He was perfect. For Nate, to Nate, he was perfect.

A good three or four inches shorter than Nate, Lindsey stood at just the right height for Nate to rest his chin on the top of those brown locks when they hugged. Slim and sleek, with long legs and strong arms, and cleaver as the day was long, Lindsey was the all-American dream wrapped in a very handsome package.

Nate had wanted him from the first moment he'd laid eyes on the eighteen year-old law student, that first day of move-in week, and had loved him almost as long. Being a senior himself (and having just turned twenty-two over the summer holidays), Nate had felt that it was almost his right to approach the wide-eyed country boy with holes in his jeans and only one suitcase.

"Nathan Ford", he'd said with a confident air and an outstretched hand.

Lindsey had looked at the hand, startled, before turning assessing eyes to Nathan's own blues. Nate held the contact, recognizing old hurts when he saw them, and waited for Lindsey to weigh his intentions. He did his upmost to broadcast ease and good intent to the wary freshman.

After what seemed like a lifetime, Lindsey'd switched his suitcase from his right to his left hand, and reached out slowly to clasp Nathan's.

"Lindsey McDonald. Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ford."

Nathan smiled.

"Just Nathan, if you would."

The smile that spread across Lindsey's face told Nathan all he needed to know. This young man was absolutely meant to be his.