Fun and Games | By : sillyneko345 Category: +G through L > Jak & Daxter Views: 5934 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: I do not own the game this story is based from (Jak & Daxter), nor do I profit from writng it. |
AN: I’m quite pleased at how quickly this is moving along. Having fun with it, too. Only one more chapter left after this one, yay! *feels accomplished*
- - - - - Sione: Thanks much, my friend! I’m looking forward to working on those other stories, too. But in the meantime… we’ll see if this chapter has enough “teenagers with too many hormones” for you. *wink wink* BlackShadowChild: Thank you! Dax does seem a bit conflicted, poor dear… Let’s see if he won’t settle down a bit and bask in all that extra attention. - - - - - Characters: Jak, Dax, and the lovely places in which they play all belong to Naughty Dog, Inc. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - “Hey, back off, pal—it’s my shot!” The rock skipped ahead of them, urged on by swift kicks when they managed to catch up to it. First Jak would dart forward, then Daxter, sending the pebble bouncing away down the long path. Once in a while it would strike a tree trunk, ricochet off an outcrop of living stone, disappear into a clump of flowering scrub. Unluckily for it, it was always sought out again. Fluffy white clouds drifted serenely through blue skies. Birds perched and sang in shaded stands of tall pine trees. A cool breeze whistling down the shallow canyon made deep green grass ripple, teased bright flowers to bob and sway. As an added bonus, it also kept the boys from getting too warm as they alternately walked and ran, a heavy load of camping gear shared between them on the long trek through the mountain valleys near Rock Village. Jak couldn’t help but notice their picturesque surroundings between short stints of pebble abuse. He also couldn’t help but notice a certain redhead’s high energy level, and had to wonder how much sugar the little guy had dumped on his grapefruit that morning. Jak watched his friend out of the corner of his eye as Daxter hared off ahead once more. They had been walking for hours with few pauses to rest, and despite the fact that he was carrying almost as much as Jak the redhead was still sprinting forward like they were newly set out on their adventure. “Jak, hurry up! I think there’s a stream or somethin’ up here!” The green-blonde grinned, hoisting the bundle of their canvas tent higher on his back. A nice splash sounded marvelous, considering that they had spent a lengthy leg of the journey avoiding random lava pits. Maybe there was a reason Uncle had never allowed them to come exploring here before… Regardless of how safe it was, the length of the march was something to be considered. They should really ask Keira to invent them some sort of way to get through the canyons much more quickly. The trip alone had been well worth any trouble, though. After filching his uncle’s spare map out of a sock drawer in the absent old man’s room, they had taken the evening before to prepare supplies. The next morning they had set out at first light. Cutting inland from the top of the waterfall on Sentinel Beach, they had made good time toward a place on the map dubbed “the Precursor Basin.” Upon reaching the spot around mid-afternoon, Jak was willing to set up camp in the fascinating place. Daxter, however, had urged him on. It was probably the fact that all the ancient structures that glowed in the basin by day (and there were a lot, mind) would glow brighter by night, and probably be creepier than the redhead wanted to admit. Jak knew he had always been slightly scared of the Precursor concept. So they had pressed on, soon coming up against a gorge of bubbling magma. By following the path it cut north and east, they been able to descend into their current location once the terrain became a little less… molten, and lot more green. Shadows were beginning to lengthen now as they continued down the narrow valley. Very soon Jak would gently insist that they stop and make camp for the evening. But first… “Geronimo!” There was an enormous splash as Daxter threw off his pack and hit the shallow stream at a run. Jak immediately did likewise, letting out a loud yell of shock and delight as icy water drenched him to above his shin guards. They began splashing one another at once, rinsing off the sweat and dust of almost a full day’s brisk walking. Daxter shrieked and laughed as the green-blonde caught him in a headlock, tried to force him to his knees in the clear, cold brook. But, before he could accomplish his act of chilly mischief, something caught Jak’s eye. A sparkle at the bottom of the stream. Letting go of the redhead, he bent down and scooped it from the mud. The sluicing water cleared away the muck in seconds, leaving a bright stone in Jak’s palm. It was a mostly transparent crystal, streaked through with blue rock. Jak stared at his find for half a beat, then grinned widely. It was perfect! “What is it, Jak? Find somethin’ cool?” Grinning slyly, Jak held the rock behind his back. He could have some fun before he handed it over. And give it to Daxter he would, in just a few moments. He had been halfheartedly searching for something to give to the redhead all day. That morning, soon after they had set out, Daxter had found a bright red feather on the path. After only a second of deliberation, he had unexpectedly turned to Jak and tied the trophy in the green-blonde’s hair. It was a decoration from a bird as wild and free as the boys felt just then, on their way to new places and exciting new adventures in the dawn light. The feather was still in his hair, as a matter of fact—he intended to let it stay until it fell out on its own. The odd and very un-Daxter gesture had made Jak warm and squirmy on the inside. He had wanted to gift the redhead something in return, but no more feathers were forthcoming and Dax wasn’t likely to react well if presented with, say, a flower. This pretty stone would be just the thing. “Aww, c’mon! Lemme see!” Jak ducked a curiously pawing hand and pretended to ignore the playful whine. Still holding the rock behind his back, he made as if to climb back up the bank and out of the stream. “Jaaak!” Insistent tugging on his tunic made the young adventurer laugh. Conceding at last, he turned back to his friend and held out the prize. It sparkled brilliantly in the golden evening light, glistening on his wet palm. Daxter was suitably impressed. “Hey, that’s pretty cool! Man, you have all the luck, big guy. That’s an awesome sparkly ya got there.” What a coincidence. That was just what Jak wanted to hear. Smiling almost bashfully, he held it out and offered it to the redhead. “Huh?” Daxter glanced up, startled. “I can have it? Fer real?” Jak nodded. For a moment it looked like Daxter might question his willingness to give up such a nice find that was more than rightfully his, making the green-blonde squirm in embarrassment as he tried to explain. However, the moment soon passed. When Jak pressed the present into his hand he took it without protest, undeniably pleased. “Wow. Thanks, pal!” Busy polishing the rock on his sleeve and then holding it up to the light, he completely missed the soft smile and faint dusting of a blush on the taller boy’s face. Jak was glad Daxter liked it. Dax was his best friend, and lately something even more than that. Jak still couldn’t place exactly what that something more was, but it had at least a little to do with all the mutual touching they had been engaging in as of late. Jak wasn’t naïve enough to believe otherwise. However, it was more than that, as well. The warm glow in his chest prompted Jak to step forward while Daxter’s back was turned, reach out to gather the redhead into a hug. Though he still would not tolerate the giving of kisses, Dax would occasionally allow such affectionate embraces if they only lasted for a short moment. Before Jak could get his arms around him, however, Daxter stepped away, obliviously tucking the rock into his pocket. “Well, we better get a move on. Ya wanna find a good spot ta stop fer the night, right Jak?” Jak sighed and nodded, a little disappointed. More and more he was beginning to wish the redhead didn’t have such a dislike of what he scornfully called “sappy stuff,” as opposed to the “sexy stuff” they both now more than welcomed from one another. Whether he meant to or not, Jak was slowly starting to see his little buddy as someone dangerously close to fitting the description of “girlfriend.” Err… Well, Daxter would fit said description quite nicely except for a few obvious differences between his anatomy and that of a girl. Alright. Boyfriend, then. Jak wasn’t picky when it came to labels. He didn’t have to say them, so obviously they couldn’t count for very much. The boys climbed out of the stream, content to gather their nearly forgotten gear and keep walking in search of the ideal campsite. Jak kept his hopes up. He was far from a quitter. The evening had barely begun, and Daxter was in a good mood. He might yet be able to get by with some otherwise discouraged behavior. - // - // - // - // - “Almost done with the tent? Great! I’m gonna go get some more water so we can get dinner cookin’. Don’t run off anywhere without me!” Jak grinned, pulling the last rope tight between a sturdy pole and the stake he had just driven deep into the ground. One tent, finished and ready to be camped in. Wiping dirty hands on his pants, the green-blonde watched absently as Daxter disappeared around a large outcropping of stone. The redhead would be alright on his own—the stream was only a few minutes’ walk away. They had been lucky to find such a nice spot to camp. A small raised patch of grassy land, the little knoll they had claimed for the evening was in the lee of a large rock formation. It would be perfect for blocking the brisk wind that whistled down the valley. A stand of pines nearby provided more than enough firewood, and the short distance back to the mountain stream meant they didn’t have to worry about conserving water. They could even make some soup for dinner if they wanted. Jak did want. His stomach grumbled loudly, and he placed his hand over it with some amusement. A handful of nuts and dried fruit on the march that afternoon did not an adequate lunch make. No wonder Dax was so intent on getting dinner started. Turning to the small campfire ringed with rocks, their first accomplishment once the site was settled upon, Jak took a moment to puff out his chest with pride. He felt so damn grown up. This wasn’t hard at all. It was exciting and fun, even if they weren’t technically exploring anything that hadn’t already been discovered before. Simply being out in the wild, just him and Daxter on their own, relying on instinct and ingenuity and each other… Was it any wonder he wanted to follow in his uncle’s footsteps and be a real explorer someday? Still smiling, the self proclaimed explorer-in-training sought out their packs. Daxter had already dumped out all the cooking apparatus they would need any time soon, so Jak was safe stashing the bags inside the tent. He also gathered their sleeping rolls, pillows, and extra blankets. It had been a real pain dragging along so much bedding, but Jak also had an ulterior motive. Somewhat nervously, he spread it all neatly on the floor of the tent. One never could tell when a little extra padding under you might be appreciated, after all… “Hey, Jak! Jak! There’s fish in that stream, pal!” Predictably, when Daxter returned he did not so much run back to camp as he exploded into it like a yellow eco vent blowing its top. He panted excitedly, nearly tripping over himself and barely managing to not spill the cook pot full of water he had fetched. Jak poked his head out of the tent curiously. “Please, please say ya brought yer hooks an’ line? We could have fish stew!” The green-blonde nodded. Though he had not carted along his fishing rod, the lines, hooks, and sinker stones that went with it were tucked into a pocket of his pack. With a little bait, it was quite possible they could make use of them. “Whoo-hoo!” The redhead pumped his fist happily. He was probably just as hungry as Jak, and hoping for something with a little more protein to add to their dinner. “You wanna go try yer luck at the stream, or stay here an’ cut up carrots while I do it?” Rolling his eyes, Jak crawled out of the tent. Dax had lost more of his hooks than he cared to think about, with those too-enthusiastic casts that nearly always managed to get hung up on something unless they were fishing from the very end of the fisherman’s boat dock. Better that Jak would bring back the fish. “Fine, be that way. Just fer that I’m puttin’ extra mushrooms in this soup.” With a huff of pretended aggravation, Jak turned to the ties of the tent flap. He steadfastly resisted the temptation to secure them to a support pole, holding the flap open and providing a perfect view of the cozy beds he had just made up. As much as he wanted to unobtrusively drop that particular hint, if the tent stood open bugs would get inside it. They definitely didn’t want that. And, besides. He couldn’t take the chance of seeming too eager. If the redhead caught on that Jak was in any way hoping, craving, burning for some action between them—the little bastard would rag him mercilessly for it, then smugly hold out on him. Well, not this time, not if Jak had anything to say about it. No way was he putting up with Daxter’s games tonight. Tonight he had a much better plan. Now, if it would only work… “Hey, dreamer-boy. You gonna bring us back some supper here, or just play with the tent all night?” A quick hand gesture sent the redhead into gales of laughter as Jak pocketed some hooks, wound his fishing line around one hand, and set off for the brook with a small smirk. Let the little guy enjoy his merriment. Tonight it would be Jak who got the last laugh. - // - // - // - // - “Come on, Jakkie-boy. Eat yer mushrooms. They’re good for ya!” The sun had nearly set by the time Jak returned from the stream with two handsomely speckled fish. True to his word, Daxter had been industriously boiling up a soup to which the prizes on Jak’s line would be a tasty addition. They sat by the fire as darkness descended and the stars peeked out, wooden bowls of steaming soup in hand and a handkerchief full of freshly picked berries shared on the ground between them. Rising wind. Gathering clouds over the moon. Warm fire, good food, best friends in their own little world. A nearly perfect evening. “Open up, Jak. Here comes the tastiest nibble in the whole wide world!” Making a comical face, Jak smacked the proffered spoon away. For the life of him, he could not figure out what people saw in mushrooms as a food group. Anything that had both gills and spores and grew on rotting plants was firmly banned from his diet. Daxter knew this. And he didn’t care. Snickering, the smaller boy moved in for the kill, spoon upraised. Three seconds later they were rolling in the grass, empty bowls—uneaten mushrooms excepted—and spoons knocked carelessly to the side. Laughing and yelping when one or the other got in a good pinch or poke, they let the cool night air work its magic. Surrounded by soft shadows, the crisp smell of rain, the sounds of wind, water, and the calls of night creatures echoing through the dark… the solitude of the lonely valley was absolute. Total and complete freedom. Intoxicating. As was most often the case, Jak emerged the victor of their tussle. After only a few moments he pinned the redhead to the ground, keeping him from squirming away with big hands planted firm but gentle on boney shoulders. He smirked down as his captive. No mushrooms tonight. “Just wait, smart ass. Soon as I hit that damn growth spurt, yer gonna get it so bad!” Jak’s wide grin melted into a much mellower smile. Dax was cuter than ever when he pouted like that. No… He was more than cute. The firelight did something wonderful to that already vibrant hair, and freckles stood out bolder on pale cheeks when playful shadows flickered across them. The green-blonde allowed himself to relax, his body cautiously pressing down against the redhead’s. Completely forgetting his vow of subtlety, he lifted a hand to cup Daxter’s face. Callused but gentle fingers moved to tease into that warm hair that almost seemed to glow. If only, if only Dax would not protest for a change… No good. The redhead was getting That Look in his eye—the look that meant Jak was tiptoeing over a line, and Daxter was about to put a stop to it. Before he could do so, however, he jumped in surprise. Jak quickly drew back as Dax shook his head rapidly, a hand flying up to rub at one suddenly squinting eye. A green brow raised in silent query. What?While AFF and its agents attempt to remove all illegal works from the site as quickly and thoroughly as possible, there is always the possibility that some submissions may be overlooked or dismissed in error. 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