The boy inside the matrix box

22

I could hold you for a million years

To make you feel my love

Make You Feel My Love – Adele

On Monday morning, Seven insists on accompanying Nataniel to St Acace High School.

"I have to revise my Latin test," the young man warns him as they get on the bus.

"Don't worry, I'll help you," smiles Seven.

And they more or less succeed, between two ramblings and three laughs.

"I'm going to pick myself up," sighs Nataniel at one point, leaning his head against the front seat.

"But no, you're good! Your notes are really well done!"

"I just copied Nessie's," he admits with a grimace.

"Well... a bad note once in a lifetime never killed anyone."

"I'm glad," laughs Nataniel. "I guess there's no point in stirring the pot anymore."

He stuffs his notes into his bag, then leans his shoulder against Seven's and intertwines their fingers. They remain like this, silent, for the rest of the drive. They no longer hold hands when they get off the bus or when they walk to the front of the school.

"I'm leaving you here," Seven sighs when they get close to the front gate. "I've got to keep going on this road until I reach the prep school buildings. See you tonight, darling."

He waves to Nataniel and is about to walk away when Nataniel catches him by the arm and stands on tiptoe to kiss him.

"I love you," he whispers into Seven's lips.

Seven's eyes widen in surprise.

"I'm allowed to kiss my boyfriend, aren't I?" smiles Nataniel mischievously.

"In public?"

"I promised you that I would do everything in my power to make sure you never doubt my feelings, right? I love you, Sev, that means I also love you outside our home or in front of people other than my friends."

Seven kisses him back, a big smile on his face.

"I love you too. Have a good day, love!"

"Love you too!"

They finally part and Nataniel has not taken three steps into the school grounds when he is grabbed by a redheaded fury. Nessie hangs on his arm, chirping. "But what have I just seen? Not only has my secretive best friend settled his torment with his boyfriend without informing me, but I'm witnessing a public display of your love?"

"You embarrass me, Ness."

She giggles and pulls away from him while putting her scarf and cap back on. "I'm proud of you, Nat. I was wondering when you were going to take the step of making it all official."

"Well, we more or less have."

"I take it you finally went and talked to him."

"You've got it right."

"So? You talked for hours and realised that love was stronger than anything?"

"Something like that, yes," laughs the young man.

"Good for you! I would have been extremely disappointed if you hadn't. By the way, have you studied for the Latin test?"

"Don't mention it. It's likely to be a long and awkward moment between me and my copy."