The Usual Spot

The alleyway under the tracks. 'The Usual Spot', as Roxas and his friends called it.

They'd been meeting here ever since they were kids. It was a clubhouse of sorts with all the personal touches they had given it. Hayner's dartboard seemed to stick out the most, though Olette had added a chessboard recently. She and Pence liked to play.

Hayner was their somewhat full of himself, yet generally nice leader. He often wore black and forest green, but was also fond of army camo. He had blond hair much lighter than Roxas's.

Then there was Pence- black hair, broad, and extremely kind. He probably has a slight crush on Olette, the brunette with emerald eyes. She was the female in their little gang.

Lastly of course was Roxas with his blond hair and deep, ocean blue eyes. He was Hayner's partner in crime.

The gang had gathered at their hideaway under the tracks to discuss how they would spend their last day of summer vacation.

"We went to the beach yesterday," Hayner reminded them. "There were the wonders of Twilight Town before that."

"I just don't wanna see anymore of Seifer and his lackies," Pence said. "Bad enough we're stuck with him at school."

"Yeah we've seen enough of him this summer," Roxas agreed. "Too bad our parents make us spend summer outside."

As though the weather knew his mind, a rumble of thunder was suddenly heard.

"Well," Hayner said with a impish grin. "They can't make us stay out now. Let's go play PlayStation 3 at my place."

"Great idea," Olette exclaimed. "And if your parents don't object, I'll make those pancakes you love."

"You're the best Ol," Hayner told her.

Roxas felt a mild rush of amusement. Pence might have a crush on Olette, but it seemed clear to him that she crushed on Hayner.

Roxas didn't know if Hayner returned the sentiment, but for some reason he hoped not. The truth was, Roxas was beginning to feel differently toward his best friend since some time last year in seventh grade. He couldn't entirely describe it- the way he focused on Hayner's movements, his expressions and glances, and even what clothes looked best on him. He'd started giving Hayner tips on what to wear when he asked.

Roxas knew he'd been here with his friends forever. Did people ever feel like they were out of place, and had maybe been somewhere else? Roxas sometimes felt that way. He had a firm belief in past lives, and sometimes thought he saw his in dreams.

He wondered if Hayner, Pence, and Olette had been in any of his past lives.

Another peal of thunder, this one much closer, cut into his thoughts.

"We'd better make it to my place quick," Hayner said with some urgency. "Come on!"

The four of them ran for it. Tiny droplets were already falling. The best way to avoid getting wet was through the tunnels, so it didn't surprise Roxas that's where Hayner led them.

They knew that if they stopped running they would be stuck down here while it poured, so they slowed their run to a jog.

If one wasn't from Twilight Town the tunnel would be confusing with its numbers and entrances.

Hayner lived with his mom in a second story apartment in the First District. When they exited the tunnel it was already raining harder, so they ran again.

Their feet knew the way and so without paying much attention to surrounding, they made it to the stairs going up the side of the house to the second floor front door. Technically it was a two story house.

Hayner threw open the door and gestured for them to follow.

"Mom, I'm home!"

It soon became apparent that Hayner's mom was away. Sure enough, the boy found a note on the kitchen counter.

"She'll be home tonight," he said, clutching the letter and smirking. "How about those pancakes Olette? I'm gonna go change. Roxas, I need your help with something. Pence can hook up the PS3."

"Got it," Pence said agreeably.

Roxas followed Hayner into the hall and then into the bedroom he'd seen hundreds of times. There were clothes scattered everywhere of course.

Roxas was suddenly distracted by Hayner rummaging through his dresser, bent over with his cargo clad ass on display.

Roxas didn't pull his eyes away and Hayner suddenly spun around, holding two shirts and lowers.

"Which one?"

"I dunno," Roxas said thoughtfully. "Camo always looks good for you. Black shirt?"

"Exactly," Hayner agreed, throwing off the shirt he was currently wearing.

Roxas allowed himself a peak at his friend's chest and stomach before telling him he was gonna go see how Pence was doing with the PlayStation 3.

In his opinion, this was already shaping up to be a good last day of summer.