A/N: Hey guys! I know it's been a month or so but MAN has school put pressure on us. With honors classes and such, it's been rough. BUT it's finally here! :D This chapter was entirely written by my lovely co-writer and friend monopods89! Love ya dearie! And here is kingdomheartslover13's virtual marimo. Thanks for reviewing first!

This chapter is in Dem Dem's point of view. So, Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Jenny (monopods89) and I (Marimo141) Don't own Kingdom Hearts. Though we desperately wish we did!

Chapter 3

"Come on Demyx, won't you do this for us? It will help us! We could make everything better! All of our lives will be better."

"You really need to learn to be less selfish. You have to stand on your own! Pull your own weight! Otherwise you're just a burden..."

"Uuugh... stop... mm trying... what d'you WANT from me?"

With a cry, Demyx tumbled out of bed while simultaneously getting tangled in his Finding Nemo bedsheets. He floundered about for a minute until he was free and then eased himself into a sitting position leaning against his bed, panting.

It's been a while since I had that dream... I guess... I'm still just an idiot. Demyx thought as he slowly rubbed his eyes in a vain attempt to get rid of the last traces of the nightmare. He sighed and slouched over to his closet sized bathroom while pulling his sweat-sticky hair off of his face.

Just focus on today Demyx. You're gonna go to the beach and play. Simple. Shoot, I forgot I have to pick up some new strings today, my old ones could snap any minute. I'll do that before my lesson at five... But even this wasn't enough to distract him. The only thing that could keep Demyx's mind off of anything was music. Even just thinking about the music he would play today put a smile on his face.

Still thinking about his song choices, Demyx ate a bowl of Cheerios while bouncing to the beat of a tune stuck in his head. His apartment didn't have much in the way of furniture or room, so he usually didn't even bother to sit down for his breakfast. He went though his morning ritual without even thinking about it: eat breakfast, put on skinny jeans and studded belt, throw on random band tee-shirt, stub toe on bathroom door, shake fist at bathroom door, mutter complaints about crappy apartment, limp into bathroom, gel hair, brush teeth, grab ratty cello case, slip on converse, lock apartment door, and then shove cello case down narrow staircase.

(I DON'T)

Demyx whistled a catchy pop tune as he strolled down to the beach. It was one of his favorite places and he had been playing his cello there since he was was little. His feet traced the familiar route down the sidewalk past chatty teens, laughing kids, and an elderly woman walking a chubby pug.

Demyx found his preferred seat, a patch of concrete surrounding a raised flower bed. There were a few names painstakingly carved into it, but the rest was covered in a vibrant mosaic showing an image of the beach he sat across from. He put down his cello, leaning it against the bench, preparing to take out his rusty green rockstop.

"Demy, Demy! Come pway wif us! Pwease?" Marisa, one of the children he often met at the park, begged him. Tony, Harold, and Anna came running over too when they saw that their favorite playmate was there.

"Yeah Demy!"

"Play with us Demy!"

The children's pudgy hands grabbed at his jeans and shirt and yanked at them enough that he began to fear for his modesty. Grinning, he pulled up his pants and then crouched down to their level. "Only for a minute, ok? I'm gonna play my cello today and I wanna have time to get through all of my songs."

"Yaaaa-aaaay!" The children yelled excitedly and then all scattered and hung a little ways off from him, but smiled as though daring him to come near.

"So I'm "It" then, huh? I'm gonna getcha!" and with that, Demyx went springing after the tots and instead of tagging them, he scooped them up under his arms or slung them on his back. He then plopped them all down on a soft patch of grass, said goodbye, and gave them all a quick two-fingered salute with his usual cheeky grin.

He really did love those kids, but he had come here to play his cello. He was just about to sit down when Harold came dashing up and clung to Demyx's left leg, using both his arms and his legs to clamp himself to the musician. The rest of the children followed and bounced around him like overly-eager puppies.

"Guys, stop it!" Demyx pleaded with a grin, "I actually want to play my cello today!"

Anne wrapped her stubby arms around Demyx's waist and looked at him with a wide-eyed grin. Demyx smiled back, ran a hand through his spiked up hair, and mumbled, "You guys are hopeless."

As he looked around for their parents in the hope of some help, his sweeping gaze was suddenly pulled up short when he noticed a boy of about his age staring straight at him with the strangest look. One eye was completely covered by a choppy, emo haircut dyed in an odd silver-blue color, but the other... the other was misted with tears and was looking at Demyx in such a wondering way, that he couldn't help but believe that they were the result of seeing him somehow.

And it was blue. That single eye was a deep, pure blue that held all of his attention and was so full of pain...

Suddenly, Tony stood on his tip-toes and tickled Demyx under his armpits so that he just had to laugh. Noticing this weakness, Anne cried, "Get him guys! Come on!" All except Harold, who stayed firmly attached to his leg, reached up to tickle his armpits and stomach.

"No, wait!" Demyx protested in vain, "I-haha! Wait guys-hahaha!" The kids grabbed onto his neck and arms until the weight was too much and he toppled to the ground. They layed on him in a triumphant heap while Demyx panted to catch his breath. But not even the children or the strange man could distract him from his most important goal.

"Okay, really, guys I want to play my cello today." Demyx said with a grin, as he gently moved the kids off of him and stood up.

"But Demy, you aweways pway youwe cewo." Marisa pulled gently on his jeans and gave him the puppy eyes. Harold nodded as he pulled on the dirty white laces of Demyx's worn Converse.

"Yeah, please? We want you to play with us!" Tony tugged at his tee-shirt in an effort to get him to move towards the play structure.

"Don't I play with you guys everyday?" Demyx reasoned. The group nodded and Demyx gave them an eye-twinkling smile.

"So, I'll be back tomorrow but I want to play the cello now, okay?" His friends agreed, and although they were reluctant to leave him, they all wandered off. Demyx strode back to his cello, tuned carefully, and began to play Cello Suite Number 1 in G Major. He played each of his favorite songs, drawing the bow slowly and lovingly across the strings. When he was done, he gently placed his cello back into its case and left.

His mind was clear and blissful from spending the day in his absolute favorite way. This is the life! His mind wandered back through the day, grinning about the stubborn children. He felt a jolt as he remembered the blue-haired boy who had looked at him so strangely. He frowned a little. I don't remember seeing him around before... I would have recognized that distinctive hair. A little frown line appeared between his eyebrows as he thought. But I could be wrong, he thought with a shrug. He tended not to pay much attention to his audience. He decided to look closer next time.

(KNOW)

Demyx went back to the park everyday for the next several days. He just couldn't get enough of the loving children, the fresh air, and playing his cello for everyone to hear. And apparently, neither could that blue haired boy. The blond kept an eye out now for any regular members of his audience or even just interesting people. There were some moms that came to hear him play often, not to mention a few girls that looked like they wanted to eat him with their eyes.

But the one that Demyx's eyes kept coming back to was that odd boy. There was just something so weird about him. Like he was a stalker, but a different kind than his "fangirls". He wouldn't stand there giggling or keep inching closer to him... he seemed to be waiting for something or someone. And whenever the musician happened to glance over at him, he would immediately turn his head away, as though he had been caught doing something that he shouldn't have.

He certainly was a mystery.

And Demyx wanted to solve the riddle of this shy boy. Perhaps he needed help. And even if he didn't, Demyx always liked meeting new people. He generally didn't like large crowds, but he did like to have lots of different friends of all different kinds. And this boy seemed interesting. So Demyx decided to get to know him.

He noticed that his potential friend was sitting on one of the park benches several feet away, his head lolling back as though he was asleep. But Demyx knew that he couldn't be, because a minute ago he had been listening happily to the cello music and swaying ever so slightly to the beat. Should I surprise him? Demyx grinned deviously as he planned, But no, I don't think he would like that. He doesn't know me after all. Demyx decided to keep it casual. They could go for a walk or something and talk about music, then see what happened from there.

Demyx crept silently across the pavement to the reclining figure. He didn't want to scare the boy away, but it wouldn't hurt to take him off-guard a little.

"Excuse me?" Demyx said with a gentle smile. The boy started and gasped slightly. A little jumpy, hmm? I guess I'll take it easy on him. When the boy's eyes refocused and saw who it was, he seemed almost more surprised.

"Uhhh..." seemed to be all the blue-haired boy could say for the moment. The shock on his face made Demyx chuckle. He hadn't gotten an invitation, but he sat down on the bench anyway. The boy still looked a little dumb-founded, so Demyx decided to start the conversation.

"I noticed you listen to my cello everyday." he said, tilting his head to try to see the boy's face better, but in vain as the boy looked down at the ground almost shamefully. Demyx laughed. The reaction just seemed so out of place that he couldn't help it.

"It's okay. It's kinda nice having an audience. I'm Demyx." he declared, extending his hand. He hoped the boy would take it. He seemed so terribly shy. The stunned boy slowly reached out his hand and Demyx shook it. It was slightly clammy, but that was... nice, somehow. It seemed endearing rather than disgusting. The boy smiled ever so slightly at the touch.

"Zexion." he replied. Demyx beamed. So he does talk! Now how to keep it going... His eyes lit up as they fell upon the ice cream vendor and he turned toward Zexion to say as he stood up,

"Well, Zexy, I'm kinda in the mood for ice cream. Would you like to join me?" Zexion looked slightly unsure. Does he have to stay here for some reason? Demyx wondered.

"I would love to." Zexion replied hopefully. Demyx's smile grew, and he eagerly took Zexion's hand and led him to the ice cream cart.

(WHAT)

After Demyx had debated about the different ice creams and gotten a Kingdom Key Popsicle and Zexion had quietly purchased a cup of mint-chip ice cream, they strolled leisurely back to Zexion's bench. Demyx flopped down onto it, almost getting ice cream on himself, and Zexion sat down gingerly beside him. Zexion had kept his head down this entire time, as though he were afraid to look at me, Demyx thought. Demyx examined him surreptitiously, but couldn't figure anything out about the boy by looking. So, talking was his next strategy.

"So, Zexy, what do you do for a living?" Demyx asked around a mouthful of sugary ice cream. Maybe he's a musician too? Demyx thought, looking at his long, slender fingers But he doesn't have the right attitude for that... he probably works in an office. That would explain the pale skin. Or a store?

"O-oh. I'm a doctor." Zexion ventured shyly after swallowing his spoonful of minty dessert.

"Oh! Like the kind that you see on T.V? Do you save peoples lives?" Demyx was surprised. He had had no idea that his new friend was so talented and smart! His grin grew with every thought. Zexion chuckled at his energy which made Demyx smile wider, if that was even possible.

"Well, not exactly. I just do examinations for common everyday illnesses. But it's still exciting, I suppose. What do you do, Demyx?" Progress! I knew I could get him to open up a little! And he's still interesting.

"I teach children music. You know, like a tutor. It's magical to see the children smile when they play their first instrument." Demyx remembered fondly all of the children he had taught and a sort of glow came from his face as he thought about some of the more special moments.

"That's beautiful." His companion said, awestruck. For the first time all day, the musician's eyes met Zexion's. There was that blue eye, staring at him again, but this time with a very different expression. Demyx decided that Zexion's eyes were quite captivating.

"Thanks, Zexy!" Demyx let a warmth fill his smile. He hadn't lost track of the time though and remembered he still had to teach his lesson at 5. "But I have to go now. I have an appointment in 20 minutes." Demyx half-skipped over to his precious cello case, scooped it up, and was immediately back to give Zexion a quick, one-armed hug as he said,

"Bye, Zexy! It was nice meeting you!" I hope I'll see you around Demyx added silently.

"You too, Demyx." Zexion said, looking slightly surprised at his own daring.

"I hope we can be friends, Zexy! Bye!" Demyx waved as ran off to his lesson, a grin from ear to ear, leaving the stunned boy still sitting on the park bench with half a cup of melted ice cream in his hands.

(TO SAY)

Demyx jogged down the sidewalk, taking the utmost care not to bump his cello against anyone or anything. His hair and shoelaces bounced with his steps until he slowed to a stop in front of an unexceptional apartment building. Demyx wearily pressed the buzzer and pushed heavily on the door as it suddenly clicked open.

He paused for a breather at the bottom of the stairs and checked the time on his phone. 4:53, I'm pretty early. I guess I didn't have to run so fast after all. He leaned against the wall for a few more breaths and then lifted his cello carefully up the staircase and walked through the frequently open door.

"Knock, knock!" Demyx called in a sing-song voice as he crossed the threshold.

"Timmy! It's time for your lesson!" Mrs. Newman called out in the direction of the bedrooms as she strode to the door to greet the musician. "Hello Demyx, come on in!" she said, beaming kindly as she ushered him towards the dining room. They engaged in small talk with Demyx telling about his most recent gigs and Mrs. Newman sharing a rather amusing tale about how she nearly set her microwave on fire in a rather daring culinary escapade.

Timmy walked in humbly carrying his cello as the last chuckles died away.

"Hey there Timmy, how've you been?" Demyx asked, still bright-eyed from the previous laughter.

Timmy just looked at the floor and shrugged a shoulder.

"Well, if you two need anything, just holler alright?" Mrs. Newman said as she strode toward the kitchen.

Demyx nodded appreciatively as Timmy sat down silently and set up his cello.

"What do you want to learn today? Any requests? Do you want to learn some music theory?" Demyx questioned carefully, looking and listening for any reaction. Timmy turned his head away rather disgustedly as music theory was mentioned. Demyx grinned. He didn't care much about how music worked either. He just enjoyed playing it.

"No? How about a new song?" Timmy looked up, more interested now. "How about something like this?" Demyx said, playing a few bars of a lively jig.

"No, not that!" Timmy protested with a small smile as Demyx laughed, "maybe... something like this?" Timmy said cautiously. He then bent over his instrument and slowly began to play something Demyx had never heard before. Demyx listened curiously Not bad! But the way some of this goes against standard music theory... Did he write this himself?

The young cellist finished playing and looked up, "Did you like it?" he asked slightly breathlessly.

"Loved it!" Demyx exclaimed enthusiastically. But what was it that made him feel so odd? Was it deja vu? Timmy kept peeking at him shyly, his eyes asking for a good opinion. His eyes! The way he's looking at me right now... is the same way Zexion was looking at me earlier! Demyx scratched the back of his head, but it did nothing to rearrange his thoughts, so he decided to think about it later, maybe.

"Will you play it for me again more slowly? I'd like to get this written down so that we could play it together. Would that be alright?" Demyx's easy grin slid back into place as Timmy held his bow at the ready.

Demyx copied down the notes as Timmy played, the latter sometimes frowning or laughing nervously when he made mistakes. The small boy looked a little displeased with himself, but still looked at Demyx questioningly, hoping for some good remarks. Demyx complimented him warmly which seemed to appease Timmy.

Why would he... why would either of them, Zexion or Timmy, be searching for my approval when I already gave it? Do they not trust me yet? I suppose... we shall see.

We shall see...

A/N: PLEASE REVIEW! PLEASE! WE BEG OF YOU! It is EXTREMELY hard to write and get up motivation and inspiration for stories without them. Please? *cue puppy dog eyes* Also, does anyone have some advice for me or monopods89 on our writing? We are new writers and it would be so helpful, you have no idea. THANK YOU SO MUCH WE LOVE YOU! :DDDDD

Mari-chan~

Monopods89~