[hr][h1][b][i][color=6666FF][center]Demetri Rowan Howell[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h1]
[center][h1][color=#EEE8AA]Ezekiel Kel[/color][/h1][/center]
[b][i][center]Keep it Secret, Keep it Safe[/center][/i][/b]
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Demetri couldn't pay attention to the words that were on the page. Re-reading the same line over and over again as his hand fidgeted slightly in Zeke's. The small motion reminded him that they were holding hands, a slight smile creeping onto him as he was glad the child of Apollo didn't mind the minute gestures like this. Finally he leaned back and sighed as he closed his book with his free hand. [Color=6666FF]"Do...do you wanna go on a picnic? I actually know a place, a secret grove shown to me by a woodland friend. No one's supposed to know about it and I've never seen a soul there as long as I've visited. It...could be nice."[/color]

He gave the blonde Adonis a cheeky smile, his dimples accenting it as if to make a point. He really hoped he would say yes, but he wouldn't be let down if they simply remained here in the infirmary reading to themselves. Any time they spent together was time well spent, and Demetri was beginning to realise this and cherish it. 

Ezekiel sat in a chair with his feet resting on the bar under the examination table. His book was propped up on his knees and he was flipping pages with his free right hand. The first time Demi had coaxed Ezekiel to hold his hand was a little strange but now it had become a sort of comfort for them. Sometimes Ezekiel initiated the hand holding, most of the time it was Demetri.


Ezekiel was going over the medical properties of poppies when Demetri’s hand twitched. Ezekiel gave a reassuring squeeze but there seemed to be something else on the demi-gods mind when he sighed and leaned back. Ezekiel looked over at Demetri just before he spoke.
[color=#EEE8AA]”A woodland friend? Since when do the children of Zeus talk to bunny rabbits? Unless you’re talking a wood nymph and then you might want to reconsider. They hate me.”[/color] Most of the nymphs did since Zeke harassed them often. It was rather easy to, in his defense. 

The reassuring squeeze sent flutters through Demetris heart. Making his smile just that much wider. He chuckled at the joke about talking to rabbits when Zeke finally hit the nail on the head. [Color=6666FF]"I'm sure she wouldn't hate you, besides this area is free of wood nymphs, she just helped me find it so I can have a place to call my own. It's such a nice day out I thought maybe...maybe we could enjoy it just us two. I can shift into someone else, grab us a basket of food from the Pavillion and we can sneak off and enjoy the afternoon. No one would know, of course I'd shift back once we reached the grove."[/color]

Ezekiel shut his book and set it on the table. He released Demetri’s hand and stood. 
[color=#EEE8AA]”You underestimate my powers of making people hate me,”[/color] he informed. Ezekiel shuffled around the room and started to clean things up. He could use the break from sitting in the infirmary and being cooped up inside. Besides, the smell of strawberries was starting to nauseate him. 

[color=#EEE8AA]”I’ll meet you at the trees then or something? I’m going to go change,”[/color] Ezekiel stated. He didn’t like wearing the neutral tones outside of his work in the infirmary. 

Demetri took both of Zeke's hands in his, giddy with excitement and he stood up too. [Color=6666FF]"Yes! Ok. You go get changed and I'll grab us some food. Meet me by the trees and I can lead us the rest of the way."[/color] Demetri wasn't the biggest fan of the orange camp shirt, but it did make shifting in and out much easier as it was unisex. He thought about a majority of the campers, turning himself into a brunette with long wavy hair that covered his missing eye. [Color=6666FF]"How do I look?"[/color]

Ezekiel smirked and shook his head at Demetri’s enthusiasm over him agreeing to go on a picnic. Ezekiel didn’t mind the bonding, it was just easier when Zeke hated on him and cared less. Being friends with people was difficult and draining. He put a piece of paper in his book and slipped it into a drawer once he was done cleaning and sanitizing everything. Ezekiel turned around when Demi addressed him. He froze for a moment, still not used to Demi shifting genders and nodded several times. 

[color=#EEE8AA]”That works,”[/color] he agreed. The girl could be easily mistaken for any camper. There were a lot of them of that average type. Her eyes, or rather eye, stood out more than the average camper though. It was just the colouring of it. He turned and headed for the door, reminding himself that it was Demetri. 

Demetri waited a moment before he left the infirmary. Not wanting the two of them to be seen leaving together. His heart was racing with excitement as he thought about what was to come. He doubted there would be another kiss, but he would settle for holding hands and cuddling.  He headed over to the Zeus Cabin, looking around to make sure no one was watching as he went to grab a basket he had weaved earlier that month in anticipation for this.  

Snagging a spare change of clothes and stuffing it in the basket before making his way over to the dining pavillion, Demetri grabbed an assortment of food for them. Table grapes, cheeses, meats, and two bottles of sparkling  grape juice.  No matter how hard he tried he wasn't able to get any wine. Satisfied he made his way towards the treeline and sat behind one waiting for Zeke.

Ezekiel headed into the Apollo cabin, nodding to a few of his siblings lounging around before he pulled some clothes out of the trunk and changed. He pulled on his usual dark wash jeans, the camp t-shirt along with his orange and white high-tops before pairing it with a black beanie and gray shirt that he left unbuttoned and pushed the sleeves up. Ezekiel fixed the evil eye bracelet and checked that he had everything before he left to meet Demi. He had debated on bringing his guitar but thought better safe than sorry. He didn’t want Demetri thinking this was a date anymore than he probably already was. 

Zeke made his way to the tree line, ignoring people as he usually did so no one paid him much more attention. He glanced along the tree line, searching for Demi and stood there a moment, thinking that they really should come up with a code word or something. 

Demetri heard footsteps approaching, breaking the quiet sound of the chirping birds and rustle of rabbits nearby. He peaked around the tree trunk, rolling his eyes as he saw Zeke in the orange camper shirt but glad he had the brains to drown it out with a splash of grey. He stood up, looking for something to throw when he finally grabbed a grape off the vine and chucked it at Zekes head. Waving for him to hurry up in.

Ezekiel flinched when he felt something hit his head, he followed the direction of the throw and frowned at Demi before walking over to meet him. He glanced around before stepping into the tree line with Demetri. 

[color=#EEE8AA]”We need a code word,”[/color] he declared. [color=#EEE8AA]”That was a waste of a grape by the way. So, where are we going?”[/color] Ezekiel felt he was staring at Demetri too much as a girl and looked away, glancing at the trees and bushing, trying to see if he recognized anything from his textbooks.

[Color=6666FF]"Well then I suppose we'll have to think of one. Until then"[/color] Demi jabbed Zeke on the side with a smile. [Color=6666FF]"Jerk"[/color] He grabbed Zeke's hand and began to trek inwards into the woods. He'd been through the path so many times, making sure he knew the way. The scenery was breathtaking, the wildlife alone adding a flare of magic to this place. They hadn't reached the grove yet, but something told Demetri that Zeke wasn't looking around for its beauty. 

He stopped in his tracks, still holding Zeke's hand as he turned around to face him. [Color=6666FF]"Alright spill, what's got your mind so preoccupied? If you're nervous about us getting caught don't be, I'm telling you no one knows about this place ok so no worrying."[/color] He offered him a smile, feeling the lack of dimple on his cheek and remembering he was currently shifted. 

Ezekiel rolled his eyes before he responded in kind [color=#EEE8AA]”Bitch.”[/color] Demi took his hand and pulled him along through the trees. Ezekiel was looking at the trees but he was very aware of the feminine hand within his. Demetri’s hands were softer as well but this was completely different and a very obvious difference. He was just looking back at him when Demi stopped completely and turned to face him. Ezekiel felt the colour drain from his face and started to tap his fingers nervously along his leg. Ezekiel was usually drumming out some sort of tune on his leg or any surface, whether it was a song he knew or one he was writing. 

[color=#EEE8AA]”I’m not worried about being caught,”[/color] Zeke declared. He hesitated to answer truthfully. Sometimes sarcasm and ignoring a question was so much better. Ezekiel sighed, looking at their joined hands before speaking.  [color=#EEE8AA]”It’s just weird. You shifting like this all the time,”[/color] he said. 

Demetri’s smile faltered for a second. It was weird hearing someone say that to him. He had been so worried for so long that because he was able to shift no one would ever truly want the real him. Always looking to see what he can become for them instead of just enjoying how he looked already. His smile grew a bit more as he tucked some of the hair behind his ear and looked at Zeke. [Color=6666FF]"Sorry. It's just a natural part of me. I don't really think about how others might see it. But once we're cleared out and in the grove I'll change back no worries."[/color]

He gave Zeke a reassuring squeeze of the hand. Flashing him another smile before turning back around and following his path towards the grove. They reached a section of the forest that had a thick hedged wall. A small pathway beneath they'd have to crawl through. [Color=6666FF]"So either I can go upfront and you follow behind me, or you can go upfront and I'll follow behind you, but the wedge is only big enough to go single file."[/color] Truthfully Demetri wanted Zeke to go first, just so he can get a nice view.

Ezekiel nodded a bit and was dragged along again. He tried to focus on where they were going. He hadn’t seen this part of the woods before and was steadily becoming intrigued by where they were going. They were in these woods a lot for capture the flag and other war games but this looked brand new. They reached an area that Demetri stopped in front of. Zeke didn’t even see the hidden pathway until he crouched down. Which was saying something since he was a tracker as well. Ezekiel glanced up when Demetri said they would have to crawl in one at a time. 


[color=#EEE8AA]”Mhmm, convenient,”[/color] he noted, giving Demi a bit of an annoyed look before he crawled forward. He adjusted his beanie so it wouldn’t get pulled off from a bush or branch.

Demetri just gave Zeke a smile before he finally went through, following up behind him with a grin. Once they were both clear of the rather thick hedge they had view of a large expansive grove. Trees near the edge seemed to collect and form a circle enclosing the area, bright vibrant flowers bloomed from scattered about places and the grass was lush and inviting for them to lay on. Demetri tucked the hair behind his ear once more before going up behind Zeke and resting his head on his shoulder. [Color=6666FF]"So? What do you think?"[/color]

Ezekiel crawled through, very aware of eyes on his backside while he moved. Ezekiel wiggled out from the bushes into the open grove and stood. He wiped his hands and pants, fixing his beanie before looking around. The brightness of flowers is what really intrigued him. He wondered if any of these were in his book or what hidden properties plants like these could have. Zeke was always interested in finding natural ways to help heal people these days. 

He felt a head on his shoulder, bringing Zeke back to reality a little. He looked around the grove again, noting how the trees bent in a sort of circle to enclose the area and protect it. 

[color=#EEE8AA]”It’s beautiful,”[/color] Ezekiel said truthfully. He wished he had a notebook so he could make rough sketches of the flowers to look up. Ezekiel looked down at the girl resting her head on his shoulder and resisted the urge to touch her. [i]It was just Demetri,[/i] Zeke reminded himself. 

Demetri smiled at the response. Stepping back so that they had full view of each other. [Color=6666FF]"I'm glad you like it, now I think it's time I changed."[/color] He gripped the bottom of his orange camp shirt and began lifting it upwards, exposing the skin underneath until it hit just below the chest. Before anything was actually shown Demetri shifted back towards himself, fully removing the shirt and placing on a white and black striped shirt, tying off his black denim jacket around his waist. 

He walked up closer to Zeke, playfully grabbing one of his hands before using the other to snatch the beanie off his head and hold it up high. [Color=6666FF]"Ya look cute in it but I think it suits me a bit better don't ya think? Being that it is black and all."[/color] He gave the blonde boy another cheeky smile before placing it on his own head.

Ezekiel looked over at Demetri when he backed away, fully expecting that he was going to request his help to set up the picnic, not start lifting his shirt. Her shirt? Ezekiel’s brain momentarily shut off while the girl in front of him exposed smooth skin. His eyes tracked her movements shamelessly until the point of no return and then he was looking at a male chest rather than female. Ezekiel’s face turned red and a spout of anger coursed through him. Not so much that he didn’t get to see what he thought was going to happen but that he had been taken advantage of and teased. To add further insult to the injury, Demi swiped Ezekiel’s beanie. 

[color=#EEE8AA]”It just looks like you have more hair on the top of your head and less on the sides. It at least stands out on me,”[/color] Ezekiel said, annoyance in his voice. [color=#EEE8AA]”Give it back. Don’t make me shift the light and blind you,”[/color] Zeke threatened. 

Demetri hadn't expected either of those reactions from Zeke. Sensing the sudden shift in tone and feeling the words sting him. His smile twitched for a second before dropping completely. His head now downcast as he removed the beanie off his head and extended it out towards Zeke, his heart a little broken. [Color=6666FF]"Here. I...I was just trying to have a little fun. Didn't mean to upset you or anything."[/color] His voice trembled a little as he spoke. Waiting for Zeke to grab the beanie, not daring to look him in the eyes. His hand shook slightly, his mind racing a million thoughts a second. Had he messed up? Had this simple act ruined what good he'd had for months? Was this it?

Ezekiel swiped the beanie back from Demetri’s outstretched hand and fixed it before placing it back on his head. Ezekiel didn’t like the way Demi instantly crumbled from his words but he didn’t speak up right away either. Ezekiel crossed his arms in frustration before looking at Demi. 

[color=#EEE8AA]”You’re not making this easy Demi. That little stunt you just pulled, you knew exactly how I would react. That’s not fair to me. You want me to be okay with you shifting forms? Then you can’t pull shit like that on me.”[/color] He looked away from Demetri again, shaking his head before he took the basket and opened it up to take the blanket and laid it out. 

Demetri flinched as he felt the beanie leave his hands. [Color=6666FF]"I'm sorry. You're right. I need to think it through more when I'm shifting around you. I genuinely forget sometimes until I feel things like the way it might tug on my chest as I lift, or when I look at my hands. It just feels like me so I can be a bit...abrasive with it. I'm sorry...I'll try harder next time."[/color] 

Demetri went to reach for the basket, his movement's sluggish from the torn up feelings he was having. Noticing it was now gone and finally looking up to see Zeke setting out the blanket for them. He wanted to smile, but it didn't feel like it was ok for him to be happy after what he'd done. [Color=6666FF]"I really don't deserve you you know."[/color]

Ezekiel set the basket on one corner of the blanket while Demi explained what happened. It didn’t exactly comfort Zeke, it just told him it was probably going to happen again. What was he even doing here? Demi was confusing and frustrating and even more so when he shifted like that. 

Ezekiel stepped onto the blanket and sat down. He opened the basket again and started pulling the food out. He glanced at Demetri, noting the defeated expression. 

[color=#EEE8AA]”No, you don’t,”[/color] Ezekiel agreed. He patted the empty space next to him. [color=#EEE8AA]”Why do you feel the need to shift so much? Why can’t you just stay like this,”[/color] Zeke asked and gestured to the form Demi wore now. Was that even him, or just the form he felt most comfortable in?

Demi made his way over to the empty spot and sat down. His hands resting behind him as he leaned back to look up at the sky. He hadn't expected Zeke to agree, but then again he probably should have. He thought hard on Zeke's question, finding no true answer to it, or at the very least not one he was ready to face at this moment. He gulped down before giving out a frustrated sigh. 

[Color=6666FF]"I don't know. Sometimes it just feels easier to be someone else, to not be me. I feel like I can't be myself or speak out as myself. Hell I shift everyday when I wake up just to make sure my eyes aren't bright blue. But...I'd never wanted to ask myself why I do it so much. Part of me is afraid of what I might find."[/color] He looked down before turning to look at Zeke. He thought he could never understand, he was always so perfect how could he?

[Color=6666FF]"Sometimes wearing a mask helps. Helps me fit in, helps me make friends, helps me say the right things. When I'm me, truly me, I just annoy people, or frustrate them and push them away."[/color] His left hand lifted to gesture at Zeke, as if to make his point about how infuriating he could be. As it landed back down it moved closer towards Zeke, hoping that he would take it and give him a comforting squeeze he had learned to love.

[color=#EEE8AA]”You aren’t annoying when you are yourself. At least not to me. It’s when you’re trying to be something you’re not that you annoy the hell out of me. The mask is a temporary band aid. Don’t mistake it for a fix to whatever is going on in that head of yours.”[/color] Ezekiel ate a couple of grapes before he allowed himself to take Demetri’s hand. 

Ezekiel had been playing a part his entire life and it changed frequently based on the situation but he always knew who he was. Deep down, Zeke knew what he was and where he had come from to get to where he was today. 

[color=#EEE8AA]”You seem lost Demi. You need to figure out why before you lose yourself completely.”[/color]

Demetri listened to what Zeke had to say. Thinking on every word and knowing deep down that he was right. His fingers curled on the blanket, feeling the absence of Zeke's hand before stretching out again just before he took it in his. The corner of his lips stretched up, a smile finally pulling through. 

His body began to relax, muscles he hadn't even realized he was tensing, and a breath he didn't know he held. Demetri closed his eye for a moment, listening to the world around them, focusing on the feeling of Zeke's hand and the warmth that came with it. [Color=6666FF]"Its funny. It seems ever since I came to this camp I've been trying to find out who I am but...whenever I'm with you, alone, and myself. I feel like I found where I belong. I don't feel so lost with you by my side, I just feel...happy."[/color]

He shifted his weight, now facing Zeke with a large dimpled smile. Hardly anyone made him smile the way the son of Apollo did. Genuinely grinning from ear to ear. He tensed his grip slightly, making sure this wasn't a dream. [Color=6666FF]"Pass me a grape will ya? Don't go hogging all the food for yourself."[/color]

Ezekiel handed the grapes to Demetri and moved the basket to the middle so they could grab what they wanted. Only having one hand made things a little difficult to grab but Ezekiel managed to wrap some meat around a piece of cheese and ate it. As he chewed, he shifted on the blanket, bending a leg and rested his free arm on his knee. Ezekiel was staring at a particularly bright blue flower when he decided to talk again. 

[color=#EEE8AA]”I think everyone who comes here is lost to an extent. We all come here shortly after discovering a power that shouldn’t exist and then learn one of our parents is a god or goddess. We are in a unique position of all having something similar that we are going through. I shouldn’t be the only one you feel happy around,”[/color] Ezekiel noted and looked over at Demetri. [color=#EEE8AA]”What about your siblings?[/color]

Demetri plopped another grape into his mouth, feeling the tension as he slowly bit down onto it before there was the final gush. He hadn't expected Zeke to get all philosophical on them while out here, but that was just another mystery to add to who this blonde boy was. 

[Color=6666FF]"[i]Of course[/i] I'm happy with them. But it's different. With you...I feel weightless. Like every step is on a cloud. As if I'm being carried by a fluttering sensation from inside, and I just can't help but smile. With them, there is no fluttering or weightlessness. I'm grounded, happy, but grounded. I want them to have room to grow, to have the chance I didn't and find themselves early on."[/color]

Demetri turned, moving their hands onto Zeke's lap before wrapping a grape in a bit of cheese and holding it near Zeke for him to open his mouth.

Ezekiel looked at Demetri while he explained further what he was referring to. The demi-god felt a strange twisting sensation in his stomach and he shifted a bit, his hand involuntarily twitching around Demi’s. He eyed the offering placed in front of his mouth. 

[color=#EEE8AA]”Are you seriously trying to feed me?”[/color] He eyed the item again before taking it with his free hand and popped it into his mouth. [color=#EEE8AA]”You know you’re not supposed to have a crush on me right?”[/color] Their relationship was already complicated enough and Ezekiel had been very clear about everything from the beginning. 

Demetri watched as he plucked the offering from his hands. He expected as much and just gave him a wider smile. [Color=6666FF]"I figured you wouldn't let me but that's fine."[/color]  He shrugged, before bursting into laughter at his comment. [Color=6666FF]"Pfffft. I don't have a crush on you. I just genuinely enjoy our time together. And I don't know, something about hiding it makes it feel all the more fun."[/color] 

He wasn't sure how to feel about the twitching. Wasn't sure if he struck a chord. But he tried to reassure the blonde mini-god. Rubbing his thumb over Zeke's with their held hands that rest on his lap. 

[color=#EEE8AA]”Ya huh,”[/color] Ezekiel said, not believing Demetri at all. A hidden friendship was rather strange but it was true. Their relationship was complicated but Ezekiel also found he didn’t mind being a confidant to Demetri. He never shared much about himself but Zeke was used to people telling him all sorts of things. Although, it usually happened in the infirmary. 

Demetri cocked an eyebrow at Zeke, wondering what that was all about. Were the feelings he had finally come to accept and develop more than just friendship? Or was Zeke just being Zeke? He decided that was a problem for later Demi, letting go of Zeke's hand and moving the basket a bit higher up to make room for him to lay down. He didn't say anything, nor ask, he just laid his head down on Zeke's lap and took the hand he had held, placing it on his hair hoping Zeke would play with it.

The warmth of the rays of sun, that cut through the canopy above and peppered his face with light, made Demi feel more relaxed, like he could nap at this very instance. [Color=6666FF]"Well, [i]I[/i] don't think I have a crush on you, but then again I've never been in a relationship so who knows. But even if I did, I'm more than happy to have you as a friend than to waste it by trying to be with you. This…this is enough for me, and it's more than I've ever had."[/color]

Ezekiel grabbed some more cheese and meat while Demi rearranged himself. The act of him laying his head on Zeke’s lap didn’t bother him. There wasn’t much Demi did these days when they were alone that bothered him. Zeke had gotten used to it by this point. He smirked when Demetri redirected his hand and to rest on top of his head.

[color=#EEE8AA]”Right,”[/color] he said and obliged Demi by running fingers through his black hair. The sun shifted through the leaves of the trees, throwing its light in every which way. [color=#EEE8AA]”Are you warm enough?”[/color] It was a simple question but Zeke could shift the light if Demi wasn’t warm enough. Zeke pulled more food out of the basket and continued eating. He should have brought a book with him. 

Demetri let out a soft pleased moan as he felt Zeke's hands running through his hair. It was a habit he had picked up from childhood, having had his mother constantly play with his hair, it was an easy way to bring in comfort. When Zeke asked him if he was warm enough, Demi simply turned his head slightly, shifting it so that it was still in his lap, but part of his face was resting against Zeke's stomach. 

He smelled...good. He almost always smelled good. It was one of the traits he'd grown to love about him, whether he wore cologne or this was his natural scent, Demi never had the courage to ask. But he cuddled up in that lap, took it in and simply answered [color=6666FF]"Yeah. I'm plenty warm, thanks."[/color] Part of him wanted to plant a kiss on his stomach, another part wanted to ruin the mood and blow raspberries on it. But for now he chose to listen to neither, and just relax.

Ezekiel paused a moment when he heard the slight moan escape from Demetri. It was subtle but it still gave him pause before he continued on. He took another few grapes when Demetri turned his head and he smirked. 

[color=#EEE8AA]”You’re going to fall asleep on me aren’t you?”[/color] He definitely wished he brought a book now. 
 

Demetri chuckled at the observation, definitely feeling the wave of sleep threatening to wash in. He couldn't help it, on days like this he simply wanted to rest in the grass and fall asleep. He flashed a cheeky smile before answering him. [Color=6666FF]"I'd sure hope not, but then again I'm certain there's a way for you to wake me up."[/color] Demi gave the son of Apollo a look, raising his eyebrows before miming a small kiss. 

[Color=6666FF]"I wasn't sure what all you'd like to do while out, there isn't much to do out here unless you're into sketching, art, or just relaxing. But it's better with company. Especially one that knows how to really play with one's hair."[/color]

Ezekiel rolled his eyes and shook his head when Demetri puckered his lips for a kiss. He lightly flicked Demetri’s nose before playing with his hair again. It was a nice afternoon and Ezekiel supposed he could just sit here for a little bit before making Demetri wake up. He fell silent for a moment, watching his fingers in Demetri’s dark hair. His mothers was blonde but his mind went far away for a moment. Ezekiel used to help his mother with her hair when he was younger. Oftentimes she was too tired to change it from one job to another so Ezekiel would brush it and braid it for her. It was as much of a comfort to him as it was to his mother. 

[color=#EEE8AA]”It is a rare talent,”[/color] Ezekiel joked as he came back to present. 

Demi winced as his nose got flicked, turning his face away into his stomach so that he couldn't do so again. He was going to speak out in protest when he noticed the lingering silence. He couldn't see Zeke's face from this angle, his periphery lost on the left side. Whether he was in thought, enjoying the view, or just simply quiet, Demetri didn't want to interrupt him. 

He fought himself on if he should speak, if he should say something, but then Zeke finally spoke out. Just making the son of Zeus smile and instinctively kiss Zeke's stomach through his shirt.  [Color=6666FF]"It really is. You're going to make a great boyfriend someday. Anyone should be so lucky."[/color] He nestled in further, one arm now wrapped about Zeke's waist as he only got more comfortable. [Color=6666FF]"I'm sure you've had plenty of people throwing themselves at you."[/color]

Ezekiel flinched when Demetri kissed his stomach as it tickled a bit. He seriously hoped Demetri was going to ignore that flinch and not use it against him. Ezekiel rolled his eyes and looked up at the sky a moment. 

[color=#EEE8AA]”Oh yes, my sparkling personality has made me desired by many.”[/color] Zeke’s voice dripped in sarcasm as he spoke. [color=#EEE8AA]”You keep forgetting I am one of the least like people at camp Dem. Much to my own doing, keeping people at arm’s length is a lot easier than having to be friendly with everyone.”[/color]

[Color=6666FF]"Don't be sarcastic with me jerk. You have an amazing personality when you actually let people see it. As for keeping people at arm's length."[/color] Demi spoke in a mumble as his face was still partially buried into Zeke, punctuating his final point as he tightened his grip with his arm around Zeke's waist. [Color=6666FF]"I prefer our arms length stay this close. It's more pleasant and fun. And you just smell...so good."[/color] He hadn't meant for the final thought to come out, but in his lazy state it did. His cheeks blushed, and he hoped Zeke ignored it, but then again he wished he would notice.

[color=#EEE8AA]”Ah, but if I wasn’t a jerk to everyone else this wouldn’t feel as pleasant and fun now would it? Maybe I’ll start bringing all of my many friends here to play with their hair,”[/color] Ezekiel teased. [color=#EEE8AA]”And I do smell good. It’s called proper hygiene.”[/color] Zeke showered every day, sometimes twice a day, especially if it was a long day at the infirmary or an intense training session. 

 Demi shot up as soon as Zeke mentioned bringing others here to play with their hair. His eye almost pleading for him not to before he realised that he was being teased and his face went red with embarrassment. [Color=6666FF]"Not funny…"[/color] He pouted as he jabbed him in the arm. Demetri stared at Zeke for a moment, deciding what to do next before he simply plopped a kiss on his cheek. [Color=6666FF]"I'd tell you to stop teasing me, but we both know I like it so there's no point in saying that. But I guess you're right, maybe it's better that I can keep you mostly to myself instead of having all of Camp HalfBlood swooning over your amazing body, and gorgeous hair, and piercing eyes."[/color]

Ezekiel grinned when Demetri shot up in protest and laughed as realization crossed his face that he had just fallen for Ezekiel teasing him. He smirked at the jab and kiss to his cheek. Ezekiel pulled his hand back, reaching around Demi to grab a bottle of sparkling juice from the basket. Their faces ended up being close but Ezekiel didn’t do a single thing, teasing Demetri further. It wasn’t his fault the child of Zeus made it so easy and Zeke was so good at it. 

[color=#EEE8AA]”Perhaps you’re right,”[/color] Ezekiel said and opened the bottle before taking a long sip from it. 

Demetri’s eye went wide as Zeke closed in on him. His breath stopped, his heart raced, and he could feel a lump in his throat as he got closer and closer. He expected a kiss, just a small peck, to feel the softness of his lips again, to feel that rush. But then, he grabbed the bottle behind him and began to take a sip. The breath rushed out of him as his face grew even more red. His hand wringing the bottom of his shirt in some new form of frustration that didn't seem to stem from anger. 

He watched as the golden boy grinned and simply melted at the sight. He began to feel a little warm, pulling on his shirt collar a bit to try and get some air in. [Color=6666FF]"It's uh, little warm now huh?"[/color] Demetri cleared his throat in the middle of the sentence, his eye looking down at his own lap before finally trailing back up Zeke’s body to meet his gaze, trying to focus on his eyes but constantly wandering back towards his lips that came so close just moments before.

[color=#EEE8AA]"Oh? I hadn't noticed."[/color] Zeke couldn't help but find Demetri's fidgeting and discomfort entertaining. If only because it was proving his thought of Demi having a crush on him more realistic. He offered Demi the bottle of sparkling juice with one hand and leaned back on his other. 

Demetri grabbed the bottle and took a long swig from it. Hoping the cold liquid would help to cool him down. But the more Zeke spoke the warmer he felt and the weaker his knees went. Luckily they were sitting down. [Color=6666FF]"Youu...hmmm. you're such a tease you know that?"[/color] Demi moved in closer to Zeke, sitting hip to hip as he placed the opened bottle into Zekes lap. He wrapped his arm around him once more and nuzzle in. [Color=6666FF]"You're having fun with this aren't you?"[/color]

Ezekiel watched Demetri try to settle but the demigod just ended up moving closer to Zeke once again. Instinctively, Ezekiel wrapped his own arm around Demi and the pair of them sat together, enjoying the glow of the sun. He smirked at Demi's comment.


[color=#EEE8AA]"You have no idea,"[/color] Zeke stated. He was enjoying teasing Demi. Before things had shifted, Zeke used to flirt and tease Demi often in-between well placed insults. That dynamic hadn't changed. 

Demetri just kept on smiling, feeling Zeke's arm wrap around him, feeling him just there. He nestled his head back onto Zekes shoulder, giving him a soft kiss on the neck before settling down. [Color=6666FF]"I think I have some idea."[/color] The sun was beautiful in its glow, but as Demi looked up he noted that his son was even more beautiful. If this was a dream, he didn't want to wake up from it.

Ezekiel felt his skin raise on his neck from the brush of Demi's lips. It was like his body had a different idea for this relationship than Zeke did. Ezekiel looked around at the wind in the trees before he felt eyes on him again. 

[color=#EEE8AA]"You're staring,"[/color] Ezekiel noted. He looked back at Demetri, meeting his intense gaze. [color=#EEE8AA]"And you look like you are looking at a god."[/color]

Demetri’s expression softened once his gaze was met by Zeke's. His words hitting him like sweet honey.  He shook his head at the blonde. [Color=6666FF]"Not quite, but you certainly come close at times. I may not be their biggest fan but… you're one creation I can certainly get behind. "[/color] They were so close, and he just wished Zeke would make the first move in, to kiss him. The mood felt right, the setting, all of it. He inched in closer to Zeke, practically daring him to make a move.

[color=#EEE8AA]"I don't think I like being compared to a god."[/color] Sure some normal human might like it but Ezekiel didn't have the taste for that. Apollo may have claimed, giving Ezekiel an extended family and better life here but other than that, there was nothing. His life was constantly in danger for the Olympians screw ups and rivalries. It was idiotic. 

Demetri seemed locked on Ezekiel and was giving him eyes he had seen before. The temptation to flick Demetri on the nose was great but Ezekiel didn't. He sighed, not really sure why he was doing this or why he was here anymore. Zeke slid the arm that was wrapped around Demi up, resting his hand on his spine. 

[color=#EEE8AA]"You're going to be the death of me,"[/color] Ezekiel concluded before giving Demetri what he wanted. His lips connected with the boy's more easily than the first time and it seemed less hesitate. Ezekiel lifted his free hand to his head, pulling off the beanie and placed it on Demi's head. Ezekiel pulled away shortly after, looking at the hat on his friend's head. He had another black one he could use. 

[color=#EEE8AA]"Don't say I never gave you anything."[/color]

As Zeke went in for the kiss, it was as if time stood still. Demetris heart stopped as he waited in anticipation, closing his eye and leaning into the kiss as well. He felt the arm sliding up his back, felt how different this kiss was, like he wasn't holding back as much. It was more natural. He was so enraptured by the kiss that he didn't notice the hat on his head until Zeke mentioned it. Demi felt the beanie on his head, smiling and leaning in stealing another quick kiss from Zeke. [Color=6666FF]"I love it."[/color] His hand remained on the beanie for a moment longer, wondering if it carried the scent of Zeke's shampoo. 

He laid down on the blanket, tugging on Zeke's shirt inviting him to lay with him and cuddle as the sun continued to light their beautiful day.