My Savior - Suntan

Chapter Three

Kel took Sunny's hand and led him out if the house, walking quickly, making sure Sunny kept up. Kel was exited to have Sunny out if the house and with him again, so he was determined to make sure it was going to be fun - Sunny, on the other hand, was feeling thoroughly anxious about possibly seeing the others. Sunny kept pace with Kel, though wishing they could slow down, feeling sick to his stomach and out of breath; he had not ran in over four years and it was very clear to see he wasn't the sporty type.

"Park's coming up, Sun!" Kel said excitedly, not realising that he had already given Sunny a nickname.

Sunny nodded quietly, trying not to visibly gasp for air as his legs ached, his brain somewhat computing that Kel had called him 'Sun'.

"Are you alright, Sun?" Kel asked suddenly, stopping and looking at Sunny, still holding his hand, "you seem really out of breath."

"Sort of," Sunny wheezed, taking a deep breath, steadying himself, "I haven't really been doing much running."

"Right," Kel said, realisation plastered on his face, "If you're too tired, I guess piggy back it is!"

"Wha-" Sunny started, and he couldn't even finish his sentence when Kel had already scooped Sunny up and had him on his back, his pale legs wrapped around Kel's lean body with his tanned hands beneath his legs for support.

"Off we go!" Kel cheered, darting off down the street as Sunny clung around his neck for dear life, trying his best to ignore the strange looks they got from strangers.

When Kel ran into the park, he darted instantly over to the basketball court, crouching down so Sunny could awkwardly get off him. By this time, Sunny was breathing better and seemed okay, and Kel still seemed full of energy somehow.

"Alright, Sunny," Kel said, grinning, his hands on his hips and his head tilted towards the sun, Sunny perched on a bench at the side of the court, "watch and be amazed!"

As the hours passed, Sunny watched intently as Kel ran up and down the grey concrete, clearly in his element as he dribbled the ball up and down, every now and again missing his shots as he tried to make sure he could impress Sunny, but instead succeeded in making himself red and flustered. He still felt proud of himself, though, being able to make Sunny smile slightly as he did well or fumbled the ball - no matter what he seemed to do, if Sunny was happy, that would be the best reward. It was late afternoon when Kel stopped and approached Sunny again, rolling the park's basketball safely under the bench.

"So?" Kel asked, his cheeks red, "How did I do?"

"You did great," Sunny said, a small smile forming on his lips as he applauded Kel quietly, "I wish I could be that amazing."

Kel could feel the butterflies in his stomach as he watched Sunny's lips move, how soft they looked, but caught himself and told himself that he was being weird and that he and Sunny were just friends.

"I could teach you if you like," Kel offered, shaking off the feeling, "Or we could do something else?"

Sunny contemplated this offer. He was severely out of shape and training Sunny to be good at anything could take years, and even then he would do no good. Doing something else seemed like a good idea - they had a few hours before the sun set and the shops in town closed, and it might be fun going to Hobeez to see if he could get Kel a gift. A thank you, Sunny told himself, nothing more. Though deep down, Sunny knew he was really starting to like Kel.

"Let's go downtown." Sunny muttered, looking up at Kel, admiring his smile.

Kel agreed, taking Sunny's hand again, but this time setting off at a more reasonable pace, the breeze  cooling them both. In what seemed no time at all, they had arrived.

"So where did you want to go?" Kel wondered, asking his question  outloud to Sunny.

"I want to go in Hobeez." Sunny put bluntly, letting go of Kel's hand, though regretting it soon after since he missed the security and warmth it gave him.

"What do you want in there?" Kel asked, walking with Sunny up to their doors, but Sunny stopped him just before they went in.

"Actually.." Sunny started, turning his head to look at Kel, "Can I go in myself?"

Kel felt surprised, knowing that Sunny doesn't like being alone, especially after what happened earlier.

"Are you sure? Why?"

"I'm sure," Sunny said, "and it's a surprise. Can you wait here for me until I'm done?"

Kel nodded, watching Sunny's retreating back as he walked into the store, Kel leaning himself on a nearby pole. Why did Sunny want to go in alone? Was he getting something he shouldn't? Something sharp and pain inflicting? Or was he getting himself something nice? Or maybe he was getting someone else a gift? If Sunny was getting someone a gift, Kel thought, it'd probably be his mom. But what if it was someone Sunny liked? Like liked? Kel felt himself get flustered and slightly jealous. He didn't like Sunny like that did he? Ugh, who was he kidding? Of course he did! Who wouldn't love this short, stubborn boy? No, Kel! He told himself sternly, just friends! You can't ruin this!

Kel was so deep in thought he didn't realise Sunny was in front of him, a little white bag in his hand. Kel felt the urge to grab it and look inside, but he didn't want Sunny to think he was nosy or anything, so he did nothing.

"Got everything you want?" Asked Kel, looking up from the bag to Sunny, looking at his dark eyes.

"Yes," Sunny said, another little smile danced on his lips, making Kel feel happy, but also slightly anxious. Did he have something he shouldn't have in the bag? Kel shook himself again, scolding himself, how could you not trust Sunny? He wouldn't! You're there with him, everything's fine.

"Do you want to come back with me again?" Asked Sunny politely, slipping one of his cool hands into Kel's, making Sunny go slightly red.

"Sure! Let's head back, we need to figure out where we're sleeping," Kel said jokingly, taking Sunny's hand reassuringly and leading him back to his house.

Trust Sunny. Kel told himself. He wouldn't do that.