Woo, chapter 2! Not much to say about this one, except that I hope you enjoy the little AxelxRoxas cameo. They'll probably be back later in the story, because I love them. Anyway, enjoy~!

~DXDXDXDX~

"Order up!"

Demyx called to the group of teens from behind the counter, placing their completed smoothies out to be retrieved. The group made their way over from across the lounge, chatting as they went about their plans for the day.

"We should go to the southern beaches today, I bet they're less crowded."

One girl in a bikini top and shorts was arguing with a pair of boys, who both wore variations of swim trunks and grubby tank tops.

"Nah, those beaches are too small- catching good waves is worth dealing with a crowd…"

Demyx leaned against the counter as the trio grabbed their drinks, inquiring

"Have you three been out yet today? What's the water like?"

The other guy shrugged.

"Pretty mellow, but there are some waves- you surf?"

Demyx shrugged, offering a grin.

"I'm still learning."

The girl piped up again.

"Then you should definitely try to make it out tomorrow- a storms coming in, the waves will be huge!"

The trio seemed to visibly brighten at the prospect of tomorrow's storm, but Demyx wasn't so sure.

"It's unsafe to go out in something like that, though…"

But the group was unfazed.

"Everyone does it, man, it's no big deal!"

They nodded in agreement and wished him luck before turning and heading out, long, shiny boards tucked carefully under their arm. Demyx watched them go and sighed. Alone once more.

Slowly the blonde turned and began washing up, in no rush because he knew once he finished he'd have nothing to do. As he wiped up the counter the musician couldn't help but steal glances out the window to the beach across the way, wondering what it was like out there. It was a nice day but still early so the beach was not nearly as swarmed as it would be later, and the distinct whistle of the lifeguards were still few and far between. Demyx wondered vaguely which whistle was Xigbar's.

It wasn't until the second ring that Demyx snapped back to reality, and quickly drew the beckoning phone to his ear.

"Surfs Up, Demyx speaking."

"Hey Demyx, how are ya?"

The voice was familiar, but he hadn't heard it in months.

"Mike, is that you?"

The name felt strange in Demyx's mouth, but its owner didn't seem to notice.

"I know, right? Long time no talk!"

The blonde leaned back against the counter, answering

"It has been a while… So, what's up?" he hesitated, "Did something happen?"

Mike laughed, relieving the tension a bit.

"Nah, it's nothing like that- actually, I was calling to ask a favor."

Demyx didn't respond but he continued.

"I have a short shift open tonight- only two hours, and today's a really 'lax day so the job would be nothing- and I was wondering if you could cover it? We're short staffed- I'm sure you've seen the 'Help Wanted' signs- and really could use the help…"

"No way."

The phone cackled as Mike sighed into it.

"Demyx, please, I wouldn't be asking unless I needed you- it's a real easy job, really you'd just be a placeholder until closing-"

"I said no, Mike."

Again the man tried to protest, and Demyx could feel the anger beginning to heat his cheeks.

"Take a hint Mike- I said no, so quit it! Maybe this is the reason we don't talk anymore!"

Mike was angry too, now.

"I was trying to do a nice thing, giving you something easy to ease back in with- you can't just sit around feeling sorry for yourself forever, Demyx, you're being ridiculous-"

Before bothering to hear his friend out Demyx slammed down the phone, huffing in anger. Clenching his fists, he worked hard to swallow at the lump that had formed in his throat. Mike should have known better than to pull something like that- the blonde shook his head, trying to clear his mind. But before he really had time to recover, the door jingled and he was no longer alone.

"Hey, Demyx!"

The pair that had entered were in matching blue polos, a little patch at their breast reading 'Tropicana Aquarium'. The one that had spoke was taller than his counterpart, grinning down at Demyx with a broad smile and dancing green eyes. He sported an explosion of red hair that seemed to spike out in every direction, with his partner sharing a similar style but in blonde. The boy was also grinning but much more softly, and his crystal blue eyes also seemed much softer than their emerald counterparts.

"Oh- hey Axel, Roxas…"

Surprised by the lackluster response, Axel pulled back.

"What's up?"

"I just got a call from Mike- he was trying to get me to work tonight…"

Axel blinked at his friend, shocked.

"What did you say?"

"No, of course!"

Demyx shot back, face hardening. He could see the pair resist the urge to share a look, before Axel put up his hands in defense.

"Hey, sorry I asked…"

Demyx sighed, shaking his head.

"Sorry- nevermind, I didn't mean to yell…"

Roxas batted a hand, working to lighten the mood.

"Don't worry about it, I yell at him all the time."

Axel nodded, with a matter-of-fact grin.

"Just today he nearly bit my head off for trying to scare the kids at the shark tank…"

His blonde partner shook his head, laughing.

"Keep pulling stunts like that and you'll get us fired!"

Demyx laughed along with the pair, commenting

"I doubt it- you two have been there a pretty long time now…"

Axel nodded, before glancing at the clock on the wall.

"And we got to go back pretty soon, too- can we get some smoothies and sandwiches to go?"

Demyx nodded, beginning to make the usual order. He liked seeing his friends, and was especially pleased when they took the time to visit him at the shack. But, sometimes seeing them together like this also made him envious. The pair always seemed so happy together, and they always were together- they had worked side-by-side at the aquarium a few blocks away for 2 years now. Demyx could remember a time that he and Xigbar were the same- they used to go to work together, and take their lunch break together… but now Xigbar was the only one making the trip every morning out to the beach…

The trio chatted a little longer before Axel and Roxas had to head back to work, but not before making Demyx promise that he and Xigbar would get together with them soon. The pair had put him in a good mood and Demyx took the afternoon rush with a smile, listening with interest to the surfer's buzz about the incoming storm as he served his customers with ease.

The rest of the day went quickly and sooner than he realized Demyx could see Xigbar beginning to make his way back home, looking sunbathed and tired as he crossed the boardwalk and then, the street. Demyx watched his boyfriend approach as he cleaned, looking forward to spending the rest of the evening with him and deciding he would tell Xigbar something that had been on his mind all day. Little did the blonde realize that Xigbar, too, had something he needed to say.