Josh walked passed the shops in the cramped little buildings on the strip, headed toward his house. He had his beanie pulled tight over his ears and his long white and blue varsity sweater swayed as he walked. The afternoon sun was bathing the concrete in a light orange glow and the only sound was the occasional car going by and his own footsteps. He had been watching his feet move one in front of the other, head down and deep in thought, for most of the walk. As he neared the corner where the beat up stop sign was, he glanced up and was met with a beautiful sight.

A dark haired man stood leaning against a short brick fence of the outdoor patio for a restaurant. A lazy willow tree bent its thin limbs covered with tiny leaves just above him, casting him in light shade. He had on black aviators, a leather jacket and some dark jeans that scrunched around the bottom over some worn converse. The man raised a cigarette to his lips and took a slow drag, before blowing out the smoke in a long swirling cloud. His brows were furrowed slightly, either against the sun or lost in thought.

Josh hadn't realized that he had stopped and was staring until the man looked up at him.

"Like what you see?" the man spoke, a smooth smile on his lips.

Josh felt his heart rate pick up and he blushed at how awkward he was. "Sorry. I was...you...I"

"You want a cigarette?" the man asked, holding the pack out to Josh.

Josh hadn't ever smoked before, but this guy made it look so beautiful that he found himself torn. Slowly he reached out for the pack, as his inhibitions melted with a chance to spend some time with this hot stranger. He took the small paper stick between his fingers and sat down next to him. Josh held it to his lips, as the man produced a lighter and lit it for him. He breathed in, immediately coughing and sputtering from the burn in his lungs and throat. The other man laughed and Josh slumped down, hanging his head in embarrassment.

"I can tell you've never smoked before. You don't have to do it to impress me or get me to talk to you. You're really cute. I'd talk to you anyways."

Josh looked back up at the stranger in surprise. No one had ever called him cute before and to have this hot guy say it was doubly astounding.

"Really?"

"Really," the man confirmed with a smile. "My name's Frank by the way."

"Josh."

"Well Josh. You don't have to finish that if you don't want to," Frank said, pointing to the cig in Josh's hand.

Josh stared down at it for a bit contemplating trying it again when Frank spoke again. "But if you do, try relaxing and not taking as big a pull next time. Also, hold the smoke in your mouth a bit before you inhale. It will let it cool some and then it wont irritate your throat. Then, when you go to blow it out, take a deep breath and inhale the smoke. It will keep it from burning your lungs."

He took his advice and tried it again. This time it didn't burn and Josh actually found it enjoyable. Frank chuckled lightly and went back to his own cigarette. The two smoked a bit in a peaceful silence, their smoke floating into the afternoon air, until Frank spoke up again.

"So where were you headed before you saw me?"

"Home. I just got off of work and I was just gonna get dinner, then chill on my couch and watch a movie maybe."

"Why don't we go get dinner together? I know this cool place just down the street. They serve the best burgers and fries. You can also get a beer. I think you'll like it there."

"Sure." Josh smiled wide and looked over at Frank.

Frank stubbed out his cigarette and hopped down from the brick fence. Josh did the same and Frank took his hand, helping him down. Josh walked beside him and they rounded the corner, walking towards the diner as the last rays of light started to fade behind the trees and buildings.