Parrot and its Beetle! :P

"Well, that works then." He replied with a grin, echoing her laugh as he thought back to how ridiculously disappointed he had been just a moment before - and apparently for no reason. Wow, keeping track of these emotions was certainly a full time job... At her next words, he raised his free hand and clicked shut the clasp on his helmet strap. "As you command, m'lady." He teased with an eager laugh. Laiko gave her hand a quick squeeze, showing his appreciation, then dashed over to the moped with alacrity. He paused as he reached it and, remembering his manners, stepped back slightly and waited with an excited grin for her to show him what to do. His excitement was returning in full measure now that the 'disaster' had been sorted, and he seemed to be finding it harder to contain by the minute. In fact, it was only with a Herculean effort that he was managing to keep himself from bouncing around like a toddler who has been given a dollar to spend in a sweet shop.

Once they arrived at the beach, Laiko dismounted the moped and glanced around in awe. He froze for a moment - attempting to take in all the sights, sounds, smells... Everything a once. His head jerked around so quickly that he seemed almost like one of those bobblehead dolls that people put on their car dashboards - his head bouncing around in every direction as he excitedly familiarised himself with this enchanting new place. Finally, he seemed to remember what he was supposed to be doing, and flashed Annabelle a sheepish grin. He slipped off the helmet and hung it over the handlebar, then violently shook out his helmet-flattened hair. It quickly resumed its usual casually charming untidiness - his fringe falling down over his eyes and partially obscuring his vision. He didn't even bother to brush it back - for he was glancing around the beach again now - staring at the crashing waves as they lashed at the shore. Such power... Such majesty... It was enough to give him goosebumps. He remembered Annabelle then, and quickly turned to her with a bright grin on his face - barely managing to contain his excitement. "This is amazing - thank you so much!" He exclaimed, expressing his appreciation by pulling her into a quick hug. "Were to now?" He asked as he released her and stepped back, looking around the beach eagerly - clearly not feeling the slightest bit awkward as a result of his actions.

Laiko glanced toward Annabelle with a smile as she took his hand - showing no objection to the gesture. "Sounds amazing, I can't wait!" He replied with an excited laugh - following her eagerly as she led him across the soft white sand toward the cafe.
He glanced around cheerfully as he entered - amiably following Annabelle and staring entranced at the many different paintings decorating the walls. They were truly amazing... In fact, it was hard to believe that a person, just a human - same as him, could create such beauty. He had never been much of an artist - not at all - but he certainly appreciated the masterpieces he saw before him. It was staggering to think that one person could have so much talent... Laiko glanced up at the painting before him as Annabelle came to a standstill again, and a soft smile curved his lips as he noticed how happy the subjects of the painting looked. It was a wonderful sight to see - especially for him, what with his endless quest to try to please everybody... Make everybody happy. He just didn't see why they needed to be sad. Surely they didn't enjoy it, so why...? Why not just let it go and be happy all the time? He didn't get it... "Laiko..." A soft whisper interrupted Laiko's thoughts, and he turned back to Annabelle, smiling apologetically for his lapse in concentration. He nodded in response to her question, before answering. "Sure." He stepped toward the nearest table where Annabelle seemed to be glancing over the menu, and pulled the chair out for her, gesturing for her to sit down before he would take a seat himself.

Once he was seated, Laiko glanced over the menu in front of him. Honestly, he didn't know what half the dishes were, but since he had yet to come across food he didn't like - he honestly didn't care much. No matter what he ate - he was bound to enjoy it whilst sitting in such a magnificent place, and with such... He glanced up briefly, his bright, emerald-green eyes catching the light as he glanced toward Annabelle with a fond smile. With such good company...

As Annabelle's voice broke through his thoughts, Laiko looked up at her with his permanent smile still lingering on his face. "I honestly don't know." He admitted with a chuckle. "What would you recommend?" He watched her as he waited for her answer - vaguely noticing a slight increase to the colour in her cheeks. Now that he considered it, it was rather a warm day... His gaze shifted to the window, and a peaceful smile curved his lips as he watched the waves crash against the shore in the distance. It was a glorious sight - made all the more awe invoking by the fact that it was so... So new and exciting! Yet somehow, unlike most new and exciting things, the ocean calmed him, rather than making him feel so flooded with energy that he barely knew what to do with himself. He supposed it was a good thing, really. He could get a little overwhelming when he got too energetic. Well, that was what Kevin had said, anyway, so of course Laiko didn't doubt it. Shaking off his thoughts, he turned his gaze back toward Annabelle, waiting for her response.

A short while later, a waitress approached the table. "My, what a cute couple!" she exclaimed cheerfully, glancing from one to the other with a bright smile that dimpled her plump, overly made-up cheeks. "What can I get you dears?" She asked with a jolly tone, her pen poised over the clipboard in her hands.

Annabelle blushed deeply when the Waitress commented about "The Cute Couple".
She glanced at Laiko to see his response, but had obviously missed it, because his face was now waiting for her response, if there was any at all.
"I really like the Octopus Salad' she said tenderly, "But thats me, the Caesar Salad is lovely, but i do like their Chicken Breast with feta and roast vegetables" Annabelle smiled, but then got worried, in case she sounded like a person who spent their whole life trying out menus at resteraunts.
She coughed.
"Not that i know, but they do.. look delectable" she smiled weakly.
She waited absentmindedly for Laiko to order, whilst thinking over what was actually happening.

Laiko glanced up as the waitress appeared, simply offering a friendly smile - obviously not thinking much of her comment, and most likely missing the point altogether - or perhaps just accepting it...? He turned his attention back to Annabelle as she replied to his earlier question, then took a moment to think over her words. "Right then... I think I'll try the Chicken Breast, if that's okay." He decided, smiling politely with his words.
Once the waitress had taken their orders, she disappeared into the back of the cafe, returning some while later with their meals. he set them down upon the table, then trotted off to take orders from somebody else. Laiko glanced up toward Annabelle. "Thanks again for this." He said with a smile, "I really do appreciate it." He added, sincere gratitude thick in his voice. He flashed her a friendly wink, then gathered up his knife and fork and waited for Annabelle to do the same before he would begin eating.

Once the meal was done, and their meals were taken away, Annabelle stood up.
"Ready to hit the beach?" she smiled, not bothering to look at the watch, - past giving a care as to what they were missing at school.

Down at the beach, she walked absentmindedly along the soft, yellow sand. She walked with a sway, off with the fairies, not bothering to look at the rock pools yet.
She peaked again at Laiko from behind her curls, and saw he too was just taking everything in.
The sun was amazing, and once she had walked another metre, she felt she had sucked it all into herself, and was now feeling warm and amazingly sunny.

She sat herself down on the yellow sand, and dug her fingers deep into it, deeper and deeper until she got to the new part of sand, which was damp and cool.
She interwined her fingers and soaked in the lovely contrast of two different temperatures at once.
She saw Laiko exploring the ocean and walking.
Would he join her soon? Or continue exploring?
She didnt mind all the same, and was glad to see him having much appreciated fun.

What was he thinking about though?
This whole situation.
Annabelle definitely had feelings for this peculiar boy, yet did he feel remotely the same way.
Still grateful for the new blossomed friendship, she lay back onto the warm sand and closed her eyes.

Laiko followed Annabelle out of the cafe and onto the beach. He walked beside her in what he saw as companionable silence - staring around in placid happiness at the roaring sea and the tall rocks littered around it. He continued walking down to the shoreline - barely noticing when Annabelle suddenly sat down and left him walking on his own. He stood at the edge of the sand - feeling as though he stood on the border between Heaven and Earth as he stared out at the vast blue sea. A wave crashed before him, and a hazy white spray shot over him. Laiko laughed as the tiny drops of water scattered over him - dampening his windswept hair and causing it to lie flat, and lending a soft sheen to his skin. He glanced to one side - eager to exchange a grin with Annabelle - only to find that she wasn't there. He turned around to see her sitting in the sand a short distance away - apparently watching him.
Grinning sheepishly, Laiko jogged back toward her, and plonked himself down in the sand beside her - slightly out of breath from the short run. He scooped up a handful of the soft yellow sand and let it slide between his fingers - watching the peaceful sight with a serene smile. "It's amazing, isn't it?" He murmured in a soft, awe-struck voice, raising his head to stare out at the horizon. A soft breeze picked up, and tossed his soft golden hair about his face, slowly drying those few strands that were still damp from the sea. He had completely forgotten about school by this point. There was just too much to think about... So many new things to take in. He could not express, even to himself, how glad he was that Annabelle had brought him here.

Annabelle nodded in agreement.
"It is gorgeous, i love it here" she smiled, staring at Laikos head.
His beautiful hair, interwined into little fuzzy parts, with little streaks of blondes, a monochrome of a deep yellow.
And his eyes, how his eyes amazed her.
They were so bright, so gorgeous, she simply melted at the thought of what she could do if they were ...
She stopped herself short, and blushed at the though.
Suddenly Laiko turned to look at her, and she turned to look at him.
Their eyes met, and again, Laiko's face was emotionless.
Blinking, Annabelle stopped. This was her chance, to, to possibly make things happen.
If anything was there to..err.. happen.
She dipped her head and chewed her lip shyly, before looking up again and leant towards Laiko.
Ever so slightly she tilted her head and kissed him slightly on the lips.
His lips, how they were good!
They were a burst of minty delight, despite the fact that they had just eaten.
She gently pulled away, and smiled before leaning back in, hoping to kiss again.

A million thoughts ran through her mind.
Would her kiss her back?
Go in again, to kiss her too..?

Laiko blinked in slight confusion as Annabelle leaned closed to him... Then closer, and closer, until finally - their lips met. Frozen by shock, Laiko simply sat there - letting her kiss him, and feeling extremely confused. Was this... Normal? Was this supposed to happen...? Somehow, he doubted it. It felt... Strange. For a moment he had been sure he was enjoying it - but that wasn't possible... That couldn't happen... Could it? A deep tension settled into Laiko's muscles, and he gulped nervously - still finding himself completely unable to move as Annabelle moved toward him again. How had he gotten himself into this situation...? And how could he get out? Was he supposed to get out? This was... Gah! What could he do?! "Uh..." Laiko mumbled, managing to break the silence, but not quite finding his voice to speak properly yet. He gulped nervously, moving his head slightly away from her, then attempted again. "Uh... Annabelle... What was that for...?" He asked uncertainly - watching her with a mixture of trepidation and confusion. He had a suspicion... A terrible suspicion, which he was pretty sure was right. Still, he had to make sure... Just in case he had the wrong end of the stick here. He certainly hoped he did... If not... Wow, this could end badly... Laiko watched Annabelle tensely, attempting to swallow his nerves as he waited for her response - silently pleading with her to prove his assumption incorrect. If she didn't... Wow this could be awkward...

Annabelle pulled back. Her whole stance changed.
She blinked confused, maybe he didnt like her at all? Not even a tiny bit.
She stood up, brushing the sand off of her, careful not to look at Laiko, even a tiny bit.
She wiped her hand hand across her mouth, embarrassed at what she'd even attempted to do, but also extremely upset that she'd even considered that something was there for her to even .. do that sort of thing.

She rarely opened herself up to people, let alone boys, and the one time she had, she'd been flatly denied.
"Why'd you even want to come?" she spoke quietly, her voice held within the making of steel.
She picked up her school bag, and started to walk back to her Moped, going slowly, stopping at the rock pools which this time, she wasnt lucky enought to explore, but maybe another time, another place, another era.

She began to pick up a fast pace.

Laiko's face fell as Annabelle quickly pulled away from him and got to her feet. "Anna-" He began in an uncertain voice, but then she cut him off with her own words, which were like a whiplash. Like an icy dagger, stabbing deeper and deeper... So this was what hurt was, huh...? He didn't like it much. No, he didn't like it at all... He couldn't let this happen! She hadn't even answered his question! He didn't... He didn't understand... "Annabelle, wait!" He called, scrambling to his feet and dashing after her. He caught her by the arm in a gentle grip - hoping that she would stop... That she wouldn't pull away from him. "I don't understand." He admitted quietly - watching her with a slightly hurt expression on his face. "I told you before... I- Please, help me. Help me to understand." He begged - his eyes darting over her face. He seemed extremely upset about the whole ordeal, and he was deeply confused, too... If she could just... Explain to him. It was all so difficult... He just couldn't understand. How could he even attempt to make things right when he didn't know how, why or when they had gone wrong? He had thought they were becoming friends... Why had this happened? A lump formed in Laiko's throat then, and his grip on Annabelle's arm slackened as he glanced away - suddenly unsure what to do with his emotions. He wasn't used to feeling like this... He didn't know how to react. He wanted Mike, Kevin... Anybody just to help him through this - to explain it all to him. He couldn't do it alone... But Annabelle didn't know that. She couldn't understand - of course she couldn't! He had completely forgotten... She didn't even know the story. She didn't know why he was the way he was... He should have told her. Even though she hadn't asked - he should have explained it to her right off! But how was he to know? How could he...? He wanted Mike and Kevin.

Annabelle looked back, hurt that he was even trying to make amend to things.
"I kissed you! I went too far, like always" she cried, not even bothering to tug away.
"I'm sorry, i'm sorry i thought ahead, like i always do, and this time i somehow thought it may be perfect"
She stopped and stared at Laiko, his face confused and twisted, in a pained yet beautiful way.
"I'm sorry i thought your feelings were the same, i really am, and i'm sorry i went too fast. I.. thanks.. i... thanks for being my friend" she added quietly and again gently pulled away from him, setting off again.

Laiko felt his stomach lurch at her words - not even understanding why - and his breath caught in his throat as he simply stood and listened to her, unable to summon the words he needed. Then, as she began to walk away again, a soft gasp escaped his lips. "No.." He reached out for her hand, but as he was about to grasp it, it moved out of reach. Time seemed to slow down as his fingers closed on air, and Laiko felt a horrible sinking sensation in the pit of his stomach. He didn't know what it was... But he didn't like it. But wait - what was he doing? He couldn't just let her walk away like that! He couldn't just leave her so upset... "Annabelle!" He exclaimed, going after her yet again. "Will you just wait?" He pleaded, watching her with a frown. Okay, so maybe he had messed up, but she could give him a chance... Seeing her beautiful face so twisted by sorrow was like a dagger between the ribs. He couldn't cope with that... As the sight flashed before his eyes again, Laiko attempted to swallow past the lump in his throat - and then tears spilled from his eyes. Oh great... Now he was crying... And he didn't know how to stop. Great, just great. Laiko brushed the tears away irritably - wishing that, just once, he could actually know how to control his emotions. Without pausing to think - he acted on a sudden impulse and gently pulled Annabelle toward him - his arms encircling her into a hug. "It's not that you went too far... Nor to fast." He murmured quietly - gently stroking her back to soothe her as he spoke. "I just... Can't do that. I'm not allowed to..." He explained quietly. He pulled away then - setting his hands on her shoulders and watching her intently - his bright green eyes forming an uncharacteristically serious, firm gaze that somehow suited his handsome face. "I'm gay." He stated simply, "And unless I'm much mistaken - that means I'm not allowed to accept kisses from... You know, girls..." He frowned slightly at his own explanation - suddenly seeing things in a whole new light. He did not doubt that he was gay... He couldn't doubt that... But he had to admit - the thought of actually kissing another guy most certainly did not appeal to him. In fact, it repulsed him completely. Perhaps he just wasn't at that stage yet... But then again, other than feeling completely bewildered and a little scared, he actually hadn't minded Annabelle's kiss. What the hell did that mean?! Damn! Why was this all so confusing? Where were Mike and Kevin when he needed them...? "Look, I'm sorry I gave you the wrong impression..." Laiko went on, suddenly resuming his speech, "I swear I didn't mean to - it's just... Well, I can't help it. I didn't even know I was misleading you until it was too late..." He sighed heavily, then broke off - dropping his hands back to his sides. "There's something you need to know about me. I didn't think to explain it earlier, but I see now that I should have... At least... I think so." Laiko lapsed into silence then - rendered speechless by his confusion yet again.

Annabelle stared. Dumbstruck.
"Oh right" she said, her hopes falling.
"I'm really sorry, i really am, i didnt realise" she said, her voice choking up.
How could this happen? he'd actually... the way he looked at her earlier.. everything..
"the way you looked at me" she whimpered to herself.
She looked up and realised he way crying.
"I'm so sorry, honestly don't cry, i shouldn't have put you in that position, i just thought the way you.. talked and .. i just took the path the wrong way"
She hugged him back and looked down, hiding her face so he couldnt see the sheer disappointement it withheld.
"I'm so," she sighed sadly, "I'm just...sorry" she whispered.
She pulled away and shifted her school bag to her other shoulder.
it was now 3PM.
School had ended, yet she hadnt realised they'd been at the beach this long.
"I guess i'll give you a lift home" she said.

Laiko shook his head, looking away and irritably wiping his eyes again. Great! Now he had made her feel guilty... Just what he needed. "Don't be sorry - it's not your fault I'm like this..." He muttered with a heavy sigh. "I'm sorry... I mean - it's as you say... I gave you completely the wrong impression, and I don't even- I don't even know why!" He ran his hands through his hair in uncharacteristic frustration - for once feeling bitter toward the lot he had in life, which he had always accepted without question before. "Annabelle, come on." He murmured quietly - glancing back at her. "We're here anyway, right? Just talk to me. Hear me out. I wouldn't want to go back now anyway... I'm not myself..." He shook his head, then sighed heavily before beginning to explain. "Here's the deal: I just don't pick up on things the way most people do, nor do I understand properly... And that is because, technically I don't have the life experience that I should for my age." He explained, doing his best to keep his voice calm and steady. "You see, I only remember two years of my life up until this point. That's two years to gain the experience I should have gained over seventeen years. That's why I don't get it... It's why I misunderstand things, why I never pick up on sarcasm... It's- Oh forget it." He broke off suddenly - seeming completely dejected. This was exactly what he had been about to say next... Why he couldn't control emotions. He was simply feeling too distraught and, quite frankly, utterly defeated to even try any more. "Never mind..." He muttered hopelessly. "Just... Thanks, and I'm sorry. I'll see you around some other time. And don't worry, I'll get myself back." He shook his head, then turned away from her - seeming almost to have shrunk in the absence of his usual cheerfulness. He couldn't believe he had messed up this badly... And trying to explain had probably just made it worse. She'd probably just see it as an excuse... In fact, come to think of it, she'd probably think he was lying... His was hardly an easily believable story, after all.

"No wait" Annabelle cried, running after him.
"Only 2 years? but, how! and why?" she was shocked, yet curious as to how this way.
Emotions were hard.. but if he couldn't control his.. was he really what he said he was.
She grabbed his hand and clasped it tight.
"I'm sorry, i really, i don't.. just don't feel bad. Nothing is your fault! Just, explain, please" Annabelle pleaded.
She needed to hear his story.

Laiko stopped as Annabelle called after him, but he didn't even bother to turn around. A dejected sigh slipped from his lips, and he turned a dull gaze to his hand as she clasped it in her own. He shook his head, sighing again and turning away from her. "Of course it's my fault... But anyway... It's- It's a long story." He fell silent a moment, staring lifelessly at the ground, and for a while it seemed he was not going to speak after all. Then he drew in a deep breath and resigned himself to telling his story. "Well, this is the problem you see... I don't know. About two years ago I woke up in hospital, and I didn't remember anything. Not my name, not my age, not my life. Nothing. I found out from the doctors how I'd been injured - severe head trauma and three bullet wounds. Principal Hayden had found me passed out in the street and he brought me in... They wrote me off as dead on arrival, but he insisted... And somehow I pulled through. They told me that it was just amnesia... That my memories would return... But they never did - so I had to start all over again. Start from scratch... I was lucky it was Principal Hayden who found me - since I obviously had nowhere to go then. He gave me a full scholarship - including free board and lodging - and introduced me to Mike and Kevin who helped me to get back on my feet..." He trailed off into silence, then sighed again. "Not that there's any point telling you this. You're not going to believe me." He concluded in a dull, hopeless tone. Yes - he was depressed, and pathetically so. He could not recall having been this way before, but as with everything: Everything he felt - he felt to the full, and expressed it thus, until such a time as he had learned to contain and control it.

Annabelle clutched his hand harder.
"I'm so sorry, i really am. And i do believe you"
She leant forward and hugged him, feeling him flinch within her touch.
"But you being gay.. are you sure? If someone has told you that, i don't think.." she stopped to think.
If someone HAD told him that, her eyes widened.
"You can have feelings for anyone. You may not be gay. If you like boys, you like them, if you like girls" she stumbled, blushing, "You like them"

she lowered her eyes, a million thoughts running through her head.
This was so painful, to see Laiko in pain.
He was literally a new born, maybe 2 at least.
She hugged him tighter.
"again i'm sorry for putting you into this difficult position" she felt sorrowful, almost guilty for ever thinking of kissing him, let alone doing the deed.
"Come back to my house? I can make you a hot chocolate" she smiled, lightening the situation.

Finally finding some form of a grip on his emotions at Annabelle's words - Laiko squeezed her hand softly, then dragged his gaze upwards to look at her. "Don't be." He muttered. "It doesn't bother me, really... In fact, I'm lucky - since I don't have a painful past to dwell on like most people..." He shrugged slightly, tensing as he felt her draw him into a hug. Was he supposed to push her away? Hug her back? That was what he wanted to do, but... When had he ever got anything right on his own? Wait - this was no time to be so... So depressed. He had to snap out of it. Annabelle believed him! Better yet - she was trying to comfort him, and here he was being a pathetic and ungrateful twat. He glanced up at her next words - the lifeless expression leaving his eyes as his gaze became more attentive. But as she spoke on the topic, he found himself gradually becoming more and more uncomfortable, and when she blushed - he looked away, feeling extremely awkward. "Things are the way they are." Laiko stated simply - his voice quiet and somewhat apologetic. "For as long as I can remember I've been gay, and that's simply the way it is. I guess I just haven't... Found the right person yet." He shrugged vaguely, managing a slight smile as he glanced at her. If only the circumstances were different, you might be that person... But he kept his thoughts to himself - remaining silent. Annabelle hugged him tighter then, and Laiko hesitantly responded - slowly raising his arms and hugging her back. "Don't apologise..." He muttered at her next words. "You've done me a favour. I had to learn somehow..." He shrugged vaguely, then stepped back - managing a small smile. Though at her next offer, his smile flickered and died at his lips. "I don't know if I should..." He murmured dubiously, his gaze dropping to the ground. "I've already caused you such hassle... And now being like this... I don't want to make it worse." He shook his head, then added "I should probably just... Go." Yet he didn't. He remained standing where he was - fidgeting uncertainly. He was lost. He had strayed too far from familiar territory and he didn't now where to go... What to do. He needed guidance. More than that: He needed to get a grip on himself. He hated the way he was acting... It was pathetic, and it wasn't him. But it was so confusing... To be nearing adulthood, with the mind, body and emotions of a teenager... Yet with the same amount of memories as an infant.