Author's Note- This story is for Kaylin, a good friend of mine. Here's to you and your dreams, hearts.



   A boy sat outside on a bench, staring into the depths of a Styrofoam cup, holding it with both hands, idly watching the steam billow and raise into the cool winter air. Soft brown hair fell gently about his shoulder, stirred by the unseen hand of the wind, and he leant to the caress, holding the warmth of the cup close to his face, breathing in the deep, stirring scent of the heated beverage, closing his eyes in memory, pale, pink lips lifting to a faint smile of the remembered past.

   Not far off, another boy exited a small country store, idly looking through a bag hanging laxly at his arm. Sighing, he looked up in an expression of quiet exhaustion, but paused, dark green eyes widening as the he caught sight of something magnificent.

   Deep chocolate eyes slowly opened, gazing straight to the green-eyed man, and they watched one another, the boy of earthen eyes straining to regain his breath as the emerald pools threatened to entrance him in spell.

   The owner of the stunning green orbs walked over, as the brown-eyed boy, Kaylin, stood to meet him. Eyes still locked, the boy spoke.

   "My name is Joshua.. Could I ask yours?"

   Kay watched him, eyes unable to break the enveloping gaze, and only making out his form by peripheral vision. He was slender, yes muscular, and he wore a jade silken shirt that held easily to his lithe form, his jeans equally clinging in perfection. His blonde hair hung easily about his face, given him a gentle, yet strong profile. He spoke again; a note urgency slipping into his confident, soft tone.

   "Please, tell me your name. I must know it."

   Kaylin was startled to hear the tone again, and he blinked, finally freeing himself from the unnerving and marvelous connection of those liquid emerald eyes. He replied, quietly.

   "Kaylin. My name.. It's Kaylin."

   Joshua smiled, and seemed relieved. He echoed the name, and then smiled again, brightly.

   "Kaylin."

   Kay nodded, feeling slightly stunned by the man in front of him.

   "Kaylin... would it be alright, maybe, if I held you? For just a moment. If I only could..."

   Hold me? Can he .. hold me? A little unnerved, strangely giddy and oddly determining that this was right, he nodded his agreement, silently.

   Josh stepped forward, his arm falling to let the bag he held slip to the snow-blanketed ground, and he sat on the weather-worn stone bench, and Kaylin dropped down wordlessly beside him, his empty cider cup falling to the ground beside the bag. Josh slid an arm around his shoulders, blonde hair falling across the dazzling emerald eyes, and he shook his head once to clear them as Kay leant more close to his warmth. He smiled, turning to better accommodate the smaller man, who shifted, laying back against his chest while Josh held him in a secure, heart-warming hug.

   Snow filtered silently down from the sky as they stayed, enjoying each other's warmth and kindness. Kay felt himself drifting comfortably to sleep, nuzzling against Josh, who lightly rested his head against Kaylin's, smiling softly, deep green eyes hidden behind light lashes and he murmured a contented sigh. It was an eternity of warmth, and comfort, among desolate and chilling winter, two souls holding one another, a match made of destiny and hope.

   �Merry Christmas, Kay.� Joshua spoke softly, his breath warm and comforting against Kaylin�s neck, a kind difference in the chilling winter breeze. Josh�s hold tightened around the smaller boy for a moment, a wonderful, heart-warming moment, then he released Kay, the soothing tenderness of his body a memory lingering kindly within his thoughts.

   Kaylin stood, turning to Joshua�s retreating form. Earthen eyes lingered on the strong form, a hand lifting to reach after him in an almost forlorn manner and his voice broke from him in an unhappy whisper.

   �Joshua��