Drabble 8: Lucid – Oh Happy Night
By Kiarene (10/5/2003)


3. Presenting a clear view; easily understood; clear.

(In which everything goes well for Vegeta.)

Vegeta was ecstatic.

The evening had been perfect. Radditz had been suave and charming, the jazz performance stellar. He had initially been afraid that Radditz might not enjoy himself; that he only came along because the prince asked him to. It was hard to find friends who actually liked him and not because of his position as the prince.

He had been uncharacteristically nervous when he invited Radditz; he had a crush on the older, handsome bodyguard, but he wasn't sure if that romantic attraction was reciprocated. But he could tell that the older male did enjoy himself thoroughly; his smile was genuine and his manner relaxed as they exchanged whispered comments throughout the performance. Perhaps he did have a chance after all…

He had been surprised that Kakarrot wanted to come along, then again, he hadn't really minded. Kakarrot was his best friend and they do everything together. Radditz was his brother after all. In fact, this might be even better; he did not have to go through the awkwardness of introducing a potential mate to his best friend, and hope that they get along.

Oh yes, things were looking up for him.

He watched as Kakarrot excused himself and flew off, pleased that his friend had given him a bit of privacy. Kakarrot may be dense, but he really can be sweet at times too.

"It's getting late." Radditz finished the last of his beer as he waved for the bill. "You had better get back."

"I am not a kid with a curfew anymore," Vegeta huffed in annoyance. Eyeing his own glass of fruit juice; he was just two years shy of the legal drinking age on Vegetasei, he blushed at the irony. `Oh god, he probably thinks I'm some brat trying to appear older, only to end up looking stupid…'

Radditz did not reply as he handed the waiter a bill and stood up. Vegeta followed him, tail twitching nervously as the heat in his cheeks deepened.

"No, you're not." Radditz' thoughtful voice broke into his mortified thoughts as they walked out onto the street. The taller male stopped and turned around, shadowed eyes examining him intently. Vegeta stilled, heart thumping in anticipation.

Radditz raised a hand and brushed the back of his knuckles softly against his cheeks, his voice a husky whisper. "You've grown up, Vegeta."

Vegeta was stunned. His mind chased itself in panicked circles as he fumbled for something witty to say. `What do I say? Does that mean what I think it means?'

Before he could blurt out something asinine, Radditz broke into a grin and wrapped an arm around his waist. "Come on, I'll fly you home."

The prince gave a small sound of surprise and then his body reacted for him as he leaned against the larger bodyguard, allowing the strong arms to envelop him. He could easily fly, but that wasn't the point at all.

Vegeta purred as he melted with the warm embrace. Radditz' intentions were perfectly lucid.

(500 words)