Edmund allowed his hand to be taken, watching the way Francis' fingers curled around his.  Had he really said all that?  Ah, he wasn't surprised that he was so honest with his inhibitions lowered.

"What a pair we'd make," he said, "two men not good at anything except being together.  What would our fathers think?"

He smiled awkwardly in case Francis didn't realize he was joking.  His hand was so warm in his.  It felt like it had the night before, but better now that Edmund could feel it with more clarity.

The boy pressed his free hand to his cheek.  It was warmer than Francis, but it was also like that because of Francis.