"Wow! You know, I'd forgotten how beautiful the countryside is this time of year! The snow is on the ground, but it hasn't gotten all slushy and nasty yet…just beautiful!"

"Hmm? Yeah…it is beautiful!" Connor replied. Now that he was seated, he realized how exhausted he felt. He hadn't slept much at all over the past week, getting things organized and ready for this much awaited train trip. Kevin's obvious enjoyment was making it all worth it, and he really wanted to share the feeling…he shook himself awake, hoping his sudden sleepiness wasn't too obvious.

"Connor?" Kevin repeated. "You OK?"

"Yeah, I'm fine!"

"Ah…well, then, anyway, I was thinking that when we get there, we can…"

Connor really tried to focus on what Kevin was saying, but it was all he could do to keep his eyes open.

"Yeah…that'll be great!" He responded. Kevin gave him a strange look. "What'll be great?" Kevin asked.
Connor blushed. "Oh, you know…um, when we finally get off this train…or something…"

"We practically just got on! You know, if you didn't want to take the train you should have just told me, and we'd have made other plans!"

"No, no…it's fine, Kevin, really…I think it was a great idea…!

"You sure? I mean, I know it's not much, but…our first vacation together. I wanted it to be special!"

Connor sat up straight, stifling a yawn. "It's already special!"

"And would you look at that!" Kevin's attention was back on the window. "Horses!"

The next hour was spent with Kevin excitedly trying to engage Connor in conversation, as Connor tried desperately to keep up. At first, Kevin was annoyed, but as he realized that Connor was just trying to stay awake, apparently for Kevin's sake, he thought it was very sweet, and pretty funny too.

"So, Connor? How about when we get there, we do some naked skydiving?"
"Yeah, sure…if you want."
"We'll be able to see all the…pancakes we want from up there! I hope you like whipped cream!"
"Sounds good…"
"I just hope the ponies don't get there first!"
"What?!"

Kevin giggled. "I love you, Connor!"
Connor smiled and sat up straight again. "I love you too, Kevin!"

Kevin had finally run out of funny things to say and was honestly a bit bored with his little game. He glanced over at Connor, who was now sitting stiffly upright, arms folded, with his eyes shut, just seconds from toppling forward.

"Connor!" Kevin spoke sharply, startling him.

"WHAT?!" Connor shouted, then blushed when the little girl seated ahead of them started crying, and her mother turned and gave him the dirtiest look.

"Sorry! My fault!" Kevin laughed, and wouldn't stop laughing for almost a minute.

Connor glared at him and sighed. "Every time." He muttered, shaking his head. "I don't know why I put up with you."

Kevin smiled. "There are so many reasons, you should probably just make a list!"

"Mmm-hmm…" His eyes were shut again. This time, Kevin reached over and put his arm around Connor's shoulder, pulling him in close. Connor's eyes fluttered open briefly, then closed as he gave in to sleep, snuggling into Kevin's warmth. "Best reason of all," Kevin whispered, "I make a damn fine pillow!" Kevin gently took Connor's hand, and eventually let his love's soft breathing and the train's quiet rumble lull him to sleep as well.