music- with all that, they'll be more than dating by the end of the night, if you know what I mean."
Leah sneered, but calmed down enough to give a smart comback. "Perks?"she questioned. "Ozzie, it almost sounds like I'm moving to the third wheel here. Are you sure you don't want to break up and just marry Drix if you like him so much?"
Ozzie rolled his eyes and carefully eyed the young couple. "Trust me," he said. "With Osmosis Jones behind them, they'll be as good as married in one night flat."
Overall, the night was going well. Drix and Traci were having the times of their lives- the service was quick and friendly, and the food was exquisite. There was only one thing that could have made their experience better...
Suddenly, Ozzie grabbed the jacket of a passing violinist. "Hey, pal," he said, handing the man twenty carbs. "Play the most romantic tune you know to that pair over at the table across from us."
The violinist scoffed at him. "I'll be needing a little more than twenty carbs," he explained. "My little diddy is pretty long, and I'm not being paid enough as is."
Groaning, Ozzie gave the man an additional five carbs and pushed him away. "Would you just go already?!" he barked. "Love's a blooming, and I expect you to be there when it happens!"
Over at the other table, Drix and Traci were enjoying a fervent discussion. They had learned a lot about each other- who they were, who their friends were, where they worked, what they liked to do, and pretty much everything inbetween.
Drix sighed. "My goodness," he expressed. "Never in my most awe aspiring dreams have I imagined a night like this, especially not with someone of your character, Traci."
"Oh, come on!" Traci replied with a laugh. "I'm no better than anyone else in this room. You, though- your etiqutte is superb, your talents are amazing, and your thoughtfullness is overwhelming. I could never find a guy like you in Frank's lifetime."
Flattered by the young lady's comment, Drix blushed a little. "Thank you," he responded, gratified. "Just the same, you are a kind and intelligent woman, Traci. I'm only glad we met and finally got to know each other."
Traci smiled and placed her hand on Drix's. "See, that's what I mean," she pointed out. "You're twice the gentleman that every man here will ever be. It sets you so far apart from any of the guys I've dated before, and I hope it never changes. I... I love you this way."
All of a sudden, Drix's anxiety overcame him. That simple gesture of kindness was enough to leave him stupified. His nucleus beat rapidly inside him, and he soon found himself unable to speak or move.
"Drix?" Traci asked, concerned. "Drix? Are you okay?"
Before Drix could reply, a violinist came between them and started playing a simple yet passionate ballad. It was the hardest tune he'd ever learned to play, but it was worth the twenty-five carbs he'd been paid to play it.
Confused, Drix looked at the violinist. "Is this something special?" he asked.
"Forget about it," the violinist replied. "Your pal there covered all the costs."
Drix peered over his shoulder and noticed a young man in sunglasses running from his table. The young lady he had been sitting with was only shaking her head.
Looking at Traci, Drix stood from the table. "Please excuse me," he apologized, "but I need to take care of something very, very important."
"That stupid violinist!" Ozzie snapped. "Why did I even trust that son of a botulism?!"
Obviously, Ozzie's plan to keep an eye on Drix's date had back-fired horribly. From what he saw, Drix seemed pretty ticked off and was probably looking for him. In the meantime, Ozzie sat in the janitor's closet, hoping Drix wouldn't find him.
After a few minutes, Ozzie assumed that it was okay to come out if Drix hadn't found him yet. 'Maybe he's forgotten the whole thing,' he wondered as he opened the door only to find...
"Hello, Osmosis," said a slightly peeved Drix, standing right outside the door.
'...or maybe not,' Ozzie thought. Speaking up, he responded, "Hey, Drix! How's it going? Are you and that girl hitting it off okay?"
Drix sighed heavily. "I think you already know that by now," he caustically remarked. "Jones, while I appreciate the sentiment behind your actions, why did you decide to follow us? It's dishonest and embarrassing, not to mention rude!"
Ozzie lowered his head momentarily. "Look, man, I'm sorry," he apologized. "I just wanted to be a good friend- you know, in case something happened, I wanted to be here for you."
"Osmosis, if you were concerned about being a good friend, you would have left me to my business," Drix replied. "Again, I appreciate the thought, but I'm beginning to feel that you... well, you don't trust me in this type of relationship."
Just then, Ozzie remembered one little detail that Drix over-looked. "Well, can you blame me?" he responded. "You wouldn't even be here without me."
Perplexed, Drix raised an eyebrow. "Pardon?" he asked.
"I introduced you to her!" Ozzie pointed out. "I made the date! I helped you prepare for that date! Man, you should be THANKING me!"
Drix rolled his eyes. "Jones, I don't have time for this," he said, turning to leave. "I can't keep Traci waiting. Perhaps you should do the same and return to Leah?"
Infuriated, Ozzie gave his friend a cold stare and uttered some unmentionable phrases as Drix left. It was clear by now that they were really angry with each other, and unfortunately, that meant they both needed space to vent their frustrations.
Ozzie angrily made his way back to his table. As far as he was concerned, this date was over- if Drix got into hot water, he'd have to get himself out.
Leah turned to see her enraged boyfriend. "Ozzie?" she asked, concerned. "You okay?"
Taking her hand, Ozzie pulled Leah up from her chair and left a few carbs on the table. "I'm fine," he barked. "We're just leaving a little early."
"Early?" Leah questioned.
Ozzie stomped past a few worried waiters as he dragged Leah back to the car with him. "What's wrong with leaving early?" he hissed. "We're just giving Drix some well-deserved alone time, just like you said we should."
As Drix returned to his seat, he noticed Ozzie leaving and breathed a sigh of relief. At last, he could have a few peaceful moments alone with Traci.
However, Traci had noticed that Drix had been gone for a while and knew something was up. "Drix, you're back," she said. "Is... Is everything alright?"
Drix smiled contently. "Perfectly fine, Traci," he replied.
Traci sighed deeply; she was still very concerned. "I noticed the other couple leaving," she admitted. "Are you upset about something?"
"Of- of course not," Drix responded, chuckling nervously. "Wh- Why do you ask?"
Smiling, Traci stood from her seat. "It's nothing, really," she assured. "It's just that... well, I want you to feel comfortable when we're together. If you're angry about something, then I should go and give you some space. I don't want to be a burden here."
Upset, Drix stood and followed Traci outside. "You don't have to leave," he tried to convince her. "You're not a burden, Traci! I don't anger easily- really, I don't!"
Outside the restaurant, Traci turned to face Drix and closed her eyes for a moment. The stress seemed to be getting to him, and she only wanted his happiness if nothing else. Still, he wanted nothing more than for her to be at his side, and she herself didn't want to leave him either.
"Please?" Drix queried, breathing deeply.
Biting her lip, Traci leaned forward and encircled her arms around Drix's neck. She loved being around him- he made her feel warm and cared for. No other had ever given her such a wonderful, comforting feeling before, and she hated to leave him like this, but she felt obligated to do so. After all, she never liked seeing anyone angry.
Though quite shocked and very surprised, Drix also felt great concern. "Traci?" he asked. "Traci... are you feeling well?"
Traci drew back and nodded. "Yes," she replied, her eyes still closed. "I- I just think we need some time to ourselves. You're kinda upset with your friend, and I'm in no mood either."
Drix was suddenly overwhelmed with... disappointment. "Oh..." he said. "Well, I appreciated what part of our evening we... did enjoy. Perhaps we can sceduale another appointment soon?"
Smiling, Traci placed both her palms in Drix's hand. "I'd like that," she responded. "We should do this again very, very soon."
The two of them stood there for a moment, unmoving. As much as they wanted to just stay there, both Drix and Traci knew they couldn't wait much longer. They went their separate ways soon after, both of them with their own regrets.
PART IV
Osmosis Jones, Drix, and Leah belong to the WB; Traci Bronchi belongs to me.
Rated PG
Later that evening, Ozzie and Drix were walking down the street towards the restaurant. Drix had cleaned up very well- he polished his coating to a grand shine (even Ozzie commented that he needed sunglasses just to look at him) and wore a small black bowtie around his "neck." Also, he brought a bouquet of chlorophyllin flowers- it was his friend's suggestion, and it seemed like a nice gesture anyway.
As they walked around the corner, Ozzie and Drix viewed the restaurant across the street. It was beautiful during the evening- the quiant little cafe set the romantic mood with darkened rooms lit aglow with calorie lamps and accomplished violinists serenading the young couples into a fanciful state of mind.
Then, Drix noticed Traci standing quietly outside the entrance. Her dress was of a reasonable length, though he was somewhat upset with how revealing the top was. Just the same, she looked quite attractive from where he was standing.
Suddenly, Drix felt someone give him a push. "Go on, buddy," Ozzie reassured. "Don't want to keep the lovely lady waiting much longer, do you?"
Drix sighed as he nodded and uneasily made his way across the street. Though unbelievably nervous, he was also relieved to know that he was finally going to be with the one he loved. There was a chance he wouldn't screw things up; he just hoped that fortune was in his favor.
Just as Drix had gotten to the restaurant, Traci looked over to him happily. "Hi, Drix," she greeted, looking him over. "Well, you look quite handsome."
Smiling awkwardly, Drix struggled with what to say next. He stuttered for a moment, anxiously waiting for the right words to come to mind.
Traci then noticed the flowers Drix held in his hand. "Are those flowers for me?" she asked, touching them lightly. "They're quite beautiful."
For some reason, a soothing calmness came over Drix and he felt comfortable talking to Traci. "Y- Yes," he replied, offering her the flowers. "I thought it would be a nice gesture."
"It certainly is," Traci agreed as she recieved the flowers. "I'm beginning to enjoy this evening already- a romantic dinner with someone who loves me. That's something everyone dreams of at least once in a while, right?"
Drix nodded anxiously. True, it wasn't something he did often, but in the past few days since he'd met Traci, that was quickly beginning to change.
Just then, Traci looked over to the restaurant entrance. "Maybe we should get a table before all the good seats are taken," she suggested. "They might start getting a lot of customers soon."
Nodding, Drix led Traci inside the charming cafe. He was a little calmer now since they had their little conversation- it helped him to realize what a kind person Traci really was.
A few minutes later, a strangely familiar couple entered the very same restaurant. The gentleman was dressed in a traditional black tuxedo, and the lady was wearing an elegant silver evening dress. Though dressed formally, they certainly weren't acting too different...
"Ozzie, we really shouldn't do this!" Leah snapped. "It's snooping into other people's business!"
"Relax, Leah," Ozzie replied calmly, "I've got it all covered. We're getting a table within a good distance of our two lovebirds, just to make sure things go well."
Leah sighed in aggrivation. "Didn't you hear a word I said?" she remarked. "It's not right for anything or fair to Drix to go prying into his date like this."
Ozzie took out his sunglasses and gave Leah a confident smile. "We're doing this FOR Drix, not TO him," he explained. "We're here for him just in case something goes wrong. If all goes well, we won't have to do a thing- it's when something goes wrong that we walk in to pick up the pieces of a broken nucleus."
Though she was still against Ozzie's ideas, Leah forced herself to play along. "Fine- I'll come in," she reluctantly agreed, "but you better hope that everything turns out alright, or you'll be heading off on your escapades alone, without me OR Drix."
Drix and Traci were seated in the middle of the main dining room. Romantic music filled the air as other young couples engaged in heated conversations. They even noticed a few of the wedded pairs exchanging kisses and other means of affection.
A few tables away, another couple sat down and viewed the unique pair out of the corners of their eyes. The gentleman wore a pair of sunglasses to conceal his eyes, and the lady kept the menu close to her face as to avoid being seen.
Traci looked around the room a little before sitting down. "This place looks great," she commented. "It also looks pretty expensive- are you sure you can afford this?"
'I hope so,' Drix thought before he replied, "Of- Of course."
At that moment, a young lady walked up to them. "Well, isn't this sweet?" she cooed affectionately. "I haven't seen a cuter couple since I started working here! Listen, I'll bring you your menus, and then I'll have out best waiter out here to take your orders." With that and another squeal of delight, she left the couple to themselves.
Confused, the eyes of the young pair met. "Did you plan this?" they asked, in unison. Surprised by their timing, they laughed lightly, and then quickly silenced themselves.
Back at the farther table, Leah peeked over her menu and looked at Drix and Traci. "You know, they really do make a nice couple," she commented. "They kinda remind me of the first time we went out."
"Yeah, it's precious," Ozzie responded, almost sarcastically. "Just in case that doesn't work, though, I've got all sorts of back-up perks. The best service, the best food, and the best music- with all that, they'll be more than dating by the end of the night, if you know what I mean."
Leah sneered, but calmed down enough to give a smart comback. "Perks?"she questioned. "Ozzie, it almost sounds like I'm moving to the third wheel here. Are you sure you don't want to break up and just marry Drix if you like him so much?"
Ozzie rolled his eyes and carefully eyed the young couple. "Trust me," he said. "With Osmosis Jones behind them, they'll be as good as married in one night flat."
Overall, the night was going well. Drix and Traci were having the times of their lives- the service was quick and friendly, and the food was exquisite. There was only one thing that could have made their experience better...
Suddenly, Ozzie grabbed the jacket of a passing violinist. "Hey, pal," he said, handing the man twenty carbs. "Play the most romantic tune you know to that pair over at the table across from us."
The violinist scoffed at him. "I'll be needing a little more than twenty carbs," he explained. "My little diddy is pretty long, and I'm not being paid enough as is."
Groaning, Ozzie gave the man an additional five carbs and pushed him away. "Would you just go already?!" he barked. "Love's a blooming, and I expect you to be there when it happens!"
Over at the other table, Drix and Traci were enjoying a fervent discussion. They had learned a lot about each other- who they were, who their friends were, where they worked, what they liked to do, and pretty much everything inbetween.
Drix sighed. "My goodness," he expressed. "Never in my most awe aspiring dreams have I imagined a night like this, especially not with someone of your character, Traci."
"Oh, come on!" Traci replied with a laugh. "I'm no better than anyone else in this room. You, though- your etiqutte is superb, your talents are amazing, and your thoughtfullness is overwhelming. I could never find a guy like you in Frank's lifetime."
Flattered by the young lady's comment, Drix blushed a little. "Thank you," he responded, gratified. "Just the same, you are a kind and intelligent woman, Traci. I'm only glad we met and finally got to know each other."
Traci smiled and placed her hand on Drix's. "See, that's what I mean," she pointed out. "You're twice the gentleman that every man here will ever be. It sets you so far apart from any of the guys I've dated before, and I hope it never changes. I... I love you this way."
All of a sudden, Drix's anxiety overcame him. That simple gesture of kindness was enough to leave him stupified. His nucleus beat rapidly inside him, and he soon found himself unable to speak or move.
"Drix?" Traci asked, concerned. "Drix? Are you okay?"
Before Drix could reply, a violinist came between them and started playing a simple yet passionate ballad. It was the hardest tune he'd ever learned to play, but it was worth the twenty-five carbs he'd been paid to play it.
Confused, Drix looked at the violinist. "Is this something special?" he asked.
"Forget about it," the violinist replied. "Your pal there covered all the costs."
Drix peered over his shoulder and noticed a young man in sunglasses running from his table. The young lady he had been sitting with was only shaking her head.
Looking at Traci, Drix stood from the table. "Please excuse me," he apologized, "but I need to take care of something very, very important."
"That stupid violinist!" Ozzie snapped. "Why did I even trust that son of a botulism?!"
Obviously, Ozzie's plan to keep an eye on Drix's date had back-fired horribly. From what he saw, Drix seemed pretty ticked off and was probably looking for him. In the meantime, Ozzie sat in the janitor's closet, hoping Drix wouldn't find him.
After a few minutes, Ozzie assumed that it was okay to come out if Drix hadn't found him yet. 'Maybe he's forgotten the whole thing,' he wondered as he opened the door only to find...
"Hello, Osmosis," said a slightly peeved Drix, standing right outside the door.
'...or maybe not,' Ozzie thought. Speaking up, he responded, "Hey, Drix! How's it going? Are you and that girl hitting it off okay?"
Drix sighed heavily. "I think you already know that by now," he caustically remarked. "Jones, while I appreciate the sentiment behind your actions, why did you decide to follow us? It's dishonest and embarrassing, not to mention rude!"
Ozzie lowered his head momentarily. "Look, man, I'm sorry," he apologized. "I just wanted to be a good friend- you know, in case something happened, I wanted to be here for you."
"Osmosis, if you were concerned about being a good friend, you would have left me to my business," Drix replied. "Again, I appreciate the thought, but I'm beginning to feel that you... well, you don't trust me in this type of relationship."
Just then, Ozzie remembered one little detail that Drix over-looked. "Well, can you blame me?" he responded. "You wouldn't even be here without me."
Perplexed, Drix raised an eyebrow. "Pardon?" he asked.
"I introduced you to her!" Ozzie pointed out. "I made the date! I helped you prepare for that date! Man, you should be THANKING me!"
Drix rolled his eyes. "Jones, I don't have time for this," he said, turning to leave. "I can't keep Traci waiting. Perhaps you should do the same and return to Leah?"
Infuriated, Ozzie gave his friend a cold stare and uttered some unmentionable phrases as Drix left. It was clear by now that they were really angry with each other, and unfortunately, that meant they both needed space to vent their frustrations.
Ozzie angrily made his way back to his table. As far as he was concerned, this date was over- if Drix got into hot water, he'd have to get himself out.
Leah turned to see her enraged boyfriend. "Ozzie?" she asked, concerned. "You okay?"
Taking her hand, Ozzie pulled Leah up from her chair and left a few carbs on the table. "I'm fine," he barked. "We're just leaving a little early."
"Early?" Leah questioned.
Ozzie stomped past a few worried waiters as he dragged Leah back to the car with him. "What's wrong with leaving early?" he hissed. "We're just giving Drix some well-deserved alone time, just like you said we should."
As Drix returned to his seat, he noticed Ozzie leaving and breathed a sigh of relief. At last, he could have a few peaceful moments alone with Traci.
However, Traci had noticed that Drix had been gone for a while and knew something was up. "Drix, you're back," she said. "Is... Is everything alright?"
Drix smiled contently. "Perfectly fine, Traci," he replied.
Traci sighed deeply; she was still very concerned. "I noticed the other couple leaving," she admitted. "Are you upset about something?"
"Of- of course not," Drix responded, chuckling nervously. "Wh- Why do you ask?"
Smiling, Traci stood from her seat. "It's nothing, really," she assured. "It's just that... well, I want you to feel comfortable when we're together. If you're angry about something, then I should go and give you some space. I don't want to be a burden here."
Upset, Drix stood and followed Traci outside. "You don't have to leave," he tried to convince her. "You're not a burden, Traci! I don't anger easily- really, I don't!"
Outside the restaurant, Traci turned to face Drix and closed her eyes for a moment. The stress seemed to be getting to him, and she only wanted his happiness if nothing else. Still, he wanted nothing more than for her to be at his side, and she herself didn't want to leave him either.
"Please?" Drix queried, breathing deeply.
Biting her lip, Traci leaned forward and encircled her arms around Drix's neck. She loved being around him- he made her feel warm and cared for. No other had ever given her such a wonderful, comforting feeling before, and she hated to leave him like this, but she felt obligated to do so. After all, she never liked seeing anyone angry.
Though quite shocked and very surprised, Drix also felt great concern. "Traci?" he asked. "Traci... are you feeling well?"
Traci drew back and nodded. "Yes," she replied, her eyes still closed. "I- I just think we need some time to ourselves. You're kinda upset with your friend, and I'm in no mood either."
Drix was suddenly overwhelmed with... disappointment. "Oh..." he said. "Well, I appreciated what part of our evening we... did enjoy. Perhaps we can sceduale another appointment soon?"
Smiling, Traci placed both her palms in Drix's hand. "I'd like that," she responded. "We should do this again very, very soon."
The two of them stood there for a moment, unmoving. As much as they wanted to just stay there, both Drix and Traci knew they couldn't wait much longer. They went their separate ways soon after, both of them with their own regrets.