Disclaimer: Don't know, don't own, don't sue.

***

Gazing out my window, I followed the path that the snow made as it fell silently to the ground. I imagined that each one was a moment in my life. They landed softly as they absorbed the New Jersey grime. I heard the front door open. Like poetry, his form slid against the white background. Twirling, his scarf played on the wind. I painted the image on the back of my eyelids. He fell on his back to make a snow angel. His colors stood out against the crystalized world; a smear of red and black across the white snow.

Soon his brother joined him and together they had a rather entertaining snowball fight. They became camoflauged as they pelted each other relentlessly. I watched him double over in hysterics as his brother ran away to wipe his glasses. It was then that he looked up at my window. I've never seen him look so young, so unadulterated, so simplistic. The snow washed his make-up off, and gave his face a healthy looking blush. Just like Jersey, it seems as if the snow took away years of grime and abuse.

I made the decision and put on my jacket. The wind was soft, and coldly caressed my spine. He was hunched over perfecting his snowman. The flakes seemed to dance in his hair, and laughter pulsated behind his eyes. I stood there dumbfounded, until he threw a snowball at me. Fifteen minutes, and three snowball fights later, he turned to go inside. I knew I needed to say something now. I needed to pry my heart out of rejection's cold, dead hands. I called his name, and he turned to face me. Fear froze me solid, but determination managed to move my feet. He was surprised when I tackled him down. His lips and cheeks were red from the cold. I mentally fumbled my words. His eyes gave me the simplicity of understanding. I knew those words then. They didn't feel like bile, as they had so many times before; they felt...beautiful.

"I need you."

Entwining my hands into his hair, he cupped my face with both his hands. His eyes fluttered shut as my own vision blackened under my lashes. His lips were warm and inviting in this cold wintry world. When I pulled away, he was smiling. The flakes landed on his face, making him sparkle. I helped him up and wrapped him in a huge bear hug. We stayed like that for a long while, frozen in that moment, slow dancing to the sound of snow.