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In a cold breeze of winter's wind, there was a hint of warmth. It came from people laughing on the street, while they spent time with family or friends. It also came from the fire lit by the lighter of smoking men outside. They drank beer and talked about future days that would come. Yet, the biggest warmth came from hearts.
Steve's heart beat a delightful tune that could only be recognized by it’s owner. Because Steve’s heart was owned by Carl entirely. Ever since Lacemoss, Steve’s dearest friend, decided to introduce him to Carl, he knew his entire world would be changed.
When Carl smiled to him so whimsically for the first time, Steve forgot how to breathe. Suddenly he couldn’t function and the cum in him began to spill. Lacemoss was shocked by such a reaction from him, since they knew that Steve was never a shy person. Carl was also taken aback, worried that he was already disliked by Steve. Right when the happy and cheerful music in Carl switched to a gloomy tune, Steve understood that he upset him so he began apologizing repeatedly. For the first time in his life he felt such an intense stress that hurt his stomach.
To his surprise, Lacemoss announced that Steve will now share a room with Carl. Steve didn’t know if this was his best dream or his worst nightmare. Sharing space with someone you barely knew but held so close to your heart could be dangerous.
Fortunately for Steve, nothing bad happened. He became really close friends with Carl. They often went out to the forest with Lacemoss to collect funky trinkets that caught their eyes. Everyday felt like a blessing sent straight from heaven. Steve didn’t know what he ever did to deserve such things.
His happiness didn’t last long. All of a sudden, Carl became distant. It first started with Carl eating breakfast alone. The music in him became quieter than before. Steve knew Carl as an enthusiastic and bright person that had a lively smile on his face every day, so it was a shock to see that smile fade from his lips and turn to a frown. He really wanted to know what was bothering him but Carl always just shrugged his questions off as if he was fine.
This day, Steve was sitting on his bed and staring at the snow, falling from the sky, throughout the window. He was already thinking of a present he would get Lacemoss and Carl for Christmas, even though December barely started.
As sun set and Steve was getting ready to sleep, he noticed that Carl still wasn’t there. He wondered if maybe he went outside to the forest but it was definitely much too cold for Carl’s liking for him to be out. He hoped he’d be back home soon but that never happened. Hours passed and his warm heart began trembling from cold when the love of his life didn’t appear at the door to say goodnight and sleep soundly in the same room.
So of course, as a caring bucket Steve is, he went out to look for Carl and bring him back.
The beautiful snowflakes that before were a contrast to his burning heart, now were a close friend he felt like he knew too well. Each step he took was making his mind race with various thoughts about what could’ve happened to Carl. When he searched every corner of a forest they explored together and he didn’t find his friend, he was petrified.
His legs denied working and he stood still, freezing in the cold while looking at the frozen lake that somewhat felt familiar. After minutes that felt like decades, he slowly dragged his numb body back home.
When he came back, Lacemoss already stood there, their face full of worry.
- Steve! Jesus, what happened to you? – They ran up to him and hugged him tightly, making an attempt to give some of their own warmth.
Steve remained quiet. He couldn’t even look his friend in the eyes.
- C’mon steve… why would you even go out in such weather? Also, where is Carl? Wasn’t he with you?
- No… I wanted to look for him but I just couldn’t find him anywhere.
The same moment the last words fell from his lips, Carl came home. The melody playing from him was a sad tune. Lacemoss greeted Carl full of concern but they hugged him anyway.
Steve stood with his eyes still staring at the ground.
After Steve showered and after Carl ate a warm meal, both sat silently in their room until Steve decided to break the intense atmosphere.
- Why were you out for so long? Do you know how worried me and Lacemoss were?
- I’m sorry…I just… - Carl let out a heavy sigh. Steve felt sorry for him in a way but he couldn’t just ignore how his friend didn’t want to speak about what bothered him.
- Just what? You pretend nothing is going on but I can clearly see you’re struggling with something! Carl, please, just tell me what’s wrong – He took a step closer to his friend and put an arm around his shoulder as an assurance that he could speak comfortably about his problem but Carl became tense at the unexpected touch.
- I-It’s seriously nothing…please don’t worry – Carl stuttered. He tried to force a smile but it came out more awkward than he imagined it would. Steve closed his eyes, frustrated by how secretive his friend was.
- Carl, for fuck's sake, stop it! I can’t just keep acting like I don’t see that you’re going through something!
- It’s because I’m in love with you! - In that moment, Carl couldn’t just keep holding his emotions to himself. – I avoided you because I was worried I would destroy our friendship… I just couldn’t risk that.. I wanted to-
Carl got cut off by Steve’s mouth on his own. Both Carl and Steve were quite shocked by that action but the kiss felt sweet and gentle regardless. It didn’t last long but the memory of it definitely will last forever.
Not a lot more words were said that night besides goodnights and more love confessions. Right when the snow stopped falling, they both fell asleep in each other’s arms.