--b.oardwalk--
p.art o.ne
Sparklers were dancing at the edge of his vision, and a warm glow flooded down from the colorful paper lanterns strung overhead from the rafters. The chilling water lapped at the underside of the wooden planks beneath his shoes. The laughter and pitter-patter of children feet on the timbers created a soothing white noise that blanketed him, smothering his ears. Behind his vivid tanzanite eyes there was a sea of turmoil and self-doubt.
If you take the time to think, the human mind is scattered with its thoughts. Make up a simple sentence. For example: Jimmy's dog is brown. No thought is complete. Thinking about the same sentence would sound more like: Jimmy's…wonder if he likes me…she said he did… or Susan..dog…so cute…wish I had a dog…stupid parents…is brown…such an ugly color…but Hannah wore it…swimsuit… the other day…fun day at the pool…wonder when we'll go to the pool next. Some interrupting thoughts may be so small and insignificant that we might not even notice them, but they're there all the same.
This boy's thoughts were no different as he struggled to understand his wan existence. Doubtful, traitorous thoughts plagued him. Sora and Kairi…don't want to be…alone…or not…am I…just a reflection…only able to feel Sora's feelings…not my own…Nami-
"Roxas, are you alright?" A slender palm connected gently with the boy's head to bring back reality. For a second, Roxas stared straight at the blond in front of him. Then, with a small start, he shook Naminé's hand off of his forehead.
"Man, sorry Naminé, I must've spaced out there." Roxas shrugged, grinning sheepishly and taking hold of her hand.
"S'kay," Naminé blushed as he held her hand close. "Um, Roxas…?"
"Oh! Right– sorry, Nam." Roxas somewhat reluctantly released his grip on her hand, giving it a quick affectionate squeeze first.
For a second there was a pause, in which the crowd around them seemed to lull. It wasn't an awkward pause, just a silence that didn't need to be filled with words. Then the air around them was once again filled with the noise and bustle of the boardwalk. The South Side Boardwalk of Destiny Islands was always clamoring with people at sundown.
Shoppers hurrying to finish their business pushed past them, eager to return home. The whole island knew that it was the most romantic spot in their world, so it was no surprise to see young couples walking and flirting. Stalls and their owners littered the sides, along with quaint, old-fashioned shops.
"So, do you want to walk, eat, shop, or what?" It was a bit painful and unsettling to break the silence, but Roxas couldn't help himself.
"I don't know. Let just walk or something until we decide what to do." Naminé smiled softly and began to walk in a random direction through the throng. Her shoes made hollow sounds on the wood beneath their feet.
"What to do…" What would they do? The last words hung in the air between the pair (Hey look! A rhyme! Isn't that sublime?) with a promise, sealing a nonexistent pact.
"Or something…" Roxas shivered and fell in step with her, his heavier shoes making more noise than hers. "And where are we going?" He made legs with his fingers and walked them up her shoulder playfully.
--a.uthor's n.ote--
Please give the Review button a little TLC! -grin- Or I'll have the evil Moogles come after you!
This story came out of a four day drive. I used my laptop (which was being a real pain), and fended off my brother's questions! So you better appreciate this! You know who you are!
I've got the whole story, but because I didn't get many reviews on my last story, I will hold the next chapter until I get 10 reviews.
That's only 10, people! So please, don't read and run. It makes me sad. I know you don't want to make me sad, do you?
-- s.ilver a.rget