Kingdom Hearts Fan Fiction ❯ To catch a falling star ❯ Part 6 ( Chapter 6 )

Chapter 6

After his initial reticence in coming to the beach with the three troublesome males, Zexion found that it had, so far, been a very relaxing and surprisingly pleasant experience. He had spent most of the morning curled up contentedly on the towels with one of his library books, taking in the fresh, crisp sea air that ruffled his slate coloured hair with teasing fingers, as he sat in the shade of the gaudily coloured umbrella.

Zexion was contentedly watching Demyx, Axel and the brat frolicking about in the rolling surf. Although Demyx had been trying to cajole him into the water, and had tried on multiple occasions since they had arrived to do so. He had apparently noticed Zexion's seruptious glances at the tumbling surf which rolled up the beach and then back again, ebbing with the tide. Zexion had been quietly reading his book to start with, but the sound of the waves crashing to the shore drew his gaze to it like iron filings to a magnet. He sat nestled amongst there belonging's, brightly coloured towel's, bags, a cooler that contained there lunch and multiple bottles of drink to help keep them hydrated.

But he had refused the invitation, Zexion couldn't get wet. Not because he didn't want to, the temptation of the cool water was a steady tug on his conscious but he hadn't brought a change of clothes with him and now he was kicking himself for the oversight. As it was Demyx had to lend him a pair of dark purple swim shorts, which hung dangerously low on his more slender hips and ended just passed his knees, because he didn't own any of his own, and that was a rather embarrassing conversation if he did say so himself.

The slightly stiff fabric was the perfect length, covering plenty of skin from view. Zexion had worn his own long sleeved top in a pale grey over said shorts in the hopes of warding off the burning heat of the sun and keeping his body covered from wrist to knee.

Zexion could feel the soft pull of the salty breeze twinning around him, tempting him to touch the cool ocean waves crashing to the shore, tempting him to come in and swim, he had always enjoyed swimming as a child and it had been a very long time since he'd indulged, for very good reason.

A time or two, he had almost risen to dabble his pale feet in the cold water, if only to ease the heat reflecting off the ivory sands. But Zexion had managed to resist the tantalising scent of the sea and the growing need he was just starting to adjust to that had him wanting to be closer to the dirty blond haired man bounding around happily with his brother and Axel.

Zexion watched Axel and the brat playing around together in the salt water and it brought tightness to his chest that was unwanted and unfamiliar. He turned smoky eyes to the musician, watching him grin at their antics as he lazed about in the waves. But Zexion couldn't help wondering how real that smile truly was; it looked strained to his eyes. He watched Demyx attentively for a while from behind borrowed sunglasses and the veil of his windswept hair; he was so graceful, if a little clumsy.

Zexion felt a tug at the corner of his lips more often than he had before, the temptation this man represented was undeniable - he warmed him, made him want to smile. He had wanted to smile and laugh at the three young men cavorting in the waves and on the shore, they were being completely ridiculous but enjoying every minute, judging by their laughter - it was like watching a comedy of errors. Zexion brought cool fingertips to his lips to hide the chuckle that he let escape as Demyx was crushed under the enthusiastic red head and the little pest. A frown slipping across his features as it took the older blond a little longer to get up, after being flattened by the other two.

Zexion watched their antics for a few hours before they tried to get him to play a game of volleyball with them. It turned out that he couldn't resist three pairs of puppy eyes directed at him, combined with those dejected pouts from the childish bunch. His initial refusals had garnered him no sympathy, the three were even more determined to make him join their game - resorting to the most basic of bribes, puppy eyes, pouts and tears.

"That is not fair - it is bad enough he does it why are you joining in? Especially you brat?" Zexion pointed a finger at Demyx in accusation and then turned a forbidding glower on the younger blond and the lanky red head who just grinned unapologetially.

Roxas glowered back at him, pouting in spite of the annoyed look itching to break across his features.

Zexion watched Axel sputtering from the corner of his eye as he tried to refrain from laughing at his other half's predicament. He heard a smothered giggle from behind him and turned to watch as the sounds increased in volume, bubbling forth from the musician's parted lips.

He couldn't restrain the smile that was curving his usually dower visage and wasn't quick enough to hide it as that amazing sound exited from those plush lips. Zexion thought it might just be the first time that Demyx had really laughed like that around him and it seemed to have the other two grinning happily at their friend and brother.

It would seem that Demyx couldn't have sounded any less beautiful to his ears; every sound he made was exquisite like the chimes and notes of the music he loved. Zexion shook his head at the stray thoughts passing through his head, burying the odd feeling that bloomed inside his chest that had arisen at the musician's laughter.

He didn't think he'd ever heard Demyx sound so happy.

Zexion looked on as Demyx ran his palms across his cheeks, swiping away the tears of mirth that trickled down his skin, eyes squinted shut as he wiped them dry. The dirty blond haired man smothered his laughter a little more successfully this time, only letting the soft snorts out every now and again, managing to speak to his brother, "You look so damn funny Rox' …pftt...hahah."

Demyx then curled his hands around his waist, laughing between winces, his sides aching from laughing so hard, "Hahh...it hurts... to funny...hahah."

The pest in question just frowned at his brother before giving him an almost sweet smile, his normally sharp blue eyes softening as he watched his brother's amusement. Zexion had never seen that particular look before; it warmed the younger blonds' face and made him wonder just how much of a front the smaller man put on for the world around him. He watched Roxas's expression as he looked back at Demyx and knew then that maybe Demyx had been faking at least some of those beautiful smiles. He turned a wary gaze to Axel, after not hearing anything from him for a few minutes, and found him alternating his gaze between him and the smaller blond he was so obsessed with.

The red head gave Zexion a very calculating look and he'd freely admit that it made him feel slightly on edge.

"Zex, you gonna come play or what - it'd make up the numbers and we can play in pairs. Not to mention you'd make Demyx happy."

Zexion glowered at Axel from behind the tinted lenses, brows furrowing in consternation, manipulative pyro!

As Zexion glowered at the red head he didn't notice the sudden silence and watched in shock as the aforementioned red head went sprawling, a flushed sandy blond elbowing him hard in the ribs, growling low at the landed Axel, "Shut up, Axel."

Zexion was a spectator for a few minutes as the two men locked gazes, silently staring at each other as Axel rose to sitting, eyes never leaving the musician. He noted the shifts in features from Axel but he wasn't able to see the opposing movements from Demyx, the blond haired man's broad shouldered, tanned skinned, back facing him. The pale expanse tempted him, he wanted to run his fingertips along the smooth contours, down the length of his spine, to brush away the sand that marred the length of it.

Zexion had the overwhelming urge to reach out and turn Demyx around so he could see those expressions that he was sharing with Axel; his fingers clutching at the fabric of his grey sleeve as he stopped his body from reacting and causing a scene. How they could carry out such a complicated conversation without any words baffled and annoyed Zexion. Though, he couldn't place why he was irritated by the unusual method of conversation.

The brat broke up the mental committee meeting the two were having with an audible huff and a very near growl, "Axel..." in a foreboding tone. The pyro's eye contact broke instantly, looking over at the disgruntled figure of his boyfriend hovering over him. Axel just reached up and ran a nervous hand through his crimson spikes looking rather sheepish, "Sorry you guys."

Zexion was completely baffled by the exchange and didn't want to keep thinking about the odd undertones that the non-conversation had. So he dove right in - feet first.

"Well are we going to play or just talk about it all day - it's hot you know." The winning smile that Demyx turned on him made his heart flutter in his chest, blue eyes lit up shining the colour of sparkling topaz.

What he wouldn't do to see that smile again.

Zexion shook his hair out from its mooring behind his ear, letting it fall haphazardly across his cheek, creating a barrier between that blinding smile and his own face. Zexion could feel a light heat spreading across his cheeks that he couldn't attribute to sunburn and he knew that he was blushing again. His mind cursing and ranting, dam it all - this isn't right! How does he did he do this to him?

Zexion spun on his heel, breaking the contact and headed for the volleyball net that was a little ways down the beach, listening as the others frantically grabbed things to take with them in his wake. He turned his stormy gaze out to the sea, wishing he could step into those cold depths just once. He didn't hear the lanky redhead step up beside him before his rich tenor slipped out into the breeze, "You can go in you know - there's nothing against swimming."

Zexion shook his head and looked away from the sea, staring down at his cloth-covered hands, the long sleeves of his charcoal coloured shirt stretching just passed his fingertips.

"No - I can't."

Axel heard the mumbled response, placing a careful hand on Zexion's clothed shoulder, squeezing gently.

Zexion didn't flinch back as he would have with Demyx, Axel and he had been around each other long enough to know where the boundaries where. That and Axel didn't push - he knew something, but he never wanted answers.

Demyx - wanted nothing but.

Zexion turned an expressionless gaze to the red head, grateful for the small gesture he had so freely given, nodding once and watching Axel's hand slipped back to hang at his side.

"We brought spares you know - I thought, well, you might want them or something."

Zexion watched Axel scratch the back of his neck awkwardly, they made an odd pair both strangely awkward to talk to but comfortable with eachother non-the-less. Zexion saw Axel shrug nonchalantly and give one of his cocky grins from the corner of his eye, "Whatever - right?"

"Right." Zexion faced forwards once again, eyes following the curve of the long beach, seeing hundred's of umbrellas, beds and people littering the shore. He wondered idly what it looked like when it was empty - natural. He considered what Axel had just offered, it was a thoughtful gesture from the redhead and it made him feel that gentle warmth that Demyx inspired inside him the thought, though it didn't hold the same intensity. To be able to touch the sea and to be there beside Demyx, it made his heart flutter and his stomach clench in anticipation and regret.

Roxas watched the two striding ahead, the annoying one's gaze slipping out to sea before Axel placed a kind hand on his shoulder, making him turn to face him. Roxas couldn't figure it out, how was it alright for Axel to behave so friendly towards him and not Demyx? It didn't matter that the contact was brief, he turned to watch his happy go lucky brother and saw the pain that was evident in his eyes, as he watched the exchange. Roxas had noticed how often Demyx's expression shifted to the sad frown and it had only gotten worse since he'd met Zexion, not better like he and Axel had hoped.

He had been watching Zexion on and off all day - seeing the way he gazed so longingly at Demyx. It was so strange that even after a few weeks nothing had happened. Demyx was staying quiet about the whole thing, even more than normal, but he knew that his brother was hiding something and he was hurting, even more than before.

Roxas turned a dark scowl back to the slate haired man and caught Axel's viridian gaze, he gave him a small shake of his head, his own eyes reflecting the pain both parties seemed to be suffering from.

Roxas gave him the tiniest smile, though it was a bit strained, catching the quick wink he threw back at me, a tiny sparkle glinting in his eyes.

He turned his full attention back on his despondent brother, "Hey Demy, how about we pair up and kick their asses?" Roxas's question seemed to catch Demyx off guard, but he smiled - a small - but genuine smile, eyes clearly reflecting there thanks. Roxas grabbed his hand, feeling the calluses on his fingertips were he stroked the strings of his favourite instruments, and realising that he hadn't been playing as much as he used to. Roxas tugged Demyx along in his wake, determined to cheer his brother up for however long he could, swiftly racing past the other two, yelling as they went, "You hear that losers - we're gonna kick your asses!"

Roxas could hear Demyx's laugher behind him and he squeezed his fingers, pleased that he'd managed to way lay his brother's unhappiness, no matter how temporary it may be. He could hear Axel chuckle as they ducked passed; catching his salacious response, "I'd rather have your ass, Roxy."

"You nasty, asshole." Roxas didn't really care who heard him when he stopped and spun around to face his lover, "You're dead - here me flamer!"

"That all you got - Blondie." He winked at Roxas, saucy bastard.

"No but you knew that already."

Roxas couldn't really stay angry, he enjoyed their jibing too much and he relented with a grin, his face froze on hearing a throaty chuckle and he redirected his cerulean stare to encompass both the slate haired menace and his brother.

"What are you guys laughing at?" Roxas gave Zexion a glare before looking at his brother, amusement ticking at the corner of his lips.

"You guys are something else."

It was Zexion who replied in his quiet, soft voice, but he wasn't looking at Roxas when he spoke. It seemed that the slate haired man was transfixed by his brother's eyes, their gazes locked and they nodded together in agreement.

Roxas hid his own smile behind his hand before they could see. Sneaking a quick glance at Axel, who was doing the same.

Roxas recognized their behaviour, being around Cloud and Leon and having experienced it with Axel it made him happy, they were doing the same thing that he and Axel did. Acknowledging and laughing in shared amusement without even realising that they weren't speaking.

Axel broke the moment when he raced across the sand, "Last one there has to buy the ice cream!" ruffling Roxas's hair as he whizzed past.

"You God damn pyro - that's not fair!" Roxas carted around on his heel to race after Axel only to feel air rush past him as Zexion dashed past in a monochromatic blur, Demyx in hot pursuit.

Roxas chased after them all but still came last, "Damn it - it's not fair, I'm smaller than all of you! You'd be toast if I had my board."

Axel swooped down and scooped Roxas off his feet, his arms looping easily around Axel's neck instinctively at the sudden movement, ignoring all the other people around them who were openly staring at them.

Roxas couldn't resist rubbing their naked chests together, snuggling closer to the lanky redhead. Axel planted a sloppy kiss against his cheek, before nuzzling into salt strewn blond locks, nipping at his ear and whispering against it, "But Roxy you're so cute because your small - you fit just perfectly right here."

Axel gave Roxas a gentle squeeze before resting his feet back on the ground.

Axel held onto him as Roxas got his bearings back, moving from ground to air to ground again was a tad disorientating. Roxas leant against Axel's taut stomach, just breathing in his scent, cinnamon, vanilla and salt from the water - yummy. Axel's arms were draped loosely around his petite frame when two voices cleared their throats, "So Roxy... we gonna play or what?"

Roxas winked up at his lover before leaning away from his slender, toned frame, turning to pin Demyx with a cocked eyebrow, "Well, we are gonna kick ass after all - right Dem?" He couldn't restrain the cocky note in his voice as he smiled back over his shoulder at Axel, who grinned in return.

"We'll see shortie!" was Axel's only response before ducking to the other side of the net with Zexion.

Roxas stuck his tongue out in response and grabbed up the luminous green ball, positioning himself, ready to serve. "Here it comes - I'll teach you to call me shortie!"

00-00-00

Well, the match was decided to be a draw in the end because nobody could remember who had scored the most points. Demyx hadn't thought that Zexy would be quite so competitive and yet it made sense to him. The writer was good at everything, so it was clear his determination would transfer over to anything he attempted to do. Plus, Demyx thought that he just wanted to beat Roxas - who'd done nothing but taunt the older man all the way through the game.

Demyx had been watching the normally subdued man quite avidly at the beginning of the game, which was until he got hit upside the head by Roxas because he wasn't paying enough attention. He couldn't really dispute that, giving his brother a rather sheepish smile before going at it with tooth and nail.

It felt so good to be back outside, in the sunshine, the smell of the fresh crisp breeze rolling off the ocean. Demyx hadn't realised how much he had had missed it, how different the city was from being out here. But the best part was that he got to bring Zexy here, to his special place. It didn't matter that they weren't alone; it was just good to be here together.

Demyx loved to watch the slate haired man, absorbing everything about him that he could. They had become, dare he say - friends. But he knew that there was something that didn't quite sit right between them. The reminder had become even more acute when Axel was permitted to touch that slender shoulder, in what looked like reassurance. It's not that Demyx could begrudge him that but he wanted to be the one to offer it, to make him feel better - more at ease. He also knew that his touch would have been unwanted, shrugged off or withdrawn from, and that hurt.

Demyx wanted to know what it was that the red head had and he clearly didn't.

All he could feel and had felt for the past month was an inconsolable urge to be close to Zexion, to make him smile and he couldn't. To Demyx, Zexion seemed infinitely sad, no matter how well he hid it and Demyx wanted - so desperately - to take it away the best way he knew how. Demyx wanted to give Zexion all those silly gestures people make in comfort to one another, the light brush of fingers, that odd manly one armed hug - all those things that he believed people needed, even only now and again. But he wouldn't let him and Demyx didn't understand why.

The game was over; Roxas had gone off to collect our ice cream order.

Roxas had found it immensely confounding that Zexy had never tried sea-salt ice cream and proceeded to explain the greatness of the treat he himself was obsessed with. It was amazing to watch Roxas opening up to someone he didn't know well, even if they did have a pretty bad start Demyx hoped that they'd become some semblance of friends - he didn't think Zexion had many. Demyx smiled quietly at Zexion's curious eyes as both Axel and Roxas explained the concept of sea salt ice cream to him - it was such an endearingly curious expression, brows drawn together, gaze focused. It made Demyx wonder what it would be like to be under such scrutiny, and that made heat curl low in his belly, which in turn made him feel flush and flustered.

Demyx had noticed that Zexion's nose and cheeks were going a very delicate pink, his fair skin almost glowing in the sunlight. He reached out to touch him to get his attention, but recoiled at the realisation of what he had been about to do. He caught Axel's gaze as he turned quickly to hide his thoughtless movement.

Axel's viridian gaze tracked Demyx's movements as he stared out at the sea he loved so much, he felt a warm arm loop loosely around his shoulders and squeeze before letting go. And Demyx knew he had seen what he had narrowly avoided.

Demyx turned his gaze up to look at the lanky red head and gave a hesitant smile, "Thanks Ax... would you tell him that he needs more sun cream or something, he's getting burnt."

He lifted his hand to gesture at the bridge of his own UV protected nose.

"You don't wanna tell him yourself?"

Demyx shook his head subtly, trying not to catch any more attention, unknowing that although the other two were still talking a certain pair of stormy grey eyes were watching his every move.

"Alright Dem, Rox is off to get some ice cream what do you want?"

"Vanilla's fine; I'm gonna go swim for a bit." Demyx's eyes where downcast as he replied and then walked himself down to the shoreline, his gaze drifting up to take in the vast expanse of blue laid out before him, as the sea licked at his feet. He stared out at the horizon, trying to define where the cloudless sky and the sea met, but finding only a blur, much as he had as a child. Demyx had lost himself in that sea so many times; it's where he had solved his worst problems and his fears. He hoped that it could help him now, when he felt so completely cast adrift.

He strode in a little ways before diving into the oncoming waves, missing the gasp of surprise behind him as he pumped his arms hard, blood rushing through his heart with a steady monotonous rhythm.

He didn't know that Axel had to reassure the pale man that he'd left stood on the beach that it was normal for him to dive straight in like that; telling him to go apply some sun cream before he burnt to a crisp, not voicing that it had been Demyx's request, whilst they waited for Roxas to return with their nice ice cold treat.

Demyx only stopped when his body grew tired; gently floating in the waves as they moved him closer to shore. He could see Axel on the beach from miles away, bright red hair a flag against the pale sand, he was waving at him from a distance, a blue frisbee in hand.

Demyx smiled, a truly genuine smile, they hadn't done this in a long time and Axle knew that he enjoyed spending time here - together again. It brought back many happy memories, although a few sad ones tried to creep in. But Demyx clamped down hard on those, concentrating on pushing his body up out of the water to go and play the new game with Axel.

Zexion was curled up in the shade of the multihued umbrella, watching Demyx the entire time he had been in the water, admiring the way he seemed to slice through the water - the man was a natural. He hadn't realised that he'd licked his lips subconsciously as the musician slipped out of the tumbling waves, small droplets of moisture coursing down the well toned muscles of his chest and stomach, board short's clinging to toned thighs and other things. Zexion clamped his eyes shut and tried to shake push those images from his mind and consequentially didn't notice the smaller blond approaching him with icy lollipops in hand.

Demyx turned a quick glance up the beach on reaching Axel and watching in shock as Roxas tried to give one of the unwrapped ice creams to Zexion. The writer was staring at that hand in sheer terror as Roxas extended his hand so that Zexion could take the salty bar from him. Demyx's whole body froze up for a few precious seconds before he shot towards the pair, yelling at the top of his lungs, "Roxas - stop!"

He reached them both in a flurry of sand to see the ashen man trembling, his body arched as far away from Roxas as possible. "Roxas, would you go see Axel for a minute?" Demyx didn't take his eyes away from the frightened man, as he spoke quietly to the confused looking blond. Demyx wanted to sooth Zexion's fears with every fibre of his being but he didn't know how. All he did know was that Roxas had frightened him with his proximity and it would be best if he moved away.

Demyx didn't see the confusion slipping into cerulean orbs or the arm that snaked out around Roxas's waist as Axel hugged him bodily from behind before extracting the ice cream he had been trying to give to Zexion from his fingers. The red head planted a soft kiss to the confused furrow on the Roxas's forehead and slipped around him. "Demy, move a minute will you."

It wasn't a request and Demyx turned surprised eyes on his closest friend as Axel manoeuvred him away from the distressed man.

Demyx watched as Axel dropped down to his knees in front of Zexion, not getting any closer, not touching him. "Zexion - come on you wanted this right."

Axels gaze focused on Zexion as he waved the pale blue bar in front of him and just like that he snapped back.

Demyx was startled by the growl that came from Zexion's throat growled, his gruff words aimed at the red head, "Shut up you pyromaniac."

Zexion looked around and saw Demyx and Roxas watching him from just under the shade of the umbrella and he averted his gaze when he met concerned sapphire, "I'm not a zoo exhibit."

Demyx winced at that, knowing that it was both embarrassing and annoying to be watched by so many people; so he turned and pulled Roxas's along with him.

"Demyx, that's it isn't it?" Roxas's voice was subdued but confident in his assumption, much as you would expect from a young man with his intellect - he was a lot like Zexion in that regard. Roxas's was far too smart for Demyx he'd tell you that.

Demyx's only reply was a quiet, "Yeah."

He sat down on the shorefront, one leg propped up, arm laced around it, his normally usually stiff brother collapsing down beside him with a quiet huff. The smaller blond leant into Demyx's side just like he did when they were small.

Roxas's favourite ice cream went completely ignored in favour of just being with his brother.

Demyx couldn't even bring a smile to his face, not like back then when the small, awkward gesture would make him feel happy, warm and loved. Right then he felt like hsi heart was being shredded inside his chest. Roxas was the only source of warmth he could feel, his whole body was cold and aching to be warm again.

Demyx's gaze was drawn to the waves; he looked longingly out to sea. Were where all the answers? Why was this so hard and why did he want it so much, that it caused so much pain? He let a single salty tear course down his cheek before letting his mind drift away. He never noticed Roxas leave his side, but Demyx stood up after a while and wandered down the beach, not really watching where he was headed, lost in thought, his arms wrapped loosely around his aching chest.

What was he going to do?

00-00-00

Zexion watched both blonds' move away; tracing the taller of the two behind lowered eyelashes, heat sifting to rest across his cheeks. He was such an idiot! Why did he put himself in that position - he knew Roxas would return and would want to hand over the sticky, cold substance he'd tempted him in to trying.

Zexion shook his head in disgust, a sneer decorating his lips, "Stupid, god damn idiot."

"Are you talking about you or him?"

Zexion's gaze lifted to the red head who'd sat close by, but not to close, bright green eyes turning from watching his best friend and his lover disappear across the sand to sit on the shore.

Axel knew the situation was bad when Roxas leant against his brother, offering him the same comfort he sometimes gave to him with that odd gesture, another family trait.

"Me, him does it matter - I should never have come here. It was a mistake." Zexion turned his face away from Axel's penetrating gaze and watched the two blonds' at the water's edge once more. "I've done it again haven't I, Axel?"

His voice was barely a whisper, but the pain laced through it seemed to calm the rising anger the red head was feeling.

"Zexion, do you care about him? Do you realise how hurt he was because he couldn't help you and I could?"

Zexion knew Axel had a very good point and he could see how badly this was affecting the blond, the distance he was imposing between them. It hurt more than he would like to say. His heart felt like it was lodged in his throat, eyes stinging from restrained tears.

"Do you think I don't know that? I do not want to hurt him alright, but he won't leave me alone. He's always there; I'm not good for other people, Axel. I don't know what I'm doing anymore, there's just something about him and I just - I can't help wanting to be close to him."

Zexion's sudden fervour ebbed as those final words came out, he could feel the sting of frustrated tears trying to slide down his cheeks and he dashed them away with a closed fist. He couldn't understand what was wrong with him, he'd never felt such turmoil, all these feelings and emotions were unrepentant in their assault.

"You like him, Zexion. You never wanted to make friends before. I these last few weeks I have seen you go out of your way to be kind to Demyx. Don't you dare think you can act all 'I don't know what you're talking about' bullshit, you like Demyx."

Zexion could feel Axel's words settling in his mind, like they were meant to fit just so, as, at the same time, they tangled around his heart.

The quiet snort from Axel at the expression on Zexion's face was ignored in favour of this untimely revelation.

"I like him? I don't like anybody." Zexion could feel the words rolling off his tongue and found that they felt oddly comfortable there. His own denial was a sour taste on his tongue. He sent his gaze back down to the shoreline to be greeted by an angry blond headed in his direction, and Zexion toppled sideways when he attempted to locate the other by leaning too far over.

Axel and Roxas exchanged an odd look and the outrage that had been oozing from the little pest cooled to a heated stare. "Go talk to him would you - stupid idiot! I can't believe this shit. After everything else he likes someone like you!"

Zexion hazarded a glance back into angry cerulean eyes and arched an eyebrow at his choice of phrase.

"Everything that happened?" Zexion questioned and Roxas flushed bright pink at being caught out. Zexion gave him tiny quirk of his lip as he found Roxas's discomfort amusing and to let him know he hadn't missed that little slip.

So, Demyx has his own secrets too.

Zexion pushed himself up off the ground, dodging around the embarrassed pest. He wrapped both arms around his waist in an effort to keep the butterflies from erupting as they flitted about haphazardly inside him, making him feel alternately queasy and heady. He headed for the spot Demyx had been sat in and found it empty. He looked at the disappearing footprints walking along the shore and set out at a jog in that direction, hair whipping in the breeze as his feet kicked up the wet sand. Zexion tried to reach out to him when he finally caught up with him, but he couldn't, his arm halting in mid air, fingers clenching tightly around his material covered fingers.

Zexion couldn't touch him to get his attention, but he could talk to him or, at least, he could try.

"D-Demyx? I… look I'm... sorry." It was hard to say but he knew what he had said hurt Demyx, it was written throughout his lithe body. The tension in his shoulder, his stiff posture, his arms mimicked Zexion's, curling protectively around his waist.

Demyx's pace slowed to a stop a few feet in front of him and he half turned, dirty blond hair rippling across his shoulders in the breeze, one ocean blue eye visible on his drawn features.

"Why, Zexion? I don't understand. Why can't I help you?"

Zexion shook his head slowly, pale grey strands filtering down, shadowing his right eye. HE couldn't answer that question, it wasn't just him - nobody could help him.

So Zexion denied it all, "Because I don't need help. There's nothing wrong with me, Demyx. I should not have come today, but I wanted..." His voice wasn't steady as he spoke to Demyx's back, hiding behind the make shift barrier of his hair once more.

"You're wrong. We all need help sometimes. What is it you want that you can't even say it?"

Demyx turned then, striding back with confidence, his eyes lit with determination. #

Zexion backed up slowly, not knowing how to answer.

"Stop right there, I would never hurt you Zexy, I like you. Where friends - right?" His return to that ridiculous nickname made Zexion pause in his tracks. Demyx didn't appear to be angry anymore, but his eyes where clouded in confusion and sadness, his voice laced with questions that Zexion just couldn't answer.

Demyx stopped mere centimetres from Zexion, stretching out one tanned hand.

Zexion could feel his body start to shake as he held completely still; he would not run again. He could do this.

Demyx's hand didn't come to rest on his shoulder or arm as he had done before; his fingers reached higher, slipping into the soft bangs that were brushing his cheek. He rubbed the hair gently through his fingers, "Hmm... soft like silk."

Zexion could feel his heart trip hammering in his chest, but those beautiful hands didn't move any closer, just gently caressed the strands trapped in-between his fingers. He let his eyes drift closed at the slight pull of his fingers playing with those long strands, marvelling in the sensation that was so new to him.

Zexion's eyes opened again to find Demyx that little bit closer, his eyes widened in fear as his stomach roiled in protest. Zexion watched as Demyx smiled, and the thud in his chest shifted, softened and felt much more soothing than the rapid staccato rhythm of fear that it had replaced. The discomfort was melting away under that gentle stare. Zexion returned that soft gaze with a small smile, a flush stealing across his heated skin.

Demyx's fingers slipped through the satiny strands and curled gently behind his ear, tucking it back, before withdrawing, brushing the tip of his ear and sending a shock straight through Zexion's system. But it wasn't lit with the pain and nausea that had nearly incapacitated him in the past; it was filled with warmth and a gentleness he didn't understand. Zexion had not that kind of touch for many years.

His heart squeezed in his chest as Demyx gestured that Zexion walk with him; he waved the writer to the left of him, making him walk with his feet in the water.

Zexion's body thrilled with the idea of putting his feet into the cool liquid he had been longing for all day.

"You can paddle right? You won't get to wet that way."

Zexion turned uncertain eyes on the blond haired musician, not really verbalising the question he wanted to ask, "Hmm... ?"

How did he know?

Demyx chuckled at him and he felt the constriction around his heart loosen at the melodious sound.

"You've been looking at it all day and it'll be time to go soon." Demyx started walking down the beach again and Zexion slipped his feet into his longer stride, easily catching up to the sedate pace as he stepped to Demyx's side, the cold water licking at his ankles, sending a shiver straight up Zexion's spine.

"S'cold. How did you go swimming in that?" His question was punctuated by a sudden shiver from the cool temperature of the water. He liked the feel of the smooth wave's rolling lazily across his bare feet as they sank into the soft sand, chill and all.

"I've been doing it for years. I used to live near here and I came to the beach almost every day."

Zexion knew that Demyx loved this place just by the warmth that edged into his voice, he had missed it. It pleased him to know that the musician had brought him to a place he liked so much.

Zexion's hands swung gently by his sides as he walked through the surf, "I like it here too," was his quietly whispered reply. His reward was a dazzling smile that lit up Demyx's entire face. He couldn't have held hold in his own smile at that pleased expression.

They walked on after that, quiet and contemplative, Zexion watched him now and again, seeing a contented look spread across his features.

Zexion stuffed up all the feelings that were roiling in his belly and moved his hand just slightly, enough so that every now and then his covered fingers brushed against Demyx's slender ones.

Axel was right; he wanted this enthusiastic, music loving person to be his friend. He hated to admit that he enjoyed his company far more than many others that he associated with in the past.

Zexion was very aware of the issue he had and that wishing it away wouldn't solve it, but it wouldn't stop him from trying to make friends with Demyx. If he could manage to get to the comfortable stage he had with Axel, then it would be enough for him. Zexion just hoped it would be enough for the curious blond, because friend or not Zexion would not be pushed into anything he did not want.

Pushing those thoughts away Zexion brushed his covered fingers against Demyx's again, enjoying the sensation of comfort that it brought with it. HE looked up at the taller man and watched the dying rays of the sun filter through shining gold filaments and across gentle features, warm eyes staring back at his avid gaze. "Friends?"

"Yes."