Ocean of Fire

Chapter 6

Demyx sighed with relief as he punched out from work. In the process he rubbed his sore shoulders. Odd jobs around the resort were a pain, especially when they involved heavy lifting. His friend Saix would be much better at doing hard labor. That guy was strong. Demyx wasn't weak by any means, just Saix seemed to be able to lift anything with ease. Demyx let out a heavy yawn. After spending all evening with Aerith, making dinner and chatting he forgot to get a good sleep. He did not tell his friend though. Last thing he wanted was for her to feel responsible for his mistake. Besides, he had too much fun and he did not want it to end.

The blonde-haired man could still remember the smell of their meal. It was full of vegetables and Demyx had to admit he was not fond of them but he ate ever single bite. He sighed dreamily. If he did not have to go work last night he was sure he would have spent the whole night with Aerith, talking and cracking jokes.

If only.

He strolled lazily back his cabin, going through the now vacant plaza. In a few hours it would bustling with people but as of now it was a ghost town. As he neared the center of the plaza he noticed a sign. Signs were always plastered around the plaza to grab the tourists attentions. Demyx normally ignored them but this one caught his eyes for some reason. It was decorated with bright glittery stars and the words were highlighted in neon colors. It was definitely eye catching. He stopped his walk as he read the sign.

"Summer Starlight Festival: Enjoy food, games and more under the stars." he read to himself.

Demyx did not know of a festival being held before. He could not even recall one as a kid so perhaps it was a new thing they started. It was probably just a tourist trap so the people staying at the resort would spend more money. Yet, it sounded like fun. He then noticed the date of the event was for tonight.

"I wonder if Aerith would want to go..." he said to himself.

His face brightened to a smile. Forgetting about the ache in his shoulders and his energy returning, Demyx rushed toward the residential cabins.

In her cabin, Aerith pulled out a bowl from the cupboard. She found a box of cereal and began pouring it into the bowl. A yawn escaped her.

"Cereal will be nice and easy," she said to herself. "It's not as if I have someone to cook for."

She giggled thinking about Demyx. The way he gobbled up his food last night was adorable. She was sure he was not going to eat his vegetables. He seemed so finicky about it but he enjoyed helping her cut them up and cook them. It was fun to cook with someone. Aerith was used to doing things alone that she suddenly felt more alone than usual.

I wonder if I am getting used to having Demyx around. She thought when there was a loud pounding on her door.

Aerith went to the door and unlocked it. She pulled it opened and peered out to see Demyx smiling brightly. She opened the door wider and smiled back him.

"Good morning," he said. "Did you just wake up?"

Aerith nodded blushing. "How could you tell?"

"You look sleepy." he pointed out.

Aerith rubbed her eyes. It was still early. Once she ate and perhaps got a cup of coffee she would feel more awake.

"Please, come in," she said allowing Demyx entry.

He stepped inside. He turned to her smiling brightly.

"I'm not interrupting anything am I?" he asked.

Aerith shook her head.

"Good," he said. "I won't be long but I just wanted to ask you if you are doing anything tonight?"

Aerith placed her hands on her hips and smirked. "No, what would I be doing?"

Demyx shrugged but his smile widened. "Just making sure before I ask."

"Ask what?"

"Tonight there's this festival." he said. "Want to go with me?"

It did not take long for Aerith to respond but she nodded. "Sounds like fun."

"Awesome!" Demyx gave a small cheer, pumping his fist in the air.

Aerith felt herself grinning wider at Demyx's childlike behavior. He was so refreshing from other adults her age. A lot of them were so stiff and trying to act mature but not Demyx. He acted like himself. It felt nice. However, on closer inspection she noticed dark circles under his eyes. A worried expression came on her face, one that he noticed.

"What is it?" Demyx asked.

"You look sleepy..." she pointed out.

Demyx laughed nervously. "Yeah I had to work last night."

Aerith frowned. "You... didn't sleep did you?"

"Caught me!" he admitted.

"Demyx!" Aerith cried before scolding him, "You should take care of yourself better. What if you collapsed from exhaustion?"

"I'm fine," Demyx insisted. "That's what caffeine if for... besides..."

Aerith tilted her head. "Besides what?"

"If I left to go get sleep I wouldn't have had so much fun last night with you."

Aerith found her cheeks growing hot. She looked at the ground definitely embarrassed. Sometimes she wished Demyx did not say such things so easily. He easily made her stomach feel like butterflies were beating wildly within.

"Go to bed though," Aerith insisted. "And I'll see you tonight."

She began pushing Demyx out of the cabin. He laughed and turned toward her.

"Okay, I will but I'll see you tonight?" he asked, wanting to make sure.

"I said yes," she confirmed.

"Good," he replied. "Meet me at the center of plaza at seven."

She agreed and he was gone. Aerith closed her cabin door and leaned her back against it. She felt that feeling in her stomach still. Her face still felt hot. Her heartstrings gave a little tug as she pictured his smiling face in her mind. Suddenly, she thought of that hug he gave her so quickly yesterday. What was it about him that made her feel so awkward?

It worried her for a second but before long she realized something. Something perhaps she did not realize that was growing inside her. It was strange how meeting him after so long could end up with this feeling deep inside.

"I like him." she admitted to herself. "I really like him."

Aerith felt her cheeks burn, becoming red in the process. She was grateful Demyx was not around. If he saw her blushing he would have made her even more flustered. To get her mind of Demyx, Aerith decided to do some things to keep herself busy. After all she had a long time until her date with Demxy. She blushed again but wondered. Did Demyx think of is as a date too?

XXX

The day breezed by for Aerith. She cleaned her cabin a bit, made herself some food, among other things. Soon the time was nearing for her to meet up with Demyx. She showered and styled her hair back into the normal braid. Done with that, she peered into her closet to decide what to wear. Despite the warm weather the nights were not as hot and since the festival was at night she decided on a longer pink dress and a red blazer to wear. Since she figured she would be walking she put on a comfortable pair of boots. Last thing she wanted was her feet to ache and ruin the fun.

Dressed and ready to go, Aerith flicked off the lights of her cabin after grabbing her purse. She locked the cabin door behind her and headed for the plaza. The plaza was already bustling when she arrived. People were playing games and the smell of food wafted all around. She sat on the edge of the plaza fountain, where others also were sitting, and waited for Demyx.

She was early. The large clock in the far end of the plaza told her so. Her eyes scanned the people before her, hoping to spot the blonde-haired man. Several times she thought she spotted him but it was someone else. Soon however, the rays of the sun were fading and the plaza was becoming more packed making it harder for Aerith to see if he was among the crowd. Time ticked away and soon it was past the appointed meeting time and Aerith grew worried.

She wondered if he was lost among the crowd and could not find her. She debated on getting up to look for him but thought it better to stay. She then though what if he was still at his cabin sleeping. He looked so tired when he came to her door to invite her here. It saddened her to think that he was pushing himself so hard. She let out a sigh when a hand fell on her shoulder. Aerith jumped and looked up to see the familiar face she had grown accustomed to seeing. Her heart skipped a beat as he smiled.

"Sorry I made you wait long," he apologized. "I slept right through my alarm."

Aerith frowned, getting up from her spot. "Please don't push yourself. I don't want anything to happen to you."

Demyx's smile weakened. "I'm fine. I am used to being pushed to my limit."

Aerith's eyes saddened. "Don't push yourself for my sake."

"Don't be sad," he said his mouth forming a large grin. "We're here to have fun. I'll make it up to you for being late, okay?"

Before she could answer he grabbed her hand and quickly rushed into the crowd with her in tow. He led her to a food stall and without even asking her, he bought something. When he returned to her side he held out a stick with meat and vegetables on it along with pieces of pineapple.

"Here you go," he said. "It's sweet and savory. I love eating these."

Aerith watched as he demolished his stick of food. She looked at hers and then took a bite. The flavors spread across her mouth. She gasped.

"This is really good." she agreed taking another bite.

Demyx laughed. "The sauce they put on it as they barbecue is the best. Makes it ten times better."

Aerith looked up at him and laughed. Sauce was covering the corners of his mouth giving her a more childlike impression of him. It was strange how much older he looked but she felt he was still the same kid she knew back then. As if time stood still for him while his body grew.

"You got sauce around your mouth," she pointed out.

Demyx stopped and then took his hand and wiped it away. "Better?"

She nodded. Demyx grinned and then the two began to walk. Aerith stared at her surroundings, looking at the different booths and stalls. However, she stopped when she noticed a stall selling handmade jewelry made from real flowers. She looked at the objects lying in a neat manner on the table before. She had to admit they all looked pretty but one in particular caught her eye. It was a bracelet that spiraled around with tiny pink flowers all over.

"Wow this is pretty," she said.

Suddenly, a hand snatched the bracelet away. Aerith looked up to see Demyx holding it.

"Excuse me, I'd like to buy this."

Aerith eyes widened as Demyx paid for the bracelet.

"W-wait!" Aerith said.

"What?" He asked innocently. "I am just making up for being late."

"But I can't let you buy that for me."

"Why?" He asked confused. "You like it and I owe you so it's okay right?"

With that logic and the innocent look he was giving, Aerith felt herself unable to argue. Demyx paid for the bracelet and gently slid it on Aerith's wrist. As he did she felt her heart thump wildly in her chest. The way his hands smoothly brushed across her skin sent a tingling sensation through her. When it was fitted on her, he let go but the heat remained.

"Demyx..." Aerith said softly. "Thank you."

"No need to thank me." he said. "I would buy you whatever you want. I like seeing you smile. I'm sorry you had to worry about me."

Aerith bowed her head so he would not see her face flushing.

"Just don't overdo it okay?"

He did not respond. Instead her took her hand and led her through the crowd. "Come on let's go find a spot on the pier. There is going to be a fireworks display on the beach and we need to get a good seat. The pier has the best view!"

While people were piling on the beach to watch the fireworks. Demyx and Aerith were one of the few people taking a spot on the pier. The two leaned against the wooden guardrail of the pier and stared out into the night sky. The stood silently together, anxiously waiting. Aerith, however, took a sideways glance at Demyx. She felt her heartbeat quicken a bit. The look in his eyes made him look like the little boy. Just then she felt his hand on her arm. He was shaking her while his other hand reached out and pointed to the sky.

"It's starting!" he called out.

Aerith turned back to view the sky and saw a stream of light fly into the air before exploding in a barrage of color. Even more childlike, Demyx was on his tiptoes, leaning over the guardrail as more and more stream of light flew into the sky. Aerith tried her best to look at the fireworks display but found herself looking at Demyx instead. The lights illuminated his face, making his handsome features stand out. Aerith was grateful that Demyx was so enamored by the fireworks because if he caught her staring she felt she would have died of embarrassment.

It was so strange to her. He looked older, like her but he seemed so childlike. She was so used to adults who were the complete opposite of Demyx. They were too uptight. He was something refreshing, something that stirred long buried emotions in her. She looked down at the bracelet he got her. No one would have bought her this, certainly not her last boyfriend. Something like this would have been considered a waste of money. The flowers would die and the overpriced piece would be thrown away. Yet, Demyx did not hesitate.

Just then Demyx's hand enclosed over hers. Startled, Aerith looked up at him. The fireworks continued to illuminate the sky, shadowing and highlighting the other.

"You okay?" he asked.

Aerith nodded. "Yeah, I am."

His smile grew wide. "Good, I don't want you sad."

The fireworks boomed but Aerith could hear his words clearly.

"Demyx, I'm glad you're here with me." she said.

"I'm always glad when you're around Aerith."

Aerith's heart skipped a beat. She felt she should have found it strange to have herself reacting to her friend. He touched the side of her cheek every so carefully.

"You know sometimes I thought I made you up." he admitted.

"What why?" she asked surprised.

"Because..."

Just then Demyx lurched forward nearly collapsing onto Aerith. He turned around to see what had hit him when he saw a group of four men. Each of them looked as if they had been celebrating the festival too much. Demyx could smell the stench of alcohol on them and it reeked.

"Look at these two, showing off their public display of affection." one man slurred out.

Aerith could not understand why these men were bothering them. Her and Demyx were minding their own business. It was not as if Aerith or Demyx had met them before. The look on Demyx's confused face assured the girl of her assumption.

"Don't worry," Demyx whispered to her.

Aerith wondered since Demyx worked here he was used to such a thing happening. She nodded to him but shrank back away when one of the men stuck his face right into her. Aerith's nose wrinkled as she tried not to breathe in the stench of his breath.

"Well she is a pretty one." the one man said.

"Hey guys, we're just enjoying the fireworks." Demyx said cutting between the one drunk and Aerith. "Why don't you guys pick a spot and watch."

The booming noise of the fireworks echoed around and the lights flickered. Demyx wanted to diffuse the situation before anything unfavorable happened. Demyx tried to give them a smile none of the men seemed to care.

"Why don't you shut up." the drunk said, before shoving Demyx harder.

The force of the push was so hard that Demyx was flung backwards. Aerith gasped as she watch Demyx flip over the guardrail of the pier and into the water. He landed with a loud splash before sinking down. Aerith leaned over the edge and looked at him but it was too dark to see him. The four men began to laugh as they teetered on their feet. Panic washed through Aerith as she searched the dark water for her friend. Soon after, his head broke through the surface and he took a gasp of air into him.

The men's laughter was obscenely loud now as if what they did was amusing. Aerith glared at them fists clenching. Drunk or not, there was no excuse for these men's actions. What if Demyx was not a good swimmer? What if he got hurt? She was ready to yell at them, scold them for their actions when a tide of water came up over the guardrail and smashed into the four men. It knocked all of them off their feet. Aerith had nearly been caught up in the wave herself but managed to only get a little wet on her feet. The four men were groaning as they tried to stand which proved difficult from their intoxication.

Just then Aerith watched as Demyx climbed up back onto the pier. Aerith helped him over the guardrail. When he hit the wooden platform his shoes made a loud squish sound as water squirted out of them. He pushed back the blond locks that was all over his face and noticed the four men stumbling along the ground.

"What happened?" he asked innocently.

"A wave hit the pier and knocked them down. Almost got me." she responded.

"Serves them right." Demyx said before taking Aerith's hand. "Let's get out of here before they get back up."

Aerith could not even respond as he was already leading her. As soon as they were a good distance away, another wave came and gave the four men another knock down. Perhaps it sobered them up a little bit.

Demyx led Aerith away from the crowds. The sound of the fireworks had died as the show was winding down. The two walked a path that headed back to the residential cabins. He had still not let go of her hand as they walked. Demyx was still dripping water when they stopped at the front door of her cabin. Once there he finally let go of her hand, as if he knew she was safe. He sighed turning to her looking quite annoyed.

"Sorry," he apologized.

"For what?" Aerith asked.

"It was supposed to be a fun night and those jerks totally messed that up." Demyx explained. "I guess the pier was a bad idea, huh?"

Aerith shook her head. "It's not your fault. It's their fault. I'm just glad you're okay."

Demyx looked down and said, "I was worried they would hurt you or something."

Aerith smiled and stood on her toes so she could place a sweet kiss on his cheek. When she stepped back she could see a slight stunned look on his face.

"You're really are a sweet person." She complimented. "You are always trying to take care of me."

"I can't help it." he said after a small pause.

"Help what?" Aerith asked innocently.

Demyx took a step forward and took Aerith's chin between his fingers. "Wanting to be with you all the time and see you smile."

Perhaps this was due to all accumulating emotions that had been bottled up inside but Aerith could not have predicted this. Demyx probably did not realize what he was doing either. Before Aerith knew what was happening, Demyx moved in. His lips descended on to hers, capturing her. Aerith found herself trapped between Demyx and her cabin door. She was stunned at the sudden display of affection. Yet, she would be more surprised by herself later because she closed her eyes and kissed him back.