Ghost (Second Edition)

Chapter Thirteen--Hand in Hand, Heart to Heart

Nathan

The school was let off early today so the students could get ready for the Prom, which started at six. Nathan led Luis to the car, their hands occasionally brushed, but it was enough to bring a flush to Luis's cheeks. As soon as Nathan shut the door, Mary started driving down the road.

"You boys are going to have so much fun!" She gushed.

Nathan took Luis's hand. "We will." He said.

Luis gave a small smile. "I've never worn a tux before," he said softly.

"Haven't you?" Mary asked, she sounded surprised. "It's simple enough, but Martin will help you." She added with a glance in the mirror.

Luis gave her a small smile and squeezed Nathan's hand; Nathan squeezed back.

"You'll be fine," Nathan whispered, smiling. Luis's nervous smile trembled.

***

While Johnny fitted Nathan into the sharp, dark grey tuxedo, he wondered how Luis was fairing. This would all be new and unfamiliar to him. He hoped Luis wasn't scared. Martin was rarely angry but could be very intimidating.

"All done, Master Nathan." Johnny's voice snapped Nathan from his thoughts.

"Thanks, Johnny," Nathan said, flashing the older man a grin. He stepped off the stool and looked in the mirror.

The tux he was wearing was sharply pressed and close fitting, showing off his physique. His pants were the same grey as the suit and came to rest at his ankles. The tie was black, and his undershirt was off-white. He wore hard black leather shoes with flat soles that clapped loudly on the marble floors as he walked. His hands were covered by soft, white gloves that matched the cuffs of his tuxedo. His blonde hair was brushed to one side and held down lightly by hair gel.

"You look very handsome, Master Nathan," Johnny said as his reflection appeared in the mirror next to him. He agreed with Johnny's assessment but couldn't help the butterflies in his stomach from dancing. "I'm sure Master Luis will become speechless once he lays eyes on you." He smiled. Nathan hoped so.

"Thanks, Johnny," Nathan said with a nod. "I think I'll go see how he's doing."

Johnny nodded and stepped away to tidy his things. Nathan left the room, the soles of his shoes clapping loudly on the marble tiles. Luis was in the dressing room down the hall. That room was identical to the one Nathan had just left, but the door was closed. He knocked.

"He's almost ready!" Martin called at the same time as Mary, their voices clash painfully.

Nathan cringed at the dissonance. He leaned against the wall and waited, tapping his fingers against his leg. His eyes glued to the door opposite.

A few minutes later the door opened, and Nathan felt his heart constrict. Luis stood in the doorway wearing a dove-white suit—not the colour he had chosen—that brought out the small curves of his body, the black of his hair, the green of his eyes, the paleness of his skin. His tie and shoes were a soft dove grey. He wore white gloves over his hands, and his black hair was artistically messy. Nathan stepped forward and took Luis into his arms. He gave Luis's forehead a chaste kiss.

"You look so handsome." He murmured.

"So do you..." The flush on Luis's cheeks could have lit up a Christmas tree, he looked up at Nathan with a sparkle in his eyes.

Nathan gave him a squeeze. "Should we get going?" He asked.

Luis smiled at him. "Let's go."

***