"What have I got to be shy with you, Thomas?" Krem asked, teasing and honest. They'd seen each other to skin enough times that this didn't seem strange, but he didn't push for the same sort of open nudity from Thomas.

Instead, he watched Thomas's slow progression in the water. In their little harbor, there were no breakers. Just gentle little rolling waves that were easy to bob up and down on. Krem laid back in the water, sighing at the combination of cool water and night breeze and warmth that lingered.

"I doubt it," Krem said. "But I'd definitely make you take care of me if my toes turned blue."