A/N Thanks to all who reviewed. I read every single one and deeply appreciate them. And now on to the next installment.

The next few days passed by nearly uneventful. The essay began to slip further and further from Ernst's mind as he went back to his routines. He even began to do his homework in the vineyard every afternoon and was typically accompanied by Hanschen. Somehow the essay had brought them closer together. It was like they were actually friends instead of just classmates. The only real excitement was that Mortiz was passing, much to everyone's disbelief.

One afternoon about an hour after classes had resumed, Ernst was sitting alone in the vineyard. Hanschen had left 15 minutes ago, saying he had stomach problems (lol!). Ernst was deep in thought, concentrating on his Latin. It wasn't until he heard mumbling and slow footsteps that he looked up and saw Moritz.

"Hello Moritz," Ernst called.

Moritz jumped into the air. Clearly he had been deep in thought and startled by the sudden acknowledgement.

"Ernst! You startled me."

"Are you on your way home?"

"Yes. And you?"

"Just finishing up our Latin. I always have problems remembering it all."

"As do I."

"Why don't you join me?" Ernst offered, seeing that something was clearly wrong with Moritz. As if the dreams that plagued him and his troubles in school were not enough.

"I suppose I could for a moment." Moritz sat himself right beside Ernst, as if they were going to share the same book. The sudden closeness put Ernst on edge. Moritz typically separated himself from people.

They sat in silence as they looked over the page, each in their own world. Ernst could feel the awkwardness of the situation engulf him. Moritz always had an air of awkwardness surrounding him that tended to rub off on everyone he interacted with. Even Melchior would admit to it despite his affection for him. Ernst was torn between his desire to help and his desire to run from the confusion that had fallen between them. They both knew that the other experienced similar feelings and affections towards people.

"Moritz, is something the matter?" Ernst finally asked.

"Yes. I mean no! I just do not feel that school is for me anymore."

"Are you giving up so easily? We can help you pass. Between Hanschen and Melchior, you could pass with flying colors."

"No. It would not work. I am finished. With school at least. In fact, I had better get home."

"I understand. Will I see you again? I mean, since you are not going to school anymore."

"Perhaps. We shall see. Goodbye Ernst."

"Goodbye Moritz. I wish you the best of luck."

"Thank you. Honestly, thank you. You have helped more than you know."

"My pleasure. I am always available to help."

"Goodbye Ernst."

Moritz slowly walked towards his home. Ernst, perplexed by his encounter with Moritz, gave up on his Latin for now and prepared to head for home himself. As he stood, he noticed a knife lying by the tree where Moritz had sat. Ernst picked it up. He would give it back to Moritz the next time he saw him. There had to be some reason for Moritz to need a knife. He only hoped that the reason for its use would not be needed before he got the chance to return it.

A/N A short chapter. And one I'm not sure I'm fully happy with. I'm thinking that 2ish chapters from now will be the lovely vineyard scene (Anyone else excited for that?). Reviews seriously make my day.

Oh, and I've been listening to some Next to Normal and have been contemplating some Natalie/Henry fanfic. I think they have real potential to be a cute couple. Input?