"You're several steps above sleeping on the ground," Krem informed gently, keeping his face carefully down because he was blushing now, feeling young and boyish and bold, like when they had swam together.

Part of him wished it was summer again, so that they could go. He missed the sand and the surf and the way it had felt to tumble about in the water with Thomas. He wondered if it would be different now.

Thomas kept teasing, unknowing of Krem's thoughts , and Krem tilted his head up, just a bit. He offered him a little smile. "Is that all you think you deserve? Pat on the back?"