Poison and Wine

Second

"I know everything you don't want me to"

"But did you see her face when you said you and Taylor were friends? I died!" Mitch said as he opened the door to his apartment, returning from a day of shopping with Alex. The two could not stop laughing, that was until they saw Scott on Mitch's couch.

"Hi," he said awkwardly. "I used the key you gave me, Mitchy. Hope it's not a problem."

"Not at all." Mitch was feeling like he was stuck between the two boys, and most definitely not in the way that he wanted. "I'm going to put my bags in my room. I'll be back." Mitch left the boys alone, hoping that they would talk to one another. Even if everything wasn't said, they needed to get their feelings out on display for one another, for closure.

Mitch went into his room and placed his bags on his couch. He put in his headphones, feeling that if he heard any bits and pieces of their conversation that he'd be trespassing on personal information. He smiled when he saw a new text.

Levi <3 : Still on for dinner tonight?

I don't know. I really want to but Scott is going through stuff and might need me tonight.

Levi <3 : Everything okay? Anyway I can help? And I totally understand if you need to cancel.

I'll give you the scoop eventually, but everyone is fine. Thanks, babe. How about tomorrow for lunch?

Levi <3 : I have a meeting at 11 and then another at 3, can I have some time with you in between those?

Sure thing! As long as we're done by 2, I have a studio session.

Levi <3 : No problem. I'm missing your dumb face <3

"Texting lover boy?" Mitch looked up to see Alex leaning against the door, a smirk playing onto his face.

"Oh, whatever!" He pulled out his headphones and sat up.

"I'm going to head out, I think it's Scott's turn with you."

Mitch laughed. "Wish you didn't have to leave, I'm glad we got to hangout."

"Me too. We should do it again, you're not too bad."

"Oh wooow."

"But on a serious note, thank you. I--I know now why I came to you. You're an amazing person, Mitch."

"As are you. Come here big guy." Mitch gave him a hug, glad to feel comfortable in the tall man's arms. "Text me, okay? We can hangout anytime."

"You sure I won't have to be put on a waiting list?"

"Positive, I'd clear my schedule for you." Mitch sent him a wink and Alex laughed, happy to be...happy.

"See you around."

Mitch walked him to the door, honestly not surprised that Scott didn't say goodbye to Alex, let alone acknowledge either of them.

Once Alex left, Mitch walked into the living room where Scott was laid on the couch. He stood and watched the blonde, and it didn't take long before Scott realized and put his phone down, letting his blue eyes meet Mitch's warm, brown ones. Mitch stood, and Scott laid, for what seemed like hours, neither saying a word. Mitch had nothing to say, and Scott had everything to say. The problem was that he couldn't bring himself to open his mouth. None of the words swirling around his head seemed fit enough for the situation, even if this was his best friend in the whole entire world.

Mitch could see the desperation in Scott's eyes, how badly he wanted to be able to communicate. "Talk to me," Mitch whispered, "Please."

That was it for Scott. The softness in his best friend's eyes and voice made his heart swell until it felt like bursting. Once his tears began, he couldn't get them to stop.