It took Moritz ten minutes to walk to the river a little ways behind his house, which was where he found Melchior waiting and sitting with his back against a tree. He was hunched down over his journal, focusing so hard on what he was writing, that Melchior didn't even realize his friend was there until Moritz sat down cross-legged next to him.

"Oh hello, Moritz," he greeted, setting down his journal. A breeze ruffled the leaves on the tree above them, causing a leaf to fall onto Melchior's head.

Moritz reached up and flicked the leaf away. "What were you writing, Melchi?"

"Would you like to see?" Melchior picked up the small leather book and handed it to the brunette. As Moritz flipped through the pages of neat handwriting, Melchior looked over his shoulder.

"You see, it's about how shame is a product of society. Everyone is taught from a young age that there are some perfectly normal things that are shameful to do. It may not make much sense to some people, but it's just something I've noticed."

Moritz nodded slowly, before handing it back. The two boys leaned back against the tree, staring at the river in front of them.

"How are things with your dad?" Melchior asked as he picked at a blade of grass next to his feet.

Moritz shrugged. "It's been fine, I guess. I'm just worried about what will happen when he finds out about my grades." He sighed.

"I do try, really I do, Melchi! Maybe I'm just stupid," he said sadly. Melchior shook his head, placing a hand on Moritz's shoulder kindly.

"You're far from stupid, Moritz. Just because you have a little more trouble with school than everyone else doesn't mean you aren't smart."

Moritz gave him a grateful smile, but it didn't meet his eyes. "My dad doesn't see it that way."

"Well we already know your father is terrible, so nothing he says is worth taking seriously," Melchior replied honestly.

"Yeah."

Moritz reached over to hold Melchior's hand, squeezing it slightly. Melchior squeezed back.

"I could help you study if you would like that," Melchior offered. Moritz sat up to stare at him.

"Really Melchi? You mean it?" Moritz sounded absolutely shocked.

Melchior laughed under his breath. "Of course I do. Who knows, maybe it'll be fun," he said.

Moritz grinned happily and leaned forward to kiss him. Melchior brushed a few strands of brown hair out of Moritz's face, before gently pressing their lips together. They both leaned against the tree, still holding hands.

"Thanks," Moritz told him, sliding a bit closer to Melchior until their legs were touching.

"Don't mention it," Michael muttered, leaning forward to kiss Moritz yet again.