Thunder moved closer as dark clouds crowded forward. Rain began behind them and marched evenly across the lawn before striking the water. Boats swung haphazardly against their moorings. Thumping rain marched across the water, roiling it to a steel grey. They watched the rain’s steady progress until it finally eclipsed the last of the soft blue water and obscured the far shore.

A loud crash directly over head caused the dark haired man on the porch to jerk upright. His companion placed a firm hand on his shoulder before pulling him close -- knowing it was safe to do so in the encroaching darkness.

They sat in companionable silence watching Mother Nature at work. The dark haired man leaned forward for a moment, a smile warming his face as he pointed out the thin rainbow off to the right -- just at the edge of the dirty grey sky -- two stripes of color; green and pink - separating the grey from fading blue. His companion smiled broadly and moved to the edge of the porch to look off to the left, making a suggestion after retaking his seat as to the rainbow’s endpoint, earning him a laugh. The pleasant sound wafted upward through the easing rain.

They stayed on the porch until the smaller man shivered, eliciting a growl from his mate who eased himself up and held out the hand not held captive by a sling. A silent battle of wills played out across the two handsome faces before the offer was accepted.

Once on his feet, the smaller man ran a hand tenderly along the other’s face, barking out a quick laugh when a wet tongue lashed his palm. He pulled the bigger man to his chest, a sigh escaping as the dark head came to rest on his shoulder. A last boom of thunder startled them apart -- blue eyes finding green in the dark -- another startled laugh -- this one slightly sheepish, and the two headed inside.

-- THE END --

October 2007