Dreams (Scomiche)

Chapter Seven

Mitch 

Mitch’s mind had begun to race. If he’d told himself that Travis was the only one that would love him, and now he knew Scott did, what did that mean?

It meant he could leave Travis if he wanted to.

What would his life be without Travis?

Probably easier.

He wouldn’t have to worry about making Travis mad. Wouldn’t have to worry about getting hit.

Would he have to worry about nightmares still?

Probably. Because those didn’t go away as easily.

Would he be happier?

Yes.

In stark contrast to Travis, he realized, without Scott his life wouldn’t be as happy.

Scott made him smile.

Scott made him laugh.

He could always count on him to be there.

He could help the nightmares stay away.

Why then, was he still with Travis?

He didn’t have to be.

“Mitch!”

Mitch looked up, standing up straight as Travis walked in his direction.

“Travis,” he said quietly.

“Ready to get dinner, babe?” Travis asked, his arm snaking around Mitch’s shoulder. Mitch tensed at the touch. It was so unlike Scott’s, which was so gentle. It was rough and possessive.

Mitch’s mind was made up.

“No,” he said quietly, pulling out of Travis’s grip and stepping in front of him.

“What? Did you just say no?” Travis asked.

“I’m not getting dinner with you, Travis,” Mitch said, his voice more confident now.

“Was tonight a bad night? Can’t you just reschedule your other plans Mitch? Come on, I haven’t seen you all semester.”

“I’m not getting dinner with you tonight, or any night ever again.”

“What do you mean?” Mitch watched Travis’s face carefully. Travis still didn’t get what he was saying, he could tell.

“I’m done, Travis. I’m done with worrying about if you’re going to hit me and I’m done with being put down by you. We’re done.” It felt good, to say it outright.

“Come on, Mitch, we can talk about this,” Travis said, stepping closer to Mitch. He tried to back away, but Travis caught his arm.

“There’s nothing to talk about,” he said, trying to yank his arm from Travis’s tight grip. He wasn’t strong enough.

“You’re right,” Travis said, his smile back. “There’s nothing to talk about because you’re not breaking up with me. You’re just mad because I was gone all semester. I get it. I’ll make it up to you.”

“No,” Mitch replied, his mouth set in a tight line. “I’m serious. I’m more serious than I’ve ever been. We’re through.”

Darkness returned to Travis’s eyes, even in the weak light of the streetlamps, Mitch could see it. He nervously tried to take a step backwards, but didn’t get very far with Travis’s vice-like grip on his arm.

It was snowing harder now, the snow swirling around them and making it harder to see.

“We aren’t through, Mitch,” Travis practically growled.