If he ever considered aunt’s house as perfect it was because he has never been here before. Tod’s house was a pure luxury. They even had domestic help. The woman was about forty and politely greeted Tod as “Young master”.  Arlo’s eyes went round from surprise.

“Follow me.” Tod ordered him and Arlo obediently did that. 

“Yes Master.” Said Arlo to tease the  rich boy. Tod gave him a “stop that” look. They went upstairs to Tod’s room. It was a really spacious place, more like an apartment within the house. Tod actually had two rooms, one was equipped with sofas, TV and study space while the other was his bedroom with access to a walk-in closet and spacious bathroom with both shower and a bath.  Arlo was allowed to have a look around before Tod changed into a T- shirt and sweatpants.

“Let’s start with math.” Tod placed all his resources on the table and they both sat down.

“The teacher told us to revise these exercises.” Tod pointed to a marked section.

‘OK.” Arlo smiled and pulled out his notebook. For half an hour they were doing exercises and comparing results. Tod was actually good at math, even a bit better than Arlo. A few times he even took his time to explain it all to Arlo. Tod was sitting so close that Arlo could feel the heat of his body radiating through his shirt. Whenever Tod leaned closer to point him at something Arlo could smell a nice fragrance. It was kind of pleasant to sit with somebody like that, especially after two whole weeks when he had to struggle alone.

“You did well, that was a difficult one.” Tod praised him and went as far as ruffling his hair.

“How about a break? I’m a bit hungry, would you like to grab something?” Tod suggested.

“Yeah, if it’s not a problem.” Arlo agreed.

Tod went out and Arlo looked around again, he noticed some trophies on the shelf and a few medals. Tod apparently was good at sports. There were some photos on the wall, it was Tod with his friends or family. In one of the photos Tod was still a child with big eyes and a grinning face with one front tooth missing. He looked really happy. 

“Ahh, I look kind of stupid here.” Tod commented as soon as he came back.

‘No, you look cute.” Arlo was happy that he could call somebody else that.

“Me, cute? If you say so.” He shrugged his shoulders and placed two glasses with juice on the table. Seeing how Tod was indifferent about being called cute, meant that he was self confident not like himself. Arlo smiled lightly.

“What’s so funny?” Tod asked.

“Nothing really, young Master.” He added, sending Tod a wide grin.

“Cut it.” Tod pouted but his eyes were glued to Arlo's smiling face.

“Well I mean it, it’s my first time being in a house like this and you are the first person I know to be called with such a title. I feel like I'm in one of those soap operas they show on TV.” Arlo drank the juice too hastily and some drops were spilled rolling down his neck.

“Wipe it.” Tod threw him a handkerchief, his eyes grew darker. Arlo cleaned his face but immediately he felt a bit uneasy. That was weird. It was always like that with Tod, ever since Arlo met him. Everything seemed fine and cool till one moment came and Arlo felt goosebumps on his body. Just like that. The feeling of uneasiness, even oppression, comes out of nowhere. Tod didn’t actually do much, it was something in his look, the way he crossed his arms or how his  face expression changed. Hard to say, as if his whole aura changed and he became a few degrees colder and a few shades darker. Arlo knew it was weird what he felt, some kind of childish fear due to his too vivid imagination. Yet he couldn’t help it. 

A knock on the door brought Arlo back to reality.

“Come in.”  

The woman Arlo met before came in with a tray filled with snacks and some delicious looking sandwiches. The tray landed on the table as she asked.

“Master Tod, is your friend staying for dinner?” Her voice was low and she sounded so polite.

“Yes, Claire.” Again a very short response. The woman nodded and left quietly.

“This all looks very delicious.” Arlo decided to break the silence.” I wish I had a servant like that.” Arlo sighted and bit the sandwich. It tasted really good.

Tod smiled, he enjoyed watching Arlo eating with a joyful expression. He seemed so easy to please and yet so difficult to conquer. 

Tod liked everything about him. The sweet dimples, the puppy look and the way he said master to him. That was just too sweet. They kept studying and Arlo did well, Tod was watching his progress carefully. This boy was definitely smart and he will be useful in the future. They finished when Claie called them to come downstairs. Tod was kind of sad about it as Arlo stood up and their intimate moment was over.

Father was sitting downstairs and reading his newspaper when they got there. Arlo seemed stressed by Tod’s father's presence. He was stiff and was giving very polite  but short answers throwing glances at Tod every now and then. 

Tod’s father, Ronald, was asking Arlo a few questions about his parents, sister and himself. Arlo, despite feeling nervous, was answering each one in an eloquent manner making father nod with satisfaction.  The dinner came to an end and Arlo was offered a ride back home. He rejected first as it was late and he didn’t want to be a  bother  anymore but Tod insisted and they went out.  As soon as Arlo was driven back home and Tod returned, his father asked.

‘Is that the boy you wanted?”

“Yes father.”

“He is a looker and an intelligent young man. Good choice my son.”