Elentir shook his head, the milky tint of his skin rushing to rosy rouge. "I can't, Gavin, I just can't." Gavin playfully sighed, the chords always strumming as a soft background. "You…you don't understand, I just can't sing in front of anyone."

"Elentir, your voice is magnificent. I've never heard anything like it. It's a waste for you not to sing sometime down town, Friday night perhaps, where everyone's walking the streets and finding places for their spare change."

"I'm sorry," Elentir said, leaning back against the tree.

"You sing in front of me all the time."

"That's different," the Elf replied, closing his eyes for a moment. He recognized the song he had taught Gavin floating from the guitar. The young man began to poke Elentir in the side with a free hand when he had one, causing Elentir to break into a smile and fold, blushing.

"No one's around, Elly, humor me and sing!" Elentir shook his head for the last time and gently pulled the instrument from Gavin's hold. Little by little, he was learning how to play. He had explained the flute was his forte, and Gavin had even tried one Elentir had brought one Saturday.  Every weekend since that he had spent in the park with his traveling friend, Elentir had learned a new chord. He could play a song that Gavin called Amazing Grace, and so far, it was Elentir's favorite. "Aye, it's my favorite to," Gavin softly dreamed. He began to hum along with Elentir's elegant fingers, his talent always improving, but the chords weren't as smooth as Gavin's natural ability.

"Listen to that! I'm almost as good as you!" Gavin chuckled and retrieved his guitar.

"Almost, my friend." Elentir laughed also and sprawled out more under the tree's inviting shade. "It's a lovely Saturday."

"Yes." There was never silence between them, for music was all they breathed. "Gavin, may I ask you something?"

"Sure, Elentir," he happily replied, "if I may answer."

"Do you really enjoy sleeping in the park?" The youth's nonchalant expression changed, and he sat up immediately. Elentir didn't mean for him to stop playing, but the melody faded. "It is a very peaceful place." Gavin nodded, looking down slightly.

"I didn't choose to be without a home, Elentir, sometimes, that's just how it happens." Elentir's soft grin faded.

"I didn't mean it like that, Gavin, honestly, I was just asking." Gavin smiled slightly and returned to his recline.

"I know, I know. It's nice. A bit cold, but pleasant in the evenings." Elentir sighed happily and agreed.

"Yes, pleasant in the evenings." The music started again. "Gavin, if you ever wanted to you, when the nights are terribly cold…" Gavin turned to Elentir, playing blindly. "You can always stay with me in my apartment. I have a very comfortable couch that is supposed to turn into a bed, but I haven't found any instructions to do so, or any sort." Although Elentir's offer was purely innocent and casual, Gavin laughed heartily before nudging Elentir's side and nodding.

"You are one of a kind, Elentir. Sometime, I'll show you how it works." Elentir beamed, glad that Gavin knew he would have a warm place to sleep. "Any letters from home?" Elentir scowled slightly and shook his head.

"Mail travels slow overseas." Gavin began the last refrain of Amazing Grace, Elentir's favorite.

"I wish I knew." Elentir couldn't imagine not speaking with his family as long as Gavin had been away from his. Each day was a struggle not to give up without his parents and sister Lin, but each day was also getting easier.

"I wish you'd reconcile with your father," Elentir muttered. "It's not good to go without speaking for too long." Gavin shrugged, the song ending beautifully.

"Just as there are things I cannot understand about you, my friend, there are things you cannot understand about me." Elentir nodded; it was their differences that made them fit so well. "I deserve a question."

"You do."

"What do you think of Anne?" Elentir glanced to his companion, snickering at first, but then realizing he was serious.

"Anne Williams?"

"Yes, Anne Williams, our Anne. What do you think of her? When you first brought her here, I only assumed you two were together, but now that things have proven otherwise, what is going on?" Elentir began to chuckle again, but out of nervousness.

"Gavin, please, don't let me stand in your way." Gavin frowned, grinning, and swatting at Elentir's arm.

"You two have something, and I'm going to find it. There isn't anything more upsetting than not being able to tell someone what you feel."

"Trust me, I know," Elentir reassured. "I have no feelings you do not know about Anne." Gavin looked into Elentir's electric eyes, convinced he had the talent of soul reading. "Gavin, trust me!" Gavin nodded very slowly.

"Aye, I will. For now."