Kingdom Hearts Fan Fiction ❯ Out of My Element ❯ Down the Halfpipe ( Chapter 17 )

Chapter 17: Down the Halfpipe

Axel was less than thrilled when they arrived at the park. They had been having a great time by themselves, laughing about nothing in particular and Demyx randomly breaking out into song. It was like traveling with a living jukebox, but one that matched his song to the occasion. More and more, Axel was enjoying this more musical lifestyle, or maybe he was just so into Demyx that he couldn't care less if it verged on the annoying.

They were walking now, lengthening their journey, and talking about something inconsequential when they were spotted. Immediately, Demyx sidestepped away from Axel and waved. Despite his silence, Axel was less than amused by the action and his mood took a 180 to happy to pissed in less than ten seconds flat. But what had he been expecting? They'd already outlined some of the rules for their relationship and one of them was that it was on a strictly need to know basis. Anyone who didn't know already wasn't supposed to know at all… Ever.

“Geez, what took you guys so long?” Roxas spoke first in the group. It consisted of Roxas, Hayner, Pence, Olette, Tidus, Zell, Gau, Yuffie, Yuna, and even Namine. Far too many for Axel's taste, and, due to his height, he stuck out like a sore thumb. Demyx didn't seem phased, “Fall down a rabbit hole, Alice?” Grinned the blonde as everyone else fell in behind him like a gang from West Side Story.

Grimacing, Axel made an exaggerated expression of disgust mixed with sarcasm, “Oh yeah, I dropped in for a spot of tea with the Hatter and the craziest thing happened- I found out you were full of shit.” Griped the redhead. He wasn't even sure when Roxas had started calling him Alice, but it always got on Axel's nerves. Mostly because the best counter name he could devise was Roxette, which was on a level of annoying at least ten notches below Alice. Also, Roxas didn't seem to care either way.

Chuckling, Roxas shrugged the insult away, “Watch out guys, Axel's got some bite today.” He called over his shoulder. Hayner rested his arm on Roxas and leaned over the same shoulder Roxas had turned his head to. He wore a skeptical look on his face.

“Sure it's not just bark? Can you even do anything on that old thing anymore?” Hayner asked pointing to the bike, “Looks like it's fifty years old.”

Axel looked insulted. How old did everyone think he was? Did they forget he went to school with most of them?

“Don't pay any attention to him. I bet he's just intimidated.” Olette chimed in helpfully offering Axel a sweet smile before looking at Namine, “Hayner never was good at these kind of things.” The words made Hayner jump to attention and object, but no one was paying attention to him.

“'These kind of things'?” Axel repeated with the raise of his brow. He looked down at Demyx who was now wandering away from his side, whistling suspicious, “Something you forgot to mention?” Asked Axel, but all Demyx did was give an innocent shrug before stopping by Namine's side. Axel tensed immediately and the hair on the back of his neck stood on end as Demyx put his arm around her waist, “Demyx…” He growled lowly before Zell slugged him in the arm.

“Hey man, don't sweat it. I'm sure you'll do fine. Anyway, it's just a friendly competition among friends, right?” Turning Zell lifted his palms up as if to put the question in the air for anyone to answer.

Yuffie huffed, “Friendly maybe, but-“ Whatever Yuffie was saying, Axel was far to distracted to listen. Everyone had started talking all at once and his head a reeling. Something behind him caught his attention and he lifted an arm and looked behind him. Gau was standing behind him, sniffing his jacket. For a brief moment, Axel thought he might be sniffing his ass like a dog.

“Demyx, your drummer's sniffing me.” He complained, only feeling the awkwardness of the statement when the entire group became silent. Looking around, he glared some, “Why are you looking at me like it's my fault?” He snapped irritably.

Namine covered her mouth with the back of her hand, turning her head away modestly. The others were no more helpful that she was, snickering to one another before Tidus decided to lend a helpful hand, “Dude, you smell like a week old kitchen garbage bag.” Axel caught Demyx smelling his own arm to make sure he hadn't contracted the scent as well.

Frowning, Axel's shoulder slumped, “There was an incident with an older gentleman and a dumpster.” He grumbled unhappily.

“Don't let us cramp your style,” Yuffie gave a shrug, giving Axel the evil eye, “Who cares if you smell like a sewer rat, it suits you.”

She was just begging to be drop kicked, but Axel just silently stared her down. If their looks were daggers, Axel figured they'd both be pinned to the ground with forty butcher knives at that moment.

Now it was Demyx's turn, but, rather than being an ass, he suggested something to lighten the mood, “If we cut through the concrete fountain it might wash off some of the smell Axel.” Or maybe he was trying to torment Axel even more, because that sounded like a terrible idea, “It'll be good to cool us down before we start!” He added a bit more cheerfully and Axel realized he still didn't know what in the world they were up to.

“Uh, so what are-“ Axel's question was cut off and he didn't attempt to talk over the crowd as they one by one began to agree with Demyx's statement. This was why he didn't like crowds… How could he get a word in with everyone talking at the same time? Oh well. Frame sagging, he followed the group reluctantly. He caught an apologetic look from Demyx as they went but nothing more.

Roxas fell back to walk next to Axel who lingered behind the crowd, “Hey, you all right? I was just goofing around.” He said, obviously having noticed Axel's poor mood. He kept his voice low so the others didn't hear, Axel appreciated that.

“I don't know how you do it…” Muttered Axel under his breath, looking over the others, “There're too many people here.” For a moment, his eyes left them and traveled over the entire park. They were attracting a lot of attention, or maybe it was Axel and his extensive henna tattoos…

At this Roxas rolled his eyes, “Oh, come on. It'll be good for you. Besides, how are you going to keep an eye on you-know-who if you're at home?” Asked Roxas elbowing Axel in the side to make sure he was paying attention.

Grumbling a quiet `ow', Axel rubbed his ribs a bit and then looked at Demyx, “I kissed him again today.” He mentioned bluntly, not realizing how awkward and peculiar the statement sounded. However, he did catch the lengthened pause before Roxas responded.

“Uh… `Kay? I miss something. When'd you two get together?” Asked the now baffled Roxas.

Axel seemed surprised, he'd forgotten all about telling his friends his `good news'. Had he even told Luxord? Did anyone know? Then he stumbled over his thoughts. Should he have just told this to Roxas? Oh hell! Roxas already kind of knew but now it was official, did the promise with Demyx extend to Roxas too?

“Axel! Snap out of it man!” Roxas snapped giving Axel a shove. Axel stumbled just a bit before he was brought back to reality. Quickly looking around, he went rigid at the sight of everyone now looking their way. How he hated attention… He tried to think himself smaller than he was but it didn't work, “Nothing to look at. You guys go on ahead and cool off. I'll deal with the airhead.” Axel shot him a glare, but was relieved when the group carried on without him, “All right, what's going on, Axel?” He stepped in front of Axel to confront him, “I noticed you weren't there for my struggle match. Not cool.”

Looking down, Axel avoided Roxas's gaze, “Sorry… I… Got distracted.” Axel looked up past Roxas to watch Demyx walk away, “I guess there's no point in keeping it from you, but you can't tell anyone. Not a soul, got it memorized?” Roxas nodded, “Last night...” Axel fought the grin that was making its way across his face but there was no hiding it when the words spilled out, “Demyx asked me out.” Raising a hand, he covered the smile, “We kissed behind the booths.” Axel felt like the memory had been engraved in his mind. He could remember everything.

Roxas was quiet then, “Wow, that thing you're doing right now, totally queer.” His voice deathly serious before a smile jumped on his face and he ducked out of the way of Axel's fist, “Ha ha ha! Sorry, but you're grinning like an idiot! So, how was it? Everything you dreamed it would be?” Roxas's words sounded like he was joking but his tone indicated sincerity.

“I'd be lying if I said no… But it was just a kiss.” He added to make sure Roxas wasn't getting the wrong idea, “It was our first date after all…”

“And today?” Roxas pressed.

“Oh man, don't laugh,” Axel began, sounding breathless as his heart pounded a bit faster in his chest. One probably wouldn't peg Axel as the kiss and tell type, but he told Roxas everything, “But I just can't get enough of him. I was this close,” He displayed the measurement with his fingers, “to throwing him down on a stranger's driveway… Guy came out before I could, but I ended up doing just about that in the back of that crappy strip mall. You know the one with the Subway?”

“Oh yeah, I know the one.” Roxas said distantly, possibly a little disturbed. Roxas was open minded, but definitely straight, “So where'd the garbage come in?”

“I fell into it behind the strip mall and stole a kiss from him.”

“Oh that's romantic. I should keep that in mind for when I get a girl.” Roxas was making fun of him again.

“You should… Damn,” Roxas looked at Axel curiously before Axel grinned devilishly, “I should have copped a feel.”

“You're terrible.” Roxas told him before jogging up on ahead to meet up with the group, “Next time, keep that stuff to yourself!” He called back, but they both knew they were in for a string of conversations just like it. That was the trouble of being a best friend. Like it or not, an earful is what you get. Axel was glad he could trust someone with this secret, it made him feel less like a coward hiding it from Reno when someone could know.

When he caught up, Axel's stomach knotted and his knees grew a bit week. He wasn't really disconcerted by the water, but when he saw Demyx soaked from head to toe… Well, he was just glad he was wearing a pair of rather forgiving jeans.

Demyx was standing in a fountain of rainbows, droplets of water reflecting the spectrum around the boy like a symphony. His jacket was abandoned and his pale shirt clung to his skin, which could be seen right through the fabric. His pants too, heavy with water, caressed his form, and Axel was entirely certain he'd never wanted to be alone with him more than at that moment.

Closing his eyes, he rubbed them, trying not to stare any longer. Given his current state, there was no way he could get in the water now, if he had ever considered it to begin with. Why had he agreed to this again?

“Hey Axel!” Demyx's voice caught his ear and he let his hand drop. He swallowed the hard lump in his through as his boyfriend rushed over to meet him, “Aren't you going to get rinsed off?” He asked.

“I think, uh…. I'm going to pass.” He murmured, wondering if Demyx could see his eyes dilating or perhaps feel the heat wafting off him. From the look on Demyx's face, he was oblivious. Clearing his throat, Axel peeled off his jacket, “You know me… Water's not really my thing. Besides, I like it hot.” This made Demyx grin and, after a moment to think about it, Axel was grinning too.

“You guys have got to be kidding me.” Axel looked at Roxas and Demyx, but they were serious, “A relay race? What you, five years old?” He asked. This was stupid. He hadn't done a relay race since he was in the fourth grade, and that was to win a box of jellybeans. Oh, but now the stakes were raised. Losers bought ice cream for the group. Did they look this shit up on the internet? If so, he'd have to write a disapproving e-mail.

“Oh, what? You scared, big boy?” Yuffie asked “You can go home, if you're chicken.” Axel just frowned at her.

“So how's this going to work?” Asked Axel at last.

Zell indulged him, “Here's the breakdown. Pence is going to be keeping the tack of the trials and note who won for each relay. Since Tidus thought of it, he'll be filming so he can use it for his final video project for class. Then there are going to be two teams of five with Yuffie and Roxas being the leaders.” And that was that, “Questions? We'll go over each leg of the race once we decide teams.” No one had anything to add so Zell handed it over to Yuffie and Roxas to pick teams, choosing one person at a time.

Yuffie picked Zell, Hayner, Gau, and Olette. Roxas selected Namine, Demyx, Yuna, and Axel. He'd purposefully picked Axel last because he knew Yuffie would rather die than have him on her team.

“You guys are going down!” Said Yuffie, hands on her hips, “Don't cry when we leave you in the dust.”

Roxas snorted, “Don't count on it Yuffie. Axel's sharper than he looks.” Did Roxas just insult or compliment him?

“Come on guys, I'll show you what you're going to be doing.” Tidus ushered, hoping to keep the over competitive players from breaking out into a street brawl. Axel wouldn't have minded that because he totally would have beaten them to the ground… That was the testosterone jealousy cocktail talking, “First up is the halfpipe! Racers on skateboards run through the park and are required to collect at least four flags before tagging the next person in line. After that, we've set up an obstacle course that must be tackled on foot. The course will lead us to the park where there will be a freestyle race to the opposite end of the park. There the cyclists will tag the next team member who will need to obtain some body gear. Once all pieces are collected, it'll be handed off for the players at the final challenge.” Tidus pointed to the community center, “The final team members will need to find a way to scale to the top of the building and wave the red flag to signal the end of the race!”

Gathering together, the groups discussed who would tackle what part of the challenge. The line-up ended up being: Roxas vs Hayner on the skateboard, Yuna vs Gau on the course, Axel vs Zell on the bikes, Namine vs Olette at the hunt, and finally Demyx vs Yuffie for the climb. Tidus led everyone to their designated areas, pointing out where the ending point was and advising everyone to be careful.

Up atop a hill in the park, Axel and Zell had a good vantage point of the races before theirs and waited patiently for things to get started. Axel was content on silence, but the tattooed blonde had another plan and decided to strike up a conversation, “Roxas is going to blow Hayner away.” He mentioned, folding his arms and leaning forward on his bike, “Don't you think?”

Axel looked over the park and the flag locations, “Yeah. Hayner's not bad, but he doesn't have the skill to collect the flags early on. It'll cost him some time.” He mentioned as he looked away from the beginning of the race to the community center. From this distance, he couldn't decipher subtle gestures or expression but he could still see that Demyx and Yuffie were having a good time talking. They had their backs to the building so they couldn't pre-determine a path up the building. Axel vaguely wondered what they could be talking about.

“So…” Zell tipped his head back, almost rolling his eyes as he drawled, “Demyx lives with you and your brother, huh?” Axel didn't answer, not sure what it was Zell wanted to know exactly, “You two get along?” What was he getting at?

“I suppose so. We don't get in each other's way or anything.” Shrugging, Axel dismissed any implications Zell was making about them, “Just like having a roommate or something.” He lied.

“So you don't talk a lot or anything?”

Axel looked at him sharply, “No, why?”

Smiling, Zell shook his head, “It's nothing. Sometimes I just get the feeling that he doesn't like it here. It must just be me though. No one seems to think anything of the idea anyway. Oh! Look, they've started!” Zell pointed to Roxas and Hayner. Straightening up, he watched them intently. Axel was about to continue on Zell's line of thought before deciding he should just shut up and watch the race.

They were quite right about Roxas. Right out of the gate, it was obvious that experience gave Roxas the upper hand. He was a little faster than Hayner but that gave him enough of an edge that when he shot up the halfpipe, he easily snagged the first flag. Hayner on the other hand, couldn't quite get enough air and had to abandon the idea of collecting the first one. There were eight flags so he had plenty of chances to grab another later.

Roxas was quite a sight to see, Axel thought. The way he rocketed around the concrete waves and shot up like a jet to snag flags. It reminded Axel of a skilled surfer and wonder if Demyx would be any good with practice. After all, Demyx said he was good at riding waves, why not concrete?

In no time at all, Roxas had tagged Yuna. She was agile and graceful, ducking through tubes, jumping over fences, but she was nothing compared to Gau. When Hayner finally got to him, the boy took off like a wildcat. He bounded through the obstacles on all fours sometimes and other times, he swung from one task to the next like a monkey. Even with the head start, Yuna was no match for him.

Zell saluted a little and grinned, “See you at the finish line, Ax!” He called before hopping on his bike and taking off across the park. The site of his retreating back put Axel on edge. On his own bike, he gripped the handles so tight his knuckles turned white. He had nothing against Zell, but the thought of losing suddenly struck him as something terrible. Especially since, this was his chance to show off.

Could he even do anything on the old thing? Damn straight he could!

Looking over his shoulder, he silently urged Yuna to hurry it up. His heart lit up with excitement when he saw her and the moment she tagged his back, he lurched forward. He knew the park by heart and knew the most direct pathway to the finish. Zell had gone off a little to avoid the difficult barriers between, but Axel didn't have time to play it safe.

Weight thrown into each pump of the pedal, Axel raced straight down the center of the park. Ignoring signs advising preservation of the grassy knolls and harsh curbs that threatened to beat his tires in, he tore through the crowds, scarcely missing a dog walker with her seven clients.

Swerving to avoid a jogger with her headphones blaring, Axel ducked just in time to avoid a branch only to be faced with an upraised garden. Leaning back heavily, he popped the front tire off the ground and hopped the front wheel over the ledge. The back wheel hit the concrete hard, jarring him forward. He nearly met the sidewalk with his face but managed to regain enough control to jump safely back down. Glancing back, he grimaced a little, they might need to come back to fix that. The plants that had been there were no longer recognizable, “Oops…”

Head forward, his eyes returned to the path ahead. The greenery broke into grey as the pavement came together as a central point. Just beyond the concrete plaza would be the lake. He could pick up some speed there.

Gritting his teeth, he looked off to the side. Zell was zooming towards the finish at an alarming rate.

“Oh no you don't!” Axel growled under his breath as he turned sharply to meet the first in a series of stairs. It was too large a set to jump so he bumped the back wheel against the rail and grinded down it on his pegs. The sheering of the two bars against one another let out a satisfying screech before they gave a sharp crack as he bumped back off it and landed on the ground. Both wheels were only on the pavement a brief moment before he jumped the last smaller set of steps. The landing jarred him a bit but he continued without skipping a beat.

Spotting a flock of ducks and geese, Axel grinned. If he could just get close enough. Zell was just up on a ridge, a few yards to his left…

“Hey Zell!” Axel called out causing the younger male to look his way, “Why don't you check out the wildlife?” He asked as he jerked his bike into the sandy beach of the lake shore. Water hissed under the tires, spraying his pants and the birds enjoying the shallows and bank honked and quacked in distress. Flooding out of his way, he drove them up to the left, wings and bodies thumping up into Zell's way.

Axel heard him let out a startled cry and he pulled away from the water, it would only slow him down. Cutting up through a stable patch of grass, he darted in front of Zell.

“Wha- How'd you?!” Baffled Zell looked from where he thought Axel should have been to where Axel was.

Axel wasn't about to indulge him and only answered with a genuine laugh. Standing up tall, Axel scoped out the area. He could see Namine now just beyond a grove of trees that stood on the other end of a vendor clearing. When he saw his route, he got down low to pick up some speed. The going was easy now, just a few curbs to hop and the occasional pedestrian leaping out of place here and there. For this reason, Axel was surprised when Zell caught up with him in the trees.

Neck and neck, they pedaled towards the girls and the community center. Then as they came skidding across their `finish line', there was no telling who'd gotten there first as both girls took off at the same time.

Panting heavily, Axel looked to Zell, “You're fast.” He said and Zell grinned.

He rubbed his nose, “Yeah, gotta hand it to ya though. You've got balls. Though after those jumps, I'm not sure they're quite intact anymore.” Zell told him with a laugh, “You're all right man.”

Axel made a bit of a face… Had he just made a new friend? When did that happen?

Wiping the sweat from his brow, he looked at the doors of the community center, “You're not bad yourself.” He murmured under his breath as he stepped off his bike. His thighs might be a little bruised tomorrow but, otherwise, no harm done. Zell parked his bike at the rack outside the center and headed around the building to the exit with Axel in toe. The two didn't say much but they were both eager to see who came out first.

They just managed to get to the door before Olette burst through with some gear in hand. It looked like some gloves, rope, and pads. Zell met her with a high five as she ran past to do the hand off with Yuffie, “Nice going O~lette!” He cheered as she passed. Axel watched anxiously as Yuffie began to put on the protective gear, but before she could finish Namine had appeared and gave Demyx the go ahead as well.

Stepping back, Axel watched as the two finished putting everything on and jumped over the bench to run at the building. It was fairly smooth looking with just some gutter lining, door frames, and dumpsters. There wasn't much to go off of.

Yuffie looked like she was going to rope climb up, attaching one end of her rope to a hooking device. Demyx on the other hand took it like Axel's brother Reno. Forget the gear, he was going at this with his bare hands!

“Look at him go!” Zell yelled from somewhere to Axel's left as Demyx scrambled atop a dumpster to get some height before jumping onto the vertical portion of the gutter, “And I thought Gau was a monkey!” He exclaimed, watching as Demyx climbed up the side of the wall and onto the roof. It was anyone's race now, because Yuffie easily made it over the lip of the building as well. It was only then Axel became aware that the rest of the gang had gathered to watch. The noise level rose, everyone yelling and cheering. Well, everyone but Axel, who was more apt to watch eagerly.

“Oh, look!” Olette cried out pointing.

“It's the flag!” Yuna exclaimed.

“Who's got it?!” Yelled Zell, hopping up to get a look. Tidus stepped back a bit, he fiddled with the camera.

When he got it focused, he announced, “It's Demyx! He's got the flag! Roxas and his team wins!”

Assembled over three lunch tables located near the food cart plaza, the group talked over their lunch. As predetermined, the losing team bought lunch and would be buying everyone some frozen deserts afterwards. Axel sat at a table with Zell, Gau, and Namine. Demyx was at another table with Tidus, Yuna, Yuffie, and Roxas. They were discussing something or another about the footage Tidus had gotten. Next to them, spilling over onto a table farthest from him were Hayner, Pence, and Olette. Axel couldn't hear their conversation from where he sat, not that his group was particularly loud.

Axel stared down at the questionable meal in front of him. Some mystery meat packaged in pig intestine inside a slightly charred bun topped with soggy lettuce, odd colored pickles, relish, brown mustard, and red ketchup. Beside it was a bag that had once been opaque that had begun to turn translucent as greasy fries saturated the paper. And just beyond that was a red and white cup filled with artificially flavored lemonade, for some bizarre reason no one offered water around there.

He wondered if the meal might kill him… Or give him food poisoning that would result in him puking consistently for the next four hours.

“You gonna eat that?” Asked Zell before stuffing his face with his own artery clotting concoction. Axel shrugged a little, he was thinking about it.

Namine smiled gently, “One street cart hotdog isn't going to kill you. Just try it, you might enjoy it.” She told him before daintily taking a couple of fries from the table and nibbling on them.

Sighing, Axel looked over at the other table and watched Demyx. He looked happy… With another heavy sigh, he pushed the hotdog towards Zell. The boy had been eying it as though he wasn't currently gobbling up a large hamburger and onion rings, “Why don't you eat it. I'm not very hungry.” He shrugged, though his stomach turned in disapproval. For the time being, he'd just pick at the French fries. He ate one here or there, but the grease on them quickly laced his mouth. It left sickening taste on his tongue.

As Zell swallowed the last bite of his burger, he reached across and grabbed the hotdog, “There's something weird about you.” He said bluntly before he bit into the dog, condiments oozing out over his hand. Glancing at Namine, Axel hoped that she might say something but she didn't. In fact, she didn't seem the least bit concerned about what Zell was saying. Then he looked at Gau, but he didn't seem to care either as he tore into his food like a wild animal, “I mean, who doesn't like food cart hotdogs?” Inwardly, Axel gave a sigh of relief.

“Sorry, I guess I prefer to make what I eat.” Axel shrugged as he picked up another fry and then decided against it. Tossing it back with the others, he pushed these towards Gau. He hoped the strange kid would accept the peace offering because for some reason, he felt like Gau didn't like him. Axel wasn't one for winning people over, but these were Demyx's friends and he ought to at least try.

“Well, more food for me.” Zell mentioned with a shrug, “So, you still live with your older brother?” He asked.

“Yeah…. It's not really that big of a deal. Statistically speaking, people are leaving home later and later in life.” Axel told him, feeling defensive, “I don't plan on being there forever, but my brother's a great guy… So I'm not in any hurry. After I finish school and I've saved up some money, I'll move out.”

Zell tipped his head, “Hm, guess I see your point, but I can't wait to get out of here. As soon as I'm old enough, I'm on my way. Gau too… Right buddy?” Gau made some inaudible noise as he nodded, mouth full of food still, “What about you Namine? Are you going to stay at home for a while?”

For a moment, she seemed to think. She looked at Roxas at the other table before answering, “Well, I might go to college. If I get a scholarship, I might live on campus.” She mentioned though she didn't sound sure.

“You've got plenty of time to think it over. I wouldn't worry about it.” Axel told her before looking back to Demyx's table. His heart stumbled a beat when he saw that Demyx was no longer there, “Where'd Demyx go?” He asked and the rest of the group looked to the other table as well.

Zell shrugged, “Probably finished eating and went to go get desert.”

“I hope just for himself.” Namine mentioned, “I mean… He's just not very good at getting things straight.” She bowed her head and played with the hem of her shirt shyly.

Silence fell over the table again. Awkwardness followed Axel like a dog on a scent. Clearing his throat, he nudged Namine's leg under the table to get her attention. She looked up at him and he looked over to the spot where Demyx had been. It just so happened that Demyx had been sitting next to Roxas. The spot was now open. She looked a deer caught in the headlights and quickly looked away.

Growling just a little in his throat, Axel shifted and cleared his throat more meaningfully. He covered his face just a bit and tipped his head towards the other table, trying desperately to get her to leave.

“But-“ Namine began before she caught the glare on his face. In silent resignation, she picked up the trash from her meal and stood up. Axel watched her carefully as she walked around the table, threw away the garbage and took as seat next to Roxas, “How'd the footage turn out?” She asked timidly.

“Great, but Tidus says that it's nearly full up so that's it for today.” Roxas replied. His voice sounded steady enough, but he couldn't seem to look at her. The poor guy.

Axel jumped a little at the feeling of something weighing down on his shoulder, “Hey, I got you some too.” Came Demyx's voice just as Axel turned his head. Demyx was standing behind him with his arm on Axel's shoulder. In his hand was a popsicle wrapped in generic white paper.

“Oh thanks.” Axel muttered reaching up and taking the frozen treat from Demyx's fingers. Then Demyx, quite easily, stepped around Gau up onto the table. Then he hopped down on the other side to sit beside Zell where Namine had been. Axel really wished that Demyx would've asked Gau to move but that would have been too obvious.

“Hey, Zell!” Demyx greeted, not asking why or when Namine had moved, “So Axel passed on the fast food huh?” Zell had already eaten all of the hotdog, but the remains of it were still splayed out in front of the tattooed kid like a crime scene.

“Yeah, such a weirdo. He cook good at least?” Asked Zell not caring that Axel was sitting right across from him.

Demyx unwrapped his popsicle and leaned on the table. It looked like he'd gotten some sort of fruit bar. It was deep red and gave of a faint sweet smell. Axel wouldn't be able to place it without tasting it though, “Oh yeah. Everything he makes it really flavorfull, you'd think he went to school for that than bomb making-“

“I don't make bombs…” Axel tried to hide the blush on his face and turned his head away indignantly, “Much… That's more of Rude's thing.” At the mention of this, he smiled to himself. Rude was quite good with his hands and often helped in out in making small explosives. It was one of the things they bonded over. It was nice to be able to do stuff with just Rude.

Demyx laughed at him, “What do you make then?”

“Oh, flares and fireworks… Maybe I'll make some for you to see when a good holiday comes around the corner.” Said Axel as he peeled open the wrapping of his own icy delicacy, “Hey… Who told you?” He asked, referring to the blue sea salt popsicle in his hand. As far as Axel knew, he hadn't bought any to keep in the house lately. He only had a stash at the restaurant.

“Roxas.” Demyx replied shortly before sucking some on his own bar, an act that had Axel completely mesmerized. He wasn't sure if Demyx was trying or not, but the way he sucked the sweet pop in his mouth was beyond sexy. Slowly working the red treat back and forth between his staining lips until sticky red syrup would collect at the bottom and threaten to drip. Then he'd take it out and turn his head to lick off the melting remnants. Sometimes, he sucked on the tip, making it go pale as he drew out the flavor before sliding it back in deep.

Incredibly, Axel's pants seemed to be shrinking again.

Demyx pointed at him with the popsicle making Axel jump a little, “It's melting.” He told him and Axel looked down at his sea salt ice cream.

“Oh…” Was the only audible noise he could seem to make. Then he focused his eyes on the table and busied himself with his own bar. For a moment, he ate it normally. Licking at it to make it soft, sucking on it sometimes, before he felt eyes on him. His green gaze lifted and now Demyx was watching him with a devilish grin. He'd been waiting for Axel to look at him before he continued to suck on the red popsicle. Now Axel realized it was on purpose.

Groaning painfully, Axel closed his eyes and massaged his forehead with his fingers. He could not play this game with Demyx, not in public and not when he was becoming so… Let's say frustrated.

“Brain freeze?” Asked Zell and Axel looked at him from under his hand.

“Something like that.” Axel replied, glancing at Demyx who was playing innocent now but still sucking alluringly on that fruity pop. An image flashed across Axel's mind and his skin prickled with goosebumps. Shivering, Axel hunched over a bit more. Damn his pants were tight.

Purposefully looking away, Axel began to make short work of his desert. Instead of licking and sucking, he bit of chunks and tried not to revisit the scenario that had popped into his head moments before. Around him, the rest of the gang began to get up. They were heading over to get their own frozen deserts and beckoning everyone to follow since they were going to hit the park one more time before they left.

As Demyx hopped up and passed by, he patted Axel on the shoulder, “That's for the garbage ambush.” He grinned with his red lips before hopping on the skateboard and rolling away.

Axel waited a few moments before getting up to follow, mostly to work up some self control… And to finish his ice cream. When he did get up, he tossed the stick and wrapper before grabbing his bike. He was not quite brave enough to actually get on it in his condition, “Like smelling like a trash bag wasn't enough.” He muttered to himself as he jogged to catch up with the group. Demyx had finished his popsicle as well and was laughing about something someone had said, “I hope it wasn't something about me.” Axel said, not intentionally loud enough for Demyx to hear.

Turning some, Demyx grinned at him, “I wouldn't do that to you.” He said, hand on Namine's should to keep him moving at the pace of the group. His smile seemed to make the park just a little brighter and Axel had to smile back at him.

“It wasn't, promise.” Namine chimed in sweetly looking back at him as well, “It was something Tidus did.”

“Don't announce it to the world!” Tidus objected loudly and the group burst into laughter again.

Off to his right, a young boy ran past bumping into him, “Oh sorry!” Cried the small brown headed child. Frantically, he looked in his hands to see if the flowers he'd been carrying were all right. When he saw they were okay, he rushed on by. Axel glanced back briefly and continued on, “Momma, I picked you these flowers! Aren't they pretty, don't you like them?” Axel smiled to himself, he used to do similar things for Reno. Though, instead of flowers, he'd find rocks and bugs. Reno had praised him for the gifts anyway.

When he looked forward again, his heart jolted. He'd expected to see Demyx in front of him but he'd disappeared. The rest of the group had stopped and they were looking back at him- No, they were looking past him. Turning, he saw that at some point, Demyx had stepped a foot down and stopped to watch the boy. Whatever joy that had been in his face had drained away, replaced with a strange calm that rendered his features blank.

Even without the expression, Axel could sense a tinge of loneliness from him.

“You guys… Uh, go on ahead. I'm… Not used to the city air.” Demyx told them, keeping his head turned so no one could get a good look at his face.

“All right… You know where we'll be.” Yuna said, casting concerned look at Tidus who waved her worries aside. He was the first to turn away and continue on with Yuna and Gau.

“Take your time, buddy! We've got all day,” Zell added, giving Yuffie a shove so that she would move on. Pence and Hayner exchanged a look and accompanied her. For a moment, Zell looked to Axel. He didn't say anything but Axel could almost hear his earlier words repeating in his head.

Roxas left Olette and Namine to join Axel, “You should follow him.” He said under his breath as Demyx picked up his skateboard and wandered off in the direction of one of the several raised fountain memorials.

“What would I say?” Axel asked.

“Dunno, up to you.” Then Roxas left without another word, taking Namine and Olette with him. Axel kind of wished Namine would have stayed… He could have used the help.

Swallowing hard, Axel went after him all the while trying to think of what he should say or do… If he'd ever thought Demyx was completely okay, Axel had been a fool. Even if they wanted to be together, that didn't erase the fact that Demyx's mother had passed away a few short weeks before. How long did it take for a pain like that to heal? Axel didn't know….

The low melancholy sound of Demyx's voice floated through the thin crowd.

“Playground school bell rings again…
Rain clouds come to play again…
Has no one told you she's not breathing?
Hello, I am your mind giving you someone to talk to.
Hello?”

He sat on the concrete lip of a wishing fountain. His shoes and socks were resting on the skateboard behind him, his feet in the water. Some people passed and looked at him oddly but did nothing other than that.
”If I smile and don't believe,
Soon I know I'll wake from this dream…
Don't try to fix me, I'm not broken.
Hello, I am the lie living for you so you can hide.
Don't cry…”

Hunching over, Demyx covered his head with his arms, face between his knees. Axel could hear the hurt in his low murmuring tone and he left his bike by a tree as he approached.
”Suddenly, I know I'm not sleeping.
Hello, I'm still here,
All that's left of yesterday…”

Oh boy… Was Axel not good at this. Hesitantly, he reached out and placed his uncertain hand on Demyx's shoulder. Then, in a cracked and quiet voice, he sang… For the first time in years, he thought of a song he hadn't heard in ages.

“Smile, though your heart is aching.
Smile, even though it's breaking.
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by...
If you smile with your fear and sorrow.
Smile and maybe tomorrow you'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just...”

Axel's voice broke and he found he couldn't continue, not that it sounded much like a song to begin with. Still, Demyx turned his head and placed a hand on the one Axel had on his shoulder. Then his hand fell and he sat up. His reddened eyes, turned to Axel and he smiled at him, “You really suck at this.”

Blushing, Axel stepped back and shoved his hands in his pockets, “Yeah, whatever.” He grumbled looking far off at nothing in particular.

Demyx leaned back, “Thanks…”

In the end, they wound up taking a rain check on the rest of the day's activities and headed home. Demyx went straight up to bed and Axel didn't hear from him the rest of the night. The day, it seemed, had exhausted him well enough that he slept right through dinner and Axel had to settle on the promise of a better day tomorrow.

Oh yeah, tons of nothing happened. However, I need a filler chapter or two to give the illusion of time passing. Also it gives Axel and Demyx time to develop their relationship. Trust me, it's more important than it seems.