Wrinkled fingers grasped the small, round object. A ring. It had lost its shine long ago, but it still held a certain beauty, even in such state. Oh, just how many years had passed since it was new and gleaming, glittering in the stunning sun's light? Just how many months and days had passed since all those soulful promises had been made and broken?

A low, broken chuckle escaped the one who was holding the ring; an elderly man with hair as white as the snow and eyes as brown as freshly brewed coffee in the morning. He couldn't even remember when he had been handled the small gift, when those cold lips had touched his own.. 

He knew no exact time or place, but he did know what had happened. He could remember quite clearly because it was a beautiful day of his summer vacation. The one where his heart was broken, played with and shattered... But still the one that he had loved the most.

It all started with a tall boy grinning down at him, huge eyes filled with mischief.

And it all ended with heartache.

entry to One Time; One Shot