Drabble 6: Horn – Two's a Date, Three's…?

By Kiarene (26/4/2003)

(In which Kakarrot is brave.)

intr.v. horned, horn·ing, horns

To join without being invited; intrude. Used with in.

Radditz smirked at his dashing reflection, adjusted his collar and practiced his suave wink one last time.

"It is not. A. Date."

Radditz turned, grinning widely at the jealous visage behind him. Kakarrot didn't know it but he has got it bad. "I've never said it was."

Kakarrot waved at the taller's formal outfit, spluttering. "Then why are you so dressed up? And what's with the box of chocolates?"

"It is a formal event, brother dear." Radditz strode out the door. "And the chocolates are my thanks for his invitation; the tickets to such shows aren't cheap, you know."

To his surprise, Kakarrot followed him as he took off towards the royal apartments. Oh yes, a very bad case indeed. Radditz controlled his smirk with difficulty. Landing softly at the broad balcony outside Vegeta's room, he turned to his sibling. "And why are you here?"

"Uh…" Kakarrot flushed. "I..I need to borrow a…"

"Stop farting around with those cock excuses." Radditz rolled his eyes impatiently. "You're jealous. Plain and simple."

Before Kakarrot could retort, Vegeta approached from the room's interior, and the two siblings fell silent as the balcony glass doors slid open quietly. The brothers followed him in, eyes trailing down the lithe form as deft hands adjusted the sash that cinched his slender waist. Intricate patterns in black and silver thread gave the formal sleeveless navy tunic an understated elegance.

Radditz found himself admiring the royal with different, appreciative eyes. When Kakarrot told him the other day about the invitation, he accepted immediately because it wasn't wise to reject your prince. Kakarrot's scowl and black mood intrigued him as well, and it didn't take him long to realize that his little brother was in a jealous snit. Naturally, he was highly amused.

Looking at the sixteen-year old prince, Radditz suddenly realized that the little prince he was bodyguard to, wasn't so little anymore. The small-sized bratling had matured into a sleek youth, handsome and urbane. And suddenly, he was really looking forward to this 'not-date'. Smirking, he presented his gift with a flourish.

"Thank you." Vegeta placed the box away with a smile. Pulling on a matching coat, he indicated the open balcony. "Shall we?"

"Wait!"

"Kakarrot?"

"Uhh…" Radditz watched in bemusement as his brother stuttered and fidgeted, a look of determination on his blushing face. "I..I was wondering if I can come along. I mean, I want to learn more about such things…"

`Trying to horn in? You've balls, baby brother.' His respect went up a grudging notch. "And where would you get tickets at this late hour?"

To his surprise, Vegeta broke in thoughtfully. "I think I might be able to get a spare ticket for you." Reaching into his jacket's pocket, he took out his scouter and clipped it on.

The brothers waited in silence – one hopeful, one incredulous – as the prince placed a few calls. "You're in luck, Kakarrot." Vegeta smirked as he kept his scouter.

Radditz no longer found the situation amusing.

(500 words)